Search Results (25)

Background/Objectives: During the last decade, there has been an increased interest in phenolic compound-rich natural products as natural therapies for regulating the molecular pathways behind central obesity and associated metabolic disorders. The present scoping review presents the outcomes of clinical and preclinical studies examining the anti-obesity effects of high phenolic extra virgin olive oil (HP-EVOO) and its possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were searched via MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, the Web of Science, Semantic Scholar, Google Scholar, Science.gov, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. A combination of keywords and Boolean logic was used to search throughout the last decade in all databases, including “hyperglycemia” or “hypertension” or “metabolic syndrome” or “dyslipidemia” or “hyperlipidemia” or “hypoglycemia” or “obesity” or “macrovascular diabetic complications” or “microvascular diabetic complications” or “cardiovascular disease” or “overweight” or “insulin sensitivity” or “insulin resistance” and “extra virgin olive oil” or “high phenolic olive oil” and “human” or “animal model”. Results: The 10-year literature survey identified 21 studies in both animal models and humans, indicating that HP-EVOO improves inflammation, glycemic control, oxidative stress and endothelial function, potentially protecting against metabolic syndrome, hypertension and type 2 diabetes, even compared to EVOO. Moreover, HP-EVOO’s antiplatelet effect and improvement in HDL functionality reduce cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: The evidence presented in this study demonstrates that HP-EVOO represents an effective preventive and therapeutic dietary approach to cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vulnerable coronary plaques are strongly associated with acute coronary events, posing significant therapeutic challenges despite statin therapy. This case report evaluates the impact of Evolocumab, a PCSK-9 inhibitor, on stabilizing high-risk plaques and promoting phenotypic transformation, assessed through coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods: A 50-year-old male with chronic coronary syndrome and a history of myocardial infarction underwent a CCTA, revealing a high-risk plaque (approximately 50%) in the proximal LAD. Despite achieving LDL-C targets with statin therapy, the plaque showed vulnerability features. Evolocumab (140 mg subcutaneously every two weeks) was added to therapy, combined with dietary counseling and dual antiplatelet therapy. Results: A follow-up CCTA at 24 months demonstrated significant reductions in plaque volume and positive remodeling, with a transformation from a mixed phenotype to a predominantly calcified plaque. LDL-C levels decreased from 71 mg/dL to 18 mg/dL. The patient remained asymptomatic, with no cardiovascular events reported during the follow-up. Conclusions: This case highlights the role of PCSK-9 inhibitors in stabilizing high-risk plaques, achieving structural changes that promote stability beyond LDL-C reduction. Advanced imaging techniques such as CCTA proved essential for risk stratification and monitoring therapy efficacy. Evolocumab offers a promising adjunctive treatment for high-risk patients unsuitable for elective revascularization, potentially redefining the standard of care for plaque stabilization in this setting. Full article

Vasorelaxant and antiplatelet agents play an important role in preventing and combating endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and a plethora of associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide and nowadays occur not only in developed but also in developing societies. They include, among others, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease. Due to their high prevalence, it is important to seek efficient preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes and the implementation of appropriate herbal dietary supplementation and treatment alternatives. Plant-derived quinones have recently drawn researchers’ attention due to their interesting biological potential. Embelin and rapanone are two plant-derived benzoquinones with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Embelin has already been shown to have vasorelaxant and antiplatelet activity, but little is known about rapanone in the context of CVDs. Therefore, we decided to comparatively evaluate their activity in a specially designed experimental protocol. Following the isolation of both benzoquinones from plant sources (rapanone from Ardisia crenata leaves; embelin from Lysimachia punctata roots), their effects were comparatively assessed in a biofunctional study on isolated rat aorta (precontracted with phenylephrine) and in vitro on platelet aggregation. Both benzoquinones showed 50% vasorelaxation in an NO-dependent manner. Interestingly, rapanone was slightly more effective as an antiplatelet agent than embelin. The antiplatelet effect of both benzoquinones was specific, as no cytotoxicity towards platelets was observed at the concentrations tested. This is the first report on the vasorelaxant and antiplatelet activity of rapanone. Full article

