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Dietary Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2023) | Viewed by 41419

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
2. Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
Interests: phenolic compounds; polyphenols; neuroprotection; antioxidant; nutraceutical; olive oil; medicinal chemistry; analytical chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
2. Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
Interests: phytochemicals; polyphenols; nutraceuticals; bioactives; food waiste; olive oil; medicinal chemistry; synthetic chemistry; analytical chemistry; biological screening
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The regular consumption of fruits and vegetables has preventative effects against various chronic diseases that are closely associated with oxidative stress and inflammation due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Dietary bioactives, particularly phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and fibers are recognized for their beneficial health properties, including their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Therefore, bioactives appear to be novel candidates for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Nevertheless, some pharmacokinetic drawbacks, including reduced intestinal absorption, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolic modifications, should be assessed to exploit their therapeutical properties.

The purpose of this Special Issue, "Dietary Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation", is to collect and discuss the recent developments in research regarding all of the aspects of bioactive compounds that are involved in various diseases, mediated by inflammatory and oxidative processes. More specifically,  original papers should focus on the implication of dietary bioactive compounds in different molecular pathways and propose modern cell and molecular biology methodologies. Furthermore, considering bioavailability as a key element to ensure the bio-efficacy of these compounds, studies on the absorption and metabolism of dietary bioactive compounds are appreciated. This Special Issue will include both original scientific researches and systematic reviews.

Prof. Dr. Maria Digiacomo
Dr. Doretta Cuffaro
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • polyphenols
  • bioactive compounds
  • food
  • antioxidant
  • anti-inflammatory
  • bioavailability
  • health properties
  • oxidative stress
  • phytochemicals
  • nutraceutical

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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8 pages, 281 KiB  
Editorial
Dietary Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
by Doretta Cuffaro, Maria Digiacomo and Marco Macchia
Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4966; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234966 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1914
Abstract
Nowadays, it has been amply demonstrated how an appropriate diet and lifestyle are essential for preserving wellbeing and preventing illnesses [...] Full article
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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

20 pages, 2554 KiB  
Article
Consumption of Feed Supplemented with Oat Beta-Glucan as a Chemopreventive Agent against Colon Cancerogenesis in Rats
by Joanna Harasym, Katarzyna Dziendzikowska, Łukasz Kopiasz, Jacek Wilczak, Rafał Sapierzyński and Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska
Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081125 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for 30% of all cancer cases worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. CRC develops over a long period of time, and in the early stages, pathological changes can be mitigated through nutritional interventions using bioactive [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for 30% of all cancer cases worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. CRC develops over a long period of time, and in the early stages, pathological changes can be mitigated through nutritional interventions using bioactive plant compounds. Our study aims to determine the effect of highly purified oat beta-glucan on an animal CRC model. The study was performed on forty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats with azoxymethane-induced early-stage CRC, which consumed feed containing 1% or 3% low molar mass oat beta-glucan (OBG) for 8 weeks. In the large intestine, morphological changes, CRC signaling pathway genes (RT-PCR), and proteins (Western blot, immunohistochemistry) expression were analyzed. Whole blood hematology and blood redox status were also performed. Results indicated that the histologically confirmed CRC condition led to a downregulation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway, along with alterations in oncogenic and tumor suppressor gene expression. However, OBG significantly modulated these effects, with the 3% OBG showing a more pronounced impact. Furthermore, CRC rats exhibited elevated levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in the blood, along with decreased white blood cell and lymphocyte counts. Consumption of OBG at any dose normalized these parameters. The minimal effect of OBG in the physiological intestine and the high activity in the pathological condition suggest that OBG is both safe and effective in early-stage CRC. Full article
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13 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Olive Mill Wastewater as Source of Polyphenols with Nutraceutical Properties
by Doretta Cuffaro, Andrea Bertolini, Simone Bertini, Claudio Ricci, Maria Grazia Cascone, Serena Danti, Alessandro Saba, Marco Macchia and Maria Digiacomo
Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3746; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173746 - 26 Aug 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1670
Abstract
Background: Agrifood waste products are often considered rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be conveniently recovered. Due to these peculiar characteristics, the study of these waste products is attracting great interest in nutraceutical research. Olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are generated by extra [...] Read more.
