Why proanthocyanidins elute at increasing order of molecular masses when analysed by normal phase high performance liquid chromatography? Considerations of use

Although it is widely known that proanthocyanidins elute at an increasing order of molecular masses when analysed by normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC), there is no a consistent explanation of the mechanisms of their separation until now. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to give a reliable response to this question, using a complex procyanidin-rich grape seed extract. For this, an off-column static simulation of extract injection and a fragmented-column dynamic procyanidin location tests were studied to show their precipitation in an aprotic solvent, besides another off-column static simulation and multiple contact dynamic solubilisation tests to confirm procyanidin redissolution in an aprotic/protic solvent system. The results showed that separation of procyanidins in the aprotic/protic solvent system of Diol-NP-HPLC was governed by precipitation/redissolution mechanism, that could be extended to all known plant proanthocyanidin homopolymers, including hydrolysable tannins, if they are able to accomplish this condition. However, separation of monomer species, namely catechins and some hydroxybenzoic acids, was based on classic adsorption/partition mechanism. Other factors, such as analyte solubility, chromatographic conditions and sample preparation, that affect the viability of proanthocyanidin analysis by NP-HPLC were stand out and guidelines for its durable and reproducible use were defined.

Anti-inflammatory effect of two pomegranate seed oils obtained by green technologies in Caco-2 cells using the bioaccessible fraction from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Pomegranate seeds contain up to 20% oil with a high content of punicic acid (85%), which is responsible for several biological activities. In this work, two pomegranate oils obtained by a two-step sequential extraction, first with an expeller and then via supercritical CO₂ technologies, have been studied in a static gastrointestinal in vitro digestion model to evaluate their bioaccessibility. The micellar phases obtained were evaluated by an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation and Caco-2 cells exposed to the inflammatory mediator lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Inflammatory response was assessed by measuring the production of interleukins IL-6 and IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and by evaluating the monolayer integrity. The results obtained indicate that expeller pomegranate oil (EPO) provides the highest amount of micellar phase (ca. 93%) with free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols as major components. The micellar phase obtained with supercritical CO₂ pomegranate oil (SCPO) is ca. 82% with similar lipid composition. Micellar phases of EPO and SCPO showed high stability and adequate particle size. EPO shows an anti-inflammatory response, reducing the production of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in LPS stimulated caco-2 cells and increasing the integrity of the cell monolayer as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). In the case of SCPO, the anti-inflammatory effect was only evident for IL-8. The present work demonstrates good digestibility, bioaccessibility and anti-inflammatory response of both EPO and SCPO oils.

Dietary and Physical Activity Habits as Conditioning Factors of Nutritional Status among Children of GENYAL Study

Excess weight (EW) in children has become a severe public health problem. The present study aimed to describe the main lifestyle characteristics and their possible association with nutritional status in a group of schoolchildren enrolled in the GENYAL study, where 221 children in the first or second grade of primary education (6-9 years old) were included. Anthropometric (BMI and bioimpedance), dietary intake (twice-repeated 24 h food record), and physical activity (twice-repeated 24 h physical activity questionnaire) data were collected. Logistic and linear regressions, with p-values adjusted for multiple tests by Bonferroni's method and with sex and age as covariates, were applied. The prevalence of EW was 19%, 25.4%, and 32.2%, according to Orbegozo Foundation, IOFT, and WHO criteria, respectively. The results showed a significant association between schoolchildren's nutritional status and energy balance, defined as the ratio of estimated energy intake to estimated energy expenditure (%), (β = -1.49 (-1.9-1.07), p < 0.01) and KIDMED Mediterranean Diet Quality Index score (β = -0.19 (95% IC -0.38-0), p = 0.04), and between the availability of TV or other technological devices in their room and the child's BMI (β = 1.15 (95% IC 0.20-2.10), p = 0.017) and their fat mass (β = 3.28 (95% IC 0.69-5.87), p = 0.013). The number of dairy servings/day had a protective effect against EW (OR = 0.48 (0.29-0.75), p adjusted = 0.05)). Studying lifestyle factors associated with obesity is essential for developing tools and strategies for obesity prevention in children.

Phenolic diterpenes from Rosemary supercritical extract inhibit non-small cell lung cancer lipid metabolism and synergise with therapeutic drugs in the clinic

Lung cancer is one of the most deadly and common cancers in the world. The molecular features of patient's tumours dictate the different therapeutic decisions, which combines targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Altered cellular metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Tumour cells reprogram their metabolism to adapt to their novel requirements of growth, proliferation, and survival. Together with the Warburg effect, the role of lipid metabolism alterations in cancer development and prognosis has been highlighted. Several lipid related genes have been shown to promote transformation and progression of cancer cells and have been proposed as biomarkers for prognosis. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of the regulation of lipid metabolism and the biological consequences in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been elucidated yet. There is an urgent necessity to develop multidisciplinary and complementary strategies to improve NSCLC patients´ well-being and treatment response. Nutrients can directly affect fundamental cellular processes and some diet-derived ingredients, bioactive natural compounds and natural extracts have been shown to inhibit the tumour growth in preclinical and clinical trials. Previously, we described a supercritical extract of rosemary (SFRE) (12 - 16% composition of phenolic diterpenes carnosic acid and carnosol) as a potential antitumoral agent in colon and breast cancer due to its effects on the inhibition of lipid metabolism and DNA synthesis, and in the reduction of resistance to 5-FluoroUracil (5-FU). Herein, we demonstrate SFRE inhibits NSCLC cell bioenergetics identifying several lipid metabolism implicated targets. Moreover, SFRE synergises with standard therapeutic drugs used in the clinic, such as cisplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab to inhibit of cell viability of NSCLC cells. Importantly, the clinical relevance of SFRE as a complement in the treatment of NSCLC patients is suggested based on the results of a pilot clinical trial where SFRE formulated with bioactive lipids (PCT/ES2017/070263) diminishes metabolic and inflammatory targets in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), such as MAPK (p=0.04), NLRP3 (p=0.044), and SREBF1 (p=0.047), which may augment the immune antitumour function. Based on these results, SFRE merits further investigation as a co-adjuvant in the treatment of NSCLC.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05080920.

Pomegranate Extract Augments Energy Expenditure Counteracting the Metabolic Stress Associated with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity

Obesity is associated to a low grade of chronic inflammation leading to metabolic stress, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, dislipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. A Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce systemic inflammatory factors, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. In this scenario, precision nutrition may provide complementary approaches to target the metabolic alterations associated to “unhealthy obesity”. In a previous work, we described a pomegranate extract (PomE) rich in punicalagines to augment markers of browning and thermogenesis in human differentiated adipocytes and to augment the oxidative respiratory capacity in human differentiated myocytes. Herein, we have conducted a preclinical study of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity where PomE augments the systemic energy expenditure (EE) contributing to a reduction in the low grade of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance associated to obesity. At the molecular level, PomE promotes browning and thermogenesis in adipose tissue, reducing inflammatory markers and augmenting the reductive potential to control the oxidative stress associated to the HFD. PomE merits further investigation as a complementary approach to alleviate obesity, reducing the low grade of chronic inflammation and metabolic stress.

