A comparative analysis of genistein and daidzein in affecting lipid metabolism in rat liver

Genistein and sex hormone treatment alleviated hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation in orchidectomized rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Testosterone deficiency has been reported to accelerate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there are minimal data on the risk of NAFLD in transgender women and the treatment of NAFLD in this population. This study aimed to investigate the treatment effects and the mechanisms of action of genistein and sex hormones in orchiectomized (ORX) rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by a high fat high fructose diet (HFHF). Seven-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 6 each group); 1) control group, 2) ORX + standard diet group, 3) HFHF group, 4) ORX + HFHF group, 5) ORX + HFHF diet + testosterone group (50 mg/kg body weight (BW) once weekly), 6) ORX + HFHF diet + estradiol group (1.6 mg/kg BW daily), and 7) ORX + HFHF diet + genistein group (16 mg/kg BW daily). The duration of treatment was 6 weeks. Liver tissue was used for histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining and hepatic fat measurement by Oil Red O staining. Protein expression levels of histone deacetylase3 (HDAC3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) were analyzed by immunoblotting. Hepatic nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Rats in the ORX + HFHF group had the highest degree of hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and the highest percentage of positive Oil Red O staining area among all groups. The expression of HDAC3 and PPARδ was downregulated, while NF-ĸB expression was upregulated in the ORX + HFHF group when compared with control and ORX + standard diet groups. Testosterone, estradiol and genistein treatment improved histological features of NASH together with the reversal of HDAC3, PPARδ and NF-ĸB protein expression comparing with the ORX + HFHF group. In summary, genistein and sex hormone treatment could alleviate NASH through the up-regulation of HDAC3 and PPARδ, and the suppression of NF-ĸB expression.

Intraperitoneal injection of genistein affects the distribution and metabolism of cholesterol in female yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco

Genistein is an abundant phytoestrogen in soybean. This study aimed to determine the effects of genistein on cholesterol distribution and metabolism in female yellow catfish. Three hundred fish (49.2 ± 1.4 g) were randomly divided into five treatments and received intraperitoneal injections as follows: (1) blank, no injection; (2) control, vehicle only; (3) E2, 17β-estradiol at 10 μg·g^-1 body weight; (4) low genistein doses, genistein at 10 μg·g^-1 body weight; (5) high genistein doses, genistein at 100 μg·g^-1 body weight. Both high and low genistein doses significantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum TC and LDL-C 24 h after injection. Moreover, the high genistein doses significantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum HDL-C. Both high and low doses of genistein significantly increased (p < 0.05) hepatic TC. Only high genistein doses significantly increased (p < 0.05) ovary TC. In the liver, both high and low genistein doses significantly increased (p < 0.05) protein and mRNA expression of ldlr. Meanwhile, high genistein doses significantly decreased (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of hmgcr. In ovary tissue, high genistein doses significantly decreased (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of cyp11a1. These results suggested that genistein affected the cholesterol distribution in female yellow catfish. Both high and low doses of genistein reduced cholesterol content in blood and increased its content in the liver by increasing the uptake of blood cholesterol. Meanwhile, high genistein doses may inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Additionally, high genistein doses could increase cholesterol transfer from serum into the ovary and disturb cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone.

A multi-targeting strategy to ameliorate high-fat-diet- and fructose-induced (western diet-induced) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with supplementation of a mixture of legume ethanol extracts

