Postprandial hyperglycemia and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in type 2 diabetes

Barosmin against postprandial hyperglycemia: outputs from computational prediction to functional responses in vitro

Previously, barosmin has been demonstrated to possess anti-diabetic action. However, its effect to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, including glucose utilization efficacy, has yet to be revealed. Hence, the current study attempted to assess the efficiency of barosmin in inhibiting the α-amylase, α -glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzymes, including glucose uptake efficacy. Molecular docking and simulation were performed using AutoDock Vina and Gromacs respectively followed by gene ontology analysis using the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery. Further, in vitro enzyme inhibitory activities and glucose uptake assay were performed in L6 cell lines. Density functional theory analysis detailed mechanistic insights into the crucial interaction sites of barosmin of which the electron-dense region was prone to nucleophilic attack (O-atoms) whereas hydroxyl groups (-OH) showed affinity for electrophilic attacks. Barosmin showed good binding affinity with α-amylase (-9.2 kcal/mol), α-glucosidase (-10.7 kcal/mol), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (-10.0 kcal/mol). Barosmin formed stable nonbonded contacts with active site residues of aforementioned enzymes throughout 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Further, it regulated pathway concerned with glucose homeostasis i.e. tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. In addition, barosmin showed α-amylase (IC50= 95.77 ± 23.33 µg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50= 68.13 ± 2.95 µg/mL), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (IC50= 13.27 ± 1.99 µg/mL) inhibitory activities including glucose uptake efficacy in L6 cell lines (EC50= 12.46 ± 0.90 µg/mL) in the presence of insulin. This study presents the efficacy of the barosmin to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase and glucose uptake efficacy in L6 cell lines via the use of multiple system biology tools and in vitro techniques.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Water solubility differentiates the impact of tea polyphenols and rutin on the postprandial glycemic response to cooked maize starch

Postprandial hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and the impact of tea polyphenols (TP) and rutin, representative phenolic compounds with different water solubilities, on the postprandial glycemic response to cooked normal corn starch (CCS) was investigated. Comparatively, TP (DPPH50 = 0.12 mmol L-1) are more potent than rutin (DPPH50 = 0.50 mmol L-1) in scavenging the free radicals of DPPH, but both TP and rutin inhibited the activity of porcine pancreatic α-amylase (PPA), the major enzyme in starch digestion, with an IC50 of 4.09 mmol L-1 and 2.71 mmol L-1, respectively. However, an in vivo study showed that a significant reduction in postprandial blood glucose was only observed in the presence of rutin, and TP had no effect on the glycemic response to CCS. To find out the underlying mechanism, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking were carried out and they showed that, compared to TP, rutin bound to the active site of PPA with higher affinity and a lower free energy (ΔG) driven by hydrogen bonds and π-stacking, and rutin also greatly increased the viscosity of starch. Collectively, water-soluble TP have a higher antioxidant property and a lower potency to inhibit PPA compared to water-insoluble rutin, and the weaker interaction between TP and PPA, and starch as well might synergistically contribute to TP's ineffectiveness in lowering the postprandial glycemic response, and water solubility linking the molecular structures and functions of phenolic compounds might be the fundamental basis for the observed difference in their biological functions, and water solubility can also be used to enrich specific phenolic compounds for desired functions.

Synergistic effects of Momordica charantia, Nigella sativa, and Anethum graveolens on metabolic syndrome targets: In vitro enzyme inhibition and in silico analyses

