Cocoa Flavanols Protect Human Endothelial Cells from Oxidative Stress

Physicochemical, Antioxidant, Starch Digestibility, and Sensory Properties of Wheat Bread Fortified with Taiwanese Cocoa Bean Shells

The effects of replacing 5-25% of wheat flour (WF) with Taiwanese cocoa bean shells (CBSs) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, starch digestion, and sensory properties of the bread were studied. The lead (0.18) and cadmium (0.77) contents (mg/kg) of the CBSs were below the Codex Alimentarius specifications for cocoa powder. Ochratoxin A and aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) were not detected in the CBSs. The CBSs were rich in dietary fiber (42.9%) and bioactive components and showed good antioxidant capacity. The ash, fat, protein, dietary fiber, crumb a* and c*, hardness, chewiness, total phenols, and antioxidant activities of the bread increased with an increasing CBSs level. The starch hydrolysis rate (45.1-36.49%) of the CBS breads at 180 min was lower than that of the control (49.6%). The predicted glycemic index of the bread (CBS20 and CBS25) with 20-25% of the WF replaced with CBSs was classified as a medium-GI food using white bread as a reference. In the nine-point hedonic test, the overall preference scores were highest for control (6.8) and CBS breads, where CBSs replaced 5-10% of WF, with scores of 7.2 and 6.7. CBS20 supplemented with an additional 20-30% water improved its volume, specific volume, and staling rate, but the overall liking score (6.5-7.2) was not significantly different from the control (p > 0.05). Overall, partially replacing wheat flour with CBSs in the production of baked bread can result in a new medium-GI value food containing more dietary fiber, bioactive compounds, and enhanced antioxidant capacity.

Emerging and multifaceted potential contributions of polyphenols in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life, long-term health expenditures, and substantial health losses. In this context, the use of dietary polyphenols to prevent and manage T2DM is widely documented. These dietary compounds exert their beneficial effects through several actions, including the protection of pancreatic islet β-cell, the antioxidant capacities of these molecules, their effects on insulin secretion and actions, the regulation of intestinal microbiota, and their contribution to ameliorate diabetic complications, particularly those of vascular origin. In the present review, we intend to highlight these multifaceted actions and the molecular mechanisms by which these plant-derived secondary metabolites exert their beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes patients.

Can Chocolate Be Classified as an Ultra-Processed Food? A Short Review on Processing and Health Aspects to Help Answer This Question

Chocolate is a confectionery product whose consumption has increased, particularly dark chocolate. Chocolate is produced with varying amounts of cocoa liquor (CL), cocoa butter (CB) and cocoa powder (CP). The main chocolate types are dark, milk and white. Processing steps for chocolate production are described, and nutritional compositions examined for benefits and risks to health. Chocolate processing comprises steps at farm level, initial industrial processing for production of CL, CB and CP (common for all chocolate types) and mixing with other ingredients (like milk and sugar differing according to chocolate type) for industrial chocolate processing. All chocolate types present similar processing levels, and none involve chemical processing. Nutritional profiles of chocolate products differ according to composition, e.g., dark chocolate contains more CL, and so a higher antioxidant capacity. Chocolate is an energy-dense food rich in bioactive compounds (polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acids). Studies have demonstrated benefits of moderate consumption in reducing cardiovascular risk and oxidative and inflammatory burden, improving cognitive functions, maintaining diversity in gut microbiota, among others. In our view, chocolate should not be classified as an ultra-processed food because of simple processing steps, limited ingredients, and being an important part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

Kaempferide ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via inhibiting oxidative stress and inducing autophagy

Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by anti-tumor drugs, such as cisplatin, is a severe complication with no effective treatment currently, leading to the reduction or discontinuation of chemotherapy. Natural products or herbal medicines are gradually considered as promising agents against cisplatin-induced AKI with the advantages of multi-targeting, multi-effects, and less resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of kaempferide, a natural flavonoid extracted from the rhizome of Kaempferia galanga, in experimental AKI models in vitro and in vivo. We first conducted pharmacokinetic study in mice and found a relative stable state of kaempferide with a small amount of conversion into kaempferol. We showed that both kaempferide (10 μM) and kaempferol (10 μM) significantly inhibited cisplatin-caused injuries in immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cell line HK-2. In AKI mice induced by injection of a single dose of cisplatin (15 mg/kg), oral administration of kaempferide (50 mg/kg) either before or after cisplatin injection markedly improved renal function, and ameliorated renal tissue damage. We demonstrated that kaempferide inhibited oxidative stress and induced autophagy in cisplatin-treated mice and HK-2 cells, thus increasing tubular cell viability and decreasing immune responses to attenuate the disease progression. In addition, treatment with kaempferide significantly ameliorated ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that kaempferide is a promising natural product for treating various AKI. This study has great implications for promotion of its use in healthcare products, and help to break through the limited use of cisplatin in the clinic.

Proanthocyanidins Inhibit Osteoblast Apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/Bcl-xL Pathway in the Treatment of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Rats

BACKGROUND

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a common clinical disease caused by massive or prolonged use of steroids. Its pathogenesis is unclear, but its incidence is increasing annually. It is characterized by an insidious and rapid onset, and high disability rate, causing a great burden on patients' daily life. Therefore, clarifying its pathogenesis and providing early and effective treatment for steroid osteonecrosis is important.

METHODS

In vivo, we used methylprednisolone (MPS) to construct a SONFH rat model and employed Mirco-ct, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effects of proanthocyanidins (PACs). Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to mine targets associated with femoral head necrosis, and PACs analyzed possible molecular mechanisms. In vitro, PACs were added at different doses after treatment of cells with dexamethasone (DEX), and human osteoblast-like sarcoma(MG-63) cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin V-FITC-PI. The mechanisms by which PACs regulate bone metabolism via the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/Recombinant Human B-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 XL(Bcl-xL) axis were explored by Western blotting.

RESULT

In vivo studies showed that PACs prevented SONFH in rat model. The PI3K/AKT/Bcl-xL signaling pathway was selected by network pharmacology approach; in vitro studies showed that proanthocyanidin-activated AKT and Bcl-xL inhibited osteoblast apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

PACs can inhibit excessive osteoblast apoptosis in SONFH via the PI3K/AKT/Bcl-xL signaling axis and have potential therapeutic effects.

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity and Anti-Oxidative Stress Potential of South American Fabaceae Desmodium tortuosum

It has been proposed that oxidative stress is a pathogenic mechanism to induce cytotoxicity and to cause cardiovascular and neuronal diseases. At present, natural compounds such as plant extracts have been used to reduce the cytotoxic effects produced by agents that induce oxidative stress. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and cytoprotective capacity of Desmodium tortuosum (D. tortuosum) extract in the co- and pre-treatment in EA.hy926 and SH-SY5Y cell lines subjected to oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), caspase 3/7 activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and molecular expression of oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD2, NRF2 and NFκB1) and cell death (APAF1, BAX, Caspase3) were all evaluated. It was observed that the D. tortuosum extract, in a dose-dependent manner, was able to reduce the oxidative and cytotoxicity effects induced by t-BOOH, even normalized to a dose of 200 µg/mL, which would be due to the high content of phenolic compounds mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and other antioxidant compounds. Finally, these results are indicators that the extract of D. tortuosum could be a natural alternative against the cytotoxic exposure to stressful and cytotoxic chemical agents.

Theobroma cacao and Theobroma grandiflorum: Botany, Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Pods and Seeds

Cocoa and cupuassu are evergreen Amazonian trees belonging to the genus Theobroma, with morphologically distinct fruits, including pods and beans. These beans are generally used for agri-food and cosmetics and have high fat and carbohydrates contents. The beans also contain interesting bioactive compounds, among which are polyphenols and methylxanthines thought to be responsible for various health benefits such as protective abilities against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders and other metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Although these pods represent 50-80% of the whole fruit and provide a rich source of proteins, they are regularly eliminated during the cocoa and cupuassu transformation process. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of recent research on cocoa and cupuassu pods and beans, with emphasis on their chemical composition, bioavailability, and pharmacological properties. According to the literature, pods and beans from cocoa and cupuassu are promising ecological and healthy resources.