A comparative study of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of three strategic edible oils

Three strategic edible oils, that is, olive oil, microalgae oil, and shea butter, with a significantly different composition of fatty acids (FA), have been studied in a static in vitro digestion model to evaluate the rate of hydrolysis, bioaccessibility, and micellar phases formed in the process. Lipid composition of each phase and how the lipids are distributed in the different phases have been obtained using this in vitro digestion model. We demonstrate that the composition in FA and the physical properties of the oil are the key factors determining the distribution of lipids in the different phases. The fastest rate of hydrolysis was observed for olive oil and the highest triacylglycerol conversion was attained for shea butter. In contrast, the most abundant precipitate phase was obtained for shea butter, which also produces the highest co-crystallization of cholesterol among the three edible oils studied. This study reveals that digestibility of edible oils is directly related with the initial rate of hydrolysis.

A new urea adducts method for PUFA concentration using green food grade solvents and avoiding ethyl carbamate formation

This study aimed to selectively enrich stearidonic acid (SDA) together with γ-linolenic acid (GLA) in Echium plantagineum oil by urea complexation. The complexation process at room temperature was carried out replacing common organic solvents, such as hexane and ethanol, by alternative compounds, included in Green Solvent and Food Grade categories, adapting this process towards the principles of Green Chemistry. This substitution was also intended to avoid the generation of the toxic compound ethyl carbamate. Among all the solvents studied, the mixture propionic acid and α-pinene provided the best results, leading to a final product comprised of ∼99% of PUFA, with ∼45% SDA (∼14% in the original oil), and without apparition of ethyl carbamate. The procedure was tested on other raw materials (salmon and microalgae oils). The solvent was efficiently recuperated from the liquid phase (∼87% recovery) and reutilized once with almost identical results.

Potential protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection by APOE rs7412 polymorphism

The pandemic burden caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus constitutes a global public health emergency. Increasing understanding about predisposing factors to infection and severity is now a priority. Genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors can play a crucial role in the course and clinical outcome of COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the putative relationship between genetic factors associated to obesity, metabolism and lifestyle, and the presence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 249 volunteers (178 women and 71 men, with mean and ± SD age of 49 ± 11 years) characterized for dietary, lifestyle habits and anthropometry, were studied for presence and severity of COVID-19 infection, and genotyped for 26 genetic variants related to obesity, lipid profile, inflammation, and biorhythm patterns. A statistically significant association was found concerning a protective effect of APOE rs7412 against SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.039; OR 0.216; CI 0.084, 0.557) after correction for multiple comparisons. This protective effect was also ascribed to the APOɛ2 allele (p = 0.001; OR 0.207; CI 0.0796, 0.538). The genetic variant rs7412 resulting in ApoE2, genetic determinant of lipid and lipoprotein levels, could play a significant role protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

"GENYAL" Study to Childhood Obesity Prevention: Methodology and Preliminary Results

Objective

This article describes the methodology and summarizes some preliminary results of the GENYAL study aiming to design and validate a predictive model, considering both environmental and genetic factors, that identifies children who would benefit most from actions aimed at reducing the risk of obesity and its complications.

Design

The study is a cluster randomized clinical trial with 5-year follow-up. The initial evaluation was carried out in 2017. The schools were randomly split into intervention (nutritional education) and control schools. Anthropometric measurements, social and health as well as dietary and physical activity data of schoolchildren and their families are annually collected. A total of 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed. Machine Learning models are being designed to predict obesity phenotypes after the 5-year follow-up.

Settings

Six schools in Madrid.

Participants

A total of 221 schoolchildren (6-8 years old).

Results

Collected results show that the prevalence of excess weight was 19.0, 25.4, and 32.2% (according to World Health Organization, International Obesity Task Force and Orbegozo Foundation criteria, respectively). Associations between the nutritional state of children with mother BMI [β = 0.21 (0.13-0.3), p (adjusted) <0.001], geographical location of the school [OR = 2.74 (1.24-6.22), p (adjusted) = 0.06], dairy servings per day [OR = 0.48 (0.29-0.75), p (adjusted) = 0.05] and 8 SNPs [rs1260326, rs780094, rs10913469, rs328, rs7647305, rs3101336, rs2568958, rs925946; p (not adjusted) <0.05] were found.

Conclusions

These baseline data support the evidence that environmental and genetic factors play a role in the development of childhood obesity. After 5-year follow-up, the GENYAL study pretends to validate the predictive model as a new strategy to fight against obesity.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT03419520, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03419520.

Sustainable Extraction Techniques for Obtaining Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae Species

Melissa officinalis L. and Origanum majorana L., within Lamiaceae family, and Calendula officinalis L. and Achillea millefolium L., within the Asteraceae, have been considered a good source of bioactive ingredients with health benefits. In this study, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using pure CO₂, and the ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were proposed as green techniques to obtain plant-based extracts with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Higher values of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were achieved in UAE ethanol:water (50:50, v/v) extracts. Meanwhile, UAE pure ethanol extracts showed greater anti-inflammatory activity. RP-HPLC-PAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed a vast number of phenolic compounds in the extracts, including unreported ones. O. majorana ethanol:water extract presented the highest content of phenolics and antioxidant activity; among its composition, both rosmarinic acid and luteolin glucoside derivatives were abundant. The pure ethanol extract of A. millefolium resulted in an important content of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and flavonoid aglycones, which could be related to the remarkable inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines. Besides, borneol and camphor, found in the volatile fraction of A. millefolium, could contributed to this latter activity. Thus, this study points out that O. majorana and A. millefolium are considered a promising source of bioactive ingredients with potential use in health promotion.

Natural Extracts to Augment Energy Expenditure as a Complementary Approach to Tackle Obesity and Associated Metabolic Alterations

Obesity is the epidemic of the 21st century. In developing countries, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, and obesity is occurring at younger ages. Obesity and associated metabolic stress disrupt the whole-body physiology. Adipocytes are critical components of the systemic metabolic control, functioning as an endocrine organ. The enlarged adipocytes during obesity recruit macrophages promoting chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Together with the genetic susceptibility (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP) and metabolic alterations at the molecular level, it has been highlighted that key modifiable risk factors, such as those related to lifestyle, contribute to the development of obesity. In this scenario, urgent therapeutic options are needed, including not only pharmacotherapy but also nutrients, bioactive compounds, and natural extracts to reverse the metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Herein, we first summarize the main targetable processes to tackle obesity, including activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and in white adipose tissue (WAT-browning), and the promotion of energy expenditure and/or fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in muscles. Then, we perform a screening of 20 natural extracts (EFSA approved) to determine their potential in the activation of FAO and/or thermogenesis, as well as the increase in respiratory capacity. By means of innovative technologies, such as the study of their effects on cell bioenergetics (Seahorse bioanalyzer), we end up with the selection of four extracts with potential application to ameliorate the deleterious effects of obesity and the chronic associated inflammation.

