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The present study evaluated the ability of KlamExtra®, an Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) extract, to counteract metabolic dysfunctions due to a high fat diet (HFD) or to accelerate their reversion induced by switching an HFD to a normocaloric diet in mice with diet-induced obesity. A group of HFD mice was fed with an HFD supplemented with AFA (HFD-AFA) and another one was fed with regular chow (standard diet—STD) alone or supplemented with AFA (STD-AFA). AFA was able to significantly reduce body weight, hypertriglyceridemia, liver fat accumulation and adipocyte size in HFD mice. AFA also reduced hyperglycaemia, insulinaemia, HOMA-IR and ameliorated the glucose tolerance and the insulin response of obese mice. Furthermore, in obese mice AFA normalised the gene and the protein expression of factors involved in lipid metabolism (FAS, PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c and FAT-P mRNA), inflammation (TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA, NFkB and IL-10 proteins) and oxidative stress (ROS levels and SOD activity). Interestingly, AFA accelerated the STD-induced reversion of glucose dysmetabolism, hepatic and VAT inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, AFA supplementation prevents HFD-induced dysmetabolism and accelerates the STD-dependent recovery of glucose dysmetabolism by positively modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and the expression of the genes linked to lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differentiation of neural progenitors is a complex process that integrates different signals to drive transcriptional changes, which mediate metabolic, electrophysiological, and morphological cellular specializations. Understanding these adjustments is essential within the framework of stem cell and cancer research and therapy. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, widely used in neurobiology research, can be differentiated into neuronal-like cells through serum deprivation and retinoic acid (RA) supplementation. In our study, we observed that the differentiation process triggers the expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70). Notably, inhibition of HSP70 expression by KNK437 causes a dramatic increase in cell death. While undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells show a dose-dependent decrease in cell survival following exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), differentiated cells become resistant to H2O2-induced cell death. Interestingly, the differentiation process enhances the expression of SOD1 protein, and inhibition of HSP70 expression counteracts this effect and increases the susceptibility of differentiated cells to H2O2-induced cell death, suggesting that the cascade HSP70-SOD1 is involved in promoting survival against oxidative stress-dependent damage. Treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with Oxotremorine-M (Oxo), a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, enhances the expression of HSP70 and SOD1 and counteracts tert–Butyl hydroperoxide-induced cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. It is worth noting that co-treatment with KNK437 reduces SOD1 expression and Oxo-induced protection against oxidative stress damage, suggesting the involvement of HSP70/SOD1 signaling in this beneficial effect. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that manipulation of the HSP70 signal modulates SH-SY5Y differentiation and susceptibility to oxidative stress-dependent cell death and unravels novel mechanisms involved in Oxo neuroprotective functions. Altogether these data provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation and preservation under stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is linked to neurodegeneration, which is mainly caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. We analyzed whether the long-term intake of honey and/or D-limonene, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, when ingested separately or in combination, can counteract the neurodegeneration occurring in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After 10 weeks of HFD, mice were divided into: HFD-, HFD + honey (HFD-H)-, HFD + D-limonene (HFD-L)-, HFD + honey + D-limonene (HFD-H + L)-fed groups, for another 10 weeks. Another group was fed a standard diet (STD). We analyzed the brain neurodegeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress, and gene expression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) markers. The HFD animals showed higher neuronal apoptosis, upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes Fas-L, Bim P27 and downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors BDNF and BCL2; increased gene expression of the pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and elevated oxidative stress markers COX-2, iNOS, ROS and nitrite. The honey and D-limonene intake counteracted these alterations; however, they did so in a stronger manner when in combination. Genes involved in amyloid plaque processing (APP and TAU), synaptic function (Ache) and AD-related hyperphosphorylation were higher in HFD brains, and significantly downregulated in HFD-H, HFD-L and HFD-H + L. These results suggest that honey and limonene ingestion counteract obesity-related neurodegeneration and that joint consumption is more efficacious than a single administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of phenolic derivatives designed to selectively target mitochondria were synthesized under flow conditions starting from natural phenolic acids. The two-step continuous flow protocol, performed in Cyrene, a bioavailable dipolar aprotic solvent, allowed the isolation of the MITO compounds in moderate to good yields. The MITO compounds obtained, as a first step, were tested for their safety by cell viability analysis. The cytocompatible dose, in human neuronal cell line SH-SH5Y, depends on the type