Studies on the Comparative Response of Fibers Obtained from the Pastazzo of Citrus bergamia and Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica on In Vitro Model of Neuroinflammation.

Adhering to a healthy diet has a protective effect on human health, including a decrease in inflammatory diseases due to consuming fiber. The purpose of this manuscript was to obtain and compare two extracts based on fiber (BF and IF-C), derived from two plants particularly present in the Mediterranean region: bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). The parts used by these plants have been the "pastazzo" for the bergamot and the cladodes for the prickly pear. In addition to in vitro evaluations, the antioxidant activity was also measured on human neurons under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the extracts of interest were examined for their effects on the cell cycle and the regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, caspase 9 and 3, induced by LPS. The results indicated that both extracts had a protective effect against LPS-induced damage, with BF consistently exhibiting superior functionality compared to IF-C. Moreover, the extracts can reduce inflammation, which is a common process of disease. By exploring this avenue, studying the consumption of dietary fiber could enhance our understanding of its positive effects, but additional experiments are needed to confirm this.

Mitochondrial sirtuin 3 and role of natural compounds: the effect of post-translational modifications on cellular metabolism.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of proteins with enzymatic activity. In particular, they are a family of class III NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases and ADP-ribosyltransferases. NAD+-dependent deac(et)ylase activities catalyzed by sirtuin include ac(et)ylation, propionylation, butyrylation, crotonylation, manylation, and succinylation. Specifically, human SIRT3 is a 399 amino acid protein with two functional domains: a large Rossmann folding motif and NAD+ binding, and a small complex helix and zinc-binding motif. SIRT3 is widely expressed in mitochondria-rich tissues and is involved in maintaining mitochondrial integrity, homeostasis, and function. Moreover, SIRT3 regulates related diseases, such as aging, hepatic, kidney, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and cancer development. In particular, one of the most significant and damaging post-translational modifications is irreversible protein oxidation, i.e. carbonylation. This process is induced explicitly by increased ROS production due to mitochondrial dysfunction. SIRT3 is carbonylated by 4-hydroxynonenal at the level of Cys280. The carbonylation induces conformational changes in the active site, resulting in allosteric inhibition of SIRT3 activity and loss of the ability to deacetylate and regulate antioxidant enzyme activity. Phytochemicals and, in particular, polyphenols, thanks to their strong antioxidant activity, are natural compounds with a positive regulatory action on SIRT3 in various pathologies. Indeed, the enzymatic SIRT3 activity is modulated, for example, by different natural polyphenol classes, including resveratrol and the bergamot polyphenolic fraction. Thus, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which phytochemicals can interact with SIRT3, resulting in post-translational modifications that regulate cellular metabolism.

Validation of Diets with Tomato Pomace in Complete Cycle Breeding of Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

By-product-based diets have the potential to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) production. However, evaluations of the efficacy of new diets are generally focused on larval performance, while the effect on adults is poorly understood. This aim of this study was to evaluate diets enriched with tomato pomace over a complete breeding cycle. The results showed that when used as an oviposition substrate, all the tested diets, including tomato pomace (T), outperformed the control bran-yeast diet (WY, 95:5 ratio), possibly due to the presence of cholesterol and linoleic acid. The adults fed with the bran-tomato pomace-brewer's spent grain diet (WTB, 50:27:23 ratio), the bran-tomato pomace-yeast diet (WTY, 50:41:9 ratio), and the bran-tomato pomace diet (WT, 50:50 ratio) produced significantly more larvae than those fed with the WY diet. The WTB diet (despite being yeast-free) performed similarly to the WY control diet during the subsequent larval growth phase, making it suitable for the entire production cycle. In conclusion, the results show that tomato pomace can be used a valid by-product in the formulation of efficient diets for the breeding of T. molitor and also provide an alternative to expensive yeast.

A New Method for Selective Extraction of Torularhodin from Red Yeast Using CO2-SFE Technique.

