Industrial-produced lemon nanovesicles ameliorate experimental colitis-associated damages in rats via the activation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses and microbiota modification

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have recently emerged as natural delivery systems of biofunctional compounds toward mammalian cells. Considering their already described composition, anti-inflammatory properties, stability, and low toxicity, PDNVs offer a promising path for developing new preventive strategies for several inflammatory diseases, among which the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we explore the protective effects of industrially produced lemon vesicles (iLNVs) in a rat model of IBD. Characterization of iLNVs reveals the presence of small particles less than 200 nm in size and a profile of bioactive compounds enriched in flavonoids and organic acids with known beneficial properties. In vitro studies on human macrophages confirm the safety and anti-inflammatory effects of iLNVs, as evidenced by the reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased levels of anti-inflammatory markers. As evidenced by in vivo experiments, pre-treatment with iLNVs significantly alleviates symptoms and histological features in 2,4 dinitrobenzensulfuric acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Molecular pathway analysis reveals modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2, indicating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Finally, iLNVs affects gut microbiota composition, improving the consistent colitis-related alterations. Overall, we demonstrated the protective role of industrially produced lemon nanovesicles against colitis and emphasized their potential in managing IBD through multifaceted mechanisms.

Isolation, purification, and characterization of pectin methylesterase inhibitor and polygalacturonase inhibitor protein from Indian lemon (Citrus limon L.)

Proteins acting as powerful inhibitors of plant pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase were isolated from whole lemon fruits (Citrus limon L.). Pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) and polygalacturonase inhibitor protein (PGIP) were purified using DEAE Sepharose column, resulting in fold purity of 89.13 and 81.16 and having a molecular mass of 35 and 38 kDa, respectively as estimated using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. The optimum pH of purified PMEI and PGIP was pH 6 and pH 4.5 while the inhibitors showed good stability in the pH range of 5-8 and 3.5 to 5.5, respectively. Both the inhibitors from C. limon demonstrated an optimum temperature of 55 °C. Thermal inactivation data suggested that purified PGIP was more heat stable than PMEI. The inhibition kinetics of PMEI and PGIP towards C. limon PME and C. limon PG was of a non-competitive type. Both PMEI and PGIP obeyed first-order inactivation kinetics. The PMEI and PGIP exhibited different extent of inhibition towards PME and PG from other fruit sources analyzed in this study. As these inhibitors inhibit PME and PG from other plant sources they can be used in fruit-based products to control undesirable endogenous enzyme activities as an alternative to thermal processing.

Exosome-like Nanovesicles Isolated from Citrus limon L. Exert Antioxidative Effect

BACKGROUND

Exosome-like nanovesicles are biological nanostructures mediating cell-tocell communication and capable to load selected cargos also in the interaction among different species.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the content of exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Citrus limon L. and to analyze the effects of their uptake on human cells.

METHOD

We isolated exosome-like nanovesicles from Citrus limon L. juice (EXO-CLs) by differential centrifugation. EXO-CLs were analyzed for short RNA content by advanced sequencing technologies, and for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and citrate content by enzymatic assays. EXO-CLs anti-oxidant and pro-differentiative potential was evaluated in vitro on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), a common tool for regenerative strategies for several human tissues.

RESULTS

We showed that EXO-CLs carry detectable amounts of citrate and vitamin C and, although it was not possible to identify specific miRNAs, we detected short RNA sequences (20-30 bp) with unknown functions and with different distribution size in respect to whole Citrus limon L. juice. In vitro, EXO-CLs were uptaken by MSC and had a significant protective effect against oxidative stress. Furthermore, regarding the potential benefit for human bone health, we found that EXO-CLs modulate MSC differentiation versus the osteogenic lineage.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that incubation with EXO-CLs exert antioxidant activity in human cells. This is most likely due to the direct delivery and uptake of micronutrients by human cells that are well preserved inside the nanovesicle membrane, including the unstable vitamin C. Based on our results, we speculate that fruit-derived nanovesicles have the potential to mediate interspecies influence after food intake.

Citrus limon-derived nanovesicles inhibit cancer cell proliferation and suppress CML xenograft growth by inducing TRAIL-mediated cell death

Nanosized vesicles are considered key players in cell to cell communication, thus influencing physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Nanovesicles have also been found in edible-plants and have shown therapeutic activity in inflammatory bowel diseases; however information on their role in affecting cancer progression is missing.

Our study identify for the first time a fraction of vesicles from lemon juice (Citrus limon L.), obtained as a result of different ultracentrifugation, with density ranging from 1,15 to 1,19 g/ml and specific proteomic profile. By using an in vitro approach, we show that isolated nanovesicles inhibit cancer cell proliferation in different tumor cell lines, by activating a TRAIL-mediated apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, we demonstrate that lemon nanovesicles suppress CML tumor growth in vivo by specifically reaching tumor site and by activating TRAIL-mediated apoptotic cell processes. Overall, this study suggests the possible use of plant-edible nanovesicles as a feasible approach in cancer treatment.