Higher dose of resveratrol elevated cardiovascular disease risk biomarker levels in overweight older adults - A pilot study

Effects of polyphenols on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case study of resveratrol

The primary etiology of liver disease is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. The efficacy of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds has been extensively demonstrated with respect to various aspects and recently proved to be effective at preventing and treating NAFLD. To describe the sources and functions of polyphenolic constituents and clarify the therapeutic effects of polyphenolic constituents on NAFLD, resveratrol (RSV), which has significant therapeutic effects, was selected for a comprehensive analysis. Bibliometric and network pharmacology analyses revealed a strong correlation between insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress, steatosis, and NAFLD, as well as the significance of intestinal flora and therapeutic interventions for NAFLD. This study reviewed the mechanisms by which RSV acted against NAFLD and explored techniques to enhance its bioavailability. These findings offer new insights into the treatment of NAFLD and the development of innovative RSV formulations.

Resveratrol: A Narrative Review Regarding Its Mechanisms in Mitigating Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders

Resveratrol (RSV) is a naturally occurring astragalus-like polyphenolic compound with remarkable weight loss properties. However, the mechanism of RSV in treating obesity is unclear. In this narrative review, we explored electronic databases (PubMed) for research articles from 2021 to the present using the keywords "resveratrol" and "obesity". This article explores the mechanisms involved in the alleviation of obesity-related metabolic disorders by RSV. RSV affects obesity by modulating mitochondrial function, insulin signaling, and gut microbiota, regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, and regulating epigenetic regulation. Administering RSV to pregnant animals exhibits maternal and first-generation offspring benefits, and RSV administration to lactating animals has long-term benefits, which involve the epigenetic modulations by RSV. A comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms of RSV regulation could help in developing drugs suitable for pregnancy preparation groups, pregnant women, and nursing infants.

Harnessing the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastomas are the most common solid tumors outside of the brain that originate from immature neural crest cells, accounting for about 10% of all pediatric malignancies. The treatment for neuroblastomas involves a multimodal schedule, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. All these modalities are limited by side effects that might be severe, poor prognosis, and a high risk of recurrence. In the quest for additional therapeutic approaches, phytochemicals have attracted attention owing to their reported antitumor properties, safety, and multimechanistic mode of action. Several studies have used plant-derived bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids, suggesting modulation of biomolecules and signal transduction pathways involved in neuroblastoma. We reviewed the findings of recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the effects of phytochemicals on neuroblastoma, shedding light on their molecular mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.

Effects of resveratrol on aortic growth in patients with Marfan syndrome: a single-arm open-label multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol, a dietary supplement that intervenes in cellular metabolism, has been shown to reduce aortic growth rate in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS), a condition associated in humans with life-threatening aortic complications, often preceded by aortic dilatation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on aortic growth rate in patients with MFS .

METHODS

In this investigator-initiated, single-arm open-label multicentre trial, we analysed resveratrol treatment in adults aged 18-50 years with MFS. The primary endpoint was the change in estimated annual aortic growth at five predefined levels in the thoracic aorta after 1 year of resveratrol treatment, evaluated using a linear mixed model. Aortic diameters were measured by cardiac MRI at three time points to analyse the annual aortic expansion rate before and after initiation of treatment. Additionally, annual aortic growth was compared with growth in a previously conducted losartan randomised clinical trial.

RESULTS

898 patients were screened of which 19% (168/898) patients met the inclusion criteria.36% (61/168) patients signed informed consent and 93% (57/61) aged 37±9 years, of which 28 males (49%) were included in the final analysis of the study. 46% (26/57) had undergone aortic root replacement prior to the study. Aortic root diameters remained stable after 1.2±0.3 years of resveratrol administration. A trend towards a decrease in estimated growth rate (mm/year) was observed in the aortic root (from 0.39±0.06 to -0.13±0.23, p=0.072), ascending aorta (from 0.40±0.05 to -0.01±0.18, p=0.072) and distal descending aorta (from 0.32±0.04 to 0.01±0.14, p=0.072).

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol treatment for 1 year may stabilise the aortic growth rate in adult patients with MFS. However, a subsequent randomised clinical trial with a longer follow-up duration and a larger study cohort is needed to establish an actual long-term beneficial effect of this dietary supplement in patients with MFS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NL66127.018.18.

Repurposed Drugs and Plant-Derived Natural Products as Potential Host-Directed Therapeutic Candidates for Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death due to infectious disease. It is a treatable disease; however, conventional treatment requires a lengthy treatment regimen with severe side effects, resulting in poor compliance among TB patients. Intermittent drug use, the non-compliance of patients, and prescription errors, among other factors, have led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB, while the mismanagement of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) has eventually led to the development of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Thus, there is an urgent need for new drug development, but due to the enormous expenses and time required (up to 20 years) for new drug research and development, new therapeutic approaches to TB are required. Host-directed therapies (HDT) could be a most attractive strategy, as they target the host defense processes instead of the microbe and thereby may prevent the alarming rise of MDR- and XDR-TB. This paper reviews the progress in HDT for the treatment of TB using repurposed drugs which have been investigated in clinical trials (completed or ongoing) and plant-derived natural products that are in clinical or preclinical trial stages. Additionally, this review describes the existing challenges to the development and future research directions in the implementation of HDT.

