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Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases -...
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Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2024) | Viewed by 13915

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tao Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, China
Interests: food nutrition and function; natural products for chronic diseases prevention; development of new food resources
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Qiang Chu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Tea Research Institute, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: nature products; lipid metabolism; glycometabolism; inflammation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have threatened human health for a long time and remain daunting challenges. As consumer demand for preventing chronic diseases increases, natural food products are drawing special attention in global markets. With the growing interest in food intervention, research has been widely concerned with applying natural food products such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, peptides, and probiotics in chronic disease prevention, as well as investigating their mechanisms, and this will attract much more attention in the future.

Therefore, this Special Issue aims to present a collection of studies focused on the current advances in the ‘Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases’. We kindly invite you to submit original review/research articles with novel ideas/concepts related to this topic. Research addressing compositional aspects, in vitro and in vivo investigations, and efficacy evaluation in intervention studies is particularly welcomed. 

Dr. Tao Wu
Dr. Qiang Chu
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. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • natural food products 
  • polyphenols 
  • polysaccharides 
  • peptides 
  • probiotics 
  • inflammation 
  • obesity 
  • diabetes 
  • hypertension 
  • chronic diseases

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 9548 KiB  
Article
Soluble Dietary Fiber of Hawthorn Relieves Constipation Induced by Loperamide Hydrochloride by Improving Intestinal Flora and Inflammation, Thereby Regulating the Aquaporin Ion Pathway in Mice
by Henghui Zhang, Qixin Zu, Jiancai Zhang, Suwen Liu, Guohua Zhang, Xuedong Chang and Xiaojun Li
Foods 2024, 13(14), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142220 - 15 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1166
Abstract
Dietary fiber can be fermented and utilized by gut microbiota to reshape the gut microbiota, thereby alleviating constipation. This experiment mainly studied the physicochemical functions of hawthorn soluble dietary fiber (HSDF)and its effect and mechanism in alleviating constipation in mice. Forty-five mice were [...] Read more.
Dietary fiber can be fermented and utilized by gut microbiota to reshape the gut microbiota, thereby alleviating constipation. This experiment mainly studied the physicochemical functions of hawthorn soluble dietary fiber (HSDF)and its effect and mechanism in alleviating constipation in mice. Forty-five mice were divided into blank control group C, model group M, positive control HS group, low-dose LHSDF group (1 g/kg/bw), and high-dose HHSDF group (2 g/kg/bw). The mice were modeled at a dose of 10 mg/kg/bw of loperamide hydrochloride for 7 days, while the remaining groups were orally administered an equal amount of distilled water and test samples. After continuous gavage for 45 days we performed a bowel movement test, and then continued gavage for 7 days and performed a small intestine propulsion test and indicator testing. The results showed that HSDF is mainly composed of galacturonic acid, belonging to the type I crystal structure, with a loose surface resembling a snowflake, a small molecular weight, and strong water-holding and antioxidant abilities. Animal experiments showed that compared with group M, HSDF significantly upregulated AQP3 and AQP8 by 52.67% and 164.54%, respectively, and downregulated AQP9 protein expression by 45.88%, thereby promoting intestinal peristalsis. It can also alleviate constipation by increasing the levels of excitatory hormones such as MTL, GAS, and SP in the gastrointestinal tract, and reducing the levels of inhibitory hormones such as SS, NO, and MDA. In addition, HSDF can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and PL-1 β, increase the content of various short-chain fatty acids, alleviate intestinal inflammation, maintain intestinal integrity, and promote defecation. It can also promote the growth of probiotics such as Bacteroides, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and alter the diversity of gut microbiota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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14 pages, 7729 KiB  
Article
Resveratrol Alleviates Zearalenone-Induced Intestinal Dysfunction in Mice through the NF-κB/Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling Pathway
by Sugan Xia, Chaoyue Yan, Jianhong Gu, Yan Yuan, Hui Zou, Zongping Liu and Jianchun Bian
Foods 2024, 13(8), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13081217 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1543 | Correction
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin widely present in crops and food, poses a major threat to animal and human health. The consumption of ZEA-contaminated food or feed causes intestinal damage. Therefore, exploring how to mitigate the intestinal damage caused by its ZEA is becoming [...] Read more.
Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin widely present in crops and food, poses a major threat to animal and human health. The consumption of ZEA-contaminated food or feed causes intestinal damage. Therefore, exploring how to mitigate the intestinal damage caused by its ZEA is becoming increasingly important. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol compound, mainly exists in Vitis vinifera, Polygonum cuspidatum, Arachis hypogaea, and other plants. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The primary objective of this study was to assess the defensive effects of RSV and its molecular mechanism on the intestinal mucosal injury induced by ZEA exposure in mice. The results showed that RSV pretreatment significantly reduced serum DAO and that D-lactate levels altered intestinal morphology and markedly restored TJ protein levels, intestinal goblet cell number, and MUC-2 gene expression after ZEA challenge. In addition, RSV significantly reversed serum pro-inflammatory factor levels and abnormal changes in intestinal MDA, CAT, and T-SOD. Additional research demonstrated that RSV decreased inflammation by blocking the translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 and decreased oxidative stress by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and its associated antioxidant genes, including NQO1, γ-GCS, and GSH-PX. In summary, RSV supplementation attenuates intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by ZEA exposure by mediating the NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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19 pages, 8977 KiB  
Article
Chaenomeles sinensis Extract Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis by Inhibiting the IL-33/ST2 Axis and Regulating Epithelial Cell Dysfunction
by Juan Jin, Yan Jing Fan, Thi Van Nguyen, Zhen Nan Yu, Chang Ho Song, So-Young Lee, Hee Soon Shin and Ok Hee Chai
Foods 2024, 13(4), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13040611 - 18 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1448
Abstract
Chaenomeles sinensis has traditionally been used as an herbal medicine due to its characteristics that protect against inflammation, hypertension, and mutagenesis. However, the effect of Chaenomeles sinensis extract (CSE) on allergic rhinitis (AR) and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly investigated. [...] Read more.
Chaenomeles sinensis has traditionally been used as an herbal medicine due to its characteristics that protect against inflammation, hypertension, and mutagenesis. However, the effect of Chaenomeles sinensis extract (CSE) on allergic rhinitis (AR) and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The current study explored the likely effect of CSE on AR in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. To this end, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, nasal symptoms, cytokine production, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and nasal histopathology were assessed to determine the role of CSE against AR. The supplementation of CSE was found to suppress OVA-specific IgE, while OVA-specific IgG2a was increased in the serum. Further, CSE ameliorated the production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines whereas it increased Th1 cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid. Moreover, the CSE treatment group exhibited significant inhibition of IL-33/ST2 signaling. Subsequently, CES reversed the OVA-induced enhancement of epithelial permeability and upregulated E-cadherin, thus indicating that CES plays a protective role on epithelial barrier integrity. Altogether, the oral administration of CSE effectively controlled allergic response by restricting the buildup of inflammatory cells, enhancing nasal and lung histopathological traits, and regulating cytokines associated with inflammation. Collectively, the results show that the supplementation of CSE at different doses effectively regulated AR, thus suggesting the therapeutic efficiency of CSE in suppressing airway diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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12 pages, 2272 KiB  
Article
Hypotensive and Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects of Grayblue Spicebush Ethanol Extract in Rats
by Sujin Shin, Junkyu Park, Ho-Young Choi and Kyungjin Lee
Foods 2023, 12(23), 4282; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12234282 - 27 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1012
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Lindera glauca (Siebold & Zucc.) Blume, known as grayblue spicebush (GS), has been used as food and for medicinal purposes; however, studies about its hypotensive or vasorelaxant effects [...] Read more.
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Lindera glauca (Siebold & Zucc.) Blume, known as grayblue spicebush (GS), has been used as food and for medicinal purposes; however, studies about its hypotensive or vasorelaxant effects are lacking. Therefore, the hypotensive effect of an ethanolic extract of the GS branch (GSE) was investigated in 15-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) using the tail cuff method. The GSE administration group (1000 mg/kg SHR body weight) showed a decrease in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured 4 h after its administration. In addition, we investigated its vasorelaxant effect using the thoracic aorta dissected from Sprague-Dawley rats. The GSE (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) showed an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect, and its mechanisms were found to be relevant to the inward rectifier, voltage-dependent, and non-selective K+ channels. Moreover, the GSE (20 μg/mL) showed an inhibitory effect on aortic rings constricted with angiotensin II. Considering its hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects, GSE has potential as a functional food to help treat and prevent high blood pressure. However, further studies on the identification of the active components of GSE and safety evaluations of its use are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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13 pages, 2297 KiB  
Communication
Effects of Cinnamon Powder on Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Mice and the Molecular Mechanisms
by Yaoyao Liu, Fan Liu, Dongxu Xing, Weifei Wang, Qiong Yang, Sentai Liao, Erna Li, Daorui Pang and Yuxiao Zou
Foods 2023, 12(20), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12203852 - 20 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2775
Abstract
The liver is the primary organ regulating glucose metabolism. In our recent study, cinnamon improved liver function in diabetic mice. However, it is not clear whether cinnamon can reduce the glycemia of diabetic animals by regulating liver glucose metabolism. The purpose of this [...] Read more.
