Flaxseed Lignans as Important Dietary Polyphenols for Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Molecular Targets

Targeting anticancer immunity in melanoma tumour microenvironment: unleashing the potential of adjuvants, drugs, and phytochemicals

Melanoma poses a challenge in oncology because of its aggressive nature and limited treatment modalities. The tumour microenvironment (TME) in melanoma contains unique properties such as an immunosuppressive and high-density environment, unusual vasculature, and a high number of stromal and immunosuppressive cells. In recent years, numerous experiments have focused on boosting the immune system to effectively remove malignant cells. Adjuvants, consisting of phytochemicals, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, and cytokines, have shown encouraging results in triggering antitumor immunity and augmenting the therapeutic effectiveness of anticancer therapy. These adjuvants can stimulate the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs). Furthermore, nanocarriers can help to deliver immunomodulators and antigens directly to the tumour stroma, thereby improving their efficacy against malignant cells. The remodelling of melanoma TME utilising phytochemicals, agonists, and other adjuvants can be combined with current modalities for improving therapy outcomes. This review article explores the potential of adjuvants, drugs, and their nanoformulations in enhancing the anticancer potency of macrophages, CTLs, and natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, the capacity of these agents to repress the function of immunosuppressive components of melanoma TME, such as immunosuppressive subsets of macrophages, stromal and myeloid cells will be discussed.

Recovery of green phenolic compounds from lignin-based source: Role of ferulic acid esterase towards waste valorization and bioeconomic perspectives

The production of chemicals/products so far relies on fossil-based resources with the creation of several environmental problems at the global level. In this situation, a sustainable and circular economy model is necessitated to mitigate global environmental issues. Production of biowaste from various processing industries also creates environmental issues which would be valorized for the production of industrially important reactive and bioactive compounds. Lignin acts as a vital part in biowaste composition which can be converted into a wide range of phenolic compounds. The phenolic compounds have attracted much attention, owing to their influence on diverse not only organoleptic parameters, such as taste or color, but also active agents for active packaging systems. Crop residues of varied groups, which are an affluent source of lignocellulosic biomass could serve as a renewable resource for the biosynthesis of ferulic acid (FA). FA is obtained by the FA esterase enzyme action, and it can be further converted into various tail end phenolic flavor green compounds like vanillin, vanillic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid. Lignin being renewable in nature, processing and management of biowastes towards sustainability is the need as far as the global industrial point is concerned. This review explores all the approaches for conversion of lignin into value-added phenolic compounds that could be included to packaging applications. These valorized products can exhibit the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, and due to these features can emerge to incorporate them into production of functional foods and be utilization of them at active food packaging application. These approaches would be an important step for utilization of the recovered bioactive compounds at the nutraceutical and food industrial sectors.

Targeting Cancer Hallmarks Using Selected Food Bioactive Compounds: Potentials for Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies

Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in healthcare systems, resulting in approximately 9.9 million fatalities in 2020. It is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Although there are difficulties in treating cancer at both the genetic and phenotypic levels, many cancer patients seek supplementary and alternative medicines to cope with their illness, relieve symptoms, and reduce the side effects of cytotoxic drug therapy. Consequently, there is an increasing emphasis on studying natural products that have the potential to prevent or treat cancer. Cancer cells depend on multiple hallmarks to secure survival. These hallmarks include sustained proliferation, apoptosis inactivation, stimulation of angiogenesis, immune evasion, and altered metabolism. Several natural products from food were reported to target multiple cancer hallmarks and can be used as adjuvant interventions to augment conventional therapies. This review summarizes the main active ingredients in food that have anticancer activities with a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms of action. Thymoquinone, allicin, resveratrol, parthenolide, Epigallocatechin gallate, and piperine are promising anticancer bioactive ingredients in food. Natural products discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers to provide effective anticancer functional food.

A comparative study on flaxseed lignan biotransformation through resting cell catalysis and microbial fermentation by β-glucosidase production Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

BACKGROUND

Flax lignan has attracted much attention because of its potential bioactivities. However, the bioavailability of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), the main lignan in flaxseed, depends on the bioconversion by the colon bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with β-glucosidase activity has found wide application in preparing bioactive aglycone.

RESULTS

LAB strains with good β-glucosidase activity were isolated from fermented tofu. Their bioconversion of flax lignan extract was investigated by resting cell catalysis and microbial fermentation, and the metabolism of SDG by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C5 following fermentation was characterized by widely targeted metabolomics. Five L. plantarum strains producing β-glucosidase with broad substrate specificity were isolated and identified, and they all can transform SDG into secoisolariciresinol (SECO). L. plantarum C5 resting cell reached a maximum SDG conversion of 49.19 ± 3.75%, and SECO generation of 21.49 ± 1.32% (0.215 ± 0.013 mm) at an SDG substrate concentration of 1 mM and 0.477 ± 0.003 mm SECO was produced at 4 mm within 24 h. Although sixteen flax lignan metabolites were identified following the fermentation of SDG extract by L. plantarum C5, among them, four were produced following the fermentation: SECO, demethyl-SECO, demethyl-dehydroxy-SECO and isolariciresinol. Moreover, seven lignans increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Fermentation significantly increased the profile and level of flax lignan metabolites, and the resting cell catalysis benefits from higher bioconversion efficiency and more straightforward product separation. Resting cell catalysis and microbial fermentation of flax lignan extract by the isolated β-glucosidase production L. plantarum could be potentially applied in preparing flax lignan ingredients and fermented flaxseed. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Omega-3 fatty acids and health of auditory and vestibular systems: a comprehensive review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review animal and human studies that explore the role of omega-3 PUFAs in maintaining the health of the auditory organ across all life stages.

METHODS

This narrative review involved searching Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles from December 1980 to July 2023.

RESULTS

some animal and human studies suggest that both deficiency and excessive intake of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can lead to auditory neural conduction impairment and reduced hearing acuity from fetal development to old age (presbycusis). These effects are likely to be dependent on the dosage. Some research indicates that an excessive intake of omega-3, rather than a deficiency, can result in nutritional toxicity and hearing impairments. Animal studies highlight the positive impact of omega-3 supplements with high DHA content in addressing hearing damage, but human research on this subject is limited. Furthermore, certain studies propose that omega-3 PUFAs may prevent or delay age-related hearing loss, with high plasma omega-3 concentration, particularly long-chain omega-3 PUFA, linked to reduced hearing loss. Additionally, consuming fish more than twice a week may be associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in adulthood, with these effects potentially influenced by age and gender. However, the majority of studies have been conducted on animals, and clinical trials are scarce. Research on the influence of omega-3 PUFAs on the peripheral and central vestibular systems remains limited.