Torularhodin is a dark pink colored carotenoid belonging to the xanthophylls group that can be biologically synthesized by red yeasts, especially by Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces genera. The growing interest in this molecule is due to its biological activities such as antioxidant, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer. To satisfy potential commercial markets, numerous methods have been proposed to develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly downstream process for the purification of torularhodin. However, obtaining high purity products without resorting to the use of toxic solvents, which can leave residues in the final preparations, remains a major challenge. In this context, the present study aimed to develop a new efficient method for the isolation of torularhodin from the red yeast Rhodotorula strain ELP2022 by applying the extraction technique with supercritical CO2 (CO2-SFE) in two sequential steps. In particular, in the first step, the dried lysed biomass of yeast was subjected to the action of CO2 in supercritical conditions (CO2SC) as sole solvent for extraction of apolar carotenoids. In the second step, the residual biomass was subjected to the action of CO2SC using ethanol as a polar co-solvent for the extraction of torularhodin. Both steps were carried out at different operating parameters of temperature (40 and 60 °C) and pressure (from 300 to 500 bar) with a constant CO2 flow of 6 L min-1. Regardless of the operating conditions used, this method allowed to obtain an orange-colored oily extract and a red-colored extract after the first and second step, respectively. In all trials, torularhodin represented no less than 95.2% ± 0.70 of the total carotenoids in the red extracts obtained from the second step. In particular, the best results were obtained by performing both steps at 40 °C and 300 bar, and the maximum percentage of torularhodin achieved was 97.9% ± 0.88. Since there are no data on the selective recovery of torularhodin from red yeast using the SFE technique, this study may be a good starting point to optimize and support the development of industrial production of torularhodin by microbial synthesis. This new method can significantly reduce the environmental impact of torularhodin recovery and can be considered an innovation for which an Italian patent application has been filed. In a circular bioeconomy approach, this method will be validated up to a pilot scale, culturing the strain Rhodotorula spp. ELP2022 on low-cost media derived from agri-food wastes.

First Optimization of Tomato Pomace in Diets for Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Tomato pomace (TP), an agricultural industrial waste product from the tomato processing industry, is valorized as a rearing substrate for Tenebrio molitor (L.). This study evaluated bran-based diets with increasing tomato pomace (0%, 27%, 41%, and 100%). Protein sources, such as brewer's spent grain and yeast, were used in TP27 and TP41 diets to ensure equal protein contents to the control diet. Results showed no different for larval and pupal weights between diets; however, the time of development significantly increases in TP100 compared to all diets. The feed conversion rate progressively increases from 2.7 to 4.3, respectively, from the control to the TP100 diet. Conversely, lycopene and ß-carotene increase in the larvae. The fatty acid composition improves by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly α-linoleic acid). Although the best nutritional quality was obtained in T100, the TP41 is the optimal diet for balance between larval performance and qualitative improvement of larvae. Therefore, tomato pomace is suitable for the formulation of mealworm diets, even in high dosages, when supplemented with sustainable protein and carbohydrate sources.

Cell Metabolism Therapy by Small Natural Compounds.

Cellular metabolism therapy counteracting metabolic dysfunction performs a preeminent role in the pathophysiology of different diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases [...].

Inflammation, Mitochondria and Natural Compounds Together in the Circle of Trust.

Human diseases are characterized by the perpetuation of an inflammatory condition in which the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are quite high. Excessive ROS production leads to DNA damage, protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation, conditions that lead to a worsening of inflammatory disorders. In particular, compromised mitochondria sustain a stressful condition in the cell, such that mitochondrial dysfunctions become pathogenic, causing human disorders related to inflammatory reactions. Indeed, the triggered inflammation loses its beneficial properties and turns harmful if dysregulation and dysfunctions are not addressed. Thus, reducing oxidative stress with ROS scavenger compounds has proven to be a successful approach to reducing inflammation. Among these, natural compounds, in particular, polyphenols, alkaloids and coenzyme Q10, thanks to their antioxidant properties, are capable of inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and the expression of target genes, including those involved in inflammation. Even more, clinical trials, and in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of phytosomes, which are capable of increasing the bioavailability and effectiveness of natural compounds, and have long been considered an effective non-pharmacological therapy. Therefore, in this review, we wanted to highlight the relationship between inflammation, altered mitochondrial oxidative activity in pathological conditions, and the beneficial effects of phytosomes. To this end, a PubMed literature search was conducted with a focus on various in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials from 2014 to 2022.

