Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on total antioxidant capacity, biomarkers of systemic low-grade inflammation and metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the role of FTO-rs9939609 polymorphism

Antidiabetic Potential of Tea and Its Active Compounds: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Evidence

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that poses a long-term risk to human health accompanied by serious complications. Common antidiabetic drugs are usually accompanied by side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. There is an urgent need for natural dietary alternatives for diabetic treatment. Tea (Camellia sinensis) consumption has been widely investigated to lower the risk of diabetes and its complications through restoring glucose metabolism homeostasis, safeguarding pancreatic β-cells, ameliorating insulin resistance, ameliorating oxidative stresses, inhibiting inflammatory response, and regulating intestinal microbiota. It is indispensable to develop effective strategies to improve the absorption of tea active compounds and exert combinational effects with other natural compounds to broaden its hypoglycemic potential. The advances in clinical trials and population-based investigations are also discussed. This review primarily delves into the antidiabetic potential and underlying mechanisms of tea active compounds, providing a theoretical basis for the practical application of tea and its active compounds against diabetes.

Genotype-based precision nutrition strategies for the prediction and clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Globally, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders. T2DM physiopathology is influenced by complex interrelationships between genetic, metabolic and lifestyle factors (including diet), which differ between populations and geographic regions. In fact, excessive consumptions of high fat/high sugar foods generally increase the risk of developing T2DM, whereas habitual intakes of plant-based healthy diets usually exert a protective effect. Moreover, genomic studies have allowed the characterization of sequence DNA variants across the human genome, some of which may affect gene expression and protein functions relevant for glucose homeostasis. This comprehensive literature review covers the impact of gene-diet interactions on T2DM susceptibility and disease progression, some of which have demonstrated a value as biomarkers of personal responses to certain nutritional interventions. Also, novel genotype-based dietary strategies have been developed for improving T2DM control in comparison to general lifestyle recommendations. Furthermore, progresses in other omics areas (epigenomics, metagenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) are improving current understanding of genetic insights in T2DM clinical outcomes. Although more investigation is still needed, the analysis of the genetic make-up may help to decipher new paradigms in the pathophysiology of T2DM as well as offer further opportunities to personalize the screening, prevention, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of T2DM through precision nutrition.

Gut Microbiota Participates in Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Hepatic Injuries by Modulating the Gut-Liver Axis

Dietary pollution by polystyrene microplastics (MPs) can cause hepatic injuries and microbial dysbiosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, exerts beneficial effects on the liver by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in MPs-induced hepatic injuries and the protective effect of EGCG have not been clarified. Here, 5 μm MPs were orally administered to mice to induce hepatic injuries. Subsequently, antibiotic cocktail (ABX) and fecal microbial transplant (FMT) experiments were performed to investigate the underlying microbial mechanisms. Additionally, EGCG was orally administered to mice to explore its protection against MPs-induced hepatic injuries. Our results showed that MPs activated systemic and hepatic inflammation, promoted fibrosis, and altered the liver metabolome; meanwhile, MPs damaged the gut homeostasis by disturbing the gut microbiome, promoting colonic inflammation, and impairing the intestinal barrier. Notably, MPs reduced the abundance of the probiotics Akkermansia, Mucispirillum, and Faecalibaculum while increasing the pathogenic Tuzzerella. Interestingly, the elimination of gut microbiota mitigated MPs-induced colonic inflammation and intestinal barrier impairment. Moreover, ABX ameliorated MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation but not fibrosis. Correspondingly, microbiota from MPs-administered mice induced colonic, systemic, and hepatic inflammation, while their profibrosis effect on the liver was not observed. Finally, EGCG elevated the abundance of probiotics and effectively repressed MPs-induced colonic inflammation. MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and remodeling of the liver metabolome were also attenuated by EGCG. These findings illustrated that gut microbiota contributed to MPs-induced colonic and hepatic injuries, while EGCG could serve as a potential prevention strategy for these adverse consequences.

Cross sectional study about nutritional risk factors of metabolically unhealthy obesity

INTRODUCTION

A substantial proportion of obese subjects are metabolically healthy and free from metabolic complications. Many mechanisms that could explain the existence of the metabolically healthy obese phenotype have been suggested, involving in particular a healthy lifestyle and diet. The aim of this study was to study the anthropometric, nutritional and biological profile of two groups: obese with metabolic syndrome (MS+) and obese without metabolic syndrome (MS-).

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2022 and 15 March 2022. We recruited 90 obese MS+ and 82 obese MS - . Both groups were matched for age and sex. The glycemia, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C were measured as well as the body composition and anthropometric data. The diet was determined by the 24-hour recalls. Eating disorders, sleep disorders (PSS4 scale) and depression (HADS) were also searched.

RESULTS

In MS+ group we noticed: higher BMI, waist circumference, more caloric diet, elevated consumption of saccharides. This group had more eating disorders such as night eating syndrome and bulimia and sleeping disorders (sleep onset and total insomnia). MS + group was more stressed and depressed. The MS - group had a Mediterranean diet and had more intake of: EPA, DHA, olive oil, green tea, oleaginous fruits, linseed, vegetables and whole grains. They also practiced more fasting.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to know the protective nutritional factors of the metabolic syndrome in order to be able to focus on them during education sessions and thus protect the obese from metabolic complications.

Effects of green tea polyphenol extract and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate on diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications: Recent advances

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major non-communicable diseases accounting for millions of death annually and increasing economic burden. Hyperglycemic condition in diabetes creates oxidative stress that plays a pivotal role in developing diabetes complications affecting multiple organs such as the heart, liver, kidney, retina, and brain. Green tea from the plant Camellia sinensis is a common beverage popular in many countries for its health benefits. Green tea extract (GTE) is rich in many biologically active compounds, e.g., epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), which acts as a potent antioxidant. Recently, several lines of evidence have shown the promising results of GTE and EGCG for diabetes management. Here, we have critically reviewed the effects of GTE and EGCC on diabetes in animal models and clinical studies. The concerns and challenges regarding the clinical use of GTE and EGCG against diabetes are also briefly discussed. Numerous beneficial effects of green tea and its catechins, particularly EGCG, make this natural product an attractive pharmacological agent that can be further developed to treat diabetes and its complications.

Comorbid overweight/obesity and chronic pancreatitis exacerbate the dyslipidemia progression in type 2 diabetic patients

Objective. The aim of present study was to analyze the serum lipid profile parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbidities [overweight/obesity and/or chronic pancreatitis (CP)] to determine the contribution of these pathologic factors to lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM.

Methods. The study involved 579 type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients with comorbid overweight/ obesity and/or CP. The serum lipid panel parameters [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] were determined by commercially available kits on a Cobas 6000 analyzer (Roche Hitachi, Germany). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C, and remnant cholesterol (RC) levels were calculated using formulas. The data were statistically analyzed using STATISTICA 7.0.

Results. It was shown that dyslipidemia in T2D patients is characterized by unidirectional changes regardless the presence/absence of comorbid overweight/obesity or CP. At the same time, the most severe dyslipidemia was detected in T2D patients with a combination of comorbid over-weight/obesity and CP. Both the elevated body mass index (BMI) and CP can aggravate lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM. In our study, however, the BMI increase positively correlated with the number of dyslipidemia patients characterized by exceeding all target lipid levels for diabetic patients. This is in contrast to T2D patients with normal body weight and comorbid CP, in whom only LDL-C and TG exceeded the target lipid levels.

Conclusions. A combination of comorbidities, such as obesity and CP in T2D patients, produced a mutually aggravating course defined particularly by common pathogenic links, insulin resistance, chronic generalized low-intensity inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dyslipidemia caused primarily by triglyceridemia.

Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Obesogenic, and Antidiabetic Properties of Tea Polyphenols-The Positive Impact of Regular Tea Consumption as an Element of Prophylaxis and Pharmacotherapy Support in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is second only to cervical carcinoma among the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumours of the female reproductive system. The available literature provides evidence for the involvement of 32 genes in the hereditary incidence of EC. The physiological markers of EC and coexisting diet-dependent maladies include antioxidative system disorders but also progressing inflammation; hence, the main forms of prophylaxis and pharmacotherapy ought to include a diet rich in substances aiding the organism’s response to this type of disorder, with a particular focus on ones suitable for lifelong consumption. Tea polyphenols satisfy those requirements due to their proven antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesogenic, and antidiabetic properties. Practitioners ought to consider promoting tea consumption among individuals genetically predisposed for EC, particularly given its low cost, accessibility, confirmed health benefits, and above all, suitability for long-term consumption regardless of the patient’s age. The aim of this paper is to analyse the potential usability of tea as an element of prophylaxis and pharmacotherapy support in EC patients. The analysis is based on information available from worldwide literature published in the last 15 years.

Insulin receptor substrate 1 gene variations and lipid profile characteristics in the type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity and chronic pancreatitis

Objective. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of diseases that develops in a setting of polymorbid processes or more often promotes their development, forming in this spectrum the phenomenon of comorbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the lipid panel data in T2DM patients with comorbid obesity and chronic pancreatitis (CP) taking into account the C/A polymorphism of the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene (rs2943640). Methods. The study involved 34 T2DM patients and 10 healthy individuals. The rs2943640 IRS1 gene polymorphism was genotyped using the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Blood serum lipid panel data were determined with commercially available kits on a Cobas 6000 analyzer. Results. In patients with only T2DM and T2DM + comorbid obesity, an association between IRS1 gene polymorphism (rs2943640) and lipid profile abnormalities with maximum changes of the lipid characteristics recorded in C/C genotype carriers was found. Within the C/C genotype of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640) in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity and CP, significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG), non-HDL-C and remnant cholesterol (RC) in relation to type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity were found. At the same time, within the C/A genotype of the IRS1 gene (rs2943640), significant changes of lipid panel data were found in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbid obesity relative to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions. Our data indicate that the presence of the C allele of IRS1 gene (rs2943640) in both homozygous and heterozygous states may indicate increased risk of dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients with comorbidities.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Enhances Cognitive and Memory Performance and Protects Against Brain Injury in Methionine-induced Hyperhomocysteinemia Through Interdependent Molecular Pathways

Brain injury and cognitive impairment are major health issues associated with neurodegenerative diseases in young and aged persons worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was studied for its ability to protect against methionine (Met)-induced brain damage and cognitive dysfunction. Male mice were given Met-supplemented in drinking water to produce hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-induced animals. EGCG was administered daily concurrently with Met by gavage. EGCG attenuated the rise in homocysteine levels in the plasma and the formation of amyloid-β and tau protein in the brain. Cognitive and memory impairment in HHcy-induced mice were significantly improved by EGCG administration. These results were associated with improvement in glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain. EGCG maintained the levels of glutathione and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain. As a result of the reduction of oxidative stress, EGCG protected against DNA damage in Met-treated mice. Moreover, maintaining the redox balance significantly ameliorated neuroinflammation evidenced by the normalization of IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, C-reactive protein, and IL-13 in the same animals. The decreases in both oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were significantly associated with upregulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein and downregulation of the proapoptotic protein Bax, caspases 3 and 9, and p53 compared with Met-treated animals, indicating a diminution of neuronal apoptosis. These effects reflect and explain the improvement in histopathological alterations in the hippocampus of Met-treated mice. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of EGCG may be due to interconnecting pathways, including modulation of redox balance, amelioration of inflammation, and regulation of antiapoptotic proteins.