scholarly journals Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed a Candidate Protein Source with Potential for Combating SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Obesity

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Ana H. De A. Morais ◽  
Amanda F. De Medeiros ◽  
Isaiane Medeiros ◽  
Vanessa C.O. De Lima ◽  
Anna B.S. Luz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Protein Activation ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Fasting Glycemia ◽  
Transmembrane Serine Protease ◽  
Factor Α

Introduction: Obesity and coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 are overlapping pandemics, and one might worsen the other. Methods: This narrative review discusses one of the primary mechanisms to initiate acute respiratory distress syndrome, uncontrolled systemic inflammation in COVID-19, and presents a potential candidate for adjuvant treatment. Blocking the S protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and the 3C-like protease (3CL pro) is an effective strategy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Results: Host proteases such as FURIN, trypsin, and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS) act in S protein activation. Tamarind trypsin inhibitor (TTI) shows several beneficial effects on the reduction of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], leptin) and biochemical parameters (fasting glycemia, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL]), in addition to improving pancreatic function and mucosal integrity in an obesity model. TTI may inhibit the action of proteases that collaborate with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the neutrophil activity characteristic of lung injury promoted by the virus. Conclusion: Thus, TTI may contribute to combating two severe overlapping problems with high cost and social complex implications, obesity and COVID-19.

L-Carnitine Supplementation Increases Trimethylamine-N-Oxide but not Markers of Atherosclerosis in Healthy Aged Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna J. Samulak ◽  
Angelika K. Sawicka ◽  
Dace Hartmane ◽  
Solveiga Grinberga ◽  
Osvalds Pugovics ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Carnitine Supplementation ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 ◽  
Factor Α

Background: L-carnitine can be metabolized to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a molecule that promotes atherogenesis through its interaction with macrophages and lipid metabolism. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess whether L-carnitine supplementation may promote changes in selected serum biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Methods: Before the start, in the mid-point and after completing the 24-weeks supplementation protocol, fasting blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein. Plasma free L-carnitine and TMAO were determined by the UPLC/MS/MS method. Serum proteins were determined by the enzyme immunoassay method using commercially available kits. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides have been determined using standard automatic analyzer. Results: L-carnitine supplementation elevated fasting plasma carnitine in the mid-point of our study and it remained increased until the end of supplementation period. Moreover, it induced tenfold increase in plasma TMAO concentration but did not affect serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, L-selectin, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or lipid profile markers. Conclusion: We demonstrated that ­although oral L-carnitine supplementation significantly ­increased plasma TMAO concentration, no lipid profile changes or other markers of adverse cardiovascular events were detected in healthy aged women over the period of 24 weeks.

scholarly journals Accumulation of quercetin conjugates in blood plasma after the short-term ingestion of onion by women

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (2) ◽  
pp. R461-R467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Hak Moon ◽  
Ritsuko Nakata ◽  
Syunji Oshima ◽  
Takahiro Inakuma ◽  
Junji Terao
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Copper Ion ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Tocopherol Content ◽  
Human Blood Plasma ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Human Volunteers ◽  
Conjugated Metabolites

Quercetin is a typical flavonoid present mostly as glycosides in plant foods; it has attracted much attention for its potential beneficial effects in disease prevention. In this study, we examined human volunteers after the short-term ingestion of onion, a vegetable rich in quercetin glucosides. The subjects were served diets containing onion slices (quercetin equivalent: 67.6–93.6 mg/day) with meals for 1 wk. Quercetin was only found in glucuronidase-sulfatase-treated plasma, and its concentration after 10 h of fasting increased from 0.04 ± 0.04 μM before the trial to 0.63 ± 0.72 μM after the 1-wk trial. The quercetin content in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after glucuronidase-sulfatase treatment corresponded to <1% of the α-tocopherol content. Human LDL isolated from the plasma after the trial showed little improvement of its resistance to copper ion-induced oxidation. It is therefore concluded that conjugated metabolites of quercetin accumulate exclusively in human blood plasma in the concentration range of 10−7 ∼ 10−6 M after the short-term ingestion of vegetables rich in quercetin glucosides, although these metabolites are hardly incorporated into plasma LDL.

