Green Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Hull Polyphenol Extract Alleviates NAFLD through VB6/TLR4/NF-κB and PPAR Pathways

Green pea hull is a processing byproduct of green pea and rich in polyphenols. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by accumulation of lipids in the liver for which there are no effective treatment strategies. Here, a mouse model of NAFLD induced by a DSS+high-fat diet (HFD) was established to investigate the effect of green pea hull polyphenol extract (EGPH). The results show that EGPH relief of NAFLD was a combined effect, including reducing hepatic fat accumulation, improving antioxidant activity and blood lipid metabolism, and maintaining glucose homeostasis. Increased intestinal permeability aggravated NAFLD. Combined metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis showed that vitamin B6 is the key target substance for EGPH to alleviate NAFLD, and it may be the intestinal flora metabolite. After EGPH intervention, the level of vitamin B6 in mice was significantly increased, and more than 60% in the blood enters the liver, which activated or inhibited PPAR and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways to relieve NAFLD. Our research could be a win-win for expanding the use of green pea hull and the search for NAFLD prophylactic drugs.

Multi-omics reveals that green pea (Pisum sativum L.) hull supplementation ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via the SHMT2/glycine/mTOR/PPAR-γ signaling pathway

Diets rich in various active ingredients may be an effective intervention strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The green pea hull (GPH) is a processing by-product of green peas rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols. Here, a mouse model of NAFLD induced by DSS + high-fat diet (HFD) was established to explore the intervention effect of the GPH. The results showed that dietary supplements with the GPH can inhibit obesity and reduce lipid accumulation in the mouse liver to prevent liver fibrosis. GPH intervention can improve liver antioxidant capacity, reduce blood lipid deposition and maintain glucose homeostasis. DSS-induced disruption of the intestinal barrier aggravates NAFLD, which may be caused by the influx of large amounts of LPS. A multi-omics approach combining metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis indicated that glycine was the key target and its content was decreased in the liver after GPH intervention, and that dietary supplements with the GPH can relieve NAFLD via the SHMT2/glycine/mTOR/PPAR-γ signaling pathway, which was further supported by liver-associated protein expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that dietary GPH can significantly ameliorate NAFLD, and the future development of related food products can enhance the economic value of the GPH.

Performance, blood biochemistry, carcass fatty acids, antioxidant status, and HSP70 gene expressions in Japanese quails reared under high stocking density: the effects of grape seed powder and meal

Japanese quails reared under high stocking density (SD) were evaluated for the effects of grape seed powder (GSP) and meal (GSM) supplementation on performance, blood biochemistry, thigh and breast muscle fatty acids, antioxidant status, and HSP70 gene expression. We randomly assigned 288 (15-day-old) quail chicks to six treatment groups in a factorial design (2 × 3) with four replicates, involving two density levels [160 cm²/bird (LD) and 80 cm²/bird (HD)] and three feed forms (FFs) [no supplementation, grape seed powder (3% GSP), grape seed meal (3% GSM)]. SD had a significant effect on live weight, but not on weekly feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Serum creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly affected by FF and SD × FF (p < 0.05). A high SD reduced the n-3/n-6 ratio of breast muscle and a significant interaction was found between FF (p < 0.001). The SD × FF interaction reduced the Σn-6 ratio in HDM's thigh muscle, whereas in LDM, the ratio increased (p < 0.01). At high SD, neither GSP nor GSM reduced biological markers of oxidative stress (p > 0.05). Compared to GSP, GSM had higher efficacy at reducing HSP70 levels related to high SD levels. Despite this, at high SD, a diet containing 3% of GSP and GSM was not effective in overcoming oxidative stress. Therefore, more studies using different doses of GSM and GSP in quail diets would be beneficial.

Current progress and emerging technologies for generating extrapancreatic functional insulin-producing cells

Diabetes has been one of the major concerns in recent years, due to the increasing rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The available treatment strategies for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) are pancreas or islet transplantation. However, these strategies are limited due to unavailability of quality pancreas/ islet donors, life-long need of immunosuppression, and associated complications. Cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative options to achieve the clinical benefits in the management of uncontrolled DM. Since the last few years, various sources of cells have been used to convert into insulin-producing β-like cells. These extrapancreatic sources of cells may play a significant role in β-cell turnover and insulin secretion in response to environmental stimuli. Stem/progenitor cells from liver have been proposed as an alternative choice that respond well to glucose stimuli under strong transcriptional control. The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body and has a common endodermal origin with pancreatic lineages. Hence, liver has been proposed as a source of a large number of insulin-producing cells. The merging of nanotechnology and 3D tissue bioengineering has opened a new direction for producing islet-like cells suitable for in vivo transplantation in a cordial microenvironment. This review summarizes extrapancreatic sources for insulin-secreting cells with reference to emerging technologies to fulfill the future clinical need.