Precision Nutrition to Activate Thermogenesis as a Complementary Approach to Target Obesity and Associated-Metabolic-Disorders

Simple Summary

Regarding the pandemic of obesity and chronic diseases associated to metabolic alterations that occur nowadays worldwide, here, we review the most recent studies related to bioactive compounds and diet derived ingredients with potential effects to augment the systemic energy expenditure. We specifically focus in two processes: the activation of thermogenesis in adipose tissue and the enhancement of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity in muscles. This may provide relevant information to develop diets and supplements to conduct nutritional intervention studies with the objective to ameliorate the metabolic and chronic inflammation in the course of obesity and related disorders.

Abstract

Obesity is associated to increased incidence and poorer prognosis in multiple cancers, contributing to up to 20% of cancer related deaths. These associations are mainly driven by metabolic and inflammatory changes in the adipose tissue during obesity, which disrupt the physiologic metabolic homeostasis. The association between obesity and hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well known. Importantly, the retrospective analysis of more than 1000 epidemiological studies have also shown the positive correlation between the excess of fatness with the risk of cancer. In addition, more important than weight, it is the dysfunctional adipose tissue the main driver of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and all cause of mortality and cancer deaths, which also explains why normal weight individuals may behave as “metabolically unhealthy obese” individuals. Adipocytes also have direct effects on tumor cells through paracrine signaling. Downregulation of adiponectin and upregulation of leptin in serum correlate with markers of chronic inflammation, and crown like structures (CLS) associated to the adipose tissue disfunction. Nevertheless, obesity is a preventable risk factor in cancer. Lifestyle interventions might contribute to reduce the adverse effects of obesity. Thus, Mediterranean diet interventional studies have been shown to reduce to circulation inflammatory factors, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular function, with durable responses of up to 2 years in obese patients. Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil reduced the incidence of breast cancer compared with a control diet. Physical activity is another important lifestyle factor which may also contribute to reduced systemic biomarkers of metabolic syndrome associated to obesity. In this scenario, precision nutrition may provide complementary approaches to target the metabolic inflammation associated to “unhealthy obesity”. Herein, we first describe the different types of adipose tissue -thermogenic active brown adipose tissue (BAT) versus the energy storing white adipose tissue (WAT). We then move on precision nutrition based strategies, by mean of natural extracts derived from plants and/or diet derived ingredients, which may be useful to normalize the metabolic inflammation associated to “unhealthy obesity”. More specifically, we focus on two axis: (1) the activation of thermogenesis in BAT and browning of WAT; (2) and the potential of augmenting the oxidative capacity of muscles to dissipate energy. These strategies may be particularly relevant as complementary approaches to alleviate obesity associated effects on chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance in cancer. Finally, we summarize main studies where plant derived extracts, mainly, polyphenols and flavonoids, have been applied to increase the energy expenditure.

Saponin-Rich Extracts and Their Acid Hydrolysates Differentially Target Colorectal Cancer Metabolism in the Frame of Precision Nutrition

Saponins or their aglycone form, sapogenin, have recently gained interest as bioactive agents due to their biological activities, their antitumoral effects being among them. Metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and, together with the increased aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis, the altered lipid metabolism is considered crucial to support cancer initiation and progression. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the inhibitory effects on colorectal cancer cell lines of saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek and quinoa (FE and QE, respectively) and their hydrolyzed extracts as sapogenin-rich extracts (HFE and HQE, respectively). By mean of the latest technology in the analysis of cell bioenergetics, we demonstrate that FE and HFE diminished mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis; meanwhile, quinoa extracts did not show relevant activities. Distinct molecular mechanisms were identified for fenugreek: FE inhibited the expression of TYMS1 and TK1, synergizing with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); meanwhile, HFE inhibited lipid metabolism targets, leading to diminished intracellular lipid content. The relevance of considering the coexisting compounds of the extracts or their hydrolysis transformation as innovative strategies to augment the therapeutic potential of the extracts, and the specific subgroup of patients where each extract would be more beneficial, are discussed in the frame of precision nutrition.

Metabolic enzyme ACSL3 is a prognostic biomarker and correlates with anticancer effectiveness of statins in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, still characterized by high mortality rates. As lipid metabolism contributes to cancer metabolic reprogramming, several lipid metabolism genes are considered prognostic biomarkers of cancer. Statins are a class of lipid-lowering compounds used in treatment of cardiovascular disease that are currently studied for their antitumor effects. However, their exact mechanism of action and specific conditions in which they should be administered remains unclear. Here, we found that simvastatin treatment effectively promoted antiproliferative effects and modulated lipid metabolism-related pathways in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and that the antiproliferative effects of statins were potentiated by overexpression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 3 (ACSL3). Moreover, ACSL3 overexpression was associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with high-grade NSCLC. Finally, we found that patients with high expression levels of ACSL3 displayed a clinical benefit of statins treatment. Therefore, our study highlights ACSL3 as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, useful to select patients who would obtain a clinical benefit from statin administration.

The hydrolysis of saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek and quinoa improves their pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity and hypocholesterolemic effect

Saponins are promising compounds for ameliorating hyperlipidemia but scarce information exists about sapogenins, the hydrolyzed forms of saponins. Saponin-rich extracts and their hydrolysates from fenugreek (FE, HFE) and quinoa (QE, HQE), and saponin and sapogenin standards, were assessed on the inhibition of pancreatic lipase and interference on the bioaccessibility of cholesterol by in vitro digestion models. All extracts inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ between 1.15 and 0.59 mg/mL), although the hydrolysis enhanced the bioactivity of HQE (p = 0.014). The IC₅₀ value significantly correlated to the saponin content (r = -0.82; p = 0.001). Only the hydrolyzed extracts showed a reduction of bioaccessible cholesterol (p < 0.001) higher than that of phytosterols (35% reduction). Sapogenin standards exhibited no bioactivities, protodioscin and hederacoside C slightly inhibited the lipase (around 10%) and protodioscin reduced the bioaccessible cholesterol (23% reduction, p = 0.035). The hydrolysis process of saponin-rich extracts enhances the bioactivity and allows developing multibioactive products against pancreatic lipase and cholesterol absorption simultaneously.

A Potential Endurance Algorithm Prediction in the Field of Sports Performance

Sport performance is influenced by several factors, including genetic susceptibility. In the past years, specific single nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated to sport performance; however, these effects should be considered in multivariable prediction systems since they are related to a polygenic inheritance. The aim of this study was to design a genetic endurance prediction score (GES) of endurance performance and analyze its association with anthropometric, nutritional and sport efficiency variables in a cross-sectional study within fifteen male cyclists. A statistically significant positive relationship between GES and the VO₂ maximum (P = 0.033), VO₂ VT1 (P = 0.049) and VO₂ VT2 (P < 0.001) was observed. Moreover, additional remarkable associations between genotype and the anthropometric, nutritional and sport performance variables, were achieved. In addition, an interesting link between the habit of consuming caffeinated beverages and the GES was observed. The outcomes of the present study indicate a potential use of this genetic prediction algorithm in the sports' field, which may facilitate the finding of genetically talented athletes, improve their training and food habits, as well as help in the improvement of physical conditions of amateurs.

