-
1.
Unique roles in health promotion of dietary flavonoids through gut microbiota regulation: Current understanding and future perspectives.
Li, Z, Ren, Z, Zhao, L, Chen, L, Yu, Y, Wang, D, Mao, X, Cao, G, Zhao, Z, Yang, H
Food chemistry. 2023;:133959
Abstract
Advances in understanding the biological effects of dietary flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods have been reported. Improving knowledge about their beneficial effects, and mechanisms of action, is crucial for better utilization. However, mechanisms responsible for their health benefits are still unclear. Previous research considered has suggested that gut microbiota might be linked to the metabolism of dietary flavonoids. To understand the bioactivities of dietary flavonoids/flavonoid-rich foods better, and the role of microbiota, we explored systematically 1) types of dietary flavonoids and associated health benefits, 2) low bioaccessibilities and metabolic characteristics, 3) gut microbiota role in regulation, and 4) crosstalk between regulation mechanisms. Current challenges and future perspectives were also considered, offering new research directions and identifying trends in the development of flavonoid-rich food products.
-
2.
Intelligent polymeric hydrogen sulfide delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
Rong, F, Wang, T, Zhou, Q, Peng, H, Yang, J, Fan, Q, Li, P
Bioactive materials. 2023;:198-216
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays an important role in regulating various pathological processes such as protecting mammalian cell from harmful injuries, promoting tissue regeneration, and regulating the process of various diseases caused by physiological disorders. Studies have revealed that the physiological effects of H2S are highly associated with its concentrations. At relatively low concentration, H2S shows beneficial functions. However, long-time and high-dose donation of H2S would inhibit regular biological process, resulting in cell dysfunction and apoptosis. To regulate the dosage of H2S delivery for precision medicine, H2S delivery systems with intelligent characteristics were developed and a variety of biocompatibility polymers have been utilized to establish intelligent polymeric H2S delivery systems, with the abilities to specifically target the lesions, smartly respond to pathological microenvironments, as well as real-timely monitor H2S delivery and lesion conditions by incorporating imaging-capable moieties. In this review, we focus on the design, preparation, and therapeutic applications of intelligent polymeric H2S delivery systems in cardiovascular therapy, inflammatory therapy, tissue regenerative therapy, cancer therapy and bacteria-associated therapy. Strategies for precise H2S therapies especially imaging-guided H2S theranostics are highlighted. Since H2S donors with stimuli-responsive characters are vital components for establishing intelligent H2S delivery systems, the development of H2S donors is also briefly introduced.
-
3.
Injectable bone cements: What benefits the combination of calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses could bring?
Demir-Oğuz, Ö, Boccaccini, AR, Loca, D
Bioactive materials. 2023;:217-236
Abstract
Out of the wide range of calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterials, calcium phosphate bone cements (CPCs) have attracted increased attention since their discovery in the 1980s due to their valuable properties such as bioactivity, osteoconductivity, injectability, hardening ability through a low-temperature setting reaction and moldability. Thereafter numerous researches have been performed to enhance the properties of CPCs. Nonetheless, low mechanical performance of CPCs limits their clinical application in load bearing regions of bone. Also, the in vivo resorption and replacement of CPC with new bone tissue is still controversial, thus further improvements of high clinical importance are required. Bioactive glasses (BGs) are biocompatible and able to bond to bone, stimulating new bone growth while dissolving over time. In the last decades extensive research has been performed analyzing the role of BGs in combination with different CaPs. Thus, the focal point of this review paper is to summarize the available research data on how injectable CPC properties could be improved or affected by the addition of BG as a secondary powder phase. It was found that despite the variances of setting time and compressive strength results, desirable injectable properties of bone cements can be achieved by the inclusion of BGs into CPCs. The published data also revealed that the degradation rate of CPCs is significantly improved by BG addition. Moreover, the presence of BG in CPCs improves the in vitro osteogenic differentiation and cell response as well as the tissue-material interaction in vivo.
-
4.
A clarification of concepts related to the digestion and absorption of carotenoids and a new standardized carotenoids bioavailability evaluation system.