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is a multifactorial liver disease related to multiple causes or unhealthy conditions, including obesity and chronic inflammation. The accumulation of excess triglycerides, called steatosis, is known as a hallmark of an imbalance between the rates of hepatic fatty acid uptake/synthesis and oxidation/export. Furthermore, occurrence of NAFLD may lead to a cocktail of disease consequences caused by the altered metabolism of glucose, lipids, and lipoproteins, for instance, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, and even hepatocarcinogenesis. Due to the complexity of the occurrence of NAFLD, a multi-targeting strategy is highly recommended to effectively address the issue and combat the causal loop. Ethanol extracts of legumes are popular supplements due to their richness and diversity in phytochemicals, especially isoflavones and anthocyanins. Although many of them have been reported to have efficacy in the treatment of different metabolic syndromes and obesity, there have not been many studies on them as a supplemental mixture. In this study, the alleviative effects of selected legume ethanol extracts (CrE) on high-fat-diet- and fructose-induced obesity, liver steatosis, and hyperglycemia are discussed. As revealed by the findings, CrE not only ameliorated obesity in terms of weight gained and enlargement of adipose tissue, but also significantly reduced the incidence of steatosis via phosphorylation of AMPK, resulting in inhibition of the downstream SREBP-1c/FAS pathway and an increase in an indicator of β-oxidation (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a, CPT1A). Furthermore, CrE dramatically alleviated inflammatory responses, including both plasma and hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels. CrE also had attenuating effects on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and significantly reduced the fasting glucose level, fasting insulin level, and plasma leptin, and it exhibited positive effects in the Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). At the molecular level, CrE could activate the PI3K/Akt/Glut2 pathway, which indicated an increase in insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Taken together, these results suggest that ethanol extracts of legumes could be potential supplements for metabolic syndromes, and their efficacy and effectiveness might facilitate the multi-targeting strategy required to mitigate NAFLD.

Nutraceutical Properties of Polyphenols against Liver Diseases

Current food tendencies, suboptimal dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle are spreading metabolic disorders worldwide. Consequently, the prevalence of liver pathologies is increasing, as it is the main metabolic organ in the body. Chronic liver diseases, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the main cause, have an alarming prevalence of around 25% worldwide. Otherwise, the consumption of certain drugs leads to an acute liver failure (ALF), with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) as its main cause, or alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Although programs carried out by authorities are focused on improving dietary habits and lifestyle, the long-term compliance of the patient makes them difficult to follow. Thus, the supplementation with certain substances may represent a more easy-to-follow approach for patients. In this context, the consumption of polyphenol-rich food represents an attractive alternative as these compounds have been characterized to be effective in ameliorating liver pathologies. Despite of their structural diversity, certain similar characteristics allow to classify polyphenols in 5 groups: stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and curcuminoids. Herein, we have identified the most relevant compounds in each group and characterized their main sources. By this, authorities should encourage the consumption of polyphenol-rich products, as most of them are available in quotidian life, which might reduce the socioeconomical burden of liver diseases.

Protective effect of genistein on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is a vital health problem worldwide; however, no effective treatment is currently available for NAFLD. Intensive studies have indicated the efficacy of genistein (GE), a bioactive isoflavone extracted from soy, in treating NAFLD. In addition to its oestrogen-like effects, GE is known to have multiple molecular effects, for instance, lipid and glucose metabolism-promoting effects and activities against lipid peroxidation, inflammation, fibrosis, and NAFLD-related tumours. Here, this review summarizes the potential role of GE in the treatment and prevention of NAFLD and some of the currently known targets and signalling pathways of GE in NAFLD.

Flavonoids as a Natural Treatment Against Entamoeba histolytica

Over the past 20 years, gastrointestinal infections in developing countries have been a serious health problem and are the second leading cause of morbidity among all age groups. Among pathogenic protozoans that cause diarrheal disease, the parasite Entamoeba histolytica produces amebic colitis as well as the most frequent extra-intestinal lesion, an amebic liver abscess (ALA). Usually, intestinal amebiasis and ALA are treated with synthetic chemical compounds (iodoquinol, paromomycin, diloxanide furoate, and nitroimidazoles). Metronidazole is the most common treatment for amebiasis. Although the efficacy of nitroimidazoles in killing amebas is known, the potential resistance of E. histolytica to this treatment is a concern. In addition, controversial studies have reported that metronidazole could induce mutagenic effects and cerebral toxicity. Therefore, natural and safe alternative drugs against this parasite are needed. Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds. Flavonoids depend on malonyl-CoA and phenylalanine to be synthesized. Several flavonoids have anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. Since the 1990s, several works have focused on the identification and purification of different flavonoids with amebicidal effects, such as, -(-)epicatechin, kaempferol, and quercetin. In this review, we investigated the effects of flavonoids that have potential amebicidal activity and that can be used as complementary and/or specific therapeutic strategies against E. histolytica trophozoites. Interestingly, it was found that these natural compounds can induce morphological changes in the amebas, such as chromatin condensation and cytoskeletal protein re-organization, as well as the upregulation and downregulation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, glyceraldehyde-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (enzymes of the glycolytic pathway). Although the specific molecular targets, bioavailability, route of administration, and doses of some of these natural compounds need to be determined, flavonoids represent a very promising and innocuous strategy that should be considered for use against E. histolytica in the era of microbial drug resistance.

