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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2023) | Viewed by 30466

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Dr. Francesca Oppedisano

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Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: nutraceuticals; mitochondria; membrane proteins; cell metabolism; cardiovascular disease; metabolic syndrome; omics sciences
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To date, nutraceutical supplementation has been considered a viable approach for prophylaxis and the treatment of many pathologies, although several pathophysiological implications for their use still remain unclear.

This Special Issue aims to collect original articles as well as review articles that share information on the molecular mechanisms and new targets of known or novel natural compounds, in order to broaden knowledge on preventing and reducing the risk and progression of diseases associated with metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress and inflammation. The present Special Issue aims to raise the awareness of the scientific community about the potential of nutraceuticals and the physiological, pharmacological and toxicological ramifications thereof.

Dr. Francesca Oppedisano
Guest Editor

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Keywords

cell metabolism
mitochondrial dysfunction
oxidative stress
inflammation
membrane transporters
molecular mechanism
nutraceuticals
bioactive molecules
pathophysiology
human health

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dose-Dependent Beneficial Effect of Ketone Supplement-Evoked Ketosis on Anxiety Level in Female WAG/Rij Rats: Sometimes Less Is More

by Enikő Rauch, Csilla Ari and Zsolt Kovács

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4412; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204412 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1230

Abstract

While one-third of the population can be affected by anxiety disorders during their lifetime, our knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders is far from complete. Previously, it has been demonstrated in male animals that exogenous ketone supplement-evoked ketosis can decrease anxiety levels in preclinical rodent models, such as Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether intragastric gavage of the exogenous ketone supplement KEMCT (mix of 1,3-butanediol-acetoacetate diester/ketone ester/KE and medium-chain triglyceride/MCT oil in 1:1 ratio) for 7 days can alter the anxiety levels of female WAG/Rij rats using the light–dark box (LDB) test. We demonstrated that a lower dose of KEMCT (3 g/kg/day) increased blood R-βHB (R-β-hydroxybutyrate) levels and significantly decreased anxiety levels (e.g., increased the time spent in the light compartment) in female WAG/Rij rats on the seventh day of administration. Although the higher KEMCT dose (5 g/kg/day) increased blood R-βHB levels more effectively, compared with the lower KEMCT dose, anxiety levels did not improve significantly. We conclude that ketone supplementation might be an effective strategy to induce anxiolytic effects not only in male but also in female WAG/Rij rats. However, these results suggest that the optimal level may be moderately, not highly, elevated blood R-βHB levels when the goal is to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. More studies are needed to understand the exact mechanism of action of ketone supplementation on anxiety levels and to investigate their use in other animal models and humans for the treatment of anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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12 pages, 2144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Auraptene Has Antiviral Activity against Human Coronavirus OC43 in MRC-5 Cells

by Jung Sun Min, Young-Hee Jin and Sunoh Kwon

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132960 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1359

Abstract

Auraptene (7-geranyloxycoumarin) is the abundant prenyloxycoumarin found in the fruits of Citrus spp. Auraptene has a variety of pharmacological and therapeutic functions, such as anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammation activities, with excellent safety profiles. In this study, we evaluated the anticoronaviral activity of auraptene in HCoV-OC43-infected human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. We found that auraptene effectively inhibited HCoV-OC43-induced cytopathic effects with 4.3 μM IC₅₀ and 6.1 μM IC₉₀, resulting in a selectivity index (CC₅₀/IC₅₀) of >3.5. Auraptene treatment also decreased viral RNA levels in HCoV-OC43-infected cells, as detected through quantitative real-time PCR, and decreased the expression level of spike proteins and nucleocapsid proteins in virus-infected cells, as detected through the Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Time-of-addition analysis showed auraptene’s inhibitory effects at the post-entry stage of the virus life cycle; however, auraptene did not induce the antiviral interferon families, IFN-α1, IFN-β1, and IFN-λ1. Additionally, auraptene-treated MRC-5 cells during HCoV-OC43 infection decreased the MMP-9 mRNA levels which are usually increased due to the infection, as auraptene is a previously reported MMP-9 inhibitor. Therefore, auraptene showed antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 infection, and we suggest that auraptene has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent against human coronavirus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effect of a Saffron Extract (Safr’Inside^TM) and Its Main Volatile Compound on the Stress Response in Healthy Young Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

by Camille Pouchieu, Line Pourtau, Julie Brossaud, David Gaudout, Jean-Benoit Corcuff, Lucile Capuron, Nathalie Castanon and Pierre Philip

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2921; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132921 - 27 Jun 2023

Viewed by 3574

Abstract

According to animal studies, saffron and its main volatile compound safranal may reduce biological and behavioral signs of acute stress. However, little is known about its impact in humans. This study investigated the acute effect of a saffron extract and safranal on the biological and psychological stress responses in healthy men experiencing a laboratory stress procedure. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study, 19 volunteers aged 18–25 received a single dose of 30 mg saffron extract (Safr’Inside^TM), 0.06 mg synthetic safranal, or a placebo on three visits separated by a 28-day washout. Thirteen minutes after administration, participants were exposed to the Maastricht acute stress test (MAST). Salivary cortisol and cortisone were collected from 15 min before the MAST (and pre-dose), 3 min before the MAST, and then 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min after the MAST, and stress and anxiety were measured using visual analogic scales. Compared to the placebo, stress and anxiety were significantly toned down after Safranal and Safr’Inside^TM administration and coupled with a delay in the times to peak salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations (p < 0.05). Safr’Inside^TM and its volatile compound seem to improve psychological stress response in healthy men after exposure to a lab-based stressor and may modulate the biological stress response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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10 pages, 5840 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Recovery of ΔF508-CFTR Function by Citrate

by Beatrice Borkenhagen and Peter Prehm

Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4283; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204283 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Treatment of cystic fibrosis relies so far on expensive and sophisticated drugs. A logical approach to rescuing the defective ΔF508-CFTR protein has not yet been published. Therefore, virtual docking of ATP and CFTR activators to the open conformation of the CFTR protein was performed. A new ATP binding site outside of the two known locations was identified. It was located in the cleft between the nucleotide binding domains NBD1 and NBD2 and comprised six basic amino acids in close proximity. Citrate and isocitrate were also bound to this site. Citrate was evaluated for its action on epithelial cells with intact CFTR and defective ΔF508-CFTR. It activated hyaluronan export from human breast carcinoma cells and iodide efflux, and recovered ΔF508-CFTR from premature intracellular degradation. In conclusion, citrate is an activator for ΔF508-CFTR and increases export by defective ΔF508-CFTR into the extracellular matrix of epithelial cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 3328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergism Potentiates Oxidative Antiproliferative Effects of Naringenin and Quercetin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

by Mahasin Abdel Rhman, Nikita Devnarain, Rene Khan and Peter M. O. Owira

Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3437; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163437 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2410

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also known that the bioactive effects of these flavonoids are more pronounced in whole fruit than in isolation. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of Que and Nar (CoQN) in MCF-7 BC cells. MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of concentrations of Que, Nar or CoQN to determine cell viability. The IC₅₀ of CoQN was then used to investigate caspase 3/7 activity, Bcl-2 gene expression, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential to evaluate oxidative stress and apoptosis. CoQN treatment produced significant cytotoxicity, reduced Bcl-2 gene expression and increased caspase 3/7 activity compared to either Nar or Que. Furthermore, CoQN significantly increased lipid peroxidation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to either Nar or Que. Therefore, CoQN treatment has potential pharmacological application in BC chemotherapy by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in MCF-7 BC cells. The results of this study support the increased consumption of whole fruits and vegetables to reduce cell proliferation in cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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Review

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19 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessReview

Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Glucose Metabolism: A Comprehensive Update on Biochemical and Therapeutic Features

by Umberto Capece, Simona Moffa, Ilaria Improta, Gianfranco Di Giuseppe, Enrico Celestino Nista, Chiara M. A. Cefalo, Francesca Cinti, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Antonio Gasbarrini, Andrea Giaccari and Teresa Mezza

Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010018 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4625

Abstract

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural compound with antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties which has effects on the regulation of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. ALA is widely prescribed in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy due to its positive effects on nerve conduction and alleviation of symptoms. It is, moreover, also prescribed in other insulin resistance conditions such as metabolic syndrome (SM), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity. However, several cases of Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome (IAS) have been reported in subjects taking ALA. The aim of the present review is to describe the main chemical and biological functions of ALA in glucose metabolism, focusing on its antioxidant activity, its role in modulating insulin sensitivity and secretion and in symptomatic peripheral diabetic polyneuropathy. We also provide a potential explanation for increased risk for the development of IAS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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28 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review on Nutraceuticals: Therapy Support and Formulation Challenges

by Vivek Puri, Manju Nagpal, Inderbir Singh, Manjinder Singh, Gitika Arora Dhingra, Kampanart Huanbutta, Divya Dheer, Ameya Sharma and Tanikan Sangnim

Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214637 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 15068

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are the nourishing components (hybrid of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) that are biologically active and possess capability for maintaining optimal health and benefits. These products play a significant role in human health care and its endurance, most importantly for the future therapeutic development. Nutraceuticals have received recognition due to their nutritional benefits along with therapeutic effects and safety profile. Nutraceuticals are globally growing in the field of services such as health care promotion, disease reduction, etc. Various drug nutraceutical interactions have also been elaborated with various examples in this review. Several patents on nutraceuticals in agricultural applications and in various diseases have been stated in the last section of review, which confirms the exponential growth of nutraceuticals’ market value. Nutraceuticals have been used not only for nutrition but also as a support therapy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as to reduce side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diverse novel nanoformulation approaches tend to overcome challenges involved in formulation development of nutraceuticals. Prior information on various interactions with drugs may help in preventing any deleterious effects of nutraceuticals products. Nanotechnology also leads to the generation of micronized dietary products and other nutraceutical supplements with improved health benefits. In this review article, the latest key findings (clinical studies) on nutraceuticals that show the therapeutic action of nutraceutical’s bioactive molecules on various diseases have also been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Human Health and Disease)

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