The Use of Juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) Supplementation for Suppression of NF-κB Pathway in the Hypothalamus after High-Fat Diet in Wistar Rats

Assessment on malvidin-3-glucoside interaction with TLR4 via multi-spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking

As one innate immune pattern recognition receptor, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recently has been considered as a critical player in glucolipid metabolism. Blueberries contain high level of anthocyanins, especially malvidin-3-glucoside (Mv-3-glc), which contribute the anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. It is speculated that Mv-3-glc is able to possess these functions by binding to TLR4. Here, the noncovalent interactions of Mv-3-glc and TLR4 was explored through multi-techniques including fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, as well as molecular docking. The results demonstrated that Mv-3-glc was able to quench TLR4 intrinsic fluorescence effectively. A stable complex was formed spontaneously and the reaction was exothermic. The degree of binding of Mv-3-glc to TLR4 showed a strong dependence on the chemical concentration, temperature, and pH values. The negative signs for enthalpy (ΔH = -69.1 ± 10.8 kJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS = -105.0 ± 12.3 J/mol/K) from the interaction of the Mv-3-glc and TLR4 shows that the major driving forces are the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals' force, which is consistent with the molecular docking results. In addition, molecular docking predicted that the active center with specific amino acid residues, Phe126, Ser127, Leu54, Ile153, and Tyr131 was responsible for the site of Mv-3-glc binding to TLR4/myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2). These findings confirmed that Mv-3-glc could bind to TLR4, which would be beneficial to understand the target therapeutic effects of blueberry anthocyanins on TLR4 in regulating glucolipid metabolism.

What We Know about Euterpe Genus and Neuroprotection: A Scoping Review

The Euterpe genus (mainly Euterpe oleracea Martius, Euterpe precatoria Martius, and Euterpe edulis Martius) has recently gained commercial and scientific notoriety due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, which are rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) and have potent antioxidant activity. These characteristics have contributed to the increased number of neuropharmacological evaluations of the three species over the last 10 years, especially açaí of the species Euterpe oleracea Martius. The fruits of the three species exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways and other mechanisms, including the inhibition of the mTOR pathway and protection of the blood-brain barrier, all of them intimately involved in several neuropathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the neuropharmacological properties of these three species may open new paths for the development of therapeutic tools aimed at preventing and treating a variety of neurological conditions.

Anthocyanins ameliorate obesity-associated metainflammation: Preclinical and clinical evidence

The growing rates of obesity worldwide call for intervention strategies to help control the pathophysiological consequences of weight gain. The use of natural foods and bioactive compounds has been suggested as such a strategy because of their recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, are candidates for managing obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Obesity is well known for the presence of metainflammation, which has been labeled as an inflammatory activation that leads to a variety of metabolic disorders, usually related to increased oxidative stress. Considering this, anthocyanins may be promising natural compounds able to modulate several intracellular mechanisms, mitigating oxidative stress and metainflammation. A wide variety of foods and extracts rich in anthocyanins have become the focus of research in the field of obesity. Here, we bring together the current knowledge regarding the use of anthocyanins as an intervention tested in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials to modulate metainflammation. Most recent research applies a wide variety of extracts and natural sources of anthocyanins, in diverse experimental models, which represents a limitation of the research field. However, the literature is sufficiently consistent to establish that the in-depth molecular analysis of gut microbiota, insulin signaling, TLR4-triggered inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways reveals their modulation by anthocyanins. These targets are interconnected at the cellular level and interact with one another, leading to obesity-associated metainflammation. Thus, the positive findings with anthocyanins observed in preclinical models might directly relate to the positive outcomes in clinical studies. In summary and based on the entirety of the relevant literature, anthocyanins can mitigate obesity-related perturbations in gut microbiota, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may contribute as a therapeutic tool in people living with obesity.

Effects of Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) on Health: An Overview of Clinical and Experimental Studies and Call for Action

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Juçara is a fruit of ecological and nutritional importance. Its fruits represent an option for the sustainable use of the plant due to its vulnerability to extinction. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze clinical and experimental studies and highlight the literature gaps regarding the effects of supplementation with Juçara on health.

