Nutrients

Editorial

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4 pages, 226 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Phytochemicals in Chronic Disease Prevention

by Jing Sun, Shuwei Luo, Jianjun Deng and Haixia Yang

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4933; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234933 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1759

Abstract

Chronic diseases, also known as noncommunicable diseases (NCD), are characterized by long durations and a slow progression of the associated medical conditions [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

Research

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12 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between the Dietary Phytochemical Index and Lower Prevalence of Obesity in Korean Preschoolers

by Ye-Ji Han, Jung-Hyun Baek, Seong-Kwan Jung, Joshua SungWoo Yang, Na-Rae Shin and Mi-Young Park

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112439 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1906

Abstract

Little is known regarding Korean preschooler dietary phytochemical index (DPIs). We used the 24 h recall data of 1196 participants aged 3–5 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to study the association between dietary food intake and obesity prevalence. [...] Read more.

Little is known regarding Korean preschooler dietary phytochemical index (DPIs). We used the 24 h recall data of 1196 participants aged 3–5 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to study the association between dietary food intake and obesity prevalence. The amount of dietary intake by food group was compared according to sex and DPI quartile. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression models. The average total DPI and energy from phytochemical food groups were not significantly different according to sex, although boys had a higher total daily food intake. Different inclinations between DPI quartiles and amount of intake were observed in the food groups; specifically, beans showed a higher intake difference between Q1 and Q4 for boys than in the other food groups. The highest DPI quartile had a significantly lower obesity prevalence than the lowest DPI quartile in all models for boys only when obesity prevalence by weight percentile was analyzed (Model 3, OR: 0.287, 95% CI: 0.095–0.868, p for trend < 0.05). Our results suggest a high DPI could help prevent obesity in preschoolers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

16 pages, 4470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevention of the Pro-Aggressive Effects of Ethanol-Intoxicated Mice by Schisandrin B

by Ho Yin Pekkle Lam, Ting-Ruei Liang and Shih-Yi Peng

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1909; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081909 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health complications, with liver and neurological complications being the most important. In Western nations, alcoholic liver disease accounts for 50% of mortality from end-stage liver disease and is the second most common cause of liver transplants. [...] Read more.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health complications, with liver and neurological complications being the most important. In Western nations, alcoholic liver disease accounts for 50% of mortality from end-stage liver disease and is the second most common cause of liver transplants. In addition to direct damage, hepatic encephalopathy may also arise from alcohol consumption. However, effective treatment for liver disease, as well as neurological injury, is still lacking today; therefore, finding an efficacious alternative is urgently needed. In the current study, the preventive and therapeutic effects of Schisandrin B (Sch B) against ethanol-induced liver and brain injuries were investigated. By using two treatment models, our findings indicated that Sch B can effectively prevent and ameliorate alcoholic liver diseases, such as resolving liver injuries, lipid deposition, inflammasome activation, and fibrosis. Moreover, Sch B reverses brain damage and improves the neurological function of ethanol-treated mice. Therefore, Sch B may serve as a potential treatment option for liver diseases, as well as subsequential brain injuries. Furthermore, Sch B may be useful in preventive drug therapy against alcohol-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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11 pages, 1805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fruit Extract, Rich in Polyphenols and Flavonoids, Modifies the Expression of DNMT and HDAC Genes Involved in Epigenetic Processes

by Ghodratollah Nowrasteh, Afshin Zand, László Bence Raposa, László Szabó, András Tomesz, Richárd Molnár, István Kiss, Zsuzsa Orsós, Gellért Gerencsér, Zoltán Gyöngyi and Tímea Varjas

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081867 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2198

Abstract

Recently, the field of epigenetics has been intensively studied in relation to nutrition. In our study, the gene expression patterns of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which regulate the stability of histone proteins, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which regulate DNA methylation, [...] Read more.