Momordica charantia, Nigella sativa, and Anethum graveolens are established medicinal plants possessing noted anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underscoring their inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and HMG-CoA reductase remain unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of various NS, MC, and AG blends in modulating the enzymatic activity of pancreatic lipase, HMG-CoA reductase, and a-glucosidase, utilizing an integrative approach combining in vitro assessments and molecular modeling techniques. A factorial design matrix generated eight distinct concentration combinations of NS, MC, and AG, subsequently subjected to in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Molecular docking analyses using AutoDock Vina, molecular dynamics simulations, MMPBSA calculations, and principal component analysis, were executed with Gromacs to discern the interaction dynamics between the compounds and target enzymes. A formulation comprising NS:MC:AG at a 215:50:35 μg/mL ratio yielded significant inhibition of pancreatic lipase (IC50: 74.26 ± 4.27 μg/mL). Moreover, a concentration combination of 215:80:35 μg/mL effectively inhibited both α-glucosidase (IC50: 66.09 ± 3.98 μg/mL) and HMGCR (IC50: 129.03 μg/mL). Notably, MC-derived compounds exhibited superior binding affinity towards all three enzymes, compared to their reference molecules, with diosgenin, Momordicoside I, and diosgenin displaying binding affinities of -11.0, -8.8, and -7.9 kcal/mol with active site residues of pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and HMGCR, respectively. Further, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed the formation and stabilization of non-bonded interactions between the compounds and the enzymes' active site residues. Through a synergistic application of in vitro and molecular modeling methodologies, this study substantiated the potent inhibitory activity of the NS:MC:AG blend (at a ratio of 215:80:35 μg/mL) and specific MC compounds against pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and HMGCR. These findings provide invaluable insights into the molecular underpinnings of these medicinal plants' anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects and may guide future therapeutic development.

α-Glucosidase inhibition by green, white and oolong teas: in vitro activity and computational studies

Natural α-glucosidase inhibitors from plant-based foods such as catechins offer an attractive strategy for their potential anti-diabetic effects. In this study, infusions of three different tea types (green, white, and oolong) were investigated for their total phenolic (TPC) and catechins (EGCG, ECG, EGC, and EC) content, and for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. We observed that the level of TPC in white tea was significantly higher compared to oolong and green tea, which suggests higher content of EGCG and ECG catechins in fresh young leaves. Our findings showed that the higher content of such catechins in the infusion of white tea well correlated with a strong inhibition of α-glucosidase, and such inhibition was demonstrated to be more effective than the FDA-approved drug acarbose. Then, we computationally explored the molecular requirements for enzyme inhibition, especially for the most active catechins EGCG and ECG, as well as their disposition/stability within the active site.

In Vitro Anti-Tumor and Hypoglycemic Effects of Total Flavonoids from Willow Buds

Salix babylonica L. is a species of willow tree that is widely cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant, but its medicinal resources have not yet been reasonably developed or utilized. Herein, we extracted and purified the total flavonoids from willow buds (PTFW) for component analysis in order to evaluate their in vitro anti-tumor and hypoglycemic activities. Through Q-Orbitrap LC-MS/MS analysis, a total of 10 flavonoid compounds were identified (including flavones, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols). The inhibitory effects of PTFW on the proliferation of cervical cancer HeLa cells, colon cancer HT-29 cells, and breast cancer MCF7 cells were evaluated using an MTT assay. Moreover, the hypoglycemic activity of PTFW was determined by investigating the inhibitory effects of PTFW on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results indicated that PTFW significantly suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells, HT-29 cells, and MCF7 cells, with IC50 values of 1.432, 0.3476, and 2.297 mg/mL, respectively. PTFW, at different concentrations, had certain inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 2.94 mg/mL and 1.87 mg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, PTFW at different doses exhibits anti-proliferation effects on all three types of cancer cells, particularly on HT-29 cells, and also shows significant hypoglycemic effects. Willow buds have the potential to be used in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

A novel polyphenol-rich combination of 5 plant extracts prevents high-fat diet-induced body weight gain by regulating intestinal macronutrient absorption in mice

Global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing to pandemic proportions. A novel supplement composed of 5 plant extracts from olive leaf, bilberry, artichoke, chrysanthellum, and black pepper was designed to prevent type 2 diabetes development in people at risk. It was previously shown to improve body weight and glucose control in preclinical rodent models, with these effects being accompanied by increased fecal energy excretion and in vitro inhibition of several digestive enzymes. Thus, we hypothesized that, in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), a single dose of this botanical supplementation would decrease the responses to oral fat and carbohydrate tolerance tests, and that chronic supplementation would result in increased fecal triglyceride content. We showed that acute administration in HFD-fed mice (1.452 g/kg body weight) markedly reduced circulating triglycerides following an oral lipid gavage, whereas glycemic responses to various carbohydrate tests were only mildly affected. When incorporated into the food (2.5%) of HFD-fed mice, chronic supplementation prevented body weight gain and improved glucose homeostasis and lipid tolerance. Fecal free fatty acid content, but not triglyceride, was significantly increased in supplemented animals, suggesting reduced lipid absorption in the digestive tract. Congruently, this botanical supplementation downregulated several genes associated with fatty acid transport whose expression was increased by HFD, principally in the jejunum. This study provides novel insights as for the mode of action behind the antiobesity effect of this plant-based supplementation, in HFD-fed mice.

