International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 1825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance in HF-Fed PLTP Deficient Mice Is Related to Altered Inflammatory Response and Plasma Transport of Gut-Derived LPS

by Lorène J. Lebrun, Gaëtan Pallot, Maxime Nguyen, Annabelle Tavernier, Alois Dusuel, Thomas Pilot, Valérie Deckert, Isabelle Dugail, Naig Le Guern, Jean-Paul Pais De Barros, Anissa Benkhaled, Hélène Choubley, Laurent Lagrost, David Masson, Thomas Gautier and Jacques Grober

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13226; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113226 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxins) are found in high amounts in the gut lumen. LPS can cross the gut barrier and pass into the blood (endotoxemia), leading to low-grade inflammation, a common scheme in metabolic diseases. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) can transfer circulating LPS [...] Read more.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxins) are found in high amounts in the gut lumen. LPS can cross the gut barrier and pass into the blood (endotoxemia), leading to low-grade inflammation, a common scheme in metabolic diseases. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) can transfer circulating LPS to plasma lipoproteins, thereby promoting its detoxification. However, the impact of PLTP on the metabolic fate and biological effects of gut-derived LPS is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of PLTP on low-grade inflammation, obesity and insulin resistance in relationship with LPS intestinal translocation and metabolic endotoxemia. Wild-type (WT) mice were compared with Pltp-deficient mice (Pltp-KO) after a 4-month high-fat (HF) diet or oral administration of labeled LPS. On a HF diet, Pltp-KO mice showed increased weight gain, adiposity, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities and inflammation, together with a higher exposure to endotoxemia compared to WT mice. After oral administration of LPS, PLTP deficiency led to increased intestinal translocation and decreased association of LPS to lipoproteins, together with an altered catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL). Our results show that PLTP, by modulating the intestinal translocation of LPS and plasma processing of TRL-bound LPS, has a major impact on low-grade inflammation and the onset of diet-induced metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Angelicae tenussimae with Aspergillus oryzae Improves Skin Barrier Properties, Moisturizing, and Anti-Inflammatory Responses

by Chang-Woo Ha, Eun-Hwa Sohn, Sung-Hyeok Kim, Sohee Jang, Myung-Rye Park, Youn-Kyu Kim and In-Young Bae

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(20), 12072; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012072 - 11 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1459

Abstract

Angelicae tenussimae root has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia. Recently, anti-melanogenic and anti-photogenic effects of fermented A. tenuissima root (FAT) were identified. However, information about the anti-atopic dermatitis action of FAT is limited. Thus, the purpose of this study is [...] Read more.

Angelicae tenussimae root has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia. Recently, anti-melanogenic and anti-photogenic effects of fermented A. tenuissima root (FAT) were identified. However, information about the anti-atopic dermatitis action of FAT is limited. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the applicability of FAT to AD by identifying the efficacy of FAT on the skin barrier and inflammatory response, which are the main pathogenesis of AD. Expression levels of skin barrier components and the production of inflammatory mediators in human keratinocyte and mouse macrophage cells were measured by quantitative RT-PCR or ELISA. FAT upregulated the expression of skin barrier components (filaggrin, involucrin, loricurin, SPTLC1) and inhibited the secretion of an inflammatory chemokine TARC in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, it suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In addition, ligustilide increased filaggrin and SPTLC1, and also lowered pro-inflammatory mediators that increased in atopic environments, such as in FAT results. This means that ligustilide, one of the active ingredients derived from FAT, can ameliorate AD, at least in part, by promoting skin barrier formation and downregulating inflammatory mediators. These results suggest that FAT is a potential functional cosmetic material for the care and management of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dried Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Alleviates the Inflammation and Adverse Metabolic Effects Caused by a High-Fat Diet in a Mouse Model of Obesity

by Toini Pemmari, Mari Hämäläinen, Riitta Ryyti, Rainer Peltola and Eeva Moilanen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911021 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide. It is often associated with co-morbidities such as type II diabetes, atherosclerotic diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The risk of these diseases can be lowered by relieving the systemic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity, even without [...] Read more.

Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide. It is often associated with co-morbidities such as type II diabetes, atherosclerotic diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The risk of these diseases can be lowered by relieving the systemic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity, even without noticeable weight loss. Bilberry is an anthocyanin-rich wild berry with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, a high-fat-diet-induced mouse model of obesity was used to investigate the effects of air-dried bilberry powder on weight gain, systemic inflammation, lipid and glucose metabolism, and changes in the gene expression in adipose and hepatic tissues. The bilberry supplementation was unable to modify the weight gain, but it prevented the increase in the hepatic injury marker ALT and many inflammatory factors like SAA, MCP1, and CXCL14 induced by the high-fat diet. The bilberry supplementation also partially prevented the increase in serum cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels. In conclusion, the bilberry supplementation alleviated the systemic and hepatic inflammation and retarded the development of unwanted changes in the lipid and glucose metabolism induced by the high-fat diet. Thus, the bilberry supplementation seemed to support to retain a healthier metabolic phenotype during developing obesity, and that effect might have been contributed to by bilberry anthocyanins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 5 mRNA Expression in the Adipose Tissue of Women with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated with Obesity

by Laia Bertran, Marta Portillo-Carrasquer, Andrea Barrientos-Riosalido, Carmen Aguilar, David Riesco, Salomé Martínez, Amada Culebradas, Margarita Vives, Fàtima Sabench, Daniel Del Castillo, Cristóbal Richart and Teresa Auguet

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179871 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is an anti-inflammatory adipocytokine secreted by adipocytes that seems to be linked with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to evaluate the role of the SFRP5-wingless-MMTV integration site family member 5a (WNT5A) pathway, closely related to adipogenesis, [...] Read more.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is an anti-inflammatory adipocytokine secreted by adipocytes that seems to be linked with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to evaluate the role of the SFRP5-wingless-MMTV integration site family member 5a (WNT5A) pathway, closely related to adipogenesis, in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissues (VAT) and its relationship with obesity-related NAFLD. Our cohort was composed of 60 women with morbid obesity (MO), who underwent hypocaloric diet, subclassified according to their hepatic histopathology and 15 women with normal weight. We observed increased SFRP5 mRNA expression in VAT and lower WNT5A expression in SAT in MO compared to normal weight. We found elevated SFRP5 expression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in SAT and in mild simple steatosis (SS) and NASH in VAT. We observed higher WNT5A expression in SS compared to normal liver in SAT, and a peak of WNT5A expression in mild SS. To conclude, we reported increased SFRP5 mRNA expression in SAT and VAT of NAFLD-related to obesity subjects, suggesting an implication of the SFRP5-WNT5A pathway in NAFLD pathogenesis, probably due to the adipose tissue-liver axis. Since the mechanisms by which this potential interaction takes place remain elusive, more research in this field is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lysine Deprivation Regulates Npy Expression via GCN2 Signaling Pathway in Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi)

by Jia-Ming Zou, Qiang-Sheng Zhu, Hui Liang, Hai-Lin Lu, Xu-Fang Liang and Shan He

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6727; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126727 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2122

Abstract

Regulation of food intake is associated with nutrient-sensing systems and the expression of appetite neuropeptides. Nutrient-sensing systems generate the capacity to sense nutrient availability to maintain energy and metabolism homeostasis. Appetite neuropeptides are prominent factors that are essential for regulating the appetite to [...] Read more.

Regulation of food intake is associated with nutrient-sensing systems and the expression of appetite neuropeptides. Nutrient-sensing systems generate the capacity to sense nutrient availability to maintain energy and metabolism homeostasis. Appetite neuropeptides are prominent factors that are essential for regulating the appetite to adapt energy status. However, the link between the expression of appetite neuropeptides and nutrient-sensing systems remains debatable in carnivorous fish. Here, with intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of six essential amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan, arginine, phenylalanine, or threonine) performed in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi), we found that lysine and methionine are the feeding-stimulating amino acids other than the reported valine, and found a key appetite neuropeptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), mainly contributes to the regulatory role of the essential amino acids on food intake. With the brain cells of mandarin fish cultured in essential amino acid deleted medium (lysine, methionine, histidine, valine, or leucine), we showed that only lysine deprivation activated the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) signaling pathway, elevated α subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) phosphorylation, increased activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) protein expression, and finally induced transcription of npy. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of GCN2 and eIF2α phosphorylation signaling by GCN2iB or ISRIB, effectively blocked the transcriptional induction of npy in lysine deprivation. Overall, these findings could provide a better understanding of the GCN2 signaling pathway involved in food intake control by amino acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Alters Electrophysiological Properties in the Nucleus Accumbens and Emotional Behavior in Naïve and Chronically Stressed Mice

