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Diet and Diabetes

Writer and Curator: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP 

 

Bile acid signaling in lipid metabolism: Metabolomic and lipidomic analysis of lipid and bile acid markers linked to anti-obesity and anti-diabetes in mice

Yunpeng Qi, Changtao Jiang, Jie Cheng, Kristopher W. Krausz, et al.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1851 (2015) 19–29

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.04.008

Bile acid synthesis is the major pathway for catabolism of cholesterol. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the bile acid biosynthetic pathway in the liver and plays an important role in regulating lipid, glucose and energy metabolism. Transgenic mice overexpressing CYP7A1 (CYP7A1-tg mice) were resistant to high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes. However the mechanism of resistance to HFD-induced obesity of CYP7A1-tg mice has not been determined. In this study, metabolomic and lipidomic profiles of CYP7A1-tg mice were analyzed to explore the metabolic alterations in CYP7A1-tg mice that govern the protection against obesity and insulin resistance by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analyses. Lipidomics analysis identified seven lipid markers including lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and ceramides that were significantly decreased in serum of HFD-fed CYP7A1-tgmice.Metabolomics analysis identified 13metabolites in bile acid synthesis including taurochenodeoxy-cholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, and tauro-β-muricholic acid (T-β-MCA) that differed between CYP7A1-tg and wild-type mice. Notably, T-β-MCA, an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was significantly increased in intestine of CYP7A1-tg mice. This study suggests that reducing 12α-hydroxylated bile acids and increasing intestinal T-β-MCA may reduce high fat diet-induced increase of phospholipids, sphingomyelins and ceramides, and ameliorate diabetes and obesity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Linking transcription to physiology in lipidomics.

Bile acid synthesis is the major pathway for catabolism of cholesterol to bile acids. In the liver, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the bile acid biosynthetic pathway producing two primary bile acids, cholic acid (CA, 3α, 7α, 12α-OH) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA, 3α, 7α-OH) in humans. Sterol-12α hydroxylase (CYP8B1) catalyzes the synthesis of CA. In mice, CDCA is converted to α-muricholic acid (α-MCA: 3α, 6β, 7α-OH) and β-muricholic acid (β-MCA: 3α, 6β, 7β-OH). Bile acids are conjugated to taurine or glycine, secreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder. After a meal, bile acids are released into the gastrointestinal tract. In the intestine, conjugated bile acids are first de-conjugated and then 7α-dehydroxylase activity in the gut flora converts CA to deoxycholic acid (DCA: 3α, 12α), and CDCA to lithocholic acid (LCA: 3α), two major secondary bile acids in humans.

In humans, most bile acids are glycine or taurine-conjugated and CA, CDCA and DCA are the most abundant bile acids. In mice, most bile acids are taurine-conjugated and CA and α- and β-MCAs are the most abundant bile acids. Bile acids facilitate absorption of dietary fats, steroids, and lipid soluble vitamins into enterocytes and are transported via portal circulation to the liver for metabolism and distribution to other tissues and organs. About 95% of bile acids are reabsorbed in the ileum and transported to the liver to inhibit CYP7A1 and bile acid synthesis. Enterohepatic circulation of bile acids provides a negative feedback mechanism to maintain bile acid homeostasis. Alteration of bile acid synthesis, secretion and transport causes cholestatic liver diseases, gallstone diseases, fatty liver disease, diabetes and obesity.

 Bile acid synthesis

 

Bile acid synthesis. In the classic bile acid synthesis pathway, cholesterol is converted to cholic acid (CA, 3α, 7α, 12α) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA, 3α, 7α). CYP7A1 is the rate-limiting enzyme and CYP8B1 catalyzes the synthesis of CA. In mouse liver, CDCA is converted to α-muricholic acid (α-MCA, 3α, 6β, 7α) and β-MCA (3α, 6β, 7β). Most bile acids in mice are taurine (T)-conjugated and secreted into bile. In the intestine, gut bacteria de-conjugate bile acids and then remove the 7α-hydroxyl group from CA and CDCA to form secondary bile acids deoxycholic acid (DCA, 3α, 12α) and lithocholic acid (LCA, 3α), respectively. T-α-MCA and T-β-MCA are converted to T-hyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA, 3α, 6α), T-ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, 3α, 7β), T-hyocholic acid (THCA, 3α, 6α, 7α) and T-murideoxycholic acid (TMDCA, 3α, 6β). These secondary bile acids are reabsorbed and circulated to liver to contribute to the bile acid pool. Secondary bile acids ω-MCA (3α, 6α, 7β) and LCA are excreted into feces.

Two FXR-dependent mechanisms are known to inhibit bile acid synthesis.  In the liver bile acid-activated FXR induces a negative receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP) to inhibit trans-activation activity of hepatic nuclear factor 4α(HNF4α) and liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1) that bind to the bile acid response element in the CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 gene promoters (Fig. 2, Pathway 1). In the intestine, bile acids activate FXR to induce fibroblast growth factor (mouse FGF15, or human FGF19), which activates hepatic FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4) and cJun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to inhibit trans-activation of CYP7A1/CYP8B1 gene by HNF4α (Pathway 2). Several FXR-independent cell-signaling pathways have been reported and are shown as Pathway 3 (Fig. 2). Conjugated bile acids are known to activate several protein kinase Cs (PKC) and growth factor receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and insulin receptor (IR) signaling to inhibit CYP7A1/CYP8B1 and bile acid synthesis via activating the ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2 pathways.

 

Bile acid signaling pathways. Bile acids activate FXR, TGR5 and cell signaling pathways to inhibit CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 gene transcription.

1) Hepatic FXR/SHP pathway: bile acid activated-FXR induces SHP, which inhibits HNF4α and LRH-1 trans-activation of CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 gene transcription in hepatocytes. Bile acid response element binds HNF4α and LRH-1.

2) Intestinal FXR/FGF19/FGFR4 pathway: in the intestine, FXR induces FGF15 (mouse)/FGF19 (human), which is secreted into portal circulation to activate FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4) in hepatocytes. FGFR4 signaling stimulates JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 pathways of MAPK signaling to inhibit CYP7A1 gene transcription by phosphorylation and inhibition of HNF4α binding activity.

3) FXR-independent signaling pathways: Conjugated bile acids activate PKCs,which activate the MAPK pathways to inhibit CYP7A1. Bile acids also activate insulin receptor (IR) signaling IRS/PI3K/PDK1/AKT, possibly via activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, MAPKs (MEK, MEKK), to inhibit CYP7A1 gene transcription. The secondary bile acid TLCA activates TGR5 signaling in Kupffer cells. TGR5 signaling may regulate CYP7A1 by an unknown mechanism. TCA activates sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 2 (S1PR2), which may activate AKT and ERK1/2 to inhibit CYP7A1. S1P kinase 1 (Sphk1) phosphorylates sphingosine (Sph) to S-1-P, which activates S1PR2. On the other hand, nuclear SphK2 interacts with and inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC1/2) and may induce CYP7A1. The role of S1P, SphK2, and S1PR2 signaling in regulation of bile acid synthesis is not known.

 

When challenged with an HFD, CYP7A1-tg mice had lower body fat mass and higher lean mass compared to wild-type mice. As a platform for comprehensive and quantitative description of the set of lipid species, lipidomics was used to investigate the mechanism of this phenotype. By use of an unsupervised PCA model with the cumulative R2X 0.677 for serum and 0.593 for liver, CYP7A1-tg and wild-type mice were clearly separated based on the scores plot (Supplementary Fig. S2), indicating that these two groups have distinct lipidomic profiles. Supervised PLS-DA models were then established to maximize the difference of metabolic profiles between CYP7A1-tg and wild-type groups as well as to facilitate the screening of lipid marker metabolites (Fig. 3).

PLS-DA analysis of CYP7A1-tg and wild-type (WT)mice challenged with HFD. Based on the score plots, distinct lipidomic profiles of male CYP7A1-tg and wild-type groups were shown for serum (A) and liver samples (B). Based on the loading plots (C for serum and D for liver) the most significant ions that led to the separation between CYP7A1-tg and wild-type groups were obtained and identified as follows: 1. LPC16:0; 2. LPC18:0; 3. LPC18:1; 4. LPC 18:2; 5. PC16:0-20:4; 6. PC16:0-22:6; 7. SM16:0. (not shown)

Fig. 5. OPLS-DA highlighted thirteen markers in bile acid pathway that contribute significantly to the clustering of CYP7A1-tg and wild-type (WT) mice. Ileum bile acids are shown. (not shown)

(A) In the score plot, female CYP7A1-tg andWTmicewere well separated;

(B) using a statistically significant thresholds of variable confidence approximately 0.75 in the S-plot, a number of ions were screened out as potential markers, which were later identified as 13 bile acid metabolites, including α-MCA, TCA, CDCA, and TCDCA etc.

Our recent study of CYP7A1-tg mice revealed that increased CYP7A1 expression and enlarged bile acid pool resulted in significant improvement of lipid homeostasis and resistance to high-fed diet-induced hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and obesity in CYP7A1-tg mice. In this study, metabolomics and lipidomics were employed to characterize the metabolic profiles of CYP7A1-tg mice and to provide new insights into the critical role of bile acids in regulation of lipid metabolism and metabolic diseases. Lipidomics analysis of serum lipid profiles of high fat diet-fed CYP7A1-tg identified 7 lipidomic markers that were reduced in CYP7A1-tg mice compared to wild type mice. Metabolomics analysis identified 13 bile acid metabolites that were altered in CYP7A1-tg mice. In CYP7A1-tg mice, TCA and TDCA were reduced, whereas T-β-MCA was increased in the intestine compared to that of wild type mice. The decrease of serum LPC, PC, SM and CER, and 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, and increase of T-β-MCA may contribute to the resistance to diet-induced obesity and diabetes in CYP7A1-tg mice (Fig. 8).

The present metabolomics and lipidomics analysis revealed that even upon challenging with HFD, CYP7A1-tg mice had reduced lipid levels including LPC, PC, SM and CER. Metabolomics studies of human steatotic liver tissues and HFD-fed mice showed that serum and liver LPC and PC and other lipids levels were increased compared with non-steatotic livers, suggesting altered lipid metabolism contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In HFD-fed CYP7A1-tg mice, reduced serum PC, LPC, SM and CER levels suggest a role for bile acids in maintaining phospholipid homeostasis to prevent NAFLD. SMs are important membrane phospholipids that interact with cholesterol in membrane rafts and regulate cholesterol distribution and homeostasis. A role for SM and CER in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity and development of atherosclerosis has been reported. CER has a wide range of biological functions in cellular signaling such as activating protein kinase C and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), induction of β-cell apoptosis and insulin resistance. CER increases reactive oxidizing species and activates the NF-κB pathway, which induces proinflammatory cytokines, diabetes and insulin resistance. CER is synthesized from serine and palmitoyl-CoA or hydrolysis of SM by acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). HFD is known to increase CER and SM in liver. The present observation of decreased SM and CER levels in HFD-fed CYP7A1-tg mice indicated that bile acids might reduce HFD-induced increase of SM and CER. DCA activates an ASM to convert SM to CER, and Asm−/− hepatocytes are resistant to DCA induction of CER and activation of the JNK pathway [65]. In CYP7A1-tg mice, enlarged bile acid pool inhibits CYP8B1 and reduces CA and DCA levels. Thus, decreasing DCA may reduce ASM activity and SM and CER levels, and contribute to reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity in CYP7A1-tg mice. It has been reported recently that in diabetic patients, serum 12α-hydroxylated bile acids are increased and correlated to insulin resistance [66].

Fig. 8. Mechanisms of anti-diabetic and anti-obesity function of bile acids in CYP7A1-tg mice. In CYP7A1-tg mice, overexpressing CYP7A1 increases bile acid pool size and reduces cholic acid by inhibiting CYP8B1. Lipidomics analysis revealed decreased serum LPC, PC, SM and CER. These lipidomic markers are increased in hepatic steatosis and NAFLD. Bile acids may reduce LPC, PC, SM and CER levels and protect against high fat diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity in CYP7A1-tgmice. Metabolomics analysis showed decreased intestinal TCA and TDCA and increased intestinal T-β-MCA in CYP7A1-tgmice.High fat diets are known to increase CA synthesis and intestinal inflammation. It is proposed that decreasing CA and  DCA synthesis may increase intestinal T-β-MCA,which antagonizes FXR signaling to increase bile acid synthesis and prevent high fat diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity. (not shown)

In conclusion,metabolomics and lipidomicswere employed to characterize the metabolic profiles of CYP7A1-tg mice, aiming to provide new insights into the mechanism of bile acid signaling in regulation of lipid metabolism and maintain lipid homeostasis. A number of lipid and bile acid markers were unveiled in this study. Decreasing of lipid markers, especially SM and CER may explain the improved insulin sensitivity and obesity in CYP7A1-tg mice. Furthermore, this study uncovered that enlarged bile acid pool size and altered bile acid composition may reduce de-conjugation by gut microbiota and increase tauroconjugated muricholic acids, which partially inhibit intestinal FXR signaling without affecting hepatic FXR signaling. This study is significant in applying metabolomics for diagnosis of lipid biomarkers for fatty liver diseases, obesity and diabetes. Increasing CYP7A1 activity and bile acid synthesis coupled to decreasing CYP8B1 and 12α-hydroxylated bile acids may be a therapeutic strategy for treating diabetes and obesity.

 

Bile acids are nutrient signaling hormones

Huiping Zhou, Phillip B. Hylemon
Steroids 86 (2014) 62–68
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2014.04.016

Bile salts play crucial roles in allowing the gastrointestinal system to digest, transport and metabolize nutrients. They function as nutrient signaling hormones by activating specific nuclear receptors (FXR, PXR, Vitamin D) and G-protein coupled receptors [TGR5, sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), muscarinic receptors]. Bile acids and insulin appear to collaborate in regulating the metabolism of nutrients in the liver. They both activate the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Bile acid induction of the FXR-a target gene, small heterodimer partner (SHP), is highly dependent on the activation PKCf, a branch of the insulin signaling pathway. SHP is an important regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver. One might hypothesize that chronic low grade inflammation which is associated with insulin resistance, may inhibit bile acid signaling and disrupt lipid metabolism. The disruption of these signaling pathways may increase the risk of fatty liver and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Finally, conjugated bile acids appear to promote cholangiocarcinoma growth via the activation of S1PR2.

 

In the past, bile salts were considered to be just detergent molecules that were required for the solubilization of cholesterol in the gall bladder, promoting the digestion of dietary lipids and stimulating the absorption of lipids, cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines. Bile salts were also known to stimulate bile flow, promote cholesterol secretion from the liver, and have antibacterial properties. However, in 1999, three independent laboratories reported that bile acids were natural ligands for the farnesoid X receptor (FXR-α) . The recognition that bile acids activated specific nuclear receptors started a renaissance in the field of bile acid research. Since 1999, bile acids have been reported to activate other nuclear receptors (pregnane X receptor, vitamin D receptor), G protein coupled receptors [TGR5, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), muscarinic receptor 2 (M2)] and cell signaling pathways (JNK1/2, AKT, and ERK1/2). Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile acid, has also been reported to activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It is now clear that bile acids function as hormones or nutrient signaling molecules that help to regulate glucose, lipid, lipoprotein, and energy metabolism as well as inflammatory responses.

Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in liver hepatocytes, conjugated to either glycine or taurine and actively secreted via ABC transporters on the canalicular membrane into biliary bile. Conjugated bile acids are often referred to as bile salts. Bile acid synthesis represents a major output pathway of cholesterol from the body. Bile acids are actively secreted from hepatocytes via the bile salt export protein (BSEP, ABCB11) along with phospholipids by ABCB4 and cholesterol by ABCG5/ABCG8 in a fairly constant ratio under normal conditions. Bile acids are detergent molecules and form mixed micelles with cholesterol and phospholipids, which help to keep cholesterol in solution in the gall bladder. Eating stimulates the gall bladder to contract, emptying its contents into the small intestines. Bile salts are crucial for the solubilization and absorption of cholesterol and lipids as well as lipid soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). They activate pancreatic enzymes and form mixed micelles with lipids in the small intestines, promoting their absorption. Bile acids are efficiently recovered from the intestines, primarily the ileum, by the apical sodium dependent transporter (ASBT). Bile acids are secreted from ileocytes, on the basolateral side, by the organic solute OSTα/OSTβ transporter. Secondary bile acids, formed by 7α-dehydroxylation of primary bile acids by anaerobic gut bacteria, can be passively absorbed from the large bowel or secreted in the feces. Absorbed bile acids return to the liver via the portal blood where they are actively transported into hepatocytes primarily via the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, SLC10A1). Bile acids are again actively secreted from the hepatocytes into the bile, stimulating bile flow and the secretion of cholesterol and phospholipids. Bile acids undergo enterohepatic circulation several times each day (Fig. 1). During their enterohepatic circulation approximately 500–600 mg/day are lost via fecal excretion and must be replaced by new bile acid synthesis in the liver. The bile acid pool size is tightly regulated as excess bile acids can be highly toxic to mammalian cells.

Enterohepatic circulation of bile acids

 

Enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. Bile acids are synthesized and conjugated mainly to glycine or taurine in hepatocytes. Bile acids travel to the gall bladder for storage during the fasting state. During digestion, bile acids travel to the duodenum via the common bile duct. 95% of the bile acids delivered to the duodenum are absorbed back into blood within the ileum and circulate back to the liver through the portal vein. 5% of bile acids are lost in feces.

There are two pathways of bile acid synthesis in the liver, the neutral pathway and the acidic pathway (Fig. 2). The neutral pathway is believed to be the major pathway of bile acid synthesis in humans under normal physiological conditions. The neutral pathway is initiated by cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), which is the rate-limiting step in this biochemical pathway. CYP7A1 is a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, and the gene encoding this enzyme is highly regulated by a feed-back repressive mechanism involving the FXR-dependent induction of fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19) by bile acids in the intestines. FGF15/19 binds to the fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4)/β-Klotho complex in hepatocytes activating both the JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 signaling cascades. Activation of the JNK1/2 pathway has been reported to down-regulate CYP7A1 mRNA in hepatocytes. FGFR4 and β-Klotho mice have increased levels of CYP7A1 and upregulated bile acid synthesis. Moreover, treatment of FXR mice with a specific FXR agonist failed to repress CYP7A1 in the liver. These results support an important role of FGF15, synthesized in the intestines by activation of FXR, in the regulation of CYP7A1 and bile acid synthesis in the liver. CYP7A1 has also been reported to be down-regulated by glucagon and pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated by glucose and insulin during the postprandial period.

Fig. 2. (not shown) Biosynthetic pathways of bile acids. Two major pathways are involved in bile acid synthesis. The neutral (or classic) pathway is controlled by cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the endoplasmic reticulum. The acidic (or alternative) pathway is controlled by sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) in mitochondria. The sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) is required to synthesis of cholic acid (CA). The oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) is involved in the formation of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in acidic pathway. The neutral pathway is also able to form CDCA by CYP27A1.

The neutral pathway of bile acid synthesis produces both cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) (Fig. 2). The ratio of CA and CDCA is primarily determined by the activity of sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1). The gene encoding CYP8B1 is also highly regulated by bile acids. Bile acids induce the gene encoding small heterodimer partner (SHP) in the liver via activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR-α). SHP is an orphan nuclear receptor without a DNA binding domain. It interacts with several transcription factors, including hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4α) and liver-related homolog-1 (LRH-1), and acts as a dominant negative protein to inhibit transcription. In this regard, a liver specific knockout of LRH-1 completely abolished the expression of CYP8B1, but had little effect on CYP7A1. These results suggest that the interaction of SHP with LRH-1, caused by bile acids, may be the key regulator of hepatic CYP8B1 and the ratio of CA/CDCA. The acidic or alternative pathway of bile acid synthesis is initiated in the inner membrane of mitochondria by sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1). This enzyme also has low sterol 25-hydroxylase activity. CYP27A1 is capable of further oxidizing the 27-hydroxy group to a carboxylic acid. Unlike, CYP7A1, CYP27A1 is widely expressed in various tissues in the body where it may produce regulatory oxysterols. Even though CYP27A1 is the initial enzyme in the acidic pathway of bile acid synthesis, it may not be the rate limiting step. The inner mitochondrial membrane is very low in cholesterol content. Hence, cholesterol transport into the mitochondria appears to be the rate limiting step.

The acidic pathway of bile acid synthesis is now being viewed as an important pathway for generating regulatory oxysterols. For example, 25-hydroxy-cholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol are natural ligands for the liver X receptor (LXR), which is involved in regulating cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Moreover, recent studies report that 25-hydroxycholesterol, formed by CYP27A1, can be converted into 5-cholesten-3β-25-diol-3-sulfate in the liver. The sulfated 25-hydroxycholesterol is a regulator of inflammatory responses, lipid metabolism and cell proliferation, and is located in the liver. Recent evidence suggests that sulfated 25-hydroxycholesterol is a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARc), which is a major regulator of inflammation and lipid metabolism. The 7α-hydroxylation of oxysterols is catalyzed by oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1). This biotransformation allows some of these oxysterols to be converted to bile acids. Finally, oxysterols generated in extrahepatic tissues can be transported to the liver and metabolized into bile acids.

Bile acids can activate several different nuclear receptors (FXR, PXR and Vitamin D) and GPCRs (TGR5, S1PR2, and [M2] Muscarinic receptor). The ability of different bile acids to activate FXR-α occurs in the following order CDCA > LCA = DCA > CA; for the pregnane X receptor (PXR) LCA > DCA > CA and the vitamin D receptor, 3-oxo-LCA > LCA > DCA > CA. LCA is the best activator of PXR and the vitamin D receptor which correlates with the hydrophobicity and toxicity of this bile acid toward mammalian cells. Activation of PXR and the vitamin D receptor induces genes encoding enzymes which metabolize LCA into a more hydrophilic and less toxic metabolite. These nuclear receptors appear to function in the protection of cells from hydrophobic bile acids. In contrast, FXR-α appears to play a much more extensive role in the body by regulating bile acid synthesis, transport, and enterohepatic circulation. Moreover, FXR-α also participates in the regulation of glucose, lipoprotein and lipid metabolism in the liver as well as a suppressor of inflammation in the liver and intestines.

TGR5, also referred to as membrane-type bile acid receptor (MBAR), was the first GPCR to be reported to be activated by bile acids in the order LCA > DCA > CDCA > CA. TGR5 is a Gas type receptor which activates adenyl cyclase activity increasing the rate of the synthesis of c-AMP. TGR5 is widely expressed in human tissues, including: intestinal neuroendocrine cells, gall bladder, spleen, brown adipose tissue, macrophages and cholangiocytes, but not hepatocytes. TGR5 may play a role in various physiological processes in the body. TGR5 appears to be important in regulating energy metabolism. It has been postulated that bile acids may activate TGR5 in brown adipose tissue, activating type 2-iodothyroxine deiodinase and leading to increased levels of thyroid hormone and stimulation of energy metabolism. Moreover, TGR5 has been reported to promote the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 release from neuroendocrine cells, which increases insulin release in the pancreas. These results suggest that TGR5 may play a role in glucose homeostasis in the body. TGR5 is a potential target for drug development for treating type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Interrelationship between sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 and the insulin signaling pathway

 

Interrelationship between sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 and the insulin signaling pathway in regulating hepatic nutrient metabolism. S1PR2, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2; Src, Src Kinase; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; PPARa, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha; NTCP, Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide; BSEP, bile salt export pump; PC, phosphotidylcholine; PECK, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase; G6Pase, glucose-6-phosphatase; PDK1, phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1; AKT, protein kinase B; SREBP, sterol regulatory element-binding protein; PKCf, protein kinase C zeta; FXR, farnesoid X receptor; SHP, small heterodimeric partner; MDR3, phospholipid transporter (ABCB4); GSK3b, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta.