Recently, the field of epigenetics has been intensively studied in relation to nutrition. In our study, the gene expression patterns of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which regulate the stability of histone proteins, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which regulate DNA methylation, were determined in mice. The animals were fed a human-equivalent dose of the aqueous extract of fruit seeds and peels, which is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, for 28 days and then exposed to the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). The concentrations of trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid were determined in the consumed extract by HPLC and were 1.74 mg/L (SD 0.13 mg/L) and 2.37 mg/L (SD 0.32 mg/L), respectively, which corresponds to the consumption of 0.2–1 L of red wine, the main dietary source of resveratrol, in humans daily. Subsequently, 24 h after DMBA exposure, the expression patterns of the HDAC and DNMT genes in the liver and kidneys were determined by qRT-PCR. The DMBA-induced expression of the tested genes HDAC1, HDAC2, DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B was reduced in most cases by the extract. It has already been shown that inhibition of the DNMT and HDAC genes may delay cancer development and tumour progression. We hypothesise that the extract studied may exert chemopreventive effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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19 pages, 3136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Zerumbone, a Phytochemical Sesquiterpenoid from Zingiber zerumbet Smith, in Maintaining Macrophage Polarization and Redox Homeostasis

by Wei-Lan Yeh, Bor-Ren Huang, Guan-Wei Chen, Vichuda Charoensaensuk, Cheng-Fang Tsai, Liang-Yo Yang, Dah-Yuu Lu, Mao-Kai Chen and Chingju Lin

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5402; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245402 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2923

Abstract

Macrophages and microglia are highly versatile cells that can be polarized into M1 and M2 phenotypes in response to diverse environmental stimuli, thus exhibiting different biological functions. In the central nervous system, activated resident macrophages and microglial cells trigger the production of proinflammatory [...] Read more.

Macrophages and microglia are highly versatile cells that can be polarized into M1 and M2 phenotypes in response to diverse environmental stimuli, thus exhibiting different biological functions. In the central nervous system, activated resident macrophages and microglial cells trigger the production of proinflammatory mediators that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, modulating the activation of macrophages and microglia by optimizing the inflammatory environment is beneficial for disease management. Several naturally occurring compounds have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Zerumbone is a phytochemical sesquiterpenoid and also a cyclic ketone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet Smith. In this study, we found that zerumbone effectively reduced the expression of lipocalin-2 in macrophages and microglial cell lines. Lipocalin-2, also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), has been characterized as an adipokine/cytokine implicated in inflammation. Moreover, supplement with zerumbone inhibited reactive oxygen species production. Phagocytic activity was decreased following the zerumbone supplement. In addition, the zerumbone supplement remarkably reduced the production of M1-polarization-associated chemokines CXC10 and CCL-2, as well as M1-polarization-associated cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 and the production of NO were attenuated in macrophages and microglial cells supplemented with zerumbone. Notably, we discovered that zerumbone effectively promoted the production of the endogenous antioxidants heme oxygenase-1, glutamate–cysteine ligase modifier subunit, glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 and remarkably enhanced IL-10, a marker of M2 macrophage polarization. Endogenous antioxidant production and M2 macrophage polarization were increased through activation of the AMPK/Akt and Akt/GSK3 signaling pathways. In summary, this study demonstrated the protective role of zerumbone in maintaining M1 and M2 polarization homeostasis by decreasing inflammatory responses and enhancing the production of endogenous antioxidants in both macrophages and microglia cells. This study suggests that zerumbone can be used as a potential therapeutic drug for the supplement of neuroinflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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21 pages, 4424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Active Ingredients, Beneficial Effects, and Potential Mechanism of Allium tenuissimum L. Flower for Treating T2DM Mice Based on Network Pharmacology and Gut Microbiota

by Shan-Shan Zhang, Yu-Fei Hou, Shao-Jing Liu, Sen Guo, Chi-Tang Ho and Nai-Sheng Bai

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3980; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193980 - 25 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2959

Abstract

Forty compounds were isolated and characterized from A. tenuissimum flower. Among them, twelve flavonoids showed higher α−glucosidase inhibition activities in vitro than acarbose, especially kaempferol. The molecular docking results showed that the binding of kaempferol to α−glucosidase (GAA) could reduce the hydrolysis of [...] Read more.

