Resveratrol and Its Human Metabolites-Effects on Metabolic Health and Obesity

Polyphenols in Inner Ear Neurobiology, Health and Disease: From Bench to Clinics

There is substantial experimental and clinical interest in providing effective ways to both prevent and slow the onset of hearing loss. Auditory hair cells, which occur along the basilar membrane of the cochlea, often lose functionality due to age-related biological alterations, as well as from exposure to high decibel sounds affecting a diminished/damaged auditory sensitivity. Hearing loss is also seen to take place due to neuronal degeneration before or following hair cell destruction/loss. A strategy is necessary to protect hair cells and XIII cranial/auditory nerve cells prior to injury and throughout aging. Within this context, it was proposed that cochlea neural stem cells may be protected from such aging and environmental/noise insults via the ingestion of protective dietary supplements. Of particular importance is that these studies typically display a hormetic-like biphasic dose-response pattern that prevents the occurrence of auditory cell damage induced by various model chemical toxins, such as cisplatin. Likewise, the hormetic dose-response also enhances the occurrence of cochlear neural cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. These findings are particularly important since they confirmed a strong dose dependency of the significant beneficial effects (which is biphasic), whilst having a low-dose beneficial response, whereas extensive exposures may become ineffective and/or potentially harmful. According to hormesis, phytochemicals including polyphenols exhibit biphasic dose-response effects activating low-dose antioxidant signaling pathways, resulting in the upregulation of vitagenes, a group of genes involved in preserving cellular homeostasis during stressful conditions. Modulation of the vitagene network through polyphenols increases cellular resilience mechanisms, thus impacting neurological disorder pathophysiology. Here, we aimed to explore polyphenols targeting the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies that can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, thus preventing auditory hair cell and XIII cranial/auditory nerve cell degeneration. Furthermore, we explored techniques to enhance their bioavailability and efficacy.

In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Raw264.7 Macrophages

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed extract (BCS extract) as a potential candidate for developing herbal formulations targeting metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the BCS extract by assessing its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrohydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), and mRNA expression levels of key pro-inflammatory mediators. We also quantified the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling molecules. To assess anti-adipogenic effects, we used differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and BCS extract in doses from 10 to 100 μg/mL. We also determined mRNA levels of key adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/BEPα), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and sterol-regulated element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: This study showed a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity and no toxicity at concentrations up to 30 μg/mL in Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract showed an IC50 of 328.77 ± 20.52 μg/mL. Notably, pre-treatment with BCS extract (30 μg/mL) significantly enhanced cell viability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract treatment effectively inhibited LPS-induced production of PGE2 and NO, as well as the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, possibly by limiting the phosphorylation of p38, p65, inhibitory κBα (I-κBα), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also significantly attenuated lipid accumulation and key adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions: This study highlights the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory potential of BCS extract, underscoring its potential as a promising candidate for managing metabolic disorders.

Aerobic exercise combined with chlorogenic acid exerts neuroprotective effects and reverses cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease model mice (APP/PS1) via the SIRT1/ /PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease account for 60-80% of the total number of people with dementia, but its treatment and prevention strategies are still in a long process of exploration. It has been reported that a healthy lifestyle may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for the prevention and treatment of AD, including increased physical activity and the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (EX), administration of chlorogenic acid administration (GCA), and a combination of both (EX+GCA) on β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, neuronal damage, and cognitive performance in the brains of AD model mice (APP/PS1) and which signaling pathways may be responsible for these effects. The study used Western blot to detect the expression of signaling pathway-related proteins, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the expression of inflammatory factors, hematoxylin-eosin staining to detect hippocampal neuronal morphology, immunohistochemistry to detect changes in Aβ deposition in the hippocampus, an oxidative stress marker kit to detect oxidative stress status and the Morris water maze to detect changes in cognitive performance. This study showed that an 8-week intervention (EX/GCA/EX+GCA) activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway improved oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, Aβ deposition, and cognitive performance in mice. However, there was no obvious difference between the EX and GCA groups. In contrast, the combined EX+GCA intervention was significantly better than phase EX or GCA. Our study suggests that although relief of Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal damage, and cognitive decline could also be achieved with EX or GCA, the combined EX+GCA intervention showed better results. These relief effects on AD-related conditions may be obtained by mediating the activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. This study is the first to explore the improvement of AD-related conditions with a combined lifestyle of EX+GCA. This healthy lifestyle could be a candidate option for the treatment of AD.

The Role of Glucose Concentration and Resveratrol in Modulating Neuroinflammatory Cytokines: Insights from an In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model

BACKGROUND The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising, presumably because of a coexisting pandemic of obesity. Since diabetic neuropathy and neuroinflammation are frequent and significant complications of both prolonged hyperglycemia and iatrogenic hypoglycemia, the effect of glucose concentration and resveratrol (RSV) supplementation on cytokine profile was assessed in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). MATERIAL AND METHODS The in vitro model of BBB was formed of endothelial cells and astrocytes, which represented the microvascular and brain compartments (MC and BC, respectively). The BC concentrations of selected cytokines - IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, TNF-alpha, IFN-γ, GM-CSF in response to different glucose concentrations in the MC were studied. The influence of LPS in the BC and RSV in the MC on the cytokine profile in the BC was examined. RESULTS Low glucose concentration (40 mg/dL) in the MC resulted in increased concentration of all the cytokines in the BC except TNF-alpha, compared to normoglycemia-imitating conditions (90 mg/dL) (P<0.05). High glucose concentration (450 mg/dL) in the MC elevated the concentration of all the cytokines in the BC (P<0.05). RSV decreased the level of all cytokines in the BC after 24 h following its administration for all glucose concentrations in the MC (P<0.02). The greatest decline was observed in normoglycemic conditions (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both hypo- and hyperglycemia-simulating conditions impair the cytokine profile in BC, while RSV can normalize it, despite relatively poor penetration through the BBB. RSV exhibits anti-neuroinflammatory effects, especially in the group with normoglycemia-simulating conditions.

Identification of a Discrete Diglucuronide of GDC-0810 in Human Plasma after Oral Administration

GDC-0810 is a small molecule therapeutic agent having potential to treat breast cancer. In plasma of the first-in-human study, metabolite M2, accounting for 20.7% of total drug-related materials, was identified as a discrete diglucuronide that was absent in rats. Acyl glucuronide M6 and N-glucuronide M4 were also identified as prominent metabolites in human plasma. Several in vitro studies were conducted in incubations of [14C]GDC-0810, synthetic M6 and M4 with liver microsomes, intestinal microsomes, and hepatocytes of different species as well as recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes to further understand the formation of M2. The results suggested that 1) M2 was more efficiently formed from M6 than from M4, and 2) acyl glucuronidation was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A8/7/1 that is highly expressed in the intestines whereas N-glucuronidation was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A4 that is expressed in the human liver. This complicated mechanism presented challenges in predicting M2 formation using human in vitro systems. The absence of M2 and M4 in rats can be explained by low to no expression of UGT1A4 in rodents. M2 could be the first discrete diglucuronide that was formed from both acyl- and N-glucuronidation on a molecule identified in human plasma. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A discrete diglucuronidation metabolite of GDC-0810, a breast cancer drug candidate, was characterized as a unique circulating metabolite in humans that was not observed in rats or little formed in human in vitro system.

A review of the role of liposome-encapsulated phytochemicals targeting PPAR Ɣ and associated pathways to combat obesity

A limited number of studies have directly examined the effects of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their anti-obesity effects in adults. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the effect of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their role in regulating major pathways involved in the anti-obesity mechanism. A systematic search was performed using several search engines like Science Direct, Google Scholar, and other online journals, focusing on laboratory research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and meta-analysis that focused on liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals with anti-obesity properties, and followed the preferred reporting terms for this systematic review. An initial search provided a result of 1810 articles, and 93 papers were selected after the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Very few studies have been conducted on the liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals or its synergistic study to combat obesity; hence this review paves the way for future obesity research and is mainly helpful for the pediatric obesity population. Liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals has improved the efficiency of freely administered phytochemicals. Targeted delivery improved drug utilization and regulated the anti-obesity pathways. PPARƔ is a major therapeutic target for obesity as it inhibits adipocyte differentiation and maintains energy homeostasis.

