Lipoic acid: an immunomodulator that attenuates glycinin-induced anaphylactic reactions in a rat model

Shenshuaifu Granule Attenuates Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis Mediated by p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical condition resulting in a rapid decline in renal function, and requires improvement in effective preventive measures. Ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death, is closely related to AKI. Shenshuaifu granule (SSF) has been demonstrated to prevent AKI through suppressing inflammation and apoptosis.

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether SSF can inhibit ferroptosis in AKI.

Methods

Active ingredients in SSF were detected through HPLC-MS/MS, and their binding abilities with ferroptosis were evaluated by molecular docking. Then, male C57/BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control, cisplatin, and cisplatin+SSF groups. In the latter two groups, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg of cisplatin. For five consecutive days prior to cisplatin injection, mice in the cisplatin+SSF group were gavaged with 5.2 g/kg of SSF per day.72 h after cisplatin injection, the mice were sacrificed. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured to evaluate renal function. H&E and PAS staining were used to observe pathological damage of kidney. Cell death was observed by TUNEL staining, and iron accumulation in kidneys of mice was detected by Prussian blue staining. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the presence of inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, iron deposition, and lipid peroxidation in mouse kidneys.

Results

Active ingredients in SSF had strong affinities with ferroptosis. SSF reduced SCr (p<0.01) and BUN (p<0.0001) levels, pathological damage (p<0.0001), dead cells in the tubular epithelium (p<0.0001) and iron deposition (p<0.01) in mice with cisplatin induced AKI. And SSF downregulated macrophage infiltration (p<0.01), the expressions of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1, p<0.05) and interleukin (IL)-17 (p<0.05), upregulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2 (p<0.01), and catalase (CAT, p<0.05), and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction (p<0.05). More importantly, SSF regulated iron transport and intracellular iron overload and reduced the expression of ferritin (p<0.05). Moreover, it downregulated the expressions of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (Cox-2, p<0.001), acid CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4, p<0.05), and solute carrier family 7, member 11 (SLC7A11, p<001), upregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4, p<0.01) and p53 (p<0.01), and decreased 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) level (p<0.001).

Conclusion

SSF attenuates AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis mediated by p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.

Redox Biology in Adipose Tissue Physiology and Obesity

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a by-product of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and cellular metabolism, is vital for cellular survival, proliferation, damage, and senescence. In recent years, studies have shown that ROS levels and redox status in adipose tissue are strongly associated with obesity and metabolic diseases. Although it was previously considered that excessive production of ROS and impairment of antioxidant capability leads to oxidative stress and potentially contributes to increased adiposity, it has become increasingly evident that an adequate amount of ROS is vital for adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis. In this review, by providing a systematic overview of the recent understanding of the key factors of redox systems, endogenous mechanisms for redox homeostasis, advanced techniques for dynamic redox monitoring, as well as exogenous stimuli for redox production in adipose tissues and obesity, the importance of redox biology in metabolic health is emphasized.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Efficacy in PCOS Treatment: What Is the Truth?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most common female endocrinopathies, affecting about 4-25% of women of reproductive age. Women affected by PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial cancer. Given the pivotal role of insulin resistance (IR) in the pathogenesis of PCOS, in the last years, many insulin-sensitizing factors have been proposed for PCOS treatment. The first insulin sensitizer recommended by evidence-based guidelines for the assessment and treatment of PCOS was metformin, but the burden of side effects is responsible for treatment discontinuation in many patients. Inositols have insulin-mimetic properties and contribute to decreasing postprandial blood glucose, acting by different pathways. ALA is a natural amphipathic compound with a very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect and a very noteworthy role in the improvement of insulin metabolic pathway. Given the multiple effects of ALA, a therapeutic strategy based on the synergy between inositols and ALA has been recently proposed by many groups with the aim of improving insulin resistance, reducing androgen levels, and ameliorating reproductive outcomes in PCOS patients. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature and to evaluate the existing data showing the efficacy and the limitation of a treatment strategy based on this promising molecule. ALA is a valid therapeutic strategy applicable in the treatment of PCOS patients: Its multiple actions, including antinflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing, may be of utmost importance in the treatment of a very complex syndrome. Specifically, the combination of MYO plus ALA creates a synergistic effect that improves insulin resistance in PCOS patients, especially in obese/overweight patients with T2DM familiarity. Moreover, ALA treatment also exerts beneficial effects on endocrine patterns, especially if combined with MYO, improving menstrual regularity and ovulation rhythm. The purpose of our study is to review the existing literature and to evaluate the data showing the efficacy and the limitations of a treatment strategy based on this promising molecule.

Gastrointestinal digestion and absorption of soybean β-conglycinin in an early weaned piglet model: An initial step to the induction of soybean allergy

To date, it still remains unknown how β-conglycinin, a major soybean allergen, crosses intestinal epithelial barrier to reach immune cells. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the pathway and molecular mechanism of β-conglycinin absorption and transport across intestinal mucosal epithelium using a β-conglycinin allergic piglet model. Ten-day old piglets were orally sensitized with diets containing 2% and 4% β-conglycinin. The digestion, absorption and transport of β-conglycinin in gastrointestinal tract was investigated. The results showed that β-conglycinin had a certain resistance to gastrointestinal digestion, and the digestion-resistant subunits and fragments were absorbed into the intestinal mucosa and then induced an anaphylaxis in early weaned piglets. The absorption occurred in the form of IgE-allergen immune complex through transcellular pathway with CD23 as the receptor. These results provided important clues for using the pathway and molecule as inhibitor target to prevent and alleviate soybean β-conglycinin allergy in infants.