Forty compounds were isolated and characterized from A. tenuissimum flower. Among them, twelve flavonoids showed higher α−glucosidase inhibition activities in vitro than acarbose, especially kaempferol. The molecular docking results showed that the binding of kaempferol to α−glucosidase (GAA) could reduce the hydrolysis of substrates by GAA and reduce the glucose produced by hydrolysis, thus exhibiting α−glucosidase inhibition activities. The in vivo experiment results showed that flavonoids−rich A. tenuissimum flower could decrease blood glucose and reduce lipid accumulation. The protein expression levels of RAC−alpha serine/threonine−protein kinase (AKT1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2) in liver tissue were increased. In addition, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was increased, the level of gut probiotics Bifidobacterium was increased, and the levels of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus were decreased. The carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and other pathways related to type 2 diabetes mellitus were activated. This study indicating flavonoids−rich A. tenuissimum flower could improve glycolipid metabolic disorders and inflammation in diabetic mice by modulating the protein expression and gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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15 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of α-Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase Properties of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. (Kratom) Leaves

by Thanchanok Limcharoen, Phisit Pouyfung, Ngamrayu Ngamdokmai, Aruna Prasopthum, Aktsar Roskiana Ahmad, Wisdawati Wisdawati, Woraanong Prugsakij and Sakan Warinhomhoun

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3909; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193909 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4687

Abstract

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil.) has been used to reduce blood sugar and lipid profiles in traditional medicine, and mitragynine is a major constituent in kratom leaves. Previous data on the blood sugar and lipid-altering effects of kratom are limited. In this [...] Read more.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil.) has been used to reduce blood sugar and lipid profiles in traditional medicine, and mitragynine is a major constituent in kratom leaves. Previous data on the blood sugar and lipid-altering effects of kratom are limited. In this study, phytochemical analyses of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, quercetin, and rutin were performed in kratom extracts. The effects on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activities were investigated in kratom extracts and mitragynine. The LC-MS/MS analysis showed that the mitragynine, quercetin, and rutin contents from kratom extracts were different. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total alkaloid content (TAC). Additionally, compared to methanol and aqueous extracts, the ethanol extract showed the strongest inhibition activity against α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. Compared with the anti-diabetic agent acarbose, mitragynine showed the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition, with less potent activity of pancreatic lipase inhibition. Analysis of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase kinetics revealed that mitragynine inhibited noncompetitive and competitive effects, respectively. Combining mitragynine with acarbose resulted in a synergistic interaction with α-glucosidase inhibition. These results have established the potential of mitragynine from kratom as a herbal supplement for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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15 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Parkinson’s Disease Cell Model through Abl Inhibition

by Xiao Han, Bing Han, Yue Zhao, Gang Li, Tian Wang, Jie He, Wenxiao Du, Xiaolin Cao, Jing Gan, Zhenhua Wang and Wei Zheng

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3508; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173508 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidative property. With the present study, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of RA on Parkinson’s disease using rotenone induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease, the underlying mechanism of action of RA [...] Read more.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidative property. With the present study, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of RA on Parkinson’s disease using rotenone induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease, the underlying mechanism of action of RA was also investigated. Cell viability, cell morphology, apoptosis, signaling protein phosphorylation and expression, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ATP content, and mitochondrial membrane potential were tested in SH-SY5Y cells. RA showed a neuroprotective effect in a rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease with dose-dependent manner, it reduced cell apoptosis and restored normal cell morphology. RA not only decreased levels of α-synuclein and Tau phosphorylation but also elevated the contents of AMPK phosphorylation, Akt phosphorylation, and PGC-1α. RA restored the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content as well as inhibited rotenone-induced ROS overproduction. Further findings demonstrated that the neuroprotective role of RA was partially due to the inhibition of Abl tyrosine kinase. RA treatment suppressed the hyperphosphorylation of Abl Y412 and CrkII Y221 induced by rotenone. Nilotinib, a specific inhibitor of Abl, elicited a similar neuroprotective effect as that of RA. The present study indicates that RA has a property of neuroprotection against rotenone, and the neuroprotective effect is partially attributed to the inhibition of Abl. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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15 pages, 2093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Clarified Apple Juices with Different Processing Methods on Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics of Rats

by Lei Xu, Shini Yang, Kewen Wang, Anjing Lu, Xue Wang and Zhenzhen Xu

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3488; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173488 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

