Short-Term Betanin Intake Reduces Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Design, Synthesis and Gene Modulation Insights into Pigments Derived from Tryptophan-Betaxanthin, Which Act against Tumor Development in Caenorhabditis elegans

The use of betalains, which are nitrogenous plant pigments, by the food industry is widespread and reflects their safety after intake. The recent research showed outstanding results for L-tryptophan-betaxanthin, a phytochemical present in traditional Chinese medicine, as an antitumoral agent when the activity was evaluated in the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Thus, L-tryptophan-betaxanthin is now presented as a lead compound, from which eleven novel structurally related betaxanthins have been designed, biotechnologically produced, purified, and characterized. The antitumoral effect of the derived compounds was evaluated on the JK1466 tumoral strain of C. elegans. All the tested molecules significantly reduced the tumoral gonad sizes in a range between 31.4% and 43.0%. Among the novel compounds synthesized, tryptophan methyl ester-betaxanthin and tryptophan benzyl ester-betaxanthin, which are the first betalains to contain an ester group in their structures, caused tumor size reductions of 43.0% and 42.6%, respectively, after administration to the model animal. Since these were the two most effective molecules, their mechanism of action was investigated by microarray analysis. Differential gene expression analysis showed that tryptophan methyl ester-betaxanthin and tryptophan benzyl ester-betaxanthin were able to down-regulate the key genes of the mTOR pathway, such as daf-15 and rict-1.

Combining Conventional Organic Solvent Extraction, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, and Chromatographic Techniques to Obtain Pure Betanin from Beetroot for Clinical Purposes

Red beetroot extract (E162) is a natural colorant that owes its color to betanin, its major red pigment. Betanin displays remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties mediated by its structure and influence on gene expression. However, the betanin employed in most preclinical assays is a beetroot extract diluted in dextrin, not pure betanin, as no isolated compound is commercially available. This makes its use inaccurate concerning product content estimates and biological effect assessments. Herein, a combination of conventional extraction under orbital shaking and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to purify betanin by semi-preparative HPLC was performed. The employed methodology extracts betalains at over a 90% yield, achieving 1.74 ± 0.01 mg of pure betanin/g beetroot, a 41% yield from beetroot contents increasing to 50 %, considering the betalains pool. The purified betanin exhibited an 85% purity degree against 32 or 72% of a commercial standard evaluated by LC-MS or HPLC methods, respectively. The identity of purified betanin was confirmed by UV-Vis, LC-MS, and 1H NMR. The combination of a conventional extraction, UAE, and semi-preparative HPLC allowed for betanin purification with a high yield, superior purity, and almost three times more antioxidant power compared to commercial betanin, being, therefore, more suitable for clinical purposes.

Neuroprotective effects of betanin in mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury as found in stroke is a complex and heterogeneous disorder and closely related to disability and death. Today, nutraceuticals and protective therapy to increase neuronal integrity and prevent pathological complication are common. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of betanin against cerebral IR injury in mice. Forty male institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were divided into Sham-veh, IR-veh, IR-Bet50 and IR-Bet100 groups. After 2 weeks of oral administration of normal saline (vehicle; veh) or 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of betanin (Bet), mice were subjected to IR induction using 30-min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Brain infarction, oxidative status, cortical and hippocampal neurons and white matter pathologies were evaluated. Results showed that IR significantly increases brain infarction, Cornus Ammonis 1 (CA1) hippocampal and corpus callosum (CC) and internal capsule (IC) white matter degeneration (P<0.05). Brain oxidative status revealed significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) together with a significant decrease in catalase (CAT) activity, induced by IR (P<0.05). Pretreatment with betanin 100 mg/kg led to a significant reduction in brain infarction and MDA, CA1 hippocampus, CC and IC white matter degeneration. Betanin also led to a significant increase in CAT activity (P<0.05), with enhancing effect on reduced glutathione levels (GSH, P<0.05). The present study revealed the neuroprotective efficacy of betanin against IR injury in mice's brains, including its inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and boosting of GSH and CAT activity.

Effect of Red-Beetroot-Supplemented Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolite Profile of Weaned Pigs-A Pilot Study

Red beetroot is a well-recognized and established source of bioactive compounds (e.g., betalains and polyphenols) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is proposed as a potential alternative to zinc oxide with a focus on gut microbiota modulation and metabolite production. In this study, weaned pigs aged 28 days were fed either a control diet, a diet supplemented with zinc oxide (3000 mg/kg), or 2% and 4% pulverized whole red beetroot (CON, ZNO, RB2, and RB4; respectively) for 14 days. After pigs were euthanized, blood and digesta samples were collected for microbial composition and metabolite analyses. The results showed that the diet supplemented with red beetroot at 2% improved the gut microbial richness relative to other diets but marginally influenced the cecal microbial diversity compared to a zinc-oxide-supplemented diet. A further increase in red beetroot levels (4%-RB4) led to loss in cecal diversity and decreased short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acid concentrations. Also, an increased Proteobacteria abundance, presumably due to increased lactate/lactic-acid-producing bacteria was observed. In summary, red beetroot contains several components conceived to improve the gut microbiota and metabolite output of weaned pigs. Future studies investigating individual components of red beetroot will better elucidate their contributions to gut microbiota modulation and pig health.

Microencapsulated and Ready-to-Eat Beetroot Soup: A Stable and Attractive Formulation Enriched in Nitrate, Betalains and Minerals

Beetroot is a tuber rich in antioxidant compounds, i.e., betanin and saponins, and is one of the main sources of dietary nitrate. The aim of the present study was to microencapsulate a ready-to-eat beetroot soup by lyophilization using different encapsulating agents, which supply the required amount of bioactive nutrients. Particle size distributions ranged from 7.94 ± 1.74 to 245.66 ± 2.31 µm for beetroot soup in starch and from 30.56 ± 1.66 to 636.34 ± 2.04 µm in maltodextrin. Microparticle yields of powdered beetroot soup in starch varied from 77.68% to 88.91%, and in maltodextrin from 75.01% to 80.25%. The NO3− and total betalain contents at a 1:2 ratio were 10.46 ± 0.22 mmol·100 g−1 fresh weight basis and 219.7 ± 4.92 mg·g−1 in starch powdered beetroot soup and 8.43 ± 0.09 mmol·100 g−1 fresh weight basis and 223.9 ± 4.21 mg·g−1 in maltodextrin powdered beetroot soup. Six distinct minerals were identified and quantified in beetroot soups, namely Na, K, Mg, Mn, Zn and P. Beetroot soup microencapsulated in starch or maltodextrin complied with microbiological quality guidelines for consumption, with good acceptance and purchase intention throughout 90 days of storage. Microencapsulated beetroot soup may, thus, comprise a novel attractive strategy to offer high contents of bioaccessible dietary nitrate and antioxidant compounds that may aid in the improvement of vascular-protective effects.

Traversing through the cell signaling pathways of neuroprotection by betanin: therapeutic relevance to Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease

Modulation of cell signaling pathways is the key area of research towards the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Altered Nrf2-Keap1-ARE (Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Antioxidant responsive element) and SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) cell signaling pathways are considered to play major role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Strikingly, betanin, a betanidin 5-O-β-D-glucoside compound is reported to show commendable anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in several disease studies including AD and PD. The present review discusses the pre-clinical studies demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of betanin by virtue of its potential to ameliorate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, abnormal protein aggregation and cell death. It highlights the direct linkage between the neuroprotective abilities of betanin and upregulation of the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE and SIRT1 signaling pathways. The review further hypothesizes the involvement of the betanin-Nrf2-ARE route in the inhibition of beta-amyloid aggregation through beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), one of the pivotal hallmarks of AD. The present review hereby for the first time elaborately discusses the reported neuroprotective abilities of betanin and decodes the Nrf2 and SIRT1 modulating potential of betanin as a primary mechanism of action behind, hence highlighting it as a novel drug candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the near future.

Betanin ameliorates fipronil-induced nephrotoxicity via activation of Nrf2-HO-1/NQO-1 pathway in albino rat model

Fipronil (FPN) is phenylpyrazole insecticide extensively used to control a wide variety of pests. Betanin (BET) is a natural colorant with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of BET on FPN induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats. Forty rats were assigned into 4 equal groups; Group I (Control); Group II (BET) received 20 mg/kg b.wt/day; Group III (FPN) received 4.8 mg/kg b.wt/day; and Group IV (BET/FPN). All treatments were given orally for 90 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for analysis of serum urea and creatinine. Kidneys were harvested for determination of kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1) level; gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1); oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical investigation of Nrf2, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and caspase-3 were also undertaken. The results revealed kidney dysfunction, downregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 genes, redox imbalance, structural damage, decreased Nrf2 and increased NF-κB immune-expression, in addition to strong caspase-3 immunoreactivity in FPN-treated group. In the combined group, BET co-administration resulted in functional and structural amelioration, up-regulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 genes, mitigation of redox imbalance, and strong anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. In conclusion, BET via activation of Nrf2-HO-1/NQO-1 pathway, exhibits beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects against FPN-induced nephrotoxicity.

In vivo antitumor activity of Euphorbia lathyris ethanol extract in colon cancer models

Euphorbia lathyris seeds have been used to treat various medical conditions. We previously reported that ethanolic extract from the defatted seed of Euphorbia lathyris (EE) (variety S3201) possesses a potent in vitro antitumor activity against colon cancer (CRC) cell lines. However, the effects of EE on CRC in vivo models and its possible preventive activity have not been elucidated. The aim of this study is to develop an in vivo study to corroborate its efficacy. For this purpose, two tumor induction models have been developed. In orthotopic xenograft model, it has been shown that EE reduces tumor size without hematological toxicity. The ethanolic extract induced an intense apoptosis in tumors mediated by caspase 3. Using the Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium model, a reduction of dysplastic polyps has been demonstrated, showing its preventive power. Furthermore, EE promoted the presence of an eubiotic microbiotal environment in the mucosa of the colon and induced an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity. This fact was accompanied by a modulation of cytokine expression that could be related to its protective mechanism. Therefore, although further experiments will be necessary to determine its applicability in the treatment of CRC, ES could be a new prevention strategy as well as treatment for this type of tumor, being a powerful candidate for future clinical trials.

Effects of branched-chain amino acid-rich supplementation on EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

According to criteria recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), we analyzed the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-rich supplements on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in older people.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception until March 2021. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of BCAA-rich supplements on older people were included. Random-effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were stratified by participant and supplementation characteristics. Meta-regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of continuous variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included in this meta-analysis. Quality assessment revealed that 14 of 35 RCTs had some potential bias. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance between the supplement and control groups was 0.35 (95% CI = [0.15, 0.55], P = 0.0007), 0.25 (95% CI = [0.10, 0.40], P = 0.0008), and 0.29 (95% CI = [0.00, 0.57], P = 0.05), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that essential amino acid supplementation improved handgrip strength more significantly than whey protein supplementation in older people. Meta-regression analysis revealed a significant linear relationship between improvements in handgrip strength and body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

BCAA-rich supplementation by older people may have beneficial effects on muscle mass and strength. However, the included studies had high heterogeneity, and the results must be interpreted with caution.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020206674.

Prickly Pear Betalain-Rich Extracts as New Promising Strategy for Intestinal Inflammation: Plant Complex vs. Main Isolated Bioactive Compounds

Recently, many studies have highlighted the health effects of betalains beyond their use as food dyes. The present study investigated betalain-rich extracts with different colors and their main bioactive compounds in order to provide first evidence as a new promising strategy for intestinal inflammation management. Prickly pear betalain–rich extracts, obtained by a QuEChERS method, have been characterized by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The potential role of betanin, indicaxanthin, and prickly pear extracts in counteracting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory events was evaluated by several in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays. Indicaxanthin and betanin represent the most abundant compounds (≥22.27 ± 4.50 and 1.16 ± 0.17 g/100 g dry extract, respectively). Prickly pear extracts showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with respect to the pure betalains both on in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, demonstrating the occurrence of synergistic activity, without any cytotoxicity or alteration of the barrier systems. The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, and NO) was strongly inhibited by both betalains and even more by prickly pear extracts, which showed a similar and sometimes better profile than the reference compounds trolox and dexamethasone in counteracting the IL-1β–induced intestinal inflammation.

Beetroot, a Remarkable Vegetable: Its Nitrate and Phytochemical Contents Can be Adjusted in Novel Formulations to Benefit Health and Support Cardiovascular Disease Therapies

The cardioprotective effects of dietary nitrate from beetroot in healthy and hypertensive individuals are undeniable and irrefutable. Nitrate and nitrate-derived nitrite are precursors for nitric oxide synthesis exhibiting an effect on cardiomyocytes and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, improving endothelial function, reducing arterial stiffness and stimulating smooth muscle relaxation, decreasing systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Beetroot phytochemicals like betanin, saponins, polyphenols, and organic acids can resist simulated gastrointestinal digestion, raising the hypothesis that the cardioprotective effects of beetroots result from the combination of nitrate/nitrite and bioactive compounds that limit the generation of reactive oxygen species and modulate gene expression. Nitrate and phytochemical concentrations can be adjusted in beet formulations to fulfill requirements for acute or long-term supplementations, enhancing patient adherence to beet intervention. Based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, beet nitrate and its bioactive phytochemicals are promising as a novel supportive therapy to ameliorate cardiovascular diseases.

Betanin as a multipath oxidative stress and inflammation modulator: a beetroot pigment with protective effects on cardiovascular disease pathogenesis

Oxidative stress is a common physiopathological condition enrolled in risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Individuals in such a redox imbalance status present endothelial dysfunctions and inflammation, reaching the onset of heart disease. Phytochemicals are able to attenuate the main mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation and should be considered as supportive therapies to manage risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including betanin (betanidin-5-O-β-glucoside), a pigment displaying the potential to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammantion, as previously demonstrated in preclinical trials. Betanin resists gastrointestinal digestion, is absorbed by the epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa and reaches the plasma in its active form. Betanin displays free-radical scavenger ability through hydrogen or electron donation, preserving lipid structures and LDL particles while inducing the transcription of antioxidant genes through the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and, simultaneously, suppressing the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-B pathways. This review discusses the anti-radical and gene regulatory cardioprotective activities of betanin in the pathophysiology of endothelial damage and atherogenesis, the main conditions for cardiovascular disease. In addition, betanin influences on these multipath cellular signals and aiding in reducing cardiovascular disorders is proposed.