Rutin has intestinal antiinflammatory effects in the CD4+ CD62L+ T cell transfer model of colitis

Combined application of high pressure and ultrasound in fig paste: effect on bioactive and volatile compounds

The combined impact of high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and ultrasound (US) on the cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (C3R), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (Q3R), and volatile compounds from fig (Ficus carica) paste was investigated. The HHP increased the content of C3R and Q3R, from 70 to 133 mg/kg fw and 31 to 44 mg/kg fw, respectively. The combination of HHP and US further enhanced the extraction of these bioactive compounds. Specifically, processing fig paste with US for 5 min at 40 °C yielded approximately 250 mg of C3R/kg fw and 45 mg of Q3R/kg fw, after 20 min. More than 25 volatile compounds were identified, with benzaldehyde being the predominant compound, accounting > 75%. Trace amounts of hydroxymethylfurfural (< 0.36 mg/100 g fw) were detected in HHP-processed fig paste. The application of HHP at mild temperatures and short time, combined with US, effectively promotes the content of bioactive compounds present in fig paste without adversely affecting the fruit's volatile compounds.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01410-1.

Schisandra chinensis Bee Pollen Ameliorates Colitis in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Regulating Treg/Th17 Balance

Colitis is a chronic disease associated with alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. Schisandra chinensis bee pollen extract (SCPE) has been proved to be rich in phenolic compounds and effective in modulating gut microbiota, but its effect on colitis and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between colitis amelioration and the gut microbiota regulation of SCPE via fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). The results showed that administration of 20.4 g/kg BW of SCPE could primely ameliorate colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice, showing as more integration of colon tissue structure and the colonic epithelial barrier, as well as lower oxidative stress and inflammation levels compared with colitis mice. Moreover, SCPE supplement restored the balance of T regulatory (Treg) cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Gut microbiota analysis showed SCPE treatment could reshape the gut microbiota balance and improve the abundance of gut microbiota, especially the beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia and Lactobacillus) related to the production of short-chain fatty acids and the regulation of immunity. Most importantly, the protection of 20.4 g/kg BW of SCPE on colitis can be perfectly transmitted by fecal microbiota. Therefore, the gut microbiota-SCFAS-Treg/Th17 axis can be the main mechanism for SCPE to ameliorate colitis. This study suggests that SCPE can be a new promising functional food for prevention and treatment of colitis by reshaping gut microbiota and regulating gut immunity.

Protective Properties of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Supplementation on the Intestinal Barrier: Interactions and Effects

The intestinal barrier is critical for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and its dysfunction is associated with various diseases. Recent findings have revealed the multifunctional role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) in diverse biological processes, including gut health maintenance and function. This review summarizes the protective effects of IAP on intestinal barrier integrity, encompassing the physical, chemical, microbial, and immune barriers. We discuss the results and insights from in vitro, animal model, and clinical studies as well as the available evidence regarding the impact of diet on IAP activity and expression. IAP can also be used as an indicator to assess intestinal-barrier-related diseases. Further research into the mechanisms of action and long-term health effects of IAP in maintaining overall intestinal health is essential for its future use as a dietary supplement or functional component in medical foods.

Rutin alleviates colon lesions and regulates gut microbiota in diabetic mice

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder that has become a major health problem worldwide. In this study, we investigated the role of rutin in attenuating diabetes and preventing diabetes-related colon lesions in mice potentially through regulation of gut microbiota. The rutin from tartary buckwheat as analyzed by HPLC was administered intragastrically to diabetic mice, and then the biochemical parameters, overall community structure and composition of gut microbiota in diabetic mice were assayed. The results showed that rutin lowered serum glucose and improved serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride concentrations, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and serum insulin in diabetic mice. Notably, rutin obviously alleviated colon lesions in diabetic mice. Moreover, rutin also significantly regulated gut microbiota dysbiosis and enriched beneficial microbiota, such as Akkermansia (p < 0.05). Rutin selectively increased short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, such as Alistipes (p < 0.05) and Roseburia (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of diabetes-related gut microbiota, such as Escherichia (p < 0.05) and Mucispirillum (p < 0.05). Our data suggested that rutin exerted an antidiabetic effect and alleviated colon lesions in diabetic mice possibly by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, which might be a potential mechanism through which rutin alleviates diabetes-related symptoms.

The role and mechanism of flavonoid herbal natural products in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that presents clinically with abdominal pain, mucopurulent stools, and posterior urgency. The lesions of UC are mainly concentrated in the rectal and colonic mucosa and submucosa. For patients with mild to moderate UC, the best pharmacological treatment includes glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and biologics, but the long-term application can have serious toxic side effects. Currently, nearly 40% of UC patients are treated with herbal natural products in combination with traditional medications to reduce the incidence of toxic side effects. Flavonoid herbal natural products are the most widely distributed polyphenols in plants and fruits, which have certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Flavonoid herbal natural products have achieved remarkable efficacy in the treatment of UC. The pharmacological mechanisms are related to anti-inflammation, promotion of mucosal healing, maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis, and regulation of intestinal flora. In this paper, we summarize the flavonoid components of anti-ulcerative colitis and their mechanisms reported in the past 10 years, to provide a basis for rational clinical use and the development of new anti-ulcerative colitis drugs.

Characterization and Preliminary In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of a New Multidrug Formulation Based on the Co-Encapsulation of Rutin and the α-Acylamino-β-Lactone NAAA Inhibitor URB894 within PLGA Nanoparticles

A biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric matrix made up of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was used for the simultaneous delivery of rutin and the (S)-N-(2-oxo-3-oxetanyl)biphenyl-4-carboxamide derivative (URB894). The goal was to exploit the well-known radical scavenging properties of rutin and the antioxidant features recently reported for the molecules belonging to the class of N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) inhibitors, such as URB894. The use of the compounds, both as single agents or in association promoted the development of negatively-charged nanosystems characterized by a narrow size distribution and an average diameter of ~200 nm when 0.2-0.6 mg/mL of rutin or URB894 were used. The obtained multidrug carriers evidenced an entrapment efficiency of ~50% and 40% when 0.4 and 0.6 mg/mL of rutin and URB894 were associated during the sample preparation, respectively. The multidrug formulation evidenced an improved in vitro dose-dependent protective effect against H₂O₂-related oxidative stress with respect to that of the nanosystems containing the active compounds as a single agent, confirming the rationale of using the co-encapsulation approach to obtain a novel antioxidant nanomedicine.