Background: Anticoagulants are life-saving medicines that can prevent strokes for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as treating patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), but when used incorrectly, they are frequently associated with patient harm. Aim: To evaluate the impact of community pharmacy teams on optimising patient knowledge and awareness and improving medication safety from the use of anticoagulants. Methods: Two national audits, consisting of 17 questions assessing and improving patients’ understanding of anticoagulant therapy, identifying high-risk patients, and contacting prescribers when clinically appropriate were incentivised for England’s community pharmacies in 2021–2022 and 2023–2024 using the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) commissioned by NHS England. Results: Approximately 11,000 community pharmacies audited just under a quarter of a million patients in total, whilst making almost 150,000 interventions for patients taking oral anticoagulants, i.e., identifying and addressing medication issues which could increase the risk of bleeding/harm. Out of the 111,195 patients audited in 2021–2022, only 24,545 (23%) patients were prescribed vitamin K antagonists. The remaining patients were prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). By 2023–2024, this decreased to 17,043 (16%) patients. Most patients knew that they were prescribed an anticoagulant (95.6%, 106,255 in 2021–2022 and 96.5%, 101,006 in 2023–2024, p < 0.001). Discussion: The audits resulted in a statistically significant increase in patients with a standard yellow anticoagulant alert card, as identified in audit 2 (73,901 66.5% in 2021–2022 to 76,735, 73.3% in 2023–2024, p < 0.001). Furthermore, fewer patients were prescribed concurrent antiplatelets with an anticoagulant (6021; 4.6% in 2021–2022 to 4975; 4% in 2023–2024, p < 0.001). Although there was an increase in the number of patients prescribed NSAIDs with anticoagulants, more of these patients were also prescribed gastroprotection concurrently (927 77.2% in 2021–2022 to 1457 84.1% in 2023–2024, p < 0.05). The majority of patients on warfarin had their blood checked within 12 weeks. Further there was an increase for these patients in the percentage of people prescribed VKAs who knew dietary changes can affect their anticoagulant medicine (16,764 67.4% in 2021–2022 to 12,594 73.9% in 2023–2024 p < 0.001). Conclusions: Community pharmacy teams are well placed in educating and counselling patients on the safe use of anticoagulants and ensuring that all patients are correctly monitored. Full article

Air pollution significantly impacts cardiovascular health, yet pollution reduction strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention remain limited. Dietary flavonoids show promise in protecting cardiovascular health, but their potential to mitigate air-pollution-induced risks is unexplored. This study investigates this research gap. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, literature from 2014–2024 was searched across MedLine/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MDPI databases. Of 463 identified studies, 53 were eligible for analysis based on PICO criteria. Findings revealed significant impacts of air pollution on cardiovascular health, including increased disease risks and mortality. Flavonoid intake demonstrated protective effects against these risks. Flavonoid mechanisms include improved endothelial function, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, blood pressure regulation, antiplatelet effects, cardioprotection, and enhanced lipid and glucose metabolism. Higher flavonoid intake was consistently associated with reduced cardiovascular risks. While reducing pollution remains crucial, promoting flavonoid-rich diets is a promising complementary strategy. Public health initiatives should raise awareness about these benefits. Further research on direct interactions between flavonoid intake and air pollution exposure is needed. Current evidence supports integrating dietary interventions into broader strategies to reduce air pollution’s cardiovascular impacts. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases are a broadly understood concept focusing on vascular and heart dysfunction. Lack of physical exercise, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thromboembolism, and kidney and lung diseases all contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel dysfunction. Although effective and important, traditional treatment with diuretics, statins, beta blockers, calcium inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and anti-platelet drugs remains a second-line treatment after dietary interventions and lifestyle changes. Scientists worldwide are still looking for an herbal product that would be effective and free from side effects, either taken together with or before the standard pharmacological intervention. Such herbal-originated medication therapy may include Morus alba L. (white mulberry), Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson (sea-buckthorn), Allium sativum L. (garlic), Convallaria majalis L. (lily of the valley), Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort), and Crataegus spp. (hawthorn). Valuable herbal raw materials include leaves, fruits, seeds, and even thorns. This short review focuses on six herbs that can constitute an interesting and potential therapeutic option in the management of cardiovascular disorders. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a societal burden due to the lack of effective treatment and incomplete pathophysiology understanding. This review explores the intricate connections among liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), platelets, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and coagulation disruptions in MASLD pathogenesis. In MASLD’s early stages, LSECs undergo capillarization and dysfunction due to excessive dietary macronutrients and gut-derived products. Capillarization leads to ischemic changes in hepatocytes, triggering pro-inflammatory responses in Kupffer cells (KCs) and activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Capillarized LSECs show a pro-inflammatory phenotype through adhesion molecule overexpression, autophagy loss, and increased cytokines production. Platelet interaction favors leucocyte recruitment, NETs formation, and liver inflammatory foci. Liver fibrosis is facilitated by reduced nitric oxide, HSC activation, profibrogenic mediators, and increased angiogenesis. Moreover, platelet attachment, activation, α-granule cargo release, and NETs formation contribute to MASLD progression. Platelets foster fibrosis and microthrombosis, leading to parenchymal extinction and fibrotic healing. Additionally, platelets promote tumor growth, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and tumor cell metastasis. MASLD’s prothrombotic features are exacerbated by insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity, manifesting as increased von Willebrand factor, platelet hyperaggregability, hypo-fibrinolysis, and a prothrombotic fibrin clot structure. Improving LSEC health and using antiplatelet treatment appear promising for preventing MASLD development and progression. Full article

