Maria Pierdomenico, Paola Giardullo, Giuliana Bruno, Loretta Bacchetta, Oliviero Maccioni, Olivia C. Demurtas, Maria Sulli, Gianfranco Diretto, Caterina Arcangeli, Flavio Colini, Salvatore Chiavarini, Barbara Benassi
{"title":"The Mucilage From the Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes Plays an Anti-Inflammatory Role in the LPS-Stimulated HepG2 Cells: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Approach","authors":"Maria Pierdomenico, Paola Giardullo, Giuliana Bruno, Loretta Bacchetta, Oliviero Maccioni, Olivia C. Demurtas, Maria Sulli, Gianfranco Diretto, Caterina Arcangeli, Flavio Colini, Salvatore Chiavarini, Barbara Benassi","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400479","url":null,"abstract":"The effect of a mucilage extracted from <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> (L.) Mill (OFI) cladodes was tested in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, through a combined in vitro–in silico approach. The OFI mucilage was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. In cells treated with OFI (5–10 µg/mL) prior to LPS (1 µg/mL, 24 h), the gene expression profile of pro-inflammatory mediators, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-8, and cyclo-oxygenase-2, was significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) reduced if compared to single LPS-challenged cells. The OFI-mediated cytokines reduction was also validated in polystyrene scaffold-grown 3D HepG2 cultures, undergoing treatment with the OFI mucilage (50 µg/mL, 24 h) and LPS stimulation (50 µg/mL, 24 h). We further demonstrated that OFI suppresses the LPS-triggered inflammatory response via impairment of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation protein-88/Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathway, by interfering with NF-kB phosphorylation at Serine 536. By molecular docking approach, we provided in silico demonstration of the direct molecular interaction between the mucilage monosaccharides and the TLR4 that interferes with the LPS receptor binding and down-stream inflammatory cascade activation. We also demonstrated that OFI cladodes mucilage downregulates the TLR4 pathway, showing an anti-inflammatory potential in HepG2 cells.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"82 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142968042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Amelioration of Obesity-Related Disorders in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice Following Fecal Microbiota Transplantation From DL-Norvaline-Dosed Mice","authors":"Xin Li, Bohan Sun, Yanting Qin, Fangfang Yue, Xin Lü","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400577","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400577","url":null,"abstract":"Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could significantly alter the recipient's gut bacteria composition and attenuate obesity and obesity-related metabolic syndromes. DL-norvaline is a nonproteinogenic amino acid and possesses anti-obesity potential. However, the specific mechanisms by which gut microbiota might mediate beneficial effects of DL-norvaline have not been completely elucidated. In this study, DL-norvaline-mediated FMT upregulated the beneficial bacteria (<i>Clostridia_UCG_014</i>, <i>Christensenellales</i>, <i>Bacilli</i>, <i>Ileibacterium</i>, <i>Dubosiella</i>, <i>Lactobacillus</i>, <i>Muribaculaceae</i>, and <i>Bacteroidaceae</i>) and downregulated the harmful bacteria (<i>Tuzzerella</i> and <i>Marinifilaceae</i>), further intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and intestinal barrier were alleviated as well as short chain fatty acids levels were increased, thus alleviating glucose and insulin metabolism, improving biochemical indexes and energy metabolism and decreasing body weight gain and tissue weight. However, heat-inactivated FMT did not demonstrate any of those improvements in obese mice. Notably, both DL-norvaline-mediated FMT and heat-inactivated FMT increased <i>Bacteroidaceae</i> and <i>Muribaculaceae</i>, this being a signature of alterations to the gut microbiota marker caused by DL-norvaline. Therefore, the beneficial effects of DL-norvaline were transmissible via FMT. This study highlighted the pivotal involvement of the gut microbiota in the development of obesity and provided a novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of FMT, thereby potentially enhancing the efficacy and refinement of FMT utilization.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142940189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Issue Information: Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 1'25","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202570001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202570001","url":null,"abstract":"Click on the article title to read more.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142935249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shuai Han, Yi Luo, Zuomin Hu, Xinhua Li, Yaping Zhou, Feijun Luo
{"title":"Tumor Microenvironment Targeted by Polysaccharides in Cancer Prevention: Expanding Roles of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites","authors":"Shuai Han, Yi Luo, Zuomin Hu, Xinhua Li, Yaping Zhou, Feijun Luo","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400750","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400750","url":null,"abstract":"Since the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), immunotherapy has been widely used as a novel cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy is largely dependent on the tumor microenvironment (TME). The high degree of heterogeneity within TME remains a major obstacle to acquire satisfactory therapeutic. Emerging studies suggest that gut microbiota is becoming an important regulator of TME. Polysaccharides as tumor immunotherapeutic agents or immune adjuvants not only exhibit antitumor activity by targeting gut microbiota, but also expand their role in the tumor immunotherapy by remodeling TME. To date, the mechanism by which polysaccharides targeting TME for tumor prevention via gut microbiota has not been deeply investigated. In this review, recent advances in the regulation of TME by polysaccharides through gut microbiota were systematically outlined, and the challenges and possible solutions in the clinical application of TME‐targeted polysaccharides were discussed. Exploring the relationship between polysaccharides and TME from the perspective of gut microbiota may provide new ideas for the application of polysaccharides in tumor immunotherapy. This is a new area with major challenges that deserve further exploration.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"203 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142929012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Epigallocatechin Gallate Alleviates Cisplatin Induced Intestinal Injury in Rats via Inhibiting NRF2/Keap1 Signaling Pathway and Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites","authors":"Enshuang Xu, Yue Sun, Zhiying Yu, Jiasan Zheng","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400784","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400784","url":null,"abstract":"Cisplatin (CIS) is a broad-spectrum anticancer drug widely used in the clinic; however, one of its side effects is that it can cause intestinal damage such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea in patients. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the main active substances in green tea, which has the effects of antitumor multiple drug resistance, antioxidation, and antiinflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of EGCG on CIS-induced intestinal injury in rats. First, physiological indices and HE staining indicated that compared with the control group, the physiological state of rats in the CIS group was worse, and the intestinal tissue was damaged, especially the ileum. In contrast, pretreatment with EGCG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) effectively alleviated the intestinal damage induced by CIS, with the 40 mg/kg dose demonstrating the most substantial protective effect. Additionally, 40 mg/kg EGCG pretreatment mitigated CIS-induced morphological and ultrastructural damage to intestinal tissues, reduced bacterial translocation, and preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This treatment also altered the abundance of 19 bacterial species, including <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Shigella</i>, and influenced amino acid metabolism and 15 metabolic pathways, including vitamin B6 metabolism by 16S RNA and metabolome sequencing. Furthermore, the expression of proteins associated with autophagy and the NRF2/Keap1 signaling pathway was inhibited. Lastly, ML385 (NRF2 signaling pathway inhibitor) reversed the protective effects of EGCG. Taken together, our findings indicate that EGCG ameliorates CIS induced hepatoenteric toxicity in rats by regulating the intestinal flora and targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 signal axis.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142929540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Targeting the Progression of Lupus-Like Disease in Humanized Mouse Model by Specific Dietary Components","authors":"Nikola Ralchev, Lidiya Kechidzhieva, Blagovesta Boneva, Kalina Tumangelova-Yuzeir, Dobroslav Kyurkchiev, Desislava Kalinova, Simeon Monov, Andrey Tchorbanov, Kalina Nikolova-Ganeva","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400473","url":null,"abstract":"Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with a number of immunological aberrations in the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses. Spontaneous and induced mouse models of the disease have contributed significantly to the advancement in lupus treatments. The involvement of humanized models, engrafted with lupus patients’ immune cells, represented the possibility to study the development of SLE. In the current research, we engrafted NSG/Rag2-γc- mice with PBMCs from lupus patients and put the mice on specific diet composed of extra amounts of methyl-containing micronutrients and cofactors which are key participants in the DNA methylation processes. The results showed a decrease in anti-dsDNA IgG antibody and in proteinuria levels, less glomerular proliferation and protected renal structures in all mice put on the supplemented diet compared to humanized mice fed with the control diet. The observed therapeutic effect may be related to possible alterations in the methylation level and to targeted suppression of gene expression in the immune cells, which correlate negatively with the development of the clinical SLE characteristics. These findings point to the significant immunomodulating role of methyl donors in human models of SLE and represent new therapeutic opportunities with clinical potential.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142917364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jorge Enrique Vazquez Bucheli, Yuri Lee, Bobae Kim, Nuno F Azevedo, Andreia S Azevedo, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Yosep Ji, Hyeji Kang, Wilhelm H Holzapfel
{"title":"Use of FISH-FLOW as a Method for the Identification and Quantification of Bacterial Populations.","authors":"Jorge Enrique Vazquez Bucheli, Yuri Lee, Bobae Kim, Nuno F Azevedo, Andreia S Azevedo, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Yosep Ji, Hyeji Kang, Wilhelm H Holzapfel","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400494","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.202400494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harbors the largest group of microbiotas among the microbial communities of the human host. The resident organisms typical of a healthy gut are well adapted to the gastrointestinal environment while alteration of these populations can trigger disorders that may affect the health and well-being of the host. Various investigations have applied different tools to study bacterial communities in the gut and their correlation with gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and diabetes. This study proposes fluorescent in situ hybridization, combined with flow cytometry (FISH-FLOW), as an alternative approach for phylum level identification of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria and quantification of target bacteria from the GIT based on analysis of fecal samples, where results are validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16s rRNA) sequencing. The results obtained via FISH-FLOW experimental approach show high specificity for the developed probes for hybridization with the target bacteria. The study, therefore, suggests the FISH-FLOW as a reliable method for studying bacterial communities in the gut with results correlating well with those of metagenomic investigations of the same fecal samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":" ","pages":"e2400494"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142370384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Beatriz Marinho de Almeida, Emília Maria França Lima, João Paulo Fabi, Franco Maria Lajolo, Neuza Mariko Aymoto Hassimotto
{"title":"Phenolic Compounds and Bacteriocins: Mechanisms, Interactions, and Applications in Food Preservation and Safety","authors":"Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Beatriz Marinho de Almeida, Emília Maria França Lima, João Paulo Fabi, Franco Maria Lajolo, Neuza Mariko Aymoto Hassimotto","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400723","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400723","url":null,"abstract":"Beneficial properties of different natural antimicrobials are topics of scientific curiosity for improving safety and extending the shelf life of food commodities. In this regard, phenolic compounds, natural molecules known for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties can be right choice. Moreover, bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides produced by various microorganisms, capable of inhibiting the growth of other bacteria, particularly closely related species can be genuine alternative. Combining phenolic compounds with bacteriocins can enhance antimicrobial effects, extending the shelf‐life of food products by combating spoilage and foodborne pathogens. Despite their potential, the chemical interactions between phenolic compounds and bacteriocins, including synergistic and antagonistic effects, are not well understood. Key areas needing further research include the following: the mechanisms of action against different bacterium types, interactions with cell membranes, enzyme activity, and gene expression; the effects of environmental factors like concentration, pH, temperature, and food matrix specificity on their interactions; and methods for incorporating these compounds into food products and packaging materials to improve food safety. Additionally, the safety, toxicity, allergenicity, sensory properties, nutritional value, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance of using phenolic compounds and bacteriocins in food products require thorough investigation.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142901924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hend A. Essa, Ayat F. Hashim, Nahla N. Abdel‐Aziz, Fatma El‐Zahraa Sayed Mohamed, Alaa M. Ali
{"title":"Olive and Linseed Oil Blend‐Based Nanoemulsions Fortified With Ginger Extract Nutraceutical: Mitigating Liver Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride by Regulating Oxidative Stress and TGF‐β/MMP9 Signaling Pathway in Rats","authors":"Hend A. Essa, Ayat F. Hashim, Nahla N. Abdel‐Aziz, Fatma El‐Zahraa Sayed Mohamed, Alaa M. Ali","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.202400497","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202400497","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:label/>Liver fibrosis is a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, making the identification of non‐toxic natural therapies to slow its progression essential. This study evaluated the anti‐fibrotic potential of a nutraceutical blend comprising extra virgin olive oil, linseed oil, and ginger extract, formulated in both emulsion and nanoemulsion forms, using a rat model of liver fibrosis. Nanoemulsions were prepared using the ultrasonication technique, and their particle size and stability were analyzed via the DLS method. Twenty‐four male albino rats were divided into four groups: normal control, CCl<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>‐treated, oil emulsion‐treated, and nanoemulsion‐treated. Liver fibrosis was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>), while the emulsions were administered daily alongside CCl<jats:sub>4</jats:sub> for four weeks. Liver function indices, oxidative stress biomarkers, and gene expressions were assessed, along with histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The results revealed that both emulsions significantly improved liver function, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and reduced lipid peroxidation. They downregulated pro‐fibrogenic markers (TGF‐β1, TIMP‐1) and upregulated anti‐fibrogenic markers (MMP9, HGF), leading to a reduction in liver fibrosis. The nanoemulsion exhibited superior efficacy compared to the emulsion. These findings demonstrate that the nutraceutical blend, particularly in nanoemulsion form, effectively attenuated liver fibrosis and improved hepatic health markers. This underscores its potential as a natural therapy for liver fibrosis and related conditions, emphasizing its nutritional value in supporting liver health.","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142886861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}