Mechanisms of endothelial cell protection by hydroxycinnamic acids

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) Tea May Have Cardiometabolic Beneficial Effects in Healthy and At-Risk Subjects: A Randomized, Controlled, Blind, Crossover Trial in Nonhabitual Consumers

Yerba mate has been reported to have antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic, or antiobesity properties. Most evidences from human trials involved intakes of high amounts of mate by habitual consumers. Considering its increasing popularity, this study aimed at assessing the potential cardiometabolic effects of moderate intake of yerba mate by nonhabitual consumers. A randomized, crossover, controlled study was carried out in healthy and hypercholesterolemic subjects. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and different markers of endothelial function, as well as incretins, adipocytokines, and different hormones were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks consuming yerba mate or a decaffeinated isotonic drink (control). After daily consumption of three servings of mate tea, blood pressure, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and colony-stimulating factors decreased in all participants. LDL-C decreased in normocholesterolemic individuals, while the mate and control interventions elicited similar hypolipidemic action in the hypercholesterolemic group. Ghrelin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) significantly decreased after mate intake, while glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and adipocytokines remained unchanged. Body fat percentage and tricipital skinfold decreased only in healthy subjects, with no effects on total body weight. In conclusion, yerba mate could exert cardiometabolic protective effects in healthy consumers and in subjects at moderate cardiovascular risk. Trial Registration: This trial was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials (NCT06729905).

Protective effect of (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid, a hydroxy cinnamic acid derivative, in an ulcerative colitis model induced by TNBS

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The current treatment for mild-to-moderate UC involves the use of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA), but much of this compound is unabsorbed and metabolized by N-acetylation. Several efforts have since been made to evaluate new molecules from synthetic or natural sources. Recently, it was reported that (E)-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2c) and (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2f) are as good or better myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors and antioxidants than 5-ASA. Then, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of 2c and 2f on a rat model of UC induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The results showed that TNBS caused the induction of colonic ulcers, as well as a significant increase in MPO activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content. The administration of 2f, 2c and 5-ASA, decreased the ulcers presence, inhibited MPO peroxidation activity and MPO presence (as determined by immunofluorescence), and increased GSH and reduced MDA content. However, 2f was better than 2c and 5-ASA, then, the principal mechanism by which 2f presented a protective effect in a UC model induced by TNBS in rats is by inhibiting MPO activity and due to its antioxidant activity.

Outlook on Chronic Venous Disease Treatment: Phytochemical Screening, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and In Silico Studies for Three Vegetal Extracts

Chronic venous disease is one of the most common vascular diseases; the signs and symptoms are varied and are often neglected in the early stages. Vascular damage is based on proinflammatory, prothrombotic, prooxidant activity and increased expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The aim of this research is preparation and preliminary characterization of three vegetal extracts (Sophorae flos-SE, Ginkgo bilobae folium-GE and Calendulae flos-CE). The obtained dry extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening (FT-ICR-MS, UHPLC-HRMS/MS) and quantitative analysis (UHPLC-HRMS/MS, spectrophotometric methods). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using three methods: FRAP, DPPH and ABTS. More than 30 compounds were found in each extract. The amount of flavones follows the succession: SE > GE > CE; the amount of phenolcarboxylic acids follows: SE > CE > GE; and the amount of polyphenols follows: SE > GE > CE. Results for FRAP method varied as follows: SE > CE > GE; results for the DPPH method followed: SE > GE > CE; and results for ABTS followed: SE > GE > CE. Strong and very strong correlations (appreciated by Pearson coefficient) have been observed between antioxidant activity and the chemical content of extracts. Molecular docking studies revealed the potential of several identified phytochemicals to inhibit the activity of four MMP isoforms. In conclusion, these three extracts have potential in the treatment of chronic venous disease, based on their phytochemical composition.

Association between coffee consumption with serum lipid profile in ELSA-Brasil study: a metabolomic approach

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the association between coffee consumption and serum lipid profile in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study on baseline data from participants of the cohort ELSA-Brasil. Only participants of São Paulo Research Center who underwent a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy examination of lipid profile were included (N = 4736). Coffee intake was categorized into four categories (cups/day, in reference cup size of 50 mL, which is the household measure adopted in Brazil): never/almost never, ≤ 1, 1-3, and > 3. Serum lipid profile [i.e., Total Cholesterol (TC), Total Triglycerides (TG), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c), Low-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), High-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), Triglyceride-rich Lipoprotein Particles (TRLP) and subfractions particles] was analyzed. To estimate the effect of coffee consumption on serum lipid profile, multivariate Generalized Linear Models were performed.

