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Atanassova M, Martorell M, Sharopov F, Atanassov L, Kumar P, Sharifi-Rad J, Tejada-Gavela S, Iriti M, Pezzani R, Varoni EM. Cocoa as immunomodulatory agent: an update. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37909175 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2272025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, mainly flavonoids, which correlate with several health benefits mediated by their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Cocoa and chocolate consumption have been reported to impact the regulation of the immune system, both in preclinical studies and in human trials. The mechanisms for immunomodulation can involve different effects of cocoa polyphenols on the immune system, acting as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-allergic agents, as well as the direct influence of cocoa on innate and acquired immunity, with cytokines production and activation of both lymphocyte-dependent and -independent pathways. Cocoa intake has been also correlated to changes in gut microbiota ecology and composition, also affecting the intestinal immune system. This review summarises the updates of the last two decades on cocoa as immunomodulatory agent and explores the health-related benefits of cocoa and chocolate intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Atanassova
- Scientific Consulting, Chemical Engineering, UCTM, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Farukh Sharopov
- Research Institution "Chinese-Tajik Innovation Center for Natural Products", Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
| | - Lyubomir Atanassov
- Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Silvia Tejada-Gavela
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), and Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), IdISBa, Palma, España
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Milan State University, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pezzani
- AIROB, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca Oncologica di Base, Padova, Italy
- Phytotherapy Lab, Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Varoni
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Milan State University, Milan, Italy
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Ditchfield C, Kushida MM, Mazalli MR, Sobral PJA. Can Chocolate Be Classified as an Ultra-Processed Food? A Short Review on Processing and Health Aspects to Help Answer This Question. Foods 2023; 12:3070. [PMID: 37628068 PMCID: PMC10453203 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chocolate is a confectionery product whose consumption has increased, particularly dark chocolate. Chocolate is produced with varying amounts of cocoa liquor (CL), cocoa butter (CB) and cocoa powder (CP). The main chocolate types are dark, milk and white. Processing steps for chocolate production are described, and nutritional compositions examined for benefits and risks to health. Chocolate processing comprises steps at farm level, initial industrial processing for production of CL, CB and CP (common for all chocolate types) and mixing with other ingredients (like milk and sugar differing according to chocolate type) for industrial chocolate processing. All chocolate types present similar processing levels, and none involve chemical processing. Nutritional profiles of chocolate products differ according to composition, e.g., dark chocolate contains more CL, and so a higher antioxidant capacity. Chocolate is an energy-dense food rich in bioactive compounds (polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acids). Studies have demonstrated benefits of moderate consumption in reducing cardiovascular risk and oxidative and inflammatory burden, improving cognitive functions, maintaining diversity in gut microbiota, among others. In our view, chocolate should not be classified as an ultra-processed food because of simple processing steps, limited ingredients, and being an important part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Ditchfield
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
| | - Marta Mitsui Kushida
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
| | - Monica R. Mazalli
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
| | - Paulo J. A. Sobral
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
- Food Research Center (FoRC), University of São Paulo, Rua do Lago 250, Semi-Industrial Building, Block C, São Paulo 05508-080, SP, Brazil
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Patanè GT, Putaggio S, Tellone E, Barreca D, Ficarra S, Maffei C, Calderaro A, Laganà G. Catechins and Proanthocyanidins Involvement in Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119228. [PMID: 37298181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on natural antioxidant compounds have highlighted their potentiality against various pathological conditions. The present review aims to selectively evaluate the benefits of catechins and their polymeric structure on metabolic syndrome, a common disorder characterized by a cluster of three main risk factors: obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer chronic low inflammation state and oxidative stress both conditions effectively countered by flavanols and their polymers. The mechanism behind the activity of these molecules has been highlighted and correlated with the characteristic features present on their basic flavonoidic skelethon, as well as the efficient doses needed to perform their activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The amount of evidence provided in this review offers a starting point for flavanol dietary supplementation as a potential strategy to counteract several metabolic targets associated with metabolic syndrome and suggests a key role of albumin as flavanol-delivery system to the different target of action inside the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Putaggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Ester Tellone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Barreca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvana Ficarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Maffei
