A Review of the Anti-Obesity Effects of Wild Edible Plants in the Mediterranean Diet and Their Active Compounds: From Traditional Uses to Action Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

A Systematic Review of Proteomics in Obesity: Unpacking the Molecular Puzzle

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present study aims to review the existing literature to identify pathophysiological proteins in obesity by conducting a systematic review of proteomics studies. Proteomics may reveal the mechanisms of obesity development and clarify the links between obesity and related diseases, improving our comprehension of obesity and its clinical implications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most of the molecular events implicated in obesity development remain incomplete. Proteomics stands as a powerful tool for elucidating the intricate interactions among proteins in the context of obesity. This methodology has the potential to identify proteins involved in pathological processes and to evaluate changes in protein abundance during obesity development, contributing to the identification of early disease predisposition, monitoring the effectiveness of interventions and improving disease management overall. Despite many non-targeted proteomic studies exploring obesity, a comprehensive and up-to-date systematic review of the molecular events implicated in obesity development is lacking. The lack of such a review presents a significant challenge for researchers trying to interpret the existing literature. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and included sixteen human proteomic studies, each of which delineated proteins exhibiting significant alterations in obesity. A total of 41 proteins were reported to be altered in obesity by at least two or more studies. These proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, oxidative stress responses, inflammatory processes, protein folding, coagulation, as well as structure/cytoskeleton. Many of the identified proteomic biomarkers of obesity have also been reported to be dysregulated in obesity-related disease. Among them, seven proteins, which belong to metabolic pathways (aldehyde dehydrogenase and apolipoprotein A1), the chaperone family (albumin, heat shock protein beta 1, protein disulfide-isomerase A3) and oxidative stress and inflammation proteins (catalase and complement C3), could potentially serve as biomarkers for the progression of obesity and the development of comorbidities, contributing to personalized medicine in the field of obesity. Our systematic review in proteomics represents a substantial step forward in unravelling the complexities of protein alterations associated with obesity. It provides valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity, thereby opening avenues for the discovery of potential biomarkers and the development of personalized medicine in obesity.

Anti-obesity effects of Celosia cristata flower extract in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

The overstoring of surplus calories in mature adipocytes causes obesity and abnormal metabolic activity. The anti-obesity effect of a Celosia cristata (CC) total flower extract was assessed in vitro, using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and mouse adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and in vivo, using high-fat diet (HFD)-treated C57BL/6 male mice.

METHODS

CC extract was co-incubated during adipogenesis in both 3T3-L1 cells and ADSCs. After differentiation, lipid droplets were assessed by oil red O staining, adipogenesis and lipolytic factors were evaluated, and intracellular triglyceride and glycerol concentrations were analyzed. For in vivo experiments, histomorphological analysis, mRNA expression levels of adipogenic and lipolytic factors in adipose tissue, blood plasma analysis, metabolic profiles were investigated.

RESULTS

CC treatment significantly prevented adipocyte differentiation and lipid droplet accumulation, reducing adipogenesis-related factors and increasing lipolysis-related factors. Consequently, the intracellular triacylglycerol content was diminished, whereas the glycerol concentration in the cell supernatant increased. Mice fed an HFD supplemented with the CC extract exhibited decreased HFD-induced weight gain with metabolic abnormalities such as intrahepatic lipid accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy. Improved glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity were observed, accompanied by the amelioration of metabolic disturbances, including alterations in liver enzymes and lipid profiles, in CC-treated mice. Moreover, the CC extract helped restore the disrupted energy metabolism induced by the HFD, based on a metabolic animal monitoring system.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that CC total flower extract is a potential natural herbal supplement for the prevention and management of obesity.

Red Oranges and Olive Leaf Waste-Derived Bioactive Extracts Promote Adipocyte Functionality In Vitro

Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide and is linked to metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), due to excessive free fatty acids (FFAs). Although lifestyle changes are effective, they often prove to be insufficient as initial treatments for obesity. Additionally, while surgical and pharmacological interventions are available, they are not entirely safe or effective. Recently, interest has grown in utilizing food waste and plant-derived phenolic compounds for their health benefits, presenting a promising avenue for managing obesity and its related disorders. Indeed, many studies have examined the potential inhibitory effects of the natural extract on adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. This study focused on the evaluation of the effects of standardized extracts obtained from red oranges and olive leaf waste on 3T3-L1 murine pre-adipocyte and adipocyte functionality. Red orange extract (ROE) and olive leaf extract (OLE), alone and in combination, were tested to assess their anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as their potential therapeutic benefits. Three in vitro models were established to investigate the effects of the extracts on (I) adipocyte differentiation; (II) mature and hypertrophic adipocytes challenged with palmitic acid (PA) and erastin (ER), respectively; and (III) erastin-induced cytotoxicity on pre-adipocytes.

Effects of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Extract on Male Rat Reproductive System, Pregnancy and Offspring Development

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that extract prepared from the aerial part of Cichorium intybus L. (CE) possesses hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. This paper focuses on the effects of CE on the male rat reproductive system and the effects of this treatment on pregnancy and offspring development.

METHODS

The experimental male rats received 100 mg/kg bw/day, 500 mg/kg bw/day, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day of CE orally for 60 consecutive days. Rats that received tap water were used as controls. After treatment, we evaluated the effects of CE on the male reproductive system, fertility, and offspring development.

RESULTS

For CE-treated male rats, there was a significant increase in the (1) diameter of seminiferous tubules, (2) spermatogenic index, (3) number of total and motile spermatozoa, and (4) testosterone levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in the pre- and post-implantation death of the embryos in the CE-treated group. All pups born from CE-treated males demonstrated normal development.

CONCLUSIONS

CE treatment significantly improved male reproductive functions. No adverse effects on pregnancy and offspring development were observed when males were treated with CE. Further clinical evaluation of CE should lead to the development of a safe and effective phytodrug for treating male infertility.

Mitigating digestive disorders: Action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds

This study explores the effects of the Mediterranean diet, herbal remedies, and their phytochemicals on various gastrointestinal conditions and reviews the global use of medicinal plants for common digestive problems. The review highlights key plants and their mechanisms of action and summarizes the latest findings on how plant-based products influence the digestive system and how they work. We searched various sources of literature and databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus. Our focus was on gathering relevant papers published between 2013 and August 2023. Certain plants exhibit potential in preventing or treating digestive diseases and cancers. Notable examples include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Cynodon dactylon, and Vaccinium myrtillus. The phytochemical analysis of the plants showed that compounds such as quercetin, anthocyanins, curcumin, phenolics, isoflavones glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins constitute the main active substances within these plants. These natural remedies have the potential to enhance the digestive system and alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. However, further research is imperative to comprehensively evaluate the benefits and safety of herbal medicines to use their active ingredients for the development of natural and effective drugs.

Obesity and sexual health: focus on postmenopausal women

Menopause is a cardiometabolic transition with many women experiencing weight gain and redistribution of body fat. Hormonal changes may affect also several dimensions of well-being, including sexual function, with a high rate of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which displays a multifactorial etiology. The most important biological factors range from chronic low-grade inflammation, associated with hypertrophic adipocytes that may translate into endothelial dysfunction and compromised blood flow through the genitourinary system, to insulin resistance and other neuroendocrine mechanisms targeting the sexual response. Psychosocial factors include poor body image, mood disorders, low self-esteem and life satisfaction, as well as partner's health and quality of relationship, and social stigma. Even unhealthy lifestyle, chronic conditions and putative weight-promoting medications may play a role. The aim of the present narrative review is to update and summarize the state of the art on the link between obesity and FSD in postmenopausal women, pointing to the paucity of high-quality studies and the need for further research with validated end points to assess both biomarkers of obesity and FSD. In addition, we provide general information on the diagnosis and treatment of FSD at menopause with a focus on dietary interventions, physical activity, anti-obesity drugs and bariatric surgery.

How Thymoquinone from Nigella sativa Accelerates Wound Healing through Multiple Mechanisms and Targets

Wound healing is a multifaceted process necessitating the collaboration of numerous elements to mend damaged tissue. Plant and animal-derived natural compounds have been utilized for wound treatment over the centuries, with many scientific investigations examining these compounds. Those with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties are particularly noteworthy, as they target various wound-healing stages to expedite recovery. Thymoquinone, derived from Nigella sativa (N. sativa)-a medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, and Greco-Arabic and Islamic medicine-has demonstrated a range of therapeutic properties. Thymoquinone exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities, positioning it as a potential remedy for skin pathologies. This review examines recent research on how thymoquinone accelerates wound healing and the mechanisms behind its effectiveness. We carried out a comprehensive review of literature and electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus. Our aim was to gather relevant papers published between 2015 and August 2023. The main criteria for inclusion were that the articles had to be peer reviewed, original, written in English, and discuss the wound-healing parameters of thymoquinone in wound repair. Our review focused on the effects of thymoquinone on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing. We also examined the role of cytokines, signal transduction cascades, and clinical trials. We found sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of thymoquinone in promoting wound healing. However, there is no consensus on the most effective concentrations of these substances. It is therefore essential to determine the optimal treatment doses and the best route of administration. Further research is also needed to investigate potential side effects and the performance of thymoquinone in clinical trials.