Improvement of leukocyte functions in prematurely aging mice after five weeks of diet supplementation with polyphenol-rich cereals

Recent Developments in Extraction, Molecular Characterization, Bioactivity, and Application of Brewers Spent Grain Arabinoxylans

Arabinoxylans (AXs) and their derived arabinoxylooligosaccharides (AXOS) are valuable functional biomolecules with promising applications in the food, brewing, and packaging industries. However, inconsistencies in extraction techniques, structural characterization, and industrial applicability remain key challenges. This review comprehensively examines various AX extraction methods from brewer's spent grain (BSG), including chemical, enzymatic, steam explosion, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted techniques, emphasizing their impact on molecular characteristics such as molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and structural features. Furthermore, the biological activities of AX, including prebiotic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant properties, are analyzed in relation to their structural variations. Despite their potential, knowledge gaps persist regarding how different extraction techniques influence AX bioactivity and functionality. Additionally AX is increasingly explored in synbiotic formulations, food products, beer, and biodegradable films. This review addresses these gaps by consolidating current knowledge on AX extraction, characterization, and functionality, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies and further research to optimize its industrial applications.

A Recent Advance on Phytochemicals, Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Activities of Buckwheat

Buckwheat, a member of the Fagopyrum genus in the Polygonaceae family, is an ancient pseudocereal with noteworthy nutraceutical properties that have been relatively less explored. This crop holds great promise for the future due to its gluten-free protein, wellbalanced amino acid profile, and the presence of bioactive flavonoids that promote good health. With its gluten-free nature and a combination of beneficial nutritional components, buckwheat shows significant potential for a variety of health benefits. The objective of the present review aims to explore various nutritional and pharmacological properties of buckwheat. With the help of various search engines such as, Pubmed, Google and Semantic Scholar, research and review papers were carefully investigated and summarized in a comprehensive review. A fascinating spectrum of nutritional and pharmacological activities of common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat were explored such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neurological disorders, antiobesity, anticancer, cardiovascular agents and many more. This review provides a concise overview of the current understanding of the chemical composition of both common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat and the captivating spectrum of pharmacological activity and also underscoring their immense potential for future advancements.

Structural Activity and HAD Inhibition Efficiency of Pelargonidin and Its Glucoside-A Theoretical Approach

Anthocyanins are an important pharmaceutical ingredient possessing diet regulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Pelargonidin is an important anthocyanin-based orange-red flavonoid compound used in drugs for treating hypoglycemia, retinopathy, skeletal myopathy, etc. The main sources of pelargonidin are strawberries and food products with red pigmentation. There is a lack of evidence for supporting its use as an independent supplement. In the present study, pelargonidin and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside are studied for their structural properties using quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory. The results confirmed that the parent compound and its glycosylated derivative acted as good electron donors. Electrostatic potential, frontier molecular orbitals, and molecular descriptor analyses also substantiated their electron donating properties. Furthermore, based on the probability, a target prediction was performed for pelargonidin and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside. Hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase was chosen as an enzymatic target of interest, since the presence work focuses on glucuronidated compounds and their efficacy over diabetes. Possible interactions between these compounds and a target with nominable binding energies were also evaluated. Further, the structural stability of these two compounds were also analyzed using a molecular dynamics simulation.

The gut microbiota of bats confers tolerance to influenza virus (H1N1) infection in mice

Pathogens from wild animals cause approximately 60% of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Studies on the immune systems of natural hosts are helpful for preventing the spread of EIDs. Bats are natural hosts for many emerging infectious pathogens and have a unique immune system that often coexists with pathogens without infection. Previous studies have shown that some genes and proteins may help bats fight virus infection, but little is known about the function of the bat gut microbiome on immunity. Here, we transplanted gut microbiota from wild bats (Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed bats, Hipposideros armiger) into antibiotic-treated mice, and found that the gut microbiota from bats regulated the immune system faster than mice after antibiotic treatment. Moreover, we infected mice with H1N1, and found that the gut microbiota of bats could effectively protect mice, leading to decreased inflammatory response and increased survival rate. Finally, metabolomics analysis showed that the gut microbiota of bats produced more flavonoid and isoflavones. Our results demonstrate that the quick-start innate immune response endowed by bat gut microbiota and the regulatory and antiviral effects of gut microbiota metabolites successfully ensured mouse survival after viral challenge. To our knowledge, our study was the first to use fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to transplant the gut microbiota of bats into mice, and the first to provide evidence that the gut microbiota of bats confers tolerance to viral infections.

Bioactive Compounds from Plants and their Immune Potential against Corona Virus

Background:

Corona virus is a contagious single-strand RNA virus affecting majorly the lungs causing severe acute respiratory disease. The viral pandemic has affected the world economy and posed new challenges to the scientific community. Due to high mutation rate, a lot of variants are occurring and persons who are vaccinated are also getting affected. In addition, vaccination trials for children aged below 18 are still going on. Moreover, the cost, shelf-life, success rate, no booster dose required, and the long-term complications associated with the vaccine are yet to be studied. Preservation and transportation of vaccines are another big challenge.

