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Introduction:Solanum aethiopicum L., commonly known as scarlet eggplant (Solanaceae family) is one of the most traditionally cultivated vegetables in Basilicata, a southern region of Italy. Although multiple uses have been given to this vegetable, data about its anti-obesogenic activity are still limited.Methods: This study focuses on testing two different extracts obtained either from the peel or from the whole fruit of the Lucanian Solanum aethiopicum. Their ability to inhibit certain enzymatic activities was tested in vitro and then, the one that showed the better outcomes was tested on an experimental model of High-Fat Diet (HFD) induced obesity.Results: Spectrophotometric assays demonstrated that the peel extract possessed the highest ability to inhibit the selected enzymatic activities and so, its phytochemical profile was obtained through LC-MS chromatography. The oral administration of this extract (25 mg/kg) to HFD-fed mice reduced body weight gain and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. Similarly, the extract ameliorated the obesity-induced inflammatory status by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both adipose and hepatic tissues. Interestingly, these effects were associated with the improvement of vascular dysfunction.Discussion: Lucanian Solanum aethiopicum extract may represent a new strategic approach for managing obesity and its associated diseases.

The paradigm of mast cells in type 2 diabetes is changing. Although they were first considered deleterious inflammatory cells, now they seem to be important players driving adipose tissue homeostasis. Here we have employed a flow cytometry-based approach for measuring the surface expression of 4 proteins (CD45, CD117, CD203c, and FcϵRI) on mast cells of omental (o-WAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (s-WAT) in a cohort of 96 patients with morbid obesity. The cohort was split into three groups: non-T2D, pre-T2D, and T2D. Noteworthy, patients with T2D have a mild condition (HbA1c

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a rising global health problem mainly caused by obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. In healthy individuals, white adipose tissue (WAT) has a relevant homeostatic role in glucose metabolism, energy storage, and endocrine signaling. Mast cells contribute to these functions promoting WAT angiogenesis and adipogenesis. In patients with T2D, inflammation dramatically impacts WAT functioning, which results in the recruitment of several leukocytes, including monocytes, that enhance this inflammation. Accordingly, the macrophages population rises as the WAT inflammation increases during the T2D status worsening. Since mast cell progenitors cannot arrive at WAT, the amount of WAT mast cells depends on how the new microenvironment affects progenitor and differentiated mast cells. Here, we employed a flow cytometry-based approach to analyze the number of mast cells from omental white adipose tissue (o-WAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (s-WAT) in a cohort of 100 patients with obesity. Additionally, we measured the number of mast cell progenitors in a subcohort of 15 patients. The cohort was divided in three groups: non-T2D, pre-T2D, and T2D. Importantly, patients with T2D have a mild condition (HbA1c

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by an exacerbated mucosal immune response. Macrophages play pivotal roles in the maintenance of gut homeostasis but they are also implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD. They are highly plastic cells and their activation state depends on the local environment. In the healthy intestine, resident macrophages display an M2 phenotype characterized by inflammatory energy, while inflammatory M1 macrophages dominate in the inflamed intestinal mucosa. In this regard, modifying the balance of macrophage populations into an M2 phenotype has emerged as a new therapeutic approach in IBD. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a promising cell-therapy for the treatment of IBD, considering their immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative potential. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that MSCs can induce immunomodulatory macrophages and have demonstrated that their therapeutic efficacy in experimental colitis is mediated by macrophages with an M2-like phenotype. However, some issues have not been clarified yet, including the importance of MSC homing to the inflamed colon and/or lymphoid organs, their optimal route of administration or whether they are effective as living or dead cells. In contrast, the mechanisms behind the effect of MSCs in human IBD are not known and more data are needed regarding the effect of MSCs on macrophage polarization that would support the observation reported in the experimental models. Nevertheless, MSCs have emerged as a novel method to treat IBD that has already been proven safe and with clinical benefits that could be administered in combination with the currently used pharmacological treatments.

