Alleviative effects of the parthenolide derivative ACT001 on insulin resistance induced by sodium propionate combined with a high-fat diet and its potential mechanisms

The increasing side effects of traditional medications used to treat type II diabetes have made research into the development of safer and more effective natural medications necessary. ACT001, a derivative of parthenolide, has been shown to have good anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects; however, its role in diabetes is unclear. The short-chain fatty acid propionate is a common food preservative that has been found to cause disturbances in glucose metabolism in mice and humans. This study aimed to investigate whether sodium propionate could aggravate insulin resistance in obese mice and cause diabetes and to study the alleviative effects and potential mechanisms of action of ACT001 on insulin resistance in diabetic mice. Type II diabetic mice were adminietered sodium propionate combined with a high-fat diet (HFD + propionate) by gavage daily for four weeks. Biochemical analysis showed that ACT001 significantly affected blood glucose concentration in diabetic mice, mainly by downregulating the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 and glucose-6-phosphatase. Meanwhile, the level of fatty acid-binding protein 4 in the liver was significantly decreased. ACT001 has a protective effect on the liver and adipose tissue of mice. In addition, the results of the running wheel experiment indicated that ACT001 alleviated the circadian rhythm disorder caused by insulin resistance to a certain extent. This study revealed the potential mechanism by which ACT001 alleviates insulin resistance and provides ideas for developing natural antidiabetic drugs.

Effect and regulation of fatty acids on bacillomycin D synthesis

Bacillomycin D is a cyclic antimicrobial lipopeptide that has excellent antifungal effects, but its application is limited due to its low yield. At present, it is not clear whether fatty acids regulate the synthesis of bacillomycin D. Therefore, the effects of nine fatty acids on the yield of bacillomycin D produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fmbJ were studied. The results showed that sodium propionate, propionic acid, and butyric acid could increase the yield of bacillomycin D by 44, 40, and 10%, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of bacillomycin D synthesis gene, signaling factors and genes related to fatty acid metabolism, so as to explore the mechanism of sodium propionate regulating bacillomycin D synthesis. In conclusion, sodium propionate could accelerate the tricarboxylic acid cycle and promoted spore formation, cell movement, the secretion of extracellular protease and the transcription of bacillomycin D synthesis gene by upregulating the expression of signal factors degU, degQ, sigH, sigM and spo0A and ultimately promoted the synthesis of bacillomycin D. In this study, the mechanism of sodium propionate increasing bacillomycin D production was explored from multiple perspectives, which provided theoretical support for the large-scale production of bacillomycin D and was expected to promote its wide application in food, agriculture and medicine fields.

Sodium propionate improves cognitive and memory function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

This study was designed to explore whether sodium propionate (SP) alleviates cognitive damage in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We evaluated behavioral and biochemical aspects in an animal model of AD made by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ_1-42 peptide. Two-month-old ICR mice were treated with SP or normal saline for 21 days (control group, Aβ_1-42 group, Aβ_1-42+SP50 mg/kg group, Aβ_1-42+SP100 mg/kg group, and Aβ_1-42+SP200 mg/kg group). Behavioral tests showed that SP alleviated cognitive and memory impairments in AD mice. Moreover, SP treatment significantly suppressed the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus. Concomitantly, the overexpression of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the hippocampus induced by Aβ_1-42 was significantly reduced following treatment with SP. In addition, SP was able to increase the levels of synaptophysin (SYN) and postsynaptic dense protein 95 (PSD95). Our study shows that SP could significantly improve Aβ_1-42-induced spatial learning and memory impairment by reducing neuroinflammation via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and iNOS activation and restoring synapse plasticity by increasing synaptically associated protein levels, suggesting that SP has a positive effect and potential for AD therapies.

Sodium propionate protect the blood-milk barrier integrity, relieve lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury and cells apoptosis

AIMS

Sodium propionate (SP) has been reported to possess an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potential by inhibiting certain signaling pathways and helps in reducing the pathological damages of the mammary gland. However, the effects of sodium propionate on attenuating Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory condition and cell damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) are not comprehensively studied yet. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the protective effects of sodium propionate on LPS-induced inflammatory conditions and to clarify the possible underlying molecular mechanism in bMECs.

MAIN METHODS

The effects of increasing doses of SP on LPS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis was studied in vitro. Furthermore, the underlying protective mechanisms of SP on LPS-stimulated bMECs was investigated under different experimental conditions.

KEY FINDINGS

The results reveled that increased inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and those of tight junction's mRNA expression was significantly attenuated dose-dependently by propionate. Biochemical analysis revealed that propionate pretreatment modulated the LPS-induced intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, oxidative and antioxidant factors and apoptosis rate. Furthermore, we investigated that the LPS activated nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), caspase/Bax apoptotic pathways and Histone deacetylases (HDAC) was significantly attenuated by propionate in bMECs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that sodium propionate is a potent agent for ameliorating LPS-mediated cellular disruption and limiting detrimental inflammatory responses, partly via maintaining blood milk barrier integrity, inhibiting HDAC activity and NF-kB signaling pathway.

Short chain fatty acids and colon motility in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is defined as a multifactorial disorder associated with visceral hypersensitivity, altered gut motility and dysfunction of the brain-gut axis. Gut microbiota and its metabolites are proposed as possible etiological factors of IBS. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) induce both inhibitory and stimulatory action on colon motility, however, their effects on the IBS model were not investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate the level of SFCAs in feces and their effects on colon motility in a mouse model of IBS.

Methods

IBS model was induced in mice by intracolonic infusion of 1% acetic acid during the early postnatal period. Mice colon hypersensitivity was assessed by the threshold of the abdominal withdrawal reflex in response to colorectal distention. Colon contractility was studied using proximal colon specimens in isometric conditions. Transit rates were assessed by the pellet propulsion in the isolated colon. Concentrations of SCFAs in feces were measured using gas–liquid chromatography.

Results

The concentration of SCFAs in feces of IBS model mice was higher compared to the control group. Visceral sensitivity to colorectal distension and colonic transit rate were increased indicating IBS with predominant diarrhea. The frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of proximal colon segments from IBS mice were higher, but carbachol induced contractions were lower compared to control. During acute application of SCFAs (sodium propionate, sodium acetate or butyric acid) dose-dependently (0.5–30 mM) decreased tonic tension, frequency and amplitude of spontaneous and carbachol-evoked contractions. In the mouse IBS group the inhibitory effects SCFAs on spontaneous and carbachol-evoked contractions were less pronounced. At the same time intraluminal administration of butyrate (5 mM) increased the transit rate in the colon of both groups, but its stimulatory effect was more pronounced in mouse IBS model group.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the increased transit rate in the mouse IBS model group is associated with a disbalance of activating and inhibiting action of SCFAs due to chronically elevated SCFA levels, which may impact the pathogenesis of IBS with predominant diarrhea syndrome.

Comparative effect of sodium butyrate and sodium propionate on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells MCF-7

INTRODUCTION

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are ubiquitous lipids produced as a result of bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. While their role in colorectal cancer is well known, the effect of SCFAs in breast cancer is poorly defined.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the various effects of SCFAs on breast carcinogenesis, we investigated the effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) and sodium propionate (NaP) in MCF-7 cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells were incubated with different concentrations of NaB or NaP for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. Cell proliferation was assayed using MTT kit. Cell cycle was performed using propidium iodide staining then analyzed with a flow cytometer. Apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst technique and cell-cycle sub-G1 phase.

RESULTS

NaB and NaP inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with respective IC₅₀ of 1.26 mM and 4.5 mM, thus indicating that NaB is more potent than NaP. Low and medium levels of both SCFAs induced morphology changes which are characteristic of a differentiated phenotype. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a blockage in G1 growth phase. Interestingly, removing NaB or NaP from culture media after few days of treatment showed a reversible effect on cell morphology and proliferation where cells reentered the cycle after 24 h of drug wash-out. Finally, treatment with medium levels of these molecules induced low MCF-7 apoptosis, while higher doses led to massive apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that SCFAs may be considered as an interesting inhibitor for breast cancer progression.

Protective effect of sodium propionate in Aβ1-42 -induced neurotoxicity and spinal cord trauma

Sodium propionate (SP) is one of the main short chain fatty acids (SCFA) that can be produced naturally through host metabolic pathways. SP have been documented and include the reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators in an in vivo model of colitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of SP in reducing inflammatory process associated to neurological disorders. We performed both in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease, induced by oligomeric Aβ_1-42 stimulation, and in in vivo model of spinal cord injury (SCI) in which neuroinflammation plays a crucial role. For in vitro model, the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was first differentiated with retinoic acid (100 μM) for 24 h and then stimulated by oligomeric Aβ_1-42 (1 μg/ml) and treated with SP at 0.1- 1-10 μM concentrations for another 24 h. Instead, the in vivo model of SCI was induced by extradural compression of the spinal cord at T6-T8 levels, and animals were treated with SP (10-30-100 mg/kg o.s) 1 and 6 h after SCI. Our results demonstrated that both in in vitro neuroinflammatory model and in vivo model of SCI the treatment with SP significantly reduced NF-κB nuclear translocation and IκBα degradation, as well as decreases COX-2 and iNOS expressions evaluated by Western blot analysis. Moreover, we showed that SP treatment significantly ameliorated histopathology changes and improved motor recovery in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that SP possesses neuroprotective effects, suggesting it could represent a target for therapeutic intervention in neuroinflammatory disorders.

