Benefits of rutin on mitochondrial function and inflammation in an aluminum-induced neurotoxicity rat model: Potential interest for the prevention of neurodegeneration.

Rutin, a phenolic compound, exhibits a diverse range of biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of rutin, a naturally occurring plant bioactive molecule, to mitigate the neurotoxic effects induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Over a period of 6 weeks, rats were intraperitoneally injected with AlCl3 at a weekly dose of 60 mg/kg, while rutin treatment was administered orally via gavage at a daily dose of 30 mg/kg. AlCl3 exposure resulted in a significant increase lipid peroxidation (LPO) by 316.24%, nitrate levels by 504.14%, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels by 93.82% in brain mitochondria. Additionally, AlCl3 exposure led to a reduction in glutathione levels and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 19.74%, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 44.76%, and catalase by 50.50%. There was also a significant decline in the activity of mitochondrial complex enzymes. In contrast, rutin treatment significantly enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes while concurrently reducing lipid peroxidation levels in rats. Specifically, rutin administration exerted a modulatory effect on the inflammatory response triggered by aluminum exposure, effectively suppressing the excessive production of nitrate and TNF-α. These findings highlight the potential of rutin as an effective therapeutic strategy in mitigating and combating neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress associated with aluminum-induced toxicity, thereby effectively restoring mitochondrial function.

Cytoprotective effects of α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid and α-tocopherol on 7-ketocholesterol - Induced oxiapoptophagy: Major roles of PI3-K / PDK-1 / Akt signaling pathway and glutathione peroxidase activity in cell rescue.

On murine N2a cells, 7-ketocholesterol induced an oxiapotophagic mode of cell death characterized by oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species overproduction on whole cells and at the mitochondrial level; lipid peroxidation), apoptosis induction (caspase-9, -3 and -7 cleavage, PARP degradation) and autophagy (increased ratio LC3-II / LC3-I). Oxidative stress was strongly attenuated by diphenyleneiodonium chloride which inhibits NAD(P)H oxidase. Mitochondrial and peroxisomal morphological and functional changes were also observed. Down regulation of PDK1 / Akt signaling pathways as well as of GSK3 / Mcl-1 and Nrf2 pathways were simultaneously observed in 7-ketocholesterol-induced oxiapoptophagy. These events were prevented by α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid and α-tocopherol. The inhibition of the cytoprotection by LY-294002, a PI3-K inhibitor, demonstrated an essential role of PI3-K in cell rescue. The rupture of oxidative stress in 7-ketocholesterol-induced oxiapoptophagy was also associated with important modifications of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as of glutathione peroxidase-1, superoxide dismutase-1 and catalase level and expression. These events were also counteracted by α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid and α-tocopherol. The inhibition of the cytoprotection by mercaptosuccinic acid, a glutathione peroxidase inhibitor, showed an essential role of this enzyme in cell rescue. Altogether, our data support that the reactivation of PI3-K and glutathione peroxidase activities by α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid and α-tocopherol are essential to prevent 7KC-induced oxiapoptophagy.

Effects of polyphenols and their metabolites on age-related diseases.

Aging contributes to the progressive loss of cellular biological functions and increases the risk of age-related diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, some neurological disorders and cancers are generally classified as age-related diseases that affect the lifespan of individuals. These diseases result from the accumulation of cellular damage and reduced activity of protective stress response pathways, which can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which play a key role in the aging process. There is now increasing interest in the therapeutic effects of edible plants for the prevention of various diseases, including those associated with aging. It has become clear that the beneficial effects of these foods are due, at least in part, to the high concentration of bioactive phenolic compounds with low side effects. Antioxidants are the most abundant, and their high consumption in the Mediterranean diet has been associated with slower ageing in humans. Extensive human dietary intervention studies strongly suggest that polyphenol supplementation protects against the development of degenerative diseases, especially in the elderly. In this review, we present data on the biological effects of plant polyphenols in the context of their relevance to human health, ageing and the prevention of age-related diseases.

Role of Diet and Nutrients in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Incidence on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Status and Viral Production.

Coronavirus illness (COVID-19) is an infectious pathology generated by intense severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This infectious disease has emerged in 2019. The COVID-19-associated pandemic has considerably affected the way of life and the economy in the world. It is consequently crucial to find solutions allowing remedying or alleviating the effects of this infectious disease. Natural products have been in perpetual application from immemorial time given that they are attested to be efficient towards several illnesses without major side effects. Various studies have shown that plant extracts or purified molecules have a promising inhibiting impact towards coronavirus. In addition, it is substantial to understand the characteristics, susceptibility and impact of diet on patients infected with COVID-19. In this review, we recapitulate the influence of extracts or pure molecules from medicinal plants on COVID-19. We approach the possibilities of plant treatment/co-treatment and feeding applied to COVID-19. We also show coronavirus susceptibility and complications associated with nutrient deficiencies and then discuss the major food groups efficient on COVID-19 pathogenesis. Then, we covered emerging technologies using plant-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. We conclude by giving nutrient and plants curative therapy recommendations which are of potential interest in the COVID-19 infection and could pave the way for pharmacological treatments or co-treatments of COVID-19.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant, originally cultivated in the East and Middle East, and later in some Mediterranean countries. Saffron is obtained from the stigmas of the plant. Currently, the use of saffron is undergoing a revival. The medicinal virtues of saffron, its culinary use and its high added value have led to the clarification of its phytochemical profile and its biological and therapeutic characteristics. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and terpenes. The major products of saffron are crocins and crocetin (carotenoids) deriving from zeaxanthin, pirocrocin and safranal, which give it its taste and aroma, respectively. Saffron and its major compounds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Anti-tumor properties have also been described. The goal of this review is to present the beneficial effects of saffron and its main constituent molecules on neuropsychiatric diseases (depression, anxiety and schizophrenia) as well as on the most frequent age-related diseases (cardiovascular, ocular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as sarcopenia). Overall, the phytochemical profile of saffron confers many beneficial virtues on human health and, in particular, on the prevention of age-related diseases, which is a major asset reinforcing the interest for this medicinal plant.

Role of Bioactive Compounds in the Regulation of Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Brain and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Mitochondria are multifunctional organelles that participate in a wide range of metabolic processes, including energy production and biomolecule synthesis. The morphology and distribution of intracellular mitochondria change dynamically, reflecting a cell's metabolic activity. Oxidative stress is defined as a mismatch between the body's ability to neutralise and eliminate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). A determination of mitochondria failure in increasing oxidative stress, as well as its implications in neurodegenerative illnesses and apoptosis, is a significant developmental process of focus in this review. The neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds linked to neuronal regulation, as well as related neuronal development abnormalities, will be investigated. In conclusion, the study of secondary components and the use of mitochondrial features in the analysis of various neurodevelopmental diseases has enabled the development of a new class of mitochondrial-targeted pharmaceuticals capable of alleviating neurodegenerative disease states and enabling longevity and healthy ageing for the vast majority of people.

Purified chickpea or lentil proteins impair VLDL metabolism and lipoprotein lipase activity in epididymal fat, but not in muscle, compared to casein, in growing rats.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the legume proteins have a lowering effect on plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerols (TG) concentrations compared to animal proteins. The protein itself, as well as non-protein constituents, naturally present in legumes may be implicated. AIM OF THE STUDY: The effects of various dietary purified legumes proteins compared to casein, were determined on plasma TG level, VLDL concentration and composition. Moreover, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in epididymal fat, gastrocnemius and heart was investigated to evaluate in these tissues their capacity to release free fatty acids from their TG substrate and the liver capacity to stock the TG. METHODS: Weaning male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum one of the following diets: 200 g/kg diet of purified proteins of lentil (L), or chickpea (CP) or casein (CAS). At day 28, VLDL were isolated from plasma sample by a single ultracentrifugation flotation. Hepatic lipase and LPL activity in epididymal fat, gastrocnemius and heart were measured by using glycerol tri [9-10(n)-(3)H] oleate emulsion as substrate. RESULTS: Compared with CAS diet, the CP and L protein diets exhibited similar cholesterolemia, but lower triglyceridemia (1.9-fold and 2.5-fold) and VLDL particle number, as measured by their reduced contents of TG and apolipoproteins. CP and L protein diets reduced liver TG and cholesterol by 31 and 45%, respectively compared to CAS diet. Furthermore, LPL activity in adipose tissue of rats fed CP or L was 1.6-fold lower than that of rats fed CAS. There was no significant difference in heart and gastrocnemius LPL activities with the three proteins. In contrast, hepatic lipase activity was higher in rats fed CP and L diets. CONCLUSION: The low food efficiency ratio of purified CP and L proteins related to CAS is associated with decreased plasma VLDL and adipose tissue LPL activity. The low liver TG concomitant with reduced TG and apolipoproteins contents of VLDL confirm that hypotriglyceridemia is essentially due to impaired synthesis, exportation and transport of TG by VLDL which prevent lipid storage in adipose tissue.

Role of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) extract on oxidative stress in ameliorating lead induced haematotoxicity.

Effects of ROS generation have been postulated to be major contributors to lead-exposure related disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) on oxidative stress in rats protractedly exposed to lead. Aqueous extract of wormwood plant was administered orally (200 mg x kg(-1) body weight). Plasma vitamin C, E and non-protein thiol concentrations, red blood cells (RBC) thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione levels and haemolysis test were evaluated. In addition, RBC antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase were also estimated. After 11-weeks, significant decreases of plasma vitamin C, E, non protein-thiol (NP-SH) and RBC-reduced glutathione levels were observed in Pb compared to control group (-32.9%, -57.1%, -53.1%, -33.9%, respectively); superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, uric aminolevulinic acid and haemolysis test significantly increased in Pb compared to control group (+64.3%, +40.3%, +145%, +44.3%, respectively). In our investigation, after 4-weeks of treatment all treated groups did not show any difference compared to the control group, except for glutathione peroxidase and RBC-superoxide dismutase activity (-15.7% and +16.4%, respectively). The findings of this study suggest that wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) extract restored the enzymes activities perturbed by exposure to lead, and had a protective role against lipid peroxidation.