Alternative herbal therapy is increasingly used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it is essential to prove its safety and efficacy. We have assayed the anti-inflammatory effects of Amanda®, a standardized water extract of Spanish Marcona almond skin very rich in polyphenols, in the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) model of rat colitis. Amanda® reduced the inflamed/ulcerated colonic area and preserved the mucosal architecture. The extract decreased the inflammatory infiltrate and the myeloperoxidase activity, as well as improved the oxidative state by increasing the glutathione content. Amanda® also modulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Besides, Amanda® improved the epithelial barrier function by restoring the levels of villin and mucin MUC3. Thus, the data from this work prove that Amanda® extract possesses therapeutic activity in TNBS-induced colitis in rats, targeting different pathological factors of IBD like oxidative stress, neutrophil mucosal infiltration and loss of intestinal epithelial barrier function.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common categories of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestine that comprises the patients’ life quality and requires sustained pharmacological and surgical treatments. Since their aetiology is not completely understood, nonfully efficient drugs have been developed and those that show effectiveness are not devoid of quite important adverse effects that impair their long-term use. Therefore, many patients try with some botanical drugs, which are safe and efficient after many years of use. However, it is necessary to properly evaluate these therapies to consider a new strategy for human IBD. In this report we have reviewed the main botanical drugs that have been assessed in clinical trials in human IBD and the mechanisms and the active compounds proposed for their beneficial effects.

This work covers the study of antimicrobial and antiviral activities of the Aspergillus oryzae strain isolated from saline soil (El-Baida marsh in Algeria). The crude extract obtained with ethyl acetate displayed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans with a mean of 16.69 mm of inhibition zone and a minimal inhibitory concentrations MICs between 7.28 and 21.85 μgmL-1. We also assessed the antiviral activity against Herpes simplex-2 Virus (HSV-2), in which no inhibitory effect was exhibited. In addition, cytotoxicity activity was tested in Caco-2 and RAW 264, a human epithelial and a murine macrophage cell line, respectively, revealing a no-toxic effect of the extract. The studied isolate extract possesses an antimicrobial property and its non-toxicity to the host cells becomes very important, and can be exploited for the production of new pharmacological and biotechnological agents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) with poor prognosis. IBD etiology remains undefined but involves environmental factors, genetic predisposition, microbiota imbalance (dysbiosis) and mucosal immune defects. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) injections have shown good efficacy in reducing intestinal inflammation in animal and human studies. However, their effect on tumor growth in CAC and their capacity to restore gut dysbiosis are not clear. Methods: The outcome of systemic administrations of in vitro expanded human intestinal MSCs (iMSCs) on tumor growth in vivo was evaluated using the AOM/DSS model of CAC in C57BL/6J mice. Innate and adaptive immune responses in blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and colonic tissue were analyzed by flow cytometry. Intestinal microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results: iMSCs significantly inhibited colitis and intestinal tumor development, reducing IL-6 and COX-2 expression, and IL-6/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signaling. iMSCs decreased colonic immune cell infiltration, and partly restored intestinal monocyte homing and differentiation. iMSC administration increased the numbers of Tregs and IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells in the MLNs while decreasing the IL-4+Th2 response. It also ameliorated intestinal dysbiosis in CAC mice, increasing diversity and Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio, as well as Akkermansia abundance, while reducing Alistipes and Turicibacter, genera associated with inflammation. Conclusion: Administration of iMSCs protects against CAC, ameliorating colitis and partially reverting intestinal dysbiosis, supporting the use of MSCs for the treatment of IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammation with unpredictable symptom fluctuations. While there is no effective cure for IBD, various treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of certain natural plants and herbs in the management of IBD. In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of a well-characterized extract of Salvia verbenaca (S. verbenaca) in an experimental model of colitis in rats. Interestingly, the daily administration of S. verbenaca (10 and 25 mg/kg) effectively alleviated colitis symptoms, as evidenced by reduced weight/length ratio and colonic damage. Moreover, it reduced oxidative stress markers (MPO and GSH), decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (Il-6, Il-12a, Il-1β, Il-23, Icam-1, Mcp-1, Cinc-1), and preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier (Villin, Muc-2, Muc-3). These effects suggest S. verbenaca extract could represent a potential complementary candidate to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Its beneficial actions can be related to its antioxidant properties as well as the downregulation of the immune response, which can result in the improvement in the intestine epithelial barrier.

