Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Lonicera caerulea L. Berry Polyphenols in a Mouse Model of Fatty Liver Induced by High Fat Diet. Molecules. 2018;23. [PMID: 30563142 PMCID: PMC6321169 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123213]

Effects of Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) Extracts against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Cells

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Lonicera caerulea L. ethanol extract (LCEE) and water extract (LCWE) in vitro. We primarily evaluated the improvement effect of LCWE and LCEE on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory damage in RAW 264.7 cells by detecting oxidation-related indicators and inflammatory factors, respectively. Cellular studies showed that LCWE and LCEE increased superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide peroxide levels in H2O2-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, LCWE and LCEE decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors [e.g., interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α] in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, LCWE and LCEE demonstrated excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. However, LCWE was superior to LCEE, which may be related to its chemical composition and requires further research.

A Systematic Review of Cardio-Metabolic Properties of Lonicera caerulea L

In the light of growing concerns faced by Western societies due to aging, natality decline, and epidemic of cardio-metabolic diseases, both preventable and treatable, new and effective strategical interventions are urgently needed in order to decrease their socio-economical encumbrance. The recent focus of research has been redirected towards investigating the potential of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) as a novel functional food or superfruit. Therefore, our present review aims to highlight the latest scientific proofs regarding the potential of Lonicera caerulea L. (LC), a perennial fruit-bearing plant rich in polyphenols, in reversing cardio-metabolic dysfunctions. In this regard, a systematic search on two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 1 January 2016 to 1 December 2023 was performed, the keyword combination being Lonicera caerulea L. AND the searched pharmacological action, with the inclusion criteria consisting of in extenso original articles, written in English. The health-enhancing characteristics of haskap berries have been examined through in vitro and in vivo studies from the 35 included original papers. Positive effects regarding cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome have been assigned to the antioxidant activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, as well as to the hepatoprotective and vasoprotective potential. Latest advances regarding LCF mechanisms of action are detailed within this review as well. All these cutting-edge data suggest that this vegetal product would be a good candidate for further clinical studies.

Oat-based postbiotics ameliorate high-sucrose induced liver injury and colitis susceptibility by modulating fatty acids metabolism and gut microbiota

High-sucrose (HS) consumption leads to metabolic disorders and increases susceptibility to colitis. Postbiotics hold great potentials in combating metabolic diseases and offer advantages in safety and processability, compared with living probiotics. We developed innovative oat-based postbiotics and extensively explored how they could benefit in rats with long-term high-sucrose consumption. The postbiotics fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (OF-1) and OF-5, the one fermented with the optimal selection of five probiotics (i.e., L. plantarum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis) alleviated HS induced liver injury, impaired fatty acid metabolism and inflammation through activating AMPK/SREBP-1c pathways. Moreover, oat-based postbiotics restored detrimental effects of HS on fatty acid profiles in liver, as evidenced by the increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreases in saturated fatty acids, with OF-5 showing most pronounced effects. Furthermore, oat-based postbiotics prevented HS exacerbated susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate caused colitis and reconstructed epithelial tight junction proteins in colons. Oat-based postbiotics, in particular OF-5 notably remodeled gut microbiota composition, e.g., enriching the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Alloprevotella and Prevotella, which may play an important role in the liver-colon axis responsible for improvements of liver functions and reduction of colitis susceptibility. The heat-inactivated probiotics protected against HS-induced liver and colon damage, but such effects were less pronounced compared with oat-based postbiotics. Our findings emphasize the great value of oat-based postbiotics as nutritional therapeutics to combat unhealthy diet induced metabolic dysfunctions.

Tissue-specific mechanisms of fat metabolism that focus on insulin actions

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of ectopic fats is related to metabolic syndromes with insulin resistance, which is considered as the first hit in obesity-related diseases. However, systematic understanding of the occurrence of ectopic fats is limited, since organisms are capable of orchestrating complicated intracellular signaling pathways to ensure that the correct nutritional components reach the tissues where they are needed. Interestingly, tissue-specific mechanisms lead to different consequences of fat metabolism with different insulin sensitivities.

AIM OF REVIEW

To summarize the mechanisms of fat deposition in different tissues including adipose tissue, subcutis, liver, muscle and intestines, in an attempt to elucidate interactive mechanisms involving insulin actions and establish a potential reference for the rational uptake of fat.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Tissue-specific fat metabolism serves as a trigger for developing abnormal fat metabolism or as a compensatory agent for regulating normal fat metabolism. Outcomes of de novo lipogenesis and adipogenesis differ in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), liver and muscle, with the participation of insulin actions. Overload of lipid metabolic capability results in SAT fat expansion, and ectopic fat accumulation implicates impaired lipo-/adipogenesis in SAT. Regulating insulin actions may be a key measure on fat deposition and metabolism in individuals.

Critical review on anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) and their function

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is an emerging commercial fruit in the world, has been known for its multiple anthocyanins in the berries, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is a major anthocyanin in berries and it makes up 76-92% of the total anthocyanins content, with high antioxidant capacity, and widely used in food products. In this review, recent studies related to anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle were sorted out, including the current status of research on anthocyanins in blue honeysuckle berries, especially C3G, qualitative and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins in berries, extraction and purification methods of anthocyanins from blue honeysuckle, in addition, biological effects of blue honeysuckle, and recommended utilization. Blue honeysuckle contains polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, minerals, and multiple bioactive compounds, it has been extensively reported to have significant antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-diabetic functions, and has been used in a variety of food products as raw materials.

Interactions between gut microbiota and polyphenols: A mechanistic and metabolomic review

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols are a class of naturally sourced compounds with widespread distribution and an extensive array of bioactivities. However, due to their complex constituents and weak absorption, a convincing explanation for their remarkable bioactivity remains elusive for a long time. In recent years, interaction with gut microbiota is hypothesized to be a reasonable explanation of the potential mechanisms for natural compounds especially polyphenols.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to present a persuasive explanation for the contradiction between the limited bioavailability and the remarkable bioactivities of polyphenols by examining their interactions with gut microbiota.

METHODS

We assessed literatures published before April 10, 2023, from several databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The keywords used include "polyphenols", "gut microbiota", "short-chain fatty acids", "bile acids", "trimethylamine N-oxide", "lipopolysaccharides" "tryptophan", "dopamine", "intestinal barrier", "central nervous system", "lung", "anthocyanin", "proanthocyanidin", "baicalein", "caffeic acid", "curcumin", "epigallocatechin-3-gallate", "ferulic acid", "genistein", "kaempferol", "luteolin", "myricetin", "naringenin", "procyanidins", "protocatechuic acid", "pterostilbene", "quercetin", "resveratrol", etc. RESULTS: The review first demonstrates that polyphenols significantly alter gut microbiota diversity (α- and β-diversity) and the abundance of specific microorganisms. Polyphenols either promote or inhibit microorganisms, with various factors influencing their effects, such as dosage, treatment duration, and chemical structure of polyphenols. Furthermore, the review reveals that polyphenols regulate several gut microbiota metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, dopamine, trimethylamine N-oxide, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides. Polyphenols affect these metabolites by altering gut microbiota composition, modifying microbial enzyme activity, and other potential mechanisms. The changed microbial metabolites induced by polyphenols subsequently trigger host responses in various ways, such as acting as intestinal acid-base homeostasis regulators and activating on specific target receptors. Additionally, polyphenols are transformed into microbial derivatives by gut microbiota and these polyphenols' microbial derivatives have many potential advantages (e.g., increased bioactivity, improved absorption). Lastly, the review shows polyphenols maintain intestinal barrier, central nervous system, and lung function homeostasis by regulating gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota provides a credible explanation for the exceptional bioactivities of polyphenols. This review aids our understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind the bioactivity of polyphenols.

