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Hack W, Gladen-Kolarsky N, Chatterjee S, Liang Q, Maitra U, Ciesla L, Gray NE. Gardenin A treatment attenuates inflammatory markers, synuclein pathology and deficits in tyrosine hydroxylase expression and improves cognitive and motor function in A53T-α-syn mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116370. [PMID: 38458012 PMCID: PMC11017674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are widespread in the Parkinson's disease (PD) brain and contribute to the synaptic degradation and dopaminergic cell loss that result in cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. The polymethoxyflavone Gardenin A (GA) has been shown to activate the NRF2-regulated antioxidant pathway and inhibit the NFkB-dependent pro-inflammatory pathway in a Drosophila model of PD. Here, we evaluate the effects of GA on A53T alpha-synuclein overexpressing (A53TSyn) mice. A53TSyn mice were treated orally for 4 weeks with 0, 25, or 100 mg/kg GA. In the fourth week, mice underwent behavioral testing and tissue was harvested for immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phosphorylated alpha synuclein (pSyn) expression, and quantification of synaptic, antioxidant and inflammatory gene expression. Results were compared to vehicle-treated C57BL6J mice. Treatment with 100 mg/kg GA improved associative memory and decreased abnormalities in mobility and gait in A53TSyn mice. GA treatment also reduced pSyn levels in both the cortex and hippocampus and attenuated the reduction in TH expression in the striatum seen in A53Tsyn mice. Additionally, GA increased cortical expression of NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes and decreased expression of NFkB-dependent pro-inflammatory genes. GA was readily detectable in the brains of treated mice and modulated the lipid profile in the deep gray brain tissue of those animals. While the beneficial effects of GA on cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction and PD pathology are promising, future studies are needed to further fully elucidate the mechanism of action of GA, optimizing dosing and confirm these effects in other PD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt Hack
- Oregon Health & Science University, Neurology, Portland, United States
| | | | | | - Qiaoli Liang
- University of Alabama, Mass spectrometry facility, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Tuscaloosa, United States
| | - Urmila Maitra
- University of Alabama, Biological Sciences, Tuscaloosa, United States
| | - Lukasz Ciesla
- University of Alabama, Biological Sciences, Tuscaloosa, United States.
| | - Nora E Gray
- Oregon Health & Science University, Neurology, Portland, United States.
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Soravia C, Ashton BJ, Thornton A, Ridley AR. High temperatures are associated with reduced cognitive performance in wild southern pied babblers. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231077. [PMID: 37989242 PMCID: PMC10688443 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Global temperatures are increasing rapidly. While considerable research is accumulating regarding the lethal and sublethal effects of heat on wildlife, its potential impact on animal cognition has received limited attention. Here, we tested wild southern pied babblers (Turdoides bicolor) on three cognitive tasks (associative learning, reversal learning and inhibitory control) under naturally occurring heat stress and non-heat stress conditions. We determined whether cognitive performance was explained by temperature, heat dissipation behaviours, individual and social attributes, or proxies of motivation. We found that temperature, but not heat dissipation behaviours, predicted variation in associative learning performance. Individuals required on average twice as many trials to learn an association when the maximum temperature during testing exceeded 38°C compared with moderate temperatures. Higher temperatures during testing were also associated with reduced inhibitory control performance, but only in females. By contrast, we found no temperature-related decline in performance in the reversal learning task, albeit individuals reached learning criterion in only 14 reversal learning tests. Our findings provide novel evidence of temperature-mediated cognitive impairment in a wild animal and indicate that its occurrence depends on the cognitive trait examined and individual sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Soravia
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia 6009
| | - Benjamin J. Ashton
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia 6009
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2109
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, 7701
| | - Alex Thornton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Amanda R. Ridley
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia 6009
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, 7701
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Hack W, Gladen-Kolarsky N, Chatterjee S, Liang Q, Maitra U, Ciesla L, Gray NE. Gardenin A improves cognitive and motor function in A53T-α-syn mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.27.564401. [PMID: 37961574 PMCID: PMC10634905 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.27.564401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are widespread in the Parkinson's disease (PD) brain and contribute to the synaptic degradation and dopaminergic cell loss that result in cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. The polymethoxyflavone Gardenin A (GA) has been shown to activate the NRF2-regulated antioxidant pathway and inhibit the NFkB-dependent pro-inflammatory pathway in a Drosophila model of PD. Here, we evaluate the effects of GA on A53T alpha-synuclein overexpressing (A53TSyn) mice. A53TSyn mice were treated orally for 4 weeks with 0, 25, or 100 mg/kg GA. In the fourth week, mice underwent behavioral testing and tissue was harvested for immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phosphorylated alpha synuclein (pSyn) expression, and quantification of synaptic, antioxidant and inflammatory gene expression. Results were compared to vehicle-treated C57BL6 mice. Treatment with 100 mg/kg GA improved associative memory and decreased abnormalities in mobility and gait in A53TSyn mice. GA treatment also reduced cortical and hippocampal levels of pSyn and attenuated the reduction in TH expression in the striatum. Additionally, GA increased cortical expression of NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes and decreased expression of NFkB-dependent pro-inflammatory genes. GA was readily detectable in the brains of treated mice and modulated the lipid profile in the deep gray brain tissue of those animals. While the beneficial effects of GA on cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction and PD pathology are promising, future studies are needed to further fully elucidate the mechanism of action of GA, optimizing dosing and confirm these effects in other PD models. Significance Statement The polymethoxyflavone Gardenin A can improve cognitive and motor function and attenuate both increases in phosphorylated alpha synuclein and reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in A53T alpha synuclein overexpressing mice. These effects may be related to activation of the NRF2-regulated antioxidant response and downregulation of NFkB-dependent inflammatory response by Gardenin A in treated animals. The study also showed excellent brain bioavailability of Gardenin A and modifications of the lipid profile, possibly through interactions between Gardenin A with the lipid bilayer, following oral administration. The study confirms neuroprotective activity of Gardenin A previously reported in toxin induced Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease.
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Gérard M, Amiri A, Cariou B, Baird E. Short-term exposure to heatwave-like temperatures affects learning and memory in bumblebees. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4251-4259. [PMID: 35429217 PMCID: PMC9541601 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Global warming has been identified as a key driver of bee declines around the world. While it is clear that elevated temperatures during the spring and summer months-the principal activity period of many bee species-is a factor in this decline, exactly how temperature affects bee survival is unknown. In vertebrates, there is clear evidence that elevated ambient temperatures impair cognition but whether and how heat affects the cognitive abilities of invertebrates remains unclear. Cognitive skills in bees are essential for their survival as, to supply the hive with nutrition, workers must be able to learn and remember the location of the most rewarding floral resources. Here, we investigate whether temperature-related cognitive impairments could be a driver of bee declines by exploring the effect of short-term increases in ambient temperature on learning and memory. We found that, in comparison to bees that were tested at 25°C (a temperature that they would typically experience in summer), bees that were exposed to 32°C (a temperature that they will becoming increasingly exposed to during heatwave events) were significantly worse at forming an association between a coloured light and a sucrose reward and that their capacity to remember this association after just 1 h was abolished. This study provides novel experimental evidence that even just a few hours of exposure to heatwave-like temperatures can severely impair the cognitive performance of insects. Such temperature-induced cognitive deficits could play an important role in explaining recent and future bee population declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Gérard
- INSECT LabDivision of Functional MorphologyDepartment of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Anahit Amiri
- INSECT LabDivision of Functional MorphologyDepartment of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Faculté des Sciences et IngénierieSorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Bérénice Cariou
- INSECT LabDivision of Functional MorphologyDepartment of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Faculté des Sciences et IngénierieSorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Emily Baird
- INSECT LabDivision of Functional MorphologyDepartment of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
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5
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Reichmann H. [Caffeine, Chocolate and Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonists in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2022. [PMID: 35584767 DOI: 10.1055/a-1785-3632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Parkinson's disease can apparently benefit from caffeine consumption, as a number of experimental and clinical studies have already shown. METHODS The review examined the available literature on caffeine and Parkinson's disease. RESULTS Caffeine can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exerts its biological effects mainly by antagonizing adenosine receptors. Numerous studies indicate that caffeine and its derivatives theobromine and theophylline are associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Caffeine and adenosine antagonists reduce the excitotoxicity caused by glutamate. Evidence from animal models supports the potential of A2A receptor antagonism as an innovative disease-modifying target in Parkinson's disease CONCLUSION: The present review shows that the investigation and synthesis of xanthine derivatives as well as their analysis in clinical studies could be a promising approach in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Sonali S, Ray B, Ahmed Tousif H, Rathipriya AG, Sunanda T, Mahalakshmi AM, Rungratanawanich W, Essa MM, Qoronfleh MW, Chidambaram SB, Song BJ. Mechanistic Insights into the Link between Gut Dysbiosis and Major Depression: An Extensive Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081362. [PMID: 35456041 PMCID: PMC9030021 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a highly common mental disorder, which is often multifactorial with sex, genetic, environmental, and/or psychological causes. Recent advancements in biomedical research have demonstrated a clear correlation between gut dysbiosis (GD) or gut microbial dysbiosis and the development of anxiety or depressive behaviors. The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through the neural, immune, and metabolic pathways, either directly (via vagal nerves) or indirectly (via gut- and microbial-derived metabolites as well as gut hormones and endocrine peptides, including peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide, neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin, corticotropin-releasing factor, glucagon-like peptide, oxytocin, and ghrelin). Maintaining healthy gut microbiota (GM) is now being recognized as important for brain health through the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), etc. A few approaches exert antidepressant effects via restoring GM and hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functions. In this review, we have summarized the etiopathogenic link between gut dysbiosis and depression with preclinical and clinical evidence. In addition, we have collated information on the recent therapies and supplements, such as probiotics, prebiotics, short-chain fatty acids, and vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, etc., which target the gut–brain axis (GBA) for the effective management of depressive behavior and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharma Sonali
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India; (S.S.); (B.R.); (H.A.T.); (T.S.); (A.M.M.)
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Bipul Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India; (S.S.); (B.R.); (H.A.T.); (T.S.); (A.M.M.)
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Hediyal Ahmed Tousif
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India; (S.S.); (B.R.); (H.A.T.); (T.S.); (A.M.M.)
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Tuladhar Sunanda
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India; (S.S.); (B.R.); (H.A.T.); (T.S.); (A.M.M.)
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Arehally M. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India; (S.S.); (B.R.); (H.A.T.); (T.S.); (A.M.M.)
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Wiramon Rungratanawanich
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
- Aging and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- Q3CG Research Institute (QRI), Research and Policy Division, 7227 Rachel Drive, Ypsilant, MI 48917, USA;
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India; (S.S.); (B.R.); (H.A.T.); (T.S.); (A.M.M.)
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence: (S.B.C.); (B.-J.S.)
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA;
- Correspondence: (S.B.C.); (B.-J.S.)
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Jost WH, Tönges L. [Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonists as a Treatment Option for Parkinson's Disease?]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2022; 90:565-570. [PMID: 35226930 DOI: 10.1055/a-1771-6225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease, the focus has long been on motor symptoms and therapy with dopaminergic substances. In recent years, the importance of non-motor symptoms has been increasingly recognized, as they occur early in the course of the disease and restrict considerably the quality of life. However, this also made the need for treatment of non-dopaminergic deficits obvious. Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists were identified as an additional therapy, since the adenosine A2A receptors are non-dopaminergic and selectively localized in the basal ganglia. This means that the striato-thalamo-cortical loops can be modulated. An adenosine A2A receptor antagonist was already approved in Japan in 2013 and in the USA in 2019 as an add-on to L-DOPA. Approval for this drug in Europe is expected in the near future. In this overview, we present the theoretical basis and current data on its efficacy and therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Tönges
- Klinik für Neurologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
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Cacao powder supplementation attenuates oxidative stress, cholinergic impairment, and apoptosis in D-galactose-induced aging rat brain. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17914. [PMID: 34504131 PMCID: PMC8429651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging, a critical risk factor of several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, affects an ever-growing number of people. Cacao supplementation has been suggested to improve age-related neuronal deficits. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effects of raw cacao powder on oxidative stress-induced aging. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (C), D-galactose-induced aging (G), D-galactose injection with 10% (LC), and 16% (HC) cacao powder mixed diet. D-galactose (300 mg/3 mL/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into all but the control group for 12 weeks. Cacao supplemented diets were provided for 8 weeks. The levels of serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), brain and liver MDA, the indicators of the D-galactose induced oxidative stress were significantly decreased in LC and HC but increased in G. The Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of brain showed that the cholinergic impairment was significantly lower in LC, and HC than G. Furthermore, the expression levels of catalase (CAT), phospho-Akt/Akt, and procaspase-3 were significantly increased in LC and HC. In conclusion, cacao consumption attenuated the effects of oxidative stress, cholinergic impairment and apoptosis, indicating its potential in future clinical studies.
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Tan TYC, Lim XY, Yeo JHH, Lee SWH, Lai NM. The Health Effects of Chocolate and Cocoa: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13092909. [PMID: 34578786 PMCID: PMC8470865 DOI: 10.3390/nu13092909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chocolate has a history of human consumption tracing back to 400 AD and is rich in polyphenols such as catechins, anthocyanidins, and pro anthocyanidins. As chocolate and cocoa product consumption, along with interest in them as functional foods, increases worldwide, there is a need to systematically and critically appraise the available clinical evidence on their health effects. A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) using a search strategy and keywords. Among the many health effects assessed on several outcomes (including skin, cardiovascular, anthropometric, cognitive, and quality of life), we found that compared to controls, chocolate or cocoa product consumption significantly improved lipid profiles (triglycerides), while the effects of chocolate on all other outcome parameters were not significantly different. In conclusion, low-to-moderate-quality evidence with short duration of research (majority 4–6 weeks) showed no significant difference between the effects of chocolate and control groups on parameters related to skin, blood pressure, lipid profile, cognitive function, anthropometry, blood glucose, and quality of life regardless of form, dose, and duration among healthy individuals. It was generally well accepted by study subjects, with gastrointestinal disturbances and unpalatability being the most reported concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Yew Chin Tan
- Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam 40170, Malaysia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Xin Yi Lim
- Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam 40170, Malaysia;
| | | | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (S.W.H.L.); (N.M.L.)
| | - Nai Ming Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (S.W.H.L.); (N.M.L.)
- School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47100, Malaysia
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Westfall S, Pasinetti GM. The Gut Microbiota Links Dietary Polyphenols With Management of Psychiatric Mood Disorders. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1196. [PMID: 31749681 PMCID: PMC6848798 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of depression is multifactorial yet generally aggravated by stress and its associated physiological consequences. To effectively treat these diverse risk factors, a broad acting strategy is required and is has been suggested that gut-brain-axis signaling may play a pinnacle role in promoting resilience to several of these stress-induced changes including pathogenic load, inflammation, HPA-axis activation, oxidative stress and neurotransmitter imbalances. The gut microbiota also manages the bioaccessibility of phenolic metabolites from dietary polyphenols whose multiple beneficial properties have known therapeutic efficacy against depression. Although several potential therapeutic mechanisms of dietary polyphenols toward establishing cognitive resilience to neuropsychiatric disorders have been established, only a handful of studies have systematically identified how the interaction of the gut microbiota with dietary polyphenols can synergistically alleviate the biological signatures of depression. The current review investigates several of these potential mechanisms and how synbiotics, that combine probiotics with dietary polyphenols, may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for depression. In particular, synbiotics have the potential to alleviate neuroinflammation by modulating microglial and inflammasome activation, reduce oxidative stress and balance serotonin metabolism therefore simultaneously targeting several of the major pathological risk factors of depression. Overall, synbiotics may act as a novel therapeutic paradigm for neuropsychiatric disorders and further understanding the fundamental mechanisms of gut-brain-axis signaling will allow full utilization of the gut microbiota's as a therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulio Maria Pasinetti
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Utomo B, Daningtia NR, Yuliani GA, Yuniarti WM. Effects of a standardized 40% ellagic acid pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) extract on seminiferous tubule histopathology, diameter, and epithelium thickness in albino Wistar rats after heat exposure. Vet World 2019; 12:1261-1265. [PMID: 31641306 PMCID: PMC6755400 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1261-1265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: It has long been known that the spermatogenic tissue is very sensitive to temperatures higher than its physiologic temperature and causing cessation of activity and resulting in sterility. This study investigated the effect of a standardized 40% ellagic acid extract of pomegranate on the histopathology, diameter, and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules in albino rats exposed to heat. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five male albino Wistar rats were randomized at 7-8 months of age to five treatment groups. Group C was not treated; Group T0 was treated with 0.5% of Na carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 2 ml/day and exposed to heat. T1, T2, and T3 were treated with 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day of a standardized 40% ellagic acid extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), respectively. The animals were orally administered Na CMC or pomegranate extract and were exposed to sunlight for 15 min at 40°C-42°C for 14 days. The animals were sacrificed on day 15 and the testes were removed for histological evaluation and measurement of seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness. Results: The diameter of seminiferous tubules from rats exposed to heat and treated with 300 mg/kg/day pomegranate extract was larger and the epithelia thicker than those in the other groups (p<0.05). The protective effects of the standardized 40% ellagic acid extract may have been mediated by its antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Compared with controls, administration of 300 mg/kg/day of a standardized 40% ellagic acid extract of P. granatum L. for 14 days increased seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness in albino Wistar rats exposed to heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budi Utomo
- Department of Reproduction Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Mulyorejo, Kampus C Unair, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Nurfitri Rahmah Daningtia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Mulyorejo, Kampus C Unair, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Gandul Atik Yuliani
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Mulyorejo, Kampus C Unair, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Wiwik Misaco Yuniarti
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Jl. Mulyorejo, Kampus C Unair, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
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12
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Moreira A, Diógenes MJ, de Mendonça A, Lunet N, Barros H. Chocolate Consumption is Associated with a Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 53:85-93. [PMID: 27163823 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cocoa-related products like chocolate have taken an important place in our food habits and culture. In this work, we aim to examine the relationship between chocolate consumption and cognitive decline in an elderly cognitively healthy population. In the present longitudinal prospective study, a cohort of 531 participants aged 65 and over with normal Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; median 28) was selected. The median follow-up was 48 months. Dietary habits were evaluated at baseline. The MMSE was used to assess global cognitive function at baseline and at follow-up. Cognitive decline was defined by a decrease ≥ 2 points in the MMSE score between evaluations. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) estimates were adjusted for age, education, smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes. Chocolate intake was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline (RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.92). This protective effect was observed only among subjects with an average daily consumption of caffeine lower than 75 mg (69% of the participants; RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-0.82). To our knowledge, this is the first prospective cohort study to show an inverse association between regular long-term chocolate consumption and cognitive decline in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afonso Moreira
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Diógenes
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre de Mendonça
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Neurology, Hospital of Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Lunet
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health of Porto Medical School, University of Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP), Portugal
| | - Henrique Barros
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health of Porto Medical School, University of Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP), Portugal
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Chocolate and the brain: Neurobiological impact of cocoa flavanols on cognition and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2445-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Nehlig A. The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 75:716-27. [PMID: 22775434 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04378.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocoa powder and chocolate contain numerous substances among which there is a quite large percentage of antioxidant molecules, mainly flavonoids, most abundantly found in the form of epicatechin. These substances display several beneficial actions on the brain. They enter the brain and induce widespread stimulation of brain perfusion. They also provoke angiogenesis, neurogenesis and changes in neuron morphology, mainly in regions involved in learning and memory. Epicatechin improves various aspects of cognition in animals and humans. Chocolate also induces positive effects on mood and is often consumed under emotional stress. In addition, flavonoids preserve cognitive abilities during ageing in rats, lower the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease and decrease the risk of stroke in humans. In addition to their beneficial effects on the vascular system and on cerebral blood flow, flavonoids interact with signalization cascades involving protein and lipid kinases that lead to the inhibition of neuronal death by apoptosis induced by neurotoxicants such as oxygen radicals, and promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The present review intends to review the data available on the effects of cocoa and chocolate on brain health and cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Nehlig
- Faculty of Medicine, INSERM U 666, Strasbourg, France.
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Villarreal-Calderon R, Reed W, Palacios-Moreno J, Keefe S, Herritt L, Brooks D, Torres-Jardón R, Calderón-Garcidueñas L. Urban air pollution produces up-regulation of myocardial inflammatory genes and dark chocolate provides cardioprotection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 64:297-306. [PMID: 20932730 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is a serious environmental problem. Elderly subjects show increased cardiac morbidity and mortality associated with air pollution exposure. Mexico City (MC) residents are chronically exposed to high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and PM-associated lipopolysaccharides (PM-LPS). To test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to urban pollution produces myocardial inflammation, female Balb-c mice age 4 weeks were exposed for 16 months to two distinctly different polluted areas within MC: southwest (SW) and northwest (NW). SW mice were given either no treatment or chocolate 2g/9.5 mg polyphenols/3 times per week. Results were compared to mice kept in clean air. Key inflammatory mediator genes: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the LPS receptor CD14 (cluster of differentiation antigen 14) were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Also explored were target NFκB (nuclear factor κB), oxidative stress and antioxidant defense genes. TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2 were significantly increased in both NW and SWMC mice (p=0.0001). CD14 was up-regulated in SW mice in keeping with the high exposures to particulate matter associated endotoxin. Chocolate administration resulted in a significant down-regulation of TNF-α (p<0.0001), IL-6 (p=0.01), and IL-1β (p=0.02). The up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and the down-regulation of potent oxidases, toll-like receptors, and pro-apoptotic signaling genes completed the protective profile. Exposure to air pollution produces up-regulation of inflammatory myocardial genes and endotoxin plays a key role in the inflammatory response. Regular consumption of dark chocolate may reduce myocardial inflammation and have cardioprotective properties in the setting of air pollution exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Villarreal-Calderon
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia, a disorder with prominent cardiovascular manifestations, is a cause of maternal, fetal, and infant morbidity and mortality. Chocolate contains compounds that may promote cardiovascular health. A recent study found chocolate consumption during pregnancy, and, particularly, increasing cord serum concentration of theobromine (the primary methylxanthine alkaloid in chocolate), to be associated with reduced occurrence of preeclampsia. METHODS We studied 2769 women who comprised the control group from a case-control study of caffeine metabolites and spontaneous abortion nested within the Collaborative Perinatal Project. These women were pregnant between 1959 and 1966, with liveborn infants of at least 28 weeks' gestation. Serum was drawn at <20 weeks and >26 weeks' gestation, and assayed for theobromine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Odds ratios (ORs) for preeclampsia were estimated using logistic regression, and adjusted for age, education, prepregnant weight, race, parity, smoking, and gestation at blood draw. RESULTS Preeclampsia occurred in 68 (2.9%) of 2105 eligible women. Adjusted ORs for preeclampsia were near unity across most third-trimester theobromine concentrations. Adjusted ORs for preeclampsia according to theobromine concentration in serum at <20 weeks' gestation increased with increases in concentration, although estimates were imprecise. CONCLUSION This study does not support the previous finding that chocolate consumption is associated with a reduced occurrence of preeclampsia. Unmeasured confounding or reverse causation may account for the positive association between early-pregnancy theobromine and preeclampsia.
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Williams S, Tamburic S, Lally C. Eating chocolate can significantly protect the skin from UV light. J Cosmet Dermatol 2009; 8:169-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00448.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Jalil AMM, Ismail A. Polyphenols in cocoa and cocoa products: is there a link between antioxidant properties and health? Molecules 2008; 13:2190-219. [PMID: 18830150 PMCID: PMC6245372 DOI: 10.3390/molecules13092190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2008] [Revised: 08/29/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocoa and cocoa products have received much attention due to their significant polyphenol contents. Cocoa and cocoa products, namely cocoa liquor, cocoa powder and chocolates (milk and dark chocolates) may present varied polyphenol contents and possess different levels of antioxidant potentials. For the past ten years, at least 28 human studies have been conducted utilizing one of these cocoa products. However, questions arise on which of these products would deliver the best polyphenol contents and antioxidant effects. Moreover, the presence of methylxanthines, peptides, and minerals could synergistically enhance or reduce antioxidant properties of cocoa and cocoa products. To a greater extent, cocoa beans from different countries of origins and the methods of preparation (primary and secondary) could also partially influence the antioxidant polyphenols of cocoa products. Hence, comprehensive studies on the aforementioned factors could provide the understanding of health-promoting activities of cocoa or cocoa products components.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amin Ismail
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: ; Tel.: +603- 89472435; Fax: +603-89426769
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Bisson JF, Hidalgo S, Rozan P, Messaoudi M. Therapeutic effect of ACTICOA powder, a cocoa polyphenolic extract, on experimentally induced prostate hyperplasia in Wistar-Unilever rats. J Med Food 2008; 10:628-35. [PMID: 18158833 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that results in obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. Plant extracts are frequently used to treat BPH rather than therapeutics that can cause severe side effects. ACTICOA() (Ba0rry Callebaut France, Louviers, France) powder (AP) is a cocoa polyphenolic extract, and we have shown in a previous study that oral treatment with AP prevented prostate hyperplasia. This study investigated whether AP could improve established prostate hyperplasia using the same testosterone propionate (TP)-induced prostate hyperplasia model in rats. Male Wistar-Unilever rats were randomly divided in four groups of 12 rats: one group injected with corn oil and orally treated with the vehicle (negative control) and three groups injected subcutaneously with TP and orally treated with the vehicle (positive control) or AP at 24 (AP24) and 48 (AP48) mg/kg/day. Treatments started 1 week after the start of the induction of prostate hyperplasia and lasted for 2 weeks. The influence of TP and AP on body weights, food and water consumptions, plasma polyphenolic concentration, and serum dihydrotestoterone (DHT) level of rats was examined. At completion of the study, rats were sacrificed, and the prostates were removed, cleaned, and weighed. The prostate size ratio (prostate weight/rat body weight) was then calculated. TP significantly influenced the body weight gain of the rats and their food and water consumptions, while AP reduced significantly these differences in a dose-dependent manner. AP significantly reduced serum DHT level and prostate size ratio in comparison with positive controls also dose-dependently. In conclusion, AP orally administered was effective for reducing established prostate hyperplasia, especially at the dose of 48 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Bisson
- ETAP - Ethologie Appliquée, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Cancérologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Santé, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Effects of long-term administration of a cocoa polyphenolic extract (Acticoa powder) on cognitive performances in aged rats. Br J Nutr 2008; 100:94-101. [PMID: 18179729 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114507886375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have indicated that increased vulnerability to oxidative stress may be the main factor involved in functional declines during normal and pathological ageing, and that antioxidant agents, such as polyphenols, may improve or prevent these deficits. We examined whether 1-year administration of a cocoa polyphenolic extract (Acticoa powder), orally delivered at the dose of 24 mg/kg per d between 15 and 27 months of age, affects the onset of age-related cognitive deficits, urinary free dopamine levels and lifespan in old Wistar-Unilever rats. Acticoa powder improved cognitive performances in light extinction and water maze paradigms, increased lifespan and preserved high urinary free dopamine levels. These results suggest that Acticoa powder may be beneficial in retarding age-related brain impairments, including cognitive deficits in normal ageing and perhaps neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of cocoa polyphenols in neuroprotection and to explore their effects in man.
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Bisson JF, Hidalgo S, Rozan P, Messaoudi M. Preventive Effects of ACTICOA Powder, a Cocoa Polyphenolic Extract, on Experimentally Induced Prostate Hyperplasia in Wistar-Unilever Rats. J Med Food 2007; 10:622-7. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Bisson
- ETAP – Ethologie Appliquée, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Cancérologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Santé, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sophie Hidalgo
- ETAP – Ethologie Appliquée, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Cancérologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Santé, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Pascale Rozan
- ETAP – Ethologie Appliquée, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Cancérologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Santé, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Michaël Messaoudi
- ETAP – Ethologie Appliquée, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Cancérologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Santé, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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