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Calderaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Laganà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Liu J, Tao Y, Zou X, Liu Q, Meng X, Zhang Y, Su J. In vitro and in vivo exploration of the anti-atopic dermatitis mechanism of action of Tibetan medicine Qi-Sai-Er-Sang-Dang-Song decoction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 306:116155. [PMID: 36634726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tibetan medicine Qi-Sai-Er-Sang-Dang-Song Decoction(QSD, ཆུ་སེར་སེང་ལྡེང་སུམ་ཐང་།)is a traditional Tibetan medical formulation with demonstrated clinical benefits in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, its potential mechanism and molecular targets remain to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the activity and mechanism of QSD on AD in multiple dimensions by combining in vitro and in vivo experiments with network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS The AD effect of QSD was investigated by evaluating the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AD-like skin lesions in female BALB/c mice were induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). QSD or dexamethasone (positive control) were gavagely administered daily for 15 consecutive days. The body weight and skin lesion severity were recorded throughout the study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) analysis were used to illuminate the molecular targets associated with the anti-AD effects of QSD. Meanwhile, the ingredients of QSD in the blood were revealed and analyzed by Ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) method. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets and mechanism of active ingredient therapy for AD. In addition, the network pharmacology outcomes were further verified by molecular docking. RESULT After treatment with QSD, the levels of NO and IL-6 were decreased in the cell supernatant. Herein, QSD markedly decreased the eosinophil and mast cells infiltration in the dorsal skin of the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Moreover, QSD reconstructed the epidermal barrier by increasing the content of collagen fibers and changing the arrangement of DNCB-treated mice. QSD not only inhibited the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) but also inhibited phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) proteins in the dorsal skin. Four active ingredients were identified through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, including (-)-epicatechin, kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, cassiaside, and questin. After the network pharmacological analysis, six core targets of QSD closely related to AD were obtained, including TNF-α, IL-6, Caspase-3 (CASP3), Epidermal growth factor (EGFR), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1 (NTRK1). Meanwhile, through Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway occupies an important position in the QSD treatment of AD. The molecular docking results showed that the six core targets are stable in binding to the four active ingredients as indicated by the molecular docking results. CONCLUSIONS The anti-AD effect of QSD might be related to the reconstruction of the epidermal barrier and inhibition of inflammation, which regulated the MAPK pathway. Hence, it provided a promising idea for the study of Tibetan medicine prescriptions for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Ethnic Medicine Academic Heritage Innovation Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yiwen Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Zou
- Ethnic Medicine Academic Heritage Innovation Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Ethnic Medicine Academic Heritage Innovation Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jinsong Su
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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A Comprehensive Review on Extraction, Structure, Detection, Bioactivity, and Metabolism of Flavonoids from Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.). J Food Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/4839124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an important plant with homology of medicine and food. It has rich nutritional and medicinal properties. It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine with therapeutic functions of invigorating spleen, relieving cough, eliminating food, eliminating phlegm, dispersing blood stasis, and promoting blood circulation. This review comprehensively summarized flavonoids from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), including extraction methods (solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and collaborative extraction), two structure types (18 flavone aglycones and 81 flavone glycosides), detection methods (UV, HPLC, and NMR), bioactivities (antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, weight-reducing, and hypoglycemic activities), and physiological metabolisms (most of flavonoids are converted into small molecule monophenolic acids through intestinal microbial catabolism). It will supply an important theoretical basis and valuable reference for researching and exploiting sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in the future. Practical Applications. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an edible and medical plant with many functional properties. A comprehensive review on extraction, structure, detection, bioactivity, and metabolism of flavonoids from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) was made in this paper. This review will provide an important foundation for further studies of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) focusing on its development and utilization.
