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Nutrients
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The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control
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The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 July 2024) | Viewed by 17701

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Laura Sturla

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
Interests: glucose homeostasis; food supplement; abscisic acid; molecular mechanisms of signal transduction; insulin resistance; diabetes and related metabolic syndrome

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The control of glucose homeostasis represents the primary goal for the prevention of prediabetes, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is growing in incidence, and its control involves numerous challenges; in particular, type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent form, affecting more than 90% of total diabetes subjects, and is characterized by decreased β-cell insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia. The application of therapeutic strategies aiming to contrast hyperglycemia is essential; albeit many of the measures are based on improving life habits and pharmacological treatment, these interventions are often difficult to support due to several serious side-effects and fail to significantly alter the course of diabetic complications. Therefore, the development of novel strategies is necessary, and new bioactive compounds, present in food or released from human cells, able to improve glycemic control, stimulating glucose uptake, metabolism, and increasing insulin sensitivity, have recently attracted considerable interest.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect original research articles, short communications, and reviews on new bioactive compounds as promising and innovative molecules able to contribute to the management of glucose homeostasis, including their molecular mechanisms in diabetes and all related metabolic syndromes.

Dr. Sturla Laura
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bioactive molecules
  • glycemia control
  • diabetes
  • insulin sensitivity
  • human health
  • human diet
  • molecular mechanisms
  • biological activity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 4228 KiB  
Article
Insulin-Mimetic Activity of Herbal Extracts Identified with Large-Scale Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
by Cathrina Neuhauser, Bettina Schwarzinger, Clemens Schwarzinger, Michaela Feichtinger, Verena Stadlbauer, Verena Arnaut, Ivana Drotarova, Bernhard Blank-Landeshammer and Julian Weghuber
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142182 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2377
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a spreading global pandemic. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the predominant form of diabetes, in which a reduction in blood glucose uptake is caused by impaired glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane in adipose and muscle [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus is a spreading global pandemic. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the predominant form of diabetes, in which a reduction in blood glucose uptake is caused by impaired glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane in adipose and muscle cells. Antihyperglycemic drugs play a pivotal role in ameliorating diabetes symptoms but often are associated with side effects. Hence, novel antidiabetic compounds and nutraceutical candidates are urgently needed. Phytogenic therapy can support the prevention and amelioration of impaired glucose homeostasis. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), 772 plant extracts of an open-access plant extract library were screened for their GLUT4 translocation activation potential, resulting in 9% positive hits. Based on commercial interest and TIRFM assay-based GLUT4 translocation activation, some of these extracts were selected, and their blood glucose-reducing effects in ovo were investigated using a modified hen’s egg test (Gluc-HET). To identify the active plant part, some of the available candidate plants were prepared in-house from blossoms, leaves, stems, or roots and tested. Acacia catechu (catechu), Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Saponaria officinalis (common soapwort) revealed their potentials as antidiabetic nutraceuticals, with common soapwort containing GLUT4 translocation-activating saponarin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control)
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13 pages, 3462 KiB  
Article
Red Oranges and Olive Leaf Waste-Derived Bioactive Extracts Promote Adipocyte Functionality In Vitro
by Maria Gulisano, Valeria Consoli, Valeria Sorrenti and Luca Vanella
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121959 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1361
Abstract
Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide and is linked to metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), due to excessive free fatty acids (FFAs). Although lifestyle changes are effective, they often prove to be insufficient as initial treatments [...] Read more.
Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide and is linked to metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), due to excessive free fatty acids (FFAs). Although lifestyle changes are effective, they often prove to be insufficient as initial treatments for obesity. Additionally, while surgical and pharmacological interventions are available, they are not entirely safe or effective. Recently, interest has grown in utilizing food waste and plant-derived phenolic compounds for their health benefits, presenting a promising avenue for managing obesity and its related disorders. Indeed, many studies have examined the potential inhibitory effects of the natural extract on adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. This study focused on the evaluation of the effects of standardized extracts obtained from red oranges and olive leaf waste on 3T3-L1 murine pre-adipocyte and adipocyte functionality. Red orange extract (ROE) and olive leaf extract (OLE), alone and in combination, were tested to assess their anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as their potential therapeutic benefits. Three in vitro models were established to investigate the effects of the extracts on (I) adipocyte differentiation; (II) mature and hypertrophic adipocytes challenged with palmitic acid (PA) and erastin (ER), respectively; and (III) erastin-induced cytotoxicity on pre-adipocytes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control)
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17 pages, 2063 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Phenolic-Rich Extracts of Rubus fruticosus, R. ulmifolius and Morus nigra on Oxidative Stress and Caco-2 Inhibition Growth
by Mariana S. Martins, Márcio Rodrigues, José David Flores-Félix, Cristina Garcia-Viguera, Diego A. Moreno, Gilberto Alves, Luís R. Silva and Ana C. Gonçalves
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091361 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2147
Abstract
Currently, a clear interest has been given to berries due to their richness in active metabolites, including anthocyanins and non-coloured phenolics. Therefore, the main aim of the present work is to investigate the phenolic profile, antioxidant abilities, and antiproliferative effects on normal human [...] Read more.
Currently, a clear interest has been given to berries due to their richness in active metabolites, including anthocyanins and non-coloured phenolics. Therefore, the main aim of the present work is to investigate the phenolic profile, antioxidant abilities, and antiproliferative effects on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) cells of phenolic-rich extracts from three red fruits highly appreciated by consumers: two species of blackberries (Rubus fruticosus and Rubus ulmifolius) and one species of mulberry (Morus nigra). A total of 19 different phenolics were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and HPLC-DAD, respectively. Focusing on the biological potential of the phenolic-rich extracts, all of them revealed notable scavenging abilities. Concerning the antiproliferative properties, R. fruticosus presented a cytotoxic selectivity for Caco-2 cells compared to NHDF cells. To deeper explore the biological potential, combinations with positive controls (ascorbic acid and 5-fluorouracil) were also conducted. Finally, the obtained data are another piece of evidence that the combination of phenolic-rich extracts from natural plants with positive controls may reduce clinical therapy costs and the possible toxicity of chemical drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control)
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Review

