Japanese intake of flavonoids and isoflavonoids from foods

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Traditional and Domestic Cooking Dramatically Reduce Estrogenic Isoflavones in Soy Foods

Soybean is a pulse which has considerable nutritional value due to its high protein, fibers and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. It also contains phytoestrogenic compounds that definitely hinder its recommendation for general consumption. Contrary to ancient times, when soybeans were boiled, modern commercial soy foods can contain up to 150 mg/100g of estrogenic isoflavones. Interestingly, current estimations of isoflavone intake in the literature do not distinguish between the origins of soy food, i.e., whether it is homemade or commercial. As a result, the isoflavone exposure in Asian countries may well be overestimated. This study aims to demonstrate, based on step-by-step monitoring of isoflavones, that traditional and domestic treatments, leveraging isoflavones water-solubility, can indeed significantly reduce their content in soy foods. Indeed, when compared to commercial foods, the isoflavone content was found to be 20, 2.6, 4.5 and 9.8 times lower in "homemade" soy juice, tofu, tempeh and miso, respectively. Additionally, water soaking was found to reduce the isoflavones levels in soy-textured proteins by more than 70%. Hence, this simple process has the potential to help drastically reduce overall xenoestrogens exposure. This study could serve as a basis for establishing the isoflavones Reference Dose and issuing food safety guidelines.

The Use of an Antioxidant Enables Accurate Evaluation of the Interaction of Curcumin on Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptides 4C1 by Preventing Auto-Oxidation

Flavonoids have garnered attention because of their beneficial bioactivities. However, some flavonoids reportedly interact with drugs via transporters and may induce adverse drug reactions. This study investigated the effects of food ingredients on organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 4C1, which handles uremic toxins and some drugs, to understand the safety profile of food ingredients in renal drug excretion. Twenty-eight food ingredients, including flavonoids, were screened. We used ascorbic acid (AA) to prevent curcumin oxidative degradation in our method. Twelve compounds, including apigenin, daidzein, fisetin, genistein, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, luteolin, morin, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, and ellagic acid, altered OATP4C1-mediated transport. Kaempferol and curcumin strongly inhibited OATP4C1, and the Ki values of kaempferol (AA(-)), curcumin (AA(-)), and curcumin (AA(+)) were 25.1, 52.2, and 23.5 µM, respectively. The kinetic analysis revealed that these compounds affected OATP4C1 transport in a competitive manner. Antioxidant supplementation was determined to benefit transporter interaction studies investigating the effects of curcumin because the concentration-dependent curve evidently shifted in the presence of AA. In this study, we elucidated the food-drug interaction via OATP4C1 and indicated the utility of antioxidant usage. Our findings will provide essential information regarding food-drug interactions for both clinical practice and the commercial development of supplements.

A critical examination of human data for the biological activity of quercetin and its phase-2 conjugates

This critical review examines evidence for beneficial effects of quercetin phase-2 conjugates from clinical intervention studies, volunteer feeding trials, and in vitro work. Plasma concentrations of quercetin-3-O-glucuronide (Q3G) and 3'-methylquercetin-3-O-glucuronide (3'MQ3G) after supplementation may produce beneficial effects in macrophages and endothelial cells, respectively, especially if endogenous deglucuronidation occurs, and lower blood uric acid concentration via quercetin-3'-O-sulfate (Q3'S). Unsupplemented diets produce much lower concentrations (<50 nmol/l) rarely investigated in vitro. At 10 nmol/l, Q3'S and Q3G stimulate or suppress, respectively, angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Statistically significant effects have been reported at 100 nmol/l in breast cancer cells (Q3G), primary neuron cultures (Q3G), lymphocytes (Q3G and3'MQ3G) and HUVECs (QG/QS mixture), but it is unclear whether these translate to a health benefit in vivo. More sensitive and more precise methods to measure clinically significant endpoints are required before a conclusion can be drawn regarding effects at normal dietary concentrations. Future requirements include better understanding of inter-individual and temporal variation in plasma quercetin phase-2 conjugates, their mechanisms of action including deglucuronidation and desulfation both in vitro and in vivo, tissue accumulation and washout, as well as potential for synergy or antagonism with other quercetin metabolites and metabolites of other dietary phytochemicals.

Role of Fisetin in Selected Malignant Neoplasms in Women

A promising therapeutic window and cost-effectiveness are just two of the potential advantages of using naturally derived drugs. Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid of the flavonol group, commonly found in fruit and vegetables. In recent years, fisetin has gained wide attention across the scientific community because of its broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including cytotoxic activity against most abundant cancers. By stimulating or inhibiting selected molecular targets or biochemical processes, fisetin could affect the reduction of metastasis or cancer progression, which indicates its chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive role. In this review, we have summarized the results of studies on the anticancer effects of fisetin on selected female malignancies, both in in vitro and in vivo tests, i.e., breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer, published over the past two decades. Until now, no article dedicated exclusively to the action of fisetin on female malignancies has appeared. This review also describes a growing number of nanodelivery systems designed to improve the bioavailability and solubility of this natural compound. The reported low toxicity and activity of fisetin on cancer cells indicate its valuable potential, but large-scale clinical trials are urgently needed to assess real chemotherapeutic efficacy of this flavonoid.

Glyceollins from soybean: Their pharmacological effects and biosynthetic pathways

Flavonoids are a highly abundant class of secondary metabolites present in plants. Isoflavonoids, in particular, are primarily synthesized in leguminous plants within the subfamily Papilionoideae. Numerous reports have established the favorable role of isoflavonoids in preventing a range of human diseases. Among the isoflavonoid components, glyceollins are synthesized specifically in soybean plants and have displayed promising effects in mitigating the occurrence and progression of breast and ovarian cancers as well as other diseases. Consequently, glyceollins have become a sought-after natural component for promoting women's health. In recent years, extensive research has focused on investigating the molecular mechanism underlying the preventative properties of glyceollins against various diseases. Substantial progress has also been made toward elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of glyceollins and exploring potential regulatory factors. Herein, we provide a review of the research conducted on glyceollins since their discovery five decades ago (1972-2023). We summarize their pharmacological effects, biosynthetic pathways, and advancements in chemical synthesis to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of their function and the genes involved in their biosynthetic pathway. Such knowledge may facilitate improved glyceollin synthesis and the creation of health products based on glyceollins.