Potential of natural flavonols and flavanones in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease generally characterized by chronic, persistent, recurrent, and non-specific ulcers of the intestine. Its main clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. This disease is difficult to cure and even carries the risk of canceration. It has been listed as a modern refractory disease by the World Health Organization. Though a large amount of drugs are available for the inhibition of UC, the conventional treatment such as aminosalicylic acids, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressors, and biological agents possess certain limitations and serious side effects. Therefore, it is urgently needed for safe and effective drugs of UC, and natural-derived flavonols and flavanones showed tremendous potential. The present study concentrated on the progress of natural-derived flavonols and flavanones from edible and pharmaceutical plants for the remedy of UC over the last two decades. The potential pharmaceutical of natural-derived flavonols and flavanones against UC were closely connected with the modulation of gut microflora, gut barrier function, inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The excellent efficacy and safety of natural flavonols and flavanones make them prospective drug candidates for UC suppression.

Novel Insights into Total Flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae against Meat Quality Deterioration Caused by Dietary Aflatoxin B1 Exposure in Chickens

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a group of highly toxic mycotoxins that are commonly found in human and animal foods and threaten animal and human food safety. Total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynaria (TFRD), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, exert multiple biological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation effects. Here, a total of 160 healthy 21-day-old male broilers were randomly divided into four groups: the CON group, the TFRD group, the AFB1 group, and the AFB1 + TFRD group. The study found that AFB1 exposure altered the breast meat quality-related indicators, including meat sensory and physical indicators. Metabolomics analysis further showed that the change in meat quality was closely associated with significantly differential metabolites of breast muscle. Furthermore, spotlighted amino acid content contributes to changes in the secondary structure of the myofibrillar protein by Raman spectroscopy analysis, which was associated with the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in AFB1-exposed breast meat. Meanwhile, dietary 125 mg/kg TFRD supplementation could effectively restore the changes in breast meat quality. Taken together, these results by multi-technical analysis revealed that AFB1 exposure causes deterioration of chicken meat quality and that TFRD may be a potential herbal extract to antagonize mycotoxicity.

The recovery from agro-industrial wastes provides different profiles of anti-inflammatory polyphenols for tailored applications

Food and agro-industrial processing produce a great amount of side-stream and waste materials that are excellent sources of functional bioactive molecules such as phenolic compounds that recover them can be beneficial not only for food sustainability but also to human for many industrial applications such as flavor compounds and therapeutic applications such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. The treatments and extraction techniques have major effects on the recovery of bioactive compounds. Along with the conventional extraction methods, numerous innovative techniques have been evolved and have been optimized to facilitate bioactive extraction more efficiently and sustainably. In this work, we have summarized the state-of-the-art technological approaches concerning novel extraction methods applied for five most produced crops in Italy; Grape Pomace (GP), Tomato Pomace (TP), Olive Pomace (OP), Citrus Pomace (CP), and Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG), presenting the extraction yield and the main class of phenolic classes, with the focus on their biological activity as an anti-inflammatory in vitro and in vivo studies via describing their molecular mechanism of action.

Biotechnological potential of Hancornia speciosa whole tree: A narrative review from composition to health applicability

Mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa) is a Brazilian tree and a socioeconomic key due to the commercialization of its food products and tree parts to treat health conditions empirically. This review gathers the main chemical, and microbiological characteristics of the mangabeira tree parts (leaves, fruits, tree bark, latex, and seeds), emphasizing its applicability in food science and focusing on its bioapplicability in health conditions. Leaves, fruits, and tree bark can be used to develop functional foods, and phytochemical products; the tree latex have great potential in the bioengineering material field; and the seeds in sustainable energy production. Leaves and fruits were the main samples bioapplied in health conditions in vitro (oxidative stress and chemopreventive effect) and in vivo (gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effect), whereas tree bark and latex also exhibited health effects and seeds showed low cytotoxicity. All parts of the mangabeira tree can be explored by extractivist families and industries from a sustainable point of view.

Phenolic Characterization Using cLC-DAD Analysis and Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacological Activities of Ruta tuberculata Forssk

The perennial aromatic plant Ruta tuberculata Forssk (Rutaceae) has been traditionally used by Mediterranean peoples as folk medicine against several types of disease to treat diverse illness. The objective of this work is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities of the aqueous (RAE) and methanolic (MeOH) 80% (RME) extracts of Algerian R. tuberculata aerial parts. Antioxidant potential, neuro-protective and anti-arthritic activities were investigated in vitro using six antioxidant approaches and by determining acetyl-cholinesterase and bovine albumin denaturation inhibitory capacities, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated on EtOH-induced gastric mucosal damage and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in mice. Moreover, bio-compounds’ contents were also quantified using spectrophotometric and cLC-DAD methods. Both in vivo and in vitro investigations showed remarkable antioxidant activity of Ruta tuberculata Forssk, while methanolic extract (RME) of Ruta tuberculata Forssk exhibited more significant neuro-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the antiulcer activity was more pronounced with RAE of R. tuberculata, which suggests that this plant can be considered as a natural resource of potent bioactive compounds that may act as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which underlines the importance of incorporating them in therapies in order to treat various diseases linked to oxidative stress, and they may also provide crucial data for the development of new anticholinesterase drugs to improve neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin Loaded Nanoparticles: Novel Insights in Alleviating Colitis in an Experimental DSS Induced Colitis Model

Oxidative stress is considered the main etiologic factor involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Integration of nanocarriers for natural therapeutic agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential is a novel promising candidate for curing IBD. Herein, the colonic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of different concentrations of quercetin nanoparticles (QT-NPs) were evaluated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Following colitis induction, the efficacy and mechanistic actions of QT-NPs were evaluated by assessing lesion severity, molecular aids controlling oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination of colonic tissues. Administration of QT-NPs, especially at higher concentrations, significantly reduced the disease activity index and values of fecal calprotectin marker compared to the colitic group. Colonic oxidant/antioxidant status (ROS, H₂O₂, MDA, SOD, CAT, GPX and TAC) was restored after treatment with higher concentrations of QT-NPs. Moreover, QT-NPs at levels of 20 mg/kg and, to a lesser extent, 15 mg/kg reduced Nrf2 and HO-1 gene expression, which was in line with decreasing the expression of iNOS and COX2 in colonic tissues. Higher concentrations of QT-NPs greatly downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines; upregulated genes encoding occludin, MUC-2 and JAM; and restored the healthy architectures of colonic tissues. Taken together, these data suggest that QT-NPs could be a promising alternative to current IBD treatments.

