Role of Natural Antioxidants from Functional Foods in Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Disorders

Background: Cadmium (Cd) impairs gametogenesis and damages the blood-testis barrier. Objective: As the primary mechanism of Cd-induced damage is oxidative stress, the effects of two natural antioxidants, myo-inositol (MI) and seleno-L-methionine (Se), were evaluated in mice testes. Methods: Eighty-four male C57 BL/6J mice were divided into twelve groups: 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day i.p.); Se (0.2 mg/kg/day per os); Se (0.4 mg/kg/day per os); MI (360 mg/kg/day per os); MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) plus vehicle; CdCl2 plus MI; CdCl2 plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); and CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, testes were processed for biochemical, structural and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: CdCl2 increased iNOS and TNF-α expression and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, lowered glutathione (GSH) and testosterone, induced testicular lesions, and almost eliminated claudin-11 immunoreactivity. Se administration at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression, maintained GSH, MDA and testosterone levels, structural changes and low claudin-11 immunoreactivity. MI alone or associated with Se at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression and MDA levels, increased GSH and testosterone levels, ameliorated structural organization and increased claudin-11 patches number. Conclusion: We demonstrated a protective effect of MI, a minor role of Se and an evident positive role of the association between MI and Se on Cd-induced damages of the testis. MI alone or associated with Se might protect testes in subjects exposed to toxicants, at least to those with behavior similar to Cd.

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Adipose Tissue Immunomodulation and Treg/Th17 Imbalance in the Impaired Glucose Metabolism of Children with Obesity

Children ◽

10.3390/children8070554 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 554

Author(s):

Stefania Croce ◽

Maria Antonietta Avanzini ◽

Corrado Regalbuto ◽

Erika Cordaro ◽

Federica Vinci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adipose Tissue ◽

Glucose Metabolism ◽

Th17 Cells ◽

Metabolic Disorders ◽

Potential Role ◽

Immune Monitoring ◽

Metabolic Dysfunction ◽

Impaired Glucose Metabolism ◽

T Cell Infiltration

In the last few decades, obesity has increased dramatically in pediatric patients. Obesity is a chronic disease correlated with systemic inflammation, characterized by the presence of CD4 and CD8 T cell infiltration and modified immune response, which contributes to the development of obesity related diseases and metabolic disorders, including impaired glucose metabolism. In particular, Treg and Th17 cells are dynamically balanced under healthy conditions, but imbalance occurs in inflammatory and pathological states, such as obesity. Some studies demonstrated that peripheral Treg and Th17 cells exhibit increased imbalance with worsening of glucose metabolic dysfunction, already in children with obesity. In this review, we considered the role of adipose tissue immunomodulation and the potential role played by Treg/T17 imbalance on the impaired glucose metabolism in pediatric obesity. In the patient care, immune monitoring could play an important role to define preventive strategies of pediatric metabolic disease treatments.

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The Role of High-Resolution Analytical Techniques in the Development of Functional Foods

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22063220 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 3220

Author(s):

Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa ◽

Francisco Javier Leyva-Jiménez ◽

María De la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea ◽

Sandra Pimentel-Moral ◽

Antonio Segura-Carretero

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Functional Foods ◽

Intervention Studies ◽

Analytical Techniques ◽

Nutritional Intervention ◽

Bioactive Properties ◽

Metabolic Reactions ◽

Bioactive Potential ◽

Endogenous Metabolites

The approaches based on high-resolution analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrometry coupled to chromatographic techniques, have a determining role in several of the stages necessary for the development of functional foods. The analyses of botanical extracts rich in bioactive compounds is one of the fundamental steps in order to identify and quantify their phytochemical composition. However, the compounds characterized in the extracts are not always responsible for the bioactive properties because they generally undergo metabolic reactions before reaching the therapeutic targets. For this reason, analytical techniques are also applied to analyze biological samples to know the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and/or metabolism of the compounds ingested by animal or human models in nutritional intervention studies. In addition, these studies have also been applied to determine changes of endogenous metabolites caused by prolonged intake of compounds with bioactive potential. This review aims to describe the main types and modes of application of high-resolution analytical techniques in all these steps for functional food development.

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Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10040608 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 608

Author(s):

Domenico Nuzzo

Keyword(s):

Reactive Oxygen Species ◽

Energy Metabolism ◽

Respiratory Chain ◽

Reactive Oxygen ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Oxygen Species

All cells continuously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the respiratory chain during the energy metabolism process [...]