Ameliorative Effects of Anthocyanin Metabolites on Western Diet-Induced NAFLD by Modulating Co-Occurrence Networks of Gut Microbiome

Anthocyanins (Acn) have been reported to have preventive effects on Western diet (WD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the amount of Acn that reached the bloodstream were less than 1%, suggesting that anthocyanin metabolites (Acn-M) in the gut may contribute to their in vivo effects. This study is focused on a gut microbiota investigation to elucidate the effect of two major Acn-M, protocatechuic acid (PC) and phloroglucinol carboxaldehyde (PG), on NAFLD prevention. C57BL/6N male mice were divided into five groups and fed with a normal diet (ND), WD, WD + 0.5% PC, WD + 0.5% PG and WD + a mixture of 0.25% PC + 0.25% PG (CG) for 12 weeks. The results revealed that WD-fed mice showed a significant increase in final body weight, epididymis fat weight, liver weight and fat accumulation rate, serum total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. At the same time, these indices were significantly decreased by Acn-M in the order of PG, CG > PC. In particular, PG significantly decreased serum glucose and insulin resistance. Gut microbiome analysis revealed that PG significantly increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Prevotella, Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio, and upregulated glucose degradation pathway. Interestingly, the co-occurrence networks of Lachnospiraceae and Desulfovibrionaceae in the PC and PG groups were similar to the ND group and different to WD group. These data suggest that PC and PG were able to recover the gut microbiome networks and functions from dysbiosis caused by WD. Therefore, PG might act as a master metabolite for anthocyanins and prevent WD-induced NAFLD and gut dysbiosis.

Exploring the Impact of Cyanidin-3-Glucoside on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Investigating New Mechanisms for Emerging Interventions

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), the most widely distributed anthocyanin (ACN) in edible fruits, has been proposed for several bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-thrombotic and epigenetic actions. However, habitual intake of ACNs and C3G may vary widely among populations, regions, and seasons, among individuals with different education and financial status. The main point of C3G absorption occurs in the small and large bowel. Therefore, it has been supposed that the treating properties of C3G might affect inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBDs develop through complex inflammatory pathways and sometimes may be resistant to conventional treatment strategies. C3G presents antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antimicrobial effects useful for IBD management. In particular, different studies have demonstrated that C3G inhibits NF-κB pathway activation. In addition, C3G activates the Nrf2 pathway. On the other hand, it modulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes and cytoprotective proteins, such as NAD(P)H, superoxide dismutase, heme-oxygenase (HO-1), thioredoxin, quinone reductase-oxide 1 (NQO1), catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. Interferon I and II pathways are downregulated by C3G inhibiting interferon-mediating inflammatory cascades. Moreover, C3G reduces reactive species and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as C reactive protein, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-17A in UC and CD patients. Finally, C3G modulates gut microbiota by inducing an increase in beneficial gut bacteria and increasing microbial abundances, thus mitigating dysbiosis. Thus, C3G presents activities that may have potential therapeutic and protective actions against IBD. Still, in the future, clinical trials should be designed to investigate the bioavailability of C3G in IBD patients and the proper therapeutic doses through different sources, aiming to the standardization of the exact clinical outcome and efficacy of C3G.

Hydrogen inhalation ameliorates hepatic inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in rats with high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem metabolic disease associated with gut microflora dysbiosis and inflammation. Hydrogen (H₂) is a novel and effective antiinflammatory agent. The present study was aimed to clarify the effects of 4% hydrogen (H₂) inhalation on NAFLD and its mechanism of action. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to induce NAFLD. Rats in treatment group inhaled 4% H₂ each day for 2 h. The protective effects on hepatic histopathology, glucose tolerance, inflammatory markers, and intestinal epithelial tight junctions were assessed. Transcriptome sequencing of liver and 16 S-seq of cecal contents were also performed to explore the related mechanisms of H₂ inhalation. H₂ improved the hepatic histological changes and glucose tolerance, decreased the liver function parameters of plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and relieved liver inflammation. Liver transcriptomic data suggested that H₂ treatment significantly downregulated inflammatory response genes, and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway might be involved, and the expressions of critical proteins were further validated. Meanwhile, the plasma LPS level was significantly decreased by the H₂ intervention. H₂ also improved the intestinal tight junction barrier by enhancing the expressions of zonula occludens-1 and occluding. Based on 16 S rRNA sequencing, H₂ altered the composition of gut microbiota, improving the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes. Collectively, our data show that H₂ could prevent NAFLD induced by high-fat diet, and the anti-NAFLD effect is associated with the modulation of gut microbiota and inhibition of LPS/TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

Polysaccharides from Ostrea rivularis rebuild the balance of gut microbiota to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in ApoE-/- mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of polysaccharide from Ostrea rivularis (ORP) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that NAFLD model group mice had significant fatty liver lesions. ORP could significantly reduce TC, TG and LDL level, and increase HDL level in serum of HFD mice. Besides, it could also reduce the contents of serum AST and ALT and alleviate pathological changes of fatty liver disease. ORP could also enhance the intestinal barrier function. 16sRNA analysis showed that ORP could reduce the abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. These results suggested that ORP could regulate the composition of gut microbiota in NAFLD mice, enhance intestinal barrier function, reduce intestinal permeability, and finally delay the progress and reduce the occurrence of NAFLD. In brief, ORP is an ideal polysaccharide for prevention and treatment of NAFLD, which can be developed as functional food or candidate drugs.

Protective Effects of Hydroxyphenyl Propionic Acids on Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Gut microbiota imbalances lead to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is primarily accompanied by hepatic steatosis. Hydroxyphenyl propionic acids (HPP) have shown great potential in inhibiting lipid accumulation but their protective effects concerning NAFLD and intestinal microbiota have remained unclear. In this paper, we investigated the efficacies of 3-HPP and 4-HPP on hepatic steatosis and gut flora in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We found that 3-HPP and 4-HPP administration decreased body weight and liver index, ameliorated dyslipidemia, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, 3-HPP and 4-HPP enhanced the multiformity of gut microbiota; improved the relative abundance of GCA-900066575, unidentified_Lachnospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 at genus level; increased concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid and butanoic acid in faeces; and reduced systemic endotoxin levels in NAFLD mice. Moreover, 4-HPP upregulated the relative abundance of genera Rikenella and downregulated the relative abundance of Faecalibaculum. Furthermore, 3-HPP and 4-HPP regulated lipid metabolism and ameliorated gut dysbiosis in NAFLD mice and 4-HPP was more effective than 3-HPP.

