Anti-Inflammatory and Cytoprotective Effect of Plant Sterol and Galactooligosaccharides-Enriched Beverages in Caco-2 Cells

Anti-inflammatory activity of plant sterols in a co-culture model of intestinal inflammation: focus on food-matrix effect

This study investigates the gut anti-inflammatory activity of a plant sterol (PS) food supplement (PS-FS), alongside PS-enriched milk-based fruit beverage and PS-enriched rye bread. A co-culture model based on a dual-chamber system with differentiated intestinal-like Caco-2 cells (apical) and RAW264.7 macrophages (basolateral) was used. The bioaccessible fractions (BF) of the samples were obtained after INFOGEST 2.0 simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The BF were added to the apical part (diluted 1/20 v/v with culture medium to avoid cytotoxicity) for 90 min, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 μg mL-1, 24 h) on the basolateral side. The pharmacological interaction between samples and budesonide (1 μM, 90 min) was evaluated. Results indicate that PS-FS significantly attenuated LPS-induced secretion of IL-8 (28%) by Caco-2 cells, and TNF-α (9%) and IL-6 (54%) by RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas PS-enriched beverage and bread did not exhibit protective effects. Additionally, PS-FS demonstrated an improvement in oxidative status in Caco-2 cells, evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (47%), iNOS protein expression (27%), and nitrite/nitrate secretion (27%). Mechanistically, PS-FS inhibited the NF-κB-COX-2-PGE2 signaling pathway in macrophages, resulting in decreased NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation (39%), COX-2 protein expression (32%), and PGE2 production (27%). Co-treatment with budesonide and PS-FS displayed an antagonistic effect (combination index 0.38-0.63). This study demonstrates the potent intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of a PS-FS, positioning it as a promising nutraceutical product for the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the food matrix of the milk-based fruit beverage and rye bread appear to interfere with the anti-inflammatory activity of PS.

In vitro anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of defatted Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt seed extract

Extracts from Selenicereus monacanthus (synonym: Hylocereus polyrhizus) have received attention due to their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. The current study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of defatted S. monacanthus seed extract (DSMSE). Anti-inflammatory properties of DSMSE on LPS-induced inflammation on THP-1 were determined by measuring the levels of interleukins IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Wound healing scratch assay was performed using the human fibroblast (Hs27) cell that assesses the cell migration over 24 h exposure to DSMSE. Administration of DSMSE significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated release levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and significantly increased the levels of IL-10. Treatment with DSMSE showed a significant increase in wound closure with 70% of fibroblast migration. Therefore, the current study showed the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of DSMSE reducing inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8), increasing IL-10 cytokine, and increasing wound closure at 24 h.

Negative Association of Lignan and Phytosterol Intake with Stress Perception during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Polish Study on Young Adults

BACKGROUND

There has been an increasing global prevalence of depression and other psychiatric diseases in recent years. Perceived stress has been proven to be associated with psychiatric and somatic symptoms. Some animal and human studies have suggested that consuming foods abundant in lignans and phytosterols may be associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Still, the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions. Thus, we investigated the association between dietary intake of these phytochemicals and the level of stress experienced by adult individuals.

METHODS

Diet was assessed using self-reported 7-day dietary records. The intakes of lignans and phytosterols were estimated using databases with their content in various food products. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was implemented to measure the level of perceived stress. A logistic regression analysis was used to test for associations.

RESULTS

The odds of elevated PSS were negatively associated with dietary intake of total phytosterols, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, with evidence of a decreasing trend across tertiles of phytochemicals. The analysis for doubling the intake reinforced the aforementioned relationships and found protective effects against PSS for total lignans, pinoresinol, and campesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

Habitual inclusion of lignans and phytosterols in the diet may play a role in psychological health. To address the global outbreak of depression and other mental health issues triggered by stress, it is important to take a holistic approach. There is a need to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment, among which certain dietary interventions such as consumption of products abundant in lignans and phytosterols may play a substantial role.

Plant Sterols and Stanols for Pediatric Patients with Increased Cardiovascular Risk

The atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and progresses throughout adult age. Hypercholesterolemia, especially familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and metabolic dysfunctions linked to weight excess and obesity, are the main atherosclerosis risk factors in pediatric patients and can be detected and treated starting from childhood. Nutritional intervention and a healthy-heart lifestyle are cornerstones and first-line treatments, with which, if necessary, drug therapy should be associated. For several years, functional foods enriched with plant sterols and stanols have been studied in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, mainly as nutritional complements that can reduce LDL cholesterol; however, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials defining their long-term efficacy and safety, especially in pediatric age. This review aims to evaluate what the main published studies on sterols and stanols in pediatric subjects with dyslipidemia have taught us, providing an updated picture of the possible use of these dietary supplements in children and adolescents with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. Nowadays, we can state that plant sterols and stanols should be considered as a valuable therapy in pediatric patients with hypercholesterolemia, bearing in mind that nutritional and lifestyle counseling and, when necessary, pharmacologic therapy, are the cornerstones of the treatment in developmental age.

Chemopreventive Effect of an In Vitro Digested and Fermented Plant Sterol-Enriched Wholemeal Rye Bread in Colon Cancer Cells

Diet is crucial for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Whole grains are the source of beneficial compounds for this, such as fiber. The enrichment of wholemeal rye bread with plant sterols (PSs) could increase its beneficial effects. This study aimed to assess the potential antiproliferative effect of this enriched food on colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) compared with a non-enriched one. After a human oral chewing, simulated semi-dynamic gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation in a simgi® system, fermentation liquids (FLs) obtained were used as treatment for cells. Cytotoxicity assay showed that samples diluted 1/5 (v/v) with DMEM are not toxic for non-tumoral cells, whereas they damage tumoral cells. Samples with PS (FLPS) produced a higher chemopreventive effect (vs. blank) in MTT and apoptosis assays, as well as higher gene expression of TP53 and Casp8. Nevertheless, FL0 (without PS) produced a higher chemopreventive effect in a cell cycle and reduced glutathione and calcium assays, besides producing higher gene expression of Casp3 and lower CCND1. The distinct antiproliferative effect of both FLs is attributed to differences in PSs, short chain fatty acids (lower concentration in FLPS vs. FL0) and antioxidant compounds. These results may support wholemeal rye bread consumption as a way of reducing the risk of colorectal cancer development, although further research would be needed.

Association of dietary intake of polyphenols, lignans, and phytosterols with immune-stimulating microbiota and COVID-19 risk in a group of Polish men and women

Objectives

Devastating consequences of COVID-19 disease enhanced the role of promoting prevention-focused practices. Among targeted efforts, diet is regarded as one of the potential factors which can affect immune function and optimal nutrition is postulated as the method of augmentation of people's viral resistance. As epidemiological evidence is scarce, the present study aimed to explore the association between dietary intake of total polyphenols, lignans and plant sterols and the abundance of immunomodulatory gut microbiota such as Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli and the risk of developing COVID-19 disease.

Methods

Demographic data, dietary habits, physical activity as well as the composition of body and gut microbiota were analyzed in a sample of 95 young healthy individuals. Dietary polyphenol, lignan and plant sterol intakes have been retrieved based on the amount of food consumed by the participants, the phytochemical content was assessed in laboratory analysis and using available databases.

Results

For all investigated polyphenols and phytosterols, except campesterol, every unit increase in the tertile of intake category was associated with a decrease in the odds of contracting COVID-19. The risk reduction ranged from several dozen percent to 70 %, depending on the individual plant-based chemical, and after controlling for basic covariates it was statistically significant for secoisolariciresinol (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61), total phytosterols (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22-0.95) and for stigmasterols (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.72). We found an inverse association between increased β-sitosterol intake and phytosterols in total and the occurrence of Escherichia coli in stool samples outside reference values, with 72% (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.86) and 66% (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10-1.08) reduced odds of abnormal level of bacteria for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of phytochemical consumption. Additionally, there was a trend of more frequent presence of Enterococcus spp. at relevant level in people with a higher intake of lariciresinol.

Conclusion

The beneficial effects of polyphenols and phytosterols should be emphasized and these plant-based compounds should be regarded in the context of their utility as antiviral agents preventing influenza-type infections.

Direct Action of Non-Digestible Oligosaccharides against a Leaky Gut

The epithelial monolayer is the primary determinant of mucosal barrier function, and tight junction (TJ) complexes seal the paracellular space between the adjacent epithelial cells and represent the main "gate-keepers" of the paracellular route. Impaired TJ functionality results in increased permeation of the "pro-inflammatory" luminal contents to the circulation that induces local and systemic inflammatory and immune responses, ultimately triggering and/or perpetuating (chronic) systemic inflammatory disorders. Increased gut leakiness is associated with intestinal and systemic disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Modulation of TJ dynamics is an appealing strategy aiming at inflammatory conditions associated with compromised intestinal epithelial function. Recently there has been a growing interest in nutraceuticals, particularly in non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs). NDOs confer innumerable health benefits via microbiome-shaping and gut microbiota-related immune responses, including enhancement of epithelial barrier integrity. Emerging evidence supports that NDOs also exert health-beneficial effects on microbiota independently via direct interactions with intestinal epithelial and immune cells. Among these valuable features, NDOs promote barrier function by directly regulating TJs via AMPK-, PKC-, MAPK-, and TLR-associated pathways. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epithelial barrier-protective effects of different NDOs with a special focus on their microbiota-independent modulation of TJs.

Chemical composition and bioactive compounds of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice and bagasse from Colombian varieties

Cashew nut production generates large amounts of cashew apple as residue. In Colombia, cashew cultivation is increasing together with the concerns on residue management. The objective of this study was to provide the first chemical, physical and thermal decomposition characterization of cashew apple from Colombian varieties harvested in Vichada, Colombia. This characterization was focused to identify the important bioactive and natural compounds that can be further valorized in the formulation of food, nutraceuticals, and pharmacological products. The results obtained in this study are helpful to portray the cashew apple as a potential by-product due to its renewable nature and valuable composition, instead of seeing it just as an agricultural residue. For that, cashew apples of Regional 8315 and Mapiria varieties were studied. The natural juice (cashew apple juice) that was extracted from the cashew apples and the remanent solids (cashew apple bagasse) were separately analyzed. The HPLC analytical technique was used to determine the concentration of bioactive compounds, structural carbohydrates, and soluble sugars that constitute this biomass. Spectrophotometric techniques were used to determine the concentration of tannins, carotenoids, and total polyphenols. Mineral content and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) were determined in the biomass. Also, the thermal decomposition under an inert atmosphere or pyrolysis was performed on cashew apple bagasse. The varieties of cashew apple studied in this work showed similar content of bioactive compounds, total phenolic content, and structural carbohydrates. However, the Mapiria variety showed values slightly higher than the Regional 8315. Regarding cashew apple juice, it is rich in tannins and ascorbic acid with values of 191 mg/100 mL and 70 mg/100 mL, respectively, for Mapiria variety. Additionally, the principal reservoir of bioactive compounds and constitutive carbohydrates was the cashew apple bagasse. About 50 wt.% of it was composed of cellulose and hemicellulose. Also, in the bagasse, the ascorbic acid content was in a range of 180–200 mg/100 g, which is higher than other fruits and vegetables. Moreover, alkaloids were identified in cashew apples. The maximum value of antioxidant activity (DPPH assay: 405 TEs/g) was observed in the bagasse of Mapiria variety. The bagasse thermal decomposition started around 150 °C when the structural carbohydrates and other constitutive substances started to degrade. After thermogravimetric analysis, a remanent of 20% of the initial weight suggested the formation of a rich-carbon solid, which could correspond to biochar. Therefore, the cashew apple harvested in Vichada is a valuable reservoir of a wide range of biomolecules that potentially could be valorized into energy, foods, and pharmacologic applications. Nevertheless, future work is necessary to describe the complex compounds of this residual biomass that are still unknown.

Secondary Metabolite Profiling, Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Activity of Neptunia triquetra (Vahl) Benth

The present study aimed to analyze the phytoconstituents of Neptunia triquetra (Vahl) Benth. Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of ethanol (EE), chloroform (CE) and dichloromethane (DCME) of stem extracts were evaluated using in vivo experimental models. The extracts were analyzed for phytoconstituents using GC-HRMS. Anti-inflammatory activity of CE, EE and DCME was accessed using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and the carrageenan-induced air-pouch model in Wistar albino rats. The hepatotoxicity-induced animal models were investigated for the biochemical markers in serum (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, total lipids and total protein) and liver (total protein, total lipids, GSH and wet liver weight). In the in vivo study, animals were divided into different groups (six in each group) for accessing the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity, respectively. GC-HRMS analysis revealed the presence of 102 compounds, among which 24 were active secondary metabolites. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of stem extracts was found in the order: indomethacin > chloroform extract (CE) > dichloromethane extract (DCME) > ethanolic extract (EE), and hepatoprotective activity of stem extracts in the order: CE > silymarin > EE > DCME. The results indicate that N. triquetra stem has a higher hepatoprotective effect than silymarin, however the anti-inflammatory response was in accordance with or lower than indomethacin.

Nobiletin, a hexamethoxyflavonoid from citrus pomace, attenuates G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hypoxia-induced human trophoblast cells of JEG-3 and BeWo via regulating the p53 signaling pathway

Background

Hypoxia is associated with abnormal cell apoptosis in trophoblast cells, which causes fetal growth restriction and related placental pathologies. Few effective methods for the prevention and treatment of placenta-related diseases exist. Natural products and functional foods have always been a rich source of potential anti-apoptotic drugs. Nobiletin (NOB), a hexamethoxyflavonoid derived from the citrus pomace, shows an anti-apoptotic activity, which is a non-toxic constituent of dietary phytochemicals approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, their effects on hypoxia-induced human trophoblast cells have not been fully studied.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of NOB on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of human trophoblast JEG-3 and BeWo cells, and their underlying mechanisms.

Design

First, the protective effect of NOB on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of JEG-3 and BeWo cells was studied. Cell viability and membrane integrity were determined by CCK-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively. Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of HIF1α. Propidium iodide (PI)-labeled flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining, and the expression of apoptosis marker protein cl-PARP was detected by Western blot analysis. Then, the molecular mechanism of NOB against apoptosis was investigated. Computer molecular docking and dynamics were used to simulate the interaction between NOB and p53 protein, and this interaction was verified in vitro by Ultraviolet and visible spectrum (UV-visible spectroscopy), fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Furthermore, the changes in the expression of p53 signaling pathway genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

Hypoxia treatment resulted in a decreased cell viability and cell membrane integrity in JEG-3 and BeWo cell lines, and an increased expression of HIF1α, cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, and massive cell apoptosis, which were alleviated after NOB treatment. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations found that NOB spontaneously bonded to human p53 protein, leading to the change of protein conformation. The intermolecular interaction between NOB and human p53 protein was further confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. After the treatment of 100 μM NOB, a down-regulation of mRNA and protein levels of p53 and p21 and an up-regulation of BCL2/BAX mRNA and protein ratio were observed in JEG-3 cells; however, there was also a down-regulation of mRNA and protein levels observed for p53 and p21 in BeWo cells after the treatment of NOB. The BCL2/BAX ratio of BeWo cells did not change after the treatment of 100 μM NOB.

Conclusion

NOB attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis in JEG-3 and BeWo cell lines and might be a potential functional ingredient to prevent pregnancy-related diseases caused by hypoxia-induced apoptosis. These findings would also suggest the exploration and utilization of citrus resources, and the development of citrus industry.

Phytosterols: From Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications

Phytosterols (PSs) are plant-originated steroids. Over 250 PSs have been isolated, and each plant species contains a characteristic phytosterol composition. A wide number of studies have reported remarkable pharmacological effects of PSs, acting as chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiatherosclerotic agents. However, PS bioavailability is a key issue, as it can be influenced by several factors (type, source, processing, preparation, delivery method, food matrix, dose, time of administration into the body, and genetic factors), and the existence of a close relationship between their chemical structures (e.g., saturation degree and side-chain length) and low absorption rates has been stated. In this sense, the present review intends to provide in-depth data on PS therapeutic potential for human health, also emphasizing their preclinical effects and bioavailability-related issues.