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25 pages, 1287 KiB  
Review
Role of Abscisic Acid in the Whole-Body Regulation of Glucose Uptake and Metabolism
by Sonia Spinelli, Zelle Humma, Mirko Magnone, Elena Zocchi and Laura Sturla
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010013 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1484
Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a hormone with a long evolutionary history, dating back to the earliest living organisms, of which modern (ABA-producing) cyanobacteria are likely descendants, which existed long before the separation of the plant and animal kingdoms, with a conserved role as [...] Read more.
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a hormone with a long evolutionary history, dating back to the earliest living organisms, of which modern (ABA-producing) cyanobacteria are likely descendants, which existed long before the separation of the plant and animal kingdoms, with a conserved role as signals regulating cell responses to environmental challenges. In mammals, along with the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective function of ABA, nanomolar ABA regulates the metabolic response to glucose availability by stimulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue via an insulin-independent mechanism and increasing metabolic energy production and also dissipation in brown and white adipocytes. Chronic ABA intake of micrograms per Kg body weight improves blood glucose, lipids, and morphometric parameters (waist circumference and body mass index) in borderline subjects for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome. This review summarizes the most recent in vitro and in vivo data obtained with nanomolar ABA, the involvement of the receptors LANCL1 and LANCL2 in the hormone’s action, and the importance of mammals’ endowment with two distinct hormones governing the metabolic response to glucose availability. Finally, unresolved issues and future directions for the clinical use of ABA in diabetes are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control)
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23 pages, 726 KiB  
Review
Review on the Role of Polyphenols in Preventing and Treating Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
by Fereidoon Shahidi and Renan Danielski
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183159 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4955
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the leading causes of death globally. There was a 70% increase in diabetes-related deaths between 2000 and 2020, particularly among males. This non-communicable disease is characterized by increased insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the leading causes of death globally. There was a 70% increase in diabetes-related deaths between 2000 and 2020, particularly among males. This non-communicable disease is characterized by increased insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and, if untreated, resulting in complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, blindness, and poor wound healing. T2D management includes dietary intervention, physical exercise, and the administration of blood sugar-lowering medication. However, these medications often have side effects related to intestinal discomfort. Therefore, natural alternatives to standard diabetes medications are being sought to improve the quality of life for individuals with this condition. Polyphenols, which are naturally occurring plant metabolites, have emerged as strong candidates for T2D control. Various phenolic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acid), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), proanthocyanidins (e.g., procyanidin B2), gallotannins (e.g., monogalloyl hexoside), and ellagitannins (e.g., ellagic acid hexoside) can enhance insulin sensitivity in tissues, reduce chronic inflammation, scavenge free radicals, improve insulin secretion, inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, regulate glucose transport across cell membranes, and modulate gut microbiota. This contribution compiles up-to-date evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on the role of polyphenols in the prevention and management of T2D, emphasizing the mechanisms of action underlying these effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control)
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22 pages, 2061 KiB  
Review
Interactions between Intestinal Homeostasis and NAD+ Biology in Regulating Incretin Production and Postprandial Glucose Metabolism
by Taichi Nagahisa, Shotaro Kosugi and Shintaro Yamaguchi
Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061494 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4442
Abstract
The intestine has garnered attention as a target organ for developing new therapies for impaired glucose tolerance. The intestine, which produces incretin hormones, is the central regulator of glucose metabolism. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production, which determines postprandial glucose levels, is regulated by intestinal [...] Read more.
The intestine has garnered attention as a target organ for developing new therapies for impaired glucose tolerance. The intestine, which produces incretin hormones, is the central regulator of glucose metabolism. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production, which determines postprandial glucose levels, is regulated by intestinal homeostasis. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis in major metabolic organs such as the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in obesity- and aging-associated organ derangements. Furthermore, NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis in the intestines and its upstream and downstream mediators, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and NAD+-dependent deacetylase sirtuins (SIRTs), respectively, are critical for intestinal homeostasis, including gut microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism, and GLP-1 production. Thus, boosting the intestinal AMPK–NAMPT–NAD+–SIRT pathway to improve intestinal homeostasis, GLP-1 production, and postprandial glucose metabolism has gained significant attention as a novel strategy to improve impaired glucose tolerance. Herein, we aimed to review in detail the regulatory mechanisms and importance of intestinal NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis in regulating intestinal homeostasis and GLP-1 secretion in obesity and aging. Furthermore, dietary and molecular factors regulating intestinal NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis were critically explored to facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for postprandial glucose dysregulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Blood Glucose Control)
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