Effect of electro-activated solutions of sodium acetate and sodium propionate on geosmin producing Streptomyces avermitilis strain

Electro-activated solutions of salts of weak organic acids are defined as novel potent disinfecting agents that can be used in the agri-food industry. The aim of the present work is to study and understand the destruction mechanism of electro-activated solutions of sodium acetate (EAA) and sodium propionate (EAP) against Streptomyces avermitilis spores. The results of antibacterial activity showed high bacteriostatic effect for all the tested solutions, including sodium hypochlorite used as positive control. Under specific conditions, test on minimal inhibitory concentration demonstrated that the used electro-activated solutions have inhibition activity comparable or higher than the control solution, with the following inhibiting concentrations of 0.004, 0.002 and 0.073 mol/L, for EAA, EAP and NaOCl, respectively. The most active solutions resulted in destruction effect of more than 7 log CFU/mL. The physiological state of the S. avermitilis spores was assessed by transmission electron microscopy after treatments with the electro-activated organic solutions and NaOCl. The results displayed coreless and/or deformed cellular forms with ruptured membranes and released components of spores. The main practical importance of this study is that the targeted final objective is to develop safe and effective alternative to sodium hypochlorite to ensure microbial safety of fresh vegetables under storage conditions. In this context, we studied the potential of electro-activated solutions of sodium acetate and sodium propionate against spores of Streptomyces avermitilis and compared this activity with sodium hypochlorite, the mostly used disinfecting agent in the agri-food industry.

Modulation of antioxidant defense and immune response in zebra fish (Danio rerio) using dietary sodium propionate

The present study explores the effect of dietary sodium propionate on mucosal immune response and expression of antioxidant enzyme genes in zebra fish (Danio rerio). Six hundred healthy zebra fish (0.42 ± 0.06 g) supplied, randomly stocked in 12 aquariums and fed on basal diets supplemented with different levels of sodium propionate [0 (control), 5, 10 and 20 g kg^-1] for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, mucosal immune parameters (TNF-α, IL-1β, Lyz), antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) as well as heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression were measured. The results revealed feeding on sodium propionate significantly up-regulated inflammatory response genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, Lyz) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). However, antioxidant enzyme genes significantly down-regulated in the treated group compared with control (P < 0.05). Also, HSP70 gene expression was higher in the liver of fish fed the basal diet and deceased with elevation of sodium propionate levels in the diet. These results showed beneficial effects of dietary sodium propionate on mucosal immune response as well as the antioxidant defense of zebra fish.

Dietary sodium propionate improved performance, mucosal and humoral immune responses in Caspian white fish (Rutilus frisii kutum) fry

The present study investigates the efficiency of graded levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2%) of sodium propionate (SP) on Caspian white fish (Rutilus frisii kutum) fry growth performance, skin mucus immune response as well as humoral immune parameters. Fish were divided into 5 groups repeated in triplicates and each group were fed on experimental diets for 7 weeks. Growth performance parameters, skin mucus total immunoglobulin (Ig) level, lysozyme, protease and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as well as the non-specific humoral immune response (total Ig, lysozyme, alternative haemolytic complement activity (ACH50) were determined at the end of feeding trial. The results showed that supplementation of diet with 0.25% SP significantly improved growth performance compared control group (P < 0.05). Evaluation of skin mucus immune parameters revealed significant elevation in fish fed SP supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Variation in the levels of responses was evident among different SP level and more pronounced in 0.25% and 0.5% treatments. Regarding non-specific humoral response, remarkably increased lysozyme and ACH50 activities were observed in 0.25% and 0.5% groups compared other treatments (P < 0.05); highest level in 0.25% SP fed fish. No significant change was noticed for serum total Ig compared control group (P > 0.05), except 0.25% SP treatment which was significantly higher than those in other groups (P < 0.05). These results revealed that inclusion of administration of 0.25% and 0.5% SP in early stage of the Caspian white fish culture could improve mucosal and non-specific immune responses as well as performance.

Sodium Propionate To Control Clostridium botulinum Toxigenesis in a Shelf-Stable Beef Product Prepared by Using Combined Processes Including Irradiation

The antibotulinal effect of sodium propionate was evaluated by a factorial-design experiment and by an inoculated-pack study on a shelf-stable beef product. Processing of samples involved curing, cooking, vacuum packing, and gamma irradiation. The factorial-design experiment involved 240 samples treated with 0, 0.8, 2.0, and 3.3% sodium propionate, challenged with 10¹ to 10⁵ spores of type A Clostridium botulinum per package, irradiated with 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kGy, and stored at 28°C for up to 4 months. In the pack study, 110 samples with 2% added sodium propionate were challenged with 10⁸ spores of C. botulinum per package, irradiated with 12.5 kGy, and stored (28°C) for 8 months. Addition of 0.8% sodium propionate resulted in a delay (compared to control samples) in toxigenesis of 18 (5 kGy), 34 (2.5 kGy), and 34 (7.5 kGy) days, while no toxin was detected in samples irradiated with 10 kGy. Samples containing 2 and 3.3% sodium propionate were not toxic at any irradiation dose assayed. A safety level, expressed as the number of decimal reductions (DR = log 1/P) for the combination 0.8% sodium propionate and 10 kGy, was estimated to be >4.4. In the inoculated pack study, 2 of 107 samples became toxic, and the safety level treatment resulted in 10.7 DR. Sodium propionate in combination with other processing factors was very effective in preventing C. botulinum toxigenesis: it can be used as a further safety hurdle in the development of shelf-stable meat products.