Tomatoes are known for their numerous health benefits, including antioxidants, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, antiplatelet, and cardio-protective properties. However, their potential health benefits in the Mediterranean diet’s popular soffritto remain largely unexplored in scientific research. The objective was to evaluate the effects of soffritto intake on platelet activity, vascular endothelial function, weight, lipid profile, and blood parameters. In a prospective, controlled, randomized two-arm longitudinal cross-over trial, 40 overweight and obese individuals received 100 g/day of soffritto, or a control, for 42 days. The primary outcome was the effect on vascular endothelial function and platelet activity. As exploratory secondary outcomes, anthropometric measures, serum lipid profile, and hemogram profile were measured before and after a 6-week intervention with or without soffritto supplementation. Compared with the control group, soffritto supplementation for six weeks improved collagen-induced (−5.10 ± 3.06%) platelet aggregation (p < 0.05). In addition, after six weeks, a reduction in ADP-induced aggregation (−3.67 ± 1.68%) was also only observed in the soffritto group (p < 0.05). No significant effects of the soffritto intake were observed on vascular endothelial function, anthropometric measures, serum lipid profile, or blood parameters (p > 0.05). In conclusion, as a basic culinary technique, soffritto may have a role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by reducing platelet activation, which could contribute to a reduction in thrombotic events. Full article

We present a pediatric case of the antiplatelet effect of melatonin taken through breast milk in an 18-month-old child. The child was referred to our hematology outpatient clinic because of bleeding episodes that she presented since birth. Blood tests excluded the presence of blood coagulation diseases. The family history was negative for bleeding disorders. The child did not consume any drugs, food supplements, herbal teas or infusions. We performed an aggregation platelet test, which showed a reduced platelet aggregation. Shortly before, the baby had been breastfed. We speculated that breast milk could interfere with the result of the test; therefore, we decided to repeat the test in a fasting state. This time the test showed a normal platelet aggregation time. We learned that the child’s mother was taking a mixture of valerian and melatonin. Thus, we decided to suspend maternal intake of melatonin and perform a new platelet aggregation test after three months. The test results were negative. After the suspension of melatonin, the patient did not present further bleeding events. In this case, melatonin, through the inhibition of platelet aggregation, had an important role on the hemostatic system of the child. Melatonin is considered as a dietary supplement and is mostly available as an alternative medicine without formal prescription and dosage regulation. It is important, especially during breastfeeding, to investigate personal and medication history, including also homeopathic remedies or dietary supplements. Full article

