Oleic acid inhibits endothelial activation : A direct vascular antiatherogenic mechanism of a nutritional component in the mediterranean diet

Gentamicin loaded niosomes against intracellular uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the main etiological agent of UTIs. UPEC can persist in bladder cells protected by immunological defenses and antibiotics and intracellular behavior leads to difficulty in eradicating the infection. The aim of this paper is to design, prepare and characterize surfactant-based nanocarriers (niosomes) able to entrap antimicrobial drug and potentially to delivery and release antibiotics into UPEC-infected cells. In order to validate the proposed drug delivery system, gentamicin, was chosen as "active model drug" due to its poor cellular penetration. The niosomes physical-chemical characterization was performed combining different techniques: Dynamic Light Scattering Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy. Empty and loaded niosomes were characterized in terms of size, ζ-potential, bilayer features and stability. Moreover, Gentamicin entrapped amount was evaluated, and the release study was also carried out. In addition, the effect of empty and loaded niosomes was studied on the invasion ability of UPEC strains in T24 bladder cell monolayers by Gentamicin Protection Assay and Confocal Microscopy. The observed decrease in UPEC invasion rate leads us to hypothesize a release of antibiotic from niosomes inside the cells. The optimization of the proposed drug delivery system could represent a promising strategy to significatively enhance the internalization of antimicrobial drugs.

High Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated with Systemic Inflammation in Older but Not in Younger Brazilian Adults

The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MPD) has shown promise in preventing low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI). This study tested if a high adherence to the MDP by younger and older Brazilian adults is associated with lower LGSI and investigated which Mediterranean food components may contribute to these associations. We performed a secondary study on 2015 ISA-Nutrition (290 younger adults (20-59 years old) and 293 older adults (≥60 years old)), a cross-sectional population-based study in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The adherence to the MDP was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore), obtained from two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls (24HDRs). The LGSI score (from plasma CRP, TNF-α, and adiponectin) identified the inflammatory status. Linear regression models assessed the association between LGSI and the MedDietScore. In older adults only, a high adherence to the MDP signified an 11.5% lower LGSI score. Older adults, classified with high adherence to the MDP, differed by consuming lower meat intake and full-fat dairy. Between older adults, the intake of vegetables and olive oil was inversely associated with the levels of LGSI. Thus, among older adults, the intake of some specific Mediterranean food determined high adherence to the MDP and was associated with decreased LGSI.

Impact of dairy fat manipulation on endothelial function and lipid regulation in human aortic endothelial cells exposed to human plasma samples: an in vitro investigation from the RESET study

PURPOSE

Longer-term intake of fatty acid (FA)-modified dairy products (SFA-reduced, MUFA-enriched) was reported to attenuate postprandial endothelial function in humans, relative to conventional (control) dairy. Thus, we performed an in vitro study in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) to investigate mechanisms underlying the effects observed in vivo.

METHODS

This sub-study was conducted within the framework of the RESET study, a 12-week randomised controlled crossover trial with FA-modified and control dairy diets. HAEC were incubated for 24 h with post-intervention plasma samples from eleven adults (age: 57.5 ± 6.0 years; BMI: 25.7 ± 2.7 kg/m2) at moderate cardiovascular disease risk following representative sequential mixed meals. Markers of endothelial function and lipid regulation were assessed.

RESULTS

Relative to control, HAEC incubation with plasma following the FA-modified treatment increased postprandial NOx production (P-interaction = 0.019), yet up-regulated relative E-selectin mRNA gene expression (P-interaction = 0.011). There was no impact on other genes measured.

CONCLUSION

Incubation of HAEC with human plasma collected after longer-term dairy fat manipulation had a beneficial impact on postprandial NOx production. Further ex vivo research is needed to understand the impact of partial replacement of SFA with unsaturated fatty acids in dairy foods on pathways involved in endothelial function.

Exercise mitigates flow recirculation and activates metabolic transducer SCD1 to catalyze vascular protective metabolites

Exercise promotes pulsatile shear stress in the arterial circulation and ameliorates cardiometabolic diseases. However, exercise-mediated metabolic transducers for vascular protection remain under-investigated. Untargeted metabolomic analysis demonstrated that wild-type mice undergoing voluntary wheel running exercise expressed increased endothelial stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) that catalyzes anti-inflammatory lipid metabolites, namely, oleic (OA) and palmitoleic acids (PA), to mitigate NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. In silico analysis revealed that exercise augmented time-averaged wall shear stress but mitigated flow recirculation and oscillatory shear index in the lesser curvature of the mouse aortic arch. Following exercise, endothelial Scd1-deleted mice (Ldlr-/- Scd1EC-/-) on high-fat diet developed persistent VCAM1-positive endothelium in the lesser curvature and the descending aorta, whereas SCD1 overexpression via adenovirus transfection mitigated endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Single-cell transcriptomics of the aorta identified Scd1-positive and Vcam1-negative endothelial subclusters interacting with other candidate genes. Thus, exercise mitigates flow recirculation and activates endothelial SCD1 to catalyze OA and PA for vascular endothelial protection.

The mechanism of oleic acid inhibiting platelet activation stimulated by collagen

BACKGROUND

Abnormal platelet activation is a key factor in the occurrence and development of thrombotic diseases. However, the physiological mechanisms that underlie platelet homeostasis remain unclear. Oleic acid, one of the most abundant lipids in the human diet, has potential antithrombotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oleic acid on platelet activation and thrombosis.

METHODS

Platelet aggregation, ATP release, and fibrinogen spread were evaluated to determine the role of oleic acid in platelet activation. A ferric chloride-induced carotid injury model was used to establish the effect of oleic acid on thrombus formation in vivo. Western blotting analysis and transfection experiments were performed to determine the mechanisms involved in this process.

RESULTS

Oleic acid inhibited platelet aggregation, granule release, and calcium mobilization. Furthermore, it inhibited the spread of platelets on fibrinogen. We also found that oleic acid delayed arterial thrombosis in mice, as demonstrated in a murine model of ferric chloride-induced carotid artery thrombosis. The molecular mechanism of its inhibition of platelet activity may be through the Syk-PLCγ2 and CaMKKβ/AMPKα/VASP pathways. In addition, we demonstrated that the phosphorylation of AMPK at Ser496 was an important mechanism of platelet activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that oleic acid inhibits platelet activation and reduces thrombogenesis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of multiple signaling molecules, offering new insights into the research and development of antiplatelet drugs. Video Abstract.