Polymorphic Appetite Effects on Waist Circumference Depend on rs3749474 CLOCK Gene Variant

Chronobiological aspects controlled by CLOCK genes may influence obesity incidence. Although there are studies that show an association between the expression of these genes and energy intake, waist circumference or abdominal obesity phenotypes, interactions with appetite have been insufficiently investigated in relation to chrononutrition. The objective was to identify interactions between CLOCK genetic variants involved in appetite status. A total of 442 subjects (329 women, 113 men; aged 18 to 65 years) were recruited. Anthropometric, dietary and lifestyle data were collected by trained nutritionists. Participants were classified according to their appetite feelings with a Likert scale. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations of the type genotype x appetite status on adiposity-related variables. p values were corrected by the Bonferroni method. A significant influence was found concerning the effects of appetite on waist circumference with respect to rs3749474 CLOCK polymorphism (p < 0.001). An additive model analysis (adjusted by age, gender, exercise and energy intake) showed that risk allele carriers, increased the waist circumference around 14 cm (β = 14.1, CI = 6.3-22.0) by each increment in the level of appetite. The effects of appetite on waist circumference may be partly modulated by the rs3749474 CLOCK polymorphism.

The Q223R Polymorphism of the Leptin Receptor Gene as a Predictor of Weight Gain in Childhood Obesity and the Identification of Possible Factors Involved

(1) Background: Childhood rapid weight gain during development has been postulated as a predictor of obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the annual weight gain and height growth, as well as identifying possible lifestyle factors involved. (2) Methods: As part of the GENYAL study, 221 children (6–8 years old) of Madrid (Spain) were enrolled. A total of 11 SNPs associated with high childhood body mass indexes (BMIs) were assessed. Anthropometric measurements, dietary and physical activity data, were collected in 2017 and 2018. Bonferroni-corrected linear models were used to fit the data. (3) Results: A significant association between the Q223R LEPR and the weight growth was found, showing a different behavior between GA and GG genotypes (p = 0.001). Regarding lifestyle factors, an interaction between Q223R genotypes and total active weekly hours/week to predict the weight growth (kg/year) was observed (p = 0.023). In all the genotypes, a beneficial effect against rapid weight growth was observed, but the effect size of the interaction was much more significant in homozygous (GG) minor homozygous (β = −0.61 (−0.95, −0.26) versus heterozygous (AG) and wild-type homozygous (AA) genotypes (β = −0.07 (−0.24, 0.09) and β = −0.12 (−0.32, 0.08), respectively). (4) Conclusions: These results may contribute to more personalized recommendations to prevent childhood obesity.

Valorisation of Grape Stems as a Source of Phenolic Antioxidants by Using a Sustainable Extraction Methodology

Pressurized liquid extraction with ethanol:water mixtures was proposed for obtaining phenolic antioxidants from grape stems. The optimal extraction conditions were elucidated by using a central composite rotatable design (solvent (X₁, 0–100% ethanol:water v/v), temperature (X₂, 40–120 °C) and time (X₃, 1–11 min)). Response surface methodology determined 30% ethanol:water, 120 °C and 10 min as the optimal extraction conditions regarding total phenolic content (TPC) (185.3 ± 2.9 mg gallic acid/g of extract) and antioxidant activity (3.55 ± 0.21 mmol Trolox/g, 1.22 ± 0.06 mmol Trolox/g and 1.48 ± 0.17 mmol Trolox/g of extract in ABTS, DPPH and ORAC methodologies, respectively). The antioxidant activity was attributed to total polymer procyanidins and flavan-3-ol monomers and oligomers, although other phenolic compound contributions should not be ruled out. Forty-two phenolic compounds were identified in the optimal extract, mainly polymer procyanidins and, to a lesser extent, monomers and oligomers of flavan-3-ols, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, ε-viniferin, gallic and caftaric acid. Ethyl gallate, ellagic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, delphinidin-7-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were reported for the first time in grape stem extracts. In conclusion, this study highlights the use of this winery side stream as a source of antioxidants within a sustainable food system.

Polymorphism of CLOCK Gene rs3749474 as a Modulator of the Circadian Evening Carbohydrate Intake Impact on Nutritional Status in an Adult Sample

The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of energy intake and macronutrients consumption throughout the day, and how its effect on nutritional status can be modulated by the presence of the rs3749474 polymorphism of the CLOCK gene in the Cantoblanco Platform for Nutritional Genomics (“GENYAL Platform”). This cross-sectional study was carried out on 898 volunteers between 18 and 69 years old (65.5% women). Anthropometric measurements, social issues and health, dietary, biochemical, genetic, and physical activity data were collected. Subsequently, 21 statistical interaction models were designed to predict the body mass index (BMI) considering seven dietary variables analyzed by three genetic models (adjusted by age, sex, and physical activity). The average BMI was 26.9 ± 4.65 kg/m², 62.14% presented an excess weight (BMI > 25 kg/m²). A significant interaction was observed between the presence of the rs3749474 polymorphism and the evening carbohydrate intake (% of the total daily energy intake [%TEI]) (adjusted p = 0.046), when predicting the BMI. Participants carrying TT/CT genotype showed a positive association between the evening carbohydrate intake (%TEI) and BMI (β = 0.3379, 95% CI = (0.1689,0.5080)) and (β = 0.1529, 95% CI = (−0.0164,0.3227)), respectively, whereas the wild type allele (CC) showed a negative association (β = −0.0321, 95% CI = (−0.1505,0.0862)). No significant interaction with the remaining model variables was identified. New dietary strategies may be implemented to schedule the circadian distribution of macronutrients according to the genotype. Clinical Trial number: NCT04067921.

Green Technologies for the Production of Modified Lipids

In recent years, the use of green solvents in enzyme catalysis of lipophilic compounds is achieving increasing interest from different perspectives. Conducting reactions under supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and other green solvents affords opportunities to overcome problems associated with the lack of solubility of lipids in conventional solvents and the poor miscibility of substrates. Research on the biocatalytic production of modified lipids in the framework of green chemistry is conducted to improve the efficiency of obtaining the desired products as well as the selectivity, stability, and activity of the enzymatic systems. This overview describes the fundamentals and characteristics of several types of green solvents, the main variables involved in enzymatic processes, and examples and applications in the field of lipid modification.

NutriGenomeDB: a nutrigenomics exploratory and analytical platform

Habitual consumption of certain foods has shown beneficial and protective effects against multiple chronic diseases. However, it is not clear by which molecular mechanisms they may exert their beneficial effects. Multiple -omic experiments available in public databases have generated gene expression data following the treatment of human cells with different food nutrients and bioactive compounds. Exploration of such data in an integrative manner offers excellent possibilities for gaining insights into the molecular effects of food compounds and bioactive molecules at the cellular level. Here we present NutriGenomeDB, a web-based application that hosts manually curated gene sets defined from gene expression signatures, after differential expression analysis of nutrigenomics experiments performed on human cells available in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. Through its web interface, users can explore gene expression data with interactive visualizations. In addition, external gene signatures can be connected with nutrigenomics gene sets using a gene pattern-matching algorithm. We further demonstrate how the application can capture the primary molecular mechanisms of a drug used to treat hypertension and thus connect its mode of action with hosted food compounds.

