Food & Function最新文献

Many studies have highlighted the role of probiotics in re-establishing the gut microbiota balance and preventing intestinal barrier dysfunction. In fact, they can also contribute to the upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, which are known to contribute to the development of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) syndrome. The present study aims to investigate the effect of the compatible solute hydroxyectoine (HOE), to be used as a cryopreservant but also for its intrinsic biological properties, to obtain a new formula containing three probiotic strains (Limosilactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum), Levilactobacillus brevis SP-48 (L. brevis), and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (B. lactis)), and evaluate the latter for its ability to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in an in vitro bi-dimensional model of the intestinal barrier using a Caco-2 cell monolayer. The mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were analyzed by real-time PCR. Changes in the modulation of (TLR-4 and NF-κB) proteins were assessed by western blotting, and the effect of the HOE/PRO formula on the intestinal epithelial barrier function was also assessed using an immunofluorescence microscope for the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). This study found that this novel probiotic formulation containing HOE is capable of decreasing LPS-induced cytokines, as confirmed by the results of RT-PCR and ELISA and preserving the integrity of tight junctions as demonstrated by the relevant expression of ZO-1. HOE/PRO was shown to be effective in reducing the expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB. The latter plays a key role as an inflammation modulator as shown through experiments run with the THP-1/NF-κB reporter gene. Collectively, our data indicate that the HOE/PRO formula is a good candidate for potential preventive and/or therapeutic implementation in IBD.

Intestinal injury is often accompanied by epithelial barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Previous research studies have demonstrated that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from animal milk play a crucial role in regulating intestinal injury. Nonetheless, there has been limited research on the impact of goat milk sEVs on intestinal damage. This study aims to explore the functional differences between proteins in colostrum-derived sEVs (CME) and mature milk-derived sEVs (MME) from goat and elucidate their effects and mechanisms on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in IEC-6. Proteomic analysis revealed that both CME and MME are rich in various bioactive proteins that have regulatory effects on cell damage. CME and MME significantly improved LPS-induced IEC-6 barrier dysfunction and oxidative stress. Additionally, CME and MME alleviated LPS-induced IEC-6 proliferation inhibition and apoptosis. Notably, CME exhibited a more significant improvement effect. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that CME ameliorates IEC-6 injury by inhibiting multiple genes and signaling pathways associated with cell damage, particularly the MAPK signaling pathway. In summary, goat milk-derived sEVs improve LPS-induced IEC-6 injury by targeting the MAPK signaling pathway, significantly restoring the intestinal epithelial barrier function, reducing oxidative stress, and alleviating apoptosis. These findings offer scientific evidence supporting the potential application of goat milk-derived sEVs as protective agents against intestinal injury.

Phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds and terpenes, are of interest for the treatment and prevention of conditions with oxidative stress, inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathologies. Certain plant foods have shown beneficial effects for the brain; however, the specific phenolic and terpene species in these foods are unclear. The present study aimed to characterise and quantify the phenolic, anthocyanidin and terpene species in six plant foods (Queen Garnet plum (QGP, Prunus salicina); black pepper (BPF, Piper nigrum); clove (CF, Syzygium aromaticum); elderberry (EF, Sambucus nigra); lemon balm (LBF, Melissa officinalis); and sage (SF, Salvia officinalis)) and six plant food-based complementary products (clove (CC), elderberry (EC), lemon balm (LBC), and sage (SC), plus two blends (Astragalus membranaceus and lemon balm-rich, WC and R8)). The relationships between the concentration of phytochemical species in these samples and their antioxidant capacities (i.e. oxygen and nitrogen free radical scavenging, Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ chelating capacities, and the ability to prevent H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in neuroblast-like SH-SY5Y cells, in vitro) were also examined. WC had the highest concentration of phenolics, followed by QGP, EF, CC and CF. BPF had the highest total terpene concentration followed by CC, CF and SF. Correlations between certain compounds and antioxidant capacity were demonstrated. The results provide insight into the potential functional capabilities of species of phenolics and terpenes. Understanding the phytochemical profile of plant foods and their correlations may be important in understanding their potential therapeutic benefits for brain health.

Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are naturally-occurring short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from bacterial metabolism of dietary fibre and have been associated with numerous positive health outcomes. All three acids have been shown to offer unique physiological and metabolic effects and, therefore, could be targeted for co-ingestion as part of a nutritional/medicinal plan. However, a better understanding of the outcomes of supplementing in combination on circulating concentration profiles is necessary to confirm uptake efficacy. This study sought to investigate the acute circulating concentration profiles of acetate, propionate, and butyrate following oral supplementation. Three experimental trials were conducted including investigations to understand the impact of capsule coating on circulating concentration profiles, the effect of supplementation dose on uptake kinetics, and the outcome of a short, repeated, supplementation routine on circulating levels. Serum samples were analysed for SCFA content using a quantitative GC-MS assay. It was observed that an acid-resistant coated capsule caused a delayed and blunted blood concentration response, with the non-acid resistant trial displaying earlier and more intense peak serum concentrations. For dose comparison investigations, all SCFAs peaked within 60 min and returned to baseline concentrations by 120 min post-supplementation. A graded dose relationship was present for propionate and butyrate when considering the total circulating exposure across a 240 min monitoring period. In addition, a one-week, twice-daily, repeated supplementation protocol resulted in no changes in basal serum SCFA concentrations. Overall, these data indicate that acetate, propionate, and butyrate display relatively similar circulating concentration profiles following oral co-ingestion, adding knowledge to help inform supplementation strategies for future outcomes where acute elevation of circulating SCFAs is desired.