 

Both unconjugated and conjugated bile acids activate the insulin signaling (AKT) and ERK1/2 pathways in hepatocytes. Interesting, insulin and bile acids both activated glycogen synthase activity to a similar extent in primary rat hepatocytes. Moreover, the addition of both insulin and bile acids to the culture medium resulted in an additive effect on activation of glycogen synthase activity in primary hepatocytes. Infusion of taurocholate (TCA) into the chronic bile fistula rat rapidly activated the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathway and glycogen synthase activity. In addition, there was a rapid down-regulation of the gluconeogenic genes, PEP carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phophatase (G-6-Pase) and a marked up-regulation of SHP mRNA in these sample livers. These results suggest that TCA functions much like insulin to regulate hepatic glucose metabolism both in vitro and in vivo.

It has been reported that PKCζ phosphorylates FXR-α and may allow for its activation of target gene expression. In contrast, phosphorylation of FXR-α by AMPK inhibits the ability of FXR to induce target genes. PKCζ has been reported to be important for the translocation of the bile acid transporters NTCP (SLC10A1) and BSEP (ABC B11) to the basolateral and canalicular membranes, respectively. Finally, it has been recently reported that PKCζ phosphorylates SHP allowing both to translocate to the nucleus and down-regulate genes via epigenetic mechanisms. In total, these results all suggest that the insulin signaling pathway is an important regulator of FXR-α activation and bile acid signaling in the liver.

The activation of the insulin signaling pathway and FXR-α appear to collaborate in the coordinate regulation of glucose, bile acid and lipid metabolism in the liver. SHP, an FXR target gene, is an important pleotropic regulator of multiple metabolic pathways in the liver (Fig. 3). The S1PR2 appears to be an important regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism as S1PR2 mice rapidly (2 weeks) develop overt fatty livers on a high fat diet as compared to wild type mice (unpublished data). It is well established that inflammation and the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines i.e. TNFα inhibit insulin signaling by activation of the JNK1/2 signaling pathway, which phosphorylates insulin receptor substrate 1. Inflammation is believed to be an important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. A Western diet is correlated with low grade chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Inhibition of the insulin signaling pathway may decrease the ability of bile acids to activate FXR-α, induce SHP and other FXR target genes, leading to an increased risk of fatty liver and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

There appears to be extensive interplay between bile salts and insulin signaling in the regulation of nutrient metabolism in both the intestines and liver. Bile salts play a key role in the solubilization and absorption of nutrients from the intestines. The absorption of nutrients stimulates the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Moreover, bile acids may also stimulate the secretion of insulin by activating TGR5 in intestinal neuroendocrine cells resulting in the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1. In the liver, bile salts and insulin both activate the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways which yields a stronger signal than either alone. The activation of PKCζ, a branch of the insulin signaling pathway, is required for the optimal induction of FXR target genes and the regulation of the cellular location of bile acid transporters

 

Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

  1. Wu, D. Zhang, X. Jiang, W. Jiang
    Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases (2015) 25, 140-147
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2014.10.004

Background and aims: We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from prospective cohort studies regarding the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods and results: Pertinent studies were identified by searching Embase and PubMed through June 2014. Study-specific results were pooled using a random-effect model. The dose-response relationship was assessed by the restricted cubic spline model and the multivariate random-effect meta-regression. We standardized all data using a standard portion size of 106 g. The Relative Risk (95% confidence interval) [RR (95% CI)] of T2DM was 0.99 (0.98-1.00) for every 1 serving/day increment in fruit and vegetable (FV) (P < 0.18), 0.98 (0.95-1.01) for vegetable (P < 0.12), and 0.99 (0.97-1.00) for fruit (P < 0.05). The RR (95%CI) of T2DM was 0.99 (0.97-1.01), 0.98 (0.96-1.01), 0.97 (0.93-1.01), 0.96 (0.92-1.01), 0.96 (0.91-1.01) and 0.96 (0.91-1.01) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 servings/day of FV (P for non-linearity < 0.44). The T2DM risk was 0.96 (0.95-0.99), 0.94 (0.90-0.98), 0.94 (0.89-0.98), 0.96 (0.91-1.01), 0.98 (0.92-1.05) and 1.00 (0.93-1.08) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 servings/day of vegetable (P for non-linearity < 0.01). The T2DM risk was 0.95 (0.93-0.97), 0.91 (0.89-0.94), 0.88 (0.85-0.92), 0.92 (0.88-0.96) and 0.96 (0.92-1.01) for 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 servings/day of fruit (P for non-linearity < 0.01). Conclusions: Two-three servings/day of vegetable and 2 servings/day of fruit conferred a lower risk of T2DM than other levels of vegetable and fruit consumption, respectively.

dose-response analysis between total fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

 

The dose-response analysis between total fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The solid line and the long dash line represent the estimated relative risk and its 95% confidence interval.

 

Healthy behaviours and 10-year incidence of diabetes: A population cohort study

G.H. Long , I. Johansson , O. Rolandsson , …, E. Fhärm, L.Weinehall, et al.
Preventive Medicine 71 (2015) 121–127
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.12.013

Objective. To examine the association between meeting behavioral goals and diabetes incidence over 10 years in a large, representative Swedish population. Methods. Population-based prospective cohort study of 32,120 individuals aged 35 to 55 years participating in a health promotion intervention in Västerbotten County, Sweden (1990 to 2013). Participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, clinical measures, and completed diet and activity questionnaires. Poisson regression quantified the association between achieving six behavioral goals at baseline – body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2, moderate physical activity, non-smoker, fat intake  < 30% of energy, fibre intake ≥15 g/4184 kJ and alcohol intake ≤ 20 g/day – and diabetes incidence over 10 years. Results. Median interquartile range (IQR) follow-up time was 9.9 (0.3) years; 2211 individuals (7%) developed diabetes. Only 4.4% of participants met all 6 goals (n = 1245) and compared to these individuals, participants meeting 0/1 goals had a 3.74 times higher diabetes incidence (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.50 to 5.59), adjusting for sex, age, calendar period, education, family history of diabetes, history of myocardial infarction and long-term illness. If everyone achieved at least four behavioral goals, 14.1% (95% CI: 11.7 to 16.5%) of incident diabetes cases might be avoided. Conclusion. Interventions promoting the achievement of behavioral goals in the general population could significantly reduce diabetes incidence.

 

Long term nutritional intake and the risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A population based study

Shira Zelber-Sagi, Dorit Nitzan-Kaluski, Rebecca Goldsmith, et al.
Journal of Hepatology 47 (2007) 711–717
http://dx.doi.org:/10.1016/j.jhep.2007.06.020

Background/Aims: Weight loss is considered therapeutic for patients with NAFLD. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that dietary habits are associated with NAFLD. Dietary patterns associated with primary NAFLD were investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a sub-sample (n = 375) of the Israeli National Health and Nutrition Survey. Exclusion criteria were any known etiology for secondary NAFLD. Participants underwent an abdominal ultrasound, biochemical tests, dietary and anthropometric evaluations. A semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was administered. Results: After exclusion, 349 volunteers (52.7% male, mean age 50.7 ± 10.4, 30.9% primary NAFLD) were included. The NAFLD group consumed almost twice the amount of soft drinks (P = 0.03) and 27% more meat (P < 0.001). In contrast, the NAFLD group consumed somewhat less fish rich in omega-3 (P = 0.056). Adjusting for age, gender, BMI and total calories, intake of soft drinks and meat was significantly associated with an increased risk for NAFLD (OR = 1.45, 1.13–1.85 95% CI and OR = 1.37, 1.04–1.83 95% CI, respectively). Conclusions: NAFLD patients have a higher intake of soft drinks and meat and a tendency towards a lower intake of fish rich in omega-3. Moreover, a higher intake of soft drinks and meat is associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, independently of age, gender, BMI and total calories.

 

The association between types of eating behavior and dispositional mindfulness in adults with diabetes. Results from Diabetes MILES. The Netherlands

Sanne R. Tak, Christel Hendrieckx, Giesje Nefs, Ivan Nyklícek, et al.
Appetite 87 (2015) 288–295
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.01.006

Although healthy food choices are important in the management of diabetes, making dietary adaptations is often challenging. Previous research has shown that people with type 2 diabetes are less likely to benefit from dietary advice if they tend to eat in response to emotions or external cues. Since high levels of dispositional mindfulness have been associated with greater awareness of healthy dietary practices in students and in the general population, it is relevant to study the association between dispositional mindfulness and eating behavior in people with type 1 or 2 diabetes. We analyzed data from Diabetes MILES – The Netherlands, a national observational survey in which 634 adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (to assess restrained, external and emotional eating behavior) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (to assess dispositional mindfulness), in addition to other psychosocial measures. After controlling for potential confounders, including  demographics, clinical variables and emotional distress, hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that higher levels of dispositional mindfulness were associated with eating behaviors that were more restrained (β = 0.10) and less external (β = −0.11) and emotional (β = −0.20). The mindfulness subscale ‘acting with awareness’ was the strongest predictor of both external and emotional eating behavior, whereas for emotional eating, ‘describing’ and ‘being non-judgmental’ were also predictive. These findings suggest that there is an association between dispositional mindfulness and eating behavior in adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Since mindfulness interventions increase levels of dispositional mindfulness, future studies could examine if these interventions are also effective in helping people with diabetes to reduce emotional or external eating behavior, and to improve the quality of their diet.

 

Soft drink consumption is associated with fatty liver disease independent of metabolic syndrome

Ali Abid, Ola Taha, William Nseir, Raymond Farah, Maria Grosovski, Nimer Assy
Journal of Hepatology 51 (2009) 918–924
http://dx.doi.org:/10.1016/j.jhep.2009.05.033

Background/Aims: The independent role of soft drink consumption in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between consumption of soft drinks and fatty liver in patients with or without metabolic syndrome. Methods: We recruited 31 patients (age: 43 ± 12 years) with NAFLD and risk factors for metabolic syndrome, 29 patients with NAFLD and without risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and 30 gender- and age-matched individuals without NAFLD. The degree of fatty infiltration was measured by ultrasound. Data on physical activity and intake of food and soft drinks were collected during two 7-day periods over 6 months using a food questionnaire. Insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidant–antioxidant markers were measured.
Results: We found that 80% of patients with NAFLD had excessive intake of  soft drink beverages (>500 cm3/day) compared to 17% of healthy controls (p < 0.001). The NAFLD group consumed five times more carbohydrates from soft drinks compared to healthy controls (40% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Seven percent of patients consumed one soft drink per day, 55% consumed two or three soft drinks per day, and 38% consumed more than four soft drinks per day for most days and for the 6-month period. The most common soft drinks were Coca-Cola (regular: 32%; diet: 21%) followed by fruit juices (47%). Patients with NAFLD with metabolic syndrome had similar malonyldialdehyde, paraoxonase, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels but higher homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and higher ferritin than NAFLD patients without metabolic syndrome (HOMA: 8.3 ± 8 vs. 3.7 ± 3.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001; ferritin: 186 ± 192 vs. 87 ± 84 mg/dL, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that soft drink consumption is a strong predictor of fatty liver (odds ratio: 2.0; p < 0.04) independent of metabolic syndrome and CRP level. Conclusions: NAFLD patients display higher soft drink consumption independent of metabolic syndrome diagnosis. These findings might optimize NAFLD risk stratification.

 

Dietary predictors of arterial stiffness in a cohort with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

K.S. Petersen, J.B. Keogh, P.J. Meikle, M.L. Garg, P.M. Clifton
Atherosclerosis 238 (2015) 175-181
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.12.012

Objective: To determine the dietary predictors of central blood pressure, augmentation index and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: Participants were diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and had PWV and/or pulse wave analysis performed. Dietary intake was measured using the Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies Version 2 Food Frequency Questionnaire. Serum lipid species and carotenoids were measured, using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization- tandem mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography, as biomarkers  of dairy and vegetable intake, respectively. Associations were determined using linear regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: PWV (n = 95) was inversely associated with reduced fat dairy intake (β = -0.01; 95% CI -0.02, -0.01; p = 0 < 0.05) in particular yoghurt consumption (β = 0.04; 95% CI -0.09, -0.01; p = 0 < 0.05) after multivariate adjustment. Total vegetable consumption was negatively associated with PWV in the whole cohort after full adjustment (β =0.04; 95% CI -0.07, -0.01; p < 0.05). Individual lipid species, particularly those containing 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 17:0 and 17:1 fatty acids, known to be of ruminant origin, in lysophosphatidylcholine, cholesterol ester, diacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and triacylglycerol classes were positively associated with intake of full fat dairy, after adjustment for multiple comparisons. However, there was no association between serum lipid species and PWV. There were no dietary predictors of central blood pressure or augmentation index after multivariate adjustment. Conclusion: In this cohort of subjects with diabetes reduced fat dairy intake and vegetable consumption were inversely associated with PWV. The lack of a relationship between serum lipid species and PWV suggests that the fatty acid composition of dairy may not explain the beneficial effect.

In this cohort with type 1 and type 2 diabetes there was an inverse association between reduced fat dairy intake, in particular yoghurt consumption, and PWV, which persisted after multivariate adjustment. Serum lipid species, known to be of ruminant origin, were positively associated with full fat dairy consumption; however there was no association between these lipid species and PWV. In addition, higher vegetable intake was also associated with lower PWV. There were no dietary predictors of central blood pressure or augmentation index identified in this cohort.

In this study there was no relationship between augmentation index and PWV, which has been previously reported. Augmentation index is not a direct measure of arterial stiffness and is influenced by the timing and magnitude of the wave reflection. In contrast, PWV is a robust measure of arterial stiffness as it is determined by measuring the velocity of the waveform between the carotid and femoral arteries. Previously, it has been shown that in a population with diabetes PWV was elevated compared with healthy controls, however augmentation index was not different. Lacy et al.  concluded that augmentation index is not a reliable measure of arterial stiffness in people with diabetes. This may explain why we did not see an association between augmentation index and dietary intake, despite seeing correlations with PWV.

 

Curcumin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the activation of the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway

Juan Huang, Kaipeng Huang, Tian Lan, Xi Xie, .., Peiqing Liu, Heqing Huang
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 365 (2013) 231–240
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2012.10.024

Curcumin, a major polyphenol from the golden spice Curcuma longa commonly known as turmeric, has been recently discovered to have renoprotective effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. We previously demonstrated that the sphingosine kinase 1-sphingosine 1-phosphate (SphK1-S1P) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of DN. This study aims to investigate whether the renoprotective effects of curcumin on DN are associated with its inhibitory effects on the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that the expression and activity of SphK1 and the production of S1P were significantly down-regulated by curcumin in diabetic rat kidneys and glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) exposed to high glucose (HG). Simultaneously, SphK1-S1P-mediated fibronectin (FN) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-b1) overproduction were inhibited. In addition, curcumin dose dependently reduced SphK1 expression and activity in GMCs transfected with SphKWT and significantly suppressed the increase in SphK1-mediated FN levels. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited the DNA-binding activity of activator protein 1 (AP-1), and c-Jun small interference RNA (c-Jun-siRNA) reversed the HG-induced up-regulation of SphK1. These findings suggested that down-regulation of the SphK1-S1P pathway is probably a novel mechanism by which curcumin improves the progression of DN. Inhibiting AP-1 activation is one of the therapeutic targets of curcumin to modulate the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway, thereby preventing diabetic renal fibrosis.

The creation of the STZ-induced DN model relies on the level and continuous cycle of high blood glucose in vivo. Long-term hyperglycemia induces significant structural changes in the kidney, including glomerular hypertrophy, GBM thickening, and later glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, leading to microalbuminuria and elevated Cr levels. These effects usually occur at around 8–12 weeks after diabetes formation. In the current study, the experimental diabetic model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). When the experiment was terminated at 12 weeks, FBG, KW/BW, BUN, Cr, and UP 24 h were significantly increased and body weight was remarkably decreased in the STZ-induced diabetic rats compared with those in the normal control group. Furthermore, PAS staining of the kidneys revealed the induction of glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial matrix expansion, and increased regional adhesion of the glomerular tuft to the Bowman’s capsule in the diabetic rats. This finding indicated the emergence of the diabetic renal injury model characterized by renal hypertrophy, glomerulus damage, and renal dysfunction. As the limited water solubility of curcumin, various methods such as heat treatment, mild alkali and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose are used to increase the solubility of curcumin before administration. Based on our previous study, we employed 1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the vehicle to solubilize curcumin. Compared with the diabetic group, curcumin treatment slightly reduced FBG level and significantly decreased KW/BW, BUN, Cr, and UP 24 h. Moreover, curcumin remarkably improved glomerular pathological changes in the diabetic kidneys. Consistent with previous studies, the current results demonstrated that curcumin prominently ameliorated renal function and renal parenchymal alterations in the diabetic renal injury model. Previous studies revealed that the amelioration of renal dysfunction in diabetes by curcumin was partly related to its function in inhibiting inflammatory injury. Based on these findings, the current experiment further explored whether the renoprotective effects of curcumin are associated with the regulation of the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway.

S1P is a polar sphingolipid metabolite acting as an extracellular mediator and an intracellular second messenger. Ample evidence proves that S1P participates in cell growth, proliferation, migration, adhesion, molecule expression, and angiogenesis. The formation of S1P is catalyzed by SphK1. Recently, the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway has gained considerable attention because of its potential involvement in the progression of DN. Hyperglycemia, AGE, and oxidative stress can activate SphK1 and can increase the intracellular level of S1P. Geoffroy et al. (2004) reported that the treatment of cells with low AGE concentration increases SphK activity and S1P production, thereby and S1P content were significantly increased simultaneously with the up-regulated expression of FN and TGF-β1 (mRNA and protein) in the diabetic rat kidneys. These findings indicated the activation of the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway and the appearance of pathological alterations, including ECM accumulation. After curcumin treatment for 12 weeks, elevations of the said indexes were significantly inhibited. HG remarkably activated the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway and increased FN and TGF-β1 expressions in GMCs. Curcumin dramatically suppressed the SphK1-S1P pathway as well as FN and TGF-β1 levels in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, these results indicated that curcumin ameliorated the pathogenic progression of DN by inhibiting the activation of the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway, resulting in the down-regulation of TGF-β1 and the subsequent reduction of ECM accumulation.

SphK1 expression is mediated by a novel AP-1 element located within the first intron of the human SphK1 gene. AP-1 sites are also found in rat SphK1 promoter from NCBI. Numerous studies indicated that curcumin can inhibit the activity of AP-1 and is widely used as an AP-1 inhibitor. Therefore, further elucidating the link between the inhibition of the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway by curcumin and the suppression of AP-1 activity is important. The data showed that treatment with c-Jun-siRNA significantly down-regulated the basal levels of SphK1 expression. Thus, inhibiting AP-1 activity is one of the therapeutic targets of curcumin in modulating the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting diabetic renal fibrosis.

In summary, curcumin inhibited SphK1 expression and activity, reduced S1P content, and effectively inhibited increased FN and TGF-β1 expressions mediated by the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of curcumin on SphK1-S1P was independent of its hypoglycemic and anti-oxidant roles and might be closely related to the inhibition of AP-1 activity. Our findings suggested that the SphK1-S1P pathway might be a novel mechanism by which curcumin attenuates renal fibrosis and ameliorates DN. In addition, the present study provides further experimental evidence for the clinical application and new drug exploration of curcumin.

 

Antidiabetic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

  1. A. Aleem, B. Syed Asad, Tasneem Mohammed, et al.
    British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research 4(28): 4665-4673, 2014

A review of literature indicates that diabetes mellitus was fairly well known and well conceived as an entity in India with complications like angiopathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and causing neurological disorders. The antidiabetic study was carried out to estimate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of Nardostachys Jatamansi rhizome’s hydroalcoholic extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats over a period of two weeks. The hydroalcoholic extract HAE1 at a dose (500mg/kg) exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity than extract HAE2 at a dose (500mg/kg) in diabetic rats. The hydroalcoholic extracts showed improvement in different parameters associated with diabetes, like body weight, lipid profile and biochemical parameters. Extracts also showed improvement in regeneration of β-cells of pancreas in diabetic rats. Histopath-ological studies strengthen the healing of pancreas by hydroalcoholic extracts (HAE1& HAE2) of Nardostachys Jatamansi, as a probable mechanism of their antidiabetic activity.
Metabolic syndrome and serum carotenoids : findings of a cross-sectional study in Queensland, Australia

Coyne, T, Ibiebele, T,… McClintock, C and Shaw, J
Brit J Nutrition: Int J Nutr Sci 2009; 102(11). pp. 1668-1677
Several components of the metabolic syndrome, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are known to be oxidative stress-related conditions and there is research to suggest that antioxidant nutrients may play a protective role in these conditions. Carotenoids are compounds derived primarily from plants and several have been shown to be potent antioxidant nutrients. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between metabolic syndrome status and major serum carotenoids in adult Australians. Data on the presence of the metabolic syndrome, based on International Diabetes Federation criteria, were collected from 1523 adults aged 25 years and over in six randomly selected urban centers in Queensland, Australia, using a cross sectional study design. Weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, blood  pressure, fasting and 2-hour blood glucose and  lipids were determined, as well as five serum carotenoids. Mean serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and the sum of the five carotenoid concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) in persons with the metabolic syndrome (after adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI status, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity status and vitamin/mineral use) than persons without the syndrome. Alpha, beta and total carotenoids also decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increased number of components of the metabolic syndrome, after adjusting for these confounders. These differences were significant among former smokers and non-smokers, but not in current smokers. Low concentrations of serum alpha-carotene, beta carotene and the sum of five carotenoids appear to be associated with metabolic syndrome status. Additional research, particularly longitudinal studies, may help to determine if these associations are causally related to the metabolic syndrome, or are a result of the pathologies of the syndrome.

Although there is no universal definition of the metabolic syndrome, it is generally described as a constellation of pathologies or anthropometric conditions, which include central obesity, glucose intolerance, lipid abnormalities, and hypertension. It is, however, universally accepted that the presence of the metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in developed countries varies widely depending upon definitions used and age ranges included, but is estimated to be 24% among adults 20 years and over in the US. Given the impending worldwide epidemic of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, strategies aimed at greater understanding of the pathology of the syndrome, as well as strategies aimed at preventing or treating persons with the syndrome are urgently required.

Few studies have investigated associations of antioxidant nutrients and the metabolic syndrome. Ford and colleagues reported lower levels of several carotenoids and vitamins C and E among those with metabolic syndrome present compared with those without the syndrome in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Sugiura et al.  suggested that several carotenoids may exert a protective effect against the development of the metabolic syndrome, especially among current smokers. Confirming these findings in another population may add strength to these associations.

Our study showed significantly lower concentrations of β-carotene, α-carotene and the sum of the five carotenoids among those with the metabolic syndrome present compared to those without. We also found decreasing concentrations of all the carotenoids tested as the number of the metabolic syndrome components increased. These findings are consistent with data reported by Ford et al. from the third 262 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). In the NHANES III study, significantly lower concentrations of all the carotenoids, except lycopene, were found among persons with the metabolic syndrome compared with those without, after adjusting for  confounding factors similar to those in our study.

 

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Diet and Cholesterol

Writer and Curator: Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP 

 

Introduction

We are all familiar with the conundrum of diet and cholesterol.  As previously described, cholesterol is made by the liver. It is the backbone for the synthesis of sex hormones, corticosteroids, bile, and vitamin D. It is also under regulatory control, and that is not fully worked out, but it has health consequences. The liver is a synthetic organ that is involved with glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, cholesterol synthesis, and unlike the heart and skeletal muscles – which are energy transducers – the liver is anabolic, largely dependent on NADPH.  The mitochondria, which are associated with aerobic metabolism, respiration, are also rich in the liver.  The other part of this story is the utilization of lipids synthesized by the liver in the vascular endothelium.  The vascular endothelium takes up and utilizes/transforms cholesterol, which is involved in the degenerative development of pathogenic plaque.  Plaque is associated with vascular rigidity, rupture and hemorrhage, essential in myocardial inmfarction. What about steroid hormones?  There is some evidence that sex hormone differences may be a factor in coronary vascular disease and cardiac dysfunction.  The evidence that exercise is beneficial is well established, but acute coronary events can occur during exercise.  WE need food, and food is at the center of the discussion – diet and cholesterol.  The utilization of food varies regionally, and is dependent on habitat.  But it is also strongly influence by culture.  We explore this further in what follows.