Background: Agrifood waste products are often considered rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be conveniently recovered. Due to these peculiar characteristics, the study of these waste products is attracting great interest in nutraceutical research. Olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are generated by extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) production, and they pose environmental challenges due to their disposal. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenolic profile and to evaluate the nutraceutical properties of OMWW extracts from two Tuscan olive cultivars, Leccino (CL) and Frantoio (CF), collected during different time points in EVOO production. Method: After a liquid–liquid extraction, the HPLC and LC–MS/MS analysis of OMWW extracts confirmed the presence of 18 polyphenolic compounds. Results: The polyphenol composition varied between the cultivars and during maturation stages. Notably, oleacein was detected at remarkably high levels in CL1 and CF1 extracts (314.628 ± 19.535 and 227.273 ± 3.974 μg/mg, respectively). All samples demonstrated scavenging effects on free radicals (DPPH and ABTS assays) and an anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Conclusions: This study highlights the nutraceutical potential of OMWW extracts, emphasizing their antioxidant, antiradical, and anti-inflammatory activities. The results demonstrate the influence of olive cultivar, maturation stage, and extraction process on the polyphenolic composition and the bioactivity of OMWW extracts. These findings support a more profitable reuse of OMWW as an innovative, renewable, and low-cost source of dietary polyphenols with potential applications as functional ingredients in the development of dietary supplements, as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Full article
20 pages, 3209 KiB  
Article
Ellagitannins from Castanea sativa Mill. Leaf Extracts Impair H. pylori Viability and Infection-Induced Inflammation in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells
by Stefano Piazza, Giulia Martinelli, Marco Fumagalli, Carola Pozzoli, Nicole Maranta, Flavio Giavarini, Luca Colombo, Giovanna Nicotra, Silvia Francesca Vicentini, Francesca Genova, Emma De Fabiani, Enrico Sangiovanni and Mario Dell’Agli
Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061504 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2230
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an etiologic factor of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Virulent strains of H. pylori are correlated with the severity of gastritis, due to NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression at the epithelial level. Ellagitannins have been [...] Read more.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an etiologic factor of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Virulent strains of H. pylori are correlated with the severity of gastritis, due to NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression at the epithelial level. Ellagitannins have been documented for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, thus suggesting their potential use in gastritis. Recently, several authors, including our group, demonstrated that tannin-rich extracts from chestnut byproducts, at present considered agricultural waste, display promising biological activities. In this work, we detected high levels of polyphenols in hydroalcoholic extracts from chestnut leaves (Castanea sativa L.). Among polyphenols, the ellagitannin isomers castalagin and vescalagin (about 1% w/w of dry extract) were identified as potential bioactive compounds. In GES-1 cells infected by H. pylori, leaf extract and pure ellagitannins inhibited IL-8 release (IC50 ≈ 28 µg/mL and 11 µM, respectively). Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory activity was partly due to attenuation of NF-κB signaling. Moreover, the extract and pure ellagitannins reduced bacterial growth and cell adhesion. A simulation of the gastric digestion suggested that the bioactivity might be maintained after oral administration. At the transcriptional level, castalagin downregulated genes involved in inflammatory pathways (NF-κB and AP-1) and cell migration (Rho GTPase). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation in which ellagitannins from plant extracts have demonstrated a potential role in the interaction among H. pylori and human gastric epithelium. Full article
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12 pages, 785 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Nutraceutical Properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extract by Olive Leaf Enrichment
by Doretta Cuffaro, Simone Bertini, Marco Macchia and Maria Digiacomo
Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051073 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4092
Abstract
(1) Background: Nowadays, the health-promoting properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, are well recognized and mainly attributed to the different polyphenols, such as oleocanthal and oleacein. In EVOO production, olive leaves represent a high value by-product, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Nowadays, the health-promoting properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, are well recognized and mainly attributed to the different polyphenols, such as oleocanthal and oleacein. In EVOO production, olive leaves represent a high value by-product, showing a wide spectrum of beneficial effects due to the presence of polyphenols, especially oleuropein. Here we report the study of olive leaf extract (OLE)-enriched EVOO extracts, obtained by adding different percentages of OLE to EVOO in order to ameliorate their nutraceutical activities. (2) Methods: The polyphenolic content of the EVOO/OLE extracts was analyzed by HPLC and the Folin-Ciocalteau assay. For further biological testing, an 8% OLE-enriched EVOO extract was chosen. Therefore, antioxidant effects were evaluated by three different methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), and the anti-inflammatory properties were assessed in terms of cyclooxygenase activity inhibition. (3) Results: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profiles of the new EVOO/OLE extract are significantly improved compared to those of EVOO extract; (4) Conclusions: The combination of OLE and EVOO extract can lead to an extract enriched in terms of bioactive polyphenols and endowed with better biological properties than the singular EVOO extract. Therefore, it may represent a new complement in the nutraceutical field. Full article
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11 pages, 2744 KiB  
Article
Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) Protects against Endothelial Dysfunction and Vascular Inflammation in Diabetic Rats
by Yuehan Wang, Xutao Zhang, Chunxiu Zhou, Haroon Khan, Manqin Fu and Wai San Cheang
Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5221; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245221 - 7 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3376
Abstract
Dried tangerine peel (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium, CRP; Chenpi in Chinese) possesses medicine and food homology with hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of CRP extract on endothelial function and inflammation in type 2 diabetic [...] Read more.
