Biological and Functional Properties of Wedelolactone in Human Chronic Diseases

Medicinal herbs are well known and studied over the past millennia in most of the developing countries as a rational means of treatment against various diseases and disorders. Wedelolactone (WDL), a major bioactive compound in Eclipta prostrata L (Eclipta alba L), has been reported with potential benefits in human health against chronic diseases. However, a comprehensive study on WDL pharmacological benefits in various ailments, to the best of our knowledge, is not yet reported. Thereof, the present review provides the recent therapeutic applications in reference to biological and functional activities against major human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and androgenetic alopecia. In this study, we collected all the relevant experimental information on WDL from Scientific databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Conclusively, WDL is recognized as a key anti-oxidant with both specific regulator and inhibitor of major drug targetable proteins in human chronic diseases and disorders. Hence, WDL as a novel therapeutic bioactive molecule is advised to explore further for relevant pharmacological activities.     

Functional oligosaccharides: production,properties and applications

Worldwide interest in oligosaccharides has been increasing ever since they were accorded the prebiotic status. The oligosaccharides of various origin like, bacteria, algae, fungi and higher plants have been used extensively both as food ingredients and pharmacological supplements. The non-digestible oligosaccharides have been implicated as dietary fibre, sweetener, weight controlling agent and humectant in confectioneries, bakeries and breweries. Functional oligosaccharides have been found effective in gastrointestinal normal flora proliferation and pathogen suppression, dental caries prevention, enhancement of immunity, facilitation of mineral absorption, source of antioxidant, antibiotic alternative, regulators of blood glucose in diabetics and serum lipids in hyperlipidemics. Apart from the pharmacological applications, oligosaccharides have found use in drug delivery, cosmetics, animal and fishery feed, agriculture, etc. Keeping in view the importance of the functional oligosaccharides, we present an overview of their natural sources, types, structures, physiological properties. Conventional as well as novel synthesis, purification and analysis methods are summarized. Recent promising developments in this area are presented to facilitate their further exploitation.     

Lignocellulose derived functional oligosaccharides: production,properties, and health benefits

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) is the renewable feedstock for the production of fuel/energy, feed/food, chemicals, and materials. LB could also be the versatile source of the functional oligosaccharides, which are non-digestible food ingredients having numerous applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical industries, and others. The burgeoning functional food demand is expected to be more than US$440 billion in 2022. Because of higher stability at low pH and high temperature, oligosaccharides stimulate the growth of prebiotic bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are major constituents of oligosaccharides consisting of 2–7 xylose monomeric units linked via β-(1,4)-linkages. XOS can be obtained from various agro-residues by thermochemical pretreatment, enzymatic or chemoenzymatic methods. While thermochemical methods are fast, reproducible, enzymatic methods are substrate specific, costly, and produce minimum side products. Enzymatic methods are preferred for the production of food grade and pharmaceutically important oligosaccharides. XOS are potent prebiotics having antioxidant properties and enhance the bio-adsorption of calcium and improving bowel functions, etc. LB can cater to the increasing demand of oligosaccharides because of their foreseeable amount and the advancements in technology to recover oligosaccharides. This paper summarizes the methods for oligosaccharides production from LB, classification, and benefits of oligosaccharides on human health.     

Phytosterols of marine algae: Insights into the potential health benefits and molecular pharmacology