A high fat, high cholesterol diet leads to changes in metabolite patterns in pigs – A metabolomic study

Jianghao Sun, Maria Monagas, Saebyeol Jang, Aleksey Molokin, et al.
Food Chemistry 173 (2015) 171–178
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.09.161

Non-targeted metabolite profiling can identify biological markers of dietary exposure that lead to a better understanding of interactions between diet and health. In this study, pigs were used as an animal model to discover changes in metabolic profiles between regular basal and high fat/high cholesterol diets. Extracts of plasma, fecal and urine samples from pigs fed high fat or basal regular diets for 11 weeks were analysed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS) and chemometric analysis. Cloud plots from XCMS online were used for class separation of the most discriminatory metabolites. The major metabolites contributing to the discrimination were identified as bile acids (BAs), lipid metabolites, fatty acids, amino acids and phosphatidic acid (PAs), phosphatidylglycerol (PGs), glycerophospholipids (PI), phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and tripeptides. These results suggest the developed approach can be used to identify biomarkers associated with specific feeding diets and possible metabolic disorders related to diet.

Nutritional metabolomics is a rapidly developing sub-branch of metabolomics, used to profile small-molecules to support integration of diet and nutrition in complex bio-systems research. Recently, the concept of ‘‘food metabolome’’ was introduced and defined as all metabolites derived from food products. Chemical components in foods are absorbed either directly or after digestion, undergo extensive metabolic modification in the gastrointestinal tract and liver and then appear in the urine and feces as final metabolic products. It is well known that diet has a close relationship with the long-term health and well-being of individuals. Hence, investigation of the ‘‘food metabolome’’ in biological samples, after feeding specific diets, has the potential to give objective information about the short- and long-term dietary intake of individuals, and to identify potential biomarkers of certain dietary patterns. Previous studies have identified potential biomarkers after consumption of specific fruits, vegetables, cocoa, and juices. More metabolites were revealed by using metabolomic approaches compared with the detection of pre-defined chemicals found in those foods.

Eating a high-fat and high cholesterol diet is strongly associated with conditions of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, that are increasingly recognized as worldwide health concerns. For example, a high fat diet is a major risk factor for childhood obesity, cardiovascular diseases and hyperlipidemia. Little is known on the extent to which changes in nutrient content of the human diet elicit changes in metabolic profiles. There are several reports of metabolomic profiling studies on plasma, serum, urine and liver from high fat-diet induced obese mice, rats and humans. Several potential biomarkers of obesity and related diseases, including lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs), fatty acids and branched-amino acids (BCAAs) have been reported.

To model the metabolite response to diet in humans, pigs were fed a high fat diet for 11 weeks and the metabolite profiles in plasma, urine and feces were analyzed. Non-targeted ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem with high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) was utilized for metabolomics profiling. Bile acids (BAs), lipid metabolites, fatty acids, amino acids and phosphatidic acid (PAs), phosphatidylglycerol (PGs), glycerophospholipids (PI), phosphatidylcholines (PCs), tripeptides and isoflavone conjugates were found to be the final dietary metabolites that differentiated pigs fed a high-fat and high cholesterol diet versus a basal diet. The results of this study illustrate the capacity of this metabolomic profiling approach to identify new metabolites and to recognize different metabolic patterns associated with diet.

Body weight, cholesterol and triglycerides were measured for all the pigs studied. There was no significant body weight gain between pigs fed diet A and diet B after 11 weeks of treatment. The serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in pigs fed with diet B compared with the control group at the end of experiment.

Plasma, urine and fecal samples were analyzed in both positive and negative ionization mode. To obtain reliable and high-quality metabolomic data, a pooled sample was used as a quality control (QC) sample to monitor the run. The QC sample (a composite of equal volume from 10 real samples) was processed as real samples and placed in the sample queue to monitor the stability of the system. All the samples were submitted in random for analysis. The quantitative variation of the ion features across the QC samples was less than 15%. The ion features from each possible metabolite were annotated by XCMS online to confirm the possible fragment ions, isotopic ions and possible adduct ions. The reproducibility of the chromatography was determined by the retention time variation profiles that were generated by XCMS. The retention time deviation was less than 0.3 min for plasma samples, less than 0.3 min for fecal samples, and less than 0.2 min for urine samples, respectively. On the basis of these results of data quality assessment, the differences between the test samples from different pigs proved more likely to reflect varied metabolite profiles rather than analytical variation. The multivariate analysis results from the QC sample showed the deviation of the analytical system was acceptable.
Good separation can be observed between pigs on the two diets, which is also reflected in the goodness of prediction (Q2), of 0.64 using data from the positive ionization mode. For negative ionization mode data, better separation appears with a Q2of 0.73.

Cloud plot is a new multidimensional data visualization method for global metabolomic data (Patti et al., 2013). Data characteristics, such as the p-value, fold change, retention time, mass-to-charge ratio and signal intensity of features, can be presented simultaneously using the cloud plot. In this study, the cloud plot was used to illustrate the ion features causing the group separation. In Fig. 2 and 82 features with p < 0.05 and fold change >2, including visualisation of the p-value, the directional fold change, the retention time and the mass to charge ratio of features, are shown. Also, the total ion chromato-grams for each sample were shown. The upper panel in (2A) shows the chromatograms of plasma samples from pigs fed the high fat diet, while the lower panel shows the chromatograms of samples from pigs fed the regular diet. Features whose intensity is increased are shown in green, whereas features whose intensity is decreased are shown in pink (2A). The size of each bubble corresponds to the log fold change of the feature: the larger the bubble, the larger the fold changes. The statistical significance of the fold change, as calculated by a Welch t-test with unequal variances, is represented by the intensity of the feature’s color where features with low p-values are brighter compared to features with high p-values. The Y coordinate for each feature corresponds to the mass-to-charge ratio of the compound, as determined by mass spectrometry. Each feature is also color coded, such as features that are shown with a black outline have database hits in METLIN, whereas features shown without a black outline do not have any database hits.

From the cloud plot (Fig. 2A), 82 discriminating ion features from positive data and 48 discriminating ions features from negative data were considered as of great importance for class separation. After filtering out the fragment ions, isotope annotations, and adduct ions, thirty-one metabolites were tentatively assigned using a Metlin library search (Table S4).

Among the assigned metabolites detected, five of the highest abundant metabolites were identified as bile acid and bile acid conjugates (Fig. 2B). This series of compounds shared the following characteristics; the unconjugated bile acids showed [M-H] ion as base peak in the negative mode.

The characteristic consistent with bile acid hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) was confirmed with a reference standard. For the conjugated bile acids (usually with glycine and taurine), the [M-H] and [M+H]+ are always observed as the base peaks. For example, the ion feature m/z 448.3065 at 21.18 min was identified as chenodeoxycholic acid glycine conjugate. The neutral loss of 62 amu (H2O + CO2) was considered as a characteristic fragmentation pathway for bile acid glycine conjugates. This above mentioned characteristic can easily identify a series of bile acids compounds. The five metabolite ions detected in plasma were significantly different between pigs fed the high fat diet (Fig. 2B, red bars) and regular diet (Fig. 2B, blue bars) for 11 weeks, and were identified as chenodeoxycholic acid glycine conjugate, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid glycine conjugate and glycocholic acid; chenodeoxycholic acid glycine and hyodeoxycholic acid.

Figures 1-4 , not shown.
Fig 1. The PCA score plot of plasma (A) (+)ESI data with all the ion features; (B) (+)ESI data with selected ion features; (C) (-)ESI data with all ion features; (D) (-)ESI data with selected ion features. Samples were taken from pigs fed diet A (BS, blue) and diet B (HF, red). (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

Fig 2. Cloud plot showing 82 discriminatory ion features (negative ion data) in plasma, and (B) box-plot of data set of the five most abundant bile acids identified in plasma (negative ion data) samples.

Fig. 3. PCA score plot of fecal samples from pigs fed diet A (BS, blue) and diet B (HF, red) (A) week 0, (B) week 2, (C) week 4 (D) week 6, (E) week 11 for distal samples (F) week 11 for proximal colon samples. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

Fig. 4. PCA and PLS-DA score plot of urine samples from (+)ESI-data (A and C) and (-)ESI-data (B and D) taken at the end of the study (week 11) from pigs fed diet A (BS, blue) and diet B (HF, red). (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

Plasma, fecal and urine metabolites from pigs fed either a high fat or regular diet were investigated using a UHPLC–HRMS based metabolomic approach. Their metabolic profiles were compared by multivariate statistical analysis.
Diet is logically believed to have a close relationship with metabolic profiles. Feeding a high fat and high cholesterol diet to pigs for 11 weeks resulted in
an increase in bile acids and their derivatives in plasma, fecal and urine samples, though at this stage, there was no significant weight gain observed.

In a previous study, a significantly higher level of muricholic acid, but not cholic acid, was found in pigs fed a high fat diet. The gut microbiota of these pigs were altered by diet and considered to regulate bile acid metabolism by reducing the levels of tauro-beta-muricholic acid. In our study, the unconjugated bile acids, hyodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were found to be significantly higher in the fecal samples of pigs fed a high-fat diet.

Chenodeoxycholic acid glycine was 8.6 times higher in pigs fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet compared to those fed a regular diet. These results confirm that feeding a high fat and high cholesterol diet leads to a changing metabolomic pattern over time, represented by excretion of certain bile acids in the feces. We also found that several metabolites associated with lipid metabolism were increased in the feces of pigs fed the high-fat diet. Feeding the high fat diet to pigs for 11 weeks did not induce any overt expression of disease, except for significantly higher levels of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is likely, however, that longer periods of feeding would increase expression of metabolic syndrome disorders and features of cardiovascular disease in pigs, as have been previously demonstrated. Products of lipid metabolism that changed early in the dietary treatment could be useful as biomarkers. This may be important because the composition of the fats in the diet, used in this study, was complex and from multiple sources including lard, soybean oil and coconut oil.

In summary, a number of metabolite differences were detected in the plasma, urine and feces of pigs fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet versus a regular diet that significantly increased over time. PCA showed a clear separation of metabolites in all biological samples tested from pigs fed the different diets. This methodology could be used to associate metabolic profiles with early markers of disease expression or the responsiveness of metabolic profiles to alterations in the diet. The ability to identify metabolites from bio-fluids, feces, and tissues that change with alterations in the diet has the potential to identify new biomarkers and to better understand mechanisms related to diet and health.

Amino acid, mineral, and polyphenolic profiles of black vinegar, and its lipid lowering and antioxidant effects in vivo

Chung-Hsi Chou, Cheng-Wei Liu, Deng-Jye Yang, Yi-Hsieng S Wuf, Yi-Chen Chen
Food Chemistry 168 (2015) 63–69
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.07.035

Black vinegar (BV) contains abundant essential and hydrophobic amino acids, and polyphenolic contents, especially catechin and chlorogenic acid via chemical analyses. K and Mg are the major minerals in BV, and Ca, Fe, Mn, and Se are also measured. After a 9-week experiment, high-fat/cholesterol-diet (HFCD) fed hamsters had higher (p < 0.05) weight gains, relative visceral-fat sizes, serum/liver lipids, and serum cardiac indices than low-fat/cholesterol diet (LFCD) fed ones, but BV supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) them which may resulted from the higher (p < 0.05) fecal TAG and TC contents. Serum ALT value, and hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and hepatic TNF-α and IL-1β contents in HFCD-fed hamsters were reduced (p < 0.05) by supplementing BV due to increased (p < 0.05) hepatic glutathione (GSH) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) levels, and catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Taken together, the component profiles of BV contributed the lipid lowering and antioxidant effects on HFCD fed hamsters.

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 1.4 billion adults were overweight (WHO, 2013). As we know, imbalanced fat or excess energy intake is one of the most important environmental factors resulted in not only increased serum/liver lipids but also oxidative stress, further leading cardiovascular disorders and inflammatory responses. Food scientists strive to improve serum lipid profile and increase serum antioxidant capacity via  medical foods or functional supplementation.

Vinegar is not only used as an acidic seasoning but also is shown to have some beneficial effects, such as digestive, appetite stimulation, antioxidant, exhaustion recovering effects, lipid lowering effects, and regulations of blood pressure. Polyphenols exist in several food categories, such as vegetable, fruits, tea, wine, juice, and vinegar that have effects against lipid peroxidation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, DNA damage, and. Black vinegar (BV) (Kurosu) is produced from unpolished rice with rice germ and bran through a stationary surface fermentation and contains higher amounts of amino acids and organic acids than other vinegars. Black vinegar is also characterised as a health food rather than only an acidic seasoning because it was reported to own a DPPH radical scavenging ability and decrease the adipocyte size in rat models. Moreover, the extract of BV shows the highest radical scavenging activity in a DPPH radical system than rice, grain, apple, and wine vinegars. The extract suppresses increased lipid peroxidation in mouse skin treated with 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

This study focused on the nutritional compositions in BV, and the in-vivo lipid lowering and antioxidant effects. First, the amino acid, mineral, and polyphenolic profile of BV were identified. Hypolipidemic hamsters induced by a high-fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD) were orally administered with different doses of BV. Serum lipid profile and liver damage indices liver and fecal lipid contents, as well as hepatic antioxidant capacities [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and hepatic cytokine levels were assayed to demonstrated physiological functions of BV.

Higher serum AST, ALT, and free fatty acids, as well as hepatic cholesterol, triacylglycerol, MDA, hydroperoxide, and cytokine (IL-1β and TNF-α) levels were easily observed in a high-fat-consumption rodent. Several reports indicated some amino acids antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. Acidic amino acids, such as Asp and Glu and hydrophobic amino acids, such as Ile, Leu, and Val display high antioxidant properties. Recently, an in vivo study indicated that a pepsin hydrolyzation significantly enhanced Asp, Glu, Leu, and Val contents in chicken livers; meanwhile, chicken-liver hydrolysates showed an antioxidant capacity in brain and liver of D-galactose treated mice. In addition, it was also reported that Mg and Se play important roles in SOD and GPx activities, respectively. Uzun and Kalender (2013) used chlorpyrifos, an organophosphorus insecticide, to induce hepatotoxic and hematologic changes in rats, but they observed that catechin can attenuate the chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity by increasing GPx and glutathione-S-transferase activities and decreasing MDA contents. Meanwhile, chlorogenic acid elevated SOD, CAT, and GPx activities with concomitantly decreased lipid peroxidation of liver and kidney in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-2 diabetic rats. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that increased antioxidant capacities and decreased damage in livers of HFCD fed hamsters supplemented with BV should be highly related to the components, i.e. amino acid profile, mineral profile, and polyphenol contents, as well as the lowered liver lipid accumulations.

In analyses of amino acids, minerals and polyphenols, BV contained abundant essential amino acids and hydrophobic amino acids. Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Se were measured in BV where K and Mg were major. Gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybezoic acid, p-cumeric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid were also identified in BV where catechin and chlorogenic acid were the majorities. Meanwhile, the lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of BV were also investigated via a hamster model. BV supplementation apparently decreased weight gain (g and %), relative size of visceral fat, serum/liver TC levels, serum cardiac index, and hepatic TBARS values and damage indices (serum ALT and hepatic TNF-α and IL-1β) but increased fecal lipid contents and hepatic antioxidant capacities (GSH level, TEAC level, CAT activity, and GPx activity) in HFCD fed hamsters. To sum up, those benefits could be attributed to a synergetic effect of compounds in BV.

Analysis of pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) unsaponifiable fraction – Effect of ripening stage on phytosterols and phytostanols composition

Intidhar Bouali, Hajer Trabelsi, Wahid Herchi, Lucy Martine, et al.
Food Chemistry 164 (2014) 309–316
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.029

Changes in 4-desmethylsterol, 4-monomethylsterol, 4,4-dimethylsterol and phytostanol composition were quantitatively and qualitatively investigated during the ripening of three varieties of Tunisian grown pecan nuts. These components have many health benefits, especially in lowering LDL-cholesterol and preventing heart disease. The phytosterol composition of whole pecan kernel was quantified by Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection (GC–FID) and identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Fifteen phytosterols and one phytostanol were quantified. The greatest amount of phytosterols (2852.5 mg/100 g of oil) was detected in Mahan variety at 20 weeks after the flowering date (WAFD). Moore had the highest level of phytostanols (7.3 mg/100 g of oil) at 20 WAFD. Phytosterol and phytostanol contents showed a steep decrease during pecan nut development. Results from the quantitative characterization of pecan nut oils revealed that β-sitosterol, D5-avenasterol, and campesterol were the most abundant phytosterol compounds at all ripening stages.

Association between HMW adiponectin, HMW-total adiponectin ratio and early-onset coronary artery disease in Chinese population

Ying Wang, Aihua Zheng, Yunsheng Yan, Fei Song, et al.
Atherosclerosis 235 (2014) 392-397
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.05.910

Objective: Adiponectin is an adipose-secreting protein that shows atheroprotective property and has inverse relation with coronary artery disease (CAD). High-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is reported as the active form of adiponectin. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, HMW-total adiponectin ratio and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, and to compare their evaluative power for the risk of CAD. Methods: Serum levels of total and HMW adiponectin were measured in 382 early-onset CAD (EOCAD) patients and 305 matched controls undergoing coronary angiography by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gensini score was used to evaluate the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Results: CAD onset age was positively correlated with HMW adiponectin (r = 0.383, P < 0.001) and HMW-total adiponectin ratio (r = 0.429, P < 0.001) in EOCAD patients. Total and HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio were all inversely correlated with Gensini score (r=0.417, r=0.637, r=0.578, respectively; all P < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio were both inversely correlated with the risk of CAD (P < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated that areas under the ROC curves of HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio were larger than that of total adiponectin (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Adiponectin is cardioprotective against coronary atherosclerosis onset in EOCAD patients. HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio show stronger negative associations with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis than total adiponectin does. HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio are effective biomarkers for the risk of CAD in Chinese population.

Gender and age were well matched between patients and controls. EOCAD patients were tended to have a history of diabetes or hypertension, more current smoking, and more use of lipid lowering drugs. Levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, FPG, HbA1c and triglycerides were significantly higher in the patients than in controls, while HDL-cholesterol, total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, and HMW-total adiponectin ratio were significantly lower in the patients. EOCAD patients developed different degrees of coronary atherosclerosis, and had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity CRP and larger circumferences of waist and hip than controls.

Spearman correlation coefficients between selected cardiovascular risk factors, Gensini score and adiponectin were significant. Total and HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio were all inversely correlated with Gensini score, BMI and pack years of cigarette smoking. Total and HMW adiponectin were negatively associated with triglycerides and circumference of waist and hip. LDL-cholesterol and high-sensitivity CRP were inversely correlated with HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio, while HDL-cholesterol and age were positively correlated with them. FPG was only inversely associated with HMW-total adiponectin ratio.

All participants were divided into four groups according to their Gensini score, group A (control, n = 305), group B (<20, n = 154), group C (20-40, n = 121) and group D (>40, n = 105). With the increasing of Gensini score, a stepwise downward trend was observed in levels of total and HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio (P < 0.001). Specifically, total adiponectin of four groups were 1.58 (0.61-4.36) mg/ml, 1.21 (0.70-2.83) mg/ml, 1.00 (0.73-1.88) mg/ml, and 0.76 (0.37-1.19) mg/ml, respectively. Except group A with B and group B with C, the differences of pairwise comparisons among all the other groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). HMW adiponectin of four groups were 0.91 (0.39-3.26) mg/ml, 0.55 (0.32-1.49) mg/ml, 0.46 (0.21-0.876) mg/ml, and 0.23 (0.14-0.39) mg/ml, respectively. The differences of pairwise comparisons among all the other groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05) except group B with C. HMW-total adiponectin ratio of four groups were 0.58 (0.31-0.81), 0.47 (0.26-0.69), 0.41 (0.24-0.57), and 0.36 (0.21-0.42), respectively. The differences of pairwise comparisons among all the other groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05) except group B with C. In the model of multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, HMW adiponectin (OR = 0.234, P < 0.011) and HMW-total adiponectin ratio (OR = 0.138, P < 0.005) remained inversely correlated with the risk of CAD, while no significant association was observed between total adiponectin and CAD

Areas under the ROC curves were compared pairwise to identify the diagnostic power for CAD among total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, and HMW-total adiponectin ratio. HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio showed greater capability for identifying CAD than total adiponectin did (0.797 vs. 0.674, 0.806 vs. 0.674; respectively, all P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between HMW and HMW-total ratio (P > 0.05).

Associations between total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, HMW-total adiponectin ratio and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis

Associations between total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, HMW-total adiponectin ratio and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in EOCAD patients (evaluated by Gensini score). *P < 0.05; **P < 0.001; ***P < 0.005 by Mann-Whitney U test.

Compares diagnostic power

Compares diagnostic power

Fig. Compares diagnostic power among total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio for CAD by ROC curves. Diagnostic power for CAD was based on discriminating patients with or without coronary atherosclerosis. The area under the curve for HMW-total adiponectin ratio (dotted black line) was larger than that for total adiponectin (fine black line) (0.806 [95%CI 0.708-0.903] vs. 0.674 [95%CI 0.552-0.797], P < 0.05) and HMW adiponectin (bold black line) (0.806 [95%CI 0.708-0.903] vs. 0.797 [95%CI 0.706-0.888], no statistically difference). Sensitivity, specificity and optimal cut off value for them were total adiponectin (57.38%, 75.86%, 1.11 mg/ml), HMW (55.74%, 93.1%, 0.49 mg/ml) and H/T (78.69%, 75.86%, 0.52), respectively.

There are two strengths in our study. One is the precise Gensini scoring system to carefully evaluate stenosis of coronary artery or branches > 0% diameter as coronary lesion, another is the specific study subjects of EOCAD in a Chinese Han population that is particularly genetically determined and not influenced by racial/ethnic disparities. The limitations of our study lie in the interference of medications such as the effect of lipid lowering drugs on the levels of adiponectin, and cardiovascular risk factors. Smoking is a conventional cardiovascular risk factor, whose interaction with HMW adiponectin level is rarely investigated, but it has been revealed to be associated with HMW adiponectin level in men according to the study from Kawamoto R et al. We did not adjust the result for the pack/year variable in the multivariate logistic regression analysis for the limitation of small sample size of male subjects in our study. The relatively small study sample also restrained our conclusion generalizable to all populations. Future researches in larger study samples and different populations are in need to validate our findings, and to explore the association of smoking with adiponectin in male subgroup analysis, and to investigate the potential mechanisms by which adiponectin affects the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

In summary, the present study has demonstrated that adiponectin is protective against coronary atherosclerosis onset in EOCAD patients. HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio show stronger negative associations with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis than total adiponectin does. HMW adiponectin and HMW-total adiponectin ratio are more effective biomarkers for the risk of CAD than total adiponectin.

Berberis aristata combined with Silybum marianum on lipid profile in patients not tolerating statins at high doses

Giuseppe Derosa, Davide Romano, Angela D’Angelo, Pamela Maffioli
Atherosclerosis 239 (2015) 87-92
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.12.043

Aim: To evaluate the effects of Berberis aristata combined with Silybum marianum in dyslipidemic patients intolerant to statins at high doses.
Methods: 137 euglycemic, dyslipidemic subjects, with previous adverse events to statins at high doses, were enrolled. Statins were stopped for 1 month (run-in), then they were re-introduced at the half of the previously taken dose. At randomization, patients tolerating the half dose of statin, were assigned to
add placebo or B. aristata/S. marianum 588/105 mg, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for six months. We evaluated lipid profile and safety parameters variation at randomization, and after 3, and 6 months.
Results: B. aristata/S. marianum reduced fasting plasma glucose (-9 mg/dl), insulin (-0.7 mU/ml), and HOMA-index (-0.35) levels compared to baseline and also to placebo. Lipid profile did not significantly change after 6 months since the reduction of statin dosage and the introduction of B. aristata/S. marianum, while it worsened in the placebo group both compared to placebo and with active treatment (+23.4 mg/dl for total cholesterol, +19.6 mg/dl for LDL-cholesterol, +23.1 mg/dl for triglycerides with placebo compared to B. aristata/S. marianum). We did not record any variations of safety parameters
in either group. Conclusions: B. aristata/S. marianum can be considered as addition to statins in patients not tolerating high dose of these drugs.

Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, are effective medications for reducing the risk of death and future cardiovascular disease. In the latest years, however, statin intolerance (including adverse effects related to quality of life, leading to decisions to decrease or stop the use of an otherwise-beneficial drug) has come to the forefront of clinical concern, whereas the safety of statins has come to be regarded as largely favorable. Statin intolerance is defined as any adverse symptoms, signs, or laboratory abnormalities attributed by the patient or physician to the statin and in most cases perceived by the patient to interfere unacceptably with activities of daily living, leading to a decision to stop or reduce statin therapy. The physician might also decide to stop or reduce statin therapy on the basis of clinical/laboratory assessment [abnormal liver function tests, creatine phosphokinase values (CPK)] suggesting undue risk. Adverse events are more common at higher doses of statins, and often contribute to patients low adherence to treatment. For this reason, researchers are testing alternative strategies for lipid treatment when statin intolerance is recognized. One strategy to reduce the risk of statin-induced adverse events includes using a low-dose of statin combined with nonstatin drugs in order to achieve the goals of therapy. Nonstatin drugs include nutraceuticals; in the latest years relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans, in particular Berberis Aristata, has been studied in randomized clinical trials and proved to be effective in improving lipid profile. In particular, B. aristata acts up-regulating LDL-receptor (LDL-R) expression independent of sterol regulatory element binding proteins, but dependent on extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation leading to total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C reduction of about 30 and 25%, respectively. Hwever, B. aristata is a problem in terms of oral bioavailability, affected by a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated gut extrusion process. P-gp seems to reduce by about 90% the amount of B. aristata able to cross the enterocytes, but the use of a potential P-gp inhibitor could ameliorate its oral poor bioavailability improving its effectiveness. Among the potential Pgp inhibitors, silymarin from S. marianum, an herbal drug used as liver protectant, could be considered a good candidate due to its high safety profile.

Analyzing the results of our study, it can appear, at a first glance, that B. aristata/S. marianum has a neutral effect of lipid profile that did not change during the study after the addition of the nutraceutical combination. This lack of effect, however, is only apparent, because, when we analyzed what happens in placebo group, we observed a worsening of lipid profile after statin dose reduction. In other words, the addition of B. aristata/S. marianum neutralized the worsening of lipid profile observed with placebo after statins dose reduction. These results are in line with what was reported by Kong et al., who evaluated the effects of a combination of berberine and simvastatin in sixty-three outpatients diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia. As compared with monotherapies, the combination showed an improved lipid lowering effect with 31.8% reduction of serum LDL-C, and similar efficacies were observed in the reduction of TC as well as Tg in patients. Considering the results of this study, B. aristata/S. marianum can be considered as addition to statins in patients not tolerating high dose of these drugs.

CETP inhibitors downregulate hepatic LDL receptor and PCSK9 expression in vitro and in vivo through a SREBP2 dependent mechanism

Bin Dong, Amar Bahadur Singh, Chin Fung, Kelvin Kan, Jingwen Liu
Atherosclerosis 235 (2014) 449-462
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.05.931

Background: CETP inhibitors block the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL-C to VLDL-C and LDL-C, thereby raising HDL-C and lowering LDL-C. In this study, we explored the effect of CETP inhibitors on hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) and PCSK9 expression and further elucidated the underlying regulatory mechanism. Results: We first examined the effect of anacetrapib (ANA) and dalcetrapib (DAL) on LDLR and PCSK9 expression in hepatic cells in vitro. ANA exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition on both LDLR and PCSK9 expression in CETP-positive HepG2 cells and human primary hepatocytes as well as CETP-negative mouse primary hepatocytes (MPH). Moreover, the induction of LDLR protein expression by rosuvastatin in MPH was blunted by cotreatment with ANA. In both HepG2 and MPH ANA treatment reduced the amount of mature form of SREBP2 (SREBP2-M). In vivo, oral administration of ANA to dyslipidemic C57BL/6J mice at a daily dose of 50 mg/kg for 1 week elevated serum total cholesterol by approximately 24.5% (p < 0.05%) and VLDL-C by 70% (p < 0.05%) with concomitant reductions of serum PCSK9 and liver LDLR/SREBP2-M protein. Finally, we examined the in vitro effect of two other strong CETP inhibitors evacetrapib and torcetrapib on LDLR/PCSK9 expression and observed a similar inhibitory effect as ANA in a concentration range of 1-10 µM. Conclusion: Our study revealed an unexpected off-target effect of CETP inhibitors that reduce the mature form of SREBP2, leading to attenuated transcription of hepatic LDLR and PCSK9. This negative regulation of SREBP pathway by ANA manifested in mice where CETP activity was absent and affected serum cholesterol metabolism.

Effect of Eclipta prostrata on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic animals

Yun Zhao, Lu Peng, Wei Lu, Yiqing Wang, Xuefeng Huang, et al.
Experimental Gerontology 62 (2015) 37–44
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2014.12.017

Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) Linn. is a traditional Chinese medicine and has previously been reported to have hypolipidemic effects. However, its mechanism of action is not well understood. This study was conducted to identify the active fraction of Eclipta, its toxicity, its effect on hyperlipidemia, and its mechanism of action. The ethanol extract (EP) of Eclipta and fractions EPF1–EPF4, obtained by eluting with different concentrations of ethanol from a HPD-450 macroporous resin column chromatography of the EP, were screened in hyperlipidemic mice for lipid lowering activity, and EPF3 was the most active fraction. The LD50 of EPF3 was undetectable because no mice died with administration of EPF3 at 10.4 g/kg. Then, 48 male hamsters were used and randomly assigned to normal chow diet, high-fat diet, high-fat diet with Xuezhikang (positive control) or EPF3 (75, 150 and 250 mg/kg) groups. We evaluated the effects of EPF3 on body weight gain, liver weight gain, serum lipid concentration, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic hamsters. The results showed that EPF3 significantly decreased body-weight gain and liver-weight gain and reduced the serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemic hamsters. EPF3 also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes; upregulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), lecithin-cholesterol transferase (LCAT) and scavenger receptor class B type Ι receptor (SR-BI); and down-regulated the mRNA expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) in the liver. These results indicate that EPF3 ameliorates hyperlipidemia, in part, by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism.

Although Eclipta has long been used as a food additive, no studies or reports have clearly shown any liver or kidney toxicity from its use. Therefore, E. prostrata is safe and beneficial for preventing hyperlipidemia in experimental animals and can be used as an alternative medicine for the regulation of dyslipidemia.

Effect of high fiber products on blood lipids and lipoproteins in hamsters

HE Martinez-Floresa, Y Kil Chang, F Martinez-Bustosc, V Sgarbieri
Nutrition Research 24 (2004) 85–93
http://dx.doi.org:/10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00206-9

Serum and liver lipidemic responses in hamsters fed diets containing 2% cholesterol and different dietary fiber sources were studied. The following diets were made from: a) the control diet made from extruded cassava starch (CSH) contained 9.3% cellulose, b) cassava starch extruded with 9.7% resistant starch (CS-RS), c) cassava starch extruded with 9.9% oat fiber (CS-OF), d) the reference diet contained 9.5% cellulose, and no cholesterol was added. Total cholesterol, LDLVLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in serum of hamsters fed on the CS-RS (17.87%, 62.92% and 9.17%, respectively) and CS-OF (15.12%, 67.41% and 18.35%, respectively) diets, as compared to hamster fed with the CSH diet. Similar results were found in the livers of hamsters fed on the CS-RS and CS-OF diets, as compared to hamsters fed with the CSH diet. The diets containing these fibers could be used as active ingredients in human diets to improve the human health.

A new piece in the puzzling effect of n-3 fatty acids on atherosclerosis?

Wilfried Le Goff
Atherosclerosis 235 (2014) 358-362
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.03.038

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) FA are reported to be protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD), notably through their beneficial action on atherosclerosis development. In this context dietary intake of long chain marine eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recommended and randomised trials largely support that EPA and DHA intake is associated with a reduction of CVD. However, mechanisms governing the atheroprotective action of ω-3 FA are still unclear and numerous studies using mouse models conducted so far do not allow to reach a precise view of the cellular and molecular effects of ω-3 FA on atherosclerosis. In the current issue of Atherosclerosis, Chang et al. provide important new information on the anti-atherogenic properties of ω-3 FA by analyzing the incremental replacement of saturated FA by pure fish oil as a source of EPA and DHA in Ldlr -/- mice fed a high fat/high cholesterol diet.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading causes of death in the world and is frequently associated with atherosclerosis, a pathology characterized by the accumulation of lipids, mainly cholesterol in the arterial wall. Among major risk factors for CVD, circulating levels of lipids and more especially those originating from diets are closely linked to development of atherosclerosis. In this context, not only cholesterol, but also dietary fatty acids (FA) may appear particularly deleterious in regards to atherosclerosis and associated CVD. However, although saturated fats are proatherogenic, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA), and more especially long-chain marine eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exert atheroprotective properties through several potential underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the intake of EPA and DHA is recommended around the world and randomised trials with ω-3 FA confirmed that EPA and DHA intake reduced risk for CVD events. However benefits of ω-3 FA intake were challenged by recent clinical trials that failed to replicate protective effects of EPA + DHA on CVD, raising the controversy on the healthy side of marine ω-3 FA.

Animal models are commonly employed in order to decipher mechanisms by which ω-3 FA exert their beneficial actions regarding lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Since the last past 20 years, mouse models, and more especially genetically modified mouse models, became the reference model to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids, especially ω-3 FA, on atherosclerosis development [7-20]. However, the use of different mouse models of atherosclerosis (Apoe-/-, Ldlr-/-, double Apoe-/- x Ldlr-/- , Ldlr-/- x hApoB mice), as well as diet composition (chow, high cholesterol, high fat, high cholesterol/high fat), source of ω-3 FA supplementation (fish oil, perilla seed oil, flaxseed, pure ALA, EPA or DHA), duration of the diet (from 4 to 32 weeks), size of atherosclerotic lesions in control animals (from 51 to 700.103 mm2) in

those studies led to heterogeneous results and therefore to a partial understanding of the effects of ω-3 FA on atherosclerosis.

Contrary to what observed in Apoe-/- mice, dietary supplementation of Ldlr-/- mice with ω-3 FA led to a reproducible reduction of aortic atherosclerosis, although to various degrees, confirming that Ldlr-/- mice constitute the most appropriate model for studying the atheroprotective effects of ω-3 FA. When evaluated, the decrease of atherosclerosis upon ω-3 FA-rich diet was accompanied by a reduction in the macrophage content as well as inflammation in aortic lesions highlighting the major impact of ω-3 FA on monocyte recruitment and subsequent macrophage accumulation in the arterial wall. However, although supplementation with ω-3 FA allows an efficacious lowering of plasma lipid levels in humans, studies in mouse models suggest that the antiatherogenic action of ω-3 FA is independent of any effects on plasma cholesterol or triglyceride levels. However, that must be asserted with caution as lipid metabolism is quite different in mouse in comparison to humans, highlighting the need to study in the future the effects of ω-3 FA on atherosclerosis in a mouse model exhibiting a more “humanized” lipid metabolism as achieved in hApoB/CETP mice.

In a previous issue of Atherosclerosis, Chang et al. reevaluate the impact of fish oil ω-3 FA on atherosclerosis development by operating an incremental replacement of saturated fats (SAT) by ω-3 FA (pure fish oil, EPA- and DHA-rich) in Ldlr-/- mice fed a high-fat (21%, w/w)/high-cholesterol (0.2%, w/w) diet for a 12-week period. This experimental approach is quite pertinent as dietary fat intake in developed countries, as in United States, derived mostly from saturated FA and is poor in ω-3 FA. Then, using this strategy the authors were able to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of a supplementation with fish oil ω-3 FA in a dietary context for which ω-3 FA intake is relevant.

Here, Chang et al. demonstrated that the progressive increase of dietary intake of fish oil ω-3 FA (EPA and DHA) abrogated the deleterious effects of a SAT diet, thereby suggesting that a dietary ω-3 FA intake on a SAT background is potentially efficient to decrease CVD in humans. Indeed, replacement of SAT by fish oil ω-3 FA markedly reduced plasma cholesterol and triglycerides levels and abolished diet-induced atherosclerosis mediated by SAT in Ldlr-/-mice. To note that in the present study, Ldlr-/- mice only developed small atherosclerosic lesions (~100.103 mm2) after 12 weeks of diet with SAT.

As previously reported, decreased atherosclerotic lesions were accompanied by a reduced content of aortic macrophages and inflammation. Based on their previous works, the authors proposed that the reduction of atherosclerosis upon ω-3 FA resulted from an impairment of cholesterol uptake by arterial macrophages consecutive to the decrease of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) expression in those cells. Indeed, beyond its lipolysis action on triglycerides, LPL was reported to promote lipid accumulation, in particular in macrophages, by binding to lipoproteins and cell surface proteoglycans and then acting as a bridging molecule that facilitates cellular lipid uptake. Coherent with this mechanism, macrophage LPL expression was reported to promote foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. In the present study, replacement of SAT by ω-3 FA both decreased expression and altered distribution of arterial LPL. Such a mechanism for ω-3 FA (EPA and DHA) was proposed by this group in earlier studies to favor reduction of arterial LDL-cholesterol. It is noteworthy that lipid rafts alter distribution of LPL at the cell surface and subsequently the LPL dependent accumulation of lipids in macrophages and foam cell formation. As incorporation of ω-3 FA, such as DHA, into cell membrane phospholipids disrupts lipid rafts organization, it cannot be exclude that reduction of lipid accumulation in arterial macrophages upon addition of ω-3 FA results in part from an impairment of the localization and of the anchoring function of LPL at the cell surface of macrophages. Indeed Chang et al. observed that progressive replacement of SAT by ω-3 FA affected aortic FA composition leading to a pronounced increase of arterial EPA and DHA, then suggesting that content of ω-3 FA in macrophage membrane may be equally altered. However, the implication of LPL in the atheroprotective effects of ω-3 FA need to be validated using an appropriate mouse model for which LPL expression may be controlled.

Among the various mechanisms by which ω-3 FA exert anti-inflammatory properties, EPA and DHA repressed inflammation by shutting down NF-kB activation in macrophages. Since expression of TLR-4 and NF-kB target genes, IL-6 and TNFα, in aorta from mice fed diets containing ω-3 FA were decreased when compared to SAT, those results strongly support the contention that ω-3 FA repress inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-kB signaling cascade likely through the macrophage ω-3 FA receptor GPR120.

Although further studies are needed to explore the complete spectrum of actions of ω-3 FA on atherosclerosis development and CVD, this study provides important information that supports that ω-3 FA intake is a pertinent strategy to reduce risk of CVD.

Effects of dietary hull-less barley β-glucan on the cholesterol metabolism of hypercholesterolemic hamsters

Li-Tao Tong, Kui Zhong, Liya Liu, Xianrong Zhou, Ju Qiu, Sumei Zhou
Food Chemistry 169 (2015) 344–349
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.07.157

The aim of the present study is to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effects of dietary hull-less barley β-glucan (HBG) on cholesterol metabolism in hamsters which were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. The hamsters were divided into 3 groups and fed experimental diets, containing 5‰ HBG or 5‰ oat β-glucan (OG), for 30 days. The HBG, as well as OG, lowered the concentration of plasma LDL-cholesterol significantly. The excretion of total lipids and cholesterol in feces were increased in HBG and OG groups compared with the control group. The activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in liver was reduced significantly in the HBG group compared with the control and OG groups. The activity of cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver, in the HBG and OG groups, was significantly increased compared with the control group. The concentrations of acetate, propionate and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were not significantly different between the HBG and control groups. These results indicate that dietary HBG reduces the concentration of plasma LDL cholesterol by promoting the excretion of fecal lipids, and regulating the activities of HMG-CoA reductase and CYP7A1 in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.

Effects of dietary wheat bran arabinoxylans on cholesterolmetabolism of hypercholesterolemic hamsters

Li-Tao Tong, Kui Zhong, Liya Liu, Ju Qiu, Lina Guo, et al.
Carbohydrate Polymers 112 (2014) 1–5
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.05.061

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of dietary wheat bran arabinoxylans (AXs) on cholesterol metabolism in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. The hamsters were divided into 3 groups and fed the experimental diets containing AXs or oat β-glucan at a dose of 5 g/kg for 30 days. As the results,the AXs lowered plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and increased excretions of total lipids, cholesterol and bile acids, as well as oat β-glucan. The AXs reduced the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and increased the activity of cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in liver. Moreover, the AXs increased propionate and the total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations. These results indicated that dietary AXs reduced the plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations by promoting the excretion of fecal lipids, regulating the activities of HMG-CoA reductase and CYP7A1, and increasing colonic SCFAs in hamsters.

High-fructose feeding promotes accelerated degradation of hepatic LDL receptor and hypercholesterolemia in hamsters via elevated circulating PCSK9 levels

Bin Dong, Amar Bahadur Singh, Salman Azhar, Nabil G. Seidah, Jingwen Liu
Atherosclerosis 239 (2015) 364-374
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.01.013

Background: High fructose diet (HFD) induces dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in experimental animals and humans with incomplete mechanistic understanding. By utilizing mice and hamsters as in vivo models, we investigated whether high fructose consumption affects serum PCSK9 and liver LDL receptor (LDLR) protein levels. Results: Feeding mice with an HFD increased serum cholesterol and reduced serum PCSK9 levels as compared with the mice fed a normal chow diet (NCD). In contrast to the inverse relationship in mice, serum PCSK9 and cholesterol levels were co-elevated in HFD-fed hamsters. Liver tissue analysis revealed that PCSK9 mRNA and protein levels were both reduced in mice and hamsters by HFD feeding, however, liver LDLR protein levels were markedly reduced by HFD in hamsters but not in mice. We further showed that circulating PCSK9 clearance rates were significantly lower in hamsters fed an HFD as compared with the hamsters fed NCD, providing additional evidence for the reduced hepatic LDLR function by HFD consumption. The majority of PCSK9 in hamster serum was detected as a 53 kDa N-terminus cleaved protein. By conducting in vitro studies, we demonstrate that this 53 kDa truncated hamster PCSK9 is functionally active in promoting hepatic LDLR degradation. Conclusion: Our studies for the first time demonstrate that high fructose consumption increases serum PCSK9 concentrations and reduces liver LDLR protein levels in hyper-lipidemic hamsters. The positive correlation between circulating cholesterol and PCSK9 and the reduction of liver LDLR protein in HFD-fed hamsters suggest that hamster is a better animal model than mouse to study the modulation of PCSK9/LDLR pathway by atherogenic diets.

High-oleic canola oil consumption enriches LDL particle cholesteryl oleate content and reduces LDL proteoglycan binding in humans

Peter J.H. Jones, Dylan S. MacKay, Vijitha K. Senanayake, Shuaihua Pu, et al.
Atherosclerosis 238 (2015) 231-238
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.12.010

Oleic acid consumption is considered cardio-protective according to studies conducted examining effects of the Mediterranean diet. However, animal models have shown that oleic acid consumption increases LDL particle cholesteryl oleate content which is associated with increased LDL-proteoglycan binding and atherosclerosis. The objective was to examine effects of varying oleic, linoleic and docosahexaenoic acid consumption on human LDL-proteoglycan binding in a non-random subset of the Canola Oil Multi-center Intervention Trial (COMIT) participants. COMIT employed a randomized, double-blind, five-period, crossover trial design. Three of the treatment oil diets: 1) a blend of corn/safflower oil (25:75); 2) high oleic canola oil; and 3) DHA-enriched high oleic canola oil were selected for analysis of LDL-proteoglycan binding in 50 participants exhibiting good compliance. LDL particles were isolated from frozen plasma by gel filtration chromatography and LDL cholesteryl esters quantified by mass-spectrometry. LDL-proteoglycan binding was assessed using surface plasmon resonance. LDL particle cholesterol ester fatty acid composition was sensitive to the treatment fatty acid compositions, with the main fatty acids in the treatments increasing in the LDL cholesterol esters. The corn/safflower oil and high-oleic canola oil diets lowered LDL-proteoglycan binding relative to their baseline values (p < 0.0005 and p < 0.0012, respectively). At endpoint, high-oleic canola oil feeding resulted in lower LDL-proteoglycan binding than corn/safflower oil (p < 0.0243) and DHA-enriched high oleic canola oil (p < 0.0249), although high-oleic canola oil had the lowest binding at baseline (p < 0.0344). Our findings suggest that high-oleic canola oil consumption in humans increases cholesteryl oleate percentage in LDL, but in a manner not associated with a rise in LDL-proteoglycan binding.

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Gluten-free Diets

Writer and Curator: Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP 

 

 

Clinical, Serologic, and Histologic Features of Gluten Sensitivity in Children

Ruggiero Francavilla, Fernanda Cristofori, Stefania Castellaneta, et al.
J Pediatr 2014; 164:463-7.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.10.007

Until a few years ago, the spectrum of gluten-related disorders included only celiac disease (CD) and wheat allergy (WA).  Recent data, however, suggest the existence of another form of gluten intolerance, known as nonceliac gluten sensitivity, or simply gluten sensitivity (GS). Some individuals experience distress after eating gluten-containing products and show improvement after institution of a gluten-free diet (GFD). Although the gastrointestinal symptoms may resemble those seen in CD, patients with CD do not have positive celiac-related antibodies or intestinal damage. This entity was described more than 30 years ago in 8 adult females suffering from abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea who experienced relief from a GFD and a return of symptoms on a gluten challenge.

GS is diagnosed in patients with symptoms that respond to removal of gluten from the diet, after CD and WA are excluded. Currently, it is a clinical diagnosis based on response to the GFD and relapse after gluten challenge; no specific blood test is available for GS. Sapone et al, aiming to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of GS, found that GS, as opposed to CD, is a condition associated with prevalent gluten-induced activation of innate, rather than adaptive, immune responses in the absence of detectable changes in mucosal barrier function.

Recently, the existence of GS was confirmed by Biesiekierski et al in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled challenge trial performed in a selected group of patients with irritable bowel syndrome who were symptomatically controlled on a GFD. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome-GS frequently demonstrate serum IgG class native anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) as a possible marker of immune activation to gluten.

Objective To describe the clinical, serologic, and histologic characteristics of children with gluten sensitivity (GS). Study design We studied 15 children (10 males and 5 females; mean age, 9.6 + 3.9 years) with GS who were diagnosed based on a clear-cut relationship between wheat consumption and development of symptoms, after excluding celiac disease (CD) and wheat allergy, along with 15 children with active CD (5 males and 10 females; mean age, 9.1 + 3.1 years) and 15 controls with a functional gastrointestinal disorder (6males and 9 females; mean age, 8.6 + 2.7 years). Method: All children underwent CD panel testing (native anti-gliadin antibodies IgG and IgA, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody IgA and IgG, and anti-endomysial antibody IgA), hematologic assessment (hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate), HLA typing, and small intestinal biopsy (on a voluntary basis in the children with GS).
Results Abdominal pain was the most prevalent symptomin the children with GS (80%), followed by chronic diarrhea in (73%), tiredness (33%), bloating (26%), limb pain, vomiting, constipation, headache (20%), and failure to thrive (13%). Native antigliadin antibodies IgG was positive in 66% of the children with GS. No differences in nutritional, biochemical, or inflammatory markers were found between the children with GS and controls. HLA-DQ2 was found in 7 children with GS. Histology revealed normal to mildly inflamed mucosa (Marsh stage 0-1) in the children with GS. Conclusion Our findings support the existence of GS in children across all ages with clinical, serologic, genetic, and histologic features similar to those of adults. (J Pediatr 2014;164:463-7).

 

Coeliac disease

C Leivers, G Martin, M Gasparetto, H Shelley, M Valente
Paediatrics and Child Health  2014; 24(11):481-84

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated systemic disorder, which is triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterised by the presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLADQ8 genetic haplotypes, gluten-dependent signs and symptoms, celiac-specific antibodies and enteropathy.

The pathogenesis of celiac disease is complex and involves both genetic and environmental factors. Genetics is important: there is a high concordance in monozygotic twins (between 70 and 86%) and the HLA haplotype of DQ2/DQ8 is the principal genetic factor described. In the Caucasian population, between 30 and 35% will be carriers of these markers, but only 2-5% will go on to develop celiac disease. In patients with coeliac disease, 95% have HLA-DQ2 and 5-10% will carry HLA-DQ8.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity

This occurs in those who have had a diagnosis of celiac disease excluded, but whereby there is a clear adverse response associated with gluten ingestion. Non-IgE mediated food allergy is a potential cause.

