Chlorogenic acid combined with epigallocatechin-3-gallate mitigates D-galactose-induced gut aging in mice

Isolation, characterization and palliative effect of D-gal-induced liver injury of Stropharia rugosoannulata exopolysaccharide

In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide component, namely SREP-1, was purified from Stropharia rugosoannulata fermentation broth. SREP-1 was identified as a novel water-soluble neutral polysaccharide, with a molecular weight of 9.6 kDa. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that SREP-1 was composed of glucose, galactose and mannose in a molar ratio of 78.6: 13.6: 7.8. The primary structure was elucidated through FT-IR, methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy, revealing a backbone of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → residues, and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Manp-(1 → and α-D-Glcp-(→1 residues for the branched chains. Results indicated that SREP-1 possessed an amorphous globular-like structure, good thermally stability and triple-helix conformation in water. In vivo results showed that SREP-1 reversed D-galactose (D-gal)-induced body weight and organ indexes decrease, and alleviated liver damage according to improved histopathology and declined indicators in serum. Amelioration of oxidative stress and abnormal inflammation of aging liver might be due to the elevated nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and decreased that of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65). Interestingly, the beneficial effects of SREP-1 were abolished after pretreatment with antibiotics. Our findings demonstrated that the role of SREP-1 in attenuating aging-related liver injury might involve the regulation of Nrf2-NF-κB signaling pathway and its prebiotic effect.

Cow Placenta Peptides Ameliorate D-Galactose-Induced Intestinal Barrier Damage by Regulating TLR/NF-κB Pathway

This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of cow placenta peptides (CPP) on intestinal barrier damage in aging model mice. Forty-eight male ICR mice were assigned to four groups: a control group (N), an aging model group (M), a CPP treatment group (T), and a vitamin C treatment group (P). Groups T and P received oral administration of CPP (2000 mg/kg/day) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day), respectively, while groups M, T, and P were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose (D-gal) (300 mg/kg/day). Group N received an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. Treatments were administered once daily for 8 weeks. The results demonstrated that CPP significantly alleviated D-galactose-induced intestinal structural damage, increasing the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio and reducing serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. CPP notably alleviated intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation, restored tight junction expression, and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity. Transcriptome sequencing identified 1396 DEGs associated with CPP's effects, highlighting TLR4, IL-1β, and Mmp9 as core regulatory genes through protein-protein interaction network analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses implicated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which was further validated. Western blotting confirmed that CPP significantly down-regulated TLR4, IKKβ, and p-NF-κB p65 protein expression in the intestines of aging mice. In conclusion, CPP effectively alleviates D-gal-induced intestinal barrier damage in aging mice by enhancing antioxidant defense and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby diminishing inflammation and protecting intestinal barrier integrity.

Apple polyphenols prevent patulin-induced intestinal damage by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolism of the gut-liver axis

Patulin (PAT), a foodborne toxin, causes severe intestinal damage. To mitigate this health threat, mice were pretreated with apple polyphenols (AP) in their drinking water (0.01 % and 0.05 %) for eight weeks, followed by exposure to PAT during the last two weeks. Subsequently, histopathological and biochemical evaluations of intestinal tissues were conducted, alongside assessments of alterations in gut microbiota, colonic content metabolome, and hepatic metabolome. Consequently, AP alleviated PAT-induced villus and crypt injury, mucus depletion, GSH level decline, GSH-Px and SOD activity reduction, and MPO activity elevation. Notably, AP counteracted PAT-mediated microbiota disruptions and promoted the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Dubosiella, Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillus). Furthermore, AP counteracted PAT-induced metabolic disorders in the colonic contents and liver. Ultimately, AP prevented intestinal injury by regulating the gut microbiota and amino acid, purine, butanoate, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the gut-liver axis. These results underscore the potential of AP to prevent foodborne toxin-induced intestinal damage.

Impacts of Senolytic Phytochemicals on Gut Microbiota: A Comprehensive Review

There is increasing interest in utilizing senolytics to selectively remove senescent cells from intestinal tissues, with the aim of maintaining a healthy gut environment during aging. This strategy underscores the potential of senolytics to enhance gut health by delaying intestinal aging and positively modulating gut microbiota. Certain plant-based phytochemicals have demonstrated promising senolytic effects. Beyond their ability to eliminate senescent cells, these compounds also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation-key drivers of age-related diseases. By selectively removing senescent cells from the intestine, senolytic phytochemicals contribute to an improved intestinal inflammatory environment and promote the growth of a diverse microbial community. Ultimately, the dietary intake of these senolytic phytochemicals aids in maintaining a healthier intestinal microenvironment by targeting and clearing aged enterocytes.

Dietary Polyphenols as Anti-Aging Agents: Targeting the Hallmarks of Aging

Background: Aging is a natural biological process influenced by multiple factors and is a significant contributor to various chronic diseases. Slowing down the aging process and extending health span have been pursuits of the scientific field. Methods: Examination of the effects of dietary polyphenols on hallmarks of aging such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, disabled macroautophagy, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. Results: Polyphenols, abundant in nature, exhibit numerous biological activities, including antioxidant effects, free radical scavenging, neuroprotection, and anti-aging properties. These compounds are generally safe and effective in potentially slowing aging and preventing age-related disorders. Conclusions: The review encourages the development of novel therapeutic strategies using dietary polyphenols to create holistic anti-aging therapies and nutritional supplements.

