Search

A novel strategy to create value-added insect protein-derived ingredients is presented in this study. Spray dried protein-polyphenol particles were produced using aqueous polyphenol extracts of rosemary (RM) or muscadine grape pomace (MG) complexed with insect protein (IP) alone or blended with pea protein 50:50 (IPP). The spray drying process was evaluated (solids recovery SR and polyphenol retention PR) and the four experimental protein-polyphenol treatments IP–RM, IP-MG, IPP–RM and IPP–MG were characterized regarding their physicochemical, bioactivity, functional, bioaccessibility and thermal stability properties. Higher SR (53.7–53.3%) and PR (53.1–62.5%) were observed for IPP-derived particles (p < 0.05). Particles had water activity in the microbiologically stable range (0.24–0.32) and high protein content (29.5%–38.3%). All particles had low hygroscopicity (68.5 mg GAE/g) was shown for MG-derived particles. Good emulsifying activity (1.85–16.46 m2/g) and emulsifying stability (>60%), foaming capacity (4–57%) and foaming stability (2.0–37.3%) were observed for all insect protein-polyphenol particles. Differently from MG-derived particles, RM-derived treatments showed higher polyphenol bioaccessibility than non-complexed polyphenols (p < 0.05). Overall, our study demonstrates that spray drying microencapsulation is an efficient strategy to produce attractively colored, value-added functional protein-polyphenol ingredients using insect protein.

Abstract This study determined if 18 days of supplementation with blueberries (BL) compared to placebo (PL) could mitigate muscle soreness and damage and improve inflammation resolution in untrained adults (n = 49, ages 18–50 years) after engaging in a 90-min bout of “weekend warrior” eccentric exercise. The BL freeze dried supplement provided 1 cup of fresh blueberries per day equivalent with 805 mg/day total phenolics and 280 mg/day anthocyanins. Urine levels of eight BL gut-derived phenolics increased after 14- and 18-days supplementation with 83% higher concentrations in BL vs. PL (p

Spray drying (SD) microencapsulation of phytochemicals from berry pomaces with Spirulina protein (SP) was incorporated into a cosmeceutical topical formulation to mitigate pollution skin damage. Initially, microparticles produced with SP and polyphenols recovered from fruit pomaces (elderberry SP-EB and muscadine grape SP-MG) were characterized regarding physicochemical and phytochemical content (polyphenol load, carotenoid and phycocyanin contents and antioxidant activity). SP had low total phenolic content (7.43 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g DW), but complexation with elderberry or muscadine grape pomaces polyphenols led to a substantial increase (27.63 ± 1.15 SP-EB and 111.0 ± 2.6 mg GAE/g DW SP-MG). SP-MG particles had higher anthocyanin (26.87 ± 1.25 mg/g) and proanthocyanidin (9.02 ± 0.74 mg/g) contents compared to SP-EB particles. SP-MG were prioritized to prepare a topical gel to attenuate skin oxinflammatory markers and prevent skin barrier disruption using ex vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). The immunofluorescence results showed increased oxidative protein damage and inflammation associated with impaired skin barrier function after DEE exposure while topical application of gel formulated with SP-MG mitigated these effects. Overall, this study demonstrated that protein-polyphenol complexation is a synergistic strategy to stabilize and deliver residual fruit/algae phytoactives into cosmeceutical products for skin health applications.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving motor symptoms caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Epidemiological evidence suggests that anthocyanin (ANC) intake is associated with a low risk of PD. Previously, we reported that extracts enriched with ANC and proanthocyanidins (PAC) suppressed dopaminergic neuron death elicited by the PD-related toxin rotenone in a primary midbrain culture model. Here, we characterized botanical extracts enriched with a mixed profile of polyphenols, as well as a set of purified polyphenolic standards, in terms of their ability to mitigate dopaminergic cell death in midbrain cultures exposed to another PD-related toxicant, paraquat (PQ), and we examined underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. Extracts prepared from blueberries, black currants, grape seeds, grape skin, mulberries, and plums, as well as several ANC, were found to rescue dopaminergic neuron loss in PQ-treated cultures. Comparison of a subset of ANC-rich extracts for the ability to mitigate neurotoxicity elicited by PQ versus rotenone revealed that a hibiscus or plum extract was only neuroprotective in cultures exposed to rotenone or PQ, respectively. Several extracts or compounds with the ability to protect against PQ neurotoxicity increased the activity of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 in cultured astrocytes, and PQ-induced dopaminergic cell death was attenuated in Nrf2-expressing midbrain cultures. In other studies, we found that extracts prepared from hibiscus, grape skin, or purple basil (but not plums) rescued defects in O2 consumption in neuronal cells treated with rotenone. Collectively, these findings suggest that extracts enriched with certain combinations of ANC, PAC, stilbenes, and other polyphenols could potentially slow neurodegeneration in the brains of individuals exposed to PQ or rotenone by activating cellular antioxidant mechanisms and/or alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Blueberry is well-recognized as a healthy fruit with functionality derived largely from anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid. Despite their importance, no study to date has evaluated the genetic basis of these bioactives in blueberries and their relationship with fruit quality traits. Hence, to fill this gap, a mapping population including 196 F1 individuals was phenotyped for anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid concentration and fruit quality traits (titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solids) over 3 years and data were used for QTL mapping and correlation analysis. Total soluble solids and chlorogenic acid were positively correlated with glycosylated anthocyanin and total anthocyanin, respectively, indicating that parallel selection for these traits is possible. Across all the traits, a total of 188 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Notably, four major regions with overlapping major-effect QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4 and 8, and were responsible for acylation and glycosylation of anthocyanins in a substrate and sugar donor specific manner. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, multiple candidate genes were identified for these QTLs, including glucosyltransferases and acyltransferases. Overall, the study provides the first insights into the genetic basis controlling anthocyanins accumulation and composition, chlorogenic acid and fruit quality traits, and establishes a framework to advance genetic studies and molecular breeding for anthocyanins in blueberry.

