Supplementation with Phycocyanobilin, Citrulline, Taurine, and Supranutritional Doses of Folic Acid and Biotin-Potential for Preventing or Slowing the Progression of Diabetic Complications

Nutraceutical Prevention of Diabetic Complications—Focus on Dicarbonyl and Oxidative Stress

Oxidative and dicarbonyl stress, driven by excess accumulation of glycolytic intermediates in cells that are highly permeable to glucose in the absence of effective insulin activity, appear to be the chief mediators of the complications of diabetes. The most pathogenically significant dicarbonyl stress reflects spontaneous dephosphorylation of glycolytic triose phosphates, giving rise to highly reactive methylglyoxal. This compound can be converted to harmless lactate by the sequential activity of glyoxalase I and II, employing glutathione as a catalyst. The transcription of glyoxalase I, rate-limiting for this process, is promoted by Nrf2, which can be activated by nutraceutical phase 2 inducers such as lipoic acid and sulforaphane. In cells exposed to hyperglycemia, glycine somehow up-regulates Nrf2 activity. Zinc can likewise promote glyoxalase I transcription, via activation of the metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF) that binds to the glyoxalase promoter. Induction of glyoxalase I and metallothionein may explain the protective impact of zinc in rodent models of diabetic complications. With respect to the contribution of oxidative stress to diabetic complications, promoters of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, UCP2 inducers, inhibitors of NAPDH oxidase, recouplers of eNOS, glutathione precursors, membrane oxidant scavengers, Nrf2 activators, and correction of diabetic thiamine deficiency should help to quell this.

Effects of Amino Acids Supplementation on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in HepG2 Cells

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes are representing symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which is often accompanied with hepatic fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Since liver is the major site of glucose and lipid metabolism, this study aimed to understand the effects of SCAAs and BCAAs supplementations on glucose and lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells. These cells were pretreated with SAMe, betaine, taurine, and BCAA for 24 h, followed by treatments of a high concentration of glucose (50 mM) or palmitic acid (PA, 0.5 mM) for 48 h to simulate high-glucose and high-fat environments. Pretreatment of BCAA and SCAAs inhibited the fat accumulation. At the transcriptional level, glucose and PA treatment led to significant increase of mRNA gluconeogenic enzyme. The mRNA expression level of GLUT2 was decreased by 20% in the SAMe-treated group and inhibited glucose synthesis by reducing the level of gluconeogenic enzyme. After SAMe or BCAA pretreatment, the mRNA expression of lipogenic enzymes was decreased. The PPAR-γ expression was increased after BCAA pretreatment, but SAMe not only downregulated the expression of PPAR-γ, but also inhibited the expression of ChREBP approximately 20% and SREBP-1c decreased by about 15%. Taken together, the effect of SAMe on glucose and lipid metabolism is significant especially on inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis under the metabolic syndrome environment.

The Bioactivities of Phycocyanobilin from Spirulina

Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is a linear open-chain tetrapyrrole chromophore that captures and senses light and a variety of biological activities, such as anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory. In this paper, the biological activities of PCB are reviewed, and the related mechanism of PCB and its latest application in disease treatment are introduced. PCB can resist oxidation by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, and delaying the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, PCB can also be used as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent to reduce the proinflammatory factors IL-6 and IFN-γ and to up-regulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by inhibiting the inflammatory signal pathways NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Due to the above biological activities of phycocyanobilin PCB, it is expected to become a new effective drug for treating various diseases, such as COVID-19 complications, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis (MS), and ischaemic stroke (IS).

Biosynthesis and biotechnological interventions for commercial production of microalgal pigments: A review

Microalgae are photosynthetic eukaryotes that serve as microbial cell factories for the production of useful biochemicals, including pigments. These pigments are eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes and reduce environmental and health risks. They also exhibit excellent anti-oxidative properties, making them a useful commodity in the nutrition and pharmaceutical industries. Light-harvesting pigments such as chlorophylls and phycobilins, and photoprotective carotenoids are some of the most common microalgal pigments. The increasing demand for these pigments in industrial applications has prompted a need to improve their metabolic yield in microalgal cells. So far, expensive cultivation methods and sensitivity to microbial contamination remain the main obstacles to the large-scale production of these pigments. This review highlights current issues and future prospects related to the production of microalgal pigments. The review also emphasizes the use of engineering approaches such as genetic engineering, and optimization of media components and physical parameters to increase their commercial-scale production.

Nutraceutical phycocyanobilin binding to catalase protects the pigment from oxidation without affecting catalytic activity

Phycocyanobilin is a dark blue linear tetrapyrrole chromophore covalently attached to protein subunits of phycobiliproteins present in the light-harvesting complexes of the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina "superfood"). It shows exceptional health-promoting properties and emerging use in various fields of bioscience and industry. This study aims to examine the mutual impact of phycocyanobilin interactions with catalase, a life-essential antioxidant enzyme. Fluorescence quenching experiments demonstrated moderate binding (K_a of 3.9 × 10⁴ M^-1 at 25 °C; n = 0.89) (static type), while van't Hoff plot points to an enthalpically driven ligand binding (ΔG = -28.2 kJ mol^-1; ΔH = -41.9 kJ mol^-1). No significant changes in protein secondary structures (α-helix content ~22%) and thermal protein stability in terms of enzyme tetramer subunits (T_m ~ 64 °C) were detected upon ligand binding. Alterations in the tertiary catalase structure were found without adverse effects on enzyme activity (~2 × 10⁶ IU/mL). The docking study results indicated that the ligand most likely binds to amino acid residues (Asn141, Arg 362, Tyr369 and Asn384) near the cavity between the enzyme homotetramer subunits not related to the active site. Finally, complex formation protects the pigment from free-radical induced oxidation (bleaching), suggesting possible prolongation of its half-life and bioactivity in vivo if bound to catalase.

Nutraceutical, Dietary, and Lifestyle Options for Prevention and Treatment of Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure

Although well documented drug therapies are available for the management of ventricular hypertrophy (VH) and heart failure (HF), most patients nonetheless experience a downhill course, and further therapeutic measures are needed. Nutraceutical, dietary, and lifestyle measures may have particular merit in this regard, as they are currently available, relatively safe and inexpensive, and can lend themselves to primary prevention as well. A consideration of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the VH/HF syndrome suggests that measures which control oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, that support effective nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide bioactivity, that prevent a reduction in cardiomyocyte pH, and that boost the production of protective hormones, such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), while suppressing fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and marinobufagenin, may have utility for preventing and controlling this syndrome. Agents considered in this essay include phycocyanobilin, N-acetylcysteine, lipoic acid, ferulic acid, zinc, selenium, ubiquinol, astaxanthin, melatonin, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, berberine, citrulline, high-dose folate, cocoa flavanols, hawthorn extract, dietary nitrate, high-dose biotin, soy isoflavones, taurine, carnitine, magnesium orotate, EPA-rich fish oil, glycine, and copper. The potential advantages of whole-food plant-based diets, moderation in salt intake, avoidance of phosphate additives, and regular exercise training and sauna sessions are also discussed. There should be considerable scope for the development of functional foods and supplements which make it more convenient and affordable for patients to consume complementary combinations of the agents discussed here. Research Strategy: Key word searching of PubMed was employed to locate the research papers whose findings are cited in this essay.

A Fundamental Role for Oxidants and Intracellular Calcium Signals in Alzheimer's Pathogenesis-And How a Comprehensive Antioxidant Strategy May Aid Prevention of This Disorder

Oxidative stress and increased cytoplasmic calcium are key mediators of the detrimental effects on neuronal function and survival in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pathways whereby these perturbations arise, and then prevent dendritic spine formation, promote tau hyperphosphorylation, further amplify amyloid β generation, and induce neuronal apoptosis, are described. A comprehensive program of nutraceutical supplementation, comprised of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor phycocyanobilin, phase two inducers, the mitochondrial antioxidant astaxanthin, and the glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine, may have important potential for antagonizing the toxic effects of amyloid β on neurons and thereby aiding prevention of AD. Moreover, nutraceutical antioxidant strategies may oppose the adverse impact of amyloid β oligomers on astrocyte clearance of glutamate, and on the ability of brain capillaries to export amyloid β monomers/oligomers from the brain. Antioxidants, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and vitamin D, have potential for suppressing microglial production of interleukin-1β, which potentiates the neurotoxicity of amyloid β. Epidemiology suggests that a health-promoting lifestyle, incorporating a prudent diet, regular vigorous exercise, and other feasible measures, can cut the high risk for AD among the elderly by up to 60%. Conceivably, complementing such lifestyle measures with long-term adherence to the sort of nutraceutical regimen outlined here may drive down risk for AD even further.