Increasing evidence suggests that brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in obesity and related diseases. Great progress has been made in identifying positive regulators that activate adipocyte thermogenesis, but negative regulatory signaling of thermogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the potential effects of aspartate on the BAT function. We found that the circulating aspartate level is positively associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity in adults. Acute cold exposure significantly increases BAT aspartate as well as other amino acid levels in mice. In this regard, we speculate that aspartate may play a role in regulating the BAT function and systemic energy homeostasis. To verify the hypothesis, we altered aspartate availability to explore the effects on adipose tissue metabolism. Supplementation of aspartate exogenously inhibits the thermogenic gene expression and cold tolerance in mice. Intriguingly, aspartate bioavailability inhibits mitochondrial biosynthesis essentially through the suppression of mechanistic targeting of the AMPK cascade. Therefore, an evaluation of whether a diet deficient in aspartate will increase oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria to reestablish aspartate levels and therefore increase the energy expenditure will be interesting because these effects can prevent or ameliorate the development of obesity.

Stroke is associated with a high incidence and disability rate, which seriously endangers human health. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the underlying pathologic progression of cerebral damage in stroke. Emerging experimental studies suggest that polyphenols have antioxidant potential and express protective effects after different types of strokes, but no breakthrough has been achieved in clinical studies. Nanomaterials, due to small characteristic sizes, can be used to deliver drugs, and have shown excellent performance in the treatment of various diseases. The drug delivery capability of nanomaterials has significant implications for the clinical translation and application of polyphenols. This comprehensive review introduces the mechanism of oxidative stress in stroke, and also summarizes the antioxidant effects of polyphenols on reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress after stroke. Also, the application characteristics and research progress of nanomaterials in the treatment of stroke with antioxidants are presented.

Vitamin D plays important roles in various physiological processes such as cardiovascular health, calcium balance regulation, bone health, immune system support, neurological function regulation, muscle function maintenance, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, maintaining its adequate levels is essential for overall health. Genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolic pathways have become a key factor affecting the susceptibility and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This article reviews the relationship between gene polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolic pathways and vitamin D levels or CVD. It is emphasized that the polymorphisms of key genes such as GC, VDR, CYP2R1, CYP24A1 and CYP27B1 are related to the pathogenesis of CVD. These polymorphisms can regulate serum levels of vitamin D, thereby affecting the susceptibility, comorbidities and clinical manifestations of CVD. Despite the progress made, there are still inconsistencies and gaps in the literature. Thus, it is necessary to conduct large-scale, multicenter studies to verify these findings and deepen our understanding of the intricate interactions between gene polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolic pathways and CVD.

The rising prevalence of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, presents a significant global health challenge. Dietary interventions, with their minimal side effects, hold great promise as effective strategies for blood sugar management. Highland barley (HB) boasts a comprehensive and unique nutritional composition, characterized by high protein, high fiber, high vitamins, low fat, low sugar, and diverse bioactive components. These attributes make it a promising candidate for alleviating high blood sugar. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the glucose-lowering properties of HB, emphasizing its nutritional profile and bioactive constituents. Additionally, it examines the impact of common HB processing techniques on its nutrient composition and highlights its applications in food products. By advancing the understanding of HB's value and mechanisms in diabetes prevention, this review aims to facilitate the development of HB-based foods suitable for diabetic patients.

Skeletal muscle performance is influenced by both diet and the mode of exercise, with diet playing a crucial role in individuals' adaptation to exercise training. Our study investigated the interaction of oat bran (OB) diet and moderate intensity exercise training (MIET) on skeletal muscle function and athletic performance. Studies have reinforced the positive association of high-fat diet (HFD) with chronic systemic inflammation and corresponding peripheral skeletal muscle dysfunction during exercise training. OB could alleviate the inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy homeostasis disorder associated with HFD. We observed improvement in mice limb grip strength and endurance treadmill running distance with OB intake, accompanied by regulation of muscle function-related gene expression. OB intensified exercise training-induced carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as indicated by changes in lactate, fumarate, malate, pyruvate, succinate, and citrate levels. Additionally, specific probiotic genera producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were promoted, while inflammation-related circulating metabolites were significantly decreased with oat bran intake. Our findings suggest interactions between OB and MIET improved HFD-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction on both the phenotype and the related mechanisms. This study is an extension of our previous study on the anti-fatigue effect of oat bran, providing a novel prospective by integrating exercise adaptation, gut microbiota, molecular metabolism and skeletal muscle in situ analysis.

This study revealed for the first time the anti-obesity effect of summer-autumn tea aqueous extract (SATE) and its underlying mechanism. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice were treated with or without 400 mg kg^-1 SATE for 12 weeks, and administration of SATE significantly ameliorated glucolipid metabolism disorder and induced beige-fat development and brown adipose tissue (BAT)-derived non-shivering thermogenesis via the AMPK-PGC-1α-UCP1 signal axis in HFD-fed mice. 16S rDNA-based microbiota and targeted metabolomics analyses indicated that SATE improved intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and microbial metabolism abnormality caused by HFD, reflected by a dramatic increase in the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, Bifidobacterium and Odoribacter and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Interestingly, SATE-induced thermogenesis was highly correlated with the reconstruction of the gut microbiome and the formation of SCFAs. These findings suggest that SATE has the potential to alleviate obesity by activating adipose browning and thermogenesis in association with the reconstruction of the gut microbiota and its metabolites, providing a theoretical foundation for summer-autumn tea as a functional tea to prevent obesity.