Aronia Berry Supplementation Mitigates Inflammation in T Cell Transfer-Induced Colitis by Decreasing Oxidative Stress

Consumption of Chokeberry Bio-Products Improves Specific Metabolic Parameters and Increases the Plasma Antioxidant Status

Because of its high antioxidant activity, chokeberry can be used both in the prevention and treatment of various metabolic disorders. In this study, for the first time, the synergistic effects of chokeberry juice and chokeberry fiber on selected metabolic and anthropometric parameters were assessed during a 90-day intervention including 102 people (67 women and 35 men). After 60 days of intervention with chokeberry juice, statistically significant increases in the muscle mass and antioxidant potential of the serum were observed. In turn, there were decreases in the waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, glycated hemoglobin, glucose, LDL cholesterol, eGFR, and ALT level. The addition of chokeberry fiber for the next 30 days resulted in stabilizations of the diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, glucose, and waist circumference, as well as reductions in the values of the heart rate, LDL cholesterol, insulin, and AST level. After 90 days, a significant increase in the FRAP value was also observed. This intervention indicates that chokeberry products may have a beneficial effect on metabolic health and serve as a foundation for developing functional foods.

The alleviative effect of C-phycocyanin peptides against TNBS-induced inflammatory bowel disease in zebrafish via the MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an incurable and highly complex chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting millions of people worldwide. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) has been reported to possess outstanding anti-inflammatory activities and can effectively inhibit various inflammation-related diseases. Whether C-PC-derived bioactive peptides can inhibit intestinal inflammation is worth research and consideration.

METHODS

The inhibition activities of three anti-neuroinflammatory peptides were evaluated using 2-4-6-trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced zebrafish colitis model. Subsequently, the abilities of peptides to promote gastrointestinal motility were also examined. The changes in the intestinal pathological symptoms and ultrastructure of intestinal, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and antioxidant enzymes were then determined after co-treatment with peptides and TNBS. Transcriptome analysis was used to investigate the underlying ameliorating TNBS-induced colitis effects molecular mechanisms of better activity peptide. Furthermore, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and molecular docking techniques verified the mRNA sequencing results.

RESULTS

Three peptides, MHLWAAK, MAQAAEYYR and MDYYFEER, which significantly inhibit macrophage migration, were synthesized. The results showed that these peptides could effectively alleviate the inflammatory responses in the TNBS-induced zebrafish model of colitis. In addition, co-treatment with TNBS and C-PC peptides could decrease ROS production and increase antioxidant enzyme activities in zebrafish larvae. Moreover, MHLWAAK had the most significantly therapeutic effects on colitis in zebrafish. The transcriptome analysis suggests that the effect of MHLWAAK on TNBS-induced colitis may be associated with the modulation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway associated genes. In addition, molecular docking was conducted to study the prospective interaction between peptides and the key proteins that streamline the Nrf2 and MAPK signaling pathways. IL-6, JNK3, TNF-α, KEAP1-NRF2 complex and MAPK may be the core targets of MHLWAAK in treating colitis.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the three C-PC-derived peptides could ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis in zebrafish, and these peptides might be a promising therapeutic candidate for UC treatment.

Chokeberry reduces inflammation in human preadipocytes

Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, is an indigenous fruit from North America used as food and to prevent chronic disease by Indigenous Peoples. The objective of this study was to test anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanin on palmitic acid (PA)-induced IL-6 gene expression, IL-6 DNA methylation, and histone (H3) acetylation. Additionally, we examined effects of anthocyanins Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (C3Gal) and Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) on IL-6 gene expression. Human primary pre-adipocytes were treated with chokeberry juice extract (CBE), C3Gal or C3G in the presence or absence of PA or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CBE inhibited LPS- and PA-induced IL-6 mRNA expression (p < 0.0001), while C3G and C3Gal had smaller effects. Human IL-6 promoter DNA methylation was increased (p = 0.0256) in CBE treated cells compared to control. Histone H3 acetylations were not affected by CBE or PA treatment. These data indicate that CBE epigenetically reduced PA-induced inflammation by regulating IL-6 DNA methylation without affecting histone modifications in human preadipocyte cells.

1,25(OH)2D3 alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation through up-regulating HMGCS2 in DSS-induced colitis

BACKGROUND

Previous study found that supplements with active vitamin D3 alleviated experimental colitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible role of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), a ketone synthase, on vitamin D3 protecting against experimental colitis.