Resveratrol Inhibits Nucleosome Binding and Catalytic Activity of PARP1

The natural polyphenol resveratrol is a biologically active compound that interacts with DNA and affects the activity of some nuclear enzymes. Its effect on the interaction between nucleosomes and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) and on the catalytic activity of PARP1 was studied using Western blotting, spectrophotometry, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and single particle Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy. Resveratrol inhibited PARP1 activity at micro- and sub-micromolar concentrations, but the inhibitory effect decreased at higher concentrations due to the aggregation of the polyphenol. The inhibition of PARP1 by resveratrol was accompanied by its binding to the enzyme catalytic center and a subsequent decrease in PARP1 affinity to nucleosomal DNA. Concurrent binding of talazoparib to the substrate binding pocket of PARP1, which occurs in the presence of resveratrol, restores the interaction of PARP1 with nucleosomes, suggesting that the binding sites of resveratrol and talazoparib overlap. The data suggest that resveratrol can be classified as a natural inhibitor of PARP1.

Flavonoids and Their Role in Preventing the Development and Progression of MAFLD by Modifying the Microbiota

With the increasing prevalence and serious health consequences of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), early diagnosis and intervention are key to effective treatment. Recent studies highlight the important role of dietary factors, including the use of flavonoids, in improving liver health. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties. Flavonoids have been shown to affect the gut microbiota, which plays a key role in liver function and disease progression. Therefore, their role in preventing the development and progression of MAFLD through modulation of the microbiome seems to be of interest. This narrative review aims to consolidate the current evidence on the effects of selected flavonoids on MAFLD progression, their potential mechanisms of action, and the implications for the development of personalized dietary interventions for the management of liver disease.

Potential of resveratrol in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (Review)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi‑system chronic autoimmune disease with a complex occurrence and development process, associated with immune disorders, uncertain prognosis, and treatment modalities which vary by patient and disease activity. At present, the clinical treatment of SLE mainly focuses on hormones and immunosuppressants. In recent years, the research on new treatment strategies for SLE has been booming, and strong preclinical results and clinical research have promoted the development of numerous drugs (such as rituximab and orencia), but numerous of these drugs have failed to achieve effectiveness in clinical trials, and there are some adverse reactions. Recent evidence suggests that resveratrol (RSV) has the effect of ameliorating immune disorders by inhibiting overactivation of immune cells. In the present review, advances in research on the protective effects and potential mechanisms of RSV against SLE are summarized and the potential potency of RSV and its use as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of SLE are highlighted.

Effects of resveratrol on changes in trimethylamine-N-oxide and circulating cardiovascular factors following exercise training among older adults

PURPOSE

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut-derived metabolite associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In preclinical and observational studies, resveratrol and exercise training have been suggested as potential strategies to reduce the systemic levels of TMAO. However, evidence from experimental studies in humans remains unknown. This project examined the dose-dependent effects of a combined resveratrol intervention with exercise training on circulating TMAO and other related metabolite signatures in older adults with high CVD risk.

METHODS

Forty-one older adults [mean (±SD) age of 72.1 (6.8) years] participated in a 12-week supervised center-based, multi-component exercise training intervention [2×/week; 80 min/session] and were randomized to one of two resveratrol dosages [Low: 500 vs. High:1000 mg/day] or a cellulose-based placebo. Serum/plasma were collected at baseline and post-intervention and evaluated for TMAO and associated analytes.

RESULTS

After the 12-week intervention, TMAO concentration increased over time, regardless of treatment [mean (±SD) Placebo: 11262 (±3970); Low:13252 (±1193); High: 12661(±3359) AUC; p = 0.04]. Each resveratrol dose produced different changes in metabolite signatures. Low dose resveratrol upregulated metabolites associated with bile acids biosynthesis (i.e., glycochenodeoxycholic acid, glycoursodeoxycholic acid, and glycocholic acid). High dose resveratrol modulated metabolites enriched for glycolysis, and pyruvate, propanoate, β-alanine, and tryptophan metabolism. Different communities tightly correlated to TMAO and resveratrol metabolites were associated with the lipid and vascular inflammatory clinical markers [|r| > 0.4, p < 0.05].

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a distinct dose-dependent adaptation response to resveratrol supplementation on circulating metabolite signatures but not on TMAO among high-risk CVD older adults when combined with an exercise training intervention.

Red wine alleviates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy subjects rather than in high cardiovascular risk subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Moderate red wine (RW) consumption is associated with a low risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have evaluated the effects of RW and white wine (WW) on inflammatory markers related to atherosclerosis in healthy individuals and high-risk subjects for CVD. This study aimed to assess the effect of RW on inflammatory markers in healthy individuals and high-risk subjects for CVD compared with moderate alcohol consumption.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA) was followed in this study. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, SinoMed, EbscoHost, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. The risk of bias and quality of the included trials were assessed using the Cochrane Handbook. The main results are summarized in Stata 12.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that RW significantly decreased circulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, and Sialyl-Lewis X expression on the surface of monocytes in healthy subjects, but not in patients with CVD. Additionally, RW significantly decreased Sialyl-Lewis X but increased clusters of differentiation 40 (CD40) expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes and significantly decreased C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) and very late activation antigen 4 (VLA-4) expressed on the surface of monocytes. Interestingly, subgroup analysis also found that RW significantly decreased circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) in Spain but not in other countries, and significantly increased αMβ2 (Mac-1) in the group that had an intervention duration of less than 3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate consumption of RW is more effective than WW in alleviating atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy people rather than high-risk subjects for CVD, but this needs to be further confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes.