Dried tangerine peel (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium, CRP; Chenpi in Chinese) possesses medicine and food homology with hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of CRP extract on endothelial function and inflammation in type 2 diabetic rats and the related mechanisms. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) in male Sprague Dawley rats, and CRP extract was orally administered at 400 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Rat and mouse aortas were treated with high glucose and CRP extract ex vivo. The data showed that the ethanolic extract of CRP normalized blood pressure and the plasma lipid profile as well as the plasma levels of liver enzymes in diabetic rats. Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations in aortas, carotid arteries and renal arteries were improved. CRP extract suppressed vascular inflammatory markers and induced AMPK activation in aortas of diabetic rats. Exposure to high glucose impaired vasodilation in aortas of rats and mice, and this impairment was prevented by co-incubation with CRP extract. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CRP extract protects endothelial function by inhibiting the vascular inflammatory state on activation of AMPK in diabetic rats. Full article
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11 pages, 1967 KiB  
Article
C-Phycocyanin and Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Protect against Aspirin-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis in Gastric RGM-1 Cells
by Yu-Chen Liu, Chun-Chao Chang, Hirofumi Matsui and Jane C.-J. Chao
Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5113; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235113 - 1 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2839
Abstract
Aspirin causes gastrotoxicity and damaged epithelial defense via cyclooxygenase inhibition. C-phycocyanin (CPC) and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), an active ingredient of Spirulina platensis and wolfberry, respectively, exerted antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and/or immunoregulation. The actions of CPC and/or LBP on gastric damage induced by aspirin [...] Read more.
Aspirin causes gastrotoxicity and damaged epithelial defense via cyclooxygenase inhibition. C-phycocyanin (CPC) and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), an active ingredient of Spirulina platensis and wolfberry, respectively, exerted antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and/or immunoregulation. The actions of CPC and/or LBP on gastric damage induced by aspirin were explored in rat gastric mucosal RGM-1 cells. Gastric injury was performed by 21 mM aspirin for 3 h after the pretreatment of CPC and/or LBP (100–500 μg/mL) for 24 h in RGM-1 cells. Proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic markers were examined by ELISA or gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Cell viability and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were reduced by aspirin. Increased proinflammatory markers, caspase 3 activity, and Bax protein were observed in RGM-1 cells with aspirin treatment. Aspirin elevated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, while CPC and/or LBP increased IL-10, and attenuated proinflammatory markers, Bax protein, NF-κB, and the activation of ERK and JNK. Therefore, CPC and/or LBP possess anti-inflammation by restraining the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, and LBP decreases apoptosis by suppressing the JNK signaling pathway activation in gastric RGM-1 cells with aspirin-induced epithelial damage. Full article
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14 pages, 1832 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of Portuguese Prunus avium L. (Sweet Cherry) By-Products Extracts
by Ana R. Nunes, José D. Flores-Félix, Ana C. Gonçalves, Amílcar Falcão, Gilberto Alves and Luís R. Silva
Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4576; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214576 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
The bioactivity of natural by-products in food and pharmaceutical applications is the subject of numerous studies. Cherry production and processing generates large amounts of biowaste, most of which is not used. The recovery of these by-products is essential for promoting the circular economy [...] Read more.