METHODS

For this scoping review, we consulted the Medline (PubMed), Science Direct, and Scopus databases in March, April, and May 2022. Experimental studies and clinical trials published in the last ten years (2012-2022) were analyzed. Data were synthesized and reported.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies were included, 18 of which were experimental studies. Of these, 33% evaluated inflammatory markers associated with fat accumulation. Most of these studies (83%) used pulp in lyophilized form, and the others (17%) involved juçara extract mixed in water. In addition, 78% of the studies showed positive results with respect to the lipid profile, reduction of oncological lesions, inflammation, microbiota modulation, and improvement in obesity and glycemia-related metabolic complications. Nine clinical trials with results similar to those of experimental trials were found. The majority (56%) were chronic (four to six weeks into the intervention), and 44% were acute. Three offered juçara supplementation in the form of juice, four used freeze-dried pulp, two used fresh pulp, and one used a 9% dilution. The dose was fixed at 5 g, but the dilution ranged from 200 to 450 mL. These trials assessed mainly healthy, physically active, and obese individual adults (19-56 years old), and cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as improvement in the lipid profile and prebiotic potential, were observed.

CONCLUSION

Juçara supplementation showed promising results with respect to its effect on health. However, further studies are needed to clarify these possible effects on health and their mechanisms of action.

Supplementation of carotenoids from peach palm waste (Bactris gasipaes) obtained with an ionic liquid mediated process displays kidney anti-inflammatory and antioxidant outcomes

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Carotenoid’s supplementation can control weight gain even in the HFD model.

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Carotenoids extracted with ionic liquids displayed antioxidant activity on the kidney.

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Carotenoids extracted with ionic liquids display an anti-inflammatory effect.

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Carotenoids extracted with acetone increase pro-inflammatory cytokines on the kidney.

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Carotenoids extracted with acetone display oxidative stress on the kidney.

Sustainable extraction processes based on alternative solvents to recover bioactive compounds of different raw materials have been highlighted as excellent alternatives to supply the needs of society towards a bioeconomy strategy. Little is known about the safety and biological effect of compounds extracted by these processes. In this work, carotenoids from Bactris gasipaes wastes obtained by an IL-based process were investigated in terms of safety, anti-inflammatory and, antioxidant activity in a high-fat-diet animal model on the kidney. Wistar rats were supplemented or not by carotenoids extracted with IL or VOS. The animals supplemented with carotenoids had lower weight than control and high-fat diets. In the animals supplemented with carotenoids, the group IL improved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity compared with carotenoids obtained by VOS. Also, the group HFD-VOS showed moderate-severe injuries on the kidney. Then, ILs could represent a novel tool for natural pigments safely applied to food industry.

Role of Hypothalamic Reactive Astrocytes in Diet-Induced Obesity

Hypothalamus is a brain region that controls food intake and energy expenditure while sensing signals that convey information about energy status. Within the hypothalamus, molecularly and functionally distinct neurons work in concert under physiological conditions. However, under pathological conditions such as in diet-induced obesity (DIO) model, these neurons show dysfunctional firing patterns and distorted regulation by neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Concurrently, resident glial cells including astrocytes dramatically transform into reactive states. In particular, it has been reported that reactive astrogliosis is observed in the hypothalamus, along with various neuroinflammatory signals. However, how the reactive astrocytes control and modulate DIO by influencing neighboring neurons is not well understood. Recently, new lines of evidence have emerged indicating that these reactive astrocytes directly contribute to the pathology of obesity by synthesizing and tonically releasing the major inhibitory transmitter GABA. The released GABA strongly inhibits the neighboring neurons that control energy expenditure. These surprising findings shed light on the interplay between reactive astrocytes and neighboring neurons in the hypothalamus. This review summarizes recent discoveries related to the functions of hypothalamic reactive astrocytes in obesity and raises new potential therapeutic targets against obesity.

