Effects of Anthocyanin and Flavanol Compounds on Lipid Metabolism and Adipose Tissue Associated Systemic Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obesity

Postprandial glycemic and lipidemic effects of black rice anthocyanin extract fortification in foods of varying macronutrient compositions and matrices

Anthocyanin (ACN) fortification of commonly consumed foods is significant as a dietary strategy against the development of metabolic complications by delivering ACNs at high doses. However, its bioactivity and translated metabolic effects in the presence of varying food matrices and macro-constituents is particularly unclear. This end-to-end study investigates the metabolic effects of black rice ACN extract (BRAE) fortification-from in-vitro enzyme inhibitory activities and digestibility, to downstream in vivo impacts on GI, postprandial glycemia and lipidemia. The in vivo effects were investigated in two separate crossover randomised controlled trials (RCT) of 24 healthy participants each-the first RCT determined the postprandial blood glucose, insulin, and ACN bioavailability to a starch-rich single food over 2 h, while the second RCT determined the postprandial blood glucose, insulin, lipid panel, and lipoprotein particles and subfractions to a starch- and fat-rich composite meal over 4 h. In-vitro findings confirmed the inhibitory activities of major black rice ACNs on carbohydrases (p = 0.0004), lipases (p = 0.0002), and starch digestibility (p < 0.0001). in vivo, a 27-point mean GI reduction of wheat bread was observed with BRAE fortification, despite a non-significant attenuation in postprandial glycemia. Conversely, there were no differences in postprandial glycemia when fortified bread was consumed as a composite meal, but acute lipid profiles were altered: (1) improved plasma HDL-c, ([0.0140 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00639, 0.0216)], p = 0.0028), Apo-A1 ([0.0296 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00757, 0.0515)], p = 0.0203), and Apo-B ([0.00880 mmol/L, 95% CI: (0.00243, 0.0152)], p = 0.0185), (2) modified LDL and HDL subfractions (p < 0.05), and (3) remodelled lipid distributions in HDL and LDL particles. This end-to-end study indicates the potential of ACN fortification in GI reduction and modulating postprandial lipoprotein profiles to starch- and fat-rich composite meals.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

Inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of berries have been investigated but the anti-inflammatory activity of bilberry has received little attention and a detailed review is yet to be published. Therefore, we compiled information on the phytochemicals of bilberry and preclinical and clinical studies of its anti-inflammatory properties. The review was based on studies from 2007 to date. Phytoconstituents of bilberries were phenolic acids, organic acids, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonols, flavanols, tannins, terpenoids, and volatile chemicals. Data from cell and animal model studies show that bilberry has an anti-inflammatory effect by lowering tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β expression, inducing nitric oxide synthases and cyclooxygenases, and altering the nuclear factor kappa B and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. Bilberry supplementation as fruits (frozen, processed, and whole), juices, and anthocyanins reduced levels of inflammatory markers in most clinical studies of metabolic disorders. Therefore, bilberry may be useful for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Dried Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Alleviates the Inflammation and Adverse Metabolic Effects Caused by a High-Fat Diet in a Mouse Model of Obesity

Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide. It is often associated with co-morbidities such as type II diabetes, atherosclerotic diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The risk of these diseases can be lowered by relieving the systemic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity, even without noticeable weight loss. Bilberry is an anthocyanin-rich wild berry with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, a high-fat-diet-induced mouse model of obesity was used to investigate the effects of air-dried bilberry powder on weight gain, systemic inflammation, lipid and glucose metabolism, and changes in the gene expression in adipose and hepatic tissues. The bilberry supplementation was unable to modify the weight gain, but it prevented the increase in the hepatic injury marker ALT and many inflammatory factors like SAA, MCP1, and CXCL14 induced by the high-fat diet. The bilberry supplementation also partially prevented the increase in serum cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels. In conclusion, the bilberry supplementation alleviated the systemic and hepatic inflammation and retarded the development of unwanted changes in the lipid and glucose metabolism induced by the high-fat diet. Thus, the bilberry supplementation seemed to support to retain a healthier metabolic phenotype during developing obesity, and that effect might have been contributed to by bilberry anthocyanins.