Differential diagnoses/causes of villous atrophy

  • Coeliac disease
  • Food protein hypersensitivity (particularly cow’s milk and/or soya proteins)
  • Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia
  • Whipple diseases
  • Abetalipoproteinaemia (Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome)
  • Intestinal lymphoma
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Infectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis, giardiasis, parasitic infestations, infectious enteritis)
  • Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
  • Severe malnutrition
  • Small bowel ischemia
  • Radiotherapy
  • Autoimmune enteropathy
  • Cytotoxic drugs

Gluten challenge

Routine gluten challenge is not recommended. However, the process is advised when the initial diagnosis was not secure. Challenges should be undertaken at age 6-7 years or when pubertal growth is complete. Prior to a challenge HLA-DQ2/8 haplotype should be determined; if absent, celiac disease is unlikely. At least 4-6 weeks (ideally three months) of a normal gluten-containing diet (2-3 meals per day containing at least 5 g of gluten) is recommended prior to testing. Celiac serology and symptoms should be closely monitored to decide on the timing of biopsies. A pediatric dietitian is useful to support families and clinicians through this process.

Serological testing

Blood tests including tTG-IgA and full blood count are undertaken and growth is assessed. tTG-IgA levels are used to assess recovery and dietary adherence, particularly in asymptomatic patients. The high sensitivity and specificity of tTG-IgA in the diagnosis of celiac disease, has been extensively validated for diagnostic and follow up purposes.

Dietetic assessment and interview

A dietary assessment includes a review of the gluten free diet; the child and family’s level of adherence and its overall nutritional adequacy. In particular, the child’s intake of calcium and iron is assessed and if required, the family is advised on how to increase the intake of these nutrients up to the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI).

Practice points

  1. The incidence of coeliac disease remains high, currently estimated to be around 1% of the UK population, although only 10-20% of these are diagnosed
  2. Prior to confirming a diagnosis, it is important to ensure the child is on a gluten-containing diet
  3. The diagnostic process in children has changed and depends on whether the child is symptomatic or asymptomatic, and on the level of their tTG
  4. Duodenal biopsy may be avoided in symptomatic children who meet strict criteria upon further laboratory testing
  5. A lifelong gluten free diet is currently the only treatment for celiac disease
  6. The management of coeliac disease involves examination, repeat serology and dietetic interview and support
  7. Prolonged, untreated coeliac disease has associated morbidity and mortality

 

Controlled Trial of Gluten-Free Diet in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea: Effects on Bowel Frequency and Intestinal Function

Maria I. Vazquez–Roque, Michael Camilleri, Thomas Smyrk, et al.
Gastroenterology 2013;144:903–911
http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2013.01.049

Background & Aims: Patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) could benefit from a gluten-free diet (GFD).
Methods: We performed a randomized controlled 4-week trial of a gluten-containing  diet (GCD) or GFD in 45 patients with IBS-D; genotype analysis was performed for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. Twenty-two patients were placed on the GCD (11 HLA-DQ2/8 negative and 11 HLA-DQ2/8 positive) and 23 patients were placed on the GFD (12 HLA-DQ2/8 negative and 11 HLADQ2/8 positive). We measured bowel function daily, small bowel (SB) and colonic transit, mucosal permeability (by lactulose and mannitol excretion), and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells after exposure to gluten and rice. We collected rectosigmoid biopsy specimens from 28 patients, analyzed levels of messenger RNAs encoding tight junction proteins, and performed H&E staining and immune-histochemical analyses. Analysis of covariance models was used to compare data from the GCD and GFD groups.
Results: Subjects on the GCD had more bowel movements per day (P < .04); the GCD had a greater effect on bowel movements per day of HLA-DQ2/8–positive than HLA-DQ2/8–negative patients (P < .019). The GCD was associated with higher SB permeability (based on 0-2 h levels of mannitol and the lactulose/
mannitol ratio); SB permeability was greater in HLA-DQ2/8–positive than HLADQ2/8–negative patients (P < .018). No significant differences in colonic permeability were observed. Patients on the GCD had a small decrease in expression of zonula occludens 1 in SB mucosa and significant decreases in expression of zonula occludens 1, claudin-1, and occludin in rectosigmoid mucosa; the effects of the GCD on expression were significantly greater in HLA-DQ2/8–positive patients. The GCD vs the GFD had no significant effects on transit or histology. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells produced higher levels of interleukin-10, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and transforming growth factor-α in response to gluten than rice (unrelated to HLA genotype). Conclusions: Gluten alters bowel barrier functions in patients with IBS-D, particularly in HLA-DQ2/8–positive patients. These findings reveal a reversible mechanism for the disorder. Clinical trials.gov NCT01094041.

Our data convincingly showed effects of gluten on the increased mRNA expression of all the measured TJ proteins in colonic tissue relative to GFD. One limitation of the study was the inability to document alterations in colonic permeability using the 2-sugar excretion profile from 8 to 24 hours. We perceive that this may represent a lack of sensitivity of the lactulose and mannitol excretion test, for example, because of the metabolism of both sugars by colonic bacteria. There are advantages to measuring both tissue and in vivo markers of barrier function. Another limitation was that the mechanism for improvement in stool frequency on a GFD in the absence of changes in colonic transit was not elucidated by our studies. Because it is unclear whether gluten or its metabolic products induce specific secretory mechanisms, the current hypothesis is that change in stool frequency may reflect change in fluid secretion from increased mucosal permeability. Our current studies did not evaluate effects of gluten on the microbiome, afferent functions, or cytokine expression in the mucosal biopsy specimens from patients before and after the interventions. These would be interesting parameters to include in future studies. Finally, our study did not specifically address the effects of gluten protein per se, and it is possible that other proteins in wheat flour may be responsible for the changes observed.

Overall, our data provide mechanistic explanations for the observation that gluten withdrawal may improve patient symptoms in IBS. The data also explain, in part, the observation of the relationship of HLA genotype to beneficial effects of gluten withdrawal in view of our results showing that biological effects of gluten were associated with HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genotype. The data suggest that the relationship of dietary factors, innate and adaptive immune responses, and mucosal interactions in IBS-D deserve further study, and they support the need for further clinical intervention studies to evaluate the clinical effects of gluten withdrawal in patients with IBS-D.

 

Ingestion of oats and barley in patients with celiac disease mobilizes cross-reactive T cells activated by avenin peptides and immuno-dominant hordein peptides

Melinda Y. Hardy, Jason A. Tye-Din, Jessica A. Stewart, et al.
Journal of Autoimmunity 56 (2015) 56-65
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2014.10.003

Celiac disease (CD) is a common CD4+ T cell mediated enteropathy driven by gluten in wheat, rye, and barley. Whilst clinical feeding studies generally support the safety of oats ingestion in CD, the avenin protein from oats can stimulate intestinal gluten-reactive T cells isolated from some CD patients in vitro. Our objective was to establish whether ingestion of oats or other grains toxic in CD stimulate an avenin specific T cell response in vivo. We fed participants a meal of oats (100 g/day over 3 days) to measure the in vivo polyclonal avenin-specific T cell responses to peptides contained within comprehensive avenin peptide libraries in 73 HLADQ2.5+ CD patients. Grain cross-reactivity was investigated using oral challenge with wheat, barley, and rye. Avenin-specific responses were observed in 6/73 HLA-DQ2.5+ CD patients (8%), against four closely related peptides. Oral barley challenge efficiently induced cross-reactive avenin/hordein-specific T cells in most CD patients, whereas wheat or rye challenge did not. In vitro, immunogenic avenin peptides were susceptible to digestive endopeptidases and showed weak HLA-DQ2.5 binding stability. Our findings indicate that CD patients possess T cells capable of responding to immuno-dominant hordein epitopes and homologous avenin peptides ex vivo, but the frequency and consistency of these T cells in blood is substantially higher after oral challenge with barley compared to oats. The low rates of T cell activation after a substantial oats challenge (100 g/d) suggests that doses of oats commonly consumed are insufficient to cause clinical relapse, and supports the safety of oats demonstrated in long-term feeding studies.

 

Diagnosis and classification of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity

Elio Tonutti, Nicola Bizzaro
Autoimmunity Reviews 13 (2014) 472–476
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.01.043
Celiac disease is a complex disorder, the development of which is controlled by a combination of genetic (HLA alleles) and environmental (gluten ingestion) factors. New diagnostic guidelines developed by ESPGHAN emphasize the crucial role of serological tests in the diagnostic process of symptomatic subjects, and of the detection of HLA DQ2/DQ8 alleles in defining a diagnosis in asymptomatic subjects belonging to at-risk groups. The serological diagnosis of CD is based on the detection of class IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies. In patients with IgA deficiency, anti-tTG or anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibody assays of the IgG class are used. When anti-tTG antibody levels are very high, antibody specificity is absolute and CD can be diagnosed without performing a duodenum biopsy. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a gluten reaction in which both allergic and autoimmune mechanisms have been ruled out. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of symptoms similar to those of celiac or allergic patients; negative allergological tests and absence of anti-tTG and EMA antibodies; normal duodenal histology; evidence of disappearance of the symptoms with a gluten-free diet; relapse of the symptoms when gluten is reintroduced.

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, immune-mediated, gluten-induced gut disorder that manifests itself with a range of clinical symptoms in genetically susceptible subjects. Immune reaction to wheat, barley and rye gliadin fractions and glutenins triggers an inflammatory state of the duodenal mucosa: the result is reduced intestinal villus height and hyperplastic cryptae that may lead to complete villus atrophy. The critical role played by gluten is demonstrated by the fact that in CD patients on a gluten free diet (GFD) clinical symptoms disappear, anti-transglutaminase 2 antibodies (anti-tTG2, the serological markers of the disorder) normalize, and villus atrophy recedes. As to the role
of genetic factors, CD development has been demonstrated to be closely associated with MHC class II HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 molecules; in fact, virtually all CD patients express at least one of these HLA molecules compared to the general population in which about 30–35% have either DQ2 or DQ8.

A new gluten-associated clinical condition, named ‘non-celiac gluten sensitivity’ (NCGS) [4], also described in literature as gluten hypersensitivity or gluten intolerance, has been recently identified. NCGS is characterized by gastrointestinal or extra-intestinal symptoms comparable, in many cases, to those of CD patients; however, to date no specific immunological mechanisms or serological markers have been identified for this disorder. The diagnosis is made by exclusion of CD or IgE-mediated allergy to wheat, and is based on the direct association between gluten ingestion and symptom onset.

The development of highly sensitive immunological methods for identifying diagnostic antibodies (e.g. anti-tTG autoantibodies and anti-DGP antibodies) has enabled an increasing number of CD patients with vague or asymptomatic clinical presentations to be identified. Population-based studies now indicate that approximately 0.5–1% of the Western European and Northern American populations suffer from CD. In a recent paper, Abadie and coworkers correlate gluten consumption with HLA DQ2 and DQ8 haplotype frequency in the populations of the different world countries. The authors found a significant correlation between CD prevalence and wheat consumption, and between CD prevalence and DQ2–DQ8 frequency in most countries. However, outlier countries have been observed: Finland and Russia, for example, have similar wheat consumption levels and comparable HLA haplotype frequencies, but the prevalence of CD in Finland is 1–2.4% whereas in the adjacent Russian republic of Karelia the prevalence of CD is considerably lower (0.2%). In the Maghreb area, wheat and barley are the major staple foods. Despite similar frequencies of the DR3–DQ2 and DR4–DQ8 haplotypes, the prevalence of CD in Algeria (5.6%) is by far the highest reported worldwide, whereas CD prevalence in Tunisia (0.28%) remains one of the lowest. These observations suggest that similar levels of wheat consumption and predisposing HLA expression can be associated with strikingly different levels of CD prevalence.

CD is characterized by multiple clinical expressions. An ESPGHAN (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) working group has recently developed new guidelines for the diagnosis of CD based on scientific and technical developments using an evidence-based approach. The ESPGHAN working group decided to revise the classification, also taking into consideration signs and symptoms that had not been considered in the previous classification. In particular, it was deemed advisable to eliminate the distinction between classic and atypical CD based on symptoms, as atypical signs and symptoms (e.g. anemia, neuropathy, reduced bone density) may be considerably more common than classic symptoms (e.g. chronic diarrhea).

Patients suffering from certain disorders (especially Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type I diabetes, IgA deficiency and Down’s syndrome) have a higher risk of developing CD than the normal population. In these patients it is advisable to perform HLA DQ2/DQ8 and serological tests for CD even in the absence of symptoms.

CD and NGCS cannot be distinguished clinically, since the symptoms experienced by NGCS patients are often seen in CD. The definition of NGCS is a gluten reaction in which both allergic and autoimmune mechanisms have been ruled out (diagnosis by exclusion criteria).

Specifically: symptoms similar to those of celiac or allergic patients must be present; in vivo and in vitro wheat allergy tests (prick test and specific IgE), as well as anti-tTG and EMA antibodies must be negative; duodenal histology must be normal; the patients must also experience a disappearance of the symptoms when on a GFD and their reappearance after the reintroduction of gluten. The most frequent symptoms in NGCS patients are abdominal pain, eczema or rash, headache, blurred vision, fatigue, diarrhea, depression, anemia, numbness in the legs, arms or fingers, and joint pain.

Signs and symptoms of patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)

Abdominal pain
Abdominal distension/bloating
Diarrhea
Eczema
Rash
Headache
Foggy mind
Fatigue
Depression
Anemia
Numbness in the legs, arms
Joint pain


An important aspect, confirmed by numerous studies, is the correlation between anti-tTG count and histological damage. One of the latest studies assessed retrospectively 412 consecutive anti-tTG and EMA patients who received a biopsy for suspected CD: the subjects whose levels of anti-tTG were greater than 7-fold the cut-off value had a 99.7% positive predictive value for histological damage (with Marsh score N2). To date, there are no specific laboratory markers for NCGS; a recent study by Volta found that 78 patients with NCGS were AGA IgG positive in 56.4% of the cases and AGA IgA positive in 7.7% of the cases. All patients were negative for anti-DGP IgG and IgA, as well as for anti-tTG and EMA.

Analysis of multiple biopsies is important: patchiness of the lesion has been reported and recent work suggests that different degrees of severity may be present, even in the same bioptic fragment. The biopsies should be taken from the second/third portion of the duodenum and at least one biopsy should be taken from the duodenal bulb. Patients with NCGS do not exhibit significant alterations of the duodenal mucosa; histological negativity is an essential parameter for a diagnosis of NCGS.

The diagnostic criteria proposed by ESPGHAN in 1990 envisaged the performance of gastro-duodenoscopy and histological confirmation of mucosal damage as the conclusive phase of the diagnostic process. These criteria did not indicate which serological tests should be positive, were not applicable to children aged below 2 years, and in any case required other clinical conditions to be ruled out. Therefore, in 2010, the ESPGHAN working group deemed appropriate to set out new criteria based on new knowledge and diagnostic tools developed in the last few years.

The new CD guidelines are revolutionary in two major respects: the crucial role of serological tests in the diagnostic process of symptomatic subjects, and the detection of HLA DQ2/DQ8 in diagnosing asymptomatic subjects belonging to groups at risk of CD.

Concerning the diagnosis of children and adolescents with signs and symptoms suggestive of CD, the ESPGHAN guidelines recommend, as the initial approach to symptomatic patients, testing for anti-tTG IgA antibodies as well as for total serum IgA to exclude IgA deficiency. As an alternative to total serum IgA, direct testing for IgG anti-DGP antibodies can be performed. The decision to perform IgA anti-tTG as the initial test in this population is based on the high sensitivity and specificity of the test, its widespread availability, and low costs compared with the EMA IgA test.

A fundamental aspect of the new guidelines concerns the possibility of not necessarily performing an intestinal biopsy if the anti-tTG antibody levels are very high, as in these cases the specificity of the antibody is absolute. Indeed, pediatric gastroenterologists should discuss with the parents and the patient who is positive for anti-tTG antibody levels N10 times ULN (as appropriate for age) the option of omitting the biopsies and the implications of doing so. If the parents (patient) accept this option, then blood should be drawn for HLA and EMA testing.

Patients with positive anti-tTG antibody levels lower than 10 times the upper limit for the normal population (ULN) given by the manufacturer of this particular test should undergo upper endoscopy with multiple biopsies.

As far as diagnosis methods in asymptomatic pediatric patients belonging to
at-risk groups are concerned, the ESPGHAN guidelines suggest a different procedure. In these patients, HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 testing as the initial action is probably cost-effective since a significant proportion of the patients can be excluded from further studies because they do not harbor DQ2 or DQ8. In individuals with DQ2 or DQ8 positivity, IgA anti-tTG and total serum IgA determination should be performed. If IgA anti-tTG is negative and IgA deficiency is excluded, then CD is unlikely; however, the disease may still develop later in life. Therefore, serological testing should be repeated at regular intervals. If anti-tTG antibodies are positive, then signs related to CD should be searched for (e.g. anemia, elevated liver enzymes).

 

Influence of dietary components on Aspergillus niger prolyl endoprotease mediated gluten degradation

Veronica Montserrat, Maaike J. Bruins, Luppo Edens, Frits Koning
Food Chemistry 174 (2015) 440–445
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.11.053

Celiac disease (CD) is caused by intolerance to gluten. Oral supplementation with enzymes like Aspergillus niger propyl-endoprotease (AN-PEP), which can hydrolyse gluten, has been proposed to prevent the harmful effects of ingestion of gluten. The influence of meal composition on AN-PEP activity was investigated using an in vitro model that simulates stomach-like conditions. AN-PEP optimal dosage was 20 proline protease units (PPU)/g gluten. The addition of a carbonated drink strongly enhanced AN-PEP activity because of its acidifying effect. While fat did not affect gluten degradation by AN-PEP, the presence of food proteins slowed down gluten detoxification. Moreover, raw gluten was degraded more efficiently by AN-PEP than baked gluten. We conclude that the meal composition influences the amount of AN-PEP needed for gluten elimination. Therefore, AN-PEP should not be used to replace a gluten free diet, but rather to support digestion of occasional and/or inadvertent gluten consumption.

 

No Effects of Gluten in Patients with Self-Reported Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity after Dietary Reduction of Fermentable, Poorly Absorbed, Short-Chain Carbohydrates

Jessica R. Biesiekierski, Simone L. Peters, Evan D. Newnham, et al.
Gastroenterology 2013;145:320–328
http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2013.04.051

Background & Aims: Patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) do not have celiac disease but their symptoms improve when they are placed on gluten-free diets. We investigated the specific effects of gluten after dietary reduction of fermentable, poorly absorbed, short-chain carbohydrates (fermentable, oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols [FODMAPs]) in subjects believed to have NCGS. Methods: We performed a double-blind crossover trial of 37 subjects (aged 2461 y, 6 men) with NCGS and irritable bowel syndrome (based on Rome III criteria), but not celiac disease. Participants were randomly assigned to groups given a 2-week diet of reduced FODMAPs, and were then placed on high-gluten (16 g gluten/d), low-gluten (2 g gluten/d and 14 g whey protein/d), or control (16 g whey protein/d) diets for 1 week, followed by a washout period of at least 2 weeks. We assessed serum and fecal markers of intestinal inflammation/injury and immune activation, and indices of fatigue. Twenty-two participants then crossed over to groups given gluten (16 g/d), whey (16 g/d), or control (no additional protein) diets for 3 days. Symptoms were evaluated by visual analogue scales. Results: In all participants, gastrointestinal symptoms consistently and significantly improved during reduced FODMAP intake, but significantly worsened to a similar degree when their diets included gluten or whey protein. Gluten-specific effects were observed in only 8% of participants. There were no diet-specific changes in any biomarker. During the 3-day rechallenge, participants’ symptoms increased by similar levels among groups. Gluten-specific gastrointestinal effects were not reproduced. An order effect was observed. Conclusions: In a placebo controlled, cross-over rechallenge study, we found no evidence of specific or dose-dependent effects of gluten in patients with NCGS placed diets low in FODMAPs. www.anzctr.org.au.ACTRN12610000524099

 

Gluten Sensitivity: Not Celiac and Not Certain

See “No effects of gluten in patients with self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity after dietary reduction of fermentable, poorlyabsorbed, short-chain carbohydrates,” by Biesiekierski JR, Peters SL, Newnham ED, et al.

Rohini Vanga, Daniel A. Leffler
http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2013.06.027

The past few years have seen a flurry of clinical and basic research studies targeting NCGS, the results of which seem determined to thwart any attempt to come to broad consensus regarding what NCGS is or is not, what causes it, and who it might affect.

Some studies suggest that NCGS generally belongs on the spectrum of functional bowel disorders. Other studies are more suggestive that NCGS may actually fit better within the spectrum of celiac disease. For example, in contrast with the studies by Biesiekierski et al. and Saponi et al., a number of studies have reported that nonceliac individuals with gluten-responsive symptoms are more likely to carry human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2/8. Taking a somewhat different tack, Carroccio et al. reported that NCGS patients with negative wheat IgE allergy testing developed greater symptoms with wheat exposure compared with placebo (P < .0001). The presence of anemia, weight loss, self-reported wheat intolerance, history of food allergy in infancy, and coexistent atopic diseases were more frequent in wheat-sensitive patients than in non–gluten-responsive IBS controls. There was also a higher frequency of positive serum assays for IgG/IgA anti-gliadin and greater association with DQ2 or DQ8 haplotype than controls.

In this issue of Gastroenterology, Biesiekierski et al. return with another double-blind, randomized, controlled trial on NCGS. Although in many ways this work seems to have been designed as a more thorough follow-on study to their prior work, the most significant variation from the prior study was the recommendation that participants restrict to low-fermentable, poorly absorbed, short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) throughout the study. With the changing patterns of food intake and dietary behaviors over the last 20 years so-called westernization, FODMAPs have constituted significant proportion in food consumption. FODMAPs have been identified as important triggers for functional gut symptoms in people with visceral hypersensitivity or abnormal motility responses, largely by inducing luminal distension via a combination of osmotic effects and gas production related to their rapid fermentation by bacteria in the small and proximal large intestines. This seems to have been the rationale behind the addition of a low FODMAP diet in the current study, limiting alternate dietary triggers that could confound results. In the current study,  subjects with NCGS defined as “IBS fulfilling Rome III criteria that self-reportedly improved with a GFD” after exclusion of celiac disease were enrolled into the trial.

This study calls into question the very existence of NCGS as a discrete entity and suggests that FODMAPs, rather than gluten or other wheat proteins, might be the mediator by which low-gluten diets improve gastrointestinal symptoms. As noted, there are many potential ways in which FODMAPs may elicit gastrointestinal symptoms in predisposed individuals; however, limited as our understanding of NCGS is, investigation into FODMAPs in gastrointestinal disease has been nearly nonexistent outside of a few small studies published by this same group. The other clear possibility is that NCGS is a real entity but confounded by a low FODMAP diet by an unclear mechanism. In either case, it is tempting to say that everything seems to be at a standstill and therefore NCGS remains a controversial topic. Overall, these studies have highlighted the great potential of specific dietary interventions in gastrointestinal disorders outside of celiac disease. Although few facets of NCGS are clear, it is apparent that only the combination of larger, high-quality clinical trials on the role of specific diets in patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, and translational studies evaluating mechanisms and potential biomarkers of NCGS and other food sensitivities, will allow us to make advances on this elusive entity.

 

Predictors of dietary gluten avoidance in adults without a prior diagnosis of celiac disease

Pornthep Tanpowpong , S Broder-Fingert, AJ. Katz, CA. Camargo Jr.
Nutrition 31 (2015) 236–238
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2014.07.001

Objective: Prior studies have shown that dietary gluten avoidance (DGA) is relatively common in children without previously diagnosed celiac disease (CD), and several clinical predictors of DGA have been found. However, available data on predictors of DGA in adults without diagnosed CD are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the independent predictors of DGA in this population. Methods: We performed a structured medical record review of 376 patients, ages 20 y, who had never been formally diagnosed with CD, presenting for an initial CD evaluation (ICD-9-CM 579.0) between January 2000 and December 2010 at two large Boston teaching hospitals. We collected data including demographic characteristics, medical history, history of CD serology before referral, and self-reported DGA. Predictors of DGA were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Mean age was 47 (SD ¼ 17) years. We found that 41 patients (10.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9–14.5) had avoided gluten at some time in their lives. Most patients had subjective abdominal complaints or bowel movement changes. History of CD seropositivity before referral was noted in 14%. Independent predictors of DGA (P < 0.05) were lactose intolerance (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1–7.5), food allergy (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.04–13.7), and history of positive serology of less-specific CD markers before the referral (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3–7.9). Conclusions: Gluten avoidance is common in a clinic population of adults without prior CD diagnosis. The recognized predictors suggest that DGA may associate with conditions presenting with nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints and perhaps with the perceived benefits of DGA among patients with prior history of positive CD serology.

Solubilization of gliadins for use as a source of nitrogen in the selection of bacteria with gliadinase activity

Patricia Alvarez-Sieiro, Begoña Redruello, Victor Ladero, Elena Cañedo, et al.
Food Chemistry 168 (2015) 439–444
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.07.085

For patients with celiac disease, gliadin detoxification via the use of gliadinases may provide an alternative to a gluten-free diet. A culture medium, in which gliadins were the sole source of nitrogen, was developed for screening for microorganisms with gliadinase activity. The problem of gliadin insolubility was solved by mild acid treatment, which renders an acid-hydrolysed gliadin/peptide mixture (AHG). This medium provided a sensitive and reliable means of detecting proteases, compared to the classical spectrophotometric method involving azocasein. When a sample of fermented wheat (a source of bacteria) was plated on an AHG-based culture medium, strains with gliadinase activity were isolated. These strains’ gliadinase profiles were determined using an AHG-based substrate in zymographic analyses.

 

Sustained in vivo signaling by long-lived IL-2 induces prolonged increases of regulatory T cells

Charles J.M. Bell, Yongliang Sun, Urszula M. Nowak, Jan Clark, et al.
Journal of Autoimmunity 56 (2015) 66e80
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2014.10.002

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing FOXP3 are essential for the maintenance of self-tolerance and are deficient in many common autoimmune diseases. Immune tolerance is maintained in part by IL-2 and deficiencies in the IL-2 pathway cause reduced Treg function and an increased risk of autoimmunity. Recent studies expanding Tregs in vivo with low-dose IL-2 achieved major clinical successes highlighting the potential to optimize this pleiotropic cytokine for inflammatory and autoimmune disease indications. Here we compare the clinically approved IL-2 molecule, Proleukin, with two engineered IL-2 molecules with long half-lives owing to their fusion in monovalent and bivalent stoichiometry to a non-FcRg binding human IgG1. Using nonhuman primates, we demonstrate that single ultra-low doses of IL-2 fusion proteins induce a prolonged state of in vivo activation that increases Tregs for an extended period of time similar to multiple-dose Proleukin. One of the common pleiotropic effects of high dose IL-2 treatment, eosinophilia, is eliminated at doses of the IL-2 fusion proteins that greatly expand Tregs. The long half-lives of the IL-2 fusion proteins facilitated a detailed characterization of an IL-2 dose response driving Treg expansion that correlates with increasingly sustained, supra-threshold pSTAT5α induction and subsequent sustained increases in the expression of CD25, FOXP3 and Ki-67 with retention of Treg-specific epigenetic signatures at FOXP3 and CTLA4.

Over the last 20 years we have progressed from discovering that IL-2 and IL-2RA are genetically associated with autoimmune diabetes and the functional state of Tregs to seeing dramatic clinical success with IL-2 in chronic GVHD. The central role of IL-2 in the maintenance of self-tolerance and Treg function is now immunological canon and many attempts are being made to harness Tregs to combat a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The recent clinical successes with Proleukin are noteworthy since pharmacologically it is a drug with limitations: its short half-life requires daily or every other day injection and the doses used to date stimulate CD4+ T effector cells, NK cells and eosinophils in addition to Tregs. Our goal was to develop and characterize IL-2 molecules with improved pharmacologic profiles that could be delivered less frequently and at lower doses than Proleukin and selectively expand Tregs that maintained their epigenetic profiles at FOXP3 and CTLA4.

Increasing the in vivo half-life of IL-2 by fusion to IgG1, i.e. IgG-IL-2, results in a molecule that can induce a 4-fold increase in Tregs after a single dose in cynomolgus, a response that multiple-dose, but no single dose, of Proleukin can achieve. Increasing the stoichiometry and hence the avidity, i.e. IgG-(IL-2)2, increases the potency and stimulates a similar increase in Tregs albeit at a 5-fold lower dose than IgG-IL-2. A detailed characterization of the in vivo dose responses for Proleukin and IgG-(IL-2)2 highlights that the magnitude and duration of Treg expansion, defined by its AUC, correlates with the magnitude and duration of pSTAT5α upregulation, also defined by its AUC. Single doses of Proleukin that increase pSTAT5α for one day have a minimal AUC and as a consequence little impact on Treg numbers; whereas single dose IgG-IL-2 and IgG-(IL-2)2 or multiple-dose Proleukin stimulate pSTAT5α that is  sustained for 4 days resulting in 3-4-fold larger pSTAT5α AUCs and corresponding increases in Tregs and the AUCs of Treg/mm3. Intermediate levels and duration of pSTAT5α induction result in moderate increases in Tregs. Following in vivo activation with Proleukin and IgG-(IL-2)2, Treg cell surface CD25 as well as intracellular FOXP3 and Ki-67, increased in a dose-dependent manner and persisted longer than the corresponding pSTAT5α responses; the effects of IgG-(IL-2)2 were >10-fold more potent and persisted longer than those induced by Proleukin. Of particular significance, the cynomolgus Tregs present after IgG-IL-2 and IgG-(IL-2)2-induced in vivo expansion retain their fully demethylated FOXP3 and CTLA4 epigenetic signatures indicating a functional suppressive phenotype.

The ability of cynomolgus to respond and differentiate amongst different forms and doses of IL-2 with varying degrees of activation and increases in Tregs speaks to their utility as a translational preclinical species. In fact, single doses of IgG-IL-2 and IgG-(IL-2)2 replicated the increased number of Tregs seen in GVHD patients given daily Proleukin. Furthermore, Proleukin given to cynomolgus following the same multiple-dose protocol at the human equivalent dose achieved the same increases in Tregs and eosinophils as patients with type 1 diabetes.

The long half-lives of IgG-IL-2 and IgG-(IL-2)2 enable the detection of receptor-mediated clearance of IL-2 in vivo; the half-lives of the fusion proteins are five times longer in mice in the absence of the high affinity IL-2 receptor. The competition for injected IL-2 by different cell populations and the upregulation of IL-2 receptors in response to injections of the cytokine are important considerations when interpreting IL-2 doses required for preferential Treg expansion.  The failure of low-dose IL-2 to expand cynomolgus NK cells in vivo means that this aspect of IL-2 immunotherapy using novel, long-lived molecules will need to be addressed in future human studies. Despite these differences, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses in this cynomolgus study strongly support the hypothesis that increasing the half-life of IL-2 allows for lower doses of IL-2 to be delivered far less frequently thereby favoring prolonged Treg-specific cell expansion.

 

T cell subsets and their signature cytokines in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Itay Raphael, Saisha Nalawade, Todd N. Eagar, Thomas G. Forsthuber
Cytokine xxx (2014) xxx–xxx
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2014.09.011

CD4+ T helper (Th) cells are critical for proper immune cell homeostasis and host defense, but are also major contributors to pathology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Since the discovery of the Th1/Th2 dichotomy, many additional Th subsets were discovered, each with a unique cytokine profile, functional properties, and presumed role in autoimmune tissue pathology. This includes Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22, Th9, and Treg cells which are characterized by specific cytokine profiles. Cytokines produced by these Th subsets play a critical role in immune cell differentiation, effector subset commitment, and in directing the effector response. Cytokines are often categorized into proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and linked to Th subsets expressing them. This article reviews the different Th subsets in terms of cytokine profiles, how these cytokines influence and shape the immune response, and their relative roles in promoting pathology in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we will discuss whether Th cell pathogenicity can be defined solely based on their cytokine profiles and whether rigid definition of a Th cell subset by its cytokine profile is helpful.

T helper cell subsets differentiate and express their protective and pathogenic roles of their lineage-signature cytokines. The signature cytokines for each subset are as follows: IL-12 induces the expression of T-bet and differentiation into the Th1 subset which produces IFN-c and TNF; Th2 differentiation and GATA3 expression is induced by IL-4, leading to the production of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, whereas TGF- T helper-cell subset differentiation and the protective and pathogenic roles of their lineage-signature cytokines. The signature cytokines for each subset is as follows:  IL-12 induces the expression of T-β and differentiation into the Th1 subset which produces IFN-c and TNF; Th2 differentiation and GATA3 expression is induced by IL-4, leading to the production of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, whereas TGF-β and IL-4 induce PU.1 expression. This causes differentiation into the Th9 subset and leads to the production of IL-9. TGF-β induces the expression of Foxp3, which leads to differentiation into the Treg lineage; Th17 differentiation is a result of RORct expression induced by TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-23, leading to the production of IL-17, IL-22, IL-21, IL-25 and IL-26 (human); IL-6 and TNF induce AHR and differentiation into the Th22 subset and production of IL-22. STAT: Signal transducer and activator of transcription; RORc: RAR related orphan receptor gamma, AHR: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, Foxp3: forkhead box P3 and IL-4 induce PU.1 expression which causes differentiation into the Th9 subset leading to the production of IL-9. TGF-β induces the expression of Foxp3, which leads to differentiation into the Treg lineage; Th17 differentiation is a result of RORct expression induced by TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-23, leading to the production of IL-17, IL-22, IL-21, IL-25 and IL-26 (human); IL-6 and TNF induce AHR and differentiation into the Th22 subset and production of IL-22. STAT: Signal transducer and activator of transcription; RORc: RAR related orphan receptor gamma, AHR: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, Foxp3: forkhead box P3.

In autoimmune diseases, Th2 cells were initially described as anti-inflammatory based on their ability to suppress cell-mediated or Th1 models of disease. Th2 cells have been described in lesions of MS patients, and IL-4 and IL-4R expression has been reported in several cell types in close proximity to active demyelinating lesions. Over the years, however, a number of reports established a role for Th2 cells in tissue inflammation and implicated their cytokines in immunopathology.  Genain et al. reported that in marmoset monkeys with EAE the cytokine production was shifted from a Th1 to a Th2 pattern, and titers of autoantibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) were enhanced. They concluded that induction of Th2 responses may exacerbate autoimmunity by enhancing production of pathogenic autoantibodies.

The involvement of Th2 cells and pathogenic antibodies contrast the prevailing models of murine EAE which are considered to be Th1 and Th17-effector T cell-mediated diseases. However, pathogenic roles for Th2 cells have also been reported in murine EAE. Lafaille et al. showed that adoptive transfer of Th2-polarized MBP-specific T effector cells elicited EAE in immunocompromised recipient mice (RAG-1 or TCRα deficient), but not immune-sufficient hosts. When compared with other T effector subsets, mice receiving Th2 cells developed EAE with delayed onset and milder symptoms. Jager et al. have also reported that 2D2 MOG-specific Th2 cells can induce EAE with delayed onset and low severity. Taken together, these reports support that Th2 cells can promote pathogenicity, but ensuing disease may be less severe. Alternatively, but not mutually exclusive, development of EAE may not have been mediated by ‘‘Th2’’ cytokines, but might have been due to the switch of Th2 cells to a Th1-like phenotype and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-c. Th2 cytokines are associated with the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

The expression of one signature cytokine, such as IL-17, may not tell the full story about Th subset commitment, since the stability of its expression may be influenced by different factors as mentioned above. Along these lines, IL-17 is enhanced by IL-23, which promotes the pathogenic potential of Th17 cells and enhances the expression of IL-17 by these cells. Thus, adoptive transfer of IL-23-induced Th17 cells results in severe EAE, and in the absence of IL-23 signaling the mice are resistant to EAE. However, the disease resistance seen in the absence of IL-23 signals was not due to the lack of expression of IL-17 or IL-22 by Th17 cells, but rather by the failure of these cells to produce GM-CSF, a cytokine that was initially believed to be produced by encephalitogenic, IFN-c producing Th1 cells. Indeed both Th1 cells and Th17 cells can produce GM-CSF. Interestingly, induction of GM-CSF expression by human Th cells is constrained by the IL-23/ROR-ct/Th17 cell axis but promoted by the IL-12/T-bet/Th1 cell axis. Thus the enigma remains as to why IL-23-induced Th17 cells are indispensable for the induction of EAE. As it turns out, IL-23-induced Th17 cells not only produce GM-CSF, but are also producing IFN-c. The observation of IFN-c producing Th17 cells lead to the realization that IL-17 and IFN-c double-producing cells, belonging to the Th17 subset, developed under the influence of IL-23 and converted into IL-17 producing Th1-like cells, and later to ‘‘exTh17’’ cells, while discontinuing the production of IL-17.

The concept of a specialized subset of T lymphocytes with suppressive function has been around since the early 1970s. In the mid-1990s a novel subset of Th cells with ‘‘regulatory’’ function was identified and designated Tregs. Tregs were later found to express the signature Foxp3 transcription factor, which is critical for their development, lineage commitment, and regulatory functions. Foxp3 expressing Treg subsets include thymically derived or natural Tregs (nTregs) and Tregs that are induced via post-thymic maturation (iTregs). Later, iTregs were further discriminated into Foxp3+ cells (Th3) and Foxp3 cells (Tr1). Numerous studies have identified Tregs as important immunoregulators in many inflammatory and autoimmune disease conditions including asthma, MS, and type-I diabetes.

Several mechanisms of Treg-mediated immune suppression have been identified, including: the secretion of anti-inflammatory  cytokines, expression of inhibitory receptors, and cytokine deprivation. For the purpose of this review we will focus on regulatory cytokine production. The two cytokines mostly associated with Tregs are IL-10 and TGF-β. Importantly, Tregs can themselves secrete these cytokines and use them to carry out their suppressive function. TGF-β is produced by both nTreg and Th3 cells, however other cells including B cells, macrophages, DCs, and many other non-immune cells, can also produce this cytokine. TGF-β is required for the generation of iTregs by inducing the expression of Foxp3 in a paracrine feedback loop that will convert naïve T cells (Th0) to differentiate into iTregs. The positive feedback loop between TGF-β and Foxp3 plays a critical role in maintaining peripheral tolerance and is key to the generation and maintenance of Tregs. In vivo, TGF-β producing Tregs have been shown to suppress EAE by inhibiting autoimmune T cell responses in the CNS of EAE mice.

Not shown.  A proposed model reveals an immune switch point from pathogenic Th17 cells to suppressive ex-Th17 cells in EAE. TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-23 induce the differentiation of Th17 cells in the immune periphery. In the CNS, signaling by IL-23 induces the expression of GM-CSF and IFN-c in Th17 cells, thereby rendering these cells pathogenic. In an autocrine signaling loop, IFN-c suppresses the expression of RORct and the production of GM-CSF (as well as IL-17) by pathogenic Th17 cells, thereby inducing a switch to ‘‘suppressive’’ exTh17 cells.

ExTh17 cells are expressing the transcription factor T-bet and as a result IFN-c, in an IL-23 dependent manner, which is important for the pathogenic potential of exTh17 cells. Furthermore, IFN-c acts as a potent negative regulator of ROR-ct, the master regulator of the Th17 subset that drives the production of GM-CSF. Similar observations were made in other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, illustrating the transition of Th17 cells into Th1-like cells. These observations further support the view of a switch point at which anti-inflammatory pathways are activated by the same Th subsets that initially promoted pathogenicity. In this scenario, IFN-c inhibits GM-CSF production by Th17 cells in the target tissues. We propose a possible model for a switch point for GM-CSF production by ‘‘pathogenic’’ Th-17 cells which is mediated by IL-23 and IFN-c in EAE.

Taken together, the one cytokine, one pathogenic Th cell, does not fit the bill anymore. The discovery of Th1-like Th17 cells, exTh17 cells, etc. complicates the question as to whether targeting a single cytokine or pathogenic T cell subset will ever result in the cure for autoimmune diseases.

The immune system seems to favor a balance between pathogenic and protective Th cells via dual roles for ‘‘subset-specific’’, or ‘‘signature cytokines’’, as well as allowing plasticity for subset differentiation and expression of ‘‘signature’’ cytokine(s) by other Th subsets. The observation that many Th subsets can convert into IFN-c secreting Th1-like cells illustrates this fact since IFN-c can be both pathogenic and protective. Targeting cytokines as therapy for autoimmune and/or inflammatory disorders remains a conceptual challenge more than ever. Clearly, cytokine therapy proved successful in some cases, such as anti-TNF therapy of RA, with the caveat that surprising adverse effects were observed in some patients indicative of the additional roles of this cytokine.

 

Regulatory T-cells in autoimmune diseases: Challenges, controversies and—yet—unanswered question

Charlotte R. Grant, R Liberal, G Mieli-Vergani, D Vergani, MS Longhi
Autoimmunity Reviews 14 (2015) 105–116
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.10.012

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central to the maintenance of self-tolerance and tissue homeostasis. Markers commonly used to define human Tregs in the research setting include high expression of CD25, FOXP3 positivity and low expression/negativity for CD127. Many other markers have been proposed, but none unequivocally identifies bona fide Tregs. Tregs are equipped with an array of mechanisms of suppression, including the modulation of antigen presenting cell maturation and function, the killing of target cells, the disruption of metabolic pathways and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Treg impairment has been reported in a number of human autoimmune conditions and includes Treg numerical and functional defects and conversion into effector cells in response to inflammation. In addition to intrinsic Treg impairment, resistance of effector T cells to Treg control has been described. Discrepancies in the literature are common, reflecting differences in the choice of study participants and the technical challenges associated with investigating this cell population. Studies differ in terms of the methodology used to define and isolate putative regulatory cells and to assess their suppressive function. In this review we outline studies describing Treg frequency and suppressive function in systemic and organ specific autoimmune diseases, with a specific focus on the challenges faced when investigating Tregs in these conditions.

There are four basic mechanisms that Tregs use to suppress immune responses:

  1. the modulation of antigen presenting cell (APC) maturation and function,
  2. the killing of target cells,
  3. the disruption of metabolic pathways and
  4. the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines

Fig not shown. A) Regulatory T cellmechanisms of suppression. Regulatory T cell (Treg) can suppress by four basicmechanisms. The interaction between cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) and CD80/CD86, expressed by antigen presenting cells (APCs), leads to CD80/CD86 down-regulation. Removal of these co-stimulatory molecules modulates APC function, limiting the initiation of an adaptive immune response. Tregs induce effector T cell (Teff) apoptosis by the interaction between Galectin-9 (Gal-9) and the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3), and by the release of granzymes which enter Teffs via perforin pores. Tregs release the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGFβ, IL10 and IL35. Treg expression of the ecto-enzymes CD39 and CD73 enables the hydrolysis of pro-inflammatory adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into anti-inflammatory adenosine (ADO). B) Regulatory T cell defects in autoimmunity. In health, Tregs maintain tolerance by exerting suppression of effector T cells. In organ specific autoimmune disease, Tregs fail to suppress autoreactive effector T cells, therefore leading to target cell death. Reported reasons for this include inadequate numbers of Tregs, impaired suppressive ability, Treg conversion into effector cells and resistance of effector T cells to Treg-mediated suppression.

In the following sections, studies investigating the frequency and suppressive function of Tregs in the archetypal non-organ specific autoimmune disease SLE, and the organ specific autoimmune diseases MS, T1D, RA, autoimmune thyroid disease, psoriasis and IBD will be discussed.

Treg defects are frequently reported in autoimmune disease. There are, however, often discrepancies in the literature, which can be accounted for by the choice of study participants and the techniques used to study this challenging population of cells. The search for new markers that could unequivocally identify bona fide human Tregs—for the purposes of both phenotypic and functional analysis—will greatly facilitate our understanding of the role of Tregs in autoimmune disease. Studies suggest that the nature of the Treg impairment differs according to the autoimmune disease under investigation. There are reports of numerical and functional Treg impairments, of resistance of effector T cells to Treg suppression and of conversion of Tregs to effector cells. It is, therefore, important to consider numerical, phenotypic and functional defects affecting a range of Treg subsets. Moreover, current evidence strongly implies that systemic or regional factors can confine Treg impairments to the target organ. Treg studies would, therefore, benefit from more thorough investigation of the inflammatory site.

Take-home message

  • Tregs are central to tolerance maintenance and tissue homeostasis.
  • Treg impairment has been reported in several autoimmune diseases.
  • Systemic or regional factors can confine Treg impairment to the target organ.
  • Challenges remain when defining and investigating Tregs in autoimmune diseases.

 

 

 

 

 

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Plant-based Nutrition, Neutraceuticals and Alternative Medicine: Article Compilation the Journal PharmaceuticalIntelligence.com

Curator: Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP

 

  1. Green tea polyphenols alleviate early BBB damage
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/07/31/green-tea-polyphenols-alleviate-early-bbb-damage-during/
  2. What do you know about Plants and Neutraceuticals?

Author and Curator, Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/30/what-do-you-know-about-plants-and-neutraceuticals/

  1. The Final Considerations of the Role of Platelets and Platelet Endothelial Reactions in Atherosclerosis and Novel Treatments

Author and Curator: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/10/15/the-final-considerations-of-the-role-of-platelets-and-platelet-endothelial-reactions-in-atherosclerosis-and-novel-treatments/

  1. Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Disease

Author and Curator: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2012/10/25/endothelial-function-and-cardiovascular-disease/

  1. NO Nutritional remedies for hypertension and atherosclerosis. It’s 12 am: do you know where your electrons are?

Author and Reporter: Meg Baker, Ph.D., Registered Patent Agent

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2012/10/07/no-nutritional-remedies-for-hypertension-and-atherosclerosis-its-12-am-do-you-know-where-your-electrons-are/

  1. Cocoa and Heart Health

Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/11/17/cocoa-and-heart-health/

  1. Metabolomics: its applications in food and nutrition research

Reporter and Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/05/12/metabolomics-its-applications-in-food-and-nutrition-research/

  1. Japanese knotweed extract (Polygonum cuspidatum) Resveratrol 98%

Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP   Stanford Lee, Shanghai Natural Bio-engineering Co., Ltd
Key products: resveratrol, curcumin,artemisinin,artemether,artesunate,dihydroartemisinin,Lumefantrine,etc
https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140805055958-283555965-japanese-knotweed-extract-polygonum-cuspidatum-resveratrol-98?/

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/08/20/japanese-knotweed-extract-polygonum-cuspidatum-resveratrol-98/

  1. Antimicrobial resistance
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP   
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/08/18/antimicrobial-resistance/
  2. Macrocycles in new drug discovery
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP     Jamie MallinsonIan Collins
    Future Medicinal Chemistry, Jul 2012, Vol. 4, No. 11, Pages 1409-1438.

Natural product macrocycles and their synthetic derivatives

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/08/16/macrocycles-in-new-drug-discovery/

  1. Lipid Metabolism

ALA and LA, LCPUFAs (EPA, DHA, and AA), eicosanoids, delta-3-desaturase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes

Ginseng fights fatigue in cancer patients, Mayo Clinic-led study finds http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/08/15/lipid-metabolism/

  1. Ginseng fights fatigue in cancer patients, Mayo Clinic-led study finds

Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/08/10/ginseng-fights-fatigue-in-cancer-patients-mayo-clinic-led-study-finds/

  1. Scientists develop new cancer-killing compound from salad plant / 1,200 times more specific in killing certain kinds of cancer cells than currently available drugs
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/17/scientists-develop-new-cancer-killing-compound-from-salad-plant-1200-times-more-specific-in-killing-certain-kinds-of-cancer-cells-than-currently-available-drugs/
  2. Protein heals wounds, boosts immunity and protects from cancer – Lactoferrin
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/17/protein-heals-wounds-boosts-immunity-and-protects-from-cancer-lactoferrin/
  3. Inula helenium ( elecampane ) 100% Effective against MRSA in vitro, 200 Strains
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/inula-helenium-elecampane-100-effective-against-mrsa-in-vitro-200-strains/
  4. Thymoquinone, an extract of nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death.
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/thymoquinone-an-extract-of-nigella-sativa-seed-oil-blocked-pancreatic-cancer-cell-growth-and-killed-the-cells-by-enhancing-the-process-of-programmed-cell-death/
  5. Cinnamon is lethal weapon against E. coli O157:H7
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/cinnamon-is-lethal-weapon-against-e-coli-o157h7/
  6. Garlic compound fights source of food-borne illness better than antibiotics (100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics )

Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/garlic-compound-fights-source-of-food-borne-illness-better-than-antibiotics-100-times-more-effective-than-two-popular-antibiotics/

  1. Reference Genes in the Human Gut Microbiome: The BGI Catalogue

Reporter: Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/14/reference-genes-in-the-human-gut-microbiome-the-bgi-catalogue/

  1. Study suggests consuming whey protein before meals could help improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes
    Reporter: Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/12/study-suggests-consuming-whey-protein-before-meals-could-help-improve-blood-glucose-control-in-people-with-diabetes/
  2. Omega-3 fatty acids, depleting the source, and protein insufficiency in renal disease
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Curator
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/06/omega-3-fatty-acids-depleting-the-source-and-protein-insufficiency-in-renal-disease/
  3. Health benefit of anthocyanins from apples and berries noted for men
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Curator
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/06/health-benefit-of-anthocyanins-from-apples-and-berries-noted-for-men/
  4. Carrots Cut Men’s Prostate Cancer Risk by 50%
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/03/carrots-cut-mens-prostate-cancer-risk-by-50/
  5. A Recipe To Make Cannabis Oil For A Chemotherapy Alternative
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/02/a-recipe-to-make-cannabis-oil-for-a-chemotherapy-alternative/
  6. Plant flavonoid found to reduce inflammatory response in the brain: luteolin
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/29/plant-flavonoid-found-to-reduce-inflammatory-response-in-the-brain-luteolin/
  7. Omega-3 fatty acids protect eyes against retinopathy, study finds
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/28/omega-3-fatty-acids-protect-eyes-against-retinopathy-study-finds/
  8. Scientists identify new pathogenic and protective microbes associated with severe diarrhea
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/28/scientists-identify-new-pathogenic-and-protective-microbes-associated-with-severe-diarrhea/
  9. 2,000-year-old herb regulates autoimmunity and inflammation / Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/27/2000-year-old-herb-regulates-autoimmunity-and-inflammation-chang-shan-from-a-type-of-hydrangea-that-grows-in-tibet-and-nepal/
  10. Turmeric-based drug effective on Alzheimer flies
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/27/turmeric-based-drug-effective-on-alzheimer-flies/
  11. Plant flavonoid luteolin blocks cell signaling pathways in colon cancer cells
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/26/plant-flavonoid-luteolin-blocks-cell-signaling-pathways-in-colon-cancer-cells/
  12. Study Finds Shu Gan Liang Xue Herbal Formula Has Breast Cancer Anti Tumor Effect
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/25/study-finds-shu-gan-liang-xue-herbal-formula-has-breast-cancer-anti-tumor-effect/
  13. HMPC Q&A Documents on Herbal Medicinal Products published
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/25/hmpc-qa-documents-on-herbal-medicinal-products-published/
  14. Garden Cress Extract Kills 97% of Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/21/garden-cress-extract-kills-97-of-breast-cancer-cells-in-vitro/
  15. Moringa Oleifera Kills 97% of Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Vitro
    Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Reporter
    http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/21/moringa-oleifera-kills-97-of-pancreatic-cancer-cells-in-vitro/

16. The Discovery and Properties of Avemar – Fermented Wheat Germ Extract: Carcinogenesis Suppressor
Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Author and Curator
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/09/the-discovery-and-properties-of-avemar-fermented-wheat-germ-extract-carcinogenesis-suppressor-2/

 


 

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What do you know about Plants and Neutraceuticals?

Author and Curator: Larry H. Bernstein, MD, FCAP

 

This is a series of articles that is within a multipart series on related and standalone topics of discussion that raise some issues and controversies, but perhaps open our eyes to our relationship to the environment and its effects on living organisms, our uniqueness among eukeriotes, and or interdependence with the living plant and animal world.  In our self-centerness, there is a cross-cultural, perhaps innate tendancy to disregard this interdependence and to disrupt our surroundings in the same manner that families within diverse and mixed-societies become corrupted.  The amazing use of herbal medicines precedes the development of a formal scientific method, and has existed in Asia and Africa for centuries, and probably prior to biblical record.   Of course, there is substantial knowledge in the last century that has led to a better understanding of previously unknown medicinal benefits from the emergence of organic, inorganic and medicinal chemistry, aligned with discoveries in microbiology, and of fungi and algae, and the only recent development of synthetic biology and application of chemical engineering to biology.  These topics do not stand alone.

The series will be segmented as follows:

  1. An introduction to plants and the microbiome.
  2. What do you know about plants and neutraceuticals?
  3. Antimicrobial and drug resistance.
  4. Proteomics
  5. Metabolomics
  6. What do you know about plants and neutraceuticals?

 

Other articles published in this Open Access Online Scientific Journal include the following:

The Omega-3 Lie

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/02/the-omega-lie/

The Discovery and Properties of Avemar – Fermented Wheat Germ Extract: Carcinogenesis Suppressor
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/09/the-discovery-and-properties-of-avemar-fermented-wheat-germ-extract-carcinogenesis-suppressor-2/

Garden Cress Extract Kills 97% of Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/21/garden-cress-extract-kills-97-of-breast-cancer-cells-in-vitro/

Moringa Oleifera Kills 97% of Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Vitro
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/21/moringa-oleifera-kills-97-of-pancreatic-cancer-cells-in-vitro/

The Gonzalez protocol: Worse than useless for pancreatic cancer  SJ Williams, PhD
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/17/the-gonzalez-protocol-worse-than-useless-for-pancreatic-cancer/

Plant flavonoid found to reduce inflammatory response in the brain: luteolin
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/29/plant-flavonoid-found-to-reduce-inflammatory-response-in-the-brain-luteolin/

Omega-3 fatty acids protect eyes against retinopathy, study finds  A Lev-Ari, PhD, RN
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/28/omega-3-fatty-acids-protect-eyes-against-retinopathy-study-finds/

2,000-year-old herb regulates autoimmunity and inflammation / Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/27/2000-year-old-herb-regulates-autoimmunity-and-inflammation-chang-shan-from-a-type-of-hydrangea-that-grows-in-tibet-and-nepal/

Turmeric-based drug effective on Alzheimer flies
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/27/turmeric-based-drug-effective-on-alzheimer-flies/

Plant flavonoid luteolin blocks cell signaling pathways in colon cancer cells
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/26/plant-flavonoid-luteolin-blocks-cell-signaling-pathways-in-colon-cancer-cells/

Study Finds Shu Gan Liang Xue Herbal Formula Has Breast Cancer Anti Tumor Effect
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/25/study-finds-shu-gan-liang-xue-herbal-formula-has-breast-cancer-anti-tumor-effect/

HMPC Q&A Documents on Herbal Medicinal Products published
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/06/25/hmpc-qa-documents-on-herbal-medicinal-products-published/

Health benefit of anthocyanins from apples and berries noted for men
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/06/health-benefit-of-anthocyanins-from-apples-and-berries-noted-for-men/

Carrots Cut Men’s Prostate Cancer Risk by 50%
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/03/carrots-cut-mens-prostate-cancer-risk-by-50/

A Recipe To Make Cannabis Oil For A Chemotherapy Alternative
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/02/a-recipe-to-make-cannabis-oil-for-a-chemotherapy-alternative/

Omega-3 fatty acids, depleting the source, and protein insufficiency in renal disease
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/06/omega-3-fatty-acids-depleting-the-source-and-protein-insufficiency-in-renal-disease/

Scientists develop new cancer-killing compound from salad plant / 1,200 times more specific in killing certain kinds of cancer cells than currently available drugs
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/17/scientists-develop-new-cancer-killing-compound-from-salad-plant-1200-times-more-specific-in-killing-certain-kinds-of-cancer-cells-than-currently-available-drugs/

Protein heals wounds, boosts immunity and protects from cancer – Lactoferrin
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/17/protein-heals-wounds-boosts-immunity-and-protects-from-cancer-lactoferrin/

Malnutrition in India, high newborn death rate and stunting of children age under five years
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/malnutrition-in-india-high-newborn-death-rate-and-stunting-of-children-age-under-five-years/

Inula helenium ( elecampane ) 100% Effective against MRSA in vitro, 200 Strains
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/inula-helenium-elecampane-100-effective-against-mrsa-in-vitro-200-strains/

Thymoquinone, an extract of nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death.
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/thymoquinone-an-extract-of-nigella-sativa-seed-oil-blocked-pancreatic-cancer-cell-growth-and-killed-the-cells-by-enhancing-the-process-of-programmed-cell-death/

Cinnamon is lethal weapon against E. coli O157:H7
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/cinnamon-is-lethal-weapon-against-e-coli-o157h7/

Garlic compound fights source of food-borne illness better than antibiotics (100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics)
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/15/garlic-compound-fights-source-of-food-borne-illness-better-than-antibiotics-100-times-more-effective-than-two-popular-antibiotics/

Study suggests consuming whey protein before meals could help improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes
http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2014/07/12/study-suggests-consuming-whey-protein-before-meals-could-help-improve-blood-glucose-control-in-people-with-diabetes/

 

There are several other contents to consider.

Synthetic derivatives of THC may weaken HIV-1 infection to enhance antiviral therapies

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology     April 30, 2013

Summary:

A new research report shows that compounds that stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 receptor in white blood cells, specifically macrophages, appear to weaken HIV-1 infection.

A new use for compounds related in composition to the active ingredient in marijuana may be on the horizon: a new research report published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology shows that compounds that stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor in white blood cells, specifically macrophages, appear to weaken HIV-1 infection. The CB2 receptor is the molecular link through which the pharmaceutical properties of cannabis are manifested. Diminishing HIV-1 infection in this manner might make current anti-viral therapies more effective and provide some protection against certain HIV-1 complications.

“The synthetic compounds we used in our study may show promise in helping the body fight HIV-1 infection,'” said Yuri Persidsky, M.D., Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. “As compounds like these are improved further and made widely available, we will continue to explore their potential to fight other viral diseases that are notoriously difficult to treat.”

To make this discovery, scientists used a cell culture model to infect human macrophages with HIV-1 and added synthetic compounds similar to the active ingredient in marijuana to activate the CB2 receptor. At different times during the infection, samples from the culture were taken to see if the replication of the HIV virus was decreased. The researchers observed diminished HIV growth and a possible protective effect from some HIV-1 complications.

“HIV/AIDS has posed one of the most significant health challenges in modern medicine,” said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. “Recent high profile vaccine failures mean that all options need to be on the table to prevent or treat this devastating infection. Research on the role of cannabinoid type 2 receptors and viral infection may one day allow targeting these receptors to be part of combination therapies that use exploit multiple weaknesses of the virus simultaneously.”

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Federation of American Societies for Experimental BiologyNote: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Journal Reference:

S. H. Ramirez, N. L. Reichenbach, S. Fan, S. Rom, S. F. Merkel, X. Wang, W.-z. Ho, Y. Persidsky. Attenuation of HIV-1 replication in macrophages by cannabinoid receptor 2 agonistsJournal of Leukocyte Biology, 2013; 93 (5): 801     http://dx.doi.org:/10.1189/jlb.1012523

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. “Synthetic derivatives of THC may weaken HIV-1 infection to enhance antiviral therapies.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 April 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130430131530.htm>.

 

Marijuana-like chemicals inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in late-state AIDS

Mount Sinai Medical Center          March 20, 2012

Summary:

Marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that can directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS, research suggests.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers have discovered that marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that can directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS, according to new findings published online in the journal PLoS ONE.

Medical marijuana is prescribed to treat pain, debilitating weight loss and appetite suppression, side effects that are common in advanced AIDS. This is the first study to reveal how the marijuana receptors found on immune cells — called cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 — can influence the spread of the virus. Understanding the effect of these receptors on the virus could help scientists develop new drugs to slow the progression of AIDS.

“We knew that cannabinoid drugs like marijuana can have a therapeutic effect in AIDS patients, but did not understand how they influence the spread of the virus itself,” said study author Cristina Costantino, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “We wanted to explore cannabinoid receptors as a target for pharmaceutical interventions that treat the symptoms of late-stage AIDS and prevent further progression of the disease without the undesirable side effects of medical marijuana.”

HIV infects active immune cells that carry the viral receptor CD4, which makes these cells unable to fight off the infection. In order to spread, the virus requires that “resting” immune cells be activated. In advanced AIDS, HIV mutates so it can infect these resting cells, gaining entry into the cell by using a signaling receptor called CXCR4. By treating the cells with a cannabinoid agonist that triggers CB2, Dr. Costantino and the Mount Sinai team found that CB2 blocked the signaling process, and suppressed infection in resting immune cells.

Triggering CB1 causes the drug high associated with marijuana, making it undesirable for physicians to prescribe. The researchers wanted to explore therapies that would target CB2 only. The Mount Sinai team infected healthy immune cells with HIV, then treated them with a chemical that triggers CB2 called an agonist. They found that the drug reduced the infection of the remaining cells.

“Developing a drug that triggers only CB2 as an adjunctive treatment to standard antiviral medication may help alleviate the symptoms of late-stage AIDS and prevent the virus from spreading,” said Dr. Costantino. Because HIV does not use CXCR4 to enhance immune cell infection in the early stages of infection, CB2 agonists appear to be an effective antiviral drug only in late-stage disease.

As a result of this discovery, the research team led by Benjamin Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, and Lakshmi Devi, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, plans to develop a mouse model of late-stage AIDS in order to test the efficacy of a drug that triggers CB2 in vivo. In 2009 Dr. Chen was part of a team that captured on video for the first time the transfer of HIV from infected T-cells to uninfected T-cells.

Funding for this study was provided to Drs. Chen and Devi by the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Costantino is supported by a National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award grant awarded to Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Mount Sinai Medical Center. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Journal Reference:

Cristina Maria Costantino, Achla Gupta, Alice W. Yewdall, Benjamin M. Dale, Lakshmi A. Devi, Benjamin K. Chen Cristina Maria Costantino. Cannabinoid Receptor 2-Mediated Attenuation of CXCR4-Tropic HIV Infection in Primary CD4 T CellsPLoS ONE, 20 Mar 2012   http://dx.doi.org:/10.1371/journal.pone.0033961

Mount Sinai Medical Center. “Marijuana-like chemicals inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in late-state AIDS.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 March 2012. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm>.

 

Identification of Endocannabinoid System-Modulating N‑Alkylamides from Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra and Lepidium meyenii

Z Hajdu, S Nicolussi, M Rau, L Lorantfy, P Forgo, J Hohmann, D Csupor, J Gertsch

†Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary

‡Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland

J. Nat. Prod. Apr 2, 2014    http://dx.doi.org:/10.1021/np500292g

 

Arachidonoyl-mimicking

Arachidonoyl-mimicking

 

 

http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/jnprdf/2014/jnprdf.2014.77.issue-7/np500292g/production/pdfimages_v02/master.img-000.jpg

 

ABSTRACT: The discovery of the interaction of plant-derived N-alkylamides (NAAs) and the mammalian endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the existence of a plant endogenous Nacylethanolamine signaling system have led to the re-evaluation of this group of compounds. Herein, the isolation of seven NAAs and the assessment of their effects on major protein targets in the ECS network are reported. Four NAAs, octadeca-2E,4E,8E,10Z,14Z-pentaene-12-ynoic acid isobutylamide (1), octadeca-2E,4E,8E,10Z,14Z-pentaene-12-ynoic acid 2′-methylbutylamide (2), hexadeca-2E,4E,9Z-triene-12,14-diynoic acid isobutylamide (3), and hexadeca-2E,4E,9,12-tetraenoic acid 2′-methylbutylamide (4), were identified from Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra. Compounds 2−4 are new natural products, while 1 was isolated for the first time from this species. The previously described macamides, N-(3-methoxybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide (5), N-benzyl-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide (6), and N-benzyl-(9Z,12Z)-octadecadienamide (7), were isolated from Lepidium meyenii (Maca). NMethylbutylamide 4 and N-benzylamide 7 showed submicromolar and selective binding affinities for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Ki values of 0.31 and 0.48 μM, respectively). Notably, compound 7 also exhibited weak fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition (IC50 = 4 μM) and a potent inhibition of anandamide cellular uptake (IC50 = 0.67 μM) that was stronger than the inhibition obtained with the controls OMDM-2 and UCM707. The pronounced ECS polypharmacology of compound 7 highlights the potential involvement of the arachidonoyl-mimicking 9Z,12Z double-bond system in the linoleoyl group for the overall cannabimimetic action of NAAs. This study provides additional strong evidence of the endocannabinoid substrate mimicking of plant-derived NAAs and uncovers a direct and indirect cannabimimetic action of the Peruvian Maca root.

 

Resveratrol modulates the inflammatory response via an estrogen receptor-signal integration network
JC Nwachukwu, S Srinivasan, NE Bruno, AA Parent, TS Hughes, et al.
eLife Apr 2014;10.7554/eLife.02057  http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02057

Resveratrol has beneficial effects on aging, inflammation and metabolism, which are thought to result from activation of the lysine deacetylase, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), the cAMP pathway, or AMP-activated protein kinase. Here we report that resveratrol acts as a pathway-selective estrogen receptor-α (ERα) ligand to modulate the inflammatory response but not cell proliferation. A crystal structure of the ERα ligand-binding domain (LBD) as a complex with resveratrol revealed a unique perturbation of the coactivator-binding surface, consistent with an altered coregulator recruitment profile. Gene expression analyses revealed significant overlap of TNFα genes modulated by resveratrol and estradiol. Furthermore, the ability of resveratrol to suppress interleukin-6 transcription was shown to require ERα and several ERα coregulators, suggesting that ERα functions as a primary conduit for resveratrol activity.

 

Diets rich in antioxidant resveratrol fail to reduce deaths, heart disease or cancer

Johns Hopkins Medicine    May 12, 2014

Summary:   A study of Italians who consume a diet rich in resveratrol — the compound found in red wine, dark chocolate and berries — finds they live no longer than and are just as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cancer as those who eat or drink smaller amounts of the antioxidant.

A study of Italians who consume a diet rich in resveratrol — the compound found in red wine, dark chocolate and berries — finds they live no longer than and are just as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cancer as those who eat or drink smaller amounts of the antioxidant.

“The story of resveratrol turns out to be another case where you get a lot of hype about health benefits that doesn’t stand the test of time,” says Richard D. Semba, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and leader of the study described May 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine. “The thinking was that certain foods are good for you because they contain resveratrol. We didn’t find that at all.”

Despite the negative results, Semba says, studies have shown that consumption of red wine, dark chocolate and berries does reduce inflammation in some people and still appears to protect the heart. “It’s just that the benefits, if they are there, must come from other polyphenols or substances found in those foodstuffs,” he says. “These are complex foods, and all we really know from our study is that the benefits are probably not due to resveratrol.”

The new study did not include people taking resveratrol supplements, though few studies thus far have found benefits associated with them.

Semba is part of an international team of researchers that for 15 years has studied the effects of aging in a group of people who live in the Chianti region of Italy. For the current study, the researchers analyzed 24 hours of urine samples from 783 people over the age of 65 for metabolites of resveratrol. After accounting for such factors as age and gender, the people with the highest concentration of resveratrol metabolites were no less likely to have died of any cause than those with no resveratrol found in their urine. The concentration of resveratrol was not associated with inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease or cancer rates.

Semba and his colleagues used advanced mass spectrometry to analyze the urine samples.

The study participants make up a random group of people living in Tuscany where supplement use is uncommon and consumption of red wine — a specialty of the region — is the norm. The study participants were not on any prescribed diet.

Resveratrol is also found in relatively large amounts in grapes, peanuts and certain Asiatic plant roots. Excitement over its health benefits followed studies documenting anti-inflammatory effects in lower organisms and increased lifespan in mice fed a high-calorie diet rich in the compound.

The so-called “French paradox,” in which a low incidence of coronary heart disease occurs in the presence of a high dietary intake of cholesterol and saturated fat in France, has been attributed to the regular consumption of resveratrol and other polyphenols found in red wine.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Johns Hopkins MedicineNote: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Diets rich in antioxidant resveratrol fail to reduce deaths, heart disease or cancer.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 May 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140512214128.htm>.

Journal Reference:

Richard D. Semba, Luigi Ferrucci, Benedetta Bartali, Mireia Urpí-Sarda, Raul Zamora-Ros, Kai Sun, Antonio Cherubini, Stefania Bandinelli, Cristina Andres-Lacueva. Resveratrol Levels and All-Cause Mortality in Older Community-Dwelling AdultsJAMA Internal Medicine, 2014;
http://dx.doi.org:/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.1582

 

Curcumin  regulates gene expression of insulin like growth factor, B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 and antioxidant enzymes in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Sabryl M El-Bahr
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013, 13:368
http://7thspace.com/headlines/449258/curcumin_regulates_gene_expression_of_insulin_like_growth_factor_b_cell_clllymphoma_2_and_antioxidant_enzymes_in_streptozotocin_induced_diabetic_rats.html
The effects of curcumin on the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (G-ST), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in diabetic rats were studied.

The effects of curcumin on the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (G-ST), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in diabetic rats were studied.
Methods: Twenty four rats were assigned to three groups (8 rats for each). Rats of first group were non diabetic and rats of the second group were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ).
Both groups received vehicle, corn oil only (5 ml/kg body weight) and served as negative and positive controls, respectively. Rats of the third group were rendered diabetic and received oral curcumin dissolved in corn oil at a dose of 15 mg/5 ml/kg body weight for 6 weeks.
Results: Diabetic rats showed significant increase of blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activities of all antioxidant enzymes with significant reduction of reduced glutathione (GSH) compare to the control non diabetic group.
Gene expression of Bcl2, SOD, CAT, GPX and GST was increased significantly in diabetic untreated rats compare to the control non diabetic group. The administration of curcumin to diabetic rats normalized significantly their blood sugar level and TBARS values and increased the activities of all antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione concentration.
In addition, curcumin treated rats showed significant increase in gene expression of IGF-1, Bcl2, SOD and GST compare to non diabetic and diabetic untreated rats.
Conclusion: Curcumin was antidiabetic therapy, induced hypoglycemia by up-regulation of IGF-1 gene and ameliorate the diabetes induced oxidative stress via increasing the availability of GSH, increasing the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and Bcl2. Further studies are required to investigate the actual mechanism of action of curcumin regarding the up regulation of gene expression of examined parameters.

Antioxidant biomaterial promotes healing

Purple corn anthocyanins inhibit diabetes-associated glomerular monocyte activation and macrophage infiltration 

Kang MK, Li J, Kim JL, Gong JH, Kwak SN, Park JH, Lee JY, Lim SS, Kang YH.
1Department of Food and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea; and 2Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 303: F1060–F1069, 2012. http://dx.doi.org:/10.1152/ajprenal.00106.2012
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major diabetic complications and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. In early DN, renal injury and macrophage accumulation take place in the pathological environment of glomerular vessels adjacent to renal mesangial cells expressing proinflammatory mediators. Purple corn utilized as a daily food is rich in anthocyanins exerting disease-preventive activities as a functional food. This study elucidated whether anthocyanin-rich purple corn extract (PCA) could suppress monocyte activation and macrophage infiltration. In the in vitro study, human endothelial cells and THP-1 monocytes were cultured in conditioned media of human mesangial cells exposed to 33 mM glucose (HG-HRMC). PCA decreased the HG-HRMC-conditioned, media-induced expression of endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, and monocyte integrins-_1 and -_2 through blocking the mesangial Tyk2 pathway. In the in vivo animal study, db/db mice were treated with 10 mg/kg PCA daily for 8 wk. PCA attenuated CXCR2 induction and the activation of Tyk2 and STAT1/3 in db/db mice. Periodic acid-Schiff staining showed that PCA alleviated mesangial expansion-elicited renal injury in diabetic kidneys. In glomeruli, PCA attenuated the induction of intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and CD11b. PCA diminished monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 transcription in the diabetic kidney, inhibiting the induction of the macrophage markers CD68 and F4/80. These results demonstrate that PCA antagonized the infiltration and accumulation of macrophages in diabetic kidneys through disturbing the mesangial IL-8-Tyk-STAT signaling pathway. Therefore, PCA may be a potential renoprotective agent treating diabetes-associated glomerulosclerosis.

 

Proximate analysis, phytochemical screening, and total phenolic and flavonoid content of Philippine bamboo Schizostachyum lumampao

Jovale Vincent V. Tongco1*, Remil M. Aguda2 and Ramon A. Razal1

1 Department of Forest Products and Paper Science, College of Forestry and Natural Resources,; 2 Institute of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2014, 6(1):709-713

____________________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT

The chemical composition of the leaves of Schizostachyum lumampao, known as “buho” in the Philippines, was determined for its potential use as herbal tea with potential health benefits, such as antioxidant properties. Proximate analysis using standard AOAC methods showed that the air-dried leaves contain 10 % moisture, 30.5 % ash, 22.1 % crude protein, 1.6 % crude fat, 28.7 % crude fiber, and 7.2 % total sugar (by difference). Using a variety of reagents for qualitative phytochemical screening, saponins, diterpenes, triterpenes, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids were detected in both the ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts, while phytosterols were only detected in the ethanolic extract. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the total phenolic content (in GAE) were 76.7 and 13.5 gallic acid equivalents per 100 g air-dried sample for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The total flavonoid content were 70.2 and 17.86 mg quercetin equivalents per 100 g air-dried sample for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. This preliminary study showed the total amount of phenolics and flavonoids present in buho, the phytochemicals present, and its proximate analysis.

 

Comparison of Nutritional Quality of the Vegan, Vegetarian, Semi-Vegetarian, Pesco-Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diet

Peter Clarys 1,2,Tom Deliens 1Inge Huybrechts 3,4Peter Deriemaeker 1,2Barbara Vanaelst 4Willem De Keyzer 4,5Marcel Hebbelinck 1 and Patrick Mullie 1,2,6

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegan diets and Human health)

Nutrients 20146(3), 1318-1332;    http://dx.doi.org:/10.3390/nu6031318

Abstract: The number of studies comparing nutritional quality of restrictive diets is limited. Data on vegan subjects are especially lacking. It was the aim of the present study to compare the quality and the contributing components of vegan, vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian and omnivorous diets. Dietary intake was estimated using a cross-sectional online survey with a 52-items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) were calculated as indicators for diet quality. After analysis of the diet questionnaire and the FFQ, 1475 participants were classified as vegans (n = 104), vegetarians (n = 573), semi-vegetarians (n = 498), pesco-vegetarians (n = 145), and omnivores (n = 155). The most restricted diet, i.e., the vegan diet, had the lowest total energy intake, better fat intake profile, lowest protein and highest dietary fiber intake in contrast to the omnivorous diet. Calcium intake was lowest for the vegans and below national dietary recommendations. The vegan diet received the highest index values and the omnivorous the lowest for HEI-2010 and MDS. Typical aspects of a vegan diet (high fruit and vegetable intake, low sodium intake, and low intake of saturated fat) contributed substantially to the total score, independent of the indexing system used. The score for the more prudent diets (vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and pesco-vegetarians) differed as a function of the used indexing system but they were mostly better in terms of nutrient quality than the omnivores.

Comment (Larry H. Bernstein, MD): This article is problematic and makes me curious about the HEI-2010 and the MDS scoring systems.  Low intake of saturated fat gives weight to the vegan diet. The vegetarian diet would have higher content of high quality protein, and the omnivorous diet would be just as good if the fat were trimmed, and there was sufficient fruits and vegetables.  The problem is that quality of protein is not even weighted.  The ration of S/N is 1:20+ in plant sourced AAs, but it is 1:12.5 in animal sourced AAs.  This has consequences.

Influences of dietary methionine and cysteine on metabolic responses to immunological stress by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide injection, and mitogenic response in broiler chickens

BY K. TAKAHASHI, N. OHTA AND Y. AKIBA

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, 981 Japan
British Journal of Nutrition (1997), 78, 815-821

The present experiments were conducted to investigate influences of dietary methionine and cysteine on metabolic responses to immunological stress induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mononuclear cell (MNC) proliferation in male broiler chickens. In Expt 1, chicks (12 d of age) were fed on a S amino acid (SAA)-deficient diet (5.6 g SAMg diet) or on three kinds of SAA-sufficient diet (9.3 g SAAkg diet; low-, medium- and high-cysteine diets) which contained 2.8, 4.65 and 6.5 g cysteinekg diet, respectively. Plasma (11-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentration and interleukin (IL)-l-like activity in chicks fed on the SAA deficient diet were lower following a single injection of LPS than those in chicks fed on the SAAsufficient diets. At 16 h after LPS injection, plasma Fe and Zn concentrations and body weight were reduced, but AGP concentration and IL-1-like activity in plasma were significantly increased. These changes in body weight, plasma Zn and Fe concentrations following injection of LPS were not affected by dietary methi0nine:cysteine ratios. Plasma AGP concentration and IL-1-like activity in chicks fed on the high-cysteine diet were, however, greater than those in chicks fed on the other diets following a single injection of LPS. In Expt 2, chicks (7 d of age) were fed on the SAA-sufficient diets as in Expt 1 for 10 d. MNC proliferation in spleen induced by Con A in chicks fed on the high cysteine diet was greater than that in chicks fed on the low- or medium-cysteine diet. The results suggest that dietary cysteine has an impact on the immune and inflammatory responses.

The present experiment showed that plasma IL-1 like activity following LPS injection and T cell activity of the spleen estimated by Con A-induced MNC proliferation were greater in chicks fed on the high-cysteine diet than in chicks fed on the low- or medium cysteine diet, even though the diets contained 9.3 g SAA kg diet which is recommended by the National Research Council (1984) feeding standard. Tsiagbe et al. (19874 showed that cysteine was 70-84 % as efficient as methionine in enhancing IgG production and in delaying hypersensitivity to PHA-P stimulation. Thus dietary cysteine is not only important for T-cell function and antibody production, but also for macrophage response to LPS in broilers. However, our previous study (Takahashi et al. 1995) showed that a low-protein diet enhanced plasma IL-1-like activity compared with a high-protein diet in chicks, even though the supply of SAA from the diet in chicks fed on a low-protein diet was much less than that in chicks fed on a high-protein diet. These observations suggest that supply of SAA may not be the only factor affecting the immune responses. The combined results of the previous (Takahashi et al. 1995) and the present experiments, suggest that, as well as the supply of SAA, the methionine:cysteine ratio in the diet is an important factor affecting some immune responses, e.g. IL- 1-like activity, AGP concentration in plasma and mitogenic response of MNC in spleen. The present results also suggest that dietary cysteine intake has an impact on the immune and inflammatory responses, although replacement of cysteine with methionine in diets would not impair growth and reproduction within certain ratios in the diet (Graber & Baker, 1971; Ohta & Ishibashi, 1994 and the present study).

Methionine: Cysteine: Acute-phase response: Lipopolysaccharide

 

Antioxidant scaffolds for tissue engineering

When a foreign material like a medical device or surgical implant is put inside the human body, the body always responds. According to Northwestern’s Guillermo Ameer, most of the time, that response can be negative and affect the device’s function.

“You will always get an inflammatory response to some degree,” said Ameer, professor of biomedical engineering in McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and professor of surgery in the Feinberg School of Medicine. “A problem with commonly used plastic materials, in particular, is that in addition to that inflammatory response, oxidation occurs.”

We all need oxygen to survive, but a high concentration of oxygen in the body can cause oxidative reactions to fall out of balance, which modifies natural proteins, cells, and lipids and causes them to function abnormally. This oxidative stress is toxic and can contribute to chronic disease, chronic inflammation, and other complications that may cause the failure of implants.

For the first time ever, Ameer and his team have created a biodegradable biomaterial that is inherently antioxidant. The material can be used to create elastomers, liquids that turn into gels, or solids for building devices that are more compatible with cells and tissues. The research is described in the June 26 issue of Biomaterials.

“Plastics can self-oxidize, creating radicals as part of their degradation process,” Ameer said. “By implanting devices made from plastics, the oxidation process can injure nearby cells and create a cascade that leads to chronic inflammation. Our materials could significantly reduce the inflammatory response that we typically see.”

Ameer created the biomaterial, which is a polyester based on citric acid, by incorporating vitamin C as part of the building blocks. In preliminary experiments, his team coated vascular grafts with the antioxidant biomaterial, and the grafts were evaluated in animals by Ameer’s long-time collaborator Melina Kibbe, professor of surgery and the Edward G. Elcock Professor of Surgical Research at Feinberg and a vascular surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

As part of the foreign body response, grafts tend to inflame nearby cells and slowly scar over time, which eventually leads to failure. When the antioxidant vascular graft was implanted, however, the scarring was significantly reduced. Ameer’s team, funded by a proof-of-concept grant from the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, also found that a water-soluble, thermo-reversible version of the material sped of the healing of diabetic ulcers. Because the material is biodegradable, it harmlessly is absorbed by the body over time.

“In the past, people have added antioxidant vitamins to a polymer and blended it in,” Ameer said. “That can affect the mechanical properties of the material and limit how much antioxidant you can add, so it doesn’t work well. What we’re doing is different. We’re building a material that is already inherently, intrinsically antioxidant.”

Ameer said the new biomaterial could be used to create scaffolds for tissue engineering, coat or build safer medical devices, promote healing in regenerative medicine, and protect cells, genes, and viruses during drug delivery. He added that the new biomaterial is easy to make and inexpensive.

“Citric acid is affordable and in pretty much everything we come in contact with on a daily basis—food and beverages, skin and hair products, drugs, etc.,” Ameer said. “It’s a common, inexpensive raw material to use, and our system can stabilize vitamin C, an antioxidant that we are all familiar with.”

The first author of the study was Robert van Lith, a PhD candidate in Ameer’s research laboratory.

Source: Northwestern Univ.

 

Pomegranate for Your Cardiovascular Health

Michael Aviram, D.Sc,* and Mira Rosenblat, M.Sc.

The Lipid Research Laboratory, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Institute of Technology, and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
Rambam Medical Center J 2013;4 (2):e0013.

ABSTRACT

Pomegranate is a source of some very potent antioxidants (tannins, anthocyanins) which are considered to be also potent anti-atherogenic agents. The combination of the above unique various types of pomegranate polyphenols provides a much wider spectrum of action against several types of free radicals. Indeed, pomegranate is superior in comparison to other antioxidants in protecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “the bad cholesterol”) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “the good cholesterol”) from oxidation, and as a result it attenuates atherosclerosis development and its consequent cardiovascular events. Pomegranate antioxidants are not free, but are attached to the pomegranate sugars, and hence were shown to be beneficial even in diabetic patients. Furthermore, pomegranate antioxidants are unique in their ability to increase the activity of the HDL-associated paraoxonase 1 (PON1), which breaks down harmful oxidized lipids in lipoproteins, in macrophages, and in atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, unique pomegranate antioxidants beneficially decrease blood pressure. All the above beneficial characteristics make the pomegranate a uniquely healthy fruit.

Abbreviations: AAPH, 2,2′-azobis amidinopropane hydrochloride; ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; BP, blood pressure; CAS, carotid artery stenosis; CHD, coronary heart disease; CIMT, carotid intima-media thickness; EDV, end-diastolic velocity; GAE, gallic acid equivalents; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; HMDM, human monocyte-derived macrophages; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; LPDS, lipoprotein-deficient serum; MI, myocardial infarction; Ox-LDL, oxidized LDL; PJ, pomegranate juice; POMxl, an extract of the pomegranate outer peel; PON, paraoxonase; PSV, peak systolic velocity; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TAS, total antioxidant status; TBARS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TGs, triglycerides; VLDL, very-low-density lipoprotein.
Citation: Aviram M, Rosenblat M. Pomegranate for Your Cardiovascular Health. RMMJ 2013;4 (2):e0013.
http://dx.doi.org:/10.5041/RMMJ.10113

 

Cocoa Phenolic Extract Protects Pancreatic Beta Cells against Oxidative Stress

 


MÁ Martín, S Ramos, I Cordero-Herrero, L Bravo and L Goya
1 Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN–CSIC), Madrid 28040, Spain
2 Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (ISCIII), Madrid 28039, Spain

Nutrients 2013, 5, 2955-2968;  http://dx.doi.org:/10.3390/nu5082955

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is associated with reductions in glutathione, supporting the critical role of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. Antioxidant food components such as flavonoids have a protective role against oxidative stress-induced degenerative and age-related diseases. Flavonoids constitute an important part of the human diet; they can be found in most plant foods, including green tea, grapes or cocoa and possess multiple biological activities. This study investigates the chemo-protective effect of a cocoa phenolic extract (CPE) containing mainly flavonoids against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) on Ins-1E pancreatic beta cells. Cell viability and oxidative status were evaluated. Ins-1E cells treatment with 5–20 μg/mL CPE for 20 h evoked no cell damage and did not alter ROS production. Addition of 50 μM t-BOOH for 2 h increased ROS and carbonyl groups content and decreased reduced glutathione level. Pre-treatment of cells with CPE significantly prevented the t-BOOH-induced ROS and carbonyl groups and returned antioxidant defences to adequate levels. Thus, Ins-1E cells treated with CPE showed a remarkable recovery of cell viability damaged by t-BOOH, indicating that integrity of surviving machineries in the CPE-treated cells was notably protected against the oxidative insult.
Keywords: antioxidant defences; cocoa flavanols; dietary polyphenols; Ins-1E cells; oxidative biomarkers; type 2 diabetes mellitus

 

Flavones as isosteres of 4(1H)-quinolones: discovery of ligand efficient and dual stage antimalarial lead compounds

T Rodrigues, AS Ressurreição, FP da Cruz, IS Albuquerque, J Gut, MP Carrasco, D Gonçalves, RC Guedes, et al.

1Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Facultyof Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-019 Lisbon, Portugal
2Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
3Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, California, 94143, U.S.A.
4 REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
Reference: EJMECH 6410  European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

PII: S0223-5234(13)00580-1   http://dx.doi.org:/10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.09.008

ABSTRACT: Malaria is responsible for nearly one million deaths annually, and the increasing prevalence of multi-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum poses a great challenge to controlling the disease. A diverse set of flavones, isosteric to 4(1H)-quinolones, were prepared and profiled for their antiplasmodial activity against the blood stage of P. falciparum W2 strain, and the liver stage of the rodent parasite l.berghei. Ligand efficient leads were identified as dual stage antimalarials, suggesting that scaffold optimization may afford potent antiplasmodial compounds.

 cite as: T. Rodrigues, A.S. Ressurreição, F.P. da Cruz, I.S. Albuquerque, J. Gut, M.P.

Carrasco, D. Gonçalves, R.C. Guedes, D.J.V.A. dos Santos, M.M. Mota, P.J. Rosenthal, R. Moreira, M. Prudêncio, F. Lopes, Flavones as isosteres of 4(1H)-quinolones: discovery of ligand efficient and dual stage antimalarial lead compounds, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2013),

http://dx.doi.org:/10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.09.008  

 

Silencing of the sulfur rich α-gliadin storage protein family in wheat grains (Triticumae stivum L.) causes nounintended side-effects on other metabolites
C Zörb, D Becker, M Hasler, KH Mühling, V Gödde, K Niehaus and CM Geilfus
1 Institute of Biology, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
2 Biocentre Klein Flottbek, EBBT, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
3 Lehrfach Variations statistik, 4 Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
5 Department of Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
Frontiers in Plant Science 17 Sept, 2013;  http://dx.doi.org:/10.3389/fpls.2013.00369

Wheat is an important source of proteins and metabolites for human and animal nutrition. To assess the nutritional quality of wheat products, various protein and diverse metabolites have to be evaluated. The grain storage protein family of the α-gliadins are suggested to be the primary initiator of the inflammatory response to gluten in Celiac disease patients .With the technique of RNAi, the α-gliadin storage protein fraction in wheat grains was recently knocked down. From a patient’s perspective, this is a desired approach, however, this study aims to evaluate whether such a down-regulation of these problematic α-gliadins also has unintended side-effects on other plant metabolites. Such uncontrolled and unknown arbitrary effects on any metabolite in plants designated for food production would surely represent an avoidable risk for the consumer. In general,
α-gliadins are rich in sulfur, making their synthesis and content dependent on the sulfur supply. For this reason, the influence of the application of increasing sulfur amounts on the metabolome of α-gliadin-deficient wheat was additionally investigated because it might be possible that e.g., considerable high/low amounts of S might increase or even induce such unintended effects that are not observable under moderate S nutrition. By silencing the α-gliadin genes, a recently developed wheat-line that lacks the set of 75 corresponding α-gliadin proteins has become available. The plants were subsequently tested for RNAi– induced effects on metabolites that were not directly attributable to the specific effects of the RNAi– approach on the α-gliadin proteins. For this,GC-MS-based metabolite profiles were recorded. A comparison of wild type with gliadin-deficient plants cultivated in pot experiments revealed no differences in all 109 analyzed metabolites, regardless of the S-nutritional status.No unintended effects attributable to the RNAi– based specific genetic deletion of a storage protein fraction were observed.
Keywords: sulfur, wheat, gliadin, metabolites, Celiac disease, GC-MS

 

Olive oil intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in the PREDIMED Study

Guasch-Ferré et al. BMC Medicine 2014, 12(78):1741-7015 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/78

Abstract

Background: It is unknown whether individuals at high cardiovascular risk sustain a benefit in cardiovascular disease from increased olive oil consumption. The aim was to assess the association between total olive oil intake, its varieties (extra virgin and common olive oil) and the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods: We included 7,216 men and women at high cardiovascular risk, aged 55 to 80 years, from the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study, a multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Participants were randomized to one of three interventions: Mediterranean Diets supplemented with nuts or extra-virgin olive oil, or a control low-fat diet. The present analysis was conducted as an observational prospective cohort study. The median follow-up was 4.8 years. Cardiovascular disease (stroke, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death) and mortality were ascertained by medical records and National Death Index. Olive oil consumption was evaluated with validated food frequency questionnaires. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards and generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association between baseline and yearly repeated measurements of olive oil intake, cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Results: During follow-up, 277 cardiovascular events and 323 deaths occurred. Participants in the highest energy-adjusted tertile of baseline total olive oil and extra-virgin olive oil consumption had 35% (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.89) and 39% (HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.85) cardiovascular disease risk reduction, respectively, compared to the reference. Higher baseline total olive oil consumption was associated with 48% (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.93) reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. For each 10 g/d increase in extra-virgin olive oil consumption, cardiovascular disease and mortality risk decreased by 10% and 7%, respectively. No significant associations were found for cancer and all-cause mortality. The associations between cardiovascular events and extra virgin olive oil intake were significant in the Mediterranean diet intervention groups and not in the control group.

Conclusions: Olive oil consumption, specifically the extra-virgin variety, is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality in individuals at high cardiovascular risk.

Trial registration: This study was registered at controlled-trials.com (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN35739639). International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 35739639. Registration date: 5 October 2005.

Keywords: Olive oil, Cardiovascular, Mortality, Mediterranean Diet, PREDIMED

 

Polyphenol intake and mortality risk: a re-analysis of the PREDIMED trial

Tresserra-Rimbau et al. BMC Medicine 2014, 12(77): 1741-7015;  http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/77

Abstract

Background: Polyphenols may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic diseases due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their beneficial effects on blood pressure, lipids and insulin resistance. However, no previous epidemiological studies have evaluated the relationship between the intake of total polyphenols intake and polyphenol subclasses with overall mortality. Our aim was to evaluate whether polyphenol intake is associated with all-cause mortality in subjects at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods: We used data from the PREDIMED study, a 7,447-participant, parallel-group, randomized, multicenter, controlled five-year feeding trial aimed at assessing the effects of the Mediterranean Diet in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Polyphenol intake was calculated by matching food consumption data from repeated food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) with the Phenol-Explorer database on the polyphenol content of each reported food. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between polyphenol intake and mortality were estimated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models.

Results: Over an average of 4.8 years of follow-up, we observed 327 deaths. After multivariate adjustment, we found a 37% relative reduction in all-cause mortality comparing the highest versus the lowest quintiles of total polyphenol intake (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.63; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.97; P for trend = 0.12). Among the polyphenol subclasses, stilbenes and lignans were significantly associated with reduced all-cause mortality (HR =0.48; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.91; P for trend = 0.04 and HR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.97; P for trend = 0.03, respectively), with no significant associations apparent in the rest (flavonoids or phenolic acids).

Conclusions: Among high-risk subjects, those who reported a high polyphenol intake, especially of stilbenes and lignans, showed a reduced risk of overall mortality compared to those with lower intakes. These results may be useful to determine optimal polyphenol intake or specific food sources of polyphenols that may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.

Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN35739639.

Keywords: Polyphenol intake, All-cause mortality, PREDIMED, Mediterranean diet, Stilbenes, Lignans

 

Effects of Walnuts on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults with Visceral Obesity: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial

David L Katz MD, MPHa, Anna Davidhi BSa, Yingying Ma MD, RVTa, Yasemin Kavak BSa,et al.
a Yale University Prevention Research Center, Griffin Hospital, Derby, Connecticut
Journal of the American College of Nutrition,  2013; 31(6) :415-423

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is a precursor of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Walnut ingestion has been shown to reduce CVD risk indices in diabetes. This randomized controlled crossover trial was performed to investigate the effects of daily walnut consumption on endothelial function and other biomarkers of cardiac risk in a population of overweight individuals with visceral adiposity.

Methods: Forty-six overweight adults (average age, 57.4 years; 28 women, 18 men) with elevated waist circumference and 1 or more additional signs of metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to two 8-week sequences of walnut-enriched ad libitum diet and ad libitum diet without walnuts, which were separated by a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome measure was the change in flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Secondary measures included serum lipid panel, fasting glucose and insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment–Insulin Resistance values, blood pressure, and anthropometric measures.

Results: FMD improved significantly from baseline when subjects consumed a walnut-enriched diet as compared with the control diet (1.4% 6 2.4% versus 0.3% 6 1.5%; p¼0.019). Beneficial trends in systolic blood pressure reduction were seen, and maintenance of the baseline anthropometric values was also observed. Other measures were unaltered.

Conclusion: Daily ingestion of 56 g of walnuts improves endothelial function in overweight adults with visceral adiposity. The addition of walnuts to the diet does not lead to weight gain. Further study of the potential role of walnut intake in diabetes and CVD prevention is warranted.

To cite this article: David L Katz MD, MPH, Anna Davidhi BS, Yingying Ma MD, RVT, Yasemin Kavak BS, Lauren Bifulco MPH & Valentine Yanchou Njike MD, MPH (2012) Effects of Walnuts on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults with Visceral Obesity: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 31:6, 415-423, http://dx.doi.org:/10.1080/07315724.2012.10720468

 

Additional references

Antioxidant properties of ten high yielding rice varieties of Bangladesh

AK Dutta, PS Gope, S Banik, S Makhnoon, MA Siddiquee, Y Kabir
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2012)S99-S103

Role Of Dietary Fiber In Improving Human Physiology And In Controlling Diseases
Yadav Pn, Srivastava S and Narayan Rp
IJBPAS, January, 2014, 3(1): 98-112

The Importance of Prebiotics in Functional Foods and Clinical Practice

VM Caselato de Sousa, EF dos Santos, VC Sgarbieri
Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2011, 2, 133-144http://dx.doi.org:/10.4236/fns.2011.22019

Phloem-specific expression of a melon Aux/IAA in tomato plants alters auxin sensitivity and plant development
Guy Golan, Rotem Betzer and Shmuel Wolf*
The Robert H. Smith Facultyof Agriculture, Food and Environment,Otto Warburg Minerva Center for Agricultural Biotechnology,The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
Frontiers in Plant Science Aug 2013; http://dx.doi.org:/10.3389/fpls.2013.00329

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This is not quite new on artemisin, but encouraging. It needs to be followed up.

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Interesting observations to share on Lactoferrin

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