In Vitro Permeability of Saponins and Sapogenins from Seed Extracts by the Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay: Effect of in Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

The permeability of saponins and sapogenins from fenugreek and quinoa extracts, as well as dioscin and diosgenin, was evaluated by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). The effect of the digestion process on permeability was determined, with previous development of a gastrointestinal process coupled to PAMPA. Saponins from both seeds displayed a moderate-to-poor permeability (>1 × 10^-6 cm/s), although the digestion enhanced their permeability values in the order of 10^-5 cm/s (p < 0.001). Sapogenins exhibited a similar permeability to that of saponins, although the digestion enhanced the permeability of sapogenins from quinoa (1.14 ± 0.47 × 10^-5 cm/s) but not from fenugreek (2.33 ± 0.99 × 10^-6 cm/s). An overall positive impact of coexisting lipids on the permeability was evidenced. PAMPA is shown as a useful, rapid, and easy tool for assessing the permeability of bioactive compounds from complex matrices, with the previous gastrointestinal process being a relevant step.

Marigold Supercritical Extract as Potential Co-adjuvant in Pancreatic Cancer: The Energetic Catastrophe Induced via BMP8B Ends Up With Autophagy-Induced Cell Death

The recent development of powerful "omics" technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics) has opened new avenues in nutritional sciences toward precision nutrition, which is a genotype-directed nutrition that takes into account the differential responses to nutritional interventions based on gene variation (nutrigenetics) and the effect of nutrients on gene expression (nutrigenomics). Current evidence demonstrates that up to one third of the deaths caused by cancer could be prevented by acting on key risk factors, with diet being one of the most important risk factors due to its association with obesity. Additional factors such as composition of gut microbiome, the immune system, and the nutritional status will have an impact on the final outcome. Nutrient components and bioactive compounds from natural sources can have an impact on cancer progression or even the risk of cancer development by regulating gene expression and/or associated risk factors such as obesity and chronic inflammation. Nowadays, among the different methods to produce natural extracts, the green technology of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is quite popular, with a special interest on the use of supercritical CO₂ for the extraction of compounds with low polarity. The success of nutritional interventions based on the use of nutraceuticals requires several steps: (i) in vitro and preclinical demonstration of their antitumoral effects; (ii) knowledge of their mechanism of action and molecular targets, which will allow for identification of the specific subgroups of patients who will benefit from them; (iii) the study of genetic variants associated with the differential responses; and (iv) innovative approaches of formulations to improve the in vivo bioavailability of the bioactive ingredients. Herein, we investigate the antitumoral properties and mechanism of action of a supercritical CO₂ extract from Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold (marigold SFE) in the context of pancreatic cancer. Mechanistically, marigold SFE induces the expression of BMP8B, which leads to an energetic catastrophe ending up with autophagy-induced cell death (AICD). As metabolic reprogramming is a well-recognized hallmark of cancer, the direct impact of marigold SFE on pancreatic cancer cell metabolism encourages further research of its potential as a coadjuvant in pancreatic cancer therapy. Finally, we discuss innovative formulation approaches to augment the clinical therapeutic potential of marigold SFE in nutritional interventions.

Extracts from the edible insects Acheta domesticus and Tenebrio molitor with improved fatty acid profile due to ultrasound assisted or pressurized liquid extraction

Extracts from the edible insects Acheta domesticus and Tenebrio molitor were obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE) using ethanol (E) or ethanol:water (E:W). Extraction yield, fatty acid profile, nutritional impact and cholesterol content were determined and compared with the initial insects. The highest extraction yield corresponded to PLE-T. molitor extracts. A decrease in total saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents, and an increase in the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content were observed for both UAE-E:W insect extracts, due to an enrichment in linoleic acid. The lipid indices (PUFA/SFA ratio, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices) for both UAE-E:W extracts were significantly improved compared with the initial insects. Although either extraction procedure led to cholesterol enrichment, the UAE-E:W conditions favoured the lowest concentration. Therefore, insects extracts with improved fatty acid profile can be selectively obtained, being UAE-E:W conditions preferred from the nutritional point of view.

In Vitro Colonic Fermentation of Saponin-Rich Extracts from Quinoa, Lentil, and Fenugreek. Effect on Sapogenins Yield and Human Gut Microbiota

In vitro colonic fermentation of saponin-rich extracts from quinoa, lentil, and fenugreek was performed. Production of sapogenins by human fecal microbiota and the impact of extracts on representative intestinal bacterial groups were evaluated. The main sapogenins were found after fermentation (soyasapogenol B for lentil; oleanolic acid, hederagenin, phytolaccagenic acid, and serjanic acid for quinoa; and sarsasapogenin, diosgenin, and neotigogenin acetate for fenugreek). Interindividual differences were observed, but the highest production of sapogenins corresponded to quinoa (90 μg/mL) and fenugreek (70 μg/mL) extracts, being minor for lentil (4 μg/mL). Lentil and quinoa extracts showed a general antimicrobial effect, mainly on lactic acid bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. Significant increases of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. were observed for fenugreek in one volunteer. Thus, the transformation of saponin-rich extracts of quinoa, lentil, and fenugreek to sapogenins by human gut microbiota is demonstrated, exhibiting a modulatory effect on the growth of selected intestinal bacteria.

In vitro digestibility and bioaccessibility of lipid-based delivery systems obtained via enzymatic glycerolysis: a case study of rosemary extract bioaccessibility

The effect of enzymatic glycerolysis on digestibility, bioaccessibility of ratfish liver oil rich in alkylglycerols, and the capability of the glycerolysis product to act as lipid-based delivery system for a supercritical rosemary extract was studied.

Nanoemulsions and acidified milk gels as a strategy for improving stability and antioxidant activity of yarrow phenolic compounds after gastrointestinal digestion

The aim of this study was to improve the stability and antioxidant activity of yarrow phenolic compounds upon an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, two types of caseins-based delivery systems, sodium caseinate stabilized nanoemulsions (NEs) and glucono delta-lactone acidified milk gels (MGs), were formulated containing an ultrasound-assisted yarrow extract (YE) at two concentrations (1 and 2.5 mg/mL). Formulations with 1 mg/mL of YE were chosen based on their higher encapsulation efficiency to perform the in vitro digestion experiments. After digestion, YE-loaded NEs only partially protected phenolic compounds from degradation; meanwhile the phenolic composition of YE including in MGs after digestion was quite similar to undigested YE. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of MGs after digestion was higher than NEs digested samples, which confirms the higher protection of YE phenolic compound by the milk gels systems. This research demonstrated the potential use of acidified MGs as carriers to improve the stability and antioxidant activity of yarrow phenolic compounds. Therefore, these matrices could be employed to develop new dairy products enriched with phenolic compounds.

