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Nutrients
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Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases
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Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 October 2022) | Viewed by 26052

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dongliang Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
Interests: phytochemicals; atherosclerosis; lipid metabolism; inflammation; immunometabolism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Hao Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
Interests: spatial nutrition; omega-3 PUFAs; diabetes; target delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants, generally to help them to survive environmental stresses. Interestingly, phytochemicals can also interact with and modulate key regulators of mammalian physiology in ways that are beneficial to health. A higher consumption rate of phytochemical-rich food is associated with a lower risk of chronic metabolic diseases, such as atherosclerotic diseases and cancer, the main causes of death globally. Their relationship between phytochemicals and chronic metabolic diseases has inspired researchers to dissect these preventive and/or therapeutic roles in atherosclerosis. Indeed, the mechanism of action has evolved from the now debunked simple, direct antioxidant hypothesis into an understanding of the complex effects on molecular targets and enzymes in specific cell types within tissues or organs. Moreover, recent studies have also suggested that gut microbiota play a critical role in the chronic metabolic diseases-modulating effect of phytochemicals.

In relation to this interdisciplinary topic, we invite researchers to submit original research at either mechanistic, observational, or epidemiological levels on topics aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the recent advances in the chronic metabolic diseases-modulating effects of pure phytochemicals, phytochemical extract, or wholefoods rich in phytochemicals.

Prof. Dr. Dongliang Wang
Prof. Dr. Hao Wu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • phytochemicals
  • gut microbiota
  • bioavailibility
  • atherosclerosis
  • lipid metabolism
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • apoptosis
  • proliferation
  • endothelial cell
  • macrophage
  • foam cell
  • vascular smooth muscle cell