Chronic resveratrol administration reduces oxidative stress and brain cell loss and improves memory of recognition in old rats

The cognitive functions of people over 60 years of age have been diminished, due to the structural and functional changes that the brain has during aging. The most evident changes are at the behavioral and cognitive level, with decreased learning capacity, recognition memory, and motor incoordination. The use of exogenous antioxidants has been implemented as a potential pharmacological option to delay the onset of brain aging by attenuating oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Resveratrol (RSVL) is a polyphenol present in various foods, such as red fruits, and drinks, such as red wine. This compound has shown great antioxidant capacity due to its chemical structure. In this study, we evaluated the effect of chronic RSVL treatment on oxidative stress and cell loss in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of 20-month-old rats, as well as its impact on recognition memory and motor behavior. Rats treated with RSVL showed an improvement in locomotor activity and in short- and long-term recognition memory. Likewise, the concentration of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation decreased significantly in the group with RSVL, coupled with an improvement in the activity of the antioxidant system. Finally, with the help of hematoxylin and eosin staining, it was shown that chronic treatment with RSVL prevented cell loss in the brain regions studied. Our results demonstrate the antioxidant and neuroprotective capacity of RSVL when administered chronically. This strengthens the proposal that RSVL could be an important pharmacological option to reduce the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases that affect older adults.

The gut-derived metabolites as mediators of the effect of healthy nutrition on the brain

Nutrition is now well recognized to be an environmental factor which positively or negatively influences the risk to develop neurological and psychiatric disorders. The gut microbiota has recently been shown to be an important actor mediating the relationship between environmental factors, including nutrition, and brain function. While its composition has been widely studied and associated with the risk of brain diseases, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the gut and brain diseases remain to be explored. The wide range of bioactive molecules produced by the gut microbiota, called gut-derived metabolites (GDM), represent new players in the gut to brain interactions and become interesting target to promote brain health. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight some GDMs of interest that are produced in response to healthy food consumption and to summarize what is known about their potential effects on brain function. Overall, GDMs represent future useful biomarkers for the development of personalized nutrition. Indeed, their quantification after nutritional interventions is a useful tool to determine individuals' ability to produce microbiota-derived bioactive compounds upon consumption of specific food or nutrients. Moreover, GDMs represent also a new therapeutic approach to counteract the lack of response to conventional nutritional interventions.

Autophagy characteristics of phytoestrogens in management and prevention of diseases: A narrative review of in-vivo and in-vitro studies

Phytoestrogens are non-steroid polyphenolic materials present in 300 plants. Regarding their structural similarities to estradiol, phytoestrogens attach to estrogen receptors and display anti- or pro-estrogenic activities. This review explored phytoestrogens' potential advantages and autophagy properties in light of their future application for disease management, highlighting how phytoestrogens could modulate autophagy. Research has examined the prospective benefits of phytoestrogens for the anticipation and management of various conditions, including signs of menopause, tumors, skin deterioration, osteoporosis, heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, disorders of the immune system, and metabolic syndrome, owing to their therapeutic effects. As phytoestrogens can activate or inhibit autophagy, which has antioxidant, apoptotic, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, transcriptional, and genomic impacts on cancer and aging illnesses, phytoestrogens could influence diseases through the modulation of autophagy. The collaborative research on animal models, utilization of genetic techniques, and administration of pharmacologically active substances has indicated the possible therapeutic benefits of autophagy modulation in various illnesses. Further research is required to illustrate the pathways by which phytoestrogens modulate autophagy and the possible therapeutic effects on these diseases.

Revisiting Resveratrol as an Osteoprotective Agent: Molecular Evidence from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Resveratrol (RSV) (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a stilbene found in abundance in berry fruits, peanuts, and some medicinal plants. It has a diverse range of pharmacological activities, underlining the significance of illness prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this review was to delve deeper into RSV's bone-protective properties as well as its molecular mechanisms. Several in vivo studies have found the bone-protective effects of RSV in postmenopausal, senile, and disuse osteoporosis rat models. RSV has been shown to inhibit NF-κB and RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation while increasing osteogenesis and boosting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. Wnt/β-catenin, MAPKs/JNK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, FoxOs, microRNAs, and BMP2 are among the possible kinases and proteins involved in the underlying mechanisms. RSV has also been shown to be the most potent SIRT1 activator to cause stimulatory effects on osteoblasts and inhibitory effects on osteoclasts. RSV may, thus, represent a novel therapeutic strategy for increasing bone growth and reducing bone loss in the elderly and postmenopausal population.

Sphingolipid Levels and Signaling via Resveratrol and Antioxidant Actions in Cardiometabolic Risk and Disease

Resveratrol (RSV) is a phenolic compound with strong antioxidant activity, which is generally associated with the beneficial effects of wine on human health. All resveratrol-mediated benefits exerted on different systems and pathophysiological conditions are possible through resveratrol's interactions with different biological targets, along with its involvement in several key cellular pathways affecting cardiometabolic (CM) health. With regard to its role in oxidative stress, RSV exerts its antioxidant activity not only as a free radical scavenger but also by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and regulating redox genes, nitric oxide bioavailability and mitochondrial function. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated that some RSV effects are mediated by changes in sphingolipids, a class of biolipids involved in a number of cellular functions (e.g., apoptosis, cell proliferation, oxidative stress and inflammation) that have attracted interest as emerging critical determinants of CM risk and disease. Accordingly, this review aimed to discuss the available data regarding the effects of RSV on sphingolipid metabolism and signaling in CM risk and disease, focusing on oxidative stress/inflammatory-related aspects, and the clinical implications of this relationship.

Dietary supplements and vascular function in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are complications that can lead to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are generally defined as hypertension and may be accompanied by other end organ damages including proteinuria, maternal organ disturbances including renal insufficiency, neurological complications, thrombocytopenia, impaired liver function, or uteroplacental dysfunction such as fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. Although the causes of these hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are multifactorial and elusive, they seem to share some common vascular-related mechanisms, including diseased spiral arteries, placental ischemia, and endothelial dysfunction. Recently, preeclampsia is being considered as a vascular disorder. Unfortunately, due to the complex etiology of preeclampsia and safety concerns on drug usage during pregnancy, there is still no effective pharmacological treatments available for preeclampsia yet. An emerging area of interest in this research field is the potential beneficial effects of dietary intervention on reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Recent studies have been focused on the association between deficiencies or excesses of some nutrients and complications during pregnancy, fetal growth and development, and later risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the offspring. In this review, we discuss the involvement of placental vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia. We summarize the current understanding of the association between abnormal placentation and preeclampsia in a vascular perspective. Finally, we evaluate several studied dietary supplementations to prevent and reduce the risk of preeclampsia, targeting placental vascular development and function, leading to improved pregnancy and postnatal outcomes.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea-Resveratrol, Sulfotransferases and Sulfatases-A Long and Turbulent Journey from Intestinal Absorption to Target Cells

For nearly 30 years, resveratrol has attracted the scientific community's interest. This has happened thanks to the so-called French paradox, that is, the paradoxically low mortality from cardiovascular causes in the French population despite a diet rich in saturated fat. This phenomenon has been linked to the consumption of red wine, which contains a relatively high level of resveratrol. Currently, resveratrol is valued for its versatile, beneficial properties. Apart from its anti-atherosclerotic activity, resveratrol's antioxidant and antitumor properties deserve attention. It was shown that resveratrol inhibits tumour growth at all three stages: initiation, promotion, and progression. Moreover, resveratrol delays the ageing process and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and phytoestrogenic properties. These favorable biological properties have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in animal and human models. Since the beginning of the research on resveratrol, its low bioavailability, mainly due to its rapid metabolism, especially the first-pass effect that leaves almost no free resveratrol in the peripheral circulation, has been indicated as a drawback that has hindered its use. The elucidation of such issues as pharmacokinetics, stability, and the biological activity of resveratrol metabolites is therefore crucial for understanding the biological activity of resveratrol. Second-phase metabolism enzymes are mainly involved in RSV metabolism, e.g., UDP-glucuronyl transferases and sulfotransferases. In the present paper, we took a closer look at the available data on the activity of resveratrol sulfate metabolites and the role of sulfatases in releasing active resveratrol in target cells.