An Overview of Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Potentials of Fisetin against Diverse Insults in Neurological Diseases and the Underlying Signaling Pathways

The nervous system plays a leading role in the regulation of physiological functions and activities in the body. However, a variety of diseases related to the nervous system have a serious impact on human health. It is increasingly clear that neurological diseases are multifactorial pathological processes involving multiple cellular systems, and the onset of these diseases usually involves a diverse array of molecular mechanisms. Unfortunately, no effective therapy exists to slow down the progression or prevent the development of diseases only through the regulation of a single factor. To this end, it is pivotal to seek an ideal therapeutic approach for challenging the complicated pathological process to achieve effective treatment. In recent years, fisetin, a kind of flavonoid widely existing in fruits, vegetables and other plants, has shown numerous interesting biological activities with clinical potentials including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurotrophic effects. In addition, fisetin has been reported to have diverse pharmacological properties and neuroprotective potentials against various neurological diseases. The neuroprotective effects were ascribed to its unique biological properties and multiple clinical pharmacological activities associated with the treatment of different neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize recent research progress regarding the neuroprotective potential of fisetin and the underlying signaling pathways of the treatment of several neurological diseases.

Fisetin derivatives exhibit enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress

Inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are often hand in hand in the context of chronic disease. Both are activated upon perceived disturbances in homeostasis, being deleterious when intensely or chronically activated. Fisetin (FST) is a dietary flavonol that is known to possess multiple relevant bioactivities, raising the question of its potential health benefits and even its use in novel pharmacological approaches against ER stress and inflammation. To attain this prospect, some limitations to this molecule, namely its poor bioavailability and solubility, must be addressed. In an attempt to improve the biological properties of the parent molecule, we have synthesized a set of FST derivatives. These new molecules were tested along with the original compound for their ability to mitigate the activation of the signaling pathways underlying inflammation and ER stress. By reducing LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, cytokine release, inflammasome activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, FST has proven to be effective against the onset of inflammation. The molecule also decreases the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), as evidenced by the reduced expression of relevant UPR-related genes upon ER stress induction. Some of the tested derivatives are novel inhibitors of targets associated to inflammation and ER stress signaling, in some cases more potent than the parent compound. Furthermore, the reduced cytotoxicity of some of these molecules enabled the use of higher concentrations than that of FST, resulting in the observation of enhanced bioactivities.

Isoflavone and soy food intake and risk of lung cancer in never smokers: report from prospective studies in Japan and China

PURPOSE

Evidence from several cohorts has suggested that a higher intake of isoflavone is associated with lower risk of lung cancer in never smokers, but the association has not been investigated by histologic type of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma is a common histologic type found in never smokers. We hypothesized that a higher intake of isoflavone is associated with a lower risk of lung adenocarcinoma among never smokers. Here, we examined the associations of isoflavone and soy food intake with lung cancer and its histologic types in never smokers.

METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis using data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study, Shanghai Women's Health Study and Shanghai Men's Study with 147,296 never smokers aged 40-74 years with no history of cancer. During 1,990,040 person-years of follow-up, 1247 lung cancer cases were documented. Dietary isoflavone and soy food intake were assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models assessed the associations between isoflavone and soy intake with incidence of lung cancer by histologic type.

RESULTS

A higher intake of dietary isoflavone and soy food were associated with reduced risk of lung adenocarcinoma. The multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) of risk of lung adenocarcinoma for the highest versus lowest intakes of isoflavone and soy food were 0.74 (0.60-0.92) and 0.78 (0.63-0.96), respectively. The multivariable HRs of risk of lung adenocarcinoma associated with each 10 mg/day increase in isoflavone and each 50 g/day increase in soy food intake were 0.81 (0.70-0.94) and 0.84 (0.73-0.96), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Higher intake of isoflavone and soy food was associated with lower risk of lung adenocarcinoma in never smokers.

Fisetin in Cancer: Attributes, Developmental Aspects, and Nanotherapeutics

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality, globally. Cancerous cells invade normal cells and metastasize to distant sites with the help of the lymphatic system. There are several mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cancer. Several treatment strategies including the use of phytoconstituents have evolved and been practiced for better therapeutic outcomes against cancer. Fisetin is one such naturally derived flavone that offers numerous pharmacological benefits, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anticancer properties. It inhibits the rapid growth, invasiveness, and metastasis of tumors by hindering the multiplication of cancer cells, and prompts apoptosis by avoiding cell division related to actuation of caspase-9 and caspase-8. However, its poor bioavailability associated with its extreme hydrophobicity hampers its clinical utility. The issues related to fisetin delivery can be addressed by adapting to the developmental aspects of nanomedicines, such as formulating it into lipid or polymer-based systems, including nanocochleates and liposomes. This review aims to provide in-depth information regarding fisetin as a potential candidate for anticancer therapy, its properties and various formulation strategies.

MNK Proteins as Therapeutic Targets in Leukemia

In leukemia, resistance to therapy is a major concern for survival. MAPK-interacting kinases (MNKs) have been identified as important activators of oncogenic-related signaling and may be mediators of resistance. Recent studies in leukemia models, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML), have focused on targeting MNKs together with other inhibitors or treating chemotherapy-resistant cells with MNK inhibitors. The preclinical demonstrations of the efficacy of MNK inhibitors in these combination formats would suggest a promising potential for use in clinical trials. Optimizing MNK inhibitors and testing in leukemia models is actively being pursued and may have important implications for the future. These studies are furthering the understanding of the mechanisms of MNKs in cancer which could translate to clinical studies.

Polyphenol Supplementation and Antioxidant Status in Athletes: A Narrative Review

Antioxidants in sports exercise training remain a debated research topic. Plant-derived polyphenol supplements are frequently used by athletes to reduce the negative effects of exercise-induced oxidative stress, accelerate the recovery of muscular function, and enhance performance. These processes can be efficiently modulated by antioxidant supplementation. The existing literature has failed to provide unequivocal evidence that dietary polyphenols should be promoted specifically among athletes. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge regarding polyphenols' bioavailability, their role in exercise-induced oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and supplementation strategies in athletes. Overall, we draw attention to the paucity of available evidence suggesting that most antioxidant substances are beneficial to athletes. Additional research is necessary to reveal more fully their impact on exercise-induced oxidative stress and athletes' antioxidant status, as well as optimal dosing methods.