Objective:

Despite vaccination, the best alternative is to boost our immune system by administration of bioactive compounds which are safe and effective. Bioactive compounds have been found to be effective against several viral infections.

Methods:

Literature review has been performed using recently published research and review articles pertaining to the role of plant-derived bioactive compounds in regulating COVID-19 infection.

Result:

The current review will describe the role and mechanism of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources in disease management and boosting the immune system against COVID-19.

Conclusion:

In addition to vaccination, the administration of plant-derived bioactive compounds will help in regulating viral infection and boosting the immune response during COVID-19 infection.

Sinapic acid restores blood parameters, serum antioxidants, and liver and kidney functions in obesity

Obesity is an additional body fat that causes a harmful effect on human health while sinapic acid (SA) is a phyto-constituent presents in spices, citrus, berry fruits, and vegetables. This study evaluates SA to amend blood parameters, serum glucose, proteins, lipids, and antioxidants, and liver and kidney functions in obese rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into 2 groups (normal and obese rats). The normal, non-obese rats subdivided into 2 subgroups; Control and SA (40 mg/kg) subgroup: daily oral intake of 1 ml saline and 40 mg/kg SA, respectively once a day. The obese rats subdivided also into 3 subgroups; Obese, Obese + SA (20 mg/kg), and Obese + SA (40 mg/kg)-treated groups which received no treatment, 20 mg/kg SA, and 40 mg/kg SA, respectively once a day. All treatments were orally administrated for 1 month. The results showed that obesity caused an increase in body and organ weight, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glucose, bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen while decrease serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, hemoglobin, hematocrite, red blood cells, white blood cells, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid compared to control group. Obesity caused disappearance of prothrombin and fibrinogen proteins and damages to liver and kidney tissues. The oral administration with SA daily for 1 month in obese rats returned all these parameters to the control values where the higher dose of SA was more effective than the lower dose. In conclusion, SA restores body and organ weight, blood parameters, serum glucose, proteins, lipids, antioxidants, and liver and kidney functions in obesity.

Prospective Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals Shielding Autoimmune and Cancer Patients Against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Special Focus on Matcha

Background

Being "positive" has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.

Aim

The authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions.

Methodology

To attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: "COVID-19"/"SARS-CoV-2", "Herbal Drugs", "Autoimmune diseases", "Rheumatoid Arthritis", "Asthma", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" "Nutraceuticals", "Matcha", "EGCG", "Quercetin", "Cancer", and key molecular pathways.

Results

This manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards "matcha" as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Conclusion

This review sheds light on the pivotal role of "matcha" as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.

Biological modification of pentosans in wheat B starch wastewater and preparation of a composite film

BACKGROUND

Petrochemical resources are becoming increasingly scarce, and petroleum-based plastic materials adversely impact the environment. Thus, replacement of petroleum-based materials with new and effective renewable materials is urgently required.

RESULTS

In this study, a wheat pentosan-degrading bacterium (MXT-1) was isolated from wheat-processing plant wastewater. The MXT-1 strain was identified using molecular biology techniques. The degradation characteristics of the bacteria in wheat pentosan were analyzed. The results show that wheat pentosan was effectively degraded by bacteria. The molecular weight of fermented wheat pentosan decreased from 1730 to 257 kDa. The pentosan before and after the biological modification was mixed with chitosan to prepare a composite film. After fermentation, the water-vapor permeability of the wheat pentosan film decreased from 0.2769 to 0.1286 g mm (m² h KPa)^-1. Results obtained from the Fourier-transformed infrared experiments demonstrate that the wave number of the hydroxyl-stretching vibration peak of the membrane material decreased, and the width of the peak widened. The diffraction peak of the film shifted to the higher 2θ, as seen using X-ray diffraction. The cross-section of the modified composite membrane was observed via scanning electron microscopy, which revealed that the structure was denser; however, no detectable phase separation was observed. These results may indicate improved molecular compatibility between wheat pentosan and chitosan and stronger hydrogen bonding between the molecules. Given the increased number of short-chain wheat pentosan molecules, although the tensile strength of the film decreased, its flexibility increased after fermentation modification.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study established that the physical properties of polysaccharide films can be improved using strain MXT-1 to ferment and modify wheat pentosan. The compatibility and synergy between pentosan and chitosan molecules was substantially enhanced, and hydrogen bonding was strengthened after biological modification. Therefore, modified pentosan film could be a potential candidate material for edible packaging films.

The Role of Immune Cells in Oxi-Inflamm-Aging

Aging is the result of the deterioration of the homeostatic systems (nervous, endocrine, and immune systems), which preserve the organism's health. We propose that the age-related impairment of these systems is due to the establishment of a chronic oxidative stress situation that leads to low-grade chronic inflammation throughout the immune system's activity. It is known that the immune system weakens with age, which increases morbidity and mortality. In this context, we describe how the function of immune cells can be used as an indicator of the rate of aging of an individual. In addition to this passive role as a marker, we describe how the immune system can work as a driver of aging by amplifying the oxidative-inflammatory stress associated with aging (oxi-inflamm-aging) and inducing senescence in far tissue cells. Further supporting our theory, we discuss how certain lifestyle conditions (such as social environment, nutrition, or exercise) can have an impact on longevity by affecting the oxidative and inflammatory state of immune cells, regulating immunosenescence and its contribution to oxi-inflamm-aging.

