Quercetin alleviates high-fat diet-induced inflammation in brown adipose tissue

An Integrated Strategy for Establishing the Chemical Profile of Premna Microphylla Turcz. Leaves and Metabolites in Vivo

BACKGROUND

Premna microphylla Turcz. (PMT) is a traditional food and medicinal plant, which has been used to treat cure hemostasis, rheumatism, and dysentery. However, there is still a lack of a clear understanding of the chemical profile of PMT and its metabolites in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid and efficient analytical method for the identification of phytochemicals in PMT and their metabolites in vivo.

METHODS

First, the fingerprint of PMT was established by HPLC with method validation. Then, the phytochemical composition of PMT leaves was identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). Finally, the prototype and correlated metabolites were detected after oral administration in mice to understand the absorption and metabolism of phytochemicals in vivo.

RESULTS

The results showed that the established HPLC method for fingerprint evaluation of PMT has good precision, repeatability, and stability. Additionally, a total of 103 phytochemicals were identified in PMT, including mainly flavonoids and terpenoids. Then, 37 prototype components and 20 derived metabolites in vivo were detected.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we constructed a fingerprint method, which has good stability, precision, and repeatability, and the fingerprint of PMT was established. Then, the chemical profile of PMT in vitro and in vivo was determined. The results showed that flavonoids and terpenoids were the main phytochemicals in PMT, and methylation, sulfonation, and dihydroxylation were the main metabolic pathway in vivo.

HIGHLIGHTS

The present study provides the phytochemical basis for subsequent study of pharmacological activity.

Elaeagnus latifolia Fruit Extract Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice and Alleviates Macrophage-Induced Inflammation in Adipocytes In Vitro

Elaeagnus latifolia (EL) is a wild fruit known for containing several health-promoting compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of EL fruit extract on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. Mice fed an HFD and given EL fruit extract for 10 weeks exhibited significantly lower body weight, reduced lipid accumulation, diminished oxidative stress in adipocytes, and decreased macrophage infiltration compared to those not receiving the EL extract. Moreover, the EL fruit extract activated the transcription factors Pparg and Cebpa, initiating adipogenesis and modulating the expression of NF-κB/Nrf-2-induced target genes. This resulted in smaller adipocyte size, reduced inflammation, and less oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice. In vitro, the EL extract induced a shift in macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2, reduced IκBα/NF-κB phosphorylation, and effectively decreased energy production in macrophages by downregulating the expression of several proteins involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This mechanistic study suggests that administering EL fruit extract could be an effective strategy for managing obesity and its associated pathologies.

The bioavailability, absorption, metabolism, and regulation of glucolipid metabolism disorders by quercetin and its important glycosides: A review

Quercetin and its glycosides (QG), vitally natural flavonoid, have been popular for health benefits. However, the absorption and metabolism affect their bioavailability, and the metabolic transformation alters their biological activities. This review systematically summarizes the bioavailability and pathways for the absorption and metabolism of quercetin/QG in vivo and in vitro, the biological activities and mechanism of quercetin/QG and their metabolites in treating glucolipid metabolism are discussed. After oral administration, quercetin/QG are mainly absorbed by the intestine, undergo phase II metabolism in the small intestine and liver to form conjugates and are metabolized into small phenolic acids by intestinal microbiota. Quercetin/QG and their metabolites exert beneficial effects on regulating glucolipid metabolism disorders, including improving insulin resistance, inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing thermogenesis, modulating intestinal microbiota, relieving oxidative stress, and attenuating inflammation. This review enhances understanding of the mechanism of quercetin/QG regulate glucolipid metabolism and provides scientific support for the development of functional foods.

Is choline kinase alpha a drug target for obesity?

Choline kinase alpha (ChoKα) is a therapeutic target being developed for a variety of diseases, from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis and from parasites to bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of this drug target seems not exhausted and may end up as a possible solution for a larger variety of conditions. Here we present our working model for how ChoKα could play a role in obesity and for how drugs being developed as therapeutics for other diseases using ChoKα as a target, could be repurposed as prophylactic treatments for obesity. We also present preliminary observations in support of our model.