by Mathieu Di Miceli, Maud Martinat, Moïra Rossitto, Agnès Aubert, Shoug Alashmali, Clémentine Bosch-Bouju, Xavier Fioramonti, Corinne Joffre, Richard P. Bazinet and Sophie Layé

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126650 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2753

Abstract

Long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have drawn attention in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular depression. However, whether dietary supplementation with LC n-3 PUFA protects from the development of mood disorders is still a matter of debate. In the present [...] Read more.

Long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have drawn attention in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular depression. However, whether dietary supplementation with LC n-3 PUFA protects from the development of mood disorders is still a matter of debate. In the present study, we studied the effect of a two-month exposure to isocaloric diets containing n-3 PUFAs in the form of relatively short-chain (SC) (6% of rapeseed oil, enriched in α-linolenic acid (ALA)) or LC (6% of tuna oil, enriched in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) PUFAs on behavior and synaptic plasticity of mice submitted or not to a chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), previously reported to alter emotional and social behavior, as well as synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). First, fatty acid content and lipid metabolism gene expression were measured in the NAc of mice fed a SC (control) or LC n-3 (supplemented) PUFA diet. Our results indicate that LC n-3 supplementation significantly increased some n-3 PUFAs, while decreasing some n-6 PUFAs. Then, in another cohort, control and n-3 PUFA-supplemented mice were subjected to CSDS, and social and emotional behaviors were assessed, together with long-term depression plasticity in accumbal medium spiny neurons. Overall, mice fed with n-3 PUFA supplementation displayed an emotional behavior profile and electrophysiological properties of medium spiny neurons which was distinct from the ones displayed by mice fed with the control diet, and this, independently of CSDS. Using the social interaction index to discriminate resilient and susceptible mice in the CSDS groups, n-3 supplementation promoted resiliency. Altogether, our results pinpoint that exposure to a diet rich in LC n-3 PUFA, as compared to a diet rich in SC n-3 PUFA, influences the NAc fatty acid profile. In addition, electrophysiological properties and emotional behavior were altered in LC n-3 PUFA mice, independently of CSDS. Our results bring new insights about the effect of LC n-3 PUFA on emotional behavior and synaptic plasticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are the Main Methionine Sources Equivalent? A Focus on DL-Methionine and DL-Methionine Hydroxy Analog Reveals Differences on Rainbow Trout Hepatic Cell Lines Functions

by Karine Pinel, Cécile Heraud, Guillaume Morin, Karine Dias, Annaëlle Marcé, Linda Beauclair, Stéphanie Fontagné-Dicharry, Karthik Masagounder, Martina Klünemann, Iban Seiliez and Florian Beaumatin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(6), 2935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23062935 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2147

Abstract

The replacement of fishmeal by plant proteins in aquafeeds imposes the use of synthetic methionine (MET) sources to balance the amino acid composition of alternative diets and so to meet the metabolic needs of fish of agronomic interest such as rainbow trout (RT- [...] Read more.

The replacement of fishmeal by plant proteins in aquafeeds imposes the use of synthetic methionine (MET) sources to balance the amino acid composition of alternative diets and so to meet the metabolic needs of fish of agronomic interest such as rainbow trout (RT-Oncorhynchus mykiss). Nonetheless, debates still exist to determine if one MET source is more efficiently used than another by fish. To address this question, the use of fish cell lines appeared a convenient strategy, since it allowed to perfectly control cell growing conditions notably by fully depleting MET from the media and studying which MET source is capable to restore cell growth/proliferation and metabolism when supplemented back. Thus, results of cell proliferation assays, Western blots, RT-qPCR and liquid chromatography analyses from two RT liver-derived cell lines revealed a better absorption and metabolization of DL-MET than DL-Methionine Hydroxy Analog (MHA) with the activation of the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway for DL-MET and the activation of integrated stress response (ISR) pathway for MHA. Altogether, the results clearly allow to conclude that both synthetic MET sources are not biologically equivalent, suggesting similar in vivo effects in RT liver and, therefore, questioning the MHA efficiencies in other RT tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection and Modulation of Olfactory Sensing Receptors in Carnivorous Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed from First Feeding with Plant-Based Diet

by Cécile Heraud, Théo Hirschinger, Elodie Baranek, Laurence Larroquet, Anne Surget, Franck Sandres, Anthony Lanuque, Frederic Terrier and Jérôme Roy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(4), 2123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23042123 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

Sense of smell is mediated by diverse families of olfactory sensing receptors, conveying important dietary information, fundamental for growth and survival. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of the sensory olfactory pathways in the regulation of feeding behavior of [...] Read more.

Sense of smell is mediated by diverse families of olfactory sensing receptors, conveying important dietary information, fundamental for growth and survival. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of the sensory olfactory pathways in the regulation of feeding behavior of carnivorous rainbow trout (RT, Oncorhynchus mykiss), from first feeding until 8 months. Compared to a commercial diet, RT fed with a total plant-based diet showed drastically altered growth performance associated with feed intake from an early stage. Exhaustive examination of an RT genome database identified three vomeronasal type 1 receptor-like (ORA), 10 vomeronasal type 2 receptor-like (OLFC) and 14 main olfactory receptor (MOR) genes, all highly expressed in sensory organs, indicating their potential functionality. Gene expression after feeding demonstrated the importance in olfactory sensing perception of some OLFC (olfcg6) and MOR (mor103, -107, -112, -113, -133) receptor family genes in RT. The gene ora1a showed evidence of involvement in olfactory sensing perception for fish fed with a commercial-like diet, while ora5b, mor118, mor124 and olfch1 showed evidence of involvement in fish fed with a plant-based diet. Results indicated an impact of a plant-based diet on the regulation of olfactory sensing pathways as well as influence on monoaminergic neurotransmission in brain areas related to olfactory-driven behaviors. The overall findings suggest that feeding behavior is mediated through olfactory sensing detection and olfactory-driven behavior pathways in RT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Major Intestinal Catabolite of Quercetin Glycosides, 3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, Protects the Hepatocytes from the Acetaldehyde-Induced Cytotoxicity through the Enhancement of the Total Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity

by Yujia Liu, Takumi Myojin, Kexin Li, Ayuki Kurita, Masayuki Seto, Ayano Motoyama, Xiaoyang Liu, Ayano Satoh, Shintaro Munemasa, Yoshiyuki Murata, Toshiyuki Nakamura and Yoshimasa Nakamura

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031762 - 03 Feb 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2926

Abstract

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are the major enzyme superfamily for the aldehyde metabolism. Since the ALDH polymorphism leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, we considered that the enhancement of the liver ALDH activity by certain food ingredients could help prevent alcohol-induced chronic diseases. Here, [...] Read more.

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are the major enzyme superfamily for the aldehyde metabolism. Since the ALDH polymorphism leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, we considered that the enhancement of the liver ALDH activity by certain food ingredients could help prevent alcohol-induced chronic diseases. Here, we evaluated the modulating effects of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (OPAC), the major metabolite of quercetin glycosides, on the ALDH activity and acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity in the cultured cell models. OPAC significantly enhanced the total ALDH activity not only in mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells, but also in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. OPAC significantly increased not only the nuclear level of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but also the AhR-dependent reporter gene expression, though not the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent one. The pretreatment of OPAC at the concentration required for the ALDH upregulation completely inhibited the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity. Silencing AhR impaired the resistant effect of OPAC against acetaldehyde. These results strongly suggested that OPAC protects the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, mainly through the AhR-dependent and Nrf2-independent enhancement of the total ALDH activity. Our findings suggest that OPAC has a protective potential in hepatocyte models and could offer a new preventive possibility of quercetin glycosides for targeting alcohol-induced chronic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 3265 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influence of Fasting until Noon (Extended Postabsorptive State) on Clock Gene mRNA Expression and Regulation of Body Weight and Glucose Metabolism

by Daniela Jakubowicz, Rachel Chava Rosenblum, Julio Wainstein and Orit Twito

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087154 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5239

