Behavioral and metabolic risk factors associated with periodontitis in Brazil, 1990-2019: a multidimensional analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

OBJECTIVES

Periodontitis is a non-communicable disease (NCD) that may be linked to other NCDs through shared risk factors. Accordingly, we analyzed the relationship between periodontitis and behavioral and metabolic risks common to NCDs in Brazilian adults over three decades.

METHODS

Indicators of periodontitis, behavioral risks (smoking, alcohol use, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), and physical activity), and metabolic risks (overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension) in Brazilian adults (25-49 y-old) between 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Data were adjusted for Gini index. Fixed-effects and Prais-Winsten regressions were performed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The prevalence of periodontitis has increased among Brazilians since 2005. High-SSB diet, alcohol use, and metabolic risks increased between 1990-2019, whereas smoking decreased. In crude models, periodontitis prevalence increased with alcohol use (2545.1; 95%CI: 2307.9-2782.3), high-SSB diet (365.5; 95%CI: 322.5-408.4), low physical activity (1784.4; 95%CI: 763.7-2805.0), overweight/obesity (172.3; 95%CI: 156.3-188.4), dyslipidemia (734.5; 95%CI: 624.7-844.2), and hyperglycemia (1774.3; 95%CI: 1555.9-1992.7). After adjustment for the Gini index, periodontitis prevalence raised with a high-SBB diet (1416.0; 95%CI: 1120.2-1711.8), overweight/obesity (629.9; 95%CI: 573.1-686.8), dyslipidemia (2035.8; 95%CI: 1728.1-2343.5), and hyperglycemia (8918.1; 95%CI: 7979.8-9856.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis has increased in Brazil since 2005, despite the smoking reduction. Sugar-sweetened beverage was the behavioral risk that mostly accompanied the periodontal trend.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our results support upstream strategies targeting commercial, social, political, and structural determinants to tackle NCDs and reduce oral health inequities.

Prebiotic effects of plant-derived (poly)phenols on host metabolism: Is there a role for short-chain fatty acids?

The gut microbiota has been extensively investigated during the last decade because of its effects on host neuroendocrine pathways and other processes. The imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, known as dysbiosis, may be a determining predisposing factor for many noncommunicable chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, interventions aiming to reestablish the balance between microbiota components have been suggested as potential preventive therapeutic strategies against these disorders. Among these interventions, dietary supplementation with (poly)phenols has been highlighted due to the modulatory effects exerted by those compounds on the gut microbiota. In addition, (poly)phenol consumption is associated with increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a set of microbial metabolites whose actions are ascribed to improving the abovementioned metabolic disorders. Thus, this review discusses the modulation of the gut microbiota by prebiotic (poly)phenols based on in vivo studies performed with isolated (poly)phenolic compounds, their interaction with the gut microbiota and the production of SCFAs in pursuit of the molecular mechanisms underlying the health effects of (poly)phenols on host metabolism.

Plant-Derived (Poly)phenols and Their Metabolic Outcomes: The Pursuit of a Role for the Gut Microbiota

Plant-derived (poly)phenolic compounds have been undoubtedly shown to promote endocrine homeostasis through the improvement of diverse metabolic outcomes. Amongst diverse potential mechanisms, the prebiotic modulatory effects exerted by these compounds on the gut microbiota have supported their nutraceutical application in both experimental and clinical approaches. However, the comprehension of the microbiota modulatory patterns observed upon (poly)phenol-based dietary interventions is still in its infancy, which makes the standardization of the metabolic outcomes in response to a given (poly)phenol a herculean task. Thus, this narrative review sought to gather up-to-date information on the relationship among (poly)phenols intake, their modulatory effect on the gut microbiota diversity, and consequent metabolic outcomes as a supportive tool for the future design of experimental approaches and even clinical trials.

Myricetin improves metabolic outcomes but not cognitive deficit associated to metabolic syndrome in male mice

Myricetin is a flavonol highly prevalent in edible vegetables and fruits, with recognized hypoglycemic and anti-obesity effects, besides great antioxidant capacity. Thus, this study sought to investigate whether myricetin is able to improve metabolic and behavioral outcomes found in monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) obese mice, a model of metabolic syndrome characterized by early hyperinsulinemia associated to obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, anxiety and cognitive deficit. Newborn male mice received MSG (4 mg kg-1 day-1, s.c.) on alternate days during the first 10 days of life for obesity induction, while control pups received equimolar saline solution. From postnatal day 90 to 135, MSG mice were orally treated with myricetin (50 mg kg-1 day-1) or distilled water, while control animals received vehicle. During the last week of treatment, all groups were submitted to behavioral tests: open field maze, elevated plus maze and Morris water maze. At the end of treatment, animals were euthanized for collection of liver, serum and adipose tissue fat pads. Myricetin treatment reduced the elevated serum levels of glucose and triglycerides, typically found in MSG mice, as well as restored peripheral insulin sensitivity and liver steatosis. Moreover, myricetin ameliorated the lack of thigmotaxis and exploratory behavior, but did not improve the cognitive deficit presented by MSG mice. Therefore, this study contributes to the pharmacological validation of myricetin as an affordable and healthy therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and most of its comorbidities.

Early Exposure to High-Sucrose Diet Leads to Deteriorated Ovarian Health

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is correlated with disorders of the reproductive system, such as the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While consumption of a diet rich in carbohydrates is linked to the development of MetS, it is still unclear if this diet leads to ovarian dysfunction and PCOS.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the influence of a high-sucrose diet (HSD) on the ovarian milieu of Wistar rats and studied the correlation between high consumption of sugary drinks and the prevalence of PCOS in women.

METHODS

Wistar rats were given a standard laboratory diet (CTR, 10% sucrose, n = 8) or HSD (HSD, 25% sucrose, n = 8) from postnatal day 21 to 120. Animals were evaluated weekly to calculate food intake, feed efficiency and weight gain. Both onset of puberty and estrous cycle were monitored. Metabolic serum biochemistry, organ morphometry and ovarian histology were performed upon euthanasia. In parallel, a fixed-effects multiple linear regression analysis was performed using data from Brazilian states (459 state-year observations) to test the correlation between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (surrogate for HSD intake) and the prevalence of PCOS (surrogate for ovarian dysfunction).

RESULTS

HSD animals showed increased adipose tissue accumulation, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance when compared to CTR. Interestingly HSD rats also entered puberty earlier than CTR. Moreover, ovaries from HSD animals had an increased number of atretic antral follicles and cystic follicles, which were correlated with the hypertrophy of periovarian adipocytes. Finally, there was a positive correlation between the intake of sugary drinks and prevalence of PCOS in women of reproductive age.

CONCLUSIONS

HSD ingestion leads to ovarian dysfunction in rats and could be correlated with PCOS in women, suggesting these alterations could lead to public health issues. Therefore, we reinforce the deleterious impact of HSD to the ovarian system and suggest that the reduction of added sugars intake could be beneficial to ovarian health.

Myricetin, the Main Flavonoid in Syzygium cumini Leaf, Is a Novel Inhibitor of Platelet Thiol Isomerases PDI and ERp5

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids have been characterized as a prominent class of compounds to treat thrombotic diseases through the inhibition of thiol isomerases. Syzygium cumini is a flavonoid-rich medicinal plant that contains myricetin and gallic acid. Little is known about the potential antiplatelet properties of S. cumini and its constituent flavonoids.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antiplatelet effects and mechanism of action of a polyphenol-rich extract (PESc) from S. cumini leaf and its most prevalent polyphenols, myricetin and gallic acid.

METHODS

PESc, myricetin, and gallic acid were incubated with platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets to assess platelet aggregation and activation. In vitro platelet adhesion and thrombus formation as well as in vivo bleeding time were performed. Finally, myricetin was incubated with recombinant thiol isomerases to assess its potential to bind and inhibit these, while molecular docking studies predicted possible binding sites.

RESULTS

PESc decreased platelet activation and aggregation induced by different agonists. Myricetin exerted potent antiplatelet effects, whereas gallic acid did not. Myricetin reduced the ability of platelets to spread on collagen, form thrombi in vitro without affecting hemostasis in vivo. Fluorescence quenching studies suggested myricetin binds to different thiol isomerases with similar affinity, despite inhibiting only protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and ERp5 reductase activities. Finally, molecular docking studies suggested myricetin formed non-covalent bonds with PDI and ERp5.

CONCLUSIONS

PESc and its most abundant flavonoid myricetin strongly inhibit platelet function. Additionally, myricetin is a novel inhibitor of ERp5 and PDI, unveiling a new therapeutic perspective for the treatment of thrombotic disorders.

Role of Platelet Activation and Oxidative Stress in the Evolution of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attack, evolves from the rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques to coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. A body of evidence supports a close relationship between the alterations following an ischemia–reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress and platelet activity. Through their critical role in thrombogenesis and inflammatory responses, platelets are fully (totally) implicated from atherothrombotic plaque formation to myocardial infarction onset and expansion. However, mere platelet aggregation prevention does not offer full protection, suggesting that other antiplatelet therapy mechanisms may also be involved. Thus, the present review discusses the integrative role of platelets, oxidative stress, and antiplatelet therapy in triggering myocardial infarction pathophysiology.

Lipid Metabolism and Signaling in Platelet Function

Modern society has changed its diet composition, transitioning to a higher intake of saturated fat with a 50% increase of cardiovascular risk (CVD). Within the context of increased CVD, there is an induction of a prothrombotic phenotype mainly due to increased platelet reactivity as well as decreased platelet response to inhibitors. Platelets maintain haemostasis through both blood components and endothelial cells that secrete inhibitory or stimulatory molecules to regulate thrombus formation. There exist a correlation between platelets' polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and the increase in platelet reactivity. The aim of this chapter is to review the metabolism of the main PUFAs involved in platelet function associated with the role that their enzyme-derived oxidized metabolites exert in platelet function and fate. Finally, how lipid metabolism in the organism affect platelet aggregation and activation and the pharmacological modulation of these processes will also be discussed.

Naturally Occurring Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Their Potential Use for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a main cause of dementia, accounting for up to 75% of all dementia cases. Pathophysiological processes described for AD progression involve neurons and synapses degeneration, mainly characterized by cholinergic impairment. This feature makes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi) the main class of drugs currently used for the treatment of AD dementia phase, among which galantamine is the only naturally occurring substance. However, several plant species producing diverse classes of alkaloids, coumarins, terpenes, and polyphenols have been assessed for their anti-AChE activity, becoming potential candidates for new anti-AD drugs. Therefore, this mini-review aimed to recapitulate last decade studies on the anti-AChE activity of plant species, their respective extracts, as well as isolated compounds. The anti-AChE activity of extracts prepared from 54 plant species pertaining 29 families, as well as 36 isolated compounds were classified and discussed according to their anti-AChE pharmacological potency to highlight the most prominent ones. Besides, relevant limitations, such as proper antioxidant assessment, and scarcity of toxicological and clinical studies were also discussed in order to help researchers out with the bioprospection of potentially new AChEi.

Western diet triggers Toll-like receptor 4 signaling-induced endothelial dysfunction in female Wistar rats

Overconsumption of a diet rich in fat and carbohydrates, called the Western diet, is a major contributor to the global epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Despite previously documented cardiovascular protection exhibited in female rats, this safeguard may be lost under certain metabolic stressors. We hypothesized that female Wistar rats challenged by a Western diet composed of 21% fat and 50% carbohydrate (34.1% sucrose) for 17 wk would develop endothelial dysfunction via endothelial Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Western diet-fed female rats exhibited dysregulation of metabolism, revealing increased body weight and abdominal fat, decreased expression of adiponectin in white adipose tissue, glucose intolerance, and impaired insulin sensitivity. Western diet exposure increased hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol alongside hepatic steatosis, categorizing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, a Western diet negatively affected vascular function, revealing hypertension, impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, aortic remodeling, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Aortic protein expression of TLR4 and its downstream proteins were markedly increased in the Western diet-fed group in association with elevated serum levels of free fatty acids. In vitro experiments were conducted to test whether free fatty acids contribute to vascular ROS overproduction via the TLR4 signaling pathway. Cultured endothelial cells were stimulated with palmitate in the presence of TAK-242, a TLR4 signaling inhibitor. Palmitate-induced overgeneration of ROS in endothelial cells was abolished in the presence of TAK-242. Our data show that a Western diet induced endothelial dysfunction in female rats and suggest that endothelial TLR4 signaling may play a key role in abolishing female cardiovascular protection. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A Western diet induced elevated levels of free fatty acids, produced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and provoked endothelial dysfunction in female rats in association with Toll-like receptor 4 signaling-mediated vascular reactive oxygen species production. Limited consumption of a Western diet in premenopausal women may decrease their risk of cardiovascular complications.

Long-term exposure to high-sucrose diet down-regulates hepatic endoplasmic reticulum-stress adaptive pathways and potentiates de novo lipogenesis in weaned male mice

Childhood consumption of added sugars, such as sucrose, has been associated to increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although the mechanisms underlying NAFLD onset are incompletely defined, recent evidence has proposed a role for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the metabolic outcomes of high-sucrose intake on weaned Swiss mice fed a 25% sucrose diet for 30, 60 and 90 days in comparison to regular chow-fed controls. High-sucrose feeding promoted progressive metabolic and oxidative disturbances, starting from fasting and fed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance and increased adiposity at 30-days; passing by insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia and NAFLD onset at 60 days; until late hepatic oxidative damage at 90 days. In parallel, assessment of transcriptional and/or translational levels of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and ER stress markers showed up-regulation of both fatty acid synthesis (ChREBP and SCD1) and oxidation (PPARα and CPT-1α), as well as overexpression of unfolded protein response sensors (IRE1α, PERK and ATF6), chaperones (GRP78 and PDIA1) and antioxidant defense (NRF2) genes at 30 days. At 60 days, fatty acid oxidation genes were down-regulated, and ER stress switched over toward a proapoptotic pattern via up-regulation of BAK protein and CHOP gene levels. Finally, down-regulation of both NRF2 and CPT-1α protein levels led to late up-regulation of SREBP-1c and exponential raise of fatty acids synthesis. In conclusion, our study originally demonstrates a temporal relationship between DNL and ER stress pathways toward MetS and NAFLD development on weaned rats fed a high-sucrose diet.

Long-term high-protein diet intake reverts weight gain and attenuates metabolic dysfunction on high-sucrose-fed adult rats

Background

Consumption of added sugars has been considered a worldwide public health concern by its association with metabolic syndrome and its comorbidities. Meanwhile, current studies have suggested high-protein diets to promote weight loss and improved metabolic outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term high-protein diet (HPD, 34.3% protein) intake on high-sucrose-fed rats.

Methods

Weaned male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups: rats fed a standard chow (CT/CT, 10% sucrose) or rats fed a high-sucrose diet (HSD, 25% sucrose) for a 20-week observational period. Subsequently, HS/HS animals were randomized into 3 new groups: rats maintained on HSD diet (HS/HS); rats submitted to HSD replacement by standard chow (HS/CT); and those with HSD replaced by HPD (HS/HP). All groups were followed up for 12 weeks during which we investigated the effects of HPD on body weight, energy intake, obesity development, glicemic/lipid profile, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, tissue weight (adipose tissue, liver and skeletal muscles), lipolytic activity, liver lipoperoxidation and histology, as well as serum markers of hepatic function.

Results

Post-weaning exposure to HSD led to metabolic syndrome phenotype at adulthood, herein characterized by central obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. Only HPD feeding was able to revert weight gain and adipose tissue accumulation, as well as restore adipose tissue lipolytic response to sympathetic stimulus. On the other hand, either HPD or withdrawal from HSD promoted very similar metabolic outcomes upon 12-week nutritional intervention. HS/HP and HS/CT rats showed reduced fasting serum levels of glucose, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol, which were correlated with the improvement of peripheral insulin sensitivity, as inferred from kITT and TyG Index values. Both nutritional interventions restored liver morphofunctional patterns, but only HPD restored lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions

Our data showed that 12-week intake of an isocaloric moderately high-protein diet consistently restored high-sucrose-induced central adiposity and obesity in addition to the attenuation of other important metabolic outcomes, such as improvement of glucolipid homeostasis associated to increased insulin sensitivity and reversal of hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, simple withdrawal from high-sucrose consumption also promoted the abovementioned metabolic outcomes with no impact on body weight.

Ellagic Acid Alleviates Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Female Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects more than 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and has become one of the most common metabolic liver diseases worldwide. To date, treatments specifically targeting NAFLD do not exist. Oxidative stress and insulin resistance have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in diabetes. Accordingly, the goal of this present study was to determine whether Ellagic acid (EA), a natural antioxidant polyphenol found in berries and nuts, mitigates hepatic oxidative stress and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, and thus alleviates NAFLD. Using adult female Goto Kakizaki (GK) rats, a non-obese and spontaneous model of T2DM, we found that EA treatment significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and reduced insulin resistance, as shown by a 21.8% reduction in the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), while triglyceride and total cholesterol levels remained unchanged. Increased hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress present in diabetic GK rats was markedly reduced with EA treatment. This effect was associated with a downregulation of the NADPH oxidase subunit, p47-phox, and overexpression of NF-E2-related factor-2 (NRF2). Moreover, EA was able to decrease the hepatic expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-&alpha;), a transcription factor linked to hypoxia and hepatic steatosis. We further showed that EA treatment activated an insulin signaling pathway in the liver, as evidenced by increased levels of phosphorylated Akt (Ser 473). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EA diminishes blood glucose levels and potently suppress NAFLD in diabetic rats via mechanisms that involve reductions in p47-phox and HIF-&alpha;, upregulation of NRF2 and enhancement of the Akt signaling pathway in the liver. Together, these results reveal that EA improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism as a result of its antioxidant effects. This implies an anti-diabetic effect of EA with beneficial effects for the treatment of hepatic complications in T2DM.

Abstract P141: Fetuin B, a Hepatokine, Causes Acute Endothelium-dependent Vascular Relaxation and Decrease Blood Pressure

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is a direct risk factor to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Fetuin B was identified as a hepatokine secreted by steatotic hepatocytes and released in large amount in T2DM patients. While previous reports showed that fetuin A negatively regulates endothelial function, studies related to fetuin B and vascular function remain undetermined. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that fetuin B impairs endothelial function and arterial blood pressure. Using an invasive left ventricular (LV) catheterization via the carotid artery, we found that in vivo acute administration of recombinant human fetuin B (0.5μg/g body weight) dropped systolic blood pressure in mice within 30 minutes ( 110 ± 2 vs 94 ± 2mmHg, p<0.05). Next, we tested whether fetuin B alters endothelial-dependent relaxation. Aortic rings were incubated acutely with fetuin B (50ng/mL) for 30 minutes prior to functional vascular studies using a wire myograph. Fetuin B potentiated acetylcholine-induced endothelial-dependent relaxation (95.2 ± 2 vs 85.0 ± 3 %, p<0.05, n=3). Fetuin B did not significantly affect vascular contraction induced by phenylephrine. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with Fetuin B for 12 hours displayed augmented phosphorylation of eNOS in the serine 1177 (2.5-fold of increase vs unstimulated cells, p<0.05). Our data showed that our hypothesis was contested since fetuin B facilitated vasorelaxation dependent of endothelium and acutely decreased blood pressure. Together the findings of this present study suggest that increased levels of fetuin B acutely play a protective endothelial vascular role. We are currently testing the long-term effects of fetuin B on the vasculature of T2DM animal models.

Early and sustained exposure to high-sucrose diet triggers hippocampal ER stress in young rats

Early-life environmental insults have been shown to promote long-term development of chronic non-communicable diseases, including metabolic disturbances and mental illnesses. As such, premature consumption of high-sugar foods has been associated to early onset of detrimental outcomes, whereas underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether early and sustained exposure to high-sucrose diet promotes metabolic disturbances that ultimately might anticipate neurological injuries. At postnatal day 21, weaned male rats started to be fed a standard chow (10 % sucrose, CTR) or a high-sucrose diet (25 % sucrose, HSD) for 9 weeks prior to euthanasia at postnatal day 90. HSD did not alter weight gain and feed efficiency between groups, but increased visceral, non-visceral and brown adipose tissue accumulation. HSD rats demonstrated elevated blood glucose levels in both fasting and fed states, which were associated to impaired glucose tolerance. Peripheral insulin sensitivity did not change, whereas hepatic insulin resistance was supported by increased serum triglyceride levels, as well as higher TyG index values. Assessment of hippocampal gene expression showed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways were activated in HSD rats, as compared to CTR. HSD rats had overexpression of unfolded protein response sensors, PERK and ATF6; ER chaperone, PDIA2 and apoptosis-related genes, CHOP and Caspase 3; but decreased expression of chaperone GRP78. Finally, HSD rats demonstrated impaired neuromuscular function and anxious behavior, but preserved cognitive parameters. In conclusion, our data indicate that early exposure to HSD promote metabolic disturbances, which disrupt hippocampus homeostasis and might precociously affect its neurobehavioral functions.

Reproductive alterations in hyperinsulinemic but normoandrogenic MSG obese female rats

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are the common causes of reproductive and fertility disorders in women. In particular, polycystic ovary syndrome, which is clinically characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo/anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology, has been increasingly associated with metabolic disorders. However, given the broad interplay between metabolic and reproductive functions, this remains a field of intense research. In this study, we investigated the effect of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity on reproductive biology of female rats. Newborn female rats were subcutaneously injected with MSG (4g/kg/day) or equiosmolar saline (CTR) each 2 days up to postnatal day (pnd) 10. On pnd 60, estrous cycle was evaluated using vaginal smears twice a day for 15 days, which showed MSG rats to be oligocyclic. Thereafter, animals were killed on estrous phase for blood and tissue collection. MSG rats had increased body mass, accumulation of retroperitoneal and visceral fat pads, and visceral adipocyte hypertrophy compared with CTR rats. MSG rats were also dyslipidemic and hyperinsulinemic but were normoglycemic and normoandrogenic. Ovarian morphology analysis showed that MSG rats had a two-fold decrease in oocyte count but a six-fold increase on ovarian follicular cysts, along with a higher number of total primordial and atretic follicles. Moreover, MSG rats had a four-fold increase in anti-Müllerian hormone immunohistochemical staining on antral follicles. Taken together, data presented here characterize MSG obesity as a unique model to study the metabolic pathways underlying reproductive disorders in the absence of overactivated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels: a prominent source of bioactive molecules against cardiometabolic diseases

Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae) is a worldwide medicinal plant traditionally used in herbal medicines due to its vaunted properties against cardiometabolic disorders, which include: antihyperglycemic, hypolipemiant, antiinflammatory, cardioprotective, and antioxidant activities. These properties have been attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and tannins in different parts of the plant, albeit the knowledge on their mechanisms of action is scarce. This mini-review highlights the cardiometabolic properties of S. cumini by correlating its already identified phytochemicals with their described mechanisms of action. Data herein compiled show that some compounds target multiple metabolic pathways; thereby, becoming potential pharmacological tools. Moreover, the lack of clinical trials on S. cumini usage makes it a fruitful field of interest for both scientific community and pharmaceutical industry.

Mechanisms underlying hypertriglyceridemia in rats with monosodium L-glutamate-induced obesity: evidence of XBP-1/PDI/MTP axis activation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intimately associated with insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia, whereas many of the mechanisms underlying this association are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver of rats subjected to neonatal monosodium L-glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity. At age 120 days old, the MSG-obese animals exhibited hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and liver steatosis, while the control (CTR) group did not. Analysis using fast protein liquid chromatography of the serum lipoproteins revealed that the triacylglycerol content of the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles was twice as high in the MSG animals compared with the CTR animals. The expression of ER stress markers, GRP76 and GRP94, was increased in the MSG rats, promoting a higher expression of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and MTP. As the XBP-1/PDI/MTP axis has been suggested to represent a significant lipogenic mechanism in the liver response to ER stress, our data indicate that hypertriglyceridemia and liver steatosis occurring in the MSG rats are associated with increased MTP expression.