Onion Peel Extract Prevents Intestinal Inflammation via AMK-Activated Protein Kinase Activation in Caco-2/HT-29 Cells

BACKGROUND

Obesogenic diets cause intestinal inflammation and dysfunction. Polyphenols have shown a positive impact on reducing inflammation in in vitro studies. However, their bioactivity may not be the same in the in vivo system due to structural alteration by the gastrointestinal digestive process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of onion peel and its major bioactive compound, quercetin, in the intestine and further examine the impact of intestinal digestion on this effect.

METHODS

Onion peel extract (OPE) and quercetin (Q) were digested using gastrointestinal digestive enzymes in vitro and then treated into lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2/HT-29 cells. Genes and proteins related to tight junction, inflammation, and epithelial integrity were measured.

RESULTS

OPE and digested OPE (DOPE) had a higher protective effect on LPS-induced tight junction and inflammatory genes and paracellular permeability than Q and digested Q (DQ). DOPE was more effective than OPE, while digestion did not change the activity of Q. The anti-inflammatory effect of OPE and Q with or without digestion was achieved by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B through AMP-activated protein kinase-activated silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog 1.

CONCLUSIONS

It was the first to find that a crude extract, after undergoing gastrointestinal digestion, demonstrated a notably superior anti-inflammatory effect in the cell study, suggesting the consumption of onion peels could potentially yield similar benefits in the human intestine. This discovery underscores the potential of onion peel polyphenols in combating intestinal inflammation, making them a compelling area of research for future therapeutic applications using food byproducts.

From Life's Essential 8 to metabolic syndrome: insights from NHANES database and network pharmacology analysis of quercetin

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), or syndrome X, is a collection of metabolic illnesses that affect the body's health, particularly insulin resistance and obesity. The prevalence of MetS is on the rise, particularly among younger individuals. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid found in many traditional Chinese medicines, can impact various pathways to disrupt the pathological advancement of MetS with few negative effects. The American Heart Association recently introduced a cardiovascular health assessment termed Life's Essential 8 (LE8), which might impact the treatment of MetS.

Methods

Quercetin targets and their functions in MetS pathways were identified using a network pharmacology method and molecular docking techniques. The study examined quercetin's direct and indirect interactions with proteins linked to the pathogenic processes of MetS. Data were collected regarding the American Heart Association's LE8 cardiovascular health indicators, which include health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep) and health factors (body mass index, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure). The study assessed the connection between LE8 and the occurrence of MetS, taking into account dietary quercetin consumption as a variable of interest.

Results

The negative correlation between MetS and LE8 indicates that individuals with higher LE8 scores are less likely to develop MetS. Individuals in the fully adjusted highest group (LE8 ≥ 80) demonstrated a 79% lower likelihood of developing MetS than those in the lowest group (OR = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.17-0.26, p < 0.0001). Network pharmacology and molecular docking results show that quercetin may exert its therapeutic effects by modulating various biological response processes, including those related to xenobiotic stimuli, bacterial molecules, lipopolysaccharides, and oxidative stimuli. These processes involve key pathways associated with diabetic complications, such as the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, pathways related to diabetic complications, and pathways involved in lipids and atherosclerosis. Therefore, quercetin may reduce cardiovascular risk, improve glucose-lipid metabolism, and alleviate insulin resistance and other biological processes by influencing multiple aspects of the lipid profile, blood glucose, and insulin resistance, ultimately impacting the links between LE8 score and MetS.

Conclusion

This study discovered that an optimal LE8 score is a marker of adopting a lifestyle of wellness and is connected with a reduced likelihood of developing MetS. Quercetin acts on core targets such as IL6, BCL2, TP53, IL1B, MAPK1, and CCL2, and then plays a therapeutic role in regulating lipid metabolism, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, autophagy, etc., through the pathways of diabetic complications, lipids, atherosclerosis, etc., and has the characteristics of multi-targets, multi-pathways, and multi-functions in regulating interventions for MetS.

