Two Argan Oil Phytosterols, Schottenol and Spinasterol, Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Restore LPS-Dysregulated Peroxisomal Functions in Acox1-/- and Wild-Type BV-2 Microglial Cells

Oxidative stress and inflammation are the key players in neuroinflammation, in which microglia dysfunction plays a central role. Previous studies suggest that argan oil attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and peroxisome dysfunction in mouse brains. In this study, we explored the effects of two major argan oil (AO) phytosterols, Schottenol (Schot) and Spinasterol (Spina), on oxidative stress, inflammation, and peroxisomal dysfunction in two murine microglial BV-2 cell lines, wild-ype (Wt) and Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1)-deficient cells challenged with LPS treatment. Herein, we used an MTT test to reveal no cytotoxicity for both phytosterols with concentrations up to 5 µM. In the LPS-activated microglial cells, cotreatment with each of these phytosterols caused a significant decrease in intracellular ROS production and the NO level released in the culture medium. Additionally, Schot and Spina were able to attenuate the LPS-dependent strong induction of Il-1β and Tnf-α mRNA levels, as well as the iNos gene and protein expression in both Wt and Acox1-/- microglial cells. On the other hand, LPS treatment impacted both the peroxisomal antioxidant capacity and the fatty acid oxidation pathway. However, both Schot and Spina treatments enhanced ACOX1 activity in the Wt BV-2 cells and normalized the catalase activity in both Wt and Acox1-/- microglial cells. These data suggest that Schot and Spina can protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation and their harmful consequences for peroxisomal functions and the homeostasis of microglial cells. Collectively, our work provides a compelling argument for the protective mechanisms of two major argan oil phytosterols against LPS-induced brain neuroinflammation.

The preparation of phytosteryl succinyl sucrose esters and improvement of their water solubility and emulsifying properties

Phytosterols have gained much attention due to their outstanding cholesterol-reducing effect, while the insolubility in water limits their application. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel hydrophilic phytosteryl derivatives-phytosteryl succinyl sucrose esters (PSSEs) and investigated their water solubility and emulsifying properties. PSSEs were synthesized by esterifying phytosterol hemisuccinates with sucrose through a mild chemical reaction. PSSEs were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The yield of PSSEs exceeded 84% in N,N-dimethylformamide for 36 h of reaction under the selected conditions: 100 mmol/L phytosteryl hemisuccinates, 150 mmol/L sucrose, 110 mmol/L 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide hydrochlide, 10 mmol/L 4-dimethylaminopyridine and 10 mmol/L p-toluenesulfonic acid. The water insolubility of phytosterols was overcome and the water solubility of PSSEs achieved 2.13 mg/mL. The emulsifying activity of PSSEs was 2.5 times that of phytosterols, reaching 0.95 mg/mL. PSSEs with better water solubility and emulsification properties could facilitate the widespread use of phytosterols in foods.

Structuring of Edible Liquid Oil into Smart Thermo-Triggered Soft Matters for Controlled Bioactive Delivery

Growing interest is being dedicated to smart soft matters because of their potential in controlling bioactives upon exposure to an appropriate stimulus. Herein, structuring of edible liquid oil into oleogels and emulgels as smart thermo-triggered soft vehicles for controllable release of diverse nutrients was developed. Edible liquid oil was trapped inside the crystal network structure of phytosterols and monoglycerides resulting in bicomponent solidlike oleogels. Subsequently, both water-in-oleogel (W/O) emulgels and glycerol-in-oleogel (G/O) emulgels were further fabricated by spatial distribution of the stabilizing interfacial crystals around dispersed droplets as well as the network crystals in the continuous phase. Rheological measurements showed that the gel strength of the oleogel-based emulgels depends on the fraction of the aqueous phase and is greater than that of corresponding oleogels due to a filler effect of dispersed aqueous droplets within the crystal network, offering an additional strategy to tune the structure and rheology. Comparatively, introducing glycerol endowed a higher gel strength for the oleogel-based emulgels than water, particularly at increased filler loads. In addition, these soft matters exhibited interesting thermoresponsive nature, which exhibit the flexibility for programmed release of coencapsulated bioactive components upon exposure to an appropriate thermal triggered switchable. The resulted smart thermo-triggered soft matters have emerging opportunities for application in functional active ingredient delivery by on-demand strategies.

Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory and ER Stress-Reducing Potential of Sambucus ebulus L. Fruit Extract

Sambucus ebulus L. (SE) fruits are used for their immunostimulation, hematopoietic and antiviral potential. Recently, we focused on analyzing the mechanism underlying SE fruit aqueous extract's (FAE) immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory activities, with attention to its endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-reducing potential. J774A.1 macrophages were treated with SE FAE alone or in conditions of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS, its phytochemical composition was analyzed. To measure transcription and protein levels, we used qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The prevailing phytochemicals in SE FAE were hydroxycinnamic acids, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. The content of some amino acids, organic acids, alcohols, fatty acids and esters were newly reported. Extracts exerted an immunostimulation potential by stimulating IL-6, TNFα, Ccl2, COX2 and iNOS transcription, without inducing ER stress. SE FAE suppressed the LPS-induced transcription of inflammation related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, Ccl2, Icam-1, Fabp4, COX2, iNOS, Noxo1, IL-1ra, Sirt-1) and reduced the protein levels of iNOS, peIF2α, ATF6α and CHOP. The effects were comparable to that of salicylic acid. SE suppresses LPS-stimulated inflammatory markers on the transcription and translation levels. Targeting ER stress is possibly another mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory potential. These findings reveal the potential of SE fruits as a beneficial therapeutic of inflammation and ER stress-related pathological conditions.

Protective Mechanism of Rice-Derived Lipids and Glucosylceramide in an In Vitro Intestinal Tract Model

We previously reported that the ethanol extract from polished rice suppresses inflammation and the formation of aberrant crypt foci in the mouse colon and particularly focused on the plant sphingolipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Here, we investigated the effects of rice lipid fractions and GlcCer on differentiated Caco-2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in particular, we evaluated the mechanism of action of GlcCer using related substances and metabolic enzyme inhibitors. Rice-derived polar lipids suppressed the LPS-induced reduction in the number of cells. The polar lipids with higher GlcCer content exerted a better effect than the other fractions. GlcCer-related substances reversed the LPS-induced reduction in the number of cells, and GlcCer-metabolic inhibitors, including a sphingosine kinase inhibitor, suppressed the beneficial effects of GlcCer-related substances. These results suggest that GlcCer is a rice component with intestinal protection. Secondly, GlcCer is metabolized during inflammation and protects intestinal cells by maintaining the sphingolipid levels in cells and producing sphingoid base-1-phosphate.

Effect of Plant Biostimulants on Nutritional and Chemical Profiles of Almond and Hazelnut

The increasing interest in natural foods with functional effects demands progressively higher production levels. Nonetheless, there is an orientation towards practicing more sustainable agriculture, free from environmentally harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Plant biostimulants, a class of bio-based agriculture products designed to improve crop development, represent a feasible alternative to chemical fertilizers, or, at least, an effective way of reducing the employed quantities. Herein, different types of plant biostimulants compatible with organic farming (Phytoalgae, Foliar B, Amino Acids, Soil B, Fitoalgas Green® and Sprint Plus®) were tested in two of the most important nut products worldwide: almonds and hazelnuts, which were tested for nutritional parameters, fatty acids profiles and tocopherols contents. Overall, the most notorious effects in almond samples were obtained with phytoalgae (seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extracts), particularly reflected in the upraising around 10% of γ-tocopherol and β-tocopherol contents. Likewise, hazelnuts treated with NPK + phytoalgae were also characterized by an increase of almost 18% in tocopherols levels, while treatment with NPK alone induced 15.1% higher percentage of linoleic acid.

Highly efficient synthesis of 4,4-dimethylsterol oleates using acyl chloride method through esterification

In this study, the 4,4-dimethylsterol oleates were efficiently synthesized through esterification of 4,4-dimethylsterols and oleoyl chloride. The impact of reaction parameters on the 4,4-dimethylsterol conversion were investigated. The 4,4-dimethylsterol conversion increased with pyridine dosage, molar ratio of oleoyl chloride to 4,4-dimethylsterols, and temperature. The highest conversion of 99.27% was obtained with molar ratio of 1.1:1 at 313 K for 60 min. A second-order kinetic model describing acyl chloride esterification featuring high correlation coefficients was established. Arrhenius-Van't Hoff plot suggested activation energy and pre-exponential factor were 15.54 kJ mol^-1 and 1.78 × 10³ L mol^-1 min^-1, respectively. The molecular structure of 4,4-dimethylsterol oleates were finally identified by attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ultra-performance liquid chromatography system coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

The genus Cassia L.: Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical overview

Nature gifts medicinal plants with the untapped and boundless treasure of active chemical constituents with significant therapeutic potential that makes these plants a beneficial source in the development of phytomedicines. Genus Cassia, with approximately 500 species, is a large group of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. Cassia species are widely distributed throughout different regions mainly tropical Asia, North America, and East Africa. In the folk medicinal history, these plants are used as laxative and purgative agents. In the Ayurveda system of medicine, they are used to cure headache and fever. Cassia plants exhibit pharmacological activities at large scales such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hyperglycemic, antimutagenic, and antivirals. The phytochemical investigations of genus Cassia demonstrate the presence of more than 200 chemical compounds, including piperidine alkaloids, anthracene derivatives (anthraquinones), flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, sterols, phenylpropanoids, and γ-naphthopyrones. The literature illustrated anthraquinones and flavonoids as major secondary metabolites from this genus. However, some Cassia plants, with rich contents of anthraquinones, still show toxicology properties. As Cassia plants are used extensively in the herbal system of medicine, but only senna dosage forms have achieved the status of the pharmaceutical market as standard laxative agents. In conclusion, further investigations on isolating newer biologically active constituents, unknown underlying mechanisms, toxicology profiles, and clinical studies of Cassia species are needed to be explored. This review article specifies the systematic breach existing between the current scientific knowledge and the fundamentals for the marketization of genus Cassia products.

Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Rapeseed Lecithin Liposomes Loading a Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seed Extract

Vegetal waste materials were used to produce liposomes with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Differences in the chemical composition of rapeseed lecithin (LEC) and a partially purified phospholipid fraction (PPL) were studied in terms of fatty acids (neutral lipids, free fatty acids, and phospholipids), sterols, tocopherols, and amino acid composition. Neutral lipids, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and γ-tocopherol were the most depleted compounds in PPL. Qualitative differences between LEC and PPL were revealed by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. An ethanol/water antioxidant extract from chia seeds (ChE), with a high content in rosmarinic acid and rosmarinic acid 3-O-glucoside, along with other minor phenolic acids determined by HPLC-MS, was encapsulated in liposomes made of LEC (L-LEC) and PPL (L-PPL) with an entrapment efficiency of 61.3% and 69.3%, respectively. L-PPL suspensions showed smaller particle size and lower ζ potential than their L-LEC counterparts, along with noticeable particle destabilization after 7 days of storage. Antioxidant properties were greater in L-LEC than in L-PPL suspensions. L-LEC, ChE, and lecithin empty liposomes (L-E) showed no cytotoxic effect in either Caco-2 or THP-1 cells and induced downregulation of the inflammation response.

Safety of the extension of use of plant sterol esters as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of the novel food 'plant sterol esters' when added to vegetable fat spreads and to liquid vegetable fat-based emulsions for cooking and baking purposes pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Member States expressed concerns in relation to plant sterol oxidation products (POP) and consumption by non-target population groups. The median (0.5%) and P90 (2.28%) value of the oxidation rates of plant sterols determined by a wide range of cooking experiments were used together with exposure estimates for plant sterol when added and cooked with vegetable fat spreads and liquids. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of a subchronic rat study and an applied default uncertainty factor of 200 served to derive levels (i.e. 0.64 mg POP/kg body weight (bw) per day) considered safe for humans. This safe level of exposure would be exceeded at the P95 by all age groups when considering the P90 oxidation rate and using EFSA's comprehensive food consumption database for assessing the potential exposure. When considering the median oxidation rate, the safe level of 0.64 mg POP/kg bw per day would be exceeded at the highest P95 intake estimates in children below 9 years of age. When considering an intake of the maximum authorised use level of 3 g plant sterols/person per day and oxidation rates of 0.5% and 2.28%, the resulting daily POP intakes per kg bw by an adult weighing 70 kg would be 0.21 and 0.98 mg/kg bw per day, respectively, the latter value exceeding 0.64 mg/kg bw per day. The Panel concludes that the safety of the intended extension of use of plant sterol esters under the proposed conditions of use has not been established.

Network Pharmacology-Based Exploration of Synergistic Mechanism of Guanxin II Formula (II) for Coronary Heart Disease

OBJECTIVE

To study the pharmacological mechanism of Guanxin II formula (II) for treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

A network pharmacology-based method was utilized. First candidate compounds, targets of GX II were collected using PharmMapper, BATMAN-TCM, DrugBank and SwissTargetPrediction, and targets on CHD were mined from GeneCards, DisGenet, DrugBank and GEO. Afterwards, the big hub compounds and targets were chosen in the candidate compounds-direct therapeutic targets on the CHD (C-T) network and the direct therapeutic targets on the CHD (T-D) network. Furthermore, the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were performed to identify the enriched terms. Finally, a molecular docking simulation strategy was adopted to verify the binding capacity between the big hub compounds and big hub targets on CHD.

RESULTS

First, 114 candidate compounds were selected with the following criteria: OB⩾30%, DL⩾0.18, and HL ⩾4 h. Then, 1,035 targets of GX II were gathered, while 928 targets on CHD were collected. Afterwards, 196 common targets of compound targets and therapeutic targets on CHD were defined as direct therapeutic targets acting on CHD. In addition, the contribution index (CI) in the C-T network was calculated, and 4 centrality properties, including degree, betweenness, closeness and coreness, in the T-D network, 4 big hub compounds, and 6 big hub targets were eventually chosen. Furthermore, the GO and KEGG analysis indicated that GX II acted on CHD by regulating the reactive oxygen species metabolism, steroid metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The docking results manifested excellent binding capacity between the 4 big hub compounds and 6 big hub targets on CHD.

CONCLUSION

This network pharmacology-based exploration revealed that GX II might prevent and inhibit the primary pathological processes of CHD.

Cho W, Martins N. Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables: A Panoply of Potentialities to Be Exploited

Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) constitute vegetable extracts made from fruits and seeds of avocado and soybean oil. Characterized by its potent anti-inflammatory effects, this ASU mixture is recommended to act as an adjuvant treatment for osteoarthritic pain and slow-acting symptomatic treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis; autoimmune diseases; diffuse scleroderma and scleroderma-like states (e.g., morphea, sclerodactyly, scleroderma in bands). Besides, it was reported that it can improve the mood and quality of life of postmenopausal women in reducing menopause-related symptoms. This article aims to summarize the studies on biological effects of the avocado-soybean unsaponifiable, its chemical composition, pharmacotherapy as well as applications in auto-immune, osteoarticular and menopausal disorders. Finally, we will also discuss on its safety, toxicological and regulatory practices.

Effects of a healthy diet enriched or not with pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil on the lipid profile of patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to assess the effect of a healthy diet, enriched or not with pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil, on the lipid profile of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

This was a randomised clinical trial conducted for 12 weeks with patients aged between 40 and 80 years with stable CAD for more than 60 days. Individuals were randomised into groups [control group (CG) with 67 patients, pecan nut group (PNG) with 68 patients and olive oil group (OOG) with 69 patients]. The CG was prescribed a healthy diet according to the nutritional guidelines; the PNG was prescribed the same healthy diet plus 30 g day^-1 of pecan nuts; and the OOG was prescribed a healthy diet plus 30 mL day^-1 of extra-virgin olive oil.

RESULTS

In total, 204 subjects were submitted to an intention-to-treat analysis. After adjustment for baseline values and type of statin used, there was no difference regarding low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (primary outcome), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and HDL-cholesterol/triglycerides ratio according to groups. However, the PNG exhibited a significant reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol levels [PNG: 114.9 (31) mg dL^-1 ; CG: 127 (33.6) mg dL^-1 ; OOG: 126.6 (37.4) mg dL^-1 ; P = 0.033] and in the total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio [PNG: 3.7 (0.7); CG: 4.0 (0.8); OOG: 4.0 (0.8); P = 0.044] compared to the CG and OOG.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementing a healthy diet with 30 g day^-1 of pecan nuts for 12 weeks did not improve LDL-cholesterol levels but may improve other lipid profile markers in patients with stable CAD.

Phytotherapy Adds to the Therapeutic Armamentarium for the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men

BACKGROUND

Practice guidelines hardly recommend herbal extracts for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, many patients are unsatisfied with first-line synthetic drugs and often prefer herbal medicines because of good tolerability. To improve the decision-making process, which should consider the patients' expectations, it is crucial to reflect on the role of phytotherapy in the treatment of LUTS. We (panel experts) reflected on current guideline recommendations and real practice across various European countries and debated the potential role of plant extracts with a focus on pumpkin seed soft extract investigated over 12 months in two randomised placebo-controlled trials.

SUMMARY

Most guidelines give no clear recommendations on phytotherapy due to the heterogeneity of clinically investigated extracts. Nevertheless, plant extracts are prescribed to patients with mild-to-moderate LUTS. Also, self-medicating patients often handle their complaints with herbal products. Many patients aim to avoid synthetic drugs for fear of sexual functional side effects and a negative impact on their quality of life. For the elderly, vasoactive comedications might become an issue. When taking plant extracts, patients experience an acceptable symptomatic relief similar to that achieved with synthetics but without side effects. Key Messages: In shared decision-making for purely symptomatic treatment, a low risk of side effects takes priority. We propose to consider patient preferences in the treatment of mild-to-moderate LUTS in men with a low risk of disease progression. We found a consensus that pumpkin seed soft extract adds to the therapeutic armamentarium for patients who cannot or do not want to apply synthetic drugs.

One-step rapid extraction of phytosterols from vegetable oils

The conditions for the extraction of phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol) from vegetal oils were optimized by means of response surface methodology (RSM). A 2⁴ central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to investigate the effects of four independent variables: sample weight (g), saponification temperature (°C), saponification time (h) and number of extractions (n). The CCRD was carried out in 27 trials, including eight axial and three central points; and the response variables were the contents of campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and total phytosterols. The optimized conditions established by the RSM were 0.3 g of sample, saponification for 3 h at 50 °C and 4 extractions with n-hexane. Satisfactory values for linearity, recovery, repeatability, accuracy, precision, limits of detection (2.0-2.3 mg/100 g) and quantification (6.5-7.7 mg/100 g) were achieved. The optimized method was also validated by comparison with the official AOCS method, and the contents of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) when determined by both methods. However, low values (p < 0.05) for campesterol were found when the samples were analyzed by the AOCS method. The method optimized and validated in the present work is easy to carry out, fast and accurate. The method was successfully applied to sunflower, canola, corn, soybean and olive oils, and the lowest contents of total phytosterols were found in olive oil while and the highest amounts, in corn oil.

Effects of β-Sitosterol from Corn Silk on TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Chronic damage of the alveolar epithelium leads to a process called "epithelial-mesenchymal transition" (EMT) and increases synthesis and deposition of ECM proteins. Therefore, inhibition of EMT might be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. β-Sitosterol is one of the most abundant phytosterols in the plant kingdom and the major constituent in corn silk, which is derived from the stigma and style of maize (Zea mays). In this study, we elucidated that β-sitosterol inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT and consequently had an antifibrotic effect. β-Sitosterol (1-10 μg/mL) significantly downregulated the TGF-β1-induced fibrotic proteins, such as collagen, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin in human alveolar epithelial cells (p < 0.01). After 24 h, relative wound density (RWD) was increased in TGF-β1 treated group (82.16 ± 5.70) compare to the control group (64.63 ± 2.21), but RWD was decreased in β-sitosterol cotreated group (10 μg/mL: 71.54 ± 7.39; 20 μg/mL: 65.69 ± 6.42). In addition, the changes of the TGF-β1-induced morphological shape and protein expression of EMT markers, N-cadherin, vimentin, and E-cadherin, were significantly blocked by β-sitosterol treatment (p < 0.01). The effects of β-sitosterol on EMT were found to be associated with the TGF-β1/Snail pathway, which is regulated by Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that β-sitosterol can be used to attenuate pulmonary fibrosis through suppression of EMT by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Snail pathway.

Analysis of chemical constituents in mainstream bidi smoke

Bidi, an indigenous form of cigarette in South Asian countries, is popular because of its low cost and multi-flavored variants. Although recent studies have shown that bidi smokers suffer from various adverse health effects including cancer, research on bidi smoke composition and exposure levels is still very limited. In this research, the vapor and particulate phases of bidi were characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The amounts of nicotine, cotinine, indole, substituted phenols, substituted pyridines, and phytol found in different size fractions of the particulate matter collected using a cascade impactor were reported. Due to the low combustibility of the tendu leaf in bidi, a six-second puff interval was used to sample the smoke constituents for analysis. Significant levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and hydrocarbons like ethylene, methane and 1, 3-butadiene were detected in the mainstream bidi smoke. In addition, 3-methylpyridine, cotinine, α-amyrin, and β-amyrin were also present at high levels in bidi smoke. Despite having less tobacco compared to conventional cigarette, bidi smokers are potentially exposed to significantly higher concentrations of nicotine due to the greater puffing frequency. The non-porous nature and higher moisture content of tendu leaf in bidis compared to cigarette wrapping paper led to higher levels of carbon monoxide and tar in bidi smoke compared to regular cigarette smoke. Results of this study indicate the presence of harmful and carcinogenic chemicals in the mainstream bidi smoke that could be harmful to human health.

Comprehensive chemical profiling of monascus-fermented rice product and screening of lipid-lowering compounds other than monacolins

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Monascus-fermented rice product (MFRP) has been regarded as a dietary supplement and traditional medicine with circulation-promoting effects in China and other countries for centuries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was carried out to profile the chemical components in MFRP, and provide available information for elucidating the potential lipid-lowering compounds other than monacolins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF MS) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods were applied to comprehensive analysis of chemical components in MFRP. Potential small molecules were identified by comparing with reference standards, or tentatively characterized by comparing their retention time and high-resolution mass spectral data with previous literature. The lipid-lowering properties of ten major non-monacolin compounds were evaluated in cholesterol-fed zebrafish larvae. And one with optimum lipid-lowering activity was subsequently evaluated in high fat diet-fed C57BL/6 J mice, with the dyslipidemia and ectopic lipid deposition being investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 99 compounds were characterized in MFRP, including 38 monacolins, 5 decalins, 6 isoflavones, 13 pigments, 8 azaphilonoids, 11 amino acids, 4 nucleosides, 9 lipid acids, 4 phytosterols and glycerol. The preliminary screening showed that ergosterol remarkably reduced cholesterol levels in zebrafish larvae. Moreover, ergosterol delayed body weight gain and decreased circulating total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in high fat diet-fed mice. Ectopic lipid accumulation was also ameliorated in the liver and heart of obese mice.

CONCLUSION

Global analysis of chemical components and screening of lipid-lowering non-monacolin compounds in MFRP have improved our understanding of its therapeutic material basis.

Cytotoxicity and molecular docking studies on phytosterols isolated from Polygonum hydropiper L

Based on our previous studies on cytotoxic potentials of Polygonum hydropiper L, two steroidal compounds beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol were isolated from the most active fraction and were subjected to cell lines cytotoxicity. Isolated compounds were tested against HeLa, MCF-7 and NIH/3T3 cell lines following MTT assay. Furthermore, the compounds were also docked against tyrosine kinase enzyme to predict the binding mode of phytosterols in the active sites of the enzyme. Beta-sitosterol exhibited considerable cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3, HeLa and MCF-7 cell with 67.05 ± 2.08, 79.63 ± 2.34 and 71.50 ± 1.57% lethality respectively at 1 mg/ml concentration. Median inhibitory concentrations calculated from dose response curve against NIH/3T3, HeLa and MCF-7 cells were 440, 170 and 200 µg/ml respectively. Stigmasterol was more effective against MCF-7 and NIH/3T3 cells by killing 87.50 and 81.45% cancerous cells respectively at 1 mg/ml concentration. Stigmasterol showed 77.25% cyctotoxicity against HeLA cells at 1 mg/ml concentration in MTT assay. The IC₅₀ values for HeLA, MCF-7 and NIH/3T3 cells were 170, 60 and 140 µg/ml respectively. In docking studies, the docking score for beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol were -7.266 and -4.89 respectively. The binding energies for beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol were -41.21 and -41.04 respectively. Such lower binding energies indicate that the compounds fit into the active site more strongly. Binding affinities for both compounds were -7.76 and -7.68 respectively. Both phytosterols possess significant anticancer potentials and can be effective in the prevention and treatment of several malignancies.

Lespedeza cuneata protects the endothelial dysfunction via eNOS phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HUVECs

BACKGROUND

Lespedeza cuneata G.Don (LCE), which belongs to the genus Lespedeza (Leguminosae), is a traditional oriental medicine known to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, no scientific studies about the effectiveness of LCE, their responsible bioactive constituents, and its mechanisms against endothelial dysfunction have been performed.

PURPOSE

This study was performed to investigate the role of LCE and its chemical components in ameliorating endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

The production of nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated after LCE treatment in HUVECs. Cell viability was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reagent. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

Pretreatment with L-NAME and LY294002 significantly decreased the LCE-induced NO production, as well as eNOS and Akt phosphorylation. β-Sitosterol and β-Sitosterol 6'-linolenoyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside are the bioactive constituents increase NO production as well as eNOS phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that LCE increase NO production via eNOS phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

LDL-Cholesterol Lowering of Plant Sterols and Stanols-Which Factors Influence Their Efficacy?

The LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effect of plant sterols/stanols (PSS) is summarized in several meta-analyses showing a dose-response relationship with intakes of 1.5 to 3 g/day lowering LDL-C by 7.5% to 12%. This review summarizes evidence for the impact of various factors potentially influencing the LDL-C-lowering efficacy of PSS. PSS are efficacious in all food formats and in food supplements. Some factors related to food format, e.g., solid vs. liquid foods, seem to impact efficacy, while there is no difference between free PSS and esters. Compared to multiple daily intakes, once-a-day intake of PSS, especially in the morning with light breakfast, leads to a sub-optimal LDL-C lowering. However, intake frequency seems influenced by intake occasion, i.e., with or without a meal, and time of day. Meal intake is a critical factor for an optimal LDL-C lowering efficacy of PSS. While age has no impact, gender is suggested to influence the LDL-C lowering effect of PSS with greater reductions reported for men than women; but overall evidence is inconclusive and larger studies show no gender by treatment interaction. In conclusion, PSS are efficacious in all foods and food supplements; for optimal efficacy they should be consumed with a (main) meal and twice daily.

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of phytosterols in Panax ginseng root grown under different conditions

BACKGROUND

The Panax ginseng plant is used as an herbal medicine. Phytosterols of P. ginseng have inhibitory effects on inflammation-related factors in HepG2 cells.

METHODS

Phytosterols (e.g., stigmasterol and β-sitosterol) in the roots of P. ginseng grown under various conditions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The P. ginseng roots analyzed in this study were collected from three cultivation areas in Korea (i.e., Geumsan, Yeongju, and Jinan) and differed by cultivation year (i.e., 4 years, 5 years, and 6 years) and production process (i.e., straight ginseng, red ginseng, and white ginseng).

RESULTS

The concentrations of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol in P. ginseng roots were 2.22-23.04 mg/g and 7.35-59.09 mg/g, respectively. The highest concentrations of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were in the roots of 6-year-old P. ginseng cultivated in Jinan (82.14 mg/g and 53.23 mg/g, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Six-year-old white ginseng and white ginseng cultivated in Jinan containing stigmasterol and β-sitosterol are potentially a new source of income in agriculture.

Mass Spectrometric Approaches for the Analysis of Phytosterols in Biological Samples

Plant sterols (phytosterols) are important structural components of plant cellular membranes, and they play a major role during development and metabolism. They have health-associated benefits, especially in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Because of their many health claims, there is a growing interest in their analysis. Although various analytical strategies have been employed in analyzing phytosterols, chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (MS) is superior due to its sensitivity. Furthermore, specificity and selectivity are enhanced by utilizing tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). This article reviews the various mass spectrometric strategies used for the analysis of phytosterols. It highlights the applications and limitations associated with each MS strategy in various sample matrixes such as plant, human, animal, food, and dietary supplements. GC-MS was historically the method of choice for analysis; however, the derivatization step rendered it tedious and time-consuming. On the other hand, liquid chromatography coupled to MS (LC-MS) simplifies the analysis. Many ionization techniques have been used, namely, electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). APCI showed superiority in terms of ion intensity and consistency in ion formation, primarily forming [M + H - H₂O]⁺ ions rather than [M + H]⁺. In addition, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) as well as ambient mass spectrometry such as direct analysis in real time (DART) have also been evaluated.

Efficient synthesis of novel β-sitosterol scaffolds containing 1,2,3-triazole via copper(I)-catalyzed click reaction under microwave irradiation

In this work, new derivatives of the β-sitosterol scaffolds containing 1,2,3-triazole are prepared by the reaction of β-sitosterol with aromatic alkynes via copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions under microwave irradiation. The reaction has several advantages including high yields, short reaction times, and a simple work-up procedure.

Stigmasterol prevents glucolipotoxicity induced defects in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

Type 2 diabetes results from defects in both insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Elevated cholesterol content within pancreatic β-cells has been shown to reduce β-cell function and increase β-cell apoptosis. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia contribute to glucolipotoxicity that leads to type 2 diabetes. Here we examined the capacity of glucolipotoxicity to induce free cholesterol accumulation in human pancreatic islets and the INS-1 insulinoma cell line. Glucolipotoxicity treatment increased free cholesterol in β-cells, which was accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased insulin secretion. Addition of AAPH, a free radical generator, was able to increase filipin staining indicating a link between ROS production and increased cholesterol in β-cells. We also showed the ability of stigmasterol, a common food-derived phytosterol with anti-atherosclerotic potential, to prevent the increase in both free cholesterol and ROS levels induced by glucolipotoxicity in INS-1 cells. Stigmasterol addition also inhibited early apoptosis, increased total insulin, promoted actin reorganization, and improved insulin secretion in cells exposed to glucolipotoxicity. Overall, these data indicate cholesterol accumulation as an underlying mechanism for glucolipotoxicity-induced defects in insulin secretion and stigmasterol treatment as a potential strategy to protect β-cell function during diabetes progression.

Phytosterol nutritional supplement improves pregnancy and neonatal complications of gestational diabetes mellitus in a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly serious health problem among pregnant women.

A Phytosterol-Enriched Spread Improves Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become a serious health risk among pregnant women throughout the world. Phytosterol-enriched margarines are capable of lowering total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but little is known about its effects on GDM. We aimed to examine the effects of daily consumption of a phytosterol-enriched spread on insulin resistance and lipid profile in pregnant GDM women.

METHODS

Pregnant women suffering from GDM in their second trimester were recruited and randomly assigned to consume a margarine spread either with or without phytosterols daily for 16 weeks. Serum lipid profile and glucose and insulin metabolisms were assessed at week 0 (baseline) and week 16 (end of trial).

RESULTS

After 16 weeks, levels of triacylglycerol, TC, and LDL were significantly decreased, while high-density lipoprotein was significantly increased, compared with the baseline in the phytosterol group. In addition, in the same treatment group, glucose metabolic parameters, including fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels, the quantitative insulin check index, homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance, and β-cell function, were also significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Daily consumption of a phytosterol-enriched spread improved insulin resistance and lipid profile in women with GDM.

An Integrated Biochemical, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Approach for Supporting Medicinal Value of Panax ginseng Fruits

Panax ginseng roots are well known for their medicinal properties and have been used in Korean and Chinese traditional medicines for 1000s of years. However, the medicinal value of P. ginseng fruits remain poorly characterized. In this study, we used an integrated biochemical, proteomics, and metabolomics approach to look into the medicinal properties of ginseng fruits. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] assays showed higher antioxidant activities in ginseng fruits than leaves or roots. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) profiling of ginseng fruit proteins (cv. Cheongsun) showed more than 400 spots wherein a total of 81 protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry using NCBInr, UniRef, and an in-house developed RNAseq (59,251 protein sequences)-based databases. Gene ontology analysis showed that most of the identified proteins were related to the hydrolase (18%), oxidoreductase (16%), and ATP binding (15%) activities. Further, a comparative proteome analysis of four cultivars of ginseng fruits (cvs. Yunpoong, Gumpoong, Chunpoong, and Cheongsun) led to the identification of 22 differentially modulated protein spots. Using gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF MS), 66 metabolites including amino acids, sugars, organic acids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and policosanols were identified and quantified. Some of these are well known medicinal compounds and were not previously identified in ginseng. Interestingly, the concentration of almost all metabolites was higher in the Chunpoong and Gumpoong cultivars. Parallel comparison of the four cultivars also revealed higher amounts of the medicinal metabolites in Chunpoong and Gumpoong cultivars. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ginseng fruits are a rich source of medicinal compounds with potential beneficial health effects.

Inhibition of cholesterol transport in an intestine cell model by pine-derived phytosterols

We have quantified the inhibition of intestinal cholesterol transport by pine-derived phytosterols using an HT29-MTX intestine cell model that forms a mucus layer similar to that in the intestine. An artificial intestinal fluid consisting of digested fat, bile salt, cholesterol, and phytosterols was formulated in order to mimic the conditions in the intestine. The apparent permeability coefficient (P_app) of the positive control, i.e., 0.1mM of cholesterol solubilized in the artificial intestine fluid, was found to be 0.33 (±0.17)×10^-6cm/s. When 0.1mM β-sitosterol was solubilized alongside, P_app was effectively zero, corresponding to a total inhibition of cholesterol transport. A similar strong inhibition was found when commercial pine-derived phytosterols, PinVita™ FSP DuPont, were co-solubilized with cholesterol in the dietary model micelles, leading to P_app=0.06 (±0.06)×10^-6cm/s, i.e., 5.5 times lower than the cholesterol positive control. Additionally, the effect of potential oral administration formulations generated by the pine-derived phytosterols was also characterized. The formulations were produced as a liquid formulation of the cholesterol-containing artificial intestine fluid. Six liquid formulations were tested of which four displayed a P_app in the range of 0-0.09×10^-6cm/s. The remaining two formulations did not show any inhibition effect on cholesterol transport and even enhanced cholesterol transport. It was furthermore observed that the phytosterols were found in the collected intestine cells but not transported to the basolateral region in the intestinal cell model system.

The amphiphilic nature of saponins and their effects on artificial and biological membranes and potential consequences for red blood and cancer cells

Saponins, amphiphiles of natural origin with numerous biological activities, are widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Some saponins exhibit relatively selective cytotoxic effects on cancer cells but the tendency of saponins to induce hemolysis limits their anticancer potential. This review focused on the effects of saponin activity on membranes and consequent implications for red blood and cancer cells. This activity seems to be strongly related to the amphiphilic character of saponins that gives them the ability to self-aggregate and interact with membrane components such as cholesterol and phospholipids. Membrane interactions of saponins with artificial membrane models, red blood and cancer cells are reviewed with respect to their molecular structures. The review considered the mechanisms of these membrane interactions and their consequences including the modulation of membrane dynamics, interaction with membrane rafts, and membrane lysis. We summarized current knowledge concerning the mechanisms involved in the interactions of saponins with membrane lipids and examined the structure activity relationship of saponins regarding hemolysis and cancer cell death. A critical analysis of these findings speculates on their potential to further develop new anticancer compounds.

Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Predominant Alterations in Lipid Metabolism Following Light Exposure in Broccoli Sprouts

The consumption of vegetables belonging to the family Brassicaceae (e.g., broccoli and cauliflower) is linked to a reduced incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The molecular composition of such plants is strongly affected by growing conditions. Here we developed an unbiased metabolomics approach to investigate the effect of light and dark exposure on the metabolome of broccoli sprouts and we applied such an approach to provide a bird’s-eye view of the overall metabolic response after light exposure. Broccoli seeds were germinated and grown hydroponically for five days in total darkness or with a light/dark photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle). We used an ultra-performance liquid-chromatography system coupled to an ion-mobility, time-of-flight mass spectrometer to profile the large array of metabolites present in the sprouts. Differences at the metabolite level between groups were analyzed using multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis and correlation analysis. Altered metabolites were identified by searching publicly available and in-house databases. Metabolite pathway analyses were used to support the identification of subtle but significant changes among groups of related metabolites that may have gone unnoticed with conventional approaches. Besides the chlorophyll pathway, light exposure activated the biosynthesis and metabolism of sterol lipids, prenol lipids, and polyunsaturated lipids, which are essential for the photosynthetic machinery. Our results also revealed that light exposure increased the levels of polyketides, including flavonoids, and oxylipins, which play essential roles in the plant’s developmental processes and defense mechanism against herbivores. This study highlights the significant contribution of light exposure to the ultimate metabolic phenotype, which might affect the cellular physiology and nutritional value of broccoli sprouts. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of an unbiased omics approach for the comprehensive study of the metabolism.

Phytosterols and their extraction from various plant matrices using supercritical carbon dioxide: a review

Phytosterols provide important health benefits: in particular, the lowering of cholesterol. From environmental and commercial points of view, the most appropriate technique has been searched for extracting phytosterols from plant matrices. As a green technology, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using carbon dioxide (CO2) is widely used to extract bioactive compounds from different plant matrices. Several studies have been performed to extract phytosterols using supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) and this technology has clearly offered potential advantages over conventional extraction methods. However, the efficiency of SFE technology fully relies on the processing parameters, chemistry of interest compounds, nature of the plant matrices and expertise of handling. This review covers SFE technology with particular reference to phytosterol extraction using SC-CO2. Moreover, the chemistry of phytosterols, properties of supercritical fluids (SFs) and the applied experimental designs have been discussed for better understanding of phytosterol solubility in SC-CO2.

Steroid plant hormones: effects outside plant kingdom

Brassinosteroids (BS) are the first group of steroid-hormonal compounds isolated from and acting in plants. Among numerous physiological effects of BS growth stimulation and adaptogenic activities are especially remarkable. In this review, we provide evidence that BS possess similar types of activity also beyond plant kingdom at concentrations comparable with those for plants. This finding allows looking at steroids from a new point of view: how common are the mechanisms of steroid bioregulation in different types of organisms from protozoa to higher animals.