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4090 KiB  
Article
Re-Visiting Antioxidant Therapy in Murine Advanced Atherosclerosis with Brussels Chicory, a Typical Vegetable in Mediterranean Diets
by Qing Li, Yushi Du, Panyin Xiang, Guanyu Chen, Xiaoxian Qian, Shuangshuang Li, Yihui Mao, Wenhua Ling and Dongliang Wang
Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040832 - 6 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2436
Abstract
Brussels chicory, a typical vegetable in Mediterranean diets, has been recently reported to stabilize advanced atherosclerotic plaques in the brachiocephalic artery of apoE-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Herein, we investigated whether Brussels chicory can stabilize advanced plaques in the aorta via improving [...] Read more.
Brussels chicory, a typical vegetable in Mediterranean diets, has been recently reported to stabilize advanced atherosclerotic plaques in the brachiocephalic artery of apoE-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Herein, we investigated whether Brussels chicory can stabilize advanced plaques in the aorta via improving oxidative stress. Thirty week old Apoe−/− mice were fed the AIN-93G diet or supplemented with 0.5% freeze-dried Brussels chicory for twenty weeks. Aortic plaque size and stability, aortic relaxation, monocyte adhesion to aortic endothelium, free radicals, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic factors involved in free radical production and elimination in aorta and serum were measured. Brussels chicory consumption did not alter aortic plaque size, however, it stabilized aortic plaques, promoted aortic relaxation, and also inhibited monocyte adhesion to aortic endothelium. Moreover, this administration reduced oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) content in aortic plaques, associated with inhibited aortic NADPH oxidase (NOX) and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated free radical production. However, Brussels chicory consumption did not appreciably alter aortic and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, aortic glutathione (GSH), as well as serum non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as bilirubin, uric acid, and GSH. Collectively, improved oxidative stress might contribute to the atheroprotective effect of Brussels chicory, supporting the prospect of the antioxidant therapy in advanced atherosclerosis progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
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13 pages, 3479 KiB  
Article
Sesquiterpenoids from the Florets of Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) and Their Anti-Atherosclerotic Activity
by Lei Li, Juan Liu, Xinrui Li, Yuqin Guo, Yunqiu Fan, Hongzhen Shu, Guangxu Wu, Cheng Peng and Liang Xiong
Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5348; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245348 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2419
Abstract
(1) Background: The florets of Carthamus tinctorius L. are traditionally used as a blood-activating drug and can be used for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but no compounds with anti-atherosclerotic activity have been reported. (2) Methods: This study investigated the chemical compounds from the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The florets of Carthamus tinctorius L. are traditionally used as a blood-activating drug and can be used for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but no compounds with anti-atherosclerotic activity have been reported. (2) Methods: This study investigated the chemical compounds from the florets of C. tinctorius. Comprehensive spectroscopic techniques revealed their structures, and ECD calculations established their absolute configurations. Nile Red staining, Oil Red O staining, and cholesterol assessment were performed on these compounds and their aglycones for the inhibitory activity against the formation of foam cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, RAW264.7 macrophages were tested for their anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the inhibition of NO production caused by LPS. (3) Results: Five new sesquiterpenoids (1–5) isolated from the florets of C. tinctorius were identified as (–)-(1R,4S,9S,11R)-caryophyll-8(13)-en-14-ol-5-one (1), (+)-(1R,4R,9S,11R)-caryophyll-8(13)-en-14-ol-5-one (2), (–)-(3Z,1R,5S,8S,9S,11R)-5,8-epoxycaryophyll-3-en-14-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (+)-(1S,7R,10S)-guai-4-en-3-one-11-O-β-D-fucopyranoside (4), and (–)-(2R,5R,10R)-vetispir-6-en-8-one-11-O-β-D-fucopyranoside (5). All compounds except for compound 3 reduced the lipid content in ox-LDL-treated RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 3 and 4 and their aglycones were found to reduce the level of total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC) in ox-LDL-treated RAW264.7 cells. However, no compounds showed anti-inflammatory activity. (4) Conclusion: Sesquiterpenoids from C. tinctorius help to decrease the content of lipids, TC and FC in RAW264.7 cells, but they cannot inhibit NO production, which implies that their anti-atherogenic effects do not involve the inhibition of inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
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14 pages, 2295 KiB  
Article
Capsaicin Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− Mice via Remodeling Gut Microbiota
by Zijian Dai, Siqi Li, Yantong Meng, Qingyu Zhao, Yiyun Zhang, Zhuoma Suonan, Yuge Sun, Qun Shen, Xiaojun Liao and Yong Xue
Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204334 - 17 Oct 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2986
Abstract
Capsaicin is a pungent alkaloid abundantly present in peppers with outstanding biological activities, including the anti-atherosclerosis effect. Previous studies revealed that gut microbiota played an important role in the beneficial effects of capsaicin, but whether it is essential for the anti-atherosclerosis effect of [...] Read more.
Capsaicin is a pungent alkaloid abundantly present in peppers with outstanding biological activities, including the anti-atherosclerosis effect. Previous studies revealed that gut microbiota played an important role in the beneficial effects of capsaicin, but whether it is essential for the anti-atherosclerosis effect of capsaicin is unclear. This study evaluated the anti-atherosclerosis effect of capsaicin in ApoE−/− mice and further explored the role of depleting gut microbiota in the improvement of atherosclerosis. The results showed that capsaicin administration could prevent the development of atherosclerosis and improve serum lipids and inflammation, while antibiotic intervention abolished the alleviation of atherosclerosis by capsaicin. In addition, capsaicin administration could significantly increase the abundance of Turicibacter, Odoribacter, and Ileibacterium in feces, and decrease the abundance of deoxycholic acid, cholic acid, hypoxanthine, and stercobilin in cecal content. Our study provides evidence that gut microbiota plays a critical role in the anti-atherosclerosis effect of capsaicin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
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Review