scholarly journals Oxidized LDL but not angiotensin II induces the interaction between LOX-1 and AT1 receptors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Lin ◽  
Ning Zhou ◽  
Le Kang ◽  
Qi Wang ◽  
Jian Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Protein Activation

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) can induce cardiac hypertrophy, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here we elucidate the role of angiotensin II (AngII) receptor (AT1-R) in Ox-LDL-induced cardiomycyte hypertrophy. Inhibition of Ox-LDL receptor LOX-1 and AT1-R rather than AngII abolished Ox-LDL-induced hypertrophic responses. Similar results were obtained from the heart of mice lacking endogenous Ang II and their cardiomyocytes. Ox-LDL but not AngII induced binding of LOX-1 to AT1-R, and the inhibition of LOX-1 or AT1-R rather than AngII abolished the association of these two receptors. Ox-LDL-induced ERKs phosphorylation in LOX-1 and AT1-R-overexpression cells and the binding of both receptors were suppressed by the mutants of LOX-1 (Lys266Ala/Lys267Ala) or AT1-R (Glu257Ala), however, the AT1-R mutant lacking Gq protein-coupling ability only abolished the ERKs phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of ERKs induced by Ox-LDL in LOX-1 and AT1-R-overexpression cells was abrogated by Gq protein inhibitor but not by Jak2, Rac1 and RhoA inhibitors. Therefore, the direct interaction between LOX-1 and AT1-R and the downstream Gq protein activation are important mechanisms for Ox-LDL- but not AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

scholarly journals Naturally Occurring PCSK9 Inhibitors

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1440
Author(s):  
Maria Pia Adorni ◽  
Francesca Zimetti ◽  
Maria Giovanna Lupo ◽  
Massimiliano Ruscica ◽  
Nicola Ferri
Keyword(s):  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Pcsk9 Inhibitors ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Starting Point

Genetic, epidemiological and pharmacological data have led to the conclusion that antagonizing or inhibiting Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) reduces cardiovascular events. This clinical outcome is mainly related to the pivotal role of PCSK9 in controlling low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The absence of oral and affordable anti-PCSK9 medications has limited the beneficial effects of this new therapeutic option. A possible breakthrough in this field may come from the discovery of new naturally occurring PCSK9 inhibitors as a starting point for the development of oral, small molecules, to be used in combination with statins in order to increase the percentage of patients reaching their LDL-cholesterol target levels. In the present review, we have summarized the current knowledge on natural compounds or extracts that have shown an inhibitory effect on PCSK9, either in experimental or clinical settings. When available, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of the listed compounds are described.

scholarly journals Oxidized LDL Modify the Human Adipocyte Phenotype to an Insulin Resistant, Proinflamatory and Proapoptotic Profile

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Concepción Santiago-Fernández ◽  
Flores Martin-Reyes ◽  
Mónica Tome ◽  
Luis Ocaña-Wilhelmi ◽  
Jose Rivas-Becerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Morbidly Obese ◽  
Insulin Resistant ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Visceral Adipose

Little information exists in humans on the regulation that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) exerts on adipocyte metabolism, which is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The aim was to analyze the oxLDL effects on adipocytokine secretion and scavenger receptors (SRs) and cell death markers in human visceral adipocytes. Human differentiated adipocytes from visceral adipose tissue from non-obese and morbidly obese subjects were incubated with increasing oxLDL concentrations. mRNA expression of SRs, markers of apoptosis and autophagy, secretion of adipocytokines, and glucose uptake were analyzed. In non-obese and in morbidly obese subjects, oxLDL produced a decrease in insulin-induced glucose uptake, a significant dose-dependent increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and adiponectin secretion, and a decrease in leptin secretion. OxLDL produced a significant increase of Lox-1 and a decrease in Cxcl16 and Cl-p1 expression. The expression of Bnip3 (marker of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy) was significantly increased and Bcl2 (antiapoptotic marker) was decreased. OxLDL could sensitize adipocytes to a lower insulin-induced glucose uptake, a more proinflammatory phenotype, and could modify the gene expression involved in apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and mitophagy. OxLDL can upregulate Lox-1, and this could lead to a possible amplification of proinflammatory and proapoptotic effects of oxLDL.

