PharmaNutritionPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-02-27DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100439
Xiandeng Li , Huiting Chen , Hang Han, Guojiang Zhang, Xiao Zhang, Qinjian Zhao
{"title":"L-Arginine mitigates high glucose-induced podocyte injury via NRF2 pathway activation","authors":"Xiandeng Li , Huiting Chen , Hang Han, Guojiang Zhang, Xiao Zhang, Qinjian Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>L-Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid involved in the ornithine cycle, exhibits therapeutic potential in diabetes through benefits demonstrated in both animal models and human studies. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects remain incompletely understood. Podocytes play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), with podocyte injury contributing significantly to disease progression. In this study, we demonstrated that L-arginine treatment improved podocyte viability, decreased oxidative stress and inflammation markers, and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression and its nuclear translocation, along with its downstream antioxidant enzymes, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, these protective effects were reversed by the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 and <em>Nrf2</em> RNA interference (RNAi), suggesting that L-arginine’s protective mechanism is likely mediated through the NRF2 pathway. These findings emphasize the potential of L-arginine as a therapeutic agent for DN by protecting podocytes from high glucose-induced oxidative stress and injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100439"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143519103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The frontier of health: Exploring therapeutic potentials of the microbiome","authors":"Mohammad Abavisani , Sobhan Karbas Foroushan , Prashant Kesharwani , Amirhossein Sahebkar","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The human body harbors a vast and complex community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria residing in the gut. This gut microbiome significantly impacts our health, influencing digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and potentially even mental well-being. An imbalance in this microbial community, termed dysbiosis, has been linked to various human diseases. This realization has opened doors to exciting possibilities in healthcare: microbiome-based therapies that aim to restore gut balance and modulate the immune response. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), involving transplanting stool from a healthy donor, and live probiotic microorganisms are two common microbiome-based therapies. Apart from consuming high-fiber foods such as the Mediterranean diet, dietary approaches for altering the microbiome include adding prebiotics that encourage the development of beneficial microorganisms. However, microbiome-based therapies are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individual variability in gut microbiome composition across people can affect effectiveness of these therapies. Establishing clear regulations and safety protocols, addressing ethical concerns through open communication, informed consent, and responsible marketing practices, are essential for the responsible use of these therapies. Our study will examine microbiome-based therapy from its premise and mechanism to its current state of development. Additionally, development challenges and potential solutions to inspire further investigations will be discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143350229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaNutritionPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100423
Vandana Garg , Deepapriya Velumani , Yu-Chieh Lin , Abdul Haye
{"title":"A comprehensive review of probiotic claims regulations: Updates from Asia-Pacific, United States, and Europe","authors":"Vandana Garg , Deepapriya Velumani , Yu-Chieh Lin , Abdul Haye","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100423","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100423","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Probiotics are defined, classified, and regulated differently across countries, which affects consumer protection and market access for manufacturers. This review examined the regulatory similarities and differences for probiotics in the APAC region, the U.S., and Europe to address these challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A detailed literature search was conducted on databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and open sources of relevant regulatory authorities. Relevant articles, guidelines, and recommendations related to probiotics in APAC, U.S. and Europe were screened and reviewed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Probiotics are categorized as \"food\" in U.S., Europe, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, with Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia also classifying them as \"health supplements.\" Other terms like “functional food,\" \"novel food,\" and \"health functional food\" are used in various countries. Claims for probiotics also vary internationally. Countries such as China, Philippines, and Singapore have pre-approved claims, while the U.S., South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, and India do not have any pre-approved claim. Europe enforces the strictest rules and generally does not approve any probiotic health claims, whereas U.S. and APAC regions are more flexible. For instance, in Thailand, claim of “reducing disease risk” is permitted.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Harmonizing the regulations could benefit consumers and manufacturers by ensuring consistent standards and facilitating market entry. This would help industry stakeholders navigate the complex regulatory landscape and aid consumers in understanding the benefits of probiotic products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143148845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaNutritionPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100419
Satarupa Deb , Anupom Borah
{"title":"Exploring the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of L-theanine in counteracting inflammation","authors":"Satarupa Deb , Anupom Borah","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic inflammation, a persistent condition that can significantly impact the body, is linked to the development and progression of numerous chronic degenerative diseases. Understanding its complex role is essential for discovering innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly those derived from natural sources. These strategies aim to reduce chronic inflammation and mitigate its associated diseases. Historically, natural products have been used for their therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. They often offer advantages such as abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. L-theanine, an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, especially its anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that L-theanine may decrease levels of inflammatory markers in the body and modulate the immune system, preventing excessive inflammatory responses. While the growing evidence supports L-theanine's ability to attenuate harmful inflammation, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying its action remain largely unknown. This review seeks to elucidate these mechanisms, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role in modulating inflammation and its potential as a natural therapeutic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142656414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy and safety of crocin supplementation in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy, a pilot randomized double blinded clinical trial","authors":"Mohammadkarim Johari, Alireza Attar, Mojtaba Heydari","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100422","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100422","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a vision-threatening condition characterized by serous retinal detachment. Crocin, a carotenoid compound found in saffron, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various retinal diseases, but its efficacy in CSCR remains understudied.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized controlled trial, 40 patients with CSCR were assigned to receive either crocin (n=20) or placebo (n=20) over an eight-weeks period. Visual acuity, anatomical outcomes measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and adverse events were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were no significant differences observed in age, weight, body mass index, or gender distribution between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). The changes in mean ETDRS letter score were significantly more in crocin group compared to the placebo group (4.27±3.63 vs 0.57±7.23, respectively, p=0.024). In the crocin group, 20 %, 40 % and 80 % of patients showed an improvement of 10,5 and 1 ETDRS letters, compared to only 7 %, 21 % and 29 % in the placebo group (p=0.316, p=0.280, p=0.005, respectively). While the crocin group exhibited greater mean reductions in sub-retinal fluid height, central macular thickness, and choroidal thickness compared to the placebo group, these differences did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). No adverse events associated with the trial intervention were reported by any patient in either the crocin or placebo group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this pilot study suggest that crocin supplementation may lead to improvements in visual acuity in patients with CSCR. Differences in anatomical outcomes between crocin and placebo groups did not reach statistical significance in this pilot study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100422"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142706094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaNutritionPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100418
Victoria Martínez-Sánchez , Javier Fontecha , Antonio Pérez-Gálvez
{"title":"Milk fat globule membrane: Production, digestion, and health benefits evaluated through in vitro models","authors":"Victoria Martínez-Sánchez , Javier Fontecha , Antonio Pérez-Gálvez","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Milk is a biologically complex fluid with a primary function as a bioactive compound and energy source for the offspring in the early stages of life. This role is largely due to its high lipid content, encapsulated in globules known as milk fat globules (MFG). Extensive research has led to the conclusion that MFGs are not only energy carriers, as they are surrounded by a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) which is characterized by its complex architecture and bioactive components such as polar lipids and glycoproteins.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This literature review was performed by an extensive search of Pubmed, Scopus or Google Scholar database for studies using keywords such as “lactation”, “milk production”, “MFG”, “MFGM”, “polar lipids”, “in vitro”, “milk lipids”, “health benefits”, “human health”, “digestion”, “bioaccessibility”, “bioavailability”.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Brain and intestinal development, modulation of the microbiota or the correct immunological response to infections are some of the benefits that MFGM has in infants. In addition, its therapeutic potential is extended to the adult population through the attenuation of lipid metabolism disorders or the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, the trend in the food industry is to incorporate this MFGM concentrate as a bioactive ingredient in functional foods.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review provides an overview of the natural and industrial production of MFGM and their relationship to the health benefits identified in in vitro studies. Furthermore, this review highlights the importance of further research to understand the assimilation of MFGM lipids to optimize its incorporation into the human diet.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100418"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142586171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaNutritionPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100416
Smriti Mishra , Shikha Saxena , Rajendra Awasthi
{"title":"Advancements in psoriasis management: Integrating nutrient supplement with gut-brain-skin connection","authors":"Smriti Mishra , Shikha Saxena , Rajendra Awasthi","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects a large population globally and poses a significant challenge in clinical care due to its multifaceted characteristics. Recent studies show the relationship between the gut, brain, and skin, unveiling the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review includes papers published from 1991 to 2024 exploring various advancements in psoriasis management. We also explored various techniques to encapsulate natural bioactive molecules with anti-psoriatic activity. The published articles were searched using various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, and Google Scholar.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The gut microbiome contains numerous microorganisms that influence immune regulation and inflammation. The pathogenesis of psoriasis has implicated an imbalance in gut microbes, known as gut dysbiosis. Probiotics, prebiotics, and other dietary interventions can help restore microbial balance and improve psoriasis symptoms. Furthermore, the gut microbiota can modulate neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, impacting communication between the gut, brain, and skin. Stress, a well-established trigger for psoriasis exacerbations, disrupts the gut-brain-skin axis. Nutrient supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, probiotic supplements, herbal supplements, <em>etc</em>. can reduce inflammation and enhance skin health. Deficiency in nutrients like vitamin D may contribute to psoriasis development. Targeting inflammatory pathways, balancing gut microbiomes, and addressing nutritional deficiencies can improve psoriasis treatment outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Natural bioactives have demonstrated antipsoriatic efficacy in several preclinical and clinical studies done in more recent years. Large-scale clinical trials using encapsulated natural bioactives are still needed to demonstrate their antipsoriatic activity and ability to regulate the gut-brain-skin axis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100416"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaNutritionPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100421
Yugant Krishnakumar Talati, Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
{"title":"A therapeutic approach to identify leading molecules from natural products and therapeutic targets in CKD by network pharmacology","authors":"Yugant Krishnakumar Talati, Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition characterized by diminished kidney function, affects approximately 10 % of the population worldwide. With its high mortality rate of ∼1.2 million, CKD poses a high global burden. The complexity increases severalfold due to its vast variety of aetiologies and relatively limited treatment options that, too, are associated with adverse effects. The continuous deterioration of the kidneys makes them reliant on external purification systems <em>i.e.,</em> dialysis or whole kidney transplantation, both having certain limitations, making CKD one of the highly prevalent diseases across the globe. The multi-faceted disease requires multi-targeted therapies that can potentially improve CKD care. Natural products have long been considered the “holy grail” for many diseases, including CKD; their multi-targeting nature, fewer side effects, and ability to target multiple pathways have caught attention. The complexity increases when a single phytopharmaceutical cures a disease by acting on various targets and affecting diverse mechanisms. Identifying therapeutic targets and lead molecules thus becomes difficult and, at times, a big task! The network pharmacology (NP) tool has shifted this drug discovery paradigm towards a “multi-drug, multi-target” approach to underscore responsible molecular interconnections that unwind the therapeutic potential of natural products against CKD by predicting potential therapeutic targets and underlined molecular mechanisms. Applying NP for natural products in CKD can be a time-saving and cost-effective strategy. The present review emphasizes prominent classes of natural products and lead molecules obtained from herbal preparations, their explored multi-targeted effects against CKD, and novel targets predicted and validated using the NP approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142723157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Melatonin supplementation in preclinical colitis models: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and colon repair","authors":"Yahya Asemani , Reza Heidari , Fatemeh Ezzatifar , Saeed Mehrzadi , Reza Mosaed , Esmail Karami , Hossein fasihi , Mohsen Chamanara , Amirabbas Rostami","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ulcerative colitis (UC), an autoimmune form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leads to chronic inflammation of the colon. Existing treatments often fall short, highlighting the need for alternative or supplementary therapies. Melatonin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, shows promise in this context. Thus, this study conducts a dose-response meta-analysis and systematic review of preclinical models to evaluate melatonin's effectiveness in UC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Extensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were performed, adhering to SYRCLE’s risk of bias guidelines, and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024511595). Random-effects models calculated standard mean differences (SMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for disease activity indices, inflammatory markers, and antioxidant defenses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 860 screened records, 72 studies met the inclusion criteria. Melatonin was found to significantly lower the ulcer index (SMD = −3.19) and malondialdehyde levels (SMD = −2.31). It also notably suppressed key pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α (SMD = −1.14), IL-6 (SMD = −1.44), IL-1β (SMD = −1.63) and IL-17 (SMD = −1.77), while enhancing antioxidant defenses, particularly glutathione levels (SMD = 2.80). Furthermore, melatonin effectively modulated critical inflammatory regulators including nuclear factor kappa B (SMD = −1.97) and cyclooxygenase-2 (SMD = −1.34). The optimal therapeutic dose was identified as up to 10 mg/kg, with the highest efficacy observed via intraperitoneal and intracolonic administration routes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Melatonin showed significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tissue-repairing benefits in preclinical UC models, supporting clinical trials to confirm its therapeutic potential and optimal dosing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100414"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142421533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}