METHODS

HMGCS2 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were measured in UC patients. The effects of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and exogenous 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation on experimental colitis were investigated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice. DSS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were analyzed in HT-29 cells. HMGCS2 was detected in 1,25(OH)2D3-pretreated HT-29 cells and mouse intestines. HMGCS2 was silenced to investigate the role of HMGCS2 in 1,25(OH)2D3 protecting against experimental colitis.

RESULTS

Intestinal HMGCS2 downregulation was positively correlated with VDR reduction in UC patients. The in vivo experiments showed that VDD exacerbated DSS-induced colitis. By contrast, 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation ameliorated DSS-induced colon damage, oxidative stress and inflammation. HMGCS2 was up-regulated after 1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation both in vivo and in vitro. Transfection with HMGCS2-siRNA inhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in DSS-treated HT-29 cells.

CONCLUSION

1,25(OH)2D3 supplementation up-regulates HMGCS2, which is responsible for 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in DSS-induced colitis. These findings provide a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating colitis-associated oxidative stress and inflammation.

Yogurt Supplementation Attenuates Insulin Resistance in Obese Mice by Reducing Metabolic Endotoxemia and Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is an underlying mechanism for the development of obesity-related health complications. Yogurt consumption inhibits obesity-associated inflammation, but the tissue-specific mechanisms have not been adequately described.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the tissue-specific responses by which yogurt supplementation inhibits inflammation.

METHODS

C57BL/6 male mice (5 wk old) were fed a Teklad Global 14% Protein Rodent Maintenance diet as a control or a high-fat diet (60% calories from fat) to induce obesity for 11 wk, followed by feeding a Western diet (WD; 43% carbohydrate and 42% fat) or WD supplemented with 5.6% lyophilized yogurt powder for 3 wk to test for the impact of yogurt supplementation. Markers of metabolic endotoxemia and inflammation were assessed in plasma and tissues. Cecal and fecal microbiota were profiled by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

In obese mice, relative to the WD control group, yogurt supplementation attenuated HOMA-IR by 57% (P = 0.020), plasma TNF-α by 31% (P < 0.05) and colonic IFN-γ by 46% (P = 0.0034), which were accompanied by a 40% reduction in plasma LPS binding protein (LBP) (P = 0.0019) and 45% less colonic Lbp expression (P = 0.037), as well as alteration in the beta diversity of cecal microbiota (P = 0.0090) and relative abundance of certain cecal microbes (e.g., Lachnospiraceae Dorea longicatena with P = 0.049). There were no differences in the LBP, Lbp, and Cd14 levels in the liver and small intestine between obese mice with and without yogurt supplementation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Yogurt consumption inhibits obesity-induced inflammation in mice by modulating colonic endotoxin detoxification, changing the gut microbiota, and improving glucose metabolism. This work helps to establish the underlying mechanisms by which yogurt consumption affects markers of metabolic and immune health.

Protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa juice against acrylamide-induced cellular toxicity

Acrylamide (AA) a widely used industrial chemical is also formed during food processing by the Maillard reaction, which makes its exposure to humans almost unavoidable. In this study, we used Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model organism to investigate AA toxicity (10 or 20 mM concentration) in eukaryotes. In S. pombe, AA delays cell growth causes oxidative stress by enhancement of ROS production and triggers excitement of the antioxidant defence system resulting in the division arrest. Aronia fruit contains a variety of health-promoting substances with considerable antioxidant potential. Therefore, Aronia juice supplementation was tested to evaluate its protective effect against AA-derived perturbations of the organism. Cell treatment with several Aronia juice concentrations ranging from 0 to 2% revealed the best protective effect of 1 or 2% Aronia juice solutions. Both chosen Aronia juice concentrations alleviated AA toxicity through the improvement of the antioxidant cell capacity and metabolic activity by their strong ROS scavenging property. Efficiency of Aronia juice cell protection is dose dependent as the 2% solution led to significantly higher cellular defence compared with 1%. Due to the high similarity of biological processes of S. pombe with higher eukaryotes, the protective effect of Aronia juice against AA toxicity might also apply to higher organisms.

Effects of Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) on Cytoprotective and Cardiometabolic Markers and Semen Quality in 109 Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Danish Men: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Crossover Trial