Effects and safety of resveratrol supplementation in older adults: A comprehensive systematic review

Resveratrol (RSV) has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential benefits against chronic diseases. However, its effects and safety in older adults have not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to determine the effects and safety of RSV supplementation in older adults. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for eligible studies. Studies were enrolled if they were randomized clinical trials and had incorporated RSV supplementation for older adults. Two independent authors conducted the literature search, and eligibility was determined according to the PICOS framework. Study details, intervention specifics, and relevant outcomes were collected during the data collection. The Cochrane RoB-2 tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. This review included 10 studies. The combination of RSV and exercise improved exercise adaptation and muscle function in healthy older adults and physical performance and mobility measures in individuals with functional limitations. RSV showed potential neuroprotective effects in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In overweight individuals, RSV demonstrated a positive impact on cognitive function, but it increased some biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk at high doses. In older adults with diabetes and those with peripheral artery disease (PAD), RSV was not more effective than placebo. No study reported significant adverse events following RSV treatment. RSV can improve various health parameters in age-related health conditions. However, the optimal dosage, long-term effects, and potential interactions with medications still need to be investigated through well-designed RCTs.

Cardiovascular risk of dietary trimethylamine oxide precursors and the therapeutic potential of resveratrol and its derivatives

Overall diet, lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition, and other underlying health conditions may contribute to higher trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels and increased cardiovascular risk. This review explores the potential therapeutic ability of RSV to protect against cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and affect TMAO levels. This review considers recent studies on the association of TMAO with CVD. It also examines the sources, mechanisms, and metabolism of TMAO along with TMAO-induced cardiovascular events. Plant polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol (RSV), and their cardioprotective mechanism of regulating TMAO levels and modifying gut microbiota are also discussed here. RSV's salient features and bioactive properties in reducing CVD have been evaluated. The close relationship between TMAO and CVD is clearly understood from currently available data, making it a potent biomarker for CVD. Precise investigation, including clinical trials, must be performed to understand RSV's mechanism, dose, effects, and derivatives as a cardioprotectant agent.

The Pharmacological Properties of Red Grape Polyphenol Resveratrol: Clinical Trials and Obstacles in Drug Development

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid from red grapes that possesses a strong antioxidant activity. Resveratrol has been shown to have anticancer activity, making it a promising drug for the treatment and prevention of numerous cancers. Several in vitro and in vivo investigations have validated resveratrol's anticancer capabilities, demonstrating its ability to block all steps of carcinogenesis (such as initiation, promotion, and progression). Additionally, resveratrol has been found to have auxiliary pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activity. Despite its pharmacological properties, several obstacles, such as resveratrol's poor solubility and bioavailability, as well as its adverse effects, continue to be key obstacles to drug development. This review critically evaluates the clinical trials to date and aims to develop a framework to develop resveratrol into a clinically viable drug.

Resveratrol-Laden Nano-Systems in the Cancer Environment: Views and Reviews

The genesis of cancer is a precisely organized process in which normal cells undergo genetic alterations that cause the cells to multiply abnormally, colonize, and metastasize to other organs such as the liver, lungs, colon, and brain. Potential drugs that could modify these carcinogenic pathways are the ones that will be used in clinical trials as anti-cancer drugs. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic natural antitoxin that has been utilized for the treatment of several diseases, owing to its ability to scavenge free radicals, control the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and have effects on inflammation, cancer, aging, diabetes, and cardioprotection. Although RES has a variety of pharmacological uses and shows promising applications in natural medicine, its unpredictable pharmacokinetics compromise its therapeutic efficacy and prevent its use in clinical settings. RES has been encapsulated into various nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipidic nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles, to address these issues. These nanocarriers can modulate drug release, increase bioavailability, and reach therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations. Studies on resveratrol-rich nano-formulations in various cancer types are compiled in the current article. Studies relating to enhanced drug stability, increased therapeutic potential in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and reduced toxicity to cells and tissues are the main topics of this research. To keep the readers informed about the current state of resveratrol nano-formulations from an industrial perspective, some recent and significant patent literature has also been provided. Here, the prospects for nano-formulations are briefly discussed, along with machine learning and pharmacometrics methods for resolving resveratrol's pharmacokinetic concerns.

Association between Wine Consumption with Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was: (i) to examine the association between wine consumption and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and coronary heart disease (CHD) and (ii) to analyse whether this association could be influenced by personal and study factors, including the participants' mean age, the percentage of female subjects, follow-up time and percentage of current smokers. Methods: In order to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched several databases for longitudinal studies from their inception to March 2023. This study was previously registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021293568). Results: This systematic review included 25 studies, of which the meta-analysis included 22 studies. The pooled RR for the association of wine consumption and the risk of CHD using the DerSimonian and Laird approach was 0.76 (95% CIs: 0.69, 0.84), for the risk of CVD was 0.83 (95% CIs: 0.70, 0.98), and for the risk of cardiovascular mortality was 0.73 (95% CIs: 0.59, 0.90). Conclusions: This research revealed that wine consumption has an inverse relationship to cardiovascular mortality, CVD, and CHD. Age, the proportion of women in the samples, and follow-up time did not influence this association. Interpreting these findings with prudence was necessary because increasing wine intake might be harmful to individuals who are vulnerable to alcohol because of age, medication, or their pathologies.

