Mulberry Fruit Extract Promotes Serum HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Suppresses Hepatic microRNA-33 Expression in Rats Fed High Cholesterol/Cholic Acid Diet

Extraction, purification, structural modification, activities and application of polysaccharides from different parts of mulberry

The mulberry plant is a member of the Moraceae family and belongs to the Morus genus. Its entire body is a treasure, with mulberries, mulberry leaves, and mulberry branches all suitable for medicinal use. The main active ingredient in mulberries is mulberry polysaccharide. Studies have shown that polysaccharides from different parts of mulberry exhibit antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-lowering properties. There are more studies on the biological activities, extraction methods, and structural characterization of polysaccharides from different parts of mulberry. However, the structural characterization of mulberry polysaccharides is mostly confined to the types and proportions of monosaccharides and the molecular weights of polysaccharides, and there are fewer systematic studies on polysaccharides from different parts of mulberry. In order to better understand the bioactive structure of mulberry polysaccharides, this article discusses the recent research progress in the extraction, separation, purification, bioactivity, structural modification, and application of polysaccharides from different parts of mulberry (mulberry leaves, mulberry fruits, and mulberry branches). It also delves into the pharmacological mechanisms of action of mulberry polysaccharides to provide a theoretical basis for further research on mulberry polysaccharides with a view to their deeper application in the fields of feed and nutraceuticals.

Dietary plant microRNAs as potential regulators of cellular cholesterol efflux

AIM

Epidemiological evidence suggests adherence to vegetable-rich diets is associated to atheroprotective effects and bioactive components are most likely to play a relevant role. The notion of inter-kingdom regulation has opened a new research paradigm and perhaps microRNAs (miRNAs) from edible vegetables could influence consumer gene expression and lead to biological effects. We aimed to investigate the potential impact of broccoli-derived miRNAs on cellular cholesterol efflux in vitro.

METHODS

Four miRNAs (miR159a, miR159b, miR166a and miR403) from Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable, were selected for further investigation, based on their high abundancy in this vegetable and their presence in other plants. Selected miRNAs were synthesized with a 3'-terminal 2'-O-methylation and their cellular toxicity, in vitro gastrointestinal resistance and cellular uptake were evaluated. Potential target genes within the mammalian transcriptome were assessed in silico following pathway analysis. In vitro cholesterol efflux was assessed in human THP-1-derived macrophages.

RESULTS

miRNAs survival to in vitro GI digestion was around 1%, although some variation was seen between the four candidates. Cellular uptake by mammalian cells was confirmed, and an increase in cholesterol efflux was observed. Pathway analysis suggested these miRNAs are involved in biological processes related to phosphorylation, phosphatidylinositol and Wnt signaling, and to the insulin/IGF pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-promoting properties attributed to cruciferous vegetables, might be mediated (at least in part) through miRNA-related mechanisms.

Molecular mechanisms in the miR-33a/LPPR4 pathway regulating unsaturated fatty acid synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells

The regulatory mechanisms governing metabolism of fatty acids in cow mammary gland are crucial for establishing relationships between milk quality and fatty acid content. Both, microRNAs (miRNAs) and protein-coding genes are important factors involved in the regulation of milk fat synthesis. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of miRNAs and mRNAs in bovine mammary gland tissue was performed during peak lactation (3 samples) and late lactation (3 samples) periods to characterize expression profiles. Differential expression (DE) analyses of miRNA and mRNA and miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathway screening were performed. Two-hundred eighty regulatory miRNA-mRNA pairs were identified, including the miR-33a-lipid phosphate phosphatase-related protein type 4 (LPPR4) pathway. Bioinformatics prediction, dual-luciferase reporter system detection, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting revealed that miR-33a can directly target LPPR4 and inhibit its expression. Experiments also revealed that miR-33a promotes the synthesis of triglycerides and increases the content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). These results indicate that miR-33a via LPPR4 plays an important role in the regulation of milk fat synthesis and UFA levels.

Micro-Executor of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases

Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the major chronic metabolic diseases that threaten human health. In order to combat these epidemics, there remains a desperate need for effective, safe, and easily available therapeutic strategies. Recently, the development of natural product research has provided new methods and options for these diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of metabolic diseases, and natural products can improve lipid and glucose metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases by regulating the expression of miRNAs. In this review, we present the recent advances involving the associations between miRNAs and natural products and the current evidence showing the positive effects of miRNAs for natural product treatment in metabolic diseases. We also encourage further research to address the relationship between miRNAs and natural products under physiological and pathological conditions, thus leading to stronger support for drug development from natural products in the future.

Mulberry plant as a source of functional food with therapeutic and nutritional applications: A review

Medicinal plants from the family Moraceae have diverse applications in agriculture, cosmetics, food, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their extensive spectrum of pharmacological activity for treating numerous inflammatory illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal problems reflects their biological and therapeutic value. This article summarizes the molecular mechanisms related to the biological implications of mulberry extracts, fractions, and isolated bioactive compounds from different parts in various health-related ailments. Additionally, the food industry and animal nutrition applications are summarized. Phytochemicals such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins are found in this medicinal plant. The aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts, as well as bioactive compounds, have anti-oxidative, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immune-modulatory, cardioprotective, and skin protecting activities. Mulberry supplementation in food products improves the stability of phenolics, sensory properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties. Mulberry leaves in animal feed increase the nutrient digestibility, growth parameters, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review summarized the in vivo and in vitro biological activities of the mulberry and isolated constituents in various health conditions. In addition, the food uses such as antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, and physicochemical properties were discussed. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed mulberry as a significant protein source and its flavonoids as potential animal foliage.

Phytochemical characterization of Morus nigra fruit ultrasound-assisted ethanolic extract for its cardioprotective potential

The current work investigated the phytochemical profile of ultrasound-assisted ethanolic extract of Morus nigra (M. nigra) fruit. FTIR analysis of M. nigra fruit extract revealed the presence of alcohols (O-H), alkanes (C-H stretch), alkenes (C=C), and alkynes (C≡C). The HPLC analysis quantified the quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, cinnamic acid, sinapic acid, and kaempferol. Furthermore, the cardioprotective activity of ethanolic extract of M. nigra fruit was investigated. Cholesterol supplementation (2%) in the daily diet and exposure to cigarette smoke (2 cigarettes twice a day) were to induce hypertension in rats. The experimental animals were categorized into four groups: G0 (negative control), G1 (positive control), G2 (standard drug), and G3 (M. nigra fruit). The fruit extract administration at 300 mg/kg BW/day orally for 2 months significantly (p < .001) enhanced the activities of serum and cardiac tissue antioxidants in hypertensive rats. Meanwhile, the fruit extract reduced the elevated serum lipid profile while significantly increasing the high-density lipoproteins in G3 than G1 and G2. The increase in blood pressure, liver transaminases, and serum lactate dehydrogenase also reduced significantly in M. nigra fruit extract-treated rats. Histopathological findings revealed mild normalization of cardiac myocytes with central nuclei, branching, and cross-striations. Consequently, the M. nigra fruit extract exerted the cardioprotective potential via increasing the antioxidant enzymes and reducing the lipids, lactate dehydrogenase, liver transaminases, and blood pressure. The therapeutic potential of M. nigra fruit can be due to flavonols and phenolic acids. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present work quantified the Morus nigra fruit phytochemicals and its significant role in reducing lipid markers and blood pressure and improving antioxidant status in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet and exposed to cigarette smoke. Conclusively, the inclusion of M. nigra fruit in daily diet could improve the cardiac health of the individuals. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of M. nigra fruit and its isolated constituents in modulating the gene expression against cardiac problems can explore after clinical trials and standardization in higher animals.

Novel active compounds and the anti-diabetic mechanism of mulberry leaves

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves have long been considered beneficial in traditional Chinese medicine to treat infectious and internal diseases. Recently studies have discovered that the mulberry leaf’s total flavonoids (MLF) display excellent hypoglycemia properties. However, the active ingredients and their molecular mechanisms are still uncharacterized. In this study, we explored the hypoglycemic effects of MLF and mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLP) on ob/ob mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloid (RMA). Network pharmacology was employed to identify the potential available targets and active compounds of MLF and RMA against hyperglycemia. Molecular docking, an insulin-resistant cell model and qPCR were employed to verify the antidiabetic activity of the critical compounds and the gene expression profiles of the top molecular targets. Here, the results showed that MLF and MLP improved glucose uptake in insulin-resistant hepatocytes. MLF, MLP and RMA alleviated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice. Unlike MLF and MLP, RMA administration did not influence the accumulation of intrahepatic lipids. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that morusin, kuwanon C and morusyunnansin L are the main active compounds of MLF and that they amend insulin resistance and glycemia via the PI3K- Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathways, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Moreover, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), fagomine (FA), and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin are the primary active ingredients of RMA and target carbohydrate metabolism and regulate alpha-glucosidase activity to produce a potent anti-diabetic effect. The molecular docking results indicated that morusin, kuwanon C and morusyunnansin L are the critical bioactive compounds of MLF. They had high affinities with the key targets adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), which play crucial roles in the MLF-mediated glucose-lowering effect. Additionally, morusin plays a role in amending insulin resistance of hepatocytes by repressing the expression of the ADORA1 and PPARG genes. Our results shed light on the mechanism behind the glucose-lowering effects of MLF, suggesting that morusin, kuwanon C, and morusyunnansin L might be promising drug leads for the management of T2DM.

Medicinal and edible plants in the treatment of dyslipidemia: advances and prospects

Dyslipidemia is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which lead to the high mortality, disability, and medical expenses in the worldwide. Based on the previous researches, the improvement of dyslipidemia could efficiently prevent the occurrence and progress of cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal and edible plants (MEPs) are the characteristics of Chinese medicine, and could be employed for the disease treatment and health care mostly due to their homology of medicine and food. Compared to the lipid-lowering drugs with many adverse effects, such as rhabdomyolysis and impaired liver function, MEPs exhibit the great potential in the treatment of dyslipidemia with high efficiency, good tolerance and commercial value. In this review, we would like to introduce 20 kinds of MEPs with lipid-lowering effect in the following aspects, including the source, function, active component, target and underlying mechanism, which may provide inspiration for the development of new prescription, functional food and complementary therapy for dyslipidemia.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses Revealed the Effects of Poly (I:C) on the Liver and Spleen of Argyrosomus japonicus

Poly (I:C) can work as an immunostimulant and a viral vaccine; however, its functional mechanism in aquatic animals needs to be further investigated. In this study, comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed to investigate the effects of poly (I:C) on Argyrosomus japonicus at 12 h and 48 h postinjection. A total of 194 and 294 differentially expressed genes were obtained in the liver and spleen, respectively. At 12 h, poly (I:C) injection could significantly influence the function of the metabolism-related pathways and immune-related pathways in the liver through the upregulation of the genes GST, LPIN, FOXO1, CYP24A1, ECM1, and SGK1, and the downregulation of the genes IL-1β, CXC19, TNFAIP3, and IRF1. At 48 h, poly (I:C) could enhance the liver energy metabolism by upregulating the genes TXNRD and ECM1, while it also induced some injury in the cells with the downregulation of the genes HBA and CYP24A1. In the spleen, poly (I:C) could regulate the fish immunity and inflammatory response by upregulating the genes DDIT4, C3, EFNA, and MNK, and by downregulating the genes ABCA1, SORT1, TNF, TLR2, IL8, and MHCII at 12 h, and at 48 h, the poly (I:C) had a similar influence as that in the liver. Intersection analyses demonstrated that CYP24A1 and ECM1 were the main functional genes that contributed to the health of the liver. Ten and four genes participated in maintaining the health of the two tissues after 12 h and 48 h, respectively. In summary, our results provided a new insight into ploy (I:C) application in A. japonicus, and it also helped us to better understand the fish response mechanism to the viral vaccine injection.

