Cholesterol overload impairing cerebellar function: The promise of natural products

Association between atherogenic index of plasma and post-stroke depression: a cross-sectional study

Background: Few studies have established a link between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and post-stroke depression (PSD). This study aims to further investigate the potential relationship between the AIP and PSD, and to provide references for the prevention and prognosis management of patients with PSD.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2018. Inclusion criteria required complete data on the AIP, stroke history, and depression status. Weighted logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to examine the association between the AIP and PSD. By subgroup and interaction analyses, the stability associated with AIP and PSD was assessed between different subgroups.Results: Among the 32,364 participants ultimately enrolled in the study, 482 were diagnosed with PSD. In the weighted multivariate logistic regression adjustment model 3, AIP, as a continuous variable, was positively associated with the risk of PSD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 2.91; P = 0.007]. After the quartile classification of AIP, the adjusted model 3 showed that the risk of PSD in group Q4 was significantly higher than that in group Q1 (OR = 1.61, 95%CI:1.10, 2.34; P = 0.006). In the RCS linearity test, AIP was positively associated with the risk of PSD (Pnon-linear = 0.357). The interaction test demonstrated that AIP only had an interaction with gender (Pinteraction = 0.031) and not with other variables (Pinteraction > 0.05).Conclusion: AIP was positively associated with the prevalence of PSD, suggesting that AIP may be a promising predictor of the risk of developing PSD. In addition, the interaction of AIP and gender differences combined to influence the incidence of PSD.

Geriatric nutrition risk index in the prediction of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults with hyperlipidemia: NHANES 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is linked to a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes in various illnesses. The present investigation explored the correlation between inadequate nutritional condition and outcomes in older individuals diagnosed with hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was used to evaluate the nutritional status. All patients were divided into two groups according to GNRI. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the survival rates of different groups at risk of malnutrition. In addition, GNRI was used in COX proportional risk regression models to evaluate its predictive effect on both overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality among patients with hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, the study employed restricted cubic splines (RCS) to examine the nonlinear correlation between GNRI and mortality.

RESULTS

The study included 4,532 elderly individuals diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. During a median follow-up duration of 139 months, a total of 1498 deaths from all causes and 410 deaths from cardiovascular causes occurred. The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly poorer survival among individuals at risk of malnutrition, as indicated by the GNRI. In the malnutrition risk group, the modified COX proportional hazards model revealed that a decrease in GNRI was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.686, 95% CI 1.212-2.347) and cardiovascular mortality (HR=3.041, 95% CI 1.797-5.147). Furthermore, the restricted cubic splines revealed a non-linear association between GNRI and both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (p-value for non-linearity = 0.0039, p-value for non-linearity=0.0386).

CONCLUSIONS

In older patients with hyperlipidemia, lower levels of GNRI are associated with mortality. The GNRI could potentially be used to predict all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Antimicrobial Activities of Saponaria cypria Boiss. Root Extracts, and the Identification of Nine Saponins and Six Phenolic Compounds

The purpose of this study was to identify the chemical components in root extracts of Saponaria cypria, an endemic species of Cyprus. Subsequently, the synergistic bioactivity of its root extracts through different extraction procedures was also investigated for the first time. A total of nine saponins, along with six phenolic compounds, were identified and quantified using the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS method. Additionally, S. cypria root extracts demonstrated antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella enteritidis. S. aureus presented the highest susceptibility among all bacteria tested. These findings provide the first phytochemical data regarding the saponin, phenolic content and antimicrobial activity of S. cypria extracts, indicating that the Cyprus saponaria species is a rich natural source for bioactive compounds with a potentially wider bioactivity spectrum.

Pomegranate peel anthocyanins prevent diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in association with modulation of the gut microbiota in mice

PURPOSE

Pomegranate peels are rich in anthocyanins. The present study aimed to explore the beneficial effects of pomegranate peel anthocyanins (PPA) on obesity and gut microbiota in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.