CONCLUSION

This article delves into the impact of omega-3 on the auditory-vestibular system, exploring its influence on neurodevelopment, protection, and treatment. It not only highlights specific research gaps but also offers valuable insights for potential future studies.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Metabolic Profiling of Synechocystis sp. Extract Encapsulated in Nano-Liposomes and Nano-Niosomes Using LC-MS, Complemented by Molecular Docking Studies

Liposomes and niosomes can be considered excellent drug delivery systems due to their ability to load all compounds, whether hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In addition, they can reduce the toxicity of the loaded drug without reducing its effectiveness. Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular, freshwater cyanobacteria strain that contains many bioactive compounds that qualify its use in industrial, pharmaceutical, and many other fields. This study investigated the potential of nano-liposomes (L) and nano-niosomes (N) for delivering Synechocystis sp. extract against cancer cell lines. Four different types of nanoparticles were prepared using a dry powder formulation and ethanol extract of Synechocystis sp. in both nanovesicles (N1 and N2, respectively) and liposomes (L1 and L2, respectively). Analysis of the formed vesicles using zeta analysis, SEM morphological analysis, and visual examination confirmed their stability and efficiency. L1 and L2 in this investigation had effective diameters of 419 and 847 nm, respectively, with PDI values of 0.24 and 0.27. Furthermore, the zeta potentials were found to range from -31.6 mV to -43.7 mV. Regarding N1 and N2, their effective diameters were 541 nm and 1051 nm, respectively, with PDI values of 0.31 and 0.35, and zeta potentials reported from -31.6 mV to -22.2 mV, respectively. Metabolic profiling tentatively identified 22 metabolites (1-22) from the ethanolic extract. Its effect against representative human cancers was studied in vitro, specifically against colon (Caco2), ovarian (OVCAR4), and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines. The results showed the potential activities of the prepared N1, N2, L1, and L2 against the three cell lines, where L1 had cytotoxicity IC50 values of 19.56, 33.52, and 9.24 µg/mL compared to 26.27, 56.23, and 19.61 µg/mL for L2 against Caco2, OVCAR4, and MCF7, respectively. On the other hand, N1 exhibited IC50 values of 9.09, 11.42, and 2.38 µg/mL, while N2 showed values of 15.57, 18.17, and 35.31 µg/mL against Caco2, OVCAR4, and MCF7, respectively. Meanwhile, the formulations showed little effect on normal cell lines (FHC, OCE1, and MCF10a). All of the compounds were evaluated in silico against the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR). The molecular docking results showed that compound 21 (1-hexadecanoyl-2-(9Z-hexadecenoyl)-3-(6'-sulfo-alpha-D-quinovosyl)-sn-glycerol), followed by compounds 6 (Sulfoquinovosyl monoacylgycerol), 7 (3-Hydroxymyristic acid), 8 (Glycolipid PF2), 12 (Palmitoleic acid), and 19 (Glyceryl monostearate), showed the highest binding affinities. These compounds formed good hydrogen bond interactions with the key amino acid Lys721 as the co-crystallized ligand. These results suggest that nano-liposomes and nano-niosomes loaded with Synechocystis sp. extract hold promise for future cancer treatment development. Further research should focus on clinical trials, stability assessments, and pharmacological profiles to translate this approach into effective anticancer drugs.

Novel systems biology experimental pipeline reveals matairesinol's antimetastatic potential in prostate cancer: an integrated approach of network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation

Matairesinol (MAT), a plant lignan renowned for its anticancer properties in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancers, presents a promising yet underexplored avenue in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (mPC). To elucidate its specific therapeutic targets and mechanisms, our study adopted an integrative approach, amalgamating network pharmacology (NP), bioinformatics, GeneMANIA-based functional association (GMFA), and experimental validation. By mining online databases, we identified 27 common targets of mPC and MAT, constructing a MAT-mPC protein-protein interaction network via STRING and pinpointing 11 hub targets such as EGFR, AKT1, ERBB2, MET, IGF1, CASP3, HSP90AA1, HIF1A, MMP2, HGF, and MMP9 with CytoHuba. Utilizing DAVID, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis highlighted metastasis-related processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, positive regulation of cell migration, and key Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including cancer, prostate cancer, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling, while the web resources such as UALCAN and GEPIA2 affirmed the clinical significance of the top 11 hub targets in mPC patient survival analysis and gene expression patterns. Our innovative GMFA enrichment method further enriched network pharmacology findings. Molecular docking analyses demonstrated substantial interactions between MAT and 11 hub targets. Simulation studies confirmed the stable interactions of MAT with selected targets. Experimental validation in PC3 cells, employing quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR and various cell-based assays, corroborated MAT's antimetastatic effects on mPC. Thus, this exhaustive NP analysis, complemented by GMFA, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and experimental validations, underscores MAT's multifaceted role in targeting mPC through diverse therapeutic avenues. Nevertheless, comprehensive in vitro validation is imperative to solidify these findings.

Enterolignans: from natural origins to cardiometabolic significance, including chemistry, dietary sources, bioavailability, and activity

The enterolignans, enterolactone and enterodiol, the main metabolites produced from plant lignans by the gut microbiota, have enhanced bioavailability and activity compared to their precursors, with beneficial effects on metabolic and cardiovascular health. Although extensively studied, the biosynthesis, cardiometabolic effects, and other therapeutic implications of mammalian lignans are still incompletely understood. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of these phytoestrogen metabolites based on up-to-date information reported in studies from a wide range of disciplines. Established and novel synthetic strategies are described, as are the various lignan precursors, their dietary sources, and a proposed metabolic pathway for their conversion to enterolignans. The methodologies used for enterolignan analysis and the available data on pharmacokinetics and bioavailability are summarized and their cardiometabolic bioactivity is explored in detail. The special focus given to research on the health benefits of microbial-derived lignan metabolites underscores the critical role of lignan-rich diets in promoting cardiovascular health.

1-Acetoxypinoresinol, a Lignan from Olives: Insight into Its Characterization, Identification, and Nutraceutical Properties

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a symbol of the Mediterranean diet, constituting its primary source of fat. The beneficial effect of EVOO is strictly related to the presence of fatty acids and polyphenols, bioactive compounds endowed with nutraceutical properties. Among EVOO polyphenols, lignans possess a steroid-like chemical structure and are part of the phytoestrogen family, which is renowned for its health properties. The natural lignans (+)-pinoresinol and 1-acetoxypinoresinol (1-AP) are commonly present in olives and in EVOO. Although (+)-pinoresinol is found in different edible plants, such as flaxseed, beans, whole-grain cereals, sesame seeds, and certain vegetables and fruit, 1-AP was exclusively identified in olives in 2000. So far, the scientific literature has extensively covered different aspects of (+)-pinoresinol, including its isolation and nutraceutical properties. In contrast, less is known about the olive lignan 1-AP. Therefore, this review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the more important aspects of 1-AP, collecting all the literature from 2016 to the present, exploring its distribution in different cultivars, analytical isolation and purification, and nutraceutical properties.

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Dietary Polyphenols: Review on Chemistry/Sources, Bioavailability/Metabolism, Antioxidant Effects, and Their Role in Disease Management

Polyphenols, as secondary metabolites ubiquitous in plant sources, have emerged as pivotal bioactive compounds with far-reaching implications for human health. Plant polyphenols exhibit direct or indirect associations with biomolecules capable of modulating diverse physiological pathways. Due to their inherent abundance and structural diversity, polyphenols have garnered substantial attention from both the scientific and clinical communities. The review begins by providing an in-depth analysis of the chemical intricacies of polyphenols, shedding light on their structural diversity and the implications of such diversity on their biological activities. Subsequently, an exploration of the dietary origins of polyphenols elucidates the natural plant-based sources that contribute to their global availability. The discussion extends to the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols within the human body, unraveling the complex journey from ingestion to systemic effects. A central focus of the review is dedicated to unravelling the antioxidant effects of polyphenols, highlighting their role in combating oxidative stress and associated health conditions. The comprehensive analysis encompasses their impact on diverse health concerns such as hypertension, allergies, aging, and chronic diseases like heart stroke and diabetes. Insights into the global beneficial effects of polyphenols further underscore their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents. This review article critically examines the multifaceted aspects of dietary polyphenols, encompassing their chemistry, dietary origins, bioavailability/metabolism dynamics, and profound antioxidant effects. The synthesis of information presented herein aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between polyphenols and human health.

