Role of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Endothelial Dysfunction: An Overview from Classic to Innovative Biomarkers

Characterization of pigment produced by high carotenoid yielding bacteria Paracoccus marcusii RSPO1 and evaluation of its anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties

High pigment producing bacteria was isolated and identified as Paracoccus marcusii RSPO1 using biochemical and 16s rRNA identification. Bacterial pigment production was optimised using parameters like inoculum size, nitrogen source, pH, temperature, and agitation speed. Carotenoids production was 7,240 ± 41 µg L-1 after optimization. The silica column purified pigment was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, TLC, FTIR, LC-ESI-MS and NMR, which revealed its composition as astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, ζ-carotene and β-zeacarotene. The inhibition assays against α-amylase and α-glucosidase showed IC50 values as 226 µg ml-1 and 0.7548 µg ml-1 respectively. The MIC of 1000 µg ml-1 of carotenoid was found to be effective against Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes when tested for antibacterial activity. Moreover, antioxidant activity of carotenoid sample was also determined where antioxidant potential of extracted carotenoid for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) inhibition were 65 ± 0.06% and 42 ± 07% respectively at 20 µg ml-1 concentration.

The potential effect of natural antioxidants on endothelial dysfunction associated with arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension represents a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the identification of effective solutions for treating the early stages of elevated blood pressure (BP) is still a relevant issue for cardiovascular risk prevention. The pathophysiological basis for the occurrence of elevated BP and the onset of arterial hypertension have been widely studied in recent years. In addition, consistent progress in the development of novel, powerful, antihypertensive drugs and their appropriate applications in controlling BP have increased our potential for successfully managing disease states characterized by abnormal blood pressure. However, the mechanisms responsible for the disruption of endogenous mechanisms contributing to the maintenance of BP within a normal range are yet to be fully clarified. Recently, evidence has shown that several natural antioxidants containing active ingredients originating from natural plant extracts, used alone or in combination, may represent a valid solution for counteracting the development of arterial hypertension. In particular, there is evidence to show that natural antioxidants may enhance the viability of endothelial cells undergoing oxidative damage, an effect that could play a crucial role in the pathophysiological events accompanying the early stages of arterial hypertension. The present review aims to reassess the role of oxidative stress on endothelial dysfunction in the onset and progression of arterial hypertension and that of natural antioxidants in covering several unmet needs in the treatment of such diseases.

Racial Differences and Contributory Cardiovascular and Non-Cardiovascular Risk Factors Towards Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

Background

The prevalence of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in Black than in White Americans. We evaluated CKD progression in Black and White participants and the contribution of biological risk factors. We included the study of lung function (measured by forced vital capacity [FVC]), which is part of the emerging notion of interorgan cross-talk with the kidneys to racial differences in CKD progression.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 2175 Black and 2207 White adult Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) participants. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured at study year 10 (age 27-41y) and every five years for 20 years. The outcome was CKD progression through no CKD, low, moderate, high, or very high-risk categories based on eGFR and UACR in combination. The association between race and CKD progression as well as the contribution of risk factors to racial differences were assessed in multivariable-adjusted Cox models.

Results

Black participants had higher CKD transition probabilities than White participants and more prevalent risk factors during the 20-year period studied. Hazard ratios for CKD transition for Black (vs White participants) were 1.38 from No CKD into ≥ low risk, 2.25 from ≤ low risk into ≥ moderate risk, and 4.49 from ≤ moderate risk into ≥ high risk. Racial differences in CKD progression from No CKD into ≥ low risk were primarily explained by FVC (54.8%), hypertension (30.9%), and obesity (20.8%). In contrast, racial differences were less explained in more severe transitions.

Conclusion

Black participants had a higher risk of CKD progression, and this discrepancy may be partly explained by FVC and conventional risk factors.

CircSHOC2 Knockdown Alleviates High Glucose-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Pyroptosis via Targeting miR-145/FOXO1 Axis In Vitro Condition

Emerging evidence indicates that pyroptosis participates in the pathogenic process of vascular endothelial cells in cardiovascular system complications of diabetes. The roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in high glucose (HG)-induced vascular endothelial cells are still unclear. Here, our research investigated the function and mechanism of circRNA circSHOC2 in pyroptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Results indicated that circSHOC2 was up-regulated in HG-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Functionally, cellular assays indicated that circSHOC2 silencing repressed HG-induced HUVECs pyroptosis. Moreover, circSHOC2 targeted miR-145 through miRNA sponge, and FOXO1 functioned as downstream target of miR-145. In conclusion, these findings suggested the potential roles of circSHOC2 on HG-induced vascular endothelial cells in vitro condition, providing new insights for cardiovascular system complications of diabetes.