An Overview of Bioactive Phenolic Molecules and Antioxidant Properties of Beer: Emerging Trends

Beer is one of the oldest and most common beverages worldwide. The phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of beer are crucial factors in evaluating its nutritional quality. Special beers brewed with the addition of adjuncts are gaining in consumer preference, in response to demands for healthy food and new gustatory and olfactory stimuli. Many studies recently dealt with functional beers brewed with the addition of adjuncts. This review focuses on bioactive molecules, particularly the composition of phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant activity of beer. The current knowledge concerning the effect of the addition of adjuncts in the form of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and natural foods on the polyphenol content, antioxidant properties, and phenolic profile of beer is reviewed, with an outline of the emerging trends in brewing processes. Future studies need to complete the identification and characterization of the bioactive molecules in beer, as well as studying their absorption and metabolic fate in humans.

A Hydrophilic Sulfated Resveratrol Derivative for Topical Application: Sensitization and Anti-Allergic Potential

Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring metabolite, is widely used in skincare products, but its hydrophobicity impairs its own incorporation into cosmetic formulations. RSV-GS is a synthetic hydrophilic sulfated glycosylated derivative inspired by marine natural products that present a lower cytotoxicity than RSV while exhibiting similar levels of bioactivity. Herein, we predict the skin sensitization potential of this new compound using an in vitro approach based on the OECD 442E guideline. Furthermore, the anti-allergic potential of RSV-GS was also disclosed. The monocyte THP-1 cell line was stimulated with RSV and RSV-GS in the presence or absence of the extreme skin allergen 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB). The results demonstrated that RSV-GS alone (500 µM) evoked a relative fluorescence index (RFI) lower than the thresholds established by the OECD guideline for CD54 (200%) and CD86 (150%), indicating the absence of a skin sensitization potential. Interestingly, in the presence of the skin allergen DNFB, RSV-GS exhibited the ability to rescue the DNFB-induced maturation of THP-1 cells, with RFI values lower than those for RSV, suggesting the potential of RSV-GS to mitigate skin sensitization evoked by allergens and, consequently, allergic contact dermatitis. These results open new avenues for the use of RSV-GS as a safe and anti-allergic active cosmetic ingredient.

A Novel Resveratrol-Induced Pathway Increases Neuron-Derived Cell Resilience against Oxidative Stress

A promising therapeutic strategy to delay and/or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) could be to restore neuroprotective pathways physiologically triggered by neurons against stress injury. Recently, we identified the accumulation of neuroglobin (NGB) in neuronal cells, induced by the 17β-estradiol (E2)/estrogen receptor β (ERβ) axis, as a protective response that increases mitochondria functionality and prevents the activation of apoptosis, increasing neuron resilience against oxidative stress. Here, we would verify if resveratrol (Res), an ERβ ligand, could reactivate NGB accumulation and its protective effects against oxidative stress in neuronal-derived cells (i.e., SH-SY5Y cells). Our results demonstrate that ERβ/NGB is a novel pathway triggered by low Res concentrations that lead to rapid and persistent NGB accumulation in the cytosol and in mitochondria, where the protein contributes to reducing the apoptotic death induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Intriguingly, Res conjugation with gold nanoparticles increases the stilbene efficacy in enhancing neuron resilience against oxidative stress. As a whole, ERβ/NGB axis regulation is a novel mechanism triggered by low concentration of Res to regulate, specifically, the neuronal cell resilience against oxidative stress reducing the triggering of the apoptotic cascade.

Therapeutic effects of resveratrol and Omega-3 in mice atherosclerosis: focus on histopathological changes

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol and omega-3 have been shown to prevent atherosclerosis. However, histopathological changes and their comparison have not been studied well. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of resveratrol and omega-3 in experimental atherosclerosis of mice.

METHODS

We divided sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice into six groups and followed for 10 weeks: (1) standard diet, (2) atherogenic diet, (3) atherogenic diet along with resveratrol from the start of the sixth week, (4) atherogenic diet along with omega-3 from the start of the sixth week, (5) standard diet along with resveratrol from the start of the sixth week, (6) standard diet along with omega-3 from the start of the sixth week.

RESULTS

The mice fed on an atherogenic diet had a larger fat area and a thicker aortic wall thickness than mice fed on a standard diet. The use of omega-3 and resveratrol in the mice with an atherogenic diet resulted in a significantly reduced fat area (p-value = 0.003), and resveratrol had a significantly higher effect. Omega-3 or resveratrol induced a significant reduction in aortic wall thickness in mice on an atherogenic diet, and there was no significant difference between them. Among the mice with a standard diet, this study did not observe any significant changes in the fat area or the aortic wall thickness with the consumption of omega-3 or resveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol and omega-3 had a regressive and therapeutic role in atherosclerosis, with a more significant effect in favor of resveratrol.

Focus on the Use of Resveratrol in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary system, with a high incidence in the male population. Surgery and intravesical instillations can eradicate it, although recurrences are very common, with possible progression. For this reason, adjuvant therapy should be considered in all patients. Resveratrol displays a biphasic dose response both in vitro and in vivo (intravesical application) with an antiproliferative effect at high concentrations and antiangiogenic action in vivo (intraperitoneal application) at a low concentration, suggesting a potential role for it in clinical management as an adjuvant to conventional therapy. In this review, we examine the standard therapeutical approach to bladder cancer and the preclinical studies that have investigated resveratrol in xenotransplantation models of bladder cancer. Molecular signals are also discussed, with a particular focus on the STAT3 pathway and angiogenic growth factor modulation.

The Use of Some Polyphenols in the Modulation of Muscle Damage and Inflammation Induced by Physical Exercise: A Review

Food bioactive compounds (FBC) comprise a vast class of substances, including polyphenols, with different chemical structures, and they exert physiological effects on individuals who consume them, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The primary food sources of the compounds are fruits, vegetables, wines, teas, seasonings, and spices, and there are still no daily recommendations for their intake. Depending on the intensity and volume, physical exercise can stimulate oxidative stress and muscle inflammation to generate muscle recovery. However, little is known about the role that polyphenols may have in the process of injury, inflammation, and muscle regeneration. This review aimed to relate the effects of supplementation with mentation with some polyphenols in oxidative stress and post-exercise inflammatory markers. The consulted papers suggest that supplementation with 74 to 900 mg of cocoa, 250 to 1000 mg of green tea extract for around 4 weeks, and 90 mg for up to 5 days of curcumin can attenuate cell damage and inflammation of stress markers of oxidative stress during and after exercise. However, regarding anthocyanins, quercetins, and resveratrol, the results are conflicting. Based on these findings, the new reflection that was made is the possible impact of supplementation associating several FBCs simultaneously. Finally, the benefits discussed here do not consider the existing divergences in the literature. Some contradictions are inherent in the few studies carried out so far. Methodological limitations, such as supplementation time, doses used, forms of supplementation, different exercise protocols, and collection times, create barriers to knowledge consolidation and must be overcome.

Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation by Treatment with Itadori Leaf Extract

Treatment with itadori extract inhibited the growth of mouse colon cancer cells (Colon-26) in mice. In addition, it induced DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activation in Colon-26 cells, suggesting potent induction of apoptosis. Itadori extracts are rich in neochlorogenic acid and rutin and also contain quercetin and piceatannol. These polyphenols are thought to be involved in the observed DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activation in colon cancer cells and may thus have anticancer effects. There is hence scope for development of the leaf of itadori, which currently has only a few known uses, as a novel anti-tumor therapeutic.

Oxidative Stress and Natural Antioxidants in Osteoporosis: Novel Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches

This review reports in detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms which regulate the bone remodeling process in relation to oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory factors, and estrogen deficiency. OS is considered an important pathogenic factor of osteoporosis, inducing osteocyte apoptosis and varying levels of specific factors, such as receptor activator κB ligand (RANKL), sclerostin, and, according to recent evidence, fibroblast growth factor 23, with consequent impairment of bone remodeling and high bone resorption. Bone loss increases the risk of fragility fractures, and the most commonly used treatments are antiresorptive drugs, followed by anabolic drugs or those with a double effect. In addition, recent data show that natural antioxidants contained in the diet are efficient in preventing and reducing the negative effects of OS on bone remodeling and osteocytes through the involvement of sirtuin type 1 enzyme. Indeed, osteocytes and some of their molecular factors are considered potential biological targets on which antioxidants can act to prevent and reduce bone loss, as well as to promote bone anabolic and regenerative processes by restoring physiological bone remodeling. Several data suggest including antioxidants in novel therapeutic approaches to develop better management strategies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and OS-related bone diseases. In particular, anthocyanins, as well as resveratrol, lycopene, oleuropein, some vitamins, and thiol antioxidants, could have protective and therapeutic anti-osteoporotic effects.

Resveratrol suppresses lipopolysaccharide-mediated activation of osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cells by increasing miR-181a-5p expression

Resveratrol (Res) has anti-inflammation and antiosteoporosis functions. We evaluated the effect of Res on osteoclast differentiation by releasing inflammatory cytokines from osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the study, LPS (1 ng/L) was used to induce the Raw 264.7 inflammatory injury model in vitro. A total of 25 ng/mL M-CSF + 30 ng/mL RANKL or plus 1 μg/L LPS was used to induce osteoclastogenesis in the experiments. We utilized the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to measure the relative cell survival of RAW 264.7 cells. Then, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilized to measure the abundance of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6. Subsequently, Western blot analysis was applied to assess the abundance of phosphorylated transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (P-TAK1) protein, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein (IκB), phosphorylated IκB-α (P-IκB-α), and nuclear factor κB65 (NF-κB65). mRNA expression levels of miR-181a-5p, TRAF6, specific gene calcitonin receptor (CTR), activated T nuclear factor 1 (NFATC1), cathepsin K (CTSK), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were determined via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Osteoclast bone resorption function was determined. Finally, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed.The results found that Compared with the model group, the degrees of expressions of supernatant inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were substantially attenuated in the Res treatment group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the extent of miR-181a-5p expression in the RAW 264.7 cells significantly increased, whereas P-IκB-α, P-TAK1, NF-κB65, and TRAF6 expressions significantly decreased in the Res treatment group as opposed to the model group (p < 0.05). The CTR, NFATC1, MMP-9, CTSK, and TRAP mRNA expression levels were substantially reduced during osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in the Res treatment group.The results suggest that Res can reduce the RAW 264.7 cell differentiation into osteoclasts and relieve LPS-stimulated osteoporosis, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the Res-inhibited activity of the TRAF6/TAK1 pathway through the increased miR-181a-5p expression.

Common pregnancy complications and polyphenols intake: an overview

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a great amount of changes in order to support a healthy developing fetus. In this context, maternal dietary supplementation is widely encouraged to provide adequate nutrition for the newborn. In the past few years, studies have emerged highlighting the benefits of polyphenols intake during pregnancy. Indeed, despite differences among reports, such as experimental model, polyphenol employed, dosage and regimen of administration, there is no doubt that the ingestion of these molecules has a protective effect in relation to three pregnancy-associated diseases or conditions: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and fetal growth restriction. In this review, we describe the effects of different polyphenols and polyphenol-rich extracts or juices on the main outcomes of these common pregnancy-associated complications, obtained in human, animal and in vitro studies. Therefore, this work provides a critical analysis of the literature, and a summary of evidences, from which future research using polyphenols can be designed and evaluated.

Effects of Resveratrol on Muscle Inflammation, Energy Utilisation, and Exercise Performance in an Eccentric Contraction Exercise Mouse Model

Eccentric contraction can easily cause muscle damage and an inflammatory response, which reduces the efficiency of muscle contraction. Resveratrol causes anti-inflammatory effects in muscles, accelerates muscle repair, and promotes exercise performance after contusion recovery. However, whether resveratrol provides the same benefits for sports injuries caused by eccentric contraction is unknown. Thus, we explored the effects of resveratrol on inflammation and energy metabolism. In this study, mice were divided into four groups: a control group, an exercise group (EX), an exercise with low-dose resveratrol group (EX + RES25), and an exercise with high-dose resveratrol group (EX + RES150). The results of an exhaustion test showed that the time before exhaustion of the EX + RES150 group was greater than that of the EX group. Tumour necrosis factor-α (Tnfα) mRNA expression was lower in the EX + RES150 group than in the EX group. The energy utilisation of the EX + RES150 group was greater than that of the EX + RES25 group in different muscles. High-dose resveratrol intervention decreased Tnfα mRNA expression and enhanced the mRNA expressions of sirtuin 1, glucose transporter 4, AMP-activated protein kinase α1, and AMP-activated protein kinase α2 in muscles. These results revealed that high-dose resveratrol supplementation can reduce inflammation and oxidation and improve energy utilisation during short-duration high-intensity exercise.

Resveratrol; a Double-Edged Sword Antioxidant Agent for Preserving Platelet Cell Functions During Storage; Molecular Insights

Background

In the current study we have aimed to find the effects of Resveratrol treatment on platelet concentrates (PCs) at the dose dependent manner. We have also attempted to find the molecular mechanism of the effects.

Methods

The PCs, have received from Iranian blood transfusion organization (IBTO). Totally 10 PCs were studied. The PCs divided into 4 groups including untreated (control) and treated by different dose of Resveratrol; 10, 30 and 50 µM. Platelet aggregation and total reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated at day 3 of PCs storage. In silico analysis was carried out to find out the potential involved mechanisms.

Results

The aggregation against collagen has fallen dramatically in all studied groups but at the same time, aggregation was significantly higher in the control versus treated groups (p<0.05). The inhibitory effect was dose dependent. The aggregation against Ristocetin did not significantly affect by Resveratrol treatment. The mean of total ROS significantly increased in all studied groups except those PCs treated with 10 µM of Resveratrol (P=0.9). The ROS level significantly increased with increasing Resveratrol concentration even more than control group (slope=11.6, P=0.0034). Resveratrol could potently interact with more than 15 different genes which, 10 of them enrolled in cellular regulation of the oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that the Resveratrol affect the platelet aggregation at the dose dependent manner. Moreover, we have also found that the Resveratrol play as double-edged sword in the controlling oxidative state of the cells. Therefore, Using the optimal dose of Resveratrol is the great of importance.