Acute effects of daily step count on postprandial metabolism and resting fat oxidation: a randomized controlled trial

To examine the effects of daily step count on same-day fat oxidation and postprandial metabolic responses to an evening high-fat mixed meal (HFMM). Ten healthy participants (5 females, 30 ± 7 yr) completed four different daily step counts-2,000 (2 K), 5,000 (5 K), 10,000 (10 K), and 15,000 (15 K) steps-on separate days in randomized order. On experimental days, participants ate the same meals and walked all steps on an indoor track at a pace of 100 steps/min in three roughly equal bouts throughout the day. After the final walking bout, participants' resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and fat oxidation rate (FATOX) were measured. Blood samples were obtained before (BL) and 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, and 240-min following consumption of an HFMM (960 kcal; 48% fat) to measure triglycerides (i.e., postprandial lipemia; PPL), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), insulin, and glucose. Two-way ANOVAs indicated condition effects where PPL was significantly higher after 2 K versus 10 K (+23 ± 8 mg/dL, P = 0.027), and NEFAs were significantly higher after 15 K versus 2 K (+86 ± 23 µmol/L; P = 0.006). No differences were found for insulin, glucose, or REE among conditions (all P > 0.124). Similarly, RER (P = 0.054; ηp2 = 0.24) and FATOX (P = 0.071; ηp2 = 0.23) were not significantly different among conditions. In young adults, 10 K steps elicited the greatest decrease in PPL, an established cardiovascular disease risk factor. NEFA levels were highest after the 15 K condition, likely due to alterations in adipose tissue lipolysis or lipoprotein lipase activity with increased activity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that walking 10,000, compared with 2,000, steps/day significantly reduced postprandial lipemia (PPL), an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) following same-day evening meal consumption. These experimental data support walking 10,000 steps/day to lower CVD risk.

The Effect of Soy and Whey Protein Supplementation on Glucose Homeostasis in Healthy Normal Weight Asian Indians

Milk and legumes are good source of protein foods used to sustain muscle mass, but their effects on postprandial glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism may be different. This is relevant, for example, in the dietetic response to obesity or diabetes, where the intake of high-quality protein is often increased significantly. The objective of this study was to characterize the acute effect of whey and soy protein (15% vs. 30%) on glucose homeostasis, energy metabolism, and satiety. Healthy, normal body mass index (BMI) Indian adult males aged 20-35 years (n = 15) received 4 test meals (2 proteins (soy vs. whey) and 2 doses (15% vs. 30% protein: energy ratio)). Blood samples were collected serially after the meal to calculate the incremental area under the curve for plasma glucose and insulin. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured after the meal. Satiety was measured with a visual analogue scale. The insulin response, represented by the incremental area under the curve, was significantly higher for the 30% whey compared to the 30% soy protein meal (p < 0.01) but was not significantly different between the 15% protein doses. There were no differences in the plasma glucose response across protein sources or doses. The mean peak fat and carbohydrate oxidation, satiety, and energy expenditure did not differ between the protein sources and doses. In conclusion, at higher doses, whey protein has a greater insulinogenic response, compared to soy protein, and exhibits a dose-response effect. However, at lower doses, whey and soy protein elicit similar insulinogenic responses, making them equally effective protein sources in relation to glucose homoeostasis.

Continuous glucose monitoring in a healthy population: understanding the post-prandial glycemic response in individuals without diabetes mellitus

Continuous glucose monitoring has become a common adjunct in the management of Diabetes Mellitus. However, there has been a recent trend among individuals without diabetes using these devices as a means of monitoring their health. The increased visibility of glucose data has allowed users to study the effect lifestyle has upon post-prandial glucose levels. Although post-prandial hyperglycemia is well understood in the setting of diabetes, its impact in individuals without diabetes is less well defined. This article reviews the factors which contribute to post-prandial hyperglycemia in individuals without diabetes and how the data obtained from continuous glucose monitoring can be used to improve an individual's metabolic health.