Precision Nutrition and Cancer Relapse Prevention: A Systematic Literature Review

Cancer mortality rates are undergoing a global downward trend; however, metastasis and relapse after surgery and adjuvant treatments still correlate with poor prognosis and represent the most significant challenges in the treatment of this disease. Advances in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics are improving our understanding regarding cancer metabolic diversity, resulting in detailed classifications of tumors and raising the effectiveness of precision medicine. Likewise, the growing knowledge of interactions between nutrients and the expression of certain genes could lead to cancer therapies based on precision nutrition strategies. This review aims to identify the recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanistic role of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in order to assess their potential use in precision nutrition therapies targeting relapse in lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer, and leukemia. A considerable number of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs were identified in the literature with proven effects modulating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In addition, the use of foodstuffs in cancer, and specifically in relapse therapies, is being reinforced by the development of different formulations that significantly increase the therapeutic efficiency of these products. This can open the possibility for testing combinations of bioactive phytochemicals with cancer relapse treatments as a potential prevention strategy.

Protective effect of hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract in a comparative study of the oxidative stability of Echium oil

The oxidative stability of Echium oil has been studied by two accelerated oxidation methodologies namely Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry at selected temperatures in the range 50-110 °C. Kinetic analyses have provided Arrhenius parameters, oxidative stability indexes (OSI), temperature coefficients (t_coef), Q₁₀ and OSI at 20 °C (OSI₂₀) for both methodologies focussing on secondary and tertiary oxidation products. Peroxide, p-anisidine and polar compounds values have been measured to characterize from primary to tertiary oxidation products. In general, susceptibility of this oil to oxidation has been found to be larger than for other vegetable oils, according to the OSI₂₀ values estimated by Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry. However, the values of t_coeff and Q₁₀ are found to be similar to those described for vegetable oils. In addition, a study of the influence of two antioxidants, namely hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract on the oxidative stability of Echium oil has been carried out using both methodologies. Protective effects over oxidation by up to a threefold increase of OSI₂₀ values have been found for both antioxidants at the highest dose utilized.

GCKR rs780094 Polymorphism as A Genetic Variant Involved in Physical Exercise

Exercise performance is influenced by genetics. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the role played by genetic variability in the frequency of physical exercise practice. The objective was to identify genetic variants that modulate the commitment of people to perform physical exercise and to detect those subjects with a lower frequency practice. A total of 451 subjects were genotyped for 64 genetic variants related to inflammation, circadian rhythms, vascular function as well as energy, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Physical exercise frequency question and a Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ) were used to qualitatively and quantitatively measure the average amount of physical exercise. Dietary intake and energy expenditure due to physical activity were also studied. Differences between genotypes were analyzed using linear and logistic models adjusted for Bonferroni. A significant association between GCKR rs780094 and the times the individuals performed physical exercise was observed (p = 0.004). The carriers of the minor allele showed a greater frequency of physical exercise in comparison to the major homozygous genotype carriers (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.36-2.56). The analysis of the GCKR rs780094 variant suggests a possible association with the subjects that present lower frequency of physical exercise. Nevertheless, future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Acid hydrolysis of saponin-rich extracts of quinoa, lentil, fenugreek and soybean to yield sapogenin-rich extracts and other bioactive compounds

BACKGROUND

Typical hydrolysis times of saponins generally do not take into consideration the effect of time on the degradation of the target compounds, namely sapogenins. When producing natural extracts, it should be borne in mind that conducting hydrolysis to yield a target compound might also affect the final composition of the extracts in terms of other bioactive compounds. In our study, saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek, quinoa, lentil, and soybean were produced and their acid hydrolysis to give sapogenin-rich extracts was conducted over different periods (0-6 h). The disappearance of saponins and appearance of sapogenins was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The impact of hydrolysis on the phytosterols and tocopherol in the extracts was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Fenugreek showed the highest saponin content (169 g kg-1 ), followed by lentil (20 g kg-1 ), quinoa (15 g kg-1 ), and soybean (13 g kg-1 ). Hydrolysis for 1 h caused the complete disappearance of saponins and the greatest release of sapogenins. Hydrolyzed fenugreek and quinoa extracts contained the highest amounts of sapogenins and minor fractions of phytosterols and tocopherol. Hydrolyzed extracts of lentil and soybean contained a major fraction of phytosterols and a low fraction of sapogenins. In all cases, sapogenins decreased after 1 h of hydrolysis, phytosterols slightly decreased, and tocopherol was unaffected. Standards of diosgenin and oleanolic acid also showed this decreasing pattern under acid hydrolysis conditions.

CONCLUSION

Hydrolysis times of 1 h for saponin-rich extracts from the assayed seeds guarantee the maximum transformation to sapogenin-rich extracts, along with phytosterols and tocopherol. Fenugreek and quinoa seeds are preferred for this. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protein matrices ensure safe and functional delivery of rosmarinic acid from marjoram (Origanum majorana) extracts

BACKGROUND

To understand the interactions between carriers and functional ingredients is crucial when designing delivery systems, to maximize bioefficacy and functionality. In this study, two different protein matrices were evaluated as means to protect the extract isolated from marjoram leaves (Origanum majorana), casein micelles from fresh skim milk and soy protein isolate (SPI).

RESULTS

Marjoram extract was obtained from pressurization of ethanol and water solvent. Protein dispersions of casein and SPI (5 g L-1 each) with or without marjoram extract (0.1-3 mg mL-1 ) were prepared and homogenized. The physicochemical characterization of charge and entrapment efficiency were conducted. The results demonstrated that entrapment efficiency was highly dependent on the carrier itself where SPI formulations showed 20% higher affinity when compared to casein micelles. To investigate the physiological behaviour of the marjoram-protein dispersions, human macrophages were employed. A non-specific inflammatory response of macrophages stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide was measured for TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine secretion.

CONCLUSION

Casein and SPI protein formulations warranted high bioefficacy of marjoram extract, showing their potential as safe carriers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective effect of hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract in a comparative study of the oxidative stability of Echium oil

The oxidative stability of Echium oil has been studied by two accelerated oxidation methodologies namely Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry at selected temperatures in the range 50-110 °C. Kinetic analyses have provided Arrhenius parameters, oxidative stability indexes (OSI), temperature coefficients (t_coef), Q₁₀ and OSI at 20 °C (OSI₂₀) for both methodologies focussing on secondary and tertiary oxidation products. Peroxide, p-anisidine and polar compounds values have been measured to characterize from primary to tertiary oxidation products. In general, susceptibility of this oil to oxidation has been found to be larger than for other vegetable oils, according to the OSI₂₀ values estimated by Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry. However, the values of t_coeff and Q₁₀ are found to be similar to those described for vegetable oils. In addition, a study of the influence of two antioxidants, namely hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract on the oxidative stability of Echium oil has been carried out using both methodologies. Protective effects over oxidation by up to a threefold increase of OSI₂₀ values have been found for both antioxidants at the highest dose utilized.