The Potential Role of Fisetin, a Flavonoid in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Cancer is a main culprit and the second-leading cause of death worldwide. The current mode of treatment strategies including surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be effective, but cancer is still considered a major cause of death. Plant-derived products or their purified bioactive compounds have confirmed health-promoting effects as well as cancer-preventive effects. Among these products, flavonoids belong to polyphenols, chiefly found in fruits, vegetables and in various seeds/flowers. It has been considered to be an effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and to play a vital role in diseases management. Besides these activities, flavonoids have been revealed to possess anticancer potential through the modulation of various cell signaling molecules. In this regard, fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has a confirmed role in disease management through antioxidant, neuro-protective, anti-diabetic, hepato-protective and reno-protective potential. As well, its cancer-preventive effects have been confirmed via modulating various cell signaling pathways including inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, growth factor, transcription factor and other cell signaling pathways. This review presents an overview of the anti-cancer potential of fisetin in different types of cancer through the modulation of cell signaling pathways based on in vivo and in vitro studies. A synergistic effect with anticancer drugs and strategies to improve the bioavailability are described. More clinical trials need to be performed to explore the anti-cancer potential and mechanism-of-action of fisetin and its optimum therapeutic dose.

Soy product intake and risk of incident disabling dementia: the JPHC Disabling Dementia Study

PURPOSE

We evaluated the association between total soy, soy product (natto, miso and tofu) and isoflavone intake and incident disabling dementia in a Japanese population.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based prospective study in 18,991 men and 22,456 women. Intake of soy products and isoflavone was calculated using a validated food frequency questionnaire when participants were 45-74 years old (1995 and 1998). Incident disabling dementia was defined by the daily living disability status related to dementia in the long-term care insurance program of Japan from 2006 to 2016. Multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of disabling dementia were calculated by quintiles of total soy, individual soy product and isoflavone intake, using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

RESULTS

Total soy product intake was not associated with disabling dementia risk in both men and women. By individual soy products, natto intake was marginally inversely associated with disabling dementia in women (trend P = 0.050). When we stratified by age, this inverse association was clearer in women aged under 60 years (multivariate HR for the highest versus lowest quintile was 0.78, 95% CI 0.59-1.04, trend P = 0.020 for those aged under 60 years and 0.90, 95% CI 0.77-1.05, trend P = 0.23 for those aged 60 years and older, respectively). Any soy product or isoflavone intake was not associated with disabling dementia risk in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Although total soy product intake was not associated with disabling dementia risk, natto intake may contribute to reducing the risk of disabling dementia in women, especially in those aged under 60 years.

Discovering the Effects of Fisetin on NF-κB/NLRP-3/NRF-2 Molecular Pathways in a Mouse Model of Vascular Dementia Induced by Repeated Bilateral Carotid Occlusion

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading cause of dementia. The majority of VaD patients have cognitive abnormalities, which are caused by cerebral hypoperfusion-induced ischemia, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Natural products are receiving increasing attention for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular pathways underlying the protective effects of fisetin, a flavonoid present in many fruits and vegetables, in a mouse model of VaD induced by repeated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) of the total bilateral carotid artery. Here, we found that VaD caused brain injury, lipid peroxidation, and neuronal death in the hippocampus, as well as astrocyte and microglial activation, and reduced BDNF neurotrophic factor expression together with behavioral alterations. In addition, VaD induced the activation of inflammasome components (NLRP-3, ASC, and caspase 1), and their downstream products (IL-1β and IL-18) release and promote activation of apoptotic cell death. Fisetin attenuated histological injury, malondialdehyde levels, inflammasome pathway activation, apoptosis, as well as increased BDNF expression, reduced astrocyte, microglial activation, and cognitive deficits. In conclusion, the protective effects of fisetin could be due to the inhibition of the ROS-induced activation of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome together with the activation of antioxidant Nrf2/HO-1, suggesting a possible crosstalk between these molecular pathways.

Iminosugar Amino Acid idoBR1 Reduces Inflammatory Responses in Microglia

(1) Background. Inflammation is reported to be a key factor in neurodegeneration. The microglia are immune cells present in the central nervous system; their activation results in the release of inflammatory cytokines and is thought to be related to aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. (2) Methods. A mouse BV-2 microglia cell line was activated using LPS and the anti-inflammatory cucumber-derived iminosugar amino acid idoBR1, (2R,3R,4R,5S)-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine-2-carboxylic acid, was used alongside dexamethasone as the control to determine whether it could reduce the inflammatory responses. (3) Results. A dose-dependent reduction in the LPS-induced production of the proinflammatory factors TNFα, IL-6, and nitric oxide and the transcription factor NF-κB was found. (4) Conclusions. Further investigations of the anti-inflammatory effects of idoBR1 in other models of neurodegenerative diseases are warranted.

Exploring the role of senescence inducers and senotherapeutics as targets for anticancer natural products

During the last few decades, cancer has remained one of the deadliest diseases that endanger human health, emphasizing urgent drug discovery. Cellular senescence has gained a great deal of attention in recent years because of its link to the development of cancer therapy. Senescent cells are incapable of proliferating due to irreversibly inhibited the initiation of the cell cycle pathways. However, senescent cells aggregate in tissues and produce a pro-inflammatory secretome called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that can cause serious harmful effects if not managed properly. There is mounting evidence that senescent cells lead to various phases of tumorigenesis in various anatomical sites, owing mostly to the paracrine activities of the SASP. Therefore, a new treatment field called senotherapeutics has been established. Senotherapeutics are newly developed anticancer agents that have been demonstrated to inhibit cancer effectively. In light of recent findings, several promising natural products have been identified as senescence inducers and senotherapeutics, including, miliusanes, epigallocatechin gallate, phloretin, silybin, resveratrol, genistein, sulforaphane, quercetin, allicin, fisetin, piperlongumine, berberine, triptolide, tocotrienols and curcumin analogs. Several of them have already been validated through preclinical trials and exert an enormous potential for clinical trials. This review article focuses on and summarises the latest advances on cellular senescence and its potential as a target for cancer treatment and highlights the well-known natural products as senotherapeutics for cancer treatment.

