greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Instant tea and matcha supplementation had beneficial effects on regulation of blood glucose and gut

Instant tea and matcha supplementation had beneficial effects on regulation of blood glucose and gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVE : Gut microbiota plays a key role in metabolism and health in diabetes patients with gastrointestinal microbiota dysbiosis .
Thus , regulating the ecological balance of gut microbiota may provide a pathway toward improvement for these patients .
Our previous study showed that functional ingredients in tea may inhibit cornstarch digestion in vitro .
METHODS : A cornstarch-tea diet was developed , and in this study we investigated the effects of such a diet on blood glucose and gut microbiota in diabetic mice .
RESULTS : Diabetes resulted in significant weight loss , hyperphagia and hyperglycemia .
16S rDNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly increased Bacteroidaceae , Helicobacteraceae , Ruminococcaceae , Enterobacteriaceae , Rikenellaceae and Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis , and significantly decreased Lactobacillaceae , Prevotellaceae , Coriobacteriaceae , Verrucomicrobiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae .
The cornstarch‒tea diet resulted in a trend toward reduced blood glucose , with particularly increased levels of Coriobacteriaceae , Lactobacillaceae , Prevotellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae , and decreased Bacteroidaceae , Ruminococcaceae , Helicobacteraceae and Enterobacteriaceae .
CONCLUSIONS : Instant tea and matcha supplementation had beneficial effects on regulation of blood glucose and gut microbiota , reversing the changes in microbiota caused by alloxan injection .
The cornstarch‒tea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation rather than single-species regulation , which suggests that cornstarch combined with tea may be used as a functional food supplement for diabetes patients .

OBJECTIVE: Gut microbiota plays a key role in metabolism and health in diabetes patients with gastrointestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Thus, regulating the ecological balance of gut microbiota may provide a pathway toward improvement for these patients. Our previous study showed that functional ingredients in tea may inhibit cornstarch digestion in vitro.
METHODS: A cornstarch-tea diet was developed, and in this study we investigated the effects of such a diet on blood glucose and gut microbiota in diabetic mice.
RESULTS: Diabetes resulted in significant weight loss, hyperphagia and hyperglycemia. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that in diabetes there is significantly increased Bacteroidaceae, Helicobacteraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Rikenellaceae and Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis, and significantly decreased Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. The cornstarch‒tea diet resulted in a trend toward reduced blood glucose, with particularly increased levels of Coriobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, and decreased Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Helicobacteraceae and Enterobacteriaceae.
CONCLUSIONS: Instant tea and matcha supplementation had beneficial effects on regulation of blood glucose and gut microbiota, reversing the changes in microbiota caused by alloxan injection. The cornstarch‒tea regulation pathway is involved in bacterium group regulation rather than single-species regulation, which suggests that cornstarch combined with tea may be used as a functional food supplement for diabetes patients.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Antioxidant properties and nutritional composition of matcha green tea.

Matcha green tea ( ) , which originates from Japan , is commonly considered as particularly beneficial to health .
A large content of polyphenols , amino acids ( mainly tannins ) and caffeine potentially increase the antioxidant properties of the drink .
The aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant potential and the content of substances with an antioxidant effect-vitamin C , total polyphenol content including flavonoids-in infusions made from Traditional Matcha ( from the first and second harvests ) and Daily Matcha ( from the second and third harvests ) at different temperatures .
The infusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distilled water once at various temperatures ( 25°C , 70 °C , 80 °C and 90 °C ) over 1.75 g of the plant material .
Matcha tea is characterized by a high level of antioxidant substances ( flavonoids 1968.8 mg/L ; polyphenols 1765.1 mg/L ; vitamin C 44.8 mg/L ) as well as antioxidant potential ( 41.2 % DPPH ( 10× dilution ) ; 6129.5 µM Fe ( II ) /dmFRAP ) .
The concentration of these compounds depends on the time at which the plant material was harvested as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare the infusions .
For most parameters , the highest values were observed in infusions prepared at 90°C and from the daily Matcha .

Matcha green tea (), which originates from Japan, is commonly considered as particularly beneficial to health. A large content of polyphenols, amino acids (mainly tannins) and caffeine potentially increase the antioxidant properties of the drink. The aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant potential and the content of substances with an antioxidant effect-vitamin C, total polyphenol content including flavonoids-in infusions made from Traditional Matcha (from the first and second harvests) and Daily Matcha (from the second and third harvests) at different temperatures. The infusions were made by pouring 100 mL of distilled water once at various temperatures (25°C, 70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C) over 1.75 g of the plant material. Matcha tea is characterized by a high level of antioxidant substances (flavonoids 1968.8 mg/L; polyphenols 1765.1 mg/L; vitamin C 44.8 mg/L) as well as antioxidant potential (41.2% DPPH (10× dilution); 6129.5 µM Fe(II)/dmFRAP). The concentration of these compounds depends on the time at which the plant material was harvested as well as on the temperature of water used to prepare the infusions. For most parameters, the highest values were observed in infusions prepared at 90°C and from the daily Matcha.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Matcha green tea and epigallocatechin gallate could be used against Acanthameoba Castellanii.

We examined the inhibitory effect of matcha green tea ( ) and epigallocatechin gallate ( EGCg ; the most abundant catechin in tea ) on the vegetative growth and encystation ofT4 genotype .
The sulforhodamine B ( SRB ) stain-based colorimetric assay and hemocytometer counting were used to determine the reduction introphozoite proliferation and encystation , in response to treatment withor EGCg .
Fourier transform infrared ( FTIR ) microscopy was used to analyze chemical changes in the trophozoites and cysts due totreatment .
Hot brewed and cold brewed matcha inhibited the growth of trophozoites by > 40 % at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentrations of 50 to 500µM significantly inhibited the trophozoite growth compared to control .
Hot brewed matcha ( 100 % concentration ) also showed an 87 % reduction in the rate of encystation compared to untreated control .
Although 500 µM of EGCg increased the rate of encystation by 36.3 % , 1000 µM reduced it by 27.7 % .
Both percentages were not significant compared to control.induced more cytotoxicity to Madin Darby canine kidney cells compared to EGCg .
FTIR chemical fingerprinting analysis showed that treatment with brewed matcha significantly increased the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cysts .

We examined the inhibitory effect of matcha green tea () and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg; the most abundant catechin in tea) on the vegetative growth and encystation ofT4 genotype. The sulforhodamine B (SRB) stain-based colorimetric assay and hemocytometer counting were used to determine the reduction introphozoite proliferation and encystation, in response to treatment withor EGCg. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy was used to analyze chemical changes in the trophozoites and cysts due totreatment. Hot brewed and cold brewed matcha inhibited the growth of trophozoites by>40% at a 100 % concentration. EGCg at concentrations of 50 to 500µM significantly inhibited the trophozoite growth compared to control. Hot brewed matcha (100% concentration) also showed an 87% reduction in the rate of encystation compared to untreated control. Although 500 µM of EGCg increased the rate of encystation by 36.3%, 1000 µM reduced it by 27.7%. Both percentages were not significant compared to control.induced more cytotoxicity to Madin Darby canine kidney cells compared to EGCg. FTIR chemical fingerprinting analysis showed that treatment with brewed matcha significantly increased the levels of glycogen and carbohydrate in trophozoites and cysts.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Pfizer COVID Vaccine Trial Shows Alarming Evidence of Pathogenic Priming in Older Adults

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greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Matcha green tea prevents obesity-induced hypothalamic inflammation.

Obesity is an increasingly severe global health problem , leading to chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders in both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system .
Matcha is a powdered green tea , and it is very popular in recent years as a beverage and food additive .
Matcha green tea has been reported to have outstanding potential in regulating obesity-related metabolic syndrome .
However , there are few studies on the regulation mechanism of matcha green tea on the central nervous system .
In this study , we established a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model .
The results showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibit the weight gain , fat accumulation , glycemia and lipidemia increase , and excessive activation of microglia in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus .
Furthermore , we used different concentrations ( 100 % , 80 % , 60 % , 40 % , and 20 % , v/v ) of ethanol solution to prepare matcha ethanol extracts , and investigated their effects on palmitic acid-induced inflammation of microglial BV-2 cells .
The results showed that matcha ethanol extracts could significantly reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines and the expression and phosphorylation @ @ @ @ @

Obesity is an increasingly severe global health problem, leading to chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders in both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. Matcha is a powdered green tea, and it is very popular in recent years as a beverage and food additive. Matcha green tea has been reported to have outstanding potential in regulating obesity-related metabolic syndrome. However, there are few studies on the regulation mechanism of matcha green tea on the central nervous system. In this study, we established a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. The results showed that dietary supplementation with matcha could effectively inhibit the weight gain, fat accumulation, glycemia and lipidemia increase, and excessive activation of microglia in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Furthermore, we used different concentrations (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%, v/v) of ethanol solution to prepare matcha ethanol extracts, and investigated their effects on palmitic acid-induced inflammation of microglial BV-2 cells. The results showed that matcha ethanol extracts could significantly reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines and the expression and phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Effects of matcha green tea powder on cognitive functions of community-dwelling elderly individuals.

Matcha Green Tea Powder contains a variety of active ingredients beneficial to health , such as tea catechins , lutein and vitamin K. It is also known that these ingredients confer benefits upon cognitive functions of elderly people .
Therefore , we aimed to investigate the relationship between a daily supplementation of Matcha and the change in cognitive functions of community-dwelling elderly people .
A randomized , double-blind , placebo-controlled 12-week trial was performed .
Sixty-one participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive test drink containing 3g powder from fresh Matcha or placebo powder per day .
Changes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test battery .
Daily food intake was assessed by a Brief-type Self-administered Diet History Questionnaire ( BDHQ ) .
In the gender-specific analysis , a significant cognitive enhancement was observed in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( MoCA ) score in the active group of women .
In dietary analysis , we found a significant inverse correlation between consumption of vitamin K in daily diet , excluding test drinks , and change in MoCA .
The present study suggests that daily supplementation of Matcha Green Tea Powder has protective effects against cognitive decline in @ @ @ @

Matcha Green Tea Powder contains a variety of active ingredients beneficial to health, such as tea catechins, lutein and vitamin K. It is also known that these ingredients confer benefits upon cognitive functions of elderly people. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between a daily supplementation of Matcha and the change in cognitive functions of community-dwelling elderly people. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial was performed. Sixty-one participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive test drink containing 3g powder from fresh Matcha or placebo powder per day. Changes in cognitive function were assessed utilizing a psychometric test battery. Daily food intake was assessed by a Brief-type Self-administered Diet History Questionnaire (BDHQ). In the gender-specific analysis, a significant cognitive enhancement was observed in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score in the active group of women. In dietary analysis, we found a significant inverse correlation between consumption of vitamin K in daily diet, excluding test drinks, and change in MoCA. The present study suggests that daily supplementation of Matcha Green Tea Powder has protective effects against cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly women.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-11--Green tea catechins induce inhibition of PTP1B phosphatase in breast cancer cells with potent anti-c

Green tea catechins induce inhibition of PTP1B phosphatase in breast cancer cells with potent anti-cancer properties.

The catechins derived from green tea possess antioxidant activity and may have a potentially anticancer effect .
PTP1B is tyrosine @ @ @ @ @ regulated and is involved with prooncogenic pathways leading to the formation of a.o .
breast @ @ @ @ @ present the effect of selected green tea catechins on enzymatic activity of PTP1B phosphatase and @ @ @ @ @ cells .
We showed also the computational analysis of the most effective catechin binding with @ @ @ @ @ observed that epigallocatechin , epigallocatechin gallate , epicatechin , and epicatechin gallate may decrease enzymatic @ @ @ @ @ viability of MCF-7 cells .
Conclusions : From the tested compounds , epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin @ @ @ @ @ inhibitors of the MCF-7 cell viability .
Moreover , epigallocatechin was also the strongest inhibitor @ @ @ @ @ analysis allows us also to conclude that epigallocatechin is able to interact and bind to @ @ @ @ @ also the most predicted binding site to epigallocatechin binding to PTP1B .

The catechins derived from green tea possess antioxidant activity and may have a potentially anticancer effect. PTP1B is tyrosine phosphatase that is oxidative stress regulated and is involved with prooncogenic pathways leading to the formation of a.o. breast cancer. Here, we present the effect of selected green tea catechins on enzymatic activity of PTP1B phosphatase and viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We showed also the computational analysis of the most effective catechin binding with a PTP1B molecule. We observed that epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate may decrease enzymatic activity of PTP1B phosphatase and viability of MCF-7 cells. Conclusions: From the tested compounds, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate were the most effective inhibitors of the MCF-7 cell viability. Moreover, epigallocatechin was also the strongest inhibitor of PTP1B activity. Computational analysis allows us also to conclude that epigallocatechin is able to interact and bind to PTP1B. Our results suggest also the most predicted binding site to epigallocatechin binding to PTP1B.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Effects of naringin on reversing cisplatin resistance and the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway in human ovaria

Effects of naringin on reversing cisplatin resistance and the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway in human ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE : Ovarian cancer is one of three malignant tumors of the female reproductive system .
Our previous studies showed that the traditional Chinese medicine naringin significantly inhibited the proliferation of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells , and that the mechanism may be related to the NF-κB pathway .
METHODS : The MTT assay was used to detect the sensitivity of SKOV3 and SKOV3/CDDP cells to cisplatin , the effect of different naringin concentrations on the proliferation of SKOV3/CDDP cells , and the reversal of cisplatin resistance in naringin-treated SKOV3/CDDP cells .
Western blotting was used to detectβ-catenin , c-Myc , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different cell lines .
RESULTS : MTT results showed that different concentrations of naringin inhibited the proliferation of SKOV3 and SKOV3/CDDP cells , and that the inhibition increased with increasing concentrations and prolonged incubation times .
Western blotting revealed that compared with controls ( SKOV3/CDDP-0 ) , β-catenin , c-Myc and cyclin D1 proteins levels were significantly decreased in SKOV3/CDDP-C , SKOV3/CDDP-N 20 , and SKOV3/CDDP-CN 20 cells , suggesting that naringin inhibited the proliferation of SKOV3/CDDP cells in a concentration and time dependent manner .
CONCLUSIONS : Non-cytotoxic naringin reduced the expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in SKOV3/CDDP cells and partially reversed cisplatin resistance in SKOV3/CDDP CN 20 cells .

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cancer is one of three malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. Our previous studies showed that the traditional Chinese medicine naringin significantly inhibited the proliferation of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells, and that the mechanism may be related to the NF-κB pathway.
METHODS: The MTT assay was used to detect the sensitivity of SKOV3 and SKOV3/CDDP cells to cisplatin, the effect of different naringin concentrations on the proliferation of SKOV3/CDDP cells, and the reversal of cisplatin resistance in naringin-treated SKOV3/CDDP cells. Western blotting was used to detectβ-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 protein levels in the different cell lines.
RESULTS: MTT results showed that different concentrations of naringin inhibited the proliferation of SKOV3 and SKOV3/CDDP cells, and that the inhibition increased with increasing concentrations and prolonged incubation times. Western blotting revealed that compared with controls (SKOV3/CDDP-0),β-catenin, c-Myc and cyclin D1 proteins levels were significantly decreased in SKOV3/CDDP-C, SKOV3/CDDP-N 20, and SKOV3/CDDP-CN 20 cells, suggesting that naringin inhibited the proliferation of SKOV3/CDDP cells in a concentration and time dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS: Non-cytotoxic naringin reduced the expression ofβ-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 in SKOV3/CDDP cells and partially reversed cisplatin resistance in SKOV3/CDDP CN 20 cells.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Naringin alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice.

Naringin , a major flavonoid in citrus , has potential for preventing atherosclerosis .
The presence in the colon of @ @ @ @ @ after oral intake might affect the gut microbiota .
We investigated the role of gut @ @ @ @ @ of atherosclerosis by naringin .
Naringin significantly alleviated atherosclerosis and lowered the serum and liver @ @ @ @ @ 28.37 % in ApoEmice fed with a high-fat diet .
Nontarget metabolomics showed that naringin @ @ @ @ @ cholesterol derivatives and bile acids .
Naringin increased the excretion of bile acids and neutral @ @ @ @ @ , respectively .
The main potential pathway by which naringin alleviated atherosclerosis was the gut @ @ @ @ @ the abundances of bile salt hydrolase- and 7α-dehydroxylase-producing bacteria , promoting bile acid synthesis from @ @ @ @ @ suppression of the FXR/FGF15 pathway .
In addition , naringin facilitated reverse cholesterol transport by @ @ @ @ @ provide insight into the atherosclerosis-alleviation mechanisms of citrus flavonoids and a scientific basis for the @ @ @ @ @ citrus flavonoids .

Naringin, a major flavonoid in citrus, has potential for preventing atherosclerosis. The presence in the colon of a large amount of naringin after oral intake might affect the gut microbiota. We investigated the role of gut microbiota remodeling in the alleviation of atherosclerosis by naringin. Naringin significantly alleviated atherosclerosis and lowered the serum and liver cholesterol levels by 24.04 and 28.37% in ApoEmice fed with a high-fat diet. Nontarget metabolomics showed that naringin modulated the hepatic levels of cholesterol derivatives and bile acids. Naringin increased the excretion of bile acids and neutral sterols by 1.6- and 4.3-fold, respectively. The main potential pathway by which naringin alleviated atherosclerosis was the gut microbiota-liver-cholesterol axis. Naringin modulated the abundances of bile salt hydrolase- and 7α-dehydroxylase-producing bacteria, promoting bile acid synthesis from cholesterol by upregulating CYP7A1 via suppression of the FXR/FGF15 pathway. In addition, naringin facilitated reverse cholesterol transport by downregulating PCSK9/IDOL. The results provide insight into the atherosclerosis-alleviation mechanisms of citrus flavonoids and a scientific basis for the development of functional foods containing citrus flavonoids.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Naringin and naringeninin as anticancer agents and adjuvants in cancer combination therapy.

Although the rates of many cancers are controlled in Western countries , those of some cancers , such as lung , breast , and colorectal cancer are currently increasing in many low- and middle-income countries due to increases in risk factors caused by development and societal problems .
Additionally , endogenous factors , such as inherited mutations , steroid hormones , insulin , and insulin-like growth factor systems , inflammation , oxidative stress , and exogenous factors ( including tobacco , alcohol , infectious agents , and radiation ) , are believed to compromise cell functions and lead to carcinogenesis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hormone therapy , and targeted therapies are some examples of the approaches used for cancer treatment .
However , various short- and long-term side effects can also considerably impact patient prognosis based on clinical factors associated with treatments .
Recently , increasing numbers of studies have been conducted to identify novel therapeutic agents from natural products , among which plant-derived bioactive compounds have been increasingly studied .
Naringin ( NG ) and its aglycone naringenin ( NGE ) are abundantly present in citrus fruits , such as grapefruits and oranges .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exerted through several cell signal transduction pathways .
Recently , different pharmacological strategies based on combination therapy , involving NG and NGE with the current anti-cancer agents have shown prodigious synergistic effects when compared to monotherapy .
Besides , NG and NGE have been reported to overcome multidrug resistance , resulting from different defensive mechanisms in cancer , which is one of the major obstacles of clinical treatment .
Thus , we comprehensively reviewed the inhibitory effects of NG and NGE on several types of cancers through different signal transduction pathways , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines , and the efficacy of the cancer combination therapy .

