Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review.

Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the significant energy requirement and the use of costly and hazardous chemicals that may cause nanoparticles to adhere to surfaces. To address these limitations, researchers are actively developing alternative procedures that are cost-effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly. One promising approach involves biological synthesis, which utilizes plants or microorganisms as reducing and capping agents. This review discusses various methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with a focus on biological synthesis using naturally occurring bioflocculants from microorganisms. Bioflocculants offer several advantages, including harmlessness, biodegradability, and minimal secondary pollution. Furthermore, the review covers the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles, their antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, it explores the utilization of these NPs in water purification and dye removal processes.

Potential regulatory role of PGC-1α within the skeletal muscle during metabolic adaptations in response to high-fat diet feeding in animal models.

High-fat diet (HFD) feeding in rodents has become an essential tool to critically analyze and study the pathological effects of obesity, including mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) regulates cellular energy metabolism to influence insulin sensitivity, beyond its active role in stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis to facilitate skeletal muscle adaptations in response to HFD feeding. Here, some of the major electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were accessed to update and critically discuss information on the potential role of PGC-1α during metabolic adaptations within the skeletal muscle in response to HFD feeding in rodents. In fact, available evidence suggests that partial exposure to HFD feeding (potentially during the early stages of disease development) is associated with impaired metabolic adaptations within the skeletal muscle, including mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced insulin sensitivity. In terms of implicated molecular mechanisms, these negative effects are partially associated with reduced activity of PGC-1α, together with the phosphorylation of protein kinase B and altered expression of genes involving nuclear respiratory factor 1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A within the skeletal muscle. Notably, metabolic abnormalities observed with chronic exposure to HFD (likely during the late stages of disease development) may potentially occur independently of PGC-1α regulation within the muscle of rodents. Summarized evidence suggests the causal relationship between PGC-1α regulation and effective modulations of mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic flexibility during the different stages of disease development. It further indicates that prominent interventions like caloric restriction and physical exercise may affect PGC-1α regulation during effective modulation of metabolic processes.

Application of Iron Nanoparticles Synthesized from a Bioflocculant Produced by Yeast Strain Pichia kudriavzevii Obtained from Kombucha Tea SCOBY in the Treatment of Wastewater.

Studying the production of Iron (Fe) nanoparticles using natural substances is an intriguing area of research in nanotechnology, as these nanoparticles possess biocompatibility and natural stability, which make them useful for a variety of industrial applications. The study utilized Fe nanoparticles that were synthesized using a bioflocculant and applied to eliminate different kinds of pollutants and dyes found in wastewater and solutions. The study involved the generation of Fe nanoparticles through a bioflocculant obtained from Pichia kudriavzevii, which were evaluated for their flocculation and antimicrobial capabilities. The impact of the Fe nanoparticles on human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cell lines was studied to assess their potential cytotoxicity effects. An array of spectroscopic and microscopic methods was employed to characterize the biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles, including SEM-EDX, FT-IR, TEM, XRD, UV-vis, and TGA. A highly efficient flocculating activity of 85% was achieved with 0.6 mg/mL dosage of Fe nanoparticles. The biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles demonstrated a noteworthy concentration-dependent cytotoxicity effect on HEK 293 cell lines with the highest concentration used resulting in 34% cell survival. The Fe nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against a variety of evaluated Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The efficiency of removing dyes by the nanoparticles was found to be higher than 65% for the tested dyes, with the highest being 93% for safranine. The Fe nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable efficiency in removing various pollutants from wastewater. In comparison to traditional flocculants and the bioflocculant, biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles possess significant potential for eliminating both biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater samples treated. Hence, the Fe nanoparticles synthesized in this way have the potential to substitute chemical flocculants in the treatment of wastewater.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity by Marine Nocardiopsis dassonvillei against Foodborne Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens creates public health challenges, prompting a continuous search for effective novel antimicrobials. This study aimed to isolate marine actinomycetes from South Africa, evaluate their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and characterize their mechanisms of action. Marine actinomycetes were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the chemical constituents of bioactive actinomycetes' secondary metabolites. Antibacterial activity of the secondary metabolites was assessed by the broth microdilution method, and their mode of actions were predicted using computational docking. While five strains showed antibacterial activity during primary screening, only Nocardiopsis dassonvillei strain SOD(B)ST2SA2 exhibited activity during secondary screening for antibacterial activity. GC-MS identified five major bioactive compounds: 1-octadecene, diethyl phthalate, pentadecanoic acid, 6-octadecenoic acid, and trifluoroacetoxy hexadecane. SOD(B)ST2SA2's extract demonstrated minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration, ranging from 0.78-25 mg/mL and 3.13 to > 25 mg/mL, respectively. Diethyl phthalate displayed the lowest bacterial protein-binding energies (kcal/mol): -7.2, dihydrofolate reductase; -6.0, DNA gyrase B; and -5.8, D-alanine:D-alanine ligase. Thus, marine N. dassonvillei SOD(B)ST2SA2 is a potentially good source of antibacterial compounds that can be used to control STEC and Listeria monocytogenes.