Pharmacological Effects of Polyphenol Phytochemicals on the Intestinal Inflammation via Targeting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

TLR4/NF-κB is a key inflammatory signaling transduction pathway, closely involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory response. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), the first mammalian TLR to be characterized, is the innate immune receptor that plays a key role in inflammatory signal transductions. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), the TLR4 downstream, is the key to accounting for the expression of multiple genes involved in inflammatory responses, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans is a chronic inflammatory disease with high incidence and prevalence worldwide. Targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway might be an effective strategy to alleviate intestinal inflammation. Polyphenol phytochemicals have shown noticeable alleviative effects by acting on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in intestinal inflammation. This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of more than 20 kinds of polyphenols on intestinal inflammation via targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. We expected that polyphenol phytochemicals targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway might be an effective approach to treat IBD in future clinical research applications.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Natural Compounds in Diabetes-Associated Periodontitis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major worldwide health burden. DM is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, and if left untreated, can lead to various complications. Individuals with uncontrolled DM are more susceptible to periodontitis due to both a hyper-inflammatory host response and an impaired immune response. Periodontitis, on the other hand, may exacerbate DM by increasing both local and systemic inflammatory components of DM-related complications. The current standard for periodontal treatment in diabetes-associated periodontitis (DP) focuses mostly on reducing bacterial load and less on controlling the excessive host response, and hence, may not be able to resolve DP completely. Over the past decade, natural compounds have emerged as an adjunct approach for modulating the host immune response with the hope of curing DP. The anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic characteristics of natural substances are well-known, and they can be found in regularly consumed foods and drinks, as well as plants. The pathophysiology of DP and the treatment benefits of various bioactive extracts for DP will be covered in this review.

Active Compounds in Fruits and Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. An appropriate diet and the active compounds contained in it can affect various stages of the inflammatory process and significantly affect the course of inflammatory diseases. Recent reports indicate that polyphenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and other components of fruits may exhibit activity stimulating an anti-inflammatory response, which may be of importance in maintaining health and reducing the risk of disease. The article presents the latest data on the chemical composition of fruits and the health benefits arising from their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The chemical composition of fruits determines their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

Ethanolic Extract from Pteris wallichiana Alleviates DSS-Induced Intestinal Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway and Regulating Tight Junction Proteins

The aim of the research was to determine the protective effect and mechanism of Pteris wallichiana J. Agardh extract (PWE) on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. In this research, PWE is rich in flavonoids and diterpenoids by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. In LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, PWE reduced the productions of inflammatory factors (i.e., NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). In DSS-induced UC in mice, PWE improved disease activity index (DAI) score, attenuated oxidative stress by decreasing MPO and MDA activities and activating GSH and SOD levels, and inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expressions in the colonic tissues. PWE also improved the intestinal barrier by upregulating the expressions of tight junction proteins, including occludin and ZO-1. Moreover, PWE extract alleviated intestinal inflammation by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion: PWE can alleviate DSS-induced UC in mice by increasing the expressions of intestinal tight junction proteins and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

Chemical Characterization and Metabolic Profiling of the Compounds in the Chinese Herbal Formula Li Chang Decoction by UPLC-QTOF/MS

Background

Li Chang decoction (LCD), a Chinese medicine formula, is commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinics.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the major components in LCD and its prototype and metabolic components in rat biological samples.

Methods

The chemical constituents in LCD were identified by establishing a reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) method. Afterwards, the rats were orally administered with LCD, and the biological samples (plasma, urine, and feces) were collected for further analyzing the effective compounds in the treatment of UC.

Result

A total of 104 compounds were discriminated in LCD, including 26 flavonoids, 20 organic acids, 20 saponins, 8 amino acids, 5 oligosaccharides, 5 tannins, 3 lignans, 2 alkaloids, and 15 others (nucleosides, glycosides, esters, etc.). About 50 prototype and 94 metabolic components of LCD were identified in biological samples. In total, 29 prototype components and 22 metabolic types were detected in plasma. About 27 prototypes and 96 metabolites were discriminated in urine, and 34 prototypes and 18 metabolites were identified in feces.

Conclusion

The flavonoids, organic acids, and saponins were the major compounds of LCD, and this study promotes the further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological evaluation of LCD.

Focus on the high therapeutic potentials of quercetin and its derivatives

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols and particularly flavonoids are of constant interest to the scientific community. Flavonoids are investigated for their biological and pharmacological purposes, notably as antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral and for their anti-inflammatory activities. Certainly, one of the best-known flavonols recognized for its therapeutic and preventive properties, is quercetin. Despite its biological interest, quercetin suffer from some drawbacks, mainly related to its bioavailability. Hence, its synthetic or biosynthetic derivatives have been the subject of intensive research. The health-promoting biological activities of flavonols and derivatives mainly arise from their capacity to disrupt the host-pathogen interactions and/or to regulate host cellular functions including oxidative processes and immunological responses. In the age of coronavirus pandemic, the anti-inflammatory and antiviral potential of flavonols should be put forward to explore these substances for decreasing the viral load and inflammatory storm caused by the infection.

PURPOSE OF STUDY

The present review will decipher and discuss the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral capacities of major flavonol with a focus on the molecular basis and structure-activity relationships.

STUDY DESIGN

Current study used a combination of quercetin derivatives, pathway, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral activities as keywords to retrieve the literature. This study critically reviewed the current literature and presented the ability of natural analogs of quercetin having superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects than the original molecule.

RESULTS

This review allowed the identification of relevant key structure-activity relationship elements and highlight approaches on the mechanisms governing the antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSION

Through a critical analysis of the literature, flavonols and more precisely quercetin derivatives reviewed and found to act simultaneously on inflammation, virus and oxidative stress, three key factors that may lead to life threatening diseases.

A Novel Pathway of Flavonoids Protecting against Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Modulating Enteroendocrine System

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a comprehensive term for chronic or relapsing inflammatory diseases occurring in the intestinal tract, generally including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Presently, the pathogenesis of IBD is unknown, yet multiple factors have been reported to be related with the development of IBD. Flavonoids are phytochemicals with biological activity, which are ubiquitously distributed in edible plants, such as fruits and vegetables. Recent studies have demonstrated impressively that flavonoids have anti-IBD effects through multiple mechanisms. These include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions; the preservation of the epithelial barrier integrity, the intestinal immunomodulatory property, and the shaping microbiota composition and function. In addition, a few studies have shown the impact of flavonoids on enterohormones release; nonetheless, there is hardly any work showing the link between flavonoids, enterohormones release and IBD. So far, the interaction between flavonoids, enterohormones and IBD is elucidated for the first time in this review. Furthermore, the inference can be drawn that flavonoids may protect against IBD through modulating enterohormones, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), GLP-2, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors), ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK). In conclusion, this manuscript explores a possible mechanism of flavonoids protecting against IBD.

Multi-omics reveals the positive leverage of plant secondary metabolites on the gut microbiota in a non-model mammal

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids are important plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) that have been widely used for their health-promoting effects. However, little is known about overall flavonoid metabolism and the interactive effects between flavonoids and the gut microbiota. The flavonoid-rich bamboo and the giant panda provide an ideal system to bridge this gap.

RESULTS

Here, integrating metabolomic and metagenomic approaches, and in vitro culture experiment, we identified 97 flavonoids in bamboo and most of them have not been identified previously; the utilization of more than 70% flavonoid monomers was attributed to gut microbiota; the variation of flavonoid in bamboo leaves and shoots shaped the seasonal microbial fluctuation. The greater the flavonoid content in the diet was, the lower microbial diversity and virulence factor, but the more cellulose-degrading species.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows an unprecedented landscape of beneficial PSMs in a non-model mammal and reveals that PSMs remodel the gut microbiota conferring host adaptation to diet transition in an ecological context, providing a novel insight into host-microbe interaction. Video abstract.

Lonicerin targets EZH2 to alleviate ulcerative colitis by autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation

Aberrant activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in colonic macrophages strongly associates with the occurrence and progression of ulcerative colitis. Although targeting NLRP3 inflammasome has been considered to be a potential therapy, the underlying mechanism through which pathway the intestinal inflammation is modulated remains controversial. By focusing on the flavonoid lonicerin, one of the most abundant constituents existed in a long historical anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious herb Lonicera japonica Thunb., here we report its therapeutic effect on intestinal inflammation by binding directly to enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) histone methyltransferase. EZH2-mediated modification of H3K27me3 promotes the expression of autophagy-related protein 5, which in turn leads to enhanced autophagy and accelerates autolysosome-mediated NLRP3 degradation. Mutations of EZH2 residues (His129 and Arg685) indicated by the dynamic simulation study have found to greatly diminish the protective effect of lonicerin. More importantly, in vivo studies verify that lonicerin dose-dependently disrupts the NLRP3–ASC–pro-caspase-1 complex assembly and alleviates colitis, which is compromised by administration of EZH2 overexpression plasmid. Thus, these findings together put forth the stage for further considering lonicerin as an anti-inflammatory epigenetic agent and suggesting EZH2/ATG5/NLRP3 axis may serve as a novel strategy to prevent ulcerative colitis as well as other inflammatory diseases.

Rutin prevents inflammation-associated colon damage via inhibiting the p38/MAPKAPK2 and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/NF-κB signalling axes and enhancing splenic Tregs in DSS-induced murine chronic colitis

A large body of emerging evidence has revealed the role of p38/MK2 and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β cascades in the orchestrating process of colitis. Rutin, a bioflavonoid present in many fruits and vegetables, has been recognized to offer therapeutic attributes in acute colitis. However, its role in chronic colitic condition has not yet been delineated in reference to p38/MK2 and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signalling. The present investigation assessed the efficacy and underlying molecular mechanism of rutin in alleviating DSS-induced chronic colitis. The analysis of signalling pathways demonstrated the robust activation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/MAPKs/NF-κB and p38/MK2 in DSS-induced colitis in animals, which was efficiently alleviated following the rutin treatment. In silico studies indicated its target specificity with these pathways. Rutin administration markedly improved the disease activity score, colon length, goblet cell loss and compromised colon epithelial integrity in colitic mice. Decreased expression of oxi-inflammatory markers such as IgM, IgE, iNOS, ICAM-1, HO-1 and Th1/IL-10 cytokines ratios after treatment suggests its efficacy in regulating effector, regulatory and B cell homeostasis. Additionally, rutin demonstrated its role in restoring epithelial integrity by modulating the transcript levels of tight junction proteins, mucus-secreting proteins, epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Treg expansion revealed that rutin supplementation also exhibits an immune regulatory potential and suppresses inflammatory aggravation mediated by adaptive immune responses. Overall, results indicate that the modulation of p38/MK2 and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/NF-κB pathways by rutin represents a novel therapeutic approach in chronic colitis that help to curb dysregulated intestinal integrity, cytokine ratio and splenic Tregs.

Potential Implications of Quercetin in Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are a worldwide health problem with growing rates of morbidity, and are characterized by breakdown and dysregulation of the immune system. Although their etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear, the application of dietary supplements is gradually increasing in patients with autoimmune diseases, mainly due to their positive effects, relatively safety, and low cost. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that is widely present in fruits, herbs, and vegetables. It has been shown to have a wide range of beneficial effects and biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and neuroprotection. In several recent studies quercetin has reportedly attenuated rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus in humans or animal models. This review summarizes the evidence for the pharmacological application of quercetin for autoimmune diseases, which supports the view that quercetin may be useful for their prevention and treatment.

