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A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2025 | Viewed by 12835

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. José Ángel Rufián-Henares

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1. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
2. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs. GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: antioxidant capacity; personalized nutrition; gut microbiota; chemical browning; diet
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Dr. Fortuna Iannuzzo

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Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: nutraceuticals; polyphenols; food chemistry; chromatography; mass spectrometry; food science
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Dr. Maria Maisto

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 59, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: nutraceuticals; bioactive compounds; antioxidant activity; mass spectrometry; chromatography
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Dr. Elisabetta Schiano

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Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: nutrition; metabolic diseases; nutraceuticals; polyphenols; in vitro enzymatic assays; cell line culture
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases present major challenges to global health; thus, the investigation of natural antioxidant compounds offers a promising perspective. These compounds, which are derived from food and vegetables sources, have demonstrated a range of biological effects, positioning themselves as potential therapeutic and preventive agents.

This Special Issue is dedicated to examining natural antioxidant compounds and their impact on metabolic diseases. The role of these molecules extends well beyond their basic nutritional function; they can significantly influence cellular processes, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate the inflammatory and metabolic responses of the body.

We invite researchers in the fields of food chemistry, nutrition, biochemistry, pharmacology, and the medical sciences to submit original research articles, clinical reports, and review articles. Your participation and contributions are crucial to enriching the body of knowledge and gaining new insights in this field. With this Special Issue, we aim to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the advancement and potential of these compounds in supporting health and the management of metabolic diseases.

Prof. Dr. José Ángel Rufián-Henares
Dr. Fortuna Iannuzzo
Dr. Maria Maisto
Dr. Elisabetta Schiano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

metabolic syndrome
antioxidant compounds
diabetes
obesity
cardiovascular diseases
biological effects
food sources
medicinal plants
oxidative stress
inflammation

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 10134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on Hepatoprotective Effects of Traditional Herbs, Roots of Angelica gigas Nakai, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, Zizyphus jujuba Mill., and Fruits of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., on Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

by So-Yeon Kim, Kyung-Jin Oh, Yu-Ri Seo, Young-Woo Kim, Phil Hyun Song and Chang-Hyun Song

Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091137 - 20 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, with few effective treatments besides alcohol abstinence. Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AG), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GR), Paeoniae Radix (PR), and Zizyphi Fructus (ZF) are traditional herbs used to treat various ailments, including liver diseases. While several studies have reported the beneficial effects of GR on ALD, the effects of AG, PR, and ZF remain underexplored. Therefore, their efficacy and mechanisms against ALD were investigated using an alcohol-related liver injury model. The model was induced by ethanol gavage in C57BL/6J mice for 14 days, followed by oral administration of AG, GR, PR, and ZF one hour post-induction. The administration of these herbs reduced liver weight, and improved serum biomarkers of liver injury (ALT, AST, albumin). The herbs enhanced hepatic antioxidant capacity (GSH, SOD, catalase) and suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and apoptotic changes (caspase-3). The mechanisms of action involved lipid-lowering gene modulation through regulation of the cytochrome P450 2E1/Sirtuin 1/Nrf2 pathways. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that these herbs attenuated hepatocyte damage and steatosis via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. These findings suggest that traditional herbs, particularly AG, could be promising alternative therapies for treating ALD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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22 pages, 2055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) Flower Extract Attenuates Hepatic Injury and Steatosis in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via Nrf2-Dependent Hypoglycemic, Antioxidant, and Hypolipidemic Effects

by Nuha Saad Alshareef, Sahar Abdulaziz AlSedairy, Laila Naif Al-Harbi, Ghedeir M. Alshammari and Mohammed Abdo Yahya

Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091098 - 10 Sep 2024

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine the hepatic and anti-steatotic protective effects of methanolic extract from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flowers (SFFE), using a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. First, T2DM was induced in some rats by feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, followed by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Experimental groups included the following five groups (n = 8 in each): control, control + SFFE, T2DM, T2DM + SFFE, and T2DM + SFFE + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor, 2 mg/kg, i.p.). SFFE was administered at a concentration of 300 mg/kg, and all experiments concluded after 8 weeks. Treatments with SFFE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, free fatty acids (FFAs), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both the control and T2DM rats, but they failed to reduce fasting insulin levels in these groups. SFFE treatments also improved the liver structure and reduced hepatocyte vacuolization and hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM rats, in addition to increasing the hepatic mRNA levels of keap1 and the cytoplasmic levels and nuclear activities of Nrf2 in both the control and T2DM rats. SFFE also stimulated the expression levels of PPARα and CPT-1 but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), mRNA levels of SREBP1, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase in both the control and T2DM rats; meanwhile, it reduced hepatic mRNA and the nuclear activities of NF-κB and increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 in the livers of both groups of treated rats. Furthermore, SFFE suppressed the levels of caspase-3, Bax, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the T2DM rats. Treatment with brusatol prevented all of these effects of SFFE. In conclusion, SFFE suppresses liver damage and hepatic steatosis in T2DM through Nrf2-dependent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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18 pages, 1707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profile and Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Gypsophila paniculata Ethanol Extract in Rat Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

by Lia-Oxana Usatiuc, Marcel Pârvu, Raluca Maria Pop, Ana Uifălean, Dan Vălean, Csilla-Eniko Szabo, Mădălina Țicolea, Florinela Adriana Cătoi, Floricuța Ranga and Alina Elena Pârvu

Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091029 - 24 Aug 2024

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the Gypsophila paniculata ethanol extract (GPEE) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic markers in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Phytochemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was performed to measure the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH, FRAP, H₂O₂, and NO scavenging tests, and the in vivo effects of the GPEE were assessed in streptozotocin-induced DM rats. Treatments with the GPEE, metformin, and Trolox were administrated by gavage for 10 days. On day 11, blood was collected, and serum oxidative stress (total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, advanced glycation end-products, total antioxidant reactivity, total thiols), inflammatory (IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-18, and gasdermin D), metabolic (fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and triglyceride–glucose index), and liver injury (AST, ALT, and AST:ALT ratio) markers were measured. The GPEE was found to have a significant polyphenols content and a moderate in vitro antioxidant effect. In vivo, the GPEE lowered oxidants and increased antioxidants, decreased inflammatory markers and blood glucose, and improved lipid profiles and transaminases in a dose-dependent manner, with higher doses having a better effect, being comparable to those of metformin and Trolox. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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19 pages, 1636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of (Poly)phenol-Rich Foods on Cardiometabolic Risk in Postmenopausal Women: A Dietary Trial

by Lorena Sánchez-Martínez, Rocío González-Barrio, Javier García-Alonso, Pedro Mena and María-Jesús Periago

Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080973 - 9 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Menopause is a critical stage in a woman’s life in which cardiometabolic alterations appear, such as insulin resistance or a predisposition to visceral fat deposits, leading to an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (R-CMBs). New strategies to reduce the R-CMBs in postmenopausal women using natural compounds without adverse effects are desirable. In this sense, plant-based diets rich in fruits and vegetables could play a fundamental role due to the high content of bioactive compounds found in these diets, such as (poly)phenols, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator properties. The aim of this research was to carry out a dietary trial to evaluate the effect of the daily intake of different (poly)phenol-rich foods (PP-rich foods) for 2 months on the modulation of the main cardiometabolic risk biomarkers of postmenopausal women. The results showed a slight improvement in blood pressure (BP), lipid profile and oxidative stress, endothelial function and inflammatory biomarkers. These findings suggest that daily consumption of PP-rich foods alleviated the R-CMBs of postmenopausal women by reducing the oxidative stress and, thus, the risk of cardiovascular events; however, the magnitude of the cardioprotective effect of (poly)phenols depends on inter-individual variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Litchi Pericarp Extract Treats Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, and Energy Metabolism

by Ziming Yang, Li Zhang, Jinlei Liu and Dianpeng Li

Antioxidants 2024, 13(4), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040495 - 21 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2638

Abstract

Litchi pericarp is rich in polyphenols, and demonstrates significant biological activity. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of litchi pericarp extract (LPE) on type 2 diabetes mellitus in db/db mice. The results showed that LPE ameliorated symptoms of glucose metabolism disorder, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and insulin resistance in db/db mice. The mechanistic studies indicated that LPE activates adenosine 5‘-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and suppresses the protein expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), thereby reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis. Additionally, LPE facilitates the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) into the cell nucleus, initiating the transcription of antioxidant factors superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which alleviate oxidative stress and reduce oxidative damage. Furthermore, LPE blocks nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation and subsequent inflammatory response initiation, thereby reducing inflammation. These findings indicate that LPE addresses type 2 diabetes mellitus by activating the AMPK energy metabolic pathway and regulating the Nrf2 oxidative stress and NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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15 pages, 5214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Syrah Grape Polyphenol Extracts Protect Human Skeletal Muscle Cells from Oxidative and Metabolic Stress Induced by Excess of Palmitic Acid: Effect of Skin/Seed Ripening Stage

by Adriana Capozzi, Auriane Dudoit, Luca Garcia, Gilles Carnac, Gérald Hugon, Cédric Saucier, Catherine Bisbal and Karen Lambert

Antioxidants 2024, 13(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13030373 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1572

Abstract

Metabolic skeletal muscle (SM) dysfunction, triggered by increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment, is a pivotal contributor to obesity-associated insulin resistance (IR). Addressing obesity and SM IR demands substantial lifestyle changes including regular exercise and dietary adjustments that are difficult to follow over time. This prompted exploration of alternative approaches. Grape polyphenols (GPPs) have demonstrated a positive impact on metabolism, although few studies have focused on SM. Since grape polyphenolic content and composition depend on tissue and ripening, we explored the antioxidant potential of GPPs from skin (Sk) and seeds (Sd) extracted before veraison (Bv) and at mature (M) stages, on palmitate-induced IR in primary human SM cells. Despite their important difference in polyphenol (PP) content: Sd-BvPP > Sd-MPP/Sk-BvPP > Sk-MPP, all extracts reduced lipid peroxidation by 44–60%, up-regulated the heme-oxygenase 1 protein level by 75–132% and mitochondrial activity by 47–68%. Contrary to the other extracts, which improved insulin response by 50%, Sd-BvPP did not. Our findings suggest that compounds other than stilbenoids or anthocyanin-type molecules, present only in grape Sk, could play an active role in regulating SM oxidative and metabolic stress and insulin sensitivity, paving the way for further exploration of novel bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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Review

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23 pages, 3667 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitors: Cellular Mechanisms Involved in the Lipid Metabolism and the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

by Fernando Cortés-Camacho, Oscar René Zambrano-Vásquez, Elena Aréchaga-Ocampo, Jorge Ismael Castañeda-Sánchez, José Guillermo Gonzaga-Sánchez, José Luis Sánchez-Gloria, Laura Gabriela Sánchez-Lozada and Horacio Osorio-Alonso

Antioxidants 2024, 13(7), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070768 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have emphasized the role of lipid dysregulation in activating cellular mechanisms that contribute to CKD progression in the context of MetS. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated efficacy in improving various components of MetS, including obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. While SGLT2i have shown cardioprotective benefits, the underlying cellular mechanisms in MetS and CKD remain poorly studied. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which SGLT2i modulate lipid metabolism and their impact on insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and CKD progression. We also explore the potential benefits of combining SGLT2i with other antidiabetic drugs. By examining the beneficial effects, molecular targets, and cytoprotective mechanisms of both natural and synthetic SGLT2i, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of their therapeutic potential in managing MetS-induced CKD. The information presented here highlights the significance of SGLT2i in addressing the complex interplay between metabolic dysregulation, lipid metabolism dysfunction, and renal impairment, offering clinicians and researchers a valuable resource for developing improved treatment strategies and personalized approaches for patients with MetS and CKD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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21 pages, 2490 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Antioxidant Effect in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Rat Model: A Systematic Review

by Noradliyanti Rusli, Chen Fei Ng, Suzana Makpol, Yin Ping Wong, Isma Liza Mohd Isa and Rabani Remli

Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091041 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 908

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a contributing factor that leads to the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the microvascular complications with rising concern as the disease progresses despite strict glucose control and monitoring. Thus, there is an ongoing need for an early intervention that is effective in halting or slowing the progression of DPN where antioxidants have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents. This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing evidence on the antioxidant effect in DPN and provide insight on the role of antioxidants in the progression of DPN in a rat model. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Scopus to identify the effects and role of antioxidants in DPN. Data extraction was performed and SYRCLE’s risk of bias (RoB) tool was used for risk assessment. This systematic review was written following the PRISMA 2020 statements. From the literature search, 1268 articles were screened, and a total of 101 full-text articles were further screened before 33 were analyzed. These findings collectively suggest that antioxidants can play a crucial role in managing and potentially reversing the effects of diabetic neuropathy by targeting oxidative stress and improving nerve function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants and Metabolic Diseases)

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