RESULTS

Compared to participants who never or almost never drink coffee, individuals who consumed more than 3 cups/day showed an increase in concentrations of TC (β: 4.13; 95% CI 0.81, 7.45), TG (β: 9.53; 95% CI 1.65, 17.42), VLDL-c (β: 1.90; 95% CI 0.38, 3.42), TRLP (β: 8.42; 95% CI 1.24, 15.60), and Very Small-TRLP and Medium-TRLP subfractions (β: 7.36; 95% CI 0.21, 14.51; β: 2.53; 95% CI 0.89, 4.16, respectively), but not with HDL-c and LDL-c. Among individuals with low (≤ 1 cup/day) and moderate (1-3 cups/day) coffee consumption, no significant associations with lipids was observed.

CONCLUSION

High coffee consumption (more than 3 cups per day) was associated with an increase in serum lipids, namely TC, TG, VLDL-c, and TRL particles, highlighting the importance of a moderate consumption of this beverage.

Effect of Dietary Phenolic Compounds on Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in the SUN Project; 10 Years of Follow-Up

The health benefits of plant-based diets have been reported. Plant-based diets found in Spain and other Mediterranean countries differ from typical diets in other countries. In the Mediterranean diet, a high intake of phenolic compounds through olives, olive oil, and red wine may play an important role in cardiovascular prevention. Prospective studies carried out in Mediterranean countries may provide interesting insights. A relatively young Mediterranean cohort of 16,147 Spanish participants free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was followed (61% women, mean (SD) age 37(12) years at baseline) for a median of 12.2 years. Dietary intake was repeatedly assessed using a 136-item validated food frequency questionnaire, and (poly)phenol intake was obtained using the Phenol-Explorer database. Participants were classified as incident cases of CVD if a medical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death was medically confirmed. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between (poly)phenol intake and the incidence of major CVD. A suboptimal intake of phenolic compounds was independently associated with a higher risk of CVD, multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for the lowest versus top 4 quintiles: 1.85 (95% CI: 1.09–3.16). A moderate-to-high dietary intake of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, is likely to reduce CVD incidence in the context of a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Conjugated Metabolites of Hydroxytyrosol and Tyrosol Contribute to the Maintenance of Nitric Oxide Balance in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells at Physiologically Relevant Concentrations

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in many pathophysiological processes. NO mediates vasodilation and blood flow in the arteries, and its action contributes to maintaining vascular homeostasis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Dietary antioxidants and their metabolites have been found to be directly and/or indirectly involved in the modulation of the intracellular signals that lead to the production of NO. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of conjugated metabolites of hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol (TYR) to the release of NO at the vascular level, and the related mechanism of action, in comparison to their parental forms. Experiments were performed in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) to evaluate the superoxide production, the release of NO and production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the activation of serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (Akt1), and the activation state of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). It was observed that the tested phenolic compounds enhanced NO and cGMP concentration, inhibiting its depletion caused by superoxide overproduction. Moreover, some of them enhanced the activation of Akt (TYR, HT metabolites) and eNOS (HT, HVA, TYR-S, HT-3S). Overall, the obtained data showed that these compounds promote NO production and availability, suggesting that HT and TYR conjugated metabolites may contribute to the effects of parental extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenolics in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

2-Hydroxy-5-(3,5,7-trihydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-2-yl)phenyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylate: Synthesis, In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation

Quercetin and ferulic acid are two phytochemicals extensively represented in the plant kingdom and daily consumed in considerable amounts through diets. Due to a common phenolic structure, these two molecules share several pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant and free radical scavenging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, and vasorelaxant. The aim of the present work was the combination of the two molecules in a single chemical entity, conceivably endowed with more efficacious vasorelaxant activity. Preliminary in silico studies herein described suggested that the new hybrid compound bound spontaneously and with high affinity on the KCa1.1 channel. Thus, the synthesis of the 3′-ferulic ester derivative of quercetin was achieved and its structure confirmed by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra, HSQC and HMBC experiments, mass spectrometry, and elementary analysis. The effect of the new hybrid compound on vascular KCa1.1 and CaV1.2 channels revealed a partial loss of the stimulatory activity that characterizes the parent compound quercetin. Therefore, further studies are necessary to identify a better strategy to improve the vascular properties of this flavonoid.