Although the rates of many cancers are controlled in Western countries, those of some cancers, such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancer are currently increasing in many low- and middle-income countries due to increases in risk factors caused by development and societal problems. Additionally, endogenous factors, such as inherited mutations, steroid hormones, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor systems, inflammation, oxidative stress, and exogenous factors (including tobacco, alcohol, infectious agents, and radiation), are believed to compromise cell functions and lead to carcinogenesis. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies are some examples of the approaches used for cancer treatment. However, various short- and long-term side effects can also considerably impact patient prognosis based on clinical factors associated with treatments. Recently, increasing numbers of studies have been conducted to identify novel therapeutic agents from natural products, among which plant-derived bioactive compounds have been increasingly studied. Naringin (NG) and its aglycone naringenin (NGE) are abundantly present in citrus fruits, such as grapefruits and oranges. Their anti-carcinogenic activities have been shown to be exerted through several cell signal transduction pathways. Recently, different pharmacological strategies based on combination therapy, involving NG and NGE with the current anti-cancer agents have shown prodigious synergistic effects when compared to monotherapy. Besides, NG and NGE have been reported to overcome multidrug resistance, resulting from different defensive mechanisms in cancer, which is one of the major obstacles of clinical treatment. Thus, we comprehensively reviewed the inhibitory effects of NG and NGE on several types of cancers through different signal transduction pathways, the roles on sensitizing with the current anticancer medicines, and the efficacy of the cancer combination therapy.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Naringin attenuates cisplatin- and aminoglycoside-induced hair cell injury.

Exposure to ototoxic drugs is a significant cause of hearing loss that affects about 30 thousand children with potentially serious physical , social and psychological dysfunctions every year .
Cisplatin ( CP ) and aminoglycosides are effective antineoplastic or bactericidal drugs , and their application has a high probability of ototoxicity which results from the death of hair cells ( HCs ) .
Here , we describe the therapeutic effect of the flavonoid compound naringin ( Nar ) against ototoxic effects of cisplatin and aminoglycosides include gentamicin ( GM ) and neomycin ( Neo ) in zebrafish HCs .
Animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were protected against the pernicious effects of CP ( 150-250 μmol/L ) , GM ( 50-150 μmol/L ) and Neo ( 50-150 μmol/L ) .
We also provide evidence for the potential mechanism of Nar against ototoxicity , including antioxidation , anti-apoptosis , promoting proliferation and hair cell regeneration .
We found that mRNA levels of the apoptotic- and pyroptosis-related genes are regulated by Nar both in vivo and in vitro .
Finally , by proving that Nar does not affect the anti-tumour efficacy of CP and antibacterial activity of aminoglycosides in vitro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application .
In conclusion , these results unravel a novel therapeutic role for Nar as an otoprotective drug against the adverse effects of CP and aminoglycosides .

Exposure to ototoxic drugs is a significant cause of hearing loss that affects about 30 thousand children with potentially serious physical, social and psychological dysfunctions every year. Cisplatin (CP) and aminoglycosides are effective antineoplastic or bactericidal drugs, and their application has a high probability of ototoxicity which results from the death of hair cells (HCs). Here, we describe the therapeutic effect of the flavonoid compound naringin (Nar) against ototoxic effects of cisplatin and aminoglycosides include gentamicin (GM) and neomycin (Neo) in zebrafish HCs. Animals incubated with Nar (100-400 μmol/L) were protected against the pernicious effects of CP (150-250 μmol/L), GM (50-150 μmol/L) and Neo (50-150 μmol/L). We also provide evidence for the potential mechanism of Nar against ototoxicity, including antioxidation, anti-apoptosis, promoting proliferation and hair cell regeneration. We found that mRNA levels of the apoptotic- and pyroptosis-related genes are regulated by Nar both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, by proving that Nar does not affect the anti-tumour efficacy of CP and antibacterial activity of aminoglycosides in vitro, we highlight its value in clinical application. In conclusion, these results unravel a novel therapeutic role for Nar as an otoprotective drug against the adverse effects of CP and aminoglycosides.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Naringin may be used as a potential agent to prevent gut dysbiosis and alleviate NAFLD.

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is rising annually , and emerging evidence suggests that the gut bacteria plays a causal role in NAFLD .
Naringin , a natural flavanone enriched in citrus fruits , is reported to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation , but to date , no investigations have examined whether the benefits of naringin are associated with the gut bacteria .
Thus , we investigated whether the antilipidemic effects of naringin are related to modulating the gut bacteria and metabolic functions .
In this study , C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fed an HFD with or without naringin administration for another 8 weeks .
Naringin intervention reduced the body weight gain , liver lipid accumulation , and lipogenesis and attenuated plasma biochemical parameters in HFD-fed mice .
Gut bacteria analysis showed that naringin altered the community compositional structure of the gut bacteria characterized by increased benefits and fewer harmful bacteria .
Additionally , Spearman 's correlation analysis showed that at the genus level , , , , , andwere negatively correlated and , ,andwere positively correlated with serum lipid levels .
These results strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential agent to prevent gut dysbiosis and alleviate NAFLD .

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising annually, and emerging evidence suggests that the gut bacteria plays a causal role in NAFLD. Naringin, a natural flavanone enriched in citrus fruits, is reported to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, but to date, no investigations have examined whether the benefits of naringin are associated with the gut bacteria. Thus, we investigated whether the antilipidemic effects of naringin are related to modulating the gut bacteria and metabolic functions. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, then fed an HFD with or without naringin administration for another 8 weeks. Naringin intervention reduced the body weight gain, liver lipid accumulation, and lipogenesis and attenuated plasma biochemical parameters in HFD-fed mice. Gut bacteria analysis showed that naringin altered the community compositional structure of the gut bacteria characterized by increased benefits and fewer harmful bacteria. Additionally, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that at the genus level,,,,,andwere negatively correlated and,,andwere positively correlated with serum lipid levels. These results strongly suggest that naringin may be used as a potential agent to prevent gut dysbiosis and alleviate NAFLD.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-13--Allicin has the potential to help in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

This study aimed to assess the impact of allicin on the course of diabetic nephropathy .
Study groups included control , diabetes , and diabetes-treated rats .
Allicin treatment ( 16 mg/kg day/p.o . )
started after 1 month of diabetes onset and was administered for 30 days .
In the diabetes group , the systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) increased , also , the oxidative stress and hypoxia in the kidney cortex were evidenced by alterations in the total antioxidant capacity as well as the expression of nuclear factor ( erythroid-derived 2 ) -like 2/Kelch ECH associating protein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1-alpha ( HIF-1α ) , vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) , erythropoietin ( Epo ) and its receptor ( Epo-R ) .
Moreover , diabetes increased nephrin , and kidney injury molecule-1 ( KIM-1 ) expression that correlated with mesangial matrix , the fibrosis index and with the expression of connective tissue growth factor ( CTGF ) , transforming growth factor-β1 ( TGF-β1 ) , and α-smooth muscle actin ( α-SMA ) .
The insulin levels and glucose transporter protein type-4 ( GLUT4 ) expression were decreased ; otherwise , insulin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and IRS-2 ) expression was increased .
Allicin increased Nrf2 expression and decreased SBP , Keap1 , HIF-1α , and VEGF expression .
Concurrently , nephrin , KIM-1 , the mesangial matrix , fibrosis index , and the fibrotic proteins were decreased .
Additionally , allicin decreased hyperglycemia , improved insulin levels , and prevented changes in ( GLUT4 ) and IRSs expression induced by diabetes .
In conclusion , our results demonstrate that allicin has the potential to help in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy .
The cellular mechanisms underlying its effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , antifibrotic , and antidiabetic mechanisms , which can contribute towardsdelay in the progression of renal disease .

This study aimed to assess the impact of allicin on the course of diabetic nephropathy. Study groups included control, diabetes, and diabetes-treated rats. Allicin treatment (16 mg/kg day/p.o.) started after 1 month of diabetes onset and was administered for 30 days. In the diabetes group, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased, also, the oxidative stress and hypoxia in the kidney cortex were evidenced by alterations in the total antioxidant capacity as well as the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2/Kelch ECH associating protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (Epo) and its receptor (Epo-R). Moreover, diabetes increased nephrin, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression that correlated with mesangial matrix, the fibrosis index and with the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The insulin levels and glucose transporter protein type-4 (GLUT4) expression were decreased; otherwise, insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 (IRS-1 and IRS-2) expression was increased. Allicin increased Nrf2 expression and decreased SBP, Keap1, HIF-1α, and VEGF expression. Concurrently, nephrin, KIM-1, the mesangial matrix, fibrosis index, and the fibrotic proteins were decreased. Additionally, allicin decreased hyperglycemia, improved insulin levels, and prevented changes in (GLUT4) and IRSs expression induced by diabetes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that allicin has the potential to help in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The cellular mechanisms underlying its effects mainly rely on the regulation of antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antidiabetic mechanisms, which can contribute towardsdelay in the progression of renal disease.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-13--These results indicated that anthocyanins and copigments act together in reducing oxidative stress.

Secondary plant metabolites , e.g.
, polyphenols , are widely known as health-improving compounds that occur in natural functional foods such as pomegranates .
While extracts generated from these fruits inhibit oxidative stress , the allocation of these effects to the different subgroups of substances , e.g.
, anthocyanins , '' copigments '' ( polyphenols without anthocyanins ) , or polymeric compounds , is still unknown .
Therefore , in the present study , polyphenols from pomegranate juice were extracted and separated into an anthocyanin and copigment fraction using adsorptive membrane chromatography .
Phenolic compounds were determined by high performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) detection and HPLC-PDA electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry ( HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS ) , while the free radical scavenging activity of the pomegranate XAD‑7 extract and its fractions was evaluated by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity ( TEAC ) assay and electron spin resonance ( ESR ) spectroscopy .
Compared to juice , the total phenolic content and free radical scavenging potential was significantly higher in the pomegranate XAD-7 extract and its fractions .
In comparison to the anthocyanin and copigment fraction , pomegranate XAD-7 extract showed the highest radical scavenging activity against galvinoxyl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enriched XAD-7 extract and its fractions were able to protect human hepatocellular HepG2 cells against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide .
Overall , these results indicated that anthocyanins and copigments act together in reducing oxidative stress .

Secondary plant metabolites, e.g., polyphenols, are widely known as health-improving compounds that occur in natural functional foods such as pomegranates. While extracts generated from these fruits inhibit oxidative stress, the allocation of these effects to the different subgroups of substances, e.g., anthocyanins,"copigments"(polyphenols without anthocyanins), or polymeric compounds, is still unknown. Therefore, in the present study, polyphenols from pomegranate juice were extracted and separated into an anthocyanin and copigment fraction using adsorptive membrane chromatography. Phenolic compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) detection and HPLC-PDA electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS), while the free radical scavenging activity of the pomegranate XAD‑7 extract and its fractions was evaluated by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Compared to juice, the total phenolic content and free radical scavenging potential was significantly higher in the pomegranate XAD-7 extract and its fractions. In comparison to the anthocyanin and copigment fraction, pomegranate XAD-7 extract showed the highest radical scavenging activity against galvinoxyl and DPPH radicals. Moreover, the enriched XAD-7 extract and its fractions were able to protect human hepatocellular HepG2 cells against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Overall, these results indicated that anthocyanins and copigments act together in reducing oxidative stress.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-13--These findings support the protective effects of pomegranate fruit extract against high-fat diet-ind

These findings support the protective effects of pomegranate fruit extract against high-fat diet-induced hepatic and neurological disease.

Diets rich in fats are linked to elevated systemic inflammation , which augments the progression of inflammatory-related disorders including non-alcoholic @ @ @ @ @ ) and neurodegenerative diseases .
A phenolic-enriched pomegranate fruit extract ( PE ) was investigated @ @ @ @ @ effects in male C57BL/6 mice fed either a high-fat diet or a standard rodent diet @ @ @ @ @ of PE for 12 weeks .
Mouse livers and hippocampi were evaluated for the expression @ @ @ @ @ and inflammation by multiplexed gene analysis .
PE alleviated diet-induced fatty liver and suppressed hepatic @ @ @ @ @ ,and .
In addition , PE suppressed gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including , , @ @ @ @ @ Our findings support the protective effects of PE against high-fat diet-induced hepatic and neurological disease @

Diets rich in fats are linked to elevated systemic inflammation, which augments the progression of inflammatory-related disorders including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and neurodegenerative diseases. A phenolic-enriched pomegranate fruit extract (PE) was investigated for its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in male C57BL/6 mice fed either a high-fat diet or a standard rodent diet with or without 1% of PE for 12 weeks. Mouse livers and hippocampi were evaluated for the expression of genes associated with NAFLD and inflammation by multiplexed gene analysis. PE alleviated diet-induced fatty liver and suppressed hepatic lipid regulating genes including,,and. In addition, PE suppressed gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including,,,,andin the hippocampi. Our findings support the protective effects of PE against high-fat diet-induced hepatic and neurological disease.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-13--Computational study of pomegranate peel extract polyphenols as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 vi

Computational study of pomegranate peel extract polyphenols as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 virus internalization.

The search for effective coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) therapy has attracted a great deal of scientific interest due to @ @ @ @ @ overload worldwide .
We have carried out a study to investigate the in silico effects @ @ @ @ @ peel extract constituents on the multi-step process of serious acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( @ @ @ @ @ host cells .
Binding affinities and interactions of ellagic acid , gallic acid , punicalagin @ @ @ @ @ four selected protein targets with a significant and confirmed role in the process of the @ @ @ @ @ host cell .
The protein targets used in this study were : SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein @ @ @ @ @ furin and transmembrane serine protease 2 .
The results showed that the constituents of pomegranate @ @ @ @ @ and punicalin had very promising potential for significant interactions with the selected protein targets and @ @ @ @ @ for further in vitro and in vivo evaluation .

The search for effective coronavirus disease (COVID-19) therapy has attracted a great deal of scientific interest due to its unprecedented health care system overload worldwide. We have carried out a study to investigate the in silico effects of the most abundant pomegranate peel extract constituents on the multi-step process of serious acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) internalization in the host cells. Binding affinities and interactions of ellagic acid, gallic acid, punicalagin and punicalin were studied on four selected protein targets with a significant and confirmed role in the process of the entry of virus into a host cell. The protein targets used in this study were: SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, furin and transmembrane serine protease 2. The results showed that the constituents of pomegranate peel extracts, namely punicalagin and punicalin had very promising potential for significant interactions with the selected protein targets and were therefore deemed good candidates for further in vitro and in vivo evaluation.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-13--Effect of punicalagin on multiple targets in streptozotocin/high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice.

Type 2 diabetes has a series of metabolic aberrations accompanied by chronic hyperglycemia , along with various comorbidities .
In recent reports , punicalagin from pomegranate has been reported to exert hypoglycemic effects against diabetes .
The goal of the current research was to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness and elucidate the mechanisms of punicalagin underlying type 2 diabetes .
Type 2 diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet ( HFD ) combined with streptozotocin ( STZ ) injection in C57BL/6J mice .
Punicalagin was administered daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks .
The results indicated that high FBG ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated islet , liver and kidney injury were observed in the model group mice .
Through metabolomics analysis , it was found that the administration of punicalagin could regulate 24 potential biomarkers and their related metabolic pathways .
Moreover , the pathological changes in the liver and kidney were mainly mediated by reducing gluconeogenesis and increasing glycogenesis via stimulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulation of the HMGB-1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway , which simultaneously interrelated to ten main pathological pathways .
In addition , we confirmed the positive role of punicalagin in glucosamine-induced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related mechanistic studies in vitro .
In conclusion , these findings suggested that the multi-effect and multi-target action mode of punicalagin had a significant hypoglycemic effect and a protective effect on diabetes mellitus .
Punicalagin might serve as an alternative functional food or as a clinical supplemental therapy for the diabetic population to ameliorate metabolic syndrome .

Type 2 diabetes has a series of metabolic aberrations accompanied by chronic hyperglycemia, along with various comorbidities. In recent reports, punicalagin from pomegranate has been reported to exert hypoglycemic effects against diabetes. The goal of the current research was to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness and elucidate the mechanisms of punicalagin underlying type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection in C57BL/6J mice. Punicalagin was administered daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The results indicated that high FBG (fasting blood glucose), dyslipidemia and associated islet, liver and kidney injury were observed in the model group mice. Through metabolomics analysis, it was found that the administration of punicalagin could regulate 24 potential biomarkers and their related metabolic pathways. Moreover, the pathological changes in the liver and kidney were mainly mediated by reducing gluconeogenesis and increasing glycogenesis via stimulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulation of the HMGB-1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which simultaneously interrelated to ten main pathological pathways. In addition, we confirmed the positive role of punicalagin in glucosamine-induced HepG2 cells and HG-induced HK-2 cells through related mechanistic studies in vitro. In conclusion, these findings suggested that the multi-effect and multi-target action mode of punicalagin had a significant hypoglycemic effect and a protective effect on diabetes mellitus. Punicalagin might serve as an alternative functional food or as a clinical supplemental therapy for the diabetic population to ameliorate metabolic syndrome.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Punicalagin regulates key processes associated with atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis may lead to cardiovascular diseases ( CVD ) , which are the primary cause of death globally .
In addition to conventional therapeutics for CVD , use of nutraceuticals that prevents cholesterol deposition , reduce existing plaques and hence anti-atherosclerotic effects of nutraceuticals appeared to be promising .
As such , in the present study we evaluated the beneficial effects of punicalagin , a phytochemical against an atherosclerotic cell model in vitro .
Cytotoxicity assays were examined for 10µM concentration of punicalagin on THP-1 macrophages .
Real-time-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR ) was used to analyze monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( ICAM-1 ) expressions .
Monocyte migration and cholesterol efflux assays were performed to investigatepunicalagin 's further impact on the key steps of atherosclerosis .
Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated no significant toxicity for punicalagin ( 10 µM ) on THP-1 macrophages .
Punicalagin inhibited the IFN-γ-induced overexpression of MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in macrophages by 10 fold and 3.49 fold , respectively , compared to the control .
Punicalagin also reduced the MCP-1- mediated migration of monocytes by 28 % compared to the control .
Percentages of cellular cholesterol efflux were enhanced in presence or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84 % compared to control with 58 % and 62 % , respectively .
Punicalagin possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects .
Punicalagin also did not exhibit any cytotoxicity and therefore can be considered a safe and potential candidate for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis .

Atherosclerosis may lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the primary cause of death globally. In addition to conventional therapeutics for CVD, use of nutraceuticals that prevents cholesterol deposition, reduce existing plaques and hence anti-atherosclerotic effects of nutraceuticals appeared to be promising. As such, in the present study we evaluated the beneficial effects of punicalagin, a phytochemical against an atherosclerotic cell model in vitro. Cytotoxicity assays were examined for 10µM concentration of punicalagin on THP-1 macrophages. Real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expressions. Monocyte migration and cholesterol efflux assays were performed to investigatepunicalagin's further impact on the key steps of atherosclerosis. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated no significant toxicity for punicalagin (10 µM) on THP-1 macrophages. Punicalagin inhibited the IFN-γ-induced overexpression of MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in macrophages by 10 fold and 3.49 fold, respectively,compared to the control. Punicalagin also reduced the MCP-1- mediated migration of monocytes by 28% compared to the control. Percentages of cellular cholesterol efflux were enhanced in presence or absence of IFN-γ by 88% and 84% compared to control with 58 %and 62%, respectively. Punicalagin possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Punicalagin also did not exhibit any cytotoxicity and therefore can be considered a safe and potential candidate for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Punicalagin induces apoptosis in A549 cell line through mitochondria-mediated pathway.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide .
Punicalagin is an ellagitannin mostly found in pomegranate husk and shows very strong antitumoral activity .
The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism in which punicalagin acts as an antiproliferative agent on A549 cell line ( adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells ) and MRC-5 cell line ( normal lung fibroblast cells ) .
The cultured cells were treated with punicalagin at concentrations of 1-100μM for 24 h. For this aim , cell growth inhibition , percentage of apoptotic cells , cell cycle distribution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxygen species ( ROS ) production , and expression of apoptotic proteins were evaluated .
Cell viability test and morphological examinations showed that punicalagin at 50 and 75 µM concentrations exhibited toxic effect against lung cancer cells but not toxic against normal lung cells .
Cytoplasmic ROS production decreased with the application of punicalagin , while the level of ROS released from mitochondria increased due to mitochondrial dysfunction .
Studies of apoptosis indicated that both punicalagin concentrations induced apoptotic process in A549 cells .
However , cell cycle was arrested in the G1/S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest that punicalagin has antiproliferative and apoptotic properties in these concentrations .

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Punicalagin is an ellagitannin mostly found in pomegranate husk and shows very strong antitumoral activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism in which punicalagin acts as an antiproliferative agent on A549 cell line (adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells) and MRC-5 cell line (normal lung fibroblast cells). The cultured cells were treated with punicalagin at concentrations of 1-100μM for 24 h. For this aim, cell growth inhibition, percentage of apoptotic cells, cell cycle distribution, morphological changes, cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and expression of apoptotic proteins were evaluated. Cell viability test and morphological examinations showed that punicalagin at 50 and 75 µM concentrations exhibited toxic effect against lung cancer cells but not toxic against normal lung cells. Cytoplasmic ROS production decreased with the application of punicalagin, while the level of ROS released from mitochondria increased due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies of apoptosis indicated that both punicalagin concentrations induced apoptotic process in A549 cells. However, cell cycle was arrested in the G1/S phase after punicalagin treatment. These findings suggest that punicalagin has antiproliferative and apoptotic properties in these concentrations.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Antihyperuricemic effect of urolithin A in cultured hepatocytes and model mice.

Hyperuricemia is defined as a disease with high uric acid ( UA ) levels in the blood and a strong risk factor for gout .
Urolithin A ( UroA ) is a main microbial metabolite derived from ellagic acid ( EA ) , which occurs in strawberries and pomegranates .
In this study , we evaluated antihyperuricemic effect of UroA in both cultured hepatocytes and hyperuricemic model mice .
In cultured hepatocytes , UroA significantly and dose-dependently reduced UA production .
In model mice with purine bodies-induced hyperuricemia , oral administration of UroA significantly inhibited the increase in plasma UA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) activity .
In addition , DNA microarray results exhibited that UroA , as well as allopurinol , a strong XO inhibitor , induced downregulation of the expression of genes associated with hepatic purine metabolism .
Thus , hypouricemic effect of UroA could be , at least partly , attributed to inhibition of purine metabolism and UA production by suppressing XO activity in the liver .
These results indicate UroA possesses a potent antihyperuricemic effect and it could be a potential candidate for a molecule capable of preventing and improving hyperuricemia and gout @

Hyperuricemia is defined as a disease with high uric acid (UA) levels in the blood and a strong risk factor for gout. Urolithin A (UroA) is a main microbial metabolite derived from ellagic acid (EA), which occurs in strawberries and pomegranates. In this study, we evaluated antihyperuricemic effect of UroA in both cultured hepatocytes and hyperuricemic model mice. In cultured hepatocytes, UroA significantly and dose-dependently reduced UA production. In model mice with purine bodies-induced hyperuricemia, oral administration of UroA significantly inhibited the increase in plasma UA levels and hepatic xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. In addition, DNA microarray results exhibited that UroA, as well as allopurinol, a strong XO inhibitor, induced downregulation of the expression of genes associated with hepatic purine metabolism. Thus, hypouricemic effect of UroA could be, at least partly, attributed to inhibition of purine metabolism and UA production by suppressing XO activity in the liver. These results indicate UroA possesses a potent antihyperuricemic effect and it could be a potential candidate for a molecule capable of preventing and improving hyperuricemia and gout.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Urolithin A protects pancreatic β Cells from apoptosis by activating autophagy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE : Urolithin A is an active metabolite of plant polyphenol ellagic acid generated by intestinal flora , which is derived from strawberry or traditional anti-diabetic Chinese medicine such as Punica granatum L. and Phyllanthus emblica .
The present study aimed to whether urolithin A can protect against glycolipid-toxicity-induced apoptosis of pancreaticβ-cells and the underlying mechanisms .
MATERIALS AND METHODS : Apoptosis was induced in the pancreas of mice with type 2 diabetes and MIN6 pancreaticβ-cells .
CC-8 assay was conducted to determine cell viability .
Flow cytometry , JC-1 fluorescent probe , and western blot assays were performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blot assays were used to detect changes in autophagy .
The mechanism of apoptosis was elucidated using autophagy inhibitor chloroquine .
RESULTS : Urolithin A intervention significantly reduced pancreatic cell apoptosis in diabetic mice and MIN6β cells .
This was achieved by the downregulation of cleaved-caspase 3 , cleaved-caspase 1 , and restoration of cell viability , cell morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential , accompanied with the downregulation of autophagic protein SQSTM1/p62 and upregulation of LC3II .
Chloroquine , an autophagy inhibitor , reversed the anti-glucolipotoxic and anti-apoptotic effects of urolithin A .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A protects against glucolipotoxicity-induced apoptosis in pancreaticβ-cells by inducing activation of autophagy .

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Urolithin A is an active metabolite of plant polyphenol ellagic acid generated by intestinal flora, which is derived from strawberry or traditional anti-diabetic Chinese medicine such as Punica granatum L. and Phyllanthus emblica. The present study aimed to whether urolithin A can protect against glycolipid-toxicity-induced apoptosis of pancreaticβ-cells and the underlying mechanisms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apoptosis was induced in the pancreas of mice with type 2 diabetes and MIN6 pancreaticβ-cells. CC-8 assay was conducted to determine cell viability. Flow cytometry, JC-1 fluorescent probe, and western blot assays were performed to assess apoptosis. Immunofluorescence and western blot assays were used to detect changes in autophagy. The mechanism of apoptosis was elucidated using autophagy inhibitor chloroquine.
RESULTS: Urolithin A intervention significantly reduced pancreatic cell apoptosis in diabetic mice and MIN6β cells. This was achieved by the downregulation of cleaved-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 1, and restoration of cell viability, cell morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, accompanied with the downregulation of autophagic protein SQSTM1/p62 and upregulation of LC3II. Chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, reversed the anti-glucolipotoxic and anti-apoptotic effects of urolithin A.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that urolithin A protects against glucolipotoxicity-induced apoptosis in pancreaticβ-cells by inducing activation of autophagy.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Ellagic acid-related compounds might be potential agents to limit the diabetes burden.

Oxidative stress contributes not only to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes ( T2D ) but also to diabetic vascular complications .
It follows that antioxidants might contribute to limiting the diabetes burden .
In this review we focus on ellagic acid ( EA ) , a compound that can be obtained upon intestinal hydrolysis of dietary ellagitannins , a family of polyphenols naturally found in several fruits and seeds .
There is increasing research on cardiometabolic effects of ellagitannins , EA , and urolithins ( EA metabolites ) .
We updated research conducted on these compounds and ( I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflammation , oxidation , and glycation ; and ( III ) diabetic complications .
We included studies testing EA in isolation , extracts or preparations enriched in EA , or EA-rich foods ( mostly pomegranate juice ) .
Animal research on the topic , entirely conducted in murine models , mostly reported glucose-lowering , antioxidant , anti-inflammatory , and anti-glycation effects , along with prevention of micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications .
Clinical research is incipient and mostly involved non-randomized and low-powered studies , which confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of EA-rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glucose control .
Overall , EA-related compounds might be potential agents to limit the diabetes burden , but well-designed human randomized controlled trials are needed to fill the existing gap between experimental and clinical research .

Oxidative stress contributes not only to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) but also to diabetic vascular complications. It follows that antioxidants might contribute to limiting the diabetes burden. In this review we focus on ellagic acid (EA), a compound that can be obtained upon intestinal hydrolysis of dietary ellagitannins, a family of polyphenols naturally found in several fruits and seeds. There is increasing research on cardiometabolic effects of ellagitannins, EA, and urolithins (EA metabolites). We updated research conducted on these compounds and (I) glucose metabolism; (II) inflammation, oxidation, and glycation; and (III) diabetic complications. We included studies testing EA in isolation, extracts or preparations enriched in EA, or EA-rich foods (mostly pomegranate juice). Animal research on the topic, entirely conducted in murine models, mostly reported glucose-lowering, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycation effects, along with prevention of micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications. Clinical research is incipient and mostly involved non-randomized and low-powered studies, which confirmed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of EA-rich foods, but without conclusive results on glucose control. Overall, EA-related compounds might be potential agents to limit the diabetes burden, but well-designed human randomized controlled trials are needed to fill the existing gap between experimental and clinical research.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Efficacy of pomegranate seed powder on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes

Efficacy of pomegranate seed powder on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION : Pomegranate is known as a functional food which has multiple health-promoting activities .
It has been assessed for patients with metabolic syndrome .
Specifically , an antidiabetic activity of its juice and plausible mechanisms for its action have been shown in multitudinous studies .
The aim of this study was assessing the effects of complementary treatment with pomegranate seed powder ( PSP ) oral supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) .
METHODS : Sixty patients were treated for 8 weeks by 5 g PSP or placebo , twice daily .
Fasting blood glucose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HbA1c ) , total cholesterol , and triglyceride ( TG ) were recorded as the outcome measures at the beginning and after the intervention .
The findings were analyzed using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test .
RESULTS : After 8 weeks , the mean differences of FBG , HbA1c , cholesterol , and TG were significantly decreased in the PSP group when compared with the placebo group ( p value < 0.05 ) .
In addition , post-intervention values of FBG and HbA1c were significantly lower in patients treated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p values = 0.02 and 0.01 , respectively ) .
However , the latter comparison regarding cholesterol and TG showed no significant differences ( p values = 0.51 and 0.26 , respectively ) .
CONCLUSION : It seems that complementary treatment with PSP may have beneficial effects on FBG and HbA1c of patients with T2DM .
However , its effect on TG and cholesterol was equivocal .

INTRODUCTION: Pomegranate is known as a functional food which has multiple health-promoting activities. It has been assessed for patients with metabolic syndrome. Specifically, an antidiabetic activity of its juice and plausible mechanisms for its action have been shown in multitudinous studies. The aim of this study was assessing the effects of complementary treatment with pomegranate seed powder (PSP) oral supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
METHODS: Sixty patients were treated for 8 weeks by 5 g PSP or placebo, twice daily. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) were recorded as the outcome measures at the beginning and after the intervention. The findings were analyzed using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS: After 8 weeks, the mean differences of FBG, HbA1c, cholesterol, and TG were significantly decreased in the PSP group when compared with the placebo group (p value<0.05). In addition, post-intervention values of FBG and HbA1c were significantly lower in patients treated with PSP compared to the placebo group (p values = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). However, the latter comparison regarding cholesterol and TG showed no significant differences (p values = 0.51 and 0.26, respectively).
CONCLUSION: It seems that complementary treatment with PSP may have beneficial effects on FBG and HbA1c of patients with T2DM. However, its effect on TG and cholesterol was equivocal.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Changes in oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage markers following diet and beetroot jui

Changes in oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage markers following diet and beetroot juice supplementation in elite fencers.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diet and active substances in beetroot juice on the parameters of oxidative stress , inflammation , and muscle damage as well as on the maximum rate of oxygen uptake ( VO ) in elite fencers ( 10 women , 10 men ) .
Athletes during four weeks realized dietary recommendations ( ID ) and , after that , diet with freeze-dried beetroot juice supplementation ( ID & BEET ) .
At baseline and after each stage , fasting antioxidants , biomarkers of oxidative stress , inflammation , and skeletal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VOtest was performed .
Only after ID & BEET was a significant increase of VOobserved , and changes of this parameter were negatively related with changes of serum lactate dehydrogenase ( ∆LDH ) activity , as well as with serum ∆β-carotene and malondialdehyde concentration ( ∆MDA ) .
Additionally , positive relationships were observed between ∆β-carotene versus changes of the serum concentration of advanced oxidation protein products ( ∆AOPP ) , changes of serum glutathione peroxidase activity ( ∆GPx3 ) versus both changes of physical activity level and ∆LDH , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versus ∆LDH .
To summarize , we showed that long-term beetroot juice supplementation increases lipid peroxidation , and improvement of VOafter ID & BEET seems to be dependent on LDH activity , as well as on the serum concentration of MDA andβ-carotene .

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diet and active substances in beetroot juice on the parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage as well as on the maximum rate of oxygen uptake (VO) in elite fencers (10 women, 10 men). Athletes during four weeks realized dietary recommendations (ID) and, after that, diet with freeze-dried beetroot juice supplementation (ID&BEET). At baseline and after each stage, fasting antioxidants, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and skeletal muscle damage were measured, and a VOtest was performed. Only after ID&BEET was a significant increase of VOobserved, and changes of this parameter were negatively related with changes of serum lactate dehydrogenase (∆LDH) activity, as well as with serum ∆β-carotene and malondialdehyde concentration (∆MDA). Additionally, positive relationships were observed between ∆β-carotene versus changes of the serum concentration of advanced oxidation protein products (∆AOPP), changes of serum glutathione peroxidase activity (∆GPx3) versus both changes of physical activity level and ∆LDH, as well as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (∆GPx1) versus ∆LDH. To summarize, we showed that long-term beetroot juice supplementation increases lipid peroxidation, and improvement of VOafter ID&BEET seems to be dependent on LDH activity, as well as on the serum concentration of MDA andβ-carotene.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Effectiveness of beetroot juice derived nitrates supplementation on fatigue resistance during repeat

Effectiveness of beetroot juice derived nitrates supplementation on fatigue resistance during repeated-sprints.

In recent decades , the search for non-doping substances that enhance sports performance has increased .
Ergogenic aids such as beetroot juice ( BRJ ) and BRJ rich in nitrates ( NO ) are widely used to cause physiological benefits that may lead to physical improvements .
Therefore , the purpose of this systematic review was to explore the knowledge reported to date on the NOderived from BRJ intake effect on fatigue resistance during repeated sprints .
A digital search was conducted following systematic review guidelines , and 18 studies met inclusion criteria from a total of 209 articles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the consumption of beet juice rich in NOcontributes to an increase in nitrites in plasma that led to the rise in peak power , mean power , number of sprint repetitions , total work and time to task failure , and causes a decrease in fatigue index and sprints times .
Some different dose has been proposed for both chronic and acute protocols .
It seems that a chronic intake of∼5-6 mmol of NOin 70 ml of BRJ , twice a day , for a minimum of 3-6 days could lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Besides , acute intake of NO2.5-3 h before physical exertion or a dose of 250 ml/d to 500 ml/d of BRJ could lead to similar effective results .
This systematic review presents some improvements ( 1.2-5.38 % ) in fatigue resistance during repeated sprints when consuming BRJ derived NO .
The in-field practical meaning of these results should be explored .

In recent decades, the search for non-doping substances that enhance sports performance has increased. Ergogenic aids such as beetroot juice (BRJ) and BRJ rich in nitrates (NO) are widely used to cause physiological benefits that may lead to physical improvements. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to explore the knowledge reported to date on the NOderived from BRJ intake effect on fatigue resistance during repeated sprints. A digital search was conducted following systematic review guidelines, and 18 studies met inclusion criteria from a total of 209 articles. In a third of the selected studies, the consumption of beet juice rich in NOcontributes to an increase in nitrites in plasma that led to the rise in peak power, mean power, number of sprint repetitions, total work and time to task failure, and causes a decrease in fatigue index and sprints times. Some different dose has been proposed for both chronic and acute protocols. It seems that a chronic intake of∼5-6 mmol of NOin 70 ml of BRJ, twice a day, for a minimum of 3-6 days could lead to a fatigue resistance improvement during repeated sprints. Besides, acute intake of NO2.5-3 h before physical exertion or a dose of 250 ml/d to 500 ml/d of BRJ could lead to similar effective results. This systematic review presents some improvements (1.2-5.38%) in fatigue resistance during repeated sprints when consuming BRJ derived NO. The in-field practical meaning of these results should be explored.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Acute supplementation with beetroot juice improves endothelial function in HIV-infected individuals.

Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) is associated with lower nitric oxide ( NO ) bioavailability and vascular dysfunction .
Nitrate-rich beetroot juice ( BJ ) has been shown to acutely increase NO availability and vascular function in healthy and individuals at high risk for CVD .
Thus , we tested the effects of BJ ingestion on flow-mediated dilation ( FMD ) and pulse wave velocity ( PWV ) measurements in healthy and HIV-infected patients .
13 HIV-infected ( 36±10 years old ) and 18 healthy ( 27±8 years old ) participated in the study .
Individuals were submitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PWV at pre ( T0 ) and at 120 min ( T120 ) after beetroot juice ( BJ ) and placebo ( PLA ) ingestion .
The % FMD at T0 of the control group was significantly higher than the % FMD at T0 of the HIV individuals in both interventions .
BJ improved the % FMD at T120 when compared to T0 in the HIV and control groups .
There was no change in % FMD after PLA ingestion in the control and HIV groups .
There were no differences between groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points ( T0 vsT120 ) and interventions ( BJ vs PLA ) for PWV .
Our findings showed that nitrate-rich beetroot juice ingestion acutely improved vascular function in healthy and HIV-infected patients .
Clinical Trials Registry number : NCT03485248 .
Novelty bullets : ●Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) is associated withlower nitric oxide ( NO ) bioavailability and vascular dysfunction .
●Acute supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot juice ( BJ ) has been shown to acutely increases NO bioavailability ●We showed for the first time that BJ acutely improve endothelial function in HIV-infected @ @

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with lower nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and vascular dysfunction. Nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BJ) has been shown to acutely increase NO availability and vascular function in healthy and individuals at high risk for CVD . Thus, we tested the effects of BJ ingestion on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements in healthy and HIV-infected patients. 13 HIV-infected (36±10 years old) and 18 healthy (27±8 years old) participated in the study. Individuals were submitted to vascular tests such as FMD and pulse PWV at pre (T0) and at 120 min (T120) after beetroot juice (BJ) and placebo (PLA) ingestion. The %FMD at T0 of the control group was significantly higher than the %FMD at T0 of the HIV individuals in both interventions. BJ improved the %FMD at T120 when compared to T0 in the HIV and control groups. There was no change in %FMD after PLA ingestion in the control and HIV groups. There were no differences between groups (control vs HIV), time points (T0 vsT120) and interventions (BJ vs PLA) for PWV. Our findings showed that nitrate-rich beetroot juice ingestion acutely improved vascular function in healthy and HIV-infected patients. Clinical Trials Registry number: NCT03485248. Novelty bullets: ●Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated withlower nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and vascular dysfunction. ●Acute supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BJ) has been shown to acutely increases NO bioavailability ●We showed for the first time that BJ acutely improve endothelial function in HIV-infected patients.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Beetroot supplemented diet exhibit anti-amnesic effect.

OBJECTIVES : , commonly known as beetroot , is a vegetable that contains red pigment and rich in betalains , phenolic acids , and flavonoids .
This study was designed to assess the effect of beetroot supplemented diet ( BRSD ) on cognitive function and altered neurochemicals associated with Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) in the brain of rats treated with scopolamine ( SCOP ) .
METHODS : Rats were fed with BRSD ( 2 and 4 % ) for 14 days and administered with 2 mg/kg of SCOP intraperitoneally on the last day .
Morris water Maze and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ function .
Purinergic enzymes [ ectonucleotidase ( NTPdase ) and adenosine deaminase ( ADA ) ] , monoamine oxidase ( MAO ) , and angiotensin-I converting enzyme ( ACE ) activities were determined in rat brain tissues .
Furthermore , catalase activity , total thiol ( T-SH ) and non-protein thiol ( NP-SH ) levels were also assessed .
Beetroot was characterized using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry , and the structure-activity relationship between the constituents and target enzymes was assessed .
RESULTS : BRSD improved cognitive function by increasing memory index in SCOP treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ADA , MAO , and ACE activities were observed in the brain of rats treated with SCOP .
However , the activities of these enzymes were significantly lower after treatment with BRSD .
Treatment with BRSD triggered a significant increase in catalase activity , T-SH and NP-SH levels in SCOP-treated rats .
Catechin , 6,7-benzocoumarin , gentisin , 5,7-dimethoxyflavone , and vulgaxanthin I was identified in beetroots .
DISCUSSION : The result suggests that beetroot could prevent cognitive dysfunction in SCOP-treated rats , and enhance memory function , via modulation of purinergic enzymes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neuronal antioxidant status .

OBJECTIVES: , commonly known as beetroot, is a vegetable that contains red pigment and rich in betalains, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. This study was designed to assess the effect of beetroot supplemented diet (BRSD) on cognitive function and altered neurochemicals associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the brain of rats treated with scopolamine (SCOP).
METHODS: Rats were fed with BRSD (2 and 4%) for 14 days and administered with 2 mg/kg of SCOP intraperitoneally on the last day. Morris water Maze and Y-maze tests were performed to assess cognitive function. Purinergic enzymes [ectonucleotidase (NTPdase) and adenosine deaminase (ADA)], monoamine oxidase (MAO), and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activities were determined in rat brain tissues. Furthermore, catalase activity, total thiol (T-SH) and non-protein thiol (NP-SH) levels were also assessed. Beetroot was characterized using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the structure-activity relationship between the constituents and target enzymes was assessed.
RESULTS: BRSD improved cognitive function by increasing memory index in SCOP treated rats. An increase in NTPdase, ADA, MAO, and ACE activities were observed in the brain of rats treated with SCOP. However, the activities of these enzymes were significantly lower after treatment with BRSD. Treatment with BRSD triggered a significant increase in catalase activity, T-SH and NP-SH levels in SCOP-treated rats. Catechin, 6,7-benzocoumarin, gentisin, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, and vulgaxanthin I was identified in beetroots.
DISCUSSION: The result suggests that beetroot could prevent cognitive dysfunction in SCOP-treated rats, and enhance memory function, via modulation of purinergic enzymes, MAO and ACE activities, and neuronal antioxidant status.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Acute beetroot juice supplementation improves exercise tolerance and cycling efficiency in adults wi

Acute beetroot juice supplementation improves exercise tolerance and cycling efficiency in adults with obesity.

BACKGROUND : Exercise training improves health outcomes in individuals with obesity ( IO ) ; however , it remains challenging for IO to adhere to exercise .
Thus , it is critical to identify novel strategies that improve exercise tolerance ( ET ) and adherence in IO .
Beetroot juice ( BRJ ) , high in inorganic dietary nitrate , consistently improves exercise performance in athletes , individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases , and nonobese lean individuals .
These improvements may be explained by reduced oxygen uptake ( VO ) during exercise , enhanced blood flow , and greater mitochondrial efficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of no studies that have compared the effects of BRJ , sodium nitrate ( NaNO3 ) , and nitrate-depleted BRJ ( PLA ) for improving ET and cardiometabolic health in IO .
PURPOSE : Determine if BRJ improves ET , exercise efficiency ( EE ) , and cardiometabolic health in IO and identify possible mechanisms of action .
METHODS : Vascular hemodynamic , submaximal- and maximal-exercise VO , and time to exhaustion ( TTE ) were assessed in 16 participants 2.5 hr following consumption of : 1 ) BRJ , 2 ) NaNO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) CON .
RESULTS : A significant treatment effect was observed for submaximal exercise VO ( p = .003 ) , and TTE ( p CONCLUSIONS : Consumption of BRJ improved EE during submaximal exercise by 7 % , and TTE by 15 % compared to other conditions .
These results suggest that BRJ may improve EE and exercise tolerance in IO .

BACKGROUND: Exercise training improves health outcomes in individuals with obesity (IO); however, it remains challenging for IO to adhere to exercise. Thus, it is critical to identify novel strategies that improve exercise tolerance (ET) and adherence in IO. Beetroot juice (BRJ), high in inorganic dietary nitrate, consistently improves exercise performance in athletes, individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases, and nonobese lean individuals. These improvements may be explained by reduced oxygen uptake (VO) during exercise, enhanced blood flow, and greater mitochondrial efficiency. To date, we are aware of no studies that have compared the effects of BRJ, sodium nitrate (NaNO3), and nitrate-depleted BRJ (PLA) for improving ET and cardiometabolic health in IO.
PURPOSE: Determine if BRJ improves ET, exercise efficiency (EE), and cardiometabolic health in IO and identify possible mechanisms of action.
METHODS: Vascular hemodynamic, submaximal- and maximal-exercise VO, and time to exhaustion (TTE) were assessed in 16 participants 2.5 hr following consumption of: 1) BRJ, 2) NaNO, 3) PLA, or 4) CON.
RESULTS: A significant treatment effect was observed for submaximal exercise VO(p = .003), and TTE (p < .001). Post hoc analyses revealed lower VOduring submaximal exercise in BRJ compared to PLA (p = .009) NaNO3 (p = .042) and CON (0.009), equating to an average improvement of ~ 7% with BRJ. TTE was greater for BRJ compared to other treatment arms, PLA (p = .008), NaNO3 (p = .038), and CON (p=<0.001), equating to ~ 15% improvement with BRJ. No significant changes were observed for other outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of BRJ improved EE during submaximal exercise by 7%, and TTE by 15% compared to other conditions. These results suggest that BRJ may improve EE and exercise tolerance in IO.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Grape and blueberry with a healthy lifestyle may be a safe alternative to acutely improve working me

Grape and blueberry with a healthy lifestyle may be a safe alternative to acutely improve working memory and attention during a sustained cognitive effort.

Despite an increasing level of evidence supporting the individual beneficial effect of polyphenols on cognitive performance , information related to the potential synergistic action of these phytonutrients on cognitive performance during a prolonged cognitive effort is currently lacking .
This study investigated the acute and sustained action of a polyphenols-rich extract from grape and blueberry ( PEGB ) , on working memory and attention in healthy students during a prolonged and intensive cognitive effort .
In this randomised , cross-over , double blind study , 30 healthy students consumed 600 mg of PEGB or a placebo .
Ninety minutes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for one hour using a cognitive demand battery including serial subtraction tasks , a rapid visual information processing ( RVIP ) task and a visual analogical scale .
Flow-mediated dilation ( FMD ) and plasma flavan-3-ols metabolites quantification were also performed .
A 2.5-fold increase in serial three subtraction variation net scores was observed following PEGB consumption versus placebo ( < 0.001 ) .
A trend towards significance was also observed with RVIP percentage of correct answers ( = 0.058 ) .
No treatment effect was observed on FMD .
Our findings suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy lifestyle may be a safe alternative to acutely improve working memory and attention during a sustained cognitive effort .

Despite an increasing level of evidence supporting the individual beneficial effect of polyphenols on cognitive performance, information related to the potential synergistic action of these phytonutrients on cognitive performance during a prolonged cognitive effort is currently lacking. This study investigated the acute and sustained action of a polyphenols-rich extract from grape and blueberry (PEGB), on working memory and attention in healthy students during a prolonged and intensive cognitive effort. In this randomised, cross-over, double blind study, 30 healthy students consumed 600 mg of PEGB or a placebo. Ninety minutes after product intake, cognitive functions were assessed for one hour using a cognitive demand battery including serial subtraction tasks, a rapid visual information processing (RVIP) task and a visual analogical scale. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and plasma flavan-3-ols metabolites quantification were also performed. A 2.5-fold increase in serial three subtraction variation net scores was observed following PEGB consumption versus placebo (<0.001). A trend towards significance was also observed with RVIP percentage of correct answers (= 0.058). No treatment effect was observed on FMD. Our findings suggest that consumption of PEGB coupled with a healthy lifestyle may be a safe alternative to acutely improve working memory and attention during a sustained cognitive effort.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Blueberry counteracts BV-2 microglia morphological and functional switch after LPS challenge.

Microglia , the innate immune cells of the CNS , respond to brain injury by activating and modifying their morphology .
Our study arises from the great interest that has been focused on blueberry ( BB ) for the antioxidant and pharmacological properties displayed by its components .
We analyzed the influence of hydroalcoholic BB extract in resting or lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) -stimulated microglia BV-2 cells .
BB exerted a protective effect against LPS-induced cytotoxicity , as indicated by cell viability .
BB was also able to influence the actin cytoskeleton organization , to recover the control phenotype after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LPS-driven migration .
We evaluated the activity of Rho and Rac1 GTPases , which regulate both actin cytoskeletal organization and migratory capacity .
LPS caused an increase in Rac1 activity , which was counteracted by BB extract .
Furthermore , we demonstrated that , in the presence of BB , mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β , IL-6 and TNF-α decreased , as did the immunofluorescence signal of iNOS , whereas that of Arg-1 was increased .
Taken together , our results show that , during the inflammatory response , BB extract shifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through an actin cytoskeletal rearrangement .
Basedon that , we might consider BB as a nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory activities .

Microglia, the innate immune cells of the CNS, respond to brain injury by activating and modifying their morphology. Our study arises from the great interest that has been focused on blueberry (BB) for the antioxidant and pharmacological properties displayed by its components. We analyzed the influence of hydroalcoholic BB extract in resting or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia BV-2 cells. BB exerted a protective effect against LPS-induced cytotoxicity, as indicated by cell viability. BB was also able to influence the actin cytoskeleton organization, to recover the control phenotype after LPS insult, and also to reduce LPS-driven migration. We evaluated the activity of Rho and Rac1 GTPases, which regulate both actin cytoskeletal organization and migratory capacity. LPS caused an increase in Rac1 activity, which was counteracted by BB extract. Furthermore, we demonstrated that, in the presence of BB, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased, as did the immunofluorescence signal of iNOS, whereas that of Arg-1 was increased. Taken together, our results show that, during the inflammatory response, BB extract shifts the M1 polarization towards the M2 phenotype through an actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. Basedon that, we might consider BB as a nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory activities.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of tumor cell lines of different origin

Anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of tumor cell lines of different origin.

BACKGROUND : Blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity and have been recognized by their health promoting @ @ @ @ @ vitro study of the anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of cancer @ @ @ @ @ MATERIALS AND METHODS : A blueberry extract was produced using ethanol as extracting solvent .
@ @ @ @ @ extract was evaluated against seven tumor cell lines .
The properties of blueberry extract to @ @ @ @ @ were also investigated .
RESULTS : Blueberry extract showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell @ @ @ @ @ .
Non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extract decreased cell adhesion in five of seven cell lines @ @ @ @ @ of MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 tumor cells .
CONCLUSION : This work provides additional evidence regarding @ @ @ @ @ to inhibit the growth and decrease cell adhesion and migration of different cancer cell lines @ @ @

BACKGROUND: Blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity and have been recognized by their health promoting properties.
AIM: In vitro study of the anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of cancer cells from different origin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blueberry extract was produced using ethanol as extracting solvent. The anti-proliferative activity of the extract was evaluated against seven tumor cell lines. The properties of blueberry extract to decrease cell adhesion and migration were also investigated.
RESULTS: Blueberry extract showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell proliferation for all cell lines. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extract decreased cell adhesion in five of seven cell lines studied and inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 tumor cells.
CONCLUSION: This work provides additional evidence regarding the ability of blueberry extract to inhibit the growth and decrease cell adhesion and migration of different cancer cell lines in vitro.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Serum ceramide reduction by blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract alleviates insulin resistance in hype

Serum ceramide reduction by blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract alleviates insulin resistance in hyperlipidemia mice.

Blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract ( BAE ) was supplemented to high-fat diet ( HFD ) -fed mice to investigate sphingolipid metabolism @ @ @ @ @ attenuated hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia .
A BAE-containing diet effectively controlled food intake and liver weight @ @ @ @ @ triggered by a HFD .
Higher BAE ( 200 mg/kg of body weight ) administration @ @ @ @ @ improvement of hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy , together with distinct suppressions in serum triacylglycerol @ @ @ @ @ species .
Serum lipid compositions revealed 200 mg/kg of BAE supplementation remarkably suppressed ceramide accumulation @ @ @ @ @ enzymes associated with sphingomyelin conversion and ceramidesynthesis were modulated toward a healthy direction for restrained @ @ @ @ @ the inhibited mRNA expressions of protein phosphatase 2A and protein kinase Cζ involved in blocking @ @ @ @ @ ceramides with the restored insulin sensitivity .

Blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract (BAE) was supplemented to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice to investigate sphingolipid metabolism modulating factors involved in the attenuated hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia. A BAE-containing diet effectively controlled food intake and liver weight and significantly attenuated insulin resistance triggered by a HFD. Higher BAE (200 mg/kg of body weight) administration performed more efficiently in the improvement of hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy, together with distinct suppressions in serum triacylglycerol and cholesterol in total and species. Serum lipid compositions revealed 200 mg/kg of BAE supplementation remarkably suppressed ceramide accumulation. Consistently, genes encoding enzymes associated with sphingomyelin conversion and ceramidesynthesis were modulated toward a healthy direction for restrained sphingolipid accumulation. Further, the inhibited mRNA expressions of protein phosphatase 2A and protein kinase Cζ involved in blocking Akt phosphorylation connected the controlled ceramides with the restored insulin sensitivity.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--Blueberry extracts as a novel approach to prevent ozone-induced cutaneous inflammasome activation.

The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die every year due to pollution exposure .
Among the different pollutants to which living organism are exposed , ozone ( O ) represents one of the most toxic , because its location which is the skin is one of the direct tissues exposed to the outdoor environment .
Chronic exposure to outdoor stressors can alter cutaneous redox state resulting in the activation of inflammatory pathways .
Recently , a new player in the inflammation mechanism was discovered : the multiprotein complex NLRP1 inflammasome , which has been shown to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topical application of natural compounds has been studied for the last 40 years as a possible approach to prevent and eventually cure skin conditions .
Recently , the possibility to use blueberry ( BB ) extract to prevent pollution-induced skin toxicity has been of great interest in the cosmeceutical industry .
In the present study , we analyzed the cutaneous protective effect of BB extract in several skin models ( 2D , 3D , and human skin explants ) .
Specifically , we observed that in the different skin models used , BB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure and normalize proliferation and migration responses previously altered by O .
In addition , pretreatment with BB extracts was able to prevent ozone-induced ROS production and inflammasome activation measured as NRLP1-ASC scaffold formation and also prevent the transcripts of key inflammasome players such as CASP1 and IL-18 , suggesting that this approach as a possible new technology to prevent cutaneous pollution damage .
Our data support the hypothesis that BB extracts can effectively reduce skin inflammation and be a possible new technology against cutaneous pollution-induced damage .

The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million people die every year due to pollution exposure. Among the different pollutants to which living organism are exposed, ozone (O) represents one of the most toxic, because its location which is the skin is one of the direct tissues exposed to the outdoor environment. Chronic exposure to outdoor stressors can alter cutaneous redox state resulting in the activation of inflammatory pathways. Recently, a new player in the inflammation mechanism was discovered: the multiprotein complex NLRP1 inflammasome, which has been shown to be also expressed in the skin. The topical application of natural compounds has been studied for the last 40 years as a possible approach to prevent and eventually cure skin conditions. Recently, the possibility to use blueberry (BB) extract to prevent pollution-induced skin toxicity has been of great interest in the cosmeceutical industry. In the present study, we analyzed the cutaneous protective effect of BB extract in several skin models (2D, 3D, and human skin explants). Specifically, we observed that in the different skin models used, BB extracts were able to enhance keratinocyte wound closure and normalize proliferation and migration responses previously altered by O. In addition, pretreatment with BB extracts was able to prevent ozone-induced ROS production and inflammasome activation measured as NRLP1-ASC scaffold formation and also prevent the transcripts of key inflammasome players such as CASP1 and IL-18, suggesting that this approach as a possible new technology to prevent cutaneous pollution damage. Our data support the hypothesis that BB extracts can effectively reduce skin inflammation and be a possible new technology against cutaneous pollution-induced damage.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-12--This study showed that blueberry extract exerted antidepressant-like effects.

OBJECTIVE : Major depressive disorder is a debilitating and recurrent psychiatric disorder .
Blueberries have several biological properties , including @ @ @ @ @ and anti-inflammatory actions .
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of @ @ @ @ @ and lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) -induced neurochemical changes .
METHODS : Mice were pretreated with @ @ @ @ @ mg/kg ) or blueberry extract ( 100 or 200 mg/kg ) intragastrically for seven days @ @ @ @ @ mg/kg ) injection .
Twenty-four hours after LPS administration , mice were submitted to behavioral @ @ @ @ @ neuroinflammatory parameters were evaluated in the cerebral cortex , hippocampus , and striatum .
RESULTS @ @ @ @ @ blueberry extract or fluoxetine treatment protected against LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in tail suspension and splash @ @ @ @ @ LPS induced an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species ( CONCLUSION : This @ @ @ @ @ exerted antidepressant-like effects , protected the brain against oxidative damage , and modulated TNF-α levels @ @ @ @

OBJECTIVE: Major depressive disorder is a debilitating and recurrent psychiatric disorder. Blueberries have several biological properties, including neuroprotective effects, through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blueberry extract on depressive-like behavior and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurochemical changes.
METHODS: Mice were pretreated with vehicle, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) or blueberry extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) intragastrically for seven days before intraperitoneal LPS (0.83 mg/kg) injection. Twenty-four hours after LPS administration, mice were submitted to behavioral tests. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory parameters were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum.
RESULTS: Our data showed that blueberry extract or fluoxetine treatment protected against LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in tail suspension and splash tests (< 0.05), without changes in locomotor activity (> 0.05). LPS induced an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (< 0.001), nitrite (< 0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (< 0.01), as well as a reduction in total sulfhydryl content (< 0.05) and catalase activity (< 0.05) in brain structures; blueberry extract restored these alterations (< 0.05). In addition, blueberry extract attenuated the increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels induced by LPS administration (< 0.05).
CONCLUSION: This study showed that blueberry extract exerted antidepressant-like effects, protected the brain against oxidative damage, and modulated TNF-α levels induced by LPS.