Association of calcium and dairy product consumption with childhood obesity and the presence of a Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor-Antisense (BDNF-AS) polymorphism

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Calcium and dairy products have multiple health benefits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the association between calcium/dairy intake, blood pressure, the BDNF-AS rs925946 polymorphism and nutritional status in a group of schoolchildren.

METHODS

As part of the GENYAL study to childhood obesity prevention, 221 children belonging to different areas of the Community of Madrid were enrolled. Anthropometric and dietary data were collected, and children were genotyped according to the rs925946 polymorphism. Adjusted logistic and linear models were used to describe the data.

RESULTS

A significantly lower consumption of calcium in overweight versus normal weight children was observed (811.0 ± 174.1; 859.0 ± 195.9; 954.0 ± 223.1 mg; for obesity, overweight and normal weight, respectively, p = 0.010). Moreover, an inverse association between blood pressures and calcium intake was detected (β = -0.006 (-0.011, -3e^-4)), p = 0.040. The number of dairy servings/day showed a protective effect against overweight (OR = 0.48 (0.29, 0.75), p = 0.001). Finally, common homozygous children (GG) showed an inverse association between the calcium intake and the BMI (β = -0.003 (-0.006, -0.001), p = 0.004), which was not observed in children carrying the T allele (β = -1.3e^-4 (-0.0022, 0.0024), p = 0.93).

CONCLUSION

Calcium and dairy were strongly associated with the nutritional status and blood pressure. The identification of differential effects of calcium/dairy consumption on the nutritional status according to genetics may contribute to the personalization of future nutritional advice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.govNCT03419520.

Characteristics and determinants of dietary intake and physical activity in a group of patients with multiple chemical sensitivity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, acquired, chronic syndrome of multifactorial etiology with multiple symptoms. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional habits, dietary characteristics and physical activity, as well as their determinants, of a population diagnosed with MCS, which may allow for a more precise approach to nutritional improvement.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A descriptive, cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with MCS. Information was collected using adapted questionnaires. Data included presence of comorbidities, nutritional (use of supplements, types of diet) and food purchasing habits. Dietary intake, food intolerances, and physical activity were also recorded.

RESULTS

The study included of 52 patients (48 female) aged 50.9±10.3 years. Diagnosis of MCS was commonly associated to chronic fatigue syndrome (70.1%), fibromyalgia (65.4%), or electrosensitivity (51.9%). The most common comorbidities were irritable bowel, gastroesophageal reflux, and depression/anxiety-depressive disorder. Exclusion diets were followed by 57.7%, 52.1% commonly used supplements (6.4±5.2 per person), and 16.0% took more than 10 daily. A high proportion of volunteers did not take the recommended amounts of dairy products (84.3%), fruit (82.3%), and cereals (64.7%), the foods to which intolerance was greatest. As regards physical activity, active subjects only represented 12.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The data collected support the need to improve food pattern and to perform physical activity according to individual characteristics. Nutritional education and diet personalization could prevent incomplete, monotonous, and unbalanced diets which impair quality of life and physiological status.

ABCA1 overexpression worsens colorectal cancer prognosis by facilitating tumour growth and caveolin-1-dependent invasiveness, and these effects can be ameliorated using the BET inhibitor apabetalone

At the time of diagnosis, 20% of patients with colorectal cancer present metastasis. Among individuals with primary lesions, 50% of them will develop distant tumours with time. Therefore, early diagnosis and prediction of aggressiveness is crucial for therapy design and disease prognosis. Tumoral cells must undergo significant changes in energy metabolism to meet increased structural and energetic demands for cell proliferation, and metabolic alterations are considered to be a hallmark of cancer. Here, we present the ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABCA1), a regulator of cholesterol transport, as a new marker for invasion and colorectal cancer survival. ABCA1 is significantly overexpressed in patients at advanced stages of colorectal cancer, and its overexpression confers proliferative advantages together with caveolin‐1 dependent‐increased migratory and invasive capacities. Thus, intracellular cholesterol imbalances mediated by ABCA1 overexpression may contribute to primary tumour growth and dissemination to distant locations. Furthermore, we demonstrate here that increased levels of apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), a protein involved in cholesterol efflux and high‐density lipoprotein constitution, in the extracellular compartment modulates expression of ABCA1 by regulating COX‐2, and compensate for ABCA1‐dependent excessive export of cholesterol. APOA1 emerges as a new therapeutic option to inhibit the promotion of colorectal cancer to metastasis by modulating intracellular cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, we propose apabetalone, an orally available small molecule that is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of atherosclerosis, as a new putative therapeutic option to prevent colorectal cancer progression by increasing APOA1 expression and regulating reverse transport of cholesterol.

Identification of antitumoral agents against human pancreatic cancer cells from Asteraceae and Lamiaceae plant extracts

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and mortal cancers. Although several drugs have been proposed for its treatment, it remains resistant and new alternatives are needed. In this context, plants and their derivatives constitute a relevant source of bioactive components which might efficiently inhibit tumor cell progression.

Methods

In this study, we have analyzed the potential anti-carcinogenic effect of different Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis) and Lamiaceae (Melissa officinalis and Origanum majorana) plant extracts obtained by different green technologies (Supercritical CO₂ Extraction –SFE- and Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction –UAE-) to identify efficient plant extracts against human pancreatic cancer cells that could constitute the basis of novel treatment approaches.

Results

Asteraceae extracts showed better results as antitumoral agents than Lamiaceae by inducing cytotoxicity and inhibiting cell transformation, and SFE extracts were most efficient than UAE extracts. In addition, SFE derived plant extracts from Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis displayed synergism with the chemotherapeutic 5-Fluororacil.

Conclusion

These results show how Yarrow and Marigold SFE-derived extracts can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth, and could be proposed for a comprehensive study to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in their bioactivity with the final aim to propose them as potential adjuvants in pancreatic cancer therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2322-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Precision dietary guidelines and ingredients for chronic diseases in pre-senior and senior populations]

The aging of the population underlines an important challenge for the health system not only from sanitary and economic reasons but also by quality perspectives concerning preventive care, where precision nutrition (PN) and the prescription or advice on healthy habits becomes relevant. PN focuses on provide nutrition adapted to each individual, understanding that the prevention or treatment of chronic disorders (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) must be addressed in a comprehensive way, considering not only relevant personal and clinical information, but also healthy aging and phenotypical and genotypical features. This guide was prepared due to the need to develop precision nutritional models that allow individualized nutritional treatment for each subject and physiopathological particularities with emphasis on the elderly. Therefore, the requirements of the Spanish pre-senior and senior populations, dietary recommendations and precision foods are reviewed in this document: have at least three daily meals, reduce total calories, choose a varied and balanced diet with fresh foods and high nutritional density, add vegetables, legumes and fish, consume dairy products and fiber, prefer white meat instead of red, avoid fried foods, sausages and processed foods, moderate the consumption of salt, coffee and alcohol, and get hydrated.