Expected and Unexpected Effects of Pharmacological Antioxidants

In this review, we have collected the existing data on the bioactivity of antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, polyphenols, vitamin C) which are traditionally used in experimental biology and, in some cases, in the clinic. Presented data show that, despite the capacity of these substances to scavenge peroxides and free radicals in cell-free systems, their ability to exhibit these properties in vivo, upon pharmacological supplementation, has not been confirmed so far. Their cytoprotective activity is explained mainly by the ability not to suppress, but to activate multiple redox pathways, which causes biphasic hormetic responses and highly pleiotropic effects in cells. N-acetylcysteine, polyphenols, and vitamin C affect redox homeostasis by generating low-molecular-weight redox-active compounds (H₂O₂ or H₂S), known for their ability to stimulate cellular endogenous antioxidant defense and promote cytoprotection at low concentrations but exert deleterious effects at high concentrations. Moreover, the activity of antioxidants strongly depends on the biological context and mode of their application. We show here that considering the biphasic and context-dependent response of cells on the pleiotropic action of antioxidants can help explain many of the conflicting results obtained in basic and applied research and build a more logical strategy for their use.

Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Transforming Growth Factor β Receptor Targeted by Resveratrol and Hesperetin Coformulation in Endothelial Cells

The endothelium is the frontline target of multiple metabolic stressors and pharmacological agents. As a consequence, endothelial cells (ECs) display highly dynamic and diverse proteome profiles. We describe here the culture of human aortic ECs from healthy and type 2 diabetic donors, the treatment with a small molecular coformulation of trans-resveratrol and hesperetin (tRES+HESP), followed by proteomic analysis of whole-cell lysate. A number of 3666 proteins were presented in all of the samples and thus further analyzed. We found that 179 proteins had a significant difference between diabetic ECs vs. healthy ECs, while 81 proteins had a significant change upon the treatment of tRES+HESP in diabetic ECs. Among them, 16 proteins showed a difference between diabetic ECs and healthy ECs and the difference was reversed by the tRES+HESP treatment. Follow-up functional assays identified activin A receptor-like type 1 and transforming growth factor β receptor 2 as the most pronounced targets suppressed by tRES+HESP in protecting angiogenesis in vitro. Our study has revealed the global differences in proteins and biological pathways in ECs from diabetic donors, which are potentially reversible by the tRES+HESP formula. Furthermore, we have identified the TGFβ receptor as a responding mechanism in ECs treated with this formula, shedding light on future studies for deeper molecular characterization.

Potential of resveratrol in the treatment of interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by lung injury caused by lung fibroblast proliferation, interstitial inflammation, and fibrosis. Different cell signal transduction pathways are activated in response to various proinflammatory or fibrotic cytokines, such as IL-6, and these cytokines are increased in different ILDs. The overexpressed cytokines and growth factors in ILD can activate TGF-β/Smad2/3/4, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways, promote the activation of immune cells, increase the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors, differentiate fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and promote the occurrence and development of ILD. This finding suggests the importance of signal transduction pathways in patients with ILD. Recent evidence suggests that resveratrol (RSV) attenuates excessive inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad2/3/4, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways and overactivation of immune cells. In this review, advances in lung protection and the underlying mechanisms of RSV are summarized, and the potential efficacy of RSV as a promising treatment option for ILD is highlighted.

Polyphenols—Ensured Accessibility from Food to the Human Metabolism by Chemical and Biotechnological Treatments

Polyphenols are plant-based compounds famous for their positive impact on both human health and the quality of food products. The benefits of polyphenols are related to reducing cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol management, cancers, and neurological disorders in humans and increasing the shelf life, management of oxidation, and anti-microbial activity in food products. The bioavailability and bio-accessibility of polyphenols are of the highest importance to secure their impact on human and food health. This paper summarizes the current state-of-the-art approaches on how polyphenols can be made more accessible in food products to contribute to human health. For example, by using food processing methods including various technologies, such as chemical and biotechnological treatments. Food matrix design and simulation procedures, in combination with encapsulation of fractionated polyphenols utilizing enzymatic and fermentation methodology, may be the future technologies to tailor specific food products with the ability to ensure polyphenol release and availability in the most suitable parts of the human body (bowl, intestine, etc.). The development of such new procedures for utilizing polyphenols, combining novel methodologies with traditional food processing technologies, has the potential to contribute enormous benefits to the food industry and health sector, not only reducing food waste and food-borne illnesses but also to sustain human health.