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Prado Y, Echeverría C, Feijóo CG, Riedel CA, Cabello-Verrugio C, Santibanez JF, Simon F. Effect of Dietary Supplements with ω-3 Fatty Acids, Ascorbic Acid, and Polyphenolic Antioxidant Flavonoid on Gene Expression, Organ Failure, and Mortality in Endotoxemia-Induced Septic Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030659. [PMID: 36978907 PMCID: PMC10044831 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis syndrome develops through enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sepsis syndrome is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and increased mortality, among others. Endotoxemia-derived sepsis is an important cause of sepsis syndrome. During endotoxemia, circulating endotoxin interacts with endothelial cells (ECs), inducing detrimental effects on endothelium function. The endotoxin induces the conversion of ECs into fibroblasts, which are characterized by a massive change in the endothelial gene-expression pattern. This downregulates the endothelial markers and upregulates fibrotic proteins, mesenchymal transcription factors, and extracellular matrix proteins, producing endothelial fibrosis. Sepsis progression is modulated by the consumption of specific nutrients, including ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly described. The notion that gene expression is modulated during inflammatory conditions by nutrient consumption has been reported. However, it is not known whether nutrient consumption modulates the fibrotic endothelial gene-expression pattern during sepsis as a mechanism to decrease vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, MODS, and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the consumption of dietary ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid supplements on the modulation of fibrotic endothelial gene-expression patterns during sepsis and to determine the effects on sepsis outcomes. Our results indicate that the consumption of supplements based on ω-3 fatty acids and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids was effective for improving endotoxemia outcomes through prophylactic ingestion and therapeutic usage. Thus, our findings indicated that specific nutrient consumption improves sepsis outcomes and should be considered in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Prado
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Cesar Echeverría
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nanomedicine and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Atacama, Copiapo 1532502, Chile
| | - Carmen G. Feijóo
- Fish Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Laboratory of Endocrinology-Immunology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility and Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 8350709, Chile
| | - Juan F. Santibanez
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
- Integrative Center for Biology and Applied Chemistry (CIBQA), Bernardo O’Higgins University, Santiago 8370993, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +562-2661-5653
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Kang J, Oteiza PI, Milenkovic D. (-)-Epicatechin exerts positive effects on anxiety in high fat diet-induced obese mice through multi-genomic modifications in the hippocampus. Food Funct 2022; 13:10623-10641. [PMID: 36168829 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01897g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with increased occurrence of cognitive and mood disorders. While consumption of high-fat diets (HFD) and associated obesity could have a detrimental impact on the brain, dietary bioactives may mitigate these harmful effects. We previously observed that (-)-epicatechin (EC) can mitigate HFD-induced anxiety-associated behaviors in mice. The aim of our study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms of EC actions in the hippocampus which underlies its anti-anxiety effects in HFD-fed mice using a multi-genomic approach. Healthy eight-week old male C57BL/6J mice were fed for 24 weeks either: (A) a control diet containing 10% total calories from fat; (B) a HFD containing 45% total calories from fat; or (C) the HFD supplemented with 20 mg EC per kg body weight. Hippocampi were isolated for genomic analysis using Affymetrix arrays, followed by in-depth bioinformatic analyses. Genomic analysis demonstrated that EC induced significant changes in mouse hippocampal global gene expression. We observed changes in the expression of 1001 protein-coding genes, 241 miRNAs, and 167 long non-coding RNAs. Opposite gene expression profiles were observed when the gene expression profile obtained upon EC supplementation was compared to the profile obtained after consumption of the HFD. Functionality analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes regulate processes involved in neurofunction, inflammation, endothelial function, cell-cell adhesion, and cell signaling. In summary, the capacity of EC to mitigate anxiety-related behaviors in HFD-induced obese mice can be in part explained by its capacity to exert complex genomic modifications in the hippocampus, counteracting changes driven by consumption of the HFD and/or associated obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiye Kang
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616 Davis, California, USA. .,Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616 Davis, California, USA
| | - Patricia I Oteiza
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616 Davis, California, USA. .,Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616 Davis, California, USA
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616 Davis, California, USA.
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Differential Gene Expression Correlates with Behavioural Polymorphism during Collective Behaviour in Cockroaches. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182354. [PMID: 36139214 PMCID: PMC9495117 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is currently well accepted that animals differ from one another in their behaviour and tendency to perform actions, a property we refer to as animal personality. In group-living animals, variation in animal personality can be important to determine group survival, as it determines how individuals interact with each other and with their environment. However, we have little knowledge of the proximal mechanisms underlying personality, particularly in group-living organisms. Here, we investigate the relationship between gene expression and two behavioural types (bold and shy) in a gregarious species: the American cockroach. Our results show that bold individuals have upregulated genes with functions associated with sensory activity (phototaxis and odour detection) and aggressive/dominant behaviour, and suggest that social context can modulate gene expression related to bold/shy characteristics. This work could help identify genes important in the earliest stages of group living and social life, and provides a first step toward establishing cockroaches as a focal group for the study of the evolution of sociality. Abstract Consistent inter-individual variation in the propensity to perform different tasks (animal personality) can contribute significantly to the success of group-living organisms. The distribution of different personalities in a group influences collective actions and therefore how these organisms interact with their environment. However, we have little understanding of the proximate mechanisms underlying animal personality in animal groups, and research on this theme has often been biased towards organisms with advanced social systems. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanistic basis for personality variation during collective behaviour in a species with rudimentary societies: the American cockroach. We thus use an approach which combines experimental classification of individuals into behavioural phenotypes (‘bold’ and ‘shy’ individuals) with comparative gene expression. Our analyses reveal differences in gene expression between behavioural phenotypes and suggest that social context may modulate gene expression related to bold/shy characteristics. We also discuss how cockroaches could be a valuable model for the study of genetic mechanisms underlying the early steps in the evolution of social behaviour and social complexity. This study provides a first step towards a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with differences in boldness and behavioural plasticity in these organisms.