Scolymus hispanicus (Golden Thistle) Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Metabolic Syndrome by Reducing Lipid Accumulation, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Rats under Hyperfatty Diet

Background

Lipotoxicity is characterized by a metabolic disturbance leading to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Some medicinal plant extracts exert hepatoprotective activity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Scolymus hispanicus or the golden thistle can be considered an important natural source of antioxidants. In traditional medicine, the consumption of this plant is recommended for diseases of the liver and intestines.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of Scolymus hispanicus on a hyperfatty diet- (HFD-) induced metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Materials and Methods

Our experiment focused on the administration of an HFD (40%) in Rattus norvegicus for 2 months and treatment with the aqueous extract of Scolymus hispanicus at a rate of 100 mg/kg during the last eight days of experimentation. In this context, several aspects were studied: the evaluation of blood biochemical parameters, liver function such as lipids and glycogen, markers of oxidative stress (TBARS, carbonyl proteins, advanced oxidation proteins, catalase, and SOD) and inflammation (NO and NFkB), morphological study of hepatocytes in primary culture, and histological study of the liver.

Results

Lipotoxicity induced metabolic disorders, both serum and tissue. HFD induced an increase in the total lipids and a decrease in glycogen reserve and an alteration in the oxidant-antioxidant balance. HFD induced an increase in markers of liver damage, which resulted in NAFLD, confirmed by histological study and hepatocytes cell culture. Scolymus appears to have lipid-lowering, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It improved glucose tolerance and the condition of fatty liver disease.

Conclusion

Golden thistle improves glucose tolerance and hyperlipidemia and ameliorates hepatic steatosis by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation. Its incorporation into a dietary program or as an aliment supplement would prevent hepatic complications associated with an HFD.

Cornelian Cherry Pulp Has Beneficial Impact on Dyslipidemia and Reduced Bone Quality in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a medicinal plant with a range of biological features. It is often used as a nutritional supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Our study was aimed to first investigate the effects of Cornelian cherry pulp on bone quality parameters in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Moreover, lipid-lowering properties of this fruit were also evaluated. Adult rats (n = 28) were assigned into four groups of seven individuals each: L group (non-diabetic lean rats), C group (diabetic obese rats), and E1 and E2 groups (diabetic obese rats receiving 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Cornelian cherry pulp, respectively, for 10 weeks). Significantly lower levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined in the E2 group versus the C group. A higher dose of Cornus mas also had a beneficial impact on femoral weight, cortical bone thickness, relative volume of trabecular bone and trabecular thickness. We observed elevated density of Haversian systems and accelerated periosteal bone apposition in both treated groups (E1 and E2). Our results clearly demonstrate that Cornelian cherry pulp has a favorable effect on lipid disorder and impaired bone quality consistent with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a suitable animal model.

Metabolic Impact of Flavonoids Consumption in Obesity: From Central to Peripheral

The prevention and treatment of obesity is primary based on the follow-up of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet with an important presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. For many years, the health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to their anti-oxidant capacity as free radical scavengers. More recently it has been described that polyphenols activate other cell-signaling pathways that are not related to ROS production but rather involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in this field by focusing on the metabolic effects of flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom where they are used for growing and defensing. They are structurally characterized by two benzene rings and a heterocyclic pyrone ring and based on the oxidation and saturation status of the heterocyclic ring flavonoids are grouped in seven different subclasses. The present work is focused on describing the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic impact of flavonoids in obesity and obesity-related diseases. We described the effects of each group of flavonoids in liver, white and brown adipose tissue and central nervous system and the metabolic and signaling pathways involved on them.

In Vitro and In Vivo Study on Humans of Natural Compound Synergy as a Multifunctional Approach to Cellulite-Derived Skin Imperfections

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of a nutraceutical ingredient, SelectSIEVE® Rainbow, based on botanical extracts, in ameliorating cellulite-derived skin imperfections and microcirculation. The nutritional supplement contained a mixture of Oryza sativa (L.), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr, and Actinidia chinensis Planch; all ingredients were botanicals that can be used in food supplements. Results: In vitro studies showed the high capacity of the supplement to have an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic effect, accompanied by an interesting proteolytic activity. The randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, carried out on 60 women during an 8-week treatment period, confirmed the in vitro study results. SelectSIEVE® Rainbow showed a whole-body shaping activity, with a reduction of the waist, hip, and tight circumference of 0.8, 0.65 and 0.72 cm, respectively. It also showed a reduction of subcutaneous fat mass of 1.24 mm and body weight, with an average of 0.7 kg and positive peaks of −2.9 kg. Skin health and appearance were also improved: +5.4% skin elasticity, +5.5% skin tonicity and +5.7% skin draining. Finally, the dermatological evaluation of the cellulite score and microcirculation showed an improvement in 57% and 60% of the subjects enrolled in the studies. Conclusions: This first study provides interesting inputs on the effectiveness of the nutraceutical complex standardized in polyphenols, anthocyanins and proteolytic enzymes to counteract cellulite blemishes and improve local microcirculation. The positive response encourages deeper studies and further investigation.