Background: Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) are known to exhibit both direct and indirect antioxidant properties and have been associated with beneficial effects on human health, including cardiovascular risk factors (inflammation, serum lipids, sugars, blood pressure), oxidative stress, and semen quality. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted to elucidate the effects of Aronia supplementation on these health targets in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Methods: The standardized Aronia supplementation comprised three wild Aronia spp. (A. arbutifolia, A prunifolia and A. melanocarpa) and the Aronia hybrid × Sorbaronia mitschurinii (standardized to 150 mg anthocyanins daily). Participants (n = 109) were healthy men with respect to all outcome targets except for the total cholesterol level (5.0−7.0 mM). Participants were randomized to supplementation with either Aronia or placebo for 90 days, followed by a wash-out period and lastly the complementary supplementation. Effects on the health parameters were compared among both the whole group of men and in subgroups according to age, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, dietary habits, and serum glutathione levels at baseline. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.: NCT03405753. Results: Glutathione levels were significantly improved after 90 days intake of Aronia supplementation compared to placebo in the subgroup of men with a low level of glutathione at baseline (p = 0.038) and a high coffee intake (p = 0.045). A significant decrease in levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and an increase in the percentage of motile sperm were observed in men aged >40 and in men with BMI > 25. Further, these parameters were significantly improved in the dietary subgroup defined by a high level of coffee intake. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased significantly in men <40 years after Aronia supplementation. No statistically significant effects were observed regarding blood pressure, markers of blood sugar regulation, hemoglobin A1c, superoxide dismutase, catalase, isoprostane levels, high sensitivity C reactive protein, or other semen parameters. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant increase in glutathione levels and improvement of cytoprotective targets following Aronia supplementation in specific subgroups of men >40 years of age and BMI > 25 but did not demonstrate a significant effect in the overall analysis. The observed concurrent increase in glutathione levels and improvement of cytoprotective targets following Aronia supplementation in subgroups of men, suggests that the endogenous phase II antioxidant glutathione is involved in the modulation of the observed cytoprotective effects. This study is a good foundation for further investigation of these cytoprotective effects in groups with oxidative stress in a dose−response study.

Cellular Antioxidant Effect of an Aronia Extract and Its Polyphenolic Fractions Enriched in Proanthocyanidins, Phenolic Acids, and Anthocyanins

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to some chronic diseases. Aronia berries are rich in polyphenols. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cellular antioxidant effect of an aronia extract to reflect the potential physiological in vivo effect. Cellular in vitro assays in three cell lines (Caco-2, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y) were used to measure the antioxidant effect of AE, in three enriched polyphenolic fractions (A1: anthocyanins and phenolic acids; A2: oligomeric proanthocyanidins; A3: polymeric proanthocyanidins), pure polyphenols and microbial metabolites. Both direct (intracellular and membrane radical scavenging, catalase-like effect) and indirect (NRF2/ARE) antioxidant effects were assessed. AE exerted an intracellular free radical scavenging activity in the three cell lines, and A2 and A3 fractions showed a higher effect in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. AE also exhibited a catalase-like activity, with the A3 fraction having a significant higher activity. Only A1 fraction activated the NRF2/ARE pathway. Quercetin and caffeic acid are the most potent antioxidant polyphenols, whereas cyanidin and 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone showed the highest antioxidant effect among polyphenol metabolites. AE rich in polyphenols possesses broad cellular antioxidant effects, and proanthocyanidins are major contributors. Polyphenol metabolites may contribute to the overall antioxidant effect of such extract in vivo.

Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)—A Natural Product for Metabolic Disorders?

Abnormal metabolism of substances in the body can result in metabolic disorders which include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants can help to prevent and treat various types of disorders. Chokeberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially cyanidins, and therefore, can show a beneficial health effect. The aim of this study was to summarize and systematize reports about the effects of chokeberry on various metabolic parameters. Studies from 2000 to 2021, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. The review of studies shows that chokeberry may have a positive effect in dyslipidemia and hypertension and may increase the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect, in turn, may translate into a reduction in the risk of metabolic disorders over a longer period of use. Changes in glucose levels were reported by studies in which the intervention lasted more than 10 weeks in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The effects of protecting the liver, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering uric acid levels, and having a protective effect on the kidneys require additional confirmation in human clinical trials. Consumption of chokeberry fruit did not impact on anthropometric measurements; however, it seems that chokeberry fruit can be recommended in many metabolic disorders due to the richness of bioactive ingredients.

The histone methyltransferase SETD2 modulates oxidative stress to attenuate experimental colitis

Epigenetic regulation disorder is important in the onset and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). SETD2, a trimethyltransferase of histone H3K36, is frequently mutated in IBD samples with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, functions of SETD2 in IBD and colitis-associated CRC remain largely undefined. Here, we found that SETD2 modulates oxidative stress to attenuate colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis in mice. SETD2 expression became decreased in IBD patients and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitic mice. Setd2^Vil-KO mice showed increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis, accompanied by more severe epithelial barrier disruption and markedly increased intestinal permeability that subsequently facilitated inflammation-associated CRC. Mechanistically, we found that Setd2 depletion resulted in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) by directly down-regulating antioxidant genes, which led to defects in barrier integrity and subsequently inflammatory damage. Moreover, overexpression of antioxidant PRDX6 in Setd2^Vil-KO intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) largely alleviated the overproductions of ROS and improved the cellular survival. Together, our findings highlight an epigenetic mechanism by which SETD2 modulates oxidative stress to regulate intestinal epithelial homeostasis and attenuate colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis. SETD2 might therefore be a pivotal regulator that maintains the homeostasis of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Aronia berry polyphenols have matrix-dependent effects on the gut microbiota