Ferulic Acid Derivatives and Avenanthramides Modulate Endothelial Function through Maintenance of Nitric Oxide Balance in HUVEC Cells

Wholegrain oats contain a variety of phenolic compounds thought to help maintain healthy vascular function, through the maintenance of local levels of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). Thus, the full molecular mechanisms involved are not yet clear. With this work we aim to understand the possible cellular mechanisms by which avenanthramides and ferulic acid derivatives, present in oats, may help maintain a healthy vascular function through the modulation of the NO pathway. Primary Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) were exposed to ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, hydroferulic acid, ferulic acid 4-O-glucuronide, isoferulic acid 3-O-sulfate, dihydroferulic acid 4-O-glucuronide, avenanthramide A, avenanthramide B and avenanthramide C (1 μM) or vehicle (methanol) for 24 h. Apocynin and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) were additionally included as controls. NO and cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels, superoxide production and the activation of the Akt1/eNOS pathway were assessed. The statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey post-hoc t-test. Apocynin and all phenolic compounds increased NO levels in HUVEC cells (increased DAF2-DA fluorescence and cGMP), and significantly reduced superoxide levels. Protein expression results highlighted an increase in the Akt1 activation state, and increased eNOS expression. Overall, our results indicated that the glucuronide metabolites do not enhance NO production through the Akt1/eNOS pathway, thus all compounds tested are able to reduce NO degradation through reduced superoxide formation.

Polyphenol-Rich and Alcoholic Beverages and Metabolic Status in Adults Living in Sicily, Southern Italy

Polyphenol-rich beverage consumption is not univocally accepted as a risk modulator for cardio-metabolic risk factors, despite mechanistic and epidemiological evidence suggesting otherwise. The aim of this study was to assess whether an association between polyphenol-rich beverage consumption and metabolic status could be observed in a Mediterranean cohort with relatively low intake of tea, coffee, red and white wine, beer, and fresh citrus juice. Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverage consumption and metabolic status adjusted for potential confounding factors. Specific polyphenol-rich beverages were associated, to a various extent, with metabolic outcomes. Individuals with a higher total polyphenol-rich beverages had higher polyphenols intake and were less likely to have hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.73; OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.66; and OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.29–0.57, respectively). However, when adjusted for potential confounding factors, only the association with hypertension remained significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.94). Current scientific evidence suggests that such beverages may play a role on cardio-metabolic risk factors, especially when consumed within the context of a dietary pattern characterized by an intake of a plurality of them. However, these associations might be mediated by an overall healthier lifestyle.

Moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of mortality in prior Acute Coronary Syndrome patients: a prospective analysis in the ERICO cohort

This study examined the association between coffee consumption and all-cause mortality in patients with a prior acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Data were from the prospective study ERICO, totalising 928 patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). During 4 years' follow-up, a total of 111 deaths occurred. Moderate coffee consumption (1-2 and 2-3 cups/day) was inversely associated with total mortality (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06-0.29 and 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13-0.39, respectively). For patients with higher coffee consumption (>3 cups/day), there was a positive association with mortality (HR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.06-4.24). After stratification by smoking status, the analysis revealed lower risk of mortality in never and former smokers, drinking 1-2 and 2-3 cups/day. Among current smokers there was a positive association between >3 cups/day and mortality. The moderate consumption of coffee was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with a prior ACS, particularly in non-smokers.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of ester-based quercetin derivatives as selective vascular KCa1.1 channel stimulators

Quercetin represents one of the most studied dietary flavonoids; it exerts a panel of pharmacological activities particularly on the cardiovascular system. Stimulation of vascular K_Ca1.1 channels contributes to its vasorelaxant activity, which is, however, counteracted in part by its concomitant stimulation of Ca_V1.2 channels. Therefore, several quercetin hybrid derivatives were designed and synthesized to produce a more selective K_Ca1.1 channel stimulator, then assessed both in silico and in vitro. All the derivatives interacted with the K_Ca1.1 channel with similar binding energy values. Among the selected derivatives, 1E was a weak vasodilator, though displaying an interesting Ca_V1.2 channel blocking activity. The lipoyl derivatives 1F and 3F, though showing pharmacological and electrophysiological features similar to those of quercetin, seemed to be more effective as K_Ca1.1 channel stimulators as compared to the parent compound. The strategy pursued demonstrated how different chemical substituents on the quercetin core can change/invert its effect on Ca_V1.2 channels or enhance its K_Ca1.1 channel stimulatory activity, thus opening new avenues for the synthesis of efficacious vasorelaxant quercetin hybrids.

[Effectiveness of hydroxycinamates and beta-glucans as dietary tools against obesity and its associated dysfunctions, and their application as nutraceuticals]

Introduction

Over the last few years the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased, affecting in certain parts of the world more than half of the adult population. Obesity has been related to disorders such as type-2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases, among others, which has made of obesity the second cause of preventable death, only behind smoking. Bearing this in mind, it is necessary to find new strategies to overcome overweight/obesity and its associated pathologies. In this context, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements have become interesting tools thanks to their composition, rich in bioactive compounds beneficial to health. Among bioactive compounds, this study will focus on β-glucans, a type of soluble dietary fiber, and hydroxycinnamic acids, a group of phenols. Both types of compounds show complex and multifactorial effects, acting as hypolipemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, prebiotic and satiating agents. They act by modulating different metabolic pathways, affecting the absorption and metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, reducing oxidative damage, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacterial species, and reducing dietary intake. It may be concluded that both beta-glucans and hydroxycinnamates have potential as a nutritional tool for the management of obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions.

Use of asparaginase for acrylamide mitigation in coffee and its influence on the content of caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid

A factorial design with a duplicate in the central point was used to investigate the effect of treating arabica coffee beans with asparaginase. The investigated factors were enzymatic load (1000 and 5000 ASNU/Kg), water percentage (30 and 90%), and hydrolysis time (1 and 3 h). The acrylamide content was determined by UPLC-MS/MS, and the caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeine concentrations were determined by HPLC-DAD. The statistical analysis was carried out in the R platform using RStudio graphical interface. The results indicated the importance of coffee bean pretreatment with steam, and that the enzyme load reduced the acrylamide content to 65 mg/kg in coffee beans. The predicted reduction was obtained with hydrolysis time of 2 h, water content of 90%, and asparaginase load of 5000 ASNU/kg. The asparaginase treatment did not influence the major bioactive compounds in coffee.

Coffee consumption and risk of hypertension: A prospective analysis in the cohort study

BACKGROUND

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world. Dietary habits, specifically, coffee consumption has long been a suspected cause of hypertension. However, previous findings on coffee consumption and its association with the incidence of hypertension are not homogeneous and still inconsistent.

PURPOSE

To examine the association of habitual coffee consumption with the risk of developing hypertension in a middle-aged Brazilian cohort.

METHODS

Data were from the multicenter prospective cohort "Brazilian Longitudinal Study for Adult Health - ELSA-Brasil". The cohort comprises 15,105 civil servants, aged 35-74 years at baseline, who were sampled from universities located in six Brazilian cities. For the present study, we analyzed data from 8780 participants initially free of hypertension during a mean follow-up of 3.9 years. The consumption of coffee was obtained at baseline using a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Subsequently coffee intake was categorized into four categories (cups/day): never/almost never, ≤1, 1-3, and >3. Hypertension status was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, use of antihypertensive drug treatment, or both. Poisson regression model with a robust variance was performed to estimate relative risk (RR) and confidence interval (95% CI) for hypertension according to baseline coffee consumption. The effect of interaction between coffee consumption and smoking status was assessed.

RESULTS

Most participants (90%) drank coffee, and the median total coffee intake was 150 mL/day. A total of 1285 participants developed hypertension. Compared to participants who never or almost never drink coffee, the risk of hypertension was lower for individuals consuming 1-3 cups/day (RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.97) (P for interaction=0.018). After stratification by smoking status the analysis revealed a decreased risk of hypertension in never smokers drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day (RR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64-0.98), whereas the hypertension risk among former and current smokers was not associated with coffee consumption significantly. Moreover, upper category of coffee drinking (>3 cups/day) the association was not significant for risk of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The association between coffee consumption and incidence of hypertension was related to smoking status. The beneficial effect of moderate coffee intake (1-3 cups/day) on risk of hypertension was observed only in never smokers.

Interaction of dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota: Microbial metabolism of polyphenols, influence on the gut microbiota, and implications on host health

The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a vast number of microorganisms that are called as the microbiota. Each individual harbors a unique gut microbial composition, this composition evolves throughout the host's lifetime and it is easily affected by internal or external changes. It has been shown that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host's health and as this complex community has the ability to interact with each other and with the host's immune system, the presence or absence of some major species can affect the homeostasis. Diet can be considered as one of the pivotal factors in modulating the functionality, integrity, and composition of the gut microbiota as the gastrointestinal tract is the first organ exposed to components of the diet. In this review, we have focused on the effects of polyphenols, key compounds of a healthy diet with several biological activities, on the gut microbial composition, their biotransformation by the gut microbiota, and the effect of their reciprocal interactions in human health and disease.