Essential Oils: Recent Advances on Their Dual Role as Food Preservatives and Nutraceuticals against the Metabolic Syndrome

Essential oils (EO) are compounds synthesized by plants as secondary products and are a complex mixture of volatile molecules. Studies have demonstrated their pharmacological activity in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Moreover, they have been used as antimicrobial and antioxidant food additives. The first part of this review discusses the role of EO as nutraceuticals to prevent metabolic syndrome-related disorders (i.e., obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases), showing results from in vitro and in vivo studies. Likewise, the second part describes the bioavailability and mechanisms of action of EO in preventing chronic diseases. The third part presents the application of EO as food additives, pointing out their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in food formulations. Finally, the last part explains the stability and methods for encapsulating EO. In conclusion, EO dual role as nutraceuticals and food additives makes them excellent candidates to formulate dietary supplements and functional foods. However, further investigation is needed to understand EO interaction mechanisms with human metabolic pathways and to develop novel technological approaches to enhance EO stability in food systems to scale up these processes and, in this way, to overcome current health problems.

Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiometabolic risk: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) 2023

Background

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is intended to provide clinicians an overview of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an obesity-related cardiometabolic risk factor.

Methods

The scientific support for this CPS is based upon published citations and clinical perspectives of OMA authors.

Results

Topics include T2DM and obesity as cardiometabolic risk factors, definitions of obesity and adiposopathy, and mechanisms for how obesity causes insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. Adipose tissue is an active immune and endocrine organ, whose adiposopathic obesity-mediated dysfunction contributes to metabolic abnormalities often encountered in clinical practice, including hyperglycemia (e.g., pre-diabetes mellitus and T2DM). The determination as to whether adiposopathy ultimately leads to clinical metabolic disease depends on crosstalk interactions and biometabolic responses of non-adipose tissue organs such as liver, muscle, pancreas, kidney, and brain.

Conclusions

This review is intended to assist clinicians in the care of patients with the disease of obesity and T2DM. This CPS provides a simplified overview of how obesity may cause insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and T2DM. It also provides an algorithmic approach towards treatment of a patient with obesity and T2DM, with "treat obesity first" as a priority. Finally, treatment of obesity and T2DM might best focus upon therapies that not only improve the weight of patients, but also improve the health outcomes of patients (e.g., cardiovascular disease and cancer).

Metabolic responses to acute sprint interval exercise training performed after an oral 75-gram glucose load in individuals with overweight/obesity

There is evidence supporting that acute sprint interval training (SIT) might improve metabolic responses to postprandial glucose, but results are inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of acute SIT on metabolic response and substrate utilization in individuals with overweight/obesity after an oral 75-gram glucose challenge. Thirty-three participants with overweight/ obesity (32.7 ± 8.3 years, 24 male, 9 female) participated in the study and a crossover design was followed. After the 75-gram glucose load, participants were randomly allocated to two groups: no exercise (resting) or SIT protocol. Metabolic data including respiratory quotient (RQ) and substrate utilization rates (fats and carbohydrates) were collected using the COSMED Q-NRG + ® calorimeter. The RQ was significantly lower in the acute SIT group (0.76 [0.01]; p < 0.0001) than in the resting group (0.80 [0.01]; p = 0.036) at the 120-min postprandial time point, and the RQ area under the curve (AUC) was also lower in the SIT group (mean difference of -6.62, 95% CI -12.00 to -1.24; p = 0.0161). The contribution of fat to energy expenditure increased after SIT during the postprandial period whereas the contribution of carbohydrates decreased. The AUC for fat contribution was significantly higher (mean difference 2311.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 578.8 to 4043.3; p = 0.0098) and the AUC for carbohydrate contribution was significantly lower (mean difference -2283.1, 95% CI -4040.2 to -527.1; p = 0.0117) in the SIT group than in the resting group. In conclusions, acute SIT might have a positive effect on metabolic responses to postprandial glucose and, accordingly, should be recommended for improving metabolism in people with overweight/obesity.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Oxadiazole Derivative in Rats

The oxadiazole ring has long been used for the treatment of several diseases. This study aimed to analyze the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant roles of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative with its toxicity. Diabetes was induced through intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate at 150 mg/kg in rats. Glimepiride and acarbose were used as standards. Rats were divided into groups of normal control, disease control, standard, and diabetic rats (treated with 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative). After 14 days of oral administration of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) to the diabetic group, the blood glucose level, body weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin level, antioxidant effect, and histopathology of the pancreas were performed. The toxicity was measured by estimating liver enzyme, renal function, lipid profile, antioxidative effect, and liver and kidney histopathological study. The blood glucose and body weight were measured before and after treatment. Alloxan significantly increased blood glucose levels, HbA1c, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine. In contrast, body weight, insulin level, and antioxidant factors were reduced compared to the normal control group. Treatment with oxadiazole derivatives showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels, HbA1c, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine as compared to the disease control group. The 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative significantly improved body weight, insulin level, and antioxidant factors compared to the disease control group. In conclusion, the oxadiazole derivative showed potential antidiabetic activity and indicated its potential as a therapeutic.

