Structural modulation of gut microbiota during alleviation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with Gynostemma pentaphyllum in rats

Blockade of angiotensin II modulates insulin-like growth factor 1-mediated skeletal muscle homeostasis in experimental steatohepatitis

Sarcopenia is associated with mortality in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) has been suggested to prevent sarcopenia, but reports on its effect on NASH-derived skeletal muscle atrophy in conjunction with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-mediated muscle homeostasis are few. Our aim was to examine the combined effect of the ARB losartan and IGF-1 replacement on skeletal muscle atrophy in a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet-fed murine steatohepatitis model. The MCD-fed mice developed steatohepatitis and skeletal muscle atrophy, as indicated by the reduction of psoas muscle mass and attenuation of forelimb and hindlimb grip strength. Significantly suppressed steatohepatitis and skeletal muscle atrophy was observed after single treatment with ARB or IGF-1, and these effects were augmented after combination treatment. Treatment with ARB and IGF-1 effectively inhibited ubiquitin proteasome-mediated protein degradation by reducing forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and FOXO3a transcriptional activity in the skeletal muscle. Combined ARB and IGF-1 decreased the intramuscular expression of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNFα, IL6, and IL1β) and increased the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPX1, SOD2, and CYTB). This antioxidant effect was based on downregulation of NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2, normalization of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Moreover, ARB increased the hepatic and plasma IGF-1 levels and improved steatohepatitis, leading to enhanced skeletal muscle protein synthesis mediated by IGF-1/ AKT/ mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling. Collectively, combined ARB and IGF-1 replacement could be a promising new therapeutic target for NASH-derived skeletal muscle wasting.

Saponins derived from Gynostemma pentaphyllum regulate triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism and the mechanisms: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (G. pentaphyllum) can be used for both medicinal and tea and has lipid-lowering properties. Modern research has shown that its main bioactive components are flavonoids and saponins. It has many beneficial effects such as hypolipidemic, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed to summarize its anti-glycolipid metabolic models and mechanisms are reviewed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the mechanism in lowering lipids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information related to lipid lowering in G. pentaphyllum was collated by reviewing the relevant literature in the PubMed database from 1985 to 2023.

RESULTS

Only 101 G. pentaphyllum compounds have been initially explored for their hypolipidemic activity. There are cell models, animal models and human subjects for lipid-lowering of it. It reduced triglyceride level via PPAR/UCP-1/PGC-1α/PRDM16 and (SREBP-1c)-ACC/FAS-CPT1 signal pathways. Cholesterol-lowering effects via (SREBP-2)-HMGCR, PCSK9-LDLR and bile acid biosynthetic pathways. Activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key factor in the regulation of glycolipid metabolism in G. pentaphyllum. Other pathways of action of G. pentaphyllum in regulating glucolipid metabolism are also discussed in this paper.

CONCLUSION

To date, more than 328 saponins have been isolated and identified in Gynostemma. Further studies on these components, including molecular mechanisms and in vivo metabolic regulation, need to be further confirmed. G. pentaphyllum has the potential to be developed into drugs or functional foods, but further research is needed.

Intestinal flora: A new target for traditional Chinese medicine to improve lipid metabolism disorders

Lipid metabolism disorders (LMD) can cause a series of metabolic diseases, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis (AS). Its development is caused by more pathogenic factors, among which intestinal flora dysbiosis is considered to be an important pathogenic mechanism of LMD. In recent years, the research on intestinal flora has made great progress, opening up new perspectives on the occurrence and therapeutic effects of diseases. With its complex composition and wide range of targets, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used to prevent and treat LMD. This review takes intestinal flora as a target, elaborates on the scientific connotation of TCM in the treatment of LMD, updates the therapeutic thinking of LMD, and provides a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Metabolome combined with gut microbiome revealed the lipid-lowering mechanism of Xuezhiping capsule on hyperlipidemic hamster induced by high fat diet