METHODS

Specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with low-fat diet (LFD, 10% fat energy), HFD (45% fat energy), or HFD supplemented with PPA by intragastric administration for 15 weeks. Body weight and food intake were monitored weekly. The obesity-related biochemical indexes and hepatic gene expression levels were determined. The compositions of the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the association between the gut microbiota and obesity-related indicators was investigated by Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that the body weight gain, steatosis scores and insulin resistance index in the PPA group decreased by 27.46%, 56.25%, and 46.07%, respectively, compared to the HFD group. Gene expression analysis indicated that PPA supplement improved the genes expression profiles involved in glucose and lipid metabolism compared with the mice fed HFD alone. Meanwhile, PPA significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiota, which were closely correlated with the obesity-related biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that PPA could be a beneficial treatment option for alleviating HFD-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders by targeting microbiota and lipid metabolism.

Administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI Improves Cognitive and Memory Function in the Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Recent evidence indicates that gut microbiota could interact with the central nervous system and affect brain function, including cognition and memory. In this study, we investigated whether Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 (B. bifidum BGN4) and Bifidobacterium longum BORI (B. longum BORI) alleviated the pathological features in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Administration of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI effectively suppressed amyloidosis and apoptotic processes and improved synaptic plasticity by ameliorating the neuroinflammatory response and BDNF expression. Moreover, behavioral tests indicated that B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI attenuated the cognitive and memory disability of AD mice. Taken together, the present study highlights the therapeutic potential of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI for suppressing the pathological features of AD.

Effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaf extracts on growth, immune response, and antioxidant functions in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study evaluates how white mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extracts affect the growth, antioxidant activity, and immune response in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Mulberry leaf extracts were obtained through aqueous extraction (AE) and ethanol extraction (EE). Powder of mulberry leaf (PML) was added directly to feed and compared with the effects of feeds supplemented with the different extracts. Fish were divided into eight groups for an 8-week feeding trial where they were fed the basal diet or supplementation with 10% PML, 10% AE, 20% AE, 40% AE, 10% EE, 20% EE, or 40% EE. The inclusion of mulberry leaf extract obtained with either method showed better effects on fish growth performance, antioxidant activities and acid phosphatase activity (ACP) in serum, immune cytokine expression, and intestinal morphology as compared with controls or fish fed the 10% PML diet. The specific growth rate was significantly higher in the 10% AE, 10% EE, and 20% EE groups compared with all other groups (P<0.05). Catalase activity was significantly greater in most groups fed an extract, and in the 10% PML group, when compared with controls. Similarly, ACP, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-2 expression was significantly increased in groups fed an extract, and in the 10% PML group, when compared with controls (P<0.05). IL-1, IL-2, IL-10, and Toll-like receptor 2 expression was significantly greater in the 10% EE group than in the 10% PML and 10% AE groups (P<0.05). Villus length in the middle intestine was significantly increased in the 10% AE and 10% EE groups compared with controls and the 10% PML group (P<0.05). Thus, 10% mulberry leaf ethanol extract added to feed is recommended for enhancing the growth rate and health of cultured Nile tilapia.

Based on Network Pharmacology and RNA Sequencing Techniques to Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Huatan Jiangzhuo Decoction for Treating Hyperlipidemia

Background

Hyperlipidemia, due to the practice of unhealthy lifestyles of modern people, has been a disturbance to a large portion of population worldwide. Recently, several scholars have turned their attention to Chinese medicine (CM) to seek out a lipid-lowering approach with high efficiency and low toxicity. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Huatan Jiangzhuo decoction (HTJZD, a prescription of CM) in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and to determine the major regulation pathways and potential key targets involved in the treatment process.