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Serpylli herba extract (SHE), composed of the aerial parts of wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) (Lamiaceae family), is traditionally used in Europe and North Africa to treat diarrhea, gastric ulcers, intestinal parasites and upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, SHE has generated a great interest for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management, probably due to its intestinal anti-inflammatory properties shown in experimental colitis and the fact that its active components could preserve the intestinal barrier integrity, which is altered in patients with IBS.Aim of study: We aimed to test the effects of a SHE in a rat experimental model resembling human IBS.Materials and methods: IBS was provoked by deoxycholic acid (DCA). Rats were then treated with SHE (100 mg/kg) or gabapentin (70 mg/kg) and different inflammatory and gut barrier integrity markers were evaluated. Moreover, several gut hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia determinations were performed.Results: SHE improved referred pain and visceral hypersensitivity. Additionally, SHE enhanced immune status by downregulating of the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediators Il-1β, Il-6, Ifn-γ, Tlr-4, and the inducible enzyme Cox-2, thus inducing visceral analgesia, and promoting the restore of the gut barrier function by upregulating the mucins Muc-2 and Muc-3. These anti-inflammatory effects could be related to its action on mast cells since it significantly inhibited the β-Hexosaminidase production in RBL-2H3 cells. Lastly, SHE also seems to modulate the serotonin pathway by restoring the altered expression of the 5-HT receptors Htr-3 and Htr-4.Conclusion: SHE could be considered a potential new treatment for IBS, since it ameliorates hypersensitivity, visceral hyperalgesia, and inflammation. These beneficial effects may be due to the inhibition of mast cells degranulation and serotonin pathway.

Obesity is a global health issue, in which modifications in gut microbiota composition have a key role. Different therapeutic strategies are being developed in combination with diet and exercise, including the use of plant extracts, such as those obtained from Morus alba L. leaves. Recent studies have revealed their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of the present work was to evaluate whether the beneficial effects of M. alba L. leaf extract in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice is correlated with its impact on gut microbiota. The extract reduced body weight gain and attenuated lipid accumulation, as well as increased glucose sensitivity. These effects were associated with an amelioration of the obesity-associated inflammatory status, most probably due to the described antioxidant properties of the extract. Moreover, M. alba L. leaf extract mitigated gut dysbiosis, which was evidenced by the restoration of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and the decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Specifically, the extract administration reduced Alistipes and increased Faecalibaculum abundance, these effects being correlated with the beneficial effects exerted by the extract on the obesity-associated inflammation. In conclusion, anti-obesogenic effects of M. alba L. leaf extract may be mediated through the amelioration of gut dysbiosis.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has increased the number of patients entering Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities and antibiotic treatments. Concurrently, the multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRB) colonization index has risen. Considering that most of these bacteria are derived from gut microbiota, the study of its composition is essential. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 infection may promote gut dysbiosis, suggesting an effect on microbiota composition. This pilot study aims to determine bacteria biomarkers to predict MDRB colonization risk in SARS-CoV-2 patients in ICUs. Seventeen adult patients with an ICU stay >48 h and who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in this study. Patients were assigned to two groups according to routine MDRB colonization surveillance: non-colonized and colonized. Stool samples were collected when entering ICUs, and microbiota composition was determined through Next Generation Sequencing techniques. Gut microbiota from colonized patients presented significantly lower bacterial diversity compared with non-colonized patients (p < 0.05). Microbiota in colonized subjects showed higher abundance of Anaerococcus, Dialister and Peptoniphilus, while higher levels of Enterococcus, Ochrobactrum and Staphylococcus were found in non-colonized ones. Moreover, LEfSe analysis suggests an initial detection of Dialister propionicifaciens as a biomarker of MDRB colonization risk. This pilot study shows that gut microbiota profile can become a predictor biomarker for MDRB colonization in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Obesity is a worldwide public health problem whose prevalence rate has increased steadily over the last few years. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the management of obesity and its comorbidities, and plant-based treatments are receiving increasing attention worldwide. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate a well-characterized extract of Lavandula multifida (LME) in an experimental model of obesity in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms. Interestingly, the daily administration of LME reduced weight gain as well as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Additionally, LME ameliorated the inflammatory state in both liver and adipose tissue by decreasing the expression of various proinflammatory mediators (Il-6, Tnf-α, Il-1β, Jnk-1, Pparα, Pparγ, and Ampk) and prevented increased gut permeability by regulating the expression of mucins (Muc-1, Muc-2, and Muc-3) and proteins implicated in epithelial barrier integrity maintenance (Ocln, Tjp1, and Tff-3). In addition, LME showed the ability to reduce oxidative stress by inhibiting nitrite production on macrophages and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that LME may represent a promising complementary approach for the management of obesity and its comorbidities.

