Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of fruit extract of Hodgsonia heteroclita (Roxb.) Hook. f. & Thomson in diabetic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hodgsonia heteroclita has been known as an important traditionally consumed medicinal plant of North-East India known to have antidiabetic properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of the ethanolic fruit extract of Hodgsonia heteroclita against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by using streptozotocin (STZ) treated diabetic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fruits of H. heteroclita were collected from the various parts of Kokrajhar district, Assam India (Geographic coordinates: 26°24'3.85″ N 90°16'22.30″ E). Basic morphological evaluations were carried out by the Botanical Survey of India, Eastern circle, Shillong, who also certified and identified the plant. Hexane, chloroform, and ethanolic extracts of the fruit of H. heteroclita were investigated for α-amylase inhibition assay as a rapid screening tool for examining anti-diabetic activity. The efficacy of ethanolic extract at a dose of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight was tested for 21 days in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The body weight, fasting plasma glucose and serum lipids, and hepatic glycogen levels were measured in experimental animals to examine the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic efficacy of the extract. Both HPTLC and LC-MS analysis was performed to examine the phyotochemicals present in the ethanolic extract of H. heteroclita.

RESULTS

It has been observed that treatment with the ethanolic extract dose-dependently reduced the plasma glucose levels, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and increased the body weight, liver glycogens and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in STZ treated diabetic mice. HPTLC demonstrated the presence of triterpene compounds and LC-MS analysis revealed the presence Cucurbitacin I, Cucurbitacin E, and Kuguacin G as the triterpene phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that ethanolic fruit extract of H. heteroclita improved both glycemic and lipid parameters in mice model of diabetes.

Low temperature Raman spectroscopic study of anharmonic and spin-phonon coupled quasi-two dimensional rare earth based francisites

Mineral francisites Cu3Bi(SeO3)2O2Cl are unique compounds with interesting quasi two-dimensional structure along with fascinating magnetic properties. The magnetic properties can be fine-tuned when non-magnetic Bi is replaced by a suitable rare earth (RE) metal. It is because of the inclusion of additional magnetic sub-centre RE apart from Cu. Temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy measurements in RE based francisites [Cu3RE(SeO3)2O2Cl, shortly RECufr] were performed in the range of 11 K-295 K. Among the three studied RECufr (LaCufr, NdCufr, and DyCufr) compounds, the properties of phonon vibration vary from moderate (in DyCufr) to weak (in LaCufr) spin phonon coupled and the absence of spin phonon coupling (SPC) (i.e. strictly anharmonic in nature) was observed in NdCufr and the reason for this observation has been provided. More specifically, two Raman-active phonons soften below the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature ofTN≈ 39 K in DyCufr compound, indicating the existence of moderate SPC. This trend of phonon vibration is correlated with magnetic properties, particularly field induced metamagnetic transition (MMT). Strong MMT enabled DyCufr develops SPC, while weak MMT enabled NdCufr is unable to develop SPC.

Alleviation of Diabetic Retinopathy by Glucose-Triggered Delivery of Vitamin D via Dextran-Gated Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common retinal disorder, developed in 35% of patients with diabetes mellitus. Lower serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are associated with the increased risk of developing DR. High doses of the active form of vitamin D (VD), on the contrary, for a long period of time may lead to hypercalcemia and an imbalance in the regulation of bone metabolism. Herein, we studied the efficacy of dextran-gated carboxyphenylboronic acid (CPBA)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for glucose-sensitive delivery of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to modulate cellular oxidative stress and inflammation for managing DR. The physical adsorption technique was employed to load VD onto nanoparticles (263.63 μg/mg (w/w)). In the presence of glucose, the dextran molecules detach from pores, allowing VD to release since glucose has 1,2-cis diol groups which have very high affinity to CPBA. Approximately 75% of VD was released upon exposure to 25 mM glucose at a time point of 10 h, demonstrating glucose-responsive delivery. Furthermore, MSN-CPBA was able to deliver VD in a glucose-dependent manner and improve the bioavailability of VD. In high-glucose-supplemented human retinal cells, MSN-CPBA increased the bioavailability of VD and reduced cellular oxidative stress and inflammation. The results suggested that the VD-loaded nanocarrier exerted remarkable therapeutic capacity in reducing the risk of developing DR. By using MSN-CPBA as a delivery platform with dextran gating, the research proposes an effective treatment approach for improving the bioavailability and effectiveness of a hydrophobic molecule in the treatment of DR.

Anti-diabetic and anti-urease inhibition potential of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. seeds through a bioassay-guided approach

Using HPLC-PDA and HRMS analysis, five compounds p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, quercetin, trans-ferulic and gallic acid were identified in seeds of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. The GC-MS analysis identified 1-dodecanol, phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), Oleic Acid and 1-Heptacosanol which possess anti-diabetic properpties. A bioassay-guided technique was used to determine the degree of inhibition that A. dealbatum seeds crude methanol extract and its most active sub-fraction had against the α-glucosidase and Helicobacter pylori urease enzymes. In the Rat L6 myoblast cell line, glucose absorption through the GLUT4 transporter of most active subfraction (EASF80) was examined. According to a molecular docking investigation, these compounds strongly interacted with the GLUT4 transporter, H pylori and α-glucosidase enzyme. Sinapic acid interacted most strongly with the H. pylori urease enzyme while gallic acid interacted with both the α-glucosidase enzyme and the GLUT4 transporter. Additionally, a molecular docking simulation study was carried out to recognise the stability of the complexes.

