Tea polyphenol nanoparticles enable targeted siRNA delivery and multi-bioactive therapy for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease, while there is a lack of pharmaceutical interventions to halt AAA progression presently. To address the multifaceted pathology of AAA, this work develops a novel multifunctional gene delivery system to simultaneously deliver two siRNAs targeting MMP-2 and MMP-9. The system (TPNs-siRNA), formed through the oxidative polymerization and self-assembly of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), efficiently encapsulates siRNAs during self-assembly. TPNs-siRNA safeguards siRNAs from biological degradation, facilitates intracellular siRNA transfection, promotes lysosomal escape, and releases siRNAs to silence MMP-2 and MMP-9. Additionally, TPNs, serving as a multi-bioactive material, mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation, fosters M1-to-M2 repolarization of macrophages, and inhibits cell calcification and apoptosis. In experiments with AAA mice, TPNs-siRNA accumulated and persisted in aneurysmal tissue after intravenous delivery, demonstrating that TPNs-siRNA can be significantly distributed in macrophages and VSMCs relevant to AAA pathogenesis. Leveraging the carrier's intrinsic multi-bioactive properties, the targeted siRNA delivery by TPNs exhibits a synergistic effect for enhanced AAA therapy. Furthermore, TPNs-siRNA is gradually metabolized and excreted from the body, resulting in excellent biocompatibility. Consequently, TPNs emerges as a promising multi-bioactive nanotherapy and a targeted delivery nanocarrier for effective AAA therapy.

Nationwide Investigation on Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Tea from China: Migration from Packaging Materials and Implications for Global Risk Assessment.

In this study, we measured 15 common organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in six categories of tea samples across China. OPFRs were found in all the tea samples, with the total concentrations of OPFRs (∑OPFRs) at 3.44-432 ng/g [geometric mean (GM): 17.6 ng/g]. Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) was the dominant OPFR, accounting for 39.0-76.2% of ∑OPFRs across all tea categories. The potential factors influencing the residual OPFRs in tea were thoroughly examined, including the agricultural environment, fermentation, and packaging of teas. Tea packaging materials (TPMs) were then identified as the primary sources of OPFRs in teas. The migration test revealed that OPFRs with lower molecular weights and log Kow values exhibited a higher propensity for facilitating the migration of OPFRs from TPMs to teas. The estimated daily intakes of OPFRs from teas were relatively higher for the general populations in Mauritania, Gambia, Togo, Morocco, and Senegal (3.18-9.79 ng/kg bw/day) than China (3.12 ng/kg bw/day). The health risks arising from OPFRs in Chinese teas were minor. This study established a baseline concentration and demonstrated the contamination sources of OPFRs in Chinese tea for the first time, with an emphasis on enhancing the hygiene standards for TPMs.

Inhaled tea polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles coated with platelet membranes largely attenuate asthmatic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Tea polyphenols (TPs), prominent constituents of green tea, possess remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their therapeutic potential is limited due to low absorption and poor bioavailability. To address this limitation and enhance their efficacy, we developed a biomimetic nanoplatform by coating platelet membrane (PM) onto poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) to create targeted delivery vehicles for TPs (PM@TP/NPs) to the inflamed tissues in asthma. METHODS: After synthesizing and characterizing PM@TP/NPs, we assessed their biocompatibility and biosafety through cell viability assays, hemolysis tests, and inflammation analysis in vivo and in vitro. The therapeutic effect of PM@TP/NPs on asthma was then evaluated using a mouse model of HDM-induced asthma. Additionally, PM@TP/NPs-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, as well as the activation of signaling pathways, were analyzed in HBE cells and asthmatic mice via flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with free TPs, PM@TP/NPs demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and safety profiles in both in vitro and in vivo, as well as enhanced retention in inflamed lungs. In HDM-induced mouse asthma model, inhaled PM@TP/NPs largely attenuated lung inflammation and reduced the secretion of type 2 pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs compared to free TPs. The therapeutic effects of PM@TP/NPs on asthma might be associated with an enhanced ROS scavenging capacity, increased activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and decreased activation of the CCL2/MAPK and TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that inhalation of PM@TP/NPs largely attenuated lung inflammation in HDM-induced asthmatic mice. These results suggest that PM@TP/NPs might be a novel therapeutic strategy for asthma.