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Oxidative Stress as a Possible Target in the Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Perspectives and Ambiguities

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115705 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5705

Author(s):

Karolina Szewczyk-Golec ◽

Marta Pawłowska ◽

Roland Wesołowski ◽

Marcin Wróblewski ◽

Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Redox Status ◽

Host Cells ◽

Common Disease ◽

Parasite Viability

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite causing toxoplasmosis, a common disease, which is most typically asymptomatic. However, toxoplasmosis can be severe and even fatal in immunocompromised patients and fetuses. Available treatment options are limited, so there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology and treatment of T. gondii infection. Chemical compounds that modify redox status can reduce the parasite viability and thus be potential anti-Toxoplasma drugs. On the other hand, oxidative stress caused by the activation of the inflammatory response may have some deleterious consequences in host cells. In this respect, the potential use of natural antioxidants is worth considering, including melatonin and some vitamins, as possible novel anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. Results of in vitro and animal studies are promising. However, supplementation with some antioxidants was found to promote the increase in parasitemia, and the disease was then characterized by a milder course. Undoubtedly, research in this area may have a significant impact on the future prospects of toxoplasmosis therapy.

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Regulation of miRNAs by Natural Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on SIRT1 and eNOS

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10030377 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 377

Author(s):

Yunna Lee ◽

Eunok Im

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Endothelial Dysfunction ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Sirtuin 1 ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

New Perspective ◽

Oxide Synthase ◽

Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The potential benefits of natural antioxidants derived from supplemental nutrients against CVDs are well known. Remarkably, natural antioxidants exert cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, increasing vasodilation, and normalizing endothelial dysfunction. Recently, considerable evidence has highlighted an important role played by the synergistic interaction between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the maintenance of endothelial function. To provide a new perspective on the role of natural antioxidants against CVDs, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important posttranscriptional modulators in human diseases. Several miRNAs are regulated via the consumption of natural antioxidants and are related to the regulation of oxidative stress by targeting eNOS and/or SIRT1. In this review, we have discussed the specific molecular regulation of eNOS/SIRT1-related endothelial dysfunction and its contribution to CVD pathologies; furthermore, we selected nine different miRNAs that target the expression of eNOS and SIRT1 in CVDs. Additionally, we have summarized the alteration of miRNA expression and regulation of activities of miRNA through natural antioxidant consumption.

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Tocopherols and Tocotrienols—Bioactive Dietary Compounds; What Is Certain, What Is Doubt?

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22126222 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (12) ◽

pp. 6222

Author(s):

Kacper Szewczyk ◽

Aleksandra Chojnacka ◽

Magdalena Górnicka

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Metabolic Disorders ◽

Tissue Concentration ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Biological Role ◽

Future Research ◽

The Past ◽

The Subject ◽

The Relationship

Tocopherols and tocotrienols are natural compounds of plant origin, available in the nature. They are supplied in various amounts in a diet, mainly from vegetable oils, some oilseeds, and nuts. The main forms in the diet are α- and γ-tocopherol, due to the highest content in food products. Nevertheless, α-tocopherol is the main form of vitamin E with the highest tissue concentration. The α- forms of both tocopherols and tocotrienols are considered as the most metabolically active. Currently, research results indicate also a greater antioxidant potential of tocotrienols than tocopherols. Moreover, the biological role of vitamin E metabolites have received increasing interest. The aim of this review is to update the knowledge of tocopherol and tocotrienol bioactivity, with a particular focus on their bioavailability, distribution, and metabolism determinants in humans. Almost one hundred years after the start of research on α-tocopherol, its biological properties are still under investigation. For several decades, researchers’ interest in the biological importance of other forms of vitamin E has also been growing. Some of the functions, for instance the antioxidant functions of α- and γ-tocopherols, have been confirmed in humans, while others, such as the relationship with metabolic disorders, are still under investigation. Some studies, which analyzed the biological role and mechanisms of tocopherols and tocotrienols over the past few years described new and even unexpected cellular and molecular properties that will be the subject of future research.