Osteoprotective effects of flavonoids: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies (Review)

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and quality and bone micro‑architecture degradation. Its primary cause is disorder of bone metabolism: Over‑formation of osteoclasts, resulting in increased bone resorption and insufficient osteogenesis. Traditional herbal flavonoids can be used as alternative drugs to prevent and treat osteoporosis due to their wide range of sources, structural diversity and less adverse effects. The present paper reviewed six flavonoids, including quercetin, icariin, hesperitin, naringin, chrysin and pueraria, that promote bone formation and have been widely studied in the literature over the past five years, with the aim of providing novel ideas for the development of drugs for bone‑associated disease.

Midlife intake of the isoflavone genistein and soy, and the risk of late-life cognitive impairment: the JPHC Saku Mental Health Study

BACKGROUND

The number of people with cognitive impairment, including dementia, in the world is steadily increasing. Although the consumption of isoflavones and soy is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, it might also be associated with cognitive impairment. The low number of studies investigating the association between soy/isoflavone intake and cognitive function warrant additional research.

METHODS

The Japan Public Health Center-based prospective (JPHC) Study is a large population-based cohort. Midlife dietary intake of soy and the isoflavone genistein was assessed on two occasions: in the years 1995 and 2000. In 2014-2015, 1299 participants from Nagano prefecture completed a mental health screening. Of these, a total of 1036 participants were included in analyses. Logistic regression was used to determine Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for the association between midlife energy-adjusted genistein and soy food intake and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

There were 392 cases of cognitive impairment (346 cases of MCI and 46 cases of dementia). Compared to the lowest dietary quartile of energy-adjusted genistein intake, the highest quartile was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR=1.51; 95% CI, 1.02-2.24; p for trend=0.03) in the final multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

High midlife intake of the isoflavone genistein is associated with late-life cognitive impairment.

Intake of isoflavones reduces the risk of all-cause mortality in middle-aged Japanese

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To clarify the effects of intake of legumes and isoflavones on all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older Japanese.

SUBJECT/METHODS

The subjects were 2136 randomly chosen community-dwelling Japanese men and women aged 40-79 years who participated in a first-wave survey (1997-2000; baseline). The subjects were followed from baseline to December 31, 2017 (mean period of 16.6 ± 4.2 years). Intake of legumes, soybeans, and isoflavones at baseline was assessed using a 3-day dietary record with photographs. The relationships of intake amounts of legumes and isoflavones to mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression controlling for age, sex, education, employment, body mass index, smoking habits, medical histories, drinking, and energy intake.

RESULTS

There were 491 deaths during the follow-up period. We found inverse associations of the intake of total soy products and intake of each of the isoflavones with all-cause mortality (p for trend < 0.05) in subjects aged < 60 years: the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for all-cause mortality in the highest intake group (third tertile) of total soy products and total isoflavones were 0.32 (0.13-0.78) and 0.35 (0.17-0.73), respectively, compared with the reference group (first tertile). In contrast, there were no significant associations of intake amounts of legumes, soybeans, and isoflavones with all-cause mortality in subjects aged 60 years or older.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that a higher intake of isoflavones might decrease the risk of all-cause mortality, especially in middle-aged Japanese.

Fisetin, potential flavonoid with multifarious targets for treating neurological disorders: An updated review

Neurodegenerative disorders pose a significant health burden and imprint a debilitative impact on the quality of life. Importantly, aging is intricately intertwined with the progression of these disorders, and their prevalence increases with a rise in the aging population worldwide. In recent times, fisetin emerged as one of the potential miracle molecules to address neurobehavioral and cognitive abnormalities. These effects were attributed to its actions on several macromolecules and multiple molecular mechanisms. Fisetin belongs to a class of flavonoids, which is found abundantly in several fruits and vegetables. Fisetin has manifested several health benefits in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, and Schizophrenia. Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and age-associated changes. This review aimed to evaluate the potential mechanisms and pharmacological effects of fisetin in treating several neurological diseases. This review also provides comprehensive data on up-to-date recent literature and highlights the various mechanistic pathways pertaining to fisetin's neuroprotective role.

Molecular Basis of Prostate Cancer and Natural Products as Potential Chemotherapeutic and Chemopreventive Agents

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant cancer in males. It involves a complex process driven by diverse molecular pathways that closely related to the survival, apoptosis, metabolic and metastatic characteristics of aggressive cancer. Prostate cancer can be categorized into androgen dependent prostate cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer and cure remains elusive due to the developed resistance of the disease. Natural compounds represent an extraordinary resource of structural scaffolds with high diversity that can offer promising chemical agents for making prostate cancer less devastating and curable. Herein, those natural compounds of different origins and structures with potential cytotoxicity and/or in vivo anti-tumor activities against prostate cancer are critically reviewed and summarized according to the cellular signaling pathways they interfere. Moreover, the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of many nutrients, medicinal plant extracts and Chinese medical formulations were presented, and the future prospects for the application of these compounds and extracts were discussed. Although the failure of conventional chemotherapy as well as involved serious side effects makes natural products ideal candidates for the treatment of prostate cancer, more investigations of preclinical and even clinical studies are necessary to make use of these medical substances reasonably. Therefore, the elucidation of structure-activity relationship and precise mechanism of action, identification of novel potential molecular targets, and optimization of drug combination are essential in natural medicine research and development.

Fisetin Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the Inhibition of YAP

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewal and capable of differentiating to various functional cell types, including osteocytes, adipocytes, myoblasts, and chondrocytes. They are, therefore, regarded as a potential source for stem cell therapy. Fisetin is a bioactive flavonoid known as an active antioxidant molecule that has been reported to inhibit cell growth in various cell types. Fisetin was shown to play a role in regulating osteogenic differentiation in animal-derived MSCs; however, its molecular mechanism is not well understood. We, therefore, studied the effect of fisetin on the biological properties of human MSCs derived from chorion tissue and its role in human osteogenesis using MSCs and osteoblast-like cells (SaOs-2) as a model. We found that fisetin inhibited proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs as well as human SaOs-2 cells. Fisetin could reduce Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity, which results in downregulation of osteogenic genes and upregulation of fibroblast genes. Further analysis using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggests that fisetin occupied the hydrophobic TEAD pocket preventing YAP from associating with TEA domain (TEAD). This finding supports the potential application of flavonoids like fisetin as a protein–protein interaction disruptor and also suggesting an implication of fisetin in regulating human osteogenesis.

