Dietary Patterns and Alzheimer's Disease: An Updated Review Linking Nutrition to Neuroscience.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing concern for the aging population worldwide. With no current cure or reliable treatments available for AD, prevention is an important and growing area of research. A range of lifestyle and dietary patterns have been studied to identify the most effective preventive lifestyle changes against AD and related dementia (ADRD) pathology. Of these, the most studied dietary patterns are the Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, ketogenic, and modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diets. However, there are discrepancies in the reported benefits among studies examining these dietary patterns. We herein compile a narrative/literature review of existing clinical evidence on the association of these patterns with ADRD symptomology and contemplate their preventive/ameliorative effects on ADRD neuropathology in various clinical milieus. By and large, plant-based dietary patterns have been found to be relatively consistently and positively correlated with preventing and reducing the odds of ADRD. These impacts stem not only from the direct impact of specific dietary components within these patterns on the brain but also from indirect effects through decreasing the deleterious effects of ADRD risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Importantly, other psychosocial factors influence dietary intake, such as the social connection, which may directly influence diet and lifestyle, thereby also impacting ADRD risk. To this end, prospective research on ADRD should include a holistic approach, including psychosocial considerations.

Influence of exopolysaccharide EPSKar1-iron complexation on iron bioavailability and alleviating iron deficiency anaemia in Wistar rats.

The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia is a significant issue worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages and often associated with inadequate iron bioavailability. Despite the use of ferrous salt supplements to address anaemia, their limited bioaccessibility and bioavailability in human GIT and adverse impact on food properties remain significant challenges. Hence, this study aims to explore the iron chelation mechanism of an exopolysaccharide EPSKar1 to enhance iron bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and anti-anaemic effects using cell culture and an anaemic rat model. EPSKar1 was extracted from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Kar1 and complexed with FeSO4 to form "EPSKar1-iron". This novel complex, besides being bio-accessible after in vitro gastric digestion, demonstrated 61.27 ± 1.96% iron bioavailability to the Caco-2 cells. In line with these in vitro findings, intragastric administration of the EPSKar1-iron complex to anaemic Wistar rats at 25 and 50 mg per kg body weight significantly restored blood haemoglobin levels and re-established the morphological features of red blood cells. Furthermore, the apparent digestibility co-efficient and iron uptake improved significantly without adversely affecting the serum biochemical parameters in these anaemic rats. The levels of iron-transport proteins including serum transferrin and ferritin in tissue and plasma have increased remarkably upon oral administration of EPSKar1-iron at a higher dose of 50 mg per kg body weight. Oral supplementation of EPSKar1-iron did not foster adverse histological changes in the liver, kidneys, and spleen. In fact, the treatment with the EPSKar1-iron complex had a restitution effect on the tissue architecture, thereby ameliorating the tissue lesions. These findings collectively indicate that the EPSKar1-iron complex shows nutraceutical potential in enhancing the bioavailability of iron and could be a promising approach to tackle iron deficiency anaemia.

The Role of Phytochemicals and Gut Microbiome in Atherosclerosis in Preclinical Mouse Models.

Gut microbiome alterations have recently been linked to many chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is an interplay between diet and the resident gut microbiome, where the food eaten affects populations of certain microbes. This is important, as different microbes are associated with various pathologies, as they can produce compounds that are disease-promoting or disease-protecting. The Western diet negatively affects the host gut microbiome, ultimately resulting in heightened arterial inflammation and cell phenotype changes as well as plaque accumulation in the arteries. Nutritional interventions including whole foods rich in fiber and phytochemicals as well as isolated compounds including polyphenols and traditional medicinal plants show promise in positively influencing the host gut microbiome to alleviate atherosclerosis. This review investigates the efficacy of a vast array of foods and phytochemicals on host gut microbes and atherosclerotic burden in mice. Reduction in plaque by interventions was associated with increases in bacterial diversity, reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, and upregulation of Akkermansia. Upregulation in CYP7 isoform in the liver, ABC transporters, bile acid excretion, and the level of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were also noted in several studies reducing plaque. These changes were also associated with attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, an increase in the abundance of Akkermansia with diets rich in polyphenols, fiber, and grains is likely to reduce plaque burden in patients suffering from CVD.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Interaction with the Gut Microbiome in the Prevention and Amelioration of Type-2 Diabetes.