An investigation of correlation between structural and functional properties of Nigella sativa protein isolate

The physicochemical characteristics, amino acid composition, and functional properties of Nigella sativa (NS) seedcake protein extracts were evaluated to establish their potential in nutraceuticals and functional foods. The highest yield (20.2%) of protein isolate (NSPI) from NS seedcake was achieved at an alkali concentration of 0.16 M, a buffer to sample ratio of 1/25 (w/v), extraction time, 15 min, and extraction temperature, 25°C. Amino acid analysis showed that the isolated protein is a good source of amino acids with a significant essential to total amino acid (E/TN) ratio. Further, the protein isolate exhibited maximum solubility at pH 11. The results of the physicochemical analysis clearly indicated that the protein isolate had good water and oil holding capacity, emulsification property, foaming capacity, and foaming stability. The secondary structure of NSPI contained α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turns. In addition, NSPI showed excellent antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and protein digestibility activities. From the experimental data, it could be concluded that NSPI could be an excellent source of proteins for the development of foods with promising functional properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nigella sativa seeds are frequently used as a natural food additive and have been a part of naturopathy for centuries due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective properties. Nigella sativa seedcakes obtained as by-products of the oil extraction process are rich in protein content and can be used as a sustainable source of dietary proteins to cater to a wide range of consumers. Being plant-based, they inherently possess several medicinal properties. Analyzing the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolated from seedcakes allows us to optimize the protein extraction process while providing a better perspective on its potential in the nutraceuticals and food industries. It can be used as an energy supplement in animal feed as a source of protein to replace soybeans and barley. The antioxidant proteins when added to meat-based products have been known to protect the meat from oxidative stress as well as pathogenic organisms, thus, improving its shelf-life. Nigella sativa protein isolates have several applications in the pharmaceutical industry as well.

Selected coffee (Coffea arabica L.) extracts inhibit intestinal α-glucosidases activities in-vitro and postprandial hyperglycemia in SD Rats

One of the therapeutic approaches for decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia is to retard absorption of glucose by the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidases, in the digestive organs. Coffee consumption has been reported to beneficial effects for controlling calorie and cardiovascular diseases, however, the clear efficacy and mode of action are yet to be proved well. Therefore, in this study we evaluated in- vitro rat intestinal α-glucosidases and porcine α-amylase inhibitory activities as well as in vivo (Sprague–Dawley rat model) blood glucose lowering effects of selected coffee extracts. The water extracted Sumatra coffee (SWE) showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀, 4.39 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner followed by Ethiopian water extract (EWE) (IC₅₀, 4.97) and Guatemala water extract (GWE) (IC₅₀, 5.19). Excepted for GWE all the coffee types significantly reduced the plasma glucose level at 0.5 h after oral intake (0.5 g/kg-body weight) in sucrose and starch-loaded SD rats. In sucrose loading test SWE (p < 0.001) and EWE (p < 0.05) had significantly postprandial blood glucose reduction effect, when compared to control. The maximum blood glucose levels (Cmax) of EWE administration group were decreased by about 18% (from 222.3 ± 16.0 to 182.5 ± 15.4, p < 0.01) and 19% (from 236.2 ± 25.1 to 191.3 ± 13.2 h·mg/dL, p < 0.01) in sucrose and starch loading tests, respectively. These results indicate that selected coffee extract may improve exaggerated postprandial spikes in blood glucose via inhibition of intestinal sucrase and thus delays carbohydrate absorption. These in vitro and in vivo studies therefore could provide the biochemical rationale for the benefit of coffee-based dietary supplement and the basis for further clinical study.