Phytochemical Screening, Phenolic Content, and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Seed Extract

Medicinal plants are promising sources of natural substances with biological functions and several drugs have been developed from traditional medicine. This study aimed to determine the chemical components of a hydromethanolic extract from Foeniculum vulgare seeds. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents were assessed, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed. To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of F. vulgare seed hydromethanolic extract, its effects on protein denaturation, protease activity, membrane stabilization, and heat-induced hemolysis in red blood cells were evaluated in vitro. F. vulgare seed extract showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation (35.68±0.4%), protease activity (58.09±0.1%), and heat-induced hemolysis in red blood cells (9.67±0.3%) at concentrations of 200, 250, and 200 μg/mL, respectively, compared to the reference drug indomethacin (P<0.001). This remarkable anti-inflammatory activity may be attributable to the abundance of flavonoids in the F. vulgare seed extract. GC-MS confirmed the presence of linalool and fatty acids (palmitic and oleic acids), which have potential anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the hydromethanolic extract of F. vulgare seeds may be a valuable anti-inflammatory candidate in the years ahead.

Exercise Mitigates Flow Recirculation and Activates Mechanosensitive Transcriptome to Uncover Endothelial SCD1-Catalyzed Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites

Exercise modulates vascular plasticity in multiple organ systems; however, the metabolomic transducers underlying exercise and vascular protection in the disturbed flow-prone vasculature remain under-investigated. We simulated exercise-augmented pulsatile shear stress (PSS) to mitigate flow recirculation in the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. When human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were subjected to PSS ( τ _ave = 50 dyne·cm ^-2 , ∂τ/∂t = 71 dyne·cm ^-2 ·s ^-1 , 1 Hz), untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD1) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) catalyzed the fatty acid metabolite, oleic acid (OA), to mitigate inflammatory mediators. Following 24 hours of exercise, wild-type C57BL/6J mice developed elevated SCD1-catalyzed lipid metabolites in the plasma, including OA and palmitoleic acid (PA). Exercise over a 2-week period increased endothelial SCD1 in the ER. Exercise further modulated the time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS or τ _ave) and oscillatory shear index (OSI _ave ), upregulated Scd1 and attenuated VCAM1 expression in the disturbed flow-prone aortic arch in Ldlr ^-/- mice on high-fat diet but not in Ldlr ^-/- Scd1 ^EC-/- mice. Scd1 overexpression via recombinant adenovirus also mitigated ER stress. Single cell transcriptomic analysis of the mouse aorta revealed interconnection of Scd1 with mechanosensitive genes, namely Irs2 , Acox1 and Adipor2 that modulate lipid metabolism pathways. Taken together, exercise modulates PSS ( τ _ave and OSI _ave ) to activate SCD1 as a metabolomic transducer to ameliorate inflammation in the disturbed flow-prone vasculature.

Fatty acids act on vascular endothelial cells and influence the development of cardiovascular disease

Endothelial cells (ECs) maintain the health of blood vessels and prevent the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Free saturated fatty acids (FAs) induce EC damage and increase the risk of CVD by promoting arteriosclerosis. Conversely, polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid, are thought to suppress EC damage induced during the early stages of CVD. This review describes the effects of multiple dietary FAs on EC disorders involved in the development of CVD. The roles of FAs in atherosclerosis and CVD were analyzed by evaluating articles published in PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Saturated FAs were found to induce EC damage by reducing the production and action of EC-derived nitric oxide. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and the renin-angiotensin system were found to be involved in EC disorder. Furthermore, n-3 PUFAs were found to reduce EC dysfunction and prevent the development of EC disorder. These results indicate that FAs may affect EC failure induced during the early stages of CVD and reduce the risk of developing the disease.

The Importance of the Plasma Membrane in Atherogenesis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are an important medical problem due to their high prevalence, impact on quality of life and prognosis. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is an urgent medical and social problem, the solution of which may improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of patients. Atherosclerosis is a complex chain of events, which proceeds over many years and in which many cells in the bloodstream and the vascular wall are involved. A growing body of evidence suggests that there are complex, closely linked molecular mechanisms that occur in the plasma membranes of cells involved in atherogenesis. Lipid transport, innate immune system receptor function, and hemodynamic regulation are linked to plasma membranes and their biophysical properties. A better understanding of these interrelationships will improve diagnostic quality and treatment efficacy.

Effects of Diets Enriched with Conventional or High-Oleic Canola Oils on Vascular Endothelial Function: A Sub-Study of the Canola Oil Multi-Centre Intervention Trial 2 (COMIT-2), a Randomized Crossover Controlled Feeding Study

Partial replacement of saturated fatty acids (SFA) with unsaturated fatty acids is recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), including oleic acid, are associated with lower CVD risk. Measurement of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD) is the gold standard for measuring endothelial function and predicts CVD risk. This study examined the effect of partially replacing SFA with MUFA from conventional canola oil and high-oleic acid canola oil on FMD. Participants (n = 31) with an elevated waist circumference plus ≥1 additional metabolic syndrome criterion completed FMD measures as part of the Canola Oil Multi-Centre Intervention Trial 2 (COMIT-2), a multi-center, double-blind, three-period crossover, controlled feeding randomized trial. Diet periods were 6 weeks, separated by ≥4-week washouts. Experimental diets were provided during all feeding periods. Diets only differed by the fatty acid profile of the oils: canola oil (CO; 17.5% energy from MUFA, 9.2% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 6.6% SFA), high-oleic acid canola oil (HOCO; 19.1% MUFA, 7.0% PUFA, 6.4% SFA), and a control oil blend (CON; 11% MUFA, 10% PUFA, 12% SFA). Multilevel models were used to examine the effect of the diets on FMD. No significant between-diet differences were observed for average brachial artery diameter (CO: 6.70 ± 0.15 mm, HOCO: 6.57 ± 0.15 mm, CON: 6.73 ± 0.14 mm; p = 0.72), peak brachial artery diameter (CO: 7.11 ± 0.15 mm, HOCO: 7.02 ± 0.15 mm, CON: 6.41 ± 0.48 mm; p = 0.80), or FMD (CO: 6.32 ± 0.51%, HOCO: 6.96 ± 0.49%, CON: 6.41 ± 0.48%; p = 0.81). Partial replacement of SFA with MUFA from CO and HOCO had no effect on FMD in participants with or at risk of metabolic syndrome.