Methods

Data on the compounds of HTJZD, compound-related targets (C-T), and known disease-related targets (D-T) were collected from databases. The intersection targets (I-T) between C-T and D-T were filtered again to acquire the selected targets (S-T) according to the specific index. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, as well as network construction, were applied to predict the putative mechanisms of HTJZD in treating hyperlipidemia. Thereafter, an animal experiment was conducted to validate the therapeutic effect of HTJZD. In addition, regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were processed from the RNA sequencing analysis results. Common genes found between regulated DEGs and S-T were analyzed by KEGG pathway enrichment to select the key targets. Lastly, key targets were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis.

Results

A total of 210 S-T were filtered out for enrichment analysis and network construction. The enrichment results showed that HTJZD may exert an effect on hyperlipidemia through the regulation of lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. The networks predict that the therapeutic effect of HTJZD may be based on the composite pharmacological action of these active compounds. The animal experiment results verify that HTJZD can inhibit dyslipidemia in rats with hyperlipidemia, suppress lipid accumulation in the liver, and reverse the expression of 202 DEGs, which presented an opposite trend in the model and HTJZD groups. Six targets were selected from the common targets between 210 S-T and 202 regulated DEGs, and the qRT-PCR results showed that HTJZD could effectively reverse Srebp-1c, Cyp3a9, and Insr mRNA expression (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In brief, network pharmacology predicted that HTJZD exerts a therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia. The animal experimental results confirmed that HTJZD suppressed the pathological process induced by hyperlipidemia by regulating the expression of targets involved in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance.

27-Hydroxycholesterol Promotes the Transfer of Astrocyte-Derived Cholesterol to Neurons in Co-cultured SH-SY5Y Cells and C6 Cells

Abnormality in cholesterol homeostasis in the brain is a feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) has been identified as a possible biomarker of AD, but its effects on cholesterol metabolism have not been fully characterized. This study was aimed to investigate the impacts of 27-OHC on cholesterol metabolism in nerve cells. SH-SY5Y cells and C6 cells were co-cultured and treated with 5, 10, and 20 μM 27-OHC for 24 h. Results showed that 27-OHC decreased cholesterol levels and up-regulated the expression of transport-related proteins in C6 cells. In SH-SY5Y cells, 27-OHC increased cholesterol accumulation, especially on plasma membrane (PM), which was consistent with the up-regulation of expressions of cholesterol endocytosis receptors, lipid raft-related proteins, and cholesterol esterase. Simultaneously, accumulation of membrane cholesterol promoted cholesterol conversion to 24S-OHC by CYP46A1(24S-hydroxylase) transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to PM. Besides, Aβ levels were elevated in SH-SY5Y cells after 27-OHC treatment. Our results suggest that 27-OHC motivates the transfer of astrocyte-derived cholesterol to neurons. Although there exists a feedback mechanism that excessive cholesterol promotes its conversion to 24S-OHC, the increased cholesterol induced by 27-OHC could not be wholly offset in neurons.

Synergistic effects of pomegranate juice and atorvastatin for improving cerebellar structure and function of breast-feeding rats maternally fed on a high cholesterol diet

A highly cholesterol-diet is associated with atherosclerosis and little about the development of cerebellar cortex disorder. The study illustrated the changes of cerebellar cortex of rat neonate maternally fed on high cholesterol diet and the capacity of pomegranate alone or in combination with atorvastatin to improve it. Eighty-eight pregnant Wister rats were divided into eight groups (n = 11); control, pomegranate supplemented group (daily orally 0.4 mL (20 %), atorvastatin (10 mg/kg BT), hypercholesterolemia (dietary consumption 3% cholesterol for 6 weeks prior to conception and throughout gestation and lactation period), hypercholesterolemia and pomegranate or atorvastatin, hypercholesterolemia and atorvastatin and pomegranate. Dams and their offspring were sacrificed at 21 days post-partum. Sera of mother and cerebellum of offspring were investigated biochemically as well as histo-cytological changes of cerebellar cortex of offspring. Offspring maternally fed on high cholesterol diet showed damage of the cerebellar Purkinje and granular cells associated with demyelination, increased caspase 3 immunohistochemistry and increased DNA damage. These were associated with decreased brain neurotransmitters and increase apoptic markers. Dams supplemented pomegranate and/or atorvastatin improved the assayed parameters more than that of atorvastatin alone. The authors concluded that pomegranate juice contains potent antioxidant nutrients capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of hypercholesterolemia and atorvastatin, and enhancing the structure and function of the cerebellar cortex.

