Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract.

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.

Effect of Phenolic Compounds on Human Health.

This book, based on a Special Issue of Nutrients, contains a total of 12 papers (8 original research and 4 reviews) on the effect of phenolic compounds on human health [...].

Sesamol supplementation alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and atherosclerosis in high-fat, high carbohydrate and high-cholesterol diet-fed rats.

Sesamol, a major ingredient in sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) and its oil, is considered a powerful functional food ingredient. However, few studies have investigated its effects on high-fat, high carbohydrate and high-cholesterol (HF-HCC) diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) complicated with atherosclerosis. The present study elucidates the protective effects of sesamol against NASH and atherosclerosis in HF-HCC diet-fed rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were supplemented with or without sesamol in drinking water (0.05 mg mL-1, 0.1 mg mL-1 and 0.2 mg mL-1) from the beginning to end. At the end of the experiment, sesamol supplementation suppressed HF-HCC diet-induced body weight gain and increased absolute liver and adipose tissue weights in rats. Serum biochemical analyses showed that sesamol supplementation improved HF-HCC diet-induced metabolism disorders and damaged vascular endothelial function. Histological examinations displayed that dietary sesamol not only alleviated hepatic balloon degeneration, steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, but also mitigated lipid accumulation and fibrous elements in the aorta arch in HF-HCC diet-fed rats. In addition, sesamol supplementation inhibited hepatic NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression and ERS-IRE1 signaling pathway activation. Moreover, sesamol treatment decreased uric acid levels both in serum and the liver by its effect on the inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity and/or its expression, which might be closely associated with the inhibitions of NLRP3 expression and ERS-IRE1 signaling pathway activation in HF-HCC diet-fed rats. These findings demonstrated that sesamol alleviated NASH and atherosclerosis in HF-HCC diet-fed rats, and may be a potent dietary supplement for protection against these diseases.

Regular, but not acute, green tea supplementation increases total antioxidant status and reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of green tea supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Four electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2020: SPORTDiscuss, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy was established in the following manner: (green tea) (Title/Abstract) AND (exercise OR training) (Title/Abstract) AND (oxidative stress OR antioxidant OR oxidation) (Title). After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria 11, randomized or non-randomized control trials were included, 6 with a parallel design and 5 with a crossover design. Study methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale, and all studies were considered of moderate quality. Overall, acute green tea ingestion does not appear to influence antioxidant status or reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. In contrast, green tea supplementation before exercise, for periods of more than 1 week, in a dose range of 400 to 800 mg of catechins per day, appears to be efficacious to increase total antioxidant status and protect cells against exercise-induced oxidative stress. Future investigations should focus on beginning green tea supplementation more than 7 days before exercise and completing it 2 or 3 days after while monitoring the change of markers of oxidative stress up to 48-72 h after exercise.

Acteoside isolated from Colebrookea oppositifolia attenuates I/R brain injury in Wistar rats via modulation of HIF-1α, NF-κB, and VEGF pathways.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to assess the anti-stroke activity of acteoside isolated from methanolic root extract of C. oppositifolia METHODS: Ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) brain injury was induced in Wistar rats to assess the anti-stroke activity of acteoside. Rats were pretreated with acteoside (10, 25 & 50 mg/kg, p.o.) before the induction of I/R injury. Parameters such as neurological, motor-cognitive functions were evaluated along with morphological (brain volume, infarct size), biochemical (SOD, Catalase, GSH, lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, ICAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, and NF-κB), histopathological, and gene expression studies (HIF-1α, VEGF) were performed to study the protective effect of acteoside against I/R induced brain injury. RESULTS: I/R injury caused significant deterioration of neurological (p < 0.01), motor (p < 0.01) and cognitive (p < 0.01) functions, associated with increase in the brain volume (p < 0.01), and infarct size (p < 0.01); increase in the levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, and NF-κB along with significant decrease in SOD, catalase, GSH, and IL-10 (p < 0.01 for all parameters) compared to Sham control group. Histology of brain tissue of disease control group exhibited significant vascular changes, neutrophil infiltration, cerebral oedema, and necrosis of the neuronal cells. Further, the gene-expression studies showed significant increase in the HIF-1α (p < 0.01) and VEGF (p < 0.01) mRNA levels in the I/R control compared to Sham control. Interestingly, the acteoside (10, 25 & 50 mg/kg) has prevented the neurological, motor and cognitive dysfunctions, along with inhibiting the morphological, biochemical, histological and gene expression changes induced by I/R-injury (p < 0.05 for 10 mg; p < 0.01 for 25 & 50 mg/kg of acteoside for all the parameters). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that acteoside possess potent anti-stroke activity through modulation of HIF-1α, NF-κB, and VEGF pathway along with its potent antioxidant activity.