Oleic Acid Protects Endothelial Cells from Silica-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs)-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cell Death

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have great potential for use in medicine, but they may cause side effects due to oxidative stress. In our study, we investigated the effects of silica-coated SPIONs on endothelial cells and whether oleic acid (OA) can protect the cells from their harmful effects. We used viability assays, flow cytometry, infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Our results show that silica-coated SPIONs are internalized by endothelial cells, where they increase the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause cell death. Exposure to silica-coated SPIONs induced accumulation of lipid droplets (LD) that was not dependent on diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT)-mediated LD biogenesis, suggesting that silica-coated SPIONs suppress LD degradation. Addition of exogenous OA promoted LD biogenesis and reduced SPION-dependent increases in oxidative stress and cell death. However, exogenous OA protected cells from SPION-induced cell damage even in the presence of DGAT inhibitors, implying that LDs are not required for the protective effect of exogenous OA. The molecular phenotype of the cells determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the destructive effect of silica-coated SPIONs and the ameliorative role of OA in the case of oxidative stress. Thus, exogenous OA protects endothelial cells from SPION-induced oxidative stress and cell death independent of its incorporation into triglycerides.

The Effects of Freshwater Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Extract on Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) in Prediabetic Patients in Taiwan

Freshwater clam extract (FCE) is a functional food that regulates the immune system and has been demonstrated in numerous studies to display desirable anti–tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) responses. In addition, excess TNF-α production is positively associated with type 2 diabetes. However, few longitudinal clinical studies evaluating the efficiency and toxicity of FCE are available. This article reports that patients with prediabetes who received FCE had a desirable outcome of a reduction in serum TNF-α for a long period. This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel clinical trial conducted using FCE intervention and placebo groups, and 36 patients with prediabetes were enrolled. Two grams of FCE or placebo was consumed daily for 180 consecutive days. The serum of the participants was collected at four time points (0M: before the intervention; 3M: after 3 months of intervention; 6M: after 6 months of intervention; 12M: 6 months after cessation of intervention at 6M). A serum TNF-α concentration higher than 4.05 pg/mL was defined as a cut-off value. FCE reduced serum TNF-α in all participants at 6M and 12M. Moreover, FCE significantly suppressed serum TNF-α concentrations at 6M and 12M and inhibited TNF-α release with time series in subjects with elevated TNF-α values. FCE intervention effectively reduced serum TNF-α and persistently sustained the effects for half a year in patients with prediabetes. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GS-MS) analysis revealed that the major components of FCE were phytosterols and fatty acids, which exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α abilities. Hence, FCE has the potential to be developed as a natural treatment for prediabetic patients in Taiwan.

Involvement of Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites in the Development of Inflammation in Atherosclerosis

Despite all the advances of modern medicine, atherosclerosis continues to be one of the most important medical and social problems. Atherosclerosis is the cause of several cardiovascular diseases, which are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. The development of atherosclerosis is associated with the accumulation of lipids in the arterial intima and the disruption of mechanisms that maintain the balance between the development and resolution of inflammation. Fatty acids are involved in many mechanisms of inflammation development and maintenance. Endothelial cells demonstrate multiple cross-linkages between lipid metabolism and innate immunity. In addition, these processes are linked to hemodynamics and the function of other cells in the vascular wall, highlighting the central role of the endothelium in vascular biology.

Olive Oil Extracts and Oleic Acid Attenuate the LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in Murine RAW264.7 Macrophages but Induce the Release of Prostaglandin E2

Olive oil contains high amounts of oleic acid (OA). Although OA has been described to inhibit inflammatory processes, the effects of olive oil on cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, we compared the effects of major fatty acids (FA) from olive oil with those of olive oil extracts (OOE) on inflammatory mediators and alterations in the cellular phospholipid composition in murine macrophages. Upon treatment with different OOE, FA compositions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages were analyzed using gas chromatography. Olive oil extracts and OA significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos), cyclooxygenase (Cox2), and interleukin-6 mRNA. In addition, a significant decrease in Cox2 and iNos protein expression was observed. The formation of nitric oxide was significantly reduced, while the formation of prostaglandin (PG) E₂ from arachidonic acid significantly increased after treatment with OOE or OA. The latter was associated with a shift in the phospholipid FA composition from arachidonic acid to OA, resulting in an elevated availability of arachidonic acid. Together, OOE and OA mediate anti-inflammatory effects in vitro but increase the release of arachidonic acid and hereinafter PGE₂, likely due to elongation of OA and competitive incorporation of fatty acids into membrane phospholipids.

Nutrigenomic Effect of Hydroxytyrosol in Vascular Endothelial Cells: A Transcriptomic Profile Analysis

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a peculiar olive and olive oil phenolic antioxidant, plays a significant role in the endothelial and cardiovascular protection associated with olive oil consumption. However, studies examining the effects of HT on the whole-genome expression of endothelial cells, which are prominent targets for vasculo-protective effects of olive oil polyphenols, have been lacking. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the genomic effects exerted by HT, at the transcriptional level, in endothelial cells under resting or proinflammatory conditions. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 10 µmol/L HT for 1 h and then stimulated with 5 ng/mL interleukin (IL)-1β for 3 h. Total RNA was extracted, and gene expression profile assessed with microarray analysis. Functional enrichment analysis and pathway analysis were performed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Microarray data were validated by qRT-PCR. Fixing a significance threshold at 1.5-fold change, HT affected the expression of 708 and 599 genes, respectively, in HUVECs under resting and IL-1β-stimulated conditions; among these, 190 were common to both conditions. Unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum stress resulted from the two top canonical pathways common between HT and HT-IL-1β affected genes. IL-17F/A signaling was found in the top canonical pathways of HT modified genes under resting unstimulated conditions, whereas cardiac hypertrophy signaling was identified among the pathways affected by HT-IL-1β. The transcriptomic analysis allowed pinpointing immunological, inflammatory, proliferative, and metabolic-related pathways as the most affected by HT in endothelial cells. It also revealed previously unsuspected genes and related gene pathways affected by HT, thus broadening our knowledge of its biological properties. The unbiased identification of novel genes regulated by HT improves our understanding of mechanisms by which olive oil prevents or attenuates inflammatory diseases and identifies new genes to be enquired as potential contributors to the inter-individual variation in response to functional food consumption.

Discovery of the signal pathways and major bioactive compounds responsible for the anti-hypoxia effect of Chinese cordyceps

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hypoxia will cause an increase in the rate of fatigue and aging. Chinese cordyceps, a parasitic Thitarodes insect-Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus complex in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has long been used to ameliorate human conditions associated with aging and senescence, it is principally applied to treat fatigue, night sweating and other symptoms related to aging, and it may play the anti-aging and anti-fatigue effect by improving the body's hypoxia tolerance.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated the anti-hypoxia activity of Chinese cordyceps and explore the main corresponding signal pathways and bioactive compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, cell and whole pharmacodynamic experiments were hired to study the major signal pathways and the bioactive compounds of Chinese cordyceps for anti-hypoxia activity.

