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• A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, involving 29 human volunteers with BMI >25 Kg/m2 along with high-normal or mild-hypertension. • Participants were requested to drink 250 ml of either Queen Garnet plum juice or raspberry cordial drink every morning. • Queen Garnet plum juice, which is a rich source of anthocyanins, decreased blood pressure, fasting plasma insulin, glucose, leptin and inflammatory cytokines. • This study suggests that daily consumption of QG could attenuate the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The anthocyanin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, in Queen Garnet (QG) plums reduced cardiovascular parameters, obesity and inflammation in diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. We have now assessed whether QG juice improves cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and markers of inflammation in mildly hypertensive overweight or obese humans. The 32 subjects were randomly divided into two groups consuming either QG juice or Placebo (raspberry cordial) drinks for 12 weeks. QG juice decreased systolic blood pressure by 12 ± 3 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure by 9 ± 2 mmHg, insulin by 6 ± 3 pmol/L, and leptin by 4 ± 2.5 ng/ml, and increased adiponectin by 3.62 ± 0.28 µg/ml. Cyanidin 3-glucoside is the likely active component of the plum juice, with possible additive effects of other flavonoids such as quercetin glycosides. Thus, QG juice decreased blood pressure and attenuated some risk factors of metabolic syndrome after 12 weeks suggesting that daily consumption could attenuate the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of blueberry and fermented yoghurt and their bioactive components [Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (C3G) and peptides with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity] on obesity and its related comorbidities in high-fat-high-carbohydrate-diet (HFHC) induced obese mice. All results in supplementation groups were compared with the HFHC control group. • Blueberry and yoghurt alone reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in mice. • Combined blueberry and yoghurt supplementation reduces systolic blood pressure. • Yoghurt reduces body weight and body fat, and improved glucose tolerance (ipGTT). • Combined peptides and C3G reduces blood pressure, body fat and improves ipGTT. It is widely acknowledged that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension. Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin in blueberry, and peptides with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity derived from yoghurt are potentially beneficial for numerous health conditions including improving insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. In this study, the synergistic/additive effects of combined supplementations with blueberry and yoghurt, and C3G and peptides were determined. Blueberry and yoghurt alone, and the combination of C3G and peptides significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diet-induced obese mice. Yoghurt supplementation significantly reduced body weight, percentage body fat and improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance. Furthermore, peptides and the combination of peptides and C3G resulted in a significant reduction of percentage body fat and improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance. As widely available, safe and nutritious foods, blueberry and yoghurt showed therapeutic potential in the treatment of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nephrotoxicity is the hallmark of anti-neoplastic drug metabolism that causes oxidative stress. External chemical agents and prescription drugs release copious amounts of free radicals originating from molecular oxidation and unless sustainably scavenged, they stimulate membrane lipid peroxidation and disruption of the host antioxidant mechanisms. This review aims to provide a comprehensive collection of potential cytoprotective remedies in surmounting the most difficult aspect of cancer therapy as well as preventing renal oxidative stress by other means. Over 400 published research and review articles spanning several decades were scrutinised to obtain the relevant data which is presented in 3 categories; sources, mechanisms, and mitigation of renal oxidative stress. Drug and chemical-induced nephrotoxicity commonly manifests as chronic or acute kidney disease, nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis. Renal replacement therapy requirements and mortalities from end-stage renal disease are set to rapidly increase in the next decade for which 43 different cytoprotective compounds which have the capability to suppress experimental nephrotoxicity are described. The renal system performs essential homeostatic functions that play a significant role in eliminating toxicants, and its accumulation and recurrence in nephric tissues results in tubular degeneration and subsequent renal impairment. Global statistics of the latest chronic kidney disease prevalence is 13.4 % while the end-stage kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy is 4–7 million per annum. The remedial compounds discussed herein had proven efficacy against nephrotoxicity manifested consequent to impaired antioxidant mechanisms in preclinical models produced by renal oxidative stress activators. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern Western diet has been consumed in developed English speaking countries for the last 50 years, and is now gradually being adopted in Eastern and developing countries. These nutrition transitions are typified by an increased intake of high linoleic acid (LA) plant oils, due to their abundance and low price, resulting in an increase in the PUFA n-6:n-3 ratio. This increase in LA above what is estimated to be required is hypothesised to be implicated in the increased rates of obesity and other associated non-communicable diseases which occur following a transition to a modern Westernised diet. LA can be converted to the metabolically active arachidonic acid, which has roles in inducing inflammation and adipogenesis, and endocannabinoid system regulation. This review aims to address the possible implications of excessive LA and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic dysfunction in obesity may be attenuated by whole-grain intake, which has been attributed to synergistic actions of bioactive compounds. Germination/malting may increase grain bioactives, including polyphenols, however biological effects compared with non-germinated grains are unclear. Polyphenols and biological effects were compared between malted-wheat (MLT) and whole-grain wheat (CON) breakfast cereals. Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were significantly higher ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) in MLT. Corresponding obesity-related biomarkers were measured in 10 overweight/obese adults in a 2 × 4-week double-blind, randomised, crossover trial. Following both interventions, diastolic blood pressure reduced significantly with time ( P < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein increased slightly ( P < 0.05) over time. A significant time * cereal effect ( P < 0.05) was found for insulin resistance, decreasing following CON and increasing with MLT. No other significant metabolic or inflammatory differences were found. Whilst MLT contained significantly increased polyphenols, cumulative effects in attenuating obesity-related metabolic dysfunction may require increased consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] GPR120 agonists are new therapeutic targets for treating obesity, diabetes and CVD. [•] GPR120 is activated by long-chain fatty acids, particularly omega 3 fatty acids. [•] The expression of GPR120 is altered by obesity. [•] GPR120 regulates GLP-1 and CCK secretion, insulin signaling and inflammation. [•] GPR120 agonism mediates adipogenesis and can protect against diet-induced obesity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Overview: As obesity has reached epidemic proportions, the management of this global disease is of clinical importance. The availability and popularity of natural dietary supplements for the treatment of obesity has risen dramatically in recent years. Aims: The aim of this paper was to assess the current evidence of commonly available natural supplements used to suppress appetite for obesity control and management in humans using a systematic search of clinical trials meeting an acceptable standard of evidence. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE with full text (via EBSCOHost) were accessed during late 2012 for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using natural plant extracts as interventions to treat obesity through appetite regulation. A quality analysis using a purpose-designed scale and an estimation of effect size, where data were available, was also calculated. The inclusion criteria included the following: sample participants classified as overweight or obese adults (aged 18-65 years), randomized, double blind, controlled design, suitable placebo/control intervention, sample size >20, duration of intervention >2 weeks, have measurable outcomes on appetite or food intake and anthropometry, and full paper in English. Results: There were 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The findings from published double blind RCTs revealed mostly inconclusive evidence that plant extracts are effective in reducing body weight through appetite suppression. Caralluma fimbriata extract and a combination supplement containing Garcinia cambogia plus Gymnema sylvestre were the only exceptions. Conclusion: According to the findings from this systematic review, the evidence is not convincing in demonstrating that most dietary supplements used as appetite suppressants for weight loss in the treatment of obesity are effective and safe. A balance between conclusive findings by double blind RCTs and advertisement is required to avoid safety concerns and dissatisfaction from consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It has recently been established that the febrile response to bacterial endotoxin attenuated late in pregnancy is partially restored by central inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). To determine if this restoration of the febrile response also extends to warm-seeking behaviou