The Effects of Antioxidant Nutraceuticals on Cellular Sulfur Metabolism and Signaling

Significance: Nutraceuticals are ingested for health benefits, in addition to their general nutritional value. These dietary supplements have become increasingly popular since the late 20th century and they are a rapidly expanding global industry approaching a half-trillion U.S. dollars annually. Many nutraceuticals are promulgated as potent antioxidants. Recent Advances: Experimental support for the efficacy of nutraceuticals has lagged behind anecdotal exuberance. However, accumulating epidemiological evidence and recent, well-controlled clinical trials are beginning to support earlier animal and in vitro studies. Although still somewhat limited, encouraging results have been suggested in essentially all organ systems and against a wide range of pathophysiological conditions. Critical Issues: Health benefits of "antioxidant" nutraceuticals are largely attributed to their ability to scavenge oxidants. This has been criticized based on several factors, including limited bioavailability, short tissue retention time, and the preponderance of endogenous antioxidants. Recent attention has turned to nutraceutical activation of downstream antioxidant systems, especially the Keap1/Nrf2 (Kelch like ECH associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) axis. The question now becomes, how do nutraceuticals activate this axis? Future Directions: Reactive sulfur species (RSS), including hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its metabolites, are potent activators of the Keap1/Nrf2 axis and avid scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Evidence is beginning to accumulate that a variety of nutraceuticals increase cellular RSS by directly providing RSS in the diet, or through a number of catalytic mechanisms that increase endogenous RSS production. We propose that nutraceutical-specific targeting of RSS metabolism will lead to the design and development of even more efficacious antioxidant therapeutic strategies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 68-94.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Resveratrol Xylobioside Obtained Using a Mutagenic Variant of a GH10 Endoxylanase

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with antioxidant activity and numerous health benefits. However, in vivo application of this compound is still a challenge due to its poor aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism, which leads to an extremely low bioavailability in the target tissues. In this work, rXynSOS-E236G glycosynthase, designed from a GH10 endoxylanase of the fungus Talaromyces amestolkiae, was used to glycosylate resveratrol by using xylobiosyl-fluoride as a sugar donor. The major product from this reaction was identified by NMR as 3-O-ꞵ-d-xylobiosyl resveratrol, together with other glycosides produced in a lower amount as 4'-O-ꞵ-d-xylobiosyl resveratrol and 3-O-ꞵ-d-xylotetraosyl resveratrol. The application of response surface methodology made it possible to optimize the reaction, producing 35% of 3-O-ꞵ-d-xylobiosyl resveratrol. Since other minor glycosides are obtained in addition to this compound, the transformation of the phenolic substrate amounted to 70%. Xylobiosylation decreased the antioxidant capacity of resveratrol by 2.21-fold, but, in return, produced a staggering 4,866-fold improvement in solubility, facilitating the delivery of large amounts of the molecule and its transit to the colon. A preliminary study has also shown that the colonic microbiota is capable of releasing resveratrol from 3-O-ꞵ-d-xylobiosyl resveratrol. These results support the potential of mutagenic variants of glycosyl hydrolases to synthesize highly soluble resveratrol glycosides, which could, in turn, improve the bioavailability and bioactive properties of this polyphenol.

Alleviation Effects of Microbial Metabolites from Resveratrol on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenolic stilbene, has been widely studied for its protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by modulating intestinal microbiota. The microbial metabolites after RSV supplement would contribute to the bioeffects of RSV, while their impacts on NAFLD were unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of the main microbial metabolites from RSV on lipid metabolism by combining in vitro and in vivo models. The mice were fed a high-fat diet and injected with RSV, 3-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid (3-HPP), and 4-HPP for 13 weeks (n = 6). Body weight, serum parameters, histological analysis, and gene expression involved in lipid metabolism were quantified. Our results suggested that 100 μM of 3-HPP and 4-HPP inhibited lipid accumulation more significantly than parent RSV in an oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell line. Furthermore, 3-HPP, 4-HPP, and RSV effectively reduced liver weight and body weight, improved hepatic steatosis, and alleviated systemic inflammation in NAFLD mice. In addition, the results of quantitative real-time PCR showed that 3-HPP and 4-HPP altered the expression of cholesterol influx and efflux genes to a stronger extent than RSV. These results indicate that 3-HPP and 4-HPP are effective in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism.

Oxidative Stress and Oocyte Cryopreservation: Recent Advances in Mitigation Strategies Involving Antioxidants

Oocyte cryopreservation is widely used in assisted-reproductive technology and animal production. However, cryopreservation not only induces a massive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes, but also leads to oxidative-stress-inflicted damage to mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. These stresses lead to damage to the spindle, DNA, proteins, and lipids, ultimately reducing the developmental potential of oocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Although oocytes can mitigate oxidative stress via intrinsic antioxidant systems, the formation of ribonucleoprotein granules, mitophagy, and the cryopreservation-inflicted oxidative damage cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, exogenous antioxidants such as melatonin and resveratrol are widely used in oocyte cryopreservation to reduce oxidative damage through direct or indirect scavenging of ROS. In this review, we discuss analysis of various oxidative stresses induced by oocyte cryopreservation, the impact of antioxidants against oxidative damage, and their underlying mechanisms. We hope that this literature review can provide a reference for improving the efficiency of oocyte cryopreservation.

Grape polyphenols decrease circulating branched chain amino acids in overfed adults

Introduction and aims

Dietary polyphenols have long been associated with health benefits, including the prevention of obesity and related chronic diseases. Overfeeding was shown to rapidly induce weight gain and fat mass, associated with mild insulin resistance in humans, and thus represents a suitable model of the metabolic complications resulting from obesity. We studied the effects of a polyphenol-rich grape extract supplementation on the plasma metabolome during an overfeeding intervention in adults, in two randomized parallel controlled clinical trials.

Methods

Blood plasma samples from 40 normal weight to overweight male adults, submitted to a 31-day overfeeding (additional 50% of energy requirement by a high calorie-high fructose diet), given either 2 g/day grape polyphenol extract or a placebo at 0, 15, 21, and 31 days were analyzed (Lyon study). Samples from a similarly designed trial on females (20 subjects) were collected in parallel (Lausanne study). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was conducted to characterize metabolome changes induced by overfeeding and associated effects from polyphenol supplementation. The clinical trials are registered under the numbers NCT02145780 and NCT02225457 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results

Changes in plasma levels of many metabolic markers, including branched chain amino acids (BCAA), ketone bodies and glucose in both placebo as well as upon polyphenol intervention were identified in the Lyon study. Polyphenol supplementation counterbalanced levels of BCAA found to be induced by overfeeding. These results were further corroborated in the Lausanne female study.

Conclusion

Administration of grape polyphenol-rich extract over 1 month period was associated with a protective metabolic effect against overfeeding in adults.

Grape Polyphenols in the Treatment of Human Skeletal Muscle Damage Due to Inflammation and Oxidative Stress during Obesity and Aging: Early Outcomes and Promises

Today, inactivity and high-calorie diets contribute to the development of obesity and premature aging. In addition, the population of elderly people is growing due to improvements in healthcare management. Obesity and aging are together key risk factors for non-communicable diseases associated with several co-morbidities and increased mortality, with a major impact on skeletal muscle defect and/or poor muscle mass quality. Skeletal muscles contribute to multiple body functions and play a vital role throughout the day, in all our activities. In our society, limiting skeletal muscle deterioration, frailty and dependence is not only a major public health challenge but also a major socio-economic issue. Specific diet supplementation with natural chemical compounds such as grape polyphenols had shown to play a relevant and direct role in regulating metabolic and molecular pathways involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity and aging and their related muscle comorbidities in cell culture and animal studies. However, clinical studies aiming to restore skeletal muscle mass and function with nutritional grape polyphenols supplementation are still very scarce. There is an urgent need for clinical studies to validate the very encouraging results observed in animal models.

Resveratrol biotransformation and actions on the liver metabolism of healthy and arthritic rats

AIMS

To investigate the effects of resveratrol on glycogen catabolism and gluconeogenesis in perfused livers of healthy and arthritic rats. The actions of resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide (R3G) and the biotransformation of resveratrol into R3G was further evaluated in the livers.

MAIN METHODS

arthritis was induced with Freund's adjuvant. Resveratrol at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μM and 200 μM R3G were introduced in perfused livers. Resveratrol and metabolites were measured in the outflowing perfusate. Respiration of isolated mitochondria and activity of gluconeogenic enzymes were also evaluated in the livers.