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The Role of High Fat Diets and Liver Peptidase Activity in the Development of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Wistar Rats

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030636 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 636

Author(s):

Germán Domínguez-Vías ◽

Ana Belén Segarra ◽

Manuel Ramírez-Sánchez ◽

Isabel Prieto

Keyword(s):

Glucose Metabolism ◽

Wistar Rats ◽

Metabolic Disorders ◽

Peptidase Activity ◽

High Fat ◽

Β Cell ◽

High Fat Diets ◽

Glutamyl Transferase ◽

Fat Diets

High-fat diets (HFD) have been widely associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders and overweight. However, a high intake of sources that are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids has been suggested as a dietary agent that is able to positively influence energy metabolism and vascular function. The main objective of this study was to analyze the role of dietary fats on hepatic peptidases activities and metabolic disorders. Three diets: standard (S), HFD supplemented with virgin olive oil (VOO), and HFD supplemented with butter plus cholesterol (Bch), were administered over six months to male Wistar rats. Plasma and liver samples were collected for clinical biochemistry and aminopeptidase activities (AP) analysis. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was also determined by Western blot in liver samples. The diet supplement with VOO did not induce obesity, in contrast to the Bch group. Though the VOO diet increased the time that was needed to return to the basal levels of plasma glucose, the fasting insulin/glucose ratio and HOMA2-%B index (a homeostasis model index of insulin secretion and valuation of β-cell usefulness (% β-cell secretion)) were improved. An increase of hepatic membrane-bound dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) activity was found only in VOO rats, even if no differences in fasting plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were obtained. Both HFDs induced changes in hepatic pyroglutamyl-AP in the soluble fraction, but only the Bch diet increased the soluble tyrosyl-AP. Angiotensinase activities that are implicated in the metabolism of angiotensin II (AngII) to AngIV increased in the VOO diet, which was in agreement with the higher activity of insulin-regulated-AP (IRAP) in this group. Otherwise, the diet that was enriched with butter increased soluble gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and Leucyl-AP, iNOS expression in the liver, and plasma NO. In summary, VOO increased the hepatic activity of AP that were related to glucose metabolism (DPP4, angiotensinases, and IRAP). However, the Bch diet increased activities that are implicated in the control of food intake (Tyrosine-AP), the index of hepatic damage (Leucine-AP and GGT), and the expression of hepatic iNOS and plasma NO. Taken together, these results support that the source of fat in the diet affects several peptidases activities in the liver, which could be related to alterations in feeding behavior and glucose metabolism.

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159 A Crucial Role of Nox2-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species in Ageing-Associated Metabolic Disorders and Brain Oxidative Damage

Heart ◽

10.1136/heartjnl-2016-309890.159 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 102 (Suppl 6) ◽

pp. A114.1-A114

Author(s):

Li Geng ◽

Jian-Mei Li

Keyword(s):

Reactive Oxygen Species ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Crucial Role ◽

Metabolic Disorders ◽

Reactive Oxygen ◽

Oxygen Species

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Chemopreventive role of Coriandrum sativum against gentamicin-induced renal histopathological damage in rats

Interdisciplinary Toxicology ◽

10.1515/intox-2015-0015 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 99-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Abhijeet Lakhera ◽

Aditya Ganeshpurkar ◽

Divya Bansal ◽

Nazneen Dubey

Keyword(s):

Acute Toxicity ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Positive Control ◽

Coriandrum Sativum ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Common Causes ◽

Histopathological Studies ◽

Oecd Guideline ◽

Important Medicinal Plant

Abstract Drug induced nephrotoxicity is one of the most common causes of renal failure. Gentamicin belongs to aminoglycosides, which elicit nephrotoxic potential. Natural antioxidants from plants demonstrate a number of biotherapeutic activities. Coriander is an important medicinal plant known for its hepatoprotective, diuretic, carminative, digestive and antihelminthic potential. This study was designed to investigate whether the extract of Coriandrum sativum ameliorates the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in rats. Dried coriander powder was coarsely grinded and subjected to defatting by petroleum ether and further with ethyl acetate. The extract was filtered and subjected to phytochemical and phytoanalytical studies. Acute toxicity in Wistar rats was determined by the OECD Guideline (423). Animals were divided into four groups. The first group served as positive control, while the second group was toxic control (gentamicin treated). The third and fourth group were treated with the extract (200 and 400 mg/kg gentamicin). After 8 days, the animals were sacrificed and biochemical and histopathological studies were carried out. Phytochemical screening of the extract demonstrated Coriandrum sativum to be rich in flavonoids, polyphenolics and alkaloids. Results of acute toxicity suggested the use of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for Coriandrum sativum in the study. Coriandrum sativum extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01) decreased creatinine levels in the animals, along with a decrease in serum urea and blood urea nitrogen. Treatment with Coriandrum sativum extract ameliorated renal histological lesions. It is concluded that Coriandrum sativum is a potential source of nephroprotective phytochemical activity, with flavonoids and polyphenols as the major components.

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