Intestinal flora: A new target for traditional Chinese medicine to improve lipid metabolism disorders

Lipid metabolism disorders (LMD) can cause a series of metabolic diseases, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis (AS). Its development is caused by more pathogenic factors, among which intestinal flora dysbiosis is considered to be an important pathogenic mechanism of LMD. In recent years, the research on intestinal flora has made great progress, opening up new perspectives on the occurrence and therapeutic effects of diseases. With its complex composition and wide range of targets, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used to prevent and treat LMD. This review takes intestinal flora as a target, elaborates on the scientific connotation of TCM in the treatment of LMD, updates the therapeutic thinking of LMD, and provides a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Protection against Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Protocatechuic Acid

Gut microbiota-diet interaction has been identified as a key factor of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Recent studies suggested that dietary polyphenols may protect against MAFLD by regulating gut microbiota; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We first investigated the effects of cyanidin 3-glucoside and its phenolic metabolites on high-fat diet induced MAFLD in C57BL/6J mice, and protocatechuic acid (PCA) showed a significant positive effect. Next, regulation of PCA on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota were explored by MAFLD mouse model and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment. Dietary PCA reduced intraperitoneal and hepatic fat deposition with lower levels of transaminases (AST & ALT) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α & MCP-1), but higher HDL-c/LDL-c ratio. Characterization of gut microbiota indicated that PCA decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio mainly by reducing the relative abundance of genus Enterococcus, which was positively correlated with the levels of LDL-c, AST, ALT and most of the up-regulated hepatic lipids by lipidomics analysis. FMT experiments showed that Enterococcus faecalis caused hepatic inflammation, fat deposition and insulin resistance with decreased expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 alpha (CPT1α), which can be reversed by PCA through inhibiting Enterococcus faecalis. Transcriptomics analysis suggested that Enterococcus faecalis caused a significant decrease in the expression of fibroblast growth factor 1 (Fgf1), and PCA recovered the expression of Fgf1 with insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (Igfbp2), insulin receptor substrate 1 (Irs1) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (Irs2). These results demonstrated that high proportion of gut Enterococcus faecalis accelerates MAFLD with decreased expression of CPT1α and Fgf1, which can be prevented by dietary supplementation of PCA.

Dietary Supplementation with Black Raspberries Altered the Gut Microbiome Composition in a Mouse Model of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer, although with Differing Effects for a Healthy versus a Western Basal Diet

Black raspberries (BRB) are rich in anthocyanins with purported anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is not known whether dietary supplementation would ameliorate Western-diet enhanced gut inflammation and colon tumorigenesis. We employed a mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with 5 to 10% (w/w) whole, freeze-dried BRB in male C57BL/6J mice fed either a standard healthy diet (AIN93G) or the total Western diet (TWD). In a pilot study, BRB suppressed colitis and colon tumorigenesis while also shifting the composition of the fecal microbiome in favor of taxa with purported health benefits, including Bifidobacterium pseudolongum. In a follow-up experiment using a 2 × 2 factorial design with AIN and TWD basal diets with and without 10% (w/w) BRB, supplementation with BRB reduced tumor multiplicity and increased colon length, irrespective of the basal diet, but it did not apparently affect colitis symptoms, colon inflammation or mucosal injury based on histopathological findings. However, BRB intake increased alpha diversity, altered beta diversity and changed the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Akkermansiaceae, among others, of the fecal microbiome. Notably, changes in microbiome profiles were inconsistent with respect to the basal diet consumed. Overall, these studies provide equivocal evidence for in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of BRB on colitis and colon tumorigenesis; yet, BRB supplementation led to dynamic changes in the fecal microbiome composition over the course of disease development.

Curcumin alleviates LPS-induced intestinal homeostatic imbalance through reshaping gut microbiota structure and regulating group 3 innate lymphoid cells in chickens

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is associated with a disturbance of immune homeostasis, changes in the intestinal microbiome, alteration of the composition of the bile acid pool, and dynamic imbalance of group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s). Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic compound isolated from turmeric, has been known to attenuate intestinal inflammation in potential therapies for gastrointestinal diseases. It was hypothesized that CUR could target the gut microbiome to modulate bile acid (BA) metabolism and the function of ILC3s in ameliorating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced imbalance of intestinal homeostasis in chickens. Seven hundred and twenty 1-day-old crossbred chickens were randomly divided into four treatments, namely CON_saline (basal diet + saline control), CUR_saline (basal diet + 300 mg kg-1 curcumin + saline), CON_LPS (basal diet + LPS), and CUR_LPS (basal diet + 300 mg kg-1 curcumin + LPS), each consisting of 6 replicates of 30 birds. On days 14, 17, and 21, the chickens in the CON_LPS and CUR_LPS treatments were intraperitoneally injected with LPS at 0.5 mg per kg BW. Dietary CUR supplementation significantly decreased LPS-induced suppression of growth performance and injury to the intestinal tight junctions and decreased the vulnerability to LPS-induced acute inflammatory response by inhibiting pro-inflammatory (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) cytokines. CUR reshaped the cecal microbial community and BA metabolism, contributing to regulation of the intestinal mucosal immunity by promoting the anti-inflammatory (interleukin 10, IL-10) cytokines and enhancing the concentrations of primary and secondary BA metabolites (chenodexycholic acid, lithocholic acid). LPS decreased farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A synthesis, which was reversed by CUR administration, along with an increase in interleukin 22 (IL-22) production from ILC3s. Dietary supplementation of CUR increased the prevalence of Butyricicoccus and Enterococcus and enhanced the tricarboxylic acid cycle of intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, curcumin supplementation significantly increased sirtuin 1 and sirtuin 5 transcription and protein expression, which contributes to regulating mitochondrial metabolic and oxidative stress responses to alleviate LPS-induced enteritis. Our findings demonstrated that curcumin played a pivotal role in regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiome for health promotion and the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis. The beneficial effects of CUR may be attributed to the modulation of the BA-FXR pathway and inhibition of inflammation that induces IL-22 secretion by ILC3s in the intestinal lamina propria.

Microbiota Dysbiosis and Gut Barrier Dysfunction Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Are Modulated by a Specific Metabolic Cofactors' Combination

The gut is a selective barrier that not only allows the translocation of nutrients from food, but also microbe-derived metabolites to the systemic circulation that flows through the liver. Microbiota dysbiosis occurs when energy imbalances appear due to an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Dysbiosis has a critical impact on increasing intestinal permeability and epithelial barrier deterioration, contributing to bacterial and antigen translocation to the liver, triggering non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression. In this study, the potential therapeutic/beneficial effects of a combination of metabolic cofactors (a multi-ingredient; MI) (betaine, N-acetylcysteine, L-carnitine, and nicotinamide riboside) against NAFLD were evaluated. In addition, we investigated the effects of this metabolic cofactors' combination as a modulator of other players of the gut-liver axis during the disease, including gut barrier dysfunction and microbiota dysbiosis. Diet-induced NAFLD mice were distributed into two groups, treated with the vehicle (NAFLD group) or with a combination of metabolic cofactors (NAFLD-MI group), and small intestines were harvested from all animals for histological, molecular, and omics analysis. The MI treatment ameliorated gut morphological changes, decreased gut barrier permeability, and reduced gene expression of some proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, epithelial cell proliferation and the number of goblet cells were increased after MI supplementation. In addition, supplementation with the MI combination promoted changes in the intestinal microbiota composition and diversity, as well as modulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations in feces. Taken together, this specific combination of metabolic cofactors can reverse gut barrier disruption and microbiota dysbiosis contributing to the amelioration of NAFLD progression by modulating key players of the gut-liver axis.