RESULTS

17 pathways which Chinese cordyceps acted on seemed to be related to the anti-hypoxia effect, and "VEGF signal pathway" was one of the most important pathway. Chinese cordyceps improved the survival rate and regulated the targets related VEGF signal pathway of H9C2 cells under hypoxia, and also had significant anti-hypoxia effects to mice. Chorioallantoic membrane model experiment showed that Chinese cordyceps and the main constituents of (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid and cerevisterol had significant angiogenic activity in hypoxia condition.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, cell and whole pharmacodynamic experiments, promoting angiogenesis by regulating VEGF signal pathway might be one of the mechanisms of anti-hypoxia effect of Chinese cordyceps, (9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid and cerevisterol were considered as the major anti-hypoxia bioactive compounds in Chinese cordyceps.

Identification of Circulating Diagnostic Biomarkers for Coronary Microvascular Disease in Postmenopausal Women Using Machine-Learning Techniques

Coronary microvascular disease (CMD) is a common form of heart disease in postmenopausal women. It is not due to plaque formation but dysfunction of microvessels that feed the heart muscle. The majority of the patients do not receive a proper diagnosis, are discharged prematurely and must go back to the hospital with persistent symptoms. Because of the lack of diagnostic biomarkers, in the current study, we focused on identifying novel circulating biomarkers of CMV (cytomegalovirus) that could potentially be used for developing a diagnostic test. We hypothesized that plasma metabolite composition is different for postmenopausal women with no heart disease, CAD (coronary artery disease), or CMD. A total of 70 postmenopausal women, 26 healthy individuals, 23 individuals with CMD and 21 individuals with CAD were recruited. Their full health screening and tests were completed. Basic cardiac examination, including detailed clinical history, additional disease and prescribed drugs, were noted. Electrocardiograph, transthoracic echocardiography and laboratory analysis were also obtained. Additionally, we performed full metabolite profiling of plasma samples from these individuals using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, identified and classified circulating biomarkers using machine learning approaches. Stearic acid and ornithine levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal women with CMD. In contrast, valine levels were higher for women with CAD. Our research identified potential circulating plasma biomarkers of this debilitating heart disease in postmenopausal women, which will have a clinical impact on diagnostic test design in the future.

Cryptotympana pustulata Extract and Its Main Active Component, Oleic Acid, Inhibit Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation through Inhibition of Th2/GATA-3 and Interleukin-17/RORγt Signaling Pathways in Asthmatic Mice

Cicadae Periostracum (CP), derived from the slough of Cryptotympana pustulata, has been used as traditional medicine in Korea and China because of its diaphoretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antianaphylactic activities. The major bioactive compounds include oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. However, the precise therapeutic mechanisms underlying its action in asthma remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the antiasthmatic effects of CP in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model. CP and OA inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and production of interleukin (IL)7 and Th2 cytokines (IL-5) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and OVA-specific imunoglobin E (IgE) in the serum. The gene expression of IL-5, IL-13, CCR3, MUC5AC, and COX-2 was attenuated in lung tissues. CP and OA might inhibit the nuclear translocation of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) via the upregulation of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), thereby preventing the activation of GATA-3 and RORγt. In the in vitro experiment, a similar result was observed for Th2 and GATA-3. These results suggest that CP has the potential for the treatment of asthma via the inhibition of the GATA-3/Th2 and IL-17/RORγt signaling pathways.

Neuroprotective effects of oleic acid in rodent models of cerebral ischaemia

Oleic acid (OA) is released from brain phospholipids after cerebral ischaemia; however, its role in ischaemic injury remains unknown. We hypothesised that OA has neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischaemia, which may be exerted through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) activation, since OA is an endogenous ligand of PPAR-γ. The effects of OA administration were evaluated in rodent models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), photothrombosis, and four-vessel occlusion (4-VO). We determined the time window of therapeutic opportunity and examined the ability of the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 to reverse OA’s protective effects after MCAO. We found that OA administration decreased the MCAO-induced infarct volume and functional deficits, photothrombosis-induced infarct volume, and 4-VO-induced hippocampal neuronal death. Additionally, OA was highly efficacious when administered up to 3 h after MCAO. Pre-treatment with GW9662 abolished the inhibitory effects of OA on the infarct volume and immunoreactivity of key inflammatory mediators in the ischaemic cortex. Our results indicate that OA has neuroprotective effects against transient and permanent focal cerebral ischaemia, as well as global cerebral ischaemia. It may have therapeutic value for the ischaemic stroke treatment with a clinically feasible therapeutic window. The OA-mediated neuroprotection might be attributable to its anti-inflammatory actions through PPAR-γ activation.

The impact of sea buckthorn oil fatty acids on human health

The beneficial properties of fatty acids have been undervalued for several years. In contraposition, new studies reveal that fatty acids have an essential role for human health. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the clinical applications of fatty acids present in sea buckthorn oil. The composition of fatty acids found in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil is unique for this species, presenting a vast range of health benefits for humans and therefore it is highly valued by both biomedicine and the cosmetic industry. In this way, we will see the clinical effect of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids that constitute sea buckthorn oil and how they contribute to the correct function of the organism. Despite there being studies that support the positive effects of sea buckthorn fatty acids, they are limited. Hence, most of the results obtained in this review are from studies of isolated fatty acids instead of fatty acids extracted from sea buckthorn oil. These facts permit to demonstrate the effect of sea buckthorn fatty acids separately but we lost the possibility of detecting a synergic effect of all of them. More studies are necessary to certify the clinical application of the fatty acids present in sea buckthorn oil as well as discovering possible synergies between them.

In Vitro Digested Nut Oils Attenuate the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages

Nut consumption is known for its health benefits, in particular in inflammatory diseases. A possible mechanism for these effects could be their beneficial fatty acid composition. Nuts mainly contain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies investigating the effects of nut extracts on inflammatory processes on the molecular level are rare. We therefore prepared oily nut extracts after in vitro digestion and saponification of the fat-soluble constituents. Besides chromatographic analysis, cell culture experiments were performed using murine macrophages (RAW264.7) to study the capacity of different nut extracts (hazelnut, almond, walnut, macadamia, and pistachio) to modulate inflammatory processes. Oleic acid was the main fatty acid in hazelnut, almond, macadamia, and pistachio extracts. Both oily nut extracts and pure oleic acid significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of iNos, Cox2, Tnfα, Il1β, and Il6 mRNAs. iNos protein expression was down-regulated followed by reduced nitric oxide formation. Thus, nut extracts at concentrations achievable in the digestive tract inhibit the expression and formation of inflammatory mediators in macrophages. Hence, a beneficial contribution of nut consumption to inflammatory diseases can be assumed. We are convinced that these results provide new insights on the molecular mechanisms involved in the health-beneficial effects of nuts.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom): An assessment of in vitro anti-atherosclerotic bio-functionality

