Secretory leukoprotease inhibitor is required for efficient quercetin-mediated suppression of TNFα secretion

The Role of Gluten in Food Products and Dietary Restriction: Exploring the Potential for Restoring Immune Tolerance

Wheat is extensively utilized in various processed foods due to unique proteins forming from the gluten network. The gluten network in food undergoes morphological and molecular structural changes during food processing, affecting the final quality and digestibility of the food. The present review introduces the formation of the gluten network and the role of gluten in the key steps of the production of several typical food products such as bread, pasta, and beer. Also, it summarizes the factors that affect the digestibility of gluten, considering that different processing conditions probably affect its structure and properties, contributing to an in-depth understanding of the digestion of gluten by the human body under various circumstances. Nevertheless, consumption of gluten protein may lead to the development of celiac disease (CD). The best way is theoretically proposed to prevent and treat CD by the inducement of oral tolerance, an immune non-response system formed by the interaction of oral food antigens with the intestinal immune system. This review proposes the restoration of oral tolerance in CD patients through adjunctive dietary therapy via gluten-encapsulated/modified dietary polyphenols. It will reduce the dietary restriction of gluten and help patients achieve a comprehensive dietary intake by better understanding the interactions between gluten and food-derived active products like polyphenols.

The Chelating Ability of Plant Polyphenols Can Affect Iron Homeostasis and Gut Microbiota

In the past decades, many studies have widely examined the effects of dietary polyphenols on human health. Polyphenols are well known for their antioxidant properties and for their chelating abilities, by which they can be potentially employed in cases of pathological conditions, such as iron overload. In this review, we have highlighted the chelating abilities of polyphenols, which are due to their structural specific sites, and the differences for each class of polyphenols. We have also explored how the dietary polyphenols and their iron-binding abilities can be important in inflammatory/immunomodulatory responses, with a special focus on the involvement of macrophages and dendritic cells, and how they might contribute to reshape the gut microbiota into a healthy profile. This review also provides evidence that the axes “polyphenol–iron metabolism–inflammatory responses” and “polyphenol–iron availability–gut microbiota” have not been very well explored so far, and the need for further investigation to exploit such a potential to prevent or counteract pathological conditions.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Protective Role of Dietary Polyphenols

Pathogenetically characterized by the absence of celiac disease and wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a clinical entity triggered by the consumption of gluten-containing foods that relieved by a gluten-free diet. Since it is very difficult to maintain a complete gluten-free diet, there is a high interest in discovering alternative strategies aimed at reducing gluten concentration or mitigating its toxic effects. Plant-based dietary models are usually rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, recognized to prevent, delay, or even reverse chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders. However, research on the role of polyphenols in mitigating the toxicity of gluten-containing foods is currently limited. We address the metabolic fate of dietary polyphenols, both as free and bound macromolecule-linked forms, with particular reference to the gastrointestinal compartment, where the concentration of polyphenols can reach high levels. We analyze the potential targets of polyphenols including the gluten peptide bioavailability, the dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, intestinal immune response, oxidative stress and inflammation, and dysbiosis. Overall, this review provides an updated overview of the effects of polyphenols as possible dietary strategies to counteract the toxic effects of gluten, potentially resulting in the improved quality of life of patients with gluten-related disorders.

Nutritional Regimes Enriched with Antioxidants as an Efficient Adjuvant for IBD Patients under Infliximab Administration, a Pilot Study

Antioxidants are privileged candidates for the development of adjuvants able to improve the efficiency of pharmacological therapies, particularly for chronic inflammatory syndromes. During the last 20 years, anti-TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha) monoclonal antibodies infusion has been the biological therapy most frequently administered but there is still large space for improvement in disease remission rates and maintenance. In this context, nutritional bioactive compounds contained in dietary patterns or included as supplements, may act as adjuvants for the induction and maintenance of IBD (inflammatory bowel diseases) remission. To verify this possibility, a single-center preliminary study (SI-CURA, Soluzioni Innovative per la gestione del paziente e il follow up terapeutico della Colite UlceRosA) was designed and carried out to evaluate whether a daily administration of purple corn supplement could improve the response to Infliximab (IFX) infusion of IBD patients with both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). A cohort of 47 patients was enrolled in the study. Biological samples were collected before the first and the third IFX infusion. All patients received nutritional guidelines, 27 of them received commercial red fruit tea with low anthocyanins content, while 20 received a purple corn supplement with a high anthocyanin content. Results show that the administration of an antioxidant-enriched purple corn supplement could improve IFX-mediated disease remission in terms of circulating inflammatory markers. Comparison between CD and UC patients revealed that, at this anthocyanin dosage, the purple corn extract administration improved the IFX response in CD but not in UC patients. Our results may pave the way for a new metacentric study of CD patients, recruiting a wider cohort and followed-up over a longer observational time.