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often linked with hyperglycemia, disturbed lipid profiles, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has a vital role in the management of T2DM. As a result, a better understanding of the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the development and progression of T2DM by influencing the intestinal microflora will help to improve the therapeutic intervention for T2DM and related complications. Focusing on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways induced by omega-3 fatty acids, this paper attempts to comprehensively review and discuss the putative associations between omega-3 fatty acids, gut dysbiosis, and the pathophysiology of T2DM and its related comorbidities. In addition, we contemplate the importance of gut microbiota in T2DM prevention and treatment and ponder the role of omega-3 fatty acids in T2DM by positively modulating gut microbiota, which may lead to discovery of novel targets and therapeutic strategies thereby paving way for further comprehensive, mechanistic, and clinical studies.

Prebiotics from acorn and sago prevent high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance via microbiome-gut-brain axis modulation.

Role of gut microbiome in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) became apparent from several independent studies indicating that gut microbiome modulators like prebiotics may improve microbiome perturbations (dysbiosis) to ameliorate metabolic derangements. We herein isolate water soluble, nondigestible polysaccharides from five plant-based foods (acorn, quinoa, sunflower, pumpkin seeds and sago) and assess their impact on human fecal microbiome and amelioration of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity/T2D in mice. During polysaccharide isolation, purification, biochemical and digestion resistance characterization, and fermentation pattern by human fecal microbiome, we select acorn- and sago-derived prebiotics (on the basis of relatively higher purity and yield and lower protein contamination) and examine their effects in comparison to inulin. Prebiotics treatments in human fecal microbiome culture system not only preserve microbial diversity but also appear to foster beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Feeding of acorn- and sago-derived prebiotics ameliorates HFD-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in mice, with effects comparatively superior to those seen in inulin-fed mice. Feeding of both of novel prebiotics as well as inulin increases SCFAs levels in the mouse gut. Interestingly, gut hyperpermeability and mucosal inflammatory markers were significantly reduced upon prebiotics feeding in HFD-fed mice. Hypothalamic energy signaling in terms of increased expression of pro-opiomelanocortin was also modulated by prebiotics administration. Results demonstrate that these (and/or such) novel prebiotics can ameliorate HFD-induced defects in glucose metabolism via positive modulation of gut-microbiome-brain axis and hence could be useful in preventing/treating diet-induced obesity/T2D.

Effect of VBC-1814/7J, a poly-phytocompound, on a non-infectious model of pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis presents as an inflammation of the oropharynx, and clinical examination often shows evidence of nasopharyngitis. In numerous cases the condition occurs as a self-limiting illness of non-infectious aetiology, whose clinical management remains a matter for debate given the inappropriateness of antibiotics, the reported worsening following steroid use and the recent discouragement of the use of Chinese herbal medicine. The aim of the present study was thus to test VBC-1814/7J, a poly-phytocompound with known anti-inflammatory and immune-response enhancing properties, in an experimental model of non-infectious pharyngitis. Experimental non-infectious pharyngitis was induced by applying a pyridine solution to the surface of the pharyngeal mucosa in rats that were either normally fed (group A) or fed VBC-1814/7J three days prior to and three days subsequent to the induction of pharyngitis (group B). Healthy rats treated with topical saline were used as a control (group C). At time-points of 0, one hour, one day and three days sacrifices were carried out and microscopic examination, Evans blue (EB) dye extravasation and tissue concentrations of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and mRNA of α- and ß-defensins were studied. As compared with group C, group A showed significant microscopic damage, EB extravasation, and increases in the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as in the mRNA of three defensins (P<0.001) on the third day of observation. VBC-1814/7J significantly mitigated these microscopic and inflammatory markers while allowing a prompter and wider defensin reaction (P<0.05 vs. group A). These data suggest that VBC-1814/7J, as demonstrated in earlier studies, has the potential to address non-infectious pharyngitis in clinical practice.

Protective effect of a fish egg homogenate marine compound on arterial ultrastructure in spontaneous hypertensive rats.

We assessed the effect of a sturgeon eggs-based nutraceutical (LD-1227) versus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the ultrastructure of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) aortas. Sixty SHR were randomly divided into three groups that were fed (1) rat chow, (2) rat chow plus 10 mg of EPA/DHA, or (3) rat chow plus 10 mg of LD-1227, for 18 weeks. Afterward, aortas of these rats were used for blind measurements of the thickened intima area and examination by electron microscopy. Control SHR showed an expanded subendothelial space and leukocyte infiltration of the intima that were reduced in LD-1227-fed rats (p<0.05) and less in EPA/DHA group. Transmission electron microscopy showed endothelial alteration with severe subcellular injury and, unlike the EPA/DHA-group, LD-1227-treated rats displayed a significant reduction in endothelial alteration with severe subcellular injury (p<0.05). These data suggest that LD-1227 has stronger arterial protective properties and deserves further investigation in view of a preventive medicine strategy.

Therapeutic effect of probiotic dahi on plasma, aortic, and hepatic lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats.

This study examined the effects of probiotic dahi prepared by Lactobacillus plantarum Lp9 and dahi culture in buffalo milk on lowering cholesterol in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic basal diet. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups and fed with probiotic dahi, dahi, or buffalo milk for 120 days. Following the consumption of supplements (probiotic dahi, dahi or buffalo milk), the animals were fed a basal hypercholesterolemic diet. Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides (TAGs) were decreased by 35% and 72% in rats fed with probiotic dahi group, while cholesterol levels increased by 70% and TAGs increased by 97% in buffalo milk and 59% in dahi fed groups. Supplementation of probiotic dahi further lowered plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) + very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)- cholesterol by 59%, while it elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol by 116%. As a result, atherogenic index, the ratio of HDL to LDL + VLDL was markedly improved. Deposition of cholesterol and TAGs in liver and aorta were significantly reduced in rats fed with probiotic dahi. These observations suggest that probiotic dahi may have therapeutic potential to decrease plasma, hepatic and aortic lipid profile, and attenuate diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Probiotic metabolites as epigenetic targets in the prevention of colon cancer.

Dietary interventions for preventing colon cancer have recently attracted increased attention from researchers and clinicians. The probiotics have emerged as potential therapeutic agents but are also regarded as healthy dietary supplements for nutrition and health applications. The probiotic metabolome may interfere with various cellular and molecular processes, including the onset and progression of colon cancer. Probiotic metabolites may lead to the modulation of diverse cellular signal transduction and metabolic pathways. The gut microbial metabolites (organic acids, bacteriocins, peptides, etc.) have been noted to interact with multiple key targets in various metabolic pathways that regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Progress in this field suggests that epigenetic alterations will be widely used in the near future to manage colon cancer. The present review provides insights into the molecular basis of the therapeutic applications and the chemopreventive activities of certain probiotic metabolites, with emphasis on the interaction between these metabolites and the molecular signaling cascades that are considered to be epigenetic targets in preventing colon cancer.

Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Aloe vera gel improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Aloe vera (AV) gel on lipid profiles in rats with induced hypercholesterolemia were studied. METHODS: Five treatment groups of rats (n = 7) were the fed experimental diets: a normal control diet, a hypercholesterolemic diet (HD), HD + LGG, HD + AV gel, and HD + LGG + AV gel. RESULTS: Supplementation with LGG decreased serum total cholesterol by 32%; however, in combination with AV, the decrease was 43%. The decreases in triacylglycerol levels in the HD + LGG, HD + AV, and HD + LGG + AV groups were 41%, 23% and 45%, respectively. High-density lipoprotein increased by 12% in the HD + LGG + AV group, whereas very low-density and low-density lipoprotein values decreased by 45% and 30%, respectively. The atherogenic index in the HD + LGG + AV group decreased to 2.45 from 4.77 in the HD + LGG group. Furthermore, fecal Lactobacillus species counts increased significantly when LGG was fed in combination with the AV gel. The oral administration of LGG fermented milk alone or in combination with the AV gel increased cholesterol synthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase expression) and absorption (low-density lipoprotein receptor expression), whereas cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase mRNA expression levels were lower in the HD + LGG and HD + LGG + AV groups compared with the control HD group. CONCLUSION: The combination of LGG and AV gel may have a therapeutic potential to decrease cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-diabetic compounds and their patent information: an update.

The increasing epidemic of diabetes mellitus around the globe is increasing the risk of various other chronic diseases i.e. coronary artery diseases, myocardial infarction, hypertension, dyslipidemia and number of other complicated disorders. Diabetes mellitus is clinically characterized by a marked increase in blood glucose levels and is associated with mild hyperlipidemia. Although the prevalence of this health ailment is increasing dramatically, various therapeutic compounds have been developed to treat this disease that is available in the market as synthetic, formulated and combined forms. Recently, various compounds have come through preclinical studies and shown the therapeutic efficacy of using multiple/ specific drug targets. Recent research approaches have been based on receptors targeting, islet cell transplantation, gene expression profiling, glucagon-like peptide-1, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, insulin therapy, modulators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), glucagon receptor antagonists, insulin analogues, sensitizers and combination therapies. Furthermore various, latest findings claimed to identifying new anti-diabetic regimens with novel mechanism of action are being developed. This review provides an update on the use of approaches to the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies against diabetes and recent patents that could develop into novel therapeutics available to the clinical success for the management of the disease.

POLI-mix functional food enhances steady-state bioenergetic status independently of age: an experimental study.

BALB/c mice were divided into young, middle-aged, and aged groups, and each group was given 3 weeks of oral treatments: (1) 1 mL of VBC1-99 (a mixture of 42 fruits and vegetables extracts) or (2) 1 mL of same amount of antioxidant vitamins as control. Steady-state hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was assessed by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P-NMR) spectroscopy as: ß-ATP/reference peak, inorganic phosphorus (Pi)/peak and ß-ATP/Pi. As compared to untreated control, VBC1-99 significantly enhanced ß-ATP/peak and ß-ATP/Pi ratios (p<0.01) in all age groups and throughout the observation period (p<0.05) together with a significant decrease of Pi/ref peak ratio (p<0.05). However, this value in middle-aged and aged mice was comparable to antioxidant control mice. These NMR data demonstrate that VBC1-99 has a beneficial effect on hepatic energy metabolism, irrespective of age.

Effect of Aloe vera juice on growth and activities of Lactobacilli in-vitro.

In present investigation, different concentrations of Aloe vera juice incorporated into the growth media of Lactobacilli were tested to observe the effect on growth and activities of these bacteria. From the results obtained, it was observed that aloe vera juice at a concentration of 5% v/v was effective in promoting the growth of L. acidophilus, L. plantarum and L. casei, as evident from the fall in pH and increased acidity, as well as from the improved generation time. At 15 to 25% concentration, growth was unaffected as compared to the controls; however, concentration higher than 25%v/v discouraged the growth. Overall, it was concluded that Aloe vera juice or gel at a particular concentration could possibly be used in combination with probiotic Lactobacillus strain(s) as a combinational therapy for gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

Targeted cancer therapies: the future of cancer treatment.

For decades, the hallmark of medical treatment for cancer has been intravenous cytotoxic chemotherapy, where these drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and certain normal tissues. As a result, many patients experience the classic toxicities of alopecia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and myelosuppression. In the past decade, however, a dramatic shift has been witnesses in the cancer therapy. Although traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy still remains the treatment of choice for many malignancies, targeted therapies are now a component of treatment for many types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancers, as well as lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma.

Biological and medicinal properties of grapes and their bioactive constituents: an update.

The grape is one of the most valued conventional fruits, worldwide. Although most of the parts of the grapevine are useful, primarily, the grape is considered as a source of unique natural products not only for the development of valuable medicines against a number of diseases, but also for manufacturing various industrial products. Over the last few decades, apart from the chemistry of grape compounds, considerable progress has been made towards exploring the biological activities of various grape-derived constituents. Today, it is well established that in addition to serving as food, the grape is a major source of several phytochemicals. The main biologically active and well-characterized constituent from the grape is resveratrol, which is known for various medicinal properties in human diseases. This review discusses the roles of various grape-derived phytochemicals in relation to various diseases.