Mushrooms have been highly regarded as possessing enormous nutritive and medicinal values. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic potential of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) using its solvent–solvent partitioned fractions that consisted of methanol:dichloromethane (M:DCM), hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA) and aqueous residue (AQ). The hexane fraction (1 mg/mL) mostly scavenged (67.38%, IC₅₀ 0.55 mg/mL) the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, contained the highest reducing capacity (60.16 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fraction), and most potently inhibited lipid peroxidation (67.07%), low density lipo-protein oxidation and the activity of 3-hydroxy 3-methyl glutaryl co-enzyme A reductase (HMGR). GC–MS analyses of the hexane fraction identified α-tocopherol (vitamin E), oleic acid, linoleic acid, ergosterol and butyric acid as the bio-functional components present in L. edodes. Our findings suggest that L. edodes possesses anti-atherosclerotic bio-functionality that can be applied as functional food-based therapeutics against cardiovascular diseases.

Omega-9 Oleic Acid, the Main Compound of Olive Oil, Mitigates Inflammation during Experimental Sepsis

The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, is beneficial, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Olive oil is mostly composed of the monounsaturated fatty acid omega-9. We showed omega-9 protects septic mice modulating lipid metabolism. Sepsis is initiated by the host response to infection with organ damage, increased plasma free fatty acids, high levels of cortisol, massive cytokine production, leukocyte activation, and endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to analyze the effect of omega-9 supplementation on corticosteroid unbalance, inflammation, bacterial elimination, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma expression, an omega-9 receptor and inflammatory modulator. We treated mice for 14 days with omega-9 and induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We measured systemic corticosterone levels, cytokine production, leukocyte and bacterial counts in the peritoneum, and the expression of PPAR gamma in both liver and adipose tissues during experimental sepsis. We further studied omega-9 effects on leukocyte rolling in mouse cremaster muscle-inflamed postcapillary venules and in the cerebral microcirculation of septic mice. Here, we demonstrate that omega-9 treatment is associated with increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in peritoneal lavage fluid of mice with sepsis. Omega-9 treatment also decreased systemic corticosterone levels. Neutrophil migration from circulation to the peritoneal cavity and leukocyte rolling on the endothelium were decreased by omega-9 treatment. Omega-9 also decreased bacterial load in the peritoneal lavage and restored liver and adipose tissue PPAR gamma expression in septic animals. Our data suggest a beneficial anti-inflammatory role of omega-9 in sepsis, mitigating leukocyte rolling and leukocyte influx, balancing cytokine production, and controlling bacterial growth possibly through a PPAR gamma expression-dependent mechanism. The significant reduction of inflammation detected after omega-9 enteral injection can further contribute to the already known beneficial properties facilitated by unsaturated fatty acid-enriched diets.

Long-term consumption of a Mediterranean diet improves postprandial lipemia in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Cordioprev randomized trial

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have an elevated postprandial lipemia (PPL) that has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Objective

We aimed to analyze whether the long-term consumption of 2 healthy dietary patterns is associated with an improvement in PPL and remnant cholesterol (RC) concentrations in patients with T2D.

Design

We selected patients from the Cordioprev study who underwent oral fat load tests (FLTs) at baseline and the 3-y follow-up (241 patients with and 316 patients without T2D). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil (MedDiet; 35% of calories from fat [22% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)] and 50% from carbohydrates) or a low-fat (LF) diet [<30% fat (12-14% MUFAs) and 55% of calories from carbohydrates]. Lipids were measured in serial bloods drawn at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after the FLT.

Results

After 3 y of dietary intervention, patients with T2D showed an improvement in their PPL measured as postprandial triglycerides (TGs) (P < 0.0001), TG area under the curve (AUC) (P = 0.001), and TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs-TG; P = 0.001) compared with baseline. Subgroup analysis, based on the type of dietary intervention, showed that those T2D patients randomly assigned to the MedDiet presented a reduction in the TG AUC of 17.3% compared with baseline (P = 0.003). However, there were no differences for T2D patients randomly assigned to the LF diet (P > 0.05) or in patients without T2D (P > 0.05) regardless of the dietary intervention. In addition, the MedDiet induced a significant improvement in the RC AUC in patients with T2D (P = 0.04). However, there was no significant improvement in those following the LF diet.

Conclusions

Our findings show that the long-term consumption of a MedDiet rich in olive oil improves PPL and RC concentrations mainly in patients with T2D. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00924937.

Triglycerides Promote Lipid Homeostasis during Hypoxic Stress by Balancing Fatty Acid Saturation

Lipid droplets, which store triglycerides and cholesterol esters, are a prominent feature of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Although their presence in ccRCC is critical for sustained tumorigenesis, their contribution to lipid homeostasis and tumor cell viability is incompletely understood. Here we show that disrupting triglyceride synthesis compromises the growth of both ccRCC tumors and ccRCC cells exposed to tumor-like conditions. Functionally, hypoxia leads to increased fatty acid saturation through inhibition of the oxygen-dependent stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) enzyme. Triglycerides counter a toxic buildup of saturated lipids, primarily by releasing the unsaturated fatty acid oleate (the principal product of SCD activity) from lipid droplets into phospholipid pools. Disrupting this process derails lipid homeostasis, causing overproduction of toxic saturated ceramides and acyl-carnitines as well as activation of the NF-κB transcription factor. Our work demonstrates that triglycerides promote homeostasis by "buffering" specific fatty acids.

Correlation Between Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels, Free Fatty Acid Levels, and Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

BACKGROUND

The mortality of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is quite high, which is largely due to cardiovascular complications caused by endothelial dysfunction. One of the important inflammatory mediators that contribute to RA joints arthritis of TNF-α, also proven to play a role in endothelial dysfunction and play a role in increasing intracellular lipolysis, thus increasing circulating FFA levels.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the correlation between TNF-α levels with VCAM-1 levels, correlation of TNF-α levels with FFA levels, and correlation of FFA levels with VCAM-1 levels.

METHODS

Cross sectional and retrospective design studies of adult RA patients treated at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), without metabolic disturbances, acute infection, cardiovascular disorders, or other autoimmune diseases. The cross-sectional data was collected from October to November 2017, while retrospective samples were collected since August 2016. TNF-α, VCAM-1, and FFA levels were assessed by serum blood test by ELISA method. Correlation analysis is done by Pearson analysis when the data distribution is normal and with Spearman analysis when the data distribution is not normal.