Influence of N-acetylcysteine on steroidogenesis and gene expression in porcine placental trophoblast cells

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a widely used anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. As a nutritional supplement, NAC can improve production and reproductive performances in animals through enhancing placental function and regulating hormone production. Trophoblast proliferation and steroid hormone production are two major functions in the placenta. We hypothesized that the effects of NAC on placental function is due to its direct and indirect effects on gene expression in placental trophoblast cells (pTr). To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of NAC on steroidogenesis, gene expression, and cell proliferation in porcine pTr in vitro. pTr were treated with NAC in serum-free medium for 24 h with different concentrations (0, 0.1 μM, 1.0 μM, 10.0 μM, 0.1 mM, 1.0 mM, and 10.0 mM). Low-dose NAC (1 μM) stimulated pTr proliferation and decreased progesterone production, while increasing estradiol production (P < 0.05). High-dose NAC (10 mM) suppressed cell proliferation (P < 0.05), but had no effect on steroidogenesis. Low-dose NAC increased CCDN1 and decreased CASP3 and CASP8 mRNA levels (P < 0.05), whereas high-dose NAC decreased CDK4 and CCDN1 and increased CASP3 mRNA levels (P < 0.05). NAC had no effect on the mRNA abundance of StAR and HSD3B. Low-dose NAC upregulated CYP19A1 mRNA expression, and high-dose NAC downregulated CYP11A1 mRNA abundance (P < 0.05). Only low-dose NAC increased NOS3 mRNA abundance and tetrahydrobiopterin reduction (BH4/BH2 ratio). We conclude that NAC may act directly and indirectly on pTr with a dose-dependent manner and may regulate placental function by affecting pTr differentiation via regulating pTr steroid synthesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in sows.

Population-based case-control study revealed metabolomic biomarkers of suboptimal health status in Chinese population-potential utility for innovative approach by predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

Background

Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a subclinical stage of chronic diseases, and the identification of SHS provides an opportunity for the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) of chronic diseases. Previous studies have reported the associations between metabolic signatures and early signs of chronic diseases.

Methods

This study aimed to detect the metabolic biomarkers for the identification of SHS in a case-control study. SHS questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) was used in a population-based health survey to measure the SHS levels of participants. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted on plasma samples collected from 50 SHS participants and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results

After adjusting for the confounders, 24 significantly differential metabolites, such as sphingomyelin, sphingosine, sphinganine, progesterone, pregnanolone, and bilirubin, were identified as the candidate biomarkers for SHS. Pathway analysis revealed that sphingolipid metabolism, taurine metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis are the disturbed metabolic pathways related to SHS. A combination of four metabolic biomarkers (sphingosine, pregnanolone, taurolithocholate sulfate, cervonyl carnitine) can distinguish SHS individuals from the controls with a sensitivity of 94.0%, a specificity of 90.0%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.977.

Conclusion

Plasma metabolites are valuable biomarkers for SHS identification, and meanwhile, SHSQ-25 can be used as an alternative health screening tool in the population-based health survey. SHS-related metabolic disturbances could be detected at the early onset of SHS, and SHS-related metabolites could create a window opportunity for PPPM of chronic diseases.

Neuroprotective effects of taurine and 3-hydroxypyridine derivatives in the intracerebral hemorrhage model in rats

Introduction: At present, the problem of pharmacological correction of free radical processess emerges full-blown. The aim of the study is an experimental study of the neuroprotective effect of taurine and 3-hydroxypyridine derivatives.

Materials and methods: The study was performed in Wistar rats. The neuroprotective effect of the substances was studied in the intracerebral hemorrhage model.