Elderberry Diet Restores Spermatogenesis in the Transient Scrotal Hyperthermia-Induced Mice

Over the past years, several studies have also reported the adverse effects of hyperthermia on normal testicular tissues in several species including mice, rats, and humans. These deleterious impacts include temporarily drop in relative weight of testis along with a temporary partial or complete infertility. Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry or sweet elder, is a source of bioactive compounds that has drawn growing attention for its potential beneficial effects in preventing and treating several diseases. This experimental research divided 30 mice into the following three groups: (1) control, (2) hyperthermia, and (3) hyperthermia receiving elderberry diet for 35 days. Scrotal hyperthermia was induced by water bath with 43 °C for 30 min. Then, the mice were euthanized, and their sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis. Then, we took the testis samples for histopathological experimentations, immunohistochemistry against TNF-α and caspase-3 and serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Our outputs indicated that elderberry diet could largely improve the sperms parameters and stereological parameters, like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Leydig cells together with an increasing level of the serum testosterone compared to the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice. In addition, it was found that the expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 significantly decreased in the treatment groups by elderberry diet compared to the scrotal hyperthermia-induced mice. In conclusion, it could be concluded that elderberry diet may be regarded as an alternative treatment for improving the spermatogenesis process in the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice.

Probiotics Bring New Hope for Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying pathological responsible in most acute and severe cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke. However, current drugs applied to the treatment of AS are not clinically effective, and there is a large residual risk of cardiovascular disease and multiple side effects. Increasing evidence supports a close relationship between microorganisms and the incidence of AS. Recent data have shown that probiotics can improve multiple key factors involved in the development and progression of AS, including cholesterol metabolism imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, proinflammatory factor production, macrophage polarization, intestinal flora disturbance, and infection with pathogenic microorganisms, and therefore probiotics have attracted great interest as a novel potential “medicine”. This review is aimed at summarizing the effects of probiotics on various influencing factors, and providing valuable insights in the search for early prevention and potential therapeutic strategies for AS.

Physiological Doses of Oleic and Palmitic Acids Protect Human Endothelial Cells from Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress has been proposed to be a pathogenic mechanism to induce endothelial dysfunction and the onset of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of free fatty acids can cause oxidative stress by increasing mitochondrial uncoupling but, at physiological concentrations, they are essential for cell and tissue function and olive oil free fatty acids have proved to exhibit beneficial effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that realistic concentrations within the physiological range of oleic (OA) and palmitic (PA) acids could be beneficial in the prevention of oxidative stress in vascular endothelium. Hence, pre-treatment and co-treatment with realistic physiological doses of palmitic and oleic acids were tested on cultured endothelial cells submitted to a chemically induced oxidative stress to investigate their potential chemo-protective effect. Cell viability and markers of oxidative status: reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were evaluated. As a conclusion, the increased ROS generation induced by stress was significantly prevented by a pre- and co-treatment with PA or OA. Moreover, pre- and co-treatment of cells with FFAs recovered the stress-induced MDA concentration to control values and significantly recovered depleted GSH and normalized GPx and GR activities. Finally, pre- and co-treatment of cells with physiological concentrations of PA or OA in the low micromolar range conferred a substantial protection of cell viability against an oxidative insult.

