Preventive Nutrition and Food Science最新文献

Theophylline, a methylxanthine-class bronchodilator that has anti-inflammatory properties, is clinically used to manage chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although theophylline demonstrates therapeutic efficacy, it has a narrow therapeutic index and central nervous system (CNS) activity, which requires a detailed safety assessment. This study investigated the acute neurobehavioral and thermophysiological effects of orally administered theophylline in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice using the modified Irwin test. Single doses of 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg of theophylline were administered, followed by structured behavioral observations at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h post-dosing. Administration at concentrations of 30 and 100 mg/kg induced transient hyperthermia, increased spontaneous locomotion, and reversible motor coordination deficits between 1 and 6 h, with full recovery by 24 h. Tail elevation was observed only at concentrations of 30 mg/kg, whereas partial eyelid closure occurred exclusively in mice receiving 100 mg/kg administered doses. However, doses of 10 mg/kg did not produce measurable changes in any of these parameters. No notable alterations were detected in the abdominal tone, tremors, convulsions, respiration, righting reflex, salivation, lacrimation, skin color, or exophthalmos, thereby indicating the absence of systemic or generalized CNS toxicity. The modified Irwin test captured the subtle, regionally selective neurofunctional responses induced by theophylline, thus emphasizing its relevance in CNS safety pharmacology and supporting continued mechanistic investigations under clinically relevant exposure conditions.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of corn silk on metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in preclinical diabetic models. After a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, MDPI, and GARUDA databases, eight studies were included in this review and analysis. A random-effects model was employed to assess the pooled effect of corn silk intervention on the fasting blood glucose, insulin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to those of the pharmacological controls. The findings revealed that the administration of corn silk was not more effective than the control drugs in reducing the fasting blood glucose [standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.99, P<0.001, heterogeneity (I²)=76%] and MDA (SMD=0.86, P<0.001, I²=85%) levels or in increasing SOD activity (SMD=-0.93, P<0.001, I²=68%). However, the intervention proved significantly more effective at increasing the insulin levels (SMD=1.61, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that efficacy varied depending on factors such as dose, duration of intervention, and extraction method. In conclusion, while corn silk demonstrates a notable effect on increasing the insulin levels, this change was not accompanied by a corresponding improvement in glycemic control. Furthermore, its overall anti-diabetic effectiveness on blood glucose and oxidative stress markers remains inconsistent in animal models. The high level of heterogeneity observed across studies (I²>68%) substantially limits the generalizability of these results and highlights the crucial need for future research with more standardized protocols to substantiate its therapeutic potential.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which results from pathogen-activated inflammatory mechanisms, and is increasingly prevalent worldwide, warranting further research. Ruberythric acid (RBA), a major polyphenolic compound of the anthraquinone family, is abundantly present in the roots of Rubia cordifolia L., which has traditionally been used for the treatment of coughs and skin diseases. However, its effects and mechanisms in IBD prevention remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether RBA alleviates inflammatory mechanisms and affects the tight junction protein localization. We evaluated the effect of RBA based on changes in the intestinal permeability in Caco-2 cells. RBA significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced increases in intestinal permeability in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it substantially attenuated the LPS- and TNF-α-induced localization of tight junction proteins at a concentration of 50 μM. Furthermore, RBA significantly inhibited the redistribution of tight junctions by activating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-myosin light-chain kinase signaling pathway. This study indicates that RBA regulates tight junction protein localization and intestinal permeability by modulating the NF-κB pathway, thereby suggesting its potential as a nutraceutical for treating IBD.

This study investigated the effects of "Luem Pua" black glutinous rice extract on behavior and neuronal integrity by assessing memory impairment, anxiety-like behavior, histology, as well as expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and caspase-3 (Casp3) genes in a rat model of kidney stone disease. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=6): a control group, an ethylene glycol (EG)-induced kidney stone group, two EG groups receiving either a low or high dose of rice extract, and an anthocyanin-administered EG group. Memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior were assessed by applying the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and the open field test. Neuronal damage was determined using hematoxylin & eosin. Hippocampal Bdnf and Casp3 expression levels were ascertained using SYBR Green qPCR. The EG rats showed a significantly longer MWM escape latency and spent less time in the open field center than controls. However, low doses of rice extract or standard anthocyanin markedly reduced escape latency and enhanced the time spent in the center. Moreover, prefrontal pyknotic nuclei were increased in EG rats, a phenomenon suppressed by the two doses of rice extracts and anthocyanins. Casp3 gene expression was elevated in the EG group but declined after rice extract treatment. Bdnf expression did not alter remarkably. These findings suggest that a limited dose of black glutinous rice extract, as well as anthocyanin, alleviates memory impairment, anxiety-like behavior, and neuronal damage in a rat model of kidney stone disease.

Pasta, a globally appreciated staple food, is an excellent source of carbohydrates. Nevertheless, wheat-based pasta contains certain nutrients. Thus, a new product with enhanced nutritional value is required to overcome this nutritional limitation and enhance the health-related advantages of pasta. A feasible strategy is to partially replace wheat flour with Tubtim Chumphae rice (TCR) flour. This study aimed to manufacture tagliatelle pasta using a formulation wherein wheat flour is replaced by 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% TCR flour. The microstructure, color, texture, total phenol and anthocyanin levels, antioxidant activity, cooking properties, and proximate composition profiles of the product, along with its sensory attributes, were evaluated. Sample analyses indicated that TCR incorporation elevated the levels of fiber, proteins, lipids, and ash content in comparison to pasta devoid of TCR flour. Furthermore, the yellowness and brightness diminished significantly compared to the control. In TCR-fortified pasta, the cooking time and yield were reduced, but cooking loss increased. However, the concentrations of total phenolics and anthocyanins, as well as antioxidant activity, were also markedly elevated. In addition, the pasta displayed an evidently undesirable texture, including surface roughness, particularly when TCR levels were more than 45%. These findings indicate that replacing wheat flour with TCR flour enhanced the functional and nutritional value of pasta, making TCR flour a feasible functional food ingredient.

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is characterized by the backflow of gastric contents, including acid, pepsin, and bile, into the esophagus. Fermented gold kiwi (FGK) has demonstrated protective effects against acute gastritis and efficacy in digestive disorders such as constipation, suggesting its potential potential therapeutic relevance for RE. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of FGK, fermented with five probiotic strains, including two kiwi-derived stains, in a rats model of acute RE. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old, n=6 per group) were divided into six groups: normal control, negative control (vehicle, Veh), positive control, and FGK-treated groups (50, 125, and 250 mg/kg). After 24 h of fasting, test substances were orally administered, followed by pyloric ligation under isoflurane anesthesia 2 h later. Esophageal tissue and gastric juice were collected 4.5 h post-surgery for analysis. The evaluation parameters included the esophageal damage ratio; pH of the gastric content and pepsin activity; esophageal tissue glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; inflammatory cytokine expression [tumor necrosis factor-α; interleukin (IL)-1β; and IL-6]; and histological analysis of esophageal mucosa. FGK treatment significantly reduced esophageal damage and improved gastric pH and pepsin activity in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the Veh group. FGK also increased GSH levels, decreased MDA concentrations, suppressed IL-6 expression, and attenuated histopathological alterations in esophageal tissue. FGK demonstrates dose-dependent protective effects against RE-related esophageal damage and inflammation. These findings suggest that FGK may serve as a novel dietary intervention for the prevention and management of acute RE.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its role in regulating adipose tissue inflammatory microRNAs and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purslane extract (PE) on HFD-induced inflammation and mitochondrial biogenesis, focusing on regulation of the miR-221/222 cluster in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis in skeletal muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: normal chow diet, HFD, HFD+0.2% PE, and HFD+0.4% PE for 12 weeks. PE supplementation significantly reduced body weight gain, improved serum and hepatic lipid profiles, and decreased circulating inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05). In WAT, PE reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and M1 macrophage markers while increasing expression of a M2 marker. Additionally, PE inhibited phospho-nuclear factor-kappa B levels and suppressed miR-221/222 expression in WAT. In skeletal muscle, PE enhanced the expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and restored mitochondrial content. Furthermore, PE increased AMPK, total SIRT, and SIRT1 activities, supporting its role in improving mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of PE against HFD-induced obesity are mediated, at least in part, by suppression of the WAT miR-221/222 cluster and activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 axis in skeletal muscle, thereby alleviating inflammation and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis.