Remodeling of white adipose tissue microenvironment against obesity by phytochemicals

Obesity is a kind of chronic disease due to a long-term imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. In recent years, the number of obese people around the world has soared, and obesity problem should not be underestimated. Obesity is characterized by changes in the adipose microenvironment, mainly manifested as hypertrophy, chronic inflammatory status, hypoxia, and fibrosis, thus contributing to the pathological changes of other tissues. A plethora of phytochemicals have been found to improve adipose microenvironment, thus prevent and resist obesity, providing a new research direction for the treatment of obesity and related diseases. This paper discusses remodeling of the adipose tissue microenvironment as a therapeutic avenue and reviews the progress of phytochemicals in fighting obesity by improving the adipose microenvironment.

The Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on the Pathologic Mechanisms of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Development

In people with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, lipid and glucose metabolism and oxidative stress generation interact. This condition, known as a "metabolic syndrome" (MetS), presents a global challenge and appears to be the underlying mechanism for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is designed based on evidence indicating the pathogenic mechanisms of MetS. In detail, we will look at the mechanisms of oxidative stress induction in MetS, the effects of elevated oxidative stress levels on the condition's pathophysiology, and matters related to endothelial function. According to different components of the MetS pathophysiological network, the effects of antioxidants and endothelial dysfunction are reviewed. After considering the strategic role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of MetS and its associated CVDs, oxidative stress management by antioxidant supplementation seems an appropriate therapeutic approach.

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Polyherbal and Multimodal Treatments: Kaempferol- and Quercetin-Rich Herbs Alleviate Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impairing cognition and memory in the elderly. This disorder has a complex etiology, including senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and damaged neuroplasticity. Current treatment options are limited, so alternative treatments such as herbal medicine could suppress symptoms while slowing cognitive decline. We followed PRISMA guidelines to identify potential herbal treatments, their associated medicinal phytochemicals, and the potential mechanisms of these treatments. Common herbs, including Ginkgo biloba, Camellia sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Cyperus rotundus, and Buplerum falcatum, produced promising pre-clinical results. These herbs are rich in kaempferol and quercetin, flavonoids with a polyphenolic structure that facilitate multiple mechanisms of action. These mechanisms include the inhibition of Aβ plaque formation, a reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation, the suppression of oxidative stress, and the modulation of BDNF and PI3K/AKT pathways. Using pre-clinical findings from quercetin research and the comparatively limited data on kaempferol, we proposed that kaempferol ameliorates the neuroinflammatory state, maintains proper cellular function, and restores pro-neuroplastic signaling. In this review, we discuss the anti-AD mechanisms of quercetin and kaempferol and their limitations, and we suggest a potential alternative treatment for AD. Our findings lead us to conclude that a polyherbal kaempferol- and quercetin-rich cocktail could treat AD-related brain damage.

Combination of HPLC–orbitrap‐MS/MS and network pharmacology to identify the anti‐inflammatory phytochemicals in the coffee leaf extracts

In this study, we investigated the phytochemical compositions and the associated anti‐inflammatory activity of coffee leaf fractions prepared by sequential solvent extraction using high‐performance liquid chromatography–orbitrap‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–orbitrap‐MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EAC‐L) had the highest nitric oxide (NO), ABTS, and DPPH free radical scavenging abilities due to the higher concentrations of mangiferin, rutin, 3,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5‐diCQA), and 4,5‐diCQA. The extraction solvents had the greatest impact on the anti‐inflammatory activity of coffee leaf fractions, whereas the processing method had the most significant effect on the antioxidant activity of these fractions. Untargeted metabolomics analysis using HPLC–orbitrap‐MS/MS indicated that palmitic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and caffeic acid may be involved in the anti‐inflammatory activity of EAC‐L fraction obtained from fresh coffee leaves. On the other hand, processed coffee leaf fraction exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity that was attributed to the presence of 9S,13R‐12‐oxophytodienoic acid, pinocembrin, and quercetin, which have high degree values associated with the inflammation network. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment of network pharmacology analysis showed that these 35 differential compounds in the coffee leaf fractions affect cell transcription, apoptosis, phosphorylation, NO synthesis, phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases‐protein kinase B (PI3K‐Akt) signaling pathway, focal adhesion, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1, hepatitis, cancer, and so on. This result indicated that coffee leaf extract may also function as an inhibitor for inflammation‐related cancers. The findings of our research are valuable in guiding the extraction of anti‐inflammatory components from coffee leaves.