Abstract

The trend of fasting until noon (omission or delayed breakfast) is increasingly prevalent in modern society. This eating pattern triggers discordance between endogenous circadian clock rhythms and the feeding/fasting cycle and is associated with an increased incidence of obesity and T2D. Although the [...] Read more.

The trend of fasting until noon (omission or delayed breakfast) is increasingly prevalent in modern society. This eating pattern triggers discordance between endogenous circadian clock rhythms and the feeding/fasting cycle and is associated with an increased incidence of obesity and T2D. Although the underlying mechanism of this association is not well understood, growing evidence suggests that fasting until noon, also known as an “extended postabsorptive state”, has the potential to cause a deleterious effect on clock gene expression and to disrupt regulation of body weight, postprandial and overall glycemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and appetite, and may also lead to lower energy expenditure. This manuscript overviews the clock gene-controlled glucose metabolism during the active and resting phases and the consequences of postponing until noon the transition from postabsorptive to fed state on glucose metabolism, weight control, and energy expenditure. Finally, we will discuss the metabolic advantages of shifting more energy, carbohydrates (CH), and proteins to the early hours of the day. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2732 KiB

Open AccessReview

Olive Oil in the Mediterranean Diet and Its Biochemical and Molecular Effects on Cardiovascular Health through an Analysis of Genetics and Epigenetics

by Renata Riolo, Riccardo De Rosa, Irene Simonetta and Antonino Tuttolomondo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 16002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232416002 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3846

Abstract

Human nutrition is a relatively new science based on biochemistry and the effects of food constituents. Ancient medicine considered many foods as remedies for physical performance or the treatment of diseases and, since ancient times, especially Greek, Asian and pre-Christian cultures similarly thought [...] Read more.

Human nutrition is a relatively new science based on biochemistry and the effects of food constituents. Ancient medicine considered many foods as remedies for physical performance or the treatment of diseases and, since ancient times, especially Greek, Asian and pre-Christian cultures similarly thought that they had beneficial effects on health, while others believed some foods were capable of causing illness. Hippocrates described the food as a form of medicine and stated that a balanced diet could help individuals stay healthy. Understanding molecular nutrition, the interaction between nutrients and DNA, and obtaining specific biomarkers could help formulate a diet in which food is not only a food but also a drug. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the role of the Mediterranean diet and olive oil on cardiovascular risk and to identify their influence from the genetic and epigenetic point of view to understand their possible protective effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role and Regulatory Mechanism of Brown Adipose Tissue Activation in Diet-Induced Thermogenesis in Health and Diseases

by Pei-Chi Chan and Po-Shiuan Hsieh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169448 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3200

Abstract

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been considered a vital organ in response to non-shivering adaptive thermogenesis, which could be activated during cold exposure through the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or under postprandial conditions contributing to diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Humans prefer to live within [...] Read more.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been considered a vital organ in response to non-shivering adaptive thermogenesis, which could be activated during cold exposure through the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or under postprandial conditions contributing to diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Humans prefer to live within their thermal comfort or neutral zone with minimal energy expenditure created by wearing clothing, making shelters, or using an air conditioner to regulate their ambient temperature; thereby, DIT would become an important mechanism to counter-regulate energy intake and lipid accumulation. In addition, there has been a long interest in the intriguing possibility that a defect in DIT predisposes one to obesity and other metabolic diseases. Due to the recent advances in methodology to evaluate the functional activity of BAT and DIT, this updated review will focus on the role and regulatory mechanism of BAT biology in DIT in health and diseases and whether these mechanisms are applicable to humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2046 KiB

Open AccessReview

Involvement of Gut Microbial Metabolites Derived from Diet on Host Energy Homeostasis

by Akari Nishida, Yuna Ando, Ikuo Kimura and Junki Miyamoto

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(10), 5562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105562 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

Due to the excess energy intake, which is a result of a high fat and high carbohydrate diet, dysfunction of energy balance leads to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since obesity can be a risk factor for [...] Read more.