Sulforaphane: A nutraceutical against diabetes-related complications.

There is an increasing interest in the use of nutraceuticals and plant-derived bioactive compounds from foods for their potential health benefits. For example, as a major active ingredient found from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, there has been growing interest in understanding the therapeutic effects of sulforaphane against diverse metabolic complications. The past decade has seen an extensive growth in literature reporting on the potential health benefits of sulforaphane to neutralize pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation, which may be essential in protecting against diabetes-related complications. In fact, preclinical evidence summarized within this review supports an active role of sulforaphane in activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 or effectively modulating AMP-activated protein kinase to protect against diabetic complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, as well as other metabolic complications involving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. With clinical evidence suggesting that foods rich in sulforaphane like broccoli can improve the metabolic status and lower cardiovascular disease risk by reducing biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. This information remains essential in determining the therapeutic value of sulforaphane or its potential use as a nutraceutical to manage diabetes and its related complications. Finally, this review discusses essential information on the bioavailability profile of sulforaphane, while also covering information on the pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation that drive the development and progression of diabetes.

Potential Benefits of Coffee Consumption on Improving Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Healthy Individuals and Those at Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered the predominant cause of death globally. An abnormal increase in biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation are consistently linked with the development and even progression of metabolic diseases, including enhanced CVD risk. Coffee is considered one of the most consumed beverages in the world, while reviewed evidence regarding its capacity to modulate biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation remains limited. The current study made use of prominent electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to retrieve information from randomized controlled trials reporting on any association between coffee consumption and modulation of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy individuals or those at increased risk of developing CVD. In fact, summarized evidence indicates that coffee consumption, mainly due to its abundant antioxidant properties, can reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be essential in alleviating the CVD risk in healthy individuals. However, more evidence suggests that regular/prolonged use or long term (>4 weeks) consumption of coffee appeared to be more beneficial in comparison with short-term intake (<4 weeks). These positive effects are also observed in individuals already presenting with increased CVD risk, although such evidence is very limited. The current analysis of data highlights the importance of understanding how coffee consumption can be beneficial in strengthening intracellular antioxidants to alleviate pathological features of oxidative stress and inflammation to reduce CVD risk within the general population. Also covered within the review is essential information on the metabolism and bioavailability profile of coffee, especially caffeine as one of its major bioactive compounds.

Bioactive Properties, Bioavailability Profiles, and Clinical Evidence of the Potential Benefits of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Red Pepper (Capsicum annum) against Diverse Metabolic Complications.

The consumption of food-derived products, including the regular intake of pepper, is increasingly evaluated for its potential benefits in protecting against diverse metabolic complications. The current study made use of prominent electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to retrieve clinical evidence linking the intake of black and red pepper with the amelioration of metabolic complications. The findings summarize evidence supporting the beneficial effects of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), including its active ingredient, piperine, in improving blood lipid profiles, including reducing circulating levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in overweight and obese individuals. The intake of piperine was also linked with enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by increasing serum levels of superoxide dismutase while reducing those of malonaldehyde and C-reactive protein in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Evidence summarized in the current review also indicates that red pepper (Capsicum annum), together with its active ingredient, capsaicin, could promote energy expenditure, including limiting energy intake, which is likely to contribute to reduced fat mass in overweight and obese individuals. Emerging clinical evidence also indicates that pepper may be beneficial in alleviating complications linked with other chronic conditions, including osteoarthritis, oropharyngeal dysphagia, digestion, hemodialysis, and neuromuscular fatigue. Notably, the beneficial effects of pepper or its active ingredients appear to be more pronounced when used in combination with other bioactive compounds. The current review also covers essential information on the metabolism and bioavailability profiles of both pepper species and their main active ingredients, which are all necessary to understand their potential beneficial effects against metabolic diseases.

Sarcopenia in a type 2 diabetic state: Reviewing literature on the pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation beyond the neutralizing effect of intracellular antioxidants.

