Betalain exerts cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects against the experimental model of heart failure

β stimulator induces upregulation of miR-27a in the rat heart one hour after the injection

MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding small RNA containing 18 to 22 nucleotides, that post-transcriptionally regulates mRNA expression. Chronic injection of β stimulator is known to induce cardiac injury and change of miRs expression level in the heart with some pathological changes such as fibrosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction. We investigated the changes in the expression level of miRs in the rat heart one hour after isoproterenol (a β stimulator) injection. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into three groups and received subcutaneous injection of normal sarin (NS) or 0.1 mg/kg isoproterenol (ISO-0.1) or 10 mg/kg isoproterenol (ISO-10). After one hour, we collected their heart and plasma. Total RNA was extracted from the left ventricle and used for deep miRNA sequencing. Based on the results of miRNA sequencing, we performed real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using 8 miR primers. Cardiac injury was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, and phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin staining and measuring troponin-I levels in plasma. Troponin-I was significantly increased in ISO-0.1 and ISO-10 groups, but histological observation did not show any cardiac necrosis. miRNA sequencing identified 14 upregulated miRs and 12 downregulated miRs. Of the 26 miRs, RT-PCR confirmed miR-144-3p/5p and miR-451-5p were decreased, and that 5 miRs (miR-27a-5p, miR-30b-3p, miR-92a-1-5p, miR-132-5p, miR-582-3p) were upregulated. This study showed that β stimulus causes downregulation of miR-144/451 cluster and increases expression of five 5 miRs in the heart, especially 6.5-fold upregulation of miR-27a-5p as early as one hour after isoproterenol injection. Therefore, these miRs might be good biomarkers for cardiac injury.

Beta vulgaris Betalains Mitigate Parasitemia and Brain Oxidative Stress Induced by Plasmodium berghei in Mice

Although many drugs have been discovered to treat malaria infection, many of them face resistance from the host's body with long-term use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of betalains (from Beta vulgaris) and chloroquine (a reference drug) against brain oxidative stress induced by Plasmodium berghei in male mice. Two protocols were applied in this study: the therapeutic and prophylactic protocols. The results of the therapeutic protocol revealed a significant decrease in the level of parasitemia caused by P. berghei. Additionally, the histopathological changes in various brain regions were markedly improved after treatment with betalains. Regarding the prophylactic protocol, betalains were able to protect the brain tissues from oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupted neurotransmitters expected to occur as a result of infection by P. berghei. This was demonstrated by modulating the activities of brain antioxidants (SOD and GSH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and INF-γ), and neurotransmitters (serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). This study has proven that using betalains as a treatment or as a preventive has a vital and effective role in confronting the brain histopathological, oxidative stress, and inflammatory changes induced by P. berghei infection.

Betalains isolated from underexploited wild plant Atriplex hortensis var. rubra L. exert antioxidant and cardioprotective activity against H9c2 cells

Atriplex hortensis var. rubra L. extracts prepared from leaves, seeds with sheaths, and stems were characterized for betalainic profiles by spectrophotometry, LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and LC-Orbitrap-MS techniques. The presence of 12 betacyanins in the extracts was strongly correlated with high antioxidant activity measured by ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. Comparative assessment between samples indicated the highest potential for celosianin and amaranthin (IC₅₀ 21.5 and 32.2 μg/ml, respectively). The chemical structure of celosianin was elucidated for the first time by complete 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Our findings also demonstrate that betalain-rich A. hortensis extracts and purified pigments (amaranthin and celosianin) do not induce cytotoxicity in a wide concentration range in rat cardiomyocytes model (up to 100 μg/ml for extracts and 1 mg/ml for pigments). Furthermore, tested samples effectively protect H9c2 cells from H₂O₂-induced cell death and prevent from apoptosis induced by Paclitaxel. The effects were observed at sample concentrations between 0.1 and 10 μg/ml.

Dyes Used in Processed Meat Products in the Polish Market, and Their Possible Risks and Benefits for Consumer Health

Manufacturers are obliged to label processed meat products with information concerning the additives used and nutritional values. The aim of the study was to identify the dyes most frequently used in processed meat, evaluate their influence on specific food qualities, assess whether their use was correct and review their effect on health. The analysis was based on information on the labels and images of processed meat, and used a generalised linear model with a binary dependent variable. The risks and benefits for human health were defined based on the available literature. Twelve dyes were found to be used in the manufacture of processed meat. Carmine was found in 183 of 273 (67.03%) evaluated assortments containing dyes. The occurrence of water, flavourings and high fat and carbohydrate contents increased the chances that a dye would be present in a particular product. Unauthorised use of food additives was found in 20 products, with smoked meat products demonstrating the highest number of non-compliances. In general, the dyes used with food are considered safe; however, reservations are associated with the use of E150C and E150D caramels due to their potential carcinogenic effect, and carmine and annatto due to their allergic effects.

Cardioprotective potential of the antioxidant-rich bioactive fraction of Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

This Study aimed to characterise the phenolic compounds in Garcinia pedunculata extract and assess their potential antioxidant activity as well as its cardioprotective potential in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in an experimental animal model. In vitro antioxidant properties were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, PMD assays. In vitro lipid peroxidation experiment was also performed with heart tissues. Cardioprotective and cardiotoxicity effects were determined using the cell line studies. The cardioprotective effect of GP was assessed in a rat model of isoproterenol-(ISO-) induced cardiac hypertrophy by subcutaneous administration. Heart weight/tail length ratio and cardiac hypertrophy indicators were reduced after oral administration of GP. Additionally, GP reduced oxidative stress and heart inflammation brought on by ISO. In H9c2 cells, the antihypertrophic and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract of GP were seen in the presence of ISO, which were further supported by the in vivo observations. This study makes a compelling case for the possibility that supplementing with dried GP fruit can prevent heart hypertrophy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Insight into the Progress on Natural Dyes: Sources, Structural Features, Health Effects, Challenges, and Potential

(1) Background: Dyes play an important role in food, medicine, textile, and other industries, which make human life more colorful. With the increasing demand for food safety, the development of natural dyes becomes more and more attractive. (2) Methods: The literature was searched using the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SciFinder and this scoping review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). (3) Results: 248 articles were included in this review. This review summarizes the research progress on natural dyes in the last ten years. According to structural features, natural dyes mainly include carotenoids, polyphenols, porphyrins, and alkaloids, and some of the newest dyes are summarized. Some pharmacological activities of carotenoids, anthocyanin, curcumin, and betalains in the last 10 years are summarized, and the biological effects of dyes regarding illumination conditions. The disadvantages of natural dyes, including sources, cost, stability, and poor bioavailability, limit their application. Here, some feasible strategies (potential resources, biotechnology, new extraction and separation strategies, strategies for improving stability) are described, which will contribute to the development and utilization of natural dyes. (4) Conclusion: Natural dyes show health benefits and potential in food additives. However, it is necessary for natural dyes to pass toxicity tests and quality tests and receive many regulatory approvals before their final entry into the market as food colorants or as drugs.