The consumption of processed foods has increased compared to that of fresh foods in recent years, especially due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Here, we evaluated the health effects of clarified apple juices (CAJs, devoid of pectin and additives) processed to different [...] Read more.

The consumption of processed foods has increased compared to that of fresh foods in recent years, especially due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Here, we evaluated the health effects of clarified apple juices (CAJs, devoid of pectin and additives) processed to different degrees, including not-from-concentrate (NFC) and from-concentrate (FC) CAJs. A 56-day experiment including a juice-switch after 28 days was designed. An integrated analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics of cecal content were performed. In addition, differences in the CAJs tested with respect to nutritional indices and composition of small-molecule compounds were analyzed. The NFC CAJ, which showed a higher phenolic content resulting from the lower processing degree, could improve microbiota diversity and influence its structure. It also reduced bile acid and bilirubin contents, as well as inhibited the microbial metabolism of tryptophan in the gut. However, we found that these effects diminished with time by performing experiment extension and undertaking juice-switching. Our study provides evidence regarding the health effects of processed foods that can potentially be applied to public health policy decision making. We believe that NFC juices with a lower processing degree could potentially be healthier than FC juice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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14 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Grape Pomace and Berries as a New and Sustainable Dietary Supplement: Development, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity Testing

by Adina Frum, Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea, Luca Liviu Rus, Lidia-Ioana Virchea, Claudiu Morgovan, Adriana Aurelia Chis, Anca Maria Arseniu, Anca Butuca, Felicia Gabriela Gligor, Laura Gratiela Vicas, Ovidiu Tita and Cecilia Georgescu

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153065 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2639

Abstract

Grape pomace and berries represent natural sources of phytochemicals that can increase the quality of life of consumers by contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases; thus, the development of a dietary supplement was necessary. The raw material (r.m.) used for the development [...] Read more.

Grape pomace and berries represent natural sources of phytochemicals that can increase the quality of life of consumers by contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases; thus, the development of a dietary supplement was necessary. The raw material (r.m.) used for the development of the dietary supplement consisted of dried and powdered bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), red currants (Ribes rubrum L.), and red fermented pomaces (Vitis vinifera L.) from Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon cultivars. The particle size distribution, powder flow, total phenolic content (TPC), HPLC-DAD phenolic profile assessment, and radical scavenging assay (RSA) were employed for the analysis of the raw material. After encapsulation, the average mass and uniformity of mass, the disintegration, and the uniformity of content for the obtained capsules were performed to obtain a high-quality dietary supplement. All the assays performed complied to the compendial requirements and the TPC was determined at 9.07 ± 0.25 mg gallic acid equivalents/g r.m. and RSA at 48.32 ± 0.74%. The highest quantities of phenolic compounds determined were 333.7 ± 0.50 µg/g r.m. for chlorogenic acid, followed by rutin, ferulic acid, and (+)-catechin with 198.9 ± 1.60 µg/g r.m., 179.8 ± 0.90 µg/g r.m. and 118.7 ± 0.75 µg/g r.m., respectively. The results of this study can be used for the manufacturing and assessing of pilot scale-up capsule batches and thinking of quality assurance, we recommend that the industrial batch extracts should be standardized in polyphenols, and the manufacturing process should be validated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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18 pages, 4886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ginsenoside Rh4 Suppresses Metastasis of Esophageal Cancer and Expression of c-Myc via Targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

by Jun Chen, Zhiguang Duan, Yannan Liu, Rongzhan Fu and Chenhui Zhu

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153042 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2271

Abstract

The metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a leading cause of death worldwide, however, it has a poor prognosis. Ginsenoside Rh4 is a rare saponin that has been shown to have potential antitumor effectiveness in ESCC. However, the utility of Rh4 [...] Read more.

The metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a leading cause of death worldwide, however, it has a poor prognosis. Ginsenoside Rh4 is a rare saponin that has been shown to have potential antitumor effectiveness in ESCC. However, the utility of Rh4 in ESCC metastasis and its undiscovered mode of action has not yet been explored. In this study, we found that Rh4 could inhibit ESCC metastasis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the level of c-Myc, which is an important transcription factor in cancer. In in vitro experiments, Rh4 could inhibit the migration and invasion of ESCC cells without affecting cell viability. In in vivo experiments, Rh4 restrained ESCC metastasis to the lymph nodes and lungs via the suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The Wnt agonist HLY78 promoted EMT and migration of ESCC cells, whereas treatment of Rh4 can attenuate the promotion effect of HLY78. The siRNA knocking out c-Myc can also significantly reduce the expression of EMT-related marker proteins. This study illustrates a new concept for further research on the mechanism of Rh4 in ESCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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22 pages, 1397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Phytoestrogen-Rich Bioactive Substances (Linum usitatissimum L., Glycine max L., Trifolium pratense L.) in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Agata Błaszczuk, Agnieszka Barańska, Wiesław Kanadys, Maria Malm, Monika Elżbieta Jach, Urszula Religioni, Rafał Wróbel, Jolanta Herda and Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122467 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3104

Abstract

The aim of this report was to determine the impact of flaxseed, soy and red clover, and their bioactive substances on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women in cardiovascular diseases prevention. We used the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. [...] Read more.

The aim of this report was to determine the impact of flaxseed, soy and red clover, and their bioactive substances on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women in cardiovascular diseases prevention. We used the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis indicates that the intake of flaxseed by postmenopausal women is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (weighted-mean difference (WMD) = −0.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −0.38 to −0.13; p = 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (WMD = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.30 to −0.08; p = 0.0006), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD = −0.06; 95% CI: −0.11 to −0.01; p = 0.0150). The effect of soy protein on the lipid profile showed a significant decrease in TC levels: WMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.25–0.05; p = 0.0048, LDL-C levels: WMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.25–0.05; p = 0.0067, as well as a significant increase in HDL-C levels: WMD = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.08; p = 0.0034. Changes in the lipid profile showed a significant reduction in TC levels after the use of red clover (WMD = −0.11; 95% CI: −0.18–−0.04; p = 0.0017) and a significant increase in HDL-C levels (WMD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.07; p = 0.0165). This meta-analysis provides evidence that consuming flaxseed, soy and red clover can have a beneficial effect on lipids in postmenopausal women and suggest a favorable effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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25 pages, 4636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening and Isolation of Potential Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Saxifraga atrata via Affinity Ultrafiltration-HPLC and Multi-Target Molecular Docking Analyses

by Gang Li, Yan Fang, Yonggui Ma, Yangzom Dawa, Qilan Wang, Jing Gan and Jun Dang

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122405 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2455

Abstract

In this study, a 100 g sample of Saxifraga atrata was processed to separate 1.3 g of 11-O-(4′-O-methylgalloyl)-bergenin (Fr1) after 1 cycle of MCI GEL^® CHP20P medium pressure liquid chromatography using methanol/water. Subsequently, COX-2 affinity ultrafiltration coupled with reversed-phase liquid chromatography was [...] Read more.