The intake of diets high in fat and sugar but low in protein, fiber, and vitamins during pregnancy can contribute to metabolic imbalance, immunological disorders, and intestinal barrier disruption in the offspring. This study investigated the effects of a cafeteria (CAF) diet, high in fat and sugar, consumed throughout pregnancy and lactation, on metabolism, inflammation-related markers, and intestinal microbiota in rat offspring. Maternal programming was conducted for more than 9 weeks in 16 female Wistar rats aged 8－10 weeks. They were divided into two diet groups: control and CAF, each with n=8. On the 21st day after birth, the offspring were weaned, and fecal samples were collected. We conducted a series of glucose and insulin tolerance tests and analyzed serum metabolic markers [triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)], inflammatory cytokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)], and hormones (insulin, leptin, and active ghrelin). Gut microbial profiling was performed to assess compositional changes. The CAF offspring exhibited higher levels of serum glucose, insulin, TGs, MCP-1, and IL-6 compared with the control group. Moreover, the CAF diet altered the intestinal bacterial community structure, increasing the abundance of Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae while reducing Lactobacillaceae. Our results suggest that ingesting a CAF diet during maternal programming promotes adverse impacts on the offspring metabolism homeostasis, inflammatory responses, and intestinal microbiota composition.

This study evaluated the effects of carrot (Daucus carota L.) powder supplementation (0.5%-2%) on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of mozzarella cheese. The cheese yield decreased from 27.59% in the control to 21.12% with increasing carrot powder supplementation, while stretchability declined from 32.13 cm to 21.07 cm. Texture analysis revealed reductions in hardness, gumminess, and chewiness with higher carrot powder supplementation, although the addition at 1% maintained properties similar to those of the control. The pH decreased from 6.30 to 5.89, titratable acidity increased from 0.06% to 0.15%, and soluble solids rose from 0.20 to 0.60 °Brix. In addition, color analysis indicated reduced lightness and increased redness and yellowness, thus reflecting enhanced orange coloration. The moisture content increased from 40.16% to 60.03%, while ash content was slightly decreased, and crude protein and fat were slightly increased. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased from 31.59 to 59.07 gallic acid equivalent μg/g and from 18.42 to 39.30 catechin equivalent μg/g, respectively, and the α- and β-carotene levels were proportional to the carrot powder addition. Antioxidant activities, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical scavenging and reducing power, were substantially enhanced. These results suggest that carrot powder improves the color, nutritional, and functional properties of mozzarella cheese, with a 1% addition optimizing the bioactive compound enhancement while minimizing the texture changes. This study provides valuable data for developing functional dairy products using natural bioactive ingredients.

Skin diseases affect a considerable proportion of the population worldwide, with a substantial impact on quality of life. The power of certain foods, beverages, and dietary supplements for the primary prevention of these diseases remains poorly understood and is not widely disseminated. The aim of this umbrella review was to evaluate specific nutrients in the primary prevention of skin diseases. Manuscripts were extracted from four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) using keywords and MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms. The inclusion criteria were general populations and high-risk but disease-free individuals, food and dietary supplementation intake, their effects on the primary prevention of skin diseases, and systematic reviews or meta-analyses. When performing a further search, other studies were included, but manuscripts regarding risk factors and diets were excluded. A total of six studies were included in this umbrella review, which covered a period between 2001 and 2023 and included a total of 9,229 participants, either in utero or aged 0－80 years old. The preventive effect of green tea catechins on ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema was highlighted, as well as the role of Lactobacillus probiotics in infant atopic eczema. Finally, niacinamide supplementation reduced the incidence of basal and squamous cell carcinoma (the major subtypes of non-melanoma skin cancer). Despite the small number of studies identified, the emerging evidence provided some insights into the primary prevention of certain skin diseases and may serve as a foundation for future studies.