Dietary supplementation with Tolypocladium sinense mycelium prevents dyslipidemia inflammation in high fat diet mice by modulation of gut microbiota in mice

Obesity is a risk factor for many serious health problems, associated with inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and gut dysbiosis. Prevention of obesity is especially important for human health. Tolypocladium sinense is one of the fungi isolated from Chinese caterpillar fungus, which is a traditional Chinese medicine with putative gut microbiota modulation effects. Here, we established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia mice model, which was supplemented with lyophilized T. sinense mycelium (TSP) daily to evaluate its anti-obesity effects. The results indicated that TSP supplementation can effectively alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress levels caused by obesity. TSP significantly prevented obesity and suppressed dyslipidemia by regulating the expression of lipid metabolism genes in the liver. TSP is also effective in preventing the HFD-induced decline in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content. Gut microbiota profiling showed that TSP supplementation reversed HFD diet-induced bacterial abundance and also altered the metabolic pathways of functional microorganisms, as revealed by KEGG analysis. It is noteworthy that, correlation analysis reveals the up-regulated gut microbiota (Lactobacillus and Prevotella_9) are closely correlated with lipid metabolism parameters, gene expression of liver lipid metabolism and inflammatory. Additionally, the role of TSP in the regulation of lipid metabolism was reconfirmed by fecal microbiota transplantation. To sum up, our results provide the evidence that TSP may be used as prebiotic agents to prevent obesity by altering the gut microbiota, alleviating the inflammatory response and regulating gene expression of liver lipid metabolism.

Dietary Polyphenols Alleviate Autoimmune Liver Disease by Mediating the Intestinal Microenvironment: Challenges and Hopes

Autoimmune liver disease is a chronic liver disease caused by an overactive immune response in the liver that imposes a significant health and economic cost on society. Due to the side effects of existing medicinal medications, there is a trend toward seeking natural bioactive compounds as dietary supplements. Currently, dietary polyphenols have been proven to have the ability to mediate gut-liver immunity and control autoimmune liver disease through modulating the intestinal microenvironment. Based on the preceding, this Review covers the many forms of autoimmune liver illnesses, their pathophysiology, and the modulatory effects of polyphenols on immune disorders. Finally, we focus on how polyphenols interact with the intestinal milieu to improve autoimmune liver disease. In conclusion, we suggest that dietary polyphenols have the potential as gut-targeted modulators for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune liver disease and highlight new perspectives and critical issues for future pharmacological applications.

Honeysuckle Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) Inhibits Lipase Activity and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Honeysuckle berry (HB, Lonicera caerulea L.) is an oriental herbal medicine reported to have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The fruit part of HB is rich in anthocyanin, a type of polyphenol. Most studies credit the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HB as the mechanisms of its effectiveness. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of HB on lipase using an in vitro assay and the modulatory effect of HB on gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. HB inhibited pancreatic lipase activity with IC50 values of approximately 0.47 mg/mL. The fecal triglyceride (TG) levels were higher from the HFD of the HB-fed mice than they were for the control mice. Moreover, the fecal microbiota from the HFD of the HB-fed mice had relatively lower Firmicutes and higher Bacteroidetes than that from the HFD-only mice. These results suggest that HB modulates gut microbiota composition, which may contribute to body fat reduction. Hence, HB could present a useful agent for treating metabolic diseases through lower TG uptake and the regulation of gut microflora.

Environmental exposure to low-dose perfluorohexanesulfonate promotes obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-fat diet

Perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) is one of the most prevalent perfluoroalkyls. It is widely distributed in both abiotic and biotic environments because of its prevalence and bioaccumulative properties. Exposure to PFHxS has been associated with the higher serum liver functions associated with steatosis in obese people. This study explores the impact of chronic exposure to low-dose PFHxS on predisposition to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as on metabolic functions in diet-induced obese mice. Results showed that 12-week exposure to PFHxS at a dose of 450 μg/L through drinking water significantly promoted obesity and metabolic syndrome in male C57 mice fed a high-fat diet. The PFHxS exposure markedly aggravated hepatic symptoms resembling NAFLD and caused systematic metabolic disorders as well as gut dysbiosis in the obese mice. Key genes of hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis were strongly altered, while gut microflora that have been associated with obesity and pathogenesis of NAFLD, including the Bacteroides/Firmicutes ratio, Desulfovibrio, Mucispirillum, and Akkermansia, were significantly affected by the PFHxS exposure. The findings of this study suggest that environmental PFHxS exposure is a tangible risk factor for metabolic diseases such as NAFLD, especially among obese individuals.

Chemical Compounds of Berry-Derived Polyphenols and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Cancer

Berry-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds synthesized and secreted by several berry fruits. These polyphenols feature a diversity of chemical compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Here, we report the beneficial health effects of berry-derived polyphenols and their therapeutical application on gut-microbiota-related diseases, including inflammation and cancer. Pharmacokinetic investigations have confirmed the absorption, availability, and metabolism of berry-derived polyphenols. In vitro and in vivo tests, as well as clinical trials, showed that berry-derived polyphenols can positively modulate the gut microbiota, inhibiting inflammation and cancer development. Indeed, these compounds inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and also promote beneficial bacteria. Moreover, berry-derived polyphenols exhibit therapeutic effects against different gut-microbiota-related disorders such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, these polyphenols can manage the inflammation via various mechanisms, in particular the inhibition of the transcriptional factor Nf-κB. Berry-derived polyphenols have also shown remarkable effects on different types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, esophageal, and prostate cancer. Moreover, certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes and atherosclerosis were also managed by berry-derived polyphenols through different mechanisms. These data showed that polyphenols from berries are a promising source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota, and therefore managing cancer and associated metabolic diseases. However, further investigations should be carried out to determine the mechanisms of action of berry-derived polyphenol bioactive compounds to validate their safety and examinate their clinical uses.

Lonicera caerulea (Haskap berries): a review of development traceability, functional value, product development status, future opportunities, and challenges

Lonicera caerulea is a honeysuckle plant with a long development history. It is defined as a "homology of medicine and food" fruit because it is rich in bioactive substances. By-products (such as pomace, leaves, stems, and flowers), which also have beneficial values, will be produced during processing. Nevertheless, the reuse of derivatives and the further development of new products of Lonicera caerulea are still a challenge. Firstly, this paper traced the development history of Lonicera caerulea and summarized its primary nutrients and bioactive substances, subsequently discussed the research progress and underlying molecular mechanisms of its functional properties, and introduced the application and potential of Lonicera caerulea in the fields of food, health products, cosmetics, medicine, and materials. Finally, this paper put forward the future research direction to promote the development of the Lonicera caerulea industry. To sum up, Lonicera caerulea, as a potential raw material, can be used to produce more functional products. Besides, more in-depth clinical trials are needed to clarify the specific molecular mechanism of the practical components of Lonicera caerulea and improve the rate of development and utilization.HighlightsThe original species of Lonicera caerulea subgroup had appeared on the earth as early as the end of the third century.Lonicera caerulea has been introduced into North America since the 18th century, but the introduction process has not ended until now.Lonicera caerulea widely exists in Eurasia and North America and it has excellent cold tolerance, early maturity and ornamental.The fruits, stems, leaves and flowers of Lonicera caerulea all have bioactive value, but the specific molecular mechanism and utilization need to be improved.Lonicera caerulea has been widely used in food, medicine, health products, cosmetics and materials, but there are still great challenges.