scholarly journals Signaling Pathways and Key Genes Involved in Regulation of foam Cell Formation in Atherosclerosis

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia V. Poznyak ◽  
Wei-Kai Wu ◽  
Alexandra A. Melnichenko ◽  
Reinhard Wetzker ◽  
Vasily Sukhorukov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foam Cell ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Foam Cells ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Experimental Therapies ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs

Atherosclerosis is associated with acute cardiovascular conditions, such as ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke, and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our understanding of atherosclerosis and the processes triggering its initiation is constantly improving, and, during the last few decades, many pathological processes related to this disease have been investigated in detail. For example, atherosclerosis has been considered to be a chronic inflammation triggered by the injury of the arterial wall. However, recent works showed that atherogenesis is a more complex process involving not only the immune system, but also resident cells of the vessel wall, genetic factors, altered hemodynamics, and changes in lipid metabolism. In this review, we focus on foam cells that are crucial for atherosclerosis lesion formation. It has been demonstrated that the formation of foam cells is induced by modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The beneficial effects of the majority of therapeutic strategies with generalized action, such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or antioxidants, were not confirmed by clinical studies. However, the experimental therapies targeting certain stages of atherosclerosis, among which are lipid accumulation, were shown to be more effective. This emphasizes the relevance of future detailed investigation of atherogenesis and the importance of new therapies development.

scholarly journals Increasing Selenium and Vitamin E in Dairy Cow Milk Improves the Quality of the Milk as Food for Children

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlindo Saran Netto ◽  
Márcia Saladini Vieira Salles ◽  
Luiz Carlos Roma Júnior ◽  
Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino ◽  
Maria Teresa Moi Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Sunflower Oil ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Skim Milk ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Milk Intake ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Beneficial Effects

In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of milk biofortified with antioxidants on the health of children. Two experiments were conducted: experiment one evaluated the milk of 24 Jersey dairy cows (450 ± 25 kg of body weight (BW); 60 ± 30 days in milk dry matter intake (DIM)) given different diet treatments (CON = control diet; COANT = diet with vitamin E and selenium as antioxidants; OIL = diet with sunflower oil; and OANT = diet with sunflower oil containing more vitamin E and selenium as antioxidants), and experiment two evaluated the effect of the milk produced in the first experiment on the health of children (CON = control diet; COANT = diet with vitamin E and selenium as antioxidants; OIL = diet with sunflower oil; OANT = diet with sunflower oil containing more vitamin E and selenium as antioxidants; and SM = skim milk). One hundred children (8 to 10 years old) were evaluated in the second experiment. Blood samples were collected at 0 days of milk intake and 28 and 84 days after the start of milk intake. The cows fed the COANT and OANT diets showed greater selenium and vitamin E concentrations in their milk (p = 0.001), and the children who consumed the milk from those cows had higher concentrations of selenium and vitamin E in their blood (p = 0.001). The platelet (p = 0.001) and lymphocyte (p = 0.001) concentrations were increased in the blood of the children that consumed milk from cows fed the OANT diet compared to those in the children that consumed SM (p = 0.001). The children who consumed milk from cows fed the OIL diet treatment had increased concentrations of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol in their blood at the end of the supplementation period compared to children who consumed SM. The results of this study demonstrate that the consumption of biofortified milk increases the blood concentrations of selenium and vitamin E in children, which may be beneficial to their health.