The bioactivity of natural by-products in food and pharmaceutical applications is the subject of numerous studies. Cherry production and processing generates large amounts of biowaste, most of which is not used. The recovery of these by-products is essential for promoting the circular economy and to improving sustainability in the food industry. In this work, we explored the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential of two different extracts from stems, leaves, and flowers of Portuguese cherries. The anti-inflammatory potential was studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) by evaluating the effect of by-products on cellular viability and nitric oxide (NO) production. Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were used to determine antimicrobial activity. The cherry by-products had no cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells, and were able to inhibit nitrite production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, all aqueous infusions showed good antioxidant activity against NO radicals. Moreover, leaf extracts showed the best activity against most of the strains studied. The results revealed, for the first time, interesting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of cherry by-products. This could potentially be of interest for their therapeutic use in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases or in controlling the growth of microorganisms. Full article
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10 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Ameliorative Effects of Daphnopsis costaricensis Extract against Oxazolone-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-like Lesions in BALB/c Mice
by Yunji Bae, Taeyoung Kim, Nojune Park, Sangho Choi, Dongkeun Yi, Silvia Soto, Nelson Zamora, Sunam Kim and Minhye Yang
Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4521; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214521 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2358
Abstract
The genus Daphnopsis has been traditionally used as a purgative, diuretic, stimulant, and psoriasis treatment. In this study, the anti-AD (atopic dermatitis) activities of the Daphnopsis costaricensis EtOH extract (DCE) were investigated in an oxazolone (OX)-induced mouse model of AD, and the anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.
The genus Daphnopsis has been traditionally used as a purgative, diuretic, stimulant, and psoriasis treatment. In this study, the anti-AD (atopic dermatitis) activities of the Daphnopsis costaricensis EtOH extract (DCE) were investigated in an oxazolone (OX)-induced mouse model of AD, and the anti-inflammatory effects of its active compounds were confirmed in PI-sensitized or IgE/DNP-BSA-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. DCE improved the symptoms of OX-induced inflammatory dermatitis (swelling, erythema, and increased ear thickening) in OX-induced BALB/c mice ears and reduced epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration. Eleven flavonoid compounds were isolated from DCE, and two compounds (7,8-dimethoxyflavone and 7,2’-dimethoxyflavone) significantly inhibited IL-4 overexpression in PI-induced RBL-2H3 cells and mast cell degranulation in IgE + DNP-BSA-induced RBL-2H3 cells. Our study indicates that DCE and two compounds (7,8-dimethoxyflavone and 7,2’-dimethoxyflavone) might effectively improve inflammatory and atopic skin symptoms. Full article
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16 pages, 5342 KiB  
Article
Is It Possible to Improve the Bioavailability of Resveratrol and Polydatin Derived from Polygoni cuspidati Radix as a Result of Preparing Electrospun Nanofibers Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Cyclodextrin?
by Magdalena Paczkowska-Walendowska, Andrzej Miklaszewski and Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3897; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193897 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2039
Abstract
The low bioavailability of resveratrol and polydatin obtained from Polygoni cuspidati extract limits the application of their pro-health properties. While nanofibers have attracted increasing attention in nutrition delivery due to their special properties, including an increase in the dissolution and permeability, which affects [...] Read more.