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a common metabolic disorder with presence of excess fat or lipids in the blood, may induce liver injury, oxidative stress and inflammatory. Xuezhiping capsule (XZP) is a famous Chinese patent medicine clinically used for anti-hyperlipidemia. However, the regulation mechanism of XZP on hyperlipidemia has not been elucidated so far. Methods: This study aimed to explore the effects of XZP on hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and the potential mechanism by a combination of untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: The results indicated that XZP reduced the level of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increased the level of high density liptein cholesterol (HDL-C), alleviated excessive accumulation of lipid droplets in liver. Biochemical indexes of liver function including gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in liver were remarkably decreased. Meanwhile, XZP increased the level of oxidative stress biochemical indexes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). In addition, XZP increased the level of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors α (PPARα), acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 (ACOX1) and cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in liver, and improved lipid metabolism in serum, liver and fecal lipid metabolism. XZP increased diversity index and the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, regulated seventeen genera, and illustrated strong correlations with liver lipid metabolism and phenotypic indicators. Discussion: These findings suggest that XZP reduced blood lipid and liver lipid, protected liver function, anti inflammation and anti-oxidation, ameliorate lipid metabolic disorders by modulating alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and regulated gut microbiota composition of high-fat diet (HFD) hamsters.

Gut microbiota: The key to the treatment of metabolic syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine - a case study of diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Metabolic syndrome mainly includes obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases. According to the ancient experience philosophy of Yin-Yang, monarch-minister compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine, prescription is given to treat diseases, which has the advantages of small toxic and side effects and quick effect. However, due to the diversity of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and doubts about the treatment theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine is still in doubt. Gastrointestinal tract is an important part of human environment, and participates in the occurrence and development of diseases. In recent years, more and more TCM researches have made intestinal microbiome a new frontier for understanding and treating diseases. Clinically, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) often co-occur. Our aim is to explain the mechanism of interaction between gastrointestinal microbiome and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or traditional Chinese medicine formula to treat DM and NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine may treat these two diseases by influencing the composition of intestinal microorganisms, regulating the metabolism of intestinal microorganisms and transforming Chinese medicinal compounds.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum for dyslipidemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Objective: To evaluate the lipid-lowering effect and safety of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) used alone or as adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia. Methods: Eight databases and three clinical trial registries were searched until January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of GP for dyslipidemia were included. Trial quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Data were analyzed by RevMan 5.4 with effects estimated as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Twenty-two RCTs involving 2,407 dyslipidemia participants were included. Regarding the risk of bias, 14 RCTs had some concerns, seven RCTs were high, and one trial was low. GP was comparable to n-3 fatty acids (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.28) and red yeast rice (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.1-1.12) on normalization of serum lipids. GP plus n-3 fatty acid was superior in normalization of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) than n-3 fatty acids (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.77). GP was similar to lipid-lowering agents (statins, fibrates, and n-3 fatty acids) in regulating TG, TC, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents in TG (MD -0.65 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.28), LDL-C (MD -0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.08), and HDL-C (MD 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11-0.20). GP was inferior to red yeast rice in TC (MD 0.64 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.15-1.13), TG (MD 0.43 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.15-0.71), and HDL-C (MD -0.25 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.04). GP had fewer adverse events than lipid-lowering drugs. Conclusion: Very low certainty evidence showed that GP's effects on TC, TG, and HDL-C were comparable to that of lipid-lowering agents. Low certainty evidence showed that red yeast rice was superior to GP in TC, TG, and HDL-C. Low to moderate certainty evidence showed that the effects of GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to that of lipid-lowering agents on TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. GP use for more than 8 weeks appears safe. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202210135.