Development and validation of RRLC–UV method for determination of chlorogenic acid in green coffee

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. It contains many bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid which possesses various biological properties. In this study, in order to determine concentration of chlorogenic acid in green coffee, a reverse-phase rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RP-RRLC) method with diode-array detection (DAD) was developed. Successful separation was achieved on a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (50 mm × 3 mm; 2.7 μm) column using acetonitrile–water with 1% phosphoric acid (10:90, v/v) as a mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and with UV detection at 325 nm. The identification was made with comparison of the retention time of pure analytical standard with the retention time of chlorogenic acid in the analyzed samples. The developed method was validated using the following parameters: linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy. Excellent linearity over the range 12.33–143.50 μg/mL was achieved with R2 values greater than 0.99. The intra-day precision was validated with the %RSD values, which confirmed that the method for determination of chlorogenic acid was repeatable. The mean recovery rate of the method ranged between 97.87% and 106.67% with %RSD values lower than 1%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values under the used chromatographic conditions were 0.29 and 0.96 pg, respectively. This method was successfully employed for quantitative determination of chlorogenic acid in green coffee samples.

Rice Bran Phenolic Compounds Regulate Genes Associated with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells with Induced Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are associated with the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Phenolic extracts derived from rice bran (RB) are recognised to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the ability of RB-derived phenolic extracts to modulate genes associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under induced oxidative stress conditions. HUVECs under oxidative stress were treated with varying concentrations of RB phenolic extracts (25–250 µg/mL). Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, the expression of candidate genes that regulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways were determined. This included nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (CD39) and ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73). Phenolic extracts derived from RB down-regulated the expression of four genes, ICAM1, CD39, CD73 and NOX4 and up-regulated the expression of another four genes, Nrf2, NQO1, HO1 and eNOS, indicating an antioxidant/ anti-inflammatory effect for RB against endothelial dysfunction.

Yak-Kong Soybean (Glycine max) Fermented by a Novel Pediococcus pentosaceus Inhibits the Oxidative Stress-Induced Monocyte-Endothelial Cell Adhesion

Yak-Kong (YK), a small black soybean (Glycine max) in Korea, contained higher concentrations of antioxidants than ordinary black soybean or yellow soybean in our previous study. We prepared the fermented YK extract by using a novel lactic acid bacterium, Pediococcus pentosaceus AOA2017 (AOA2017) isolated from Eleusine coracana, and found that the antioxidant ability was enhanced after fermentation. In order to investigate the cause of the enhanced antioxidant ability in the fermented YK extract, we conducted a phenolic composition analysis. The results show that proanthocyanidin decreased and phenolic acids increased with a statistical significance after fermentation. Among the phenolic acids, p-coumaric acid was newly produced at about 11.7 mg/100 g, which did not exist before the fermentation. Further, the fermented YK extract with increased p-coumaric acid significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion compared to the unfermented YK extract. The fermented YK extract also suppressed the protein expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Together with the previous studies, our results suggest that the extract of YK fermented by AOA2017 has potential to be a new functional food material with its enhanced bioactive compounds which may help to prevent atherosclerosis caused by oxidative stress.

Protective effects of Brazilian propolis supplementation on capillary regression in the soleus muscle of hindlimb-unloaded rats

The protective effects of Brazilian propolis on capillary regression induced by chronically neuromuscular inactivity were investigated in rat soleus muscle. Four groups of male Wistar rat were used in this study; control (CON), control plus Brazilian propolis supplementation (CON + PP), 2-week hindlimb unloading (HU), and 2-week hindlimb unloading plus Brazilian propolis supplementation (HU + PP). The rats in the CON + PP and HU + PP groups received two oral doses of 500 mg/kg Brazilian propolis daily (total daily dose 1000 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Unloading resulted in a decrease in capillary number, luminal diameter, and capillary volume, and an increase in the expression of anti-angiogenic factors, such as p53 and TSP-1, within the soleus muscle. Brazilian propolis supplementation, however, prevented these changes in capillary structure due to unloading through the stimulation of pro-angiogenic factors and suppression of anti-angiogenic factors. These results suggest that Brazilian propolis is a potential non-drug therapeutic agent against capillary regression induced by chronic unloading.

Coffee Consumption and Coronary Artery Calcium Score: Cross-Sectional Results of ELSA-Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health)

BACKGROUND

Available evidence for the relationship between coffee intake and subclinical atherosclerosis is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between coffee consumption and coronary artery calcium (CAC) in ELSA-Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cross-sectional study is based on baseline data from participants of the ELSA-Brasil cohort. Only participants living in São Paulo, Brazil, who underwent a CAC measurement (n=4426) were included. Coffee consumption was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. CAC was detected with computed tomography and expressed as Agatston units. CAC was further categorized as an Agatson score ≥100 (CAC ≥100). In multiple logistic regression analysis considering intake of coffee and smoking status interaction, significant inverse associations were observed between coffee consumption (>3 cups/d) and CAC≥100 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85 [95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.24] for ≤1 cup/d; OR: 0.73 [95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.05] for 1-3 cups/d; OR: 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.65] for >3 cups/d). Moreover, there was a statistically significant interaction effect for coffee consumption and smoking status (P=0.028 for interaction). After stratification by smoking status, the analysis revealed a lower OR of coronary calcification in never smokers drinking >3 cups/d (OR: 0.37 [95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.91]), whereas among current and former smokers, the intake of coffee was not significantly associated with coronary calcification.