New Insights Regarding Hemin Inhibition of the Purified Rat Brain 2-Oxoglutarate Carrier and Relationships with Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

A kinetic analysis of the transport assays on the purified rat brain 2-oxoglutarate/malate carrier (OGC) was performed starting from our recent results reporting about a competitive inhibitory behavior of hemin, a physiological porphyrin derivative, on the OGC reconstituted in an active form into proteoliposomes. The newly provided transport data and the elaboration of the kinetic equations show evidence that hemin exerts a mechanism of partially competitive inhibition, coupled with the formation of a ternary complex hemin-carrier substrate, when hemin targets the OGC from the matrix face. A possible interpretation of the provided kinetic analysis, which is supported by computational studies, could indicate the existence of a binding region responsible for the inhibition of the OGC and supposedly involved in the regulation of OGC activity. The proposed regulatory binding site is located on OGC mitochondrial matrix loops, where hemin could establish specific interactions with residues involved in the substrate recognition and/or conformational changes responsible for the translocation of mitochondrial carrier substrates. The regulatory binding site would be placed about 6 Å below the substrate binding site of the OGC, facing the mitochondrial matrix, and would allow the simultaneous binding of hemin and 2-oxoglutarate or malate to different regions of the carrier. Overall, the presented experimental and computational analyses help to shed light on the possible existence of the hemin-carrier substrate ternary complex, confirming the ability of the OGC to bind porphyrin derivatives, and in particular hemin, with possible consequences for the mitochondrial redox state mediated by the malate/aspartate shuttle led by the mitochondrial carriers OGC and AGC.

Tenebrio molitor as a source of interesting natural compounds, their recovery processes, biological effects, and safety aspects.

Nowadays, it is urgent to produce in larger quantities and more sustainably to reduce the gap between food supply and demand. In a circular bioeconomy vision, insects receive great attention as a sustainable alternative to satisfy food and nutritional needs. Among all insects, Tenebrio molitor (TM) is the first insect approved by the European Food Safety Authority as a novel food in specific conditions and uses, testifying its growing relevance and potential. This review holistically presents the possible role of TM in the sustainable and circular solution to the growing needs for food and nutrients. We analyze all high value-added products obtained from TM (powders and extracts, oils and fatty acids, proteins and peptides, and chitin and chitosan), their recovery processes (evaluating the best ones in technical and environmental terms), their nutritional and economical values, and their biological effects. Safety aspects are also mentioned. TM potential is undoubted, but some aspects still need to be discussed, including the health effects of substances and microorganisms in its body, the optimal production conditions (that affect product quality and safety), and TM capacity to convert by-products into new products. Environmental, economic, social, and market feasibility studies are also required to analyze the new value chains. Finally, to unlock the enormous potential of edible insects as a source of nutritious and sustainable food, it will be necessary to overcome the cultural, psychological, and regulatory barriers still present in Western countries.

The Interaction of Hemin, a Porphyrin Derivative, with the Purified Rat Brain 2-Oxoglutarate Carrier.

The mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), isolated and purified from rat brain mitochondria, was reconstituted into proteoliposomes to study the interaction with hemin, a porphyrin derivative, which may result from the breakdown of heme-containing proteins and plays a key role in several metabolic pathways. By kinetic approaches, on the basis of the single binding centre gated pore mechanism, we analyzed the effect of hemin on the transport rate of OGC in uptake and efflux experiments in proteoliposomes reconstituted in the presence of the substrate 2-oxoglutarate. Overall, our experimental data fit the hypothesis that hemin operates a competitive inhibition in the 0.5-10 µM concentration range. As a consequence of the OGC inhibition, the malate/aspartate shuttle might be impaired, causing an alteration of mitochondrial function. Hence, considering that the metabolism of porphyrins implies both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial processes, OGC may participate in the regulation of porphyrin derivatives availability and the related metabolic pathways that depend on them (such as oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis). For the sake of clarity, a simplified model based on induced-fit molecular docking supported the in vitro transport assays findings that hemin was as good as 2-oxoglutarate to bind the carrier by engaging specific ionic hydrogen bond interactions with a number of key residues known for participating in the similarly located mitochondrial carrier substrate binding site.

Tenebrio molitor in the circular economy: a novel approach for plastic valorisation and PHA biological recovery.

The increase in the world population leads to rising demand and consumption of plastic raw materials; only a small percentage of plastics is recovered and recycled, increasing the quantity of waste released into the environment and losing its economic value. The plastics represent a great opportunity in the circular perspective of their reuse and recycling. Research is moving, on the one hand, to implement sustainable systems for plastic waste management and on the other to find new non-fossil-based plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In this review, we focus our attention on Tenebrio molitor (TM) as a valuable solution for plastic biodegradation and biological recovery of new biopolymers (e.g. PHA) from plastic-producing microorganisms, exploiting its highly diversified gut microbiota. TM's use for plastic pollution management is controversial. However, TM microbiota is recognised as a source of plastic-degrading microorganisms. TM-based plastic degradation is improved by co-feeding with food loss and waste as a dietary energy source, thus valorising these low-value substrates in a circular economy perspective. TM as a bioreactor is a valid alternative to traditional PHA recovery systems with the advantage of obtaining, in addition to highly pure PHA, protein biomass and rearing waste from which to produce fertilisers, chitin/chitosan, biochar and biodiesel. Finally, we describe the critical aspects of these TM-based approaches, mainly related to TM mass production, eventual food safety problems, possible release of microplastics and lack of dedicated legislation.