The role of intestinal stem cell within gut homeostasis: Focusing on its interplay with gut microbiota and the regulating pathways

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) play an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis via promoting a healthy gut barrier. Within the stem cell niche, gut microbiota linking the crosstalk of dietary influence and host response has been identified as a key regulator of ISCs. Emerging insights from recent research reveal that ISC and gut microbiota interplay regulates epithelial self-renewal. This article reviews the recent knowledge on the key role of ISC in their local environment (stem cell niche) associating with gut microbiota and their metabolites as well as the signaling pathways. The current progress of intestinal organoid culture is further summarized. Subsequently, the key challenges and future directions are discussed.

Beneficial effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum honey paste on obesity via counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation: An exploration of functional food developed from two independent foods rich in saponins and phenolics

The development of functional foods that possess a combination of biological functions and good sensory properties is an emerging topic in the field of food and function. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (G. pentaphyllum) is widely considered to exert anti-obesity effect owing to its abundant saponins and other bioactive components, but bitter and unacceptable taste limit its utilization. While honey, a natural sweetener, not only has the pleasure sense but is also usually used as the carrier of functional food due to its phenolic oligosaccharide, etc. In the present study, we proposed the preparation method of a G. pentaphyllum honey paste (GH) and its beneficial effects on obese mice. The results showed that GH contented 0.055 mg/g Gypenoside XLIX, 0.01 mg/g Gypenoside A, and 11 kinds of phenolics. It could down-regulate 23.3% of liver TC level, increase serum ALT activity, improve liver tissue damage and epididymal adipocyte hypertrophy than obese mice. Besides, GH regulated enzyme activities such as SOD and GSH to enhance oxidative stress defense and exerted anti-inflammatory activity via IL-6 (52.4%), TNF-α (38.7%), IFN-γ (32%) and NF-κB (28%) genes down-regulation, which also reshaped the gut microbiota structure, exerting anti-obesity effects. More importantly, GH promoted obese mice appetite with orexin-A compared to G. pentaphyllum alone. This study provided a new perspective on the development of G. pentaphyllum functional foods with both good organoleptic performance and obesity therapy.

Medicinal Plants and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome in Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Background: Various neurocognitive and mental health-related conditions have been associated with the gut microbiome, implicating a microbiome–gut–brain axis (MGBA). The aim of this systematic review was to identify, categorize, and review clinical evidence supporting medicinal plants for the treatment of mental disorders and studies on their interactions with the gut microbiota. Methods: This review included medicinal plants for which clinical studies on depression, sleeping disorders, anxiety, or cognitive dysfunction as well as scientific evidence of interaction with the gut microbiome were available. The studies were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Eighty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and covered thirty mental health-related medicinal plants with data on interaction with the gut microbiome. Conclusion: Only a few studies have been specifically designed to assess how herbal preparations affect MGBA-related targets or pathways. However, many studies provide hints of a possible interaction with the MGBA, such as an increased abundance of health-beneficial microorganisms, anti-inflammatory effects, or MGBA-related pathway effects by gut microbial metabolites. Data for Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, and Salvia rosmarinus indicate that the interaction of their constituents with the gut microbiota could mediate mental health benefits. Studies specifically assessing the effects on MGBA-related pathways are still required for most medicinal plants.

Effect of Oral Chinese Herbal Preparations Regulating Intestinal Flora on Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Studies

Background

Lipid metabolism disorders can damage human health, and the changes in human intestinal flora are closely related to lipid metabolism disorders. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a role in regulating intestinal flora and balancing intestinal microecology. In this meta-analysis, the role of oral preparations of TCM that regulate intestinal flora, in the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders, was systematically evaluated.

Methods

The databases CBM, Pubmed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and Google Scholar were searched by rapid matching of keywords to obtain clinical controlled studies related to oral preparations of TCMs regulating intestinal flora. After screening and quality evaluation, meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results

Total of 835 patients were enrolled in the 10 articles included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that TCM intervention could reduce the level of total cholesterol (TC) in patients with abnormal lipid metabolism [mean difference (MD) = −0.61, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) (−0.80, −0.42), p < 0.00001], reduce triacylglycerol (TG) level [MD = −0.46, 95%CI (−0.60, −0.33), p < 0.00001], increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level [MD = 0.25, 95%CI (0.17, 0.34), p < 0.00001], reduce the number of intestinal enterobacteria [MD = −0.64, 95%CI (−0.79, −0.49), p < 0.00001], reduce the number of enterococci [MD = −1.14, 95%CI (−1.66, −0.63), p < 0.00001], increase the number of intestinal lactobacillus [MD = 0.41, 95%CI (0.09, 0.74), p = 0.01], and increase the number of intestinal bifidobacteria [MD = 0.94, 95%CI (0.20, 1.68), p = 0.01].

Conclusion

The application of oral preparations of TCMs that regulate intestinal flora, in the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders, can increase the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of patients, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and restore the intestinal microecological balance, thus indirectly acting on the regulation of blood lipids in patients and contributing to the recovery of dyslipidemia.

The hepatoprotective effects of plant-based foods based on the "gut-liver axis": a prospective review

The importance of the "gut-liver axis" in the pathogenesis of liver diseases has been revealed recently; which promotes the process of developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, considering that there are still many challenges in the medical treatment of liver diseases, potential preventive dietary intervention may be a good alternative choice. Plant-based foods have received much attention due to their reported health-promoting effects in targeting multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases as well as the relative safety for general use. Based on the PubMed and Web of Science databases, this review emphatically summarizes the plant-based foods and their chemical constituents with reported effects to impact the LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway of gut-liver axis of various liver diseases, reflecting their health benefits in preventing/alleviating liver diseases. Moreover, some plant-based foods with potential gut-liver effects are specifically analyzed from the reported studies and conclusions. This review intends to provide readers an overview of the current progress in the field of this research topic. We expect to see more hepatoprotective measures for alleviating the current prevalence of liver diseases.

Prebiotic properties of jiaogulan in the context of gut microbiome

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been widely used in food and supplemental products. In the last 20 years, extensive research has been conducted to investigate the medicinal prospects of jiaogulan, and in this regard, more than 200 compounds have been isolated with various medicinal properties such as anticancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation. In respect of potential benefits, jiaogulan market is likely growing, and various food items comprised of jiaogulan (beverage, sport drinks, cola, beer, tea, bread, and noodles) have been commercialized in the United States of America, China, and other Asian countries. More recently, there has been growing interest in the prebiotic potential of jiaogulan, especially at the interface of the gut microbiota. This review focuses on the prebiotic and therapeutic aspects of saponins and polysaccharides of jiaogulan tea by summarizing the literature on cancer, obesity, antioxidant activity, and immune-modulatory properties.

Subacute safety assessment of recombinant Lactococcus lactis on the gut microbiota of male Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Lactococcus lactis strain pGSMT/MG1363 is a genetically modified microorganism (GMM) that constitutively expresses human metallothionein-I fusion protein to combine with intracellular lead. Unlike traditional probiotics, pGSMT/MG1363 lacks a history of safe use in food. Administration of microorganism could influence the gut microbial community and consequently confer health benefits or cause disadvantages to the host. To date, little has been done to assess the influence of recombinant strain pGSMT/MG1363 on the stability of gut microbiota.

RESULTS

Liver, testis and kidney sections of male Sprague-Dawley rats orally administered pGSMT/MG1363 for 6 weeks showed normal structure and no pathological damage. There were no adverse effects on the analyzed serum biochemical parameters between the pGSMT/MG1363 group and the MG1363 group. Principal coordinate analysis showed that, compared with the MG1363 group, the 6-week-old fecal gut microbiota of rats fed with pGSMT/MG1363 was not significantly different (Adonis, P = 0.802). pGSMT/MG1363 treatment for 6 weeks did not significantly change the relative abundance of gut microbiota at the phylum and genus levels in comparison with MG1363 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the non-GM strain MG1363 group, administration of the recombinant strain pGSMT/MG1363 for 6 weeks showed no adverse effects on the analyzed physiological parameters and gut microbial compositions of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The results suggested that, in terms of gut microbiota stability, pGSMT/MG1363 could be considered as safe as MG1363, at least for short-term intake. Further toxicological evaluations still need to be considered before drawing a definite conclusion concerning the safe use of pGSMT/MG1363. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Progress in the Medicinal Value, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmacological Activities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), also named Jiaogulan in Chinese, was known to people for its function in both health care and disease treatment. Initially and traditionally, GP was a kind of tea consumed by people for its pleasant taste and weight loss efficacy. With the passing of the centuries, GP became well known as more than just a tea. Until now, numbers of bioactive compounds, including saponins (also named gypenosides, GPS), polysaccharides (GPP), flavonoids, and phytosterols were isolated and identified in GP, which implied the great medicinal worth of this unusual tea. Both in vivo and in vitro tests, ranging from different cell lines to animals, indicated that GP possessed various biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-atherogenic, anti-dementia, and anti-Parkinson's diseases, and it also had lipid-regulating effects as well as neuroprotection, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic properties. With the further development and utilization of GP, the research on the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of GP were deepening day by day and had made great progress. In this review, the recent research progress in the bioactive compounds, especially gypenosides, and the pharmacological activities of GP were summarized, which will be quite useful for practical applications of GP in the treatment of human diseases.

The effect of an orally-dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

The present study examined the effect of a herbal supplement containing a Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Gpp) extract (ActivAMP®) with respect to improving body composition in overweight males and females.

METHODS

One-hundred and seventeen men and women aged over 18 years completed 16 weeks of daily supplementation with either Gpp or a placebo. Participants underwent dual-energy X-rays to assess body composition (fat mass, lean mass and mass distribution), as well as anthropometric measures (weight, height, hip and waist circumference), in addition to blood tests to assess inflammatory and safety markers.

RESULTS

Following 16 weeks of treatment, the Gpp group had a significant reduction in total body weight, body mass index, total fat mass and gynoid fat mass compared to the placebo group. Blood measures showed plasma triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase and tumour necrosis factor-α to be statistically different between groups at week 16. Subgroup analysis of gender for fat distribution showed males in the Gpp group had a significant reduction in visceral fat compared to males in the placebo group and females in the Gpp group had a significant reduction in gynoid fat compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Gpp was capable of altering fat mass and fat distribution in overweight and obese males and females compared to a placebo.

Effect of Compounds from Moringa oleifera Lam. on in Vitro Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Model System

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in the world, with a prevalence of 25 % in many countries. To date, no drug has been approved to treat NAFLD, therefore, the use of phytochemicals to prevent this disease is meaningful. In this study, we focused on the effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. on diabetes, attempted to isolate compounds that regulate NAFLD. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of M. oleifera. Spectral data revealed that they were 1-hydroxy-3-phenylpropan-2-yl benzoate (1) and benzyl benzylcarbamate (2), respectively. The three-dimensional structure of compound 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray structural analysis. Neither compound was toxic to HepG2 cells, and compound 1 was found to have a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on intracellular lipid accumulation induced by stimulation of linoleic acid (LA). As a result of measuring the effects of compound 1 on the intracellular lipid production-related protein, it was found that compound 1 enhanced protein expression that promotes lipolysis. On the other hand, since the action of compound 1 was similar to that of PPARα agonists, it is deduced that compound 1 enhanced the activity of PPARα and further enhanced the expression of lipolytic proteins, which is related to the suppression of intracellular lipid accumulation. Furthermore, as the result of docking simulation, compound 1 had a higher binding affinity to the ligand binding site of PPARα than fenofibrate, which is a PPARα agonist, and thus compound 1 was considered to be promising as an agonist of PPARα.

Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC06 in naturally fermented pickles prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by stabilizing the gut-liver axis in mice

Herein, we used a HFD/F to induce NAFLD in mice and intervened with CQPC06 to determine the preventive effect of CQPC06 on NAFLD and its potential regulatory mechanism. C57BL/6J mice were fed with LFD, HFD/F, HFD/F supplemented with CQPC06, and HFD/F supplemented with LDBS for 8 weeks to test the properties of the probiotic. Biochemical and molecular biology methods were used to determine the levels of related indexes in mouse serum, liver tissue, epididymal fat, small intestine tissue, and feces. The results showed that CQPC06 exhibited satisfactory probiotic properties, significantly inhibited mouse weight gain, and decreased the liver index and serum lipid levels, including ALT, AKP, AST, TC, TG, LDL-C, LPS, and HDL-C levels. The HOMA-IR index calculated based on the blood glucose levels and serum insulin levels showed that the HOMA-IR index of NAFLD mice treated with CQPC06 significantly decreased. From the molecular biology level, CQPC06 significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of PPAR-α, CYP7A1, CPT1, and LPL in NAFLD mouse livers, and decreased the expression of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α. Furthermore, CQPC06 enhanced the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in the small intestine of NAFLD mice, and decreased the expression of CD36. CQPC06 decreased the level of Firmicutes and increased the levels of Bacteroides and Akkermansia in the feces of NAFLD mice, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides was significantly decreased. CQPC06 is highly resistant in vitro and survived in the gastrointestinal tract and exerted its probiotic effect, altered the intestinal microecology of NAFLD mice, and played an important role in NAFLD prevention through the unique anatomical advantages of the gut-liver axis. There was a clear preventive effect with high concentrations of CQPC06 and it was stronger than that of l-carnitine.

Use of dietary phytochemicals for inhibition of trimethylamine N-oxide formation

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been reported as a risk factor for atherosclerosis development, as well as for other cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathologies. The objective of this review is to provide a useful summary on the use of phytochemicals as TMAO-reducing agents. This review discusses the main mechanisms by which TMAO promotes CVD, including the modulation of lipid and bile acid metabolism, and the promotion of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Current knowledge on the available strategies to reduce TMAO formation are discussed, highlighting the effect and potential of phytochemicals. Overall, phytochemicals (i.e., phenolic compounds or glucosinolates) reduce TMAO formation by modulating gut microbiota composition and/or function, inhibiting host's capacity to metabolize TMA to TMAO, or a combination of both. Perspectives for design of future studies involving phytochemicals as TMAO-reducing agents are discussed. Overall, the information provided by this review outlines the current state of the art of the role of phytochemicals as TMAO reducing agents, providing valuable insight to further advance in this field of study.

Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC04 on Lipid Reduction in C57BL/6J Mice

Probiotics are functional foods that can effectively regulate lipid reduction and maintain body health. In this study, a strain of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC04 (LF-CQPC04) isolated from traditional naturally fermented vegetables (Sichuan pickles) was studied, and its effects on lipid reduction in mice, as well as its mechanism of action, were observed. The results of this experiment show that LF-CQPC04 can reduce the abnormal weight gain and abnormal visceral index of mice caused by a high-fat diet. LF-CQPC04 can decrease TG (triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), LDL-c (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), AST (aspartate transaminase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and AKP (alkaline phosphatase) levels and increase HDL-c (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels in the serum of high-fat mice. LF-CQPC04 can also decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IFN-γ (interferon gamma), and increase IL-4 and IL-10 levels in the serum of high-fat mice. The results of RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and western blot experiments show that LF-CQPC04 can also down-regulate the expression of PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), C/EBP-α (CCAAT/enhances binding protein alpha) mRNA, and protein in the liver tissue of high-fat mice, while up-regulating the expression of Cu/Zn-SOD (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase), Mn-SOD (manganese superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7 alpha hydroxylase), PPAR-α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha), CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1), LPL (lipoprotein lipase), and ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1). Moreover, LF-CQPC04 shows stronger effects in regulating lipid reduction in mice than L-carnitine and commercial LB (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus) bacteria. LF-CQPC04 is beneficial for lipid reduction in animals and has good probiotic potential.