Identification of senescence related hub genes and potential therapeutic compounds for dilated cardiomyopathy via comprehensive transcriptome analysis

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cause of heart failure. However, the role of cellular senescence in DCM has not been fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to investigate senescence in DCM, identify senescence related characteristic genes, and explore the potential small molecule compounds for DCM treatment.

METHODS

DCM-associated datasets and senescence-related genes were respectively obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and CellAge database. The characteristic genes were identified through methods including weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and random forest. The expression of characteristic genes was verified in the mouse DCM model. Moreover, the CIBERSORT algorithm was applied to analyze immune characteristics of DCM. Finally, several therapeutic compounds were predicted by CMap analysis, and the potential mechanism of chlorogenic acid (CGA) was investigated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.

RESULTS

Three DCM- and senescence-related characteristic genes (MME, GNMT and PLA2G2A) were ultimately identified through comprehensive transcriptome analysis, and were experimentally verified in the doxorubicin induced mouse DCM. Meanwhile, the established diagnostic model, derived from dataset analysis, showed ideal diagnostic performance for DCM. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested dysregulation of inflammation in DCM, and the characteristic genes were significantly associated with invasive immune cells. Finally, based on the specific gene expression profile of DCM, several potential therapeutic compounds were predicted through CMap analysis. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that CGA could bind to the active pocket of MME protein.

CONCLUSION

Our study presents three characteristic genes (MME, PLA2G2A, and GNMT) and a novel senescence-based diagnostic nomogram, and discusses potential therapeutic compounds, providing new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of DCM.

Endothelial dysfunction: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its complications are a leading cause of death worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of CVD, serving as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, metabolic, and other related diseases. The regulation of endothelial dysfunction is influenced by various risk factors and intricate signaling pathways, which vary depending on the specific disease context. Despite numerous research efforts aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction, the precise molecular pathways involved remain incompletely understood. This review elucidates recent research findings on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction, including nitric oxide availability, oxidative stress, and inflammation-mediated pathways. We also discuss the impact of endothelial dysfunction on various pathological conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we summarize the traditional and novel potential biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction as well as pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic strategies for endothelial protection and treatment for CVD and related complications. Consequently, this review is to improve understanding of emerging biomarkers and therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing the risk of developing CVD and associated complications, as well as mitigating endothelial dysfunction.

Dietary emulsifier polysorbate 80 exposure accelerates age-related cognitive decline

Gut microbial homeostasis is crucial for the health of cognition in elderly. Previous study revealed that polysorbate 80 (P80) as a widely used emulsifier in food industries and pharmaceutical formulations could directly alter the human gut microbiota compositions. However, whether long-term exposure to P80 could accelerate age-related cognitive decline via gut-brain axis is still unknown. Accordingly, in this study, we used the senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse model to investigate the effects of the emulsifier P80 intake (1 % P80 in drinking water for 12 weeks) on gut microbiota and cognitive function. Our results indicated that P80 intake significantly exacerbated cognitive decline in SAMP8 mice, along with increased brain pathological proteins deposition, disruption of the blood-brain barrier and activation of microglia and neurotoxic astrocytes. Besides, P80 intake could also induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially the increased abundance of secondary bile acids producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium scindens. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation from P80 mice into 16-week-old SAMP8 mice could also exacerbated cognitive decline, microglia activation and intestinal barrier impairment. Intriguingly, the alterations of gut microbial composition significantly affected bile acid metabolism profiles after P80 exposure, with markedly elevated levels of deoxycholic acid (DCA) in serum and brain tissue. Mechanically, DCA could activate microglial and promote senescence-associated secretory phenotype production through adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) importing lysosomal cholesterol. Altogether, the emulsifier P80 accelerated cognitive decline of aging mice by inducing gut dysbiosis, bile acid metabolism alteration, intestinal barrier and blood brain barrier disruption as well as neuroinflammation. This study provides strong evidence that dietary-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis may be a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline.

Dietary (Poly)phenols and the Gut-Brain Axis in Ageing

As the population ages, the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases is rapidly increasing, and novel approaches to mitigate this soaring prevalence are sorely needed. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of gut microbial homeostasis and its impact on brain functions, commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis, in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, the mechanisms by which this system acts remains poorly defined. In this review, we will explore how (poly)phenols, a class of natural compounds found in many plant-based foods and beverages, can modulate the gut-brain axis, and thereby promote neural health. While evidence indicates a beneficial role of (poly)phenol consumption as part of a balanced diet, human studies are scarce and mechanistic insight is still lacking. In this regard, we make the case that dietary (poly)phenols should be further explored to establish their therapeutic efficacy on brain health through modulation of the gut-brain axis, with much greater emphasis on carefully designed human interventions.