Nanoformulation Development to Improve the Biopharmaceutical Properties of Fisetin Using Design of Experiment Approach

This study aimed to design an effective nanoparticle-based carrier for the oral delivery of fisetin (FST) with improved biopharmaceutical properties. FST-loaded nanoparticles were prepared with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by the interfacial deposition method. A central composite design of two independent variables, the concentration of PVA and the amount of PLGA, was applied for the optimization of the preparative parameter. The responses, including average particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential, were assessed. The optimized formulation possessed a mean particle size of 187.9 nm, the polydispersity index of 0.121, encapsulation efficiency of 79.3%, and zeta potential of −29.2 mV. The morphological observation demonstrated a globular shape for particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the encapsulated FST was presented as the amorphous state. The dissolution test indicated a 3.06-fold increase for the accumulating concentrations, and the everted gut sac test showed a 4.9-fold gain for permeability at the duodenum region. In conclusion, the optimized FST-loaded nanoparticle formulation in this work can be developed as an efficient oral delivery system of FST to improve its biopharmaceutic properties.

Design and optimization of quercetin-based functional foods

Quercetin is a flavonoid present in a wide variety of plant resources. Over the years, extensive efforts have been devoted to examining the potential biological effects of quercetin and to manipulating the chemical and physical properties of the flavonoid. However, limited studies have reviewed the opportunities and challenges of using quercetin in the development of functional foods. To address this necessity, in this review; we foremost present an overview of the chemical properties and stability of quercetin in food products followed by a detailed discussion of various strategies that enhance its oral bioavailability. We further highlight the areas to be practically considered during development of quercetin-based functional foods. By revisiting the current status of applied research on quercetin, it is anticipated that useful insights enabling research on quercetin can be potentially translated into practical applications in food product development.

Maternal consumption of soy and isoflavones during pregnancy and risk of childhood behavioural problems: the Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study

It is uncertain whether the effects of prenatal exposure to isoflavones on childhood behaviour are beneficial or detrimental. This prebirth cohort study investigated the associations between maternal consumption of soy products and isoflavones during pregnancy and behavioural problems in Japanese children aged 5 years. Subjects were 1199 mother-child pairs. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems and low prosocial behaviour were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Maternal total soy product consumption during pregnancy was independently inversely associated with childhood hyperactivity and peer problems. Maternal fermented soybean consumption during pregnancy was independently inversely associated with childhood hyperactivity problems. Maternal isoflavone consumption during pregnancy was independently inversely related to childhood hyperactivity problems. Maternal consumption of total soy products, fermented soybean and isoflavones during pregnancy may be protective against hyperactivity problems in Japanese children. Also, maternal total soy product consumption during pregnancy may be preventive against childhood peer problems.

A Systematic Review of the Effects of Equol (Soy Metabolite) on Breast Cancer

Equol is a soy isoflavone metabolite that can be produced by intestinal bacteria. It is lipophilic and resembles natural oestrogens with an affinity to oestrogen receptors. This review is focused on how equol affects breast cancer, as evidenced by in vivo and in vitro studies. Equol is considered chemoprotective in specific endocrine-related pathologies, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and menopausal symptoms. In humans, not everyone can produce equol from gut metabolism. It is postulated that equol producers benefit more than non-equol producers for all the endocrine-related effects. Equol exists in two enantiomers of R-equol and S-equol. Earlier studies, however, did not specify which enantiomer was being used. This review considers equol's type and concentration variations, pathways affected, and its outcome in in vivo and in vitro studies.

Sodium rutin extends lifespan and health span in mice including positive impacts on liver health

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ageing is associated with progressive metabolic dysregulation. Rutin is a metabolic regulator with a poor solubility. Using soluble sodium rutin we investigating the effect and mechanisms of rutin in ageing process.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Wild type male mice were treated with or without sodium rutin ( 0.2 mg·ml^-1 in drinking water from 8-month-old until end of life. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used for lifespan assay, ageing-related histopathology analysis and metabolic analysis were performed to determine the effects of chronic sodium rutin on the longevity. Serological test, liver tissue metabolomics and transcriptomics were used for liver function assay. SiRNA knockdown Angptl8 and autophagy flux assay in HepG2 cell lines explored the mechanism through which sodium rutin might impact the function of hepatocyte.

KEY RESULTS

Sodium rutin treatment extends the lifespan of mice by 10%. Sodium rutin supplementation alleviates ageing-related pathological changes and promotes behaviour performance in ageing mice. Sodium rutin supplementation altered the whole-body metabolism in mice, which exhibited increased energy expenditure and lower respiratory quotient. Transcriptomics analysis showed that Sodium rutin affected the expression of metabolic genes. Metabolomics analysis showed that Sodium rutin reduced liver steatosis through increased lipid β-oxidation. Sodium rutin treatment increased the autophagy level both in vivo and in vitro. The inhibition of autophagy partially abolished the sodium rutin-mediated effect on lipolysis in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Sodium rutin treatment extends the lifespan and health span of mice with beneficial effects on metabolism, which were achieved by enhancing the autophagy activity in hepatocytes.

Fermented and nonfermented soy foods and the risk of breast cancer in a Japanese population-based cohort study

Background

Although preclinical studies suggest that fermented soy foods may have a protective effect against breast cancer, no prospective cohort studies have examined this association.

Objective

Our study examined the association between fermented and nonfermented soy food intake and breast cancer risk using a population‐based prospective cohort study in Japan.

Methods

We included a total of 47,614 women aged 45–74 years in an analysis of the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study (JPHC Study). A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for the assessment of dietary intake. Breast cancer incidence was analyzed by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

During an average of 15.5 years of follow‐up, 825 breast cancer cases were newly identified. We found no association of intake of soy foods with breast cancer risk, regardless of fermentation, with multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest quartiles of fermented and nonfermented soy food intake of 0.94 (0.67, 1.32) and 1.15 (0.85, 1.57) compared with the lowest quartile (p for trend = 0.305 and 0.393). Unlike nonfermented soy, higher intake of fermented soy foods was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of nonlocalized breast cancer. The HR and 95% CI in the highest compared to lowest intake category of fermented soy foods was 0.53 (0.28, 0.99) versus nonfermented soy foods 0.85 (0.51, 1.42) (p for trend = 0.026 and 0.797).

Conclusions

Our analyses showed that fermented soy foods had no association with overall breast cancer but may be associated with decreased risk of nonlocalized breast cancer.

Fisetin Alleviated Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Partly by Rescuing Alveolar Epithelial Cells From Senescence

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an aging-associated disease, satisfactory therapies are not yet available. Accelerated senescence of alveolar epithelial cells plays an important part in Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis. Fisetin (FIS) is a natural non-toxic flavonoid, which has many pharmacological functions. However, the role of FIS in pulmonary fibrosis has not been established. In this study, we found that FIS treatment apparently alleviated BLM-induced weight loss, inflammatory cells infiltration, inflammatory factors expression, collagen deposition and alveolar epithelial cell senescence, along with AMPK activation and the down regulation of NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad3 in vivo. In vitro, FIS administration significantly inhibited the senescence of alveolar epithelial cells and senescence-associated secretory phenotype, followed by reduced transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts as well as collagen deposition in fibroblasts, which was blocked by an AMPK inhibitor, Compound C. Together, these results suggest that FIS can alleviate the development of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, which is related to the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling and the reduction of alveolar epithelium cell senescence by regulating AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. FIS may be a promising candidate for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

The association of dietary flavonoids, magnesium and their interactions with the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study

The aim was to systematically analyse the association of the specific flavonoids, Mg and their interactions from different food sources with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in a cohort study. A total of 6417 participants aged 20 to 74 years from the Harbin Cohort Study on Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Non-communicable Diseases were included. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, forest plot and restricted cubic spline were performed in the study. After a 5·3-year follow-up, 1283 incident cases of the MetS were reported. Those with a higher total flavonoid intake had a lower risk of the MetS (fourth v. first quartile, relative risk (RR) 0·58; 95 % CI 0·37, 0·93; P = 0·024) and central obesity (RR 0·56; 95 % CI 0·33, 0·95; P = 0·032). Further analysis showed that the specific flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin, and flavonoids from fruits, potatoes and legumes had the similar associations with risk of the MetS and central obesity (P < 0·05 for all). A higher intake of total flavonoids, quercetin and luteolin combined with a high level of Mg was more strongly associated with a lower risk of the MetS (RR 0·60; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·81 for total; RR 0·61; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·82 for quercetin; RR 0·52; 95 % CI 0·38, 0·71 for luteolin; all Pfor interaction < 0·01). Dose-response effects showed an L-shaped curve between the total intake of five flavonoids and the risk of the MetS. A higher flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of the MetS and central obesity; their combination with Mg helps to strengthen their negative association with the MetS.

Soy and isoflavone consumption and subsequent risk of prostate cancer mortality: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Although many epidemiological studies have reported the preventive effects of soy products and isoflavones on prostate cancer, our previous studies reported that the association between soy and isoflavones and prostate cancer incidence differed according to stage. It is more important to identify modifiable risk factors related to lethal prostate cancer. Here, we investigated the association between soy, soy products and isoflavones intake and prostate cancer mortality, in a prospective study in Japan.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based prospective study in 43 580 Japanese men with no history of cancer or cardiovascular disease (aged 45-74 years). Participants completed a validated questionnaire which included 138 food items. We followed participants from 1995 to 2016. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of prostate cancer mortality were calculated according to quintiles of soy products and isoflavones intake, using Cox hazard proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

During 16.9 years follow-up, we registered 221 deaths from prostate cancer. Isoflavones and soy products intake was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer death, with multivariate HRQ5 vs. Q1=1.39, 95% CI = 0.87-2.20, p for trend = 0.04 for isoflavones and multivariate HRQ5 vs. Q1=1.76, 95% CI = 1.10-2.82, p for trend = 0.04 for soy food.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that high intake of soy and isoflavones might increase the risk of prostate cancer mortality.

Fermented soy products intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and total cancer incidence: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The association of fermented soy products, separately from total soy products, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and total cancer has not been reported. We examined this association in a population-based prospective cohort study in Japan.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We studied 79,648 participants (42,788 women; 36,860 men) aged 45-74 years without a history of cancer, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire (1995-1998) and were followed to 2009-2012. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of incidence of CVD and total cancer according to quartiles of total soy products, nonfermented soy products, fermented soy products, miso soup, natto, total isoflavones from soy products, isoflavones from nonfermented soy products, and isoflavones from fermented soy products.

RESULTS

In women, we observed a significant inverse association between fermented soy product intake and the risk of CVD (multivariate HR in the highest compared with the lowest quartile of fermented soy product intake: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.95; P for trend = 0.010), and also found significant inverse associations for natto and isoflavones among fermented soy products. In site-specific analysis, we observed a similar, significant inverse association between fermented soy product intake and the risk of stroke in women. We found no significant association between any soy product and risk of CVD in men or total cancer in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Intake of fermented soy products such as natto was inversely associated with the risk of CVD in women.

An overview and update on the epidemiology of flavonoid intake and cardiovascular disease risk

There is an accumulating body of literature reporting on dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in prospective cohort studies. This makes apparent the need for an overview and update on the current state of the science. To date, at least 27 prospective cohorts (in 44 publications) have evaluated the association between estimated habitual flavonoid intake and CVD risk. At this time, the totality of evidence suggests long-term consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may be associated with a lower risk of fatal and non-fatal ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease, and total CVD; disease outcomes which are principally, though not exclusively, composed of cases of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). To date, few studies have investigated outcome specific ASCVD, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or ischemic stroke. Of the flavonoid subclasses investigated, evidence more often implicates diets rich in anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols in lowering the risk of CVD. Although inferences are restricted by confounding and other inherent limitations of observational studies, causality appears possible based on biological plausibility, temporality, and the relative consistency of the reported associations. However, whether the associations observed represent a benefit of the isolated bioactives per se, or are a signal of the bioactives acting in concert with the co-occurring nutrient matrix within flavonoid-bearing foods, are issues of consideration. Thus, the simple interpretation, and the one most relevant for dietary advice, is that consumption of flavonoid-rich foods or diets higher in flavonoids, appear nutritionally beneficial in the prevention of CVD.