RESULTS

A total of 35 subjects were enrolled in the study. Most (97.1%) were women with an average age of 45.29 years, median disease duration of 48 months, and most had moderate disease activity (65.7%). No significant correlation was found between TNF-α levels and VCAM-1 levels (p = 0.677; r = +0.073). as well betwen TNF-α levels and FFA levels (p = 0.227; r = -0.21). The correlation between FFA and VCAM-1 levels showed significant correlation with negative correlation and weak correlation (p = 0.036; r = -0.355).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) There was no correlation between TNF-α levels and VCAM-1 levels in RA patients; (2) There was no correlation between TNF-α levels and FFA levels in RA patients; (3) There was a negative correlation between FFA levels and VCAM-1 levels in RA patients.

Benefits of Nut Consumption on Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Multiple Potential Mechanisms of Actions

Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated that nut consumption could be a healthy dietary strategy to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and related cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this review is to examine the potential mechanisms of action of nuts addressing effects on glycemic control, weight management, energy balance, appetite, gut microbiota modification, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function and blood pressure with a focus on data from both animal and human studies. The favourable effects of nuts could be explained by the unique nutrient composition and bioactive compounds in nuts. Unsaturated fatty acids (monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids) present in nuts may play a role in glucose control and appetite suppression. Fiber and polyphenols in nuts may also have an anti-diabetic effect by altering gut microbiota. Nuts lower serum cholesterol by reduced cholesterol absorption, inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and increased bile acid production by stimulation of 7-α hydroxylase. Arginine and magnesium improve inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function and blood pressure. In conclusion, nuts contain compounds that favourably influence glucose homeostasis, weight control and vascular health. Further investigations are required to identify the most important mechanisms by which nuts decrease the risk of T2DM and CVD.

Free fatty acids sensitize dendritic cells to amplify TH1/TH17-immune responses

Obesity is associated with body fat gain and impaired glucose metabolism. Here, we identified both body fat gain in obesity and impaired glucose metabolism as two independent risk factors for increased serum levels of free fatty acids (FFAs). Since obesity is associated with increased and/or delayed resolution of inflammation observed in various chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, we investigated the impact of FFAs on human monocyte-derived and mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (DCs) functions relevant for the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. FFAs such as palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) did not affect the pro-inflammatory immune response of DCs. In contrast, PA and OA sensitize DCs resulting in augmented secretion of TH1/TH17-instructive cytokines upon pro-inflammatory stimulation. Interestingly, obesity in mice worsened a TH1/TH17-driven psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Strong correlation of the amount of total FFA, PA, and OA in serum with the severity of skin inflammation points to a critical role of FFA in obesity-mediated exacerbation of skin inflammation. Our data suggest that increased levels of FFAs might be a predisposing factor promoting a TH1/TH17-mediated inflammation such as psoriasis in response to an inflammatory danger signal.

Dietary and pharmacological intervention to mitigate the cardiopulmonary effects of air pollution toxicity

BACKGROUND

Exposure to air pollution contributes importantly to excess morbidity and mortality. And while regulatory actions under the "Clean Air Act" have saved millions of lives by improving air quality, there are still millions of people in the U.S. who live in areas where particulate air pollution (PM) levels exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Therefore, apart from such localities working to attain such standards the protection of the health of public and in particular those at high risk might benefit from interventional strategies that would ameliorate air pollution's adverse health effects. Because inflammation and oxidative stress appear to mediate the health effects of air pollution, one interventional approach to consider is the use of dietary supplementation or medication with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties to block the biological responses that initiate the pathophysiological process that culminates in adverse health effects.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the capability of dietary supplementation, such as antioxidant vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and medications as a strategy to mitigate air pollution-induced subclinical cardiopulmonary effects.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Antioxidant vitamins C and E protect the lungs against short-term ozone and PM exposure. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fish oil and olive oil appear to offer protection against short-term air pollution-induced adverse cardiovascular responses.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Taking dietary supplements or medications with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties has the potential to provide at least partial protection against air pollution-induced adverse health effects in those individuals who are known to be most susceptible, namely those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Air Pollution, edited by Wenjun Ding, Andrew J. Ghio and Weidong Wu.

Dietary Supplementation with Olive Oil or Fish Oil and Vascular Effects of Concentrated Ambient Particulate Matter Exposure in Human Volunteers

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) induces endothelial dysfunction, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Olive oil (OO) and fish oil (FO) supplements have beneficial effects on endothelial function.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we evaluated the potential efficacy of OO and FO in mitigating endothelial dysfunction and disruption of hemostasis caused by exposure to particulate matter (PM).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-two participants (58 ± 1 years of age) received either 3 g/day of OO or FO, or no supplements (naive) for 4 weeks prior to undergoing 2-hr exposures to filtered air and concentrated ambient particulate matter (CAP; mean, 253 ± 16 μg/m3). Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery preexposure, immediately postexposure, and 20 hr postexposure. Levels of endothelin-1 and markers of fibrinolysis and inflammation were also measured. The FMD was significantly lower after CAP exposure in the naive (-19.4%; 95% CI: -36.4, -2.3 per 100 μg/m3 CAP relative to baseline; p = 0.03) and FO groups (-13.7%; 95% CI: -24.5, -2.9; p = 0.01), but not in the OO group (-7.6%; 95% CI: -21.5, 6.3; p = 0.27). Tissue plasminogen activator levels were significantly increased immediately after (11.6%; 95% CI: 0.8, 22.2; p = 0.04) and 20 hr after CAP exposure in the OO group. Endothelin-1 levels were significantly increased 20 hr after CAP exposure in the naive group only (17.1%; 95% CI: 2.2, 32.0; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term exposure to CAP induced vascular endothelial dysfunction. OO supplementation attenuated CAP-induced reduction of FMD and changes in blood markers associated with vasoconstriction and fibrinolysis, suggesting that OO supplementation may be an efficacious intervention to protect against vascular effects of exposure to PM.

CITATION

Tong H, Rappold AG, Caughey M, Hinderliter AL, Bassett M, Montilla T, Case MW, Berntsen J, Bromberg PA, Cascio WE, Diaz-Sanchez D, Devlin RB, Samet JM. 2015. Dietary supplementation with olive oil or fish oil and vascular effects of concentrated ambient particulate matter exposure in human volunteers. Environ Health Perspect 123:1173-1179; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408988.