The Influence of Supplementation of Anthocyanins on Obesity-Associated Comorbidities: A Concise Review

Anthocyanins are water-soluble plant pigments, and based on their chemical structure (nature, position, and the number of sugar moieties attached; the number of hydroxyl groups; acylation of sugars with acids) about 635 different anthocyanins have been identified and reported from plants. Cyanidin, peonidin, pelargonidin, petunidin, and malvidin are the commonly found anthocyanidins (aglycon forms of anthocyanins) in edible plants out of almost 25 anthocyanidins that are identified (based on the position of methoxyl and hydroxyl groups in the rings) in nature. Anthocyanins are known for numerous health benefits including anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory bowel disease, anti-cancer, etc. Obesity can be defined as excessive or abnormal adipose tissue and body mass, which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc. The manuscript summarizes the recent updates in the effects of anthocyanins supplementation on the health status of obese subjects, and briefly the results of in vitro and in vivo studies. Several studies confirmed that the consumption of anthocyanins-rich food improved obesity-associated dysbiosis in gut microbiota and inflammation in adipose tissue. Anthocyanin consumption prevents obesity in healthy subjects, and aids in maintaining or reducing the body weight of obese subjects, also improving the metabolism and energy balance. Though preclinical studies proved the beneficial effects of anthocyanins such as the fact that daily intake of anthocyanin rich fruits and vegetables might aid weight maintenance in every healthy individual, Juҫara pulp might control the inflammatory status of obesity, Queen garnet plum juice reduced the blood pressure and risk factors associated with metabolic disorders, and highbush organic blueberries improved the metabolism of obese individuals, we don't have an established treatment procedure to prevent or manage the over-weight condition and its comorbidities. Thus, further studies on the optimum dose, duration, and mode of supplementation of anthocyanins are required to develop an anthocyanins-based clinical procedure.

Açaí seed extract prevents the renin-angiotensin system activation, oxidative stress and inflammation in white adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed mice

The role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), oxidative stress, and inflammation on the development of obesity and its comorbidities has been extensively addressed. Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) seed extract (ASE), with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and capable to modulate plasma renin levels, has been evidenced as a potential regulator of body mass. We hypothesized that the supplementation with ASE might exert beneficial effects on obesity-related white adipose tissue changes and metabolic disorders by interfering with the local adipose tissue overexpression of RAS, inflammation, and oxidative stress in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. The animals were fed a standard diet (10% fat, control), 60% fat (HF), HF + ASE (300 mg/kg per day) and HF + ENA (enalapril, 30 mg/kg per day) for 12 weeks. ASE and ENA prevented weight gain and adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. In adipose tissue, ASE increased the insulin receptor expression and reduced renin and AT1 receptor expression, which was associated with decreased plasma levels of renin and angiotensin II. Differently, ENA increased the expression of angiotensin-conversing enzyme 2, AT2, B2, and Mas receptors in adipose tissue. Also, ASE but not ENA decreased malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane levels in adipose tissue. Finally, ASE and ENA reduced the adipose tissue inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6. These results demonstrate that ASE prevented the adipocyte hypertrophy, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in HF diet-fed mice. The downregulation of RAS in adipose tissue, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, may contribute to the prevention of obesity-related disorders.

Delphinidin Ameliorates Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation in Human HepG2 Cells, but Not in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Anthocyanin consumption is linked to benefits in obesity-related metabolic alterations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), though the functional role of delphinidin (Dp) is yet to be established. Therefore, this study examined the effects of Dp on metabolic alterations associated with NAFLD, and molecular mechanisms in HepG2 cells and diet-induced obese mice. Cells incubated with palmitate to induce lipid accumulation, concomitantly treated with Dp, reduced triglyceride accumulation by ~53%, and downregulated gene expression of CPT1A, SREBF1, and FASN without modifying AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels. C57BL/6Nhsd mice were fed a standard diet (control) or a high-fat/high-carbohydrate diet (HFHC) for 16 weeks. Mice in the HFHC group were subdivided and treated with Dp (HFHC-Dp, 15 mg/kg body weight/day) or a vehicle for four weeks. Dp did not affect body weight, energy intake, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, or histological abnormalities elicited by the HFHC diet. Furthermore, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of Acaca, and Fasn in hepatic or epididymal adipose tissue, and the hepatic sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMPK and proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling axis did not significantly change due to the HFHC diet or Dp. In summary, Dp effectively reduced triglyceride accumulation in vitro through the modulation of lipid metabolic gene expression. However, a dose of Dp administrated in mice simulating the total daily anthocyanin intake in humans had no effect on either metabolic alterations or histological abnormalities associated with HFHC diets.

