Protective Effects of Three Flavonoids from Dendrobium huoshanense Flowers on Alcohol-Induced Hepatocyte Injury via Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting NF-κB Pathways.

Dendrobium huoshanense flowers have been widely used for liver protection in China. This work was aimed to discover the natural products with activity of mitigating alcoholic hepatocyte injury from Dendrobium huoshanense flowers via bioactivity-guided isolation, and to clarify the underlying mechanisms of these natural products. As a result, three flavonoids, 3'-O-methylquercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (1), 3'-O-methylquercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2) and quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), were firstly isolated from D. huoshanense flowers. Results exhibited that flavonoids 1-3 could enhance the cell viability, decrease the expression of ALT and AST, inhibit the cell apoptosis, alleviate the oxidative stress, and mitigate the inflammatory response of alcohol-induced L02 cells. Mechanism study exhibited that flavonoids 1-3 could increase the expression of Nrf2 as well as its downstream antioxidation genes of alcohol-induced L02 cells, while ML-385 (Nrf2 inhibitor) could abolish the inhibitory effects of 1-3 on alcohol-induced hepatocyte injury. Flavonoids 1-3 could also reduce the phosphorylation levels of IκBα and NF-κB p65 of alcohol-induced L02 cells, while SC75741 (NF-κB inhibitor) could not enhance the inhibitory effects of 1-3 on alcohol-induced L02 cells injury. The data above indicated that flavonoids 1-3 could inhibit alcohol-induced hepatocyte injury, which might be attributed to alleviating oxidative stress and mitigating inflammatory response by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF-κB pathways.

Renoprotective Effect of Laminaria japonica Polysaccharide in Adenine-Induced Chronic Renal Failure.

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem worldwide. In this work, we investigated the effects of a purified Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP61A) on renal function using an adenine-induced CRF mice model. Results exhibited that adenine treatment caused serious renal pathological damages and elevation of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen of mice. However, these changes could be significantly reversed by the administration of LJP61A in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, LJP61A could dramatically reduce weight loss, improve the urine biochemical index, and regulate the electrolyte disturbance of CRF mice. These results suggest that the renal function of adenine-induced CRF mice can be improved by LJP61A, which might be developed into a potential therapeutic agent for CRF patients.

Association of oral endothelin receptor antagonists with risks of cardiovascular events and mortality: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) are widely used in a variety of disorders, including pulmonary artery hypertension, systemic sclerosis, diabetic and kidney diseases, and several tumors. However, reported adverse events, especially increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, have cast doubt on their potential clinical application. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to confirm whether ERAs increased CVD risk and mortality. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed (1966-2015), EMBASE (1974-2015), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register Database for randomized controlled trials published between Jan 1, 1990 and Mar 18, 2015. Inclusion criteria included a study duration of more than 3 weeks, the use of a randomized control group receiving an oral ERA or placebo, and the availability of outcome data for cardiovascular events and all-cause death. RESULTS: A total of 33 trials met the inclusion criteria. There were 8098 cases in the ERA group and 5074 cases in the placebo group. Compared with the control group, the risk ratio (RR) for all-cause death in the ERA group was 0.983 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.883 to 1.094, P = 0.754]. The summary RR for cardiovascular events was 1.651 in the ERA group (95% CI, 1.164 to 2.34, P = 0.005). The pooled results showed that ERAs treatment could lead to more edema, anemia, and abnormal transaminase levels. Also, there was an increased proportion of discontinued therapy in the ERA treatment because of side effects (RR = 1.322, 95% CI, 1.036 to 1.686, P = 0.025). There were no significant differences in the experienced episodes of headache and dyspnea between the active therapy and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: ERAs therapy is not significantly associated with increased all-cause death, but there are more cardiovascular events and edema or fluid retention, anemia, and liver enzymes disorder. Large clinical randomized controlled studies are needed to further confirm the safety of the clinical application of ERAs.