Dietary supplementation of methionine mitigates oxidative stress in broilers under high stocking density

We aimed to investigate whether dietary supplementation of methionine could mitigate intestinal oxidative injury in broilers under high stocking density (HSD). In the grower phase (d 22–42), 576 broilers with similar body weight were randomly chosen and divided into 8 groups in a 2 × 4 factorial experiment. Two different stocking densities (14 and 20 broilers per m²) were tested with 4 different methionine levels: 0.35%, 0.4%, 0.45%, or 0.5%. Intestinal morphological and oxidative stress markers were assessed at the end of the test period. The results showed that mortality of broilers was significantly higher in the HSD group fed 0.35% methionine diet than the other groups, which was reversed by supplementation with 0.40% to 0.50% methionine. HSD significantly decreased feed intake and daily weight gain. HSD treatment significantly decreased T-AOC, activity of GPX (P < 0.01) and increased the level of PCO (P < 0.01), MDA (P = 0.052) of plasma. The decreased glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver and jejunum caused by HSD was alleviated by additional methionine. Supplementation of methionine increased the ration of GSH/GSSG in the plasma. The jejunum villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth under low stocking density conditions with 0.40% methionine diet were the highest, whereas the 0.45% methionine group was the highest under HSD conditions. Thus, additional dietary supplementation of methionine mitigates oxidative stress in broilers under HSD conditions and 0.40% to 0.45% methionine can be applied in cage rearing broiler production for amelioration of oxidative stress caused by HSD.

Suitability of MDA, 8-OHdG and wild-type p53 as genotoxic biomarkers in metal (Co, Ni and Cr) exposed dental technicians: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

High concentrations of Co, Ni, and Cr in the blood serum of dental technicians are strongly associated with free radical formation. It has highly reactive properties that can cause further oxidation of molecule in the vicinity.

PURPOSE

This study intended to investigate whether the Dental Technician occupational exposure of Co, Ni and Cr, could contribute to the high incidence of cancer.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study to dental technicians, performed after acccepting ethical clearance. Blood was sampled in 3 examinations for Co, Ni, Cr using Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometry (AAS), MDA was examined with TBARS test, also 8 OHdG and wildtype p53 proteins determined by ELISA method.

RESULTS

Comparative statistical analysis, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05) between levels of Co, Ni, and Cr in exposed groups to the control group. But, not all variables was proven to be positively correlated, only with Cr, and Co, and negatively correlated with wild-type p53.

CONCLUSION

MDA,8-OHdG and wildtype p53 can be used as genotoxic biomarkers in the metal exposed group, since they can accurately reflect the degree of Oxidative damage.

Phenolics of Green Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Hulls, Their Plasma and Urinary Metabolites, Bioavailability, and in Vivo Antioxidant Activities in a Rat Model

Increased processing of pulses generates large volumes of hulls, which are known as an excellent source of phenolic antioxidants. However, the bioavailability and in vivo activity of these phenolics are rarely reported. This research was therefore carried out to study the absorption, metabolism, and in vivo antioxidant activities of green pea hull (GPH) phenolics using ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography with a linear ion trap-high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry and an oxidative stress rat model. A total of 31 phenolics, including 4 phenolic acids, 24 flavonoids, and 3 other phenolics, were tentatively identified. Ten of these phenolics and 49 metabolites were found in the plasma and urine of rats, which helped to explain the favorable changes by GPH phenolics in key antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione) and indicators (total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde) in the plasma and different tissues of rats. This is the first comprehensive report on dry pea hull phenolics and their bioavailability, metabolic profiles, and mechanisms of in vivo antioxidant activities.

The Toxic Effects of Aflatoxin B1 and Aflatoxin M1 on Kidney through Regulating L-Proline and Downstream Apoptosis

The toxic effects and potential mechanisms of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), and AFB1+AFM1 in the kidney were studied and compared in HEK 293 cells model and CD-1 mice model. The 35-day subacute toxicity mice model was constructed, biochemical indicators and kidney pathological staining were detected, kidney metabonomics detection was performed, and the metabolites were analyzed, and then the related toxicity mechanism was validated. Results showed that AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg), AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg), and AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg)+AFM1 (3.5 mg/kg) activated oxidative stress and caused renal damage. The relative concentration of the metabolite L-proline was found to be lower in aflatoxins treatment groups when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, with the treatment of aflatoxins, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and proapoptotic factors (Bax, Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the inhibitor of apoptosis Bcl-2 was downregulated, at both the mRNA and the protein levels, comparing with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, the combined effect of AFB1 and AFM1 was validated, for the toxicity of the combination was stronger than the other two groups. In conclusion, AFB1 and AFM1 caused kidney toxicity by activating oxidative stress through altering expression of PRODH and L-proline levels, which then induced downstream apoptosis.

Acute, sub-acute toxicity and antioxidant activities (in vitro and in vivo) of Reichardia picroide crude extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Reichardia picroide is a species mainly used for alimentary purposes, but it is traditionally known to be used as hypoglycemiant, diuretic, depurative, galactagogue and tonic.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To date, there are no studies corroborating both its safety and antioxidant activities. The objective of the present study, thus, was to assess the safety profile of Reichardia picroide methanolic extract (RPE) and as well as on its antioxidant and antihemolytic activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute toxicity of RPE was carried out based on OECD guidelines 425. Signs accompanying toxicity and possible death of animals were monitored for two weeks to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the RPE. In sub-acute toxicity study, the extract was administered by gavage at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. The antioxidant activity of RPE was investigated through various methods both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The admistrated doses did not produce mortality or changes in general behaviors of the tested males and females mice. The LD₅₀ was found to be superior to 5000mg/kg DW. Moreover, daily administration of RPE at doses ranged from 500 to 1000mg/kg could result in alteration of liver and kidney histology. Significant decrease in liver enzymes (ALT and AST), urea and creatinine levels in female plasma was recorded. The RPE was, in vitro, strong in DPPH scavenging and hemolytic inhibition, benificial in lipid peroxidation inhibition and reducing power. In addition, it exhibited, in vivo, a strong effect on GSH level increasing and lipid peroxidation inhibition in liver and kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be suggested, based on the results of this study, that the crude extract of Reichardia picroide was non-toxic in acute administration and the use of this extract is safe at doses ≤ 250mg/kg. This study supports the application of Reichardia picroides in alimentary and traditional medicine purposes. Moreover, antioxidant activity results suggested that Reichardia picroide had potent antioxidant activities and could be utilized as new natural antioxidant in food and therapeutics.

Investigation of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of flavonoids rich extract from the berries of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa(Ait.) Hassk

This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the flavonoids rich extract from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Hassk (R. tomentosa) berries. The in vitro antioxidant assay demonstrated that the flavonoids rich extract (62.09% rutin equivalent) extracted by ethanol and purified by AB-8 macroporous resin was strong in reducing power, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity, as well as inhibiting lipid peroxidation. In the in vivo assays, the flavonoids rich extract significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in serums of mice after they were administered with the extract. The results suggested that the flavonoids rich extract from R. tomentosa fruits possesses potent antioxidant properties. In addition, the chemical compositions of flavonoids rich extract were identified by UPLC-TOF-MS/MS. Six flavonoids were tentatively identified as myricetin, quercetin, dihydromyricetin, kaempferol, quercetin 7,4'-diglucoside and vitexin. Therefore, R. tomentosa berries could be used as a new source of antioxidant ingredient.

Effect of vitamin e supplementation on intestinal barrier function in rats exposed to high altitude hypoxia environment

The study was conducted to investigate the role of vitamin E in the high altitude hypoxia-induced damage to the intestinal barrier in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (Control), high altitude hypoxia (HH), and high altitude hypoxia+vitamin E (250 mg/kg BW*d) (HV) groups. After the third day, the HH and HV groups were placed in a hypobaric chamber at a stimulated elevation of 7000 m for 5 days. The rats in the HV group were given vitamin E by gavage daily for 8 days. The other rats were given equal volume saline. The results showed that high altitude hypoxia caused the enlargement of heart, liver, lung and kidney, and intestinal villi damage. Supplementation with vitamin E significantly alleviated hypoxia-caused damage to the main organs including intestine, increased the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p< 0.05), diamino oxidase (DAO) (p< 0.01) levels, and decreased the serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) (p< 0.01), interleukin-4 (IL-4) (p<0.001), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (p<0.01) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p<0.001), and decreased the serum erythropoietin (EPO) activity (p<0.05). Administration of vitamin E significantly increased the S-IgA (p<0.001) in ileum and significantly improved the expression levels of occludin and IκBα, and decreased the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and 2 alpha (HIF-1α and HIF-2α), Toll-like receptors (TLR4), P-IκBα and nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB P65) in ileum compared to the HH group. This study suggested that vitamin E protectis from intestinal injury caused by high altitude hypoxia environment. These effects may be related to the HIF and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The design of propolis flavone microemulsion and its effect on enhancing the immunity and antioxidant activity in mice

The objective of the present study was to formulate a microemulsion system for improving the activity of propolis flavone (PF). Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to evaluate the existence area of PF microemulsion (PFM). The formulation was characterized by particle size, zeta potential, morphology and stability. The results showed that the optimal PFM formulation consists of 5.3% ethyl acetate, 14% RH-40, 7% ethanol and 73.7% water (w/w), with a solubility of PF up to 3.0 mg mL(-1). The immune-enhancing and antioxidant activity of PFM in vitro and in vivo were performed. The results showed that PFM could significantly promote the splenocyte proliferation and the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ in vitro. In vivo, PFM at high and medium doses was able to significantly increase the thymus and spleen indices, enhance splenocyte activity and improve the contents of IgG and IgM in serum, it could also improve the antioxidant activity, significantly increase the levels of superoxidase dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decrease the malondialdehyde levels compared with PF. These results indicated that microemulsion could be used as an effective formulation for enhancing the activity of PF. Therefore, microemulsion would be expected to exploit into a new-type preparation of PF.