Serum lipid profile and inflammatory markers in the aorta of cholesterol-fed rats supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oils and oil-products

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) major and minor component anti-inflammatory effect on aorta was evaluated; Wistar rats were fed (9 weeks) on either a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) or a HCD supplemented with oils, i.e. EVOO, sunflower oil (SO), high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), or oil-products modified to their phenolic content, i.e. phenolics deprived-EVOO [EVOO(-)], SO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [SO(+)], HOSO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [HOSO(+)]. HCD induced dyslipidemia and resulted in higher aorta adhesion molecules levels at euthanasia. Groups receiving EVOO, EVOO(-), HOSO, HOSO(+) presented higher serum TC and LDL-c levels compared to cholesterol-fed rats; attenuation of aorta E-selectin levels was also observed. In EVOO/EVOO(-) groups, aorta vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was lower compared to HCD animals. SO/SO(+) diets had no effect on endothelial dysfunction amelioration. Overall, our results suggest that major and/or minor EVOO constituents improve aorta E-selectin and VCAM-1, while serum lipids do not benefit.

Effect of oleic acid supplementation on prostaglandin production in maternal endometrial and fetal allantochorion cells isolated from late gestation ewes

INTRODUCTION

Elevated circulating non-esterified fatty acids including oleic acid (OA) are associated with many pregnancy related complications. Prostaglandins (PGs) play crucial roles during parturition. We investigated the effect of OA supplementation on PG production using an in vitro model of ovine placenta.

METHODS

Maternal endometrium (ME) and fetal allantochorion (FC) were collected in late pregnancy (day 135). Confluent cells were cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with 0, 20 or 100 μM OA and challenged with control medium, oxytocin (OT, 250 nM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.1 μg/ml) or dexamethasone (DEX, 5 μM). Spent medium was harvested at 2 and 24 h after challenge for quantifying PGs.

RESULTS

In ME cells OA increased PGE2 production moderately but attenuated PGF2α production leading to a doubling of the PGE2:PGF2α ratio (E:F) (P < 0.01). Without OA, both OT and LPS stimulated PG production for about 3-fold (P < 0.01) without changing the E:F ratio. In the ME cells challenged with OT, OA decreased both PGE2 and PGF2α production by up to 70% (P < 0.01) whereas in LPS treated cells OA increased the E:F ratio. In FC cells PGE2 production at 2 h was stimulated by 100 μM OA (P < 0.05). In these cells LPS caused a 3-fold increase in PGE2 (P < 0.01), an effect which was completely inhibited by DEX.

DISCUSSION

OA supplementation favours basal PGE2 production in both ME and FC. In ME OA increased E:F ratios and antagonized the stimulatory effect of OT on PG production. This suggests that raised circulating OA may affect both the initiation and progression of parturition.

Modulation of endothelial cell integrity and inflammatory activation by commercial lipid emulsions

Background

Thrombosis and immune dysfunction are two important complications that result from the administration of parenteral nutrition. Endothelial cells within the vasculature are crucial components necessary for maintenance of normal coagulation and immune function.

Methods

We compared the effects of three commercial lipid emulsions (LEs; Intralipid®, ClinOleic® [or Clinolipid®], and Omegaven®) differing in the levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids upon endothelial cell fatty acid composition using Gas chromatography, endothelial cell integrity by assessing measurement of apoptosis and necrosis using flow cytometry, endothelial cell inflammatory activation by assessing the induction of ICAM-1 by lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), and transcription factor activation (phosphorylation of NF-κB) using western blot analysis.

Results

Gas chromatographic analysis confirmed cellular uptake of the fatty acids within the LEs; furthermore, these fatty acid changes reflected the composition of the oils and egg phosphatides used in the manufacturing of these emulsions. However, the kinetics of fatty acid uptake and processing differed between LEs. Fish oil LE negatively impacted cell viability by doubling the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cell populations quantified by flow cytometry using Annexin V/Fluorescein and propidium iodide. The soybean oil LE did not alter cell viability, while the olive oil-predominate emulsion improved cell viability. All LEs were capable of suppressing LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression; however, the fish oil LE was more potent than the other emulsions. Fish oil LE supplementation of cells also suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, while the soybean oil and olive predominant LE had no effect upon NF-κB phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Lipid emulsions are readily incorporated and stored in the form of triacylglycerols. Soybean oil-based, olive oil-predominant and fish-oil based LEs differentially affected endothelial cell integrity. Importantly, these three LEs were capable of suppressing endothelial cell inflammatory response despite their fatty acid content.

Coronary Microvascular Function and Beyond: The Crosstalk between Hormones, Cytokines, and Neurotransmitters

Beyond its hemodynamic function, the heart also acts as a neuroendocrine and immunoregulatory organ. A dynamic communication between the heart and other organs takes place constantly to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The current understanding highlights the importance of the endocrine, immune, and nervous factors to fine-tune the crosstalk of the cardiovascular system with the entire body. Once disrupted, this complex interorgan communication may promote the onset and the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, expanding our knowledge on how these factors influence the cardiovascular system can lead to novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient care. In the present paper, we review novel concepts on the role of endocrine, immune, and nervous factors in the modulation of microvascular coronary function.

Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic activity of the liposoluble constituents from different parts of Acanthopanax evodiaefolius by the Herbal Blitzkrieg Extractor

The liposoluble constituents of leaves (LCL) and stem barks (LCSB) from Acanthopanax evodiaefolius Franch were extracted by Herbal Blitzkrieg Extractor (HBE), and their chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. 18 compounds were identified, representing 71.98% of LCL, while 35 compounds were identified, accounting for 98.28% of the LCSB. Their cytotoxic activity and inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were tested and the LCL showed significant NO, IL-6 and TNF-α inhibition activity. These results provide the scientific basis for looking for new natural anti-inflammatory substances and exploiting and developing resources of A. evodiaefolius Franch.

Oleic acid modulates mRNA expression of liver X receptor (LXR) and its target genes ABCA1 and SREBP1c in human neutrophils

PURPOSE

Regulation of liver X receptors (LXRs) is essential for cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation. The present study was conducted to determine whether oleic acid (OA) could regulate mRNA expression of LXRα and LXRα-regulated genes and to assess the potential promotion of oxidative stress by OA in neutrophils.

METHODS

Human neutrophils were treated with OA at different doses and LXR target gene expression, oxidative stress production, lipid efflux and inflammation state were analyzed.

RESULTS

We describe that mRNA synthesis of both LXRα and ABCA1 (a reverse cholesterol transporter) was induced by OA in human neutrophils. This fatty acid enhanced the effects of LXR ligands on ABCA1 and LXR expression, but it decreased the mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (a transcription factor that regulates the synthesis of triglycerides). Although OA elicited a slight oxidative stress in the short term (15-30 min) in neutrophils, it is unlikely that this is relevant for the modulation of transcription in our experimental conditions, which involve longer incubation time (i.e., 6 h). Of physiological importance is our finding that OA depresses intracellular lipid levels and that markers of inflammation, such as ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, were decreased by OA treatment. In addition, 200 μM OA reduced the migration of human neutrophils, another marker of the inflammatory state. However, OA did not affect lipid peroxidation induced by pro-oxidant agents.