Due to the excess energy intake, which is a result of a high fat and high carbohydrate diet, dysfunction of energy balance leads to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since obesity can be a risk factor for various diseases, including T2DM, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, novel prevention and treatment are expected. Moreover, host diseases linked to metabolic disorders are associated with changes in gut microbiota profile. Gut microbiota is affected by diet, and nutrients are used as substrates by gut microbiota for produced metabolites, such as short-chain and long-chain fatty acids, that may modulate host energy homeostasis. These free fatty acids are not only essential energy sources but also signaling molecules via G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Some GPCRs are critical for metabolic functions, such as hormone secretion and immune function in various types of cells and tissues and contribute to energy homeostasis. The current studies have shown that GPCRs for gut microbial metabolites improved host energy homeostasis and systemic metabolic disorders. Here, we will review the association between diet, gut microbiota, and host energy homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessReview

Curcumin in Retinal Diseases: A Comprehensive Review from Bench to Bedside

by Davide Allegrini, Raffaele Raimondi, Alfredo Borgia, Tania Sorrentino, Giovanni Montesano, Panos Tsoutsanis, Giuseppe Cancian, Yash Verma, Francesco Paolo De Rosa and Mario R. Romano

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(7), 3557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073557 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2967

Abstract

Recent evidence in basic science is leading to a growing interest in the possible role of curcumin in treating retinal diseases. Curcumin has been demonstrated to be able to modulate gene transcription and reduce ganglion cell apoptosis, downgrade VEGF, modulate glucose levels and [...] Read more.

Recent evidence in basic science is leading to a growing interest in the possible role of curcumin in treating retinal diseases. Curcumin has been demonstrated to be able to modulate gene transcription and reduce ganglion cell apoptosis, downgrade VEGF, modulate glucose levels and decrease vascular dysfunction. So far, the use of curcumin has been limited by poor bioavailability; to overcome this issue, different types of carriers have been used. Multiple recent studies disclosed the efficacy of using curcumin in treating different retinal conditions. The aim of this review is to comprehensively review and discuss the role of curcumin in retinal diseases from bench to bedside. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1025 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preventing Bacterial Translocation in Patients with Leaky Gut Syndrome: Nutrition and Pharmacological Treatment Options

by Agata Twardowska, Adam Makaro, Agata Binienda, Jakub Fichna and Maciej Salaga

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(6), 3204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063204 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8908

Abstract

Leaky gut syndrome is a medical condition characterized by intestinal hyperpermeability. Since the intestinal barrier is one of the essential components maintaining homeostasis along the gastrointestinal tract, loss of its integrity due to changes in bacterial composition, decreased expression levels of tight junction [...] Read more.

Leaky gut syndrome is a medical condition characterized by intestinal hyperpermeability. Since the intestinal barrier is one of the essential components maintaining homeostasis along the gastrointestinal tract, loss of its integrity due to changes in bacterial composition, decreased expression levels of tight junction proteins, and increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines may lead to intestinal hyperpermeability followed by the development of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal diseases. Translocation of microorganisms and their toxic metabolites beyond the gastrointestinal tract is one of the fallouts of the leaky gut syndrome. The presence of intestinal bacteria in sterile tissues and distant organs may cause damage due to chronic inflammation and progression of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, liver cirrhosis, and acute pancreatitis. Currently, there are no medical guidelines for the treatment or prevention of bacterial translocation in patients with the leaky gut syndrome; however, several studies suggest that dietary intervention can improve barrier function and restrict bacteria invasion. This review contains current literature data concerning the influence of diet, dietary supplements, probiotics, and drugs on intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Gene to Organism

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI