Extract Enriched in Flavan-3-ols and Mainly Procyanidin Dimers Improves Metabolic Alterations in a Mouse Model of Obesity-Related Disorders Partially via Estrogen Receptor Alpha

Estrogenic flavonoids and their molecular mechanisms of action

Flavonoids are a major group of phytoestrogens associated with physiological effects, and ecological and social impacts. Although the estrogenic activity of flavonoids was reported by researchers in the fields of medical, environmental and food studies, their molecular mechanisms of action have not been comprehensively reviewed. The estrogenic activity of the respective classes of flavonoids, anthocyanidins/anthocyanins, 2-arylbenzofurans/3-arylcoumarins/α-methyldeoxybenzoins, aurones/chalcones/dihydrochalcones, coumaronochromones, coumestans, flavans/flavan-3-ols/flavan-4-ols, flavanones/dihydroflavonols, flavones/flavonols, homoisoflavonoids, isoflavans, isoflavanones, isoflavenes, isoflavones, neoflavonoids, oligoflavonoids, pterocarpans/pterocarpenes, and rotenone/rotenoids, was summarized through a comprehensive literature search, and their structure-activity relationship, biological activities, signaling pathways, and applications were discussed. Although the respective classes of flavonoids contained at least one chemical mimicking estrogen, the mechanisms varied, such as those with estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, non-estrogenic, and biphasic activities, and additional activities through crosstalk/bypassing, which exert biological activities through cell signaling pathways. Such mechanistic variations of estrogen action are not limited to flavonoids and are observed among other broad categories of chemicals, thus this group of chemicals can be termed as the "estrogenome". This review article focuses on the connection of estrogen action mainly between the outer and the inner environments, which represent variations of chemicals and biological activities/signaling pathways, respectively, and form the basis to understand their applications. The applications of chemicals will markedly progress due to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for precision medicine, which is also true of the study of the estrogenome including estrogenic flavonoids.

Procyanidins: From Agro-Industrial Waste to Food as Bioactive Molecules

Procyanidins are an important group of bioactive molecules known for their benefits to human health. These compounds are promising in the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as they prevent cell damage related to oxidative stress. It is necessary to study effective extraction methods for the recovery of these components. In this review, advances in the recovery of procyanidins from agro-industrial wastes are presented, which are obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized fluid extraction and subcritical water extraction. Current trends focus on the extraction of procyanidins from seeds, peels, pomaces, leaves and bark in agro-industrial wastes, which are extracted by ultrasound. Some techniques have been coupled with environmentally friendly techniques. There are few studies focused on the extraction and evaluation of biological activities of procyanidins. The identification and quantification of these compounds are the result of the study of the polyphenolic profile of plant sources. Antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activity are presented as the biological properties of greatest interest. Agro-industrial wastes can be an economical and easily accessible source for the extraction of procyanidins.

On the role of sex steroids in biological functions by classical and non-classical pathways. An update

The sex steroid hormones (SSHs) play several roles in regulation of various processes in the cardiovascular, immune, muscular and neural systems. SSHs affect prenatal and postnatal development of various brain structures, including regions associated with important physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functions. This action can be mediated by either intracellular or transmembrane receptors. While the classical mechanisms of SSHs action are relatively well examined, the physiological importance of non-classical mechanism of SSHs action through membrane-associated and transmembrane receptors in the brain remains unclear. The most recent summary describing the role of SSHs in different body systems is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss classical and non-classical signaling pathways of testosterone and estradiol action via their receptors at functional, cellular, tissue level and to describe the effects on various body systems and behavior. Particular emphasis will be on brain regions including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, frontal cortex and cerebellum.

The effects of two types of Western diet on the induction of metabolic syndrome and cardiac remodeling in obese rats

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) include obesity as a critical feature and is strongly associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Insights into mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of these clinical manifestations are essential for the development of therapeutic strategies. Thus, Western diets (WD) have been widely employed in diet-induced obesity (DIO) model. However, there are variations in fat and sugar proportions of such diets, making comparisons challenging. We aimed to assess the impact of two types of the WD on metabolic status and cardiac remodeling, to achieve a DIO model that better mimics the human pathogenesis of MetS-induced CVD. Male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control diet, Western diet fat (WDF), and Western diet sugar (WDS) for 41 weeks. Metabolic and inflammatory parameters and cardiac changes were characterized. WDF and WDS feeding promoted higher serum triglycerides, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance, while just WDF presented inflammation in adipose tissue. WDF-fed rats showed increased catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein levels, suggesting cardiac oxidative stress, while WDS-fed rats only raised MDA. Both WD equally elevated protein expressions involved in lipid metabolism, but only WDF downregulated the glycolysis pathway. Furthermore, the mechanical myocardial function was impaired in obese rats, being more relevant in WDF. In conclusion, both WD effectively triggered MetS features, although inflammation was detected just on the WDF-fed animals. Moreover, the WDF promoted a more pronounced functional, metabolic, and oxidative cardiac disorder, suggesting to be an adequate model for studying CVD in the scenario of MetS.

Wine Polyphenols and Health: Quantitative Research Literature Analysis

The relationship between wine polyphenols and health has been receiving growing scientific attention in the last few years. To confirm this point, the proposed paper identifies the major contributors to academic journals regarding the relationships between wine polyphenols and health. The endpoints of the proposed study are to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the literature regarding the relationships between wine polyphenol and health based on a bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric data were extracted from the Scopus online database using the search string TITLE-ABS-KEY (wine AND polyphenol* AND health OR (“french paradox” OR “cardiovascular disease*” OR atherosclerosis OR microbiota) and analyzed using the VOSviewer bibliometric software to generate bubble maps and to visualize the obtained results. This perspective paper analyzes: (i) the research themes addressing the relationships between wine polyphenols and health; (ii) the major contributors’ origin, e.g., country and/or regions; (iii) the institutions where the research is based; (iv) the authors; and (v) the type of paper. These results represent a useful tool to identify emerging research directions, collaboration networks, and suggestions for more in-depth literature searches.

The Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Walnut Husk and Pellicle by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and HPLC

Husk and pellicle as the agri-food waste in the walnut-product industry are in soaring demand because of their rich polyphenol content. This study investigated the differential compounds related to walnut polyphenol between husk and pellicle during fruit development stage. By using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap), a total of 110 bioactive components, including hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids and quinones, were tentatively identified, 33 of which were different between husk and pellicle. The trend of dynamic content of 16 polyphenols was clarified during walnut development stage by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This is the first time to comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in walnut husk and pellicle, and our results indicated that the pellicle is a rich resource of polyphenols. The dynamic trend of some polyphenols was consistent with total phenols. The comprehensive characterization of walnut polyphenol and quantification of main phenolic compounds will be beneficial for understanding the potential application value of walnut and for exploiting its metabolism pathway.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Lannea microcarpa Engl. and K. Krause (Anacardiaceae) Trunk Barks Corrects Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction in Mice

Traditional remedies prepared from Lannea microcarpa leaves, barks, roots, and fruits are used to treat many diseases including hypertension. This study investigated whether oral administration of the ethyl acetate fraction of Lannea microcarpa trunk barks (LMAE) corrects angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension in mice. Its effects on vascular function were specifically investigated. Experiments explored hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters in vivo and vascular reactivity to acetylcholine (ACh) and CaCl₂ ex vivo on isolated aortas. Mice received LMAE for 3 weeks (50 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. In the last two weeks of treatment, mice were implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering NaCl (0.9%) or Ang II (0.5 mg/kg/day). LMAE completely prevented the increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure induced by Ang II. Echocardiographic and kidney parameters were not affected by the different conditions. LMAE abrogated Ang II-induced impairment of ACh-induced relaxation without affecting that of sodium nitroprusside. LMAE also completely prevented CaCl₂-induced contraction in KCl-exposed aorta ex vivo. The extract alone did not modify superoxide (O₂ ^-) and nitric oxide (NO^·) production in femoral arteries from control mice but significantly limited Ang II-induced O₂ ^- production. These effects were associated with reduced expression of inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase isoform NOX-2 in aortas. Finally, phytochemical analysis showed that LMAE contains sterols, triterpenes, coumarins, and anthraquinone. These results showed that LMAE prevents Ang II-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction through a reduction of oxidative stress linked to COX-2 and NOX-2 pathway and inhibition of calcium entry. This study provides pharmacological basis of the empirical use of Lannea microcarpa trunk bark extract against hypertension.

Characterisation of phenolics in fruit septum of Juglans regia Linn. by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometer

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an abundant source of polyphenols. Although phenolic species in the walnut kernel have been studied comprehensively, their compositional profile in the internal fruit septum, a traditional nutraceutical material in China, has been rarely explored. In the current study, the methanolic extract of the walnut septum was analysed by Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Totally seventy-five phenolics belonging to flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids were identified based on mass spectra, references and literatures. Among them, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-rhamnose-pentoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-rhamnose-hexoside, kaempferol-rhamnoside, and two isomers of quercetin-rhamnoside were reported for the first time in walnut. The total polyphenol content was found to be 122.78 ± 2.55 mg GAE/g dry weight in septum. This study is the first to comprehensively investigate and identify phenolic compounds in the fruit septum of walnut and indicates that the septum to be a rich resource of polyphenols.

Natural Estrogen Receptor Modulators and Their Heterologous Biosynthesis

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are transcription factors highly involved in physiological development and metabolism in the human body. They also play important roles in the treatment of cancer and metabolic diseases. Chemicals that interact with ERs can be used to treat diseases and maintain health. Phytoestrogens are natural chemicals that have been documented to possess significant ER modulatory activities. However, since phytoestrogens usually exist at low quantities in nature, heterologous biosynthesis techniques have quickly developed in recent years in order meet the demands for needed therapeutic amounts. In this review, the performance of phytoestrogens as ER modulators is described along with recent advances in biosynthesis techniques.

Risk analysis of systemic levels of estrogen and adipokines as well as estrogen receptors from PBMCs in childbearing and perimenopausal women with obesity

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the clinical value of systemic levels of estrogen and adipokines as well as estrogen receptors from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in childbearing and perimenopausal women with obesity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We observed 292 women, including 160 perimenopausal women (80 with obesity and 80 without obesity) and 132 women of childbearing age (67 with obesity and 65 without obesity). Body parameters, such as body mass index and waist circumference, were measured. Fat distribution was evaluated using a computerized tomography scanner. The levels of serum estrogen, leptin, visfatin, and adiponectin were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of circulating ERs was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Perimenopausal women and childbearing women with obesity exhibited lower levels of estrogen and adiponectin, in addition to a distribution of visceral fat with higher levels of leptin and visfatin. These findings reflect the current data of menopausal women, which confirms the reliability of this experimental system. However, the expression of ERα in peripheral blood was significantly enhanced in women with obesity of both childbearing and perimenopausal age. This result is contrary to the common understanding of adipose tissue, namely that ERα is protective. The expression of ERβ in the women without obesity of both childbearing and perimenopausal age was higher than in women with obesity, which coincides with the results of a previous study on adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our data fundamentally contradicts the utility of circulating ERα and ERα/ERβ evaluations in obesity studies. Because estrogen exerts pleiotropic effects on multiple tissues in the body through differential regulation of ERs, although the expression of ERβ coincides with the results of a previous study on adipose tissue, the expression levels of ERs in blood cannot be used as a diagnostic of informative tool for obesity in women.