Vasodilatory effects of glucagon: A possible new approach to enhanced subcutaneous insulin absorption in artificial pancreas devices

Patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 depend on exogenous insulin to keep their blood glucose concentrations within the desired range. Subcutaneous bihormonal artificial pancreas devices that can measure glucose concentrations continuously and autonomously calculate and deliver insulin and glucagon infusions is a promising new treatment option for these patients. The slow absorption rate of insulin from subcutaneous tissue is perhaps the most important factor preventing the development of a fully automated artificial pancreas using subcutaneous insulin delivery. Subcutaneous insulin absorption is influenced by several factors, among which local subcutaneous blood flow is one of the most prominent. We have discovered that micro-doses of glucagon may cause a substantial increase in local subcutaneous blood flow. This paper discusses how the local vasodilative effects of micro-doses of glucagon might be utilised to improve the performance of subcutaneous bihormonal artificial pancreas devices. We map out the early stages of our hypothesis as a disruptive novel approach, where we propose to use glucagon as a vasodilator to accelerate the absorption of meal boluses of insulin, besides using it conventionally to treat hypoglycaemia.

Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Natural Compounds from Betel Leaves (Piper betle L.) for Investigating the Potential Inhibition of Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase of Type 2 Diabetes

Piper betle L. is widely distributed and commonly used medicinally important herb. It can also be used as a medication for type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, compounds of P. betle were screened to investigate the inhibitory action of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase against type 2 diabetes through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analysis. The molecule apigenin-7-O-glucoside showed the highest binding affinity among 123 (one hundred twenty-three) tested compounds. This compound simultaneously bound with the two-target proteins alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with high molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) values (ΔG Bind = -45.02 kcal mol^-1 for alpha-amylase and -38.288 for alpha-glucosidase) compared with control inhibitor acarbose, which had binding affinities of -36.796 kcal mol^-1 for alpha-amylase and -29.622 kcal mol^-1 for alpha-glucosidase. The apigenin-7-O-glucoside was revealed to be the most stable molecule with the highest binding free energy through molecular dynamics simulation, indicating that it could compete with the inhibitors' native ligand. Based on ADMET analysis, this phytochemical exhibited a wide range of physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug-like qualities and had no significant side effects, making them prospective drug candidates for type 2 diabetes. Additional in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations are needed to determine the precise efficacy of drugs.

A pilot study on the effect of D-allulose on postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during Ramadan fasting

BACKGROUND

During Ramadan fasting, postprandial hyperglycemia is commonly observed after iftar (break of fast at sunset) meal. D-allulose is a rare sugar and is reported to have several health benefits, including the suppression of increase in postprandial glucose levels. This study investigates whether D-allulose (a C-3 epimer of D-fructose) improves the postprandial glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during Ramadan.

METHODS

This was a pilot, prospective single-arm study design that was conducted for 10 consecutive days; 5 days of control and 5 days of consumption. The primary outcome was postprandial peak glucose levels. During the consumption period, 8.5 g of D-allulose was consumed by the participants before iftar meal. Postprandial glucose was measured using a continuous glucose monitoring system.

RESULTS

A total of 12 participants completed the study. Significant lower (p < 0.01) postprandial glucose values and the glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) were observed from 0 to 180 min during the consumption period compared to the control period. The consumption period demonstrated significantly higher percentages of time in which glucose values were found in the target range (p = 0.0032), and when the glucose levels above the target range were reduced (p = 0.0015).

CONCLUSIONS

The supplementation with D-allulose has the potential to improve postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with T2DM after iftar during Ramadan. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05071950. Retrospectively registered, 8 October 2021.

The Evolution of Pharmacological Activities Bouea macrophylla Griffith In Vivo and In Vitro Study: A Review

Bouea macrophylla Griffith (B. macrophylla) is one of the many herbal plants found in Asia, and its fruit is plum mango. This plant is rich in secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, polyphenolic compounds, and many others. Due to its bioactive components, plum mango has powerful antioxidants that have therapeutic benefits for many common ailments, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This review describes the evolution of plum mango’s phytochemical properties and pharmacological activities including in vitro and in vivo studies. The pharmacological activities of B. macrophylla Griffith reviewed in this article are antioxidant, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and antiphotoaging. Each of these pharmacological activities described and studied the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Interestingly, plum mango seeds show good pharmacological activity where the seed is the part of the plant that is a waste product. This can be an advantage because of its economic value as a herbal medicine. Overall, the findings described in this review aim to allow this plant to be explored and utilized more widely, especially as a new drug discovery.