The liver is the primary organ regulating glucose metabolism. In our recent study, cinnamon improved liver function in diabetic mice. However, it is not clear whether cinnamon can reduce the glycemia of diabetic animals by regulating liver glucose metabolism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic mechanism of cinnamon powder (CP) from the perspective of regulating liver glucose metabolism. To achieve this, different doses of CP (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg body weight) were given to diabetic mice by gavage once per day for 8 weeks. These mice were compared with healthy controls, untreated diabetic mice, and diabetic mice treated with metformin (the main first-line drug for type 2 diabetes). CP treatment effectively reduced fasting blood glucose levels and food intake, improved glucose tolerance and fasting serum insulin levels, and decreased glycated serum protein levels in diabetic mice. Furthermore, treatment with CP increased liver glycogen content and reduced the level of the gluconeogenesis precursor pyruvate in the liver. Data obtained by qPCR and western blotting suggested that CP improved glucose metabolism disorders by regulating AMPKα/PGC1α-mediated hepatic gluconeogenesis and PI3K/AKT-mediated hepatic glycogen synthesis. CP exhibits good hypoglycemic effects by improving hepatic glycogen synthesis and controlling hepatic gluconeogenesis. Therefore, CP may be applied as a functional food to decrease blood glucose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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13 pages, 4049 KiB  
Article
Sea Cucumber Hydrolysate Alleviates Immunosuppression and Gut Microbiota Imbalance Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Balb/c Mice through the NF-κB Pathway
by Jing Mao, Shunqin Li, RongRong Fu, Yijin Wang, Jing Meng, Yan Jin, Tao Wu and Min Zhang
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1604; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081604 - 10 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2278
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of sea cucumber hydrolysate (SCH) on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy). Our findings demonstrated that SCH could increase the thymus index and spleen index, decrease the serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of sea cucumber hydrolysate (SCH) on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy). Our findings demonstrated that SCH could increase the thymus index and spleen index, decrease the serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, increase the serum IgG and small intestinal sIgA levels, reduce small intestinal and colon tissue damage, and activate the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway by increasing TRAF6 and IRAK1 protein levels, as well as the phosphorylation levels of IκBα and p65, thereby enhancing immunity. In addition, SCH alleviated the imbalance of the gut microbiota by altering the composition of the gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice. At the genus level, when compared with the model group, the relative abundance of Dubosiella, Lachnospiraceae, and Ligilactobacillus increased, while that of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Turicibacter decreased in the SCH groups. Moreover, 26 potential bioactive peptides were identified by oligopeptide sequencing and bioactivity prediction. This study’s findings thus provide an experimental basis for further development of SCH as a nutritional supplement to alleviate immunosuppression induced by Cy as well as provides a new idea for alleviating intestinal damage induced by Cy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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17 pages, 5105 KiB  
Article
Bamboo Shoots Modulate Gut Microbiota, Eliminate Obesity in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice and Improve Lipid Metabolism
by Xiaolu Zhou, SolJu Pak, Daotong Li, Li Dong, Fang Chen, Xiaosong Hu and Lingjun Ma
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071380 - 24 Mar 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2572
Abstract
Bamboo shoots (BS) have a variety of nutritional benefits; however, their anti-obesity effect and its underlying mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of BS against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced gut dysbiosis in mice. After 12 weeks [...] Read more.
Bamboo shoots (BS) have a variety of nutritional benefits; however, their anti-obesity effect and its underlying mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of BS against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced gut dysbiosis in mice. After 12 weeks of feeding C57BL/6J mice either on a normal or an HFD with or without BS, metabolic indicators, including blood lipids and glucose tolerance, were measured. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics were used to identify alterations in gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolic profiling. The results demonstrated that BS supplementation reduced body weight by 30.56%, mitigated liver damage, and improved insulin resistance and inflammation in obese mice. In addition, BS increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Norank_f_Muribaculaceae), and reduced levels of harmful bacteria (e.g., Blautia and Burkholderia–Paraburkholderia). Finally, BS increased many beneficial fecal metabolites, such as fatty acids and bile acids, which are highly relevant to the altered gut microbiota. Based on the modulatory effect of BS on microbiota composition and gut metabolite levels observed in this study, we suggest that BS may be beneficial in treating obesity and its related complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)
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