Oxidative Stress: Meeting Multiple Targets in Pathogenesis of Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction

Vascular endothelium is the innermost lining of blood vessels, which maintains vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Loss of vascular tone is a hallmark for cardiovascular disorders. Though there are numerous factors, such as over activation of renin angiotensin aldosterone system, kinases, growth factors, etc. play crucial role in induction and progression of vascular abrasion. Interestingly, dysregulation of these pathways either enhances the intensity of oxidative stress, or these pathways are affected by oxidative stress. Thus, oxidative stress has been considered a key culprit in the progression of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species causes abnormal gene expression, alteration in signal transduction, and the activation of pathways leading to induction and progression of vascular injury. In addition, numerous antioxidants have been noted to possess promising therapeutic potential in preventing the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, we have focused on current perspectives in oxidative stress signalling to evaluate common biological processes whereby oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the progression of vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases: Going beyond traditional risk factors

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a chronic non-infective syndrome characterised clinically by a set of vascular risk factors that include insulin resistance, hypertension, abdominal obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, and dyslipidaemia. These risk factors are due to a pro-inflammatory state, oxidative stress, haemodynamic dysfunction, and ischaemia, which overlap in 'dysmetabolic' patients. This review aimed to evaluate the relationship between the traditional components of MS with cardiovascular disease (CVD), inflammation, and oxidative stress. MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched. Chronic low-grade inflammatory states and metaflammation are often accompanied by metabolic changes directly related to CVD incidence, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity. Moreover, the metaflammation is characterised by an increase in the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), originating from the chronically inflamed adipose tissue and associated with oxidative stress. The increase of reactive oxygen species overloads the antioxidant systems causing post-translational alterations of proteins, lipids, and DNA leading to oxidative stress. Hyperglycaemia contributes to the increase in oxidative stress and the production of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) which are related to cellular and molecular dysfunction. Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with cellular senescence and CVD. CVD should not be seen only as being triggered by classical MS risk factors. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial pathological process with several triggering and aetiopathogenic mechanisms. Its medium and long-term repercussions, however, invariably constitute a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Implementing preventive and therapeutic measures against oxy-reductive imbalances and metaflammation states has unquestionable potential for favourable clinical outcomes in cardiovascular medicine.

Influence of Consumption of Two Peruvian Cocoa Populations on Mucosal and Systemic Immune Response in an Allergic Asthma Rat Model

Different cocoa populations have demonstrated a protective role in a rat model of allergic asthma by attenuating the immunoglobulin (Ig) E synthesis and partially protecting against anaphylactic response. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of diets containing two native Peruvian cocoa populations (“Amazonas Peru” or APC, and “Criollo de Montaña” or CMC) and an ordinary cocoa (OC) on the bronchial compartment and the systemic and mucosal immune system in the same rat model of allergic asthma. Among other variables, cells and IgA content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum anti-allergen antibody response were analyzed. The three cocoa populations prevented the increase of the serum specific IgG1 (T helper 2 isotype). The three cocoa diets decreased asthma-induced granulocyte increase in the BALF, which was mainly due to the reduction in the proportion of eosinophils. Moreover, both the OC and CMC diets were able to prevent the leukocyte infiltration caused by asthma induction in both the trachea and nasal cavity and decreased the IgA in both fecal and BALF samples. Overall, these results highlight the potential of different cocoa populations in the prevention of allergic asthma.

Microencapsulation of Phenolic Extracts from Cocoa Shells to Enrich Chocolate Bars

Cocoa bean shells were subjected to green extraction technologies, based on the absence of toxic organic solvents, to recover polyphenols; the extract was then encapsulated using a spray dryer and maltodextrin as coating agent. The best conditions observed in the spray drying tests (core-to-coating ratio 1:5; inlet temperature 150 °C; flow rate 6 ml min^-1) were applied to produce the microcapsules used to enrich the same cocoa mass as the shells and processed for the preparation of the chocolate bars. Sensory analysis showed no significant differences between enriched chocolate bar and the unenriched reference one, except for the appearance. Both samples were then subjected to accelerated storage tests, at the end of which the polyphenols in the control chocolate bar (0.85 g 100 g^-1) were reduced by about 50% (0.42 g 100 g^-1), while in the enriched chocolate (1.17 g 100 g^-1) by only 22% (0.97 g 100 g^-1). The proposed process significantly enriched the chocolate bars with phenolic antioxidants recovered from cocoa waste without increasing the sensations of bitterness and astringency.