CONCLUSIONS

Habitual consumption of >3 cups/d of coffee decreased odds of subclinical atherosclerosis among never smokers. The consumption of coffee could exert a potential beneficial effect against coronary calcification, particularly in nonsmokers.

Comparative Evaluation of Chemical Profiles of Pyrrosiae Folium Originating from Three Pyrrosia Species by HPLC-DAD Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Pyrrosiae Folium (PF) is a commonly used Chinese herb medicine originating from three Pyrrosia species for the treatment of urinary infection and urolithiasis. According to Chinese medicine practice, different specie origins led to some variations in the therapeutic effects of PF. To ensure the safety and efficacy of PF in clinical practice, it is necessary to establish a reliable and integrative method to distinguish PF occurring from the three species. In the present paper, a HPLC–DAD method was developed and applied to simultaneously analyze five major compounds in PF. Afterwards, multivariate statistical analyses including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied for specie discrimination and integrative quality evaluation based on quantitative data. The chemical determination and pattern recognition results of 35 batches of PF samples indicated that PF samples from three species showed different chemical profiles and could be discriminated clearly. In conclusion, the present method is rapid and reliable for the quality assessment and species discrimination of PF.

Clovamide and clovamide-rich extracts of three Trifolium species as antioxidants and moderate antiplatelet agents in vitro

This in vitro study provides a new insight into the phytochemical, antioxidant, antiplatelet and cytotoxic profiles of commercial trans-clovamide and clovamide-rich extracts, isolated from aerial parts of three Trifolium species (i.e. T. clypeatum L., T. obscurum Savi and T. squarrosum L.). Under inorganic experimental conditions, the EC₅₀ for the investigated substances varied between 4.87 (clovamide) and 7.91 μg/ml (T. clypeatum) according to the DPPH^• assay. The most effective 1 mM ONOO^- scavenger was clovamide (IC₅₀ = 19.29 μg/ml), and the weakest was the T. obsucurum extract (IC₅₀ = 41.79 μg/ml). The antioxidant action of the examined substances (1-50 μg/ml) was also evaluated in blood plasma (under 100 μM ONOO^--induced oxidative stress) using 3-nitrotyrosine, protein thiol groups, lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances as biomarkers. All examined substances were more effective in limiting the oxidative damage to blood plasma components than the nitrative damage. Their anti-nitrative action was statistically significant only at the highest concentration (50 μg/ml). Measurements of platelet adhesion and aggregation found the compounds to have moderate antiplatelet properties of up to 20% inhibition of platelet adhesion at concentrations of 1-5 μg/ml. Additionally, clovamide and Trifolium extracts demonstrated no cytotoxicity towards blood platelets or peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Association between Coffee Consumption and Its Polyphenols with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Population-Based Study

Epidemiological studies have examined the effect of coffee intake on cardiovascular disease, but the benefits and risks for the cardiovascular system remain controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the association between coffee consumption and its polyphenols on cardiovascular risk factors. Data came from the “Health Survey of São Paulo (ISA-Capital)” among 557 individuals, in São Paulo, Brazil. Diet was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls. Coffee consumption was categorized into <1, 1–3, and ≥3 cups/day. Polyphenol intake was calculated by matching food consumption data with the Phenol-Explorer database. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides, fasting glucose, and homocysteine) and usual coffee intake. The odds were lower among individuals who drank 1–3 cups of coffee/day to elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.45; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.26, 0.78), elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.98), and hyperhomocysteinemia (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.93). Furthermore, significant inverse associations were also observed between moderate intake of coffee polyphenols and elevated SBP (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.87), elevated DBP (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.98), and hyperhomocysteinemia (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.78). In conclusion, coffee intake of 1–3 cups/day and its polyphenols were associated with lower odds of elevated SBP, DBP, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Thus, the moderate consumption of coffee, a polyphenol-rich beverage, could exert a protective effect against some cardiovascular risk factors.

Responses of Crepis japonica induced by supplemental blue light and UV-A radiation

Crepis japonica (L.) D.C. (Asteraceae), a weed with antioxidant, antiallergenic, antiviral and antitumor properties displays both medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study aims to assess the effects of a supplementation of blue light and UV-A radiation on the growth, leaf anatomical structure and phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Crepis japonica. Plants were grown under two light treatments: W (control - white light), W + B (white light supplemented with blue light) and W + UV-A (white light supplemented with UV-A radiation). We recorded the length, width, and weight of fresh and dry leaves, the thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll, and stomata density. The phenolic profiles of the aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. There was an increase in the leaf size, stomatal density, and phenolic production, and a thickening of the mesophyll and epidermis. UV-A radiation increased the phenolic production more than blue light. Blue light and UV-A radiation both improved the production of caffeic acid by about 6 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison to control. This compound was first reported as a constituent of the extract from the aerial parts together with caftaric acid. UV-A also promoted the production of chlorogenic acid (about 1.5 times in comparison to the control). We observed that the morphological and chemical parameters of C. japonica are modified in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, which can be used as tools in the cultivation of this species in order to improve its medicinal properties and nutritional value.

Low nanomolar caffeic acid attenuates high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in primary human umbilical-vein endothelial cells by affecting NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways

Hyperglycemia contributes to dysregulate endothelial function associated with diabetes, leading to initiation and propagation of vascular complications and dysfunction. Caffeic acid (CA), a dietary hydroxycinnamic acid abundant in coffee, has been reported to exert antidiabetic effects in rat models. Herein, we investigated the molecular effects of physiological concentrations of CA (10 nM) against endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose (HG) in human endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were exposed to HG 25 mM, to mimic diabetic condition, in presence of CA. Intracellular redox status (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity levels), and NF-κB pathway were examined. We also evaluated the involvement of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/electrophile responsive element (EpRE) pathway. Our data show that CA inhibits HG-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the downstream expression of endothelial adhesion molecule 1 and restores antioxidant levels by upregulating Nrf2/EpRE pathway. Our data suggest that CA can suppress several aspects of HG-induced endothelial dysfunction through the modulation of intracellular redox status controlled by the transcription factor Nrf2. These findings highlight that low physiological concentration of CA achievable specifically upon food consumption are able to prevent endothelial dysfunction associated with inflammation and oxidative stress induced by high concentration of glucose. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):54-62, 2017.

The effect of coffee intake on lysophosphatidylcholines: A targeted metabolomic approach

BACKGROUND & AIM

Lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPC) are known to be a pathological component of oxidized-LDL, and several studies demonstrate its pro-inflammatory properties in vitro. Nevertheless, bioactive compounds found in coffee, such as phenolic acids might inhibit LDL oxidation. The relationship between coffee consumption and lysoPC has not been described previously in humans. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between coffee intake and plasma lysoPC levels in adults.

METHODS

Data was from the "Health Survey of Sao Paulo (ISA-Capital)", a cross-sectional population-based survey in Sao Paulo, among 169 individuals aged 20 years or older. This population was categorized into three groups: non-coffee consumers (0 mL/day-G1), low coffee consumers (≤100 mL/day-G2), and high coffee consumers (>100 mL/day-G3). Usual coffee intake was estimated by two 24HR and one FFQ, using Multiple Source Method. Quantification of the metabolites was performed by mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS and HPLC-MS/MS) and 14 lysoPC species were identified. The association between coffee intake and lysoPC was analyzed by multiple linear regression adjusted for age, sex, household per capita income, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, total energy intake, use of drugs, vegetables and fruit consumption and caffeine intake.

RESULTS

LysoPC levels were significantly lower in G3 than in G1, for the lysoPC a C16:1 (β = -0.56; p = 0.014), lysoPC a C18:1 (β = -2.57; p = 0.018), and lysoPC a C20:4 (β = -1.14; p = 0.037). In opposition, the ratios of C16:0/C16:1 and C18:0/18:1 was higher in G3 (β = 5.04; p = 0.025 and β = 0.28; p = 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

LysoPC profile differed according to coffee intake, showing a possible beneficial health effect of this beverage on inflammatory and oxidative processes.

Kazakh Ziziphora Species as Sources of Bioactive Substances

Ziziphora species represent the prototypical example of the Lamiaceae family. The phytochemicals present in Ziziphora include monoterpenic essential oils, triterpenes and phenolic substances belonging to the flavonoids. In Kazakh traditional medicine, Ziziphora species possess several medicinal uses. In particular, Z. bungeana Lam. and Z. clinopodioides Lam. are used for the treatment of illnesses related to the cardiovascular system or to combat different infections. Unfortunately, the majority of the information about the complex Ziziphora species is only available in Russian and Chinese language, therefore, we decided gather all available information on Kazakhstan Ziziphora, namely its content compounds, medicinal uses and published patents, to draw the attention of scientists to this very interesting plant with high medicinal potential.

Simultaneous Determination of Trigonelline, Caffeine, Chlorogenic Acid and Their Related Compounds in Instant Coffee Samples by HPLC Using an Acidic Mobile Phase Containing Octanesulfonate

In order to analyze trigonelline, caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and their related compounds simultaneously, an HPLC method using an InertSustain C18 column and a mobile phase containing octanesulfonate as an ion-pairing reagent under an acidic condition was developed. The optimum mobile phase conditions were determined to be 0.1% phosphoric acid, 4 mM octanesulfonate, and 15% methanol at 35°C. Using the proposed method, trigonelline, nicotinic acid, caffeine, theophylline, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid in ten instant coffee samples were analyzed. These analytes except for theophylline were detected in all samples. An increase in the caffeine content in instant coffee samples tended to decrease in both trigonelline and chlorogenic acid contents, and the trigonelline content was found to be correlated well with the chlorogenic acid content (R(2) = 0.887).

Role of oxidative stress on platelet hyperreactivity during aging

Thrombotic events are common causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Age-accelerated vascular injury is commonly considered to result from increased oxidative stress. There is abundant evidence that oxidative stress regulate several components of thrombotic processes, including platelet activation. Thus oxidative stress can trigger platelet hyperreactivity by decreasing nitric oxide bioavailability. Therefore oxidative stress measurement may help in the early identification of asymptomatic subjects at risk of thrombosis. In addition, oxidative stress inhibitors and platelet-derived nitric oxide may represent a novel anti-aggregation/-activation approach. In this article the relative contribution of oxidative stress and platelet activation in aging is explored.

β-elemene inhibits monocyte-endothelial cells interactions via reactive oxygen species/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro

The recruitment of monocytes to the active endothelial cells is an early step in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions; therefore, the inhibition of monocyte-endothelial cells interactions may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis. Recent studies suggest that β-elemene can protect against atherosclerosis in vivo and vitro; however, the mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effect by β-elemene is not clear yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of β-elemene on the monocyte-endothelial cells interactions in the initiation of atherosclerosis in vitro. Our results showed that β-elemene protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from hydrogen peroxide-induced endothelial cells injury in vitro. Besides, this molecule inhibits monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration across inflamed endothelium through the suppression of the nuclear factor-kappa B-dependent expression of cell adhesion molecules. Further, β-elemene decreases generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevents the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in HUVECs. In conclusion, this study would provide a new pharmacological evidence of the significance of β-elemene as a future drug for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Assessment of the potential health benefits of certain total extracts from Vitis vinifera, Aesculus hyppocastanum and Curcuma longa

A number of recent studies have illustrated the active role of food/natural components in the prevention of chronic diseases and in the improvement of the quality of life. In the present study, we aimed to obtain and characterize certain extracts from Vitis vinifera L., Aesculus hippocastanum L. and Curcuma longa L., focusing on their antioxidant effects in vitro. Three vegetal extracts were obtained for each plant: in water, 50% water-alcohol and in 96% ethanol. These extracts were then analyzed for their qualitative composition by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and total phenolic content by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed in vitro by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay; the effects of lipid peroxidation on the cell membrane were evaluated using Jurkat cells in two experimental models: normoglycemic and hyperglycemic medium, in order for the results to be able to be translated into clinical practice. In addition, the resistance of the extracts to acid and alkaline hydrolysis was investigated. The obtained extracts had 0.4-39 µg phenolics/mg total extract. The largest amount of phenolics was found in the Cucurma longa extracts, while the lowest was found in the Aesculus hippocastanum extacts. HPTLC analysis identified the main phenolic compounds in the extracts which were ferulic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid and coumaric acid, as well as quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, curcumin, luteolin and esculetin. The Aesculus hippocastanum extracts had a low antioxidant efficacy, while both the Curcuma longa and Vitis vinifera extracts had a high antioxidant activity; the products resulting from alkaline hydrolisis were significantly more efficient in scavenging DPPH radicals compared to the products resulting from acid hydrolisis. The antioxidant effects of the Curcuma longa extracts exerted on the membranes of Jurkat cells were the most prominent under both normal and hyperglycemic conditions. The results of the present study may be translated into clinical practice and demonstrate that Curcuma longa extracts may be effective in both the prevention of diabetes mellitus and in attenuating the development of complications associated with the disease.