Putative Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Polyphenols in Murine Models of Metabolic Disorders in Relation to Gut Microbiota

The beneficial effects of polyphenols on metabolic disorders have been extensively reported. The interaction of these compounds with the gut microbiota has been the focus of recent studies. In this review, we explored the fundamental mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of polyphenols in relation to the gut microbiota in murine models of metabolic disorders. We analyzed the effects of polyphenols on three murine models of metabolic disorders, namely, models of a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorder, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and a metabolic disorder not associated with HFD or DSS. Regardless of the model, polyphenols ameliorated the effects of metabolic disorders by alleviating intestinal oxidative stress, improving inflammatory status, and improving intestinal barrier function, as well as by modulating gut microbiota, for example, by increasing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Consequently, polyphenols reduce circulating lipopolysaccharide levels, thereby improving inflammatory status and alleviating oxidative imbalance at the lesion sites. In conclusion, polyphenols likely act by regulating intestinal functions, including the gut microbiota, and may be a safe and suitable therapeutic agent for various metabolic disorders.

Evaluation of Immunotropic Activity of Iridoid-Anthocyanin Extract of Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) in the Course of Experimental Trichinellosis in Mice

Our experiment determined the immunotropic activity of a natural, iridoid-anthocyanin extract from honeysuckle berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) (LC). The extract was administered to mice infected with Trichinella spiralis, orally at a dose of 2 g/kg bw, six times at 24 h intervals (from day 3 prior to the infection to day 3 post-infection (dpi) with T. spiralis. At 5, 7, 14, and 21 dpi, samples of blood, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were collected, and isolated lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The splenocyte proliferation was estimated with MTT testing, and the intensity of intestinal and muscle infection was also studied. LC stimulated the local immune system by inducing lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen 7 dpi and altered the percentage and absolute count of B (CD19⁺) and T (CD3⁺, CD8⁺) cells 7, 14, and 21 dpi in the peripheral blood. LC extract affected the dynamics of expulsion of adult Trichinella from the intestines and prolonged the intestinal phase of the infection but did not change the number of larvae in the muscles. These results suggest that Lonicera caerulea L. fruit extract modulates murine cellular immune response during intestinal phase of T. spiralis infection but shows no antiparasitic activity.

Chronic lead exposure induces fatty liver disease associated with the variations of gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) has been suggested as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. However, few studies have investigated the association between chronic Pb exposure and fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the association of chronic Pb exposure with fatty liver disease and whether the variations of the gut microbiota involve in the mechanism of the fatty liver disease induced by chronic Pb exposure.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3066 rural participants in East China. Blood lead level (BLL) was detected, and abdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose hepatic steatosis. Both the definition of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) were used. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups and each group was exposed to 0 or 0.05% w/v Pb through drinking water for 28 weeks. The relevant parameters of hepatic lipid metabolism and gut microbiota were analyzed.

RESULTS

In humans, after adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of having NAFLD and MAFLD were significantly increased by 54% and 52% in the participants in the fourth BLL quartile (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.24, 1.91 and OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.22, 1.89). In the rats, chronic Pb exposure induced the increased visceral fat, hepatic steatosis, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, including the decrease of richness, diversity, evenness and phylogenetic diversity of the gut microbiota and the significant alternations of the gut microbiota composition, particularly, the decrease of the relative abundance of Coprococcus and Oscillospira at the genus level.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic Pb exposure could induce fatty liver disease, which may be associated with the variations of the gut microbiota.

Polyphenols as modulators of pre-established gut microbiota dysbiosis: State-of-the-art

The human intestine contains an intricate ecological community of bacteria, referred as the gut microbiota, which plays a pivotal role in the host homeostasis. Multiple factors could interfere with this delicate balance, thus causing a disruption of the microbiota equilibrium, the so called dysbiosis. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal metabolic diseases, as obesity and diabetes. Polyphenols, present in a broad range of plant foods, are known to have numerous health benefits; however, their beneficial effect on pre-existing dysbiosis is less clear. Indeed, in most of the conducted animal studies the administration of polyphenols or foods rich in polyphenols occurred simultaneously with the induction of the pathology to be examined, then analyzing the preventive action of the polyphenols on the onset of dysbiosis, while very low studies analyzed the modulatory activity of polyphenols on the pre-existing dysbiosis. For this reason, the present review aims to update the current information about the modulation of the pre-established gut microbiota dysbiosis by dietary phenolic compounds in a broad range of disorders in both animal studies and human trials, distinguishing the preventive or treatment approaches in animal studies. The described studies highlight that dietary polyphenols, exerting prebiotic-like effects, can modulate the pre-existing dysbiosis stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria in both animal models and humans. Anyway, most of the conducted studies are related to obesity and metabolic syndrome, and so further studies are needed to understand this polyphenols' ability in relation to other pathologies.