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16 pages, 341 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Bioactivities of Phytochemical Saponins in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis
by Huiyu Luo, Junbin Chen, Chuhong Su and Longying Zha
Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 4998; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14234998 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3027
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hardening and narrowing of arteries. AS leads to a number of arteriosclerotic vascular diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease, which pose a big threat to human health. Phytochemicals are a [...] Read more.
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hardening and narrowing of arteries. AS leads to a number of arteriosclerotic vascular diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease, which pose a big threat to human health. Phytochemicals are a variety of intermediate or terminal low molecular weight secondary metabolites produced during plant energy metabolism. Phytochemicals from plant foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and traditional herb plants have been shown to exhibit multiple bioactivities which are beneficial for prevention and treatment against AS. Many types of phytochemicals including polyphenols, saponins, carotenoids, terpenoids, organic sulfur compounds, phytoestrogens, phytic acids and plant sterols have already been identified, among which saponins are a family of glycosidic compounds consisting of a hydrophobic aglycone (sapogenin) linked to hydrophilic sugar moieties. In recent years, studies have shown that saponins exhibit a number of biological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulation, anti-platelet aggregation, etc., which are helpful in the prevention and treatment of AS. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in the anti-atherosclerotic bioactivities of saponins such as ginsenoside, soyasaponin, astra-galoside, glycyrrhizin, gypenoside, dioscin, saikosaponin, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
13 pages, 3143 KiB  
Review
The Effect of Resveratrol on Blood Lipid Profile: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Xinyi Cao, Wang Liao, Hui Xia, Shaokang Wang and Guiju Sun
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3755; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183755 - 11 Sep 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 10910
Abstract
(1) Background: The effects of resveratrol on blood lipids are controversial. Whether there is a dose-response of the lipid profile upon resveratrol supplementation is unknown. (2) Methods: This dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to explore the effects of resveratrol [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The effects of resveratrol on blood lipids are controversial. Whether there is a dose-response of the lipid profile upon resveratrol supplementation is unknown. (2) Methods: This dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to explore the effects of resveratrol supplementation on lipid profile. A systematical and comprehensive search of several databases was conducted by 30 June 2022. (3) Results: The results indicated that the intake of resveratrol could significantly decrease the total cholesterol (TC) (mean difference = −10.28; 95%CI: −13.79, −6.76, p < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (Mean difference = −856; 95%CI: −12.37, −4.75, p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference = −5.69; 95%CI: −11.07, −0.31, p = 0.038) level, but did not alter the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In the non-linear dose–response analysis, we observed a significant effect of the supplementation dosage on the level of LDL-C (p-nonlinearity = 0.002). Results from the sub-group analysis showed that the reduction of LDL-C was more significant in the trials with a duration of ≥12 weeks and in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (4) Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that resveratrol may be beneficial to reduce TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the blood. The dosage of the resveratrol intervention is an essential factor that affects the level of LDL-C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
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Other

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19 pages, 4379 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy of Flavonoids on Animal Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Jiacheng Zhang, Haolin Zhang, Xiyan Xin, Yutian Zhu, Yang Ye and Dong Li
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4128; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194128 - 4 Oct 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3229
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological endocrinopathies. Evidence suggest that flavonoids have beneficial effects on endocrine and metabolic diseases, including PCOS. However, high-quality clinical trials are lacking. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological endocrinopathies. Evidence suggest that flavonoids have beneficial effects on endocrine and metabolic diseases, including PCOS. However, high-quality clinical trials are lacking. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies to determine the flavonoids’ effects in animal models of PCOS. Three electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from their inception to March 2022. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation’s risk of bias tool was used to assess methodological quality. The standardized mean difference was calculated with 95% confidence intervals as the overall effects. R was used for all statistical analyses. This study was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022328355). A total of eighteen studies, including 300 animals, met the inclusion criteria. Our analyses demonstrated that, compared to control groups, flavonoid groups showed a significantly lower count of atretic follicles and cystic follicles and the count of corpus luteum was higher. A significant reduction in the luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and free testosterone were observed in intervention groups. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the effects of flavonoids on the level of FSH, estradiol, and progesterone. Subgroup analyses indicated that the type of flavonoid, dose, duration of administration, and PCOS induction drug were relevant factors that influenced the effects of intervention. Current evidence supports the positive properties of flavonoids on ovarian histomorphology and hormonal status in animal models of PCOS. These data call for more randomized controlled trials and further experimental studies investigating the mechanism in more depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals Effect in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
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