(-)-Oleocanthal Nutraceuticals for Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid Pathology: Novel Oral Formulations, Therapeutic, and Molecular Insights in 5xFAD Transgenic Mice Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting humans mainly through the deposition of Aß-amyloid (Aß) fibrils and accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Currently available AD treatments only exhibit symptomatic relief but do not generally intervene with the amyloid and tau pathologies. The extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) monophenolic secoiridoid S-(-)-oleocanthal (OC) showed anti-inflammatory activity through COX system inhibition with potency comparable to the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen. OC also showed positive in vitro, in vivo, and clinical therapeutic effects against cardiovascular diseases, many malignancies, and AD. Due to its pungent, astringent, and irritant taste, OC should be formulated in acceptable dosage form before its oral use as a potential nutraceutical. The objective of this study is to develop new OC oral formulations, assess whether they maintained OC activity on the attenuation of ß-amyloid pathology in a 5xFAD mouse model upon 4-month oral dosing use. Exploration of potential OC formulations underlying molecular mechanism is also within this study scope. OC powder formulation (OC-PF) and OC-solid dispersion formulation with erythritol (OC-SD) were prepared and characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (ScEM) analyses. Both formulations showed an improved OC dissolution profile. OC-PF and OC-SD improved memory deficits of 5xFAD mice in behavioral studies. OC-PF and OC-SD exhibited significant attenuation of the accumulation of Aß plaques and tau phosphorylation in the brain of 5xFAD female mice. Both formulations markedly suppressed C3AR1 (complement component 3a receptor 1) activity by targeting the downstream marker STAT3. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential for the application of OC-PF as a prospective nutraceutical or dietary supplement to control the progression of amyloid pathogenesis associated with AD.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel (Jaboticaba) leaf extract: In vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity, toxicity assessment and phenolic-targeted UPLC-MSE metabolomic analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, known as Brazilian grape or jaboticaba, is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat infectious and inflammatory disorders. However, several aspects of its biological potential remain unclear, such as toxicity and effects on pathogenic protozoa. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigate the phenolic composition, the in vitro and in silico toxicity profile, and the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of the phenolics-enriched hydromethanolic extract of P. cauliflora leaf. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSE). Mutagenicity, genotoxicity and eukaryotic cytotoxicity was evaluated by Ames test, cytokinesis-block micronucleus and colorimetric assays, respectively, alongside with a computational prediction of the major compound's pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Anti-T. cruzi activity was investigated on T. cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes. RESULTS: A total of 14 phenolic compounds were identified, including 11 flavonoids and 2 phenolic acids. No positive response regarding mutagenic potential was detected in Salmonella strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102, TA104, both in absence or presence of metabolic activation. The extract induced significant dose-response reduction on nuclear division indexes of HepG2 cells, suggesting cytostatic effects, with no micronuclei induction on cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Likewise, it also presented cytotoxic effects, inducing HepG2 and F C3H dose and time dependently cell death through cell membrane damage and more evidently by mitochondrial dysfunction. A dose-response curve of in vitro trypanocidal activity was observed against T. cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes after 2 and 24 h of exposure. In silico predictions of most abundant compounds' structural alerts, pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile indicates a moderately feasible druglikeness profile and low toxicity for them, which is compatible with in vitro results. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that P. cauliflora leaf extract is a potential source of antiparasitic bioactive compounds, however it presents cytotoxic effects in liver cell lines.

Metabolic Fate and Cardiometabolic Effects of Phenolic Compounds from Red-Fleshed Apple in Hypercholesterolemic Rats: A Comparative Study with Common White-Fleshed Apple. The AppleCOR Study.

The present study aims to investigate the metabolic fate and the cardiometabolic effects of phenolic compounds provided by a red-fleshed apple variety biofortified in anthocyanins (ACN). Wistar rats are fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to induce hypercholesterolemia and supplemented with red-fleshed apple (HFD+R), white-fleshed apple (HFD+W), or an ACN-rich infusion from aronia fruit (HFD+A) providing matched content and profile of ACN. Plasma biochemical parameters, histological analysis, and phenol biological metabolites are determined. Plasma, urine, and feces show a significant increase of ACN metabolites after HFD+R and HFD+A, while flavan-3-ols are significantly increased after HFD+W and dihydrochalcones derivatives increased after both apples supplementation. A cardioprotective effect is observed after both apples and aronia infusion supplementation in the reduction of aortic thickness. The kidney function is improved after all supplementations and a decrease in insulin plasma concentration after both apples supplementation (HFD+R and HFD+W) is also observed. The findings support that ACN without apple matrix can induce cardioprotective effects. ACN or flavan-3-ols, together with dihydrochalcones, compose a phenolic phytocomplex in red- and white-fleshed apples, respectively, which can act synergistically in the attenuation of cardiovascular outcomes in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Preparation and evaluation of a water-in-oil nanoemulsion drug delivery system loaded with salidroside.

Salidroside (SAL) is a phenolic substance with high solubility and low permeability, which make it easy to cause the efflux effect of P-glycoprotein and degradation of intestinal flora, resulting in lower bioavailability. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a water-in-oil nanoemulsion of SAL (w/o SAL-N) to explore its suitability in oral drug delivery systems. In this work, SAL-N was successfully prepared by water titration method at Km = 1 to construct the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Physical characterization including the average viscosity, pH, refractive index, particle size, PDI, TEM, DSC, the content of SAL, and stability study were performed. It was evaluated for drug release in vitro and pharmacokinetic studies in vivo. The optimized nanoemulsion formulation consisted of Labrafil M 1944CS (63%), Span-80/Tween-80/EtOH (27%) and 200 mg∙mL-1 SAL solution (SAL-SOL) (10%). Low viscosity and suitable pH were expected for the nanoemulsion. The spherical morphology and nanoscale size of SAL-N enhanced the stability of the nanoemulsion system. In vitro drug release showed that SAL-N had a better controlled release property than SAL-SOL at earlier time points. The pharmacokinetic studies exhibited that SAL-N had significantly higher in t1/2 (2.11-fold), AUC0-48 h (1.75-fold) and MRT0-48 h (2.63-fold) than SAL-SOL (P < 0.01). The w/o SAL-N prepared in this work can be effectively delivered via the oral route. It can be seen w/o nanoemulsion is a strategy for the drug with polyphenols to delay the release, enhance oral absorption and reduce metabolic rate.

Nutraceutical based SIRT3 activators as therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is increasing worldwide with increased lifespan. Currently, there is no effective treatment to cure or prevent the progression of AD, which indicates the need to develop novel therapeutic targets and agents. Sirtuins, especially SIRT3, a mitochondrial deacetylase, are NAD-dependent histone deacetylases involved in aging and longevity. Accumulating evidence indicates that SIRT3 dysfunction is strongly associated with pathologies of AD, hence, therapeutic modulation of SIRT3 activity may be a novel application to ameliorate the pathologies of AD. Natural products commonly used in traditional medicine have wide utility and appear to have therapeutic benefits for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The present review summarizes the currently available natural SIRT3 activators and their potentially neuroprotective molecular mechanisms of action that make them a promising agent in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Salidroside protects against cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ventricular remodeling by AKT/HO-1 signaling pathways in a diabetic cardiomyopathy mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both systolic and diastolic dysfunction due to decreased contractility, as well as reduced compliance of the myocardium. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications. Salidroside, a glucoside of the phenylpropanoid tyrosol, reportedly increases the levels of the antioxidative enzymes, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to counteract oxidative stress; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. PURPOSE: Here we investigate the potential cardio-protective effects of salidroside and its mechanism in a diabetic animal model. METHODS: Male db/m, db/db, and age-matched wild-type mice were treated with salidroside at low dose (0.025 mg/kg) or high dose (0.05 mg/kg) by gavage every day for 12 weeks. Cardiac function and structure were assessed by echocardiography and histopathological examination. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were exposed in vitro to advanced glycosylation end products (400 µg/ml) and treated with salidroside (0.1, 1, or 10 µM). The expression of signaling-related genes were explored by western blotting and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Salidroside treatment significantly improved diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, salidroside markedly up-regulates HO-1 expression by activation of the AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Salidroside protects against cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ventricular remodeling in diabetic mice. This cardio-protective effect of salidroside is dependent on AKT signaling activation.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of a food-grade phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing global health crisis exacerbated by increasing life span and an aging demographic. Convergent lines of evidence, including genome-wide association studies, strongly implicate neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of AD. Several dietary agents, including phenolic-rich foods, show promise for the prevention and/or management of AD, which in large part, has been attributed to their anti-inflammatory effects. We previously reported that a food-grade phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract (MSX) inhibited neuroinflammation in vitro but whether these effects are translatable in vivo remain unknown. Herein, we assessed MSX's ability to attenuate early neuroinflammation in a transgenic mouse model of AD.Methods: The effects of MSX on AD-related neuroinflammation was evaluated by orally administering MSX (100 and 200 mg/kg/day for 30 days) to the 3xTg-AD mouse model of AD. The expression of inflammatory markers in mouse brains were analyzed with LC-MS/MS with SWATH acquisition.Results: 3xTg-AD mice dosed orally with MSX have decreased expression of several inflammatory proteins, including, most notably, the AD risk-associated protein 'triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2' (TREM2), and stimulator of interferon genes TMEM173, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-6 (SOCS6). However, this decrease in inflammation did not coincide with a decrease in pathogenic amyloid generation or lipid peroxidation.Discussion: These data demonstrate that oral administration of this maple syrup derived natural product reduces key neuroinflammatory indices of AD in the 3xTg-AD model of AD. Therefore, further studies to investigate MSX's potential as a dietary intervention strategy for AD prevention and/or management are warranted.

Flavanol-rich lychee fruit extract substantially reduces progressive cognitive and molecular deficits in a triple-transgenic animal model of Alzheimer disease.

Effective treatment to prevent or arrest the advance of Alzheimer disease (AD) has yet to be discovered. We investigated whether OligonolR, an FDA-approved flavanol-rich extract prepared from lychee fruit and green tea, exerted beneficial effects relevant to AD in a triple transgenic male mouse model of AD (3×Tg-AD). At 9 months of age, untreated 3×Tg-AD mice vs. wild-type (WT) controls displayed cognitive deficits in behavioral assays and, at 12 months, elevated levels of hippocampal amyloid beta-protein (Aß), amyloid precursor protein (APP), tau phosphorylation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. 3×Tg-AD mice given Oligonol showed fewer cognitive deficits and attenuated pathological indices at 12 months. Oligonol treatment of 3×Tg-AD mice modulated expression of some critical brain proteins that involve multiple pathways relevant to mitochondrial dysfunction, proteasomal failure, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and synaptic impairment. Together, these results demonstrate that continuous Oligonol treatment attenuates AD-like pathology and cognitive impairment of 3×Tg-AD mice and set the stage for clinical trials of this flavanol-rich plant extract in patients with early AD.

Comprehensive dietary evaluation of Italian primary school children: food consumption and intake of energy, nutrients and phenolic compounds.

Information on children's diet including bioactive compounds is quite scarce. This observational study investigated the composition of the diet of children living in Parma (Italy; n = 172, 8-10 years) using 3-day food records completed in winter and spring. Mean daily intakes of food groups, energy and nutrients were obtained using the national food database, while (poly)phenol contents were estimated from Phenol-Explorer or by specific literature searches. Food consumption, energy and nutrient intakes decreased in spring and were partially in line with national data. Adherence to the nutritional recommendations was not satisfied for the majority of nutrients. Main contributors to the phenolic intake were flavonoids (flavan-3-ols) and phenolic acids (hydroxycinnamic acids), while main dietary sources were fruit, chocolate-based products, vegetables, and tea & coffee (decaffeinated). This study provided the first comprehensive analysis of the nutritional composition of children's diet. Future research should look at the health implications of dietary choices in children.

Phenolic compounds and hepatoprotective potential of Anastatica hierochuntica ethanolic and aqueous extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Anastatica hierochuntica ethanolic (KEE), aqueous (KAE) extracts, and their combination against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. METHODS: The HPLC analysis for KEE and KAE was quantitatively carried out. Biochemical liver markers, antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological alterations were examined then total hepatoprotection potential was calculated. RESULTS: Among 9 identified phenolic compounds (PC) in KEA, sinapic acid was the highest while syringic acid was the highest among 21 identified PC in KAE. Six flavonoids were identified in KEE and two in KAE using HPLC, respectively. Oral administration of KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE at 250 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBILI), and also attenuated histopathological changes. Additionally, they reduced malondialdehyde (MOD), restored reduced-glutathione (GSH), and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. KEE, KAE, and KEE+KAE protected the liver from CCl4-hepatotoxicity as they mainly attenuating oxidative stress. Total hepatoprotection was about 128.3%, 114.5%, and 103.8% for KEE, KAE, and KEE+KAE, respectively. CONCLUSION: Biochemical observations, supplemented by histopathological examination revealed that AH affords extract-depending protection against CCl4-hepatotoxicity.

Antioxidant activity of selenium on bisphenol-induced apoptosis and testicular toxicity of Albino rats / Actividad antioxidante el selenio sobre la apoptosis inducid por bisfenol y toxicidad testicular en ratas albinas

SUMMARY: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used to make polycarbonate plastics for packaging and epoxy resins. This study sought to examine how selenium (Se) affects BPA toxicity in terms of albino rats' histological structure, antioxidant enzymes and reproductive organs (seminiferous tubules). Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Orally administered BPA; Group 3: Orally administered sodium selenite; Group 4: Treated daily with BPA followed by selenium (Se). All experiment done for 4 weeks. BPA exposure caused changes in the testicular histological structure, which consists apoptosis, and led to changes in several biochemical markers: Malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, these BPA side effects may be ameliorated in rats treated with BPA-plus-Se. These protective effects of Se may attributable to its ability to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in living organisms. The results may confirm that Se countered the oxidant effects and increased the BPA-induced stress response in rats. So, Se promotes the healthy growth and development of mammals by protecting them from oxidative stress. As human are greatly exposed to BPA and it can accumulate in tissues, there is concern about human reproductive functions particularly for occupational workers exposed usually to greater levels of BPA. Thus, the use of BPA in multiple industries must be restricted and the inaccurate usage of plastic containers should be avoided to decrease the health hazards. Administration of Se may protect against the adverse effects of BPA on reproductive functions and structures.

RESUMEN: El bisfenol A (BPA) es un químico industrial ampliamente utilizado para fabricar plásticos de policarbonato para envases y resinas epoxi. Este estudio examinó el efecto de selenio (Se) en la toxicidad del BPA en términos de la estructura histológica, enzimas antioxidantes y los órganos reproductivos (túbulos seminíferos) de ratas albinas. Se dividieron veinticuatro ratas macho adultas en cuatro grupos experimentales: Grupo 1: control; Grupo 2: BPA administrado por vía oral; Grupo 3: BPA administrado por vía oral para; Grupo 4: tratado diariamente con BPA seguido de selenio (Se). El experimento se realizó durante cuatro semanas y se observó que la exposición al BPA provocó cambios en la estructura histológica testicular, incluyendo apoptosis, y alteraciones en varios marcadores bioquímicos:malondialdehído, catalasa, superóxido dismutasa y glutatión peroxidasa. Sin embargo, estos efectos secundarios del BPA pueden mejorar en ratas tratadas con BPA-plus-Se. Estos efectos protectores del Se pueden ser atribuidos a la capacidad de eliminar agentes oxidantes potencialmente dañinos en organismos vivos. Los resultados indicaron que se contrarrestaron los efectos oxidantes y aumentó la respuesta al estrés inducido por BPA en ratas, y favorece el crecimiento y desarrollo en los mamíferos al protegerlos del estrés oxidativo. Debido a la exposición al BPA en el ser humano, se puede acumular en los tejidos, por lo que existe una preocupación por el daño a las funciones reproductivas en particular de los trabajadores que generalmente están expuestos a niveles más altos de BPA. Por lo tanto, se debe restringir el uso de BPA en las industrias y evitar el uso incorrecto de envases de plástico para así disminuir los riesgos para la salud. La administración correcta de Se puede proteger contra los efectos adversos del BPA en las funciones y estructuras reproductivas.

Rice Bran Phenolic Extract Confers Protective Effects against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice by Alleviating Mitochondrial Dysfunction via the PGC-1α-TFAM Pathway Mediated by microRNA-494-3p.

The initiation and development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is mediated, at least partly, by mitochondria dysfunction, which is regulated by PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) via mitochondria transcription factor A (TFAM). Then, PGC-1α expression was regulated by several microRNAs. This research investigated the hepatoprotective effects of the rice bran phenolic extract (RBPE) on mice fed with an ethanol-containing diet via the microRNAs-PGC-1α-TFAM signal pathway. RBPE treatment protected against alcoholic liver injury, as indicated by decreased serum aminotransferase activities and hepatic triglyceride accumulation, together with alleviated oxidative stress in serum and the liver. RBPE treatment alleviated ethanol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through altering the membrane potential, mtDNA content, and respiratory chain complex enzyme activities in mitochondria, resulting in increased hepatic ATP production. Decreased cytoplasmic cytochrome c contents, caspase-3 activity, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were detected in the liver of RBPE-treated mice, indicating that the RBPE might inhibit ethanol-induced hepatocellular apoptosis. Furthermore, ethanol-induced decreases in the mRNA and protein expression of PGC-1α and TFAM were remarkably alleviated in RBPE-treated mice. RBPE treatment to ethanol-fed mice could also downregulate the expression of microRNA-494-3p, which regulates PGC-1α expression directly. Therefore, the RBPE might exert protection against ALD by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and the resulting hepatocyte apoptosis via the PGC-1α-TFAM signal pathway mediated by microRNA-494-3p.

Sesamol Supplementation Attenuates DSS-Induced Colitis via Mediating Gut Barrier Integrity, Inflammatory Responses, and Reshaping Gut Microbiome.

Sesamol, a liposoluble lignan extract, has already been proved to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, and it could also regulate gut dysfunction. The purpose of the present research is to explore the protective effect of sesamol on colitis mice. In the current research, sesamol treatment (100 mg/kg bodyweight/day) for 6 weeks inhibited the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced bodyweight loss of mice. Transmission electron microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin staining results showed that the DSS-induced histopathological changes of mice were also recovered by sesamol supplementation. In addition, DSS-induced inflammatory responses were inhibited by sesamol supplementation via the NF-κB signaling pathway in mice colon. Moreover, sesamol treatment prevented gut barrier damages by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) and recovering the loss of gut mucus layer. Furthermore, sesamol supplementation also increased the short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) contents of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Furthermore, sesamol supplementation changed the gut microbiome structure by enhancing the relative abundance of Coprococcuscus, Butyricicoccus, Odoribacter, and AF12 in colitis mice. In conclusion, sesamol could effectively ameliorate DSS-induced colitis by promoting gut microecology.

Evaluation of the In Vitro Oral Wound Healing Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Rind Extract and Punicalagin, in Combination with Zn (II).

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a well-established folklore medicine, demonstrating benefits in treating numerous conditions partly due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Such desirable medicinal capabilities are attributed to a high hydrolysable tannin content, especially punicalagin. However, few studies have evaluated the abilities of pomegranate to promote oral healing, during situations such as periodontal disease or trauma. Therefore, this study evaluated the antioxidant and in vitro gingival wound healing effects of pomegranate rind extract (PRE) and punicalagin, alone and in combination with Zn (II). In vitro antioxidant activities were studied using DPPH and ABTS assays, with total PRE phenolic content measured by Folin-Ciocalteu assay. PRE, punicalagin and Zn (II) combination effects on human gingival fibroblast viability/proliferation and migration were investigated by MTT assay and scratch wounds, respectively. Punicalagin demonstrated superior antioxidant capacities to PRE, although Zn (II) exerted no additional influences. PRE, punicalagin and Zn (II) reduced gingival fibroblast viability and migration at high concentrations, but retained viability at lower concentrations without Zn (II). Fibroblast speed and distance travelled during migration were also enhanced by punicalagin with Zn (II) at low concentrations. Therefore, punicalagin in combination with Zn (II) may promote certain anti-inflammatory and fibroblast responses to aid oral healing.