Potential Modulatory Microbiome Therapies for Prevention or Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

A disturbed interaction between the gut microbiota and the mucosal immune system plays a pivotal role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Various compounds that are produced by the gut microbiota, from its metabolism of diverse dietary sources, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in in vitro and in vivo models relevant to IBD. These gut microbiota-derived metabolites may have similar, or more potent gut homeostasis-promoting effects compared to the widely-studied short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Available data suggest that mainly members of the Firmicutes are responsible for producing metabolites with the aforementioned effects, a phylum that is generally underrepresented in the microbiota of IBD patients. Further efforts aiming at characterizing such metabolites and examining their properties may help to develop novel modulatory microbiome therapies to treat or prevent IBD.

Study on the mechanism of active components of Liupao tea on 3CLpro based on HPLC-DAD fingerprint and molecular docking technique

Liupao tea, a drink homologous to medicine and food. It can treat dysentery, relieve heat, remove dampness, and regulate the intestines and stomach. The objective of this study is to explore the material basis and mechanism of Liupao tea intervention in COVID-19 and to provide a new prevention and treatment programme for COVID-19. We used high performance liquid chromatography to analyze the extract of Liupao tea and establish its fingerprint. The main index components of the fingerprint were determined using SARS-COV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL^pro ), and an in vitro drug screening model based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used to evaluate its inhibitory activity in vitro. The fingerprint results showed that the alcohol extract of Liupao tea contained gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), caffeine, epicatechin gallate, rutin, and ellagic acid. The molecular docking binding energies of the six index components of SARS-CoV-2 3Cl^pro were all less than -5.0 kJ/mol and showed strong binding affinity. The results of in vitro activity showed that the IC₅₀ of EGCG was 8.84 μmol/L, which could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3Cl^pro to a certain extent. This study unleashed that EGCG has a certain inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro , and Liupao tea has a certain significance as a tea drink for the prevention of COVID-19. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The objective of this study was to explore the material basis and mechanism of Liupao tea intervention in COVID-19 and to provide a new prevention and treatment programme for COVID-19. The molecular docking binding energies of the six index components of Liupao tea with SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro were all less than -5.0 kJ/mol, among them, the enzyme activity experiment shows that EGCG has a certain inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro , it can be used as a potential SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro inhibitor. We predicted that the understandings gained in the current research may evidence that Liupao tea has a certain significance as a tea drink for the prevention of COVID-19.

Immunoregulatory Effects of Porcine Plasma Protein Concentrates on Rat Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Splenocytes

Simple Summary

Blood contains proteins which have interest as products that may regulate immune function. For this reason some protein-based products are currently used as nutritional supplements for animals, for instance two porcine concentrates, spray dried serum (SDS), and an immunoglobulin concentrate (IC). These products have shown to protect against colonic inflammation in rodents. In the present study we characterize the ability of these products to modulate immune function in isolated cells, namely intestinal epithelial cells (IEC18 cells) and rat spleen cells. Our data indicate that both porcine protein concentrates indeed alter immune cell function, based on the secretion of the modulators known as cytokines. In intestinal epithelial IEC18 cells they promoted the secretion of GROα and MCP-1 cytokines. In spleen cells they mainly inhibited the production of TNF, a key proinflammatory cytokine. In addition, the IC product augmented the release of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Taken together, our data indicate that the immunomodulatory effects observed in vivo are consistent with the direct actions of the protein concentrates on epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and monocytes.

Abstract

Serum protein concentrates have been shown to exert in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. Specific effects on different cell types and their mechanism of action remain unraveled. We aimed to characterize the immunomodulatory effect of two porcine plasma protein concentrates, spray dried serum (SDS) and an immunoglobulin concentrate (IC), currently used as animal nutritional supplements with established in vivo immunomodulatory properties. Cytokine production by the intestinal epithelial cell line IEC18 and by primary cultures of rat splenocytes was studied. The molecular pathways involved were explored with specific inhibitors and gene knockdown. Our results indicate that both products induced GROα and MCP-1 production in IEC18 cells by a MyD88/NF-κB-dependent mechanism. Inhibition of TNF production was observed in rat primary splenocyte cultures. The immunoglobulin concentrate induced IL-10 expression in primary splenocytes and lymphocytes. The effect on TNF was independent of IL-10 production or the stimulation of NF-kB, MAPKs, AKT, or RAGE. In conclusion, SDS and IC directly regulate intestinal and systemic immune response in murine intestinal epithelial cells and in T lymphocytes and monocytes.

Polyphenols from food by-products: An alternative or complementary therapy to IBD conventional treatments

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are illnesses characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis that have emerged as a public health challenge worldwide. It comprises two main conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently, conventional therapy to treat IBD are not free from side effects, such as liver and kidney toxicity, drug resistance, and allergic reactions. In view of this, there is growing research for alternative and complementary therapies that, in addition to acting in the prevention or the control of the disease, do not compromise the quality of life and health of individuals. In this sense, a growing body of evidence has confirmed the benefits of natural phenolic compounds in intestinal health. Phenolic compounds or polyphenols are molecules widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom (flowers, vegetables, leaves, and fruits), including plant materials remaining of the handling and food industrial processing, referred to in the scientific literature as by-products, food waste, or bagasse. Since by-products are low-cost, abundant, easily accessible, safe, and rich in bioactive compounds, it becomes an exciting option to extract, concentrate or isolate phenolic compounds to be posteriorly applied in the therapeutic approach of IBD. In this article, we have reviewed the main phenolic compounds present in various plants and by-products that have shown beneficial and/or promising effects in experimental pre-clinical, clinical, and in vitro research with IBD. In addition, we have mentioned and suggested several plants and by-products originated and produced in Latin America that could be part of future research as good sources of specific phenolic compounds to be applied in the prevention and development of alternative treatments for IBD. This review may offer a valuable reference for studies related to IBD administering phenolic compounds from natural, cheap, and easily accessible raw and undervalued materials.

The Antioxidant Effect of Curcumin and Rutin on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Experimentally Induced Periodontitis in Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats

Background: There is a growing interest in the correlation between antioxidants and periodontal disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of oxidative stress and the impact of two antioxidants, curcumin and rutin, respectively, in the etiopathology of experimentally induced periodontitis in diabetic rats. Methods: Fifty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups and were induced with diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: (1) (CONTROL)—control group, (2) (DPP)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, (3) (DPC)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with curcumin (C), (4) (DPR)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with rutin (R) and (5) (DPCR)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with C and R. We evaluated malondialdehyde (MDA) as a biomarker of oxidative stress and reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG and catalase (CAT) as biomarkers of the antioxidant capacity in blood harvested from the animals we tested. The MDA levels and CAT activities were also evaluated in the gingival tissue. Results: The control group effect was statistically significantly different from any other groups, regardless of whether or not the treatment was applied. There was also a significant difference between the untreated group and the three treatment groups for variables MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG and CAT. There was no significant difference in the mean effect for the MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG and CAT variables in the treated groups of rats with curcumin, rutin and the combination of curcumin and rutin. Conclusions: The oral administration of curcumin and rutin, single or combined, could reduce the oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant status in hyperglycemic periodontitis rats.

Rutin improves glutamate uptake and inhibits glutamate excitotoxicity in rat brain slices

Rutin is an important flavonoid consumed in the daily diet. It is also known as vitamin P and has been extensively investigated due to its pharmacological properties. On the other hand, neuronal death induced by glutamate excitotoxicity is present in several diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective properties of rutin have been under investigation, although its mechanism of action is still poorly understood. We hypothesized that the mechanisms of neuroprotection of rutin are associated with the increase in glutamate metabolism in astrocytes. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of rutin with a focus on the modulation of glutamate detoxification. We used brain organotypic cultures from post-natal Wistar rats (P7-P9) treated with rutin to evaluate neural cell protection and levels of proteins involved in the glutamate metabolism. Moreover, we used cerebral cortex slices from adult Wistar rats to evaluate glutamate uptake. We showed that rutin inhibited the cell death and loss of glutamine synthetase (GS) induced by glutamate that was associated with an increase in glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) in brain organotypic cultures from post-natal Wistar rats. Additionally, it was observed that rutin increased the glutamate uptake in cerebral cortex slices from adult Wistar rats. We conclude that rutin is a neuroprotective agent that prevents glutamate excitotoxicity and thereof suggest that this effect involves the regulation of astrocytic metabolism.

Rutin present in Alibertia edulis extract acts on human platelet aggregation through inhibition of cyclooxygenase/thromboxane

Alibertia edulis leaf extract is commonly used in folk medicine, with rutin caffeic and vanillic acids being its major compounds. The Alibertia edulis leaf extract was investigated for its pharmacological effects via platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, cyclic nucleotides levels, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein Ser157 and Ser239 and protein kinase Cβ₂ phosphorylation, thromboxane B₂, cyclooxygenases 1 and 2, docking and molecular dynamics. Alibertia edulis leaf extract significantly inhibited (100-1000 μg mL^-1) platelet aggregation induced by different agonists. Arachidonic acid increased levels of calcium and thromboxane B₂, phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein Ser157 and Ser239, and protein kinase Cβ, which were significantly reduced by Alibertia edulis leaf extract, rutin, and caffeic acid as well mixtures of rutin/caffeic acid. Cyclooxygenase 1 activity was inhibited for Alibertia edulis leaf extract, rutin and caffeic acid. These inhibitions were firsrtly explored by specific stabilization of rutin and caffeic acid compared to diclofenac at the catalytic site from docking score and free-energy dissociation profiles. Then, simulations detailed the rutin interactions close to the heme group and Tyr385, responsible for catalyzing the conversion of arachidonic acid to its products. Our results reveal the antiplatelet aggregation properties of Alibertia edulis leaf extract, rutin and caffeic acid providing pharmacological information about its origin from cyclooxygenase 1 inhibition and its downstream pathway.

Mutational spectra induced by flavonoid extracts from pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius, Raddi) stem bark

Flavonoids are a diverse family of plant compounds that are involved in pigmentation, protection, and endogenous regulation. Flavonoids also have medicinal applications, suggesting that they may exert chemoprotective effects. However, some studies have shown, that some plant flavonoids have oxidative and toxic effects, including those produced by Schinus terebinthifolius. In Brazil, extracts of this plant are widely used for medical purposes. In this study, we analyzed the mutagenic potential of two flavonoid-enriched fractions from Brazilian pepper tree stem bark using Escherichia coli CC strains deficient and proficient in enzymes involved in the DNA repair of oxidative lesions. The highest mutagenic response was detected in the CC104mutMmutY strain but CC104mutY showed a higher mutation frequency than CC104mutM. The spectrum of mutations induced in plasmid DNA is composed of mutations typically caused by oxidative lesions. However, a new type of lesion must be occurred to explain the cytotoxicity, higher mutation rates in the CC104mutY strain, and the rare A:T → T:A and G:C → C:G transversions found in this work.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin methyl chalcone in experimental ulcerative colitis

Neutrophil infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been implicated in development and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by ulcerating inflammation of the mucosal layer generally restricted to the colon. The side effects, safety and human intolerance are limitations of the currently approved treatments for UC. Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) is a flavonoid used to treat chronic venous disease, which shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties in pre-clinical studies, however, its effects on colitis have never been described. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the protective effects of HMC in a mouse model of acetic acid-induced colitis. Treatment with HMC significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration, edema, colon shortening, macro and microscopic damages induced by intracolonic administration of acetic acid. The improvement of colitis after HMC treatment is related to the increase in colon antioxidant status, and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-33 in the colon. We observed, moreover, that HMC inhibited NF-κB activation in the colon, which might explain the reduction of the cytokines we observed. Finally, these results demonstrate a novel applicability of HMC to increase antioxidant response and reduce inflammation during acetic acid-induced colitis suggesting it as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Rutin prevents cisplatin-induced ovarian damage via antioxidant activity and regulation of PTEN and FOXO3a phosphorylation in mouse model

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the protective effects of rutin during cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity in mice and to verify the possible involvement of the phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN)/Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) pathway in the rutin actions. Mice received saline solution (control, 0.15 M, i.p.) or cisplatin (5 mg/Kg body weight, i.p.) or they were pretreated with N-acetylcysteine (positive control; 150 mg/Kg of body weight [p.o.]) or with rutin (10, 30 or 50 mg/Kg body weight, p.o.) before cisplatin (5 mg/Kg body weight, i.p.) once daily for 3 days. Next, the ovaries were harvested and destined to histological (follicular morphology and activation), immunohistochemical (cell proliferation and apoptosis) and fluorescence (reactive oxygen species [ROS], glutathione [GSH] and mitochondrial activity) analyses. Moreover, the expression of phosphorylated PTEN (p-PTEN) and FOXO3a (p-FOXO3a) were evaluated to investigate a molecular mechanism by which rutin would prevent the cisplatin-induced ovarian damage. The results showed that pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine or 10 mg/Kg rutin before cisplatin preserved the percentage of normal follicles and cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis and ROS levels and increased active mitochondria and GSH levels compared to the cisplatin treatment (P < 0.05). Cisplatin treatment increased p-PTEN and decreased p-FOXO3a expression in follicles, which was prevented by 10 mg/kg rutin. In conclusion, treatment with 10 mg/Kg rutin has the potential to protect the ovarian follicles against cisplatin-induced toxicity through its antioxidant effects and PTEN/FOXO3a pathway.

Phytochemicals affect T helper 17 and T regulatory cells and gut integrity: implications on the gut-bone axis

The pathology of osteoporosis is multifactorial, but a growing body of evidence supports an important role of the gut-bone axis, especially in bone loss associated with menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontal disease. Aberrant T cell responses favoring an increase in the ratio of T helper 17 cells to T regulatory cells play a critical role in the underlying etiology of this bone loss. Many of the dietary phytochemicals known to have osteoprotective activity such as flavonoids, organosulfur compounds, phenolic acids, as well as the oligosaccharides also improve gut barrier function and affect T cell differentiation and activation within gut-associated lymphoid tissues and at distal sites. Here, we examine the potential of these phytochemicals to act as prebiotics and immunomodulating agents, in part targeting the gut to mediate their effects on bone.

Role of Rutin in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis: Prevention of Histological Damage and Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Intestinal mucositis, characterized by inflammatory and/or ulcerative processes in the gastrointestinal tract, occurs due to cellular and tissue damage following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Rutin (RUT), a natural flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and gastroprotective properties. However, the effect of RUT on inflammatory processes in the intestine, especially on mucositis promoted by antineoplastic agents, has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of RUT on 5-FU-induced experimental intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, RUT-50, RUT-100, RUT-200, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + RUT-200 groups. The mice were weighed daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis); malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations; mast and goblet cell counts; and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, as well as to perform immunohistochemical analyses. RUT treatment (200 mg/kg) prevented 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA concentrations and increasing GSH concentrations. RUT attenuated the inflammatory response by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the COX-2 pathway is one of the underlying protective mechanisms of RUT against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.

Natural compounds flavonoids as modulators of inflammasomes in chronic diseases

The use of dietary or medicinal plant based natural compounds to disease treatment has become a unique trend in clinical research. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds have drawn significant attention due to their modulatory effects on inflammasomes associated with the initiation and progression of chronic disorders including metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this article, the role of most commonly studied natural flavonoids with their disease-specific impact via inflammasomes as a potential molecular target has been described. Since the role of inflammation is evident in multiple diseases, flavonoids may serve as a promising tool in drug discovery for the intervention of chronic diseases by manipulating the status of inflammation via inflammasome targeting.

Recent advances in intestinal alkaline phosphatase, inflammation, and nutrition

In recent years, much new data on intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) have been published, and major breakthroughs have been disclosed. The aim of the present review is to critically analyze the publications released over the last 5 years. These breakthroughs include, for example, the direct implication of IAP in intestinal tight junction integrity and barrier function maintenance; chronic intestinal challenge with low concentrations of Salmonella generating long-lasting depletion of IAP and increased susceptibility to inflammation; the suggestion that genetic mutations in the IAP gene in humans contribute to some forms of chronic inflammatory diseases and loss of functional IAP along the gut and in stools; stool IAP as an early biomarker of incipient diabetes in humans; and omega-3 fatty acids as direct inducers of IAP in intestinal tissue. Many recent papers have also explored the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of IAP and other alkaline phosphatase (AP) isoforms in various experimental settings and diseases. Remarkably, nearly all data confirm the potent anti-inflammatory properties of (I)AP and the negative consequences of its inhibition on health. A simplified model of the body AP system integrating the IAP compartment is provided. Finally, the list of nutrients and food components stimulating IAP has continued to grow, thus emphasizing nutrition as a potent lever for limiting inflammation.

Impact of Rutin and Vitamin C combination on oxidative stress and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Vitamin C alone and in combination with Rutin on the glycemic control, insulin resistance, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled study conducted on 53 type 2 diabetes patients randomized into 3 groups; (group A) 20 received Rutin with vitamin C, (group B) 20receivedvitamin C and (group C)13 received antidiabetic treatment only. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin, Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Lipid profile and patients' quality of life (QOL) using SF-36 questionnaire were assessed in all patients at baseline and after 8 weeks.

RESULTS

At baseline, the 3 groups were comparable while FBG was lower in group C versus group A and B (p = 0.0021). After 8 weeks, a significant reduction was observed in % change of FBG in groups A and B versus group C (p = 0.0165, 0.0388 respectively). Low Density Lipoprotien-cholesterol (LDL-c) and Total cholesterol (TC) levels significantly improved in group B versus baseline (p = 0.0239,0.0166 respectively). QOL, physical functioning and energy domains improved significantly in group A versus group C (p = 0.0049, 0.0253 respectively), while role limitation to physical health and to emotional problem improved significantly in group B versus group C (p = 0.0267,0.0280 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin C supplementation alone or with Rutin significantly reduced the % change of FBG compared to controls but had no effect on HbA1c, FBG,TC, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR or oxidative stress in T2DMpatients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03437902.

A spectrophotometric method for high-throughput screening of α-l-rhamnosidase activity on rutin coupled with a β-d-glucosidase assay

α-l-Rhamnosidase may biotransform rutin into isoquercetin with better bioavailability and bioactivity. To date, the high-throughput screening for the activity of α-l-rhamnosidases on rutin could not be achieved. Herein, based on the spectral differences between rutin and its aglycone quercetin in alkaline pH 10.0, we have developed a novel and simple spectrophotometric method for high-throughput screening of α-l-rhamnosidase activity on rutin by combining with a highly active β-d-glucosidase. Quercetin showed the maximum absorbance at 320 nm in alkaline pH 10.0, and could be considered as the characteristic peak of quercetin because rutin had low absorption at 320 nm. Meanwhile, rutin exhibited the maximum absorption at 400 nm and quercetin showed low absorption at 400 nm in pH 10.0. With this novel spectrophotometric method, the relative abilities of nine different α-l-rhamnosidases on rutin had been evaluated by monitoring the absorption values of the reaction mixture in alkaline pH 10.0 at 320 nm and 400 nm, and the trend in the activity on rutin was consistent with that obtained by HPLC. Moreover, the library from site-directed saturation mutagenesis at the residue Val338 in the α-l-rhamnosidase BtRha78A from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron was constructed for high-throughput screening by this novel spectrophotometric method, and the mutant V338S with improved activity on rutin was obtained. The conversion rate of the mutant V338S on rutin increased by 21.7% and 16.8% than wild type when using whole cells and purified enzymes, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that this novel spectrophotometric method coupled with the β-d-glucosidase assay might be applied for high-throughput screening of different α-l-rhamnosidases and a great number of mutants from semi-rational design and directed evolution for α-l-rhamnosidase.

Dietary Prevention of Colitis by Aronia Berry is Mediated Through Increased Th17 and Treg

SCOPE

Increased fruit consumption is associated with reduced risk of colitis. It has been investigated whether the anti-colitic effects of the polyphenol-rich aronia berry (Aronia mitschurinii 'Viking') are mediated through Th17 and Treg.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Colitis is induced in recombinase activating gene-1 deficient mice injected with syngeneic CD4⁺ CD62L⁺ naïve T cells. Mice consume either 4.5% w/w aronia-berry-supplemented or a control diet concurrent with T cell transfer. The extent of colitis and immunocyte populations are evaluated at weeks 3 to 7 after transfer. Aronia consumption prevents colitic wasting and reduces colon weight/length ratios relative to the control diet at weeks 5 and 7. Compared to the control diet, aronia feeding increases Treg in mesenteric lymph node at all colitis stages. Treg and regulatory Th17 subpopulations (IL-17A⁺ IL-10⁺ and IL-17A⁺ IL-22⁺ ) are increased in lamina propria and spleen at week 5 in aronia-fed mice. Aronia feeding also decreases total CD4⁺ cells but increases colonic Tregs. The ability of aronia to modulate colonic cytokines is associated with functional T cell IL-10 and increased diversity of microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS

Aronia berry consumption inhibits adoptive transfer colitis by increasing Treg and regulatory Th17 cells. Dietary modulation of T cells is dynamic and precedes colitic wasting.

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Aqueous Extract from Ipomoea asarifolia in DNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats

Inflammatory bowel disease is triggered by an uncontrolled immune response associated with genetic, environmental, and intestinal microbiota imbalance. Ipomoea asarifolia (IA), popularly known as “salsa” or “brave salsa”, belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. The aim of this approach was to study the preventive effect of IA aqueous extract in 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Rats pretreated with IA extract or sulfasalazine (SSZ) received intracolonic instillation of DNBS in 50% ethanol (v/v). IA extract presented a protective effect against intestinal inflammation, with improvement in the disease activity index and macroscopic damage. IA or SSZ significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, and also down-regulation of the gene expression of JNK1, NF-κβ-p65, STAT3, and decreased levels of TNFα, IL-1β, and increased IL-10, associated with a significant improvement of oxidative stress, in addition to a reduction in MDA and an increase of glutathione in colonic tissue. The protective effect of the extract was also confirmed in histological evaluation, showing preservation of the colonic cytoarchitecture. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed down-regulation of NF-κβ-p65, iNOS, IL-17, and up-regulation of SOCs-1 and MUC-2. IA extract presents antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intestinal properties, and proved to be a potential application for preventing damage induced by DNBS.

Protective effect of rutin isolated from Spermococe hispida against cobalt chloride-induced hypoxic injury in H9c2 cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease and its related deaths are increasing in the modern world. Therefore, there is a need to identify a plant based nutraceutical supplement with potent activity.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Reportedly, the protective effect of the rutin in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes is due to the activation of molecular networks related to programmed cell death.

STUDY DESIGN-METHODS

Phytochemical methods and advanced analytical methods were employed to isolate natural products from Spermococe hispida their effects in cardiomyocyets.

RESULTS

We reports herein that CoCl₂-induced hypoxic condition significantly decreased cell viability as evidenced by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. Western blot studies revealed an up-regulation of HIF-1α, BAX and caspase and down-regulation of BCl-2 expression, followed by modulation of Akt, p-Akt, p38 and p-p38. The oxidative abnormalities were ameliorated by rutin pretreatment, as deduced by the reduced CoCl₂-induced cytotoxicity, MDA concentration and LDH activity and the enhanced levels of GSH and SOD in a dose-dependent manner. Rutin protects H9c2 cells from CoCl₂-induced hypoxic damage by mitigating oxidative stress and preserving cell viability by modulating the antiapoptotic proteins.

CONCLUSION

The overall findings reinforce the cardioprotective action of rutin, a potential source of antioxidant of natural origin, which may help in mitigating the progress of oxidative stress in hypoxic conditions such as myocardial infarction and stroke.