Short-Term Soy Protein Isolate Feeding Prevents Liver Steatosis and Reduces Serum ALT and AST Levels in Obese Female Zucker Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common liver disorder worldwide and is associated with obesity. We investigated effects of obesity and short-term intake of soy protein with isoflavones (SPI) on body weight change, energy intake, liver steatosis, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and leptin levels. Seventeen lean and seventeen obese (fa/fa) female Zucker rats were randomly assigned to either casein or SPI diet for 8 weeks. Body weight was recorded twice weekly; feed intake was measured weekly. Livers were examined histologically, and serum AST, ALT, and leptin levels were measured. Obese soy-fed (OS) rats gained more weight but had lower liver steatosis than obese casein-fed (OC) rats. Energy intake for OS versus OC rats were only different at weeks 2 and 3. Serum AST and ALT levels were lower in OS versus OC rats. Obesity increased serum leptin levels for both diets. In summary, short-term SPI intake reduced liver steatosis, and the only time points at which the mean energy intakes of OS and OC rats differed were at weeks 2 and 3, where OS rats had a higher mean energy intake, which may have accounted for the increased body weight in OS rats.

Oxyresveratrol ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation through liver kinase B1 and AMP-activated protein kinase

Oxyresveratrol (OXY) is a naturally occurring polyhydroxylated stilbene that is abundant in mulberry wood (Morus alba L.), which has frequently been supplied as a herbal medicine. It has been shown that OXY has regulatory effects on inflammation and oxidative stress, and may have potential in preventing or curing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study examined the effects of OXY on in vitro model of NAFLD in hepatocyte by the liver X receptor α (LXRα)-mediated induction of lipogenic genes and in vivo model in mice along with its molecular mechanism. OXY inhibited the LXRα agonists-mediated sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) induction and expression of the lipogenic genes and upregulated the mRNA of fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes in hepatocytes, which is more potent than genistein and daidzein. OXY also induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, AMPK activation by the OXY treatment helped inhibit SREBP-1c using compound C as an AMPK antagonist. Oral administration of OXY decreased the Oil Red O stained-positive areas significantly, indicating lipid droplets and hepatic steatosis regions, as well as the serum parameters, such as fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol in high fat diet fed-mice, as similar with orally treatment of atorvastatin. Overall, this result suggests that OXY has the potency to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis through the AMPK/SREBP-1c pathway and can be used in the development of pharmaceuticals to prevent a fatty liver.

Dietary daidzein, but not genistein, has a hypocholesterolemic effect in non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats on a cholesterol-free diet

We compared the effects of two major isoflavones, daidzein and genistein, on lipid metabolism in rats. Daidzein (150 mg/kg diet), genistein (150 mg/kg diet), daidzein and genistein (1:1, 300 mg/kg diet), or control diets were fed to 4 groups of 6-week-old ovariectomized (Ovx) and non-Ovx Sprague Dawley rats for 4 weeks. Dietary daidzein, but not genistein, reduced serum and hepatic total cholesterol levels significantly relative to that by the control group, regardless of whether the rats had undergone ovariectomy. Genistein did not exhibit any physiological effects on lipid levels, but did affect genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. These results indicate that daidzein and genistein may influence lipid regulation via differing modes of action.

The influence of equol on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and hepatic lipid metabolic parameters in adult male rats

AIMS

Equol, the principal active metabolite of soy-derived phytoestrogen daidzein, has well-known estrogenic actions. Results of several studies indicate that equol may also have anti-androgenic activities. However, mechanisms of action of equol on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPTA) and hepatic lipid metabolism in adult male rats have not been determined yet.

