Revisiting "Vegetables" to combat modern epidemic of imbalanced glucose homeostasis

Exploring diet associations with Covid-19 and other diseases: a Network Analysis-based approach

The current global pandemic, Covid-19, is a severe threat to human health and existence especially when it is mutating very frequently. Being a novel disease, Covid-19 is impacting the patients with comorbidities and is predicted to have long-term consequences, even for those who have recovered from it. To clearly recognize its impact, it is important to comprehend the complex relationship between Covid-19 and other diseases. It is also being observed that people with good immune system are less susceptible to the disease. It is perceived that if a correlation between Covid-19, other diseases, and diet is realized, then caregivers would be able to enhance their further course of medical action and recommendations. Network Analysis is one such technique that can bring forth such complex interdependencies and associations. In this paper, a Network Analysis–based approach has been proposed for analyzing the interplay of diets/foods along with Covid-19 and other diseases. Relationships between Covid-19, diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and diets have been curated, visualized, and further analyzed in this study so as to predict unknown associations. Network algorithms including Louvain graph algorithm (LA), K nearest neighbors (KNN), and Page rank algorithms (PR) have been employed for predicting a total of 60 disease-diet associations, out of which 46 have been found to be either significant in disease risk prevention/mitigation or in its progression as validated using PubMed literature. A precision of 76.7% has been achieved which is significant considering the involvement of a novel disease like Covid-19. The generated interdependencies can be further explored by medical professionals and caregivers in order to plan healthy eating patterns for Covid-19 patients. The proposed approach can also be utilized for finding beneficial diets for different combinations of comorbidities with Covid-19 as per the underlying health conditions of a patient.

Bombax ceiba (Linn.) calyxes ameliorate methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress via modulation of RAGE expression: identification of active phytometabolites by GC-MS analysis

Non-enzymatic reactions between proteins and methylglyoxal (MG) result in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs play a vital role in the development of diabetic complications by stimulating oxidative stress and acting upon their receptor RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products). This study examined the effect of aqueous methanol extract of Bombax ceiba L. calyxes (BCCE) on MG induced protein glycation and oxidative stress, followed by the identification of phytometabolites present in the calyxes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study revealed that priming of bovine serum albumin protein with the BCCE inhibited MG induced AGE formation in vitro and restrained AGE-induced RAGE up-regulation in HEK-293 cells. The BCCE significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the MG induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Improvements in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as Mn and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were also observed in HEK-293 cells. Furthermore, the decrease in primary cellular defense against AGEs, the glyoxalase 1 (Glo-1) activity, due to MG treatment was restored in BCCE treated cells. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of antioxidant and antiglycation compounds such as myo-ionisitol, scopoletin, d-sedoheptulose, succinic acid, and xylitol in B. ceiba calyxes. The observed beneficial effect in our study might be attributed to the presence of these compounds in B. Ceiba calyxes. This is the first report presenting the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of B. ceiba calyxes and GC-MS analysis of active phytometabolites. These observations show that B. ceiba calyxes may become a potent and promising functional food to manage/control the development of diabetic complications.

A novel quantitative assay for analysis of GLUT4 translocation using high content screening

Insulin resistance is associated with obesity and can lead to several metabolic disorders including type II diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular problems. Search for the small molecules which can either induce or mimic the insulin action are of great interest and can be utilized to manage insulin resistance. There are several dietary phytochemicals which can potentially have insulinomimetic action. Nevertheless, high throughput screening methods to test efficiency of small molecules to act as an insulinomimetic are not fully established. In this paper we have performed chemical screen analysis based on GLUT4 translocation using a cell line CHO-HIRC-myc-GLUT4 eGFP that expresses GLUT4-GFP in association with human Insulin receptor. We have established a high content screening-based method which can track and quantify the GLUT4 translocation from perinuclear area to the cell membrane. The assay involves measuring fluorescence intensity in a defined perinuclear area and a defined area along the cell membrane; and the results are expressed as the ratio of fluorescence intensity in the perinuclear to membrane area. The assay could collect real time data of GLUT4 translocation from thousand of cells/ sample and from many such samples in one experiment. We validated the assay using Insulin, insulin mimics/sensitizers and insulin inhibitors. The agonist or antagonists were analyzed for their ability to enhance or block the GLUT4 translocation independent of insulin. The outcome of the assay was correlated by performing glucose uptake assay using differentiated 3T3L1 cells. Using this platform we further identified several plant extracts which had the insulin mimetic action. We confirmed that these plant extracts were non-toxic to the beta cells using RIN mf5cells and 3T3L1 cells. We have identified plant extracts with the potential insulinomimetic action using novel high-content screening approach; these can be further tested for their efficiency in-vivo in pre-clinical trials.

