Wine polyphenols: potential agents in neuroprotection

The antioxidant role of aromatic plant extracts in managing neurodegenerative diseases: A comprehensive review

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a class of cognitive and motor disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and others. They are caused by lesions in cells and tissues of the central nervous system, resulting in corresponding dysfunctions and consequent decline in cognitive and motor functions. Neural tissues are extremely vulnerable to oxidative stress, which plays critical biological roles in NDDs. Aromatic compounds are found extensively in natural plants and have substantial effects of anti-oxidative stress damage, which not only have a wide range of research applications in cosmetics, foods, etc., but are also frequently utilized in the treatment of various central nervous system diseases. This review summarizes the relevant oxidative stress mechanisms in NDDs (AD, PD, HD, and ALS) and reviews aromatic compounds such as polyphenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids that can be used in the management of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as their specific mechanisms of antioxidant action. This review will serve as a reference for future experimental studies on neurodegenerative illnesses while also offering fresh insights into clinical therapy.

Myricetin Modulates Matrix Metalloproteinases Expression Induced by TEGDMA in Human Odontoblast-Like Cells

The activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a crucial role in the aging of the resin-dentin interface. The in situ action of MMP-2 and MMP-9 has been confirmed in the process of dentin-collagen degradation. However, the involvement of dental pulp cells in MMP secretion as a response to oxidative stress induced by contact with resin monomers has not been fully elucidated. Myricetin (MYR), like proanthocyanidin (PAC), has antioxidant properties and may help prevent extracellular matrix degradation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of MYR on the MMP expression and activity in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase induced by triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) in human odontoblast-like cells (hOLCs). hOLCs differentiated from dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells were exposed to TEGDMA released from dentin blocks using a barrier model with transwell inserts for 18, 24, and 36 h. Intracellular oxidation was evaluated using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein probe. The effect of 600 μM MYR on the MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The extracellular MMP levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and their activation by means of a proteolytic fluorometric assay. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test, p ≤ 0.05. TEGDMA exposure increased intracellular ROS and upregulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA in hOLCs (p < 0.001). The levels of MMPs increased significantly 24 h after TEGDMA exposure (p = 0.013). These secreted proteases exhibited high activation ability. MYR reduced ROS production and downregulated MMP expression and activity at both mRNA and protein levels, similar to the effect found for PAC, which was used as a control. A relationship was observed between MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, secretion, and early activation with ROS increase due to TEGDMA exposure. MYR showed potential as a therapeutic strategy to control MMP expression and modulate redox imbalance, offering a protective effect on cellular response.

A Comprehensive Review on Polyphenols of White Wine: Impact on Wine Quality and Potential Health Benefits

Polyphenols are associated with various beneficial health effects. These compounds are present in edible plants such as fruits and vegetables, and the human body absorbs them through the consumption of foods and beverages. Wine is recognized as a rich source of these valuable compounds, and it has been well established that polyphenols present in red wine possess numerous biologically active functions related to health promotion. Therefore, most scientific research has been focused on red wine polyphenols, whereas white wine polyphenols have been neglected. This review presents the summarized information about the most abundant polyphenols in white wines, their concentration, their impact on wine quality and their potential health effects, such as neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity and their positive effects on lipids. These findings are an effort to help compensate for the relative lack of relevant data in the scientific literature regarding white wine polyphenols.

The Association Between Inflammatory Dietary Pattern and Risk of Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults with Chronic Diseases and Its Multimorbidity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The present study aimed to explore the association between the inflammatory potential of diet, assessed by energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and reduced rank regression (RRR)-derived inflammatory dietary pattern, and the risk for cognitive impairment (CI) in community-dwelling older adults, especially in older adults with chronic diseases and multimorbidity.

Methods

A total of 549 older adults from Taiyuan city were included in the present cross-sectional study. The Chinese Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE) was used for the evaluation of cognitive function. E-DII score was calculated based on semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples, including interleukin (IL)-1β, interleukin (IL)-18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were tested for calculating RRR-derived inflammatory dietary pattern. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between inflammatory dietary pattern and risk of CI. In addition, patients with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and multimorbidity were screened for further analysis among 549 older adults.

Results

In those 549 older adults, adjusting for demographic characteristics and chronic disease status, there was no association between E-DII score tertile (OR T3VST1 : 1.357, 95%CI:0.813~2.265, P trend = 0.267), RRR-derived inflammatory dietary pattern score tertile (OR T3VST1 : 1.092, 95%CI:0.679~ 1.758, P trend = 0.737) and risk of CI. However, in older adults with diabetes and multimorbidity, the score tertile of E-DII and RRR-derived inflammatory dietary pattern were positively correlated with risk of CI in a dose-responsive manner (All P trend < 0.05). There is insufficient evidence to reach similar conclusion in patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia (All P trend > 0.05).

Conclusion

In the present study, pro-inflammatory diet contributed to the increased risk of CI in older adults with diabetes and multimorbidity. These results supplemented vital evidence for the prevention and treatment of CI in older adults with chronic diseases.

Combined Effect of Red Wine and Mocha Pot Coffee in Mild Vascular Cognitive Impairment

OBJECTIVES

Moderate daily mocha pot coffee intake has been associated with better mood and cognition in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Similarly, moderate red wine consumption has shown protective effects on cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic relation between red wine and coffee intake on mood and cognitive status in mild VCI patients at risk for dementia.

METHODS

A total of 300 non-demented older patients with mild VCI were asked for coffee and red wine consumption and administered with the 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (Stroop T), as well as the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrumental ADL to measure their mood status, cognitive performance, and functional independence. Linear regression models were used to test the association between variables.

RESULTS

Moderate wine drinkers tended to show the best Stroop T score at any level of coffee consumption; conversely, heavy wine consumers performed worse at the Stroop T, especially in patients reporting high coffee intake. Moderate drinkers of both coffee and wine showed the lowest HDRS scores. Finally, a progressive increase in MMSE score was evident with increasing coffee consumption, which peaks when combined with a moderate wine consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily mocha pot coffee and red wine intake seem to be synergistically associated with global cognition, executive functioning, and mood status in patients with mild VCI; the association was not linear, resulting in a protective direction for moderate intake and detrimental for heavy consumption. Future studies are needed to further corroborate the present findings and the potential long-term protective effects of these dietary compounds over time.