Carotenoids obtained from an ionic liquid-mediated process display anti-inflammatory response in the adipose tissue-liver axis

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed as more efficient and sustainable solvents to replace volatile organic solvents (VOSs). However, the drawbacks associated with their use are still limiting the regular application of bioactive compounds obtained from the processes they mediate as food ingredients. It is true that the number of ILs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for food applications is still low and mainly focused on the ones from the quaternary ammonium family. However, this trend is changing, judging from the evidence that industries are surpassing overgeneralization about ILs (on price and toxicity) and starting to consider the potential and performance of ILs as solvents. Despite the examples of industries applying ILs in their processes, the use of bioactive compounds obtained from IL-based processes as ingredients in food formulations is still a big challenge. The positive influence of carotenoids on diseases associated or originating from the inflammatory scenario including, among others, obesity, is not new. Moreover, it is also well known that the poorest population worldwide does not have the recommended intake of carotenoids, especially those pro-vitaminic A. In an attempt to help answer this issue, dietary supplements containing adequate doses of natural carotenoids are expected to be the solution, or at least, part of the solution for a healthier life, but also, to reduce hunger. Thus, complete studies evaluating the toxicological potential and the real viability of adding these bioactive compounds in food formulations proving (or not!) their safety to consumers and handlers are highly demanded. This work proposes to investigate the potential of carotenoids extracted from Bactris gasipaes feedstocks mediated by an ethanolic solution of an imidazolium-based IL. Thus, male Wistar rats were randomized in six different groups, supplemented or not by carotenoids extracted by IL or VOS, and fed by control- and/or high-fat-diets (HFD). The adipose tissue-liver axis was studied as a model to investigate the influence of the carotenoids on the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers. The main results showed that animals supplemented with carotenoids extracted with IL displayed improvements in serum parameters, besides lower metabolic efficiency, and antioxidant response on the liver, even when fed with HFD. However, animals supplemented with carotenoids extracted by VOS showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers and huge oxidative stress on the liver.

Chemical composition, bioactive compounds extraction, and observed biological activities from jussara (Euterpe edulis): The exotic and endangered Brazilian superfruit

In this article, we reviewed studies on the fruits of the jussara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius), an endangered Brazilian Atlantic Forest palm tree, also coined as "Superfruit." We summarized the chemical components of the pulp and observed biological activities in murine and humans, as well as the best practices involving the extraction of its target compounds, bioavailability, and stability of extracts. Jussara has shown a rich phenolic profile that justifies its antioxidant properties, in addition to a considerable lipidic and energetic value. As the main feature, the fruit possesses large amounts of anthocyanins that can be commercially explored as a food additive or cosmetic colorants. Recent studies emphasized jussara's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective capabilities via reshaping of the gut microbiota. Further knowledge is needed to establish bioavailability and optimal serving size, as many of its antioxidant compounds go under chemical bioconversion in the intestinal tract. While extraction of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and oils have interesting results, more studies are required in order to reduce the use of conventional organic solvents and improve their stability and shelf life when added to food products, an area in which nanotechnology seems promising.

Blueberry extract as a potential pharmacological tool for preventing depressive-like behavior and neurochemical dysfunctions in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide

OBJECTIVE

Major depressive disorder is a debilitating and recurrent psychiatric disorder. Blueberries have several biological properties, including neuroprotective effects, through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blueberry extract on depressive-like behavior and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurochemical changes.

METHODS

Mice were pretreated with vehicle, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) or blueberry extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) intragastrically for seven days before intraperitoneal LPS (0.83 mg/kg) injection. Twenty-four hours after LPS administration, mice were submitted to behavioral tests. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory parameters were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum.

RESULTS

Our data showed that blueberry extract or fluoxetine treatment protected against LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in tail suspension and splash tests (P < 0.05), without changes in locomotor activity (P > 0.05). LPS induced an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.001), nitrite (P < 0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.01), as well as a reduction in total sulfhydryl content (P < 0.05) and catalase activity (P < 0.05) in brain structures; blueberry extract restored these alterations (P < 0.05). In addition, blueberry extract attenuated the increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels induced by LPS administration (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that blueberry extract exerted antidepressant-like effects, protected the brain against oxidative damage, and modulated TNF-α levels induced by LPS.

