Effect of grape polyphenols on selected inflammatory mediators: A systematic review and meta-analysis randomized clinical trials

Grape exosome-like nanoparticles: A potential therapeutic strategy for vascular calcification

Vascular calcification (VC) is prevalent in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and aging and has been identified as an important predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. With the complicated mechanisms involved in VC, there is no effective therapy. Thus, a strategy for attenuating the development of VC is of clinical importance. Recent studies suggest that grape exosome-like nanoparticles (GENs) are involved in cell-cell communication as a means of regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which are known to modulate VC development. In this review, we discuss the roles of GENs and their potential mechanisms in the development of VC.

Chaya Leaf Decreased Triglycerides and Improved Oxidative Stress in Subjects With Dyslipidemia

Chaya is an edible leaf popular in Mexico and Central America because of its high nutritional value. Studies in animal models have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Chaya, which include reduction of circulating lipids and increase in antioxidant activity. However, its hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects have not been demonstrated in humans. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Chaya on the lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression in a population with dyslipidemia. We performed a single-arm trial in 30 participants with dyslipidemia who consumed 500 mL of Chaya beverage per day over a 6-week period. Interestingly, we observed a significant decrease in serum triglyceride concentration (P < 0.05) and an increase in plasma antioxidant activity and polyphenol concentration (P < 0.005) after 6 weeks of Chaya consumption. This was accompanied by a reduction in the oxidative stress marker MDA (P < 0.0001) and by an increase in the antioxidant enzyme CAT expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (P < 0.001). Altogether, our results demonstrate that consumption of Chaya has hypotriglyceridemic and antioxidant effects in subjects with dyslipidemia.

Grapevine as a Rich Source of Polyphenolic Compounds

Grapes are rich in primary and secondary metabolites. Among the secondary metabolites, polyphenolic compounds are the most abundant in grape berries. Besides their important impacts on grape and wine quality, this class of compounds has beneficial effects on human health. Due to their antioxidant activity, polyphenols and phenolic acids can act as anti-inflammatory and anticancerogenic agents, and can modulate the immune system. In grape berries, polyphenols and phenolic acids can be located in the pericarp and seeds, but distribution differs considerably among these tissues. Although some classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids are under strict genetic control, the final content is highly influenced by environmental factors, such as climate, soil, vineyard, and management. This review aims to present the main classes of polyphenolic compounds and phenolic acids in different berry tissues and grape varieties and special emphasis on their beneficial effect on human health.