Soy Intake and Colorectal Cancer Risk: Results from a Pooled Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies Conducted in China and Japan

BACKGROUND

Soy is commonly consumed in east Asian countries and is suggested to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, results from epidemiologic studies are inconsistent, despite the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties of soy isoflavones and soy protein.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the association between soy isoflavones and soy protein and CRC risk using 4 prospective cohort studies from China and Japan.

METHODS

Data were pooled from the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS), Shanghai Men's Health Study (SMHS), Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Cohort 1 (JPHC1), and Cohort 2 (JPHC2). Cox proportional hazards models estimated HRs and corresponding 95% CIs for the association of soy protein and isoflavone intake with CRC risk. The study included 205,060 individuals, among whom 2971 were diagnosed with incident CRC over an average follow-up of 12.7 y.

RESULTS

No statistically significant associations with CRC risk were observed for soy protein or isoflavone intake. No association was observed among ever smokers consuming higher isoflavones (HRisoflavones: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.00) and soy protein (HRsoy protein: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.39, 1.10). However, risk reductions were observed among premenopausal women with a body mass index [BMI (kg/m2)] <23.0 at baseline for higher isoflavone (HRisoflavones: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence for an overall reduction in CRC risk by increasing soy food intake (i.e., protein or isoflavones) was observed. However, the association between soy and CRC risk may vary by BMI, smoking, and menopausal status among women. Future investigations are needed to further understand the biologic mechanisms observed.

Low dose of luteolin activates Nrf2 in the liver of mice at start of the active phase but not that of the inactive phase

A flavone luteolin has various health-promoting activities. Several studies reported that high dose of luteolin activates the Nrf2/ARE pathway in the liver. However, the effect of the low dose of luteolin that can be taken from a dietary meal on the Nrf2 activation remain unclear. It is expected that the flavonoid metabolism possesses a circadian rhythm, since nutritional metabolism processes daily cycle. In this study we investigated whether an administration affects the Nrf2 activation. ICR mice were orally administered 0.01–10 mg/kg body weight of luteolin once a day for 7 days at two time-points: at the start of active phase (ZT12) or at that of inactive phase (ZT0). Luteolin increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, resulting in the increases in its target gene products HO-1 and NQO1 at ZT12 but not at ZT0. The expression level of Nrf2 was lower at ZT12 than at ZT0 in the liver. We also found that the level of luteolin aglycon in the plasma is higher at ZT12 than at ZT0. These results suggest that the low dose of luteolin can activate Nrf2 pathway and the aglycon form of luteolin may mainly contribute to activate the Nrf2 pathway at ZT12 in the liver.

Preferential targeting cancer-related i-motif DNAs by the plant flavonol fisetin for theranostics applications

The relationship of i-motif DNAs with cancer has prompted the development of specific ligands to detect and regulate their formation. Some plant flavonols show unique fluorescence and anti-cancer properties, which suggest the utility of the theranostics approach to cancer therapy related to i-motif DNA. We investigated the effect of the plant flavonol, fisetin (Fis), on the physicochemical property of i-motif DNAs. Binding of Fis to the i-motif from the promoter region of the human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene dramatically induced the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction that significantly enhanced the intensity of the tautomer emission band of Fis. This unique response was due to the coincidence of the structural change from i-motif to the hairpin-like structure which is stabilized via putative Watson-Crick base pairs between some guanines within the loop region of the i-motif and cytosines in the structure. As a result, the VEGF i-motif did not act as a replication block in the presence of Fis, which indicates the applicability of Fis for the regulation of gene expression of VEGF. The fluorescence and biological properties of Fis may be utilised for theranostics applications for cancers related to a specific cancer-related gene, such as VEGF.

Effect of Natural Phenolics on Pharmacokinetic Modulation of Bedaquiline in Rat to Assess the Likelihood of Potential Food-Drug Interaction

Bedaquiline (TMC-207) is a recently approved drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Moreover, there is a present and growing concern for natural-product-mediated drug interaction, as these are inadvertently taken by patients as a dietary supplement, food additive, and medicine. In the present study, we investigated the impact of 20 plant-based natural products, typically phenolics, on in vivo oral bedaquiline pharmacokinetics, as previous studies are lacking. Three natural phenolics were identified that can significantly enhance the oral exposure of bedaquiline upon coadministration. We further investigated the possible role of all of the phytochemicals on in vitro P-glycoprotein (P-gp) induction and inhibition and CYP3A4 inhibition in a single platform as bedaquiline is the substrate for both P-gp and CYP3A4. In conclusion, curcumin, CC-I (3',5-dihydroxyflavone-7-O-β-d-galacturonide-4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside), and 6-gingerol should not be coadministered with bedaquiline to avoid untoward drug interactions and, subsequently, its dose-dependent adverse effects.

Fruits

Fruits come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. This chapter will cover selected fruits that are known to be healthy and highly nutritious. These fruits were chosen due to their common usage and availability. Since it is not possible to cover all health benefits or essential nutrients and important phytochemicals of the fruit composition, this chapter will focus on the key valuable constituents and their potential health effects.

Fisetin Improved Rotenone-Induced Behavioral Deficits, Oxidative Changes, and Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly the inhibition of mitochondrial complex-I. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fisetin in the rotenone-induced rat model of PD. Rotenone was administered (2   mg/kg s.c.) for 35   days to induce PD in animals. Fisetin was administered at two doses (10   mg/kg and 20   mg/kg p.o.) for 25   days to the animals that were given rotenone. Behavioral experiment, i.e. cylinder test, was performed to assess the motor asymmetry. Animals were euthanized, and mid brains were isolated for the estimation of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, oxidative measures (lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH) and catalase) and complex-I activity. In addition, histopathological studies were conducted. Fisetin treatment improved motor function in the cylinder test and reversed the rotenone-induced changes in mitochondrial enzymes, striatal dopamine levels, antioxidant enzyme levels and histological changes. An important finding of this study was both the doses of fisetin significantly (p   <   0.05) enhanced rotenone-induced behavioral and biochemical changes and the effects were found to be dose dependent. Based on the present results, we hypothesize that fisetin may improve the mitochondrial enzyme activity, thereby preventing the pathogenesis of PD.

