Diet, Oxidative Stress and Liver Metabolism

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2024 | Viewed by 6485

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: metabolism; foods; oxidative stress

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: liver diseases; oxidative stress; mitochondria function

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: nutrition; inflammation; oxidative stress

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the prevention of chronic diseases, as most of them can be related to lifestyle factors. In particular, foods can affect cellular oxidative stress, which is a risk factor for various diseases. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the amount of reactive oxygen species and the body’s antioxidant capacity. In this oxidant/antioxidant balance, the diet plays a crucial role. Indeed, dietary nutrients can influence individuals’ total antioxidant capacity, modulating the degree of oxidative stress and affecting the incidence of diseases related to oxidation. Food components can impair the balance between anti- and pro-oxidant agents, causing the alteration of liver function. The liver plays a key role in the regulation of various processes, such as metabolism, secretion, storage and the clearance of endogenous and exogenous substances. The goal of this Special Issue is to assemble a collection of original research and review articles describing the role of foods as a link between cellular oxidative stress and liver metabolism. Manuscripts that investigate regulatory mechanisms and pathologies related to oxidative stress and hepatic metabolism, focused on the critical role of the foods or nutritional interventions, will be considered.

Dr. Gina Cavaliere
Dr. Maria Pina Mollica
Dr. Fabiano Cimmino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nutrition
  • metabolism
  • diet
  • foods
  • oxidative stress
  • antioxidant
  • liver