BackgroundMarine algae are rich in some unique biologically active secondary metabolites having diverse pharmacological benefits. Of these, sterols comprise a group of functional lipid compounds that have attracted much attention to natural product scientists.PurposeThis review was aimed to update information on the health effects of algae-derived phytosterols and their molecular interactions in various aspects of human health and diseases and to address some future perspectives that may open up a new dimension of pharmacological potentials of algal sterols.MethodsA literature-based search was carried out to retrieve published research information on the potential health effects of algal phytosterols with their pharmacological mechanisms from accessible online databases, such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus, using the key search terms of ‘marine algae sterol’ and ‘health potentials such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory or anti-Alzheimer's or anti-obesity or cholesterol homeostasis or hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, etc.’ResultsPhytosterols of marine algae, particularly fucosterol, have been investigated for a plethora of health benefits, including anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-Alzheimer's, antiaging, anticancer, and hepatoprotection, among many others, which are attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, indicating their potentiality as therapeutic leads. These sterols interact with enzymes and various other proteins that are actively participating in different cellular pathways, including antioxidant defense system, apoptosis and cell survival, metabolism, and homeostasis.ConclusionIn this review, we briefly overview the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and distribution of algal sterols, and provide critical insights into their potential health effects and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms, beyond the well-known cholesterol-lowering paradigm.     

The multifaceted role of mTORC1 in the control of lipid metabolism

The mechanistic target of rapamycin is a protein kinase that, as part of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), senses both local nutrients and, through insulin signalling, systemic nutrients to control a myriad of cellular processes. Although roles for mTORC1 in promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting autophagy in response to nutrients have been well established, it is emerging as a central regulator of lipid homeostasis. Here, we discuss the growing genetic and pharmacological evidence demonstrating the functional importance of its signalling in controlling mammalian lipid metabolism, including lipid synthesis, oxidation, transport, storage and lipolysis, as well as adipocyte differentiation and function. Defining the role of mTORC1 signalling in these metabolic processes is crucial to understanding the pathophysiology of obesity and its relationship to complex diseases, including diabetes and cancer.     

Anthocyanins in corn: a wealth of genes for human health

Different epidemiological and preclinical studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods is associated to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and obesity. However, assigning a health property to anthocyanins or other classes of flavonoids may be limited by the influence of other metabolites of plant-based food consumed in the diet, acting as possible confounding factors. The development of model foods essentially isogenic and nutritionally identical except that in the type and quantity of plant bioactives to be studied represents an important tool in nutritional studies. The extensive knowledge of the regulation of flavonoid pathway in maize can be exploited to obtain ‘near-isogenic’ model foods, which differ only in the content of specific classes of flavonoids. Being obtainable by breeding strategies, maize model foods can provide functional foods that can be used for both animal feeding studies and human intervention trials for assessing the role of flavonoids or other bioactives in preventing chronic diseases. This review will be focused on recent advances regarding the anthocyanin biosynthesis in maize, the role of anthocyanins from corn in preventing chronic diseases and finally on the breeding activities to produce maize functional foods with increased anthocyanin content.     

Prebiotics and synbiotics: towards the next generation

Recent research in the area of prebiotic oligosaccharides and synbiotic combinations with probiotics is leading towards a more targeted development of functional food ingredients. Improved molecular techniques for analysis of the gut microflora, new manufacturing biotechnologies, and increased understanding of the metabolism of oligosaccharides by probiotics are facilitating development. Such developments are leading us to the time when we will be able to rationally develop prebiotics and synbiotics for specific functional properties and health outcomes.     

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in glucose and lipid metabolism

Nutrient availability is critical for the physiological functions of all tissues. By contrast, an excess of nutrients such as carbohydrate and fats impair health and shorten life due by stimulating chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration. The control of circulating glucose and lipid levels involve mitochondria in both central and peripheral mechanisms of metabolism regulation. Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) has been implicated in physiological and pathological processes related to glucose and lipid metabolism, and in this review we discuss the latest data on the relationships between UCP2 and glucose and lipid sensing from the perspective of specific hypothalamic neuronal circuits and peripheral tissue functions. The goal is to provide a framework for discussion of future therapeutic strategies for metabolism-related chronic diseases.     

Nutrition in the life cycle assessment of foods—function or impact?

Purpose

This work provides an unambiguous conceptual framework for inclusion of nutrition in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of food that enables the distinction between two different roles of nutrition, namely serving as the basis of food comparisons via the functional unit and as an impact pathway that links food ingestion with human health effects.