Polyphenol Effects on Splenic Cytokine Response in Post-Weaning Contactin 1-Overexpressing Transgenic Mice.

BACKGROUND: In mice, postnatal immune development has previously been investigated, and evidence of a delayed maturation of the adaptive immune response has been detected. METHODS: In this study, the effects of red grape polyphenol oral administration on the murine immune response were explored using pregnant mice (TAG/F3 transgenic and wild type (wt) mice) as the animal model. The study was performed during pregnancy as well as during lactation until postnatal day 8. Suckling pups from polyphenol-administered dams as well as day 30 post-weaning pups (dietary-administered with polyphenols) were used. Polyphenol effects were evaluated, measuring splenic cytokine secretion. RESULTS: Phorbol myristate acetate-activated splenocytes underwent the highest cytokine production at day 30 in both wt and TAG/F3 mice. In the latter, release of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was found to be higher than in the wt counterpart. In this context, polyphenols exerted modulating activities on day 30 TAG/F3 mice, inducing release of interleukin (IL)-10 in hetero mice while abrogating release of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4 in homo and hetero mice. CONCLUSION: Polyphenols are able to prevent the development of an inflammatory/allergic profile in postnatal TAG/F3 mice.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Extraction from Nannochloropsis gaditana using Carbon Dioxide at Supercritical Conditions.

This research shows that carbon dioxide supercritical fluid (CO2-SF) is an emerging technology for the extraction of high interest compounds for applications in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics from microalgae. The purpose of this study is to recover fatty acids (FAs) and, more precisely, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from Nannochloropsis gaditana biomass by CO2-SF extraction. In the paper, the effect of mechanical pre-treatment was evaluated with the aim of increasing FAs recovery. Extraction was performed at a pressure range of 250⁻550 bars and a CO2 flow rate of 7.24 and 14.48 g/min, while temperature was fixed at 50 or 65 °C. The effect of these parameters on the extraction yield was assessed at each extraction cycle, 20 min each, for a total extraction time of 100 min. Furthermore, the effect of biomass loading on EPA recovery was evaluated. The highest EPA extraction yield, i.e., 11.50 mg/g, corresponding to 27.4% EPA recovery, was obtained at 65 °C and 250 bars with a CO2 flow rate of 7.24 g/min and 1.0 g biomass loading. The increased CO2 flow rate from 7.24 to 14.48 g/min enhanced the cumulative EPA recovery at 250 bars. The purity of EPA could be improved by biomass loading of 2.01 g, even if recovery was reduced.

Effects of Polyphenol Administration to European Farmed Sea Bass (Dicentrharcus labrax L.): Special Focus on Hepatopancreas Morphology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hepatopancreas is an accessory organ associated with the liver in some fish, even including sea bass (Dicentrharcus labrax L.). Hepatopancreas contains an exocrine portion but until now its function has poorly been investigated. METHODS: Here, European farmed sea bass have been treated with a feed enriched in polyphenols extracted from seeds of red grape (Nero di Troia cultivar) at two different doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) from day 273 to day 323. In fish samples, hepatopancreas area sizes have been measured to evaluate the effects of this dietary regimen on its morphology. RESULTS: Quite interestingly, in treated fish area sizes of hepatopancreas were higher than those detected in untreated fish. Two hundred mg dose of polyphenols was more effective than that of 100 mg/kg polyphenols. Finally, hepatic polyphenol concentration was diminished in fish receiving 100 mg dose polyphenols and normalized with 200 mg dose in comparison to untreated fish. This evidence suggests the utilization of polyphenols for liver function, even including hepatopancreas development. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an expansion of hepatopancreas induced by polyphenol administration that is also associated with less mortality in farmed fish.

Olive Leaf Extracts Act as Modulators of the Human Immune Response.