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Effects of the Treatment with Flavonoids on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Humans: A Systematic Review Focusing on Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158344. [PMID: 35955475 PMCID: PMC9369232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diets high in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, have been used to mitigate metabolic syndrome (MetS). Polyphenols are a large group of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, classified into two main classes: non-flavonoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are distributed in foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and cocoa. Studies have already demonstrated the benefits of flavonoids on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as cancer cells. The present review summarizes the results of clinical studies that evaluated the effects of flavonoids on the components of the MetS and associated complications when offered as supplements over the long term. The results show that flavonoids can significantly modulate several metabolic parameters, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Only theaflavin and catechin were unable to affect metabolic parameters. Moreover, only body weight and body mass index were unaltered. Thus, the evidence presented in this systematic review offers bases in support of a flavonoid supplementation, held for at least 3 weeks, as a strategy to improve several metabolic parameters and, consequently, reduce the risk of diseases associated with MetS. This fact becomes stronger due to the rare side effects reported with flavonoids.
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Duarte I, de Souza MCM, Curinga RM, Mendonça HM, de Lacerda de Oliveira L, Milenkovic D, Hassimotto NMA, Costa AM, Malaquias JV, Dos Santos Borges TK. Effect of Passiflora setacea juice and its phenolic metabolites on insulin resistance markers in overweight individuals and on microglial cell activity. Food Funct 2022; 13:6498-6509. [PMID: 35621054 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo04334j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Passiflora setacea (PS) is a species of wild Brazilian passion fruit, rich in bioactive compounds. Scientific evidence suggests that food rich in polyphenols can modulate inflammation, thereby playing an important role in preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (DT2) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of PS consumption on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight male volunteers and to identify the underlying mechanism of action using an in vitro study using phenolic metabolites isolated from the plasma of volunteers at physiologically relevant concentrations. Volunteers participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled (PB) study with two phases: phase I (acute study) and phase II (chronic study). In phase I, 15 volunteers ingested a single dose of 50 g, 150 g of PS pulp and PB in three different interventions. In phase II, nine volunteers ingested 50 g of PS or PB for 14 days. Blood samples were collected before (T0 h) and 3 h (T3 h) (phase I) or 15 days after (phase II) ingestion of PS or PB. Blood biochemical markers, HOMA IR, and inflammatory markers were analyzed and data on BMI, waist circumference, and consumption of polyphenol-rich foods were collected. Phenolic metabolites were extracted from plasma by solid-phase separation and were used to treat BV-2 cells stimulated by LPS or anacardic acid to assess p50, p65 and PPAR-γ activation. It was observed that the consumption of a single dose of PS juice significantly reduced basal insulin levels and HOMA IR. After prolonged consumption for two weeks, PS contributed to the reduction of circulating levels of IL-6. BV-2 cells treated with PS phenolic metabolites showed increased PPAR-γ activity, which resulted in an anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effect of PS metabolites. In conclusion, PS juice consumption exerts beneficial effects on inflammatory markers in overweight individuals, being a possible and important tool in the prevention of T2D and CVD in risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Carolina Miranda de Souza
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Moura Curinga
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Henrique Matos Mendonça
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Livia de Lacerda de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Neuza Mariko Aymoto Hassimotto
- Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID) and Department of Food Science and Experimental Nutrition, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Costa
- Embrapa Cerrados, BR 020, Km18, Laboratory of Food Science, Planaltina, DF, 73.310-970, Brazil
| | - Juaci Vitorio Malaquias
- Embrapa Cerrados, BR 020, Km18, Laboratory of Food Science, Planaltina, DF, 73.310-970, Brazil
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De los Santos S, Coral‐Vázquez RM, Menjivar M, Ángeles Granados‐Silvestre M, De la Rosa S, Reyes‐Castro LA, Méndez JP, Zambrano E, Canto P. (−)‐Epicatechin improves body composition of male rats descendant of obese mothers postnatally fed with a high‐fat diet. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 36:526-535. [DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio De los Santos
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad de México Mexico
- Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Ramón Mauricio Coral‐Vázquez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina Instituto Politécnico Nacional Ciudad de México Mexico
- Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional “20 de Noviembre” Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Marta Menjivar
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad de México Mexico
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias y Tecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México‐Yucatán Mérida Mexico
| | | | - Sebastián De la Rosa
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad de México Mexico
- Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Luis Antonio Reyes‐Castro
- Departamento de Biología de Reproducción Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Juan Pablo Méndez
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad de México Mexico
- Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Elena Zambrano
- Departamento de Biología de Reproducción Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Patricia Canto
- Unidad de Investigación en Obesidad, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad de México Mexico
- Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Dirección de Investigación Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” Ciudad de México Mexico
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12
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(-) - Epicatechin improves Tibialis anterior muscle repair in CD1 mice with BaCl2-induced damage. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 107:109069. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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( -)-Epicatechin and cardiometabolic risk factors: a focus on potential mechanisms of action. Pflugers Arch 2021; 474:99-115. [PMID: 34812946 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes experimental evidence on the beneficial effects of ( -)-epicatechin (EC) attenuating major cardiometabolic risk factors, i.e., dyslipidemias, obesity (adipose tissue dysfunction), hyperglycemia (insulin resistance), and hypertension (endothelial dysfunction). Studies in humans are revised and complemented with experiments in animal models, and cultured cells, aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in EC-mediated effects. Firstly, an assessment of EC metabolism gives relevance to both conjugated-EC metabolites product of host metabolism and microbiota-derived species. Integration and analysis of results stress the maintenance of redox homeostasis and mitigation of inflammation as relevant processes associated with cardiometabolic diseases. In these processes, EC appears having significant effects regulating NADPH oxidase (NOX)-dependent oxidant production, nitric oxide (NO) production, and energy homeostasis (mitochondrial biogenesis and function). The potential participation of cell membranes and membrane-bound receptors is also discussed in terms of direct molecular action of EC and EC metabolites reaching cells and tissues.
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14
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Pla-Pagà L, Valls RM, Pedret A, Calderón-Pérez L, Llauradó E, Companys J, Domenech-Coca C, Canela N, Del Bas JM, Caimari A, Puiggròs F, Mi C, Arola L, Solà R. Effect of the consumption of hesperidin in orange juice on the transcriptomic profile of subjects with elevated blood pressure and stage 1 hypertension: A randomized controlled trial (CITRUS study). Clin Nutr 2021; 40:5812-5822. [PMID: 34800819 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Hesperidin exerts cardiovascular beneficial effects, but its mechanisms of action remain undefined. In a previous study we demonstrated that a single dose and a 12-week treatment of hesperidin decreased systolic blood pressure. The aim of this study was to ascertain the action mechanisms of hesperidin consumption in subjects with elevated blood pressure or with stage 1 hypertension, by determining their transcriptomic profile after a single dose or a 12-week treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS For transcriptomic analysis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from 37 subjects with elevated blood pressure and stage 1 hypertension from CITRUS study who were randomized to receive for 12 weeks: control drink (CD; n = 11), OJ (containing 345 mg of hesperidin; n = 15) or EOJ (containing 600 mg of hesperidin; n = 11). Before starting the 12-weeks treatment, a single dose study with a 6 h of follow-up in each group was performed. After the single dose consumption, EOJ versus OJ, downregulated DHRS9 gene which is related with insulin resistance. Compared to CD, 12-week treatment of EOJ downregulated 6 proinflammatory genes while after OJ consumption only 1 proinflammatory gene was downregulated. Moreover, 12-week treatment of EOJ versus OJ, downregulated acute coronary syndrome gene related (SELENBP1). CONCLUSION A single dose consumption of EOJ could protect from insulin resistance. Moreover, EOJ decrease the expression of proinflammatory genes after 12-week treatment providing a possible mechanism of action on inflammation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pla-Pagà
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain
| | - Rosa M Valls
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain.
| | - Anna Pedret
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain.