Effects of using primary percutaneous coronary interventions on the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation following an acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with increased risk of mortality. HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients who go on to develop new-onset a AF after undergoing a primary or delayed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for an acute STEMI and to explore possible risk factors. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four patients who underwent PCI after STEMI were included in the study. Patient characteristics, baseline blood tests and cardiac parameters, type of PCI, and incidence of new-onset AF within 3 months of PCI were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen developed new-onset AF following the PCI, and 139 patients maintained a sinus rhythm. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the two patient groups in terms of age, nature of the PCI (primary vs. delayed), left atrial diameter, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (p < .05). Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.065, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-1.127, p < .05) and left atrial diameter (OR = 1.165, 95% CI: 1.008-1.347, p < .05), were independent predictors of new-onset AF after PCI. Primary PCI (OR = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.066-0.814, p < .05) was an independent protective factor. CONCLUSION: Age and left atrial diameter were independent risk factors of new-onset AF in patients undergoing a PCI following an acute myocardial infarction, while primary PCI was a protective factor. This discovery can help reduce mortality rate, improve long-term prognosis, and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of new-onset AF.

Comparisons in phytochemical components and in vitro digestion properties of corresponding peels, flesh and seeds separated from two blueberry cultivars.

Highbush blueberries (HB) and rabbiteye blueberries (RB) were separated into peels, flesh, and seeds to assess the compositions of nutriment, anthocyanins, soluble sugars and fatty acids, and the in vitro digesting abilities. Total phenolics contents (TPC) of 51-56 mg GAE/g DW were found in blueberry peels. Compared with HB peels, RB peels showed much higher TPC, but only contained 35 phenolics and lacked peonidin-3-O-rutinoside. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose were all present in HB and RB, but RB flesh had a higher acid-sugar ratio. Unsaturated fatty acid concentrations in HB and RB seeds were comparable (26.65 and 26.43 mg/g, respectively). However, HB seeds have 35 fatty acids, but RB seeds lacked cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid and cis-10-pentadecenoic acid. The in vitro digestion test showed that the whole fruit/peels/flesh of RB had a higher recovery and bioavailability index of phenolics and anthocyanins. Therefore, the reuse of blueberry pomace needs to be emphasized. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01326-w.

Clinical features and genetic analysis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by biallelic variants of CACNA1B.

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and genetic etiology of a patient with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Methods: The clinical information and peripheral blood of the patient and their family members were collected before the whole exome sequencing analysis was performed and Sanger sequencing was employed to verify the potential variant. Results: The patient presented with epilepsy and cerebral palsy with his parents, brother, and sister being all healthy. Whole exome sequencing analysis revealed that the child carried the paternal c.823del (p. R275Gfs*31) heterozygous variant and the maternal c.2456del (p.V819Gfs*190) heterozygous variant of the CACNA1B gene. Pedigree verification found that the elder brother and amniotic fluid of fetus in womb carried the paternal c.823del heterozygous variant, and the elder sister carried the maternal c.2456del heterozygous variant, which conformed to the law of autosomal recessive inheritance. Neither of these two variants has been reported in the literature and has not been included in the Genomic Mutation Frequency Database (gnomAD); according to the American Academy of Medical Genetics and Genomics Variation Grading Guidelines (ACMG), both variants are classified as pathogenic variants (PVS1+PM2-Supporting + PM3). Conclusion: This study reported the first case of a child with neurodevelopmental disorder and epilepsy caused by a new compound heterozygous variant of the CACNA1B gene in China, clarified its genetic etiology, enriched the mutation spectrum and disease spectrum of CACNA1B gene, and provided a basis for prenatal diagnosis of the family.

Codonopsis lanceolata polysaccharide ameliorates high-fat diet induced-postpartum hypogalactia via stimulating prolactin receptor-mediated Jak2/Stat5 signaling.

This study aims to investigate the ameliorative effect of Codonopsis lanceolata polysaccharide (PCL) on mice with hypogalatia induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the potential underlying mechanism. We found that oral administration of PCL demonstrated significant benefits in countering the negative effects of HFD, including weight gain, hepatic steatosis, mesenteric adipocyte hypertrophy, and abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism. In addition, PCL improved mammary gland development and enhanced lactogenesis performance. Histologically, PCL ameliorated the retardation of ductal growth, reduced mammary fat pad thickness, improved the incomplete linear encapsulation of luminal epithelium and myoepithelium, and increased the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PCL mitigated the detrimental effects of HFD on mammary gland development by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that PCL upregulated the levels of prolactin (PRL) and its receptor (PRLR) in the mammary gland, activated JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway, and increased the expression of p63, ERBB4, and NRG1. Overall, PCL can ameliorate HFD-induced hypogalactia by activating PRLR-mediated JAK2/STAT5 signaling. Our findings offer a methodological and theoretical foundation for investigating the functional constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypogalactia.

Purification, structural characteristics and anti-atherosclerosis activity of a novel green tea polysaccharide.

A new homogeneous polysaccharide (TPS3A) was isolated and purified from Tianzhu Xianyue fried green tea by DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephacryl S-500 column chromatography. Structural characterization indicated that TPS3A mainly consisted of arabinose, galactose, galacturonic acid and rhamnose in a molar ratio of 5.84: 4.15: 2.06: 1, with an average molecular weight of 1.596 × 104 kDa. The structure of TPS3A was characterized as a repeating unit consisting of 1,3-Galp, 1,4-Galp, 1,3,6-Galp, 1,3-Araf, 1,5-Araf, 1,2,4-Rhap and 1-GalpA, with two branches on the C6 of 1,3,6-Galp and C2 of 1,2,4-Rhap, respectively. To investigate the preventive effects of TPS3A on atherosclerosis, TPS3A was administered orally to ApoE-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. Results revealed that TPS3A intervention could effectively delay the atherosclerotic plaque progression, modulate dyslipidemia, and reduce the transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype by activating the expression of contractile marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and inhibiting the expression of synthetic marker osteopontin (OPN) in high-fat diet-induced ApoE-/- mice. Our findings suggested that TPS3A markedly alleviated atherosclerosis by regulating dyslipidemia and phenotypic transition of VSMCs, and might be used as a novel functional ingredient to promote cardiovascular health.

[Protective effects of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense on CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense (DHP) against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice. METHOD: Eighty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, dextran control group, starch control group, hydrolyzate control group, three different dose of DPH groups consisting of high-dosage group, middle-dosage group and low-dosage group (200, 100, 50 mg x kg(-1)). Each group contained ten mice. The mice were treated with DHP via intragastric administration for 15 days before treatment of 50% CCl4 in olive oil for consecutive two days. Both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver tissues were determined in all groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TNF-alpha in hepatic tissue. Hepatic histopathological examination was observed. RESULT: DHP effectively decreased the activities of ALT and AST in serum and the contents of hepatic MDA, and restored hepatic SOD activities in acute liver injury mice. Liver tissue damage induced by CCl4 was ameliorated in mice with DHP administration through histopathology examination. Furthermore, the expression of TNF-alpha was greatly decreased in groups treated with polysaccharides. CONCLUSION: DHP has a significantly hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. Protective effect of DHP on the liver may be related to its function of scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and TNF-alpha expression.

Laminaria japonica polysaccharide attenuates podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transformation via TGF-ß1-mediated Smad3 and p38MAPK pathways.

In the present work, we explored the interventional effect and potential mechanism of a purified Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP61A) on podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TGF-ß1-induced podocytes and adriamycin-treated mice. Results showed that compared to the model groups, LJP61A significantly up-regulated the levels of epithelial markers (Nephrin, WT-1, podocin) and down-regulated the levels of mesenchymal markers (α-SMA, FN1) in vitro and in vivo, thus preventing EMT-like morphological changes of podocytes, proteinuria and kidney injury. Smad3 and p38MAPK are two central pathways mediating podocyte EMT activated by TGF-ß1. We found that LJP61A suppressed TGF-ß1-induced activation of Smad3, Smad4 and p38MAPK in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the inhibitory actions of LJP61A on podocyte EMT were synergistically strengthened by Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 and p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580. Taken together, these findings revealed that LJP61A could prevent podocyte EMT, which might be related to the inhibition of TGF-ß1-mediated Smad3 and p38MAPK pathways.

Inhibition of Ca2+-calpain signaling is a new mechanism using Laminaria japonica polysaccharide to prevent macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis.

The Ca2+-calpain signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating the upstream signaling pathway of cellular autophagy. The aim of the current work was to investigate the role of Ca2+-calpain signaling in the regulation of macrophage autophagy by a Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP61A) in Ox-LDL induced macrophages and high fat diet fed atherosclerotic mice. Results revealed that the LJP61A markedly decreased the levels of intracellular Ca2+, calpain1, calpain2 and their downstream effectors (Gsα, cAMP and IP3), and simultaneously enhanced autophagy activity and lipid metabolism, thereby reducing lipid accumulation in the Ox-LDL stimulated macrophages and lipid-laden plaques in atherosclerotic mice. Moreover, BAPTA-AM (a Ca2+ chelator) and calpeptin (a calpain inhibitor) synergistically strengthened the beneficial effects of LJP61A on autophagy and lipid metabolism by decreasing the levels of intracellular Ca2+, calpain1, calpain2, and their downstream effectors (Gsα, cAMP and IP3) induced by Ox-LDL. These findings suggested that the LJP61A suppressed macrophage derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis by modulating the Ca2+-calpain-mediated autophagy.

Infrared radiation blanching-inhibited browning and extended shelf life of pecan kernels.

To evaluate infrared radiation (IR) blanching in comparison to conventional hot water (HW) blanching in inhibiting the browning and extending the shelf life of pecan kernels, the technology of IR blanching at 500-700 W for 90-45 s or HW blanching at 90°C for 60 s, and subsequently drying with hot air at 60, 70, and 80°C, respectively, was used, and then the activities of lipoxidase (LOX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), antioxidant capacities, color change, microscopic structure, and the shelf life of kernels were analyzed. Results showed that IR blanching not only significantly decreased the subsequent drying time but also effectively inactivated the activities of LOX and PPO, showing a lower residual activity of 15.74%-40.41% and 16.75%-56.25%, respectively. A higher retention of total phenolics was observed in kernels subjected to IR blanching, from 25.03 ± 0.04 to 29.50 ± 0.96 mg GAE/g compared with HW blanching (14.43 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g). Meanwhile, IR-blanched samples showed lower peroxide values, p-anisidine values, total color difference values, browning index, quinones contents, and lipofuscin-like pigments levels but had higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition rate and better storage stabilities than HW-blanched samples. The technology of IR blanching at 600 W for 60 s followed by drying with hot air at 70°C for 40 min is suitable for producing pecan kernels with better qualities and a longer shelf life, through inactivating the endogenous enzymatic reactions and inhibiting the formation of lipofuscin-like pigments. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Blanching is an essential pretreatment of food processing. Conventional blanching is achieved by hot water, which has some disadvantages of low-intensity enzyme inactivation, loss of water-soluble substances, etc. In this study, the potential of using infrared blanching, prior to drying, was studied to find solutions to improve the nutritional value, and the shelf life of pecan kernels. The results showed that infrared blanching at 600 W for 60 s followed by drying with hot air at 70°C for 40 min could inhibit the color degradation, improve the oxidation resistance, and prolong the shelf life of kernels.

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua Polysaccharide Alleviates Fatigue by Modulating Osteocalcin-Mediated Crosstalk between Bones and Muscles.

Osteocalcin was reported to regulate muscle energy metabolism, thus fighting fatigue during exercise. The current work aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue effect and the underlying mechanism of a homogeneous polysaccharide (PCPY-1) from Polgonatum cyrtonema after structure characterization. In the exhaustive swimming mouse model and the co-culture system of BMSCs/C2C12 cells, PCPY-1 significantly stimulated BMSC differentiation into osteoblasts as determined by ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and the protein expressions of osteogenic markers BMP-2, phosphor-Smad1, RUNX2, and osteocalcin. Meanwhile, PCPY-1 remarkably enhanced myoblast energy metabolism by upregulating osteocalcin release and GPRC6A protein expression; the phosphorylation levels of CREB and HSL; the mRNA levels of GLUT4, CD36, FATP1, and CPT1B; and ATP production in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, PCPY-1 exhibited good anti-fatigue capacity in mice as confirmed by fatigue-related indicators. Our findings indicated PCPY-1 could enhance osteocalcin-mediated communication between bones and muscles, which was conducive to muscle energy metabolism and ATP generation, thus alleviating fatigue in exhausted swimming mice.

[Comparison on physicochemical properties and immun activities of polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages of Dendrobium huoshanense].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the physicochemical properties and immun activities of polysaccharides extracted from cultures at different development stages of Dendrobium huoshanense. METHODS: Polysaccharides were extracted by hot water and alcohol precipitation, and isolated by anion exchange chromatography. The physicochemical properties of polysaccharides were analyzed by spectrophotometry, GC-MS, IR and fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). ELISA was used to determine the immun activities of polysaccharides. RESULTS: The polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages of D. huoshanense had no obvious discrepancy in contents. 5 polysaccharides were isolated by anion exchange chromatography with the same elution conditions. GC-MS analysis showed that the polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages of D. huoshanense consisted of glucose, mannose and galactose. IR and FACE displayed that different polysaccharides had no significant change in chemical properties. In vitro experiments with spleen cells proved that the polysaccharides from cultures at different development stages had similar effects on stimulating IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha releases. CONCLUSION: No significant differences are found in the physico-chemical properties and immun activities of polysaccharides extracted from cultures at different development stages of D. huoshanense, suggesting that the polysaccharides of D. huoshanense have stability in quality to some extent during tissue culture.

Microencapsulation of blueberry anthocyanins by spray drying with soy protein isolates/high methyl pectin combination: Physicochemical properties, release behavior in vitro and storage stability.

Eleven anthocyanins in the blueberry anthocyanins powders (BAP) were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. BAP microcapsules (MBAP) were produced by spray drying using high methyl pectin (HMP) combined with whey protein isolates (WPI) or soy protein isolates (SPI) in different proportions as wall materials. Generally, SPI/HMP combination was more efficient in increasing the encapsulation efficiency and Tg, and in decreasing the particle size and hygroscopicity of the microcapsules than WPI or HMP or WPI/HMP combination. Microcapsules created with 4% SPI + 2% HMP combination (MBAPc), possessed superior anthocyanin release behavior and antioxidant stability to those produced with 4% SPI alone (MBAPs). Both MBAPc and MBAPs had continuous release of anthocyanins throughout the simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and exhibited two first-order kinetics, but MBAPc exhibited higher stability than MBAPs and BAP, because it showed the longest half-life and the lowest anthocyanin degradation rate at 25 °C and 35 °C during 6-months' storage.

Bioactive polysaccharides and their potential health benefits in reducing the risks of atherosclerosis: A review.

Atherosclerosis is a kind of lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease of arteries and is the principal pathological basis of life-threatening cardiovascular disease events, such as strokes and heart attacks. Clinically, statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but prolonged use of these drugs exhibit many adverse reactions and have limited efficacy. Polysaccharides are important natural biomacromolecules widely existing in plants, animals, microorganisms and algae. They have drawn considerable attention worldwide due to their multiple healthy functions, along with their non-toxic property. Importantly, a growing number of studies have demonstrated that bioactive polysaccharides exhibit prominent efficiency in controlling atherosclerotic risk factors like hyperlipemia, hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In recent decades, various bioactive polysaccharides with different structural features and anti-atherosclerotic potential from natural sources have been isolated, purified, and characterized. The aim of this review is to focus on the research progress of natural polysaccharides in reducing the risks of atherosclerosis based on evidence of in vitro and in vivo studies from 1966 to 2022. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the future, it is still necessary to strengthen the research on the development and mechanism of polysaccharides with anti-atherosclerotic potential. These anti-atherosclerotic polysaccharides with different structural characteristics and physiochemical properties from different sources will constitute a huge source of materials for future applications, especially in functional foods and drugs. The information summarized here may serve as useful reference materials for further investigation, production, and application of these polysaccharides in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Co-encapsulation systems for delivery of bioactive ingredients.