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2869 KiB  
Article
Effects of NPY-2 Receptor Antagonists, Semaglutide, PYY3-36, and Empagliflozin on Early MASLD in Diet-Induced Obese Rats
by Simon Kloock, Niklas Haerting, Gloria Herzog, Marie Oertel, Niklas Geiger, Andreas Geier, Vasco Sequeira, Alexander Nickel, Michael Kohlhaas, Martin Fassnacht and Ulrich Dischinger
Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060904 - 21 Mar 2024
Viewed by 970
Abstract
(1) Background: Modulators of the Neuropeptide Y (NPY) system are involved in energy metabolism, but the effect of NPY receptor antagonists on metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a common obesity-related comorbidity, are largely unknown. In this study, we report on the effects of [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Modulators of the Neuropeptide Y (NPY) system are involved in energy metabolism, but the effect of NPY receptor antagonists on metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a common obesity-related comorbidity, are largely unknown. In this study, we report on the effects of antagonists of the NPY-2 receptor (Y2R) in comparison with empagliflozin and semaglutide, substances that are known to be beneficial in MASLD. (2) Methods: Diet-induced obese (DIO) male Wistar rats were randomized into the following treatment groups: empagliflozin, semaglutide ± PYY3-36, the Y2R antagonists JNJ 31020028 and a food-restricted group, as well as a control group. After a treatment period of 8 weeks, livers were weighed and histologically evaluated. QrtPCR was performed to investigate liver inflammation and de novo lipogenesis (in liver and adipose tissue). Serum samples were analysed for metabolic parameters. (3) Results: Semaglutide + PYY3-36 led to significant weight loss, reduced liver steatosis (p = 0.05), and decreased inflammation, insulin resistance, and leptin levels. JNJ-31020028 prevented steatosis (p = 0.03) without significant weight loss. Hepatic downregulation of de novo lipogenesis-regulating genes (SREBP1 and MLXIPL) was observed in JNJ-31020028-treated rats (p ≤ 0.0001). Food restriction also resulted in significantly reduced weight, steatosis, and hepatic de novo lipogenesis. (4) Conclusions: Body weight reduction (e.g., by food restriction or drugs like semaglutide ± PYY3-36) is effective in improving liver steatosis in DIO rats. Remarkably, the body-weight-neutral Y2R antagonists may be effective in preventing liver steatosis through a reduction in de novo lipogenesis, making this drug class a candidate for the treatment of (early) MASLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Oxidative Stress and Liver Metabolism)
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0 pages, 676 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fish Oil Parenteral Emulsion Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters after Esophagectomy
by Ana Suárez-Lledó Grande, Josep M. Llop Talaveron, Elisabet Leiva Badosa, Leandre Farran Teixido, Mónica Miró Martín, Jordi Bas Minguet, Sergio Navarro Velázquez, Gloria Creus Costas, Nuria Virgili Casas, Mónica Fernández Álvarez and María B. Badía Tahull
Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010040 - 21 Dec 2023
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Abstract
(Background) Esophagectomy (EPG) presents high morbidity and mortality. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3FA) are a pharmaconutrient with benefits for postoperative morbidity. Studies of ω-3FA administered parenterally after esophagectomy are scarce. This study proposes to investigate the effect of combining fish oil lipid emulsions (LE) [...] Read more.
(Background) Esophagectomy (EPG) presents high morbidity and mortality. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3FA) are a pharmaconutrient with benefits for postoperative morbidity. Studies of ω-3FA administered parenterally after esophagectomy are scarce. This study proposes to investigate the effect of combining fish oil lipid emulsions (LE) administered parenterally with enteral nutrition support. (Methods) Randomization was 1:1:1 in three groups: Group A received a LE mixture of 0.4 g/kg/day of fish oil and 0.4 g/kg/day of LCT/MCT 50:50, Group B received 0.8 g/kg/day of fish oil LE, and Group C received 0.8 g/kg/day of LCT/MCT 50:50. Variables were measured at recruitment time and day +1, +3, and +5. Inflammatory variables studied were Interlukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumoral necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10, IL-8 and CD25s. Safety, nutritional parameters and complications were analyzed. (Results) Administration of ω-3LE in the immediate postoperative period did not modulate the earlier inflammatory response. Statistically significant differences were found in IL-6 and CRP overall temporal evolution but were not found when studying the type of LE administered or in patients needing critical care. Administration of ω-3 resulted in safe and improved hypertriglyceridemia, depending on the dose. (Conclusions) ω-3FA has no impact on the early inflammatory postoperative response assessed for a short period but was safe. More studies for longer periods are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Oxidative Stress and Liver Metabolism)
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29 pages, 4014 KiB  
Article
Potential Defence Mechanisms Triggered by Monosodium Glutamate Sub-Chronic Consumption in Two-Year-Old Wistar Rats
by Octavia-Laura Moldovan, Camil-Eugen Vari, Amelia Tero-Vescan, Ovidiu Simion Cotoi, Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz, Flaviu Alexandru Tabaran, Romelia Pop, Ibolya Fülöp, Rafael Florin Chis, Ioana-Andreea Lungu and Aura Rusu
Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4436; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204436 - 19 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1413
Abstract
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid (GLA), used as a flavour enhancer. MSG is considered a controversial substance. It is incriminated in disturbing the antioxidant system, but also has beneficial effects, as GLA metabolism plays a crucial role in [...] Read more.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid (GLA), used as a flavour enhancer. MSG is considered a controversial substance. It is incriminated in disturbing the antioxidant system, but also has beneficial effects, as GLA metabolism plays a crucial role in homeostasis. This study highlights which positive or negative aspects of MSG sub-chronic consumption are better reflected in subjects potentially affected by advanced age. Daily doses of MSG were administered to four groups of two-year-old Wistar rats for 90 days: (I) 185 mg/kg bw, (II) 1500 mg/kg bw, (III) 3000 mg/kg bw and (IV) 6000 mg/kg bw, compared to a MSG non-consumer group. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, direct and total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine and urea levels were analysed; stomach, liver and kidney samples were subjected to histopathological analysis. Although, in most cases, there were no statistical differences, interesting aspects of the dose–effect relationship were observed. After MSG sub-chronic consumption, the positive aspects of GLA seem to be reflected better than the negative ones. The hormesis effect, with low-level reactive oxygen species’ protective effects and GLA metabolism, may represent the hypothesis of a potential defence mechanism triggered by MSG sub-chronic consumption in ageing rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Oxidative Stress and Liver Metabolism)
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17 pages, 18714 KiB  
Article
Eriodictyol Alleviated LPS/D-GalN-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
by Xiaomei Zheng, Xinyan Wu, Qiqi Wen, Huaqiao Tang, Ling Zhao, Fei Shi, Yinglun Li, Zhongqiong Yin, Yuanfeng Zou, Xu Song, Lixia Li, Xinghong Zhao and Gang Ye
Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4349; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204349 - 12 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Eriodictyol occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and has drawn significant attention for its potential health benefits. This study aims to look into the effects of eriodictyol on acute liver injury (ALI) induced by LPS/D-GalN and elucidate its potential molecular [...] Read more.
Eriodictyol occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and has drawn significant attention for its potential health benefits. This study aims to look into the effects of eriodictyol on acute liver injury (ALI) induced by LPS/D-GalN and elucidate its potential molecular biological mechanisms. A total of 47 targets were predicted for the treatment of ALI with eriodictyol, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway played a key role in the anti-ALI processing of this drug. The in vivo experiment showed that eriodictyol can effectively reduce liver function-related biochemical indicators such as ALT, AST, and AKP. Eriodictyol can also up-regulate the levels of SOD and GSH, and inhibit the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR experiments showed that eriodictyol activated the PI3K/AKT pathway and decreased the expression of Bax, caspase3, and caspase8 while increasing the expression of Bcl-2 m-RNA. Finally, molecular docking experiments and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stable binding between eriodictyol and PI3K, AKT molecules. This study showed that eriodictyol can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to alleviate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Oxidative Stress and Liver Metabolism)
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20 pages, 8080 KiB  
Article
Hepatocyte Aquaporins AQP8 and AQP9 Are Engaged in the Hepatic Lipid and Glucose Metabolism Modulating the Inflammatory and Redox State in Milk-Supplemented Rats
by Giovanna Trinchese, Patrizia Gena, Fabiano Cimmino, Gina Cavaliere, Chiara Fogliano, Sabino Garra, Angela Catapano, Lidia Petrella, Silvia Di Chio, Bice Avallone, Giuseppe Calamita and Maria Pina Mollica
Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163651 - 20 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1223
Abstract
Milk is an important source of nutrients and energy, but there are still many uncertainties regarding the health effects of milk and dairy products consumption. Milk from different species varies in physicochemical and nutritional properties. We previously showed that dietary supplements with different [...] Read more.
Milk is an important source of nutrients and energy, but there are still many uncertainties regarding the health effects of milk and dairy products consumption. Milk from different species varies in physicochemical and nutritional properties. We previously showed that dietary supplements with different milks in rats trigger significant differences in metabolic and inflammatory states, modulating mitochondrial functions in metabolically active organs such as the liver and skeletal muscle. Here, we have deepened the effects of isoenergetic supplementation of milk (82 kJ) from cow (CM), donkey (DM) or human (HM) on hepatic metabolism to understand the interlink between mitochondrial metabolic flexibility, lipid storage and redox state and to highlight the possible role of two hepatocyte aquaporins (AQPs) of metabolic relevance, AQP8 and AQP9, in this crosstalk. Compared with rats with no milk supplementation, DM- and HM-fed rats had reduced hepatic lipid content with enhanced mitochondrial function and decreased oxidative stress. A marked reduction in AQP8, a hydrogen peroxide channel, was seen in the liver mitochondria of DM-fed rats compared with HM-fed, CM-fed and control animals. DM-fed or HM-fed rats also showed reduced hepatic inflammatory markers and less collagen and Kupffer cells. CM-fed rats showed higher hepatic fat content and increased AQP9 and glycerol permeability. A role of liver AQP8 and AQP9 is suggested in the different metabolic profiles resulting from milk supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Oxidative Stress and Liver Metabolism)
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