The Influence of Antioxidants on Oxidative Stress-Induced Vascular Aging in Obesity

Obesity is a worldwide trend that is growing in incidence very fast. Adipose tissue dysfunction caused by obesity is associated with the generation of oxidative stress. Obesity-induced oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Vascular aging is one of the main pathogenesis mechanisms. The aim of this study is to review the effect of antioxidants on vascular aging caused by oxidative stress in obesity. In order to achieve this aim, this paper is designed to review obesity-caused adipose tissue remodeling, vascular aging generated by high levels of oxidative stress, and the effects of antioxidants on obesity, redox balance, and vascular aging. It seems that vascular diseases in obese individuals are complex networks of pathological mechanisms. In order to develop a proper therapeutic tool, first, there is a need for a better understanding of interactions between obesity, oxidative stress, and aging. Based on these interactions, this review suggests different lines of strategies that include change in lifestyle to prevent and control obesity, strategies for adipose tissue remodelling, oxidant-antioxidant balance, inflammation suppression, and strategies against vascular aging. Some antioxidants support different lines of these strategies, making them appropriate for complex conditions such as oxidative stress-induced vascular diseases in obese individuals.

Therapeutic outcome of quercetin nanoparticles on Cerastes cerastes venom-induced hepatorenal toxicity: a preclinical study

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of quercetin (QT) and QT-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (QT-NPs) on Cerastes cerastes venom-mediated inflammation, redox imbalance, hepatorenal tissue damage and local hemorrhage. Methods: The developed QT-NPs were first submitted to physicochemical characterization and then evaluated in the 'challenge then treat' and 'preincubation' models of envenoming. Results: QT-NPs efficiently alleviated hepatorenal toxicity, inflammation and redox imbalance and significantly attenuated venom-induced local hemorrhage. Interestingly, QT-NPs were significantly more efficient than free QT at 24 h post-envenoming, pointing to the efficacy of this drug-delivery system. Conclusion: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of QT-NPs on venom-induced toxicity and open up the avenue for their use in the management of snakebite envenoming.

Green tea actions on miRNAs expression – An update

Compounds derived from plants have been widely studied in the context of metabolic diseases and associated clinical conditions. In this regard, although the effects of Camellia sinensis plant, from which various types of teas, such as green tea, originate, have been vastly reported in the literature, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain elusive. A deep search of the literature showed that green tea's action in different cells, tissues, and diseases is an open field in the research of microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are important communicator molecules between cells in different tissues implicated in diverse cellular pathways. They have emerged as an important linkage between physiology and pathophysiology, raising the issue of polyphenols can act also by changing miRNA expression. miRNAs are short, non-coding endogenous RNA, which silence the gene functions by targeting messenger RNA (mRNA) through degradation or translation repression. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the studies that show the main compounds of green tea modulating the expression of miRNAs in inflammation, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. We provide an overview of a few studies that have tried to demonstrate the role of miRNAs associated with the beneficial effects of compounds from green tea. We have emphasized that there is still a considerable gap in the literature investigating the role and likely involvement of miRNAs in the extensive beneficial health effects of green tea compounds already described, indicating miRNAs as potential polyphenols' mediators with a promising field to be investigated.

White adipose tissue-derived factors and prostate cancer progression: mechanisms and targets for interventions

Obesity represents an important risk factor for prostate cancer, driving more aggressive disease, chemoresistance, and increased mortality. White adipose tissue (WAT) overgrowth in obesity is central to the mechanisms that lead to these clinical observations. Adipose stromal cells (ASCs), the progenitors to mature adipocytes and other cell types in WAT, play a vital role in driving PCa aggressiveness. ASCs produce numerous factors, especially chemokines, including the chemokine CXCL12, which is involved in driving EMT and chemoresistance in PCa. A greater understanding of the impact of WAT in obesity-induced progression of PCa and the underlying mechanisms has begun to provide opportunities for developing interventional strategies for preventing or offsetting these critical events. These include weight loss regimens, therapeutic targeting of ASCs, use of calorie restriction mimetic compounds, and combinations of compounds as well as specific receptor targeting strategies.