Tea combats circadian rhythm disorder syndrome via the gut-liver-brain axis: potential mechanisms speculated

Association between circadian syndrome and chronic diarrhea: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2005-2010 data

Background

Circadian rhythms are reported to influence physiological processes in the gastrointestinal system, but associations between circadian syndrome (Circs) and chronic diarrhea (CD) remain unclear. Here, we explored such relationships to provide new insights into CD management.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data between 2005 and 2010. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on weighted data to explore associations between Circs and CD.

Results

Results were presented using forest plots, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In total, 5,661 US participants, of which 412 had CD (weighted percentage = 6.20%), were enrolled. In univariate logistic regression analyses, participants with Circs had a significantly higher risk of CD (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.15-1.99). After adjusting for covariates, model 2 (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03-1.90) and model 3 (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01-2.00) data were consistent with model 1 data. Additionally, the number of Circs components was positively associated with CD in all three models. Subgroup analyses revealed an association between CD and Circs in participants who had high blood pressure (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.48-4.11, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this cross-sectional study, we found that Circs is positively associated with the risk of CD in US adults, especially in those with high blood pressure. This association may provide new management strategies for CD.

Skeletal muscles and gut microbiota-derived metabolites: novel modulators of adipocyte thermogenesis

Obesity occurs when overall energy intake surpasses energy expenditure. White adipose tissue is an energy storage site, whereas brown and beige adipose tissues catabolize stored energy to generate heat, which protects against obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Metabolites are substrates in metabolic reactions that act as signaling molecules, mediating communication between metabolic sites (i.e., adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and gut microbiota). Although the effects of metabolites from peripheral organs on adipose tissue have been extensively studied, their role in regulating adipocyte thermogenesis requires further investigation. Skeletal muscles and intestinal microorganisms are important metabolic sites in the body, and their metabolites play an important role in obesity. In this review, we consolidated the latest research on skeletal muscles and gut microbiota-derived metabolites that potentially promote adipocyte thermogenesis. Skeletal muscles can release lactate, kynurenic acid, inosine, and β-aminoisobutyric acid, whereas the gut secretes bile acids, butyrate, succinate, cinnabarinic acid, urolithin A, and asparagine. These metabolites function as signaling molecules by interacting with membrane receptors or controlling intracellular enzyme activity. The mechanisms underlying the reciprocal exchange of metabolites between the adipose tissue and other metabolic organs will be a focal point in future studies on obesity. Furthermore, understanding how metabolites regulate adipocyte thermogenesis will provide a basis for establishing new therapeutic targets for obesity.

Special tea products featuring functional components: Health benefits and processing strategies

The functional components in tea confer various potential health benefits to humans. To date, several special tea products featuring functional components (STPFCs) have been successfully developed, such as O-methylated catechin-rich tea, γ-aminobutyric acid-rich tea, low-caffeine tea, and selenium-rich tea products. STPFCs have some unique and enhanced health benefits when compared with conventional tea products, which can meet the specific needs and preferences of different groups and have huge market potential. The processing strategies to improve the health benefits of tea products by regulating the functional component content have been an active area of research in food science. The fresh leaves of some specific tea varieties rich in functional components are used as raw materials, and special processing technologies are employed to prepare STPFCs. Huge progress has been achieved in the research and development of these STPFCs. However, the current status of these STPFCs has not yet been systematically reviewed. Here, studies on STPFCs have been comprehensively reviewed with a focus on their potential health benefits and processing strategies. Additionally, other chemical components with the potential to be developed into special teas and the application of tea functional components in the food industry have been discussed. Finally, suggestions on the promises and challenges for the future study of these STPFCs have been provided. This paper might shed light on the current status of the research and development of these STPFCs. Future studies on STPFCs should focus on screening specific tea varieties, identifying new functional components, evaluating health-promoting effects, improving flavor quality, and elucidating the interactions between functional components.

Beneficial Effects of Theaflavins on Metabolic Syndrome: From Molecular Evidence to Gut Microbiome

In recent years, many natural foods and herbs rich in phytochemicals have been proposed as health supplements for patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Theaflavins (TFs) are a polyphenol hydroxyl substance with the structure of diphenol ketone, and they have the potential to prevent and treat a wide range of MetS. However, the stability and bioavailability of TFs are poor. TFs have the marvelous ability to alleviate MetS through antiobesity and lipid-lowering (AMPK-FoxO3A-MnSOD, PPAR, AMPK, PI3K/Akt), hypoglycemic (IRS-1/Akt/GLUT4, Ca²⁺/CaMKK2-AMPK, SGLT1), and uric-acid-lowering (XO, GLUT9, OAT) effects, and the modulation of the gut microbiota (increasing beneficial gut microbiota such as Akkermansia and Prevotella). This paper summarizes and updates the bioavailability of TFs, and the available signaling pathways and molecular evidence on the functionalities of TFs against metabolic abnormalities in vitro and in vivo, representing a promising opportunity to prevent MetS in the future with the utilization of TFs.