The Possible Protective Role of Dark Chocolate Against Acrylamide Neurotoxicity in Weaning Rats Cerebellum

Acrylamide (ACR) is selective neurotoxicity, could be found in foods processed by high temperature. This work aimed to evaluate the protective role of the dark chocolate (DC) against cerebellar neurotoxicity induced by subchronic ACR exposure in recently weaned rat pups and to propose it as protective supplement against dietary ACR hazards. Eighteen weaning pups were used in the current study and divided into three groups, six rats in each group; group 1 (control group), group 2 (ACR group), and group 3 (ACR + DC group). The pups were sacrificed after 21 days and the cerebellums were removed for light microscope using H&E stain, ultrastructural study, morphometric analysis of the neurons count, biochemical analysis of oxidant and antioxidant markers and real-time quantitative PCR to evaluate the nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 2 (Nr4a2) gene expression. Pups with ACR consumption showed signs of neuronal degeneration and reduced Nr4a2 expression. On the other hand, pups with ACR + DC consumption showed relative signs of neuronal restoration and enhanced Nr4a2 expression. In conclusion, DC can be used as effective supplement to decrease the dietary ACR cerebellar neuronal risks.

Aqueous Extract of Cocoa Phenolic Compounds Protects Differentiated Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells from Oxidative Stress

Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols, especially flavanols and procyanidin oligomers, with antioxidant properties, providing protection against oxidation and nitration. Cocoa phenolic compounds are usually extracted with methanol/ethanol solvents in order to obtain most of their bioactive compounds; however, aqueous extraction seems more representative of the physiological conditions. In this study, an aqueous extract of cocoa powder has been prepared and chemically characterized, and its potential protective effect against chemically-induced oxidative stress has been tested in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Neuronal-like cultured cells were pretreated with realistic concentrations of cocoa extract and its major monomeric flavanol component, epicatechin, and then submitted to oxidative stress induced by a potent pro-oxidant. After one hour, production of reactive oxygen species was evaluated by two different methods, flow cytometry and in situ fluorescence by a microplate reader. Simultaneously, reduced glutathione and antioxidant defense enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined and the results used for a comparative analysis of both ROS (reactive oxygen species) methods and to test the chemo-protective effect of the bioactive products on neuronal-like cells. The results of this approach, never tested before, validate both analysis of ROS and indicate that concentrations of an aqueous extract of cocoa phenolics and epicatechin within a physiological range confer a significant protection against oxidative insult to neuronal-like cells in culture.

The effects of cocoa flavanols on indices of muscle recovery and exercise performance: a narrative review

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, muscle soreness, and reductions in muscle function. Cocoa flavanols (CF) are (poly)phenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus may attenuate symptoms of EIMD. The purpose of this narrative review was to collate and evaluate the current literature investigating the effect of CF supplementation on markers of exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as changes in muscle function, perceived soreness, and exercise performance. Acute and sub-chronic intake of CF reduces oxidative stress resulting from exercise. Evidence for the effect of CF on exercise-induced inflammation is lacking and the impact on muscle function, perceived soreness and exercise performance is inconsistent across studies. Supplementation of CF may reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, with potential for delaying fatigue, but more evidence is required for any definitive conclusions on the impact of CF on markers of EIMD.

Biological Actions and Molecular Mechanisms of Sambucus nigra L. in Neurodegeneration: A Cell Culture Approach

Sambucus nigra flowers (elderflower) have been widely used in traditional medicine for the relief of early symptoms of common cold. Its chemical composition mainly consists of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and triterpenes. Although the antioxidant properties of polyphenols are well known, the aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant and protective potentials of Sambucus nigra flowers in the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line using different in vitro approaches. The antioxidant capacity is first evaluated by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) methods. Cell viability is assessed by the crystal violet method; furthermore, the intracellular ROS formation (DCFH-DA method) is determined, together with the effect on the cell antioxidant defenses: reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, GR). On the other hand, mTORC1 hyperactivation and autophagy blockage have been associated with an increase in the formation of protein aggregates, this promoting the transference and expansion of neurodegenerative diseases. Then, the ability of Sambucus nigra flowers in the regulation of mTORC1 signaling activity and the reduction in oxidative stress through the activation of autophagy/mitophagy flux is also examined. In this regard, search for different molecules with a potential inhibitory effect on mTORC1 activation could have multiple positive effects either in the molecular pathogenic events and/or in the progression of several diseases including neurodegenerative ones.