Puerarin Delays Mammary Gland Aging by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Inhibiting the p38MAPK Signaling Pathway

Mammary gland aging is one of the most important problems faced by humans and animals. How to delay mammary gland aging is particularly important. Puerarin is a kind of isoflavone substance extracted from Pueraria lobata, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. However, the role of puerarin in delaying lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mammary gland aging and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. On the one hand, we found that puerarin could significantly downregulate the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and age-related indicators (SA-β-gal, p53, p21, p16) in mammary glands of mice. In addition, puerarin mainly inhibited the p38MAPK signaling pathway to repair mitochondrial damage and delay mammary gland aging. On the other hand, puerarin could also delay the cellular senescence of mice mammary epithelial cells (mMECs) by targeting gut microbiota and promoting the secretion of gut microbiota metabolites. In conclusion, puerarin could not only directly act on the mMECs but also regulate the gut microbiota, thus, playing a role in delaying the aging of the mammary gland. Based on the above findings, we have discovered a new pathway for puerarin to delay mammary gland aging.

Polyphenolic Compounds: Orchestrating Intestinal Microbiota Harmony during Aging

In the aging process, physiological decline occurs, posing a substantial threat to the physical and mental well-being of the elderly and contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. While traditional perspectives considered the maintenance of life as influenced by a myriad of factors, including environmental, genetic, epigenetic, and lifestyle elements such as exercise and diet, the pivotal role of symbiotic microorganisms had been understated. Presently, it is acknowledged that the intestinal microbiota plays a profound role in overall health by signaling to both the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as other distant organs. Disruption in this bidirectional communication between bacteria and the host results in dysbiosis, fostering the development of various diseases, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review aims to delve into the intricate biological mechanisms underpinning dysbiosis associated with aging and the clinical ramifications of such dysregulation. Furthermore, we aspire to explore bioactive compounds endowed with functional properties capable of modulating and restoring balance in this aging-related dysbiotic process through epigenetics alterations.

Effects of dietary chlorogenic acid on cecal microbiota and metabolites in broilers during lipopolysaccharide-induced immune stress

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on the intestinal microorganisms and metabolites in broilers during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune stress.

Methods

A total of 312 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allocated to four groups with six replicates per group and 13 broilers per replicate: (1) MS group (injected with saline and fed the basal diet); (2) ML group (injected with 0.5 mg LPS/kg and fed the basal diet); (3) MA group (injected with 0.5 mg LPS/kg and fed the basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg CGA); and (4) MB group (injected with saline and fed the basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg CGA).

Results

The results showed that the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes in the MB group was significantly higher than that in MS group, while the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcaceae was significantly decreased in the MB group. The addition of CGA significantly inhibited the increase of the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Streptococcaceae, Proteobacteria and Pseudomonas caused by LPS stress. The population of butyric acid-producing bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and Coprococcus and beneficial bacteria such as Coriobacteriaceae in the MA group increased significantly. Non-targeted metabonomic analysis showed that LPS stress significantly upregulated the 12-keto-tetrahydroleukotriene B4, riboflavin and mannitol. Indole-3-acetate, xanthurenic acid, L-formylkynurenine, pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid and L-glutamic acid were significantly down-regulated, indicating that LPS activated inflammation and oxidation in broilers, resulting in intestinal barrier damage. The addition of CGA to the diet of LPS-stimulated broilers significantly decreased 12-keto-tetrahydro-leukotriene B4 and leukotriene F4 in arachidonic acid metabolism and riboflavin and mannitol in ABC transporters, and significantly increased N-acetyl-L-glutamate 5-semialdehyde in the biosynthesis of amino acids and arginine, The presence of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid in D-amino acid metabolism and the cecal metabolites, indolelactic acid, xanthurenic acid and L-kynurenine, indicated that CGA could reduce the inflammatory response induced by immune stress, enhance intestinal barrier function, and boost antioxidant capacity.

Conclusion

We conclude that CGA can have a beneficial effect on broilers by positively altering the balance of intestinal microorganisms and their metabolites to inhibit intestinal inflammation and barrier damage caused by immune stress.

Flavonoids from Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) restore CUMS-induced depressive disorder and regulate the gut microbiota in mice

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), which is enriched with flavonoids, including isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol, is a representative example of "medicine food homology" targeting several diseases. Major depressive disorders seriously threaten mental health worldwide and may even lead to death. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive-like symptoms in mice are usually considered as the highest similarity to the situation in humans. Herein, we determined the potential functions of the flavonoid-enriched fraction from Seabuckthorn, which was named SBF, in treating major depressive disorder in mice. In the CUMS-induced mouse model, the intake of SBF reversed their depressive behaviors and relieved the CUMS-disturbed levels of neurotrophins, neurotransmitters, stress-related hormones, and inflammation-related cytokines. Additionally, the treatment of depressive mice with SBF showed ability to regulate the gut microbiota, especially in decreasing the abundance of Lactobacillaceae, while increasing the abundance of Lachnospiraceae at the family level. The results suggest the beneficial effects of Seabuckthorn flavonoids in functioning as a health food supplement to treat major depressive disorders.