The present work is focused on the development of an analytical platform to elucidate the metabolic pathway of PTSO from onion, an organosulfur compound well-known for its functional and technological properties and its potential application in animal and human nutrition. This analytical platform consisted of the use of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole with time-of-flight MS (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) in order to monitor volatile and non-volatile compounds derived from the PTSO. For the extraction of the compounds of interest, two different sample treatments were developed: liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) for GC–MS and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis, respectively. Once the analytical platform was optimised and validated, an in vivo study was planned to elucidate PTSO metabolisation, revealing the presence of dipropyl disulfide (DPDS) in liver samples with concentrations between 0.11 and 0.61 µg g−1. The DPDS maximum concentration in the liver was observed at 0.5 h after the intake. DPDS was also present in all plasma samples with concentrations between 2.1 and 2.4 µg mL−1. In regard to PTSO, it was only found in plasma at times above 5 h (0.18 µg mL−1). Both PTSO and DPDS were excreted via urine 24 h after ingestion.

The in vitro antimicrobial potency of the bacteriocin AS-48 is well documented, but its clinical application requires investigation, as its toxicity could be different in in vitro (haemolytic and antibacterial activity in blood and cytotoxicity towards normal human cell lines) and in vivo (e.g. mice and zebrafish embryos) models. Overall, the results obtained are promising. They reveal the negligible propensity of AS-48 to cause cell death or impede cell growth at therapeutic concentrations (up to 27 μM) and support the suitability of this peptide as a potential therapeutic agent against several microbial infections, due to its selectivity and potency at low concentrations (in the range of 0.3–8.9 μM). In addition, AS-48 exhibits low haemolytic activity in whole blood and does not induce nitrite accumulation in non-stimulated RAW macrophages, indicating a lack of pro-inflammatory effects. The unexpected heightened sensitivity of zebrafish embryos to AS-48 could be due to the low differentiation state of these cells. The low cytotoxicity of AS-48, the absence of lymphocyte proliferation in vivo after skin sensitization in mice, and the lack of toxicity in a murine model support the consideration of the broad spectrum antimicrobial peptide AS-48 as a promising therapeutic agent for the control of a vast array of microbial infections, in particular, those involved in skin and soft tissue diseases. Keywords: Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial peptides, Haemolysis, Topical delivery, Zebrafish model, Mouse model