The objective of this study was to determine the extent that the aronia berry matrix affects gut microbiota composition, fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and colonic anthocyanins in healthy mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed AIN-93 M control diet (C) or C with whole aronia berry (AB), aronia extract (AE), or polyphenol-depleted AB (D) at the expense of cornstarch. After one week of feeding, AB and D increased fecal anthocyanins more than AE. Diets differentially affected SCFA and microbiota. AB fecal SCFA was associated with increased metabolism of succinate and pyruvate to butyrate. D increased acetic acid production, was associated with increased abundance of predicted genes for fermentation of carbohydrates to acetyl-coA. AB and D also increased predicted abundance of microbial catechol metabolism pathway I relative to C, which was attributed to enrichment of Lachnospiraceae. Therefore, the berry matrix impacts how aronia polyphenols interact with the gut microbiota in healthy mice.

Gut Microbiota Modulation by Polyphenols from Aronia melanocarpa of LPS-Induced Liver Diseases in Rats

Aronia melanocarpa polyphenols (AMPs) can alleviate the degree of liver diseases in rats. However, the mechanism by which this is achieved through gut microbiota modulation remains unclear. Here, a rich-polyphenol extract of A. melanocarpa (AMPs) was used to treat lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver diseases in rats. To gain insights into the anti-LPS-induced liver disease, liver function index, expression of apoptosis proteins, inflammatory factors, and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways were determined with western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and 16S rRNA sequencing or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After AMPs treatment, the gut microbiota composition was modulated, promoting the intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of intestinal epithelial cell tight junction proteins to reduce the LPS content in serum. The expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and related mRNAs were reduced. These results showed that AMPs, as a bioactive substance, could enhance the intestinal barrier function and modulate the gut microbiota of LPS-induced liver diseases.

New Class of Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutics Based on Gold (III) Complexes in Intestinal Inflammation-Proof of Concept Based on In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are at the top of the worldwide rankings for gastrointestinal diseases as regards occurrence, yet efficient and side-effect-free treatments are currently unavailable. In the current study, we proposed a new concept for anti-inflammatory treatment based on gold (III) complexes. A new gold (III) complex TGS 121 was designed and screened in the in vitro studies using a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, and in vivo, in the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of colitis. Physicochemical studies showed that TGS 121 was highly water-soluble; it was stable in water, blood, and lymph, and impervious to sunlight. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, the complex showed a potent anti-inflammatory profile, as evidenced in neutral red uptake and Griess tests. In the DSS-induced mouse model of colitis, the complex administered in two doses (1.68 μg/kg, intragastrically, and 16.8 μg/kg, intragastrically, once daily) produced a significant (* p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory effect, as shown by macroscopic score. The mechanism of action of TGS 121 was related to the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system; moreover, TGS 121 induced changes in the tight junction complexes expression in the intestinal wall. This is the first study proving that gold (III) complexes may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of IBD.

Flavonoids and gut health

Flavonoids are dietary non-nutrient bioactives with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and tea are rich in flavonoids. After consumption, flavonoids are extensively metabolized by the gut microbiota and host tissues. Flavonoid metabolism exhibits extensive variation between individuals. It is plausible that inter-individual differences in flavonoid metabolism impact the immune system. Pre-clinical studies have characterized direct and indirect mechanisms by which flavonoids modulate intestinal immune function. This includes modulation of T cell differentiation, alteration of gut microbiota, and modulation of cytokines. Defining the importance of these mechanisms to human chronic disease will improve dietary recommendations for the anti-inflammatory uses of flavonoids.

Dietary Anthocyanins and Human Health

Anthocyanins may contribute to the inverse relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and chronic disease. Anthocyanins are pigments found in plant structures that consist of an anthocyanidin (aglycone) attached to sugar moieties. Anthocyanins may be beneficial for health through effects on cellular antioxidant status and inflammation; however, their underlying mechanisms of action in their protection of chronic diseases are likely complex and require further elucidation. This Special Issue comprises 8 peer-reviewed papers (including 6 original research articles) which highlight the diverse bioactivities of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich foods in the protection against chronic disease.