Orally administered octacosanol improves liver insulin resistance in high-fat diet-fed mice through the reconstruction of the gut microbiota structure and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway

Causal relationship between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and endotoxin biomarkers: A Mendelian randomization study

Although the relationship among lipopolysaccharides (LPS), LPS-binding proteins, and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is widely studied, no conclusive evidence is available. In this study, we used mendelian randomization (MR) to study the causal relationship of LPS, LPS-binding proteins, and MAFLD. Using bidirectional two-sample MR method, we evaluated data from the genome wide association study; for this analysis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fat percentage, and other metabolic syndromes were employed as outcomes. Furthermore, MR analysis mainly involved the inverse variance weighted method. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests were also conducted. LPS was found to have a causal relationship with NAFLD, obesity, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TG levels. Furthermore, TG levels and LBP had significant causal relationships. This study mainly concluded that LPS is a risk factor for NAFLD, obesity, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TG, corroborating it's the LPS role in MAFLD pathogenesis. Hence, optimizing the gut microbiota using proper diet, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may help to reduce inflammation and (IR), thereby improving lipid and glucose metabolism disorders. Although a causal relationship between TG and LBP was observed, further studies are required to determine a specific mechanism.

Effect of the total flavonoids of Dracocephalum moldavica L. on metabolic associated fatty liver disease in rats

Introduction

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a liver disease syndrome. The total flavonoids of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (D. moldavica), the main active components of D. moldavica, have been demonstrated not only to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects but also to regulate gut microbiota. However, the mechanism by which it improves MAFLD is unclear. So we want to investigate how the total flavonoids of D. moldavica alleviate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD in rats.

Methods

Firstly, MAFLD rat models were established by feeding with HFD, while the total flavonoids of D. moldavica were administered via gavage. Then, the experiments analyzed the changes of gut microbiota by the 16S rRNA sequencing and detected intestinal barrier permeability and liver inflammation to explore the mechanism of the total flavonoids of D. moldavica in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.

Results

We found that the total flavonoids of D. moldavica reduced systemic inflammation and could alleviate serum and liver lipid metabolism disorders in MAFLD rats. The results of the 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that the total flavonoids of D. moldavica increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. Furthermore, the total flavonoids of D. moldavica have been demonstrated to enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier function, reduce LPS translocation, and inhibit the activation of hepatic TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. This could effectively ameliorate the hepatic lesions in MAFLD rats.

Conclusions

The aforementioned outcomes indicate that the total flavonoids ofD moldavica may potentially alleviate MAFLD by modulating gut microbiota, intestinal mucosal barrier and hepatic inflammation.

The gut microbiome across the lifespan: how diet modulates our microbial ecosystem from infancy to the elderly

This comprehensive review examines the impact of dietary patterns on gut microbiome composition and diversity from infancy to old age, linking these changes to age-related health outcomes. It investigates how the gut microbiome develops and changes across life stages, focusing on the influence of dietary factors. The review explores how early-life feeding practices, including breastfeeding and formula feeding, shape the infant gut microbiota and have lasting effects. In elderly individuals, alterations in the gut microbiome are associated with increased susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders and cognitive decline. The critical role of diet in modulating the gut microbiome throughout life is emphasised, particularly the potential benefits of probiotics and fortified foods in promoting healthy ageing. By elucidating the mechanisms connecting food systems to gut health, this review provides insights into interventions that could enhance gut microbiome resilience and improve health outcomes across the lifespan.

Effect of the degree of substitution on water solubility of OSA-debranched starch and its potential use as a 1-Octacosanol carrier

1-Octacosanol(1-Octa) has anti-fatigue, anti-Parkinson's disease, and lipid-regulating effects; however, its long hydrophobic carbon chain results in very poor water solubility, which in turn leads to malabsorption and low bioavailability. To improve the solubility of 1-Octa, it was embedded in octenyl succinic acid and debranched complex-modified starch (OSD) to obtain aqueous OSD-Octa complexes. The solubility of OSD has been found to increase significantly, from 23.40 g/100 g to 94.24 g/100 g, as the degree of substitution increased. Critical micelle concentration determinations and iodine-staining indices indicated that OSD can potentially serve as a carrier for delivering hydrophobic functional factors. The encapsulation efficiency of 79.15 ± 0.02 % and the loading capacity of 44.66 ± 0.49 μg/mg were found with OSD-Octa complexes. Fluorescent 1-Octa particles inside starch were captured clearly. The solubility of 1-Octa in water was 1.532 ± 0.023 mg/mL after encapsulation. These results demonstrate the potential of OSD as a 1-Octa carrier that significantly improves its water solubility.

Structure characterization of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide and its effect on insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice

Polysaccharide extracted from Grifola frondosa (GFP) was selected in this study. After preliminary separation, four factions were collected, named GFP-F1, GFP-F2, GFP-F3 and GFP-F4. GPF-F2 was further separated into two fractions, namely GFP-N1 and GFP-N2. The molecular weight of GFP-N1 and GFP-N2 was 3.323×103 kDa and 10.8 kDa, respectively. GFP-N1 was composed of glucose and galactose and 1 → 3, 1 → 4, and 1 → 6 glycosidic bonds. GFP-N2 was composed of glucose, galactose and mannose and 1 → 2, 1 → 3, 1 → 4, and 1 → 6 glycosidic bonds. GFP could significantly relieve the insulin resistance induced by HFD. GFP significantly alleviated gut microbiota disturbance caused by HFD and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, and further reduced the expression of LPS/TLR4 inflammatory pathway. GFP significantly reduced the oxidative stress induced by HFD, increased the expression of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. These results indicated that GFP could be developed as a potential ingredient for the management of insulin resistance.

Multi-functional application of octacosanol as a feed additive in animal and aquaculture: A review

Demand for sustainable animal and aquaculture production drives the exploration of novel feed additives. We highlight octacosanol, a long-chain alcohol from plant sources, as a promising multifunctional feed additive. The review comprehensively evaluates octacosanol's applications in animal and aquaculture nutrition, including its molecular properties and mechanisms of action. It elucidates how octacosanol affects lipid metabolism, energy utilization and immune modulation. Octacosanol enhances livestock growth, efficiency, carcass quality and stress resilience. We thoroughly discuss how it enhances feed utilization, disease resistance and overall performance in finfish and shellfish in aquaculture. The review also addresses the ecological and sustainability aspects of octacosanol utilization. We identify challenges and knowledge gaps in octacosanol research, prompting suggestions for future investigations. We address regulatory considerations, dosage optimization and potential interactions with other feed additives to ensure the safe and effective use of octacosanol. In conclusion, the review highlights octacosanol's potential as a versatile feed additive in the animal and aquaculture industries and urges further research to uncover its benefits and sustainability contributions, proposing a prospective research plan for this purpose. This thorough analysis is a valuable resource for researchers, nutritionists and industry professionals looking to find innovative methods to improve production practices and advance sustainable food systems.

Yellow leaf green tea modulates the AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling pathway and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced mice to alleviate obesity

BACKGROUND

Yellow leaf green tea (YLGT) is a new variety of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze, which has yellow leaves and the unique qualities of 'three green through three yellow'. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of YLGT in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and to explore the potential mechanisms by regulating the AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling pathways and gut microbiota.

RESULTS

The results showed that YLGT aqueous extract reduced body weight, hepatic inflammation, fat accumulation and hyperlipidemia in HFD-induced C57BL/6J mice, and also accelerated energy metabolism, reduced fat synthesis and suppressed obesity by activating the AMPK/CPT-1α signaling pathway and inhibiting the FAS/ACC/SREBP-1c signaling pathway. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment further confirmed that the alteration of gut microbiota (e.g. increasing unclassified_Muribaculaceae and decreasing Colidextribacter) might be an important cause of YLGT water extract inhibiting obesity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, YLGT has a broad application prospect in the treatment of obesity and the development of anti-obesity function beverages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Regulation Mechanism and Potential Value of Active Substances in Spices in Alcohol-Liver-Intestine Axis Health

Excessive alcohol intake will aggravate the health risk between the liver and intestine and affect the multi-directional information exchange of metabolites between host cells and microbial communities. Because of the side effects of clinical drugs, people tend to explore the intervention value of natural drugs on diseases. As a flavor substance, spices have been proven to have medicinal value, but they are still rare in treating hepatointestinal diseases caused by alcohol. This paper summarized the metabolic transformation of alcohol in the liver and intestine and summarized the potential value of various perfume active substances in improving liver and intestine diseases caused by alcohol. It is also found that bioactive substances in spices can exert antioxidant activity in the liver and intestine environment and reduce the oxidative stress caused by diseases. These substances can interfere with fatty acid synthesis, promote sugar and lipid metabolism, and reduce liver injury caused by steatosis. They can effectively regulate the balance of intestinal flora, promote the production of SCFAs, and restore the intestinal microenvironment.

Reduced Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein (LBP) Levels Are Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Adipose Inflammation in Human Obesity

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its binding protein LBP have emerged as potential contributors to the progression from overweight/obesity to overt metabolic diseases and NAFLD. While LPS is known to activate hepatocyte inflammation, thus contributing toward NAFLD development, the role of LBP is more intricate, and recent data have shown that experimental reduction in hepatic LBP promotes NAFLD progression. In this cross-sectional investigation, we evaluated circulating LBP in relation to obesity, NAFLD, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We recruited 186 individuals (M/F: 81/105; age: 47 ± 10.4 years; BMI: 35.5 ± 8.6 kg/m2); a subgroup (n = 81) underwent bariatric surgery with intra-operative VAT and liver biopsies. LBP levels were higher in obese individuals than non-obese individuals but were inversely correlated with the parameters of glucose metabolism. Reduced LBP predicted T2D independent of age, sex, and BMI (p < 0.001). LBP levels decreased across more severe stages of hepatosteatosis and lobular inflammation, and were inversely associated with VAT inflammation signatures. In conclusion, LBP levels are increased in obese individuals and are associated with a more favorable metabolic profile and lower NAFLD/NASH prevalence. A possible explanation for these findings is that hepatic LBP production may be triggered by chronic caloric excess and facilitate LPS degradation in the liver, thus protecting these individuals from the metabolic consequences of obesity.

Comparison of Policosanol Profiles of the Sprouts of Wheat Mutant Lines and the Effect of Differential LED Lights on Selected Lines

Policosanols (PCs) are long-chain linear aliphatic alcohols that are present in the primary leaves of cereal crops, such as barley and wheat, sugar cane wax, and beeswax. PCs have been used as a nutraceutical for improving hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. However, the PC content in mutant wheat lines has not been investigated. To select highly functional wheat sprouts with a high content of PCs in wheat mutant lines developed via gamma-irradiated mutation breeding, we cultivated the sprouts of wheat mutant lines in a growth chamber with white LED light (6000 K) and analyzed the PC content in these samples using GC-MS. We studied the PC content in 91 wheat sprout samples: the original variety (Woori-mil × D-7; WS01), commercially available cv. Geumgang (WS87) and cv. Cheongwoo (WS91), and mutant lines (WS02-WS86 and WS88-WS90) developed from WS01 and WS87. Compared to WS01, 18 mutant lines exhibited a high total PC content (506.08-873.24 mg/100 g dry weight). Among them, the top 10 mutant lines were evaluated for their PC production after cultivating under blue (440 nm), green (520 nm), and red (660 nm) LED light irradiation; however, these colored LED lights reduced the total PC production by 35.8-49.7%, suggesting that the cultivation with white LED lights was more efficient in promoting PCs' yield, compared to different LED lights. Therefore, our findings show the potential of radiation-bred wheat varieties as functional foods against hyperlipidemia and obesity and the optimal light conditions for high PC production.

DNMT3B Alleviates Liver Steatosis Induced by Chronic Low-grade LPS via Inhibiting CIDEA Expression

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent chronic liver disease and threats to human health. Gut dysbiosis caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage has been strongly related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

Previous studies have shown that low-grade LPS administration to mice on a standard, low-fat chow diet is sufficient to induce symptoms of fatty liver. This study confirmed these findings and supported LPS as a lipid metabolism regulator in the liver.

RESULTS

Mechanically, LPS induced dysregulated lipid metabolism by inhibiting the expression of DNA methyltransferases 3B (DNMT3B). Genetic overexpression of DNMT3B alleviated LPS-induced lipid accumulation, whereas its knockdown increased steatosis in mice and human hepatocytes. LPS-induced lower expression of DNMT3B led to hypomethylation in promoter region of CIDEA, resulting in increased binding of SREBP-1c to its promoter and activated CIDEA expression. Hepatic interference of CIDEA reversed the effect of LPS on lipogenesis. These effects were independent of a high-fat diet or high fatty acid action.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these findings sustain the conclusion that LPS is a lipogenic factor and could be involved in hepatic steatosis progression.

GSPE Pre-Treatment Exerts Long-Lasting Preventive Effects against Aging-Induced Changes in the Colonic Enterohormone Profile of Female Rats

The impact that healthy aging can have on society has raised great interest in understanding aging mechanisms. However, the effects this biological process may have on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) have not yet been fully described. Results in relation to changes observed in the enteroendocrine system along the GIT are controversial. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) have been shown to protect against several pathologies associated with aging. Based on previous results, we hypothesized that a GSPE pre-treatment could prevent the aging processes that affect the enteroendocrine system. To test this hypothesis, we treated 21-month-old female rats with GSPE for 10 days. Eleven weeks after the treatment, we analyzed the effects of GSPE by comparing these aged animals with young animals. Aging induced a greater endocrine response to stimulation in the upper GIT segments (cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)), a decrease in the mRNA abundance of GLP-1, peptide YY (PYY) and chromogranin A (ChgA) in the colon, and an increase in colonic butyrate. GSPE-treated rats were protected against a decrease in enterohormone expression in the colon. This effect is not directly related to the abundance of microbiome or short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) at this location. GSPE may therefore be effective in preventing a decrease in the colonic abundance of enterohormone expression induced by aging.