Anti-diabetic and anti-urease potential of Osbeckia nutans Wall. leaves

A study was conducted to investigate the anti-diabetic and anti-urease potential of Osbeckia nutans leaves (ONL). Six compounds, i.e. quercetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, shikimic acid, catechin, trans-ferulic acid and luteolin were identified from the butanol sub-fraction, BE2 and the ethyl acetate sub-fraction, EA5 of ONL. BE2 inhibited α-glucosidase and Jack bean urease with IC50 values of 0.036 μg/mL (437.46 μg/mL for acarbose) and 0.327 mg/mL (0.039 mg/mL for thiourea), respectively. In the glucose uptake experiment, BE2 (0.05 mg/mL) treatment resulted in a substantial increase in glucose uptake in free fatty acid (FFA)-treated cells at a concentration 10 times lower than that seen in EA5 (0.5 mg/mL) treated cells. The binding energies of quercetin-3-O-glucoside with α-glucosidase, glucose transporter GLUT4 and H. pylori urease were found to be -94.2585, -219.8271 and -254.391 kcal/mol, respectively. This study revealed that ONL has anti-diabetic and anti-urease abilities and further in-depth research may unveil its full potential.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Drug Delivery Vehicles for Antidiabetic Molecules

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising nanomaterials that are widely used in biomedical applications like drug delivery, diagnosis, bio-sensing and cell tracking. MSNs have been investigated meticulously in the drug-delivery field due to their unique chemical and pharmacokinetic properties, such as highly ordered mesopores, high surface area and pore volume, tuneable pore size, stability, surface functionalisation, and biocompatibility. MSN-based nanocomposites have been used to deliver therapeutic molecules like insulin, GLP-1, exenatide, DPP-4 inhibitor and plasmid-containing GLP-1 genes for managing diabetes mellitus for the last decade. The functionalisation properties of MSNs make them substantially capable of the co-delivery, controlled delivery and stimuli-responsive delivery of antidiabetic drugs. This review focuses on the delivery of antidiabetic therapeutics with special emphasis on the functionalisation of MSNs and stimuli-responsive delivery.

Potential inhibitors for FKBP51: an in silico study using virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Over the years, FK506-binding proteins have been targeted for different pharmaceutical interests. The FK506-binding protein, encoded by the FKBP5 gene, is responsible for stress and metabolic-related disorders, including cancer. In addition, the FKBD-I domain of the protein is a potential target for endocrine-related physiological diseases. In the present study, a set of natural compounds from the ZINC database was screened against FKBP51 protein using in silico strategy, namely pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation. A protein-ligand-based pharmacophore model workflow was employed to identify small molecules. The resultant compounds were then assessed for their toxicity using ADMET prediction. Based on ADMET prediction, 4768 compounds were selected for molecular docking to elucidate their binding mode. Based on the binding energy, 857 compounds were selected, and their Similarity Tanimoto coefficient was calculated, followed by clustering according to Jarvis-Patrick clustering methods (Jarp). The clustered singletons resulted in 14 hit compounds. The top 05 hit compounds and 05 known compounds were then subjected to 100 ns MD simulation to check the stability of complexes. The study revealed that the selected complexes are stable throughout the 100 ns simulation; for FKBD-I (4TW6), crystal structure compared with FKBP-51 (1KT0) crystal structure. Finally, the binding free energies of the hit complexes were calculated using molecular mechanics energies combined with Poisson-Boltzmann. The data reveal that all the complexes show negative BFEs, indicating a good affinity of the hit compounds to the protein. The top five compounds are, therefore, potential inhibitors for FKBP51. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A popular fermented soybean food of Northeast India exerted promising antihyperglycemic potential via stimulating PI3K/AKT/AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathways and regulating muscle glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes

This study examined the antidiabetic efficacy of popular fermented soybean foods (FSF) of Northeast (NE) India. Results showed that among different FSF, aqueous extract of Hawaijar (AEH), a traditional FSF of Manipur, NE India, significantly augmented glucose utilization in cultured myotubes treated with high glucose (HG, 25 mM). Furthermore, AEH also upregulated glucose uptake, glucose-6-phosphate level, and phopho-PI3K/phospho-AKT/phospho-AMPK/GLUT4 protein expression in HG-treated myotubes. In vivo studies demonstrated that AEH supplementation (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight/day, oral gavaging, 16 weeks) reduced body weight, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance in rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). AEH supplementation stimulated phopho-PI3K/phospho-AKT/phospho-AMPK/GLUT4 signaling cascades involved in glucose metabolism of muscle tissues in diabetic rats. Chemical profiling of AEH (SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and HRMS) suggests the possible role of bioactive proteins/peptides and isoflavones underlying the antihyperglycemic potential AEH. Results from this study will be helpful for developing food-based prophylactics/therapeutics in managing hyperglycemia. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fermented soybean foods are gaining acceptance due to multiple health benefits. This study for the first time reports the antidiabetic potential of Hawaijar, an indigenous fermented soybean food of North-East India. Higher abundance of bioactive compounds (isoflavones and proteins/peptides) in Hawaijar may be responsible for the alleviation of impaired glucose metabolism associated with diabetes. The findings may be helpful for the development of a novel therapeutic to achieve better control of hyperglycemia and improve the lives of the patient population with diabetes.

Seroepidemiological and genomic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 spread in North East region of India

Purpose

Seroepidemiology and genomic surveillance are valuable tools to investigate infection transmission during a pandemic. North East (NE) India is a strategically important region being the gateway connecting the country with Southeast Asia. Here, we examined the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in NE India during the first and second waves of COVID-19 using serological and whole genome sequencing approaches.

Methods

qRT-PCR analysis was performed on a selected population (n ​= ​16,295) from June 2020 to July 2021, and metadata was collected. Immunoassays were studied (n ​= ​2026) at three-time points (August 2020, February 2021, and June 2021) and in a cohort (n ​= ​35) for a year. SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes (n ​= ​914) were sequenced and analyzed with those obtained from the databases.