Results and discussion: The administration of the studied substances had a positive effect on the survival of the animals within the first day (50% of rats died in the control group, 30% – in the Mexidol- and Ethoxidol-treated groups, and 20% – in LKhT 3-17-treated group). Within the first day after the surgery, all rats with stroke had severe neurological disorders. However, by the 3rd day, the Ethoxidol- and LKhT 3-17-treated rats had a lower neurological deficit. By Day 14, all groups of animals treated with the test substances had a lower severity of post-stroke disorders than those in the control group, which was evident as a 1.5-time lower McGraw Stroke Index score. LKhT 3-17 substance showed the most pronounced neuroprotective effect.

Conclusions: The studied derivatives of taurine and 3-hydroxypyridine have a neuroprotective effect, which is manifested in the lower severity of neurological disorders,a more rapid reduction in the signs of neurodegeneration and accelerated hemorrhage processes.

Juvenile Arthritis Patients Suffering from Chronic Inflammation Have Increased Activity of Both IDO and GTP-CH1 Pathways But Decreased BH4 Efficacy: Implications for Well-Being, Including Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Anxiety, and Depression

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represents joint inflammation with an unknown cause that starts before the age of 16, resulting in stiff and painful joints. In addition, JIA patients often report symptoms of sickness behavior. Recent animal studies suggest that proinflammatory cytokines produce sickness behavior by increasing the activity of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and guanosinetriphosphate⁻cyclohydrolase-1 (GTP⁻CH1). Here, it is hypothesized that inflammation in JIA patients enhances the enzymatic activity of IDO and GTP-CH1 and decreases the co-factor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). These compounds play a crucial role in the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters. The aim of our study was to reveal whether inflammation affects both the GTP-CH1 and IDO pathway in JIA patients. Serum samples were collected from twenty-four JIA patients. In these samples, the concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), tyrosine (TYR), neopterin, and phenylalanine (PHE) were measured. An HPLC method with electrochemical detection was developed to quantify tryptophan, kynurenine, and tyrosine. Neopterin and phenylalanine were quantified by ELISA. The KYN/TRP ratio was measured as an index of IDO activity, while the PHE/TYR ratio was measured as an index of BH4 activity. Neopterin concentrations were used as an indirect measure of GTP-CH1 activity. JIA patients with high disease activity showed higher levels of both neopterin and kynurenine, and a higher ratio of both KYN/TRP and PHE/TYR and lower tryptophan levels than clinically inactive patients. Altogether, these data support our hypothesis that inflammation increases the enzymatic activity of both IDO and GTP-CH1 but decreases the efficacy of the co-factor BH4. In the future, animal studies are needed to investigate whether inflammation-induced changes in these enzymatic pathways and co-factor BH4 lower the levels of the brain neurotransmitters glutamate, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin, and consequently, whether they may affect fatigue, cognition, anxiety, and depression. Understanding of these complex neuroimmune interactions provides new possibilities for Pharma-Food interventions to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic inflammation.

New Therapeutic Implications of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Function/Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Disease

The Global Burden of Disease Study identified cardiovascular risk factors as leading causes of global deaths and life years lost. Endothelial dysfunction represents a pathomechanism that is associated with most of these risk factors and stressors, and represents an early (subclinical) marker/predictor of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress is a trigger of endothelial dysfunction and it is a hall-mark of cardiovascular diseases and of the risk factors/stressors that are responsible for their initiation. Endothelial function is largely based on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function and activity. Likewise, oxidative stress can lead to the loss of eNOS activity or even “uncoupling” of the enzyme by adverse regulation of well-defined “redox switches” in eNOS itself or up-/down-stream signaling molecules. Of note, not only eNOS function and activity in the endothelium are essential for vascular integrity and homeostasis, but also eNOS in perivascular adipose tissue plays an important role for these processes. Accordingly, eNOS protein represents an attractive therapeutic target that, so far, was not pharmacologically exploited. With our present work, we want to provide an overview on recent advances and future therapeutic strategies that could be used to target eNOS activity and function in cardiovascular (and other) diseases, including life style changes and epigenetic modulations. We highlight the redox-regulatory mechanisms in eNOS function and up- and down-stream signaling pathways (e.g., tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism and soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP pathway) and their potential pharmacological exploitation.