of compound and the non-toxic dose is between 3.5 and 125 µM. Among the seven MITO compounds synthesized, two of them have shown interesting performances, being able to protect mitochondria from oxidative insult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly. The two cardinal neuropathological hallmarks of AD are the senile plaques, which are extracellular deposits mainly constituted by beta-amyloids, and neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormally phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) located in the cytoplasm of neurons. Although the research has made relevant progress in the management of the disease, the treatment is still lacking. Only symptomatic medications exist for the disease, and, in the meantime, laboratories worldwide are investigating disease-modifying treatments for AD. In the present review, results centered on the use of peptides of different sizes involved in AD are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rapid increase in consumer demand for foods rich in beneficial health effects pushes the manufacturing industries to identify molecules that can contribute to food quality in terms of nutritional values, stability, safety, and health benefits. Longevity is associated with healthy food intake, and consumers want to be aware of the nature of the molecules present in their food or, even better, of the molecules contributing to the enrichment of their food. Furthermore, the use of industrial food processes that tend to protect the environment are a further factor that contributes to the consumer's interest. The aim of the present work is the characterization of biscuit doughs enriched with pomegranate peel powder (PPP) at 3 (PPP3) and 5 (PPP5) wt% in the prospect of developing a fortified aliment as a support of the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract. The total phenolic content of the powder was preliminarily evaluated. Then, the main compounds present in the PPP were identified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis, being mainly hydrolysable tannins. The PPP was then treated at 180 °C for 20 min to mimic the baking treatment, and its water-soluble fraction (PPPwsf) was then added in the Caco-2 cell culture as a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier to verify its dose-dependent toxicity, ability in counteracting the oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory action. Rheological experiments were performed to predict the macroscopic behavior of the PPP-added doughs during lamination and biscuit baking. SEM investigations gave their contribution to the microscopic comprehension of the dough structure. Finally, a consumer panel composed by thirty volunteers was enrolled to express its opinion on the sensory agreeableness of the biscuits prepared with two different concentrations of PPP compared with the reference dough. The discussion is focused on the biological effects of the main components found in the PPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is the evaluation of the addition of Moringa leaf powder (MLP) in cookies in terms of antioxidant properties, dough processability and sensorial properties of the cookies. The total content of biophenols and flavonoids in MLP was detected and the identification of the bioactive molecules was performed by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS measurements, before and after oven treatment at 180 °C for 20 min. After a preliminary evaluation of the MLP water soluble fraction (MLPsf) cytotoxicity, its protective effect against an oxidative injury induced in the SH-SY5Y cells was assessed. Data evidence that the bioactive molecules present in MLPsf are effective in preventing ROS production and in protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress. Prototypes of cookies containing MLP in different concentrations were then produced and evaluated by a consumer panel. Selected doughs containing MLP were analysed to determine the total content of biophenols in the cookies after baking and their enrichment in terms of valuable chemical elements. The influence of MLP on the viscoelastic behaviour and morphology of the doughs was also assessed. Finally, the potential role in counteracting the insurgence of not treatable neurodegenerative pathologies of two main MLP components, glucomoringin and kaempferol derivatives, present also after the thermal treatment, was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) confers an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. NAFDL is associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, inflammation and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance, which in turn lead to atherosclerotic lesions. In the present study, the impact of a natural dietary supplement (NDS) containing Curcuma longa, silymarin, guggul, chlorogenic acid and inulin on NAFLD and atherosclerosis was evaluated, and the mechanism of action was examined. C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 16 weeks; half of the mice were simultaneously treated with a daily oral administration (os) of the NDS. NAFLD and atherogenic lesions in aorta and carotid artery (histological analysis), hepatic expression of genes involved in the NAFLD (PCR array), hepatic angiotensinogen (AGT) and AT1R mRNA expression (real-time PCR) and plasma angiotensin (ANG)-II levels (ELISA) were evaluated. In the NDS group, steatosis, aortic lesions or carotid artery thickening was not observed. PCR array showed upregulation of some genes involved in lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory activity (Cpt2, Ifng) and downregulation of some genes involved in pro-inflammatory response and in free fatty acid up-take (Fabp5, Socs3). Hepatic AGT, AT1R mRNA and ANG II plasma levels were significantly lower with respect to the untreated-group. Furthermore, NDS inhibited the dyslipidemia observed in the untreated animals. Altogether, these results suggest that NDS prevents NAFLD and atherogenesis