Results

Test positivity rates (TPR) in the first and second waves were 6.34% and 6.64% in Assam, respectively, and a similar pattern was observed in other NE states. Seropositivity in the three time points was 10.63%, 40.3%, and 46.33%, respectively, and neutralizing antibody prevalence was 90.91%, 52.14%, and 69.30%, respectively. Persistence of pan-IgG-N SARS-CoV-2 antibody for over a year was observed among three subjects in the cohort group. Normal variants dominated the first wave, while B.1.617.2 and AY-sublineages dominated the second wave in the region. The prevalence of the variants co-related well with high TPR and seropositivity rate in the region and identified mostly among vaccinated individuals.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 first wave in the region witnessed low transmission with the evolution of diverse variants. Seropositivity increased during the study period with over half of the individuals carrying neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. High infection and seroprevalence in NE India during the second wave were associated with the dominant emergence of variants of concern.

Carnosic acid attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and its concomitant pathological consequences

This work aimed to reveal the protective mechanism of CA against Dox (doxorubicin)-induced cardiotoxicity. In isolated murine cardiomyocytes, CA showed a concentration-dependent cytoprotective effect against Dox. Dox treatment significantly (p < 0.01) increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased NO levels, activated NADPH oxidase, and inactivated the cellular redox defense mechanism in cardiac cells, resulting in augmented oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes and rat hearts. Dox-induced oxidative stress significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated several pathogenic signal transductions, which induced apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in cardiomyocytes and murine hearts. In contrast, CA significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) reciprocated Dox-induced cardiac apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress and interfering with pathological signaling events in both isolated murine cardiomyocytes and rat hearts. CA treatment significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) countered Dox-mediated pathological changes in blood parameters in rats. Histological examinations backed up the pharmacological findings. In silico chemometric investigations predicted potential interactions between CA and studied signal proteins, as well as the drug-like features of CA. Thus, it would be concluded that CA has the potential to be regarded as an effective agent to alleviate Dox-mediated cardiotoxicity in the future.

Current perspectives on the anti-inflammatory potential of fermented soy foods

Fermented soy foods (FSF) are gaining significant attention due to promising health benefits. In recent years, FSF are being studied extensively due to the presence of diverse functional ingredients including active isoflavones and peptides along with essential micronutrients. The process of fermentation is responsible for the enrichment of various bioactive principles in soy-based fermented foods and exclusion of some anti-nutrient factors which are found predominantly in raw soybeans. Emerging evidence suggests that FSF possess immense therapeutic potential against inflammation and associated pathological complications. Extracts prepared from various FSF (e.g. fermented soy paste, milk, and sauce) were found to exert promising anti-inflammatory effects in numerous in vitro and in vivo settings. Moreover, clinical findings highlighted an inverse relationship between consumption of FSF and the prevalence of chronic inflammatory disorders among the communities which habitually consume fermented soy products. Molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory role of FSF have been delineated in many literatures which collectively suggest that FSF extracts have regulatory actions over the expression and/or activity of several proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress markers, and some other factors involved in the inflammatory pathways. The present review discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of FSF with mechanistic insights based upon the available findings from cell culture, preclinical, and clinical investigations.

Iridoid glycoside isolated from Wendlandia glabrata and the role of its enriched fraction in regulating AMPK/PEPCK/G6Pase signaling pathway of hepatic gluconeogenesis

Phytochemical investigation of W. glabrata and antihyperglycemic potential of isolated novel iridoid glycoside enriched fraction in CC1 hepatocytes and STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Antidiabetic potential of soy protein/peptide: A therapeutic insight

Soybean (Glycine max) harbours high quality proteins which have been evident to exhibit therapeutic properties in alleviating many diseases including but not limited to diabetes and its related metabolic complications. Since diabetes is often manifested with hyperglycemia, impaired energy homeostasis and even low-grade chronic inflammation, plenty of information has raised the suggestion for soy protein supplementation in preventing and controlling these abnormalities. Moreover, clinical intervention studies have established a noteworthy correlation between soy protein intake and lower prevalence of diabetes. Besides soy protein, various soy-derived peptides also have been found to trigger antidiabetic response in different in vitro and in vivo models. Molecular mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic actions of soy protein and peptide have been predicted in many literatures. Results demonstrate that components of soy protein can act in diversified ways and modulate various cell signaling pathways to bring energy homeostasis and to regulate inflammatory parameters associated with diabetic pathophysiology. The main objective of the present review lies in a systemic understanding of antidiabetic role of soy protein and peptide in the context of impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation.

Evaluation of therapeutic effect of Premna herbacea in diabetic rat and isoverbascoside against insulin resistance in L6 muscle cells through bioenergetics and stimulation of JNK and AKT/mTOR signaling cascade

BACKGROUND

Premna herbacea Roxb., a perennial herb is well documented for its therapeutic uses among the traditional health care-givers of Assam, India. Scientific validation on the traditional use of the medicinal plant using modern technology may promote further research in health care.

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of methanolic extract of P. herbacea (MEPH) against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its phytochemical(s) in ameliorating insulin resistance (IR), thereby endorsing the plant bioactives as effective anti-hyperglycemic agents.

METHODS

The anti-diabetic potential of the plant extract was explored both in L6 muscle cells and high fructose high fat diet (HF-HFD) fed male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Bioactivity guided fractionation and isolation procedure yielded Verbascoside and Isoverbascoside (ISOVER) as bioactive and major phytochemicals in P. herbacea. The bioenergetics profile of bioactive ISOVER and its anti-hyperglycemic potential was validated in vitro by XFe24 analyzer, glucose uptake assay and intracellular ROS generation by flourometer, FACS and confocal microscopy. The potential of ISOVER was also checked by screening various protein markers via immunoblotting.

RESULTS

MEPH enhanced glucose uptake in FFA-induced insulin resistant (IR) L6 muscle cells and decreased elevated blood glucose levels in HF-HFD fed rats. Isoverbascoside (ISOVER) was identified as most bioactive phytochemical for the first time from the plant in the Premna genus. ISOVER activated the protein kinase B/AMP-activated protein kinase signaling cascades and enhanced glucose uptake in IR-L6 muscle cells. ISOVER decreased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and increased that of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), thereby attenuating IR. However, molecular docking revealed that ISOVER increases insulin sensitivity by targeting the JNK1 kinase as a competitive inhibitor rather than mTOR. These findings were further supported by the bioenergetics profile of ISOVER.

CONCLUSION

This study for the first time depicts the functional properties of ISOVER, derived from Premna herbacea, in ameliorating IR. The phytochemical significantly altered IR with enhanced glucose uptake and inhibition of ROS through JNK-AKT/mTOR signaling which may pave the way for further research in T2DM therapeutics.

Astragalin mediates the pharmacological effects of Lysimachia candida Lindl on adipogenesis via downregulating PPARG and FKBP51 signaling cascade

Metabolic disturbances in different tissue cells and obesity are caused by excessive calorie intake, and medicinal plants are potential sources of phytochemicals for combating these health problems. This study investigated the role of methanolic extract of the folklore medicinal plant Lysimachia candida (LCM) and its phytochemical, astragalin, in managing obesity in vivo and in vitro. Administration of LCM (200 mg/kg/body weight) daily for 140 days significantly decreased both the body weight gain (15.66%) and blood triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in high-fat-diet-fed male Wistar rats but caused no substantial change in leptin and adiponectin levels. The protein expression of adipogenic transcription factors in visceral adipose tissue was significantly reduced. Further, the 3T3-L1 cell-based assay revealed that the butanol fraction of LCM and its isolated compound, astragalin, exhibited antiadipogenic activity through downregulating adipogenic transcription factors and regulatory proteins. Molecular docking studies were performed to depict the possible binding patterns of astragalin to adipogenesis proteins. Overall, we show the potential antiobesity effects of L. candida and its bioactive compound, astragalin, and suggest clinical studies with LCM and astragalin.

Is diabetes mellitus a wrongdoer to COVID-19 severity?

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has turned out to be a pandemic in short period of time due to the high transmissibility of its causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Various reports have suggested the promising link between overexpression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and COVID-19 pathogenesis. The severity of COVID-19 pathophysiology is greatly depended on several comorbidities, like hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), respiratory and cardiovascular disease, out of which DM has emerged as a major risk factor. The current review focuses on the link among the expression of ACE2, use of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs), and risk of COVID-19 pathogenesis in DM. The review also emphasizes on synergistic detrimental effect of DM and COVID-19 on the immune system in provoking uncontrolled cytokine storm which eventually leads to lethal consequences. Finally, several possible therapeutic strategies have been highlighted to reduce the excess of risk associated with COVID-19 in people with DM.

Beneficial effect of the methanolic leaf extract of Allium hookeri on stimulating glutathione biosynthesis and preventing impaired glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes

Oxidative stress resulting from the depletion of glutathione (GSH) level plays a vital role in generating various degenerative diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). We tested the hypothesis that depleted glutathione levels can be enhanced and the impaired glucose metabolism can be prevented by supplementing Allium hookeri, a herb rich in organosulfur compounds, in a High Fat (HF) diet-induced T2D Male Sprague Dawley rat model. The experimental rats were divided into three groups (n = 6), namely normal diet, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet treated with A.hookeri methanolic leaf extract (250 mg/kg). Consumption of HF diet along with the plant extract resulted in significant reduction of the body weight (7.08%-14.89%) and blood glucose level (6.5%-16.4%) from the 13th week onward. There was a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, and an increase in GSH level in skeletal muscle tissues supplemented with the plant extract. The protein expressions of the signaling molecules such as GCLC and GR involved in GSH synthesis and of GLUT4 in glucose transport were also upregulated in the skeletal muscle tissues of the plant extract-treated group. Results of in vitro studies with muscle cell line (L6) further demonstrated the beneficial effect of the plant extract in increasing glucose uptake and maintaining the GSH/GSSH equilibrium via regulation of protein expression of GCLC/GR/GLUT4 signaling molecules in sodium palmitate (0.75 mM) treated cells. Overall this study suggests that dietary supplementation with Allium hookeri, can restore the glutathione level and regulate the blood glucose level in T2D.

Insights from a Pan India Sero-Epidemiological survey (Phenome-India Cohort) for SARS-CoV2

To understand the spread of SARS-CoV2, in August and September 2020, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India) conducted a serosurvey across its constituent laboratories and centers across India. Of 10,427 volunteers, 1058 (10.14%) tested positive for SARS-CoV2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NC) antibodies, 95% of which had surrogate neutralization activity. Three-fourth of these recalled no symptoms. Repeat serology tests at 3 (n = 607) and 6 (n = 175) months showed stable anti-NC antibodies but declining neutralization activity. Local seropositivity was higher in densely populated cities and was inversely correlated with a 30-day change in regional test positivity rates (TPRs). Regional seropositivity above 10% was associated with declining TPR. Personal factors associated with higher odds of seropositivity were high-exposure work (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, p value: 2.23, 1.92-2.59, <0.0001), use of public transport (1.79, 1.43-2.24, <0.0001), not smoking (1.52, 1.16-1.99, 0.0257), non-vegetarian diet (1.67, 1.41-1.99, <0.0001), and B blood group (1.36, 1.15-1.61, 0.001).

Gamma-glutamyl carboxylated Gas6 facilitates the prophylactic effect of vitamin K in inhibiting hyperlipidemia-associated inflammatory pathophysiology via arresting MCP-1/ICAM-1 mediated monocyte-hepatocyte adhesion

Role of growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), member of vitamin K (VK)-dependent protein family in hyperlipidemia-associated inflammation remains unresolved. To address this, blood samples were collected from hyperlipidemic subjects and age-matched healthy controls and observed that gamma-glutamyl carboxylated Gas6 (Gla-Gas6) but not total Gas6 were significantly lower while pro-inflammatory markers, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 were remarkably higher in hyperlipidemic subjects compared to control. Correlation analyses demonstrated that Gla-Gas6 levels were inversely correlated with MCP-1 and ICAM-1 but positively with plasma VK in hyperlipidemic subjects but not in control. This suggests that boosting VK level might ameliorate the hyperlipidemia-associated inflammatory pathophysiology via augmenting Gla-Gas6. Further studies with high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice demonstrated that VK supplementation (1, 3, and 5 µg/kg BW, 8 weeks) dose-dependently reduced both hepatic and plasma levels of MCP-1 and ICAM-1 while elevating that of Gla-Gas6 but not total Gas6 in HFD-fed mice. Cell culture studies with gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (enzyme causes VK-dependent carboxylation of Gas6) knockdown hepatocytes and monocytes dissected the direct role of Gla-Gas6 in inhibiting high palmitic acid (0.75 mM)-induced inflammation via arresting MCP-1/ICAM-1 mediated hepatocyte-monocyte adhesion. The present study demonstrated an important role of Gla-Gas6 in facilitating the prophylactic effect of VK against hyperlipidemia associated inflammation.

l-Cysteine and Vitamin D Co-Supplementation Alleviates Markers of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Vitamin D-Deficient High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. This study examines whether co-supplementation of l-cysteine (LC) and VD is better than monotherapy with LC or VD at alleviating musculoskeletal dyshomeostasis in the skeletal muscle of VD-deficient high-fat diet (HFD-VD-) fed mice. Mice were fed a healthy diet or an HFD; for VD-deficient animals, the mice were maintained on a HFD-VD-diet (16 weeks); after the first 8 weeks, the HFD-VD-diet-fed mice were supplemented for another 8 weeks with LC, VD-alone, or the same doses of LC + VD by oral gavage. Saline and olive oil served as controls. Myotubes were exposed with high-glucose, palmitate, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), to mimic the in vivo microenvironment. In vitro deficiencies of glutathione and hydrogen sulfide were induced by knockdown of GCLC and CSE genes. Relative gene expression of biomarkers (myogenic: MyoD, Mef2c, Csrp3; muscle dystrophy: Atrogin1, Murf1, and Myostatin; bone modeling and remodeling: RANK, RANKL, OPG) were analyzed using qRT-PCR. Co-supplementatoin with LC + VD showed beneficial effects on gene expression of myogenic markers and OPG but reduced markers of dystrophy, RANK/RANKL in comparison to LC or VD alone-supplementation. In vitro myotubes treated with glutathione (GSH) precursors also showed a positive effect on OPG and the myogenesis genes, and inhibited RANK/RANKL and muscle-dystrophy markers. This study reveals that the co-supplementation of LC with VD significantly alleviates the markers of musculoskeletal disorders in the skeletal muscle better than monotherapy with LC or VD in HFD-VD-fed mice.

Vitamin K Stimulates Gas6 Carboxylation and Inhibits Hyperlipidemia Associated Hepatic Inflammation via Arresting Monocyte-Hepatocyte Adhesion

Objectives

Vitamin K (VK), an important antihemorrhagic vitamin has attracted scientific attention recently due to its diverse physiological activities beyond hemostasis. Present study for the first time systematically examined the hypothesis that circulating VK deficiency might be linked with hyperlipidemia-associated inflammatory pathophysiology and VK supplementation may ameliorate the hepatic inflammation via activating growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) protein, an important member of the coagulation-unrelated vitamin K-dependent proteins.

Methods

Subjects with hyperlipidemia (n = 22) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 19) attending the institute clinical center were included in this study. High fat diet (HFD)-fed male albino mice model was used for in vivo studies. High palmitic acid (PA, 0.75 mM)-treated and GGCX knockdown monocytes and hepatocytes were employed for in vitro studies. All data were analyzed using Sigma Stat statistical software.

Results

Plasma levels of VK and Gla-Gas6 were significantly lower and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was remarkably higher in hyperlipidemic subjects compared to control. Correlation studies showed that both circulatory Gla-Gas6 and VK levels were significantly and inversely correlated with ICAM-1. Interestingly, Gla-Gas6 was positively correlated with plasma VK, which suggests that VK supplementation may ameliorate the hyperlipidemia-induced inflammation via activating Gas6. Further studies with HFD-fed hyperlipidemic animals demonstrated that VK supplementation dose-dependently reduced the hepatic expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines while elevating the plasma level of Gla-Gas6 in HFD-fed mice. In vitro studies showed that VK supplementation prevented the high PA-induced hepatic inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the knockdown study established the direct role of Gla-Gas6 in mediating the positive effect of VK on the management of PA-induced hepatic inflammation.

Conclusions

Combining all, the present study demonstrated the beneficial effect of VK supplementation on the management of hyperlipidemia-associated inflammatory events via activating VK-dependent Gas6 protein.

Funding Sources

Junior research fellowship to JB & Ramalingaswami fellowship to PM by DBT, Govt. of India.

Beneficial role of insect-derived bioactive components against inflammation and its associated complications (colitis and arthritis) and cancer

Insect-based bioactive components are emerging as novel sources of drugs, effective against various diseases. Inflammation is considered to be an innate immune response developed by different organisms against foreign pathogens and cellular stress. However, repetitive elevated inflammation is considered to be responsible for development of many other diseases including colitis and arthritis. Due to the limited activities and side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, researchers are continuously looking for alternative sources of drug molecules to alleviate the inflammatory related complications. Recently, insect-based bioactive components, such as venoms, haemocytes, cecropin A, papiliocin, N-acetyldopamine dimers, cecropin-TY1 peptide, cop A3 peptide, glycosaminoglycan, coprisin peptide, silk fibroin microparticles, and silk fibroin nanoparticles have been found to be active against different inflammatory mechanisms and associated diseases. Cancers, are some of the deadliest diseases, which are mainly treated by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, such treatments, mainly chemotherapy, is associated with enormous side effects. Therefore, as an alternative, less hazardous option, compounds from insects with anti-cancerous activity are being explored. Insect-derived compounds, such as cantharidin, norcantharidin, isocoumarin, plancyols A, plancypyrazine A, pancratistatin, narciclasine, and ungeremine, show potential anti-cancerous activity. In this review, we will be discussing the role of different potential drug molecules of insect origin with special emphasis on anti-inflammation and their association with health disorders and cancer.

Environmental and toxicological assessment of nanodiamond-like materials derived from carbonaceous aerosols

Carbonaceous aerosols (CAs) are ubiquitous and among the most significant environmental materials found in ambient air, mainly derived from anthropogenic sources (biomass burning, industrial activity, vehicle emissions, etc.). Elemental carbon (black carbon) and organic carbons are the major constituents of CAs. Due to their toxic effects, they are considered as high-risk compounds for human health. The key objective of the present work is to conduct a feasibility study for the conversion of CAs (TSP and PM₁₀) into a value-added carbon nanostructured product by using a chemical method. High resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-visible), fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), and Zeta potential analyses indicated the formation of carbon nanomaterials with crystalline phases, which exhibit the characteristics of nanodiamonds (NDs). The HR-TEM image analysis showed that the nominal size of the CAs-derived NDs ranged from 4 to 17 nm composed of mainly carbon and oxygen. The FT-IR and XPS analysis indicated that the NDs are highly functionalized with an oxygen-containing functional group. The CAs-derived NDs showed the property of blue-fluorescence with excitation dependent. In the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity study, the NDs obtained was observed to be biocompatible and suitable for bioimaging applications. This result provides a new avenue for the conversion of CAs to high-value products leading to the mitigation of atmospheric pollution.

Synthesis and biomedical applications of nanoceria, a redox active nanoparticle

Background

Nanoceria has recently received much attention, because of its widespread biomedical applications, including antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activity, drug/gene delivery systems, anti-diabetic property, and tissue engineering.

Main body

Nanoceria exhibits excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In healthy cells, it acts as an antioxidant by scavenging ROS (at physiological pH). Thus, it protects them, while in cancer cells (under low pH environment) it acts as pro-oxidant by generating ROS and kills them. Nanoceria has also been effectively used as a carrier for targeted drug and gene delivery in vitro and in vivo models. Besides, nanoceria can also act as an antidiabetic agent and confer protection towards diabetes-associated organ pathophysiology via decreasing the ROS level in diabetic subjects. Nanoceria also possesses excellent potential in the field of tissue engineering. In this review, firstly, we have discussed the different methods used for the synthesis of nanoceria as these are very important to control the size, shape and Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ ratio of the particles upon which the physical, chemical, and biological properties depend. Secondly, we have extensively reviewed the different biomedical applications of nanoceria with probable mechanisms based on the literature reports.

Conclusion

The outcome of this review will improve the understanding about the different synthetic procedures and biomedical applications of nanoceria, which should, in turn, lead to the design of novel clinical interventions associated with various health disorders.

Graphical abstract

Targeted delivery of quercetin via pH-responsive zinc oxide nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy

Naturally occurring bioactive compounds are gaining much importance as anti-tumor agents in recent times due to their high therapeutic potential and less systemic toxicity. However, different preclinical and clinical studies have noted significant shortcomings, such as nonspecific tumor targeting and low bioavailability which limit their usage in therapeutics. Therefore, a safe and compatible nanoparticle mediated controlled drug delivery system is in high demand to enable effective transport of the drug candidates in the tumor tissue. Herein, we have synthesized phenylboronic acid (PBA) conjugated Zinc oxide nanoparticles (PBA-ZnO), loaded with quercetin (a bioflavonoid widely found in plants), with zeta potential around -10.2 mV and diameter below 40 nm. Presence of PBA moieties over the nanoparticle surface facilitates targeted delivery of quercetin to the sialic acid over-expressed cancer cells. Moreover, Quercetin loaded PBA-ZnO nanoparticles (denoted as PBA-ZnO-Q) showed pH responsive drug release behavior. Results suggested that PBA-ZnO-Q induced apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) via enhanced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. In line with the in vitro results, PBA-ZnO-Q was found to be effective in reducing tumor growth in EAC tumor bearing mice. Most interestingly, PBA-ZnO-Q is found to reduce tumor associated toxicity in liver, kidney and spleen. The cytotoxic potential of the nanohybrid is attributed to the combinatorial cytotoxic effects of quercetin and ZnO in the cancer cells. Overall, the presented data highlighted the chemotherapeutic potential of the novel nanohybrid, PBA-ZnO-Q which can be considered for clinical cancer treatment.

Procyanidin A2, an anti-diabetic condensed tannin extracted from Wendlandia glabrata, reduces elevated G-6-Pase and mRNA levels in diabetic mice and increases glucose uptake in CC1 hepatocytes and C1C12 myoblast cells

To reduce the global burden of diabetes in an affordable way great attention has been paid to the search for functional foods and herbal remedies. One of the most popularly used functional foods in the North Eastern region of India is tender shoots of Wendlandia glabrata DC. In the current study identification of active anti-diabetic constituent of the tender shoots of W. glabrata was guided through α-glucosidase inhibition and procyanidin A2 was identified with IC₅₀ 0.27 ± 0.01 μg mL⁻¹ making it potential source for postprandial management of DM type 2. The study has also demonstrated procyanidin A2 as a potent anti-diabetic agent that exhibits significant glucose-6-phosphatase inhibitory activities and downregulated mRNA level in diabetic mice as well as increases glucose uptake in hepatocytes and myoblast cells. This study revealed that easily available tender shoots of W. glabrata could be used to make specific dietary recommendations for consumption for affordable management of diabetes.