Main Determinants Affecting the Antiproliferative Activity of Stilbenes and Their Gut Microbiota Metabolites in Colon Cancer Cells: A Structure-Activity Relationship Study

trans-Resveratrol can be catabolized by the gut microbiota to dihydroresveratrol, 3,4'-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene, lunularin, and 4-hydroxydibenzyl. These metabolites can reach relevant concentrations in the colon. However, not all individuals metabolize RSV equally, as it depends on their RSV gut microbiota metabotype (i.e., lunularin producers vs. non-producers). However, how this microbial metabolism affects the cancer chemopreventive activity of stilbenes and their microbial metabolites is poorly known. We investigated the structure-antiproliferative activity relationship of dietary stilbenes, their gut microbial metabolites, and various analogs in human cancer (Caco-2 and HT-29) and non-tumorigenic (CCD18-Co) colon cells. The antiproliferative IC₅₀ values of pterostilbene, oxy-resveratrol, piceatannol, resveratrol, dihydroresveratrol, lunularin, 3,4'-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene, pinosylvin, dihydropinosylvin, 4-hydroxy-trans-stilbene, 4-hydroxydibenzyl, 3-hydroxydibenzyl, and 4-trans-stilbenemethanol were calculated. IC₅₀ values were correlated with 34 molecular characteristics by bi- and multivariate analysis. Little or no activity on CCD18-Co was observed, while Caco-2 was more sensitive than HT-29, which was explained by their different capacities to metabolize the compounds. Caco-2 IC₅₀ values ranged from 11.4 ± 10.1 μM (4-hydroxy-trans-stilbene) to 73.9 ± 13.8 μM (dihydropinosylvin). In HT-29, the values ranged from 24.4 ± 11.3 μM (4-hydroxy-trans-stilbene) to 96.7 ± 6.7 μM (4-hydroxydibenzyl). At their IC₅₀, most compounds induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the S phase, pterostilbene at G₂/M, while 4-hydroxy-trans-stilbene and 3,4'-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene arrested at both phases. Higher Connolly values (larger size) hindered the antiproliferative activity, while a lower pKa1 enhanced the activity in Caco-2, and higher LogP values (more hydrophobicity) increased the activity in HT-29. Reducing the styrene double bond in stilbenes was the most critical feature in decreasing the antiproliferative activity. These results (i) suggest that gut microbiota metabolism determines the antiproliferative effects of dietary stilbenes. Therefore, RSV consumption might exert different effects in individuals depending on their gut microbiota metabotypes associated with RSV metabolism, and (ii) could help design customized drugs with a stilbenoid and (or) dibenzyl core against colorectal cancer.

Progress in the Preclinical and Clinical Study of Resveratrol for Vascular Metabolic Disease

Vascular metabolic dysfunction presents in various diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Due to the high prevalence of these diseases, it is important to explore treatment strategies to protect vascular function. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic phytochemical, is regarded as an agent to regulate metabolic pathways. Many studies have proven that RSV has beneficial effects on improving metabolism in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which provide new directions to treat vascular metabolic diseases. Herein, we overviewed that RSV could regulate cell metabolism activity by inhibiting glucose uptake, suppressing glycolysis, preventing cells from fatty acid-related damages, reducing lipogenesis, increasing fatty acid oxidation, enhancing lipolysis, elevating uptake and synthesis of glutamine, and increasing NO release. Furthermore, in clinical trials, although the results from different studies remain controversial, we proposed that RSV had better therapeutic effects at high concentrations and for patients with metabolic disorders.

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases

Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits.

Resveratrol and Some of Its Derivatives as Promising Prophylactic Treatments for Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia

Due to the rate of occurrence of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, its neuronal sequelae, and the lack of effective therapies, the development of new neuroprotective strategies is required. Polyphenols (including resveratrol) are molecules whose anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties could be effective against the damage induced by neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. In this review article, very recent data concerning the neuroprotective role of polyphenols and the mechanisms at play are detailed, including a boost in brain energy metabolism. The results obtained with innovative approaches, such as maternal supplementation at nutritional doses, suggest that polyphenols could be a promising prophylactic treatment for neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Polyphenols and atherosclerosis: A critical review of clinical effects on LDL oxidation

Atherosclerosis is a major etiology of cardiovascular disease that causes considerable mortality. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is a fundamental attributor to atherosclerosis. Therefore, there seems to be an essential place for antioxidant therapy besides the current treatment protocols for coronary heart disease. Polyphenols are a class of compounds with substantial antioxidant properties that have shown the ability to reduce LDL oxidation in preclinical studies. However, clinical evidence has not been as conclusive although offering many promising signs. This review aims to examine the trials that have evaluated how dietary intake of polyphenols in different forms might influence the oxidation of LDL. Lowering the circulating cholesterol, incorporation into LDL particles, and enhancing systemic antioxidant activity are among the main mechanisms of action for polyphenols for lowering oxLDL. On the other hand, the population under study significantly affects the impact on oxLDL, as the type of the supplement and phenolic content. To conclude, although the polyphenols might decrease inflammation and enhance endothelial function via lowering oxLDL, there are still many gaps in our knowledge that need to be filled with further high-quality studies.

Cis- and trans-resveratrol have opposite effects on histone serine-ADP-ribosylation and tyrosine induced neurodegeneration

Serum tyrosine levels increase during aging, neurocognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. However, calorie restriction (CR) and sleep lower serum tyrosine levels. We previously showed that tyrosine inhibits tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS)-mediated activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). Here, we show that histone serine-ADP-ribosylation is decreased in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) brains, and increased tyrosine levels deplete TyrRS and cause neuronal DNA damage. However, dopamine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increase TyrRS and histone serine-ADP-ribosylation. Furthermore, cis-resveratrol (cis-RSV) that binds to TyrRS mimicking a 'tyrosine-free' conformation increases TyrRS, facilitates histone serine-ADP-ribosylation-dependent DNA repair, and provides neuroprotection in a TyrRS-dependent manner. Conversely, trans-RSV that binds to TyrRS mimicking a 'tyrosine-like' conformation decreases TyrRS, inhibits serine-ADP-ribosylation-dependent DNA repair, and induces neurodegeneration in rat cortical neurons. Our findings suggest that age-associated increase in serum tyrosine levels may effect neurocognitive and metabolic disorders and offer a plausible explanation for divergent results obtained in clinical trials using resveratrol.

