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Open AccessArticle

Cocoa Shell Extract Reduces Blood Pressure in Aged Hypertensive Rats via the Cardiovascular Upregulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-Derived 2)-like 2 Protein Expression

by

Santiago Ruvira

,

Pilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez

,

David Ramiro-Cortijo

,

María Martín-Trueba

,

María A. Martín-Cabrejas

and

Silvia M. Arribas

Antioxidants 2023, 12(9), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12091698 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Cocoa shell is a by-product of cocoa manufacturing. We obtained an aqueous extract (CSE) rich in polyphenols and methylxanthines with antioxidant and vasodilatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the effects of CSE supplementation in aged hypertensive rats on blood pressure and the mechanism [...] Read more.

Cocoa shell is a by-product of cocoa manufacturing. We obtained an aqueous extract (CSE) rich in polyphenols and methylxanthines with antioxidant and vasodilatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the effects of CSE supplementation in aged hypertensive rats on blood pressure and the mechanism implicated. Eighteen-month-old male and female rats exposed to undernutrition during the fetal period who developed hypertension, with a milder form in females, were used (MUN rats). Systolic blood pressure (SBP; tail-cuff plethysmography) and a blood sample were obtained before (basal) and after CSE supplementation (250 mg/kg; 2 weeks, 5 days/week). Plasma SOD, catalase activity, GSH, carbonyls, and lipid peroxidation were assessed (spectrophotometry). In hearts and aortas from supplemented and non-supplemented age-matched rats, we evaluated the protein expression of SOD-2, catalase, HO-1, UCP-2, total and phosphorylated Nrf2 and e-NOS (Western blot), and aorta media thickness (confocal microscopy). MUN males had higher SBP compared with females, which was reduced via CSE supplementation with a significant difference for group, sex, and interaction effect. After supplementation with plasma, GSH, but not catalase or SOD, was elevated in males and females. Compared with non-supplemented rats, CSE-supplemented males and females exhibited increased aorta e-NOS and Nrf2 protein expression and cardiac phosphorylated-Nrf2, without changes in SOD-2, catalase, HO-1, or UCP-2 in cardiovascular tissues or aorta remodeling. In conclusion, CSE supplementation induces antihypertensive actions related to the upregulation of e-NOS and Nrf2 expression and GSH elevation and a possible direct antioxidant effect of CSE bioactive components. Two weeks of supplementation may be insufficient to increase antioxidant enzyme expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Multi-Omics Approach Reveals Prebiotic and Potential Antioxidant Effects of Essential Oils from the Mediterranean Diet on Cardiometabolic Disorder Using Humanized Gnotobiotic Mice

by

María José Sánchez-Quintero

,

,

,

,

,

Víctor M. Becerra-Muñoz

,

Mario Estévez

,

María G. Crespo-Leiro

,

Guillermo Paz López

,

Andrés González-Jiménez

,

Juan A. G. Ranea

,

María Isabel Queipo-Ortuño

,

Isaac Plaza-Andrades

,

Jorge Rodríguez-Capitán

,

Francisco Javier Pavón-Morón

and

Manuel F. Jiménez-Navarro

Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081643 - 20 Aug 2023

Viewed by 619

Abstract

Essential oils sourced from herbs commonly used in the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated advantageous attributes as nutraceuticals and prebiotics within a model of severe cardiometabolic disorder. The primary objective of this study was to assess the influences exerted by essential oils derived from [...] Read more.

Essential oils sourced from herbs commonly used in the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated advantageous attributes as nutraceuticals and prebiotics within a model of severe cardiometabolic disorder. The primary objective of this study was to assess the influences exerted by essential oils derived from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) via a comprehensive multi-omics approach within a gnotobiotic murine model featuring colonic microbiota acquired from patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our findings demonstrated prebiotic and potential antioxidant effects elicited by these essential oils. We observed a substantial increase in the relative abundance of the Lactobacillus genus in the gut microbiota, accompanied by higher levels of short-chain fatty acids and a reduction in trimethylamine N-oxide levels and protein oxidation in the plasma. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis of the cardiac tissue proteome unveiled an over-representation of pathways related to mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and cardiac contraction. These findings provide compelling evidence of the prebiotic and antioxidant actions of thyme- and oregano-derived essential oils, which extend to cardiac function. These results encourage further investigation into the promising utility of essential oils derived from herbs commonly used in the Mediterranean diet as potential nutraceutical interventions for mitigating chronic diseases linked to CAD and T2DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Plasma Carotenoids and Polyphenols and Their Association with MetS: The Need for Nutritional Interventions