Geng, T, Bao, S, Sun, X, Ma, D, Zhang, H, Ge, Q, Liu, X, Ma, T
Food chemistry. 2023;:134060
Abstract
The published literature has shown that there are various evaluation methods for the process of carotenoids digestion and absorption. However, it was found that many concepts are ambiguous in the evaluation process, and the selection of evaluation methods is inappropriate and inaccurate. These deficiencies trouble readers, hamper comparisons among different studies, and generate controversy in different literature. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a complete and standardized system for evaluating the digestion and absorption process of carotenoids. This review begins by clarifying confusing concepts during the process of carotenoids digestion and absorption, including the release rate, micellization rate, bioaccessibility, relative bioavailability and absolute bioavailability. Then this review discusses relevant factors affecting the key process of the digestion and absorption of carotenoids. Finally, a more specific and standardized system for evaluating carotenoids bioavailability was suggested based on four dimensions: intake, digestion, absorption and metabolic process. Clarifying concepts such as digestion and absorption and standardizing corresponding research methods will help to obtain reliable data and support interoperability and comparisons across studies.
-
5.
Natural pigments of plant origin: Classification, extraction and application in foods.
Rodríguez-Mena, A, Ochoa-Martínez, LA, González-Herrera, SM, Rutiaga-Quiñones, OM, González-Laredo, RF, Olmedilla-Alonso, B
Food chemistry. 2023;:133908
Abstract
Color is the first attribute that influences the acceptance of foods as they become more attractive to consumers when they are more intense and uniform. In recent years, the interest of producers and consumers in purchasing products containing natural ingredients have constantly increased. Natural pigments are commonly extracted from fruits and vegetables, and have been proven to provide health benefits to reduce the risk of diseases such as type-1 diabetes, obesity, and coronary diseases. Additionally, advanced extraction and encapsulation technologies that make food matrices more efficient are useful tools for improving the use of these pigments. In this review, the state-of-the-art of pigments such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains of plant origin are discussed, including their main sources of production and the factors that affect their physicochemical stability. In addition, different extraction methods are discussed, listing their advantages and disadvantages, and providing some applications of natural pigments in food.
-
6.
The effect of extended hemodialysis on nutritional parameters: a systematic review.
Majlessi, A, Burton, JO, March, DS
Journal of nephrology. 2022
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review provides an up-to-date synthesis on the effects of extended hemodialysis on nutritional outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS Ten databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were: randomised and non-randomised studies of extended hemodialysis (defined by > 15 h/week) with a comparator group which received conventional in-centre hemodialysis (usually ≤ 12 h per week). Outcomes of interest included lean body mass, protein and carbohydrate intake, body mass index, dry lean mass, water-soluble vitamin levels, serum levels of appetite hormones, and nutritional status as assessed by the PEW and SGA scoring tools. RESULTS Five studies were eligible. All investigated extended nocturnal hemodialysis (one with the addition of short daily), three were in-centre and two were at home. Range of duration for the included studies was 2-18 months. These studies reported data on lean body mass, protein and carbohydrate intake, body mass index, dry lean mass and water-soluble vitamin levels. There was insufficient homogeneity between the studies to meta-analyse the data. Extended hemodialysis had no significant effects on any of the reported outcomes except for lean body mass, where a significant increase was found, and water-soluble vitamin levels, where deficiency was identified in one of the included studies. CONCLUSION There is currently no evidence to suggest that extended hemodialysis modalities impact nutritional parameters, although the quality of the available evidence is low.
-
7.
Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review.
Schulz, RM, Ahuja, NK, Slavin, JL
Nutrients. 2022;(3)
Abstract
Nutritional ingredients, including various fibers, herbs, and botanicals, have been historically used for various ailments. Their enduring appeal is predicated on the desire both for more natural approaches to health and to mitigate potential side effects of more mainstream treatments. Their use in individuals experiencing upper gastrointestinal (GI) complaints is of particular interest in the scientific space as well as the consumer market but requires review to better understand their potential effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to review the published scientific literature on nutritional ingredients for the management of upper GI complaints. We selected nutritional ingredients on the basis of mentions within the published literature and familiarity with recurrent components of consumer products currently marketed. A predefined literature search was conducted in Embase, Medline, Derwent drug file, ToXfile, and PubMed databases with specific nutritional ingredients and search terms related to upper GI health along with a manual search for each ingredient. Of our literature search, 16 human clinical studies including nine ingredients met our inclusion criteria and were assessed in this review. Products of interest within these studies subsumed the categories of botanicals, including fiber and combinations, and non-botanical extracts. Although there are a few ingredients with robust scientific evidence, such as ginger and a combination of peppermint and caraway oil, there are others, such as melatonin and marine alginate, with moderate evidence, and still others with limited scientific substantiation, such as galactomannan, fenugreek, and zinc-l-carnosine. Importantly, the paucity of high-quality data for the majority of the ingredients analyzed herein suggests ample opportunity for further study. In particular, trials with appropriate controls examining dose-response using standardized extracts and testing for specific benefits would yield precise and effective data to aid those with upper GI symptoms and conditions.
-
8.
Sustained inhibition of ENaC in CF: Potential RNA-based therapies for mutation-agnostic treatment.
Kota, P
Current opinion in pharmacology. 2022;:102209
Abstract
Disruption of the equilibrium between ion secretion and absorption processes by the airway epithelium is central to many muco-obstructive lung diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF). Besides correction of defective folding and function of CFTR, inhibition of amiloride-sensitive epithelia sodium channels (ENaC) has emerged as a bona fide therapeutic strategy to improve mucociliary clearance in patients with CF. The short half-life of amiloride-based ENaC blockers and hyperosmotic therapies have led to the development of novel RNA-based interventions for targeted and sustained reduction of ENaC expression and function in preclinical models of CF. This review summarizes the recent advances in RNA therapeutics targeting ENaC for mutation-agnostic treatment of CF.
-
9.
Glioma targeted therapy: insight into future of molecular approaches.
Yang, K, Wu, Z, Zhang, H, Zhang, N, Wu, W, Wang, Z, Dai, Z, Zhang, X, Zhang, L, Peng, Y, et al
Molecular cancer. 2022;(1):39
Abstract
Gliomas are the common type of brain tumors originating from glial cells. Epidemiologically, gliomas occur among all ages, more often seen in adults, which males are more susceptible than females. According to the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (WHO CNS5), standard of care and prognosis of gliomas can be dramatically different. Generally, circumscribed gliomas are usually benign and recommended to early complete resection, with chemotherapy if necessary. Diffuse gliomas and other high-grade gliomas according to their molecule subtype are slightly intractable, with necessity of chemotherapy. However, for glioblastoma, feasible resection followed by radiotherapy plus temozolomide chemotherapy define the current standard of care. Here, we discuss novel feasible or potential targets for treatment of gliomas, especially IDH-wild type glioblastoma. Classic targets such as the p53 and retinoblastoma (RB) pathway and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene alteration have met failure due to complex regulatory network. There is ever-increasing interest in immunotherapy (immune checkpoint molecule, tumor associated macrophage, dendritic cell vaccine, CAR-T), tumor microenvironment, and combination of several efficacious methods. With many targeted therapy options emerging, biomarkers guiding the prescription of a particular targeted therapy are also attractive. More pre-clinical and clinical trials are urgently needed to explore and evaluate the feasibility of targeted therapy with the corresponding biomarkers for effective personalized treatment options.
-
10.
Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 and its Accomplice: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Lung Cancer.
Solairaja, S, Ramalingam, S, Dunna, NR, Venkatabalasubramanian, S
Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. 2022;(6):601-611
Abstract
Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is a trans-membrane evolutionarily conserved protein with a cytochrome b5 like heme/steroid binding domain. PGRMC1 clinical levels are strongly suggested to correlate with poor patient survival and lung cancer prognosis. PGRMC1 has been reported to possess pleiotropic functions, such as participating in cellular and membrane trafficking, steroid hormone signaling, cholesterol metabolism and steroidogenesis, glycolysis and mitochondrial energy metabolism, heme transport and homeostasis, neuronal movement and synaptic function, autophagy, anti-apoptosis, stem cell survival and the list is still expanding. PGRMC1 mediates its pleiotropic functions through its ability to interact with multiple binding partners, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), sterol regulatory element binding protein cleavage activating protein (SCAP), insulin induced gene-1 protein (Insig-1), heme binding proteins (hepcidin, ferrochelatase and cyp450 members), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 RNA binding protein (PAIR-BP1). In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of PGRMC1 and its associated pleiotropic functions that are indispensable for lung cancer promotion and progression, suggesting it as a prospective therapeutic target for intervention. Notably, we have compiled and reported various preclinical studies wherein prospective agonists and antagonists had been tested against PGRMC1 expressing cancer cell lines, suggesting it as a prospective therapeutic target for cancer intervention.
