The Role of Consumption of Molybdenum Biofortified Crops in Bone Homeostasis and Healthy Aging

Metal Ion Signaling in Biomedicine

Complex multicellular organisms are composed of distinct tissues involving specialized cells that can perform specific functions, making such life forms possible. Species are defined by their genomes, and differences between individuals within a given species directly result from variations in their genetic codes. While genetic alterations can give rise to disease-causing acquisitions of distinct cell identities, it is now well-established that biochemical imbalances within a cell can also lead to cellular dysfunction and diseases. Specifically, nongenetic chemical events orchestrate cell metabolism and transcriptional programs that govern functional cell identity. Thus, imbalances in cell signaling, which broadly defines the conversion of extracellular signals into intracellular biochemical changes, can also contribute to the acquisition of diseased cell states. Metal ions exhibit unique chemical properties that can be exploited by the cell. For instance, metal ions maintain the ionic balance within the cell, coordinate amino acid residues or nucleobases altering folding and function of biomolecules, or directly catalyze specific chemical reactions. Thus, metals are essential cell signaling effectors in normal physiology and disease. Deciphering metal ion signaling is a challenging endeavor that can illuminate pathways to be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review key cellular processes where metal ions play essential roles and describe how targeting metal ion signaling pathways has been instrumental to dissecting the biochemistry of the cell and how this has led to the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Bitter acids from Humulus lupulus L. alleviate D-galactose induced osteoblastic senescence and bone loss via regulating AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy

Bitter acids (BA) are main component of Humulus lupulus L. (hops). They are known for beer brewing and have various biological and pharmacological properties, especially the bone-protective effect confirmed by our previous in vivo study. Here we aimed to elucidate the anti-senior osteoporosis (SOP) effect of BA on osteoblasts and explore its underlying mechanism. In vitro SOP model was established by D-galactose (D-gal) injured osteoblasts, and the bone formation markers and apoptosis level were measured. mCherry-EGFP-LC3 adenovirus infection and autophagic markers including beclin1 and LC3 proteins were detected to investigate the autophagy level in osteoblasts. To further verify whether BA play the bone-protective role through regulating autophagy, the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was used, and the cell proliferation, ALP activity, bone mineralization, apoptosis rate and SA-β-gal staining areas were measured. Finally, the protein expressions of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting, and AKT agonist SC79 and mTOR agonist MHY1485 were used to further study the mechanism of BA on AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy. The results showed that BA stimulated osteoblastic differentiation and inhibited apoptosis proteins Bcl-2/Bax in D-gal-treated osteoblasts. BA also increased the expression of autophagic markers beclin1 and LC3-II/LC3-I in D-gal-treated osteoblasts. mCherry-EGFP-LC3 autophagic double fluorescent adenovirus showed BA promoted the generation of autolysosomes and autophagosomes in D-gal-injured osteoblasts, indicating that BA might prevent osteoblastic bone loss through activating autophagy. Autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was used to further verify whether BA played the bone-protective role via regulating autophagy. The results revealed the promotion effects of BA on proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule formation in D-gal-injured osteoblasts were eliminated after autophagy blocking with 3-MA, and the inhibitory effects of BA on apoptosis rate and SA-β-gal staining areas were also eliminated. Moreover, BA reduced the phosphorylation levels of AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, and 4EBP in AKT/mTOR pathway, and the promotion of BA on the autophagic markers was blocked after the activation of AKT and mTOR by SC79 and MHY1485. In conclusion, it was the first time to demonstrate that BA improved cell activities and bone formation in aging osteoblasts, and revealed the mechanism of BA against SOP in osteoblasts was activating AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy.

Biofortification as a food-based strategy to improve nutrition in high-income countries: a scoping review

Biofortification (increasing the micronutrient content of food before harvest) has been successfully used to nutritionally improve staple foods in low- and middle-income countries. This approach could also help address micronutrient shortfalls in at-risk populations in high-income countries (HICs), however, the potential of biofortification interventions in this context is not well understood. The aim of this scoping review is to assess the nature and extent of available research evidence on biofortified foods in relation to human consumption in HICs. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, WoS, ProQuest, CINAHL, AGRIS and Epistemonikos. Forty-six peer-reviewed articles were included. Most research was conducted in the USA (n = 15) and Italy (n = 11), on cereal crops (n = 14) and vegetables (n = 11), and on selenium (n = 12) and provitamin A (n = 11). Seven research domains were identified in the literature: bioavailability (n = 17); nutrient stability (n = 11); opinions and attitudes (n = 9); functionality (n = 9); sensory properties (n = 2); safety (n = 1); and modeling (n = 1). Evidence from HICs in each domain is limited. There is a need for more research particularly in areas sensitive to the cultural and socio-economic context.

Modulation of cherry tomato performances in response to molybdenum biofortification and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a soilless system

Molybdenum (Mo) is a crucial microelement for both, humans and plants. The use of agronomic biofortification techniques can be an alternative method to enhance Mo content in vegetables. Concomitantly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) application is a valuable strategy to enhance plant performances and overcome plant abiotic distresses such as microelement overdose. The aim of this research was to estimate the direct and/or indirect effects of Mo supply at four doses [0.0, 0.5 (standard dose), 2.0 or 4.0 μmol L-1], alone or combined with AMF inoculation, on plant performances. In particular, plant height and first flower truss emission, productive features (total yield, marketable yield and average marketable fruit weight) and fruit qualitative characteristics (fruit dry matter, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, polyphenol, nitrogen, copper, iron and molybdenum) of an established cherry tomato genotype cultivated in soilless conditions were investigated. Moreover, proline and malondialdehyde concentrations, as well as Mo hazard quotient (HQ) in response to experimental treatments were determined. A split-plot randomized experimental block design with Mo dosages as plots and +AMF or -AMF as sub-plots was adopted. Data revealed that AMF inoculation enhanced marketable yield (+50.0 %), as well as some qualitative traits, such as fruit soluble solids content (SSC) (+9.9 %), ascorbic acid (+7.3 %), polyphenols (+2.3 %), and lycopene (+2.5 %). Molybdenum application significantly increased SSC, polyphenols, fruit Mo concentration (+29.0 % and +100.0 % in plants biofortified with 2.0 and 4.0 μmol Mo L-1 compared to those fertigated with the standard dose, respectively) and proline, whereas it decreased N (-25.0 % and -41.6 % in plants biofortified with 2.0 and 4.0 μmol Mo L-1 compared to those fertigated with the standard dose, respectively). Interestingly, the application of AMF mitigated the detrimental effect of high Mo dosages (2.0 or 4.0 μmol L-1). A pronounced advance in terms of plant height 45 DAT, fruit lycopene concentration and fruit Fe, Cu and Mo concentrations was observed when AMF treatment and Mo dosages (2.0 or 4.0 μmol Mo L-1) were combined. Plants inoculated or not with AMF showed an improvement in the hazard quotient (HQ) in reaction to Mo application. However, the HQ - for a consumption of 200 g day-1 of biofortified cherry tomato - remained within the safety level for human consumption. This study suggests that Mo-implementation (at 2.0 or 4.0 μmol L-1) combined with AMF inoculation could represent a viable cultivation protocol to enhance yield, produce premium quality tomato fruits and, concomitantly, improve Mo dose in human diet. In the light of our findings, further studies on the interaction between AMF and microelements in other vegetable crops are recommended.

High-intensity interval training improves bone remodeling, lipid profile, and physical function in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease due to an autoimmune chronic inflammatory response, yet the etiology is currently not completely understood. It is already known that physical activity plays an essential role in improving quality of life, especially in neuropathological conditions. The study was aimed to investigate the possible benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in bone and lipid metabolism markers, and neuromotor abilities in MS patients. 130 participants were recruited; 16 subjects with MS met the inclusion criteria and were included in the data analysis. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: a Control group (CG) (34.88 ± 4.45 yrs) that didn't perform any physical activity and the Exercise group (EG) (36.20 ± 7.80 yrs) that performed HIIT protocol. The training program was conducted remotely by a kinesiologist. It was performed three times a week for 8 weeks. At the beginning (T0) and the end of the study (T1) physical function tests, bone remodelling markers, and lipid markers analyses were performed. After 8 weeks of training the wall squat (s) (T0 = 27.18  ±  4.21; T1 = 41.68 ± 5.38, p ≤ 0.01) and Time Up and Go test (s) (T0 = 7.65 ± 0.43; T1 = 6.34 ± 0.38 p ≤ 0.01) performances improved; lipid markers analysis showed a decrease in Total (mg/dl) (T0 = 187.22 ± 15.73; T1 = 173.44 ± 13.03, p ≤ 0.05) and LDL (mg/dl) (T0 = 108 ± 21.08; T1 = 95.02 ± 17.99, p < 0.05) cholesterol levels. Additionally, the levels of osteocalcin (µg/L), a marker of bone formation increased (T0 = 20.88 ± 4.22; T1 = 23.66 ± 6.24, p < 0.05), 25-OH Vitamin D (µg/L) improved after 8 weeks (T0 = 21.11 ± 7.11; T1 = 27.66 ± 7.59, p < 0.05). HIIT had an effect on lower limb strength and gait control, improved bone formation, and lipid management, in MS patients.

Boosting plant food polyphenol concentration by saline eustress as supplement strategies for the prevention of metabolic syndrome: an example of randomized interventional trial in the adult population

Introduction

Phenolic compounds in lettuce can increase by the application of positive stress (eustress) such as moderate saline stress. Phenolic compounds possess antioxidant capacity that is a key factor in the detoxification of excess reactive oxygen species. A double-blinded randomized interventional and placebo- controlled study design was carried out to compare the effect of daily dietary eustress lettuce ingestion in hepatic, lipid, bone, glucose, and iron metabolism.

Methods

Forty-two healthy volunteers, 19 female and 23 male participants, were divided into two groups. Participants were randomized into a polyphenol-enriched treatment (PET) arm or control arm. Each arm consumed 100 g/day of control or eustress (polyphenols enriched treatment = PET) lettuce for 12 days. Primary study outcomes were serological analysis for assessing hepatic, lipid, bone, iron, and glucose markers at baseline and after 12 days. Secondary outcomes assessed body composition.

Results

Salinity stress reduced plant yield but increased caffeic acid (+467%), chlorogenic acid (+320%), quercetin (+538%), and rutin (+1,095%) concentrations. The intake of PET lettuce reduced PTH, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzyme levels and increased vitamin D and phosphate levels, while iron and glucose metabolism were unaffected.

Discussion

Supplementation with eustress lettuce by increasing polyphenols concentration ameliorates hepatic, lipid, and bone homeostasis. Body composition was not affected.

Clinical trial registration

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06002672, identifier: NCT06002672.

Metabolic diseases and healthy aging: identifying environmental and behavioral risk factors and promoting public health

Aging is a progressive and irreversible pathophysiological process that manifests as the decline in tissue and cellular functions, along with a significant increase in the risk of various aging-related diseases, including metabolic diseases. While advances in modern medicine have significantly promoted human health and extended human lifespan, metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes among the older adults pose a major challenge to global public health as societies age. Therefore, understanding the complex interaction between risk factors and metabolic diseases is crucial for promoting well-being and healthy aging. This review article explores the environmental and behavioral risk factors associated with metabolic diseases and their impact on healthy aging. The environment, including an obesogenic environment and exposure to environmental toxins, is strongly correlated with the rising prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities. Behavioral factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep patterns, significantly influence the risk of metabolic diseases throughout aging. Public health interventions targeting modifiable risk factors can effectively promote healthier lifestyles and prevent metabolic diseases. Collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers and community organizations is essential for implementing these interventions and creating supportive environments that foster healthy aging.