BACKGROUND: Olive tree leaves have been used in the Mediterranean area as traditional medicine in virtue of their healthy effects. Olive leaf extracts (OLEs) contain higher amounts of polyphenols than those detected in the extra virgin olive oil and fruit. Several lines of evidence support the cardioprotective, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities exerted by OLEs. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from twenty-five healthy donors were cultured in the presence of 3 µg of two OLE extracts, extract A (resuspended in water) and extract B (resuspended in 70% ethanol). After harvesting, cell pellets were used for cytofluorimetric phenotyping, while supernatants were assayed for cytokine release by means of ELISA. Furthermore, in the same supernatants nitric oxide (NO) content was determined. RESULTS: Both extracts, but especially extract A, increased absolute numbers of CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, an increased production of interferon (IFN)-γ by both extracts as an expression of T helper (h)1 activation was observed. Finally, both extracts enhanced NO release. CONCLUSION: OLEs, and mostly extract A, are able to in vitro modify healthy human immune response by increasing IFN-γ production which seems to be associated to the higher absolute numbers of CD8+ and NK cells and this may suggest a reinforcement of the anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, increased levels of NO may indicate the potential cardioprotective effects exerted by OLEs in virtue of their vasodilation dependent activity. Finally, OLEs are able to maintain the equilibrium between T regulatory cells and Th17 cells as evidenced by unmodified levels of interleukin (IL)-IL-10 and IL-17, respectively. In the light of these results, OLEs are potential therapeutic compounds for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease, also preventing cardiovascular event outcome.

In vitro Effects of Polyphenols on the Peripheral Immune Responses in Nickel-sensitized Patients.

BACKGROUND: Nickel (Ni) is a metal largely present in the environment and prolonged exposure to it may lead to multiple pathological conditions in human subjects. Among these, the most frequent is allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 25 patients with Ni-dependent contact dermatitis were evaluated in terms of cytokine release and nitric oxide (NO) production in the presence or absence of two doses (3 and 5 µg, respectively) of polyphenols. RESULTS: Polyphenols were able to reduce the increased release of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4, while maintaining the equilibrium between IL-10 and IL-17. At the same time, exaggerated release of NO was reduced by polyphenol supplementation. CONCLUSION: In view of their anti-inflammatory activities, polyphenols may represent a potential therapeutic tool to treat Ni-sensitized patients.

Corrigendum to "Immune Profile of Obese People and In Vitro Effects of Red Grape Polyphenols on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/9210862.].

In Vitro Effects of Nickel on Healthy Non-Allergic Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. The Role of Red Grape Polyphenols.

BACKGROUND: Nickel (Ni) is widely distributed in the environment and continuous exposure to this metal may lead to pathological manifestations, such as the human allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: The in vitro effects of Ni on human healthy non allergic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the absence or presence of red grape polyphenols have been evaluated. In the culture supernatants, levels of cytokines have been determined by ELISA, while nitric oxide (NO) concentration has been evaluated by a colorimetric procedure. RESULTS: Ni per se did not affect release of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. Instead, this metal dramatically reduced production of IL-17 which was restored by the supplementation of polyphenols. Finally, while Ni significantly increased generation of NO, polyphenols reduced production of this compound. CONCLUSION: Taken together, all these data may indicate a preventative role of polyphenols against Ni exposure in non allergic to Ni individuals, also confirming the immunomodulating role of these natural products. The interaction Ni/polyphenols/lipopolysaccharides will also be discussed.

Immune Profile of Obese People and In Vitro Effects of Red Grape Polyphenols on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

The in vitro ability of polyphenols, extracted from red grape, to modulate peripheral blood mononuclear cell responses has been evaluated in 20 obese (Ob) people. With regard to cytokine release in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17 were higher in the Ob than in healthy (H) subjects. Vice versa, IL-21 concentrations were detected only in H people but they were undetectable in the Ob counterpart. In general terms, levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α were higher in Ob people when compared to H controls. On the other hand, polyphenols did not modify IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 levels. However, an increase in IL-2 was observed in H individuals, whereas its levels were decreased in the Ob counterpart. Polyphenols significantly increased IL-10 release from H donors, whereas a trend to increase was observed in Ob people. In addition, polyphenols were able to significantly increase levels of H IL-21, while this was not the case in Ob people. Since IL-21 is an inducer of Th17 cells, it is likely that polyphenols may suppress the sources of this cytokine via production of IL-10. Accordingly, polyphenols decreased IL-1ß and IL-6 release in comparison to H controls.