Machine Learning and In Vitro Chemical Screening of Potential α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Thai Indigenous Plants

Diabetes mellitus is a major predisposing factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes are the rate-limiting steps for carbohydrate digestion. The inhibition of these two enzymes is clinically used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Here, in vitro study and machine learning models were employed for the chemical screening of inhibiting the activity of 31 plant samples on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The results showed that the ethanolic twig extract of Pinus kesiya had the highest inhibitory activity against the α-amylase enzyme. The respective ethanolic extract of Croton oblongifolius stem, Parinari anamense twig, and Polyalthia evecta leaf showed high inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme. The classification analysis revealed that the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Thai indigenous plants was more predictive based on phytochemical constituents, compared with the α-amylase inhibitory activity (1.00 versus 0.97 accuracy score). The correlation loading plot revealed that flavonoids and alkaloids contributed to the α-amylase inhibitory activity, while flavonoids, tannins, and reducing sugars contributed to the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In conclusion, the ethanolic extracts of P. kesiya, C. oblongifolius, P. anamense, and P. evecta have the potential for further chemical characterization and the development of anti-diabetic recipes.

Glycemic properties of soursop-based ice cream enriched with moringa leaf powder

Introduction. Diabetes is a common disease all over the world that is often a cause of mortality. Ice cream is popular in many countries. However, sugar and fat in its composition makes ice cream a high-caloric product. Soursop (Annona muricata L.) and moringa (Moringa oleifera L.), African medicinal plants, contain natural sugars and are rich in phytochemicals. We aimed to produce ice cream with these plants and evaluate its remedial properties. Study objects and methods. The study featured ice cream purchased in a local store (control sample) and soursop ice cream with moringa leaf powder (experimental samples). The experimental ice cream samples included ice cream with soursop, ice cream with soursop and 0.1 g of moringa, and ice cream with soursop and 1 g of moringa. The antioxidant properties, glycemic indices, amylose and amylopectin contents, as well as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of the samples were determined using the standard methods. Results and discussion. Comparing with the other samples, ice cream with 1 g of moringa showed the highest total phenol and flavonoid contents, ABTS scavenging ability, DPPH radical scavenging ability, hydroxyl scavenging ability, ferric reducing antioxidant properties, and lowest glycemic index. Sensory evaluation revealed a lower overall acceptability of the experimental samples compared to the control ice cream. This could be due a peculiar taste of moringa (the formulation did not include sugar). Conclusion. Ice cream based on soursop and moringa can be a good alternative to sugar-sweetened ice cream due to its antioxidant properties, low glycemic index, and acceptable sensory attributes.

Trends in Food Innovation: An Interventional Study on the Benefits of Consuming Novel Functional Cookies Enriched with Olive Paste

Olive paste may exert bioactivity due to its richness in bioactive components, such as oleic acid and polyphenols. The present interventional human study investigated if the fortification of cookies with olive paste and herbs may affect postprandial lipemia, oxidative stress, and other biomarkers in healthy volunteers. In a cross-over design, 10 healthy volunteers aged 20–30 years, consumed a meal, rich in fat and carbohydrates (50 g cookies). After a washout week, the same volunteers consumed the same cookie meal, enhanced with 20% olive paste. Blood sampling was performed before, 0.5 h, 1.5 h, and 3 h after eating. Total plasma antioxidant capacity according to FRAP, ABTS, and resistance to copper-induced plasma oxidation, serum lipids, glucose, uric acid, and antithrombotic activity in platelet-rich plasma were determined at each timepoint. There was a significant decrease in triglycerides’ concentration in the last 1.5 h in the intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A tendency for a decrease in glucose levels and an increase in the plasma antioxidant capacity was observed 0.5 h and 1.5 h, respectively, in the intervention compared to the control group. The remaining biomarkers did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). More clinical and epidemiological studies in a larger sample are necessary in order to draw safer conclusions regarding the effect of olive paste on metabolic biomarkers, with the aim to enhance the industrial production of innovative functional cookies with possible bioactivity.