Effectiveness of supplementation with quercetin-type flavonols for treatment of viral lower respiratory tract infections: Systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Viral infections of the lower respiratory tract are considered a public health problem. They affect millions of people worldwide, causing thousands of deaths, and are treated with expensive medicines, such as antivirals or palliative measures. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to describe the use of quercetin‐type flavonols against lower respiratory tract viruses and discussed the preclinical impact of this approach on different signs and clinical mechanisms of infection. The systematic review was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, and Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS). After the database search, 11 relevant studies were identified as eligible. The analysis of these studies showed evidence of antiviral activity of quercetin‐type flavonols with significantly reduced mortality rate (M‐H = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.65, p‐value = 0.008) of infected animals and a reduction in the average viral load (IV = −1.93, 95% CI: −3.54 to −0.31, p‐value = 0.02). Additionally, quercetin and its derivatives reduced the amount of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, mucus production, and airway resistance in animals infected with a respiratory virus. Overall, supplementation with quercetin‐type flavonols is a promising strategy for treating viral‐induced lower respiratory tract infections.

The Plausible Role of Indian Traditional Medicine in Combating Corona Virus (SARS-CoV 2): A Mini-Review

SARS-CoV 2 is a novel virus strain of Coronavirus, reported in China in late December 2019. Its highly contagious nature in humans has prompted WHO to designate the ongoing pandemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At this moment, there is no specific treatment and the therapeutic strategies to deal with the infection are only supportive, with prevention aimed at reducing community transmission. A permanent solution for the pandemic, which has brought the world economy to the edge of collapse, is the need of the hour. This situation has brought intense research in traditional systems of medicine. Indian Traditional System, Ayurveda, has a clear concept of the cause and treatment of pandemics. Through this review, information on the potential antiviral traditional medicines along with their immunomodulatory pathways are discussed. We have covered the seven most important Indian traditional plants with antiviral properties: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (family: Solanaceae), Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers (family: Menispermaceae), Phyllanthus emblica L. (family: Euphorbiaceae), Asparagus racemosus L. (family: Liliaceae), Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (family: Fabaceae), Ocimum sanctum L. (family: Lamiaceae) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (family: Meliaceae) in this review. An attempt is also made to bring into limelight the importance of dietary polyphenol, Quercetin, which is a potential drug candidate in the making against the SARS-CoV2 virus.

Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (COVID-19)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents an emergent global threat which is straining worldwide healthcare capacity. As of May 27th, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has resulted in more than 340,000 deaths worldwide, with 100,000 deaths in the US alone. It is imperative to study and develop pharmacological treatments suitable for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Ascorbic acid is a crucial vitamin necessary for the correct functioning of the immune system. It plays a role in stress response and has shown promising results when administered to the critically ill. Quercetin is a well-known flavonoid whose antiviral properties have been investigated in numerous studies. There is evidence that vitamin C and quercetin co-administration exerts a synergistic antiviral action due to overlapping antiviral and immunomodulatory properties and the capacity of ascorbate to recycle quercetin, increasing its efficacy. Safe, cheap interventions which have a sound biological rationale should be prioritized for experimental use in the current context of a global health pandemic. We present the current evidence for the use of vitamin C and quercetin both for prophylaxis in high-risk populations and for the treatment of COVID-19 patients as an adjunct to promising pharmacological agents such as Remdesivir or convalescent plasma.

Oxidative-Inflammatory Stress in Immune Cells from Adult Mice with Premature Aging

Oxidative and inflammatory stresses are closely related processes, which contribute to age-associated impairments that affect the regulatory systems such as the immune system and its immunosenescence. Therefore, the aim of this work was to confirm whether an oxidative/inflammatory stress occurs in immune cells from adult mice with premature aging, similar to that shown in leukocytes from chronologically old animals, and if this results in immunosenescence. Several oxidants/antioxidants and inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in peritoneal leukocytes from adult female CD1 mice in two models of premature aging—(a) prematurely aging mice (PAM) and (b) mice with the deletion of a single allele (hemi-zygotic: HZ) of the tyrosine hydroxylase (th) gene (TH-HZ), together with cells from chronologically old animals. Several immune function parameters were also studied in peritoneal phagocytes and lymphocytes. The same oxidants and antioxidants were also analyzed in spleen and thymus leukocytes. The results showed that the immune cells of PAM and TH-HZ mice presented lower values of antioxidant defenses and higher values of oxidants/pro-inflammatory cytokines than cells from corresponding controls, and similar to those in cells from old animals. Moreover, premature immunosenescence in peritoneal leukocytes from both PAM and TH-HZ mice was also observed. In conclusion, adult PAM and TH-HZ mice showed oxidative stress in their immune cells, which would explain their immunosenescence.

Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and its metabolites have modest anti-inflammatory effects in human whole blood cultures

This study hypothesized that the predominant strawberry anthocyanin, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pg-3-glc), and 3 of its plasma metabolites (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and phloroglucinaldehyde [PGA]) would affect phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and the production of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in a whole blood culture model. For the assessment of phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity of monocytes and neutrophils, whole blood was preincubated in the presence or absence of the test compounds at concentrations up to 5 μmol/L, followed by analysis of phagocytic and oxidative burst activity using commercially available test kits. For the cytokine analysis, diluted whole blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of the test compounds at concentrations up to 5 μmol/L. Concentrations of selected cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were determined using a cytometric bead array kit. There were no effects of any of the test compounds on phagocytosis of opsonized or nonopsonized Escherichia coli or on oxidative burst activity. Pg-3-glc and PGA at 0.08 μmol/L increased the concentration of IL-10 (P < .01 and P < .001, respectively), but there was no effect on tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and there were no effects of the other compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a lack of effect of these compounds on the opsonization, engulfment, and subsequent destruction of bacteria. Pg-3-glc and PGA, at physiologically relevant concentrations, had anti-inflammatory properties; however, effects were modest, only observed at the lowest dose tested and limited to IL-10.

Buckwheat phenolic metabolites in health and disease

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, F. tataricum Gaertner) groats and flour have been established globally as nutritional foods because of their high levels of proteins, polyphenols and minerals. In some regions, buckwheat herb is used as a functional food. In the present study, reports of in vitro studies, preclinical and clinical trials dealing with the effect of buckwheat and its metabolites were reviewed. There are numerous reports of potential health benefits of consuming buckwheat, which may be in the form of food, dietary supplements, home remedies or possibly pharmaceutical drugs; however, adverse effects, including those resulting from contamination, must be considered. There are reports of antioxidative activity of buckwheat, which contains high levels of rutin and quercetin. On the other hand, both cytotoxic and antigenotoxic effects have been shown. Reduction of hyperlipidaemia, reduction of blood pressure and improved weight regulation have been suggested. Consuming buckwheat may have a beneficial effect on diabetes, since lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin response have been reported. In addition, buckwheat metabolites, such as rutin, may have intrinsic protective effects in preserving insulin signalling. Rutin has also been suggested to have potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The literature indicates that buckwheat is safe to consume and may have various beneficial effects on human health.

Buckwheat as a Functional Food and Its Effects on Health

Buckwheat (BW) is a gluten-free pseudocereal that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. BW grain is a highly nutritional food component that has been shown to provide a wide range of beneficial effects. Health benefits attributed to BW include plasma cholesterol level reduction, neuroprotection, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic effects, and improvement of hypertension conditions. In addition, BW has been reported to possess prebiotic and antioxidant activities. In vitro and animal studies suggest that BW's bioactive compounds, such as D-chiro-inositol (DCI), BW proteins (BWP), and BW flavonoids (mainly rutin and quercetin) may be partially responsible for the observed effects. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent research regarding the health benefits of BW, in vitro and in vivo, focusing on the specific role of its bioactive compounds and on the mechanisms by which these effects are exerted.

Immunomodulatory activity of purified arabinoxylans from finger millet (Eleusine coracana, v. Indaf 15) bran

Biological activities of alkali extracted (Barium hydroxide: BE-480 kDa, Potassium hydroxide: KE1-1080 and KE2-40 kDa), purified arabinoxylans (AX) from the finger millet bran varying in their molecular weight, phenolic acid content, arabinose to xylose ratios were evaluated for their immune-stimulatory activities using murine lymphocytes and peritoneal exudate macrophages. All three purified AX displayed significant (p < 0.001) mitogenic activity and activation of macrophages including phagocytosis. Among these BE has shown higher enhancing lymphocyte proliferation (>2 fold) and macrophage phagocytosis than KE1 and KE2. The above results clearly documented that the immunostimulatory activity of arabinoxylans is directly proportional to the amount of ferulic acid content (0.11 mg/100 g), whereas molecular weight as well as arabinose/xylose ratio, did not have any bearing. Purified AX from the finger millet bran can be explored as a potent natural immunomodulator.

Effects of supplemental levels of bazhen on growth performances, serum traits, immunity, meat quality and antioxidant activity of taiwan country chickens