Hop-derived fraction rich in beta acids and prenylflavonoids regulates the inflammatory response in dendritic cells differently from quercetin: unveiling metabolic changes by mass spectrometry-based metabolomics

Dendritic cells (DCs) represent a heterogeneous family of immune cells that link innate and adaptive immunity and their activation is linked to metabolic changes that are essential to support their activity and function. Hence, targeting the metabolism of DCs represents an opportunity to modify the inflammatory and immune response. Among the natural matrices, Humulus lupulus (Hop) compounds have recently been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of specific Hop fractions to modulate DCs metabolism after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by an untargeted metabolomics approach and compare their effect with flavonol quercetin. Following liquid chromatography-based fractionation, three fractions (A, B, and C) were obtained and tested. Cytokine and gene expression were evaluated using ELISA and qPCR, respectively, while the untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed using a combined HILIC-HRMS and DI-FT-ICR approach. The HOP C fraction and quercetin could both reduce the production of several inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF, but differently from quercetin, the HOP C mechanism is independent of extracellular iron-sequestration and showed significant upregulation of the Nrf2/Nqo1 pathway and Ap-1 compared to quercetin. The untargeted analysis revealed the modulation of several key pathways linked to pro-inflammatory and glycolytic phenotypes. In particular, HOP C treatment could modulate the oxidative step of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and reduce the inflammatory mediator succinate, citrulline, and purine-pyrimidine metabolism, differently from quercetin. These results highlight the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of specific Hop-derived compounds in restoring the dysregulated metabolism in DCs, which can be used in preventive or adjuvant therapies to suppress the undesirable inflammatory response.

Quercetin Administration Suppresses the Cytokine Storm in Myeloid and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) can be divided by lineage into myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). They both are present in mucosal tissues and regulate the immune response by secreting chemokines and cytokines. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by a leaky intestinal barrier and the consequent translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the basolateral side. This results in DCs activation, but the response of pDCs is still poorly characterized. In the present study, we compared mDCs and pDCs responses to LPS administration. We present a broad panel of DCs secreted factors, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Our recent studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin administration, but to date, there is no evidence about quercetin’s effects on pDCs. The results of the present study demonstrate that pDCs can respond to LPS and that quercetin exposure modulates soluble factors release through the same molecular pathway used by mDCs (Slpi, Hmox1, and AP-1).

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Colorectal Cancer: Implications for Drug Discovery

As an important part of complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been applied to treat a host of diseases for centuries. Over the years, with the incidence rate of human colorectal cancer (CRC) increasing continuously and the advantage of TCM gradually becoming more prominent, the importance of TCM in both domestic and international fields is also growing with each passing day. However, the unknowability of active ingredients, effective substances, and the underlying mechanisms of TCM against this malignant tumor greatly restricts the translation degree of clinical products and the pace of precision medicine. In this review, based on the characteristics of TCM and the oral administration of most ingredients, we herein provide beneficial information for the clinical utilization of TCM in the prevention and treatment of CRC and retrospect the current preclinical studies on the related active ingredients, as well as put forward the research mode for the discovery of active ingredients and effective substances in TCM, to provide novel insights into the research and development of innovative agents from this conventional medicine for CRC treatment and assist the realization of precision medicine.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracts Modulate the Inflammatory Ability of Murine Dendritic Cells Based on Their Polyphenols Pattern: Correlation between Chemical Composition and Biological Function

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) represents one of the most important health-promoting foods whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are mainly associated to its polyphenols content. To date, studies exploring the effect of EVOO polyphenols on dendritic cells (DCs), acting as a crosstalk between the innate and the adaptive immune response, are scanty. Therefore, we studied the ability of three EVOO extracts (cv. Coratina, Cima di Mola/Coratina, and Casaliva), characterized by different polyphenols amount, to regulate DCs maturation in resting conditions or after an inflammatory stimulus. Cima di Mola/Coratina and Casaliva extracts were demonstrated to be the most effective in modulating DCs toward an anti-inflammatory profile by reduction of TNF and IL-6 secretion and CD86 expression, along with a down-modulation of Il-1β and iNOS expression. From factorial analysis results, 9 polyphenols were tentatively established to play a synergistic role in modulating DCs inflammatory ability, thus reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.

Polyphenol Enriched Diet Administration During Pregnancy and Lactation Prevents Dysbiosis in Ulcerative Colitis Predisposed Littermates

Neonatal colonization of the gastrointestinal tract depends on mother microbiome, thus mother microbiota dysbiosis is transmitted to the offspring during the delivery and shaped by breastmilk characteristics. Here we used a murine model of UC predisposition (Winnie^-/-) to evaluate the effects of maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation. Using heterozygous breeders, we obtained both Winnie^-/- and C57BL/6 littermates from the same mother and compared their microbiota at weaning and adult age, using a diet enriched with 1% tomato fruit of a line – named Bronze – highly enriched in bioactive polyphenols, or Control tomato. Females received enriched diets two weeks before the beginning of the breeding and never stopped for the following six months. No significant effect was observed in regard to the percentage of Winnie^-/- offspring, as with both diets the percentage was about 25% as expected. Winnie littermates from breeders fed with the Bronze-enriched diet showed reduced dysbiosis at 4 weeks of age if compared with Winnie under the Control tomato diet. This effect was then reduced when mice reached adult age. Conversely, the microbiota of C57BL/6 does not change significantly, indicating that fortified mothers-diet significantly contribute to preventing dysbiosis in genetically predisposed offspring, but has mild effects on healthy littermates and adult mice. An overall tendency towards reduced inflammation was underlined by the colon weight and the percentage of Foxp3⁺ cells reduction in Winnie mice fed with Bronze diet. Control diet did not show similar tendency.

The Immunomodulatory Effects of Honey and Associated Flavonoids in Cancer

Honey has exerted a high impact in the field of alternative medicine over many centuries. In addition to its wound healing, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties, several lines of evidence have highlighted the efficiency of honey and associated bioactive constituents as anti-tumor agents against a range of cancer types. Mechanistically, honey was shown to inhibit cancer cell growth through its pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects. However, the potential of honey to regulate anti-tumor immune responses is relatively unexplored. A small number of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of honey to modulate the immune system by inducing immunostimulatory as well as anti-inflammatory effects. In the present review, we summarize the findings from different studies that aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of honey and its flavonoid components in relation to cancer. While these studies provide promising data, additional research is needed to further elucidate the immunomodulatory properties of honey, and to enable its utilization as an adjuvant therapy in cancer.

Iron-Enriched Nutritional Supplements for the 2030 Pharmacy Shelves

Iron deficiency (ID) affects people of all ages in many countries. Due to intestinal blood loss and reduced iron absorption, ID is a threat to IBD patients, women, and children the most. Current therapies can efficiently recover normal serum transferrin saturation and hemoglobin concentration but may cause several side effects, including intestinal inflammation. ID patients may benefit from innovative nutritional supplements that may satisfy iron needs without side effects. There is a growing interest in new iron-rich superfoods, like algae and mushrooms, which combine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with iron richness.

Dietary Quercetin Alleviated DSS-induced Colitis in Mice Through Several Possible Pathways by Transcriptome Analysis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is rapidly increasing around the world. Quercetin is a flavonoid commonly found in vegetables and fruits and has been reported to exert numerous pharmacological activities such as enhancing antioxidant capacity or suppressing inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore whether quercetin was effective for IBD and the underlying mechanism of quercetin for the ameliorative effects on the DSS-induced colitis in mice.

METHODS

Thirty-six mice were randomly assigned to three treatments, including the control group (Ctr), DSS-induced colitis group (DSS) and DSS-induced colitis supplemented with 500 ppm quercetin (DQ500). Colitis was induced by DSS intake, and body weight was recorded every day. After six days administration of DSS, intestinal permeability was measured, and the liver was taken for antioxidant enzyme tests. Colonic tissue was taken for the histopathlogical score and RNA-sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

In this experiment, dietary quercetin for 500ppm alleviated the DSS-induced colitis, possibly by strengthening intestinal integrity, liver antioxidant capacity. Based on the results of the transcriptome of colon tissue, several key genes were modulated by quercetin. ERK1/2-FKBP pathway and RXR-STAT3 pathway were involved in the development of IBD, furthermore, in the down-regulation of S100a8/9, FBN2 contributed to lowering the risk of colongenesis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that dietary quercetin alleviated the DSS-induced colitis in mice. This is most likely due to its beneficial effects on intestinal integrity and modulation of several key pathways. Based on our research, quercetin was a promising candidate for IBD and its pharmaceutical effects on both IBD and colongenesis need further research.

Plant Polyphenols-Biofortified Foods as a Novel Tool for the Prevention of Human Gut Diseases

Plant food biofortification is recently receiving remarkable attention, as it aims to increase the intake of minerals, vitamins, or antioxidants, crucial for their contribution to the general human health status and disease prevention. In this context, the study of the plant’s secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols, plays a pivotal role for the development of a new generation of plant crops, compensating, at least in part, the low nutritional quality of Western diets with a higher quality of dietary sources. Due to the prevalent immunomodulatory activity at the intestinal level, polyphenols represent a nutritionally relevant class of plant secondary metabolites. In this review, we focus on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of different classes of polyphenols with a specific attention to their potential in the prevention of intestinal pathological processes. We also discuss the latest biotechnology strategies and new advances of genomic techniques as a helpful tool for polyphenols biofortification and the development of novel, healthy dietary alternatives that can contribute to the prevention of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Reduction of colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis by a black lentil water extract through inhibition of inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines

The objective was to compare the impact of black lentil (BL) water and delphinidin 3-O-(2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-α-l-arabinopyranoside) (D3G)-rich lentil extracts on tumor development, inflammation and immune response in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model. C57BL/6 mice were randomly separated into four groups: healthy control (n = 6), AOM/DSS control (n = 14), AOM/DSS + BL (600 mg/kg body wt, n = 12) and AOM/DSS + D3G (41 mg/kg body wt, equivalent to D3G concentration in BL, n = 12). Mice were given treatments for 11 weeks using a voluntary jelly administration. AOM/DSS + BL presented a lower (P < 0.05) disease activity index, throughout and at the end (2.4) compared with AOM/DSS (6.3). AOM/DSS + BL mice had an average of 7.8 neoplasms versus 12.8 for the AOM/DSS (P < 0.05). Proinflammatory cytokines were downregulated in the colon mucosa: interleukin (IL)-1β (-77.5%, -70.7%) and IL-6 (-44.4%, -44.9%) by AOM/DSS + BL and AOM/DSS + D3G, respectively, compared with AOM/DSS. IL-6 protein expression was decreased by BL in plasma (-72.6%) and gene expression in colon polyps (fold change: -4.0) compared with AOM/DSS. AOM/DSS + D3G non-polyp tissue gene expression clustered with the healthy control tissue with only four genes modified (secreted phosphoprotein 1 and CXC motif chemokine ligands 2, 5 and 10). AOM/DSS + BL downregulated programmed death-ligand 1 protein expression in colon tissue (-54.7%) and gene expression by 2.8-fold compared with the AOM/DSS control. In fecal samples, gallic and protocatechuic acids and epicatechin were found, and concentration of most amino acids was lower and unsaturated fatty acids were higher for AOM/DSS + BL and AOM/DSS + D3G. BL and D3G-rich extracts showed anti-inflammatory and proimmune response effects while BL additionally prevented growth of neoplasia.

The role of dietary polyphenols in inflammatory bowel disease: A possible clue on the molecular mechanisms involved in the prevention of immune and inflammatory reactions

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the major complications of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by chronic inflammation, which disturbs the quality of life of the affected individuals. Genetic predisposition, immune, inflammatory, and enzyme-mediated signaling cascades are the primary mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Currently, the treatment strategy involves the maintenance of remission and induction of inflammation by anti-inflammatory agents and immune suppressants. Polyphenol-containing diets, including fruits and vegetables of regular use, possess anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential through the inhibition of major contributing pathways to IBD. This review discusses the role of these dietary polyphenols in downregulating the major signaling cascades in IBD. Our review encourages the development of nutritional strategies to improve the efficiency of current therapies for IBD and reduce the risks of side effects associated with conventional therapy. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: At present, almost every third person in society is under stress and having chronic disorders like diabetes, arthritis, allergy, cardiovascular disease, IBD, etc. This insists on the direct/indirect role of changes in the lifestyle for such deterioration in society. This review would emphasize the medicinal value of polyphenols present in fruits and vegetables for chronic inflammatory disorders. This concept portrays the food components which have the potential to promote health, improve general well-being, and reduce the risk of IBD. We propose to add fruits with bioactive polyphenols in the regular diet to help in preventing the immune-mediated intestinal chronic inflammatory syndrome and reduce the risks of colorectal cancer development.

Allergy Modulation by N-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Fat Soluble Nutrients of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet, containing valuable nutrients such as n-3 long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and other fat-soluble micronutrients, is known for its health promoting and anti-inflammatory effects. Its valuable elements might help in the battle against the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including the development of allergic diseases and other (chronic) inflammatory diseases. The fat fraction of the Mediterranean diet contains bioactive fatty acids but can also serve as a matrix to dissolve and increase the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins and phytochemicals, such as luteolin, quercetin, resveratrol and lycopene with known immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacities. Especially n-3 LCPUFAs such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived from marine oils can target specific receptors or signaling cascades, act as eicosanoid precursors and/or alter membrane fluidity and lipid raft formation, hereby exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond n-3 LCPUFAs, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K1/2 have the potential to affect pro-inflammatory signaling cascades by interacting with receptors or activating/inhibiting signaling proteins or phosphorylation in immune cells (DCs, T-cells, mast cells) involved in allergic sensitization or the elicitation/effector phase of allergic reactions. Moreover, fat-soluble plant-derived phytochemicals can manipulate signaling cascades, mostly by interacting with other receptors or signaling proteins compared to those modified by fat-soluble vitamins, suggesting potential additive or synergistic actions by applying a combination of these nutrients which are all part of the regular Mediterranean diet. Research concerning the effects of phytochemicals such as polyphenols has been hampered due to their poor bio-availability. However, their solubility and uptake are improved by applying them within the dietary fat matrix. Alternatively, they can be prepared for targeted delivery by means of pharmaceutical approaches such as encapsulation within liposomes or even unique nanoparticles. This review illuminates the molecular mechanisms of action and possible immunomodulatory effects of n-3 LCPUFAs and fat-soluble micronutrients from the Mediterranean diet in allergic disease development and allergic inflammation. This will enable us to further appreciate how to make use of the beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFAs, fat-soluble vitamins and a selection of phytochemicals as active biological components in allergy prevention and/or symptom reduction.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19-SARS-CoV-2) and Nutrition: Is Infection in Italy Suggesting a Connection?

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The outbreak first occurred in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019 and hit Italy heavily in February 2020. Several countries are adopting complete or partial lockdown to contain the growth of COVID-19 infection. These measures may affect people's mental health and well-being but are necessary to avoid spreading the pandemic. There has been a gradual increase in studies exploring prevention and control measures, and we recommend paying close attention to nutrition, which may contribute to modulating some important consequences of COVID-19 infection, as such pro-inflammatory cytokine storm.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell-Derived Arginase-1 Oppositely Modulates IL-17A and IL-17F Through the ESR/STAT3 Pathway During Colitis in Mice

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) play a crucial role in regulating the intestinal immune response during colitis. We previously revealed an essential role of MDSC in promoting TH17 cell polarization, which was found to be arginase-1 (Arg-1)-dependent; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Here we report that percentage of MDSC decreased in Arg^myeKO mice during DSS-induced colitis. IL-17A levels reduced but IL-17F levels increased significantly in the colorectum of Arg^myeKO mice, leading to severe tissue damage and high risk of mortality rate. Activation of estrogen receptor (ESR) increased pSTAT3 level in MDSC and consequently led to elevated percentage of MDSC and more Arg-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in MDSC. Increased level of IL-17A and reduced level of IL-17F alleviated colitis in mice consequently. Together, these findings demonstrate a protective role of MDSC-derived Arg-1 during colitis after activates ESR/STAT3 signaling in MDSC. High level of Arg-1 favors accumulation of IL-17A, but reduced IL-17F expression in the colorectum of mice and ultimately leading to relief of colitis, indicating a potential clinical impact of MDSC-derived Arg-1 for controlling inflammatory bowel disease.

Myeloid cells in liver and bone marrow acquire a functionally distinct inflammatory phenotype during obesity-related steatohepatitis

OBJECTIVE

Bone marrow-derived myeloid cells accumulate in the liver as monocytes and macrophages during the progression of obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to steatohepatitis (NASH). Myeloid cells comprise heterogeneous subsets, and dietary overnutrition may affect macrophages in the liver and bone marrow. We therefore aimed at characterising in depth the functional adaptations of myeloid cells in fatty liver.

DESIGN

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively assess the heterogeneity of myeloid cells in the liver and bone marrow during NAFLD, by analysing C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat, high-sugar, high-cholesterol 'Western diet' for 16 weeks. We also characterised NAFLD-driven functional adaptations of macrophages in vitro and their functional relevance during steatohepatitis in vivo.

RESULTS

Single-cell RNA sequencing identified distinct myeloid cell clusters in the liver and bone marrow. In both compartments, monocyte-derived populations were largely expanded in NASH-affected mice. Importantly, the liver myeloid compartment adapted a unique inflammatory phenotype during NAFLD progression, exemplarily characterised by downregulated inflammatory calprotectin (S100A8/A9) in macrophage and dendritic cell subsets. This distinctive gene signature was also found in their bone marrow precursors. The NASH myeloid phenotype was principally recapitulated by in vitro exposure of bone marrow-derived macrophages with fatty acids, depended on toll-like receptor 4 signalling and defined a characteristic response pattern to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This imprinted and stable NASH myeloid immune phenotype functionally determined inflammatory responses following acute liver injury (acetaminophen poisoning) in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Liver myeloid leucocytes and their bone marrow precursors adapt a common and functionally relevant inflammatory signature during NAFLD progression.

Quercetin Exposure Suppresses the Inflammatory Pathway in Intestinal Organoids from Winnie Mice

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic and relapsing immune disorders that result, or possibly originate, from epithelial barrier defects. Intestinal organoids are a new reliable tool to investigate epithelial response in models of chronic inflammation. We produced organoids from the ulcerative colitis murine model Winnie to explore if the chronic inflammatory features observed in the parental intestine were preserved by the organoids. Furthermore, we investigated if quercetin administration to in vitro cultured organoids could suppress LPS-induced inflammation in wild-type organoids (WT-organoids) and spontaneous inflammation in ulcerative colitis organoids (UC-organoids). Our data demonstrate that small intestinal organoids obtained from Winnie mice retain the chronic intestinal inflammatory features characteristic of the parental tissue. Quercetin administration was able to suppress inflammation both in UC-organoids and in LPS-treated WT-organoids. Altogether, our data demonstrate that UC-organoids are a reliable experimental system for investigating chronic intestinal inflammation and pharmacological responses.

Quercetin-Induced miR-369-3p Suppresses Chronic Inflammatory Response Targeting C/EBP-β

SCOPE

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells that play an important role in the crosstalk between the innate and the adaptive immune response. Quercetin exposure is identified as an effective strategy to suppress the inflammatory response induced by LPS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, using a next-generation sequencing analysis, the effect of quercetin on microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in DCs is examined. A signature of 113 miRNAs that are differentially regulated in LPS-stimulated DCs after quercetin exposure is defined. It is demonstrated that the loss of function of miR-369-3p in LPS-stimulated DCs during quercetin exposure led to an increase of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBP-β) mRNA and protein and its downstream targets tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL6). Conversely, it is shown that the ectopic induction of miR-369-3p without quercetin suppresses the inflammatory response of LPS reducing C/EBP-β, TNF-α, and IL6 production. In vivo, oral administration of quercetin in dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis induces miR-369-3p expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that quercetin-induced miR-369-3p regulates the inflammatory cascade in chronic inflammatory response and present promising therapeutic implications.

Polyphenols: Immunomodulatory and Therapeutic Implication in Colorectal Cancer

Polyphenolic compounds, widely present in fruits, vegetables, and cereals, have potential benefits for human health and are protective agents against the development of chronic/degenerative diseases including cancer. More recently these bioactive molecules have been gaining great interest as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents, mainly in neoplasia where the pro-inflammatory context might promote carcinogenesis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered a major public healthy issue, a leading cause of cancer mortality and morbidity worldwide. Epidemiological, pre-clinical and clinical investigations have consistently highlighted important relationships between large bowel inflammation, gut microbiota (GM), and colon carcinogenesis. Many experimental studies and clinical evidence suggest that polyphenols have a relevant role in CRC chemoprevention, exhibit cytotoxic capability vs. CRC cells and induce increased sensitization to chemo/radiotherapies. These effects are most likely related to the immunomodulatory properties of polyphenols able to modulate cytokine and chemokine production and activation of immune cells. In this review we summarize recent advancements on immunomodulatory activities of polyphenols and their ability to counteract the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. We focus on potential role of natural polyphenols in increasing the cell sensitivity to colon cancer therapies, highlighting the polyphenol-based combined treatments as innovative immunomodulatory strategies to inhibit the growth of CRC.

A Bronze-Tomato Enriched Diet Affects the Intestinal Microbiome under Homeostatic and Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are debilitating chronic inflammatory disorders that develop as a result of a defective immune response toward intestinal bacteria. Intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the onset of IBD and has been reported to persist even in patients in deep remission. We investigated the possibility of a dietary-induced switch to the gut microbiota composition using Winnie mice as a model of spontaneous ulcerative colitis and chow enriched with 1% Bronze tomato. We used the near isogenic tomato line strategy to investigate the effects of a diet enriched in polyphenols administered to mild but established chronic intestinal inflammation. The Bronze-enriched chow administered for two weeks was not able to produce any macroscopic effect on the IBD symptoms, although, at molecular level there was a significant induction of anti-inflammatory genes and intracellular staining of T cells revealed a mild decrease in IL17A and IFNγ production. Analysis of the microbial composition revealed that two weeks of Bronze enriched diet was sufficient to perturb the microbial composition of Winnie and control mice, suggesting that polyphenol-enriched diets may create unfavorable conditions for distinct bacterial species. In conclusion, dietary regimes enriched in polyphenols may efficiently support IBD remission affecting the intestinal dysbiosis.

Aquaporin 9 Contributes to the Maturation Process and Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion of Murine Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells able to trigger the adaptive immune response to specific antigens. When non-self-antigens are captured, DCs switch from an “immature” to a “mature” state to fulfill their function. Among the several surface proteins involved in DCs maturation, the role of aquaporins (AQPs) is still poorly understood. Here we investigated the expression profile of Aqps in murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Among the Aqps analyzed, Aqp9 was the most expressed by DCs. Its expression level was significantly upregulated 6 h following LPS exposure. Chemical inhibition of Aqp9 led to a decreased inflammatory cytokines secretion. BMDCs from AQP9-KO mice release lower amount of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and increased release of IL-10. Despite the reduced release of inflammatory cytokines, Aqp9-KO mice were not protected from DSS induced colitis. All together, our data indicate that AQP9 blockade can be an efficient strategy to reduce DCs inflammatory response but it is not sufficient to protect from acute inflammatory insults such as DSS induced colitis.

Application of Spray Drying Particle Engineering to a High-Functionality/Low-Solubility Milk Thistle Extract: Powders Production and Characterization

Many natural compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are a potential target for new therapies against chronic inflammatory syndromes. The oral administration of functional herbal supplements may become a prevention strategy or therapy adjuvant for susceptible patients. A case study is our milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract rich in silymarin complex. A water-soluble microencapsulated powder system was developed by a spray drying technique to improve the poor silymarin bioactivity after oral administration. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) was employed as coating/swelling polymer matrix and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as the surfactant (1:1:0.05 w/w/w). A H₂O/EtOH/acetone (50/15/35 v/v/v) solvent system was used as liquid feed. The microsystems were capable of improving the in vitro dissolution and permeation rates, suggesting an enhancement of bioactivity after oral administration. The microsystems protect the antioxidant activity of silymarin after harsh storage conditions period and do not affect the anti-inflammatory properties of the raw extract (efficient already at lower concentrations of 0.312 mg/mL) to reduce dendritic cells (DCs) inflammatory cytokine secretion after lipopolysaccharide administration. This approach allows managing particle size, surface properties and release of bioactive agents improving the bioactivity of a herbal supplement and is also possibly applicable to many other similar natural products.

Combined Dietary Anthocyanins, Flavonols, and Stilbenoids Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Mice

Dietary polyphenols are associated with a wide range of health benefits, protecting against chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging. Dietary polyphenols offer a complementary approach to the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), a group of common chronic intestinal inflammation syndromes for which there is no cure. Tomato is widely consumed but its content of polyphenols is low. We developed a tomato variety, Bronze, enriched in three distinct classes of polyphenols: flavonols, anthocyanins, and stilbenoids. Using Bronze tomatoes as a dietary supplement as well as Indigo (high anthocyanins and flavonols), ResTom (high stilbenoids) and wild-type tomatoes, we examined the effects of the different polyphenols on the host gut microbiota, inflammatory responses, and the symptoms of chronic IBD, in a mouse model. Bronze tomatoes significantly impacted the symptoms of IBD. A similar result was observed using diets supplemented with red grape skin containing flavonols, anthocyanins, and stilbenoids, suggesting that effective protection is provided by different classes of polyphenols acting synergistically.

Quercetin decrease somatic cells count in mastitis of dairy cows

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid which has an effect on inflammation, angiogenesis and vascular inflammation. In several other flavonoids (e.g. kaempferol, astragalin, alpinetin, baicalein, indirubin), anti-inflammatory mechanism was proven by using mice mastitis model. The aim of the current study was pilot analysis of quercetin tolerability and its impact on somatic cells count (SCC) after multiple intramammary treatment on dairy cows with clinical mastitis. Based on SCC and clinical investigation, 9 dairy cows with clinical mastitis of one quarter were selected for the pilot study. Baseline analysis (hematology, TNFα, SCC) was performed every 24h among all cows three days before the first dose (B1-B3). After the baseline monitoring (B1-B3) eight days treatment (D1-D8) was performed with a high and low dose. Selected blood parameters were analyzed. Starting from D1 to D8, a decrease of SCC in relation to baseline was characterized by declining trend. The presented results allowed the confirmation of the significant influence of quercetin on the reduction of SCC in mastitis in dairy cows after 8days of therapy.

Secretory Leukoprotease Inhibitor (Slpi) Expression Is Required for Educating Murine Dendritic Cells Inflammatory Response Following Quercetin Exposure

Dendritic cells' (DCs) ability to present antigens and initiate the adaptive immune response confers them a pivotal role in immunological defense against hostile infection and, at the same time, immunological tolerance towards harmless components of the microbiota. Food products can modulate the inflammatory status of intestinal DCs. Among nutritionally-derived products, we investigated the ability of quercetin to suppress inflammatory cytokines secretion, antigen presentation, and DCs migration towards the draining lymph nodes. We recently identified the Slpi expression as a crucial checkpoint required for the quercetin-induced inflammatory suppression. Here we demonstrate that Slpi-KO DCs secrete a unique panel of cytokines and chemokines following quercetin exposure. In vivo, quercetin-enriched food is able to induce Slpi expression in the ileum, while little effects are detectable in the duodenum. Furthermore, Slpi expressing cells are more frequent at the tip compared to the base of the intestinal villi, suggesting that quercetin exposure could be more efficient for DCs projecting periscopes in the intestinal lumen. These data suggest that quercetin-enriched nutritional regimes may be efficient for suppressing inflammatory syndromes affecting the ileo-colonic tract.

Modulation of Inflammatory Response to Implanted Biomaterials Using Natural Compounds

Tissue engineering offers a promising strategy to restore injuries resulting from trauma, infection, tumor resection, or other diseases. In spite of significant progress, the field faces a significant bottleneck; the critical need to understand and exploit the interdependencies of tissue healing, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Inherently, the balance of these interacting processes is affected by a number of injury site conditions that represent a departure from physiological environment, including reduced pH, increased concentration of free radicals, hypoglycemia, and hypoxia. Efforts to harness the potential of immune response as a therapeutic strategy to promote tissue repair have led to identification of natural compounds with significant anti-inflammatory properties. This article provides a concise review of the body's inflammatory response to biomaterials and describes the role of oxygen as a physiological cue in this process. We proceed to highlight the potential of natural compounds to mediate inflammatory response and improve host-graft integration. Herein, we discuss the use of natural compounds to map signaling molecules and checkpoints that regulate the cross-linkage of immune response and skeletal repair.