NF-κB, a culprit of both inflamm-ageing and declining immunity?

NF-κB is generally recognized as an important regulator of ageing, through its roles in cellular senescence and inflammatory pathways. Activated in virtually all cell-cell communication networks of the immune system, NF-κB is thought to affect age-related defects of both innate and adaptive immune cells, relevant to inflamm-ageing and declining adaptive immunity, respectively. Moreover, the family of NF-κB proteins that exist as heterodimers and homodimers exert their function beyond the immune system. Given their involvement in diverse areas such as DNA damage to metabolism, NF-κB has the potential to serve as linkages between known hallmarks of ageing. However, the complexity of NF-κB dimer composition, dynamic signaling, and tissue-specific actions has received relatively little attention in ageing research. Here, we discuss some areas where further research may bear fruit in our understanding the impact of NF-κB in healthy ageing and longevity.

Dietary Supplements and Natural Products: An Update on Their Clinical Effectiveness and Molecular Mechanisms of Action During Accelerated Biological Aging

Accelerated biological aging, which involves the gradual decline of organ or tissue functions and the distortion of physiological processes, underlies several human diseases. Away from the earlier free radical concept, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, proteostasis loss, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and epigenetic and genomic alterations have emerged as biological hallmarks of aging. Moreover, nutrient-sensing metabolic pathways are critical to an organism's ability to sense and respond to nutrient levels. Pharmaceutical, genetic, and nutritional interventions reverting physiological declines by targeting nutrient-sensing metabolic pathways can promote healthy aging and increase lifespan. On this basis, biological aging hallmarks and nutrient-sensing dependent and independent pathways represent evolving drug targets for many age-linked diseases. Here, we discuss and update the scientific community on contemporary advances in how dietary supplements and natural products beneficially revert accelerated biological aging processes to retrograde human aging and age-dependent human diseases, both from the clinical and preclinical studies point-of-view. Overall, our review suggests that dietary/natural products increase healthspan-rather than lifespan-effectively minimizing the period of frailty at the end of life. However, real-world setting clinical trials and basic studies on dietary supplements and natural products are further required to decisively demonstrate whether dietary/natural products could promote human lifespan.

Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Liver Fibrosis for Drug Options: An Update

Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening disease, with challenging morbidity and mortality for healthcare systems worldwide. It imparts an enormous economic burden to societies, making continuous research and informational updates about its pathogenesis and treatment crucial. This review's focus is on the current knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway, serving as an important pathway in liver fibrosis development and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Two types of Wnt pathways are distinguished, namely the ß-catenin-dependent canonical and non-canonical Ca2+ or planar cell polarity (PCP)-dependent pathway. The dynamic balance of physiologically healthy liver and hepatocytes is disturbed by repeated liver injuries. Activation of the ß-catenin Wnt pathway prevents the regeneration of hepatocytes by the replacement of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to the appearance of scar tissue and the formation of regenerated nodular hepatocytes, lacking the original function of healthy hepatocytes. Therefore, liver function is reduced due to the severely advanced disease. Selective inhibition of ß-catenin inhibits inflammatory processes (since chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced during Wnt activation), reduces growth of activated HSCs and reduces collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thereby reducing the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo. While the canonical Wnt pathway is usually inactive in a physiologically healthy liver, it shows activity during cell regeneration or renewal and in certain pathophysiological conditions, such as liver diseases and cancer. Targeted blocking of some of the basic components of the Wnt pathway is a therapeutic approach. These include the frizzled transmembrane receptor (Fz) receptors using the secreted frizzled-related protein family (sFRP), Fz-coreceptors low-density LRP 5/6 through dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) or niclosamide, glycogen kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) using SB-216763, cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) using PRI-724 and ICG-001, the lymphoid enhancer binding factor (LEF)/T cell-specific transcription factor (TCF) system as well as Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) and miR-17-5p using pinostilbene hydrate (PSH). Significant progress has been made in inhibiting Wnt and thus stopping the progression of liver fibrosis by diminishing key components for its action. Comprehending the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in liver fibrosis may lead to discovery of novel targets in liver fibrosis therapeutic strategies' development.

Cardiovascular Effects of Chocolate and Wine-Narrative Review

The consumption of food for pleasure is mainly associated with adverse health effects. This review was carried out to verify recent reports on the impact of chocolate and wine consumption on cardiovascular health, with a particular focus on atherosclerosis. On one side, these products have proven adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, but on the other hand, if consumed in optimal amounts, they have cardiovascular benefits. The submitted data suggest that the beneficial doses are 30–50 g and 130/250 mL for chocolate and wine, respectively, for women and men. The accumulated evidence indicates that the active ingredients in the products under consideration in this review are phenolic compounds, characterized by anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet properties. However, there are also some reports of cardioprotective properties of other compounds such as esters, amines, biogenic amines, amino acids, fatty acids, mineral ingredients, and vitamins. Our narrative review has shown that in meta-analyses of intervention studies, consumption of chocolate and wine was positively associated with the beneficial outcomes associated with the cardiovascular system. In contrast, the assessment with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) scale did not confirm this phenomenon. In addition, mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds present in chocolate and wine depend on some factors, such as age, sex, body weight, and the presence of additional medical conditions. Patients using cardiovascular drugs simultaneously with both products should be alert to the risk of pharmacologically relevant interactions during their use. Our narrative review leads to the conclusion that there is abundant evidence to prove the beneficial impact of consuming both products on cardiovascular health, however some evidence still remains controversial. Many authors of studies included in this review postulated that well-designed, longitudinal studies should be performed to determine the effects of these products and their components on atherosclerosis and other CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) disease.