Effects of the juçara fruit supplementation on metabolic parameters in individuals with obesity: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Adipose tissue inflammation has been proposed as a central mechanism connecting obesity with its metabolic and vascular complications due to the imbalance in the expression of several hormones and adipokines. Berries rich in polyphenols and unsaturated fatty acids have been able to prevent both obesity and adipose tissue inflammation, improving metabolic functions in human subjects and animal models of obesity. Juçara has been considered a super fruit owing to its nutritional composition and relevant biological activities with an interesting response in animals. Thus, we aimed to verify the potential antiobesogenic effect of juçara supplementation in humans. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial with 35 adults with obesity of both sexes. They were assessed for resting metabolic rate, anthropometry and body composition, blood pressure, metabolic parameters and adipokines. Subsequently, they were randomized into two groups to use or not (placebo) 5 g lyophilized juçara for 6 weeks. Supplementation with juçara was significantly effective in reducing body fat, increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and doubling serum adiponectin. Besides, juçara supplementation, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and neck circumference were predictors to explain the enhancement in adiponectin. Juçara supplementation was determinant to improve adiponectin levels, and it may be considered a novel strategy for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Function of astrocyte MyD88 in high-fat-diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence shows that hypothalamic inflammation is an important factor in the initiation of obesity. In particular, reactive gliosis accompanied by inflammatory responses in the hypothalamus are pivotal cellular events that elicit metabolic abnormalities. In this study, we examined whether MyD88 signaling in hypothalamic astrocytes controls reactive gliosis and inflammatory responses, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of obesity.

METHODS

To analyze the role of astrocyte MyD88 in obesity pathogenesis, we used astrocyte-specific Myd88 knockout (KO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks or injected with saturated free fatty acids. Astrocyte-specific gene expression in the hypothalamus was determined using real-time PCR with mRNA purified by the Ribo-Tag system. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the hypothalamus. Animals' energy expenditure was measured using an indirect calorimetry system.

RESULTS

The astrocyte-specific Myd88 KO mice displayed ameliorated hypothalamic reactive gliosis and inflammation induced by injections of saturated free fatty acids and a long-term HFD. Accordingly, the KO mice were resistant to long-term HFD-induced obesity and showed an improvement in HFD-induced leptin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that MyD88 in hypothalamic astrocytes is a critical molecular unit for obesity pathogenesis that acts by mediating HFD signals for reactive gliosis and inflammation.

The Use of Euterpe oleracea Mart. As a New Perspective for Disease Treatment and Prevention

Euterpe oleracea Mart. (EO), popularly known as açaí, belongs to the Arecaceae family and grows abundantly in Brazil. The fruit of this palm tree is widely used because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this review, a search for literature and patent technological prospecting has been performed on the use of EO to treat and prevent diseases as well as to prepare pharmaceutical formulations. EO leaves, fruits, and oil stand out for their large number of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anticancer, anti-atherogenic, and healing activities, protection against metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and protection of organs such as lung, kidney, liver, heart, and nervous system. While the phytochemical composition is intrinsically linked to identified biological activities, discoveries of the past decade concerning the use of this species have shown pharmacological alternatives mainly in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and metabolic syndromes. Although studies and inventions on the use of EO though are believed to have been important in light of the pharmacological activities found, few clinical and toxicity tests have been performed. Nevertheless, with the increase of interest in EO, this species is believed to be only at the beginning of the breakthroughs in the development of promising products for the pharmaceutical industry.

Obesity-related inflammatory modulation by juçara berry (Euterpe edulis Mart.) supplementation in Brazilian adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Obesity is an inflammatory-related disease, which recruits immune system cells triggering to imbalanced production of cytokines. Obesity management and treatment using foods bioactive compounds have gained clinical and scientific relevance. Juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) fruit is rich in fibers, unsaturated lipids and, anthocyanins showing potential health benefits. Thus, we investigated the effect of juçara pulp intake on inflammatory status of monocytes from obese individuals.

METHODS

It is a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind trial. Twenty-seven obese participants (BMI between 30.0 and 39.9 kg/m²) of both genders from 31 to 59-year-old, divided into two groups: 5 g juçara freeze-dried pulp or 5 g of placebo for 6 weeks. Before and after supplementation, blood samples were collected and monocytes obtained and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. After 24 h of incubation, the cells and supernatants were analyzed.

RESULTS

Post-treatment, juçara reduced TLR4, and IL-6 mRNA compared to placebo. Juçara also increased IL-10 mRNA in post-treatment. The protein expression of TLR4 pathway post-treatment, MYD88 expression reduced in juçara group compared to placebo. The juçara post-treatment reduced pIKKα/β compared to the placebo. Ob-R protein levels were higher in the juçara group post-treatment compared to pre-treatment. IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 production by monocytes were reduced by juçara in post-treatment compared to pre-treatment levels. The supplementation increased IL-10 in juçara group with LPS compared to pre-treatment and versus juçara group without LPS.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated a proinflammatory state at the beginning, which was improved by juçara pulp consumption. Our results suggest juçara pulp as a potential tool against the proinflammatory status of obesity.

Polyphenols-Rich Fruit (Euterpe edulis Mart.) Prevents Peripheral Inflammatory Pathway Activation by the Short-Term High-Fat Diet

Juçara berry is a potential inflammatory modulator, rich in dietary fiber, fatty acids, and anthocyanins. Considering this, we evaluated the high-fat diet (HFD) intake supplemented with different doses of freeze-dried juçara pulp on the TLR4 pathway. Twenty-seven male Wistar rats with ad libitum access to food and water were divided into four experimental groups: control standard chow group (C); high-fat diet control group (HFC); high-fat diet juçara 0.25% group (HFJ0.25%); and high-fat diet juçara 0.5% group (HFJ0.5%). The inflammatory parameters were analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting in liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RET). The HFJ0.25% group had the energy intake, aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, and liver triacylglycerol accumulation reduced; also, the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression in RET were reduced. However, there were no changes in other protein expressions in liver and adipose tissue. Adiposity and pNFκBp50 had a positive correlation in HFC and HFJ0.5%, but not in the C group and HFJ0.25%. The necrosis hepatic score did not change with treatment; however, the serum (AST) levels and the hepatic triacylglycerol were increased in HFC and HFJ0.5%. These results demonstrated that one week of HFD intake triggered pro-inflammatory mechanisms and liver injury. Additionally, 0.25% juçara prevented inflammatory pathway activation, body weight gain, and liver damage

Age-dependent hepatic alterations induced by a high-fat high-fructose diet

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate and clarify how the age at which the intake of a high-fat and high-fructose diet begins can affect animals' livers.

METHODS

Thirty-eight male wistar rats aged 6 and 12 weeks were fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet for 13 weeks. Inflammatory cytokines, hepatic glycogen, serum and hepatic triacylglycerol and pAkt protein content in the liver were assessed. Percentage of weight gained, and visceral adiposity were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Young animal presented increased hepatic triacylglycerol and decreased glycogen, while adult animals had no significant alterations regarding its contents. IL6 and IL10 to IL6 ratio were also altered in young animals exposed to HFHF, while adult animals fed with HFHF had only increases in TNF-α. Both groups which received HFHF had increased serum triacylglycerol and visceral adiposity. However, only young animals gained more relative weight and had greater final body weight, gains which were related to alterations found in hepatic triacylglycerol and glycogen.

CONCLUSION

Age of which consumption begins interferes in how the liver deals with an excess of nutrient and subsequent proinflammatory stimulation, leading to different phenotypes.

Supplementation of Juçara Berry (Euterpe edulis Mart.) Modulates Epigenetic Markers in Monocytes from Obese Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial

Nutrigenomics is an emerging field in obesity since epigenetic markers can be modified by environmental factors including diet. Considering juçara composition—rich in anthocyanins, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and fibers—it has the potential for epigenetic modulation. We evaluated the juçara supplementation modulating the serum fatty acids profile and epigenetic markers in monocytes of adult obese humans. It was a randomized double-blind, controlled trial with 27 obese (Body mass index between 30.0 and 39.9 kg/m²) participants of both genders aged from 31 to 59 years, divided into juçara group (5 g juçara freeze-dried pulp) or placebo group (5 g of maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Before and after supplementation, blood samples were collected. The serum and monocytes cells obtained were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides as proinflammatory stimulus. After 24 h of incubation, the cells and supernatants were collected and analyzed. Juçara improved the serum fatty acids profile on unsaturated fatty acids levels. The epigenetic markers evaluated were improved post-treatment. Also, the methylated DNA level was increased after treatment. We find that juçara supplementation is a predictor of methyl CpG binding proteins 2 (MeCP2) in monocytes. Concluding, juçara supplementation improved the serum fatty acids profile, modulating the epigenetic markers in monocytes from obese individuals.