by

Agnieszka Białkowska

,

Magdalena Górnicka

,

Monika A. Zielinska-Pukos

,

Ewelina Hallmann

and

Jadwiga Hamulka

Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071336 - 24 Jun 2023

Viewed by 555

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased pro-oxidative stress and a chronic inflammation state and their consequent alterations. Several studies have highlighted the protective effect of carotenoids and polyphenols in MetS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma level of selected carotenoids [...] Read more.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased pro-oxidative stress and a chronic inflammation state and their consequent alterations. Several studies have highlighted the protective effect of carotenoids and polyphenols in MetS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma level of selected carotenoids and polyphenols and to determine their relationship with MetS severity, MetS components, and inflammatory markers in Polish adults with metabolic disorders. It was designed as a cross-sectional study. The final study group comprised 275 adults, including 158 women and 117 men. Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of selected food groups. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, and indicators (parameters) of metabolic disorders. Plasma concentrations of selected carotenoids and polyphenols were low in adults with MetS. The highest concentrations of carotenoids and polyphenols in the blood were observed for lutein and phenolic acids (including gallic and p-coumaric acids). Nevertheless, a correlation was found between the individual bioactive compounds and MetS components. In terms of the lipid profile, our study showed that the plasma of the selected carotenoids and polyphenols positively correlated with HDL cholesterol (zeaxanthin; total carotenoids), LDL cholesterol (chlorogenic acid), triglycerides (lycopene), and the total cholesterol (kaempferol). We found that the level of CRP as a marker of inflammation negatively correlated with the concentration of zeaxanthin. In our study group, no relationship was found between the dietary antioxidant intensity and the variables studied, which may be attributed to the low frequency of consumption of the sources of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, but also to the metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether these associations are causally related to the metabolic syndrome or are a result of the pathologies of the syndrome or improper diet with a low intake of vegetables and fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Crocetin on Basal Lipolysis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

by

Francisco J. Cimas

,

Miguel Ángel De la Cruz-Morcillo

,

Carmen Cifuentes

,

Natalia Moratalla-López

,

Gonzalo L. Alonso

,

Eduardo Nava

and

Sílvia Llorens

Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061254 - 11 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1230

Abstract

Crocetin (CCT) is a natural saffron-derived apocarotenoid that possesses healthy properties such as anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Lipolysis is enhanced in obesity and correlates with a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant state. In this context, we aimed to investigate whether CCT affects lipolysis. To evaluate [...] Read more.

Crocetin (CCT) is a natural saffron-derived apocarotenoid that possesses healthy properties such as anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Lipolysis is enhanced in obesity and correlates with a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant state. In this context, we aimed to investigate whether CCT affects lipolysis. To evaluate CCT’s possible lipolytic effect, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with CCT10μM at day 5 post-differentiation. Glycerol content and antioxidant activity were assessed using colorimetric assays. Gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR to evaluate the effect of CCT on key lipolytic enzymes and on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression. Total lipid accumulation was assessed using Oil Red O staining. CCT10μM decreased glycerol release from 3T3-L1 adipocytes and downregulated adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and perilipin-1, but not hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), suggesting an anti-lipolytic effect. CCT increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, thus showing an antioxidant effect. In addition, CCT exhibited an anti-inflammatory profile, i.e., diminished inducible NOS (NOS2) and resistin expression, while enhanced the expression of adiponectin. CCT10μM also decreased intracellular fat and C/EBPα expression (a transcription factor involved in adipogenesis), thus revealing an anti-adipogenic effect. These findings point to CCT as a promising biocompound for improving lipid mobilisation in obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Resveratrol-Enriched Bread on Cardiac Remodeling in a Preclinical Model of Diabetes

by

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,

,

Ana I. Faustino-Rocha

,

Maria de Lurdes Pinto

,

Manuel A. Coimbra

,

Artur M. S. Silva

and

Susana M. Cardoso

Antioxidants 2023, 12(5), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12051066 - 09 May 2023

Viewed by 1263

Abstract

The World Health Organization aims to stop the rise of diabetes by 2025, and diet is one of the most efficient non-pharmacological strategies used to prevent it. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural compound with anti-diabetic properties, and incorporating it into bread is a [...] Read more.

