Effects of Smallanthus sonchifolius Flour on Metabolic Parameters: A Systematic Review.

Smallanthus sonchifolius, popularly known as yacon, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Due to its medicinal and edible value, yacon is consumed by different populations. Yacon is unique due to its high fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin content, as well as flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic acids. Roots can be used to produce flour, which is less perishable and can be applied in various industrial products. This systematic review focuses on the effects of yacon flour on metabolic parameters. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the selection of the studies. In total, 526 articles were found in the databases, and of these, only 28 full texts were eligible for inclusion. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were finally included. The results showed that the use of yacon flour can reduce glycemia, HbA1c, advanced glycation ends, plasma lipids, body fat mass, body weight, and waist circumference and improve intestinal microbiota and the antioxidant status. Further exploration of the effects of yacon flour is warranted, and additional clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal daily consumption levels required to assist in improving metabolic parameters.

Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds: Exploring Neuroprotective, Metabolic, and Hepatoprotective Effects for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available scientific data on foods of interest, such as the artichoke, gooseberry, and polygonoideae plants, as well as olive oil and red raspberries. Interestingly, the urgency of solutions to the climate change emergency has brought new attention to by-products of grapevine bunch stem and cane, which have been found to contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. There is a pressing need for a faster process of translating scientific knowledge from the laboratory to real-world applications, especially in the face of the increasing societal burden associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental crises, the post-pandemic world, and ongoing violent conflicts around the world.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) phytochemicals target the components of metabolic syndrome.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a multipurpose dietary and medicinal plant known for its ability to promote various health benefits. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex metabolic disorder driving health and socioeconomic challenges worldwide. It may be characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This study aims to conduct a review of pomegranate's effects on MetS parameters using a mechanistic approach relying on pre-clinical studies. The peel, juice, roots, bark, seeds, flowers, and leaves of the fruit present several bioactive compounds that are related mainly to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and antiobesity effects. The use of the juice extract can work as a potent inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme activities, consequently regulating blood pressure. The major bioactive compounds found within the fruit are phenolic compounds (hydrolysable tannins and flavonoids) and fatty acids. Alkaloids, punicalagin, ellagitannins, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, luteolin, and punicic acid are also present. The antihyperglycemia, antihyperlipidemia, and weight loss promoting effects are likely related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. When considering clinical application, pomegranate extracts are found to be frequently well-tolerated, further supporting its efficacy as a treatment modality. We suggest that pomegranate fruit, extract, or processed products can be used to counteract MetS-related risk factors. This review represents an important step towards exploring potential avenues for further research in this area.

Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis.

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Underlying Mechanisms behind the Brain-Gut-Liver Axis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): An Update.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) includes several metabolic dysfunctions caused by dysregulation in the brain-gut-liver axis and, consequently, increases cardiovascular risks and fatty liver dysfunction. In MAFLD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are frequently present; these conditions are related to liver lipogenesis and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to review the connection between the brain-gut-liver axis and MAFLD. The inflammatory process, cellular alterations in hepatocytes and stellate cells, hypercaloric diet, and sedentarism aggravate the prognosis of patients with MAFLD. Thus, to understand the modulation of the physiopathology of MAFLD, it is necessary to include the organokines involved in this process (adipokines, myokines, osteokines, and hepatokines) and their clinical relevance to project future perspectives of this condition and bring to light new possibilities in therapeutic approaches. Adipokines are responsible for the activation of distinct cellular signaling in different tissues, such as insulin and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is important for balancing substances to avoid MAFLD and its progression. Myokines improve the quantity and quality of adipose tissues, contributing to avoiding the development of MAFLD. Finally, hepatokines are decisive in improving or not improving the progression of this disease through the regulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory organokines.

Investigating the Incidence of Dyslipidemia among Brazilian Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has always been a challenge for health professionals in relation to glycemic control. Increased body fat has been related to a worsening of the lipid profile and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in this population, leading to negative repercussions on the control of cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the distribution of lipid levels and the presence of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with T1DM. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 81 individuals of both sexes (4-19 years) diagnosed with T1DM. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected, in addition to data on physical activity level, sexual maturation stage, and insulin administration regimen. Lipid levels were categorized as normal, borderline, and elevated, and the presence of dyslipidemia was diagnosed by the presence of one or more altered lipid parameter. We noted a prevalence of dyslipidemia in 65.4% of the participants when considering borderline lipid values. Of those, 23.5% had one altered lipid level, and 42.0% had two or more. The main altered lipid levels were total cholesterol and triglycerides, followed by non-HDL-c. The main factor associated with the worsening of lipid levels was the increase in HbA1c. Sex had a significant effect on the levels of TC, HDL-c, and ApoA-I. The results of this study reinforce the need to monitor lipid profile in children and adolescents with T1DM, as well as the importance of early intervention in treating dyslipidemia, especially in patients with poor glycemic control.

New Trends to Treat Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review of Epicatechin.

Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature showing the molecular mechanism and clinical protocol of epicatechin in muscle atrophy in humans, animals, and myoblast cell-line. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that there is a commonness of epicatechin inhibitory action in myostatin expression and atrogenes MAFbx, FOXO, and MuRF1. Epicatechin showed positive effects on follistatin and on the stimulation of factors related to the myogenic actions (MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin). Furthermore, the literature also showed that epicatechin can interfere with mitochondrias' biosynthesis in muscle fibers, stimulation of the signaling pathways of AKT/mTOR protein production, and amelioration of skeletal musculature performance, particularly when combined with physical exercise. Epicatechin can, for these reasons, exhibit clinical applicability due to the beneficial results under conditions that negatively affect the skeletal musculature. However, there is no protocol standardization or enough clinical evidence to draw more specific conclusions on its therapeutic implementation.

Exploring the logic and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of AdipoRon-based adiponectin replacement therapy against hormone-related cancers-a systematic review.

The potential benefits of adiponectin replacement therapy extend to numerous human diseases, with current research showing particular interest in its effectiveness against specific cancer forms, especially hormone-related. However, limitations in the pharmacological use of the intact protein have led to a focus on alternative options. AdipoRon is an extensively studied non-peptidic drug candidate for adiponectin replacement therapy. While researchers have explored the efficacy and therapeutic applications of AdipoRon in various disease conditions, their effects against cancer models advanced more, with no review regarding AdipoRon's efficacy against hormone-related cancers being published. The present systematic review aims to fill this gap. Preclinical evidence was compiled from PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and Google Scholar following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the manuscript's quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews' Quality. The included nine studies incorporated various cell and animal models of the pancreas, gynaecological system, and osteosarcoma cancers. AdipoRon demonstrated effectiveness against pancreatic cancer by activating p44/42 MAPK, mitochondrial dysfunction, and AMPK-mediated inhibition of ACC1. In gynaecological cancers, it exhibited promising anticancer effects through the activation of AMPK, potential inhibition of mTOR, and modulation of the SET1B/BOD1/AdipoR1 signaling cascade. Against osteosarcoma, AdipoRon worked by perturbing ERK1/2 signaling and reducing p70S6K phosphorylation. AdipoRon shows promise in preclinical studies, but human trials are crucial for clinical safety and effectiveness. Caution is needed due to potential off-target effects, especially in cancer therapy with multi-target approaches. Structural biology and computational methods can help predict these effects.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds and by-products in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders: A systematic review of clinical studies.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The main risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and increased serum lipids. The peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), also known as the groundnut, goober, pindar, or monkey nut, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is the fourth most cultivated oilseed in the world. The seeds and skin of peanuts possess a rich phytochemical profile composed of antioxidants, such as phenolic acids, stilbenes, flavonoids, and phytosterols. Peanut consumption can provide numerous health benefits, such as anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic effects. Accordingly, peanuts have the potential to treat CVD and counteract its risk factors. PURPOSE: This study aims to critically evaluate the effects of peanuts on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and CVD risk factors based on clinical studies. METHOD: This review includes studies indexed in MEDLINE-PubMed, COCHRANE, and EMBASE, and the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were adhered to. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included and indicated that the consumption of raw peanuts or differing forms of processed foods containing peanut products and phytochemicals could improve metabolic parameters, such as glycemia, insulinemia, glycated hemoglobin, lipids, body mass index, waist circumference, atherogenic indices, and endothelial function. CONCLUSION: We propose that this legume and its products be used as a sustainable and low-cost alternative for the prevention and treatment of MetS and CVD. However, further research with larger sample sizes, longer intervention durations, and more diverse populations is needed to understand the full benefit of peanut consumption in MetS and CVD.

Mangifera indica L., By-Products, and Mangiferin on Cardio-Metabolic and Other Health Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Mango and its by-products have traditional medicinal uses. They contain diverse bioactive compounds offering numerous health benefits, including cardioprotective and metabolic properties. This study aimed to explore the impact of mango fruit and its by-products on human health, emphasizing its metabolic syndrome components. PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR were searched following PRISMA guidelines, and the COCHRANE handbook was utilized to assess bias risks. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown several benefits of mango and its by-products. For this systematic review, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The collective findings indicated that the utilization of mango in various forms-ranging from fresh mango slices and mango puree to mango by-products, mango leaf extract, fruit powder, and mangiferin-yielded many favorable effects. These encompassed enhancements in glycemic control and improvements in plasma lipid profiles. Additionally, mango reduces food intake, elevates mood scores, augments physical performance during exercise, improves endothelial function, and decreases the incidence of respiratory tract infections. Utilizing mango by-products supports the demand for healthier products. This approach also aids in environmental conservation. Furthermore, the development of mango-derived nanomedicines aligns with sustainable goals and offers innovative solutions for healthcare challenges whilst being environmentally conscious.

Unraveling the rationale and conducting a comprehensive assessment of KD025 (Belumosudil) as a candidate drug for inhibiting adipogenic differentiation-a systematic review.

Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are crucial during the adipocyte differentiation process. KD025 (Belumosudil) is a newly developed inhibitor that selectively targets ROCK2. It has exhibited consistent efficacy in impeding adipogenesis across a spectrum of in vitro models of adipogenic differentiation. Given the novelty of this treatment, a comprehensive systematic review has not been conducted yet. This systematic review aims to fill this knowledge void by providing readers with an extensive examination of the rationale behind KD025 and its impacts on adipogenesis. Preclinical evidence was gathered owing to the absence of clinical trials. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study's quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. In various in vitro models, such as 3T3-L1 cells, human orbital fibroblasts, and human adipose-derived stem cells, KD025 demonstrated potent anti-adipogenic actions. At a molecular level, KD025 had significant effects, including decreasing fibronectin (Fn) expression, inhibiting ROCK2 and CK2 activity, suppressing lipid droplet formation, and reducing the expression of proadipogenic genes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα). Additionally, KD025 resulted in the suppression of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4 or AP2) expression, a decrease in sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and Glut-4 expression. Emphasis must be placed on the fact that while KD025 shows potential in preclinical studies and experimental models, extensive research is crucial to assess its efficacy, safety, and potential therapeutic applications thoroughly and directly in human subjects.

AdipoRon and ADP355, adiponectin receptor agonists, in Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A systematic review.

Adiponectin replacement therapy holds the potential to benefit numerous human diseases, and ongoing research applies particular interest in how adiponectin acts against Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the pharmacological limitations of the intact protein have prompted a focus on alternative options, specifically peptidic and small molecule agonists targeting the adiponectin receptor. AdipoRon is an extensively researched non-peptidic drug candidate in adiponectin replacement therapy. In turn, ADP355 is an adiponectin-based active short peptide. They have garnered significant attention due to their potential as substitutes for adiponectin. Researchers have studied AdipoRon's and ADP355's efficacy and therapeutic applications in various disease conditions. However, the effects of AdipoRon and ADP355 against NAFLD and NASH models advanced more, and no systematic review explored this area before. This systematic review was conceived to address the deficiency mentioned above and consider the lack of clinical evidence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized. To assess the risk of bias in systematic review, The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was employed. Results from pre-clinical evidence show that AdipoRon and ADP355 represent promising effects in NAFLD and NASH-related models, including reducing hepatic steatosis, modulating inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing mitochondrial function, and protecting against liver fibrosis. While AdipoRon and ADP355 exhibit promise in pre-clinical studies and experimental models, additional clinical trials are necessary to assess their effectiveness, safety, and potential translational therapeutic potential uses in NAFLD and NASH human cases.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill) and its phytoconstituents: potential for cancer prevention and intervention.

Dietary compounds, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices, have been shown to exhibit anticancer properties due to their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and secondary metabolites, known as phytochemicals. Although emerging studies suggest that avocado (Persea americana Mill) displays antineoplastic properties in addition to numerous other health benefits, current literature lacks an updated comprehensive systematic review dedicated to the anticancer effects of avocado. This review aims to explore the cancer-preventive effects of avocados and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The in vitro studies suggest the various avocado-derived products and phytochemicals induced cytotoxicity, reduced cell viability, and inhibited cell proliferation. The in vivo studies revealed reduction in tumor number, size, and volume as well. The clinical studies demonstrated that avocado leaf extract increased free oxygen radical formation in larynx carcinoma tissue. Various avocado products and phytochemicals from the avocado fruit, including avocatin-B, persin, and PaDef defensin, may serve as viable cancer prevention and treatment options based on current literature. Despite many favorable outcomes, past research has been limited in scope, and more extensive and mechanism-based in vivo and randomized clinical studies should be performed before avocado-derived bioactive phytochemicals can be developed as cancer preventive agents.

Radiological and Functional Pulmonary Evolution in Post-COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study.

COVID-19 has generated a scenario for global health with multiple systemic impairments. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional evolution in 302 post-COVID-19 patients. Regarding post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms, dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain were the most frequent. Of the associated comorbidities, asthma was more frequent (23.5%). Chest tomography (CT) initially showed a mean pulmonary involvement of 69.7%, and evaluation in the subsequent months showed improvement in the evolutionary image. With less than six months post-pathology, there was a commitment of 37.7% from six to twelve months it was 20%, and after 12 months it was 9.9%. As for most of the sample, 50.3% of the patients presented CT normalization less than six months after infection, 23% were normalized between six and twelve months, and 5.2% presented with normalized images after twelve months, with one remaining. A percentage of 17.3% maintained post-COVID-19 pulmonary residual sequelae. Regarding spirometry, less than six months after pathology, 59.3% of the patients presented regular exam results, 12.3% had their function normalized within six to twelve months, and 6.3% had normal exam results twelve months after their post-pathology evaluation. Only 3.6% of the patients still showed some alteration during this period.

Organokines in COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that induces a generalized inflammatory state. Organokines (adipokines, osteokines, myokines, hepatokines, and cardiokines) can produce beneficial or harmful effects in this condition. This study aimed to systematically review the role of organokines on COVID-19. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and 37 studies were selected, comprising more than 2700 individuals infected with the virus. Among COVID-19 patients, organokines have been associated with endothelial dysfunction and multiple organ failure due to augmented cytokines and increased SARS-CoV-2 viremia. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion can directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating the infection, promoting immune response alterations, and predicting the disease progression. These molecules have the potential to be used as adjuvant biomarkers to predict the severity of the illness and severe outcomes.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Diabetic Kidney Disease: An Systematic Review.

Diabetes Mellitus is a highly prevalent condition in which Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is the most common. Diabetic Kidney Disease is one of the most relevant complications and affects approximately one-third of patients with Diabetes Mellitus. It is characterized by increased urinary protein excretion and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, assessed by serum creatinine levels. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D levels are low in these patients. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the effects of vitamin D supplementation on proteinuria and creatinine, which are important markers for assessing the severity of kidney disease in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease. PUBMED, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were consulted, Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the COCHRANE toll for bias assessment was applied. Six papers were quantitative studies and fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. The results showed that vitamin D supplementation of 50,000 I.U./week for 8 weeks effectively reduced proteinuria and creatinine in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease, particularly in patients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. Vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease by having essential effects on disease-related inflammatory markers, such as the reduction of proteinuria and creatinine. However, more clinical trials must be conducted to evaluate the intervention among more significant numbers of patients.

Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term "microbiota" pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular emphasis on the colon. When there is an imbalance or disruption in the composition of the gut microbiota, it is referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can trigger inflammation in the intestinal cells and disrupt the innate immune system, leading to oxidative stress, redox signaling, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. The Nod-like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator found in immunological and epithelial cells, is crucial in inducing inflammatory diseases, promoting immune responses to the gut microbiota, and regulating the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Its downstream effectors include caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1ß. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of 13 medicinal plants, such as Litsea cubeba, Artemisia anomala, Piper nigrum, Morus macroura, and Agrimonia pilosa, and 29 phytocompounds such as artemisitene, morroniside, protopine, ferulic acid, quercetin, picroside II, and hydroxytyrosol on in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on their effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The observed effects of these treatments included reductions in IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and caspase levels, and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, IL-4, and IL-10, as well as regulation of gut microbiota. These effects could potentially provide substantial advantages in treating IBD with few or no adverse effects as caused by synthetic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulated drugs. However, additional research is necessary to validate these findings clinically and to develop effective treatments that can benefit individuals who suffer from these diseases.

The Relationship between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, TNF-α, and IL-10 Gene Expression.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the major chronic diseases in children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in T1DM. A total of 107 patients were included, 15 were T1DM in ketoacidosis, 30 patients had T1DM and HbA1c ≥ 8%; 32 patients had T1DM and presented HbA1c < 8%; and 30 were controls. The expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in real time. The cytokines gene expression was higher in patients with T1DM. The IL-10 gene expression increased substantially in patients with ketoacidosis, and there was a positive correlation with HbA1c. A negative correlation was found for IL-10 expression and the age of patients with diabetes, and the time of diagnosis of the disease. There was a positive correlation between TNF-α expression with age. The expression of IL-10 and TNF-α genes showed a significant increase in DM1 patients. Once current T1DM treatment is based on exogenous insulin, there is a need for other therapies, and inflammatory biomarkers could bring new possibilities to the therapeutic approach of the patients.

Effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in Nrf2 Pathways during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Related Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) dysregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies using phytocompounds as modulators of the Nrf2 signaling in IBD have already been published. However, no existing review emphasizes the whole scenario for the potential of plants and phytocompounds as regulators of Nrf2 in IBD models and colitis-associated colorectal carcinogenesis. For these reasons, this study aimed to build a review that could fill this void. The PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The literature review showed that medicinal plants and phytochemicals regulated the Nrf2 on IBD and IBD-associated colorectal cancer by amplifying the expression of the Nrf2-mediated phase II detoxifying enzymes and diminishing NF-κB-related inflammation. These effects improve the bowel environment, mucosal barrier, colon, and crypt disruption, reduce ulceration and microbial translocation, and consequently, reduce the disease activity index (DAI). Moreover, the modulation of Nrf2 can regulate various genes involved in cellular redox, protein degradation, DNA repair, xenobiotic metabolism, and apoptosis, contributing to the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review.

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing qualities to regions outside its origin has rapidly expanded global demand for açaí berry. The health-promoting and disease-preventing properties of this plant are attributed to numerous bioactive phenolic compounds present in the leaf, pulp, fruit, skin, and seeds. The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of the health benefits of açaí and its phytochemicals with a special focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, renoprotective, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic activities. Moreover, clinical trials have suggested that açaí can protect against metabolic stress induced by oxidation, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and physical exertion. Due to its medicinal properties and the absence of undesirable effects, açaí shows a promising future in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to a vast economic potential in the food and cosmetic industries.