The Pros and Cons of Estrogens in Prostate Cancer: An Update with a Focus on Phytoestrogens

The role of estrogens in prostate cancer (PCa) is shrouded in mystery, with its actions going from angelic to devilish. The findings by Huggins and Hodges establishing PCa as a hormone-sensitive cancer have provided the basis for using estrogens in therapy. However, despite the clinical efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and the panoply of experimental evidence describing its anticarcinogenic effects, estrogens were abolished from PCa treatment because of the adverse secondary effects. Notwithstanding, research work over the years has continued investigating the effects of estrogens, reporting their pros and cons in prostate carcinogenesis. In contrast with the beneficial therapeutic effects, many reports have implicated estrogens in the disruption of prostate cell fate and tissue homeostasis. On the other hand, epidemiological data demonstrating the lower incidence of PCa in Eastern countries associated with a higher consumption of phytoestrogens support the beneficial role of estrogens in counteracting cancer development. Many studies have investigated the effects of phytoestrogens and the underlying mechanisms of action, which may contribute to developing safe estrogen-based anti-PCa therapies. This review compiles the existing data on the anti- and protumorigenic actions of estrogens and summarizes the anticancer effects of several phytoestrogens, highlighting their promising features in PCa treatment.

The Impact of Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Cinnamon on Modulating Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Activity in Type 2 Diabetes: Moving beyond an Anti-Hyperglycaemic Evaluation

Research indicates that up to half of the population resorts to dietary supplements for managing diseases such as type 2 diabetes rather than changing their nutritional habits. These supplements not only aim to have an anti-hyperglycaemic effect but also seek to reduce oxidative stress to prevent diabetes complications. This systematic literature systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin, resveratrol, and cinnamon in modulating oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected from PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases regarding the impact of curcumin, resveratrol, and cinnamon on total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels for this review. Effect sizes for each study were calculated using Cohen's or Hedges's d coefficient. Parameters of oxidative stress and inflammatory status, such as TAC, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP, improved following phytochemicals. Additionally, curcumin, resveratrol, and cinnamon exhibited regulatory effects on carbohydrate metabolism by reducing glucose, insulin, and glycated haemoglobin concentrations and lipid metabolism by lowering total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Incorporating curcumin, resveratrol, and cinnamon into diets may be beneficial for maintaining organism homeostasis and improving metabolic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the conflicting results reported in the literature highlight the need for further detailed investigations into the effectiveness of phytochemical use for type 2 diabetes.

Cereal sprout-based food products: Industrial application, novel extraction, consumer acceptance, antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, and health perspective

Cereal grains are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients that are required for metabolic activity in the human body. Sprouts have been studied to enhance the nutrient profile. Moreover, secondary metabolites are examined as green food engineering technology that is used in the pharmaceutical, functional ingredients, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The sprout-based food is commonly used to enhance the quality of products by softening the structure of the whole grain and increasing the phytochemicals (nutritional value and bioactive compounds). These sprouting grains can be added to a variety of products including snacks, bakery, beverage, and meat. Consuming whole grains has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of a variety of chronic and noncommunicable diseases. Sprouting grains have a diversity of biological functions, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Cereal sprout-based products are more beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal tract diseases. The novel extraction techniques (microwave-existed extraction, pulse electric field, and enzyme-associated) are applied to maintain and ensure the efficiency, safety, and nutritional profile of sprout. Nutrient-dense sprouts have a low environmental impact and are widely accepted by consumers. This review explores for the first time and sheds light on the antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, industrial applications, and health perspective of cereal sprout-based food products.

Anthocyanins: Molecular Aspects on Their Neuroprotective Activity

Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids that give plants and fruits their vibrant colors. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties and have been linked to various health benefits. Upon consumption, anthocyanins are quickly absorbed and can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Research based on population studies suggests that including anthocyanin-rich sources in the diet lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects that could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with such diseases. In this review, we compiled and discussed a large body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective role of anthocyanins. Our examination encompasses human studies, animal models, and cell cultures. We delve into the connection between anthocyanin bioactivities and the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Our findings highlight how anthocyanins' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties contribute to their neuroprotective effects. These effects are particularly relevant to key signaling pathways implicated in the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In conclusion, the outcome of this review suggests that integrating anthocyanin-rich foods into human diets could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach for neurological conditions, and we identify promising avenues for further exploration in this area.

Oligonol ameliorates liver function and brain function in the 5 × FAD mouse model: transcriptional and cellular analysis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and is accompanied by memory deficits, personality changes, anxiety, depression, and social difficulties. For treatment of AD, many researchers have attempted to find medicinal resources with high effectiveness and without side effects. Oligonol is a low molecular weight polypeptide derived from lychee fruit extract. We investigated the effects of oligonol in 5 × FAD transgenic AD mice, which developed severe amyloid pathology, through behavioral tests (Barnes maze, marble burying, and nestle shredding) and molecular experiments. Oligonol treatment attenuated blood glucose levels and increased the antioxidant response in the livers of 5 × FAD mice. Moreover, the behavioral score data showed improvements in anxiety, depressive behavior, and cognitive impairment following a 2-month course of orally administered oligonol. Oligonol treatment not only altered the circulating levels of cytokines and adipokines in 5 × FAD mice, but also significantly enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant enzymes and synaptic plasticity in the brain cortex and hippocampus. Therefore, we highlight the therapeutic potential of oligonol to attenuate neuropsychiatric problems and improve memory deficits in the early stage of AD.