To improve the solubility, stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, a series of delivery systems have been designed and developed in recent years. However, most delivery systems are limited to loading a single nutrient. Co-delivery systems that encapsulate two or more nutrients have great sense to enhance the nutritional values and health benefits of food products. In this paper, the recent advancements of co-encapsulation systems including emulsions, nanoparticles, microcapsules, liposomes, hydrogels, and related products have been reviewed. The co-encapsulation mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in various delivery systems were illustrated. Furthermore, the release, digestion and absorption mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in the human digestive system were also discussed. Co-encapsulation systems have the ability to mask astringency of different bioactive ingredients and enhance their stability and bioavailability, as well as to maximize the biological function of bioactive ingredients with synergistic effect. The present review provides examples for the application of co-encapsulation systems in food industries.

The nanomicelles consisting of lotus root amylopectin and quinoa protein: Construction and encapsulation for quercetin.

To improve the water solubility, stability and bioavailability of quercetin, the quercetin (Que)-quinoa protein (QP)-lotus root amylopectin (LRA) nanomicelles (Que-QP-LRA) were constructed via self-assembly in the present study. Results showed that a uniform and stable Que-QP-LRA nanomicelles was formed when the mass ratio of Que/QP/LRA was 2.5:6:24. Under this condition, the particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the nanomicelles were 157.3 nm, 0.289 and -16.7 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy exhibited that the Que-QP-LRA nanomicelles have a core-shell structure. The analysis of molecular interaction indicated that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction were the main driving forces to maintain stable structure of Que-QP-LRA nanomicelles. Additionally, the in vitro simulated digestion experiments suggested that Que-QP-LRA nanomicelles can enhance the stability of quercetin in the stomach and enable it to be sustained release in the intestine. These results suggested that Que-QP-LRA nanomicelles were beneficial for improving the bioavailability of quercetin.

Hydrolytic Quinoa Protein and Cationic Lotus Root Starch-Based Micelles for Co-Delivery of Quercetin and Epigallo-catechin 3-Gallate in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment.

The accumulation and sustained release of drugs in the colonic inflammatory region are the favorable strategy for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we developed a synergistic anti-inflammatory drug (quercetin/EGCG)-loaded micelle using hydrolytic quinoa protein (HQP) and cationic lotus root starch (CLRS) by a layer-by-layer assembly method. The encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and EGCG in the Que-HQP-EGCG-CLRS micelles reached 91.5 and 89.4%, respectively. This composite micelle exhibited a core-shell structure, where Que-HQP-EGCG was the core and CLRS was the coating shell. Moreover, the in vitro experiments indicated that these micelles can make Que/EGCG pass through gastric environments stably and delay their release in the intestine. Animal experiments further confirmed that the Que-HQP-EGCG-CLRS micelles can efficiently accumulate in the colonic inflammatory region and enable sustained release of drugs (more than 24 h), thus notably alleviating the symptoms of UC. These results suggested that Que-HQP-EGCG-CLRS micelles have good gastric stability, colonic inflammatory-accumulated effect, and sustained drug release ability, which are a promising co-delivery system for UC treatment.

Laminaria japonica Polysaccharide Suppresses Atherosclerosis via Regulating Autophagy-Mediated Macrophage Polarization.

The present work aimed to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of a homogeneous Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP61A) on macrophage polarization in high-fat-diet-fed LDLr-/- mice and Ox-LDL-induced macrophages. Results showed that LJP61A remarkably reduced the lesion burden in atherosclerotic mice, alleviated lipid deposition in Ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages, decreased the expression of M1 macrophage markers, and increased the expression of M2 macrophage markers, thus reducing the M1/M2 macrophage phenotype ratio. Meanwhile, the autophagic flux of macrophages was enhanced by LJP61A treatment in vitro and in vivo. 3-Methyladenine is an autophagic inhibitor. As expected, this inhibitor blocked the effects of LJP61A on macrophage polarization. SIRT1 and FoxO1 are two key upstream genes that control the autophagy behavior. We also found that LJP61A significantly up-regulated the expression of SIRT1 and FoxO1. However, these effects of LJP61A were abolished by the SIRT1 siRNA and FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856. These results suggested that LJP61A reduced atherosclerosis in HFD-induced LDLr-/- mice via regulating autophagy-mediated macrophage polarization.