Multiplex profiling identifies clinically relevant signalling proteins in an isogenic prostate cancer model of radioresistance

The exact biological mechanism governing the radioresistant phenotype of prostate tumours at a high risk of recurrence despite the delivery of advanced radiotherapy protocols remains unclear. This study analysed the protein expression profiles of a previously generated isogenic 22Rv1 prostate cancer model of radioresistance using DigiWest multiplex protein profiling for a selection of 90 signalling proteins. Comparative analysis of the profiles identified a substantial change in the expression of 43 proteins. Differential PARP-1, AR, p53, Notch-3 and YB-1 protein levels were independently validated using Western Blotting. Pharmacological targeting of these proteins was associated with a mild but significant radiosensitisation effect at 4Gy. This study supports the clinical relevance of isogenic in vitro models of radioresistance and clarifies the molecular radiation response of prostate cancer cells.

Chemoprevention assessment, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of flavonoids from Inga laurina leaves (FABACEAE)

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antigenotoxicity and chemoprevention assessment of flavonoids myricetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-α-rhamnopyranoside and myricetin-3-rhamnoside from Inga laurina leaves extract. The Quinone reductase induction as a biomarker for cancer chemoprevention was evaluated in murine hepatocellular carcinoma, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by sulforhonamide B assay and genotoxicity was evaluated by comet assay using HepG2 cell line. The results demonstrated that the flavonoids didn´t show cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In the chemoprevention evaluations were not able to promote the induction of Quinone Reductase and also no genotoxic effect was observed by evaluation of the comet assay in none of the concentrations tested. In the antigenotoxicity test, all compounds had a protective effect against damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and were repaired against damage. Although none of the flavonoids were capable of inducing the enzyme Quinone Reductase at the concentrations tested, the antigenotoxicity results showed a powerful chemoprotective action.

Circulating sex hormone levels and colorectal cancer risk in Japanese postmenopausal women: The JPHC nested case-control study

Previous epidemiological studies evaluated endogenous sex hormone levels and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk have yielded inconsistent results. Also, it is unknown if consumption of dietary isoflavones may influence the endogenous sex hormones and CRC relationships. We conducted a nested case-control study within the JPHC Study Cohort II wherein 11,644 women provided blood samples at the 5-year follow-up survey. We selected two matched controls for each case from the cohort (185 CRC cases and 361 controls). Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between circulating sex hormone levels and CRC risk. Comparing extreme tertiles, circulating testosterone levels were positively associated with CRC risk (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.11-3.99, p for trend = 0.03). Levels of estradiol, SHBG, and progesterone were not associated with CRC risk. In a subgroup analysis by dietary isoflavone intake, SHBG levels were positively associated with CRC risk among those with low total isoflavone intake (p for trend = 0.03), with a statistically nonsignificant inverse association among those with high total isoflavone intake (p for trend = 0.22; p for interaction = 0.002). Endogenous levels of testosterone were positively associated with CRC among postmenopausal women. The association of endogenous SHBG with CRC development may be altered by the level of dietary isoflavone intake.

Food Components with the Potential to be Used in the Therapeutic Approach of Mental Diseases

BACKGROUND

Neurological disorders represent a high influence in our society throughout the world. Although the symptoms arising from those diseases are well known, the causes and mechanisms are complex and depending on multiple factors. Some food components consumed as part of our diet have been studied regarding their incidence in different common neurological diseases such as Alzheimer disease, major depression, Parkinson disease, autism and schizophrenia among others.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, information has been gathered on the main evidences arising from studies on the most promising food components, related to their therapeutic potential, as part of dietary supplements or through the diet, as an alternative or a complement of the traditional drug treatments. Those food components include vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, probiotics, creatine and saponins.

RESULTS

Many in vitro and in vivo animal studies, randomized and placebo control trials, and systematic reviews on the scientific results published in the literature, have been discussed, highlighting the more recent advances, also with the aim to explore the main research needs. Particular attention has been paid to the mechanisms of action of the compounds regarding their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative properties and neuronal protection.

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to prove the therapeutic potential of the food components based on scientific evidence, also on intervention studies to demonstrate the improvement of neuronal and cognitive impairments.

Emerging senolytic agents derived from natural products

Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging, it is a permanent state of cell cycle arrest induced by cellular stresses. During the aging process, senescent cells (SCs) increasingly accumulate in tissues, causing a loss of tissue-repair capacity because of cell cycle arrest in progenitor cells and produce proinflammatory and matrix-degrading molecules which are known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and thereby contribute to the development of various age-related diseases. Genetic evidence has demonstrated that clearance of SCs can delay aging and extend healthspan. Senolytics, small molecules that can selectively kill SCs, have been developed to treat various age-related diseases. In recent years, emerging natural compounds have been discovered to be effective senolytic agents, such as quercetin, fisetin, piperlongumine and the curcumin analog. Some of the compounds have been validated in animal models and have great potential to be pushed to clinical applications. In this review, we will discuss cellular senescence and its potential as a target for treating age-related diseases, and summarize the known natural compounds as senolytic agents and their applications.

Fisetin and 5-fluorouracil: Effective combination for PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancer

The normal colon epithelium is transformed into its neoplastic counterpart through a series of genetic alterations in driver genes including activating mutations in PIK3CA. Treatment often involves surgery followed by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based therapy, which has limited efficiency and serious side effects. We sought to determine whether fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, alone or in combination with 5-FU affected tumorigenesis in the mammalian intestine. We first determined the effect of fisetin, 5-FU or their combination on PIK3CA-mutant and PIK3CA wild-type colon cancer cells by assessing cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis and effects on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Treatment of PIK3CA-mutant cells with fisetin and 5-FU reduced the expression of PI3K, phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, its target proteins, constituents of mTOR signaling complex and this treatment increased the phosphorylation of AMPKα. We then determined whether fisetin and 5-FU together or singly affected tumorigenesis in Apc^Min/+ mice that also express constitutively active PI3K in the distal small intestine and colon. Tumor incidence was markedly lower in fisetin-treated FC¹ 3K¹ Apc^Min/+ mice that also express constitutively active PI3K in distal small intestine and colon, as compared to control animals, indicating that fisetin is a strong preventive agent. In addition, the combination of fisetin and 5-FU also reduced the total number of intestinal tumors. Fisetin could be used as a preventive agent plus an adjuvant with 5-FU for the treatment of PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancer.