The Inhibitory Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Extracts on Adipogenesis and Inflammatory Response

A review: The nutrition components, active substances and flavonoid accumulation of Tartary buckwheat sprouts and innovative physical technology for seeds germinating

Compared with the common grain, Tartary buckwheat enjoys higher nutritional value. Some distinctive nutrition associated with physiological activity of Tartary buckwheat is valuable in medicine. In addition, it's a good feed crop. In the paper, the main components (starch, protein, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral) and polyphenol bioactive components in Tartary buckwheat and its sprouts were reviewed, and the accumulation of flavonoids in sprouts during germination, especially the methods, synthetic pathways and mechanisms of flavonoid accumulation was summarized. The research on bioactive components and health benefits of Tartary buckwheat also were reviewed. Besides, the applications of innovative physical technology including microwave, magnetic, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and light were also mentioned and highlighted, which could promote the enrichment of some active substances during seeds germination and growth of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. It would give a good support and benefit for the research and processing of Tartary buckwheat and its sprouts in next day.

An Innovative Mei-Gin Formula Exerts Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Obesity Effects in 3T3-L1 Adipocyte and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

BACKGROUND

To investigate the potential anti-obesity properties of an innovative functional formula (called the Mei-Gin formula: MGF) consisting of bainiku-ekisu, Prunus mume (70% ethanol extract), black garlic (water extract), and Mesona procumbens Hemsl. (40% ethanol extract) for reducing lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro and obese rats in vivo.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prevention and regression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity by the intervention of Japan Mei-Gin, MGF-3 and -7, and positive health supplement powder were investigated in male Wistar rats. The anti-obesity effects of MGF-3 and -7 in rats with HFD-induced obesity were examined by analyzing the role of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in the development of obesity.

RESULTS

The results indicated that MGF-1-7 significantly suppressed lipid accumulation and cell differentiation through the down-regulation of GPDH activity, as a key regulator in the synthesis of triglycerides. Additionally, MGF-3 and MGF-7 exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The high-fat diet increased body weight, liver weight, and total body fat (visceral and subcutaneous fat) in obese rats, while these alterations were effectively improved by the administration of MGF-3 and -7, especially MGF-7.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the role of the Mei-Gin formula, particularly MGF-7, in anti-obesity action, which has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for the prevention or treatment of obesity.

Nutritional and bioactive characteristics of buckwheat, and its potential for developing gluten‐free products: An updated overview

In the present era, food scientists are concerned about exploiting functional crops with nutraceutical properties. Buckwheat is one of the functional pseudocereals with nutraceutical components used in the treatment of health-related diseases, malnutrition, and celiac diseases. As a preferred diet as a gluten-free product for celiac diseases, buckwheat is a good source of nutrients, bioactive components, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The general characteristics and better nutritional profile of buckwheat than other cereal family crops were highlighted by previous investigations. In buckwheats, bioactive components like peptides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, d-fagomine, fagopyritols, and fagopyrins are posing significant health benefits. This study highlights the current knowledge about buckwheat and its characteristics, nutritional constituents, bioactive components, and their potential for developing gluten-free products to target celiac people (1.4% of the world population) and other health-related diseases.

Systematic Review of Human and Animal Evidence on the Role of Buckwheat Consumption on Gastrointestinal Health

BACKGROUND

Buckwheat is a commonly cultivated crop with growing evidence that it is beneficial to gastrointestinal (GI) health. This systematic review summarizes the role of buckwheat in modifying GI health outcomes and microbiomes.

METHODS

Four medical databases and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Clinical trials, observational studies, animal in vivo, and in vitro studies with human and animal GI-derived samples were included.

RESULTS

There were 32 studies (one randomized controlled trial [RCT], one non-randomized trial, 3 observational, 9 in vitro, and 18 animal in vivo studies) included. In preclinical studies, buckwheat extracts were observed to have cytotoxic potential against human-derived GI cancer cell lines. Animals fed with buckwheat had lower GI mucosal inflammation, higher alpha diversity in the GI microbiome, and higher levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids. Human evidence studies and clinical trials were limited and predominantly of moderate risk of bias. The majority of in vitro studies with GI-derived samples and in vivo studies were reliable without restrictions in study design.

CONCLUSION

In vivo and in vitro studies show that buckwheat may have potential GI benefits due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential; however, human evidence remains limited, and its impact on health in humans remains to be elucidated in future trials.

Metabolite Profiling of Tartary Buckwheat Extracts in Rats Following Co-Administration of Ethanol Using UFLC-Q-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Tartary buckwheat, a gluten-free pseudocereal, has received considerable attention owing to its unique nutritional ingredients and beneficial health effects such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and hepatoprotective activities. Pharmacokinetic and metabolite profiling have been preliminarily assessed for Tartary buckwheat extracts. However, its metabolites have not yet been characterized in vivo after co-administration with ethanol when Tartary buckwheat extracts are used for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. In this paper, a Q-Exactive orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer was employed to identify the metabolites of Tartary buckwheat extracts in rat biological samples. Compared with previous metabolite profiling results, a total of 26 novel metabolites were found in rat biological samples, including 11, 10, 2 and 5 novel metabolites in rat plasma, bile, urine and feces, respectively, after oral co-administration of 240 mg/kg Tartary buckwheat extracts with ethanol (42%, v/v). The major metabolic pathways of the constituents in Tartary buckwheat extracts involved hydroxylation, methylation, glucuronidation, acetylation and sulfation. Quercetin and its metabolites may be the pharmacological material basis of Tartary buckwheat for the protective effect against alcoholic liver injury. The research enriched in vivo metabolite profiling of Tartary buckwheat extracts, which provided experimental data for a comprehensive understanding and rational use of Tartary buckwheat against alcoholic liver disease.

Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids Improve Colon Lesions and Modulate Gut Microbiota Composition in Diabetic Mice

Tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBFs) exhibit diverse biological activities, with antioxidant, antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties. In this study, we investigated the role of TBFs in attenuating glucose and lipid disturbances in diabetic mice and hence preventing the occurrence of diabetes-related colon lesions in mice by regulating the gut microbiota. The results showed that TBFs (1) reversed blood glucose levels and body weight changes; (2) improved levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fasting insulin; and (3) significantly reduced diabetes-related colon lesions in diabetic mice. In addition, TBFs also affected the diabetes-related imbalance of the gut microbiota and enriched beneficial microbiota, including Akkermansia and Prevotella. The TBF also selectively increased short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, including Roseburia and Odoribacter, and decreased the abundance of the diabetes-related gut microbiota, including Escherichia, Mucispirillum, and Bilophila. The correlation analysis indicated that TBFs improved metabolic parameters related to key communities of the gut microbiota. Our data suggested that TBFs alleviated glucose and lipid disturbances and improved colon lesions in diabetic mice, possibly by regulating the community composition of the gut microbiota. This regulation of the gut microbiota composition may explain the observed effects of TBFs to alleviate diabetes-related symptoms.

Coarse cereals modulating chronic low-grade inflammation: review

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is closely associated with various chronic diseases. Researchers have paid attention to the comprehensive application and development of food materials with potential anti-inflammatory activity. Owing to their abundant nutrients and biological activities, coarse cereals have emerged as an important component of human diet. Increasing evidence has revealed their potential protective effects against CLGI in chronic conditions. However, this property has not been systematically discussed and summarized. In the present work, numerous published reports were reviewed to systematically analyze and summarize the protective effects of coarse cereals and their main active ingredients against CLGI. Their current utilization state was investigated. The future prospects, such as the synergistic effects among the active compounds in coarse cereals and the biomarker signatures of CLGI, were also discussed. Coarse cereals show promise as food diet resources for preventing CLGI in diseased individuals. Their active ingredients, including β-glucan, resistant starch, arabinoxylan, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols and lignans, function against CLGI through multiple possible intracellular signaling pathways and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, coarse cereals play a crucial role in the food industry due to their health effects on chronic diseases and are worthy of further development for possible application in modulating chronic inflammation.

Antioxidant and anti-obesity effects of in vitro digesta of germinated buckwheat

Buckwheat germinated on days of 3, 5, and 7 was digested in vitro, and the antioxidant and anti-obesity effects of the digesta were evaluated. In vitro digesta of 5 days germinated buckwheat (GBD5) showed significantly higher antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and ferric reducing antioxidant power by 5.3, 1.3, 2.0, 3.2, and 2.8-fold, respectively than in vitro digesta of non-germinated buckwheat. GBD5 exerted inhibitory effect on total lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte in a dose-dependent manner, with over 25% reduction at 400 µg/mL. Additionally, GBD5 significantly downregulated genes related to adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation. GBD5 possessed different metabolite profiles compared to others such as higher content of γ-aminobutyric acid and succinic acid. Therefore, GBD5 has potent antioxidant effects and suppresses fat accumulation-related genes and proteins expression, which could act as a new functional substance.

Bioactive compounds, health benefits, and industrial applications of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)

Tartary buckwheat belongs to the family Polygonaceae, which is a traditionally edible and medicinal plant. Due to its various bioactive compounds, the consumption of Tartary buckwheat is correlated to a wide range of health benefits, and increasing attention has been paid to its potential as a functional food. This review summarizes the main bioactive compounds and important bioactivities and health benefits of Tartary buckwheat, emphasizing its protective effects on metabolic diseases and relevant molecular mechanisms. Tartary buckwheat contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, bioactive polysaccharides, and bioactive proteins and peptides, as well as D-chiro-inositol and its derivatives. Consumption of Tartary buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat-enriched products is linked to multiple health benefits, e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antihypertensive, and hepatoprotective activities. Especially, clinical studies indicate that Tartary buckwheat exhibits remarkable antidiabetic activities. Various tartary buckwheat -based foods presenting major health benefits as fat and blood glucose-lowering agents have been commercialized. Additionally, to address the safety concerns, i.e., allergic reactions, heavy metal and mycotoxin contaminations, the quality control standards for Tartary buckwheat and its products should be drafted and completed in the future.

A Peripheral CB1R Antagonist Increases Lipolysis, Oxygen Consumption Rate, and Markers of Beiging in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Similar to RIM, Suggesting that Central Effects Can Be Avoided

With the increased prevalence of obesity and related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), worldwide, improvements in pharmacological treatments are necessary. The brain- and peripheral-cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist rimonabant (RIM) has been shown to induce weight loss and improve glucose homeostasis. We have previously demonstrated that RIM promotes adipose tissue beiging and decreased adipocyte cell size, even during maintenance on a high-fat diet. Given the adverse side-effects of brain-penetrance with RIM, in this study we aimed to determine the site of action for a non-brain-penetrating CB1R antagonist AM6545. By using in vitro assays, we demonstrated the direct effects of this non-brain-penetrating CB1R antagonist on cultured adipocytes. Specifically, we showed, for the first time, that AM6545 significantly increases markers of adipose tissue beiging, mitochondrial biogenesis, and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), consisting of baseline respiratory rate, proton leak, maximal respiratory capacity, and ATP synthase activity, was greater for cells exposed to AM6545, demonstrating greater mitochondrial uncoupling. Using a lipolysis inhibitor during real-time OCR measurements, we determined that the impact of CB1R antagonism on adipocytes is driven by increased lipolysis. Thus, our data suggest the direct role of CB1R antagonism on adipocytes does not require brain penetrance, supporting the importance of focus on peripheral CB1R antagonism pharmacology for reducing the incidence of obesity and T2D.

Beneficial Fatty Acid Ratio of Salvia hispanica L. (Chia Seed) Potentially Inhibits Adipocyte Hypertrophy, and Decreases Adipokines Expression and Inflammation in Macrophage

The present study aimed to determine the role of Salvia hispanica L., (chia seed) fatty acid content in adipocyte lipid accumulation and human macrophage immunoregulatory potential. Chia seed fatty acid was extracted using hexane by the cold percolation method. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed a 3:1 ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid composition and it was more beneficial for human health. We treated it with increasing concentrations (0–6.4 μg/mL) of chia seed fatty acid extract to determine the cytotoxicity on the preadipocytes and macrophage; no significant cytotoxicity was observed. Chia seed, in 0.2 and 0.4 μg/mL doses, significantly arrested adipocyte hypertrophy and macrophage foam cell development. The gene expression levels of adipocyte confirmed the increased expression of adipocyte mitochondrial thermogenesis related genes, such as uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PPARγC1α) and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16); and the down regulated expression of the lipid synthesis related gene sterol regulatory element binding of protein-1c (SREBP-1c). In addition, adipogenesis related genes, such as the proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) expressions, have been down regulated by chia seed treatment. Macrophage treated with chia seed-treated adipocyte condition media significantly inhibited the obesity associated inflammatory genes and protein expression levels, such as monocyte chemo attractant protein-1 (MCP-1), prostaglandins E2, interleukin-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In conclusion, a 3:1 ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid composition of chia seed fatty acid content potentially inhibits lipid accumulation, and enhanced fatty acid oxidation, via UCP-1 and PRDM16 expression. Macrophage recruitment to adipocyte and the development of obesity associated inflammation was suppressed by chia seeds.

GPETAFLR, an octapeptide isolated from Lupinus angustifolius L. protein hydrolysate, promotes the skewing to the M2 phenotype in human primary monocytes

The present study aimed to test the mechanisms by which GPETAFLR, released from the enzymatic hydrolysis of lupine protein, may modulate the inflammatory response and plasticity in human primary monocytes. Human circulating monocytes and mature macrophages were used to analyze the effects of GPETAFLR on plasticity and inflammatory response using biochemical, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and ELISA assays. GPETAFLR skewed the monocyte plasticity towards the anti-inflammatory non-classical CD14+CD16++ monocyte subset and reduced the inflammatory competence of LPS-treated human monocytes diminishing IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and increasing IL-10 production and gene expression. Results showed that GPETAFLR decreased the frequency of the LPS-induced activated monocyte population (CD14++CD16-), diminished monocyte activation involved down-regulation of CCR2 mRNA expression and protein expression, and decreased gene expression of the LPS-induced chemoattractant mediator CCL2. Our findings imply a new understanding of the mechanisms by which GPETAFLR favor a continuous and gradual plasticity process in the human monocyte/macrophage system and offer novel benefits derived from the consumption of Lupinus angustifolius L. in the prevention of inflammatory-related diseases.

The Facilitating Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary

There has been a growing interest in the use of flavonoids and probiotics as alternatives of antibiotics in livestock production and as natural products for human health benefit. The effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoid supplementation in the diet has not been clearly investigated. The supplementation of tartary buckwheat flavonoids or Lactobacillus plantarum improved the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. In combination, they exhibited a synergistic effect on nutrient digestibility.

Abstract

Natural plant extracts and probiotics has been proved as the most preferred and effective alternatives for antibiotics in animal feeding. The current study aimed to investigate the facilitating effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota of weaned piglets. Fifty 35-day-old weaned piglets (7.85 ± 0.67 kg) were randomly divided into five treatments with 10 piglets per treatment. Piglets in the negative control (NC) group were fed a basal diet, and others were fed basal diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg of colistin sulfate (positive control, PC), 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (BF), and a combination of 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum and 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (LB). Supplementation of BF increased the average daily gain of piglets in the BF group (p < 0.05). The nutrient digestibility of piglets in the NC group was lower than that in other groups, while the digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, organic matter, and phosphorus of piglets in the LB group was higher than the other four groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC and pC group, supplementation of Lp increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and catalase (CAT), while the BF increased the content of IgA and IgM (p < 0.05). Supplementation of colistin sulfate decreased the alpha diversity index, including chao and observed species, while the addition of Lp or combination of Lp and BF increased the abundance of Selenomonas or Mitsuokella in fecal samples, respectively. The results indicated that supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum can improve the antioxidant capacity, while tartary buckwheat flavones can increase the growth performance and immune ability of weaned piglets. Moreover, in combination, they promote nutrient digestibility.

Strategic enhancement of genetic gain for nutraceutical development in buckwheat: A genomics-driven perspective

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) under the family Polygonaceae is an ancient pseudocereal with stupendous but less studied nutraceutical properties. The gluten free nature of protein, balanced amino acid profile and health promoting bioactive flavonoids make it a golden crop of future. Besides a scanty basic research, not much attention has been paid to the improvement of plant type and breeding of nutraceutical traits. Scanning of scientific literature indicates that adequate genetic variation exists for agronomic and nutritional traits in mainstream and wild gene pool of buckwheat. However, the currently employed conventional approaches together with poorly understood genetic mechanisms restrict effective utilization of the existing genetic variation in nutraceutical breeding of buckwheat. The latest trends in buckwheat genomics, particularly avalilabity of draft genome sequences for both the cultivated species (F. esculentum and F.tataricum) hold immense potential to overcome these limitations. Utilizing the transgenic hairy rot cultures, role of various transcription factors and gene families have been deduced in production and biosynthesis of bioactive flavonoids. Further, the acquisition of high-density genomics data coupled with the next-generation phenotyping will certainly improve our understanding of underlying genetic regulation of nutraceutical traits. The present paper highlights the application of multilayered omics interventions for tailoring a nutrient rich buckwheat cultivar and nutraceutical product development.

Tartary Buckwheat Extract Attenuated the Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Increased Muscle PGC-1a/SIRT1 Expression in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is intimately related to a chronic inflammatory state, with augmentation of macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in white adipose tissue (WAT) and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. The specific aim of this study is to evaluate effects of tartary buckwheat extract (TB) on obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α/sirtulin 1 (SIRT1) pathway in rats fed a high-fat diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed either a normal diet (NOR), 45% high-fat diet (HF), HF + low dose of TB (TB-L; 5 g/kg diet), or HF + high dose of TB (TB-H; 10 g/kg diet) for 13 weeks. TB significantly reduced adipose tissue mass with decreased adipogenic gene expression of PPAR-γ and aP2. Serum nitric oxide levels and adipose tissue macrophage M1 polarization gene markers, such as iNOS, CD11c, and Arg1, and pro-inflammatory gene expression, including TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, were remarkably downregulated in the TB-L and TB-H groups. Moreover, TB supplementation increased gene expression of PGC-1α and SIRT1, involved in muscle biogenesis and function. These results suggested that TB might attenuate obesity-induced inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction by modulating adipose tissue inflammation and the muscle PGC-1α/SIRT1 pathway.

Corn dried distillers grains with solubles (cDDGS) in the diet of pigs change the expression of adipose genes that are potential therapeutic targets in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases

Background

Corn dried distillers grains with solubles (cDDGS) are a byproduct of biofuel and alcohol production. cDDGS have been used in pig feed for many years, because they are readily available and rich in protein, fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols. However, feed mixtures too high in cDDGS result in the worsening of backfat quality. We performed RNA-sequencing analysis of backfat from crossbred pigs fed different diets. The diets were isoenergetic but contained different amounts of cDDGS and various sources of fats. The animals were divided into four dietary groups during the two months of experimentation: group I (control (-cDDGS+rapeseed oil)), group II (+cDDGS+rapeseed oil), group III (+cDDGS+beef tallow), and group IV (+cDDGS+coconut oil). The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate changes in the backfat transcriptome of pigs fed isoenergetic diets that differed in cDDGS presence.