The low bioavailability of resveratrol and polydatin obtained from Polygoni cuspidati extract limits the application of their pro-health properties. While nanofibers have attracted increasing attention in nutrition delivery due to their special properties, including an increase in the dissolution and permeability, which affects the bioavailability. Therefore, it is justified to obtain nanofibers from Polygoni cuspidati extract, which showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as a result of a presence of stilbene analogs in the Polygoni cuspidati extract (especially resveratrol and polydatin). In the first stage of the work, using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, the Polygoni cuspidati extract (70% of methanol, temperature 70 °C and 4 cycles) was obtained, which showed the best antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Using the Polygoni cuspidati extract as a substrate, nanofibers were obtained by electrospinning. The identification of nanofibers was confirmed on the basis of the analysis of changes in XRPD diffractograms, SEM picture and FTIR-ATR spectra. Obtaining nanofibers from the Polygoni cuspidati extract significantly improved the solubility of resveratrol and polydatin (approx. 6-fold comparing to pure substance). As a consequence, the penetration coefficients of both tested resveratrol and polydatin also increased. The proposed strategy for the preparation of nanofibers from the Polygoni cuspidati extract is an innovative approach to better use the synergy of biological action of active compounds present in extracts. It is especially during the development of nutraceuticals based on the use of selected stilbenes. Full article
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13 pages, 1106 KiB  
Article
Ethanol Extracts of Rice Bran and Whole Grain Adlay Seeds Mitigate Colonic Inflammation and Damage in Mice with Colitis
by Hui-Chen Lo, Yu-Hsin Chen and Wen-Tzu Wu
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3877; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183877 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2577
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with frequent relapsing inflammation in the colon. Whole grains have been promoted as healthy and sustainable foods; however, the use of whole gains in UC is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with frequent relapsing inflammation in the colon. Whole grains have been promoted as healthy and sustainable foods; however, the use of whole gains in UC is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of rice bran (RBE) and whole-grain adlay seeds (ADE) on inflammation, oxidative stress, and colonic damage in UC. Male C57BL/6JNarl mice were intra-rectal injected twice with 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to induce (day 0) and reactivate (day 21) UC. Control mice were fed AIN-93M diet (R group) and injected with a vehicle. UC mice were fed AIN-93M diet (UC group) supplemented with RBE (RBE group) or ADE (ADE group) for 21 days. The results showed that the UC group had an increased disease activity index, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and glutathione levels, microscopic injury scores, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in the colon and decreased colonic claudin-4 compared to the R group. RBE and ADE supplementation significantly reduced UC-elevated plasma IL-6 and colonic glutathione and pro-inflammatory cytokines and a chemokine. In addition, RBE and ADE supplementation significantly decreased T-helper-cell-associated cytokines in the plasma and colon. Moreover, RBE supplementation increased colonic IL-10 and tight junction protein claudin-4 levels, and ADE supplementation alleviated diarrhea in UC mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that RBE and ADE may mitigate colonic inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage in UC relapse. Full article
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17 pages, 15204 KiB  
Article
Flammulina velutipes Mycorrhizae Attenuate High Fat Diet-Induced Lipid Disorder, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Liver and Perirenal Adipose Tissue of Mice
by Zhen Luo, Qingying Gao, Yuanfei Li, Yifei Bai, Jing Zhang, Weina Xu and Jianxiong Xu
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3830; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183830 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2332
Abstract
Flammulina velutipes (FV) is edible mushroom that has nutritional and medicinal values. FV mycorrhizae, the by-products of FV, are an abundant source and receive less attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of FV mycorrhizae, and its effects on [...] Read more.
Flammulina velutipes (FV) is edible mushroom that has nutritional and medicinal values. FV mycorrhizae, the by-products of FV, are an abundant source and receive less attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of FV mycorrhizae, and its effects on high fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid disorder, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines, both in the liver and perirenal adipose tissue (PAT) of mice. The results showed that FV mycorrhizae contain abundant trace elements, polysaccharide, amino acids and derivatives, and organic compounds. It was found that 4% FV mycorrhizae (HFDFV) supplementation decreased HFD-induced liver weight and triglyceride (TG) in the plasma, liver and PAT, altered plasma and hepatic fatty acids profiles, promoted gene expression involved in lipid hydrolysis, fatty acid transportation and β-oxidation in the liver and reduced lipid synthesis in the liver and PAT. HFDFV attenuated HFD-induced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine by increasing GSH/GSSG, and decreasing levels of MDA and IL6 both in the liver and PAT, while it differentially regulated gene expression of IL1β, IL6, and CCL2 in liver and PAT. The results indicated that FV mycorrhizae are effective to attenuate HFD-induced lipid disorder, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and PAT, indicating their promising constituents for functional foods and herbal medicine. Full article
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25 pages, 2182 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Digestibility and Bioaccessibility of Nutrients and Non-Nutrients Composing Extruded Brewers’ Spent Grain
by Maria Belen Gutierrez-Barrutia, Sonia Cozzano, Patricia Arcia and Maria Dolores del Castillo
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3480; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173480 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3440
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the extrusion process on the bioaccessibility of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) nutrients (carbohydrates and proteins) and non-nutrients (bioactive compounds). BSG and extruded BSG (EBSG) were digested in vitro simulating human oral-gastro-intestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the extrusion process on the bioaccessibility of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) nutrients (carbohydrates and proteins) and non-nutrients (bioactive compounds). BSG and extruded BSG (EBSG) were digested in vitro simulating human oral-gastro-intestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. The duodenal bioaccessibility of glucose, amino acids and phenolic compounds was analyzed. The fermentability of the dietary fiber was assessed by analysis of short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, assessment of the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds after colonic fermentation was undertaken. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties of the bioaccessible compounds were studied. Extrusion caused no change in the digestibility of gluten and glucose bioaccessibility (p > 0.05). Moreover, the bioaccessibility of amino acids and phenolic compounds significantly increased (p < 0.05) due to extrusion. However, higher short-chain fatty acid content was formed in colonic fermentation of BSG (p < 0.05) compared to EBSG. The latter inhibited intracellular ROS formation in IEC-6 cells and showed anti-inflammatory properties in RAW264.7 cells. With respect to antidiabetic properties, glucose absorption was lower, and the inhibition of carbohydrases higher (p < 0.05), in the presence of EBSG compared to BSG. The effects of EBSG and BSG digests on glucose transporters were not significantly different (p > 0.05). In conclusion, extrusion positively affected the nutritional value and health-promoting properties of BSG. Full article
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13 pages, 3914 KiB  
Article
Shibi Tea (Adinandra nitida) and Camellianin A Alleviate CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in C57BL-6J Mice by Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
by Ruohong Chen, Yingyi Lian, Shuai Wen, Qiuhua Li, Lingli Sun, Xingfei Lai, Zhenbiao Zhang, Junquan Zhu, Linsong Tang, Ji Xuan, Erdong Yuan and Shili Sun
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3037; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153037 - 24 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2462
Abstract
Liver injury is a significant public health issue nowadays. Shibi tea is a non-Camellia tea prepared from the dried leaves of Adinandra nitida, one of the plants with the greatest flavonoid concentration, with Camellianin A (CA) being the major flavonoid. Shibi [...] Read more.
Liver injury is a significant public health issue nowadays. Shibi tea is a non-Camellia tea prepared from the dried leaves of Adinandra nitida, one of the plants with the greatest flavonoid concentration, with Camellianin A (CA) being the major flavonoid. Shibi tea is extensively used in food and medicine and has been found to provide a variety of health advantages. The benefits of Shibi tea and CA in preventing liver injury have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of extract of Shibi tea (EST) and CA in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury. Two different concentrations of EST and CA were given to model mice by gavage for 3 days. Treatment with two concentrations of EST and CA reduced the CCl4-induced elevation of the liver index, liver histopathological injury score, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that EST and CA regulated the oxidative stress signaling pathway protein levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the expression of inflammatory cytokines, the phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (p-NF-κB)/nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-κB) ratio, the phospho-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MAPK), and the apoptosis-related protein levels of BCL2-associated X (Bax)/B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) in the liver. Taken together, EST and CA can protect against CCl4-induced liver injury by exerting antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 1994 KiB  
Review
Food Anthocyanins: Malvidin and Its Glycosides as Promising Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agents with Potential Health Benefits
by Anna Merecz-Sadowska, Przemysław Sitarek, Tomasz Kowalczyk, Karolina Zajdel, Mariusz Jęcek, Paweł Nowak and Radosław Zajdel
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15133016 - 1 Jul 2023
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4605
Abstract
Anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds that are abundantly present in fruits and vegetables. These compounds contribute to the color of these foods and offer various health benefits to consumers due to their biological properties. There are more than 1000 types of anthocyanins in nature, [...] Read more.
Anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds that are abundantly present in fruits and vegetables. These compounds contribute to the color of these foods and offer various health benefits to consumers due to their biological properties. There are more than 1000 types of anthocyanins in nature, all derived from 27 anthocyanidin aglycones that have different glycosylations and acylations. Malvidin is one of the most well-known anthocyanidins. Several studies, including those conducted on cell lines, animals, and humans, have suggested that malvidin and its glycosides possess anti-carcinogenic, diabetes-control, cardiovascular-disease-prevention, and brain-function-improvement properties. These health benefits are primarily attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are influenced by the molecular mechanisms related to the expression and modulation of critical genes. In this article, we review the available information on the biological activity of malvidin and its glycosides concerning their health-promoting effects. Full article
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