Cyclosorus terminans Extract Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Obese Rats

Cyclosorus Terminans Extract Alleviates Neuroinflammation in Insulin Resistant Rats

High-fat diet consumption for an extended period causes obesity, systemic metabolic disturbance, and brain insulin resistance, resulting in neuroinflammation. Although the beneficial effect of Cyclosorus terminans extract on obesity-related insulin resistance has been demonstrated, little is known about how it affects neuroinflammation and brain insulin resistance in obese rats. Male Wistar rats were given either a normal diet (ND, n = 6) or a high-fat diet (HFD, n = 24) for a total of 14 weeks. At the beginning of the week, 13 rats in the ND group were given vehicle orally for 2 weeks, while rats on HFD diets were randomized to one of four groups and given either vehicle, 100 mg/kg/day of Cyclosorus terminans extract, 200 mg/kg/day of Cyclosorus terminans extract, or 20 mg/kg/day of pioglitazone orally for 2 weeks. After the experimental period, blood and brain samples were taken to assess metabolic and brain parameters. HFD-fed rats had obesity, systemic and brain insulin resistance, brain inflammation, microglial and astrocyte hyperactivity, and brain necroptosis. Treatment with 200 mg/kg/day of Cyclosorus terminans extract and pioglitazone equally attenuated obesity, insulin resistance, brain insulin dysfunction, and neuroinflammation in insulin resistant rats. Our findings suggest that Cyclosorus terminans extract may hold promise as a therapeutic agent for insulin resistance and neuroinflammation in obese conditions.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the correlation between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and risks of fatty liver disease.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted to select studies published from database inception to 6 September 2023 from five databases. Observational studies examining the association between elevated DII levels and the prevalence of fatty liver disease/liver fibrosis were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either random-effects or fixed-effect models.

RESULTS

In total, 10 studies comprising 242,006 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Individuals with higher DII had a significantly increased risk of fatty liver disease (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.08-2.45) and liver fibrosis (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09-1.21) compared to those with lower DII.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated an association between higher DII and increased odds of fatty liver disease. However, additional prospective studies are required to further address this question.

The fluorosis conundrum: bridging the gap between science and public health

Fluorosis, a chronic condition brought on by excessive fluoride ingestion which, has drawn much scientific attention and public health concern. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite decades of scientific research elucidating the causes, mechanisms, and prevention strategies for fluorosis, there remains a significant gap between scientific understanding and public health implementation. While the scientific community has made significant strides in understanding the etiology and prevention of fluorosis, effectively translating this knowledge into public health policies and practices remains challenging. This review explores the gap between scientific research on fluorosis and its practical implementation in public health initiatives. It suggests developing evidence-based guidelines for fluoride exposure and recommends comprehensive educational campaigns targeting the public and healthcare providers. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research to fill the existing knowledge gaps and promote evidence-based decision-making. By fostering collaboration, communication, and evidence-based practices, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public can work together to implement preventive measures and mitigate the burden of fluorosis on affected communities. This review highlighted several vital strategies to bridge the gap between science and public health in the context of fluorosis. It emphasizes the importance of translating scientific evidence into actionable guidelines, raising public awareness about fluoride consumption, and promoting preventive measures at individual and community levels.

Bean Leaves Ameliorate Lipotoxicity in Fatty Liver Disease

Bioactive compounds in plant-based food have protective effects against metabolic alterations, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Bean leaves are widely cultivated in the world and are a source of dietary fiber and polyphenols. High fat/high fructose diet animal models promote deleterious effects in adipose and non-adipose tissues (lipotoxicity), leading to obesity and its comorbidities. Short-term supplementation of bean leaves exhibited anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-obesity effects in high-fat/high-fructose diet animal models. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bean leaves supplementation in the prevention of lipotoxicity in NAFLD and contribute to elucidating the possible mechanism involved for a longer period of time. During thirteen weeks, male Wistar rats (n = 9/group) were fed with: (1) S: Rodent Laboratory Chow 5001^® (RLC); (2) SBL: 90% RLC+ 10% dry bean leaves; (3) H: high-fat/high-fructose diet; (4) HBL: H+ 10% of dry bean leaves. Overall, a HBL diet enhanced impaired glucose tolerance and ameliorated obesity, risk factors in NAFLD development. Additionally, bean leaves exerted antioxidant (↑serum GSH) and anti-inflammatory (↓mRNA TNFα in the liver) effects, prevented hepatic fat accumulation by enhanced ↑mRNA PPARα (β oxidation), and enhanced lipid peroxidation (↓liver MDA). These findings suggest that bean leaves ameliorated hepatic lipotoxicity derived from the consumption of a deleterious diet.

Beta-Caryophyllene Modifies Intracellular Lipid Composition in a Cell Model of Hepatic Steatosis by Acting through CB2 and PPAR Receptors

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease; however, no specific pharmacological therapy has yet been approved for this condition. Plant-derived extracts can be an important source for the development of new drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of (E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP), a phytocannabinoid recently found to be beneficial against metabolic diseases, on HepG2 steatotic hepatocytes. Using a fluorescence-based lipid quantification assay and GC-MS analysis, we show that BCP is able to decrease lipid accumulation in steatotic conditions and to change the typical steatotic lipid profile by primarily reducing saturated fatty acids. By employing specific antagonists, we demonstrate that BCP action is mediated by multiple receptors: CB2 cannabinoid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and γ (PPARγ). Interestingly, BCP was able to counteract the increase in CB2 and the reduction in PPARα receptor expression observed in steatotic conditions. Moreover, through immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that CB2 receptors are mainly intracellularly localized and that BCP is internalized in HepG2 cells with a maximum peak at 2 h, suggesting a direct interaction with intracellular receptors. The results obtained with BCP in normal and steatotic hepatocytes encourage future applications in the treatment of NAFLD.