Wendlandia glabrata and procyanidin A2 isolated thereof are exhibited significant anti-diabetic effect.

pH-responsive and targeted delivery of curcumin via phenylboronic acid-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy

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A novel ZnO-PBA-Curcumin nanohybrid was synthesized.

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Targeted delivery was achieved in cancer cells through PBA functionalization.

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Loading curcumin onto nanoparticles increased its anticancer effects.

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The pH-dependent release of curcumin was obtained in cancer cells.

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ZnO-PBA-Curcumin nanohybrids exhibited significant anticancer activity without any systemic toxicity.

Nanoparticle-mediated targeted delivery of bioactive natural compounds has recently been gaining much interest for breast cancer therapy. Herein, phenyl boronic acid (PBA)-conjugated and pH-responsive ZnO nanoparticles (diameter ∼40 nm) were synthesized for the tumor tissue-specific delivery of curcumin. PBA conjugation facilitates the targeted delivery of curcumin to the sialic acid overexpressed in breast cancer cell membranes. Curcumin-loaded ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-PBA-Curcumin) caused apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Further, in vivo intravenous (i.v.) administration of ZnO-PBA-Curcumin was found to effectively decrease tumor growth in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor-bearing mice via the enhanced accumulation of curcumin. Interestingly, ZnO-PBA-Curcumin did not show any signs of systemic toxicity. The cytotoxic potential of the nanohybrid ZnO-PBA-Curcumin is attributed to the combinatorial cytotoxic effects of curcumin and ZnO in cancer cells. Collectively, ZnO-PBA-Curcumin may represent a potential treatment modality for breast cancer therapy. This study provides insight into the tumor cell targeting mechanism using PBA functionalization, and the anticancer efficacy of curcumin-loaded pH-sensitive nanohybrids can be attributed to the differential oxidative stress-inducing properties of curcumin and Zn⁺² ions.

What Is Beyond Charge Trapping in Semiconductor Nanoparticle Sensitized Dopant Photoluminescence?

A systematic comparison of the Ln³⁺ [Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb] photoluminescence in doped tin dioxide [Sn(Ln)O₂] and doped titanium dioxide [Ti(Ln)O₂] nanoparticles shows that the emission efficiency of trivalent lanthanide cations (Ln³⁺) in an oxide matrix can be improved by change of the cation site symmetry. An analysis of Ln³⁺ emission quantum yield and asymmetry ratio is used to identify the importance of symmetry breaking around the dopant site for enhancing the Ln³⁺ emission intensity. These findings identify an important criterion for engineering the luminescence intensity of dopant ions in semiconductor nanoparticle-based luminophores, which goes beyond the primary criterion of engineering the relative positions of the dopant energy levels with respect to the band edges of the host nanoparticle matrix.

Circulatory heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium) inversely correlate with plasma GST activity and GSH level in COPD patients and impair NOX4/Nrf2/GCLC/GST signaling pathway in cultured monocytes

This study aims to examine the hypothesis that circulatory heavy metals may be associated with lung function decline and lower plasma GST activity and GSH level in COPD patients via activating monocytes mediated by impairing the NOX4/Nrf2/GCLC/GST signaling pathway. Results showed that the blood levels of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and chromium) were significantly higher in COPD patients of coal mine site compared to the healthy controls. The levels of heavy metals in COPD patients were significantly and negatively correlated with lung function, GST activity, and GSH level. Using flowcytometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and immunoblotting studies we have further demonstrated that treatment with individual heavy metals dose-dependently increased the NOX4 protein expression, intracellular ROS production, and decreased the Nrf2, GCLC, and GST protein expression, GST activity, and GSH level in THP-1 monocytes. None of the treatment caused any change in cell viability compared to control. In conclusion, this study suggests that circulatory heavy metals in COPD patients of coal mine site weakened the lung function, decreased the plasma GST activity and GSH level via impairing the NOX4/Nrf2/GCLC/GST signaling pathway in monocytes, which may cause monocyte activation and initiate the COPD pathophysiology.

Daidzein, its effects on impaired glucose and lipid metabolism and vascular inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes

Over the last decades, the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing substantially. Emerging evidences from epidemiological studies have shown the association between higher intake of soy isoflavones and reduced risk of T2D and its associated health risks. Daidzein, a soy isoflavone, has been found to have a promising therapeutic potential in managing T2D pathophysiology. Fermented soybean is the major source of daidzein; however, it can also be formed via the consumption of its glycosylated moiety, daidzin with subsequent hydrolysis by intestinal bacterial enzyme. Many studies reported the prophylactic effect of daidzein on the improvement of hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dislipidemia, obesity, inflammation, and other complications associated with T2D. The molecular mechanisms underlying the action of daidzein include diverged pathways where daidzein has been shown to interact with several signaling molecules and receptors to achieve desirable effect. Although the specific molecular mechanism is still elusive, further studies are thus needed to understand it in detail. In this review, we discuss the antidiabetic potential of daidzein with respect to the evidences from various clinical, preclinical, and cell culture studies and the underlying molecular mechanism in a precise way to have a comprehensive account on this isoflavone with promising therapeutic potential. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(5):407-417, 2018.