Zinc restores functionality in porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells exposed to subtoxic cadmium concentration via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Among substances released into the environment by anthropogenic activities, the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is known to induce severe testicular injury causing male subfertility/infertility. Zinc (Zn) is another heavy metal that, unlike Cd, is physiologically present in the testis, being essential for spermatogenesis. We aimed to examine the possibility that 50 µM ZnCl₂ could counteract the toxic effects induced by Cd in an in vitro model of porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells (SCs) exposed to both subtoxic (5 μM) and toxic (10 μM) concentrations of CdCl₂ for 48 h.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell functionality were assessed. The gene expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, ERK1/2, and AKT kinase signaling pathways were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND RESULTS

We found that Zn, in co-treatment with subtoxic and toxic Cd concentration, increased the number of metabolically active SCs compared to Cd exposure alone but restored SC functionality only in co-treatment with subtoxic Cd concentration with respect to subtoxic Cd alone. Exposure of Cd disrupted cell cycle in SCs, and Zn co-treatment was not able to counteract this effect. Cd alone induced SC death through apoptosis and necrosis in a dose-dependent manner, and co-treatment with Zn increased the pro-apoptotic effect of Cd. Subtoxic and toxic Cd exposures activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway by increasing gene expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes (SOD, HO-1, and GSHPx). Zn co-treatment with subtoxic Cd attenuated upregulation on the Nrf2 system, while with toxic Cd, the effect was more erratic. Studying ERK1/2 and AKT pathways as a target, we found that the phosphorylation ratio of p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT was upregulated by both subtoxic and toxic Cd exposure alone and in co-treatment with Zn.

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest that Zn could counteract Cd effects by increasing the number of metabolically active SCs, fully or partially restoring their functionality by modulating Nrf2, ERK1/2, and AKT pathways. Our SC model could be useful to study the effects of early Cd exposure on immature testis, evaluating the possible protective effects of Zn.

A Review of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Properties of Piper Species

Antioxidants are compounds that are able to inhibit the negative effects that come from free radicals. The phenomenon of imbalanced antioxidant production and the accumulation of free radicals in cells and tissues can cause oxidative stress. Excessive free radicals that enter the body cannot be warded off by endogenous antioxidant compounds so that the required antioxidant compounds can come from the outside, which helps in the performance of endogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants that come from outside consist of synthetic and natural antioxidants; however, synthetic antioxidants are not an option because they have toxic and carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the use of natural ingredients is an alternative method that is needed to create a new natural antioxidant compound. Piper species are being considered as possible medicinal plants for the development of new sources of antioxidants. Several studies have been carried out starting from the extract levels, fractions, and compounds of the Piper species, which showed good antioxidant activity. Currently, some of these plants are being used as ingredients in traditional medicines to treat allergies, toothaches, and coughs. This review examines the distribution, botanical data, pharmacology, especially antioxidant activity, and the compounds contained in five Piper species, namely Piper amalago L., Piper betle L., Piper hispidum Sw., Piper longum L., and Piper umbellatum L.

Ethanol Metabolism in the Liver, the Induction of Oxidant Stress, and the Antioxidant Defense System

The liver metabolizes ethanol through three enzymatic pathways: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome p450 (also called MEOS), and catalase. Alcohol dehydrogenase class I (ADH1) is considered the most important enzyme for the metabolism of ethanol, MEOS and catalase (CAT) are considered minor alternative pathways. However, contradicting experiments suggest that the non-ADH1 pathway may have a greater relevance for the metabolism of ethanol than previously thought. In some conditions, ethanol is predominately metabolized to acetaldehyde via cytochrome P450 family 2 (CYP2E1), which is involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly through electron leakage to oxygen to form the superoxide (O₂^•−) radical or in catalyzed lipid peroxidation. The CAT activity can also participate in the ethanol metabolism that produces ROS via ethanol directly reacting with the CAT-H₂O₂ complex, producing acetaldehyde and water and depending on the H₂O₂ availability, which is the rate-limiting component in ethanol peroxidation. We have shown that CAT actively participates in lactate-stimulated liver ethanol oxidation, where the addition of lactate generates H₂O₂, which is used by CAT to oxidize ethanol to acetaldehyde. Therefore, besides its known role as a catalytic antioxidant component, the primary role of CAT could be to function in the metabolism of xenobiotics in the liver.

Crosstalk Between the Oxidative Stress and Glia Cells After Stroke: From Mechanism to Therapies

Stroke is the second leading cause of global death and is characterized by high rates of mortality and disability. Oxidative stress is accompanied by other pathological processes that together lead to secondary brain damage in stroke. As the major component of the brain, glial cells play an important role in normal brain development and pathological injury processes. Multiple connections exist in the pathophysiological changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and glia cell activation. Astrocytes and microglia are rapidly activated after stroke, generating large amounts of ROS via mitochondrial and NADPH oxidase pathways, causing oxidative damage to the glial cells themselves and neurons. Meanwhile, ROS cause alterations in glial cell morphology and function, and mediate their role in pathological processes, such as neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and blood-brain barrier damage. In contrast, glial cells protect the Central Nervous System (CNS) from oxidative damage by synthesizing antioxidants and regulating the Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, among others. Although numerous previous studies have focused on the immune function of glial cells, little attention has been paid to the role of glial cells in oxidative stress. In this paper, we discuss the adverse consequences of ROS production and oxidative-antioxidant imbalance after stroke. In addition, we further describe the biological role of glial cells in oxidative stress after stroke, and we describe potential therapeutic tools based on glia cells.

Targeting the redox imbalance in mitochondria: A novel mode for cancer therapy

Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels affect many aspects of cell behavior. During carcinogenesis, moderate ROS production modifies gene expression to alter cell function, elevating metabolic activity and ROS. To avoid extreme ROS-activated death, cancer cells increase antioxidative capacity, regulating sustained ROS levels that promote growth. Anticancer therapies are exploring inducing supranormal, cytotoxic oxidative stress levels either inhibiting antioxidative capacity or promoting excess ROS to selectively destroy cancer cells, triggering mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, or ferroptosis. This review exemplifies pro-oxidants (natural/synthetic/repurposed drugs) and their clinical significance as cancer therapies providing revolutionary approaches.

Nutraceutical Aid for Allergies - Strategies for Down-Regulating Mast Cell Degranulation

Interactions of antigens with the mast cell FcεRI-IgE receptor complex induce degranulation and boost synthesis of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators and cytokines. Activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) functions as a central hub in this signaling. The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 opposes Syk activity; stimulation of NADPH oxidase by FcεRI activation results in the production of oxidants that reversibly inhibit SHP-1, up-regulating the signal from Syk. Activated AMPK can suppress Syk activation by the FcεRI receptor, possibly reflecting its ability to phosphorylate the FcεRI beta subunit. Cyclic GMP, via protein kinase G II, enhances the activity of SHP-1 by phosphorylating its C-terminal region; this may explain its inhibitory impact on mast cell activation. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) likewise opposes mast cell activation; H₂S can boost AMPK activity, up-regulate cGMP production, and trigger Nrf2-mediated induction of Phase 2 enzymes - including heme oxygenase-1, whose generation of bilirubin suppresses NADPH oxidase activity. Phycocyanobilin (PCB), a chemical relative of bilirubin, shares its inhibitory impact on NADPH oxidase, rationalizing reported anti-allergic effects of PCB-rich spirulina ingestion. Phase 2 inducer nutraceuticals can likewise oppose the up-regulatory impact of NADPH oxidase on FcεRI signaling. AMPK can be activated with the nutraceutical berberine. High-dose biotin can boost cGMP levels in mast cells via direct stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase. Endogenous generation of H₂S in mast cells can be promoted by administering N-acetylcysteine and likely by taurine, which increases the expression of H₂S-producing enzymes in the vascular system. Mast cell stabilization by benifuuki green tea catechins may reflect the decreased surface expression of FcεRI.

Low Crude Protein Diet Affects the Intestinal Microbiome and Metabolome Differently in Barrows and Gilts

Low protein diets are commonly used in the growing-finishing pig stage of swine production; however, the effects of low dietary protein on the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, and their association with pig sex, remain unclear. The present study aimed to assess the impact of a low crude protein (CP) diet on the gut microbiome and metabolome, and to reveal any relationship with sex. Barrows and gilts (both n = 24; initial body = 68.33 ± 0.881 kg) were allocated into two treatments according to sex. The four groups comprised two pairs of gilts and barrows fed with a high protein diet (CP 17% at stage I; CP 13% at stage II) and a low protein diet (CP 15% at stage I; CP 11% at stage II), respectively, for 51 d. Eight pigs in each group were slaughtered and their colon contents were collected. Intestinal microbiota and their metabolites were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The low protein diet increased intestinal microbiota species and richness indices (P < 0.05) in both sexes compared with the high protein diet. The sample Shannon index was different (P < 0.01) between barrows and gilts. At the genus level, unidentified Clostridiales (P < 0.05), Neisseria (P < 0.05), unidentified Prevotellaceae (P < 0.01) and Gracilibacteria (P < 0.05) were affected by dietary protein levels. The relative abundance of unidentified Prevotellaceae was different (P < 0.01) between barrows and gilts. The influence of dietary protein levels on Neisseria (P < 0.05), unidentified Prevotellaceae (P < 0.01) and Gracilibacteria (P < 0.05) were associated with sex. Metabolomic profiling indicated that dietary protein levels mainly affected intestinal metabolites in gilts rather than barrows. A total of 434 differentially abundant metabolites were identified in gilts fed the two protein diets. Correlation analysis identified that six differentially abundant microbiota communities were closely associated with twelve metabolites that were enriched for amino acids, inflammation, immune, and disease-related metabolic pathways. These results suggested that decreasing dietary protein contents changed the intestinal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs, which selectively affected the intestinal metabolite profiles in gilts.

MHC II-PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway Regulates Intestinal Immune Response Induced by Soy Glycinin in Hybrid Grouper: Protective Effects of Sodium Butyrate

Soy glycinin (11S) is involved in immune regulation. As an additive, sodium butyrate (SB) can relieve inflammation caused by 11S. To further delve into the mechanisms. A diet containing 50% fishmeal was the control group (FM group), and the experimental groups consisted of the FM group baseline plus 2% glycinin (GL group), 8% glycinin (GH group), and 8% glycinin + 0.13% sodium butyrate (GH-SB group). The specific growth ratio (SGR), feed utilization, and density of distal intestinal (DI) type II mucous cells were increased in the GL group. In the serum, IFN-γ was significantly upregulated in the GL group, and IgG and IL-1β were upregulated in the GH group. IgG, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the GH-SB group were significantly downregulated compared to those in the GH group. The mRNA levels of mTOR C1, mTOR C2, and Deptor were upregulated in the GL, GH, and GH-SB groups in the DI compared with those in the FM group, while the mRNA levels of mTOR C1 and Deptor in the GH group were higher than those in the GL and GH-SB groups. 4E-BP1, RICTOR, PRR5, MHC II, and CD4 were upregulated in the GH group. TSC1, mLST8, and NFY mRNA levels in the GL and GH-SB groups were upregulated compared with those in the FM and GH groups. Western blotting showed P-PI3KSer294/T-PI3K, P-AktSer473/T-Akt, and P-mTORSer2448/T-mTOR were upregulated in the GH group. Collectively, our results demonstrate that low-dose 11S could improve serum immune by secreting IFN-γ. The overexpression of IgG and IL-1β is the reason that high-dose 11S reduces serum immune function, and supplementing SB can suppress this overexpression. Low-dose 11S can block the relationship between PI3K and mTOR C2. It can also inhibit the expression of 4E-BP1 through mTOR C1. High-dose 11S upregulates 4E-BP2 through mTOR C1, aggravating intestinal inflammation. SB could relieve inflammation by blocking PI3K/mTOR C2 and inhibiting 4E-BP2. Generally speaking, the hybrid grouper obtained different serum and DI immune responses under different doses of 11S, and these responses were ultimately manifested in growth performance. SB can effectively enhance serum immunity and relieve intestinal inflammation caused by high dose 11S.

Progress towards pig nutrition in the last 27 years

Over the last 27 years (1990-2017), based on the revolutionary progresses of basic nutrition research, novel methods and techniques have been developed which bring a profound technological revolution to pig production from free-range system to intensive farming all over the world. Basic theoretical innovations and feed production studies have provided vital advancements in pig nutrition by developing formula feed, utilizing balanced diets, determining feed energy value, dividing pig physiological stages, enhancing gut health, and improving feed processing technique. Formula feed is the primary contributor of the rise of the mechanized farming industry, and meets comprehensive nutritional needs of the pig. The focuses of the development of a balanced diet by optimizing nutrient levels are the amino acids balance, the balance between amino acids and energy, the balance between calcium and phosphorus. Multiple-site-production and targeted feeding program have been applied extensively. Early weaning of piglets improves production efficiency, but piglets that have not yet fully developed their intestine are prone to diarrhea. Therefore, intestinal health has received special attention in recent years. Feed processing technologies, such as granulation, puffing, fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis, can improve the utilization of feed nutrients and reduce production cost. However, increasing a sow's potential for production, seeking alternatives to antibiotics, reducing drug treatment in piglets, developing functional additives and improving meat quality remain future challenges. Herein, we outline the important progresses of pig nutrition in the past 27 years, which will shed light on the basic nutrition rules of pig production, and help to push forward its future development. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Location of destroyed antigenic sites of Gly m Bd 60 K after three processing technologies

Gly m Bd 60 K, which is the α subunit of β-conglycinin, is a major soybean (Glycine max) allergen. We used high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), thermal techniques, and glycation to treat β-conglycinin, which can effectively reduce the antigenicity of β-conglycinin. β-conglycinin was used to immunize New Zealand rabbits, and the antiserum had a titer > 1: 1 × 105 and an IC50 of 2.254 μg/mL. β-conglycinin was subjected to HHP, thermal techniques, and glycation and mixed with rabbit antiserum against β-conglycinin to obtain the site-specific antiserum. The overlapping gene fragments of Gly m Bd 60 K were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), then cloned into a T7 phage vector and packaged in vitro, the recombinant T7 phages were constructed. Indirect ELISA (iELISA) was used to locate the destroyed antigenic sites and, after three rounds of segment expression and identification, the C2-1 and C2-2 fragments were identified as destroyed antigenic sites of Gly m Bd 60 K. Allergenicity analysis showed that the C2-1 and C2-2 fragments reacted with allergic patients' serum, which indicated that the destroyed sites were allergic sites.

Beyond Heat Stress: Intestinal Integrity Disruption and Mechanism-Based Intervention Strategies

The current climate changes have increased the prevalence and intensity of heat stress (HS) conditions. One of the initial consequences of HS is the impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity due to hyperthermia and hypoxia following blood repartition, which often results in a leaky gut followed by penetration and transfer of luminal antigens, endotoxins, and pathogenic bacteria. Under extreme conditions, HS may culminate in the onset of “heat stroke”, a potential lethal condition if remaining untreated. HS-induced alterations of the gastrointestinal epithelium, which is associated with a leaky gut, are due to cellular oxidative stress, disruption of intestinal integrity, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review summarizes the possible resilience mechanisms based on in vitro and in vivo data and the potential interventions with a group of nutritional supplements, which may increase the resilience to HS-induced intestinal integrity disruption and maintain intestinal homeostasis.

Subacute feeding toxicity of low-sodium sausages manufactured with sodium substitutes and biopolymer-encapsulated saltwort (Salicornia herbacea) in a mouse model

BACKGROUND

Low-sodium sausages were manufactured using sodium substitution and biopolymer encapsulation. A diet comprising 10% treatment sausages (six treatment groups: C (100% NaCl), T1 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt), T2 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with chitosan), T3 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with cellulose), T4 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with dextrin), and T5 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with pectin)) was added to a 90% commercial mouse diet for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Subacute toxicity, hematology, liver function, and organ weight tests in low-sodium sausage groups showed results similar to those of the control group, and all toxicity test levels were within normal ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

All low-sodium sausage types tested are suggested to be safe in terms of subacute toxicity. Moreover, low-sodium sausages can be manufactured by biopolymer encapsulation of saltwort using pectin, chitosan, cellulose, and dextrin without toxicity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Clinical and Metabolic Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Associated with Two Different Doses of Myo-Inositol in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of a treatment with α-lipoic acid (ALA) associated with two different doses of myo-inositol (MI) on clinical and metabolic features of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Eighty-eight women received the treatment, and 71 among them had complete clinical charts and were considered eligible for this study. All women were treated with 800 mg of ALA per day: 43 patients received 2000 mg of MI and 28 received 1000 mg of MI per day. Menstrual cyclicity, BMI, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and insulin response to a 2 h OGTT were evaluated before and after 6 months of treatment. The presence of diabetic relatives (DRs) was investigated. Cycle regularity was improved in 71.2% of women. The improvement of menstrual cyclicity occurred regardless of the state of IR and the presence of DRs of the patients. Women with IR mainly showed a significant improvement of metabolic parameters, while those without IR had significant changes of reproductive hormones. Patients with DRs did not show significant changes after the treatment. 85.7% of women taking 2000 mg of MI reported a higher improvement of menstrual regularity than those taking 1000 mg of MI (50%; p < 0.01). In conclusion, ALA + MI positively affects the menstrual regularity of women with PCOS, regardless of their metabolic phenotype, with a more evident effect with a higher dose of MI. This effect seems to be insulin independent. The presence of IR seems to be a predictor of responsivity to the treatment in terms of an improvement of the metabolic profile.

Diet quality indices and cardiovascular diseases risk factors among diabetic women

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a common chronic disease with many complications and is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The present study aimed to investigate the association of diet quality indices and CVD risk factors among diabetic women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 230 Tehrani women with type 2 diabetes. A validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire was completed to assess the dietary intake. Diet quality indices were considered with respect to adherence to the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) and Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and biochemical tests were assessed. CVD risk factors were evaluated according to the adult treatment panel III.

RESULTS

Patients who were in the top tertile of the DQI consumed less fat, saturated fatty acids and sodium, as well as more protein, fiber, iron and calcium (P < 0.05). Participants who were in the top tertile of diet quality indices consumed less processed and organ meat and more fruits, and vegetables. Patients in the highest tertile of HEI had lower fasting blood sugar levels (148.92 ± 6.05 mg dL^-1 versus 171.30 ± 5.79 mg dL^-1 , P = 0.021). There was no significant association between DQI-I, HEI and other CVD risk factors.

CONCLUSION

There was no association between diet quality indices and CVD risk factors among diabetic patients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

New sights into lipid metabolism regulation by low temperature in harvested Torreya grandis nuts

BACKGROUND

Torreya grandis, a large evergreen coniferous tree with oil-rich nuts, undergoes a crucial ripening stage after harvest that results in oil accumulation, finally giving rise to the nut that is edible in roasted form. To understand lipid metabolism in T. grandis nuts during the post-harvest ripening period, the effects of low temperature on lipid content, fatty acid composition, lipid biosynthesis and degradation were investigated.

RESULTS

The lipid content increased during ripening at room temperature and a low temperature slowed down this increase. Linoleic acid content increased at low temperature, which was accompanied by an increase in the microsomal oleate desaturase (FAD2) activity and FAD2 expression. Furthermore, a low temperature attenuated lipid peroxidation as indicated by lower contents of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxide and total free fatty acid in T. grandis nuts during the ripening stage, as well as the down-regulation of gene expression of lipid degradation-related enzymes such as phospholipase D and lipoxygenases.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study indicate that a low temperature increased polyunsaturated fatty acid contents by increasing FAD2 biosynthesis and decreasing lipid peroxidation, thereby improving the oil yield in T. grandis nuts during the post-harvest ripening period. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Soy Isoflavones and their Effects on Xenobiotic Metabolism

BACKGROUND

Soy isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are bioflavonoids found in soy products that are able to interact with various hormones such as estrogen. Epidemiological studies reveal a proper level of isoflavones in diet can prevent many diseases like cancers or diabetes. Therefore, it is important to study the biotransformation and xenobiotic metabolism of soy isoflavones.

METHODS

A systematic review of published studies was carried out to investigate the characterization of isoflavones and their metabolites, sample pretreatment and quantitative analysis of isoflavones, and the influence of soy isoflavones on drug and xenobiotic metabolism.

RESULTS

Aglycones with weak estrogen-like activities are the biologically active forms of the soy isoflavones in mammals. The most recent advances including extraction, purification and detection of isoflavones in soybean and soy products are discussed. The effects of soy isoflavones on drug and xenobiotic metabolism involve in regulation of phase I cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzyme and phase I detoxifying enzymes expression and activity. At the molecular level, soy isoflavones have proved capable of estrogenic/antiestrogenic with tissue-selective, anti-cancer, antiobesity, anti-oxidation, and tyrosine kinase inhibition activities.

CONCLUSION

This review summarized different aspects of soy isoflavones and their molecular mechanisms of pharmacological action on xenobiotic, which demonstrated that soy isoflavones can decrease the incidence of many diseases and benefit for human health. However, since the lack of clinical research for evaluation of the proper dosage of intake of soy isoflavones in diet or adjunctive therapy, there is a need for further studies on the selection of doses, biomedical applications and adverse effects of isoflavones for human health.

Dietary grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) improve weaned intestinal microbiota and mucosal barrier using a piglet model

Proanthocyanidins have been suggested as an effective antibiotic alternative, however their mechanisms are still unknown. The present study investigated the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins on gut microbiota and mucosal barrier using a weaned piglet model in comparison with colistin. Piglets weaned at 28 day were randomly assigned to four groups treated with a control ration, or supplemented with 250 mg/kg proanthocyanidins, kitasamycin/colistin, or 250 mg/kg proanthocyanidins and half-dose antibiotics, respectively. On day 28, the gut chyme and tissue samples were collected to test intestinal microbiota and barrier function, respectively. Proanthocyanidins treated piglets had better growth performance and reduced diarrhea incidence (P < 0.05), accompanied with decreased intestinal permeability and improved mucosal morphology. Gene sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA revealed that dietary proanthocyanidins improved the microbial diversity in ileal and colonic digesta, and the most abundant OTUs belong to Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes spp.. Proanthocyanidins treatment decreased the abundance of Lactobacillaceae, and increased the abundance of Clostridiaceae in both ileal and colonic lumen, which suggests that proanthocyanidins treatment changed the bacterial composition and distribution. Administration of proanthocyanidins increased the concentration of propionic acid and butyric acid in the ileum and colon, which may activate the expression of GPR41. In addition, dietary proanthocyanidins improved the antioxidant indices in serum and intestinal mucosa, accompanied with increasing expression of barrier occludin. Our findings indicated that proanthocyanidins with half-dose colistin was equivalent to the antibiotic treatment and assisted weaned animals in resisting intestinal oxidative stress by increasing diversity and improving balance of gut microbes.

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) effects on antigenicity and structural properties of soybean β-conglycinin

In this study, the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on antigenicity, free sulfhydryl group (SH) content, hydrophobicity (Ho), fluorescence intensity and circular dichroism data of soybean β-conglycinin was studied. The antigenicity of soybean β-conglycinin was decreased significantly at pressures 200-400 MPa. The antigenicity inhibition rate of β-conglycinin declined from 92.72 to 55.15%, after being treated at 400 MPa for 15 min. Results indicated that free sulphydryl (SH) groups and surface Ho of β-conglycinin were significantly increased at pressures 200-400 MPa and 5-15 min, whereas these properties decreased at the treatments above 400 MPa and 15 min. The maximum fluorescence intensity was noticed at 400 MPa and 15 min. The circular dichroism data analysis revealed that the amount of β-turns and unordered structure significantly increased, while the content of α-helix1 and β-strand1 noticeably decreased. These results provide evidence that HHP-induced the structural modification of β-conglycinin and could alter the antigenicity of β-conglycinin.

Geroprotectors: A Unified Concept and Screening Approaches

Although the geroprotectors discovery is a new biomedicine trend and more than 200 compounds can slow aging and increase the lifespan of the model organism, there are still no geroprotectors on the market. The reasons may be partly related to the lack of a unified concept of geroprotector, accepted by the scientific community. Such concept as a system of criteria for geroprotector identification and classification can form a basis for an analytical model of anti-aging drugs, help to consolidate the efforts of various research initiatives in this area and compare their results. Here, we review the existing classification and characteristics of geroprotectors based on their effect on the survival of a group of individuals or pharmaceutics classes, according to the proposed mechanism of their geroprotective action or theories of aging. After discussing advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, we offer a new concept based on the maintenance of homeostatic capacity because aging can be considered as exponential shrinkage of homeostatic capacity leading to the onset of age-related diseases and death. Besides, we review the most promising current screening approaches to finding new geroprotectors. Establishing the classification of existing geroprotectors based on physiology and current understanding of the nature of aging is essential for putting the existing knowledge into a single system. This system could be useful to formulate standards for finding and creating new geroprotectors. Standardization, in turn, would allow easier comparison and combination of experimental data obtained by different research groups.

The structural properties and antigenicity of soybean glycinin by glycation with xylose

BACKGROUND

Soybean glycinin is considered a major allergenic protein, and glycation is widely used to reduce the allergenic potential of present allergens. Glycation of soybean glycinin with xylose at 55 °C for different lengths of time was investigated. The extent of Maillard reaction was reflected through the content changing of free amino groups, color analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Alteration in the structural properties of glycinin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and antigenicity was evaluated by indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The changes in the color of glycinin-xylose samples and the reduction of free amino group content in proteins indicated that the Maillard reaction occurred. The degree of glycation increased in glycated samples with the increase in reaction time. Glycation induced the changes in the secondary structure of glycinin and the ordered structure of proteins increased during the glycation reaction. The antigenicity of glycinin was reduced with the increase in reaction time. After glycation for 12 h, the antigenicity of glycinin declined about 18% compared with native glycinin.

CONCLUSION

The application of glycation may be an efficient method to reduce the antigenicity of soybean glycinin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

α-Lipoic acid prevents the intestinal epithelial monolayer damage under heat stress conditions: model experiments in Caco-2 cells

Purpose

Under conditions of high ambient temperatures and/or strenuous exercise, humans and animals experience considerable heat stress (HS) leading among others to intestinal epithelial damage through induction of cellular oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of α-Lipoic Acid (ALA) on HS-induced intestinal epithelial injury using an in vitro Caco-2 cell model.

Methods

A confluent monolayer of Caco-2 cells was pre-incubated with ALA (24 h) prior to control (37 °C) or HS conditions (42 °C) for 6 or 24 h and the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock factor-1 (HSF1), and the antioxidant Nrf2 were investigated. Intestinal integrity was determined by measuring transepithelial resistance, paracellular permeability, junctional complex reassembly, and E-cadherin expression and localization. Furthermore, cell proliferation was measured in an epithelial wound healing assay and the expression of the inflammatory markers cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and transforming growth Factor-β (TGF-β) was evaluated.

Results

ALA pretreatment increased the HSP70 mRNA and protein expression under HS conditions, but did not significantly modulate the HS-induced activation of HSF1. The HS-induced increase in Nrf2 gene expression as well as the Nrf2 nuclear translocation was impeded by ALA. Moreover, ALA prevented the HS-induced impairment of intestinal integrity. Cell proliferation under HS conditions was improved by ALA supplementation as demonstrated in an epithelial wound healing assay and ALA was able to affect the HS-induced inflammatory response by decreasing the COX-2 and TGF-β mRNA expression.

Conclusions

ALA supplementation could prevent the disruption of intestinal epithelial integrity by enhancing epithelial cell proliferation, and reducing the inflammatory response under HS conditions in an in vitro Caco-2 cell model.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00394-017-1442-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Supplemental lipoic acid relieves post-weaning diarrhoea by decreasing intestinal permeability in rats

Lipoic acid (LA) is a naturally existing substance which widely distributed in the cellular membranes and cytosol of animal cells. Its intracellular functions include quenching of free radicals and repairing oxidized proteins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LA on post-weaning diarrhoea using a rat model. Sixty weaned rats were fed either a basal diet or a LA-supplemented diet, or a zinc oxide (ZnO)-supplemented diet as a positive control. Rats in the LA and ZnO groups had better performance and reduced incidence of diarrhoea (p < 0.05). Both LA and ZnO treatments enhanced intestinal homeostatic and architecture, significantly decreased urinary lactulose to mannitol ratios (p < 0.05) and increased the expression of the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) (p < 0.05). LA significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced glutathione while decreasing the levels of oxidative glutathione and malondialdehyde in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an in vitro study indicated that supplementation with LA in IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells significantly enhanced the expression of OCLN and ZO-1 under hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, these results suggest that LA relieves post-weaning diarrhoea by reducing intestinal permeability and improving antioxidant indices.

Dietary Sodium Butyrate Decreases Postweaning Diarrhea by Modulating Intestinal Permeability and Changing the Bacterial Communities in Weaned Piglets

BACKGROUND

The vast majority of substances used as alternatives to antibiotics produce inconsistent results and rarely equal the effectiveness of in-feed antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of the combined use of sodium butyrate (SB) and reduced antibiotics in a piglet diet in promoting performance and to control weaning diarrhea.

METHODS

Piglets weaned at 28 d were randomly assigned to a corn-soybean meal control ration [negative control (NC)]; a similar ration with 50 mg kitasamycin/kg, 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg, and 1000 mg encapsulated SB/kg [reduced antibiotics + SB (ASB)]; or to a ration with 100 mg kitasamycin/kg and 40 mg colistin sulfate/kg [positive control (PC)] for 28 d. Performance, diarrhea incidence, intestinal permeability, and changes in the bacterial communities in the ileum and colon were determined.

RESULTS

Weight gain and the ratio of weight gain to feed intake were significantly greater in the ASB and PC piglets than in the NC piglets (P < 0.05). Diarrhea incidence was lower in the ASB and PC piglets than in the NC piglets (P < 0.05). Urinary lactulose to mannitol ratios were 25% and 30% lower, respectively, whereas jejunal and colonic occludin protein expressions were significantly greater in the ASB and PC piglets compared with the NC piglets (P < 0.05). In the intestinal mucosa, malondialdehyde was lower in the ASB and PC piglets (by 42% and 43%, respectively), whereas tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was 63% lower in the ASB piglets and 59% lower in the PC piglets compared with the NC piglets (P < 0.05). 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis revealed a higher colonic Shannon index and a lower colonic Simpson index in the ASB and PC piglets than in the NC piglets. In addition, the ASB and PC treatments caused a striking decrease in Lactobacillaceae and a noticeable increase in Clostridiaceae in the ileal and colonic lumen, as well as increases in Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidetes in the colonic lumen.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our results support an important role for SB in improving performance and decreasing diarrhea incidence in weaned piglets by modulation of intestinal permeability and the bacterial communities in the ileum and colon.

Soyabean glycinin depresses intestinal growth and function in juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var Jian): protective effects of glutamine

This study investigated the effects of glycinin on the growth, intestinal oxidative status, tight junction components, cytokines and apoptosis signalling factors of fish. The results showed that an 80 g/kg diet of glycinin exposure for 42 d caused poor growth performance and depressed intestinal growth and function of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian). Meanwhile, dietary glycinin exposure induced increases in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation; it caused reductions in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; and it increased MnSOD, CuZnSOD, GPx1b and GPx4a mRNA levels, suggesting an adaptive mechanism against stress in the intestines of fish. However, dietary glycinin exposure decreased both the activity and mRNA levels of nine isoforms of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) (α, μ, π, ρ, θ, κ, mGST1, mGST2 and mGST3), indicating toxicity to this enzyme activity and corresponding isoform gene expressions. In addition, glycinin exposure caused partial disruption of intestinal cell-cell tight junction components, disturbances of cytokines and induced apoptosis signalling in the distal intestines>mid intestines>proximal intestines of fish. Glycinin exposure also disturbed the mRNA levels of intestinal-related signalling factors Nrf2, Keap1a, Keap1b, eleven isoforms of protein kinase C and target of rapamycin/4E-BP. Interestingly, glutamine was observed to partially block those negative influences. In conclusion, this study indicates that dietary glycinin exposure causes intestinal oxidative damage and disruption of intestinal physical barriers and functions and reduces fish growth, but glutamine can reverse those negative effects in fish. This study provides some information on the mechanism of glycinin-induced negative effects.

Analysis of Reaction between α-Lipoic Acid and 2-Chloro-1-methylquinolinium Tetrafluoroborate Used as a Precolumn Derivatization Technique in Chromatographic Determination of α-Lipoic Acid

The present study offers results of analysis concerning the course of reaction between reduced α-lipoic acid (LA) and 2-chloro-1-methylquinolinium tetrafluoroborate (CMQT). In water environments, the reaction between CMQT and hydrophilic thiols proceeds very rapidly and the resultant products are stable. For the described analysis, optimum reaction conditions, such as concentration of the reducing agent, environment pH, and concentration of the reagent were carefully selected. The spectrophotometric assay was carried out measuring absorbance at λ = 348 nm (i.e., the spectral band of the obtained reaction product). Furthermore, the calibration curve of lipoic acid was registered. It was concluded that the Lambert-Beer law was observed within the range 1-10 μmol L(-1). Later, the reaction between LA and CMQT was used as precolumn derivatization in a chromatographic determination of the lipoic acid in the range 2.5-50 μmol L(-1). Practical applicability of the designed methods was evaluated by determining lipoic acid in Revitanerv pharmaceutical preparation which contains 300 mg LA in a single capsule. The error of the determination did not exceed 0.5% in relation to the declared value.

Determination of glycinin in soybean and soybean products using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

This study performs a sandwich ELISA for detection of trace amounts of glycinin in soybean products. We designed a soy-free mouse model to produce anti-glycinin monoclonal antibodies with high affinity and specificity. Using the monoclonal antibody as coating antibody, with the rabbit anti-glycinin polyclonal antibody as a detected antibody, the established sandwich ELISA showed high specificity for glycinin with minimum cross-reactions with other soy proteins. The practical working range of the determination was 3-200 ng/mL with detection limit of 1.63 ng/mL. The regaining of glycinin in spiked soybean samples were between 93.8% and 103.3% with relative standard deviation less than 8.3% (intra-day) and 10.5% (inter-day). The developed assay was used in analysing 469 soybean samples and five soybean products under different processing. The assay provides a specific and sensitive method for screening of glycinin and allows for further investigation into hypersensitive mechanisms to soybean proteins.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 favors intestinal development and alters the intestinal microbiota in formula-fed piglets

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of early administration of Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 on intestinal development and microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract using a neonatal piglet model. Full-term 4 day old piglets, fed with milk replacer, were divided into a control group (given placebo of 0.1% peptone water) and a L. fermentum I5007 group (dosed daily with 6 × 10(9) CFU/mL L. fermentum I5007). The experiment lasted 14 days. On day 14, a significant increase in the jejunum villous height (583 ± 33 vs 526 ± 18) and increases in the concentrations of butyrate (7.55 ± 0.55 vs 5.33 ± 0.39) and branched chain fatty acids in the colonic digesta were observed in piglets in the L. fermentum I5007 treatment (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of IL-1β (1.29 ± 0.29 vs. 0.62 ± 0.07) in the ileum were lower after 14 days of treatment with L. fermentum I5007. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) revealed that L. fermentum I5007 affected the colonic microbial communities on day 14 and, in particular, reduced numbers of Clostridium sp. L. fermentum I5007 play a positive role in gut development in neonatal piglets by modulating microbial composition, intestinal development, and immune status. L. fermentum I5007 may be useful as a probiotic for application in neonatal piglets.

Advances of research on glycinin and β-conglycinin: a review of two major soybean allergenic proteins

Being an important crop, soybean is widely used in the world and plays a vital role in human and animal nutrition. However, it contains several antinutritional factors (ANFs) including soybean agglutinin, soybean protease inhibitors, soybean allergenic proteins, etc., that may result in poor food utilization, decreased growth performance, and even disease. Among these ANFs, soybean allergenic proteins can lead to allergic reactions in human and animals, which has become a public problem all over the world, but our knowledge on it is still inadequate. This paper aims to provide an update on the characteristics, detection or exploration methods, and in vivo research models of soybean allergenic proteins; especially glycinin and β-conglycinin are deeply discussed. Through this review, we may have a better understanding on the advances of research on these two soybean allergenic proteins. Besides, the ingredient processing used to reduce the allergenicity of soybean is also reviewed.

Development of immunoaffinity chromatographic method for isolating glycinin (11S) from soybean proteins

A monoclonal antibody (Mab), 4B2, against soybean glycinin was prepared using the preliminary extracted natural glycinin as the immunogen in our previous study. Herein, we established a novel method for the purification of glycinin by Mab 4B2-based immunoaffinity chromatography. The characteristics of the purified glycinin were identified by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and histamine release assay. Glycinin was successfully isolated from soybeans with a yield of 16.8% and a purity of 93.8%, which were significantly higher than those produced using other traditional procedures. The acidic polypeptides of the purified glycinin can be recognized by the Mab 4B2, but not the basic polypeptides. In addition, the histamine release ratio of the purified glycinin was similar to that of natural glycinin, which indicated that the purified glycinin maintained its biological activities. Further study revealed that the Mab/gel ratios ranging from 6.0 to 12.0 mg/mL were suitable for the isolation of glycinin using immunoaffinity chromatography. Taken together, this new method based on immunoaffinity chromatography could be used for high-yield and high-purity natural glycinin production and would facilitate future study on the mechanism of soybean-induced food allergy.

Dietary grape-seed procyanidins decreased postweaning diarrhea by modulating intestinal permeability and suppressing oxidative stress in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of grape-seed procyanidins in controlling weaning diarrhea using a rat model. Weaned rats were fed either the basal diet or basal diet supplemented with either 250 mg/kg grape-seed procyanidins or 2000 mg/kg ZnO. Treated rats had better performance with a reduced incidence of diarrhea (P < 0.05). Both ZnO and grape-seed procyanidins significantly reduced urinary lactulose to mannitol ratios (P < 0.05) and enhanced the mRNA and protein expression of the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins Ocln/ZO-1 (P < 0.05). Grape-seed procyanidins increased the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and GSH while decreasing the level of MDA in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). Furthermore, an in vitro investigation revealed that supplementation with grape-seed procyanidins in IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells significantly enhanced the expression of Ocln/ZO-1 under H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, these results indicate that grape-seed procyanidins have the potential to prevent weaning diarrhea by reducing intestinal permeability and improving antioxidant indices.

Sensitivity-related illness: the escalating pandemic of allergy, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity

The prevalence of allergic-related diseases, food intolerance, and chemical sensitivities in both the pediatric and adult population has increased dramatically over the last two decades, with escalating rates of associated morbidity. Conditions of acquired allergy, food intolerance and chemical hypersensitivity are frequently the direct sequelae of a toxicant induced loss of tolerance (TILT) in response to a significant initiating toxic exposure. Following the primary toxicant insult, the individuals become sensitive to low levels of diverse and unrelated triggers in their environment such as commonly encountered chemical, inhalant or food antigens. Among sensitized individuals, exposure to assorted inciting stimuli may precipitate diverse clinical and/or immune sequelae as may be evidenced by clinical symptoms as well as varied lymphocyte, antibody, or cytokine responses in some cases. Recently recognized as a mechanism of disease development, TILT and resultant sensitivity-related illness (SRI) may involve various organ systems and evoke wide-ranging physical or neuropsychological manifestations. With escalating rates of toxicant exposure and bioaccumulation in the population-at-large, an increasing proportion of contemporary illness is the direct result of TILT and ensuing SRI. Avoidance of triggers will preclude symptoms, and desensitization immunotherapy or immune suppression may ameliorate symptomatology in some cases. Resolution of SRI generally occurs on a gradual basis following the elimination of bioaccumulated toxicity and avoidance of further initiating adverse environmental exposures. As has usually been the case throughout medical history whenever new evidence regarding disease mechanisms emerges, resistance to the translation of knowledge abounds.