Traceability of polyphenols in cocoa during the postharvest and industrialization processes and their biological antioxidant potential

Noncommunicable diseases, the leading cause of mortality around the world, are responsible for approximately 75% of premature adult deaths (ages 30-69). To tackle this issue, a healthy diet based on functional foods, including cocoa and its derivatives, has been increasingly promoted. The polyphenols present in cocoa have been of interest due to their antioxidant potential and their possible protective role in the context of noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. However, during cocoa postharvest and industrialization, the concentration of these bioactive compounds is reduced, possibly affecting their health-promoting properties. Therefore, this paper reviews in the literature in this field to find the total polyphenol content in cocoa during the postharvest and industrialization processes in order to define concentration ranges as a reference point for future research. In addition, it discusses in vitro and in vivo studies into the biological antioxidant potential of cocoa and its derivatives. This review covers publications in indexed databases from 2010 to 2020, their data were processed and presented here using box plots. As a result, we identified the concentration ranges of polyphenols depending on the type of matrix, treatment and country, as well as their relationship with the main bioactive compounds present in cocoa that are associated with their possible antioxidant biological potential and health-related benefits.

(Poly)phenol-Rich Diets in the Management of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus: Biological Properties in Cultured Endothelial Cells

Processed and ready-to-eat foods become routinely consumed resulting in a sharp rise of sugar intake in people's daily diets. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in (poly)phenols has been encouraged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the daily choices to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction and ease the socio-economic burden of diabetes. Research in Food, Nutrition, and Cell Metabolism areas is revealing that the health benefits of (poly)phenol-rich foods go beyond their antioxidant properties and are in fact key modulators of redox and glycaemia status, and inflammatory response contributing to improved endothelial function and vascular health in diabetes. Other beneficial aspects include appetite modulation, regulation of hydrolytic enzymes involved in sugar and lipid metabolism, and mediation of cell-cell aggregation events. This work overviews the current knowledge on the biological properties of ingested (poly)phenols in cultured endothelial cells with emphasis on the circulating (poly)phenols, providing support to (poly)phenol-rich diets as alternatives to drug-based therapies in the prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes. A critical evaluation on the caveats and challenges involve in current experimental cell-based designs and approaches adopted is also discussed.

Going "Green" in the Prevention and Management of Atherothrombotic Diseases: The Role of Dietary Polyphenols

During the 20th century processed and ready-to-eat foods became routinely consumed resulting in a sharp rise of fat, salt, and sugar intake in people's diets. Currently, the global incidence of obesity, raised blood lipids, hypertension, and diabetes in an increasingly aged population contributes to the rise of atherothrombotic events and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality. Drug-based therapies are valuable strategies to tackle and help manage the socio-economic impact of atherothrombotic disorders though not without adverse side effects. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids to human diets, as recommended by WHO offers a valuable nutritional strategy, alternative to drug-based therapies, to be explored in the prevention and management of atherothrombotic diseases at early stages. Though polyphenols are mostly associated to color and taste in foods, food flavonoids are emerging as modulators of cholesterol biosynthesis, appetite and food intake, blood pressure, platelet function, clot formation, and anti-inflammatory signaling, supporting the health-promoting effects of polyphenol-rich diets in mitigating the impact of risk factors in atherothrombotic disorders and CVD events. Here we overview the current knowledge on the effect of polyphenols particularly of flavonoid intake on the atherothrombotic risk factors and discuss the caveats and challenges involved with current experimental cell-based designs.