by modulating the expression of different genes involved in NAFLD and avoiding RAS imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of long-term honey ingestion on metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Three groups of mice were fed with a standard diet (STD), HFD or HFD supplemented with honey (HFD-H) for 16 weeks. Biochemical, histological, Western blotting, RT-PCR and Profiler PCR array were performed to assess metabolic parameters, peripheral and central insulin resistance and neurodegeneration. Daily honey intake prevented the HFD-induced glucose dysmetabolism. In fact, it reduced plasma fasting glucose, insulin and leptin concentrations and increased adiponectin levels. It improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and HOMA index without affecting plasma lipid concentration. HFD mice showed a significantly higher number of apoptotic nuclei in the superficial and deep cerebral cortex, upregulation of Fas-L, Bim and P27 (neuronal pro-apoptotic markers) and downregulation of Bcl-2 and BDNF (anti-apoptotic factors) in comparison with STD- and HFD-H mice, providing evidence for honey neuroprotective effects. PCR-array analysis showed that long-term honey intake increased the expression of genes involved in insulin sensitivity and decreased genes involved in neuroinflammation or lipogenesis, suggesting improvement of central insulin resistance. The expressions of p-AKT and p-GSK3 in HFD-H mice, which were decreased and increased, respectively, in HFD mouse brain, index of central insulin resistance, were similar to STD animals supporting the ability of regular honey intake to protect brain neurons from insulin resistance. In conclusion, the present results provide evidence for the beneficial preventative impact of regular honey ingestion on neuronal damage caused by HFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several studies have examined the multifaceted role of mitochondria in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), suggesting that, besides inflammation and demyelination, mitochondrial aberration is a crucial factor in mediating axonal degeneration, the latter being responsible for persistent disabilities in MS patients. Therefore, mitochondria have been recognized as a possible multiple sclerosis therapeutic target. Recently, mitochondrial transplantation has become a new term for the transfer of live mitochondria into damaged cells for the treatment of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this hypothesis, we propose mitochondrial transplantation as a new, potentially applicable approach to counteract axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,2,4-Oxadiazole is a heterocycle with wide reactivity and many useful applications. The reactive O-N bond is usually reduced using molecular hydrogen to obtain amidine derivatives. NH4CO2H-Pd/C is here demonstrated as a new system for the O-N reduction, allowing us to obtain differently substituted acylamidine, acylguanidine and diacylguanidine derivatives. The proposed system is also effective for the achievement of a reductive rearrangement of 5-(2′-aminophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles into 1-alkylquinazolin-4(1H)-ones. The alkaloid glycosine was also obtained with this method. The obtained compounds were preliminarily tested for their biological activity in terms of their cytotoxicity, induced oxidative stress, α-glucosidase and DPP4 inhibition, showing potential application as anti-diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2019 novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is causing a global pandemic. The virus primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and raises the risk of a variety of non-pulmonary consequences, the most severe and possibly fatal of which are cardiovascular problems. Data show that almost one-third of the patients with a moderate or severe form of COVID-19 had preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, heart failure, or coronary artery disease. SARS-CoV2 causes hyper inflammation, hypoxia, apoptosis, and a renin–angiotensin system imbalance in a variety of cell types, primarily endothelial cells. Profound endothelial dysfunction associated with COVID-19 can be the cause of impaired organ perfusion that may generate acute myocardial injury, renal failure, and a procoagulant state resulting in thromboembolic events. We discuss the most recent results on the involvement of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in patients with cardiometabolic diseases in this review. We also provide insights on treatments that may reduce the severity of this viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented global emergency. Despite all efforts, COVID-19 remains a threat to public health, due to the complexity of mass vaccination programs, the lack of effective drugs, and the emergence of new variants. A link has recently been found between the risk of developing a severe COVID-19 infection and a high level of oxidative stress. In this context, we have focused our attention on natural compounds with the aim of finding molecules capable of acting through a dual virucidal–antioxidant mechanism. In particular, we studied the potential of grapefruit seed extracts (GSE) and their main components, belonging to the class of limonoids. Using chemical and biological approaches including isolation and purification of GSE, antioxidant and virucidal assays, we have shown that grapefruit seed constituents, belonging to the class of limonoids, are endowed with remarkable virucidal, antioxidant and mitoprotective activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tested in vitro on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, grapefruit IntegroPectin is a powerful protective, antioxidant and antiproliferative agent. The strong antioxidant properties of this new citrus pectin, and its ability to preserve mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology, severely impaired in neurodegenerative disorders, make it an attractive therapeutic and preventive agent for the treatment of oxidative stress-associated brain disorders. Similarly, the ability of this pectic polymer rich in RG-I regions, as well as in naringin, linalool, linalool oxide and limonene adsorbed at the outer surface, to inhibit cell proliferation or even kill, at high doses, neoplastic cells may have opened up new therapeutic strategies in cancer research. In order to take full advantage of its vast therapeutic and preventive potential, detailed studies of the molecular mechanism involved in the antiproliferative and neuroprotective of this IntegroPectin are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the Central Nervous System, characterized by an inflammatory process leading to the destruction of myelin with neuronal death and neurodegeneration. In MS, lymphocytes cross the blood-brain barrier, creating inflammatory demyelinated plaques located primarily in the white matter. MS potential treatments involve various mechanisms of action on immune cells, immunosuppression, inhibition of the passage through the blood-brain barrier, and immunotolerance. Bio-nanotechnology represents a promising approach to improve the treatment of autoimmune diseases by its ability to affect the immune responses. The use of nanotechnology has been actively investigated for the development of new MS therapies. In this review, we summarize the results of the studies on natural and artificial vesicles and nanoparticles, and take a look to the future clinical perspectives for their application in the MS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, a role in MS pathogenesis was assigned to the gut microbiota. However, different signatures of gut dysbiosis have been shown to depend on environmental factors, like diet and lifestyle. In this study, we compared the gut microbiome in MS patients and their household healthy relatives sharing lifestyle and environmental factors. Faecal metagenomic DNA was extracted and the V3–V4 regions of the conserved bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene were amplified and sequenced. While overall bacterial communities were similar, specific families differed between healthy and MS subjects. We observed an increase in Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Clostridiales, and Family XIII in MS patients, while Bacteroidaceae, Tannerellaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Burkholderiaceae were more abundant in healthy controls. In addition, principle coordinate analysis showed that the gut microbiome of all MS patients formed a cluster being less diverse than the household relatives and that gut microbiota of MS patients with EDSS 4.5–7 formed a distinct cluster in respect to their controls. Overall, our study is consistent with the hypothesis that MS patients have gut microbial dysbiosis and evidenced the importance of environmental factors in shaping the gut microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2019, in Wuhan (China), a highly pathogenic coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, dramatically emerged. This new virus, which causes severe pneumonia, is rapidly spreading around the world, hence it provoked the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency launched by SARS-CoV-2 also had, and still has, devastating socio-economic aspects. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups of people is crucial for the adaptation of governments' responses. Growing scientific evidence suggests that it is essential to keep the attention on people after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection; indeed, some clinical manifestations are frequently present even after recovery. There is consensus on the need to define which symptoms persist after the infection and which disabilities may arise after COVID-19. Recent reviews, case reports, and original contributions suggest that various organs may be affected, and neurological symptoms are present in about one third of patients with COVID-19. Neurological complications after severe COVID-19 infection might include delirium, brain inflammation, stroke, and nerve damage. In the recent pandemic, neurologists and neurobiologists have a chance to study key features of infection neurology. Furthermore, the psychological impact of the pandemic should not be underestimated, although there is currently no definition for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemon IntegroPectin obtained via hydrodynamic cavitation of organic lemon processing waste in water shows significant neuroprotective activity in vitro, as first reported in this study investigating the effects of both lemon IntegroPectin and commercial citrus pectin on cell viability, cell morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondria perturbation induced by treatment of neuronal SH-SY5Y human cells with H2O2. Mediated by ROS, including H2O2 and its derivatives, oxidative stress alters numerous cellular processes, such as mitochondrial regulation and cell signaling, propagating cellular injury that leads to incurable neurodegenerative diseases. These results, and the absence of toxicity of this new pectic substance rich in adsorbed flavonoids and terpenes, suggest further studies to investigate its activity in preventing, retarding, or even curing neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent pandemic disease, called COVID-19, the role of neurologists and neurobiologists represents a chance to study key features of brain infection and deepen neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections. In fact, many studies suggest brain damage during infection and persistent neurological symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Reverse transcription PCR test, antibody tests, Computed Tomography (CT) of the lung, and Magnetic Resonance (MR) of the brain of the patient were periodically performed during this case report for eight months after infection. The aim of this article is to describe the prolonged neurological clinical consequences related to COVID-19. We believe it is clinically clear that we can define a post-acute COVID-19 neurological syndrome. Therefore, in patients after a severe clinical condition of COVID-19, a deepening of persistent neurological signs is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors analyze anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on activated BV2 microglia. Among all systems and organs, the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its high oxygen consumption, weak antioxidant system, and characteristic terminal differentiation of neurons. In addition, its implementation with other antioxidants preserved and enhanced the activity of the antioxidant system of neurons in preclinical models of PD [[9]]. Oxidative stress condition is generated by an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species and the cellular antioxidant capacity that can be attributed to increased ROS generation and/or to the dysfunction of the natural antioxidant system. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Feed for laboratory mice is available in different physical forms. However, there is insufficient standardization in nutrient composition and physical forms. Results pertaining to energy and nutrient digestibility show that differentially processed feed (pelleted vs. extruded) and even batches from the same provider (pelleted vs. pelleted) differ in starch gelatinization. Here we show that feed processing impacts the mice's gastrointestinal microbiome. Reproducibility and comparability between experiments with differently processed feeds in laboratory mice should not be taken for granted. Therefore, details on dietary ingredients and feed processing should be specified in studies that include animal experiments. The composition of the microbiome is subject to the host's diet. In commercial laboratory mouse diets, different physical forms of the same diets are available, containing—according to their labels—identical ingredients and nutrient compositions. However, variations in nutrient composition and starch gelatinization due to production processes and their impact on digestibility have been described. In this study, a total of 48 C57BL/J6 mice were assigned to two equal groups and were fed diets (produced with different processes—extruded vs. pelleted) for eight weeks in two biological replicates. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected from five different gastrointestinal regions, including the stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine, and an extracorporeal region (feces), and the microbiome was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The replicates in both experiments differed significantly in their relative abundances of Muribaculaceae species. Furthermore, the gastrointestinal content of pellet-fed mice contained larger numbers of Lactobacillus species. These results indicate that starch gelatinization and ingredient composition significantly influence microbial makeup. In conclusion, different feed processing methods may affect fundamental digestive and metabolic processes, impacting animal experiments and biasing microbiome data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Obesity has become a global pandemic involving an increase in the amount and size of fat cells in the body. Obesity is highly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Several medicinal plants have been reported to be useful in the prevention of obesity. Forskolin, a bioactive compound of Coleus forskohlii, can promote lipolysis in mature adipocytes. However, the effect of forskolin on body weight, glucose metabolism and adipocyte size of diet-induced obesity is still rarely investigated. In this study, the effects of forskolin on the high-fat diet-induced obese model were evaluated. Results showed that forskolin administration improves glucose metabolism and reduces fat cell diameter in the high-fat diet-fed mice. Forskolin also suppresses adipocyte differentiation of murine mesenchymal stem cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of forskolin on body weight, glucose metabolism and fat cell diameter in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Four-week-old male mice (C57BL/6) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: a high-fat diet plus 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle), high-fat diet plus 2 mg/kg of forskolin (dissolved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide) and high-fat diet plus 4 mg/kg of forskolin (dissolved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide). Forskolin or dimethyl sulfoxide was administered intraperitoneally every two days. The results indicated that no significant difference was observed in the body weight, feed intake and serum lipid parameters among groups at 20 weeks of age. The blood glucose levels were significantly reduced in the groups treated with 2 mg/kg of forskolin before glucose tolerance test. Forskolin administration linearly decreased blood glucose levels of high-fat diet-fed mice at 90 min and total area under curve (AUC) after insulin tolerance test. The subcutaneous adipocyte diameter was significantly reduced in the groups treated with 2 mg/kg of forskolin. Forskolin administration linearly reduced the gonadal adipocyte diameter of high-fat diet-fed mice. Forskolin significantly reduced the differentiation of murine mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes and this was accompanied by a decrease in intracellular triglyceride content and an increase in glycerol concentration in the culture medium. The subcutaneous adipocyte diameter, gonadal adipocyte diameter and total AUC of insulin tolerance test were moderately negatively correlated with the concentration of forskolin in the high-fat diet-induced obese model. These results demonstrate that forskolin can regulate glucose metabolism and reduce fat cell diameter of high-fat diet-fed mice and inhibit the adipocyte differentiation of murine mesenchymal stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is considered one of the pathological mechanisms that cause Parkinson's disease (PD), which has led to the investigation of several antioxidants molecules as a potential therapeutic treatment against the disease. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these compounds to maintain neuronal survival and activity in PD models, these results have not been reflected in clinical trials, antioxidants have not been able to act as disease modifiers in terms of clinical symptoms. Translational medicine currently faces the challenge of redesigning clinical trials to standardize criteria when testing molecules to reduce responses' variability. Herein, we discuss current challenges and opportunities regarding several non-enzymatic antioxidants' therapeutic molecules for PD patients' potential treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The processing of feed items has an impact on their nutritive properties, e.g., differences in the degree of starch gelatinization between pelleted and extruded diets are apparent. In many species, including humans, it is known that this influences the digestion process on enzymatic and microbial levels, and thus the animals´ ability to utilize the diet. Laboratory animal diets are often marketed as identical products, e.g., a standard maintenance diet, which can be purchased in pelleted or extruded form. The hypothesis that there are differences in energy and nutrient digestibility among such products, even though they are claimed to be the same diet, was investigated. The results of the digestibility trials confirm the hypothesis. Additionally, they show that even among batches of the same laboratory rodent diet in the same form, standardization is not always achieved. Starch gelatinization is a major determinant of carbohydrate digestibility and varies with diet processing. Laboratory rodent diets are often marketed as identical, but are sold in different forms, regardless of the markedly higher starch gelatinization in extruded than in pelleted diets. Our hypothesis was that this would impact energy and nutrient digestibility in mice fed pellets or extrudate, respectively. Trial 1 showed that feeding C57BL/6 mice a standard maintenance diet in extruded form results in a significantly higher digestibility of organic matter, energy, and carbohydrates than the identical diet in pelleted form. The replication of the experiment, however, revealed a variation between batches of the same pelleted diet regarding starch and total dietary fiber contents. Given the significant differences in diet digestibility and the potential impacts of digestibility on nutrient utilization, the intestinal microbiome, and intermediary metabolism, trials performed with differently processed diets are not comparable. This might partly explain failures to reproduce results, especially in gastrointestinal or microbiome research. Considering this impact on experimental animals, the degree of starch gelatinization should be declared in the diet information for laboratory animal diets. The differences between batches of laboratory animal diets as observed in the pellets are not acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comminuted meat products are highly susceptible to safety and quality degradation partly because of their large interfacial area in the emulsion. The food industry extensively uses synthetic chemical preservatives to delay that degradation which is caused by microbial growth, enzyme activities and oxidation reactions. However, due to the potential health damage (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers among others) synthetic preservatives in meat may cause, consumers are becoming skeptical to buy meat products containing such additives. In the meat industry, the interest of finding natural food preservatives is intensifying. Polyphenolic-rich plants used as natural food preservatives offer the best alternative for a partial or a complete replacement of their synthetic counterparts. They can be extracted from natural sources such as olives, fruits, grapes, vegetables, spices, herbs, and algae, and among others. The common feature of these phenolic compounds is that they have one or more aromatic rings with one or more -OH group which are essential for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This review article is intended to provide an overview of the plant-based phenolic molecules used as natural food preservative, their antimicrobial and antioxidant mechanism of action, and their potential application in comminuted meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An HS-SPME GC-MS analysis of the volatile compounds adsorbed at the outer surface of lemon and grapefruit pectins obtained via the hydrodynamic cavitation of industrial waste streams of lemon and grapefruit peels in water suggests important new findings en route to understanding the powerful and broad biological activity of these new pectic materials. In agreement with the ultralow degree of esterification of these pectins, the high amount of highly bioactive α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol points to limonene (and linalool) decomposition catalyzed by residual citric acid in the citrus waste peel residue of the juice industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a unicellular cyanobacterium considered to be a "superfood" for its complete nutritional profile and beneficial properties. We investigated possible beneficial effects of an AFA extract, commercialized as AphaMax®, containing concentrated amount of phycocyanins and phytochrome, in 2,4 dinitrobenzensulfonic acid(DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Methods: Effects of preventive oral treatment of AphaMax® (20, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day) in colitic rats were assessed and then macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed to evaluate the inflammation degree. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and NF-κB, pro-inflammatory citockines, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible NOS (iNOS) levels of expression were determined, as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and nitrite levels. Results: AphaMax® treatment attenuated the severity of colitis ameliorating clinical signs. AphaMax® reduced the histological colonic damage and decreased MPO activity, NF-κB activation, as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. AphaMax® treatment improved the altered immune response associated with colonic inflammation reducing IL-1β, IL-6 expression. Lastly, AphaMax® reduced oxidative stress, decreasing ROS and nitrite levels. Conclusions: Preventive treatment with AphaMax® attenuates the severity of the inflammation in DNBS colitis rats involving decrease of the NF-kB activation, reduction of iNOS and COX-2 expression, and inhibition of oxidative stress. Due its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proprieties AphaMax® could be a good candidate as a complementary drug in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapefruit and lemon pectin obtained from the respective waste citrus peels via hydrodynamic cavitation in water only are powerful, broad-scope antimicrobials against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Dubbed IntegroPectin, these pectic polymers functionalized with citrus flavonoids and terpenes show superior antimicrobial activity when compared to commercial citrus pectin. Similar to commercial pectin, lemon IntegroPectin determined ca. 3-log reduction in Staphylococcus aureus cells, while an enhanced activity of commercial citrus pectin was detected in the case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells with a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 15 mg mL−1. Although grapefruit and lemon IntegroPectin share equal MBC in the case of P. aeruginosa cells, grapefruit IntegroPectin shows boosted activity upon exposure of S. aureus cells with a 40 mg mL−1 biopolymer concentration affording complete killing of the bacterial cells. Insights into the mechanism of action of these biocompatible antimicrobials and their effect on bacterial cells, at the morphological level, were obtained indirectly through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and directly through scanning electron microscopy. In the era of antimicrobial resistance, these results are of great societal and sanitary relevance since citrus IntegroPectin biomaterials are also devoid of cytotoxic activity, as already shown for lemon IntegroPectin, opening the route to the development of new medical treatments of polymicrobial infections unlikely to develop drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of pistachio intake in HFD mice. Three groups of mice were fed a standard diet (STD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with pistachio (HFD-P) for 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction) were analyzed by using specific assays and biomarkers. The pistachio diet significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the HFD model. No difference was observed in the index of insulin resistance between HFD and HFD-P. A higher number of fragmented nuclei were found in HFD cerebral cortex compared to STD and HFD-P. A decrease in reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and an increase of superoxide dismutase 2 and heme oxygenase expression were found in the brains of the HFD-P samples compared to HFD. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function found in HFD brain was partially recovered in HFD-P mice. These results suggest that the regular intake of pistachio may be useful in preventing obesity-related neurodegeneration, being able to reduce both metabolic and cellular dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and metabolic disorders can be risk factors for the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of a natural dietary supplement (NDS), containing Curcuma longa, silymarin, guggul, chlorogenic acid and inulin, on dysmetabolism and neurodegeneration in the brains of high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Decrease in the expression of FACL-4, CerS-1, CerS-4, cholesterol concentration and increase in the insulin receptor expression and insulin signaling activation, were found in brains of NDS-treated HFD brains in comparison with HFD untreated-mice, suggesting that NDS is able to prevent brain lipid accumulation and central insulin resistance. In the brains of NDS-treated HFD mice, the levels of RNS, ROS and lipid peroxidation, the expression of p-ERK, H-Oxy, i-NOS, HSP60, NF-kB, GFAP, IL-1β, IL-6 and CD4 positive cell infiltration were lower than in untreated HFD mice, suggesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of NDS. The decreased expression of p-ERK and GFAP in NDS-treated HFD mice was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Lastly, a lower number of apoptotic nuclei was found in cortical sections of NDS-treated HFD mice. The present data indicate that NDS exerts neuroprotective effects in HFD mice by reducing brain fat accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation and improving brain insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An HS-SPME GC-MS analysis of the volatile compounds adsorbed at the outer surface of lemon and grapefruit pectins obtained via the hydrodynamic cavitation of industrial waste streams of lemon and grapefruit peels in water suggests important new findings en route to understanding the powerful and broad biological activity of these new pectic materials. In agreement with the ultralow degree of esterification of these pectins, the high amount of highly bioactive α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol points to limonene (and linalool) decomposition catalyzed by residual citric acid in the citrus waste peel residue of the juice industrial production.