| | - Lorena Calderón-Pérez
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain
| | - Elisabet Llauradó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain
| | - Judit Companys
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain
| | | | - Nuria Canela
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Centre for Omic Sciences, Joint Unit Universitat Rovira i Virgili-EURECAT, Reus, Spain
| | - Josep M Del Bas
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain
| | - Antoni Caimari
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unitat de Nutrició i Salut, Reus, Spain
| | - Francesc Puiggròs
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Centre for Omic Sciences, Joint Unit Universitat Rovira i Virgili-EURECAT, Reus, Spain
| | - Covas Mi
- Nutritional Projects Assessment (Nuproas.es), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Arola
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Centre for Omic Sciences, Joint Unit Universitat Rovira i Virgili-EURECAT, Reus, Spain
| | - Rosa Solà
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation and Cardiovascular Disease Group (NFOC-Salut), Reus, Spain; Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
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15
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Secci R, Hartmann A, Walter M, Grabe HJ, Van der Auwera-Palitschka S, Kowald A, Palmer D, Rimbach G, Fuellen G, Barrantes I. Biomarkers of geroprotection and cardiovascular health: An overview of omics studies and established clinical biomarkers in the context of diet. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 63:2426-2446. [PMID: 34648415 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1975638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The slowdown, inhibition, or reversal of age-related decline (as a composite of disease, dysfunction, and, ultimately, death) by diet or natural compounds can be defined as dietary geroprotection. While there is no single reliable biomarker to judge the effects of dietary geroprotection, biomarker signatures based on omics (epigenetics, gene expression, microbiome composition) are promising candidates. Recently, omic biomarkers started to supplement established clinical ones such as lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we focus on human data. We first summarize the current take on genetic biomarkers based on epidemiological studies. However, most of the remaining biomarkers that we describe, whether omics-based or clinical, are related to intervention studies. Then, because of their promising potential in the context of dietary geroprotection, we focus on the effects of berry-based interventions, which up to now have been mostly described employing clinical markers. We provide an aggregation and tabulation of all the recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses that we could find related to this topic. Finally, we present evidence for the importance of the "nutribiography," that is, the influence that an individual's history of diet and natural compound consumption can have on the effects of dietary geroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Secci
- Junior Research Group Translational Bioinformatics, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Hartmann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry, and Pathobiochemistry, Charite University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Jörgen Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Van der Auwera-Palitschka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Axel Kowald
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Daniel Palmer
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gerald Rimbach
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Israel Barrantes
- Junior Research Group Translational Bioinformatics, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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16
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Martínez-Damas MG, Genis-Mendoza AD, Pérez-de la Cruz V, Canela-Tellez GD, Jiménez-Estrada I, Nicolini-Sanchez JH, Ramos-Chávez LA, García S, Ramírez-Ramírez M, Coral-Vázquez RM. Epicatechin treatment generates resilience to chronic mild stress-induced depression in a murine model. Physiol Behav 2021; 238:113466. [PMID: 34033845 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have proposed that cocoa products-enriched in flavonoids reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. (-)-Epicatechin (Epi), a flavonoid present in high concentration in cocoa, has been associated with many dark chocolate effects and has been postulated as an exercise mimetic. Physical exercise is used as an adjuvant treatment for many depressive patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Epi on resilience in depression-like behavior in a murine model. Male mice were randomly selected and divided into four groups (n = 8/group). Beginning at the age of 8-9 weeks, the mice were subjected to Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) and/or treatment Epi for five weeks. Epi was administered by oral gavage twice daily/5 weeks. The control group was housed in conditions without stress and Epi treatment. Depressive behavior was evaluated by sucrose preference and open field tests. Interestingly, Epi reduced anhedonia and anxiogenic behavior in the murine stress model. These results suggest that Epi induces resilience to stress-induced depression. Furthermore, our findings propose that muscles respond to Epi treatment according to their type of metabolism and that kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) could play a role in modulating this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Guadalupe Martínez-Damas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Verónica Pérez-de la Cruz
- Laboratorio de Neurobioquimica y Conducta, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, S.S.A. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gabriel Daniel Canela-Tellez
- Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ismael Jiménez-Estrada
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Humberto Nicolini-Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Lucio Antonio Ramos-Chávez
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Silvia García
- Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Magally Ramírez-Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ramón Mauricio Coral-Vázquez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México; Subdirección de Enseñanza e Investigación, Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Ciudad de México, México.
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17
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Velásquez-Torres M, Shibayama-Salas M, Pacheco-Yépez J, Silva-Olivares A, Sánchez-Monroy V, Marchat LA, Rivera G, Ramírez-Moreno E. (-)-Epicatechin protects from amebic liver abscess development in hamster. Exp Parasitol 2021; 224:108103. [PMID: 33771537 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this work the effect of (-)-epicatechin on the development of amebic liver abscess in hamsters was evaluated. (-)-epicatechin is a flavonoid present in plants that possesses various biological properties, including its activity against some protozoal parasites; however its antiamebic activity in a living model had not been evaluated. Syrian golden hamsters were intrahepatically inoculated with 1x106E. histolytica trophozoites, three days after inoculation they received nine intraperitoneal doses of (-)-epicatechin (10 mg/100 g) every 48 h. Animals without treatments and treated with metronidazole were included as controls. Macroscopic characteristics of the hepatic abscess, histopathological analysis of the tissue and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined. (-)-epicatechin produced a decrease in liver abscess progression being observed only 9.49% of damage compared to 84% shown by untreated animals. During treatment with (-)-epicatechin hepatic tissue showed signs of liver repair and absence of amoebae. Additionally, (-)-epicatechin produced a modulating effect on inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10. All these events observed in animals treated with (-)-epicatechin could contribute to the elimination of trophozoites and liver healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Velásquez-Torres
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2. Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mineko Shibayama-Salas
- Deparmento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Judith Pacheco-Yépez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Angélica Silva-Olivares
- Deparmento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Virginia Sánchez-Monroy
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Laurence A Marchat
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2. Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, México
| | - Esther Ramírez-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular 2. Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México.
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18
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Si H, Lai CQ, Liu D. Dietary Epicatechin, A Novel Anti-aging Bioactive Small Molecule. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3-18. [PMID: 31886745 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666191230104958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epicatechin (EC), a flavonoid present in various foods including cocoa, dark chocolate, berries, and tea, has recently been reported to promote general health and survival of old mice fed a standard chow diet. This is considered a novel discovery in the field of identifying natural compounds to extend lifespan, given that presumably popular anti-aging natural agents including resveratrol, green tea extract, and curcumin had failed in extending the lifespan of standard chow-diet-fed mice. However, the anti-aging mechanism of EC is not fully understood, thus impeding the potential application of this natural compound in improving a healthy lifespan in humans. In this review, we first summarized the main dietary sources that contain a significant amount of EC and recent research regarding the absorption, metabolism and distribution of EC in humans and rodents. The review is then focused on the anti-aging effects of EC in cultured cells, animals and humans with the possible physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its lifespan-extending effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Si
- Department of Human Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Chao-Qiang Lai
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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19
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Cremonini E, Iglesias DE, Kang J, Lombardo GE, Mostofinejad Z, Wang Z, Zhu W, Oteiza PI. (-)-Epicatechin and the comorbidities of obesity. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 690:108505. [PMID: 32679195 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity has major adverse consequences on human health contributing to the development of, among others, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, altered behavior and cognition, and cancer. Changes in dietary habits and lifestyle could contribute to mitigate the development and/or progression of these pathologies. This review will discuss current evidence on the beneficial actions of the flavan-3-ol (-)-epicatechin (EC) on obesity-associated comorbidities. These benefits can be in part explained through EC's capacity to mitigate several common events underlying the development of these pathologies, including: i) high circulating levels of glucose, lipids and endotoxins; ii) chronic systemic inflammation; iii) tissue endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress; iv) insulin resistance; v) mitochondria dysfunction and vi) dysbiosis. The currently known underlying mechanisms and cellular targets of EC's beneficial effects are discussed. While, there is limited evidence from human studies supplementing with pure EC, other studies involving cocoa supplementation in humans, pure EC in rodents and in vitro studies, support a potential beneficial action of EC on obesity-associated comorbidities. This evidence also stresses the need of further research in the field, which would contribute to the development of human dietary strategies to mitigate the adverse consequences of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cremonini
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Dario E Iglesias
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jiye Kang
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Giovanni E Lombardo
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Zahra Mostofinejad
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Wei Zhu
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Patricia I Oteiza
- Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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20
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Qu Z, Liu A, Li P, Liu C, Xiao W, Huang J, Liu Z, Zhang S. Advances in physiological functions and mechanisms of (-)-epicatechin. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:211-233. [PMID: 32090598 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1723057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
(-)-Epicatechin (EC) is a flavanol easily obtained through the diet and is present in tea, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Recent studies have shown that EC protects human health and exhibits prominent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, enhances muscle performance, improves symptoms of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, prevents diabetes, and protects the nervous system. With the development of modern medical and biotechnology research, the mechanisms of action associated with EC toward various chronic diseases are becoming more apparent, and the pharmacological development and utilization of EC has been increasingly clarified. Currently, there is no comprehensive systematic introduction to the effects of EC and its mechanisms of action. This review presents the latest research progress and the role of EC in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases and its protective health effects and provides a theoretical basis for future research on EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Qu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ailing Liu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Penghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Changwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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The Use of Nutraceuticals to Counteract Atherosclerosis: The Role of the Notch Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:5470470. [PMID: 31915510 PMCID: PMC6935452 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5470470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the currently available pharmacotherapies, today, thirty percent of worldwide deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), whose primary cause is atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disorder characterized by the buildup of lipid deposits on the inside of arteries. Multiple cellular signaling pathways have been shown to be involved in the processes underlying atherosclerosis, and evidence has been accumulating for the crucial role of Notch receptors in regulating the functions of the diverse cell types involved in atherosclerosis onset and progression. Several classes of nutraceuticals have potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and CVDs, some of which could in part be due to their ability to modulate the Notch pathway. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the role of Notch in vascular health and its modulation by nutraceuticals for the prevention of atherosclerosis and/or treatment of related CVDs.
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22
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Madeo F, Carmona-Gutierrez D, Hofer SJ, Kroemer G. Caloric Restriction Mimetics against Age-Associated Disease: Targets, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential. Cell Metab 2019; 29:592-610. [PMID: 30840912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The increase in life expectancy has boosted the incidence of age-related pathologies beyond social and economic sustainability. Consequently, there is an urgent need for interventions that revert or at least prevent the pathogenic age-associated deterioration. The permanent or periodic reduction of calorie intake without malnutrition (caloric restriction and fasting) is the only strategy that reliably extends healthspan in mammals including non-human primates. However, the strict and life-long compliance with these regimens is difficult, which has promoted the emergence of caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs). We define CRMs as compounds that ignite the protective pathways of caloric restriction by promoting autophagy, a cytoplasmic recycling mechanism, via a reduction in protein acetylation. Here, we describe the current knowledge on molecular, cellular, and organismal effects of known and putative CRMs in mice and humans. We anticipate that CRMs will become part of the pharmacological armamentarium against aging and age-related cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | | | - Sebastian J Hofer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U 1138, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Center of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, China.
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23
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Van den Eynde MDG, Geleijnse JM, Scheijen JLJM, Hanssen NMJ, Dower JI, Afman LA, Stehouwer CDA, Hollman PCH, Schalkwijk CG. Quercetin, but Not Epicatechin, Decreases Plasma Concentrations of Methylglyoxal in Adults in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial with Pure Flavonoids. J Nutr 2018; 148:1911-1916. [PMID: 30398646 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the most potent precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). MGO and AGEs have been associated with diabetes, its complications, and other age-related diseases. Experimental studies have shown that the flavonoids quercetin and epicatechin are able to scavenge MGO and lower AGE formation. Objective Data on the effects of these flavonoids on MGO and AGE concentrations in humans are not yet available. We therefore investigated the effect of quercetin and epicatechin on the concentrations of MGO and AGEs in a post hoc analysis. Methods Thirty-seven apparently healthy, nonsmoking adults with a systolic blood pressure between 125 and 160 mm Hg at screening were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Participants ingested (-)-epicatechin (100 mg/d), quercetin 3-glucoside (160 mg/d), or placebo capsules for periods of 4 wk separated by 4-wk washout periods. Fasting blood samples were collected at the start and end of each intervention period. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine plasma concentrations of the dicarbonyl compounds MGO, glyoxal (GO), and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) and free and protein-bound AGEs. Gene expression of glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), the enzyme involved in the degradation of MGO, was determined by either microarray or quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results The treatment effect (Δtreatment - Δplacebo) of quercetin on MGO was -40.2 nmol/L (95% CI: -73.6, -6.8 nmol/L; P = 0.019), a decrease of 11% from baseline values, whereas GO, 3-DG, and free and protein-bound AGEs did not change significantly. Epicatechin did not affect the concentrations of dicarbonyls and free and protein-bound AGEs. We did not find a significant change in expression of GLO1. Conclusions In apparently healthy (pre)hypertensive men and women, quercetin but not epicatechin decreased plasma MGO concentrations. Quercetin may potentially form a new treatment strategy for diseases in which MGO plays a pivotal role. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01691404.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias D G Van den Eynde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Jean L J M Scheijen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nordin M J Hanssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - James I Dower
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Lydia A Afman
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Coen D A Stehouwer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Peter C H Hollman
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Casper G Schalkwijk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
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