MAIN METHODS

Equol at two doses of 100 and 250mg/kgbodyweight(BW)/day was orally gavaged for 5days to groups of 4-month-old male rats. As a positive anti-androgenic control group, animals received 100mg of pure anti-androgenic drug flutamide/kgBW/day. Circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones and lipids, and expression levels of genes underlying HPTA function were determined by radioimmunoassay and TaqMan® real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

Flutamide significantly decreased relative prostate weight, whereas equol did not. Both equol and flutamide caused a significant increase in relative liver weights, and decreases in plasma levels of total tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), whereas free T4 and T3 concentrations were not reduced. Equol caused the marked down-regulation of hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA expression, whereas flutamide did not. Equol as well as flutamide significantly down-regulated the expression levels of pituitary thyrotropin beta-subunit mRNA, without altering thyrotropin secretion. Equol caused reductions in plasma levels of total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, whereas flutamide exerted opposite effects.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to reveal that in male rats equol did not affect HPTA function and liver lipid metabolism through the anti-androgenic pathway, however, the intrinsic estrogenic actions of equol were observed.

Supplementation with Aspergillus oryzae-fermented kochujang lowers serum cholesterol in subjects with hyperlipidemia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Kochujang, a traditional fermented red pepper paste, is known for its hypocholesterolemic effect; however, these studies used non-commercial preparations of kochujang. In this study, we examined whether commercially-made kochujang in which Aspergillus oryzae (also known as koji) was used as a microorganism for fermentation has the same cholesterol-lowering effects.

METHODS

Hyperlipidemic subjects (based upon criteria of 110 ∼ 190 mg/dL LDL cholesterol or 200 ∼ 260 mg/dL total cholesterol) who had not been diagnosed with any disease and met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. The 30 subjects were randomly divided into either the kochujang (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) group. All subjects ingested either the kochujang pill (34.5 g/d) or a placebo three times daily during meals for 12 weeks. Outcomes included measurements of efficacy (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride) and safety (adverse events, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and vital signs).

RESULTS

In the kochujang-supplemented group, subjects' total cholesterol level significantly decreased (from 215.5 ± 16.1 mg/dL to 194.5 ± 25.4 mg/dL, p = 0.001). LDL-C cholesterol levels were also decreased by kochujang supplementation (from 133.6 ± 14.8 mg/dL to 113.5 ± 23.1 mg/dL); however no significant difference was seen between groups (p = 0.074). There were no statistically significant differences in HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels between the supplemented and non-supplemented groups. None of the subjects complained of any adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that A. oryzae-fermented kochujang elicits a significant hypocholesterolemic effect and might be useful for improving blood cholesterol levels in subjects at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01865370.

Chemoprevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by dietary natural compounds

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a wide spectrum of liver disease that is not from excess alcohol consumption, but is often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD pathogenesis is complicated and involves oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial damage, insulin resistance, inflammation, and excessive dietary fat intake, which increase hepatic lipid influx and de novo lipogenesis and impair insulin signaling, thus promoting hepatic triglyceride accumulation and ultimately NAFLD. Overproduction of proinflammatory adipokines from adipose tissue also affects hepatic metabolic function. Current NAFLD therapies are limited; thus, much attention has been focused on identification of potential dietary substances from fruits, vegetables, and edible plants to provide a new strategy for NAFLD treatment. Dietary natural compounds, such as carotenoids, omega-3-PUFAs, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, terpenoids, curcumin, and resveratrol, act through a variety of mechanisms to prevent and improve NAFLD. Here, we summarize and briefly discuss the currently known targets and signaling pathways as well as the role of dietary natural compounds that interfere with NAFLD pathogenesis.

The use of transcriptomics to unveil the role of nutrients in Mammalian liver

Liver is the organ primarily responding to diet, and it is crucial in determining plasma carbohydrate, protein, and lipid levels. In addition, it is mainly responsible for transformation of xenobiotics. For these reasons, it has been a target of transcriptomic analyses. In this review, we have covered the works dealing with the response of mammalian liver to different nutritional stimuli such as fasting/feeding, caloric restriction, dietary carbohydrate, cholesterol, fat, protein, bile acid, salt, vitamin, and oligoelement contents. Quality of fats or proteins has been equally addressed, and has the influence of minor dietary components. Other compounds, not purely nutritional as those represented by alcohol and food additives, have been included due to their relevance in processed food. The influence has been studied not only on mRNA but also on miRNA. The wide scope of the technology clearly reflects that any simple intervention has profound changes in many metabolic parameters and that there is a synergy in response when more compounds are included in the intervention. Standardized arrays to systematically test the same genes in all studies and analyzing data to establish patterns of response are required, particularly for RNA sequencing. Moreover, RNA is a valuable, easy-screening ally but always requires further confirmation.

Repression of mammary adipogenesis by genistein limits mammosphere formation of human MCF-7 cells

Mammary adipose tissue may contribute to breast cancer development and progression by altering neighboring epithelial cell behavior and phenotype through paracrine signaling. Dietary exposure to soy foods is associated with lower mammary tumor risk and reduced body weight and adiposity in humans and in rodent breast cancer models. Despite the suggested linkage between obesity and breast cancer, the local influence of bioactive dietary components on mammary adiposity for antitumor effects remains unknown. Herein, we report that post-weaning dietary exposure to soy protein isolate and its bioactive isoflavone genistein (GEN) lowered mammary adiposity and increased mammary tumor suppressor PTEN and E-cadherin expression in female mice, relative to control casein diet. To ascertain GEN's role in mammary adipose deposition that may affect underlying epithelial cell phenotype, we evaluated GEN's effects on SV40-immortalized mouse mammary stromal fibroblast-like (MSF) cells during differentiation into adipocytes. MSF cells cultured in a differentiation medium with 40 nM GEN showed reductions in mature adipocyte numbers, triglyceride accumulation, and Pparγ (Pparg) and fatty acid synthase transcript levels. GEN inhibition of adipose differentiation was accompanied by increased estrogen receptor β (Erβ (Esr2)) gene expression and was modestly recapitulated by ERβ-selective agonist 2,3-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN). Reduction of Erβ expression by siRNA targeting increased Pparγ transcript levels and stromal fibroblast differentiation into mature adipocytes; the latter was reversed by GEN but not by DPN. Conditioned medium from GEN-treated adipocytes diminished anchorage-independent mammosphere formation of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Our results suggest a mechanistic pathway to support direct regulation of mammary adiposity by GEN for breast cancer prevention.

The effect of equol injection in ovo on lipid metabolism and hepatic lipogenic gene expression in broilers

This study investigated the effects of in ovo administration of equol (Eq) on post-hatch growth and hepatic lipid metabolism in broiler chickens. Fertilized eggs (146 eggs/group) were injected with 0 μg (control, Con), 20 μg (low dose, L) and 100 μg (high dose, H) Eq in the albumen on the 7th day of incubation. Except a trend increase in the weight of total fat (P = 0.09), Eq had no effect on growth or liver weight in broilers at 49 days of age. Males presented higher liver and BWs and lower total fat and relative liver weights than females (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant effects of Eq or Eq-gender interactions on growth performance or tissues weight (P > 0.05). With respect to lipid parameters in the serum, the results showed that female broilers presented higher triacyglycerol (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations than males, whereas there was no gender difference in serum total cholesterol (TC) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) concentration (P > 0.05). Eq administration significantly decreased serum TG and TC but increased HDLC concentrations in serum of broilers at 49 days of age (P < 0.05), whereas there were no interactions between gender and Eq (P > 0.05). To elucidate the mechanism behind the significant changes of serum TG and TC levels, the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in the liver was investigated in female chickens using reverse transcription-PCR. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPTI) messenger RNA (mRNA) was significantly upregulated by 20 and 100 μg Eq (P < 0.05). High-dose Eq significantly decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) and enhanced cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) mRNA levels in the liver (P < 0.05). Eq had no significant effects on acetyl-CoA carboxylase, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, malic enzyme, low-density lipoprotein receptor or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase mRNA in the liver (P > 0.05). These results in female broilers suggest that Eq decreased blood TG by upregulating CPTI and downregulating FAS mRNA expression in the liver, and that high serum cholesterol levels stimulated CYP7A1 gene transcription in the liver.

Effects of lactic acid-fermented soymilk on lipid metabolism-related gene expression in rat liver

We examined the effects of lactic acid fermentation of soymilk on the lipid profile and lipid metabolism-related gene expression in rat liver. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 weeks were fed a control diet (AIN-93), soymilk diet, or fermented soymilk diet for 1 week or 5 weeks. The hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the soymilk (SM) group and the fermented soymilk (FSM) group were significantly lower than those in the control group after 5 weeks, but these changes had not become apparent until after 1 week. The fatty acid synthesis-related genes were more markedly down-regulated after 1 week than after 5 weeks, whereas the cytochrome p450 family 7 subfamily a polypeptide 1 (CYP7al) gene related to cholesterol catabolism was more markedly up-regulated after 5 weeks than after 1 week. This up-regulation was higher in the FSM group than in the SM group. It is assumed that the bioactive components produced by lactic acid fermentation induced the up-regulation of CYP7a1.

Tofu (soybean curd) lowers serum lipid levels and modulates hepatic gene expression involved in lipogenesis primarily through its protein, not isoflavone, component in rats

Although soy foods are recommended to prevent hyperlipidemia and related diseases, it is unclear how their active ingredients exert their effects. Here, the effects of tofu (soybean curd) and its putative active components, protein and isoflavone, on lipid metabolism in male rats were compared. Tofu and soy protein significantly lowered serum triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels compared to casein and, through microarray analyses, were found to exclusively alter transcriptomes involved in fatty acid and/or steroid synthesis in the liver, where most of the serum lipids are synthesized. In contrast, isoflavone supplementation had little effect on serum lipid levels or gene expression and exerted no synergistic effects with soy protein or tofu. The importance of the proteinaceous components was further confirmed by the lower activity of enzymes involved in lipogenesis. From these findings it was concluded that the protein, not isoflavone, fraction of soy reduces lipogenesis in liver through gene expression and that this may result in lower serum lipid levels.

High-performance thin layer chromatographic quantification of bioactive psoralen and daidzein in leaves of Ficus carica L

This study was undertaken to quantify psoralen and daidzein by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The methanolic extract of 10 mg mL(-1) concentration solution was prepared for HPTLC quantification of psoralen and daidzein. HPTLC aluminium-backed plates coated with 0.2 mm layers of silica gel 60 F(254) were used as the stationary phase. The working standard solution of psoralen and daidzein was applied along with the test sample solution by means of Camag Linomat IV sample applicator. R (f) values of psoralen and daidzein were found to be 0.60 and 0.88, whilst as their percentage values in methanolic extract were found to be 3.02% and 5.64% (w/w), respectively. A simple quantitative estimation method of psoralen and daidzein by HPTLC is reported that can be used for the quality control of marketed preparations containing Ficus carica. However, further study is warranted to isolate and quantify active constituents present in the leaves of F. carica by sophisticated techniques.

Bile acid receptor agonist GW4064 regulates PPARγ coactivator-1α expression through estrogen receptor-related receptor α

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is induced in energy-starved conditions and is a key regulator of energy homeostasis. This makes PGC-1α an attractive therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In our effort to identify new regulators of PGC-1α expression, we found that GW4064, a widely used synthetic agonist for the nuclear bile acid receptor [farnesoid X receptor (FXR)] strongly enhances PGC-1α promoter reporter activity, mRNA, and protein expression. This induction in PGC-1α concomitantly enhances mitochondrial mass and expression of several PGC-1α target genes involved in mitochondrial function. Using FXR-rich or FXR-nonexpressing cell lines and tissues, we found that this effect of GW4064 is not mediated directly by FXR but occurs via activation of estrogen receptor-related receptor α (ERRα). Cell-based, biochemical and biophysical assays indicate GW4064 as an agonist of ERR proteins. Interestingly, FXR disruption alters GW4064 induction of PGC-1α mRNA in a tissue-dependent manner. Using FXR-null [FXR knockout (FXRKO)] mice, we determined that GW4064 induction of PGC-1α expression is not affected in oxidative soleus muscles of FXRKO mice but is compromised in the FXRKO liver. Mechanistic studies to explain these differences revealed that FXR physically interacts with ERR and protects them from repression by the atypical corepressor, small heterodimer partner in liver. Together, this interplay between ERRα-FXR-PGC-1α and small heterodimer partner offers new insights into the biological functions of ERRα and FXR, thus providing a knowledge base for therapeutics in energy balance-related pathophysiology.

Functional genomics of endothelial cells treated with anti-angiogenic or angiopreventive drugs

Angiogenesis is a highly regulated physiological process that has been studied in considerable detail given its importance in several chronic pathologies. Many endogenous factors and hormones intervene in the regulation of angiogensis and classical as well as targeted drugs have been developed for its control. Angiogenesis inhibition has come off the bench and entered into clinical application for cancer therapy, particularly for metastatic disease. While the clinical benefit is currently in terms of months, preclinical data suggest that novel drugs and drug combinations could lead to substantial improvement. The many targets of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors reflect the complexity of the process; in contrast, current clinical therapies mainly target the vascular endothelial growth factor system. Cancer chemopreventive compounds can retard tumor insurgence and delay or prevent metastasis and many of these molecules hinder angiogenesis, a mechanism that we termed angioprevention. Angiopreventive drugs appear to prevalently act through the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic player NFkappaB, thus contrasting inflammation dependent angiogenesis. Relatively little is known concerning the effects of these angiogenesis inhibitors on gene expression of endothelial cells, the main target of many of these molecules. Here we provide an exhaustive list of anti-angiogenic molecules, and summarize their effects, where known, on the transcriptome and functional genomics of endothelial cells. The regulation of specific genes can be crucial to preventive or therapeutic intervention. Further, novel targets might help to circumvent resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. The studies we review are relevant not only to cancer but also to other chronic degenerative diseases involving endothelial cells, such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and retinopaties, as well as vessel aging.

A novel method for efficient collection of normal mesothelial cells in vivo

Asbestos-induced mesothelioma is a challenging social problem in many countries, and oxidative stress via iron is closely associated with its carcinogenesis. Mesothelioma is thought to originate from the mesothelial cells that cover the somatic cavity such as pleural, pericardial and peritoneal cavities. They are single layered and so flat that it is extremely difficult to obtain pure mesothelial cells as control samples from experimental animals. Here we describe a novel method to collect mesothelial cells from animals by the use of simple equipments. Surface of the most organs including lung, spleen and liver are covered with a single layer of mesothelial cells. Scraping the surface of those organs with razor blades after snap-freeze in liquid nitrogen satisfactorily confers almost pure population of mesothelial cells. This simple method would be helpful for obtaining mesothelial control samples from animals to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of a variety of mesothelial pathology.

Genistein and daidzein prevent low potassium-dependent apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells

We have investigated the ability of certain dietary flavonoids, known to exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system, to affect neuronal apoptosis. We used cerebellar granule cells undergoing apoptosis due to potassium deprivation in a serum-free medium in either the absence or presence of the flavonoids genistein and daidzein, which are present in soy, and of catechin and epicatechin, which are present in cocoa. These compounds were used in a blood dietary concentration range. We found that genistein and daidzein, but not catechin and epicatechin, prevented apoptosis, with cell survival measured 24h after the induction of apoptosis being higher than that of the same cells incubated in flavonoid free medium (80% and 40%, respectively); there was no effect in control cells. A detailed investigation of the effect of these compounds on certain mitochondrial events that occur in cells en route to apoptosis showed that genistein and daidzein prevented the impairment of glucose oxidation and mitochondrial coupling, reduced cytochrome c release, and prevented both impairment of the adenine nucleotide translocator and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Interestingly, genistein and daidzein were found to reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species, which are elevated in cerebellar granule cell apoptosis. These findings strongly suggest that the prevention of apoptosis depends mainly on the antioxidant properties of genistein and daidzein. This could lead to the development of a flavonoid-based therapy in neuropathies.