CONCLUSIONS

This work presents for the first time evidence that human neutrophils are highly sensitive to OA and provides novel data in support of a protective role of this monounsaturated acid against the activation of neutrophils during inflammation.

Involvement of the TP receptor in TNF-α-induced endothelial tissue factor expression

BACKGROUND

Thromboxane (TX) A2, prostaglandin endoperoxides and F2-isoprostanes exert their effects through a TX-prostanoid (TP) receptor, also expressed in endothelial cells. We investigated a role of the TP receptor in the endothelial expression of tissue factor (TF), a key trigger to thrombosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to the TP receptor agonist U46619 featured a concentration-dependent increase in TF surface exposure and procoagulant activity. HUVEC pre-incubation with the TP receptor antagonist S18886, followed by stimulation with either U46619 or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), attenuated TF surface exposure and activity compared with stimulated control. Aspirin or indomethacin, while inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 activities, did not mimic this effect. Probing of underlying mechanisms by selective pharmacological and gene silencing experiments showed that S18886 reduced U46619- or TNF-α-induced TF expression inhibiting ROS production, NAD(P)H oxidase and PKC activation. In addition, S18886 also inhibited ERK activation in the presence of both U46619 and TNF-α alone, while inhibition of JNK activation only occurred in the presence of U46619.

CONCLUSION

The endothelial TP receptor contributes to TF surface exposure and activity induced not only by known TP receptor agonists, but also by TNF-α. Such findings expand the therapeutic potential of TP receptor inhibition.

Comparative effect of dairy fatty acids on cell adhesion molecules, nitric oxide and relative gene expression in healthy and diabetic human aortic endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Dairy intake, despite its high saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This in vitro study determined the effect of individual fatty acids (FA) found in dairy, and FA mixtures representative of a high SFA and a low SFA dairy lipid on markers of endothelial function in healthy and type II diabetic aortic endothelial cells.

METHODS

Cells were incubated for 24 h with FA mixtures (400 μM) and individual FA: oleic acid (OA; 150 μM); palmitic acid (PA; 150 μM); stearic acid (SA: 40 μM); trans-palmitelaidic acid (trans-PA; 20 μM); trans-vaccenic acid (trans-VA; 20 μM); α-linolenic acid (ALA; 20 μM) and linoleic acid (LA; 20 μM). Cellular adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using ELISA and a chemiluminescent-based assay, respectively. Relative gene expression of these markers, including the insulin receptor, was performed using real-time PCR as well as FA compositions of cell pellets by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

FA mixtures affected sE-selectin concentrations (P = 0.008), with concentrations lower following the high SFA compared to the low SFA mixture (P = 0.004), while NO concentrations were higher in diabetic compared to healthy cells (P = 0.029). Individual FA affected NO (P = 0.007) and sE-selectin (P = 0.040) concentrations with an increase following PA incubation relative to all other FA treatments (P < 0.05). PA increased sE-selectin compared with other FA treatments (P < 0.05). sE-selectin concentrations were also higher in healthy compared to diabetic cells (P = 0.023). Expression of ICAM-1 and insulin receptor was up-regulated in healthy compared to diabetic cells (P = 0.014 and P = 0.006 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthy and type II diabetic cells respond differently to incubation with FA treatments. Overall, physiological concentrations of dairy FA, but not dairy FA mixtures, substantially affected markers of endothelial function.

Endothelium and its alterations in cardiovascular diseases: life style intervention

The endothelium, which forms the inner cellular lining of blood vessels and lymphatics, is a highly metabolically active organ that is involved in many physiopathological processes, including the control of vasomotor tone, barrier function, leukocyte adhesion, and trafficking and inflammation. In this review, we summarized and described the following: (i) endothelial cell function in physiological conditions and (ii) endothelial cell activation and dysfunction in the main cardiovascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, and hypertension) and to diabetes, cigarette smoking, and aging physiological process. Finally, we presented the currently available evidence that supports the beneficial effects of physical activity and various dietary compounds on endothelial functions.

Avocado oil supplementation modifies cardiovascular risk profile markers in a rat model of sucrose-induced metabolic changes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of avocado oil administration on biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk profile in rats with metabolic changes induced by sucrose ingestion. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups: a control group (CG; basic diet), a sick group (MC; basic diet plus 30% sucrose solution), and three other groups (MCao, MCac, and MCas; basic diet plus 30% sucrose solution plus olive oil and avocado oil extracted by centrifugation or using solvent, resp.). Glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL, HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration were analyzed. Avocado oil reduces TG, VLDL, and LDL levels, in the LDL case significantly so, without affecting HDL levels. An effect was exhibited by avocado oil similar to olive oil, with no significant difference between avocado oil extracted either by centrifugation or solvent in myocardial injury biochemical indicators. Avocado oil decreased hs-CRP levels, indicating that inflammatory processes were partially reversed. These findings suggested that avocado oil supplementation has a positive health outcome because it reduces inflammatory events and produces positive changes in the biochemical indicators studied, related to the development of metabolic syndrome.

Palmitate induces interleukin-8 expression in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells via Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB pathway (TLR4/NF-κB-8)

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence demonstrates that saturated free fatty acids (FFAs) induce the inflammatory response via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a proinflammatory cytokine that induces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in vitro. However, the regulation of IL-8 expression by palmitate in human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs) has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of IL-8 expression by free fatty acids and determine the underlying mechanisms in HVSMCs.

METHODS

Human vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured and treated with palmitate, various signaling inhibitors or TLR4 shRNA adenovirus, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-8, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) luciferase activity and NF-κB p65 binding activity were studied.

RESULTS

Palmitate induced IL-8 mRNA expression and secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Palmitate significantly stimulated both nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) luciferase activity and NF-κB p65 binding activity, which were markedly diminished by pretreatment with the NF-κB inhibitor, parthenolide. Parthenolide pretreatment also abolished IL-8 mRNA and protein induction by palmitate. By contrast, disrupting the ceramide and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) pathways with myriocin and wortmannin did not affect palmitate-induced IL-8 expression. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activation with calphostin C and chelerythrine partially suppressed palmitate-stimulated IL-8 expression, but it had no effect on palmitate-induced NF-κB activation. Finally, knockdown of TLR4 markedly abolished palmitate-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Palmitate induces IL-8 gene expression in HVSMCs through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.