Methods

We compare how nutritional aspects have been considered in the functional unit of published LCAs of food with the procedural requirements for ensuring comparability of the functional units. We consider the relevance of nutrient profiling models for assessing food- and diet-related health damages and benefits in the context of LCAs of food. We finally recommend a method that will enable a systematic, comparative, and holistic assessment of the marginal health effect of food products on human health.

Results and discussion

Satiety is proposed as a central attribute for comparisons of food products, while weighted measures of nutrient content are suggested to be largely misplaced as part of the functional unit. In contrast, nutritional measures have a large role to play in assessing the human health impacts of the marginal ingestion of specific food products. Such measures should enable a direct quantification of human health effect and benefits and should take advantage of robust epidemiological evidence.

Conclusions

Nutritional measures enter into both the functional unit in the form of satiety measures and into the calculation of impacts in the form of the marginal influence of the specific food item on the human health impact of the overall diet. To enhance the differentiation of health impacts at the level of individual food items, it is recommended to combine the nutrient balance indicator with the DALY Nutritional Index (DANI) in each specific dietary context.

     

Identification of a sustainable two-plant diet that effectively prevents age-related metabolic syndrome and extends lifespan in aged mice

The current system of food production is linked to both the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and the deterioration of the environment, and thereby calls for novel ways of producing nutritious foods in a sustainable manner. In the “longevity village” of Bama, China, we have identified two plant foods, hemp seed and bitter vegetable (Sonchus oleraceus), that are commonly consumed by its residents and grow abundantly in unfarmed land without fertilizers or pesticides. Here, we show that a diet composed of these two foods (the “HB diet”) provides a sufficient variety of nutrients and confers significant health benefits. Aged mice allowed ad libitum access to the HB diet not only had longer life spans and improved cognitive function but were also protected against age-related metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation compared to aged mice fed a control Western diet. Furthermore, longevity-related genes (including 5′adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, sirtuin 1, nuclear respiratory factor 1 and forkhead box O3) were significantly up-regulated, while aging-related genes (including mammalian target of rapamycin and nuclear factor kappa B) were down-regulated. These results demonstrate that the HB diet is capable of promoting health and longevity, and present a sustainable source of healthy foods that can help control the prevalence of chronic diseases and reduce agricultural impact on the environment.     

Alteration of polyunsaturated fatty acid status and metabolism in health and disease

Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) cannot be synthesised in the body and must be ingested by food. A balanced intake of both n-6 and n-3 PUFA is essential for good health. PUFA are the basic constituents of phospholipid membranes and determine cellular membrane fluidity and modulate enzyme activities, carriers and membrane receptors. They are also precursors of active metabolites known collectively as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes) which regulate our cellular functions. Studies indicate that n-3 PUFA have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic actions and immuno-modulating properties. Erythrocyte fatty acid status is a reflection of dietary fat intake. It also explores PUFA metabolism and gives information about the integration of these fatty acids into cellular membranes. Thus, erythrocyte fatty acid analysis can detect PUFA insufficiencies and imbalances from the diet, but also metabolic abnormalities and lipid peroxidation. It can be helpful in the prevention and the control of chronic diseases in which PUFA alterations have been observed as coronary heart diseases, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory and auto-immune disorders, atopic eczema, Alzheimer dementia, major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, etc.     