Antioxidants are known to play a crucial role in maintaining cellular health by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Among various dietary sources of antioxidants, wheat-based products, particularly flours, have gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits. Durum wheat, a widely cultivated species, serves as a primary ingredient in numerous food products. However, limited research has been conducted to assess the antioxidant activity of flours obtained from durum wheat varieties. In this study, we aimed to comparatively evaluate the antioxidant and antiplatelet potential of flours from 22 selected durum wheat varieties cultivated in Greece. We focused on three major parameters for antioxidant activity measurement: total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while DPPH and FRAP assays were employed to assess the ability of flours to scavenge free radicals and reduce ferric ions, respectively. The antiplatelet activity was evaluated using a platelet-activating factor inhibition assay (PAF) in platelet-rich plasma. Analysis of the data revealed notable differences in the total phenolics and antioxidant and antiplatelet activities among the tested samples. The total phenolic content ranged from 624.0 ± 3.5 to 950.0 ± 5.3 μg of gallic acid equivalent/g flour with the variety Zeta E having the highest content. The antioxidant activities based on the DPPH and FRAP assays ranged from 0.56 ± 0.02 to 2.26 ± 0.08 and 1.93 ± 0.02 to 3.65 ± 0.03 μmol of Trolox equivalent/g flour, respectively, with the varieties Marco Aurelio and Zeta E exerting the highest antioxidant activities in the DPPH and FRAP tests, respectively. In addition, the IC50 values for the antiplatelet activity ranged from 0.72 ± 0.21 to 3.06 ± 0.17 in mg of flour, with the variety of Zoi exhibiting the highest antiplatelet activity. Overall, this comparative evaluation highlights the differences in the antioxidant and antiplatelet activities among flours obtained from 22 different durum wheat varieties cultivated in Greece. The results from this study aid in the selection of wheat varieties with superior antioxidant and antiplatelet capacities for use in bakery food formulation and dietary recommendations. Full article

Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu (E. sessiliflorus), a member of the Araliaceae family, is a valuable plant widely used for medicinal and dietary purposes. The tender shoots of E. sessiliflorus are commonly consumed as a staple wild vegetable. The fruits of E. sessiliflorus, known for their rich flavor, play a crucial role in the production of beverages and fruit wines. The root barks of E. sessiliflorus are renowned for their therapeutic effects, including dispelling wind and dampness, strengthening tendons and bones, promoting blood circulation, and removing stasis. To compile a comprehensive collection of information on E. sessiliflorus, extensive searches were conducted in databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and CNKI. This review aims to provide a detailed exposition of E. sessiliflorus from various perspectives, including phytochemistry and pharmacological effects, to lay a solid foundation for further investigations into its potential uses. Moreover, this review aims to introduce innovative ideas for the rational utilization of E. sessiliflorus resources and the efficient development of related products. To date, a total of 314 compounds have been isolated and identified from E. sessiliflorus, encompassing terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids and their esters, nitrogenous compounds, quinones, phenolics, and carbohydrates. Among these, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids are the primary bioactive components, with E. sessiliflorus containing unique 3,4-seco-lupane triterpenoids. These compounds have demonstrated promising properties such as anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, antiplatelet aggregation, and antitumor effects. Additionally, they show potential in improving glucose metabolism, cardiovascular systems, and immune systems. Despite some existing basic research on E. sessiliflorus, further investigations are required to enhance our understanding of its mechanisms of action, quality assessment, and formulation studies. A more comprehensive investigation into E. sessiliflorus is warranted to delve deeper into its mechanisms of action and potentially expand its pharmaceutical resources, thus facilitating its development and utilization. Full article