KEY FINDINGS

resveratrol inhibited glycogen catabolism when infused at concentrations above 50 μM and gluconeogenesis even at 10 μM in both healthy and arthritic rat livers, but more sensitive in these latter. Resveratrol above 100 μM inhibited ADP-stimulated respiration and the activities of NADH- and succinate-oxidases in mitochondria, which were partially responsible for gluconeogenesis inhibition. Pyruvate carboxylase activity was inhibited by 25 μM resveratrol and should inhibit gluconeogenesis already at low concentrations. Resveratrol was significantly metabolized to R3G in healthy rat livers, however, R3G formation was lower in arthritic rat livers. The latter must be in part a consequence of a lower glucose disposal for glucuronidation. When compared to resveratrol, R3G inhibited gluconeogenesis in a lower extension and glycogen catabolism in a higher extension.

SIGNIFICANCE

the effects of resveratrol and R3G tended to be transitory and existed only when the resveratrol is present in the organ, however, they should be considered because significant serum concentrations of both are found after oral ingestion of resveratrol.

Oxidized Resveratrol Metabolites as Potent Antioxidants and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

Resveratrol is a well-known natural polyphenol with a plethora of pharmacological activities. As a potent antioxidant, resveratrol is highly oxidizable and readily reacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such a reaction not only leads to a decrease in ROS levels in a biological environment but may also generate a wide range of metabolites with altered bioactivities. Inspired by this notion, in the current study, our aim was to take a diversity-oriented chemical approach to study the chemical space of oxidized resveratrol metabolites. Chemical oxidation of resveratrol and a bioactivity-guided isolation strategy using xanthine oxidase (XO) and radical scavenging activities led to the isolation of a diverse group of compounds, including a chlorine-substituted compound (2), two iodine-substituted compounds (3 and 4), two viniferins (5 and 6), an ethoxy-substituted compound (7), and two ethoxy-substitute,0d dimers (8 and 9). Compounds 4, 7, 8, and 9 are reported here for the first time. All compounds without ethoxy substitution exerted stronger XO inhibition than their parent compound, resveratrol. By enzyme kinetic and in silico docking studies, compounds 2 and 4 were identified as potent competitive inhibitors of the enzyme, while compound 3 and the viniferins acted as mixed-type inhibitors. Further, compounds 2 and 9 had better DPPH scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbing capacity than resveratrol. Our results suggest that the antioxidant activity of resveratrol is modulated by the effect of a cascade of chemically stable oxidized metabolites, several of which have significantly altered target specificity as compared to their parent compound.

Regulation of dietary polyphenols on cancer cell pyroptosis and the tumor immune microenvironment

Cancer is a major public health problem that threatens human life worldwide. In recent years, immunotherapy has made great progress in both clinical and laboratory research. But the high heterogeneity and dynamics of tumors makes immunotherapy not suitable for all cancers. Dietary polyphenols have attracted researchers' attention due to their ability to induce cancer cell pyroptosis and to regulate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This review expounds the regulation of dietary polyphenols and their new forms on cancer cell pyroptosis and the TIME. These dietary polyphenols include curcumin (CUR), resveratrol (RES), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), apigenin, triptolide (TPL), kaempferol, genistein and moscatilin. New forms of dietary polyphenols refer to their synthetic analogs and nano-delivery, liposomes. Studies in the past decade are included. The result shows that dietary polyphenols induce pyroptosis in breast cancer cells, liver cancer cells, oral squamous cells, carcinoma cells, and other cancer cells through different pathways. Moreover, dietary polyphenols exhibit great potential in the TIME regulation by modulating the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis, enhancing antitumor immune cells, weakening the function and activity of immunosuppressive cells, and targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to reduce their tumor infiltration and promote their polarization toward the M1 type. Dietary polyphenols are also used with radiotherapy and chemotherapy to improve antitumor immunity and shape a beneficial TIME. In conclusion, dietary polyphenols induce cancer cell pyroptosis and regulate the TIME, providing new ideas for safer cancer cures.

Metabolic protection by the dietary flavonoid 7,8-dihydroxyflavone requires an intact gut microbiome

Background

7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in Godmania, Tridax, and Primula species that confers protection against high-fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic pathologies selectively in female mice. We have previously reported that this metabolic protection is associated with early and stable remodeling of the intestinal microbiome, evident in female but not male DHF-supplemented mice. Early changes in the gut microbiome in female DHF-fed mice were highly predictive of subsequent metabolic protection, suggesting a causative association between the gut microbiome and the metabolic effects of DHF.

Objective

To investigate a causal association between the gut microbiome and the metabolic effects of DHF using a model of antibiotic-induced gut microbiome ablation.

Materials and methods

Age-matched male and female C57Bl6/J mice were given ad libitum access to HFD and drinking water containing vehicle or DHF for 12 weeks. For antibiotic (Abx) treatment, female mice were given drinking water containing a cocktail of antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to HFD feeding and throughout the feeding period. Metabolic phenotyping consisted of longitudinal assessments of body weights, body composition, food, and water intake, as well as measurement of energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, and plasma and hepatic lipids. Protein markers mediating the cellular effects of DHF were assessed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle.

Results

Metabolic protection conferred by DHF in female HFD-fed mice was only apparent in the presence of an intact gut microbiome. Abx-treated mice were not protected from HFD-induced obesity by DHF administration. Further, tissue activation of the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor, which has been attributed to the biological activity of DHF, was lost upon gut microbiome ablation, indicating a requirement for microbial “activation” of DHF for its systemic effects. In addition, we report for the first time that DHF supplementation significantly activates TrkB in BAT of female, but not male, mice uncovering a novel target tissue of DHF. DHF supplementation also increased uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein in BAT, consistent with protection from diet-induced obesity.

Conclusion

These results establish for the first time a requirement for the gut microbiome in mediating the metabolic effects of DHF in female mice and uncover a novel target tissue that may mediate these sexually-dimorphic protective effects.

Reactive Oxygen Species/Reactive Nitrogen Species as Messengers in the Gut: Impact on Physiology and Metabolic Disorders

Significance: The role of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species as "friend" or "foe" messengers in the whole body is well characterized. Depending on the concentration in the tissue considered, these molecular actors exert beneficial or deleterious impacts leading to a pathological state, as observed in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recent Advances: Among the tissues impacted by oxidation and inflammation in this pathological state, the intestine is a site of dysfunction that can establish diabetic symptoms, such as alterations in the intestinal barrier, gut motility, microbiota composition, and gut/brain axis communication. In the intestine, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (from the host and/or microbiota) are key factors that modulate the transition from physiological to pathological signaling. Critical Issues: Controlling the levels of intestinal reactive oxygen/nitrogen species is a complicated balance between positive and negative impacts that is in constant equilibrium. Here, we describe the synthesis and degradation of intestinal reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and their interactions with the host. The development of novel redox-based therapeutics that alter these processes could restore intestinal health in patients with metabolic disorders. Future Directions: Deciphering the mode of action of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in the gut of obese/diabetic patients could result in a future therapeutic strategy that combines nutritional and pharmacological approaches. Consequently, preventive and curative treatments must take into account one of the first sites of oxidative and inflammatory dysfunctions in the body, that is, the intestine. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 394-415.

Adipose Tissue Aging and Metabolic Disorder, and the Impact of Nutritional Interventions

Adipose tissue is the largest and most active endocrine organ, involved in regulating energy balance, glucose and lipid homeostasis and immune function. Adipose tissue aging processes are associated with brown adipose tissue whitening, white adipose tissue redistribution and ectopic deposition, resulting in an increase in age-related inflammatory factors, which then trigger a variety of metabolic syndromes, including diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Metabolic syndrome, in turn, is associated with increased inflammatory factors, all-cause mortality and cognitive impairment. There is a growing interest in the role of nutritional interventions in adipose tissue aging. Nowadays, research has confirmed that nutritional interventions, involving caloric restriction and the use of vitamins, resveratrol and other active substances, are effective in managing adipose tissue aging’s adverse effects, such as obesity. In this review we summarized age-related physiological characteristics of adipose tissue, and focused on what nutritional interventions can do in improving the retrogradation and how they do this.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Knee Osteoarthritis and its Molecular Mechanisms: A Recent Review in Preclinical and Clinical Trials

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the progressing chronic joint associated with by many complex factors such as age, obesity, and trauma. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common type of OA. KOA is characterized by articular cartilage destruction and degeneration, synovial inflammation, and abnormal subchondral bone changes. To date, no practical clinical approach has been able to modify the pathological progression of KOA. Drug therapy is limited to pain control and may lead to serious side effects when taken for a long time. Therefore, searching for safer and more reliable treatments has become necessary. Interestingly, more and more research has focused on natural products, and monomeric compounds derived from natural products have received much attention as drug candidates for KOA treatment. Resveratrol (RES), a natural phenolic compound, has various pharmacological and biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-apoptotic, and anti-decay. Recently, studies on the effects of RES on maintaining the normal homeostasis of chondrocytes in KOA have received increasing attention, which seems to be attributed to the multi-targeted effects of RES on chondrocyte function. This review summarizes preclinical trials, clinical trials, and emerging tissue engineering studies of RES for KOA and discusses the specific mechanisms by which RES alleviates KOA. A better understanding of the pharmacological role of RES in KOA could provide clinical implications for intervention in the development of KOA.

Immunomodulatory and Antiaging Mechanisms of Resveratrol, Rapamycin, and Metformin: Focus on mTOR and AMPK Signaling Networks

Aging results from the progressive dysregulation of several molecular pathways and mTOR and AMPK signaling have been suggested to play a role in the complex changes in key biological networks involved in cellular senescence. Moreover, multiple factors, including poor nutritional balance, drive immunosenescence progression, one of the meaningful aspects of aging. Unsurprisingly, nutraceutical and pharmacological interventions could help maintain an optimal biological response by providing essential bioactive micronutrients required for the development, maintenance, and the expression of the immune response at all stages of life. In this regard, many studies have provided evidence of potential antiaging properties of resveratrol, as well as rapamycin and metformin. Indeed, in vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated for these molecules a number of positive effects associated with healthy aging. The current review focuses on the mechanisms of action of these three important compounds and their suggested use for the clinical treatment of immunosenescence and aging.

The Impact of Plant Phytochemicals on the Gut Microbiota of Humans for a Balanced Life

The gastrointestinal tract of humans is a complex microbial ecosystem known as gut microbiota. The microbiota is involved in several critical physiological processes such as digestion, absorption, and related physiological functions and plays a crucial role in determining the host’s health. The habitual consumption of specific dietary components can impact beyond their nutritional benefits, altering gut microbiota diversity and function and could manipulate health. Phytochemicals are non-nutrient biologically active plant components that can modify the composition of gut microflora through selective stimulation of proliferation or inhibition of certain microbial communities in the intestine. Plants secrete these components, and they accumulate in the cell wall and cell sap compartments (body) for their development and survival. These compounds have low bioavailability and long time-retention in the intestine due to their poor absorption, resulting in beneficial impacts on gut microbiota population. Feeding diets containing phytochemicals to humans and animals may offer a path to improve the gut microbiome resulting in improved performance and/or health and wellbeing. This review discusses the effects of phytochemicals on the modulation of the gut microbiota environment and the resultant benefits to humans; however, the effect of phytochemicals on the gut microbiota of animals is also covered, in brief.

Biochemical Properties of Atranorin-Induced Behavioral and Systematic Changes of Laboratory Rats

Atranorin (ATR) is a secondary metabolite of lichens. While previous studies investigated the effects of this substance predominantly in an in vitro environment, in our study we investigated the basic physicochemical properties, the binding affinity to human serum albumin (HSA), basic pharmacokinetics, and, mainly, on the systematic effects of ATR in vivo. Sporadic studies describe its effects during, predominantly, cancer. This project is original in terms of testing the efficacy of ATR on a healthy organism, where we can possibly attribute negative effects directly to ATR and not to the disease. For the experiment, 24 Sprague Dawley rats (Velaz, Únetice, Czech Republic) were used. The animals were divided into four groups. The first group (n = 6) included healthy males as control intact rats (♂INT) and the second group (n = 6) included healthy females as control intact rats (♀INT). Groups three and four (♂ATR/n = 6 and ♀ATR/n = 6) consisted of animals with daily administered ATR (10mg/kg body weight) in an ethanol-water solution per os for a one-month period. Our results demonstrate that ATR binds to HSA near the binding site TRP214 and acts on a systemic level. ATR caused mild anemia during the treatment. However, based on the levels of hepatic enzymes in the blood (ALT, ALP, or bilirubin levels), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), or liver histology, no impact on liver was recorded. Significantly increased creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase levels together with increased defecation activity during behavioral testing may indicate the anabolic effect of ATR in skeletal muscles. Interestingly, ATR changed some forms of behavior. ATR at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight is non-toxic and, therefore, could be used in further research.

Implications of Resveratrol in Obesity and Insulin Resistance: A State-of-the-Art Review

Background: Resveratrol is a polyphenol chemical that naturally occurs in many plant-based dietary products, most notably, red wine. Discovered in 1939, widespread interest in the potential health benefits of resveratrol emerged in the 1970s in response to epidemiological data on the cardioprotective effects of wine. Objective: To explore the background of resveratrol (including its origins, stability, and metabolism), the metabolic effects of resveratrol and its mechanisms of action, and a potential future role of dietary resveratrol in the lifestyle management of obesity. Data sources: We performed a narrative review, based on relevant articles written in English from a Pubmed search, using the following search terms: “resveratrol”, “obesity”, “Diabetes Mellitus”, and “insulin sensitivity”. Results: Following its ingestion, resveratrol undergoes extensive metabolism. This includes conjugation (with sulfate and glucuronate) within enterocytes, hydrolyzation and reduction within the gut through the action of the microbiota (with the formation of metabolites such as dihydroresveratrol), and enterohepatic circulation via the bile. Ex vivo studies on adipose tissue reveal that resveratrol inhibits adipogenesis and prevents the accumulation of triglycerides through effects on the expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) and sirtuin 1, respectively. Furthermore, resveratrol induces anti-inflammatory effects, supported by data from animal-based studies. Limited data from human-based studies reveal that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and may improve inflammatory status in human obesity. Although numerous mechanisms may underlie the metabolic benefits of resveratrol, evidence supports a role in its interaction with the gut microbiota and modulation of protein targets, including sirtuins and proteins related to nitric oxide, insulin, and nuclear hormone receptors (such as PPARγ). Conclusions: Despite much interest, there remain important unanswered questions regarding its optimal dosage (and how this may differ between and within individuals), and possible benefits within the general population, including the potential for weight-loss and improved metabolic function. Future studies should properly address these important questions before we can advocate the widespread adoption of dietary resveratrol supplementation.

Concomitant medications, functional foods, and supplements: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) 2022

Background

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is intended to provide clinicians an overview of the body weight effects of concomitant medications (i.e., pharmacotherapies not specifically for the treatment of obesity) and functional foods, as well as adverse side effects of supplements sometimes used by patients with pre-obesity/obesity.

Methods

The scientific information for this CPS is based upon published scientific citations, clinical perspectives of OMA authors, and peer review by the Obesity Medicine Association leadership.

Results

This CPS outlines clinically relevant aspects of concomitant medications, functional foods, and many of the more common supplements as they relate to pre-obesity and obesity. Topics include a discussion of medications that may be associated with weight gain or loss, functional foods as they relate to obesity, and side effects of supplements (i.e., with a focus on supplements taken for weight loss). Special attention is given to the warnings and lack of regulation surrounding weight loss supplements.

Conclusions

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) on concomitant medications, functional foods, and supplements is one of a series of OMA CPSs designed to assist clinicians in the care of patients with the disease of pre-obesity/obesity. Implementation of appropriate practices in these areas may improve the health of patients, especially those with adverse fat mass and adiposopathic metabolic consequences.

Speciomics as a concept involving chemical speciation and omics

The study of chemical speciation and the refinement and expansion of omics-based methods are both consolidated and highly active research fields. Although well established, such fields are extremely dynamic and are driven by the emergence of new strategies and improvements in instrumentation. In the case of omics-based studies, subareas including lipidomics, proteomics, metallomics, metabolomics and foodomics have emerged. Here, speciomics is being proposed as an "umbrella" term, that incorporates all of these subareas, to capture studies where the evaluation of chemical species is carried out using omics approaches. This paper contextualizes both speciomics and the speciome, and reviews omics applications used for species identification through examination of proteins, metalloproteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids. In addition, some implications from such studies and a perspective for future development of this area are provided. SIGNIFICANCE: The synergic effect between chemical speciation and omics is highlighted in this work, demonstrating an emerging area of research with a multitude of possibilities in terms of applications and further developments. This work not only defines and contextualizes speciomics and individual speciomes, but also demonstrates with some examples the great potential of this new interdisciplinary area of research.

Resveratrol and Curcumin for Chagas Disease Treatment—A Systematic Review

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected protozoan infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects about 7 million people worldwide. There are two available drugs in therapeutics, however, they lack effectiveness for the chronic stage—characterized mainly by cardiac (i.e., cardiomyopathy) and digestive manifestations (i.e., megaesophagus, megacolon). Due to the involvement of the immuno-inflammatory pathways in the disease’s progress, compounds exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity seem to be effective for controlling some clinical manifestations, mainly in the chronic phase. Resveratrol (RVT) and curcumin (CUR) are natural compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their cardioprotective effect have been proposed to have benefits to treat CD. Such effects could decrease or block the progression of the disease’s severity. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of RVT and CUR in animal and clinical research for the treatment of CD. The study was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and it was registered on PROSPERO (CDR42021293495). The results did not find any clinical study, and the animal research was analyzed according to the SYRCLES risk of bias tools and ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines. We found 9 eligible reports in this study. We also discuss the potential RVT and CUR derivatives for the treatment of CD as well.

Natural products: Potential therapeutic agents to prevent skeletal muscle atrophy

The skeletal muscle (SkM) is the largest organ, which plays a vital role in controlling musculature, locomotion, body heat regulation, physical strength, and metabolism of the body. A sedentary lifestyle, aging, cachexia, denervation, immobilization, etc. Can lead to an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation, which is further responsible for SkM atrophy (SmA). To date, the understanding of the mechanism of SkM mass loss is limited which also restricted the number of drugs to treat SmA. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches to regulate muscle homeostasis. Presently, some natural products attained immense attraction to regulate SkM homeostasis. The natural products, i.e., polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin), terpenoids (ursolic acid, tanshinone IIA, celastrol), flavonoids, alkaloids (tomatidine, magnoflorine), vitamin D, etc. exhibit strong potential against SmA. Some of these natural products have been reported to have equivalent potential to standard treatments to prevent body lean mass loss. Indeed, owing to the large complexity, diversity, and slow absorption rate of bioactive compounds made their usage quite challenging. Moreover, the use of natural products is controversial due to their partially known or elusive mechanism of action. Therefore, the present review summarizes various experimental and clinical evidence of some important bioactive compounds that shall help in the development of novel strategies to counteract SmA elicited by various causes.

Food-Derived Bioactive Molecules from Mediterranean Diet: Nanotechnological Approaches and Waste Valorization as Strategies to Improve Human Wellness

The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), the most widely followed healthy diet in the world, are principally due to the presence in the foods of secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenols, whose healthy characteristics are widely recognized. However, one of the biggest problems associated with the consumption of polyphenols as nutraceutical adjuvant concerns their bioavailability. During the last decades, different nanotechnological approaches have been developed to enhance polyphenol bioavailability, avoiding the metabolic modifications that lead to low absorption, and improving their retention time inside the organisms. This review focuses on the most recent findings regarding the encapsulation and delivery of the bioactive molecules present in the foods daily consumed in the MedDiet such as olive oil, wine, nuts, spice, and herbs. In addition, the possibility of recovering the polyphenols from food waste was also explored, taking into account the increased market demand of functional foods and the necessity to obtain valuable biomolecules at low cost and in high quantity. This circular economy strategy, therefore, represents an excellent approach to respond to both the growing demand of consumers for the maintenance of human wellness and the economic and ecological exigencies of our society.

Autophagy modulation in resveratrol protective effects on steroidogenesis in high-fat diet-fed mice and H2O2-challenged TM3 cells

BACKGROUND

Autophagy dysregulation and oxidative stress play critical pathophysiological roles in developing obesity-related metabolic health disorders. This study aims to investigate how autophagy modulation is related to resveratrol (RSV) antioxidant activities and preventive effects on steroidogenesis decline associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) and oxidative damage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice were fed with HFD with or without supplement RSV (400 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 16 weeks. The control group was fed with a standard diet with no RSV or the same amount of RSV. Mouse Leydig cell line TM3 cell was used for in vitro studies. Oxidative stress was induced in TM3 cells with H₂O₂, followed by RSV treatment plus autophagy activator rapamycin or autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, respectively. RSV supplement could upregulate proteins level of StAR and mitochondrial proteins COX4 and mtTFA, indicating the amelioration of steroidogenesis decline and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by HFD. Antioxidants such as GPx4 and SOD2 were improved by RSV as well. The observation of autophagosomes and the changes in expressions of LC3II/I, Beclin1, and Atg7 indicated that RSV could reverse the autophagy defect associated with HFD. 3-methyladenine inhibition of autophagy partially abolished RSV protection on mitochondrial function and steroidogenesis in H₂O₂-challenged TM3 cells. However, the combination use of rapamycin and RSV did not improve protection on Leydig cells against oxidative damage.

CONCLUSIONS

The stimulation of autophagy by RSV is closely linked to its antioxidant actions and positive impact on steroidogenesis in HFD mice. The findings suggest RSV is protective against obesity-related Leydig cell impairment.

Piceatannol Antagonizes Lipolysis by Promoting Autophagy-Lysosome-Dependent Degradation of Lipolytic Protein Clusters in Adipocytes

Overly elevated circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) is an emerging health concern of obesity-associated energy disorders. However, methods to reduce circulating NEFAs remain elusive. The present study determined the effect of piceatannol, a naturally occurring stilbene, on adipocyte lipolysis and its underlying mechanism. Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and brown adipocytes and isolated white adipose tissue were treated with various concentrations of piceatannol for 1.5-hr both in the basal and stimulated lipolysis conditions. Piceatannol significantly inhibited NEFAs and glycerol release with a concomitant reduction of ATGL, CGI-58 and PLIN1 expression in adipocytes. Using a series of inhibitor assays, piceatannol-induced degradation of these proteins was found to be mediated by upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that piceatannol is capable of stimulating autophagy in vitro. Importantly, piceatannol administration tended to lower fasting-induced serum glycerol levels in healthy mice. Furthermore, piceatannol administration lowered lipolysis, central adiposity and hyperinsulinemia in diet-induced obese mice. Our study provides profound evidence of a novel inhibitory role of piceatannol in lipolysis through autophagy-lysosome-dependent degradation of the key lipolytic proteins in adipocytes. This study offers a mechanistic foundation for investigating the potential of piceatannol-containing foods in reducing lipolysis and its associated metabolic disorders.