The World Health Organization aims to stop the rise of diabetes by 2025, and diet is one of the most efficient non-pharmacological strategies used to prevent it. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural compound with anti-diabetic properties, and incorporating it into bread is a suitable way to make it more accessible to consumers as it can be included as part of their daily diet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RSV-enriched bread in preventing early type 2 diabetes cardiomyopathy in vivo. Male Sprague Dawley rats (3 weeks old) were divided into four groups: controls with plain bread (CB) and RSV bread (CBR), and diabetics with plain bread (DB) and RSV bread (DBR). Type 2 diabetes was induced by adding fructose to the drinking water for two weeks followed by an injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg). Then, plain bread and RSV bread (10 mg RSV/kg body weight) were included in the rats’ diet for four weeks. Cardiac function, anthropometric, and systemic biochemical parameters were monitored, as well as the histology of the heart and molecular markers of regeneration, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Data showed that an RSV bread diet decreased the polydipsia and body weight loss observed in the early stages of the disease. At the cardiac level, an RSV bread diet diminished fibrosis but did not counteract the dysfunction and metabolic changes seen in fructose-fed STZ-injected rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Radical Scavenging and Cellular Antioxidant Activity of the Cocoa Shell Phenolic Compounds after Simulated Digestion

by

Silvia Cañas

,

Miguel Rebollo-Hernanz

,

Patricia Bermúdez-Gómez

,

Pilar Rodríguez-Rodríguez

,

,

,

,

and

María A. Martín-Cabrejas

Antioxidants 2023, 12(5), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12051007 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1175

Abstract

The cocoa industry generates a considerable quantity of cocoa shell, a by-product with high levels of methylxanthines and phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, the digestion process can extensively modify these compounds’ bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity as a consequence of their transformation. Hence, this work’s objective [...] Read more.

The cocoa industry generates a considerable quantity of cocoa shell, a by-product with high levels of methylxanthines and phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, the digestion process can extensively modify these compounds’ bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity as a consequence of their transformation. Hence, this work’s objective was to assess the influence of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the concentration of phenolic compounds found in the cocoa shell flour (CSF) and the cocoa shell extract (CSE), as well as to investigate their radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity in both intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) and hepatic (HepG2) cells. The CSF and the CSE exhibited a high amount of methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) and phenolic compounds, mainly gallic acid and (+)-catechin, which persisted through the course of the simulated digestion. Gastrointestinal digestion increased the antioxidant capacity of the CSF and the CSE, which also displayed free radical scavenging capacity during the simulated digestion. Neither the CSF nor the CSE exhibited cytotoxicity in intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) or hepatic (HepG2) cells. Moreover, they effectively counteracted oxidative stress triggered by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) while preventing the decline of glutathione, thiol groups, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in both cell lines. Our study suggests that the cocoa shell may serve as a functional food ingredient for promoting health, owing to its rich concentration of antioxidant compounds that could support combating the cellular oxidative stress associated with chronic disease development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Grape Pomace as a Renewable Source of Techno-Functional and Antioxidant Pectins

by

Roberto Megías-Pérez

,

Alvaro Ferreira-Lazarte

and

Mar Villamiel

Antioxidants 2023, 12(4), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040957 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968

Abstract

The food industry’s increasing demand for new functional ingredients that meet both organoleptic and healthy requirements has driven the exploration of new sources of functional ingredients in agro-industrial by-products. The aim of this work was to valorize grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L. [...] Read more.

The food industry’s increasing demand for new functional ingredients that meet both organoleptic and healthy requirements has driven the exploration of new sources of functional ingredients in agro-industrial by-products. The aim of this work was to valorize grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L. garnacha) as a source of pectins using food-grade extracting agents. Obtained pectins were evaluated for monomeric composition, methyl esterification, molecular weight, water retention, oil-holding capacity, and antioxidant properties. The relatively soft extraction conditions used permitted obtaining low methoxyl pectin (10–42%) enriched in homogalacturonan (38–45%) or rhamnogalacturonan (33–41%) with different branching degrees, molecular weight, and fewer impurities than those found in the scarce previous literature. The relationship between structure and functionality was studied. Among the different pectins obtained, the sample derived from the extraction with sodium citrate could resume the best characteristics, such as pectin purity and higher water retention and oil holding capacity. These results underscore the relevance of grape pomace as a viable alternative source of pectin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Sexual Dimorphism in the Expression of Cardiac and Hippocampal Renin-Angiotensin and Kallikrein–Kinin Systems in Offspring from Mice Exposed to Alcohol during Gestation