Portulaca oleracea L. Extract Regulates Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism via the AMPK/MicroRNA-33/34a Pathway in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

This study examined the effect of extruded Portulaca oleracea L. extract (PE) in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and microRNA (miR)-33/34a pathway. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into three groups and fed either a standard diet (SD), a high-cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid (HC), or an HC diet containing 0.8% PE for 4 weeks. PE supplementation improved serum, liver, and fecal lipid profiles. PE upregulated the expression of genes involved in cholesterol efflux and bile acids’ synthesis such as liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), ATP-binding cassette subfamily G5/G8 (ABCG5/8), and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and downregulated farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the liver. In addition, hepatic gene expression levels of apolipoprotein A-l (apoA-1), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ATP-binding cassette subfamily A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), which are related to serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism, were upregulated by PE. Furthermore, hepatic AMPK activity in the PE group was higher than in the HC group, and miR-33/34a expression levels were suppressed. These results suggest that PE improves the cholesterol metabolism by modulating AMPK activation and miR-33/34a expression in the liver.

Hydroalcoholic extract of dill and aerobic training prevents high-fat diet-induced metabolic risk factors by improving miR-33 and miR-223 expression in rat liver

Exercise training and medicinal herb supplementation may improve microRNAs (miRNAs) expression associated with obesity. This study aimed to assess the effects of 10 weeks of aerobic training (AT) and dill extract (DE) on miR-33 and miR-223 expression of liver in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Forty male Wistar rats were fed a defined high-fat (n = 32) and standard (n = 8, nonobese control [NC]) diet. After obesity induction, obese rats were randomly allocated to four groups: AT, DE, AT + DE, and obese control (OC). Rats were euthanized and plasma and liver tissue samples were collected after the intervention. The liver expression of miR-33 was lower in the AT, DE, AT + DE, and NC groups compared with the OC group. Also, the liver miR-223 expression was higher in the AT, DE, AT + DE, and NC groups compared with the OC group. Moreover, the liver expression of miR-223 in the AT + DE group was higher compared with the AT and DE groups. The AT, DE, AT + DE, and NC groups had lower liver TC compared with the OC group. Also, the plasma level of apolipoprotein B (Apo B) was significantly lower, and liver HDL-C was significantly higher in the AT + DE and NC groups compared with the OC group. These findings show that long-term AT combined with the intake of DE may improve the plasma levels of Apo B, and TC and HDL-C levels in the liver, which is probably due to AT and DE positive effects on miR-33 and miR-223 in the liver of obese rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Aerobic training reduces overweight and obesity health problems, however, the duration and intensity of the exercise training distinguish between individuals. We used an integrated approach combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological as a medical strategy to prevent HFD-induced metabolic injury in obese rats. The present results discovered that a combination of AT + DE intervention improves the miR-33 and miR-223 in the liver of obese rats.

Black Mulberry Extract Elicits Hepatoprotective Effects in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Models by Inhibition of Histone Acetylation

Epigenetic regulation by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) is associated with various biological processes and the progression of diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of this study was to investigate whether the hypolipidemic properties of black mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) fruit extract (BME) contribute toward protection against NAFLD by HAT inhibition. HepG2 cells were treated with oleic and palmitic acids to induce lipid accumulation, which was significantly attenuated by the treatment with BME at 50 and 100 μg/mL. BME also markedly reduced the expression of proteins associated with lipogenesis, which was attributed to the BME-mediated downregulation of lipogenic genes in HepG2 cells. BME significantly inhibited in vitro total HAT and p300 activities. In addition, BME suppressed total acetylated lysine as well as specific histone acetylation of proteins H3K14 and H3K27 in HepG2 cells. Mice were then fed with either a chow diet or western diet (WD), with or without BME (1%, w/w) supplementation, for 12 weeks to confirm hypolipidemic activity of BME. BME attenuated serum nonesterified fatty acids and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which was likely associated with the downregulation of hepatic lipogenic gene expression in WD-fed obese mice. Taken together, the hypolipidemic activity of BME was observed in HepG2 cells treated with fatty acids as well as in livers of obese mice, and the hepatoprotection of BME is likely associated with the inhibition of acetylation. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether BME can be developed into an efficacious dietary intervention to attenuate the progression of NAFLD by epigenetic regulation in clinical settings.

Dried mulberry fruit ameliorates cardiovascular and liver histopathological changes in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Metabolic disease encompasses most contemporary non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular and fatty liver disease. Mulberry fruits of Morus alba L. are a favoured food and a traditional medicine. While they are anti-atherosclerotic and reduce hyperlipidemic risk factors, studies need wider scope that include ameliorating cardiovascular and liver pathologies if they are to become clinically effective treatments. Therefore, the present study sought to show that freshly dried mulberry fruits (dMF) might counteract the metabolic/cardiovascular pathologies in mice made hyperlipidemic by high-fat diet (HF).

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

C57BL/6J mice were fed for 3 months with either: i) control diet, ii) HF, iii) HF+100 mg/kg dMF, or iv) HF+300 mg/kg dMF. Body weight gain, food intake, visceral fat accumulation, fasting blood glucose, plasma lipids, and aortic, heart, and liver histopathologies were evaluated. Adipocyte lipid accumulation, autophagy, and bile acid binding were also investigated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

HF increased food intake, body weight, visceral fat, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TC/HDL ratio, blood glucose, aortic collagen, arterial and cardiac wall thickness, and liver lipid. Both dMF doses prevented hyperphagia, body weight gain, and visceral fat accumulation, lowered blood glucose, plasma TG and unfavourable TC/HDL and elevated plasma HDL beyond baseline. Arterial and cardiac wall hypertrophy, aortic collagen fibre accumulation and liver lipid deposition ameliorated in dMF-fed mice. Clinical trials on dMF are worthwhile but outcomes should be holistic commensurate with the constellation of disease risks. Here, dMF should supplement the switch to nutrient-rich from current energy-dense diets that are progressively crippling national health systems.

Anthocyanin-rich fraction from Thai berries interferes with the key steps of lipid digestion and cholesterol absorption

Several studies have documented the hypolipidemic effect of anthocyanin-rich plants in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to elucidate the inhibitory activity of anthocyanin-rich fraction from Thai berries against fat digestive enzymes. The ability of Thai berries to bind bile acid, disrupt cholesterol micellization and the cholesterol uptake into Caco-2 cells was also determined. The content of total phenolics, flavonoid and anthocyanin in Prunus domestica L. (TPE), Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Syzygium nervosum A. Cunn. Ex DC was 222.7–283.5 mg gallic acid equivalents, 91.2–184.3 mg catechin equivalents, and 37.9–49.5 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/g extract, respectively. The anthocyanin-rich fraction of all extracts inhibited pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase with the IC₅₀ values of 90.6–181.7 μg/mL and 288.7–455.0 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, all extracts could bind primary and secondary bile acids (16.4–36.6%) and reduce the solubility of cholesterol in artificial micelles (53.0–67.6%). Interestingly, TPE was the most potent extract on interfering the key steps of lipid digestion among the tested extracts. In addition, TPE (0.10–0.50 mg/mL) significantly reduced the cholesterol uptake into Caco-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate a new insight into the role of anthocyanin-rich Thai berry extract on interfering the key steps of lipid digestion and absorption.