Supercritical anti-solvent fractionation for improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of an Achillea millefolium L. extract

Achillea millefolium L. is a plant widely used in traditional medicine. Nowadays, there is a growing concern about the study of its bioactive properties in order to develop food and nutraceutical formulations. Supercritical anti-solvent fractionation (SAF) of an A. millefollium extract was carried out to improve its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. A selective precipitation of phenolic compounds was achieved in the precipitation vessel fractions, which presented an antioxidant activity twice than original extract, especially when fractionation was carried out at 10 MPa. The main phenolic components identified in this fraction were luteolin-7-O-glucoside, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 6-hidroxyluteolin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-glucoside. However, separator fractions presented higher anti-inflammatory activity than precipitation vessel ones, particularly at 15 MPa. This fact could be related to separator fractions enrichment in anti-inflammatory compounds, mainly camphor, artemisia ketone and borneol. Therefore, SAF produced a concentration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that could be used as high-added valued ingredients.

Acute and repeated dose (28 days) oral safety studies of phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol

Phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol, a carrier of hydroxytyrosol under the form of phospholipid with high antioxidant capacity, is being actively studied as a potential ingredient of functional foods and supplements. To support the safety, phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol has been examined in an acute and in a 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity studies in rats. Phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol administered in a single oral gavage dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight (bw) resulted in no adverse events or mortality. In addition, phosphatidyl-hydroxytyrosol administered as a daily dose of 2000 mg/kg bw for 28 days by gavage resulted in no adverse events or mortality. No evidence or treatment related toxicity was detected during both studies. Data analysis of body weight gain, food consumption, clinical observations, blood biochemical, haematology, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings did not show significant differences between control and treated groups. It is concluded that phosphatidyl-hydroxytirosol orally administered to rats was safe and that no treatment-related toxicity was detected even at the high doses investigated in both acute (2000 mg/kg bw) and repeated dose (28-day) oral (2000 mg/kg bw) toxicity studies.

Inhibitory effect of quinoa and fenugreek extracts on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase under in vitro traditional conditions or intestinal simulated conditions

Ethanol extracts (EE) from fenugreek and quinoa seeds with different total content of inhibitory compounds (TIC, total saponin plus phenolic) were prepared with and without concentration of TIC (CEE -concentrated EE-, and EE, respectively). Their inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase was assessed by traditional in vitro methods (with or without orbital shaking), and by simulating intestinal digestion. CEE contained higher contents of TIC than EE, being fenugreek superior to quinoa (p < 0.001). The extracts inhibited enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, CEE extracts being stronger (fenugreek for lipase -p = 0.009-, and quinoa for α-amylase -p < 0.001-). Shaking did not impact the activity. Intestinal conditions worsened the inhibition of lipase, but slightly catalyzed the α-amylase. Longer times of reaction worsened activities. The importance of assessing the inhibitory activity of extracts under simulated intestinal conditions is concluded, being fenugreek more interesting than quinoa, especially against pancreatic lipase.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and bioaccessibility of saponins from edible seeds: quinoa, lentil, fenugreek, soybean and lupin

The efficient production of saponin-rich extracts is of increasing interest due to the bioactive properties that have being demonstrated for these compounds. However, saponins have a poor bioavailability. In this respect, the knowledge about the bioaccessibility of saponins as a first step before bioavailability has been scarcely explored. In this study, the production of ultrasound-assisted extracts of saponins from edible seeds (quinoa, soybean, red lentil, fenugreek and lupin) was carried out with ethanol, ethanol:water or water. Extraction yield, total saponin (TSC), fat and total phenolics content (TPC) were determined. Then, the bioaccessibility of saponins after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the extracts was determined and the effect of TPC and fat in the extracts on bioaccessibility was evaluated. The highest saponin-rich extracts were obtained by ethanol, being fenugreek and red lentil the richest extracts (12% and 10%, respectively). Saponins from ethanol:water extracts displayed variable bioaccessibility (from 13% for fenugreek to 83% for lentil), but a bioaccessibility closer to 100% was reached for all ethanol extracts. Correlation studies showed that TPC of the extracts negatively affected the bioaccessibility of saponins, whereas fat of the extracts enhanced this parameter. As summary, ultrasound-assisted extraction is shown as an efficient method for obtaining saponin-rich extracts from edible seeds, being ethanol the most advantageous solvent due to the richness of saponins and the successful bioaccessibility from these extracts, likely caused by the co-extracted fat with ethanol. Regardless of the extracts, phenolic compounds or fat may hinder or enhance the bioaccessibility of saponins, respectively. Additionally, an adequate balance between saponins to lipids has shown to be relevant on such an effect.

Novel Polyphenols That Inhibit Colon Cancer Cell Growth Affecting Cancer Cell Metabolism

New series of polyphenols with a hydrophilic galloyl-based head and a hydrophobic N-acyl tail, linked through a serinol moiety, have been synthesized and tested against colon cancer cell growth. Our structure activity relationship studies revealed that galloyl moieties are essential for growth inhibition. Moreover, the length of the N-acyl chain is crucial for the activity. Introduction of a (Z) double bond in the acyl chain increased the anticancer properties. Our findings demonstrate that 16, the most potent compound within this series, has inhibitory effects on colon cancer cell growth and metabolism (glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration) at the same time that it activates 5'AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and induces apoptotic cell death. Based on these results, we propose that 16 might reprogram colon cancer cell metabolism through AMPK activation. This might lead to alterations on cancer cell bioenergy compromising cancer cell viability. Importantly, these antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects are selective for cancer cells. Accordingly, these results indicate that 16, with an unsaturated C18 chain, might be a useful prototype for the development of novel colon cancer cell growth inhibitors affecting cell metabolism.

Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) as an Innovative Green Technology for the Effective Enrichment of Galician Algae Extracts with High Quality Fatty Acids and Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties

Marine organisms are potentially prolific sources of high qualify fatty acids that represent useful leads in the development of new nutraceutical agents. In this work, we investigated the lipid composition of six algae species from the Northwest of Spain (Ulva intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, Fucus vesiculosus,Dictyota dichotoma, Cystoseira baccata and Himanthalia elongata) and compared the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Furthermore, Fucus vesiculosus (F. vesiculosus) PLE using five solvents of different polarities (hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol and ethanol:water 50:50) at three temperatures (80 °C, 120 °C and 160 °C) was investigated. F. vesiculosus ethanolic PLE extract presents considerably higher capacity of inhibiting 50% of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) (IC50 = 7.17 μg/mL) in comparison with the rest of macroalgae studied. Moreover, the potential antimicrobial activity tested on E. coli and S. aureus shows that F. vesiculosus extract produced the best inhibition (IC50 was 2.24 mg/mL (E. coli) and 1.27 mg/mL (S. aureus)). Furthermore, regarding the different solvents and temperatures used to investigate F. vesiculosus PLE, results showed that this technique using ethyl acetate is a selective method to enrich long chain fatty acids (oleic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) with ω-6/ω-3 ratios close to 2.7.