Acute effect of blueberry intake on vascular function in older subjects: Study protocol for a randomized, controlled, crossover trial

Aging is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease which is often accompanied by a decline in vascular health and function. Current evidence suggests that berries may have a potential role in the modulation of vascular function, but dietary interventions are still needed to confirm findings, especially in older subjects. In the context of the MIND FoodS HUB project, this study aims to investigate the effect of a single serving of blueberry (250 g of blueberry versus a control product) in a group of older subjects (≥ 60y) through a randomized, controlled, cross-over dietary intervention trial. Specifically, the study evaluates the absorption kinetics of bioactives following the blueberries intake and the effects on markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function analyzed at different time points. By considering a drop-out rate estimate of 25%, at least 20 subjects will be recruited in the study. The study will provide evidence to support the potential beneficial effects of blueberry and its bioactive compounds on vascular function in a group of population more susceptible to vascular dysfunction and to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the study will contribute the analysis of several metabolic and functional markers that can support the biological plausibility of the results obtained. Finally, the trial will provide data on the absorption and metabolism of blueberry bioactives which will be used to study their association with the different markers under study. Trail registration: The trial is registered at ISRCTN (http://isrctn.com/ISRCTN18262533); May 7, 2021.

Towards Precritical Medical Therapy of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Pharmacotherapy for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can be useful for prevention, especially in people at higher risk, for slowing down AAA progression, as well as for post-surgery adjuvant treatment. Our review focuses on novel pharmacotherapy approaches targeted towards slowing down progression of AAA, known also as secondary prevention therapy. Guidelines for AAA are not specific to slow down the expansion rate of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and therefore no medical therapy is recommended. New ideas are urgently needed to develop a novel medical therapy. We are hopeful that in the future, pharmacologic treatment will play a key role in the prevention and treatment of AAA.

Effect of Lycopene Supplementation on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Markers of Endothelial Function in Iranian Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Aim

This study aimed to explore if supplementary lycopene tablets may help heart failure (HF) patients improve their lipid profile, BP, and the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) index for endothelial function.

Methods

Fifty patients with ischemic HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the lycopene group which received 25 mg lycopene tablets once a day for 8 weeks and the control group which received placebo tablets containing starch once a day for 8 weeks.

Results

Our results showed that after two months, the amount of triglyceride (TG) and FMD improved significantly compared to the control, TG decreased (219.27 vs. 234.24), and the mean of FMD increased (5.68 vs. 2.95). Other variables, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), showed no improvement. Also, only SBP and FMD showed intragroup improvement in the intervention group. In the intervention group, only SBP and FMD exhibited intragroup improvement.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that supplementing with lycopene can enhance endothelial function and reduce the TG levels in ischemic HFrEF patients. However, it had no positive effect on BP, TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C. Trial Registration. This clinical trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT registration number: IRCT20210614051574N4.

Participation of the Serotonergic System and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Antidepressant-like Effect of Flavonoids

Depressive disorders are among the most disabling diseases experienced around the world, and their incidence has significantly increased over the last few decades due to multiple environmental, social, and biological factors. The search for new pharmacological alternatives to treat depression is a global priority. In preclinical research, molecules obtained from plants, such as flavonoids, have shown promising antidepressant-like properties through several mechanisms of action that have not been fully elucidated, including crossing of the blood brain barrier (BBB). This review will focus on discussing the main findings related to the participation of the serotonergic system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the antidepressant-like effect of some flavonoids reported by behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular studies. In this sense, evidence shows that depressive individuals have low levels of serotonin and BDNF, while flavonoids can reverse it. Finally, the elucidation of the mechanism used by flavonoids to modulate serotonin and BDNF will contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological bases underlying the antidepressant-like effects produced by these natural compounds.