by

Gabriel Almeida da Silva

,

Allan Luís Barboza Atum

,

Leonardo Paroche de Matos

,

Guilherme Rabelo Nasuk

,

Bruna Calixto de Jesus

,

Telma Luciana Furtado Gouveia

,

Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu

,

Stella Regina Zamuner

and

José Antônio Silva Júnior

Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030541 - 21 Feb 2023

Viewed by 801

Abstract

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impairs fetal development. Alcohol consumption was shown to modulate the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). This study aimed to analyze the effects of PAE on the expression of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) peptide systems in the hippocampus [...] Read more.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impairs fetal development. Alcohol consumption was shown to modulate the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). This study aimed to analyze the effects of PAE on the expression of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) peptide systems in the hippocampus and heart of mice of both sexes. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy at a concentration of 10% (v/v). On postnatal day 45 (PN45), mouse hippocampi and left ventricles (LV) were collected and processed for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of components of the RAS and KKS. In PAE animals, more pronounced expression of AT1 and ACE mRNAs in males and a restored AT2 mRNA expression in females were observed in both tissues. In LV, increased AT2, ACE2, and B2 mRNA expressions were also observed in PAE females. Furthermore, high levels of H₂O₂ were observed in males from the PAE group in both tissues. Taken together, our results suggest that modulation of the expression of these peptidergic systems in PAE females may make them less susceptible to the effects of alcohol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Development and Myocardium of Adult Mice: Morphometric Changes, Transcriptional Modulation of Genes Related to Cardiac Dysfunction, and Antioxidant Cardioprotection

by

Allan Luís Barboza Atum

,

Leonardo Paroche de Matos

,

Bruna Calixto de Jesus

,

Guilherme Rabelo Nasuk

,

Gabriel Almeida da Silva

,

Caio Perez Gomes

,

João Bosco Pesquero

,

Stella Regina Zamuner

and

José Antônio Silva Júnior

Antioxidants 2023, 12(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12020256 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 961

Abstract

The impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) varies considerably between individuals, leading to morphological and genetic changes. However, minor changes usually go undetected in PAE children. We investigated PAE’s effects on gene transcription of genes related to cardiac dysfunction signaling in mouse myocardium [...] Read more.

The impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) varies considerably between individuals, leading to morphological and genetic changes. However, minor changes usually go undetected in PAE children. We investigated PAE’s effects on gene transcription of genes related to cardiac dysfunction signaling in mouse myocardium and morphological changes. C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to a 10% PAE protocol. In postnatal days 2 and 60 (PN2 and PN60), morphometric measurements in the offspring were performed. Ventricular samples of the heart were collected in PN60 from male offspring for quantification of mRNA expression of 47 genes of nine myocardial signal transduction pathways related to cardiovascular dysfunction. Animals from the PAE group presented low birth weight than the Control group, but the differences were abolished in adult mice. In contrast, the mice’s size was similar in PN2; however, PAE mice were oversized at PN60 compared with the Control group. Cardiac and ventricular indexes were increased in PAE mice. PAE modulated the mRNA expression of 43 genes, especially increasing the expressions of genes essential for maladaptive tissue remodeling. PAE animals presented increased antioxidant enzyme activities in the myocardium. In summary, PAE animals presented morphometric changes, transcription of cardiac dysfunction-related genes, and increased antioxidant protection in the myocardium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Selected Soybean Varieties Regulate Hepatic LDL-Cholesterol Homeostasis Depending on Their Glycinin:β-Conglycinin Ratio

by

Miguel Rebollo-Hernanz

,

Neal A. Bringe

and

Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia

Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010020 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 10269

Abstract

Clinical studies indicate that the consumption of soybean protein might reduce cholesterol and LDL levels preventing the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, soybean variety can influence soybean protein profile and therefore affect soybean protein health-promoting properties. This study investigated the composition and [...] Read more.