Sarcopenia remains one of the major pathological features of type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially in older individuals. This condition describes gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that reduces the overall vitality and fitness, leading to increased hospitalizations and even fatalities to those affected. Preclinical evidence indicates that dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, together with impaired activity of the NADPH oxidase system, are the major sources of oxidative stress that drive skeletal muscle damage in T2D. While patients with T2D also display relatively higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers in the serum, including high sensitivity-C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α that are independently linked with the deterioration of muscle function and sarcopenia in T2D. In fact, beyond reporting on the pathological consequences of both oxidative stress and inflammation, the current review highlights the importance of strengthening intracellular antioxidant systems to preserve muscle mass, strength, and function in individuals with T2D.

Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Salmonella Serovars Recovered from Retail Poultry Offal in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

As poultry organ meat is widely consumed, especially in low- and middle-income countries, there is reason to investigate it as a source of Salmonella infections in humans. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, serotypes, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from chicken offal from retail outlets in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Samples (n = 446) were cultured for the detection of Salmonella using ISO 6579-1:2017. Presumptive Salmonella were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Salmonella isolates were serotyped using the Kauffmann-White-Le Minor scheme and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. A conventional PCR was used for the detection of Salmonella invA, agfA, lpfA and sivH virulence genes. Of the 446 offal samples, 13 tested positive for Salmonella (2.91%; CI = 1.6-5). The serovars included S. Enteritidis (n = 3/13), S. Mbandaka (n = 1/13), S. Infantis (n = 3/13), S. Heidelberg (n = 5/13) and S. Typhimurium (n = 1/13). Antimicrobial resistance against amoxicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline was found only in S. Typhimurium and S. Mbandaka. All 13 Salmonella isolates harboured invA, agfA, lpfA and sivH virulence genes. The results show low Salmonella prevalence from chicken offal. However, most serovars are known zoonotic pathogens, and multi-drug resistance was observed in some isolates. Consequently, chicken offal products need to be treated with caution to avoid zoonotic Salmonella infections.

Dietary Supplements Potentially Target Plasma Glutathione Levels to Improve Cardiometabolic Health in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of death in people with diabetes mellitus. Severely suppressed intracellular antioxidant defenses, including low plasma glutathione (GSH) levels, are consistently linked with the pathological features of diabetes such as oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, it has already been established that low plasma GSH levels are associated with increased risk of CVD in people with diabetes. Dietary supplements are widely used and may offer therapeutic benefits for people with diabetes at an increased risk of developing CVDs. However, such information remains to be thoroughly scrutinized. Hence, the current systematic review explored prominent search engines, including PubMed and Google Scholar, for updated literature from randomized clinical trials reporting on the effects of dietary supplements on plasma GSH levels in people with diabetes. Available evidence indicates that dietary supplements, such as coenzyme Q10, selenium, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E or D, may potentially improve cardiometabolic health in patients with diabetes. Such beneficial effects are related to enhancing plasma GSH levels and reducing cholesterol, including biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, available evidence is very limited and additional clinical studies are still required to validate these findings, including resolving issues related to the bioavailability of these bioactive compounds.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Metformin: A Scoping Review Evaluating the Feasibility of Brown Adipose Tissue as a Therapeutic Target.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is increasingly recognized as the major therapeutic target to promote energy expenditure and ameliorate diverse metabolic complications. There is a general interest in understanding the pleiotropic effects of metformin against metabolic complications. Major electronic databases and search engines such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library were used to retrieve and critically discuss evidence reporting on the impact of metformin on regulating BAT thermogenic activity to ameliorate complications linked with obesity. The summarized evidence suggests that metformin can reduce body weight, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve glucose metabolism by promoting BAT thermogenic activity in preclinical models of obesity. Notably, this anti-diabetic agent can affect the expression of major thermogenic transcriptional factors such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α) to improve BAT mitochondrial function and promote energy expenditure. Interestingly, vital molecular markers involved in glucose metabolism and energy regulation such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are similarly upregulated by metformin treatment in preclinical models of obesity. The current review also discusses the clinical relevance of BAT and thermogenesis as therapeutic targets. This review explored critical components including effective dosage and appropriate intervention period, consistent with the beneficial effects of metformin against obesity-associated complications.

Impact of dyslipidemia in the development of cardiovascular complications: Delineating the potential therapeutic role of coenzyme Q10.

Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This metabolic anomality is implicated in the generation of oxidative stress, an inevitable process involved in destructive mechanisms leading to myocardial damage. Fortunately, commonly used drugs like statins can counteract the detrimental effects of dyslipidemia by lowering cholesterol to reduce CVD-risk in patients with T2D. Statins mainly function by blocking the production of cholesterol by targeting the mevalonate pathway. However, by blocking cholesterol synthesis, statins coincidently inhibit the synthesis of other essential isoprenoid intermediates of the mevalonate pathway like farnesyl pyrophosphate and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). The latter is by far the most important co-factor and co-enzyme required for efficient mitochondrial oxidative capacity, in addition to its robust antioxidant properties. In fact, supplementation with CoQ10 has been found to be beneficial in ameliorating oxidative stress and improving blood flow in subjects with mild dyslipidemia.. Beyond discussing the destructive effects of oxidative stress in dyslipidemia-induced CVD-related complications, the current review brings a unique perspective in exploring the mevalonate pathway to block cholesterol synthesis while enhancing or maintaining CoQ10 levels in conditions of dyslipidemia. Furthermore, this review disscusses the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds in targeting the downstream of the mevalonate pathway, more importantly, their ability to block cholesterol while maintaining CoQ10 biosynthesis to protect against the destructive complications of dyslipidemia.

Vitamin C intake potentially lowers total cholesterol to improve endothelial function in diabetic patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Vitamin C is one of the most consumed dietary compounds and contains abundant antioxidant properties that could be essential in improving metabolic function. Thus, the current systematic review analyzed evidence on the beneficial effects of vitamin C intake on cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related outcomes in patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Methods: To identify relevant randomized control trials (RCTs), a systematic search was run using prominent search engines like PubMed and Google Scholar, from beginning up to March 2022. The modified Black and Downs checklist was used to assess the quality of evidence. Results: Findings summarized in the current review favor the beneficial effects of vitamin C intake on improving basic metabolic parameters and lowering total cholesterol levels to reduce CVD-risk in subjects with type 2 diabetes or related metabolic diseases. Moreover, vitamin C intake could also reduce the predominant markers of inflammation and oxidative stress like C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and malondialdehyde. Importantly, these positive outcomes were consistent with improved endothelial function or increased blood flow in these subjects. Predominantly effective doses were 1,000 mg/daily for 4 weeks up to 12 months. The included RCTs presented with the high quality of evidence. Conclusion: Clinical evidence on the beneficial effects of vitamin C intake or its impact on improving prominent markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with diabetes is still limited. Thus, more RCTs are required to solidify these findings, which is essential to better manage diabetic patients at increased risk of developing CVD.

Detrimental Effects of Lipid Peroxidation in Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring the Neutralizing Influence of Antioxidants.

Lipid peroxidation, including its prominent byproducts such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), has long been linked with worsened metabolic health in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In fact, patients with T2D already display increased levels of lipids in circulation, including low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides, which are easily attacked by reactive oxygen molecules to give rise to lipid peroxidation. This process severely depletes intracellular antioxidants to cause excess generation of oxidative stress. This consequence mainly drives poor glycemic control and metabolic complications that are implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease. The current review explores the pathological relevance of elevated lipid peroxidation products in T2D, especially highlighting their potential role as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in disease severity. In addition, we briefly explain the implication of some prominent antioxidant enzymes/factors involved in the blockade of lipid peroxidation, including termination reactions that involve the effect of antioxidants, such as catalase, coenzyme Q10, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as vitamins C and E.

Production and Characterization of a Bioflocculant from Pichia kudriavzevii MH545928.1 and Its Application in Wastewater Treatment.

A variety of flocculants have been used to aggregate colloidal substances. However, recently, owing to the adverse effects and high costs of conventional flocculants, natural flocculants such as microbial flocculants are gaining attention. The aim of the study was to produce and characterize a bioflocculant from Pichia kudriavzevii MH545928.1 and apply it in wastewater treatment. A mixture of butanol and chloroform (5:2 v/v) was used to extract the bioflocculant. Phenol-sulphuric acid, Bradford and Carbazole assays were utilized for the identification of carbohydrates, proteins and uronic acid, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental detector were employed to determine the surface morphology and elemental compositions. The removal efficiencies were 73%, 49% and 47% for BOD, COD and P, respectively. The bioflocculant (2.836 g/L) obtained showed the presence of carbohydrates (69%), protein (11%) and uronic acid (16%). The bioflocculant displayed a cumulus-like structure and the elemental composition of C (16.92%), N (1.03%), O (43:76%), Na (0.18%), Mg (0.40%), Al (0.80%), P (14.44%), S (1.48%), Cl (0.31%), K (0.34%) and Ca (20.35). It showed the removal efficiencies of 43% (COD), 64% (BOD), 73% (P) and 50% (N) in coal mine wastewater. This bioflocculant is potentially viable to be used in wastewater treatment.