Hexane-Isopropanolic Extract of Tungrymbai, a North-East Indian fermented soybean food prevents hepatic steatosis via regulating AMPK-mediated SREBP/FAS/ACC/HMGCR and PPARα/CPT1A/UCP2 pathways

This study for the first time examined the prophylactic role of Tungrymbai, a well-known fermented soybean food of North-East India, against hepatic steatosis. Treatment with hexane-isopropanolic (2:1, HIET) but not hydro-alcoholic (70% ethanol, HAET) extract dose-dependently (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 µg/mL) reduced the intracellular lipid accumulation as shown by lower triglyceride levels and both Oil Red O and Nile Red staining in palmitate (PA, 0.75 mM)-treated hepatocytes. Immunobloting, mRNA expression, and knock-down studies demonstrated the role of AMPK-mediated SREBP/FAS/ACC/HMGCR and PPARα/CPT1A/UCP2 signaling pathways in facilitating the beneficial role of HIET against lipid accumulation in PA-treated hepatocytes. Animal studies further showed a positive effect of HIET (20 µg/kg BW, 8 weeks, daily) in regulating AMPK/SREBP/PPARα signaling pathways and reducing body weight gain, plasma lipid levels, and hepatic steatosis in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Histological analyses also revealed the beneficial effect of HIET in reducing hepatic fat accumulation in HFD mice. Chemical profiling (HRMS, IR, and HPLC) demonstrated the presence of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) as one of the bio-active principle(s) in HIET. Combining all, this study demonstrates the positive effect of HIET on reducing hepatic steatosis via regulating AMPK/SREBP/PPARα signaling pathway.

Anti-Proliferative Activities of Vasicinone on Lung Carcinoma Cells Mediated via Activation of Both Mitochondria-Dependent and Independent Pathways

Vasicinone, a quinazoline alkaloid from Adhatoda vasica Nees. is well known for its bronchodilator activity. However its antiproliferative activities is yet to be elucidated. Here-in we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of vasicinone and its underlying mechanism against A549 lung carcinoma cells. The A549 cells upon treatment with various doses of vasicinone (10, 30, 50, 70 µM) for 72 h showed significant decrease in cell viability. Vasicinone treatment also showed DNA fragmentation, LDH leakage, and disruption of mitochondrial potential, and lower wound healing ability in A549 cells. The Annexin V/PI staining showed disrupted plasma membrane integrity and permeability of PI in treated cells. Moreover vasicinone treatment also lead to down regulation of Bcl-2, Fas death receptor and up regulation of PARP, BAD and cytochrome c, suggesting the anti-proliferative nature of vasicinone which mediated apoptosis through both Fas death receptors as well as Bcl-2 regulated signaling. Furthermore, our preliminary studies with vasicinone treatment also showed to lower the ROS levels in A549 cells and have potential free radical scavenging (DPPH, Hydroxyl) activity and ferric reducing power in cell free systems. Thus combining all, vasicinone may be used to develop a new therapeutic agent against oxidative stress induced lung cancer.

Therapeutic potentials of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. against inflammation and oxidative stress: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Family: Saururaceae) is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in moist and shady places. The plant is well known among the people of diverse cultures across Japan, Korea, China and North-East India for its medicinal properties. Traditionally the plant is used for its various beneficial properties against inflammation, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, muscular sprain, stomach ulcer etc. Oxidative stress and inflammation were found to be linked with most of the diseases in recent times. Many ancient texts from Chinese Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda and Siddha, and Japanese Traditional medicine have documented the efficacy of H. cordata against oxidative stress and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the efficacy of H. cordata extracts as well as its bioactive compounds both in vitro and in vivo, against oxidative stress and inflammation MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant information on H. cordata against oxidative stress and inflammation were collected from the established scientific databases such as NCBI, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and Springer. Additionally, a few books and magazines were also consulted to get the important information.

RESULTS

Herbal medicines or plant products were traditionally being used for treating the oxidative stress and inflammation related diseases in diverse communities across the world. Scientifically, H. cordata has shown to target several signaling pathways and found to effectively reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation. Phyto-constituents such as afzelin, hyperoside and quercitrin have shown to reduce inflammation both in vitro and in vivo models. These molecules were also shown to have strong antioxidant properties both in vivo and in vitro models.

CONCLUSIONS

H. cordata extracts and its bioactive molecules were shown to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. As both in vitro and in vivo studies were shown that H. cordata did not have any toxicity on the various model systems used, future clinical studies will hopefully make an impact on the future direction of treating inflammation-related diseases.

A dynamic viticultural zoning to explore the resilience of terroir concept under climate change

Climate change (CC) directly influences agricultural sectors, presenting the need to identify both adaptation and mitigation actions that can make local farming communities and crop production more resilient. In this context, the viticultural sector is one of those most challenged by CC due to the need to combine grape quality, grapevine cultivar adaptation and therefore farmers' future incomes. Thus, understanding how suitability for viticulture is changing under CC is of primary interest in the development of adaptation strategies in traditional wine-growing regions. Considering that climate is an essential part of the terroir system, the expected variability in climate change could have a marked influence on terroir resilience with important effects on local farming communities in viticultural regions. From this perspective, the aim of this paper is to define a new dynamic viticultural zoning procedure that is able to integrate the effects of CC on grape quality responses and evaluate terroir resilience, providing a support tool for stakeholders involved in viticultural planning (winegrowers, winegrower consortiums, policy makers etc.). To achieve these aims, a Hybrid Land Evaluation System, combining qualitative (standard Land Evaluation) and quantitative (simulation model) approaches, was applied within a traditional region devoted to high quality wine production in Southern Italy (Valle Telesina, BN), for a specific grapevine cultivar (Aglianico). The work employed high resolution climate projections that were derived under two different IPCC scenarios, namely RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The results obtained indicate that: (i) only 2% of the suitable area of Valle Telesina expresses the concept of terroir resilience orientated towards Aglianico ultra quality grape production; (ii) within 2010-2040, it is expected that 41% of the area suitable for Aglianico cultivation will need irrigation to achieve quality grape production; (iii) by 2100, climate change benefits for the cultivation of Aglianico will decrease, as well as the suitable areas.