[Mechanism of tea polyphenols improving the sarcopenia in the aged type 2 diabetes model rats via mitochondrial quality control].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether tea polyphenols(TP) improve sarcopenia in the aged type 2 diabetes(T2DM)model rats via mitochondrial quality control(MQC). METHODS: A total of 55 2-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group(n=10), the aged model group(aged, n=10) and the aging T2DM model group(n=35). The aging T2DM model group rats were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg D-galactose daily. After 4 weeks, the aging T2DM model group rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ). After STZ injection for 2 weeks, fasting blood glucose(FBG) ≥ 16.7 mmol/L was defined as successful T2DM model. When the model was successfully induced, the 30 model rats were randomly divided into aged T2DM group(Mod), 300 mg/kg TP teatment group(TP) and 3 mg/kg rosiglitazone treatment group(RSG) according to FBG, with 10 rats in each group. Each group was treated with 50 mg/kg D-galactose to induce senescence and fed with high glucose and fat for 8 weeks. Western blot was used to detect the expression of P53 protein in gastnemius muscle tissue of the model group at the end of the experiment, which was higher than that of the control group, indicating that the aging T2DM model was successfully established. FBG was detected by the blood glucose meter, gastnemius muscle relative weights was calculated, the microstructure of mitochondria of gastnemius muscle was observed by transmission electron microscope(TEM), the expression of mitochondrial biosynthesis-related proteins PGC-1α, mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins(OPA1, DRP1) and mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins(P62, LC3) in gastnemius muscle were detected by western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the level of FBG and the expression of P53 in the Mod group were increased(P<0.01). The gastnemius muscle relative weights, the expression level of PGC-1α, OPA1 and the ratio of LC3II/LC3I were decreased(P<0.01). The expression level of P62 and DRP1 were significantly increased(P<0.01). The number of mitochondria decreased, the volume decreased and a large number of vacuolization, and there were no obvious autophagolysosomes and fission and fusion. After 8 weeks, compared with the Mod group, the number of mitochondria in the gastrocnemius of TP and RSG groups, vacuolization, fission and fusion were improved, and the autophagolysosomes was significantly increased. The expression levels of P53, DRP1 and P62, the level of FBG in the TP group were significantly decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05). The expression levels of OPA1 and PGC-1α, the ratios of LC3II/LC3I and gastnemius muscle relative weights were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: TP can improve the sarcopenia in the aged T2DM model rats, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of mitochondrial quality control.

Children of Nature: Thoughts on Targeted and Untargeted Analytical Approaches to Decipher Polyphenol Reactivity in Food Processing and Metabolism.

Following 25 years of polyphenol research in our laboratory, the astonishing chemical and metabolic reactivity of polyphenols resulting in considerable chemical diversity has emerged as the most remarkable attribute of this class of natural products. To illustrate this concept, we will present selected data from black tea and coffee chemistry. In black tea chemistry, enzymatic fermentation converts six catechin derivatives into an estimated 30 000 different polyphenolic compounds via a process we have termed the oxidative cascade process. In coffee roasting, around 45 chlorogenic acids are converted into an estimated 250 novel derivatives following a series of diverse chemical transformations. Following ingestion by humans, these dietary polyphenols, whether genuine secondary metabolites or food processing products, encounter the microorganisms of the gut microbiota, converting them into a myriad of novel structures. In the case of coffee, only two out of 250 chlorogenic acids are absorbed intact, with most others being subject to gut microbial metabolism. Modern mass spectrometry (MS) has been key in unravelling the true complexity of polyphenols subjected to food processing and metabolism. We will accompany this assay with a short overview on analytical strategies developed, including ultrahigh-resolution MS, tandem MS, multivariate statistics, and molecular networking that allow an insight into the fascinating chemical processes surrounding dietary polyphenols. Finally, experimental results studying biological activity of polyphenols will be presented and discussed, highlighting a general promiscuity of this class of compounds associated with nonselective protein binding leading to loss of enzymatic function, another noteworthy general property of many dietary polyphenols frequently overlooked.

Mathematical optimization of multilinear and artificial neural network regressions for mineral composition of different tea types infusions.

The objective of this study was to investigate the change in mineral composition depending on tea variety, tea concentration, and steeping time. Four different tea varieties, black Ceylon (BC), black Turkish (BT), green Ceylon (GC), and green Turkish (GT), were used to produce teas at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3%, respectively. These teas were produced using 7 different steeping times: 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min. It was also aimed to optimize the regression equations utilizing these factors to identify parameters conducive to maximizing Zn, K, Cu, Mg, Ca, Na, and Fe levels; minimizing Al content, and maintaining Mn level at 5.3 mg/L. The optimal conditions for achieving a Mn content of 5.3 mg/L in black Turkish tea entailed steeping at a concentration of 1.94% for 11.4 min. Variations in K and Mg levels across teas were inconsistent with those observed for other minerals, whereas variations in Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn levels exhibited a close relationship. Overall, mineral levels in tea can be predicted through regression analysis, and by mathematically optimizing the resultant equations, the requisite conditions for tea production can be determined to achieve maximum, minimum, or target mineral values.