Human Sirtuin Regulators: The "Success" Stories

The human sirtuins are a group of NAD⁺-dependent protein deacylases. They “erase” acyl modifications from lysine residues in various cellular targets including histones, transcription factors, and metabolic enzymes. Through these far-reaching activities, sirtuins regulate a diverse array of biological processes ranging from gene transcription to energy metabolism. Human sirtuins have been intensely pursued by both academia and industry as therapeutic targets for a broad spectrum of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders. The last two decades have witnessed a flood of small molecule sirtuin regulators. However, there remain relatively few compounds targeting human sirtuins in clinical development. This reflects the inherent issues concerning the development of isoform-selective and potent molecules with good drug-like properties. In this article, small molecule sirtuin regulators that have advanced into clinical trials will be discussed in details as “successful” examples for future drug development. Special attention is given to the discovery of these compounds, the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics analysis, formulation, as well as the clinical outcomes observed in the trials.

The Effect of Resveratrol on the Cardiovascular System from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Results

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. The cardioprotective effects of natural polyphenols such as resveratrol (3,5,4-trihydroxystilbene) have been extensively investigated throughout recent decades. Many studies of RES have focused on its favorable effects on pathological conditions related to cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors. The aim of this review was to summarize the wide beneficial effects of resveratrol on the cardiovascular system, including signal transduction pathways of cell longevity, energy metabolism of cardiomyocytes or cardiac remodeling, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, this paper discusses the significant preclinical and human clinical trials of recent years with resveratrol on cardiovascular system. Finally, we present a short overview of antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and possible future perspectives on RES against COVID-19 in cardiovascular diseases.

Towards resolving the enigma of the dichotomy of resveratrol: cis- and trans-resveratrol have opposite effects on TyrRS-regulated PARP1 activation

Unlike widely perceived, resveratrol (RSV) decreased the average lifespan and extended only the replicative lifespan in yeast. Similarly, although not widely discussed, RSV is also known to evoke neurite degeneration, kidney toxicity, atherosclerosis, premature senescence, and genotoxicity through yet unknown mechanisms. Nevertheless, in vivo animal models of diseases and human clinical trials demonstrate inconsistent protective and beneficial effects. Therefore, the mechanism of action of RSV that elicits beneficial effects remains an enigma. In a previously published work, we demonstrated structural similarities between RSV and tyrosine amino acid. RSV acts as a tyrosine antagonist and competes with it to bind to human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS). Interestingly, although both isomers of RSV bind to TyrRS, only the cis-isomer evokes a unique structural change at the active site to promote its interaction with poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), a major determinant of cellular NAD+-dependent stress response. However, retention of trans-RSV in the active site of TyrRS mimics its tyrosine-bound conformation that inhibits the auto-poly-ADP-ribos(PAR)ylation of PARP1. Therefore, we proposed that cis-RSV-induced TyrRS-regulated auto-PARylation of PARP1 would contribute, at least in part, to the reported health benefits of RSV through the induction of protective stress response. This observation suggested that trans-RSV would inhibit TyrRS/PARP1-mediated protective stress response and would instead elicit an opposite effect compared to cis-RSV. Interestingly, most recent studies also confirmed the conversion of trans-RSV and its metabolites to cis-RSV in the physiological context. Therefore, the finding that cis-RSV and trans-RSV induce two distinct conformations of TyrRS with opposite effects on the auto-PARylation of PARP1 provides a potential molecular basis for the observed dichotomic effects of RSV under different experimental paradigms. However, the fact that natural RSV exists as a diastereomeric mixture of its cis and trans isomers and cis-RSV is also a physiologically relevant isoform has not yet gained much scientific attention.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Cyperaceae Stilbenoids: A Review

Cyperaceae is a cosmopolitan plant family with approx. 5000 species distributed worldwide. Several members of this family are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of different diseases. In the last few decades, constituents with great chemical diversity were isolated from sedges, and a wide range of biological activities were detected either for crude extracts or for pure compounds. Among the isolated compounds, phenolic derivatives are the most important, especially stilbenoids, and flavonoids. To date, more than 60 stilbenoids were isolated from 28 Cyperaceae species. Pharmacological investigation of Cyperaceae stilbenoids revealed that several compounds possess promising activities; mainly antiproliferative, antibacterial, antioxidant and anthelmintic effects. Isolation, synthesis and pharmacological investigation of stilbenes are increasing constantly. As Cyperaceae species are very good sources of a wide variety of stilbenes, and several of them occur in large amount worldwide, they are worthy for phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. Moreover, stilbenes are important from chemotaxonomical point of view, and they play a key role in plant defense mechanisms as well. This review summarizes the stilbenoids isolated from sedges, and their biological activities.

Toxicological Evaluation of Piceatannol, Pterostilbene, and ε-Viniferin for Their Potential Use in the Food Industry: A Review

The application of stilbenes in the food industry is being considered because of their biological activities. Piceatannol, pterostilbene and ε-viniferin have awakened the industry’s interest. However, before they can be commercialized, we must first guarantee their safety for consumers. The present work reviews the toxicological studies performed with these stilbenes. A wide variety of studies has demonstrated their cytotoxic effects in both cancer and non-cancerous cell lines. In contrast, although DNA damage was detected by some authors, in vitro genotoxic studies on the effects of piceatannol, pterostilbene, and ε-viniferin remain scarce. None of the three reviewed substances have been evaluated using the in vitro tests required by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as the first step in genotoxicity testing. We did not find any study on the toxic effects of these stilbenes in vivo. Thus, more studies are needed to confirm their safe use before they can be authorized as additive in the food industry.

The Application of Supercritical Fluids Technology to Recover Healthy Valuable Compounds from Marine and Agricultural Food Processing By-Products: A Review

Food by-products contain a remarkable source of bioactive molecules with many benefits for humans; therefore, their exploitation can be an excellent opportunity for the food sector. Moreover, the revalorization of these by-products to produce value-added compounds is considered pivotal for sustainable growth based on a circular economy. Traditional extraction technologies have several drawbacks mainly related to the consumption of hazardous organic solvents, and the high temperatures maintained for long extraction periods which cause the degradation of thermolabile compounds as well as a low extraction efficiency of desired compounds. In this context, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been explored as a suitable green technology for the recovery of a broad range of bioactive compounds from different types of agri-food wastes. This review describes the working principle and development of SFE technology to valorize by-products from different origin (marine, fruit, vegetable, nuts, and other plants). In addition, the potential effects of the extracted active substances on human health were also approached.

Pleotropic Effects of Polyphenols in Cardiovascular System

Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of naturally occurring, polyphenol supplementations, on cardiovascular system. The present review emphasizes on the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disorders (involving heart and blood vessels), and overview of preclinical and clinical trials on polyphenols for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The review collaborates PUBMED, Google Scholar and Research gate databases, which were explored using keywords and their combinations such as polyphenols, cardiovascular disease, flavonoids, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factors and several others, to create an eclectic manuscript. The potency and efficacy of these polyphenols are mainly depending upon the amount of consumption and bioavailability. Recent data showed that polyphenols also exert beneficial actions on vascular system by blocking platelet aggregation and oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), ameliorating endothelial dysfunction, reducing blood pressure, improving antioxidant defenses and alleviating inflammatory responses. Several studies evidently support the cardioprotective actions mediated by polyphenols, however, some studies or long-term follow-up of human studies, did not demonstrate decisive outcomes because of variations in dose regimen and lack of appropriate controls. Therefore, more data is required to explore the therapeutic benefits of bioactive compounds as a preventive therapy for CVDs.

Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are subcellular messengers in signal transductions pathways with both beneficial and deleterious roles. ROS are generated as a by-product of mitochondrial respiration or metabolism or by specific enzymes such as superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, peroxiredoxins, and myeloperoxidases. Under physiological conditions, the low levels of ROS production are equivalent to their detoxification, playing a major role in cellular signaling and function. In pathological situations, particularly atherosclerosis or hypertension, the release of ROS exceeds endogenous antioxidant capacity, leading to cell death. At cardiovascular levels, oxidative stress is highly implicated in myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion, or heart failure. Here, we will first detail the physiological role of low ROS production in the heart and the vessels. Indeed, ROS are able to regulate multiple cardiovascular functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, and death. Second, we will investigate the implication of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Then, we will focus on ROS produced by NAPDH oxidase or during endothelial or mitochondrial dysfunction. Given the importance of oxidative stress at the cardiovascular level, antioxidant therapies could be a real benefit. In the last part of this review, we will detail the new therapeutic strategies potentially involved in cardiovascular protection and currently under study.

Potential Adverse Effects of Resveratrol: A Literature Review

Due to its health benefits, resveratrol (RE) is one of the most researched natural polyphenols. Resveratrol's health benefits were first highlighted in the early 1990s in the French paradox study, which opened extensive research activity into this compound. Ever since, several pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties, were attributed to RE. However, results from the available human clinical trials were controversial concerning the protective effects of RE against diseases and their sequelae. The reason for these conflicting findings is varied but differences in the characteristics of the enrolled patients, RE doses used, and duration of RE supplementation were proposed, at least in part, as possible causes. In particular, the optimal RE dosage capable of maximizing its health benefits without raising toxicity issues remains an area of extensive research. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature on the protective effects of RE against diseases, there are relatively few reports investigating its possible toxicity. Indeed, toxicity and adverse effects were reported following consumption of RE; therefore, extensive future studies on the long-term effects, as well as the in vivo adverse effects, of RE supplementation in humans are needed. Furthermore, data on the interactions of RE when combined with other therapies are still lacking, as well as results related to its absorption and bioavailability in the human body. In this review, we collect and summarize the available literature about RE toxicity and side effects. In this process, we analyze in vitro and in vivo studies that have addressed this stilbenoid. These studies suggest that RE still has an unexplored side. Finally, we discuss the new delivery methods that are being employed to overcome the low bioavailability of RE.