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is widely consumed as a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory as well as anti-platelet agent. Recently, our studies using the animal model of Drosophila demonstrated that the dietary supplementation of aspirin renovates age-onset intestinal dysfunction and delays organismal aging. Nevertheless, it remains probable that aspirin plays functional roles in other biological activities, for instance antiviral defense reactions. Intriguingly, we observed that the replications of several types of viruses were drastically antagonized in Drosophila macrophage-like S2 cells with the addition of aspirin. Further in vivo experimental approaches illustrate that adult flies consuming aspirin harbor higher resistances to viral infections with respect to flies without aspirin treatment. Mechanistically, aspirin positively contributes to the Drosophila antiviral defense largely through mediating the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) but not the IMD (immune deficiency) signaling pathway. Collectively, our studies uncover a novel biological function of aspirin in modulating Drosophila antiviral immunity and provide theoretical bases for exploring new antiviral treatments in clinical trials. Full article

Worldwide, the fungus known as huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda) is a phytopathogen of maize plants that causes important economic losses in different countries. Conversely, it is an iconic edible fungus of Mexican culture and cuisine, and it has high commercial value in the domestic market, though recently there has been a growing interest in the international market. Huitlacoche is an excellent source of nutritional compounds such as protein, dietary fiber, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It is also an important source of bioactive compounds with health-enhancing properties. Furthermore, scientific evidence shows that extracts or compounds isolated from huitlacoche have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiplatelet, and dopaminergic properties. Additionally, the technological uses of huitlacoche include stabilizing and capping agents for inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, removing heavy metals from aqueous media, having biocontrol properties for wine production, and containing biosurfactant compounds and enzymes with potential industrial applications. Furthermore, huitlacoche has been used as a functional ingredient to develop foods with potential health-promoting benefits. The present review focuses on the biocultural importance, nutritional content, and phytochemical profile of huitlacoche and its related biological properties as a strategy to contribute to global food security through food diversification; moreover, the biotechnological uses of huitlacoche are also discussed with the aim of contributing to the use, propagation, and conservation of this valuable but overlooked fungal resource. Full article

Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels lead to atherosclerosis and platelet hyperaggregability, both of which are known culprits of arterial thrombosis. Normalization of LDL cholesterol in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is not an easy task and frequently requires specific treatment, such as regularly performed lipid apheresis and/or novel drugs such as proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9Ab). Moreover, a high resistance rate to the first-line antiplatelet drug acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) stimulated research of novel antiplatelet drugs. 4-methylcatechol (4-MC), a known metabolite of several dietary flavonoids, may be a suitable candidate. The aim of this study was to analyse the antiplatelet effect of 4-MC in FH patients and to compare its impact on two FH treatment modalities via whole-blood impedance aggregometry. When compared to age-matched, generally healthy controls, the antiplatelet effect of 4-MC against collagen-induced aggregation was higher in FH patients. Apheresis itself improved the effect of 4-MC on platelet aggregation and blood from patients treated with this procedure and pretreated with 4-MC had lower platelet aggregability when compared to those solely treated with PCKS9Ab. Although this study had some inherent limitations, e.g., a low number of patients and possible impact of administered drugs, it confirmed the suitability of 4-MC as a promising antiplatelet agent and also demonstrated the effect of 4-MC in patients with a genetic metabolic disease for the first time. Full article

A polyphenol-rich diet has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. However, dietary polyphenols generally have low bioavailability and reach low plasma concentrations. Small phenolic metabolites of these compounds formed by human microbiota are much more easily absorbable and could be responsible for this effect. One of these metabolites, 4-methylcatechol (4-MC), was suggested to be a potent anti-platelet compound. The effect of 4-MC was tested ex vivo in a group of 53 generally healthy donors using impedance blood aggregometry. The mechanism of action of this compound was also investigated by employing various aggregation inducers/inhibitors and a combination of aggregometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. 4-MC was confirmed to be more potent than acetylsalicylic acid on both arachidonic acid and collagen-triggered platelet aggregation. Its clinically relevant effect was found even at a concentration of 10 μM. Mechanistic studies showed that 4-MC is able to block platelet aggregation caused by the stimulation of different pathways (receptors for the von Willebrand factor and platelet-activating factor, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, protein kinase C, intracellular calcium elevation). The major mechanism was defined as interference with cyclooxygenase-thromboxane synthase coupling. This study confirmed the strong antiplatelet potential of 4-MC in a group of healthy donors and defined its mechanism of action. Full article