Novel electrochemiluminescence sensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of malathion residue in tea based on SiO2NSs doped Luminol/AgNPs as a signal amplification strategy.

To address the potential hazards of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) residues in tea, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor based on functionalized nanomaterials was constructed in this work. Firstly, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were attached on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by the constant potential electrodeposition to form a compound, and it was utilized to provide excellent immobilization sites for complementary DNA (cDNA). Subsequently, composite nanomaterials were synthesized by a one-pot method with aminated Luminol/silver nanoparticles@silica nanospheres (NH2-Luminol/Ag@SiO2NSs). Finally, NH2-Luminol/Ag@SiO2NSs was combined with a malathion aptamer (Apt) to obtain signal probes (SPs) for the construction of an aptasensor. The aptasensor had a wide linear range (1×10-3-1×103 ng/mL) and a low limit of detection (LOD) (0.3×10-3 ng/mL). It had the virtues of high sensitivity, wonderful stability and excellent specificity, which could be used for the detection of malathion residue in tea. The work provides a proven way for the construction of a rapid and ultrasensitive aptasensor with low-cost.

Antimicrobial effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a catechin abundant in green tea, on periodontal disease-associated bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin abundant in green tea, exhibits antibacterial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of EGCG on periodontal disease-associated bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Fusobacterium periodontium) were evaluated and compared with its effects on Streptococcus mutans, a caries-associated bacterium. RESULTS: Treatment with 2 mg/ml EGCG for 4 h killed all periodontal disease-associated bacteria, whereas it only reduced the viable count of S. mutans by about 40 %. Regarding growth, the periodontal disease-associated bacteria were more susceptible to EGCG than S. mutans, based on the growth inhibition ring test. As for metabolism, the 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) of EGCG for bacterial metabolic activity was lower for periodontal disease-associated bacteria (0.32-0.65 mg/ml) than for S. mutans (1.14 mg/ml). Furthermore, these IC50 values were negatively correlated with the growth inhibition ring (r = -0.73 to -0.86). EGCG induced bacterial aggregation at the following concentrations: P. gingivalis (>0.125 mg/ml), F. periodonticum (>0.5 mg/ml), F. nucleatum (>1 mg/ml), and P. nigrescens (>2 mg/ml). S. mutans aggregated at an EGCG concentration of > 1 mg/ml. CONCLUSION: EGCG may help to prevent periodontal disease by killing bacteria, inhibiting bacterial growth by suppressing bacterial metabolic activity, and removing bacteria through aggregation.

Impact of heat treatment on the flavor stability of Longjing green tea beverages: Metabolomic insights and sensory correlations.

The flavor stability of tea beverages during storage has long been a concern. The study aimed to explore the flavor stability of Longjing green tea beverage using accelerated heat treatment trials, addressing the shortage of lengthy storage trials. Sensory evaluations revealed changes in bitterness, umami, overall harmonization, astringency, and ripeness as treatment duration increased. Accompanied by a decrease in L-values, ΔE and an increase in a and b-values. Seventeen non-volatile metabolites and three volatile metabolites were identified differential among samples by metabolomics, with subsequent correlation analysis indicating associations between sensory attributes and specific metabolites. Umami was linked to epigallocatechin 3,5-digallate and alpha-D-glucopyranose, astringency was correlated with ellagic acid and 1-ethyl-1H-pyrrole. Ripeness showed associations with ellagic acid, 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, heptanal, and benzaldehyde, and overall harmonization was linked to 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, ß-myrcene, α-terpineol, and heptanal. A series of verification tests confirmed the feasibility of accelerated heat treatment trials to replace traditional storage trials. These results offer valuable insights into unraveling the complex relationship between sensory and chemical profiles of green tea beverages.

Effects of biodegradation of starch-nanocellulose films incorporated with black tea extract on soil quality.

This study aimed to investigate the biodegradation behaviour of starch/nanocellulose/black tea extract (SNBTE) films in a 30-day soil burial test. The SNBTE films were prepared by mixing commercial starch, nanocellulose (2, 4, and 6%), and an aqueous solution of black tea extract by a simple mixing and casting process. The chemical and morphological properties of the SNBTE films before and after biodegradation were characterized using the following analytical techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The changes in soil composition, namely pH, electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content, water holding capacity (WHC), soil respiration, total nitrogen, weight mean diameter (MDW), and geometric mean diameter (GMD), as a result of the biodegradation process, were also estimated. The results showed that the films exhibited considerable biodegradability (35-67%) within 30 days while increasing soil nutrients. The addition of black tea extract reduced the biodegradation rate due to its polyphenol content, which likely resulted in a reduction in microbial activity. The addition of nanocellulose (2-6% weight of starch) increased the tensile strength, but decreased the elongation at break of the films. These results suggest that starch nanocellulose and SNBTE films are not only biodegradable under soil conditions but also positively contribute to soil health, highlighting their potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic films in the packaging industry.

Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. A healthy diet rich in plant-derived compounds such as (poly)phenols appears to have a key role in improving cardiovascular health. Flavan-3-ols represent a subclass of (poly)phenols of great interest for their possible health benefits. In this review, we summarized the results of clinical studies on vascular outcomes of flavan-3-ol supplementation and we focused on the role of the microbiota in CVD. Clinical trials included in this review showed that supplementation with flavan-3-ols mostly derived from cocoa products significantly reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function. Studies on catechins from green tea demonstrated better results when involving healthy individuals. From a mechanistic point of view, emerging evidence suggests that microbial metabolites may play a role in the observed effects. Their function extends beyond the previous belief of ROS scavenging activity and encompasses a direct impact on gene expression and protein function. Although flavan-3-ols appear to have effects on cardiovascular health, further studies are needed to clarify and confirm these potential benefits and the rising evidence of the potential involvement of the microbiota.

Green tea extract reduces viral proliferation and ROS production during Feline Herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) infection.

BACKGROUND: Feline Herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) is a worldwide spread pathogen responsible for viral rhinotracheitis and conjunctivitis in cats that, in the most severe cases, can lead to death. Despite the availability of a variety of antiviral medications to treat this illness, mainly characterized by virostatic drugs that alter DNA replication, their use is often debated. Phytotherapeutic treatments are a little-explored field for FHV-1 infections and reactivations. In this scenario, natural compounds could provide several advantages, such as reduced side effects, less resistance and low toxicity. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential inhibitory effects of the green tea extract (GTE), consisting of 50% of polyphenols, on FHV-1 infection and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. RESULTS: Crandell-Reese feline kidney (CRFK) cells were treated with different doses of GTE (10-400 µg/mL) during the viral adsorption and throughout the following 24 h. The MTT and TCID50 assays were performed to determine the cytotoxicity and the EC50 of the extract, determining the amounts of GTE used for the subsequent investigations. The western blot assay showed a drastic reduction in the expression of viral glycoproteins (i.e., gB and gI) after GTE treatment. GTE induced not only a suppression in viral proliferation but also in the phosphorylation of Akt protein, generally involved in viral entry. Moreover, the increase in cell proliferation observed in infected cells upon GTE addition was supported by enhanced expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL anti-apoptotic proteins. Finally, GTE antioxidant activity was evaluated by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. The ROS burst observed during FHV-1 infection was mitigated after GTE treatment, leading to a reduction in the oxidative imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: Although further clinical trials are necessary, this study demonstrated that the GTE could potentially serve as natural inhibitor of FHV-1 proliferation, by reducing viral entry. Moreover, it is plausible that the extract could inhibit apoptosis by modulating the intrinsic pathway, thus affecting ROS production.

Theaflavins mitigate diabetic symptoms in GK rats by modulating the INSR/PI3K-Akt/GSK-3 pathway and intestinal microbiota.

Dietary management and interventions are crucial in the clinical management of diabetes. Numerous active dietary components in black tea have demonstrated positive effects on blood glucose levels and metabolic functions. However, limited research has explored the potential of theaflavins (TF), polyphenols in black tea, for diabetes management. In this study, high-purity TF was administered to Goto-Kakizaki (GK) diabetic model rats for four weeks to investigate its impact on diabetic pathology and analyze the underlying mechanisms through liver transcriptomics, hepatocyte metabolomics, and gut microbiome analysis. The findings indicated that continuous administration of TF (100 mg/kg) significantly suppressed blood glucose levels, reduced insulin resistance, and decreased the expression of oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors in GK rats. Further analysis revealed that TF might alleviate insulin resistance by improving hepatic glycogen conversion and reducing hepatic lipid deposition through modulation of key pathways, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and PI3K/AKT/GSK-3 pathways within the liver, thereby ameliorating diabetic symptoms. Additionally, TF intake facilitated the restoration of the intestinal microbial community structure by reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. It also reduced endotoxin lipopolysaccharide production, thereby lowering the chances of insulin resistance development and enhancing its efficacy in regulating blood glucose levels. These findings offer a novel perspective on the potential of black tea and its active constituents to prevent and treat diabetes and other metabolic disorders, providing valuable references for identifying and applying active dietary components from tea.

Non-target and target quantitative metabolomics with quantitative aroma evaluation reveal the influence mechanism of withering light quality on tea aroma and volatile metabolites evolution.

Withering is the first and key process that influences tea quality, with light quality being a key regulatory factor. However, effects of withering light quality (WLQ) on transformation and formation pathways of tea aroma and volatile metabolites (VMs) remain unclear. In the present study, four WLQs were set up to investigate their effects on tea aroma and VMs. The results showed that blue and red light reduced the grassy aroma and improved the floral and fruity aroma of tea. Based on GC-MS/MS, 83 VMs were detected. Through VIP, significant differences, and OAV analysis, 13 key differential VMs were screened to characterize the differential impacts of WLQ on tea aroma. Further analysis of the evolution and metabolic pathways revealed that glycoside metabolism was the key pathway regulating tea aroma through WLQ. Blue light withering significantly enhanced glycosides hydrolysis and amino acids deamination, which was beneficial for the enrichment of floral and fruity VMs, such as geraniol, citral, methyl salicylate, 2-methyl-butanal, and benzeneacetaldehyde, as well as the transformation of grassy VMs, such as octanal, naphthalene, and cis-3-hexenyl isovalerate, resulting in the formation of tea floral and fruity aroma. The results provide theoretical basis and technical support for the targeted processing of high-quality tea.

Nitenpyram in tea: Eco-friendly detection methodology and residue behavior.

Studies on nitenpyram determination and behavior within tea remain limited despite its widespread use as a neonicotinoid. An organic-saving analytical approach tailored for the detection of nitenpyram in tea was established. Nitenpyram was extracted by boiling water and cleaned up by Cleanert PCX solid-phase. The average recoveries were 75.1-94.5 %, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.7-8.6 % for saving 34.5-88.6 % organic solvent. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.002 mg·kg-1 in fresh tea shoots, 0.005 mg·kg-1 in made tea, and 0.001 mg·L-1 in tea brew, satisfying the current minimum Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). Nitenpyram dissipated rapidly with half-lives of 1.2-1.4 days at the recommended dosage (27 g a.i. ha-1) in two locations. Remarkably, 20-110 % of nitenpyram was leached out from made tea in different brewing modes. This work provides insights into nitenpyram's rational application in tea cultivation and offers considerations to institutions tasked with unestablished MRLs in tea.

Gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of green tea catechins and the biological consequences: An updated review.

Multiple beneficial effects have been attributed to green tea catechins (GTCs). However, the bioavailability of GTCs is generally low, with only a small portion directly absorbed in the small intestine. The majority of ingested GTCs reaches the large intestinal lumen, and are extensively degraded via biotransformation by gut microbiota, forming many low-molecular-weight metabolites such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones, phenolic acids, butyrate, and acetate. This process not only improves the overall bioavailability of GTC-derived metabolites but also enriches the biological activities of GTCs. Therefore, the intra- and inter-individual differences in human gut microbiota as well as the resulting biological contribution of microbial metabolites are crucial for the ultimate health benefits. In this review, the microbial degradation of major GTCs was characterized and an overview of the in vitro models used for GTC metabolism was summarized. The intra- and inter-individual differences of human gut microbiota composition and the resulting divergence in the metabolic patterns of GTCs were highlighted. Moreover, the potential beneficial effects of GTCs and their gut microbial metabolites were also discussed. Overall, the microbial metabolites of GTCs with higher bioavailability and bioactive potency are key factors for the observed beneficial effects of GTCs and green tea consumption.

Interactive Effects of Arabinoxylan Oligosaccharides and Green Tea Polyphenols on Obesity Management and Gut Microbiota Modulation in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

Dietary fiber and polyphenols have been shown to possess antiobesity properties. However, their combined effects need further investigation. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS) from rice bran and green tea polyphenols (GTP) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. We found that the combination of AXOS and GTP (A + G) significantly reduced overall fat mass and improved lipid profiles, although the effects were not synergistic. AXOS and GTP regulated lipid metabolism in different tissues and exhibited counteractive effects on gut microbiota. AXOS decreased α diversity and promoted Bifidobacterium, with GTP counteracting these effects. In vitro fermentation confirmed that GTP counteracted AXOS-induced microbiota changes in a dose-dependent manner. This study highlights the potential of tailored combinations of dietary fiber and polyphenols to treat obesity while considering their complex microbial interplay.

Pruned tea biomass plays a significant role in functional food production: A review on characterization and comprehensive utilization of abandon-plucked fresh tea leaves.

Tea is the second largest nonalcoholic beverage in the world due to its characteristic flavor and well-known functional properties in vitro and in vivo. Global tea production reaches 6.397 million tons in 2022 and continues to rise. Fresh tea leaves are mainly harvested in spring, whereas thousands of tons are discarded in summer and autumn. Herein, pruned tea biomass refers to abandon-plucked leaves being pruned in the non-plucking period, especially in summer and autumn. At present, no relevant concluding remarks have been made on this undervalued biomass. This review summarizes the seasonal differences of intrinsic metabolites and pays special attention to the most critical bioactive and flavor compounds, including polyphenols, theanine, and caffeine. Additionally, meaningful and profound methods to transform abandon-plucked fresh tea leaves into high-value products are reviewed. In summer and autumn, tea plants accumulate much more phenols than in spring, especially epigallocatechin gallate (galloyl catechin), anthocyanins (catechin derivatives), and proanthocyanidins (polymerized catechins). Vigorous carbon metabolism induced by high light intensity and temperature in summer and autumn also accumulates carbohydrates, such as soluble sugars and cellulose. The characteristics of abandon-plucked tea leaves make them not ideal raw materials for tea, but suitable for novel tea products like beverages and food ingredients using traditional or hybrid technologies such as enzymatic transformation, microbial fermentation, formula screening, and extraction, with the abundant polyphenols in summer and autumn tea serving as prominent flavor and bioactive contributors.

Synergistic Effect of ß-Cryptoxanthin and Epigallocatechin Gallate on Obesity Reduction.

Chronic obesity is an alarmingly growing global public health concern, posing substantial challenges for the prevention of chronic diseases, including hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, and there is an urgent need for early mitigation strategies. We previously reported the obesity-reducing effects of green tea and ß-cryptoxanthin intake. However, since tea has a complex mixture of compounds, it remained unclear which component contributed the most to this effect. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we analyzed the components of tea in this study to determine if consumption of any combination of these compounds with ß-cryptoxanthin had an obesity-reducing effect. Consuming epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea, and ß-cryptoxanthin for 4 weeks led to a decrease in body weight. Moreover, the weight and size of the white adipose tissues were significantly reduced, and blood biochemistry test results were comparable to normal values, with particular improvement in liver function. This indicated that intake of EGCG and ß-cryptoxanthin reduces obesity in both subcutaneous and visceral fat. These findings suggest that simultaneous intake of EGCG and ß-cryptoxanthin not only reduces obesity but also has a systemic beneficial effect on the body's normal physiological function.

Sensitive Detection of Genotoxic Substances in Complex Food Matrices by Multiparametric High-Content Analysis.

Genotoxic substances widely exist in the environment and the food supply, posing serious health risks due to their potential to induce DNA damage and cancer. Traditional genotoxicity assays, while valuable, are limited by insufficient sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency, particularly when applied to complex food matrices. This study introduces a multiparametric high-content analysis (HCA) for the detection of genotoxic substances in complex food matrices. The developed assay measures three genotoxic biomarkers, including γ-H2AX, p-H3, and RAD51, which enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of genotoxicity screening. Moreover, the assay effectively distinguishes genotoxic compounds with different modes of action, which not only offers a more comprehensive assessment of DNA damage and the cellular response to genotoxic stress but also provides new insights into the exploration of genotoxicity mechanisms. Notably, the five tested food matrices, including coffee, tea, pak choi, spinach, and tomato, were found not to interfere with the detection of these biomarkers under proper dilution ratios, validating the robustness and reliability of the assay for the screening of genotoxic compounds in the food industry. The integration of multiple biomarkers with HCA provides an efficient method for detecting and assessing genotoxic substances in the food supply, with potential applications in toxicology research and food safety.