Results

Via DESeq2 software, we identified 93 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups I and II, 13 between groups I and III, and 125 between groups I and IV. DEGs identified between group I (-cDDGS+rapeseed oil) and group II (+cDDGS+rapeseed oil) were highly overrepresented in several KEGG pathways: metabolic pathways (FDR < 1.21e-06), oxidative phosphorylation (FDR < 0.00189), fatty acid biosynthesis (FDR < 0.00577), Huntington’s disease (FDR < 0.00577), fatty acid metabolism (FDR < 0.0112), Parkinson’s disease (FDR < 0.0151), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (FDR < 0.016), Alzheimer’s disease (FDR < 0.0211) and complement and coagulation cascades (FDR < 0.02).

Conclusions

We observed that the addition of cDDGS positively affects the expression of several genes that have been recently proposed as potential targets for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease (e.g., FASN, AACS, ALAS1, HMGCS1, and VSIG4). Thus, our results support the idea of including cDDGS into the diets of companion animals and humans and encourage research into the bioactive ingredients of cDDGS.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5265-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The chemokine system and its role in obesity

The chemokine system is a complex arrangement of molecules that attract leukocytes to the site of injury or inflammation. This chemotactic behavior gives the system the name "Chemokine." The intricate and redundant nature of the chemokine system has made it a subject of ongoing scientific investigation. Obesity is characterized as low-grade systemic or chronic inflammation that is responsible for the release of cytokines, adipokines, and chemokines. Excessive tissue fat expansion triggers the release of chemokines, which in turn attract various leukocytes and activate the resident immune surveillance system, eventually leading to worsening of obesity and other related comorbidities. To date, 50 chemokines and 20 chemokine receptors that belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor family have been discovered, and over the past two decades, the physiological and pathological roles of many of these chemokines and their receptors have been elucidated. The objective of this review is to present an update on the link between chemokines and obesity under the light of recent knowledge.

Effects of Isorhamnetin on Adipocyte Mitochondrial Biogenesis and AMPK Activation

Isorhamnetin (ISOR), 3-O-methylquercetin, is a naturally occurring flavonoid in many plants. It is a metabolite derived from quercetin and is known to exert beneficial effects on the prevention of obesity. However, the molecular mechanism of action involved in ISOR-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in 3T3-L1 cells remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether ISOR affected mitochondrial biogenesis and AMPK activation, during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Intracellular lipid and triglyceride accumulation, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity decreased in ISOR-treated cells. The mRNA levels of adipogenic genes, such as the proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), were inhibited by ISOR. In contrast, mRNA levels of mitochondrial genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated reporter gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)-1, transcription factor A (Tfam), and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1α (CPT-1α), were all stimulated by ISOR treatment. Mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) copy number and AMPK activity were also stimulated by ISOR. The results suggested that the mitochondrial biogenic effect of ISOR in adipocytes might have been associated with stimulation of mitochondrial gene expression, mtDNA replication, and AMPK activation.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids

Flavonoids rich in Tartary buckwheat (TBFs) are the acknowledged health-promoting substances, even with the low oral bioavailability due to its chemical instability in gastrointestinal tract and poor intestinal absorption. To obtain the enhanced oral delivery, TBFs, obtained by an environmentally friendly extraction strategy in advance with the amount of 7.66 ± 0.47 mg rutin/g, was incorporated in biocompatible lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs). Its high encapsulation efficiency of 96.4% ± 1.1%, narrow size distribution of 61.25 ± 1.83 nm with spherical shape, and good storage stability were observed. Compared to free TBFs, TBFs/LPNs exhibited higher antioxidant activity and significant suppression on the pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophage. Moreover, the enhanced delivery of TBFs/LPNs was also embodied in the improved transmembrane transport in Caco-2 monolayer, suggesting its better intestinal absorption, and significantly immune-enhancing efficacy in immunosuppressed mice. These results demonstrated the new perspectives of Tartary buckwheat flavonoids-loaded nanosystem for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.