Clinical studies indicate that the consumption of soybean protein might reduce cholesterol and LDL levels preventing the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, soybean variety can influence soybean protein profile and therefore affect soybean protein health-promoting properties. This study investigated the composition and effects of nineteen soybean varieties digested under simulated gastrointestinal conditions on hepatic cholesterol metabolism and LDL oxidation in vitro. Soybean varieties exhibited a differential protein hydrolysis during gastrointestinal digestion. Soybean varieties could be classified according to their composition (high/low glycinin:β-conglycinin ratio) and capacity to inhibit HMGCR (IC₅₀ from 59 to 229 µg protein mL⁻¹). According to multivariate analyses, five soybean varieties were selected. These soybean varieties produced different peptide profiles and differently reduced cholesterol concentration (43–55%) by inhibiting HMGCR in fatty-acid-stimulated HepG2 hepatocytes. Selected digested soybean varieties inhibited cholesterol esterification, triglyceride production, VLDL secretion, and LDL recycling by reducing ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 and synchronously increasing LDLR expression. In addition, selected soybean varieties hindered LDL oxidation, reducing the formation of lipid peroxidation early (conjugated dienes) and end products (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal). The changes in HMGCR expression, cholesterol esterification, triglyceride accumulation, ANGPTL3 release, and malondialdehyde formation during LDL oxidation were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the glycinin:β-conglycinin ratio. Soybean varieties with lower glycinin:β-conglycinin exhibited a better potential in regulating cholesterol and LDL homeostasis in vitro. Consumption of soybean flour with a greater proportion of β-conglycinin may, consequently, improve the potential of the food ingredient to maintain healthy liver cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Protection against Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Alterations by Synthetic Peptides Derived from Erythrina edulis Seed Protein

by

Nathaly Rodríguez-Arana

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,

,

,

,

,

,

Christian Solis-Calero

and

Blanca Hernández-Ledesma

Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2101; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112101 - 25 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1289

Abstract

The ability of multifunctional food-derived peptides to act on different body targets make them promising alternatives in the prevention/management of chronic disorders. The potential of Erythrina edulis (pajuro) protein as a source of multifunctional peptides was proven. Fourteen selected synthetic peptides identified in [...] Read more.

The ability of multifunctional food-derived peptides to act on different body targets make them promising alternatives in the prevention/management of chronic disorders. The potential of Erythrina edulis (pajuro) protein as a source of multifunctional peptides was proven. Fourteen selected synthetic peptides identified in an alcalase hydrolyzate from pajuro protein showed in vitro antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and/or anti-obesity effects. The radical scavenging properties of the peptides could be responsible for the potent protective effects observed against the oxidative damage caused by FeSO₄ in neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, their affinity towards the binding cavity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) were predicted by molecular modeling. The results demonstrated that some peptides such as YPSY exhibited promising binding at both enzymes, supporting the role of pajuro protein as a novel ingredient of functional foods or nutraceuticals for prevention/management of oxidative stress, hypertension, and metabolic-alteration-associated chronic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Onion and Apple Functional Ingredients Intake Improves Antioxidant and Inflammatory Status and Vascular Injury in Obese Zucker Rats

by

Claudia Balderas

,

Javier Angulo

,

Alejandro Sevilleja-Ortiz

,

,

,

,

and

Concepción Sánchez-Moreno

Antioxidants 2022, 11(10), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101953 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1664

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of onion and apple functional ingredients in homozygous (fa/fa) obese Zucker rats. Rodents were fed three diets: standard diet [obese control (OC) group], standard diet containing 10% onion [obese onion 10% (OO) group] [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of onion and apple functional ingredients in homozygous (fa/fa) obese Zucker rats. Rodents were fed three diets: standard diet [obese control (OC) group], standard diet containing 10% onion [obese onion 10% (OO) group] and standard diet containing 10% apple [obese apple 10% (OA) group] for 8 weeks. Food intake and body weight gain were higher in obese than in lean rats. Food efficiency was lower in OO and AO groups compared with OC group. Within the obese groups, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, insulin and triglyceride-glucose index were lower in OO group than in OC group, and HDL-cholesterol was higher in OO group than in OC group. In general, antioxidant activity (ABTS^•+ and FRAP), antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx), GSH/GSSG ratio, nitrate/nitrite and GLP-1 increased in OO and OA groups compared with OC. Oxidative stress biomarkers, namely protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, 8-epi-prostaglandin F_2α, inflammatory and vascular injury biomarkers (PAI-1, TIMP-1, VEGF, sICAM-1, sE-Selectin, MCP-1) and leptin, were lower in OO and OA groups than in OC group. Endothelial impairment was partially reversed, and superoxide content and gene expression of NLRP3, NFKβ1 and COX2 decreased, in OO and OA groups with respect to OC group. The study demonstrates that high pressure-processed onion and apple functional ingredients administration to obese Zucker rats causes beneficial effects on metabolic health, in particular through improving food efficiency ratio; exerting pronounced lipid-lowering effects; reducing glycemia, insulinemia, and biomarkers of hepatic injury (ALT, AST); improving antioxidant, oxidative stress, inflammatory and vascular injury biomarkers, metabolic hormones, and endothelial function; and decreasing proinflammatory gene expression of NLRP3, NFKβ1 and COX2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Gastrointestinal Behavior of the Coffee Pulp Phenolic Compounds under Simulated Conditions

by

Silvia Cañas

,

Miguel Rebollo-Hernanz

,

Cheyenne Braojos

,

Vanesa Benítez

,

Rebeca Ferreras-Charro

,

Montserrat Dueñas

,

Yolanda Aguilera

and

María A. Martín-Cabrejas

Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091818 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