AGP und Ernährung – Mit CGM postprandiale Glukoseverläufe analysieren

Ernährungstherapien zählen zu den Grundlagen eines effektiven Diabetesmanagements bei Menschen sowohl mit Typ-1-, als auch mit Typ-2-Diabetes. Auch für Menschen mit Prädiabetes oder Adipositas sind Lebensstilinterventionen, einschließlich Ernährungsempfehlungen, Bestandteil der grundlegenden Therapie. Es wird empfohlen, die Ernährung individuell an die persönlichen Umstände, Präferenzen und metabolischen Ziele anzupassen. Im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung finden mHealth-Interventionen, beispielsweise in Form von kontinuierlich Glukose messenden Systemen (CGM), vermehrt Einzug in die Ernährungstherapie. Das ambulante Glukoseprofil (AGP) zeigt eine strukturierte und grafische Zusammenstellung der durch CGM gewonnenen Daten. Nach einer Bewertung der glykämischen Situation (Hypoglykämien, Variabilität und Stabilität der Glukosewerte) kann das AGP auch als Unterstützung bezüglich einer Ernährungsanpassung dienen. Ziel dieser Publikation ist es, eine allgemeine Übersicht über die Ernährungsempfehlungen, speziell in Deutschland, zu ermöglichen und den Nutzen kontinuierlicher Glukosemessungen in Bezug auf Ernährung zu beschreiben.

Postprandial NMR-Based Metabolic Exchanges Reflect Impaired Phenotypic Flexibility across Splanchnic Organs in the Obese Yucatan Mini-Pig

The postprandial period represents one of the most challenging phenomena in whole-body metabolism, and it can be used as a unique window to evaluate the phenotypic flexibility of an individual in response to a given meal, which can be done by measuring the resilience of the metabolome. However, this exploration of the metabolism has never been applied to the arteriovenous (AV) exploration of organs metabolism. Here, we applied an AV metabolomics strategy to evaluate the postprandial flexibility across the liver and the intestine of mini-pigs subjected to a high fat–high sucrose (HFHS) diet for 2 months. We identified for the first time a postprandial signature associated to the insulin resistance and obesity outcomes, and we showed that the splanchnic postprandial metabolome was considerably affected by the meal and the obesity condition. Most of the changes induced by obesity were observed in the exchanges across the liver, where the metabolism was reorganized to maintain whole body glucose homeostasis by routing glucose formed de novo from a large variety of substrates into glycogen. Furthermore, metabolites related to lipid handling and energy metabolism showed a blunted postprandial response in the obese animals across organs. Finally, some of our results reflect a loss of flexibility in response to the HFHS meal challenge in unsuspected metabolic pathways that must be further explored as potential new events involved in early obesity and the onset of insulin resistance.

Healthy Effects of Plant Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms

The increasing extension in life expectancy of human beings in developed countries is accompanied by a progressively greater rate of degenerative diseases associated with lifestyle and aging, most of which are still waiting for effective, not merely symptomatic, therapies. Accordingly, at present, the recommendations aimed at reducing the prevalence of these conditions in the population are limited to a safer lifestyle including physical/mental exercise, a reduced caloric intake, and a proper diet in a convivial environment. The claimed health benefits of the Mediterranean and Asian diets have been confirmed in many clinical trials and epidemiological surveys. These diets are characterized by several features, including low meat consumption, the intake of oils instead of fats as lipid sources, moderate amounts of red wine, and significant amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. In particular, the latter have attracted popular and scientific attention for their content, though in reduced amounts, of a number of molecules increasingly investigated for their healthy properties. Among the latter, plant polyphenols have raised remarkable interest in the scientific community; in fact, several clinical trials have confirmed that many health benefits of the Mediterranean/Asian diets can be traced back to the presence of significant amounts of these molecules, even though, in some cases, contradictory results have been reported, which highlights the need for further investigation. In light of the results of these trials, recent research has sought to provide information on the biochemical, molecular, epigenetic, and cell biology modifications by plant polyphenols in cell, organismal, animal, and human models of cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative pathologies, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease. The findings reported in the last decade are starting to help to decipher the complex relations between plant polyphenols and cell homeostatic systems including metabolic and redox equilibrium, proteostasis, and the inflammatory response, establishing an increasingly solid molecular basis for the healthy effects of these molecules. Taken together, the data currently available, though still incomplete, are providing a rationale for the possible use of natural polyphenols, or their molecular scaffolds, as nutraceuticals to contrast aging and to combat many associated pathologies.