Dietary α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Flaxseed Oil Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis via Gut Microbiota-Inflammation-Artery Axis in ApoE−/− Mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with abnormally chronic low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Flaxseed oil (FO) rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are mainly composed of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 omega-3), has been demonstrated to exhibit pleiotropic benefits in chronic metabolic diseases. However, the impact of dietary ALA-rich FO on AS and its associated underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Thus, the present study was designed as two phases to investigate the effects in atherosclerotic Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)^−/− mice. In the initial portion, the ApoE^−/− mice were randomly allocated to three groups: control group (CON), model group (MOD), and FO-fed model group (MOD/FO) and were treated for 12 weeks. The second phase used antibiotic (AB)-treated ApoE^−/− mice were divided into two groups: AB-treated model group (AB/MOD) and FO-fed AB-treated model group (AB/FO). In the results, the dietary ALA-rich FO administration ameliorated atherosclerotic lesion, as well as the parameters of AS (body weights (BWs) and the total bile acids (TBA). Chronic systemic/vascular inflammatory cytokines and in situ macrophages (Mψs) were reduced with FO intervention. In addition, the FO improved the gut integrity and permeability by decreasing the plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, gut dysbiosis and metabolites [short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs)] in AS were modulated after FO treatment. Intriguingly, during an AB-treated condition, a significantly weakened amelioration of FO-treated on AS proposed that the intestinal microbiota contributed to the FO effects. A correlation analysis showed close relationships among gut bacteria, metabolites, and inflammation. Collectively, these results suggested that the dietary ALA-rich FO ameliorated the AS in ApoE^−/− mice via the gut microbiota-inflammation-artery axis.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota Combined with Upregulation of Intestinal Tight Junction Explains Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Corylin on Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation, loss of epithelial integrity, and gastrointestinal microbiota dysbiosis, resulting in the development of a colon cancer known as colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). In this study, we evaluated the effects of corylin in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. The results showed corylin could improved the survival rate and colon length, maintained body weight, and ameliorated the inflammatory response in the colon. Then, we further identified the possible antitumor effects after 30-day treatment of corylin on an azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced CAC mouse model. Biomarkers associated with inflammation, the colon tissue barrier, macrophage polarization (CD11c, CCR7, CD163, and CD206), and microbiota dysbiosis were monitored in the AOM/DSS group versus corylin groups. Corylin downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6) mRNA expression and inflammatory signaling-associated markers (TLR4, MyD88, AP-1, CD11b, and F4/80). In addition, a colon barrier experiment revealed that epithelial cell proliferation of the mucus layer (Lgr5, Cyclin D1, and Olfm4) was downregulated and tight junction proteins (claudin-1 and ZO-1) were upregulated. Furthermore, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio changed with corylin intervention, and the microbial diversity and community richness of the AOM/DSS mice were improved by corylin. The comparative analysis of gut microbiota revealed that Bacteroidetes, Patescibacteria, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Erysipelatoclostridium, and Enterorhabdus were significantly increased but Firmicutes, Turicibacter, Romboutsia, and Blautia decreased after corylin treatment. Altogether, corylin administration showed cancer-ameliorating effects by reducing the risk of colitis-associated colon cancer via regulation of inflammation, carcinogenesis, and compositional change of gut microbiota. Therefore, corylin could be a novel, potential health-protective, natural agent against CAC.

Genus Lonicera: New drug discovery from traditional usage to modern chemical and pharmacological research

BACKGROUND

Lonicera Linn. belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae, the largest genus in the plant family, includes about more than 200 species, which are mainly distributed in northern Africa, North America, Europe and Asia. Some species of this genus have been usually used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as functional foods, cosmetics and other applications, such as L. japonica Thunb. Bioactive components and pharmacological activities of the genus Lonicera plants have received an increasing interest from the scientific community. Thus, a comprehensive and systematic review on their traditional usage in China, chemical components, and their pharmacological properties of their whole plants, bioactive extracts, and bioactive isolates including partial structure-activity relationships from the genus is indispensable.

METHODS

Information on genus Lonicera of this systematic electronic literature search was gathered via the published articles, patents, clinical trials website (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) and several online bibliographic databases (PubMed, Sci Finder, Research Gate, Science Direct, CNKI, Web of Science and Google Scholar). The following keywords were used for the online search: Lonicera, phytochemical composition, Lonicerae japonica, Lonicera review articles, bioactivities of Lonicera, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, and clinical trials. This review paper consists of a total of 225 papers covering the Lonicera genus from 1800 to 2021, including research articles, reviews, patents, and book chapters.

RESULTS

In this review (1800s-2021), about 420 components from the genus of Lonicera Linn. including 87 flavonoids, 222 terpenoids, 51 organic acids, and other compounds, together with their pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory effects, and toxicity were summarized.

CONCLUSION

The relationship is discussed among their traditional usage, their pharmacological properties, and their chemical components, which indicate the genus Lonicera have a large prospect in terms of new drug exploitation, especially in COVID-19 treatment.

Dietary ferulic acid and vanillic acid on inflammation, gut barrier function and growth performance in lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets

Ferulic acid (FA) and vanillic acid (VA) are considered as major phenolic metabolites of cyanidin 3-glucoside, a polyphenol that widely exists in plants that possess a protective effect against oxidative stress and inflammation in our previous study. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FA and VA on inflammation, gut barrier function, and growth performance in a weaned piglet model challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thirty-six piglets (PIC 337 × C48, 28 d of age) were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicate pens (2 piglets per pen). They were fed with a basal diet or a diet containing 4,000 mg/kg of FA or VA. Dietary supplementation of VA significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05). Both FA and VA decreased serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), interlukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (P < 0.05), and enhanced the expression of tight junction protein oclaudin (P < 0.05). Analysis of gut microbiota indicated that both FA and VA increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio alongside reducing the relative abundance of the Prevotellaceae family including Prevotella 9 and Prevotella 2 genera, but enriched the Lachoiraceaea family including the Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group (P < 0.05). Moreover, VA reduced the relative abundance of Prevotella 7 and Prevotella 1 but enriched Lachnospira, Eubacterium eligens group, and Eubacterium xylanophilum group (P < 0.05), while FA showed a limited effect on these genera. The results demonstrated that both VA and FA could alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, but only VA has a significant positive effect on the growth performance of LPS-challenged piglets potentially through modulating gut microbiota.

Antidiabetic potential of polysaccharides from Brasenia schreberi regulating insulin signaling pathway and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice

This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic activities and gut microbial regulation effects of polysaccharides from Brasenia schreberi (BS) in diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Our data indicated that BS polysaccharides not only improved the symptoms of hyperglycemia and relieved metabolic endotoxemia-related inflammation but also optimized the gut microbiota composition of diabetic mice with significantly decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios. More importantly, altered gut microbiota components may affect liver glycogen and muscle glycogen by increasing the mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) in the liver of mice through modulated the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). Altogether, our findings, for the first time, demonstrate that BS polysaccharides may be used as a beneficial probiotic agent that reverses gut microbiota dysbiosis and the hypoglycemic mechanisms of BS polysaccharides may be related to enhancing the abundance of Lactobacillus to activate PI3K/Akt-mediated signaling pathways in T2DM mice.

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Brasenia schreberi polysaccharides ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in mice.

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The polysaccharides regulated glucose metabolism through activating PI3K-Akt pathway.

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The polysaccharides modulated gut microbiota profile of diabetic mice.

Design of Hepatic Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Products: Insights into Nomenclature Revision of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), affects a quarter of the worldwide population. Natural products have been extensively utilized in treating NAFLD because of their distinctive advantages over chemotherapeutic drugs, despite the fact that there are no approved drugs for therapy. Notably, the limitations of many natural products, such as poor water solubility, low bioavailability in vivo, low hepatic distribution, and lack of targeted effects, have severely restricted their clinical application. These issues could be resolved via hepatic targeted drug delivery systems (HTDDS) that boost clinical efficacy in treating NAFLD and decrease the adverse effects on other organs. Herein an overview of natural products comprising formulas, single medicinal plants, and their crude extracts has been presented to treat NAFLD. Also, the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of active monomer compounds against NAFLD are systematically discussed. The targeted delivery of natural products via HTDDS has been explored to provide a different nanotechnology-based NAFLD treatment strategy and to make suggestions for natural-product-based targeted nanocarrier design. Finally, the challenges and opportunities put forth by the nomenclature update of NAFLD are outlined along with insights into how to improve the NAFLD therapy and how to design more rigorous nanocarriers for the HTDDS. In brief, we summarize the up-to-date developments of the NAFLD-HTDDS based on natural products and provide viewpoints for the establishment of more stringent anti-NAFLD natural-product-targeted nanoformulations.