Myricetin Nanofibers Enhanced Water Solubility and Skin Penetration for Increasing Antioxidant and Photoprotective Activities

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) can induce oxidative stress through the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the skin. Myricetin (MYR), a natural flavonoid compound, significantly inhibited UV-induced keratinocyte damage; however, its bioavailability is limited by its poor water solubility and inefficient skin penetration ability, which subsequently influences its biological activity. The purpose of the study was to develop a myricetin nanofibers (MyNF) system of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD)/polyvinylpyrrolidone K120 (PVP)-loaded with MYR that would enhance the water solubility and skin penetration by changing the physicochemical characteristics of MYR, including reducing the particle size, increasing the specific surface area, and amorphous transformation. The results also revealed that the MyNF can reduce cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes when compared with MYR; additionally, MyNF had better antioxidant and photoprotective activity than raw MYR for the UVB-induced HaCaT keratinocytes damage model due to the MyNF increased water solubility and permeability. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MyNF is a safe, photostable, and thermostable topical ingredient of antioxidant nanofibers to enhance the skin penetration of MYR and prevent UVB-induced skin damage.

Polyphenols Mediate Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke-An Update

Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality and disability, and it is due to be included in monetary implications on wellbeing frameworks around the world. Ischemic stroke is caused by interference in cerebral blood flow, leading to a deficit in the supply of oxygen to the affected region. It accounts for nearly 80-85% of all cases of stroke. Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the pathophysiologic cascade in brain damage leading to stroke. In the acute phase, oxidative stress mediates severe toxicity, and it initiates and contributes to late-stage apoptosis and inflammation. Oxidative stress conditions occur when the antioxidant defense in the body is unable to counteract the production and aggregation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The previous literature has shown that phytochemicals and other natural products not only scavenge oxygen free radicals but also improve the expressions of cellular antioxidant enzymes and molecules. Consequently, these products protect against ROS-mediated cellular injury. This review aims to give an overview of the most relevant data reported in the literature on polyphenolic compounds, namely, gallic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, mangiferin, epigallocatechin, and pinocembrin, in terms of their antioxidant effects and potential protective activity against ischemic stroke.

Redox Biomarkers Assessment after Oral Administration of Wine Extract and Grape Stem Extract in Rats and Mice

Wine and by-products of the winemaking process, such as grape stems, are rich in bioactive polyphenolic compounds that might be beneficial for animal and human health. In recent years, the administration of dietary polyphenols with strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties has constituted an emerging line of research interest toward disease prevention. However, in scientific literature, only a limited number of studies have investigated the safety and the toxicological risks of polyphenolic compounds in vivo. Based on the above, the purpose of the present study was two-fold: first, to examine the effects of oral administration of a grape stem extract, derived from the Greek red wine Mavrodaphne, on mice redox biomarkers; and second, to investigate the biological effects of oral administration of a wine extract, derived from the emblematic Greek red wine Xinomavro, on rats. Toward this purpose, body weight, growth rate, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters, as well as a panel of redox biomarkers, were examined. According to our results, the administration of Mavrodaphne grape stem extract in mice induced alterations in redox homeostasis, preventing mice from the adverse effects of lipid peroxidation. Contrariwise, the administration of Xinomavro wine extract induced both beneficial and harmful outcomes on rat redox status determined by the examined tissue. Collectively, our study reports that the Mavrodaphne grape stem extract, a serious pollutant when disposed in environmental matrices, is an important source of bioactive polyphenolic compounds that could protect from oxidative damage and improve animal and human health. Finally, the Xinomavro wine extract exerts tissue-specific changes in redox balance, which are indicative of the complexity that characterizes the biological systems.

The role of dietary antioxidants in type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders: An assessment of the benefit profile

Healthy diet is vital to cellular health. The human body succumbs to numerous diseases which afflict severe economic and psychological burdens on the patient and family. Oxidative stress is a possible crucial regulator of various pathologies, including type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. It generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger the dysregulation of essential cellular functions, ultimately affecting cellular health and homeostasis. However, lower levels of ROS can be advantageous and are implicated in a variety of signaling pathways. Due to this dichotomy, the terms oxidative "eustress," which refers to a good oxidative event, and "distress," which can be hazardous, have developed. ROS affects multiple signaling pathways, leading to compromised insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction in diabetes. ROS is also associated with increased mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, aggravating neurodegenerative conditions in the body, particularly with age. Treatment includes drugs/therapies often associated with dependence, side effects including non-selectivity, and possible toxicity, particularly in the long run. It is imperative to explore alternative medicines as an adjunct therapy, utilizing natural remedies/resources to avoid all the possible harms. Antioxidants are vital components of our body that fight disease by reducing oxidative stress or nullifying the excess toxic free radicals produced under various pathological conditions. In this review, we focus on the antioxidant effects of components of dietary foods such as tea, coffee, wine, oils, and honey and the role and mechanism of action of these antioxidants in alleviating type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. We aim to provide information about possible alternatives to drug treatments used alone or combined to reduce drug intake and encourage the consumption of natural ingredients at doses adequate to promote health and combat pathologies while reducing unwanted risks and side effects.

Crosstalk between xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibiting and cancer chemotherapeutic properties of comestible flavonoids- a comprehensive update

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by metabolic disorder or genetic inheritance. People throughout the world are strongly dependent on ethnomedicine for the treatment of gout and some receive satisfactory curative treatment. The natural remedies as well as established drugs derived from natural sources or synthetically made exert their action by mechanisms that are closely associated with anticancer treatment mechanisms regarding inhibition of xanthine oxidase, feedback inhibition of de novo purine synthesis, depolymerization and disappearance of microtubule, inhibition of NF-ĸB activation, induction of TRAIL, promotion of apoptosis, and caspase activation and proteasome inhibition. Some anti-gout and anticancer novel compounds interact with same receptors for their action, e.g., colchicine and colchicine analogues. Dietary flavonoids, i.e., chrysin, kaempferol, quercetin, fisetin, pelargonidin, apigenin, luteolin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, phloretinetc etc. have comparable IC₅₀ values with established anti-gout drug and effective against both cancer and gout. Moreover, a noticeable number of newer anticancer compounds have already been isolated from plants that have been using by local traditional healers and herbal practitioners to treat gout. Therefore, the anti-gout plants might have greater potentiality to become selective candidates for screening of newer anticancer leads.

Combination of Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Selective Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Wine

Caffeic acid (CA) is an efficient antioxidant found in wine and in plants and can be extracted from the by-products of the food industry. A molecularly imprinted polymer specific to caffeic acid (CA-MIP) was prepared by radical polymerization using N-phenylacrylamide as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker, and azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator, in the presence of CA as the template molecule. The rebinding activities between the polymers and CA were promoted by an indirect method and characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). It is a fast method, which only requires simple and portable instrumentation. The polymer showed a high selectivity toward CA and a good repeatability. CA-MIP was then applied in wine samples spiked with CA, and the results were compared to those obtained by a chromatographic method. With a limit of detection of 0.06 mM in wine, the recovery values confirmed that the method is suitable for further applications.

Neuroprotective effect of naringin against cerebellar changes in Alzheimer's disease through modulation of autophagy, oxidative stress and tau expression: An experimental study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual cognitive decline. Strong antioxidants that inhibit free radicals, such as polyphenols, reduce the likelihood of developing oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases such as AD. Naringin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruit shown to be neuroprotective, reduce oxidative damage and minimize histopathological changes caused by ischemic reperfusion, enhance the long-term memory in AD animal models. This work aimed to comprehend the role of naringin in the defense of the cerebellum against aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in rats by investigating the behavioral, neurochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular mechanisms that underpin its possible neuroprotective effects. Twenty-four adult albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): (i) Control (C) received saline per oral (p.o.), (ii) Naringin(N)-received naringin (100 mg/kg/d) p.o, (iii) AlCl3-recived AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/d) p.o and (iv) AlCl3 + Naringin (AlCl3 + N) received both AlCl3 and naringin p.o for 21 days. Behavioral tests showed an increase in the time to reach the platform in Morris water maze, indicating memory impairment in the AlCl3-treated group, but co-administration of naringin showed significant improvement. The Rotarod test demonstrated a decrease in muscle coordination in the AlCl3-treated group, while it was improved in the AlCl3 + N group. Neurochemical analysis of the hippocampus and cerebellum revealed that AlCl3 significantly increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and decreased levels of reduced glutathione. Administration of naringin ameliorated these neurochemical changes via its antioxidant properties. Cerebellar immunohistochemical expression for microtubule assembly (tau protein) and oxidative stress (iNOS) increased in A1C13-treated group. On the other hand, the expression of the autophagic marker (LC3) in the cerebellum showed a marked decline in AlCl3-treated group. Western blot analysis confirmed the cerebellar immunohistochemical findings. Collectively, these findings suggested that naringin could contribute to the combat of oxidative and autophagic stress in the cerebellum of AlCl3-induced AD.

Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives from Coffee Extracts Prevent Amyloid Transformation of Alpha-Synuclein

Earlier we showed that derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids prevent amyloid transformation of alpha-synuclein and prion protein. The aim of this work was to determine the content of 3-hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in coffee extracts and to evaluate their activity in relation to alpha-synuclein amyloid aggregation. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were identified in aqueous and ethanol extracts of coffee beans by quantitative mass spectrometric analysis. Only 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (13–53 μg/mL) was detected in significant amounts in the coffee extracts, while ferulic acid was present in trace amounts. In addition, 3-methoxy-4-acetamidoxycinnamic acid (0.4–0.8 μg/mL) was detected in the roasted coffee extracts. The half-maximum inhibitory concentrations of alpha-synuclein fibrillization reaction in the presence of coffee extracts, as well as inhibitory constants, were determined using thioflavin T assay. The inhibitory effect of black and green coffee extracts on alpha-synuclein fibrillization is dose-dependent, and in a pairwise comparison, the constants of half-maximal inhibition of fibrillization for green coffee extracts are comparable to or greater than those for black coffee. Thus, coffee extracts prevent pathological transformation of alpha-synuclein in vitro, probably due to the presence of 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid in them. Consequently, coffee drinks and coffee extracts can be used for the prevention of synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease.

Long term effects of red wine consumption in brain: an MRI, fMRI and neuropsychological evaluation study

Red wine (RW) consumption has been proposed to have a potential health benefit. However, the effect of RW consumption on the brain is not entirely known, mainly when associated with aging. Regular red wine consumers (n = 30) and abstainers (ABST; n = 27) without cognitive impairment were evaluated for brain structural characteristics (Fazekas score and voxel-based morphometry) and for functional adaptations assessed by fMRI (using the Word Tasks Color Stroop (WCST) and Two-Back (TBT)), as well as by neuropsychological tests in different domains. There were no significant differences regarding brain morphological features. RW consumers showed greater activation in the thalamus during WCST and in paracingulate/anterior cingulate cortices, left superior frontal gyrus and frontal pole during TBT. ABST required higher activation of different cortical areas in the left parietal lobe during WCST. Age and intelligence quotient influenced those activations. In Stroop and trail-making neuropsychological tests, RW consumers performed slightly better than ABST. This study should be viewed as hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive.

The Impact of Cereal Grain Composition on the Health and Disease Outcomes

Whole grains are a pivotal food category for the human diet and represent an invaluable source of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, phytocompunds, minerals, and vitamins. Many studies have shown that the consumption of whole grains is linked to a reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. However, several of their positive health effects seem to disappear when grains are consumed in the refined form. Herein we review the available literature on whole grains with a focus on molecular composition and health benefits on many chronic diseases with the aim to offer an updated and pragmatic reference for physicians and nutrition professionals.

Chemical Composition and Polyphenolic Compounds of Red Wines: Their Antioxidant Activities and Effects on Human Health—A Review

Red wine, an alcoholic beverage is composed of a spectrum of complex compounds such as water, alcohol, glycerol, organic acid, carbohydrates, polyphenols, and minerals as well as volatile compounds. Major factors that affect the levels of phenolic compounds in red wines are the variety of grapes and the storage of the wines. Among the constituents of red wine, phenolic compounds play a crucial role in attributes including color and mouthfeel and confer beneficial properties on health. Most importantly, phenolic compounds such as flavanols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, tannins, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and resveratrol can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, inflammation, and some other chronic diseases.

Brain-derived estrogen and neural function

Although classically known as an endocrine signal produced by the ovary, 17β-estradiol (E₂) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons and astrocytes in the brain of many different species. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the localization, regulation, sex differences, and physiological/pathological roles of brain-derived E₂ (BDE₂). Much of what we know regarding the functional roles of BDE₂ has come from studies using specific inhibitors of the E₂ synthesis enzyme, aromatase, as well as the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific and astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse models. The evidence from these studies support a critical role for neuron-derived E₂ (NDE₂) in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, memory, socio-sexual behavior, sexual differentiation, reproduction, injury-induced reactive gliosis, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, we review evidence that astrocyte-derived E₂ (ADE₂) is induced following brain injury/ischemia, and plays a key role in reactive gliosis, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation. Finally, we conclude by discussing the key controversies and challenges in this area, as well as potential future directions for the field.

Techniques for Dealcoholization of Wines: Their Impact on Wine Phenolic Composition, Volatile Composition, and Sensory Characteristics

The attention of some winemakers and researchers over the past years has been drawn towards the partial or total dealcoholization of wines and alcoholic beverages due to trends in wine styles, and the effect of climate change on wine alcohol content. To achieve this, different techniques have been used at the various stages of winemaking, among which the physical dealcoholization techniques, particularly membrane separation (nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, evaporative perstraction, and pervaporation) and thermal distillation (vacuum distillation and spinning cone column), have shown promising results and hence are being used for commercial production. However, the removal of alcohol by these techniques can cause changes in color and losses of desirable volatile aroma compounds, which can subsequently affect the sensory quality and acceptability of the wine by consumers. Aside from the removal of ethanol, other factors such as the ethanol concentration, the kind of alcohol removal technique, the retention properties of the wine non-volatile matrix, and the chemical-physical properties of the aroma compounds can influence changes in the wine sensory quality during dealcoholization. This review highlights and summarizes some of the techniques for wine dealcoholization and their impact on wine quality to help winemakers in choosing the best technique to limit adverse effects in dealcoholized wines and to help meet the needs and acceptance among different targeted consumers such as younger people, pregnant women, drivers, and teetotalers.

Plant Flavonoids: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity

In recent years, more attention has been paid to natural sources of antioxidants. Flavonoids are natural substances synthesized in several parts of plants that exhibit a high antioxidant capacity. They are a large family, presenting several classes based on their basic structure. Flavonoids have the ability to control the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via scavenger ROS when they are formed. Therefore, these antioxidant compounds have an important role in plant stress tolerance and a high relevance in human health, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In addition, flavonoids have several applications in the food industry as preservatives, pigments, and antioxidants, as well as in other industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, flavonoids application for industrial purposes implies extraction processes with high purity and quality. Several methodologies have been developed aimed at increasing flavonoid extraction yield and being environmentally friendly. This review presents the most abundant natural flavonoids, their structure and chemical characteristics, extraction methods, and biological activity.

Myricetin supplementation decreases hepatic lipid synthesis and inflammation by modulating gut microbiota

The relationship between poor in vivo bioavailability and effective pharmacological activity are not yet fully clarified for many flavonoids. The analysis of flavonoids-induced alterations in the gut microbiota represents a promising approach to provide useful clues to elucidate the mechanism of action. Here, we investigate the effect of myricetin supplementation on high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats and explore the associations with the gut microbiota through high-throughput analyses. The 12-week myricetin supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation outcomes suggest that myricetin significantly slows the development of NAFLD. Meanwhile, the anti-NAFLD effects of myricetin are associated with the modulation of the gut microbiota composition. Myricetin reduces hepatic lipid synthesis and inflammation through modulations in fecal butyric-acid-related gut microbiota and protection of the gut barrier function. This study may facilitate the elucidation of the action mechanism of flavonoids with low bioavailability.

Antioxidant Activity Level, Bioactive Compounds, Colour and Spectroscopic Analysis (UV-Vis and FT-IR) of Flavoured Drinks Made with Wine and Sour Cherries (Prunuscerasus Var. austera)

In recent years, the increase in consumer interest towards simpler and authentic lifestyles has led to an explosive growth in the production and business of typical agri-food products and, among these, of wines and its derived beverages. With the aim of promoting a typical Italian beverage, the so-called “Vino di visciole” or “Visner”, listed in the national table of traditional agri-food products, the antioxidant and colour properties of fifteen samples from different provinces of the Marche region and obtained with different recipes were analysed. The “in vitro” total antioxidant activity (TAA) determined using ABTS assays, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanins content (TAC), and colour (Somers assay) were measured. In addition, a spectroscopic FT-IR and UV-Vis analysis was carried out to analyse samples with multivariate techniques. The results showed that the production area, the recipe, and the type of cherries used to make the alcoholic beverage do not influence the antioxidant properties and the phytochemical contents of the samples. The multivariate treatment of the spectroscopic features (mainly UV-Vis) rather allowed the differentiation of samples with high antioxidant activity using easy and low-cost instrumental techniques that require little time and can be employed in routine analysis.

Natural-Derived Molecules as a Potential Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Normal Cell Protectors and Cancer Cell Sensitizers

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a global threat to humans and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer treatment includes, among other things, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, compounds that are vital for treating and preventing cancer. However, chemotherapeutic agents produce oxidative stress along with other side effects that would affect the human body.

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the oxidative stress of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer and normal cells by naturally derived compounds with anti-cancer properties, and protect normal cells from the oxidation process. Therefore, the need to develop more potent chemotherapeutics with fewer side effects has become increasingly important.

METHOD

Recent literature dealing with the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the naturally naturally-derived compounds: morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin has been surveyed and examined in this review. For this, data were gathered from different search engines, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scifinder, among others. Additionally, several patient offices such as WIPO, CIPO, and USPTO were consulted to obtain published articles related to these compounds.

RESULT

Numerous plants contain flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds such as morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, which exhibit ‎antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic actions via several mechanisms. These compounds show sensitizers of cancer cells and protectors of healthy cells. Moreover, these compounds can reduce oxidative stress, which is accelerated by chemotherapeutics and exhibit a potent anticancer effect on cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, more research is recommended to explore and evaluate such flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.

The Importance of Developing Electrochemical Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for a Rapid Detection of Antioxidants

This review aims to pin out the importance of developing a technique for rapid detection of antioxidants, based on molecular imprinting techniques. It covers three major areas that have made great progress over the years in the field of research, namely: antioxidants characterization, molecular imprinting and electrochemistry, alone or combined. It also reveals the importance of bringing these three areas together for a good evaluation of antioxidants in a simple or complex medium, based on selectivity and specificity. Although numerous studies have associated antioxidants with molecular imprinting, or antioxidants with electrochemistry, but even electrochemistry with molecular imprinting to valorize different compounds, the growing prominence of antioxidants in the food, medical, and paramedical sectors deserves to combine the three areas, which may lead to innovative industrial applications with satisfactory results for both manufacturers and consumers.

Avocado Creole Peel Ameliorates Metabolic Alterations Caused by a High Sucrose Fat Diet in a Wistar Rats Model

High-sucrose high-fat diets are one of the causes of malnutrition, and may induce metabolic alterations such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and adipogenesis. The objective of this work was to investigate the possible protective effect of traditionally edible avocado creole peel (Persea americana Mill var. drymifolia) when consuming a high-sucrose and fat diet (HSFD). The experimental animal model included 21 male Wistar rats divided in three groups: the control group received a standard diet of purina®, the HSFD group received a high fat diet plus 30% sucrose in drinking water, and finally the HSFD + AP group received the HSFD diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg of avocado peel for 14 weeks. It was observed that alterations included higher cholesterol, glucose, insulin, fatty acids and TNF-α levels as well as lower HDL, and adiponectin. The addition of avocado peel reverted some of these effects, resulting in normal values of triglicerides, insulin and adiponectin, while attenuated the levels of total cholesterol. Liver weight of the group added with avocado peel was similar to the control group. The neuronal density in the hippocampal areas CA1 and dentate gyrus DC were lower in the high glucose fat group, while the ingestion of the avocado peel showed a neuroprotective effect. The avocado creole ingestion reverted or attenuated most of the metabolic effects caused by a high-sucrose fat diet which was attributed to the compounds detected by HPLC-MS and GC-MS that included bioactive polyphenols such as flavanol quercetin, flavanone naringenin, flavan 3-ol catechin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-rhamnoside, hydroxydelphinidin, eugenol and estragole.

The Multifunctional Roles of Polyphenols in Plant-Herbivore Interactions

There is no argument to the fact that insect herbivores cause significant losses to plant productivity in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. To counter this continuous onslaught, plants have evolved a suite of direct and indirect, constitutive and induced, chemical and physical defenses, and secondary metabolites are a key group that facilitates these defenses. Polyphenols—widely distributed in flowering plants—are the major group of such biologically active secondary metabolites. Recent advances in analytical chemistry and metabolomics have provided an opportunity to dig deep into extraction and quantification of plant-based natural products with insecticidal/insect deterrent activity, a potential sustainable pest management strategy. However, we currently lack an updated review of their multifunctional roles in insect-plant interactions, especially focusing on their insect deterrent or antifeedant properties. This review focuses on the role of polyphenols in plant-insect interactions and plant defenses including their structure, induction, regulation, and their anti-feeding and toxicity effects. Details on mechanisms underlying these interactions and localization of these compounds are discussed in the context of insect-plant interactions, current findings, and potential avenues for future research in this area.

Beneficial Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate, Chlorogenic Acid, Resveratrol, and Curcumin on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Many observational and clinical studies have shown that consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols have beneficial effects on various diseases such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Animal and cellular studies have indicated that these polyphenolic compounds contribute to such effects. The representative polyphenols are epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate in tea, chlorogenic acids in coffee, resveratrol in wine, and curcumin in curry. The results of human studies have suggested the beneficial effects of consumption of these foods on NDDs including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and cellular animal experiments have provided molecular basis to indicate contribution of these representative polyphenols to these effects. This article provides updated information on the effects of these foods and their polyphenols on NDDs with discussions on mechanistic aspects of their actions mainly based on the findings derived from basic experiments.

Anticancer potential of myricetin bulk and nano forms in vitro in lymphocytes from myeloma patients

Evading apoptosis and chemo-resistance are considered as very important factors which help tumour progression and metastasis. Hence, to overcome chemo-resistance, there is an urgent requirement for emergence of more effective treatment options. Myricetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, is present in various plant-derived foods and shows antitumour potential in different cancers. In the present in vitro study, results from the comet assay demonstrated that myricetin bulk (10 µM) and nano (20 µM) forms exhibited a non-significant level of genotoxicity in lymphocytes from multiple myeloma patients when compared to those from healthy individuals. Western blot results showed a decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio and an increase in P53 protein levels in lymphocytes from myeloma patients, but not in lymphocytes from healthy individuals. A significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species level was also observed, suggesting that regulation of apoptotic proteins triggered by myricetin exposure in lymphocytes from myeloma patients occurred through P53 and oxidative stress-dependent pathways. The potency of myricetin against lymphocytes from myeloma patients marks it a potential candidate to be considered as an alternative to overcome chemo-resistance in cancer therapies.

Rutin ameliorates copper sulfate-induced brain damage via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in rats

Excessive exposure to Copper (Cu) may result in Cu toxicity and adversely affect health outcomes. We investigated the protective role of rutin on Cu-induced brain damage. Experimental rats were treated as follows: group I: control; group II: Cu-sulfate: 200 mg/kg; group III: Cu-sulfate, and rutin 100 mg/kg; and group IV: rutin 100 mg/kg, for 7 weeks. Cu only treatment significantly decreased body weight gain, while rutin cotreatment reversed this decrease. Cu treatment increased malondialdehyde, nitric oxide level, and myeloperoxidase activity and decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in rat brain. Immunohistochemistry showed that COX-2, iNOS, and Bcl-2 proteins were strongly expressed, while Bax was mildly expressed in the brain of Cu-treated rats. Furthermore, brain histology revealed degenerated neurons, and perforated laminae of cerebral cortex in the Cu-only treated rats. Interestingly, coadministration of Cu and rutin reduced the observed histological alteration, improved inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, thereby protecting against Cu-induced brain damage via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Concept, mechanism, and applications of phenolic antioxidants in foods

In this review, the concept of phenolic antioxidants, mechanisms of action, and applications have been reviewed. Phenolic compounds (PCs) acts as an antioxidant by reacting with a variety of free radicals. The mechanism of antioxidant actions involved either by hydrogen atom transfer, transfer of a single electron, sequential proton loss electron transfer, and chelation of transition metals. In foods, the PCs act as antioxidants which are measured with several in vitro spectroscopic methods. The PCs have been found in milk and a wide range of dairy products with sole purposes of color, taste, storage stability, and quality enhancement. The role of PCs in three types of food additives, that is, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and flavoring agents have been critically reviewed. The literature revealed that PCs present in a variety of foods possess several health benefits such as antibacterial, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, antioxidants, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phenolic compounds are strong antioxidants and are safer than synthetic antioxidants. The wide occurrence in plant foods warranted continuous review applications. This review, therefore, presented an updated comprehensive overview of the concept, mechanism, and applications of phenolic antioxidants in foods.

Neuroprotective Effects of Apple-Derived Drinks in a Mice Model of Inflammation

SCOPE

Fruit-derived drinks consumption is considered beneficial due to the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of polyphenols separately, but studies including their total constituents are scarce. In this work, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory neuroprotective effects of apple-derived beverages are determined in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Preliminary antioxidant and neuroinflammatory experiments are carried out with 15 drink polyphenolic extracts in SH-SY5Y and BV2 cells, using H₂ O₂ as pro-oxidant and LPS as pro-inflammatory stimulus, respectively. Extracts improve antioxidant systems functioning and present neuroprotective mitochondrial-related effects. In microglia, extracts reduce reactive oxygen species and modulate cytokine release. To better mimic human consumption, four concentrated dealcoholized apple-derived drinks (three ciders and apple juice) are supplied to mice for 7 days in substitution of drinking water. Mice treated with beverages present reduced brain oxidative stress and inflammatory markers after LPS injection. Interestingly, genetic expression of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels are also greatly augmented after drink intake.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-mediated neuroprotective properties of apple-derived drinks, suggesting that their consumption could be a good approach for prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of cider neuroprotective effects.

Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health

Wine is a popular alcoholic beverage that has been consumed for hundreds of years. Benefits from moderate alcohol consumption have been widely supported by the scientific literature and, in this line, red wine intake has been related to a lesser risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Experimental studies and meta-analyses have mainly attributed this outcome to the presence in red wine of a great variety of polyphenolic compounds such as resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, and anthocyanin. Resveratrol is considered the most effective wine compound with respect to the prevention of CHD because of its antioxidant properties. The mechanisms responsible for its putative cardioprotective effects would include changes in lipid profiles, reduction of insulin resistance, and decrease in oxidative stress  of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The aim of this review is to summarize the accumulated evidence correlating moderate red wine consumption with prevention of CHD by focusing on the different mechanisms underlying this relationship. Furthermore, the chemistry of wine as well as chemical factors that influence the composition of the bioactive components of red wine are also discussed.

Putative Roles of Plant-Derived Tannins in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatry Disorders: An Updated Review

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are characterized by the structural and functional abnormalities of neurons in certain regions of the brain. These abnormalities, which can result in progressive neuronal degeneration and functional disability, are incurable to date. Although comprehensive efforts have been made to figure out effective therapies against these diseases, partial success has been achieved and complete functional recovery is still not a reality. At present, plants and plant-derived compounds are getting more attention because of a plethora of pharmacological properties, and they are proving to be a better and safer target as therapeutic interventions. This review aims to highlight the roles of tannins, 'the polyphenol phytochemicals', in tackling neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as neuropsychiatric disorders like depression. Among the multifarious pharmacological properties of tannins, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase activities are emphasized more in terms of neuroprotection. The current review also throws light on mechanistic pathways by which various classes of tannins execute neuroprotective effects. Despite their beneficial properties, some harmful effects of tannins have also been elaborated.

Myricetin improves endurance capacity by inducing muscle fiber type conversion via miR-499

Background

Reprogramming of fast-to-slow myofiber switch can improve endurance capacity and alleviate fatigue. Accumulating evidence suggests that a muscle-specific microRNA, miR-499 plays a crucial role in myofiber type transition. In this study, we assessed the effects of natural flavonoid myricetin on exercise endurance and muscle fiber constitution, and further investigated the underlying mechanism of myricetin in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

A total of 66 six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into non-exercise or exercise groups with/without orally administered myricetin (50 or 150 mg/kg) for 2 or 4 weeks. Time-to-exhaustion, blood biochemical parameters, muscle fiber type proportion, the expression of muscle type decision related genes were measured. Mimic/ inhibitor of miR-499 were transfected into cultured L6 myotubes, the expressions of muscle type decision related genes and mitochondrial respiration capacity were investigated.

Results

Myricetin treatment significantly improved the time-to-exhaustion in trained rats. The enhancement of endurance capacity was associated with an increase of the proportion of slow-twitch myofiber in both soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Importantly, myricetin treatment amplified the expression of miR-499 and suppressed the expression of Sox6, the down-stream target gene of miR-499, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-499 overturned the effects of myricetin on down-regulating Sox6.

Conclusions

Myricetin promoted the reprogramming of fast-to-slow muscle fiber type switch and reinforced the exercise endurance capacity. The precise mechanisms responsible for the effects of myricetin are not resolved but likely involve regulating miR-499/Sox6 axis.

Role of CYP2E1 in Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Hepatic Injury by Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Substances

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two pathological conditions that are spreading worldwide. Both conditions are remarkably similar with regard to the pathophysiological mechanism and progression despite different causes. Oxidative stressinduced mitochondrial dysfunction through post-translational protein modifications and/or mitochondrial DNA damage has been a major risk factor in both AFLD and NAFLD development and progression. Cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1), a known important inducer of oxidative radicals in the cells, has been reported to remarkably increase in both AFLD and NAFLD. Interestingly, CYP2E1 isoforms expressed in both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, likely lead to the deleterious consequences in response to alcohol or in conditions of NAFLD after exposure to high fat diet (HFD) and in obesity and diabetes. Whether CYP2E1 in both ER and mitochondria work simultaneously or sequentially in various conditions and whether mitochondrial CYP2E1 may exert more pronounced effects on mitochondrial dysfunction in AFLD and NAFLD are unclear. The aims of this review are to briefly describe the role of CYP2E1 and resultant oxidative stress in promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and the development or progression of AFLD and NAFLD, to shed a light on the function of the mitochondrial CYP2E1 as compared with the ER-associated CYP2E1. We finally discuss translational research opportunities related to this field.

A comparison of resveratrol and other polyphenolic compounds on Notch activation and endothelial cell activity

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound produced by plants which makes its way into the human diet through plant-based foods. It has been shown to provide many health benefits, helping to ward of age-related diseases and promoting cardiovascular health. Additionally, resveratrol is a potent activator of the Notch signaling pathway. While resveratrol receives the most attention as a polyphenolic nutraceutical, other compounds with similar structures may be more potent regulators of specific cellular processes. Here, we compare resveratrol, apigenin, chrysin, genistein, luteolin, myricetin, piceatannol, pterostilbene, and quercetin for their ability to regulate Notch signaling. In addition, we compare the ability of these polyphenolic compounds to regulate endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Out of these compounds we found that resveratrol is the best activator of Notch signaling, however, other similar compounds are also capable of stimulating Notch. We also discovered that several of these polyphenols were able to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. Finally, we found that many of these polyphenols are potent inhibitors of endothelial migration during wound healing assays. These findings provide the first side-by-side comparison of the regulation of Notch signaling, and endothelial cell proliferation and migration, by nine polyphenolic compounds.

Antioxidant Effect of Flavonoids Present in Euterpe oleracea Martius and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are progressive, directly affecting the central nervous system (CNS), the most common and recurrent are Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). One factor frequently mentioned in the etiology of NDDs is the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress, producing cellular damages. Studies have shown that the consumption of foods rich in polyphenols, especially those of the flavonoid class, has been related to the low risk in the development of several diseases. Due to the antioxidant properties present in the food, a fruit that has been gaining prominence among these foods is the Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí), because it presents in its composition significant amounts of a subclass of the flavonoids, the anthocyanins.

METHODS

In the case review, the authors receive a basic background on the most common NDDs, oxidative stress and antioxidants. In addition, revisiting the various studies related to NDDs, including flavonoids and consumption of açaí.

RESULTS

Detailed analysis of the recently reported case studies reveal that dietary consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, such as açaí fruits, suggests the efficacy to attenuate neurodegeneration and prevent or reverse the age-dependent deterioration of cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review points out that flavonoids presenting in açaí have the potential for the treatment of diseases such as PD and AD and are candidates for drugs in future clinical research. However, there is a need for in vitro and in vivo studies with polyphenol that prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this fruit for several NDDs.

Phenolic Compounds Characteristic of the Mediterranean Diet in Mitigating Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation is a pathological feature of quite a number of Central Nervous System diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease among others. The hallmark of brain neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia, which are the immune resident cells in the brain and represents the first line of defense when injury or disease occur. Microglial activated cells can adopt different phenotypes to carry out its diverse functions. Thus, the shift into pro-inflammatory/neurotoxic or anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective phenotypes, depending of the brain environment, has totally changed the understanding of microglia in neurodegenerative disease. For this reason, novel therapeutic strategies which aim to modify the microglia polarization are being developed. Additionally, the understanding of how nutrition may influence the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has grown greatly in recent years. The protective role of Mediterranean diet (MD) in preventing neurodegenerative diseases has been reported in a number of studies. The Mediterranean dietary pattern includes as distinctive features the moderate intake of red wine and extra virgin olive oil, both of them rich in polyphenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol and their derivatives, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects on microglia on in vitro studies. This review summarizes our understanding of the role of dietary phenolic compounds characteristic of the MD in mitigating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, including explanation regarding their bioavailability, metabolism and blood-brain barrier.

Proanthocyanidins exert a neuroprotective effect via ROS/JNK signaling in MPTP‑induced Parkinson's disease models in vitro and in vivo

The pathological alterations of Parkinson's disease (PD) predominantly manifest as a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which may be caused by oxidative stress damage. Proanthocyanidins (PCs) are a class of compounds found in various plants, which have significant antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity. The present study investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of PCs in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model in vitro and in vivo. MTT assays were used to detect cell viability, and flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were used to detect cell apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) alterations were investigated using a JC-1 MMP Assay kit. The pole test was used to measure motor behavior in a mouse model of PD. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the fluorescent probe, 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were performed to detect the expression levels of proteins associated with PD. In vitro, it was demonstrated that in MPTP-treated PC12 cells, PCs increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, it was revealed that PC treatment inhibited striatal dopamine depletion, which resulted in significant improvements in PD-like movement impairment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and MPTP-induced apoptosis were also inhibited. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the neuroprotective activity of PCs may be mediated via the inhibition of ROS generation, as well as modulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation. Taken together, these data revealed that PCs may exert neuroprotective effects in in vivo and in vitro PD models, and may have potential in the prevention or treatment of PD.

Nutrition and Alzheimer Disease

We gathered some theoretic and practical concepts related to the importance of nutrition in the prevention and management of Alzheimer disease (AD). Besides the role of nutrients in brain development and functioning, some nutrients exert special control in the development of AD, due to their participation in neurotransmitter synthesis, their modulation in epigenetics mechanisms, and as antioxidants. In addition, some non-nutrient food-derived substances have shown potential in the control of neuroinflammation and consequently in the prevention of AD. Finally, it is important to be aware of the nutritional status and food intake patterns of the patient with AD.