富硒虫草的研究进展

虫草是传统名贵中药,具有抗癌、抗菌、调节免疫、降血脂、降血糖等广泛的药理作用;硒是人体必需的微量元素,具有抗癌、抗氧化、抗衰老等多种生理功能,与许多种疾病密切相关。利用虫草菌将无机硒转化为有机硒,实现虫草与硒的有机结合,研究功能更好的富硒虫草,无论作为药用、保健品还是补硒食品都具有很重要的现实意义。本文综述二十余年来富硒虫草的研究状况。     

The role of herbs and spices in cancer prevention

Historically, herbs and spices have enjoyed a rich tradition of use for their flavor enhancement characteristics and for their medicinal properties. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide and the corresponding rise in health care costs is propelling interest among researchers and the public for multiple health benefits related to these food items, including a reduction in cancer risk and modification of tumor behavior. A growing body of epidemiological and preclinical evidence points to culinary herbs and spices as minor dietary constituents with multiple anticancer characteristics. This review focuses on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumorigenic properties of herbs and spices; their ability to influence carcinogen bioactivation; and likely anticancer contributions. While culinary herbs and spices present intriguing possibilities for health promotion, more complete information is needed about the actual exposures to dietary components that are needed to bring about a response and the molecular target(s) for specific herbs and spices. Only after this information is obtained will it be possible to define appropriate intervention strategies to achieve maximum benefits from herbs and spices without eliciting ill consequences.     

Plant science and human nutrition: challenges in assessing health-promoting properties of phytochemicals

The rise in noncommunicable chronic diseases associated with changing diet and lifestyles throughout the world is a major challenge for society. It is possible that certain dietary components within plants have roles both in reducing the incidence and progression of these diseases. We critically review the types of evidence used to support the health promoting activities of certain phytochemicals and plant-based foods and summarize the major contributions but also the limitations of epidemiological and observational studies and research with the use of cell and animal models. We stress the need for human intervention studies to provide high-quality evidence for health benefits of dietary components derived from plants.     

Non-digestible oligosaccharides used as prebiotic agents: mode of production and beneficial effects on animal and human health

Prebiotic agents are food ingredients that are potentially beneficial to the health of consumers. The main commercial prebiotic agents consist of oligosaccharides and dietary fibres (mainly inulin). They are essentially obtained by one of three processes: 1) the direct extraction of natural polysaccharides from plants; 2) the controlled hydrolysis of such natural polysaccharides; 3) enzymatic synthesis, using hydrolases and/or glycosyl transferases. Both of these enzyme types catalyse transglycosylation reactions, allowing synthesis of small molecular weight synthetic oligosaccharides from mono- and disaccharides. Presently, in Europe, inulin-type fructans, characterised by the presence of fructosyl units bound to the beta-2,1 position of sucrose, are considered as one of the carbohydrate prebiotic references. Prebiotics escape enzymatic digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and enter the caecum without change to their structure. None are excreted in the stools, indicating that they are fermented by colonic flora so as to give a mixture of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate), L-lactate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. By stimulating bifidobacteria, they may have the following implications for health: 1) potential protective effects against colorectal cancer and infectious bowel diseases by inhibiting putrefactive bacteria (Clostridium perfringens ) and pathogen bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Shigella ), respectively; 2) improvement of glucid and lipid metabolisms; 3) fibre-like properties by decreasing the renal nitrogen excretion; 4) improvement in the bioavailability of essential minerals; and 5) low cariogenic factor. These potential beneficial effects have been largely studied in animals but have not really been proven in humans. The development of a second generation of oligosaccharides and the putative implication of a complex bacterial trophic chain in the intestinal prebiotic fermentation process are also discussed.     

微藻的药用、保健价值及研究开发现状(综述)

本文综述微藻中的各种药理活性物质及已投入市场的微藻产品的药用,保健价值,以及微藻保健与功能食品的研究开发现状。     

Transdisciplinary research and clinical priorities for better health

Modern medicine makes it possible for many people to live with multiple chronic diseases for decades, but this has enormous social, financial, and environmental consequences. Preclinical, epidemiological, and clinical trial data have shown that many of the most common chronic diseases are largely preventable with nutritional and lifestyle interventions that are targeting well-characterized signaling pathways and the symbiotic relationship with our microbiome. Most of the research priorities and spending for health are focused on finding new molecular targets for the development of biotech and pharmaceutical products. Very little is invested in mechanism-based preventive science, medicine, and education. We believe that overly enthusiastic expectations regarding the benefits of pharmacological research for disease treatment have the potential to impact and distort not only medical research and practice but also environmental health and sustainable economic growth. Transitioning from a primarily disease-centered medical system to a balanced preventive and personalized treatment healthcare system is key to reduce social disparities in health and achieve financially sustainable, universal health coverage for all. In this Perspective article, we discuss a range of science-based strategies, policies, and structural reforms to design an entire new disease prevention–centered science, educational, and healthcare system that maximizes both human and environmental health.

Luigi Fontana and co-authors discuss present and future challenges, and possible solutions, for global health and health care provision.

Environmental degradation, global warming, and rising pollution are impairing planetary health even as lifestyle- and age-related chronic diseases and emerging infectious diseases are devastating human lives. These are among the greatest challenges facing society today, since people are living longer but often not healthier lives. More than 65% of people over 65 years have 2 or more chronic diseases [1,2]. The current epidemic of obesity, beginning in children, is laying the foundation for even greater problems in the near future, including a reduction in healthy life expectancy. Governmental health expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product is expected to more than double by 2050, making many existing health funding models unsustainable [3]. Additionally, the present medical approach to chronic diseases in the United States and other affluent countries has vast consequences on planetary health and global economic development. In brief, this reactive “sick-care” medical system is not efficient, equitable, or even viable. Similar problems are now affecting low-income countries, where the epidemiological transition to noncommunicable diseases is coupled with a still high incidence of infectious diseases, dramatic environmental dilapidation, lack of medical resources, and limited support for social and health promotion activities, resulting in increasing inequalities and poverty.     

Key factors for the success of functional foods

The concept of Functional Food originates in a research project started in 1984. It triggered the introduction of a health claim system for Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) in 1991. In parallel with the implementation and subsequent regulatory changes, the administration has been intensifying its control over so-called health foods and the FOSHU examination has become more stringent. In spite of the unfavorable regulatory circumstances, being inspired by academic society, many of the food industries have developed functional foods and launched them into the market as FOSHU products to bring about an annual increasing rate of 130% in the total sales amount. On the other hand, the public concern about health and nutrition is soaring. Consumers are becoming more alert to health claims and seeking much more advanced information about food products than before. Taking all of this into account, the key factors for the success of functional foods could be summarized in the following four points. 1) Use of innovative technology in scientific developments resulting in health benefits 2) A variety of new functional foods to be developed by the industries 3) Amendment of functional foods' regulations 4) Improving the consumer's understanding and knowledge of foods claiming a health benefit.     

Acute heart inflammation: ultrastructural and functional aspects of macrophages elicited by Trypanosoma cruzi infection

The heart is the main target organ of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi , the causal agent of Chagas' disease, a significant public health issue and still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. During the acute disease, tissue damage in the heart is related to the intense myocardium parasitism. To control parasite multiplication, cells of the monocytic lineage are highly mobilized. In response to inflammatory and immune stimulation, an intense migration and extravasation of monocytes occurs from the bloodstream into heart. Monocyte differentiation leads to the formation of tissue phagocytosing macrophages, which are strongly activated and direct host defence. Newly elicited monocyte-derived macrophages both undergo profound physiological changes and display morphological heterogeneity that greatly differs from originally non-inflammatory macrophages, and underlie their functional activities as potent inflammatory cells. Thus, activated macrophages play a critical role in the outcome of parasite infection. This review covers functional and ultrastructural aspects of heart inflammatory macrophages triggered by the acute Chagas' disease, including recent discoveries on morphologically distinct, inflammation-related organelles, termed lipid bodies, which are actively formed in vivo within macrophages in response to T. cruzi infection. These findings are defining a broader role for lipid bodies as key markers of macrophage activation during innate immune responses to infectious diseases and attractive targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Modulation of macrophage activation may be central in providing therapeutic benefits for Chagas' disease control.