Successful Outcome of a Patient with Concomitant Pancreatic and Renal Carcinoma Receiving Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Therapy Alone: A Case Report

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the deadliest malignancies. Kidney cancer (KC) is a common malignancy globally. Chemo- or radio-therapies are not very effective to control PC or KC, and overdoses often cause severe site reactions to the patients. As a result, novel treatment strategies with high efficacy but without toxic side effects are urgently desired. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) belongs to plant lignans with potential anticancer activities, but clinical evidence is not available in PC or KC treatment.

Patient Concerns

We report a rare case of an 83-year-old female patient with pancreatic and kidney occupying lesions that lacked the conditions to receive surgery or chemo- or radiotherapy.

Diagnosis

Pancreatic and kidney cancers.

Interventions

We gave dietary SDG to the patient as the only therapeutics.

Outcomes

SDG effectively halted progression of both PC and KC. All clinical manifestations, including bad insomnia, loss of appetite, stomach symptoms, and skin itching over the whole body, all disappeared. The initial massive macroscopic hematuria became microscopic and infrequent, and other laboratory results also gradually returned to normal. Most of the cancer biomarkers, initially high such as CEA, CA199, CA724, CA125, came down rapidly, among which CA199 changed most radically. This patient has had progression-free survival of one year so far.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the potent inhibitory effects of SDG on PC and KC of this patient and provide promising novel therapeutics for refractory malignant tumors.

Anti-inflammatory effect of lignans from flaxseed after fermentation by lactiplantibacillus plantarum SCB0151 in vitro

Lignan, a beneficial constituent of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) showed great interest in researchers because of its multiple functional properties. Nonetheless, a challenge arises due to the glycosidic structure of lignans, which the gut epithelium cannot readily absorb. Therefore, we screened 18 strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Enterococcus durans to remove glycosides from flaxseed lignan extract enzymatically. Among our findings, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SCB0151 showed the highest activity of β-glucosidase (8.91 ± 0.04 U/mL) and higher transformed efficiency of Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) (8.21 ± 0.13%). The conversion rate of Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and the generation rate of SECO was 58.30 ± 3.78% and 32.13 ± 2.78%, respectively, under the optimized conditions. According to the LC-HRMSMS analysis, SECO (68.55 ± 6.57 µM), Ferulic acid (FA) (32.12 ± 2.50 µM), and Coumaric acid (CA) (79.60 ± 6.21 µM) were identified in the biotransformation products (TP) of flaxseed lignan extract. Results revealed that the TP exhibited a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect than the flaxseed lignan extract. SECO, FA, and CA demonstrated a more inhibitory effect on NO than that of SDG. The expression of iNOS and COX-2 was significantly suppressed by TP treatment in LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells. The secretion of IL-6, IL-2, and IL-1β decreased by 87.09 ± 0.99%, 45.40 ± 0.87%, and 53.18 ± 0.83%, respectively, at 60 µg/mL of TP treatment. Given these data, the bioavailability of flaxseed lignan extract and its anti-inflammatory effect were significantly enhanced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SCB0151, which provided a novel approach to commercializing flaxseed lignan extract for functional food.

Multifunctional 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde O-methyltransferases (CAldOMTs) in plant metabolism

Lignin, flavonoids, melatonin, and stilbenes are plant specialized metabolites with diverse physiological and biological functions, supporting plant growth and conferring stress resistance. Their biosynthesis requires O-methylations catalyzed by 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde O-methyltransferase (CAldOMT; also called caffeic acid O-methyltransferase, COMT). CAldOMT was first known for its roles in syringyl (S) lignin biosynthesis in angiosperm cell walls and later found to be multifunctional. This enzyme also catalyzes O-methylations in flavonoid, melatonin, and stilbene biosynthetic pathways. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the convergent evolution of enzymes with OMT activities towards the monolignol biosynthetic pathway intermediates in some gymnosperm species that lack S-lignin and Selaginella moellendorffii, a lycophyte which produces S-lignin. Furthermore, neofunctionalization of CAldOMTs occurred repeatedly during evolution, generating unique O-methyltransferases (OMTs) with novel catalytic activities and/or accepting novel substrates, including lignans, 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, and phenylpropenes. This review summarizes multiple aspects of CAldOMTs and their related proteins in plant metabolism and discusses their evolution, molecular mechanism, and roles in biorefineries, agriculture, and synthetic biology.

Comparison of Yield Characteristics, Chemical Composition, Lignans Content and Antioxidant Potential of Experimentally Grown Six Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Cultivars

Linseed represents a rich source of nutritional, functional and health-beneficial compounds. Nevertheless, the chemical composition and content of bioactive compounds may be quite variable and potentially affected by various factors, including genotype and the environment. In this study, the proximate chemical composition, lignans content and antioxidant potential of six experimentally grown linseed cultivars were assessed and compared. A diagonal cultivation trial in the University of South Bohemia Experimental Station in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, was established in three subsequent growing seasons (2018, 2019 and 2020). The results showed that the cultivar and growing conditions influenced most studied parameters. The lack of precipitation in May and June 2019 negatively affected the seed yield and the level of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside but did not decrease the crude protein content, which was negatively related to the oil content. The newly developed method for lignans analysis allowed the identification and quantification of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and matairesinol. Their content correlated positively with the total polyphenol content and antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity), indicating the significant contribution to the biofunctional properties of linseed. On the other hand, we did not detect minor linseed lignans, pinoresinol and lariciresinol. The results of this study showed the importance of cultivar and growing conditions factors on the linseed chemical composition and the lignans content, determining its nutritional and medicinal properties.

Flaxseed Lignan Alleviates the Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity Associated with Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolome

This study examined the protective effect of flaxseed lignans on liver damage caused by an overdose of paracetamol (PAM). The findings demonstrated that administering 800 mg/kg/d flaxseed lignan prior to PAM significantly decreased the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBi) levels, while it increased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels in mice. Flaxseed lignan renovated the gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by PAM by promoting the proliferation of sulfonolipid (SL) producing bacteria such as Alistipes and lignan-deglycosolating bacteria such as Ruminococcus while inhibiting the growth of opportunistic pathogen bacteria such as Acinetobacter and Clostridium. Furthermore, flaxseed lignan modulated the serum metabolomic profile after PAM administration, specifically in the taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. The study identified eight potential biomarkers, including enterolactone, cervonyl carnitine, acutilobin, and PC (20:3(5Z, 8Z, 11Z)/20:0). Overall, the results suggest that flaxseed lignan can alleviate PAM-induced hepatotoxicity and may be beneficial in preventing drug-induced microbiome and metabolomic disorders.