Investigation of Anthocyanins Stability from Pomegranate Juice (Punica Granatum L. Cv Ermioni) under a Simulated Digestion Process

Background: Pomegranate gained a widespread popularity as a functional food due to the high content of bioactive components of the whole fruit, as well as its juice and extracts. There is a large amount of research that assigns them very important functions for the human organism. Methods: The anthocyanins (ACNs) of pomegranate juice (PJ) from the Ermioni variety are quantitatively identified and their stability under a simulated digestion process (SDP) is investigated. ACNs, as well as phenolic compounds, were isolated through solid phase extraction and determined using high-performance liquid chromatography in every stage of the SDP. Total phenolics, total monomeric ACNs, polymeric color and antioxidant activity were also determined in pomegranate juice and during the digestion process. Results: The predominant anthocyanin was Cy-3-glucoside followed by the corresponding 3,5-diglucoside, which accounted for 40.8% and 27.4% of the total ACN content, respectively. About 65% of the total monomeric ACN content remained intact by the end of the simulated digestion process. Conclusions: The PJ of the Ermioni variety seems to retain a large amount of the bioactive compounds after the SDP. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) remain almost stable during the SDP, suggesting that the products formed during ACN degradation maintain the antioxidant activity of the parent molecule.

Serum lipid profiles and post-stroke depression in acute ischemic stroke patients

Purpose: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a psychiatric complication after stroke that leads to poorer stroke outcomes. Recent observational studies have indicated that lipid profiles were associated with a higher risk of stroke and depression. This study aims to further explore the possible relationship between serum lipid profiles and the development of PSD. Methods: A total of 373 acute ischemic stroke patients were examined. Serum lipid profiles including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) were measured within 24 hrs of admission. Depression symptoms were assessed by the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) at the one-month follow-up, and HAMD scores ≥7 indicated a diagnosis of PSD. Results: A total of 114 patients were diagnosed with PSD at the one-month follow-up, for a percentage of 30.6%. There were significant differences in HDL-C levels (P<0.001), LDL-C levels (P=0.002) and the LDL/HDL ratio (P<0.001) between the PSD and non-PSD groups, but no differences were observed in TGs, TC, Apo A1 or Apo B. Low serum HDL-C levels (r = -0.157, P<0.001) and elevated LDL-C levels (r =0.139, P=0.002) and the LDL/HDL ratio (r =0.227, P<0.001) were associated with HAMD scores. After adjusting for the NIHSS score, BI score, mRS score and alcohol consumption in the logistic analysis, low HDL-C levels and the highest quartile (≥3.07) of the LDL/HDL ratio were independently associated with the development of PSD (OR =0.250, 95% CI, 0.077-0.813, P=0.021 and OR =1.874, 95% CI, 1.050-3.347, P=0.034, respectively). Conclusion: Decreased levels of HDL-C and elevated levels of LDL/HDL ratio are associated with PSD. HDL-C and the LDL/HDL ratio are independent predictors of PSD.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic impacts of barley and date palm fruits on the ovary of Wistar albino rats and their offspring

A high cholesterol diet is related to ovarian dysfunction and infertility which has been increased among young ages consuming processed food products. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of a high cholesterol diet on the ovaries of young female rats via assessments of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, oxidative stress and apoptic markers. Also, mating of hypercholesterolemic female rats was carried out to measure the fertility and numbers of their offspring. At the same time, phytotherapy was carried out through supplementing the diet with barley and/ or date palm fruits (10%) during the experiment to assess the phyto-therapeutic impacts in attenuation of drastic hypercholesterolemic effects. Hypercholesterolemic diet-fed rats exhibited damage of the ovarian follicles and increased follicular atresia. Furthermore, expression of cleaved caspase-3 was upregulated, while PCNA was downregulated in granulosa, theca and stroma cells. Hypercholesterolemic female rats showed marked depletion of antioxidative enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation and apoptotic markers. Alterations to the female serum hormones were detected. Offspring maternally fed on hypercholesterolemic diet showed a significant decrease of body weight and altered sex ratio. However, concomitant supplementation of barley and or date fruits to hypercholesterolemic groups revealed marked improvement of ovarian structure and function. On the basis of these evidences, it is believed that the enhanced synergistic effects of barley and/or date palm fruits in the amelioration of ovarian structure and functions were elicited by the potential antioxidant activity of their phytomicronutrients, polyphenols, β-glucan and trace elements. These materials scavenge free radicals from inflamed cells that can be used to establish an effective and novel therapeutic strategy for activating ovarian cell regeneration.

Microglia in Physiology and Disease

As the immune-competent cells of the brain, microglia play an increasingly important role in maintaining normal brain function. They invade the brain early in development, transform into a highly ramified phenotype, and constantly screen their environment. Microglia are activated by any type of pathologic event or change in brain homeostasis. This activation process is highly diverse and depends on the context and type of the stressor or pathology. Microglia can strongly influence the pathologic outcome or response to a stressor due to the release of a plethora of substances, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. They are the professional phagocytes of the brain and help orchestrate the immunological response by interacting with infiltrating immune cells. We describe here the diversity of microglia phenotypes and their responses in health, aging, and disease. We also review the current literature about the impact of lifestyle on microglia responses and discuss treatment options that modulate microglial phenotypes.

Hypolipidemic effect of β-caryophyllene to treat hyperlipidemic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-caryophyllene on hypercholesterolemia using a model of hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR-1339 in rats, as well as its possible effect on hepatic antioxidant enzymes. Thus, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were measured in serum, while reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutayl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in the hepatic tissue. In addition, seric concentrations of β-caryophyllene were measured to perform correlation studies. Serum samples from hypercholesterolemic rats show higher (p < 0.05) levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and lower (p < 0.05) levels of HDL cholesterol compared to non-hypercholesterolemic rats. β-Caryophyllene treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, similar to the reference drug simvastatin. However, HDL cholesterol levels did not increase with the treatment. β-Caryophyllene treatment was able to inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase activity, as well as to prevent the increase on ROS and TBARS levels, and ameliorate the antioxidant system. In summary, our findings demonstrated that β-caryophyllene has hypolipidemic effect via inhibition of the hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, like the standard drug simvastatin, and this inhibition suggests a possible mechanism of hypolipidemic action. Thus, our results indicate that β-caryophyllene can be used to treat dyslipidemic diseases because it exerts a similar effect as the reference drug, protecting the liver against lipid damage and improving the hepatic antioxidant defense system.

Therapies for Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia associated with a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, with a prevalence of 44 million people throughout the world in 2015, and this figure is estimated to double by 2050. This disease is characterized by blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, and hypometabolism; it is related to amyloid-β peptide accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation as well as a decrease in acetylcholine levels and a reduction of cerebral blood flow. Obesity is a major risk factor for AD, because it induces adipokine dysregulation, which consists of the release of the proinflammatory adipokines and decreased anti-inflammatory adipokines, among other processes. The pharmacological treatments for AD can be divided into two categories: symptomatic treatments such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and etiology-based treatments such as secretase inhibitors, amyloid binders, and tau therapies. Strategies for prevention of AD through nonpharmacological treatments are associated with lifestyle interventions such as exercise, mental challenges, and socialization as well as caloric restriction and a healthy diet. AD is an important health issue on which all people should be informed so that prevention strategies that minimize the risk of its development may be implemented.