Proanthocyanidin from grape seed extracts protects indomethacin-induced small intestinal mucosal injury

Gardenia jasminoides fruit extract alleviates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastropathy in rats

BACKGROUND

NSAID-induced gastropathy is a health burden that requires effective intervention. Among various prevention options, Gardenia jasminoides fruit extract (GJE) has demonstrated gastroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory pathways with a wide safety margin. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of GJE regarding mucoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects remained to be explored. Therefore, we investigated the effects of GJE on NSAID-induced gastric injury in rats, focusing on the expression of the protective factors: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), and the aggravating factors: inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

METHODS

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three experimental groups (n = 8/group): the control group, the NSAIDs group receiving indomethacin to induce gastric ulcers, and the NSAIDs with GJE pretreatment (NSAIDs + GJE) group. After a two-day experimental period, the stomachs were collected for histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining, and protein expression analysis in gastric tissue lysates.

RESULTS

The NSAIDs group exhibited severe neutrophil infiltration with ulcers upon gastric histopathological examination. Pretreatment with GJE attenuated NSAID-induced gastropathy, as evidenced by reduced neutrophil infiltration and decreased ulceration. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting demonstrated reduced expressions of PGE2 and MUC5AC, while the expressions of iNOS and NF-κB were increased following NSAID administration. In comparison to the NSAIDs group, the NSAIDs + GJE group exhibited higher expressions of PGE2 and MUC5AC and lower expressions of iNOS and NF-κB, providing evidence of the gastroprotective effects of GJE.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with GJE alleviated NSAID-induced gastric ulcers by increasing the expression of PGE2 and MUC5AC and decreasing the expression of iNOS and NF-κB. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms by which GJE attenuates NSAID-induced gastropathy. Further studies are required to validate the effect of GJE in clinical settings.

Red Wine High-Molecular-Weight Polyphenolic Complex Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysregulation and Perturbation in Gut Microbiota in Mice

Red wine polyphenolic complexes have attracted increasing attention as potential modulators of human metabolic disease risk. Our previous study discovered that red wine high-molecular-weight polymeric polyphenolic complexes (HPPCs) could inhibit key metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes and favorably modulate human gut microbiota (GM) in simulated colonic fermentation assay in vitro. In this work, the efficacy of HPPC supplementation (150 and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disturbance in mice was investigated. HPPCs effectively attenuated HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and lipid and glucose metabolic dysregulation and ameliorated inflammatory response and hepatic and colonic damage. It also improved the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, consistent with an anti-obesity phenotype. The favorable modulation of GM was further supported by improvement in the profile of fecal short-chain fatty acids. The higher dosage generally had a better performance in these effects than the low dosage. Moreover, serum metabolite profiling and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that HPPCs significantly modulated vitamin B metabolism-associated pathways and identified N-acetylneuraminic acid and 2-methylbutyroylcarnitine as potential biomarkers of the favorable effect on HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation. These findings highlight that dietary supplementation with red wine HPPCs is a promising strategy for the management of weight gain and metabolic dysregulation associated with HFD.

Upregulation of GLUT4 and PI3K, and downregulation of GSK3 mediate the anti-hyperglycemic effects of proanthocyanidins

Diabetes mellitus is the most common chronic metabolic disorder worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate the potential role of cinnamon bark extract oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in controlling streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms underlying its effects. For this purpose, 60 male rats were equally divided into six groups as follows: The normal control group; OPC control group (non-diabetic rats treated with OPC at 300 mg/kg orally for 21 days); the untreated diabetic control group; the wortmannin control group [diabetic rats treated with wortmannin at 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.) on the final day of the experiment]; the OPC diabetic group (diabetic rats treated with OPC at 300 mg/kg orally for 21 days); and the OPC diabetic + wortmannin co-treated group (diabetic rats treated with OPC at 300 mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days and then 24 h after the final OPC dose treated with a single wortmannin injection at 1 mg/kg, i.p.). The results indicated that OPC ameliorated the diabetic state, as evidenced by a significant decrease in serum glucose levels, and a significant increase in the levels of insulin, amylin, insulin receptor phosphorylation, glycogen and glucose transporter-4 translocation; it also improved the lipid profile in STZ-diabetic rats. On the whole, the findings of the present study provide biochemical evidence that OPC treatment is effective as an anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic agent by enhancing glucose uptake through the activation of insulin receptor kinase activity and the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Dietary proanthocyanidins on gastrointestinal health and the interactions with gut microbiota

Many epidemiological and experimental studies have consistently reported the beneficial effects of dietary proanthocyanidins (PAC) on improving gastrointestinal physiological functions. This review aims to present a comprehensive perspective by focusing on structural properties, interactions and gastrointestinal protection of PAC. In brief, the main findings of this review are summarized as follows: (1) Structural features are critical factors in determining the bioavailability and subsequent pharmacology of PAC; (2) PAC and/or their bacterial metabolites can play a direct role in the gastrointestinal tract through their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties; (3) PAC can reduce the digestion, absorption, and bioavailability of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids by interacting with them or their according enzymes and transporters in the gastrointestinal tract; (4). PAC showed a prebiotic-like effect by interacting with the microflora in the intestinal tract, and the enhancement of PAC on a variety of probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. could be associated with potential benefits to human health. In conclusion, the potential effects of PAC in prevention and alleviation of gastrointestinal diseases are remarkable but clinical evidence is urgently needed.

Efficacy of complementary medicine for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injuries: A narrative review

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small bowel injuries (NSIs) have been largely ignored for decades due to the focus on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. With the visualization of the small intestines enabled by video capsule endoscopy, the frequency and severity of NSIs have become more evident. NSIs have a complex pathophysiology, and no effective preventive or treatment options have been proven. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used to treat disorders of the small intestine, and more research on its effectiveness for NSIs has been conducted.We reviewed the current evidence and mechanisms of action of CAMs on NSI. Clinical and experimental studies on the effect of CAMs on NSIs were performed using 10 databases.Twenty-two studies (3 clinical and 19 in vivo experimental studies) were included in the final analysis involving 10 kinds of CAMs: bovine colostrum, Orengedokuto (coptis), muscovite, licorice, grape seed, wheat, brown seaweed, Ganoderma lucidum fungus mycelia, Chaenomeles speciosa (sweet) Nakai (muguasantie), and Jinghua Weikang capsule. The mechanisms of CAM include an increase in prostaglandin E2, reparation of the enteric nervous system, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduction of intestinal permeability and enteric bacterial numbers, decrease in oxidative stress, and modulation of small intestinal motility.CAM may be a novel alternative option for treating and preventing NSI, and further studies on human and animal models with relevant comorbidities are warranted.

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by Lactobacillus plantarum pH3A, monolaurin, and grapefruit seed extract

Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of gastritis and gastric ulcers. Considering the severe side effects of current antibiotic therapies, it is crucial to find an alternate treatment for H. pylori infection. In this study, we investigated the anti-H. pylori effects of a newly isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (pH3A), monolaurin, grapefruit seed extract (GSE), and their synergies in vitro and in vivo. Monolaurin and GSE suppressed H. pylori growth and urease activity at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 ppm. Live cells and cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) of L. plantarum pH3A with or without pH adjustment also significantly inhibited H. pylori growth. Although synergy was not observed between monolaurin and GSE, the addition of CFCS significantly enhanced their anti-H. pylori activities. Moreover, L. plantarum pH3A significantly decreased the ability of H. pylori to adhere to AGS cells and interleukin (IL)-8 production in the H. pylori-stimulated AGS cell line. The addition of GSE or monolaurin strengthened these effects. In the in vivo study, H. pylori colonization of the mouse stomach and total serum IgG production were significantly reduced by L. plantarum pH3A treatment, but the addition of monolaurin or GSE did not contribute to these anti-H. pylori activities. Therefore, the L. plantarum pH3A strain can potentially be applied as an alternative anti-H. pylori therapy, but evidence of its synergy with monolaurin or GSE in vivo is still lacking.

Investigation of grape sap on wingless/integrated and β-catenin genes expression with histological factors on the hair follicle in rat

Background and purpose

Natural products are used to improve the damage caused by harmful reagents in various pathological situations. This study investigated the effect of grape sap as a natural product with antioxidant properties on follicle cell proliferation in bleomycin (as a chemotherapy agent with toxic effects on hair growth) treated rats skin.

Experimental approach

The bleomycin treated rats were administrated grape sap. Wingless/integrated (wnt) and β-catenin gene expression as follicle proliferative markers were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, histological factors and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated.

Findings / Results

The data showed that, grape sap increased the number of anagenic hair follicle in grape sap (100 mg/kg) group (P < 0.001), sebaceous glands (P < 0.001), blood vessel density (P < 0.001), and hair growth length (P < 0.001). Also, wnt and β-catenin gene expression was elevated. The data showed that wnt and β-catenin gene expression were elevated in grape sap treated animals versus bleomycin group (P < 0.01 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion and implications

Our finding showed that grape sap can be effective in increasing hair growth a gains bleomycin toxic effects on skin hair growth.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Inhibits Mucin Synthesis and Viral Replication by Suppression of AP-1 and NF-κB via p38 MAPKs/JNK Signaling Pathways in Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Infected A549 Cells

Airway epithelial cells are often infected by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), one of the most common causes of asthma, bronchiolitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia. During the infection process, excessive mucins instigate airway inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying RSV-induced airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation is poorly understood. Furthermore, no reliable vaccines or drugs for antiviral therapy are available. In this study, the effect of the natural compound grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) on RSV-infected human airway epithelial cells A549 was evaluated. After pretreatment of the cells with or without exposure to RSV with 5-10 μg GSP/mL, the expression of various mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC8) was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting, as well as confocal microscopy. We found that GSP significantly decreased RSV-induced mucin synthesis at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, GSP suppressed the RSV-induced signaling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38, together with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activating protein-1 family members (c-Jun and c-Fos). Concomitantly, GSP inhibited the replication of RSV within A549 cells. Taken together, all our results suggest that GSP could be a potent therapeutic agent to suppress excessive mucus production and viral replication in RSV-induced airway inflammatory disorders.

Proanthocyanidins Attenuation of Chronic Lead-Induced Liver Oxidative Damage in Kunming Mice via the Nrf2/ARE Pathway

Lead is harmful for human health and animals. Proanthocyanidins (PCs), a natural antioxidant, possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against lead-induced liver damage have not been clarified. This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of PCs on the hepatotoxicity of male Kunming mice induced by chronic lead exposure. A total of 70 healthy male Kunming mice were averagely divided into four groups: control group, i.e., the group exposed to lead, the group treated with PCs, and the group co-treated with lead and PCs. The mice exposed to lead were given water containing 0.2% lead acetate. Mice treated in the PCs and PCs lead co-treated groups were given PC (100 mg/kg) in 0.9% saline by oral gavage. Lead exposure caused a significant elevation in the liver function parameters, lead level, lipid peroxidation, and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities. The induction of oxidative stress and histological alterations in the liver were minimized by co-treatment with PCs. Meanwhile, the number of Transferase-Mediated Deoxyuridine Triphosphate-Biotin Nick End Labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells was significantly reduced in the PCs/lead co-treated group compared to the lead group. In addition, the lead group showed an increase in the expression level of Bax, while the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. Furthermore, the lead group showed an increase in the expression level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes and protein (GRP78 and CHOP). Co-treated with PCs significantly reversed these expressions in the liver. PCs were, therefore, demonstrated to have protective, antioxidant, and anti-ER stress and anti-apoptotic activities in liver damage caused by chronic lead exposure in the Kunming mouse. This may be due to the ability of PCs to enhance the ability of liver tissue to protect against oxidative stress via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, resulting in decreasing ER stress and apoptosis of liver tissue.

The protective effect of procyanidin against LPS-induced acute gut injury by the regulations of oxidative state

Background

A 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the protective effect of procyanidin (PCA) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute gut injury by the regulations of oxidative state for a 21-days feeding trial.

Methods

A total of 384 1-days-old broiler chicks were assigned to 8 treatments with 8 replicate of 6 broiler chickens per pen. Broiler chickens fed diets based on 4 levels of dietary PCA (0, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 % of the requirements). Half of the birds from each treatment group were challenged with 0.9 % NaCl solution or LPS (250 μg/kg body weight, injection administered) at 16, 18 and 21 days of age.

Results

The results indicated that, prior to LPS challenge, there was no dietary effect on bird growth performance (P > 0.05). The injection of LPS were also not associated with any significant changes in poultry performance (P > 0.05). But LPS injection increased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) level and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05), cause adverse effects to the morphology of the small intestine (P < 0.05), decreased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). When LPS-challenged birds were pretreated with PCA, serum DAO concentration and MDA activity in jejunal and ileal mucosa were dramatically attenuated, and improved the morphology of the small intestine as well (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, PCA is able to prevent LPS-induced oxidative stress response in vivo, improved the morphology of the small intestine. The beneficial effect of PCA may depend on increasing the activity of body’s antioxidant enzymes and scavenging free radical activity.

Grape compounds suppress colon cancer stem cells in vitro and in a rodent model of colon carcinogenesis

Background

We have previously shown that the grape bioactive compound resveratrol (RSV) potentiates grape seed extract (GSE)-induced colon cancer cell apoptosis at physiologically relevant concentrations. However, RSV-GSE combination efficacy against colon cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play a key role in chemotherapy and radiation resistance, is not known.

Methods

We tested the anti-cancer efficacy of the RSV-GSE against colon CSCs using isolated human colon CSCs in vitro and an azoxymethane-induced mouse model of colon carcinogenesis in vivo.

Results

RSV-GSE suppressed tumor incidence similar to sulindac, without any gastrointestinal toxicity. Additionally, RSV-GSE treatment reduced the number of crypts containing cells with nuclear β-catenin (an indicator of colon CSCs) via induction of apoptosis. In vitro, RSV-GSE suppressed - proliferation, sphere formation, nuclear translocation of β-catenin (a critical regulator of CSC proliferation) similar to sulindac in isolated human colon CSCs. RSV-GSE, but not sulindac, suppressed downstream protein levels of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, c-Myc and cyclin D1. RSV-GSE also induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in colon CSCs characterized by elevated p53, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved PARP. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of p53, a tumor suppressor gene, in colon CSCs did not alter efficacy of RSV-GSE.

Conclusion

The suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and elevated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in colon CSCs support potential clinical testing/application of grape bioactives for colon cancer prevention and/or therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1254-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The efficacy of blueberry and grape seed extract combination on triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomised controlled trial

Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for gastritis, gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. Traditional therapy with proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics is regarded as optimal for H. pylori eradication whereas, the eradication rate is unsatisfactory. Studies have reported that cranberry may inhibit H. pylori adhesion to the human gastric mucus but lack of other berry extracts have been evaluated in clinical study. Thus, a 9-week add-on randomised controlled trial was conducted to explore the impact of blueberry and grape seed extract (BGE) combinations traditional therapy for H. pylori eradication. In results, we found that there was no significant difference of eradication rate between the berry extract group and placebo group in the intention-to-treat analysis and in the per-protocol analysis (94.64% versus 84.62%, p = 0.085). Diarrhoea, constipation and epigastric pain were observed increasing during ingestion of the berry extract in some cases. In conclusion, this study indicated that no significant difference existed between the BGE extract group and placebo group in eradication rate under triple therapy.