Numerous residues, such as the coffee pulp, are generated throughout coffee processing. This by-product is a source of antioxidant phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds and caffeine. However, the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds from the coffee pulp are physiologically limited to their bioaccessibility, [...] Read more.

Numerous residues, such as the coffee pulp, are generated throughout coffee processing. This by-product is a source of antioxidant phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds and caffeine. However, the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds from the coffee pulp are physiologically limited to their bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and biotransformation occurring during gastrointestinal digestion. Hence, this study explored the phenolic and caffeine profile in the coffee pulp flour (CPF) and extract (CPE), their intestinal bioaccessibility through in vitro digestion, and their potential bioavailability and colonic metabolism using in silico models. The CPE exhibited a higher concentration of phenolic compounds than the CPF, mainly phenolic acids (protocatechuic, chlorogenic, and gallic acids), followed by flavonoids, particularly quercetin derivatives. Caffeine was found in higher concentrations than phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity was increased throughout the digestive process. The coffee pulp matrix influenced phytochemicals’ behavior during gastrointestinal digestion. Whereas individual phenolic compounds generally decreased during digestion, caffeine remained stable. Then, phenolic acids and caffeine were highly bioaccessible, while flavonoids were mainly degraded. As a result, caffeine and protocatechuic acid were the main compounds absorbed in the intestine after digestion. Non-absorbed phenolic compounds might undergo colonic biotransformation yielding small and potentially more adsorbable phenolic metabolites. These results contribute to establishing the coffee pulp as an antioxidant food ingredient since it contains bioaccessible and potentially bioavailable phytochemicals with potential health-promoting properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessReview

Grape Pomace as a Cardiometabolic Health-Promoting Ingredient: Activity in the Intestinal Environment

by

Diego Taladrid

,

Miguel Rebollo-Hernanz

,

Maria A. Martin-Cabrejas

,

M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas

and

Begoña Bartolomé

Antioxidants 2023, 12(4), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040979 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

Grape pomace (GP) is a winemaking by-product particularly rich in (poly)phenols and dietary fiber, which are the main active compounds responsible for its health-promoting effects. These components and their metabolites generated at the intestinal level have been shown to play an important role [...] Read more.

Grape pomace (GP) is a winemaking by-product particularly rich in (poly)phenols and dietary fiber, which are the main active compounds responsible for its health-promoting effects. These components and their metabolites generated at the intestinal level have been shown to play an important role in promoting health locally and systemically. This review focuses on the potential bioactivities of GP in the intestinal environment, which is the primary site of interaction for food components and their biological activities. These mechanisms include (i) regulation of nutrient digestion and absorption (GP has been shown to inhibit enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, protease, and lipase, which can help to reduce blood glucose and lipid levels, and to modulate the expression of intestinal transporters, which can also help to regulate nutrient absorption); (ii) modulation of gut hormone levels and satiety (GP stimulates GLP-1, PYY, CCK, ghrelin, and GIP release, which can help to regulate appetite and satiety); (iii) reinforcement of gut morphology (including the crypt-villi structures, which can improve nutrient absorption and protect against intestinal damage); (iv) protection of intestinal barrier integrity (through tight junctions and paracellular transport); (v) modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways; and (vi) impact on gut microbiota composition and functionality (leading to increased production of SCFAs and decreased production of LPS). The overall effect of GP within the gut environment reinforces the intestinal function as the first line of defense against multiple disorders, including those impacting cardiometabolic health. Future research on GP’s health-promoting properties should consider connections between the gut and other organs, including the gut-heart axis, gut-brain axis, gut-skin axis, and oral-gut axis. Further exploration of these connections, including more human studies, will solidify GP’s role as a cardiometabolic health-promoting ingredient and contribute to the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Foods and Cardiometabolic Health - 2nd Edition)

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