Anti-Sarcopenic Obesity Effects of Lonicera caerulea Extract in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Sarcopenic obesity is a combination of sarcopenia and obesity. Although several herbal extracts showed improvement on sarcopenia and obesity, respectively, there are few studies on sarcopenic obesity. Lonicera caerulea (honeysuckle berry, HB) can ameliorate metabolic disorders including obesity. However, its effects on sarcopenic obesity have not been reported yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether HB extract might have any beneficial effects on sarcopenic obesity in high-fat diet-induced mice. Forty-eight mice were classified into six groups and treated for eight weeks: (1) NC, normal diet control; (2) HC, high-fat diet control; (3) PC, high-fat diet with orlistat; (4) HB100, high-fat diet with HB extract at 100 mg/kg; (5) HB200, high-fat diet with HB extract at 200 mg/kg; and (6) HB400, high-fat diet with HB extract at 400 mg/kg. Body weight, fat accumulation, muscle mass, muscle strength, and mRNA expression of muscle atrophy were monitored. Compared with the HC group, HB administration showed anti-obesity properties. It reduced body weight gain and modulated serum biochemical parameters and tissue antioxidant enzymes. HB also increased muscle strength and muscle mass of hind legs. In addition, it decreased mRNA expression levels of Atrogin1 and MuRF1 as markers of muscle atrophy but increased PGC1α and SIRT1 as markers of muscle growth. These results suggest that HB might be effective in preventing sarcopenia associated with obesity.

The Role of Polyphenols in Regulation of Heat Shock Proteins and Gut Microbiota in Weaning Stress

Gut microbiota is the natural residents of the intestinal ecosystem which display multiple functions that provide beneficial effects on host physiology. Disturbances in gut microbiota in weaning stress are regulated by the immune system and oxidative stress-related protein pathways. Weaning stress also alters gut microbiota response, limits digestibility, and influences animal productive performance through the production of inflammatory molecules. Heat shock proteins are the molecular chaperones that perform array functions from physiological to pathological point of view and remodeling cellular stress response. As it is involved in the defense mechanism, polyphenols ensure cellular tolerance against enormous stimuli. Polyphenols are nature-blessed compounds that show their existence in plenty of amounts. Due to their wider availability and popularity, they can exert strong immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Their promising health-promoting effects have been demonstrated in different cellular and animal studies. Dietary interventions with polyphenols may alter the gut microbiome response and attenuate the weaning stress related to inflammation. Further, polyphenols elicit health-favored effects through ameliorating inflammatory processes to improve digestibility and thereby exert a protective effect on animal production. Here, in this article, we will expand the role of dietary polyphenol intervention strategies in weaning stress which perturbs gut microbiota function and also paid emphasis to heat shock proteins in gut health. This review article gives new direction to the feed industry to formulate diet containing polyphenols which would have a significant impact on animal health.

Herbal Medicine for the Management of Laxative Activity

Constipation is one of the most common and prevalent chronic gastrointestinal conditions across the globe that is treated or managed through various methods. Laxatives are used for the treatment or management of chronic/acute constipation. But due to the adverse effects associated with these laxatives, herbal foods should be considered as alternative therapies for constipation. In this review, the laxative potential of plant-based medicines used for constipation were discussed. Constipation may be caused by various factors such as lifestyle, particular food habits, pregnancy and even due to some medication. Chronic constipation is responsible for different health issues. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological paradigms are applied for the treatment or management of constipation. In the pharmacological way of treatment, medicinal plants have a key role, because of their fibrous nature. Numerous plants such as Prunus persica (Rosaceae), Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (Leguminosae), Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae), Planta goovata (Plantaginaceae), Rheum emodi (Polygonaceae), Cassia auriculata (Caesalpinacea), Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), Croton tiglium (Euphorbiaceae), Aloe barbadensis (Liliaceae), Mareya micrantha (Euphorbiaceae), Euphorbia thymifolia (Euphorbiaceae), Cascara sagrada (Rhamnaceae), Cassia angustifolia (Fabaceae) have laxative activity. Medicinal plants possess a significant laxative potential and support their folklore therefore, further, well-designed clinical-based studies are required to prove and improve the efficacy of herbal medicine for constipation. The present review showed that herbs laxative effect in various in-vivo/ in-vitro models.

Research progress on intervention effect and mechanism of protocatechuic acid on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a surge burden worldwide due to its high prevalence, with complicated deterioration symptoms such as liver fibrosis and cancer. No effective drugs are available for NALFD so far. The rapid growth of clinical demand has prompted the treatment of NAFLD to become a research hotspot. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a natural secondary metabolite commonly found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbal medicine. It is also the major internal metabolites of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. In the present manuscript, food sources, metabolic absorption, and efficacy of PCA were summarized while analyzing its role in improving NAFLD, as well as the mechanism involved. The results indicated that PCA could ameliorate NAFLD by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation, gut microbiota and metabolites. It was proposed for the first time that PCA might reduce NAFLD by enhancing the energy consumption of brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, the PCA administration mode and dose for NAFLD remain inconclusive. Fresh insights into the specific molecular mechanisms are required, while clinical trials are essential in the future. This review provides new targets and reasoning for the clinical application of PCA in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

The Role of the Gut-Liver Axis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

The complex interplay between the gut microbiota, the intestinal barrier, the immune system and the liver is strongly influenced by environmental and genetic factors that can disrupt the homeostasis leading to disease. Among the modulable factors, diet has been identified as a key regulator of microbiota composition in patients with metabolic syndrome and related diseases, including the metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The altered microbiota disrupts the intestinal barrier at different levels inducing functional and structural changes at the mucus lining, the intercellular junctions on the epithelial layer, or at the recently characterized vascular barrier. Barrier disruption leads to an increased gut permeability to bacteria and derived products which challenge the immune system and promote inflammation. All these alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of MAFLD, and thus, therapeutic approaches targeting the gut-liver-axis are increasingly being explored. In addition, the specific changes induced in the intestinal flora may allow to characterize distinctive microbial signatures for non-invasive diagnosis, severity stratification and disease monitoring.

Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi Decoction Alleviates Inflammatory Response in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model Rats through Modulating Gut Microbiota

BACKGROUND

Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ), composed of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Panax notoginseng, Curcuma zedoaria, and other 9 types of herbs, has demonstrated beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms behind JGXZ's impact on NAFLD remain unknown.

METHODS

In this study, a NAFLD rat model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) received oral treatment of JGXZ (8 or 16 g crude herb/kg) for 12 weeks. The therapeutic effects of JGXZ on NAFLD model rats were investigated through blood lipid levels and pathological liver changes. 16S rRNA analysis was used to study the changes in gut microbiota after JGXZ treatment. The expressions of occludin and tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) in the colon were investigated using immunostaining to study the effects of JGXZ on gut permeability. The anti-inflammatory effects of JGXZ were also studied through measuring the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and liver.

RESULTS

JGXZ treatment could decrease body weight and ameliorate dyslipidemia in NAFLD model rats. H&E and Oil Red O staining indicated that JGXZ reduced steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. 16S rRNA analysis showed that JGXZ impacted the diversity of gut microbiota, decreasing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and increasing the relative abundance of probiotics, such as Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, and Turicibacter. Gut permeability evaluation found that the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon were increased after JGXZ treatment. Moreover, JGXZ treatment could decrease the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study illustrated that JGXZ could ameliorate NAFLD through modulating gut microbiota, decreasing gut permeability, and alleviating inflammatory response.

Impact of the factors shaping gut microbiota on obesity

Obesity is considered as a risk factor for chronic health diseases such as heart diseases, cancer and diabetes 2. Reduced physical activities, lifestyle, poor nutritional diet and genetics are among the risk factors associated with the development of obesity. In recent years, several studies have explored the link between the gut microbiome and the progression of diseases including obesity, with the shift in microbiome abundance and composition being the main focus. The alteration of gut microbiome composition affects both nutrients metabolism and specific gene expressions, thereby disturbing body physiology. Specifically, the abundance of fibre-metabolizing microbes is associated with weight loss and that of protein and fat-metabolizing bacteria with weight gain. Various internal and external factors such as genetics, maternal obesity, mode of delivery, breastfeeding, nutrition, antibiotic use and the chemical compounds present in the environment are known to interfere with the richness of the gut microbiota (GM), thus influencing weight gain/loss and ultimately the development of obesity. However, the effectiveness of each factor in potentiating the shift in microbes' abundance to result in significant changes that can lead to obesity is not yet clear. In this review, we will highlight the factors involved in shaping GM, their influence on obesity and possible interventions. Understanding the influence of these factors on the diversity of the GM and how to improve their effectiveness on disease conditions could be keys in the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Nutritional Approach Targeting Gut Microbiota in NAFLD-To Date

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant clinical and epidemiological problem that affects around 25% of the adult global population. A large body of clinical evidence highlights that NAFLD is associated with increased liver-related morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, extrahepatic cancers, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Recently, a series of studies revealed the pivotal role of gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis in NAFLD's pathogenesis. The GM plays an essential role in different metabolic pathways, including the fermentation of diet polysaccharides, energy harvest, choline regulation, and bile acid metabolism. One of the most critical factors in GM stabilization is the diet; therefore, nutritional therapyappearsto be a promising tool in NAFLD therapy. This paper aims to review the current knowledge regardingthe nutritional approach and its implications with GM and NAFLD treatment. We discuss the positive impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in a reverse dysbiosis state in NAFLD and show the potential beneficial effects of bioactive substances from the diet. The full description of the mechanism of action and comprehensive examination of the impact of nutritional interventions on GM modulation may, in the future, be a simple but essential tool supporting NAFLD therapy.

Polyphenols as Prebiotics in the Management of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies

Obesity is a disease growing at an alarming rate and numerous preclinical studies have proven the role of polyphenols in managing this disease. This systematic review explores the prebiotic effect of polyphenols in the management of obesity among animals fed on a high-fat diet. A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Forty-four studies reported a significant reduction in obesity-related parameters. Most notably, 83% of the studies showed a decrease in either body weight/visceral adiposity/plasma triacylglyceride. Furthermore, 42 studies reported a significant improvement in gut microbiota (GM), significantly affecting the genera Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Blautia, Roseburia, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Desulfovibrio. Polyphenols’ anti-obesity, anti-hyperglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory properties were associated with their ability to modulate GM. This review supports the notion of polyphenols as effective prebiotics in ameliorating HFD-induced metabolic derangements in animal models.

Dietary anthocyanins as potential natural modulators for the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A comprehensive review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a metabolic syndrome linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in the hepatocytes in the absence of alcohol consumption. The prevalence of NAFLD has abruptly increased worldwide, with no effective treatment yet available. Anthocyanins (ACNs) belong to the flavonoid subclass of polyphenols, are commonly present in various edible plants, and possess a broad array of health-promoting properties. ACNs have been shown to have strong potential to combat NAFLD. We critically assessed the literature regarding the pharmacological mechanisms and biopharmaceutical features of the action of ACNs on NAFLD in humans and animal models. We found that ACNs ameliorate NAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism, increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, ACNs have potential to attenuate NAFLD. However, further mechanistic studies are required to confirm these beneficial impacts of ACNs on NAFLD.

The interplay between host cellular and gut microbial metabolism in NAFLD development and prevention

Metabolism regulation centred on insulin resistance is increasingly important in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review focuses on the interactions between the host cellular and gut microbial metabolism during the development of NAFLD. The cellular metabolism of essential nutrients, such as glucose, lipids and amino acids, is reconstructed with inflammation, immune mechanisms and oxidative stress, and these alterations modify the intestinal, hepatic and systemic environments, and regulate the composition and activity of gut microbes. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, protein fermentation products, choline and ethanol and bacterial toxicants, such as lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans and bacterial DNA, play vital roles in NAFLD. The microbe-metabolite relationship is crucial for the modulation of intestinal microbial composition and metabolic activity. The intestinal microbiota and their metabolites participate in epithelial cell metabolism via a series of cell receptors and signalling pathways and remodel the metabolism of various cells in the liver via the gut-liver axis. Microbial metabolic manipulation is a promising strategy for NAFLD prevention, but larger-sampled clinical trials are required for future application.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome and liver changes: From clinical features to mechanisms

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by thinning or disappearance of the pituitary stalk, hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary and an ectopic posterior pituitary. Although the etiology of PSIS is still unclear, gene changes and perinatal adverse events such as breech delivery may play important roles in the pathogenesis of PSIS. PSIS can cause multiple hormone deficiencies, such as growth hormone, which then cause a series of changes in the human body. On the one hand, hormone changes affect growth and development, and on the other hand, they could affect human metabolism and subsequently the liver resulting in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Under the synergistic effect of multiple mechanisms, the progression of NAFLD caused by PSIS is faster than that due to other causes. Therefore, in addition to early identification of PSIS, timely hormone replacement therapy and monitoring of relevant hormone levels, clinicians should routinely assess the liver function while managing PSIS.

Da-Chai-Hu Decoction Ameliorates High Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Through Remodeling the Gut Microbiota and Modulating the Serum Metabolism

The dysbiosis in gut microbiota could affect host metabolism and contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Da-Chai-Hu decoction (DCH) has demonstrated protective effects on NAFLD, however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we established a NAFLD rat model using a high fat diet (HFD) and provided treatment with DCH. The changes in gut microbiota post DCH treatment were then investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, serum untargeted metabolomics were performed to examine the metabolic regulations of DCH on NAFLD. Our results showed that DCH treatment improved the dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR) and ameliorated pathological changes in NAFLD model rats. 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics showed significant dysfunction in gut microbiota community and serum metabolites in NAFLD model rats. DCH treatment restored the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and improved the dysfunction in serum metabolism. Correlation analysis indicated that the modulatory effects of DCH on the arachidonic acid (AA), glycine/serine/threonine, and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways were related to alterations in the abundance of Romboutsia, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Lachnoclostridium and Enterobacteriaceae in the gut microflora. In conclusion, our study revealed the ameliorative effects of DCH on NAFLD and indicated that DCH's function on NAFLD may link to the improvement of the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the modulation of the AA, glycerophospholipid, and glycine/serine/threonine metabolic pathways.