Effect of the Human Amniotic Membrane on the Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells of Gestational Diabetic Mothers: New Insight on Inflammation and Angiogenesis

One of the most relevant diabetes complications is impaired wound healing, mainly characterized by reduced peripheral blood flow and diminished neovascularization together with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, effective therapies are currently lacking. Recently, the amniotic membrane (AM) has shown promising results in wound management. Here, the potential role of AM on endothelial cells isolated from the umbilical cord vein of gestational diabetes-affected women (GD-HUVECs), has been investigated. Indeed, GD-HUVECs in vivo exposed to chronic hyperglycemia during pregnancy compared to control cells (C-HUVECs) have shown molecular modifications of cellular homeostasis ultimately impacting oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress, inflammatory phenotype, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and bioavailability, thus representing a useful model for studying the mechanisms potentially supporting the role of AM in chronic non-healing wounds. In this study, the anti-inflammatory properties of AM have been assessed using a monocyte–endothelium interaction assay in cells pre-stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and through vascular adhesion molecule expression and membrane exposure, together with the AM impact on the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-kB) pathway and NO bioavailability. Moreover, GD-HUVEC migration and tube formation ability were evaluated in the presence of AM. The results showed that AM significantly reduced TNF-α-stimulated monocyte–endothelium interaction and the membrane exposure of the endothelial vascular and intracellular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, respectively) in both C- and GD-HUVECs. Strikingly, AM treatment significantly improved vessel formation in GD-HUVECs and cell migration in both C- and GD-HUVECs. These collective results suggest that AM positively affects various critical pathways in inflammation and angiogenesis, thus providing further validation for ongoing clinical trials in diabetic foot ulcers.

The Role of Polyphenol in Modulating Associated Genes in Diabetes-Induced Vascular Disorders

Diabetes-induced vascular disorder is considered one of the deadly risk factors among diabetic patients that are caused by persistent hyperglycemia that eventually leads to cardiovascular diseases. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to high blood glucose levels activate signaling pathways such as AGE/RAGE, PKC, polyol, and hexosamine pathways. The activated signaling pathway triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis which later lead to vascular dysfunction induced by diabetes. Polyphenol is a bioactive compound that can be found abundantly in plants such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. This compound exerts therapeutic effects in alleviating diabetes-induced vascular disorder, mainly due to its potential as an anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agent. In this review, we sought to summarize the recent discovery of polyphenol treatments in modulating associated genes involved in the progression of diabetes-induced vascular disorder.

Perinatal derivatives: How to best characterize their multimodal functions in vitro. Part C: Inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing

Perinatal derivatives (PnD) are birth-associated tissues, such as placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic and chorionic membrane, and thereof-derived cells as well as secretomes. PnD play an increasing therapeutic role with beneficial effects on the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this review is to elucidate the modes of action of non-hematopoietic PnD on inflammation, angiogenesis and wound healing. We describe the source and type of PnD with a special focus on their effects on inflammation and immune response, on vascular function as well as on cutaneous and oral wound healing, which is a complex process that comprises hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation (including epithelialization, angiogenesis), and remodeling. We further evaluate the different in vitro assays currently used for assessing selected functional and therapeutic PnD properties. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) with the intention to promote PnD into the clinics. It is part of a quadrinomial series on functional assays for validation of PnD, spanning biological functions, such as immunomodulation, anti-microbial/anti-cancer activities, anti-inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and regeneration.

Regulation of Key Antiplatelet Pathways by Bioactive Compounds with Minimal Bleeding Risk

Cardiovascular disease is strongly influenced by platelet activation. Platelet activation and thrombus formation at atherosclerotic plaque rupture sites is a dynamic process regulated by different signaling networks. Therefore, there are now focused efforts to search for novel bioactive compounds which target receptors and pathways in the platelet activation process while preserving normal hemostatic function. The antiplatelet activity of numerous fruits and vegetables and their multiple mechanisms of action have recently been highlighted. In this review, we review the antiplatelet actions of bioactive compounds via key pathways (protein disulfide isomerase, mitogen-activated protein kinases, mitochondrial function, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, Akt, and shear stress-induced platelet aggregation) with no effects on bleeding time. Therefore, targeting these pathways might lead to the development of effective antiplatelet strategies that do not increase the risk of bleeding.

Antioxidant/Pro-Oxidant Actions of Polyphenols From Grapevine and Wine By-Products-Base for Complementary Therapy in Ischemic Heart Diseases

Grape pomace and grape seeds, by-products of the wine industry, and grapevine cane resulting from grapevine pruning are cheap matrices containing important amounts of polyphenols. While there is a continuous need of introducing new ways of these by-products valorization, we propose their use as a source of bioactive polyphenols for complementary therapy in ischemic heart diseases. As oxidative stress plays an important role in these diseases, by their antioxidant/pro-oxidant properties, these compounds, mainly flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, and resveratrol may counteract the damage of the oxidative stress. For instance, to some extent, the grape seed extract, considered as an antioxidant nutritive supplement, may have pro-oxidant activity as well, depending on dose, duration of administration, and other dietary components. In vitro studies confirm that the antioxidant activity of this extract might be mediated by pro-oxidant o-quinones and oxidation products of the polyphenols from grape and winery byproducts, indicating that quinones, as oxidation products, are involved in the modulation of the antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance at the cellular level in the case of catechin-type compounds, in the absence or presence of oxidative stress inducers. In vivo, studies indicate that a grape pomace-rich diet results in a significant increase of the total antioxidant status in the plasma, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Also, the administration of grape pomace shows antioxidant activity with positive effects on health. In this context, the present review aims to present the most recent research focused on the antioxidant/pro-oxidant actions of the bioactive polyphenols from grapevine and wine byproducts, in conditions of ischemic heart diseases as assessed in vitro or in vivo.

Dietary Strawberries Improve Biomarkers of Antioxidant Status and Endothelial Function in Adults with Cardiometabolic Risks in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Strawberries, a popularly consumed berry fruit, are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects. In this study, we examined the effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on the antioxidant status and biomarkers of endothelial function in adults with features of metabolic syndrome and a confirmed low baseline of fruit and vegetable intake. In a 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, participants were assigned to one of three groups for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving (low dose: 13 g strawberry powder/day), or 2.5 servings (high dose: 32 g strawberry powder/day). Blood samples and health data were collected at baseline and at the end of each four-week phase of intervention. Thirty-three participants completed all three phases of the trial. Significant increases were observed in serum antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity as well as decreases in lipid peroxidation after both low and high dose strawberry phases when compared with the control phase. Significant decreases were also observed in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α with the high dose strawberry phase. These data confirm that consuming strawberries for four weeks significantly improves antioxidant status, endothelial function, and inflammation in adults with cardiometabolic risks.

Interaction between dietary total antioxidant capacity and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on lipid profiles and atherogenic indices among diabetic patients

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the "neurotrophin" family of growth factors, and it has recently been associated to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We anticipated that BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms may alter CVD risk markers such as serum lipid profile differences, and interaction with total antioxidant capacity of diet (DTAC) could alter these clinical parameters. This cross-sectional study consisted of 667 diabetic patients (39.7% male and 60.3% female). DTAC was calculated by international databases. Biochemical markers including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), pentraxin-3 (PTX3), isoprostaneF2α (PGF2α). interleukin 18 (IL18), leptin and ghrelin were measured by standard protocol. Atherogenic indices (AIP, AC, CR-I, CR-II) were calculated. Genotyping of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms was conducted by the real-time PCR-RFLP method. The gene-diet interactions were evaluated using a generalized linear mode (GLMs). Carriers of the Val/Met genotype who were in the higher median intake of FRAP had lower HDL (P:0.04) and higher TG (P:0.005), AIP (P:0.02) and AC (P:0.02) index compared to Val/Val genotypes with lower median intake. Moreover, diabetic patients with Val/Met genotype who consumed higher ORAC intake had increased odds for anthropometric indices (BMI (P:0.01) and WC (P:0.03)), lipid profiles (TG) (P:0.01), and atherogenic index (AIP) (P:0.02), also decreased odds for HDL (P:0.03) concentration compared to reference group whit lower ORAC intake. Individuals with Val/Met genotype who consumed higher TRAP intake had increased odds for WC (P:0.04), TC (P:0.001), TG (P < 0.001), AIP (P < 0.001) and AC (P < 0.001). Finally, Val/Met patients with a higher median intake of TEAC had higher TG (P:0.02), AIP (P:0.009) and AC (P:0.03) compared to the reference group whit lower TEAC intake. Our study showed that Val/Met genotype had also the highest lipid profile and atherogenic indices even in the highest adherence to DTAC. While it seems that the presence of the Val/Val wild-type and BDNF Met/Met homozygotes in diabetic patients with a high DTAC is a protective factor.