scholarly journals Carvedilol Ameliorates Experimental Atherosclerosis by Regulating Cholesterol Efflux and Exosome Functions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (20) ◽  
pp. 5202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen ◽  
Tsui ◽  
Chuang ◽  
Chiang ◽  
Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Experimental Atherosclerosis ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Abca1 Expression ◽  
Density Lipoprotein Receptor ◽  
And Function

Carvedilol (Cav), a nonselective β-blocker with α1 adrenoceptor blocking effect, has been used as a standard therapy for coronary artery disease. This study investigated the effects of Cav on exosome expression and function, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression, and cholesterol efflux that are relevant to the process of atherosclerosis. Human monocytic (THP-1) cell line and human hepatic (Huh-7) cells were treated with Cav, and cholesterol efflux was measured. Exosomes from cell culture medium or mice serum were isolated using glycan-coated recognition beads. Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (ldlr−/−) mice were fed with high-fat diet and treated with Cav. Cav accentuated cholesterol efflux and enhanced the expressions of ABCA1 protein and mRNA in both THP-1 and Huh-7 cells. In addition, Cav increased expression and function of exosomal ABCA1 in THP-1 macrophage exosomes. The mechanisms were associated with inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and protein kinase B (Akt). In hypercholesterolemic ldlr−/− mice, Cav enhanced serum exosomal ABCA1 expression and suppressed atherosclerosis by inhibiting lipid deposition and macrophage accumulation. Cav halts atherosclerosis by enhancing cholesterol efflux and increasing ABCA1 expression in macrophages and in exosomes, possibly through NF-κB and Akt signaling, which provides mechanistic insights regarding the beneficial effects of Cav on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

scholarly journals Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Central Hypothyroidism: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Doses of Thyroxine (T4) with a Combination of T4 and Triiodothyronine

2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (11) ◽  
pp. 4115-4122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Slawik ◽  
Björn Klawitter ◽  
Edith Meiser ◽  
Marcus Schories ◽  
Oliver Zwermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Central Hypothyroidism ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Serum T3 ◽  
Free Serum

Abstract Background: Dosage of T4 in central hypothyroidism is primarily guided by the free serum T4 level (fT4). However, the optimum fT4 range is ill defined, and subtle hypothyroidism might be missed using this approach. Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the effects of a body weight (bw)-adapted T4 treatment, alone or in combination with T3, on metabolism, well-being, and cognitive function in comparison to a regimen leading to normal fT4. Design: This was a placebo-controlled trial (double-blind, crossover). Patients: A total of 29 patients (age 52 ± 2 yr; females/males, 8/21) with hypopituitarism, including TSH deficiency, participated in the study. Interventions: Three regimens were compared (5 wk each): “EMPIRICAL-T4,” empirical T4 dosage (1 ± 0.05 μg/kg bw) leading to normal fT4; BW-ADAPTED-T4 (1.6 μg/kg bw T4); and “BW-ADAPTED-T3T4,” bw-adapted combination of T3 and T4 (ratio of 1:10). Results: BW-ADAPTED-T4 administration increased mean fT4 concentrations to the upper limit of the normal range (peak levels). Compared with EMPIRICAL-T4, BW-ADAPTED-T4 treatment resulted in a lower body mass index (BMI) (29.0 ± 0.7 vs. 29.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2; P &lt; 0.03), lower total cholesterol (198 ± 9 vs. 226 ± 7 mg/dl; P &lt; 0.01), and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (116 ± 5 vs. 135 ± 7 mg/dl; P &lt; 0.01). BW-ADAPTED-T3T4 treatment was associated with additional beneficial effects on ankle reflex time and working memory but resulted in supraphysiological free serum T3 (fT3) levels. Limitations: Long-term side effects may have been missed. Conclusions: Using a dose of 1.6 μg/kg bw improved markers commonly associated with central hypothyroidism. This suggests that T4 dosage based on bw and aiming at fT4 in the upper reference range is superior to titration of T4 aiming at middle normal fT4 concentrations in those patients.

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