Calcium and s100a1 protein balance in the brain-heart axis in diabetic male Wistar rats

Objectives Calcium deregulation in diabetes mellitus (DM) is central to the brain-heart axis pathology. This has led to the use of medical plants in complementary medicine such as Amaranthus hypochondriacus (GA). The objective of the study was to establish the effects of grain amaranth feed supplementation on calcium, s100al protein and antioxidant levels on the brain-heart axis in diabetic male Wistar rats. Methods The study involved six groups (n=5) with DM being induced in 20 rats. To the diabetic rats, Group I received mixtard®, Group II was positive control, Groups III and IV received GA feed supplementation at 25 and 50%. In the nondiabetic rats (n=10), Group V received 50% grain amaranth while Group VI was the negative control. The brain and heart tissues were harvested after five weeks and processed using standard methods. Results Grain amaranth feed supplementation led to improved calcium levels in DM as compared to the positive control. This also led to increased s100a1, antioxidant levels in the brain-heart axis during DM. This then protected the tissues against oxidative damage, thus preserving tissue function and structure. Conclusions Grain amaranth's actions on calcium signaling subsequently affected s100a1 protein levels, leading to improved tissue function in diabetes.

Deciphering the Nutraceutical Potential of Raphanus sativus-A Comprehensive Overview

Raphanus sativus (Radish) belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is a widely consumed root vegetable all around the world. The nutritional and medicinal values of radishes have been proven by several researches. Extracts prepared from the aerial and underground parts of radishes have been used in the treatment of stomach disorders, urinary infections, hepatic inflammation, cardiac disorders and ulcers in folk medicine since the ancient times. The pharmaceutical potential of radishes is attributed to the presence of its beneficial secondary metabolites, such as glucosinolates, polyphenols and isothiocyanates. The present review has focused on the impact of radish extract administration under pathological complications, such as cancer, diabetes, hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, a comprehensive view of molecular mechanism behind the regulation of molecular drug targets associated with different types of cancers and diabetes by the bioactive compounds present in the radish extracts have been discussed in detail.

Effect of karwanda (Carissa congesta Wight) and sugar addition on physicochemical characteristics of ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) and bottle gourd (Langenaria siceraria) based beverages

There is a clear trend towards increasing consumption of juices as they can reduce imbalance of redox potential and provide necessary health benefits to consumers. Levels of karwanda (Carissa congesta Wight) and vegetable juices were varied to prepare nine different formulations of ash gourd-karwanda (AgK) and bottle gourd-karwanda blends (BgK) of higher nutritive, sensory qualities and storability. Total polyphenols (TP), antioxidant activity (AOA), total soluble solids and acidity were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with addition of karwanda. AgK blend (35:35) and BgK blend (35:30) were selected based on their higher overall acceptability, TP and AOA. AgK blends had higher α-amylase (31%) while BgK blends had higher α-glucosidase (43%) inhibitory activities. Concentration of TP and anthocyanins decreased significantly (p < 0.05), AOA remained unchanged and anti-inflammatory activities decreased (33-38%) in AgK and BgK blends during accelerated storage at 50 °C for 12 days. Addition of sugar in BgK blend decreased stability of TP (11%), flavonoids (31%) and anthocyanins (8%). During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, TP, flavonoids and anthocyanins reduction rate was significantly higher for BgK blend with sugar.

Physicochemical and functional properties of ash gourd/bottle gourd beverages blended with jamun

This paper reports the formulation and storage stability of Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) and Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice blended with the Jamun (Syzygium cumini). Both the beverages found to be rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The Ash gourd-Jamun (AGJ) and Bottle gourd-Jamun (BGJ) beverages showed significant bio-accessibility of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, the addition of sugar was found to enhance the bioaccessibility of these fractions in both the beverages. Further, the biochemical attributes such as physiochemical and functional properties of Ash gourd-Jamun and Bottle gourd-Jamun blended juice were evaluated during the accelerated storage. The total soluble solids and acidity and the sensory score did not change significantly during the storage period. The AGJ exhibited a 35%, 73%, 34% and 35%, whereas BGJ shows 32%, 65%, 35% and 20% decrease in total polyphenol, anthocyanin, DPPH and inflammatory activity during the 2 months of storage period respectively. However, the reduction was less in Bottle gourd-Jamun beverage. Results of the study are promising and add to the necessity and potential of gourd family based functional food development.

Grain Amaranth Is Associated with Improved Hepatic and Renal Calcium Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of Male Wistar Rats

Background

Dysregulation of calcium signaling is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM) and grain amaranth (AG) has antidiabetic properties. Information on the mechanism of action of AG on blood, renal, and hepatic tissues is sparse, although it continues to be an important alternative medicinal plant in several developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine key changes in calcium levels and s100a1 protein levels and antioxidant and histopathologic changes in blood, renal, and hepatic tissues of male diabetic Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

This was an experimental study in which 30 male Wistar rats were kept for 5 weeks (6 groups, N =5). Groups 1-IV had T2DM induced using Nicotinamide and Streptozotocin: Group I, Mixtard®; group II, positive control; group III, 25% AG; group IV, 50% AG. Furthermore, group V consisted of normal rats given 50% GA and group VI was negative control. Blood, renal, and hepatic tissues were collected and analyzed for calcium, s100a1 protein levels, and antioxidant and histopathological changes.

Results and Discussion

In blood, renal, and hepatic tissue, calcium and s100a1 levels were low during T2DM and these increased following AG supplementation. This was important for improved metabolic processes, thus leading to the low malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the tissues. Efficient antioxidant status was important for improved calcium signaling mechanisms, thus leading to improved tissue function and protection demonstrating the importance of AG as an alternative medicinal source through the calcium signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Grain amaranth exerts its antidiabetic properties through improved calcium homeostasis in blood, kidney, and liver.

Immediate effect of bitter gourd, ash gourd, Knol-khol juices on blood sugar levels of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot study

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of bitter gourd, Knol-khol, and ash gourd juices on blood glucose level among Type II diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS

In 2015, pilot study was conducted randomly enrolling 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus into three groups in SRK college, India. The first group received bitter gourd juice at FBS range between 120 to 300 mg per dl. The second, third group received Knol-khol, ash gourd juice respectively in the same range of fasting blood sugar level. Blood sugar level was evaluated ½ hour interval till 2 h after received respective juices. Data were collected for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean blood glucose concentration in bitter gourd group was not statistically significant between time points, (P = .176). However, 90 min after the intake of bitter gourd juice shows statistical significant reduction of blood glucose level when compare with fasting level, (p = .049). After Knol khol juice the mean blood glucose level differed statistically significant between time points, shown in (p = .029). But no statistical changes seen in ash gourd group. As a result bitter gourd juice is immediately reducing the blood glucose level, while Knol khol juice reduces the blood sugar level gradually for longer period of 120 min.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the significance of hypoglycemic effects of bitter gourd and Knol khol juices among the type 2 Diabetic patients. Hence Bitter gourd juice, Knol khol juices may be beneficial in Diabetes patients to reduce the blood glucose level.

Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Diabetes

For more than three decades, various in vitro and in vivo studies have linked radishes with diabetes, though this link has not been discussed. This review systematically addresses and summarizes the effect of radishes on diabetes. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for English language articles from June 1987 through May 2017 using the key words "radish" and "diabetes," and the references from particular reports were also considered if relevant. In summary, radish has been identified as having antidiabetic effects, making it favorable for those with diabetic conditions. This may be due to its ability to enhance the antioxidant defense mechanism and reduce the accumulation of free radicals, affect hormonal-induced glucose hemostasis, promote glucose uptake and energy metabolism, and reduce glucose absorption in the intestine. However, this summary requires further confirmation in research in vivo studies and clinical trials.

Dosakaya Juice Assuages Development of Sucrose Induced Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Imbalance in Antioxidant Defense

Objective:

The objective was to explore the effect of Dosakaya (DK) (Cucumis melo var. chito) juice on sucrose induced dysglycemia and disturbances in antioxidant defense in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were preconditioned with DK juice before administration of sucrose beverage continuously for 1-month. Blood glucose tolerance test and glutathione (GSH) homeostasis pathways in kidney were analyzed in different group of animals at the end of the study.

Results:

DK juice diffused (P < 0.001) hypertriglyceridemia inducing effect of sucrose and arrested sucrose induced weight gain. It improved glucose tolerance ability by significantly reducing (P < 0.05) first-hour glycemic excursion and decreasing 2 h glycemic load (P < 0.05) following oral glucose tolerance test in sucrose fed animals. Furthermore, disturbances in antioxidant defense mechanisms in terms of GSH homeostasis in kidney were restored due to juice feeding. DK juice administration checked reduction in GSH-S-transferase and glyoxalase-I activity, thus, significantly mitigated lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05), and formation of advanced glycation end-products (P < 0.001) in kidney and serum (P < 0.01). Quantitative analysis of juice found it a rich source of protein and polyphenols. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the presence of multiple protein bands in whole fruit juice. Therefore, SDS-PAGE protein fingerprint of DK juice may serve as a quality control tool for standardization of juice.

Conclusion:

The whole fruit juice of DK may become cost-effective, affordable health beverage in extenuating ill-health effects of sugar consumption. This is the first report identifying DK juice in preventing development dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress induced due to chronic sucrose feeding in rats.

SUMMARY

Chronic sucrose consumption induced development of dysglycemia and also impaired antioxidant defense mechanism in rats. The oral administration of Dosakaya juice prior to sucrose feeding however, mitigated the development of dysglycemia and impairment in antioxidant defense in rats.

Analysis on evolutionary relationship of amylases from archaea, bacteria and eukaryota

Amylase is one of the earliest characterized enzymes and has many applications in clinical and industrial settings. In biotechnological industries, the amylase activity is enhanced through modifying amylase structure and through cloning and expressing targeted amylases in different species. It is important to understand how engineered amylases can survive from generation to generation. This study used phylogenetic and statistical approaches to explore general patterns of amylases evolution, including 3118 α-amylases and 280 β-amylases from archaea, eukaryota and bacteria with fully documented taxonomic lineage. First, the phylogenetic tree was created to analyze the evolution of amylases with focus on individual amylases used in biofuel industry. Second, the average pairwise p-distance was computed for each kingdom, phylum, class, order, family and genus, and its diversity implies multi-time and multi-clan evolution. Finally, the variance was further partitioned into inter-clan variance and intra-clan variance for each taxonomic group, and they represent horizontal and vertical gene transfer. Theoretically, the results show a full picture on the evolution of amylases in manners of vertical and horizontal gene transfer, and multi-time and multi-clan evolution as well. Practically, this study provides the information on the surviving chance of desired amylase in a given taxonomic group, which may potentially enhance the successful rate of cloning and expression of amylase gene in different species.

Plants Consumption and Liver Health

The liver is a very important organ with a lot of functions for the host to survive. Dietary components are essential for and can be beneficial or detrimental to the healthy or diseased liver. Plants food is an essential part of the human diet and comprises various compounds which are closely related to liver health. Selected food plants can provide nutritional and medicinal support for liver disease. At the present, the knowledge of the effects of plants on the liver is still incomplete. The most urgent task at the present time is to find the best dietary and medicinal plants for liver health in an endless list of candidates. This review article updates the knowledge about the effects of plants consumption on the health of the liver, putting particular emphasis on the potential beneficial and harmful impact of dietary and medicinal plants on liver function.

Natural products-friends or foes?

A trend in the general population has been observed in recent years regarding the orientation toward preventive measures in health; in this context the increased interest from the users and researchers concerning the active effect of food supplements on the health state and on longevity, is noticeable. All over the world, the consumption of natural foods and of vegetal supplements has increased spectacularly over the last 5-10 years. The decreased prevalence of cardio-vascular diseases associated with Mediterranean diet, as well as the French paradox convinced researchers to scientifically document the beneficial outcomes pointed out by traditional use of plants, and to try to develop supplements that would have the same positive effects as these noticed for diet components. The intense research dedicated to this topic revealed the fact that food supplements are linked to some problematic aspects, such as toxicological side effects when associated with classical synthetic drugs. The food supplement-drug interactions are submitted to complex issues regarding pharmacokinetic interactions leading to changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion processes with direct impact on effect and toxicological potential. The present review based on recent literature aims at discussing the food-drug interactions with direct impact on efficacy and toxicity of drugs.