Nutritional Genomics and Cancer Prevention

The scientific innovations have emphasized the importance of diet for one's health and wellbeing. The genetic revolution has enhanced our understanding about the effect of nutrients on genomic and transcriptomic profiles and gene-nutrition interactions (nutritional genomics). Furthermore, the contribution of micronutrient insufficiencies and macronutrient excess is evident in the development and progression of many diseases, especially cancer. It is speculated that nutrients have capacity to implicitly affect the physiological and pathophysiological processes via gene expression various regulatory processes. Moreover, the nutrients are known to affect the cellular networks involved in cancer progression and cancer inhibitory mechanisms targeting apoptosis or impaired angiogenesis. The interplay of regulatory processes in physiological systems and nutrients provides basis for the nutrigenomics. The functional genomics data further argue that cellular and molecular processes involved in the cancer progression are possibly programed genes during early development which may persist into adulthood and become detrimental. The incorporation of the functional interactions between nutrients and the genome has revolutionized the field of personalized medicine and provided the foundation for targeted cancer therapy through nutrients. There is growing evidence on the beneficial impacts of eating habits on lowering the risk of cancer, even if it can be difficult to pinpoint the precise role of nutrients. The nutrigenomic information may provide bases to develop disease prevention and treatment via nutrition, at the molecular level.

Design and fabrication of a magnetic nanobiocomposite based on flaxseed mucilage hydrogel and silk fibroin for biomedical and in-vitro hyperthermia applications

In this research work, a magnetic nanobiocomposite is designed and presented based on the extraction of flaxseed mucilage hydrogel, silk fibroin (SF), and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs). The physiochemical features of magnetic flaxseed mucilage hydrogel/SF nanobiocomposite are evaluated by FT-IR, EDX, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, VSM, and TG technical analyses. In addition to chemical characterization, given its natural-based composition, the in-vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays are studied and the results are considerable. Following the use of highest concentration of magnetic flaxseed mucilage hydrogel/SF nanobiocomposite (1.75 mg/mL) and the cell viability percentage of two different cell lines including normal HEK293T cells (95.73%, 96.19%) and breast cancer BT549 cells (87.32%, 86.9%) in 2 and 3 days, it can be inferred that this magnetic nanobiocomposite is biocompatible with HEK293T cells and can inhibit the growth of BT549 cell lines. Besides, observing less than 5% of hemolytic effect can confirm its hemocompatibility. Furthermore, the high specific absorption rate value (107.8 W/g) at 200 kHz is generated by a determined concentration of this nanobiocomposite (1 mg/mL). According to these biological assays, this magnetic responsive cytocompatible composite can be contemplated as a high-potent substrate for further biomedical applications like magnetic hyperthermia treatment and tissue engineering.

Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Molecules in Cancer Therapeutics

Phytochemicals are natural plant-derived products that provide significant nutrition, essential biomolecules, and flavor as part of our diet. They have long been known to confer protection against several diseases via their anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-microbial, and several other properties. Deciphering the role of phytochemicals in the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of cancer-unrestrained cell proliferation due to the loss of tight regulation on cell growth and replication-has been the focus of recent research. Particularly, the immunomodulatory role of phytochemicals, which is pivotal in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis, has recently been studied extensively. The immune system is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, and it plays essential roles in both preventing and promoting oncogenesis. Immunomodulation includes stimulation, amplification, or inactivation of some stage(s) of the immune response. Phytochemicals and their products have demonstrated immune regulation, such as macrophage migration, nitric oxide synthase inhibition, lymphocyte, T-cell, and cytokine stimulation, natural killer cell augmentation, and NFκB, TNF, and apoptosis regulation. There is a dearth of extensive accounts of the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals in cancer; thus, we have compiled these effects with mechanistic aspects of dietary phytochemicals in cancer, highlighting promising candidates and ongoing clinical trials on immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate oncogenesis.

Comparative Assessment of Lignan, Tocopherol, Tocotrienol and Carotenoids in 40 Selected Varieties of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Multiple varieties of flaxseeds have been identified in the world, yet the relationship between these varieties, their agronomic traits, and their seeds' quality remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the level of lignan, vitamins and carotenoids in 40 selected flaxseed varieties, and the relationship between varieties, agronomic traits, and seed quality was investigated. In this study, notably, fiber flax variety No. 225 exhibited the highest lignan content among all tested seeds. Additionally, oil variety No. 167 demonstrated the highest level of α-tocotrienol (α-T3), β-tocopherol (β-T), γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3), and β-carotene (β-Car.). Conversely, intermediate flax variety No. 16 displayed the highest content of α-tocopherol (α-T), but lowest content of lutein (Lut.), zeaxanthin (Zea.), β-carotene (β-Car.), and total carotenoids (Total Car.). Furthermore, a correlation was observed between petal color with the lignan, while a strong correlation has been explored in seed yield, seed type, plant natural height, and fiber content in straw. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to elucidate the internal relationship between varieties with compositions.

Anti-Cancer Properties of Flaxseed Proteome

Flaxseed has been recognized as a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including proteins that possess various health benefits. In recent years, studies have shown that flaxseed proteins, including albumins, globulins, glutelin, and prolamins, possess anti-cancer properties. These properties are attributed to their ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and interfere with cancer cell signaling pathways, ultimately leading to the inhibition of metastasis. Moreover, flaxseed proteins have been reported to modulate cancer cell mechanobiology, leading to changes in cell behavior and reduced cancer cell migration and invasion. This review provides an overview of the anti-cancer properties of flaxseed proteins, with a focus on their potential use in cancer treatment. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research to fully establish the potential of flaxseed proteins in cancer therapy.

The What and Who of Dietary Lignans in Human Health: Special Attention to Estrogen Effects and Safety Evaluation

Lignans are a group of phenolic compounds found in plant-based diets. The human body can obtain lignans through diet, which are then metabolized into enterolignans. The enterolignans have been linked to several health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, and estrogen effects. This review explores the relationship between the estrogenic effects of lignans and health. This review not only considers the estrogen-like activity of lignans but also discusses the safe dosage of lignans at different life stages. In addition, this review also identified other types of bioactive compounds that can act synergistically with lignans to promote health. Studies have shown that lignan administration during pregnancy and lactation reduces the risk of breast cancer in offspring. Further studies are needed to investigate the estrogenic safety effects of lignan on pregnant women and children. Whether lignans combine with other nutrients in complex food substrates to produce synergistic effects remains to be investigated. This review provides a basis for future studies on the safe dose of lignan and recommended dietary intake of lignan. We believe that the acquired as discussed here has implications for developing dietary therapies that can promote host nutrition and modulate estrogenic diseases.

Polyphenol Extraction from Food (by) Products by Pulsed Electric Field: A Review

Nowadays, more and more researchers engage in studies regarding the extraction of bioactive compounds from natural sources. To this end, plenty of studies have been published on this topic, with the interest in the field growing exponentially. One major aim of such studies is to maximize the extraction yield and, simultaneously, to use procedures that adhere to the principles of green chemistry, as much as possible. It was not until recently that pulsed electric field (PEF) technology has been put to good use to achieve this goal. This new technique exhibits many advantages, compared to other techniques, and they have successfully been reaped for the production of extracts with enhanced concentrations in bioactive compounds. In this advancing field of research, a good understanding of the existing literature is mandatory to develop more advanced concepts in the future. The aim of this review is to provide a thorough discussion of the most important applications of PEF for the enhancement of polyphenols extraction from fresh food products and by-products, as well as to discuss the current limitations and the prospects of the field.