In this study, a 100 g sample of Saxifraga atrata was processed to separate 1.3 g of 11-O-(4′-O-methylgalloyl)-bergenin (Fr1) after 1 cycle of MCI GEL^® CHP20P medium pressure liquid chromatography using methanol/water. Subsequently, COX-2 affinity ultrafiltration coupled with reversed-phase liquid chromatography was successfully used to screen for potential COX-2 ligands in this target fraction (Fr1). After 20 reversed-phase liquid chromatography runs, 74.1 mg of >99% pure 11-O-(4′-O-methylgalloyl)-bergenin (Fr11) was obtained. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of 11-O-(4′-O-methylgalloyl)-bergenin was further validated through molecular docking analyses which suggested it was capable of binding strongly to ALOX15, iNOS, ERBB2, SELE, and NF-κB. As such, the AA metabolism, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways were hypothesized to be the main pathways through which 11-O-(4′-O-methylgalloyl)-bergenin regulates inflammatory responses, potentially functioning by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, blocking pro-inflammatory factor binding to cognate receptors and inhibiting the expression of key proteins. In summary, affinity ultrafiltration-HPLC coupling technology can rapidly screen for multi-target bioactive components and when combined with molecular docking analyses, this approach can further elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of action for these compounds, providing valuable information to guide the further development of new multi-target drugs derived from natural products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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17 pages, 6675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ginsenoside Rh4 Suppresses Metastasis of Gastric Cancer via SIX1-Dependent TGF-β/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway

by Hongbo Jiang, Pei Ma, Zhiguang Duan, Yannan Liu, Shihong Shen, Yu Mi and Daidi Fan

Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081564 - 9 Apr 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2811

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgery remains the cornerstone of gastric cancer treatment, and new strategies with adjuvant chemotherapy are currently gaining more and more acceptance. Ginsenoside Rh4 has excellent antitumor activity. Conversely, the mechanisms involved in [...] Read more.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgery remains the cornerstone of gastric cancer treatment, and new strategies with adjuvant chemotherapy are currently gaining more and more acceptance. Ginsenoside Rh4 has excellent antitumor activity. Conversely, the mechanisms involved in treatment of GC are not completely understood. In this study, we certified that Rh4 showed strong anti-GC efficiency in vitro and in vivo. MTT and colony formation assays were performed to exhibit that Rh4 significantly inhibited cellular proliferation and colony formation. Results from the wound healing assay, transwell assays, and Western blotting indicated that Rh4 restrained GC cell migration and invasion by reversing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further validation by proteomic screening, co-treatment with disitertide, and SIX1 signal silencing revealed that SIX1, a target of Rh4, induced EMT by activating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In summary, our discoveries demonstrated the essential basis of the anti-GC metastatic effects of Rh4 via suppressing the SIX1–TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling axis, which delivers a new idea for the clinical treatment of GC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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15 pages, 1239 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effect of Lycopene Intake on the Fasting Blood Glucose Level: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Takuro Inoue, Kazutaka Yoshida, Erika Sasaki, Koichi Aizawa and Hiroharu Kamioka

Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010122 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3479

Abstract

Lycopene is a lipophilic unsaturated carotenoid exhibiting a strong singlet oxygen-quenching ability. Herein, we investigated the effect of lycopene intake on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses. We searched 15 databases (from the earliest date to [...] Read more.

Lycopene is a lipophilic unsaturated carotenoid exhibiting a strong singlet oxygen-quenching ability. Herein, we investigated the effect of lycopene intake on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses. We searched 15 databases (from the earliest date to June 2022 for PubMed or to August or September 2018 for the other databases) and included human interventional studies that assessed the effects of oral lycopene intake on FBG levels of participants ≥ 18 years of age. Three authors independently selected applicable studies and then assessed the study quality. Data were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and analyzed by the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I² statistics. A meta-analysis including 11 trial arms (n = 750) revealed a tendency towards a significant decrease in FBG level with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = −0.15 (95% CI: −0.31, 0.00), p = 0.05, I² = 9%]. Subgroup meta-analysis including two studies (n = 152) in type 2 diabetes patients revealed significantly decreased FBG levels with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = −0.37 (95% CI: −0.69, −0.05), p = 0.02, I² = 0%]. Most studies meeting the eligibility criteria had a moderate risk of bias. The funnel plot for FBG suggested an absence of publication bias. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analyses suggested that lycopene intake exerted an FBG-decreasing effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals and Chronic Diseases Prevention)

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