Plasma F2-isoprostanes Are Positively Associated with Glycemic Load, but Inversely Associated with Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Insoluble Fiber in Postmenopausal Women

Molecular mechanisms underlying the epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the mechanisms underlying the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-mediated inhibition of carcinogenesis and the related regulatory signaling pathways.

DESIGN

The effect of EGCG on the proliferation of OSCC cells was examined. SuperPred, ChEMBL, Swiss TargetPrediction, DisGeNET, GeneCards, and National Center for Biotechnology Information databases were used to predict the EGCG target genes and oral leukoplakia (OL)-related, oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF)-related, and OSCC-related genes. The binding of EGCG to the target proteins was simulated using AutoDock and PyMOL. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was subjected to consensus clustering analysis to predict the downstream molecules associated with these targets, as well as their potential functions and pathways.

RESULTS

EGCG significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation (p < 0.001). By comparing EGCG target genes with genes linked to oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and OSCC, a total of eleven potential EGCG target genes were identified. Furthermore, EGCG has the capacity to bind to eleven proteins. Based on consensus clustering and enrichment analysis, it is suggested that EGCG may hinder the progression of cancer by altering the cell cycle and invasive properties in precancerous lesions of the oral cavity. Some possible strategies for modifying the cell cycle and invasive properties may include EGCG-mediated suppression of specific genes and proteins, which are associated with cancer development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with the EGCG-induced suppression of OSCC. The identification of specific pharmacological targets of EGCG during carcinogenesis is crucial for the development of innovative combination therapies involving EGCG.

Impact of Dairy Intake on Plasma F2-IsoProstane Profiles in Overweight Subjects with Hyperinsulinemia: A Randomized Crossover Trial

F₂-IsoProstanes (F₂-IsoPs) are major biomarkers of oxidative stress and are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Further, plasma levels of F₂-IsoPs may be modified by dairy products. The aim is to investigate the effect of high dairy product (HD) consumption compared to an adequate dairy product (AD) consumption on the level of F₂-IsoPs among hyperinsulinemic subjects. In this crossover study, participants were randomized in two groups: HD (≥4 servings/day), or AD (≤2 servings/day) for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Six isomers of F₂-IsoPs were quantified by HPLC-MS/MS. Twenty-seven subjects with hyperinsulinemia (mean age; 55 ± 13 years, BMI; 31.4 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were included. Fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were unchanged after HD or AD intervention. After HD intake, the total level of F₂-IsoPs (p = 0.03), 5-F_2t-IsoP (p = 0.002), and 8-F_2t-IsoP (p = 0.004) decreased compared to AD. The 15-F_2t-IsoP tended to be positively correlated with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.39, p = 0.08). Generally, F₂-IsoPs levels were higher among men compared to women regardless of the dairy intake. Overall, intake of HD decreased plasma levels of F₂-IsoPs compared to AD without modifying glycemic parameters.

Legume Consumption and Cardiometabolic Health

Legumes are key components of several plant-based diets and are recognized as having a wide range of potential health benefits. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have summarized the evidence regarding different cardiometabolic outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and legume consumption. However, those studies did not differentiate between nonsoy and soy legumes, which have different nutritional profiles. The aim of the present updated review, therefore, was to summarize and meta-analyze the published evidence regarding legume consumption (making a distinction between nonsoy and soy legumes) and cardiometabolic diseases. In addition, we reviewed randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of legume consumption on CVD risk factors in order to understand their associations. The results revealed a prospective, significant inverse association between total legume consumption and CVD and coronary heart disease risk, whereas a nonsignificant association was observed with T2D and stroke. In the stratified analysis by legume subtypes, only nonsoy legumes were associated with lower risk of T2D. Unfortunately, owing to the paucity of studies analyzing legumes and CVD, it was not possible to stratify the analysis for these outcomes. Because of the high degree of heterogeneity observed for most of the outcomes and the few studies included in some analyses, further prospective studies are warranted to determine the potential role of legume consumption on CVD and T2D.