Establishing a proof of concept for the effects of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHFD) and physical activity on body composition in type 2 diabetes.

Overweight and obesity are both a risk factor for developing and exacerbating type 2 diabetes (T2D). While the most common diet used to treat overweight and obesity focus on high-carbohydrate, low-fat, energy deficit diets, recently, low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets (LCHFD) have become popular in targeting obesity. This proof-of-concept study attempted to determine if an LCHFD could improve body composition variables, or if a concurrent treatment of LCHFD and physical activity would create an interference effect in individuals with T2D. Overweight and obese with T2D (n = 39) were assigned into either a 16-week combined physical activity and LCHFD group (ConG), LCHFD-only group (DieG) or control group (NonG). No statistically significant (p > 0.01) changes were found in body mass in the ConG (2.0%, F = 0.039, P = 0.846) and DieG (2.5%, F = 0.188, P = 0.669); for body mass index in the ConG (2.2%, F = 0.046, P = 0.832) and DieG (2.3%, F = 0.098, P = 0.758.); and waist-to-hip ratio in the ConG (0%, F = 0.002, P = 0.968) and DieG (0%, F = 0.023, P = 0.882). However, clinically significant changes were observed in HbA1c in the ConG male group (23% decrease); percentage body fat for the ConG (16.7%, F = 1.682, P = 0.208, g = 0.534) and DieG (13.0%, F = 0.638, P = 0435, g = 0.361); for waist circumferences in the ConG (5.4%, F = 0.686, P = 0.416, g = 0.341) and DieG (6.3%, F = 1.327, P = 0.264, g = 0.520); and for hip circumference in the ConG (5.8%, F = 0.993, P = 0.329, g = 0.410) and DieG (7.0%, F = 2.668, P = 0.119, g = 0.737). Results indicate that moderate clinically significant changes in body composition are achievable with LCHFD and/or daily walking in obese adults living with T2D. However, more robust research is required to determine the effects of LCHFD, with or without concurrent physical activity, on obesity and other diabetic complication markers.

The effect of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the potential role of polyphenols in the modulation of adiponectin signaling.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, as it affects up to 30 % of adults in Western countries. Moreover, NAFLD is also considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Insulin resistance and inflammation have been identified as key factors in the pathophysiology of NAFLD. Although the mechanisms associated with the development of NAFLD remain to be fully elucidated, a complex interaction between adipokines and cytokines appear to play a crucial role in the development of this condition. Adiponectin is the most common adipokine known to be inversely linked with insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, inflammation and NAFLD. Consequently, the focus has been on the use of new therapies that may enhance hepatic expression of adiponectin downstream targets or increase the serum levels of adiponectin in the treatment NAFLD. While currently used therapies show limited efficacy in this aspect, accumulating evidence suggest that various dietary polyphenols may stimulate adiponectin levels, offering potential protection against the development of insulin resistance, inflammation and NAFLD as well as associated conditions of metabolic syndrome. As such, this review provides a better understanding of the role polyphenols play in modulating adiponectin signaling to protect against NAFLD. A brief discussion on the regulation of adiponectin during disease pathophysiology is also covered to underscore the potential protective effects of polyphenols against NAFLD. Some of the prominent polyphenols described in the manuscript include aspalathin, berberine, catechins, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, genistein, piperine, quercetin, and resveratrol.

Herbal supplements interactions with oral oestrogen-based contraceptive metabolism and transport.

The increased use of herbal supplements as complementary or alternative medicines has become a clinical conundrum due to the potential for herb-drug interactions. This is exacerbated by an increased supply of new herbal supplements in the market claiming various health advantages. These herbal supplements are available as over-the-counter self-medications. Herbal supplements are generally perceived as efficacious without side effects commonly associated with conventional drugs. However, despite regulations, claims related to their therapeutic effects are mostly unsupported by scientific evidence. These products often lack suitable product quality controls, labelled inadequately and with batch to batch variations, potentially compromising the safety of the consumer. Amongst health practitioners, the greatest concern is related to the lack of chemical characterization of the active compounds of the herbal supplements. The interaction between these different active components and their concomitant effects on other conventional drugs is generally not known. This review will focus on herbal supplements with the potential to effect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oestrogen-based oral contraceptives. The use of herbal supplements for weight management, depression, and immune boosting benefits were selected as likely herbal supplements to be used concomitantly by women on oral contraceptives.