Adhesive Ergothioneine Hyaluronate Gel Protects against Radiation Gastroenteritis by Alleviating Apoptosis, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

The roles and functions of ergothioneine in metabolic diseases

The global prevalence of metabolic diseases is on the increase, and it has become a significant threat to the health and lives of individuals. Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural betaine amino acid found in various foods, particularly mushrooms. EGT cannot be synthesized by mammals; it is absorbed into small intestinal epithelial cells by a cationic protein, the novel organic cation transporter 1 (OCTN1), and transported to certain organs including liver, spleen, kidney, lung, heart, eyes and brain. EGT has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-aging, and metal-chelating effects. The unique chemical properties and biological functions of EGT position it as a promising candidate for the research and treatment of metabolic diseases. This review summarizes EGT's capacities, potential therapeutic effects on multiple metabolic diseases, and their specific mechanisms. Finally, we outline challenges for future research on EGT and aspire to establish it as a prospective therapeutic agent for metabolic diseases.

Ergothioneine Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting Glycerophospholipids Metabolism and TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway: Based on Metabonomics and Network Pharmacology

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a diet-derived natural sulfur-containing amino acid that exhibits strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation activities. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory injury are predominant pro-fibrogenic factors. Therefore, EGT may have therapeutic potential against liver fibrosis; however, its underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. This study aimed at investigating the protective effects of EGT on liver fibrosis based on metabonomics and network pharmacology. A mouse model of liver fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection with 40% CCl4 solution (2 mL/kg, twice a week) and intragastric administration with EGT (5, 10 mg/kg/d) for six weeks. Results showed that EGT improved liver function by reducing serum levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and TBIL (total bilirubin), and alleviated liver fibrosis by reducing LN (laminin) and HyP (hydroxyproline) levels, decreasing expressions of α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin), Col-I (collagen type I), and Col-III (collagen type III), and improving pathological changes. EGT also significantly inhibited CCl4-induced hepatic inflammation and TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway. Metabolomics identified six key metabolic pathways, such as purine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism, and eight key metabolites, such as xanthine, guanine, ATP, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingosine. Network pharmacology analysis showed that IL-17, cAMP and NF-κB signaling pathways were potential key mechanisms. Integrated analysis revealed that PLA2G2A might be a potential target of EGT against liver fibrosis. EGT may inhibit the glycerophospholipid metabolism through PLA2G2A to inhibit the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, thereby alleviating fibrosis. The present study indicates that EGT may be considered a valid therapeutic strategy to regress liver fibrosis, and provides novel insights into the pharmacological mechanism of EGT against liver fibrosis.

The relationship between a high-fat diet, gut microbiome, and systemic chronic inflammation: insights from integrated multiomics analysis

BACKGROUND

The detrimental effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) extend beyond metabolic consequences and include systemic chronic inflammation (SCI), immune dysregulation, and gut health disruption.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the relationship between HFD, gut microbiota, and SCI.

METHODS

Genetic variants associated with dietary fat were utilized to explore causal relationships. Genome-wide association study data for the analyses of the gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, immune cell characteristics, and serum metabolites were obtained from European individuals. Mediation analysis was used to reveal potential mediating factors. The GMrepo database was used to analyze the bacterial composition in different groups. Transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing analyses explored inflammation and barrier function in colonic tissue.

RESULTS

HFD consumption was linked to changes in the abundance of 3 bacterial families and 11 bacterial genera. Combined with the GMrepo database, the increased abundance of the genus Lachnospiraceae_FCS020group and the decreased abundance of genus Bacteroides and genus Barnesiella are consistent with the MR results. Transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing analyses revealed intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier dysfunction in HFD-fed mice. MR revealed a link between HFD consumption and increased levels of interleukin (IL)-18 [odds ratio (OR): 3.64, 95%CI: 1.24, 10.69, P = 0.02], MIG (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 1.17, 8.47, P = 0.02), IL-13 [OR = 3.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, -9.52, P = 0.04], and IL-2RA (OR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.01, 8.53, P = 0.049). Twenty-nine immune cell signatures, including altered monocyte and T-cell subsets, were affected by HFD consumption. Twenty-six serum metabolites that are linked to HFD consumption, particularly lipid and amino acid metabolites, were identified. The positive gut microbiota exhibit extensive associations with inflammatory cytokines. In particular, Lachnospiraceae_FCS020 group (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.37, P = 0.02) may play a mediating role in HFD-induced increases in IL-2RA concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial dysbiosis appears to be an important mechanism for HFD-induced SCI. The Lachnospiraceae_FCS020 group may act as a key genus in HFD-mediated elevation of IL-2RA.

Folic acid-based hydrogels co-assembled with protocatechuic acid for enhanced treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to the need for oral drug delivery systems that withstand acidic environment of stomach while effectively targeting intestinal inflammation. To address this issue, we created a novel hydrogel system based on a folic acid (FA)-dopamine (DA) conjugate, co-assembled with protocatechuic acid (PCA), to form F-DP hydrogels. These hydrogels demonstrated robust anti-gastric acid, mucosal adhesive, and injectable properties, enhancing their efficacy for targeted delivery. In DSS-induced colitis mouse models, treatment with F-DP hydrogels resulted in significant therapeutic improvements, including increased body weight, reduced disease activity index (DAI), and maintained colon length. Biochemical assays revealed that F-DP hydrogels significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH and SOD) and reduced oxidative stress markers (NO and MDA). Histological assessments confirmed effective repair of the colonic mucosal barrier, restoration of tight junction protein ZO-1, and reduction of inflammatory lesions. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining indicated that F-DP hydrogels facilitated macrophages polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Our study demonstrates that F-DP hydrogels show significant potential for improving IBD treatment through enhanced gastric resistance, intestinal adhesion, and synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, warranting further investigation for clinical applications.

Florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels as oral administration for efficient treatment of bacterial enteritis

To reduce the bitterness of florfenicol, avoid its degradation by gastric acid, and enhance its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli by targeting and slowly releasing drugs at the site of intestinal infection, with pectin as an anion carrier and chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) as a cationic carrier, florfenicol-loaded COS@pectin core nanogels were self-assembled by electrostatic interaction and then encapsulated in sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) shell nanogels through the complexation of CMCNa and Ca2+ to prepare florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels in this study. The florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels were investigated for their formula choice, physicochemical characterization, pH-responsive performances, antibacterial activity, therapeutic efficacy, and in vitro and in vivo biosafety studies. The results indicated that the optimized formula was 0.6 g florfenicol, 0.79 g CMCNa, 0.30 g CaCl2, 0.05 g COS, and 0.10 g pectin, respectively. In addition, the mean particle diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, loading capacity, and encapsulation efficiency were 124.0 ± 7.2 nm, -22.9 ± 2.5 mV, 0.42 ± 0.03, 43.4 % ± 3.1 %, and 80.5 % ± 3.4 %, respectively. The appearance, lyophilized mass, resolvability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) showed that the florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels were successfully prepared. Florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels had satisfactory stability, rheology, and pH-responsiveness, which were conducive to avoid degradation by gastric acid and achieve targeted and slow release at intestinal infection sites. More importantly, florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels had excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, a satisfactory therapeutic effect, and good palatability. In vitro and in vivo biosafety studies suggested the great promise of florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels. Therefore, the prepared florfenicol core-shell composite nanogels may be helpful for the treatment of bacterial enteritis as a biocompatible oral administration.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on skin based on supramolecular hyaluronic acid-ectoin

We addressed the damage caused by internal and external factors on the skin, as well as the aging phenomenon caused by delayed repair after damage. We prepared supramolecular hyaluronic acid-ectoin (HA-ECT) by combining theoretical calculations and experimental research, using intermolecular forces between hyaluronic acid and ectoin. This supramolecule has good stability, safety, and skin permeability and can penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin, reaching the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Compared with ectoin, the permeability of the supramolecule HA-ECT was 3.39-fold higher. Supramolecular HA-ECT can promote the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, significantly increase the content of type collagen-I, reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in keratinocytes, and enhance skin hydration and repair effects. HA-ECT can reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibit the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (reduced by 1.27-fold) to improve skin photoaging. Therefore, supramolecular HA-ECT has potential application in the field of cosmetics for skin antioxidants, anti-aging, and repair.

Recent Progress of Oral Functional Nanomaterials for Intestinal Microbiota Regulation

The gut microbiota is closely associated with human health, and alterations in gut microbiota can influence various physiological and pathological activities in the human body. Therefore, microbiota regulation has become an important strategy in current disease treatment, albeit facing numerous challenges. Nanomaterials, owing to their excellent protective properties, drug release capabilities, targeting abilities, and good biocompatibility, have been widely developed and utilized in pharmaceuticals and dietary fields. In recent years, significant progress has been made in research on utilizing nanomaterials to assist in regulating gut microbiota for disease intervention. This review explores the latest advancements in the application of nanomaterials for microbiota regulation and offers insights into the future development of nanomaterials in modulating gut microbiota.

Ergothioneine-Sodium Hyaluronate Dressing: A Promising Approach for Protecting against Radiation-Induced Skin Injury

Radiotherapy commonly causes damage to healthy tissues, particularly radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) that affects a significant majority of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Effective treatments for RISI are lacking. This study focuses on the pathogenesis of RISI, which primarily involves oxidative stress. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during radiation induces damage to biological macromolecules, triggering oxidative stress and inflammation. To address this, ergothioneine (EGT), a natural and biocompatibile thiol compound with excellent antioxidant activity, is explored as a potential radiation-protective agent. By utilizing its specific transport and absorption in the skin tissue, as well as its efficient and stable clearance of radiation-induced "ROS storm", EGT is combined with sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) to develop a novel radiation protective dressing suitable for the skin. This EGT-NaHA dressing demonstrates an effective ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, reducing cellular apoptosis and inflammation. These results demonstrate the protective properties of EGT against RISI, with far-reaching implications for research and development in the field of radioprotection.

Biomaterials-mediated radiation-induced diseases treatment and radiation protection

In recent years, the intersection of the academic and medical domains has increasingly spotlighted the utilization of biomaterials in radioactive disease treatment and radiation protection. Biomaterials, distinguished from conventional molecular pharmaceuticals, offer a suite of advantages in addressing radiological conditions. These include their superior biological activity, chemical stability, exceptional histocompatibility, and targeted delivery capabilities. This review comprehensively delineates the therapeutic mechanisms employed by various biomaterials in treating radiological afflictions impacting the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and hematopoietic systems. Significantly, these nanomaterials function not only as efficient drug delivery vehicles but also as protective agents against radiation, mitigating its detrimental effects on the human body. Notably, the strategic amalgamation of specific biomaterials with particular pharmacological agents can lead to a synergistic therapeutic outcome, opening new avenues in the treatment of radiation- induced diseases. However, despite their broad potential applications, the biosafety and clinical efficacy of these biomaterials still require in-depth research and investigation. Ultimately, this review aims to not only bridge the current knowledge gaps in the application of biomaterials for radiation-induced diseases but also to inspire future innovations and research directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Are age-related neurodegenerative diseases caused by a lack of the diet-derived compound ergothioneine?

We propose that the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) is an important nutrient in the human body, especially for maintenance of normal brain function, and that low body ET levels predispose humans to significantly increased risks of neurodegenerative (cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson's disease) and possibly other age-related diseases (including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and eye disease). Hence, restoring ET levels in the body could assist in mitigating these risks, which are rapidly increasing due to ageing populations globally. Prevention of neurodegeneration is especially important, since by the time dementia is usually diagnosed damage to the brain is extensive and likely irreversible. ET and vitamin E from the diet may act in parallel or even synergistically to protect different parts of the brain; both may be "neuroprotective vitamins". The present article reviews the substantial scientific basis supporting these proposals about the role of ET.

Oral nanomedicine biointeractions in the gastrointestinal tract in health and disease

Oral administration is the preferred route of administration based on the convenience for and compliance of the patient. Oral nanomedicines have been developed to overcome the limitations of free drugs and overcome gastrointestinal (GI) barriers, which are heterogeneous across healthy and diseased populations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and comparison of the oral nanomedicine biointeractions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in health and disease (GI and extra-GI diseases) and highlight emerging strategies that exploit these differences for oral nanomedicine-based treatment. We introduce the key GI barriers related to oral delivery and summarize their pathological changes in various diseases. We discuss nanomedicine biointeractions in the GIT in health by describing the general biointeractions based on the type of oral nanomedicine and advanced biointeractions facilitated by advanced strategies applied in this field. We then discuss nanomedicine biointeractions in different diseases and explore how pathological characteristics have been harnessed to advance the development of oral nanomedicine.