One hundred and sixty Taiwan country chickens (d-old chicks) were randomly assigned into four groups with four replicates and equal sex. Basal diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1 and 2% of Bazhen powder, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex. The study was conducted for 14 wks. Experimental results indicated that Bazhen supplement did not influence feed intake, body weight gain and feed:gain ratio. Compared with control group, the percentage of serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) linearly increased (p<0.03) and that of VLDL+LDL (very low-density+low-density lipoprotein) linearly decreased (p<0.03) in Bazhen supplemented groups, that 2% Bazhen was significantly different with control group (p<0.05). Chickens fed diets containing 2% Bazhen displayed reduced (p<0.05) serum GOT (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) levels. The IgG, γ-globulin levels and PHA (phytohemagglutinin) skin challenge results in 1% Bazhan supplemented group were higher (p<0.05) than in the control group, the SRBC (sheep red blood cell) and ND (newcastle disease) titers in Bazhen supplemented groups were linear higher (p<0.05) than in the control group. The liver catalase activity and the capacity of scavenging DPPH (α-α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) radical were linearly increased (p<0.03) in Bazhen supplemented groups, and the 1 and 2% groups were different from the control group (p<0.05). Liver TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) levels in all Bazhen supplemented groups and total glutathione level in the 2% group were reduced (p<0.05) compared to the control group and displayed a linear response (p<0.05). The TBA (thiobarbituric acid) and pH value of the breast muscle after 24 h post-mortem in the Bazhen supplemented groups was linear lower (p<0.05) than in the control group. Results from this study demonstrated that Bazhen supplement in chicken had several beneficial effects, including increased SRBC and ND titers, HDL and IgG, γ-globulin levels, PHA skin challenge result, decreased VLDL+LDL and GOT levels, and displayed antioxidation effects in serum and carcass meat parameters.

The effects of a wheat germ rich diet on oxidative mtDNA damage, mtDNA copy number and antioxidant enzyme activities in aging Drosophila

The free radical theory of aging posits that the accumulation of macromolecular damage induced by toxic reactive oxygen species plays a central role in the aging process. Therefore consumption of dietary antioxidants appears to be of great importance. Wheat germ have strong antioxidant properties. Aim of this study is investigate the effects of a wheat germ rich diet on oxidative mtDNA damage, mtDNA copy number and antioxidant enzyme activities in Drosophila. Current results suggested that dietary wheat germ enhances the activities of antioxidant enzymes in Drosophila. There was no statistically difference in mtDNA damage and mtDNA copy number results of "Wheat Germ" and "Refined White Flour" feed groups. mtDNA damage slightly increased with aging in both groups but these changes were no statistically different.

Effects of soybean peptide on immune function, brain function, and neurochemistry in healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVE

Soybeans, an excellent source of dietary peptides, have beneficial effects on health. We investigated the effect of the soybean peptide on immune function, brain function, and neurochemistry in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to analyze brain cerebral blood flow. The A and DA levels in the serum were analyzed by ELISA kit. The total number of leukocytes was recorded with a standard counter. Flow cytometry was used to assess lymphocyte subset levels.

RESULTS

Cell numbers were upregulated in the group that had fewer leukocytes but downregulated in the group with more leukocytes. For the lymphocyte-rich type, lymphocyte counts tended to decrease, accompanied by an increase in granulocyte numbers. For the granulocyte-rich type, granulocyte counts tended to increase, but lymphocyte counts also increased. The numbers of CD11b(+) cells and CD56(+) cells increased significantly. Soybean peptide decreased the adrenalin level in plasma but increased the level of dopamine. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed significant increases in the amplitudes of θ, α-2, and β-L frequency bands after the ingestion of peptides.

CONCLUSION

Soybean peptides can modulate cellular immune systems, regulate neurotransmitters, and boost brain function.

Improvement of leucocyte functions in mature and old mice after 15 and 30 weeks of diet supplementation with polyphenol-rich biscuits

PURPOSE

To study the effect of diet supplementation with polyphenols on several functions suffering age-related changes, in peritoneal leucocytes from mature and old mice.

METHODS

Five groups of female ICR mice were used. Four groups received a supplementation (20% wt/wt) of biscuits with different cereal fractions naturally rich in polyphenols (named CO49, CO50, CO52, CO53), containing different amounts of catechin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, rutin and oryzanol. The control group received only standard maintenance diet. Peritoneal suspensions were obtained after 15 and 30 weeks of diet supplementation, when the age of the animals was 49 ± 2 (mature mice) and 64 ± 2 weeks (old mice), respectively. The functions analysed were: chemotaxis of macrophages and lymphocytes, phagocytosis of particles by macrophages, intracellular superoxide anion levels, lymphoproliferative response to mitogens (concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide), interleukin-2 secretion and natural killer (NK) activity, as functions that decrease with age, and adherence of macrophages and lymphocytes and tumour necrosis factor-α secretion as functions with age-related increase.

RESULTS

The supplementation, in general, increased the functions that decrease with age and decreased those that increase with age. There were differences in the effects shown by the four kinds of biscuits depending on the function studied and the number of weeks of supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Since the immune system has been proposed as a good marker of health and predictor of longevity, diet supplementation with cereals naturally rich in polyphenols could be an important way for health preservation with age and reaching high longevity.

Soybean and green tea polyphenols improve immune function and redox status in very old ovariectomized mice

In previous work we have observed that ovariectomy in rodents, a good model of mimicking human ovarian hormone loss, causes premature aging of the immune system. The prooxidative and inflammatory state that underlies the aging process is the base of that premature immunosenescence. It has been found that nutritional interventions with polyphenolic antioxidants constitute a good alternative to rejuvenate age-affected immune functions. In this study, we administered a diet supplemented with polyphenols (coming from soybean isoflavones and green tea) to sham-operated and ovariectomized mature mice for 15 weeks, until they reached a very old age. We have studied the effect of this supplementation on a broad range of parameters of immune function (in macrophages and lymphocytes) and oxidative stress (enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defences, oxidant compounds, and lipid peroxidation damage) in peritoneal leukocytes. The results showed that ovariectomy accelerates the age-related impairment of immune functions in very old mice as well as the oxidative and proinflammatory imbalance, and that the administration of soybean isoflavones and green tea improve the immune and redox state in these animals. Because the immune system is a good marker of health and a predictor of longevity, we suggest that an adequate nutritional treatment with polyphenols could be a highly recommended tool to fight against the detrimental effects of the lack of female sex hormones, through an improvement of the immune cell functions and redox state.

Murine models of premature ageing for the study of diet-induced immune changes: improvement of leucocyte functions in two strains of old prematurely ageing mice by dietary supplementation with sulphur-containing antioxidants

Several immune functions are markers of health, biological age and predictors of longevity. A chronic oxidative and inflammatory state is the main cause of ageing and the immune system is involved in the rate of ageing. Thus, several murine models of premature ageing have been proposed owing to their early immunosenescence and oxidative stress, such as ovariectomised rats and mice, obese rats and anxious mice. In the last model, the most extensively studied by us, mice showing anxiety have an aged immune function and redox status as well as a shorter longevity in comparison with animals without anxiety of the same chronological age, being denominated prematurely ageing mice. A confirmation of the above is that the administration of diets supplemented with antioxidants improves the redox status and immune functions and increases the longevity of prematurely ageing mice. Antioxidant precursors of glutathione such as thioproline or N-acetylcysteine, which have a relevant role in ageing, have been the most widely investigated in adult prematurely ageing mice in our laboratory. In the present work, we have studied the effects of the ingestion for 5 weeks of a diet supplemented with 0·1% (w/w) thioproline+N-acetylcysteine on several functions of leucocytes from chronological old (69-73 weeks of age) prematurely ageing mice of two strains (Swiss and BALB/c). The results show an improvement of the immune functions, with their values becoming closer to those in adult animals (24±2 weeks). Thus, an adequate nutrition with antioxidants, even in aged subjects, could be a good strategy to retard ageing.

Should Red Wine Be Considered a Functional Food?

  Functional foods may be regarded as foods that have nutritional value, but in particular, they also have beneficial effects on one or more body functions. Thus, functional foods may improve health and/or reduce the risk of developing certain diseases when taken in amounts that can be consumed in a normal diet. Based on nearly 2 decades of research since the term "French paradox" was first coined in 1992, wine would appear to fit this definition. Yet there seems to be reluctance to consider wine as a functional food. In this review, we present an overview of the accumulated evidence for the health benefits of wine-and its key phenolic components such as resveratrol, quercetin, catechin-and show that these alone are not enough to firmly establish wine as a functional food. What is required is to create clearly defined products based on wine that are targeted to consumers' needs and expectations when it comes to purchasing functional foods. Moreover, the crucial question of alcohol and health also needs to be addressed by the functional food industry. Suggestions are presented for working through this issue, but in many regards, wine is like any other food-it should be consumed sensibly and in amounts that are beneficial to health. Overindulgence of any kind does not promote good health.

Anti-ageing and rejuvenating effects of quercetin

Homeostasis is a key feature of the cellular lifespan. Its maintenance influences the rate of ageing and it is determined by several factors, including efficient proteolysis. The proteasome is the major cellular proteolytic machinery responsible for the degradation of both normal and damaged proteins. Alterations of proteasome function have been recorded in various biological phenomena including ageing and replicative senescence. Proteasome activities and function are decreased upon replicative senescence, whereas proteasome activation confers enhanced survival against oxidative stress, lifespan extension and maintenance of the young morphology longer in human primary fibroblasts. Several natural compounds possess anti-ageing/anti-oxidant properties. In this study, we have identified quercetin (QUER) and its derivative, namely quercetin caprylate (QU-CAP) as a proteasome activator with anti-oxidant properties that consequently influence cellular lifespan, survival and viability of HFL-1 primary human fibroblasts. Moreover, when these compounds are supplemented to already senescent fibroblasts, a rejuvenating effect is observed. Finally, we show that these compounds promote physiological alterations when applied to cells (i.e. whitening effect). In summary, these data demonstrate the existence of naturally occurring anti-ageing products that can be effectively used through topical application.

A 12-week supplementation with quercetin does not affect natural killer cell activity, granulocyte oxidative burst activity or granulocyte phagocytosis in female human subjects

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of long-term quercetin supplementation on innate immune function and inflammation in human subjects. Female subjects (n 120; aged 30–79 years) were recruited from the community and randomised to one of three groups, with supplements administered using double-blinded procedures: 500 mg quercetin/d (n 38), 1000 mg quercetin/d (n 40) or placebo (n 42). Subjects ingested two soft chew supplements twice daily during the 12-week study period. Fasting blood samples were obtained pre- and post-study and were analysed for plasma quercetin, IL-6, TNF-α and leucocyte subset cell counts. Natural killer cell activity (NKCA) and lymphocyte subsets were assessed in a subset of seventy-four subjects. Granulocyte oxidative burst activity (GOBA) and phagocytosis were assessed in sixty-four subjects. Eighteen subjects had overlapping data. Quercetin supplementation at two doses compared with placebo increased plasma quercetin (interaction effect; P < 0·001) but had no significant influence on blood leucocyte subsets, plasma IL-6 or TNF-α concentration, NKCA, GOBA or phagocytosis. NKCA was inversely correlated with BMI (r − 0·25; P = 0·035) and body fat percentage (r − 0·38; P = 0·001), and positively correlated with self-reported physical fitness level (r 0·24; P = 0·032). In summary, results from the present double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial indicated that quercetin supplementation at 500 and 1000 mg/d for 12 weeks significantly increased plasma quercetin levels but had no influence on measures of innate immune function or inflammation in community-dwelling adult females.

Nanonized black soybean enhances immune response in senescence-accelerated mice

Soy isoflavones may have applications in cancer prevention and anti-inflammation, therefore this study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with black soybean on the immune response in the senescence-accelerated-prone mice (SAMP8) and -resistant mice (SAMPR1, as controls). The mechanism of isoflavones was also investigated. Six-month-old male SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice were divided into the control groups and experimental groups supplemented with nanonized (Nano-soy) or microparticled (Micro-soy) black soybeans (n = 8/group), respectively for 12 weeks. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and murine splenocytes were stimulated with mitogens and cytokines were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and/or ELISA. The results showed that body weight, food intake, and relative weights of organs did not differ among the SAMP8 control and experimental groups. Isoflavone (daidzin and genistin) intake was higher in the Nano-soy group than the Micro-soy group. The lymphoproliferation and production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the Nano-soy group had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the control and Micro-soy groups. The Nano-soy supplemented mice reached these cytokine levels similar to SAMR1 mice. This result was consistent with the in vitro data that daidzein (a metabolite of daidzin), at a concentration of 10 muM, increased IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma production from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated PBMC (P < 0.05). However at higher concentrations (> 50 microM), daidzein only reduced IL-10 and IFN-gamma levels, whereas genistein reduced levels of the IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-gamma mRNA and protein and these results suggest that the Nano-soy supplementation improved immune response in SAMP8 mice which may be attributable to higher daidzin content in the black soybean preparation.

Quercetin reduces susceptibility to influenza infection following stressful exercise

Exercise stress is associated with increased risk for upper respiratory tract infection. We have shown that exercise stress can increase susceptibility to infection. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, has been reported to inhibit infectivity and replication of a broad spectrum of viruses and may offset the increase in susceptibility to infection associated with stressful exercise. This study examined the effects of quercetin feedings on susceptibility to the influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) following stressful exercise. Mice were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: exercise-placebo, exercise-quercetin, control-placebo, or control-quercetin. Exercise consisted of a run to fatigue (approximately 140 min) on a treadmill for 3 consecutive days. Quercetin (12.5 mg/kg) was administered via gavage for 7 days before viral challenge. At 30 min after the last bout of exercise or rest, mice (n=23-30) were intranasally inoculated with a standardized dose of influenza virus (0.04 hemagglutinating units). Mice were monitored daily for morbidity (time to sickness), symptom severity, and mortality (time to death) for 21 days. Exercise stress was associated with an increased susceptibility to infection [morbidity, mortality, and symptom severity on days 5-7 (P<0.05)]; quercetin offset the increase in susceptibility to infection [morbidity, mortality, and symptom severity on days 5-7 (P<0.05)] that was associated with stressful exercise. These data suggest that short-term quercetin feedings may prove to be an effective strategy to lessen the impact of stressful exercise on susceptibility to respiratory infection.

Proteomic analysis of pycnogenol effects in RAW 264.7 macrophage reveals induction of cathepsin D expression and enhancement of phagocytosis

Pycnogenol, polyphenolic compounds extracted from the pine bark, is beneficial for human health. To understand more of its effects, the present study is to explore the protein expression pattern induced by pycnogenol in RAW 264.7 cells. Global analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis indicated that treatment with pycnogenol induces upregulation of four proteins, whose identities were revealed by mass spectrometry as cathepsin D, keratinocyte lipid-binding protein, proteasome subunit alpha type 1, and annexin IV. The pycnogenol effect displayed a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Unlike pycnogenol, N-acetyl cysteine and vitamin C had no effect on cathepsin D expression. Further studies showed that cathepsin D induction is correlated with an increase of lysosomal staining and enhancement of phagocytosis. These results reveal the novel effects of pycnogenol on protein expression and phagocytic functions and illustrate the advantage of proteomics-based strategy in unveiling the molecular basis of phytochemicals.

Quercetin Reduces Illness but Not Immune Perturbations after Intensive Exercise

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of quercetin supplementation on incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and exercise-induced changes in immune function.

METHODS

Trained male cyclists (N=40) were randomized to quercetin (N=20) or placebo (N=20) groups and, under double-blind procedures, received 3 wk quercetin (1000 mg.d(-1)) or placebo before, during, and for 2 wk after a 3-d period in which subjects cycled for 3 h.d(-1) at approximately 57% Wmax. Blood and saliva samples were collected before and after each of the three exercise sessions and assayed for natural killer cell activity (NKCA), PHA-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation (PHA-LP), polymorphonuclear oxidative-burst activity (POBA), and salivary IgA output (sIgA).

RESULTS

Pre- to postexercise changes in NKCA, PHA-LP, POBA, and sIgA did not differ significantly between quercetin and placebo groups. URTI incidence during the 2-wk postexercise period differed significantly between groups (quercetin=1/20 vs placebo=9/20, Kaplan-Meier analysis statistic=8.31, P=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Quercetin versus placebo ingestion did not alter exercise-induced changes in several measures of immune function, but it significantly reduced URTI incidence in cyclists during the 2-wk period after intensified exercise.

Total antioxidant capacity of plasma in asymptomatic carrier state of Neisseria meningitidis

Reduction of the antioxidant capacity of plasma has been linked with the impairment of an effective immune response and so we hypothesized that the carriage rate of Neisseria meningitidis in asymptomatic subjects might correlate with the levels of antioxidants in plasma. To this end we took pharyngeal swabs from 339 children in Marquesado Basic Health Zone, Granada, Spain and in addition determined the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma samples from these subjects. The overall prevalence of N. meningitidis carriage was 5.9% (mean age 7.1 years) with rates of 10.3% in children aged 3 < or =years, 3.9% between 4 and 7 years and 2.4% in older subjects. Plasma TAC for the < or =3-year-olds was 0.13 for carriers and 1.10 for non-carrier controls (P=0.04), 0.13 for carriers aged 4-7 years (controls 0.63) and 0.28 for carriers aged >7 years (controls 0.52). We analysed the association between TAC in plasma (<0.37 - 2 S.D.) and the carrier state of N. meningitidis. In the carrier state, the odds ratio for this association (TAC in plasma <0.25) was 8.44 (95% CI 1.5-48.9). These findings may suggest a reduced immune response in the host favourable to nasopharyngeal persistence of meningococci.

Improvement of immune cell functions in aged mice treated for five weeks with soybean isoflavones

Aging is associated with an impaired immune system as well as with a decline of several hormones, such as estrogens. Dietary phytoestrogens have been proposed as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. The beneficial action of soybean compounds is probably due to isoflavones, whose role as immunomodulators has been investigated with increasing interest. The aim of the present work was to study whether a 5-week administration of a diet enriched in soybean isoflavones and green tea could influence the immune function of mice that were sham-operated or ovariectomized. Natural killer activity (NK) and lymphoproliferation in response to the mitogens concanavaline A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were studied in peritoneal leukocytes. Both treatments with soybean or green tea plus soybean were highly effective in improving these immune parameters with respect to control groups. Since the immune system is a marker of health and a predictor of longevity, an adequate treatment with isoflavones could be useful in slowing down the effects of the aging process through an improvement in the two relevant immune functions studied.

A model of premature aging in mice based on altered stress-related behavioral response and immunosenescence

The intensity of behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stressful stimuli in rodent strains seems to be inversely related to their life span. We have previously shown that interindividual differences in members of outbred Swiss and inbred BALB/c mouse populations, both male and female, may be related to their behavior in a simple T-maze test. The animals that explore the maze slowly show impaired neuromuscular vigor and coordination, decreased locomotor activity, increased level of emotionality/anxiety, decreased levels of brain biogenic amines as well as immunosenescence and decreased life span, when compared to their control counterparts, which quickly explore the maze. These traits are similar to some of the alterations previously observed in aging animals and therefore we proposed that those 'slow mice' are biologically older than the fast animals and may be a model of prematurely aging mice (PAM). Although most of our work on this model has been performed on chronologically adult-mature animals, we have also shown that certain characteristics of PAM, such as increased anxiety and deficient immune response, are already present in chronologically young animals. Thus, it is tempting to hypothesize that chronic hyperreactivity to stress (trait anxiety) leading to immune dysfunction may have a causal relationship with impaired health and premature aging. In view of the link between oxidative stress and the aging process, the redox state of peritoneal leukocytes from PAM has been studied, showing an oxidative stress situation. In the present work we have determined the levels of a key antioxidant, reduced glutathione (GSH), and the oxidant malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, both in the spleen and brain of male and female PAM and non-PAM (NPAM). We found that GSH and MDA are decreased and increased, respectively, in PAM with respect to NPAM. Moreover, diet supplementation with antioxidants showed to be an effective strategy for protection against early immune and behavioral decline, altered redox state of leukocytes and premature mortality in PAM, which supports the validity of this model of premature aging as well as its link with oxidative stress.