Natural Compounds With Antibacterial Activity Against Cronobacter spp. in Powdered Infant Formula: A Review

Bacteria from the genus Cronobacter are opportunistic foodborne pathogens capable of causing severe infections in neonates, the elderly and immunocompromised adults. The majority of neonatal infections have been linked epidemiologically to dehydrated powdered infant formulas (PIFs), the majority of which are manufactured using processes that do not ensure commercial sterility. Unfortunately, the osmotolerance, desiccation resistance, mild thermotolerance and wide-ranging minimum, optimum and maximum growth temperatures of Cronobacter spp. are conducive to survival and/or growth during the processing, reconstitution and storage of reconstituted PIFs. Consequently, considerable research has been directed at the development of alternative strategies for the control of Cronobacter spp. in PIFs, including approaches that employ antimicrobial compounds derived from natural sources. The latter include a range of phytochemicals ranging from crude extracts or essential oils derived from various plants (e.g., thyme, cinnamon, clove, marjoram, cumin, mint, fennel), to complex polyphenolic extracts (e.g., muscadine seed, pomegranate peel, olive oil, and cocoa powder extracts), purified simple phenolic compounds (e.g., carvacrol, citral, thymol, eugenol, diacetyl, vanillin, cinnamic acid, trans-cinnamaldehyde, ferulic acid), and medium chain fatty acids (monocaprylin, caprylic acid). Antimicrobials derived from microbial sources (e.g., nisin, other antibacterial peptides, organic acids, coenzyme Q0) and animal sources (e.g., chitosan, lactoferrin, antibacterial peptides from milk) have also been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity against the species. The selection of antimicrobials for the control of Cronobacter spp. requires an understanding of activity at different temperatures, knowledge about their mode of action, and careful consideration for toxicological and nutritional effects on neonates. Consequently, the purpose of the present review is to provide a comprehensive summary of currently available data pertaining to the antibacterial effects of natural antimicrobial compounds against Cronobacter spp. with a view to provide information needed to inform the selection of compounds suitable for control of the pathogen during the manufacture or preparation of PIFs by end users.

Micronutrients and bioactive compounds in the immunological pathways related to SARS-CoV-2 (adults and elderly)

The new coronavirus pandemic is affecting the entire world with more than 25 million confirmed cases in August 2020 according to the World Health Organization. It is known that the virus can affect several tissues and can progress to a respiratory failure in severe cases. To prevent the progression to this stage of the disease and minimize all the damage caused by coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) the immune system must be in its integrity. A healthy nutritional status are fundamental to efficient immunological protection and consequently a good response to SARS-CoV-2. Micronutrients and bioactive compounds perform functions in immune cells that are extremely essential to stop SARS-CoV-2. Their adequate consumption is part of a non-pharmacological intervention to keep the immune system functioning. This review has as main objective to inform how micronutrients and bioactive compounds could act in the essential immunological pathways could stop SARS-CoV-2, focusing on the functions that have already established in the literature and transposing to this scenario.

Role of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Endothelial Dysfunction: An Overview from Classic to Innovative Biomarkers

Nowadays, the dramatically increased prevalence of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus and their related complications, including endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary nutrients together with healthy lifestyles have a crucial role in the endothelium health-promoting effects. From a growing body of evidence, active natural compounds from food, including polyphenols and carotenoids, have attracted particular attention as a complementary therapy on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, as well as preventive approaches through the attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress. They mainly act as radical scavengers by promoting a variety of biological mechanisms, such as improvements in endothelial function, blood pressure, platelet activity, and insulin sensitivity, and by modulating various known biomarkers. The present review highlights the role of polyphenols and carotenoids in early endothelial dysfunction with attention to their beneficial effect in modulating both classical and recent technologically generated emerging biomarkers. These, alone or in combination, can play an important role in the prediction, diagnosis, and evolution of cardiovascular disease. However, a main challenge is to speed up early and prompt new interventions in order to prevent or slow down disease progression, even with an adequate intake of bioactive compounds. Hence, there is an urgent need of new more validated, appropriate, and reliable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers useful to diagnose endothelial dysfunction at an earlier stage.