Bacteria-host interactions are mediated by different microbial associated molecular patterns which are most often surface structures such as, among others, exopolysaccharides (EPSs). In this work, the capability of two isogenic EPS-producing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains to modulate the gut microbiota of healthy mice, was assessed. Each strain produces a different type of polymer; the ropy strain S89L synthesized a rhamnose-rich, high-molecular weight EPS in highest abundance than the non-ropy DMS10140 one. BALB/c mice were orally fed for 10 days with milk-bifidobacterial suspensions and followed afterward for 7 post-intervention days (wash-out period). The colonic content of mice was collected in several sampling points to perform a metataxonomic analysis. In addition, the influence of specific microbial clades, apparently stimulated by the ropy and non-ropy strains, on mouse plasmatic cytokine levels was investigated through hierarchical association testing. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the abundance of Firmicutes phylum significantly increased 7 days after cessing the treatment with both strains. The relative abundance of Alloprevotella genus also rose, but after shorter post-treatment times (3 days for both DMS10140 and S89L strains). Some bacterial clades were specifically modulated by one or another strain. As such, the non-ropy DMS10140 strain exerted a significant influence on Intestinomonas genus, which increased after 4 post-administration days. On the other hand, feeding with the ropy strain S89L led to an increase in sequences of Faecalibaculum genus at 4 post-treatment days, while the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae and Lactobacillaceae families increased for prolonged times. Association testing revealed that several lactobacilli and bifidobacterial significantly stimulated by ropy S89L strain were positively associated with the levels of certain cytokines, including IL-5 and IL-27. These results highlight relevant changes in mice gut microbiota produced after administration of the ropy S89L strain that were associated to a potential immune modulation effect.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, mainly ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestine. Currently several therapeutic strategies available to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. Though, most treatments can be associated with serious adverse effects what justifies the search for new treatments. In this sense, we highlight the interest in herbal products rich in bioactive compounds which immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties as is the case of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae). This plant is used in traditional medicine in Brazil for treating inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that hydroethanolic B. pinnatum leaf extract has intestinal anti-inflammatory effects on two experimental colitis models: 2.4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) in rats, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography method used for the quantification of the main compounds indicated good linearity, specificity, selectivity, precision, robustness and accuracy. The major flavonoids (mg/g of the extract) quantified were: quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (35.56 ± 0.086 mg/g), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4.66 ± 0.076 mg/g) and quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside (4.56 ± 0.026 mg/g). The results obtained in the DNBS and DSS models indicate that extract has both chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory effects, observing a significant reduction in the disease activity index score, and less macroscopic and microscopic damage. The extract promoted downregulation of Toll-like receptor and kappa B p65 nuclear factor gene expression, leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory and oxidative mediators, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. This immunomodulatory property was proposed that one of the possible action mechanisms of extract. An improvement in intestinal damage was also associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and infiltration of leukocytes, as evidenced by the reduction in malonaldialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity and increase in total glutathione in the colonic tissue. Moreover, the extract improved the cytoarchitecture of the colonic tissue and the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier by restoring the expression of the proteins associated with mucosa protection. In view of the beneficial effects showed by the B. pinnatum leaf extract in preclinical rodent models of colitis there is the potential to conduct some future clinical studies to ensure safe and effective development of a phytotherapeutic treatment for human inflammatory bowel diseases.

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in alternative therapies in the treatment of metabolic syndrome that combine efficacy and safety profiles. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extract of Thymus serpyllum, containing rosmarinic acid, on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice, highlighting the impact of its antioxidant activity on the inflammatory status and gut dysbiosis. The extract was administered daily (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) in HFD-fed mice. The treatment reduced body weight gain, glucose and lipid metabolic profiles. Moreover, the extract ameliorated the inflammatory status, with the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JUNK) pathway being involved, and showed a significant antioxidant effect by the reduction of radical scavenging activity and the mitigation of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the extract was able to modulate the altered gut microbiota, restoring microbial richness and diversity, and augmenting the counts of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, which have been associated with the maintenance of gut permeability and weight regulation. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of Thymus serpyllum extract displayed a positive impact on obesity and its metabolic alterations, also reducing systemic inflammation. These effects may be mediated by modulation of the gut microbiota.

Low dietary fibre intake has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease incidence. Passiflora edulis peel is considered to be a functional food because of its level of dietary fibre and polyphenols. Female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to three different groups: healthy, dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-control, and Passiflora edulis treated. Treatment with P. edulis peel flour (8 mg/mL in the drinking water) started 2 weeks before colitis induction, which was performed by adding DSS in the drinking water (3%) for 5 days. P. edulis peel intake exerted an intestinal anti-inflammatory effect and attenuated the colonic damage caused by the DSS, as shown by the reduced disease activity index (DAI) values and after histological evaluation. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and enhanced intestinal protective barrier. Besides these effects, increases in short-chain fatty acid formation were observed, thus supporting a prebiotic effect.

Phenolic compounds in extracts of three olive leaf cultivars were determined using HPLC-DAD-TOF-MS. The determination of the immunomodulatory properties of the whole phenolic extracts was then carried out on RAW 264 mouse macrophages as a preliminary in vitro study. Twenty-eight phenolic compounds were determined in the olive leaf extracts and high contents of total phenolics were shown, particularly for ‘Picual’ cultivar. In addition, all olive leaf extracts inhibited the release of the pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells revealing their immunomodulatory properties. As a preliminary result, it could be deduced that the inhibition of NO by the olive leaf extract may depend on the type of phenolic compounds rather than on the total phenolic contents. This is the first time that whole phenolic extracts of olive leaves have been used in in vitro study of their anti-inflammatory properties.

Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a low-grade chronic inflammation in multiple organs have been demonstrated in obesity. Morus alba leaves extracts (MAEs) have been used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory agents. In this work, the bioactive compounds of different genotypes of M. alba L. (Filipina, Valenciana Temprana, Kokuso, and Italia) were analyzed not only by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography–electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-TOF-MS), but also screened for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity by means of DPPH• radical scavenging assay and Caenorhabditis elegans model. These MAEs were administered daily in a model of diet-induced obesity in mice. Filipina and Italia genotypes significantly reduced weight gain, the glycemic levels in high fat diet, as well as, levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Filipina and Italia MAEs also reduced the expression of proinflammatory mediators such as Tnf-α, Il-1β, Il-6 and increased the levels of adiponectin and AMPK, which exert anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, Italia genotype ameliorated the intestinal barrier function. In conclusion, Filipina and Italia methanolic extracts show the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, due to the presence of compounds such as protocatechuic acid or quercetin-3-glucoside, and they could be developed as a complementary treatment for obesity and metabolic disorders.

The beneficial effects of probiotics on immune-based pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been well reported. However, their exact mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Few studies have focused on the impact of probiotics on the composition of the colonic microbiota. The aim of the present study was to correlate the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of mouse colitis with the changes induced in colonic microbiota populations. EcN prevented the DSS-induced colonic damage, as evidenced by lower disease activity index (DAI) values and colonic weight/length ratio, when compared with untreated control mice. The beneficial effects were confirmed biochemically, since the probiotic treatment improved the colonic expression of different cytokines and proteins involved in epithelial integrity. In addition, it restored the expression of different micro-RNAs (miR-143, miR-150, miR-155, miR-223, and miR-375) involved in the inflammatory response that occurs in colitic mice. Finally, the characterization of the colonic microbiota by pyrosequencing showed that the probiotic administration was able to counteract the dysbiosis associated with the intestinal inflammatory process. This effect was evidenced by an increase in bacterial diversity in comparison with untreated colitic mice. The intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of the probiotic EcN were associated with an amelioration of the altered gut microbiome in mouse experimental colitis, especially when considering bacterial diversity, which is reduced in these intestinal conditions. Moreover, this probiotic has shown an ability to modulate expression levels of miRNAs and different mediators of the immune response involved in gut inflammation. This modulation could also be of great interest to understand the mechanism of action of this probiotic in the treatment of IBD.

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a probiotic strain with proven efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis. However, the microbial factors that mediate these beneficial effects are not fully known. Gram-negative bacteria release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a direct pathway for delivering selected bacterial proteins and active compounds to the host. In fact, vesicles released by gut microbiota are emerging as key players in signaling processes in the intestinal mucosa. In the present study, the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model was used to investigate the potential of EcN OMVs to ameliorate mucosal injury and inflammation in the gut. The experimental protocol involved pre-treatment with OMVs for 10 days before DSS intake, and a 5-day recovery period. Oral administration of purified EcN OMVs (5 μg/day) significantly reduced DSS-induced weight loss and ameliorated clinical symptoms and histological scores. OMVs treatment counteracted altered expression of cytokines and markers of intestinal barrier function. This study shows for the first time that EcN OMVs can mediate the anti-inflammatory and barrier protection effects previously reported for this probiotic in experimental colitis. Remarkably, translation of probiotics to human healthcare requires knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in probiotic–host interactions. Thus, OMVs, as a non-replicative bacterial form, could be explored as a new probiotic-derived therapeutic approach, with even lower risk of adverse events than probiotic administration.

This study evaluated the intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of goat whey in a mouse model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid that resembles human IBD. At a concentration of 4 g/kg/day, the goat whey improved the symptoms of intestinal inflammation, namely by decreasing the disease activity index, colonic weight/length, and leukocyte infiltration. Moreover, goat whey inhibited NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways and consequently down-regulated the gene expression of various proinflammatory markers such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, iNOS, MMP-9, ICAM-1. Also, goat whey increased the expression of proteins such as mucins, occludin proteins and cytokine signalling suppressors. The immunomodulatory properties of goat whey were also evaluated in vitro using the murine macrophage cell line Raw 264 and CMT-93 cells derived from mouse rectum carcinomas. The results revealed the ability of goat whey to inhibit the production of NO and reduce IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated cells. In conclusion, goat whey exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in the DNBS model of intestinal inflammation, and these observations were confirmed by its immunomodulatory properties in vitro. Together, our results indicate that goat whey could have applications for the treatment of IBD.

Two analytical platforms, gas chromatography (GC) coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) and reversed-phase ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to diode array (DAD) and QTOF detection, were applied in order to study the alkaloid profile of Fumaria capreolata. The use of these mass analyzers enabled tentatively identifying the alkaloids by matching their accurate mass signals and suggested molecular formulae with those previously reported in libraries and databases. Moreover, the proposed structures were corroborated by studying their fragmentation pattern obtained by both platforms. In this way, 8 and 26 isoquinoline alkaloids were characterized using GC-QTOF-MS and RP-UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS, respectively, and they belonged to the following subclasses: protoberberine, protopine, aporphine, benzophenanthridine, spirobenzylisoquinoline, morphinandienone, and benzylisoquinoline. Moreover, the latter analytical method was selected to determine at 280 nm the concentration of protopine (9.6 ± 0.7 mg/g), a potential active compound of the extract. In conclusion, although GC-MS has been commonly used for the analysis of this type of phytochemicals, RP-UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS provided essential complementary information. This analytical method can be applied for the quality control of phytopharmaceuticals containing Fumaria extracts currently found in the market.

The beneficial effects of various polyphenols with plant origins on different cardiovascular-associated disorders, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2 and metabolic syndrome are well known. Recently, marine crude-drugs are emerging as potential treatments in many noncommunicable conditions, including those involving the cardiovascular system. Among the active compounds responsible for these activities, seaweed polyphenols seem to play a key role. The aim of the present review is to summarise the current knowledge about the beneficial effects reported for edible seaweed polyphenols in the amelioration of these prevalent conditions, focusing on both preclinical and clinical studies. This review will help to establish the basis for future studies in this promising field.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inmunomodulatory effects of UR-1505, a new salicylate derivative, on the T helper (Th)2 / humoral response produced during dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced rat colitis. In the in vitro studies, UR-1505 (300 μM) inhibited both the production of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-5 in concanavalin A (Con A)-activated splenocytes and the production of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA by B-lymphocytes. However, in contrast to the in vitro results, the administration of UR-1505 (10 and 30 mg/kg per day) to rats with established DSS-colitis enhanced both IL-10 and IgA production, whereas it inhibited IgG production, thus ameliorating the intestinal inflammation. Keywords:: inflammatory bowel disease, B lymphocyte, Th2-cytokine