Anticancer effects of Bilberry anthocyanins compared with NutraNanoSphere encapsulated Bilberry anthocyanins

Rapidly accumulating laboratory and clinical research evidence indicates that anthocyanins exhibit anticancer activity and the evaluation of bilberry anthocyanins as chemo-preventive agents is progressing. It has previously been demonstrated that anthocyanins upregulate tumor suppressor genes, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, repair and protect genomic DNA integrity, which is important in reducing age-associated oxidative stress, and improve neuronal and cognitive brain function. Bilberry anthocyanins have pronounced health effects, even though they have a low bioavailability. To increase the bioavailability, Bilberry was encapsulated in 5.5 nm diameter liposomal micelles, called NutraNanoSpheres (NNS), at a concentration of 2.5 mg/50 µl [25% (w/w) anthocyanins]. These Bilberry NNS were used to study the apoptotic/cytotoxic effects on K562 Human Erythroleukemic cancer cells. Flow cytometric fluorescent quantification of the uptake of propidium iodide in a special cell viability formulation into dead K562 cells was used to determine the effects of Bilberry on the viability of K562 cells. The concentrations of Bilberry that demonstrated the greatest levels of percentage inhibition, relative to the control populations, were biphasic, revealing a 60-70% inhibition between 0.018-1.14 mg/ml (n=6) and 60% inhibition at 4 mg/ml. The lowest percentage inhibition (30%) occurred at 2 mg/ml. The lethal dose 50 was determined to be 0.01-0.04 mg/ml of Bilberry per 105 K562 cells at 72 h of cell culture exposure. At 48 h incubation, the highest percentage of inhibition was only 27%, suggesting involvement of a long-term apoptotic event. These levels, which demonstrated direct cytotoxic effects, were 8-40 times lower than levels required for Bilberry that is not encapsulated. The increase in bioavailability with the Bilberry NNS and its water solubility demonstrated the feasibility of using Bilberry NNS in cancer patient clinical trials.

Impact of grape pomace consumption on the blood lipid profile and liver genes associated with lipid metabolism of young rats

Herein, we investigated the effects of grape pomace (GP) in diet on body weight, blood lipid profile, and expression of liver genes associated with lipid metabolism using a young rat model. In this study, twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats at 7 weeks of age were randomly divided into 4 groups, which were fed modified AIN-93G diets containing 0% (control), 6.9%, 13.8%, and 20.7% of GP for 10 weeks. Feed consumption and body weight were weekly determined. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the feeding period for cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and glucose analysis. At the end of the feeding period, all rats were fasted overnight and euthanized. Heart, kidney, and liver samples were obtained and weighed. Liver tissues were used for gene expression analysis. GP-containing diet did not influence the body weight of the rats. As GP content increased, blood triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) decreased (P < 0.05), high density lipoprotein (HDL) slightly increased but was not statistically significant, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly increased (P < 0.05), blood glucose decreased, and ALT level slightly increased. The expressions of liver genes associated with fatty acid synthesis and lipid hydrolysis/metabolism were moderately downregulated by the GP diet. The study suggests that regular consumption of a diet containing appropriate amount of GP may help in the reduction of body fat accumulation and prevention of obesity. This is the first study revealing the change in gene expression caused by long-term consumption of GP-containing diet.

Nonsense Mutation Inside Anthocyanidin Synthase Gene Controls Pigmentation in Yellow Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

Yellow raspberry fruits have reduced anthocyanin contents and offer unique possibility to study the genetics of pigment biosynthesis in this important soft fruit. Anthocyanidin synthase (Ans) catalyzes the conversion of leucoanthocyanidin to anthocyanidin, a key committed step in biosynthesis of anthocyanins. Molecular analysis of the Ans gene enabled to identify an inactive ans allele in a yellow fruit raspberry ("Anne"). A 5 bp insertion in the coding region was identified and designated as ans⁺⁵. The insertion creates a premature stop codon resulting in a truncated protein of 264 amino acids, compared to 414 amino acids wild-type ANS protein. This mutation leads to loss of function of the encoded protein that might also result in transcriptional downregulation of Ans gene as a secondary effect, i.e., nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Further, this mutation results in loss of visible and detectable anthocyanin pigments. Functional characterization of raspberry Ans/ans alleles via complementation experiments in the Arabidopsis thaliana ldox mutant supports the inactivity of encoded protein through ans⁺⁵ and explains the proposed block in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in raspberry. Taken together, our data shows that the mutation inside Ans gene in raspberry is responsible for yellow fruit phenotypes.