Lariciresinol protects rats from complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis in rats via modulation of transforming growth factor-β and nuclear factor kappa B pathway: An in vivo and in silico study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe inflammatory auto-immune disorder affecting millions of people across the globe. The current therapeutic options are not adequate to address the complications of RA. Therefore, the present study was conducted to elucidate the protective effect of lariciresinol, a lignan, against Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. The results of the study showed that lariciresinol improves paw swelling and arthritic scores in rats as compared to CFA rats. Lariciresinol also showed a significant reduction in rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-17, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 level with a simultaneous increase in IL-4 level. The burden of oxidative stress was also reduced in CFA rats, as shown by reduced MDA levels and increased SOD and GPx after the administration of lariciresinol. In a Western blot analysis, lariciresinol showed a significant reduction of transforming growth factor-β and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein levels in CFA rats. To understand the binding characteristic of lariciresinol with NF-κB, molecular docking analysis was conducted, which showed Larciresinol interacted with the active site of NF-κB. Our study demonstrated the significant protective effect of lariciresinol against RA via multi-target action.

Diversity of Linum genetic resources in global genebanks: from agro-morphological characterisation to novel genomic technologies - a review

Linseed or flaxseed is a well-recognized nutritional food with nutraceutical properties owing to high omega-3 fatty acid (α-Linolenic acid), dietary fiber, quality protein, and lignan content. Currently, linseed enjoys the status of a 'superfood' and its integration in the food chain as a functional food is evolving continuously as seed constituents are associated with lowering the risk of chronic ailments, such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. This crop also receives much attention in the handloom and textile sectors as the world's coolest fabric linen is made up of its stem fibers which are endowed with unique qualities such as luster, tensile strength, density, bio-degradability, and non-hazardous nature. Worldwide, major linseed growing areas are facing erratic rainfall and temperature patterns affecting flax yield, quality, and response to biotic stresses. Amid such changing climatic regimes and associated future threats, diverse linseed genetic resources would be crucial for developing cultivars with a broad genetic base for sustainable production. Furthermore, linseed is grown across the world in varied agro-climatic conditions; therefore it is vital to develop niche-specific cultivars to cater to diverse needs and keep pace with rising demands globally. Linseed genetic diversity conserved in global genebanks in the form of germplasm collection from natural diversity rich areas is expected to harbor genetic variants and thus form crucial resources for breeding tailored crops to specific culinary and industrial uses. Global genebank collections thus potentially play an important role in supporting sustainable agriculture and food security. Currently, approximately 61,000 germplasm accessions of linseed including 1,127 wild accessions are conserved in genebanks/institutes worldwide. This review analyzes the current status of Linum genetic resources in global genebanks, evaluation for agro-morphological traits, stress tolerance, and nutritional profiling to promote their effective use for sustainable production and nutrition enhancement in our modern diets.

Quantitative Bioactivity Signatures of Dietary Supplements and Natural Products

Dietary supplements and natural products are often marketed as safe and effective alternatives to conventional drugs, but their safety and efficacy are not well regulated. To address the lack of scientific data in these areas, we assembled a collection of Dietary Supplements and Natural Products (DSNP), as well as Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) plant extracts. These collections were then profiled in a series of in vitro high-throughput screening assays, including a liver cytochrome p450 enzyme panel, CAR/PXR signaling pathways, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter assay activities. This pipeline facilitated the interrogation of natural product-drug interaction (NaPDI) through prominent metabolizing pathways. In addition, we compared the activity profiles of the DSNP/TCM substances with those of an approved drug collection (the NCATS Pharmaceutical Collection or NPC). Many of the approved drugs have well-annotated mechanisms of action (MOAs), while the MOAs for most of the DSNP and TCM samples remain unknown. Based on the premise that compounds with similar activity profiles tend to share similar targets or MOA, we clustered the library activity profiles to identify overlap with the NPC to predict the MOAs of the DSNP/TCM substances. Our results suggest that many of these substances may have significant bioactivity and potential toxicity, and they provide a starting point for further research on their clinical relevance.

Protein Fractions from Flaxseed: The Effect of Subsequent Extractions on Composition and Antioxidant Capacity

Flaxseed proteins exhibit functionalities interesting for the food industry, including antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant activity depends on the protein composition and the presence of phenolic compounds extracted with them from the matrix. The research focused on the effect of subsequent protein extractions (water, salt and alkaline) of flaxseed meals (of three cultivars) on the protein fraction composition and its relations to antioxidant capacity. The protein and phenolic profiles and antioxidant functionalities (in antiradical ORAC and emulsion assays) were analysed. Spectroscopic characteristics of the fractions (fluorometric and FT-IR analysis) were also included. Our study has shown the effect of fractionation on the share of proteins at MW from 56-38 kDa (globulin-like) and <15 kDa (albumin-like) in the protein profiles. The highest globulin share was in the alkaline-extracted fractions (AEF) and albumin in the salt-extracted (SEF) ones. SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucosides) and phenolic acids (p-coumaric and ferulic) were extracted with flaxseed proteins. Their contents were fraction-dependent and the highest in AEF. The concentration of phenolics in AEF corresponded with the highest antiradical capacity (ORAC) compared with the other fractions. However, the SEF showed a higher ability to inhibit oxidation in emulsions than AEF, which could be associated with the higher content of the low MW proteins.

Anticancer potential of flaxseed lignans, their metabolites and synthetic counterparts in relation with molecular targets: current challenges and future perspectives

Lignans are known dietary polyphenols found in cereals, plants and seeds. Flaxseed is one of the major sources of lignans mainly existing in the form of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) which can be metabolised by the gut microbes into secoisolariciresinol (SECO) and mammalian lignan (enterodiol and enterolactone) that are easily absorbed through the intestines. Numerous studies reveal that flaxseed lignans (FLs) can be promising chemotherapeutics/chemopreventive agents. Their anticancer activity can occur through the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, and the hindering of metastasis and angiogenesis. The anti-carcinogenesis of flaxseed lignans is achieved through multiple molecular mechanisms involving biochemical entities such as cellular kinases, cell cycle mediators, transcription factors, inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and drug transporters. This review summarizes the bioavailability of FLs, their anticancer mechanisms in relevance to molecular targets, safety, and the scope of future research. Overall, FLs can be utilized in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals for the management and prevention of cancers.

Flaxseed lignans alleviates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating myocardial remodeling and oxidative stress

Cardiovascular diseases, the leading global cause of death, are usually associated with cardiac hypertrophy (CH). CH is an adaptive response of the heart against cardiac overloading, but continuous CH accelerates cardiac remodeling and results in heart failure. Available CH therapies delay the progress of heart failure, but they often fail to control symptoms or restore quality of life. Although flaxseed lignans have been shown to have significant anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects in various cardiovascular diseases, little is known about their effect on CH. Thus, this study evaluated the therapeutic effect of flaxseed lignans on CH, which was induced by subcutaneous injections with isoproterenol (5 mg/kg b.w) for 14 consecutive days. Flaxseed lignans (200 mg/kg) was given orally for 4 weeks. Cardiac pathological remodeling was evaluated by echocardiography, after which morphometric, biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural analyses were performed. Flaxseed lignans significantly ameliorated CH structural and functional alterations as shown by echocardiography. Lignans also reduced the relative heart weight, significantly decreased the elevated CK-MB and the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde, augmented the myocardial total antioxidant capacity, and ameliorated the histopathological and ultrastructural changes in cardiac tissues and prevented interstitial collagen deposition. The results demonstrate promising anti-hypertrophic effect of flaxseed lignans against isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy, via regulating myocardial remodeling and oxidative stress. Therefore, lignans could be used as potential pharmacological intervention in the management of CH.

Anti-allergic property of dietary phytoestrogen secoisolariciresinol diglucoside through microbial and β-glucuronidase-mediated metabolism

Phytoestrogens play pivotal roles in controlling not only the endocrine system but also inflammatory metabolic disorders. However, the effects of dietary phytoestrogens on allergic diseases and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we revealed the unique metabolic conversion of phytoestrogen to exert anti-allergic properties, using an ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis mouse model. We found that dietary secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a phytoestrogen abundantly present in flaxseed, alleviated allergic rhinitis by the microbial conversion to enterodiol (ED). We also found that ED circulated mainly in the glucuronide form (EDGlu) in blood, and deconjugation of EDGlu to ED aglycone occurred in the nasal passage; this activity was enhanced after the induction of allergic rhinitis, which was mediated by β-glucuronidase. We further found that IgE-mediated degranulation was inhibited by ED aglycone, but not by EDGlu, in a G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30)-dependent manner. These results provide new insights into the anti-allergic properties of phytoestrogens and their metabolism in vivo for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against allergic rhinitis.

Targeting UNC-51-like kinase 1 and 2 by lignans to modulate autophagy: possible implications in metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), especially metastatic (mCRC) form, becomes a major reason behind cancer morbidity worldwide, whereas the treatment strategy is not optimum. Several novel targets are under investigation for mCRC including the autophagy pathway. Natural compounds including dietary lignans are sparsely reported as autophagy modulators. Nonetheless, the interaction between dietary lignans and core autophagy complexes are yet to be characterised. We aimed to describe the interaction between the dietary lignans from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) along with the enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone) and the UNC-51-like kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1/2), important kinases required for the autophagy. A range of in-silico technologies viz. molecular docking, drug likeness, and ADME/T was employed to select the best fit modulator and/or inhibitor of the target kinases from the list of selected lignans. Drug likeness and ADME/T studied further selected the best-suited lignans as potential autophagy inhibitor. Molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) analyses were used to validate the molecular docking results. Binding free energies of the protein-ligand interactions by MM-PBSA method further confirmed best-selected lignans as ULK1 and/or ULK2 inhibitor. In conclusion, three dietary lignans pinoresinol, medioresinol, and lariciresinol successfully identified as dual ULK1/2 inhibitor/modifier, whereas enterodiol emerged as a selective ULK2 inhibitor/modifier.

Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Agents in Melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is an immunogenic highly heterogenic tumor characterized by poor outcomes when it is diagnosed late. Therefore, immunotherapy in combination with other anti-proliferative approaches is among the most effective weapons to control its growth and metastatic dissemination. Recently, a large amount of published reports indicate the interest of researchers and clinicians about plant secondary metabolites as potentially useful therapeutic tools due to their lower presence of side effects coupled with their high potency and efficacy. Published evidence was reported in most cases through in vitro studies but also, with a growing body of evidence, through in vivo investigations. Our aim was, therefore, to review the published studies focused on the most interesting phytochemicals whose immunomodulatory activities and/or mechanisms of actions were demonstrated and applied to melanoma models.

Composition, processing, and quality control of whole flaxseed products used to fortify foods

Whole flaxseed (flour) as a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and phytochemicals with excellent nutritional and functional attributes has been used to enrich foods for health promotion and disease prevention. However, several limitations and contemporary challenges still impact the development of whole flaxseed (flour)-enriched products on the global market, such as naturally occurring antinutritional factors and entrapment of nutrients within food matrix. Whole flaxseed (flour) with different existing forms could variably alter the techno-functional performance of food matrix, and ultimately affect the edible qualities of fortified food products. The potential interaction mechanism between the subject and object components in fortified products has not been elucidated yet. Hence, in this paper, the physical structure and component changes of flaxseed (flour) by pretreatments coupled with their potential influences on the edible qualities of multiple fortified food products were summarized and analyzed. In addition, several typical food products, including baked, noodle, and dairy products were preferentially selected to investigate the potential influencing mechanisms of flaxseed (flour) on different substrate components. In particular, the altered balance between water absorption of flaxseed protein/gum polysaccharides and the interruption of gluten network, lipid lubrication, lipid-amylose complexes, syneresis, and so forth, were thoroughly elucidated. The overall impact of incorporating whole flaxseed (flour) on the quality and nutritional attributes of fortified food products, coupled with the possible solutions against negative influences are aimed. This paper could provide useful information for expanding the application of whole flaxseed (flour) based on the optimal edible and nutritional properties of fortified food products.

Emergence of nutrigenomics and dietary components as a complementary therapy in cancer prevention

Cancer is an illness characterized by abnormal cell development and the capability to infiltrate or spread to rest of the body. A tumor is the term for this abnormal growth that develops in solid tissues like an organ, muscle, or bone and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic systems. Nutrition is a critical and immortal environmental component in the development of all living organisms encoding the relationship between a person's nutrition and their genes. Nutrients have the ability to modify gene expression and persuade alterations in DNA and protein molecules which is researched scientifically in nutrigenomics. These interactions have a significant impact on the pharmacokinetic properties of bioactive dietary components as well as their site of action/molecular targets. Nutrigenomics encompasses nutrigenetics, epigenetics, and transcriptomics as well as other "omic" disciplines like proteomics and metabolomics to explain the vast disparities in cancer risk among people with roughly similar life style. Clinical trials and researches have evidenced that alternation of dietary habits is potentially one of the key approaches for reducing cancer risk in an individual. In this article, we will target how nutrigenomics and functional food work as preventive therapy in reducing the risk of cancer.

A review of flaxseed lignan and the extraction and refinement of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside

Lignan is a class of diphenolic compounds that arise from the condensation of two phenylpropanoid moieties. Oilseed and cereal crops (e.g., flaxseed, sesame seed, wheat, barley, oats, rye, etc.) are major sources of plant lignan. Methods for commercial isolation of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) are not well reported, as most publications describing the detection, extraction, and enrichment of SDG use methods that have not been optimized for commercial scale lignan recovery. Simply scaling up laboratory methods would require expensive infrastructure to achieve a marketable yield and reproducible product quality. Therefore, establishing standard protocols to produce SDG and its derivatives on an industrial scale is critical to decrease lignan cost and increase market opportunities. This review summarizes the human health benefits of flaxseed lignan consumption, lignan physicochemical properties, and mammalian lignan metabolism, and describes methods for detecting, extracting, and enriching flaxseed lignan. Refining and optimization of these methods could lead to the development of inexpensive lignan sources for application as an ingredient in medicines, dietary supplements, and other healthy ingredients.

The fate of flaxseed-lignans after oral administration: A comprehensive review on its bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and food design strategies for optimal application

Lignans are one of the most important and abundant phytochemicals found in flaxseed-diets. These have shown to possess several health-benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and estrogenic-properties etc. The potential of lignans health-promoting effects are circumscribed due to their poor-bioavailability resulting from their bound structure. Recent studies have demonstrated that various food design strategies can enhance the release of bound-lignans from agro-industrial residues, resulting in a higher bioaccessibility and bioavailability. This review focuses primarily on the bioavailability of flaxseed lignans, key factors affecting it and their pharmacokinetics, different strategies to improve the contents of lignans, their release and delivery. Present study will help to deepen our understanding of the applications of lignans and their dietary-supplements in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Several absorption issues of lignans have been observed such as impaired-bioavailability and variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Therefore, the development of novel strategies for optimizing lignan bioavailability is critical to ensure its successful application, such as the delivery of lignans to biological targets via "targeted designs." In addition, some detailed examination is required to identify and understand the basis of variation in lignans bioavailability caused by interactions with the gastrointestinal system.

Health benefits of flaxseed and its peptides (linusorbs)

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has been associated with numerous health benefits. The flax plant synthesizes an array of biologically active compounds including peptides or linusorbs (LOs, a.k.a., cyclolinopeptides), lignans, soluble dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The LOs arise from post-translational modification of four or more ribosome-derived precursors. These compounds exhibit an array of biological activities, including suppression of T-cell proliferation, excessive inflammation, and osteoclast replication as well as induction of apoptosis in some cancer cell lines. The mechanisms of LO action are only now being elucidated but these compounds might interact with other active compounds in flaxseed and contribute to biological activity attributed to other flax compounds. This review focuses on both the biological interaction of LOs with proteins and other molecules and comprehensive knowledge of LO pharmacological and biological properties. The physicochemical and nutraceutical properties of LOs, as well as the biological effects of certain LOs, and their underlying mechanisms of action, are reviewed. Finally, strategies for producing LOs by either peptide synthesis or recombinant organisms are presented. This review will be the first to describe LOs as a versatile scaffold for the action of compounds to deliver physiochemically/biologically active molecules for developing novel nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Linum lewisii Adventitious and Hairy-Roots Cultures as Lignan Plant Factories

Plants synthesize specific secondary metabolites for survival, reproduction, environmental resilience, and defense. Among them, lignans are a class of polyphenols with several bioactive properties: chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant. These compounds are often extracted from field-grown plants with very low yields. To overcome these constraints, in vitro tissue cultures provide a tool to optimize large-scale production. Moreover, the use of elicitation to increase secondary metabolite production is gaining importance. The aim of this work was to develop adventitious (ARL) and hairy roots (HRL) from Linum lewisi, a species able to synthesize arylnaphthalene lignans such as justicidin B. The ARL and HRL were obtained for the first time and characterized for their phenol content, antioxidant activity, and the production of justicidin B after treatments with several elicitors and precursor feeding. Through NMR spectroscopy, other four lignans were highlighted and identified in the roots extracts. A pilot-scale bioreactor was adopted to assess the suitability of the developed root cultures for future large-scale production. The ARL and HRL cultures showed a justicidin B production higher than other Linum species cultures described up to now (75.8 mg/L and 82.2 g/L), and the production more than doubled after elicitation with MeJA.

Phyllanthus amarus shoot cultures as a source of biologically active lignans: the influence of selected plant growth regulators

This is the first comprehensive study of the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the development of shoots and accumulation of biologically active lignans—phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, in the shoot culture of P. amarus Schum. & Thonn. (Euphorbiaceae) obtained by direct organogenesis. The following PGRs were included in the experiments—cytokinins: kinetin (Kin), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea, thidiazuron (TDZ) and auxin, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and used at various concentrations. Depending on PGRs and their concentrations, differences in the culture response and lignan accumulation were observed. The highest content of the investigated compounds was found in the shoot culture grown on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with Kin 0.25 mg/L. The sum of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin was  ~ 10 mg/g of dry weight (DW), which was similar or even higher than that in the plant material obtained from natural conditions. The results of the research provide new data on the selection of the optimal growth medium for the production of plant material with a significant level of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin biosynthesis. The obtained data may also be valuable in designing systems for large-scale cultivation of P. amarus shoots with high productivity of hepatoprotective lignans.

GC-MS/MS Quantification of EGFR Inhibitors, β-Sitosterol, Betulinic Acid, (+) Eriodictyol, (+) Epipinoresinol, and Secoisolariciresinol, in Crude Extract and Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Thonningia sanguinea

Medicinal plants are widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. Thonningia sanguinea Vahl is widespread in African traditional medicine, and exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer activities. T. sanguinea is a source of phytomedicinal agents that have previously been isolated and structurally elucidated. Herein, gas chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to quantify epipinoresinol, β-sitosterol, eriodictyol, betulinic acid, and secoisolariciresinol contents in the methanolic crude extract and its ethyl acetate fraction for the first time. The ethyl acetate fraction was rich in epipinoresinol, eriodictyol, and secoisolariciresinol at concentrations of 2.3, 3.9, and 2.4 mg/g of dry extract, respectively. The binding interactions of these compounds with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were computed using a molecular docking study. The results revealed that the highest binding affinities for the EGFR signaling pathway were attributed to eriodictyol and secoisolariciresinol, with good binding energies of −19.93 and −16.63 Kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds formed good interactions with the key amino acid Met 769 as the co-crystallized ligand. So, the ethyl acetate fraction of T. sanguinea is a promising adjuvant therapy in cancer treatments.

A Tale of Two Cancers: A Current Concise Overview of Breast and Prostate Cancer

Cancer is a global issue, and it is expected to have a major impact on our continuing global health crisis. As populations age, we see an increased incidence in cancer rates, but considerable variation is observed in survival rates across different geographical regions and cancer types. Both breast and prostate cancer are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although cancer statistics indicate improvements in some areas of breast and prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, such statistics clearly convey the need for improvements in our understanding of the disease, risk factors, and interventions to improve life span and quality of life for all patients, and hopefully to effect a cure for people living in developed and developing countries. This concise review compiles the current information on statistics, pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatments associated with breast and prostate cancer.

Health benefits of polyphenols: A concise review

Plants produce polyphenols, which are considered highly essential functional foods in our diet. They are classified into several groups according to their diverse chemical structures. Flavanoids, lignans, stilbenes, and phenolic acids are the four main families of polyphenols. Several in vivo and in vitro research have been conducted so far to evaluate their health consequences. Polyphenols serve a vital function in the protection of the organism from external stimuli and in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are instigators of several illnesses. Polyphenols are present in tea, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables with the potential to positively influence human health. For instance, cocoa flavan-3-ols have been associated with a decreased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. Polyphenols in the diet also help to improve lipid profiles, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. Quercetin, a flavonoid, and resveratrol, a stilbene, have been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Dietary polyphenols potential to elicit therapeutic effects might be attributed, at least in part, to a bidirectional association with the gut microbiome. This is because polyphenols are known to affect the gut microbiome composition in ways that lead to better human health. Specifically, the gut microbiome converts polyphenols into bioactive compounds that have therapeutic effects. In this review, the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic actions of polyphenols are described based on findings from in vivo and in vitro experimental trials. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden has been increasing worldwide due to the sedentary lifestyle and several other factors such as smoking, junk food, etc. Scientific literature evidence supports the use of plant-based food polyphenols as therapeutic agents that could help to alleviate NCD's burden. Thus, consuming polyphenolic compounds from natural sources could be an effective solution to mitigate NCDs concerns. It is also discussed how natural antioxidants from medicinal plants might help prevent or repair damage caused by free radicals, such as oxidative stress.

Availability of bioactive flax lignan from foods and supplements

Hyperlipidemia, high levels of blood lipids including cholesterol and triglycerides, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Traditional treatments of hyperlipidemia often include lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. Recently, flaxseed has been approved as a nutrient that lowers blood lipids. Several metabolites of flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), have been identified that reduce blood lipids. SDG is present in flaxseed hull as an ester-linked copolymer with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMGA). However, purification processes involved in hydrolysis of the copolymer and enriching SDG are often expensive. The natural copolymer of SDG with HMGA (SDG polymer) is a source of bioactive compounds useful in prophylaxis of hypercholesterolemia. After consumption of the lignan copolymer, SDG and HMGA are released in the stomach and small intestines. SDG is metabolized to secoisolariciresinol, enterolactone and enterodiol, the bioactive forms of mammalian lignans. These metabolites are then distributed throughout the body where they accumulate in the liver, kidney, skin, other tissues, and organs. Successively, these metabolites reduce blood lipids including cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation products. In this review, the metabolism and efficacies of flaxseed-derived enriched SDG and SDG polymer will be discussed.

Biochemical characterization, cytotoxic, antimutagenic, anticancer and molecular docking studies on Tecomella undulata

In this study bioassay-guided screening of Tecomella undulate was performed for its cytotoxic, antimutagenic and anticancer potential. The ariel parts were extracted on a polarity basis (methanol, dichloromethane and hexane). The in vivo toxicity was assessed on Caenorhabditis elegans, and its locomotion was affected by Tecomella undulata hexane (TUAH) the most. Ames test for antimutagenicity showed Tecomella undulata methanol (TUAM) exhibited against mutagen 2AA showed inhibition of 71.03% and 26.32% 2AA in TA98 while in in vitro MTT assay on carcinoma cell lines TUAM showed 68.1% cytotoxicity. Moreover, In resazurin assay on fibroblast cells African green monkey kidney VERO and on the panel of carcinoma cell lines, the most effective extract was TUAM on liver HepG-2 with CC50 value 117.37 ± 4.73 µg/ml followed by on lungs A549 with 142.01 ± 5.3. Furthermore, for the bioassay-guided screening, the selectivity index was calculated for TUAM CC50 ratio on HepG-2 and VERO which showed a decent 2.77 score. After column chromatography, the fraction TU-63 should remarkable cytotoxic effect in dose-response manner assay as (Hep-G2) CC50 value 11. 67 ± 1.37 µg/ml followed by (A549) CC50 value 17.23 ± 0.58 µg/ml. For qualitative analysis of anticancer potential LC-ESI-MS/MS the potential phytochemicals were identified. In silico molecular modelling against selected carcinogenic proteins. The results suggest Tecomella undulate the substantial anticancer potential which supports potential natural anticancer therapeutic drug candidate development for combating cancer.

The Untargeted Phytochemical Profile of Three Meliaceae Species Related to In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Anti-Virulence Activity against MRSA Isolates

BACKGROUND

A high mortality rate is associated with about 80% of all infections worldwide, mainly due to antimicrobial resistance. Various antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities have been proposed for Meliaceae species. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-virulence and cytotoxic effect of the leaf extracts of Aphanamixis polystachya, Toona ciliata and Melia azedarach against five MRSA strains and on three cancer cell lines, followed by biological correlation to their encompassed phytoconstituents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We explored three plants of this family against a panel of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains and several cancer cell lines to select the most promising candidates for further in vivo and preclinical studies. The phytochemical composition was evaluated by UHPLC-QTOF-MS untargeted profiling. Cell viability was assessed by SRB assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was carried out by using the agar micro-dilution technique. Inhibition of biofilm formation and preformed biofilm disruption were assessed spectrophotomertically, according to the Sultan and Nabil method (2019).

RESULTS

A total of 279 compounds were putatively annotated to include different phytochemical classes, such as flavonoids (108), limonoids/terpenoids (59), phenolic acids (49) and lower-molecular-weight phenolics (39). A. polystachya extract showed the most potent cytotoxic activity against Huh-7, DU-145 and MCF-7 cell lines (IC₅₀ = 3, 3.5 and 13.4 µg mL^-1, respectively), followed by M. azedarach, with no effect recorded for T. ciliata extract. Furthermore, both A. polystachya and M. azedarach extracts showed promising anti-virulence and antimicrobial activities, with A. polystachya being particularly active against MRSA. These two latter extracts could inhibit and disrupt the biofilm, formed by MRSA, at sub-lethal concentrations. Interestingly, the extracts inhibited hemolysin-α enzyme, thus protecting rabbit RBCs from lysis. A. polystachya extract reduced the pigmentation and catalase enzyme activity of tested pigmented strains better than M. azedarach at both tested sub-MICs. Consequently, susceptibility of the extract-treated cells to oxidant killing by 200 mM H₂O₂ increased, leading to faster killing of the cells within 120 min as compared to the extract-non-treated cells, likely due to the lower antioxidant-scavenging activity of cells exhibiting less staphyloxanthin production.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that both A. polystachya and M. azedarach natural extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, mainly limonoids, phenolics and oxygenated triterpenoids, which can combat MRSA biofilm infections and could be considered as promising sources of therapeutic cytotoxic, antibiofilm and anti-virulence agents.

Dietary Phytoestrogens and Their Metabolites as Epigenetic Modulators with Impact on Human Health

The impact of dietary phytoestrogens on human health has been a topic of continuous debate since their discovery. Nowadays, based on their presumptive beneficial effects, the amount of phytoestrogens consumed in the daily diet has increased considerably worldwide. Thus, there is a growing need for scientific data regarding their mode of action in the human body. Recently, new insights of phytoestrogens’ bioavailability and metabolism have demonstrated an inter-and intra-population heterogeneity of final metabolites’ production. In addition, the phytoestrogens may have the ability to modulate epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression. This review highlights the complexity and particularity of the metabolism of each class of phytoestrogens, pointing out the diversity of their bioactive gut metabolites. Futhermore, it presents emerging scientific data which suggest that, among well-known genistein and resveratrol, other phytoestrogens and their gut metabolites can act as epigenetic modulators with a possible impact on human health. The interconnection of dietary phytoestrogens’ consumption with gut microbiota composition, epigenome and related preventive mechanisms is discussed. The current challenges and future perspectives in designing relevant research directions to explore the potential health benefits of dietary phytoestrogens are also explored.

Novel Delivery Systems of Polyphenols and Their Potential Health Benefits

Liposome-based delivery systems have been studied and used more frequently in recent years due to their advantages, such as low toxicity, specificity, and the ability to protect the encapsulated substance from environmental factors, which could otherwise degrade the active compound and reduce its effectiveness. Given these benefits, many researchers have encapsulated polyphenols in liposomes, thus increasing their bioavailability and stability. Similarly, polyphenols encapsulated in liposomes are known to produce more substantial effects on targeted cells than unencapsulated polyphenols, while having minimal cytotoxicity in healthy cells. Although polyphenols play a role in preventing many types of disease and generally have beneficial effects on health, we solely focused on their chemopreventive effects on cancer through liposomes in this review. Our goal was to summarize the applicability and efficacy of liposomes encapsulated with different classes of polyphenols on several types of cancer, thus opening the opportunity for future studies based on these drug delivery systems.

Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, Personalized Nutrition, and Precision Healthcare

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purposes of the present review are to examine the emergence of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics, to analyze the relationship between nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, to explore the impact of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics on healthcare with respect to noncommunicable diseases, and to discuss the challenges facing the implementation of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics within healthcare.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics is certainly a thriving specialty given the sharp increase of publications over the last two decades. The relationship between nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics is proposed as complementary. The current clinical and research literature supports the significant impact nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics has on treating and preventing noncommunicable diseases. Although several challenges face the implementation of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics into healthcare, they are not insurmountable. Nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics plays an important role not only in treating diseases and illnesses but also in promoting health and wellness through both basic and clinical research; and it is critical for the future of both personalized nutrition and precision healthcare.