Environmental stressors such as air pollutants, ozone, and UV radiation are among the most noxious outdoor stressors affecting human skin and leading to premature skin aging. To prevent the extrinsic aging, the skin is equipped with an effective defensive system. However, cutaneous defense mechanisms can be overwhelmed through chronic exposure to environmental pollutants. Recent studies have suggested that the topical usage of natural compounds, such as blueberries, could be a good strategy to prevent skin damage from the environment. Indeed, blueberries contain bioactive compounds found to induce an active skin response against the environmental noxious effects. In this review, results from recent studies on this topic are discussed in order to build the argument for blueberries to possibly be an effective agent for skin health. In addition, we hope to highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms behind the use of both topical application and dietary supplementation with blueberries to bolster cutaneous systems and defensive mechanisms.

Epidemiological studies have shown associations between polyphenol-rich fruit intake and bone health, and preclinical studies have shown that blueberries improve bone health. To determine the genotype and dose of blueberries that are effective in ameliorating age-related bone loss, a multi-institutional team of investigators performed in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies on blueberry varieties that differed in flavonoid profiles. Principal component analysis was used to select blueberry genotypes that varied in anthocyanin profiles. Total phenolic content did not predict the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats. A range in bioavailability was observed in individual polyphenolic compounds across genotypes. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses indicated that gut microbiome profiles varied with blueberry dose in rats. Additionally, the identification of specific taxa, such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Coriobacteriales, increasing after blueberry consumption adds to the mounting evidence of their role in polyphenol metabolism. All of the sources of variation can inform blueberry breeding practices to influence precision nutrition.

Muscadine grape (MG) and blueberry (BB) pomaces processed via water-based continuous flow microwave-assisted extraction (CFMAE) yielded flavonoid-rich extracts, which were complexed with chickpea [CH] or pea:rice [PR] protein and spray dried (SD) into protein-polyphenol aggregate particle treatments: BB-CH, BB-PR, MG-CH and MG-PR. Particles were characterized for physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical composition and functional attributes. The volume-weighed mean diameter for protein-polyphenol particles (20.75-24.67 µm; p > 0.05) were significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than original protein sources CH and PR (57.77-71.10 µm). Highly polymerized proanthocyanidins (PAC) were captured in BB treatments (up to 79 % of total PAC), while monomers predominated in muscadine-derived particles (∼56 % of total PAC). BB-CH particles had highest protein solubility (51-62 %). BB-CH and BB-PR had good emulsifying capacity (∼8.73 m2/g), and particle treatments had higher emulsifying stability than unmodified proteins CH and PR alone. BB-CH particles were prioritized to produce a RTD smoothie beverage rated to have pleasant sensory properties. CFMAE proved to be a sustainable strategy to recover residual phytochemicals from fruit by-products (using only water as the solvent) for use in versatile value-added protein-polyphenol particle ingredients.

Two Yemeni Aloe(s) have been investigated; the resin from A. perry Baker (APR, Socotran Aloe), and the gel from A. vera (AVG, Saber Yamaniis). LC-MS for APR identified aloin B, aloinoside B/A, homonataloin B and microdontin B/A as the major components, constituting 67.7% w/w of the extract. AVG showed the same pattern of anthrones (19.5% w/w), in addition to the chromones aloesin, aloeresin A, aloeresin D and aloeresin E. Dihydro-isocoumarin glucoside was identified in both Aloe species. Aloe extracts showed high antioxidant activity: DPPH (0.09 & 0.05 mM/g TE), ABTS (0.06 & 0.03 mM/g TE), and FRAP (20.5 & 15.5 mM Fe+2E), for APR & AVG, respectively. The antidiabetic properties was evaluated through inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme. APR showed inhibitory activity with IC50 0.76 μg/mL higher than AVG (IC50 0.76 mg/mL). Aloin A showed the highest inhibitory activity with IC50 0.34 mg/mL that was higher than acarbose (0.54 mg/mL) the positive control, indicating that the activity of Aloe extract is linked to the aloin and other anthrone compounds. These findings highlight the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and potential antidiabetic activity of the Yemeni Aloe species and draw attention to their potential application in food, medicine and cosmetic products. Keywords: LC-ESI-IT-TOF, Aloe, Phenolics, α-Glucosidase inhibition, Antioxidant activity

This study evaluated the anti-diabetic and hepatic protective effect of the aqueous extract of the Aloe perryi (AP) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rat were divided into control, diabetic, diabetic + glimepiride, diabetic + AP (150 or 300 mg/Kg) groups. AP (300 mg/Kg) alone lowered fasting serum glucose levels but increased insulin levels and HOMA-β. At both doses, AP significantly decreased hepatic levels of CHOL and LDL-C and reduced serum levels of TGs, CHOL, and LDL-C, without altering levels of HDL-C in the diabetic rats. Also, they improved liver architectures and reduced serum levels of ALT and AST. Concomitantly, they suppressed hepatic levels of MDA, and increase hepatic levels of SOD, GSH, CAT, and GPx. Except for lipids, the effect of the extract on all other parameters was more profound with the higher dose of the extract. In conclusion, AP extract exerts hypoglycaemic, insulin-releasing, and hepatic antioxidant potentials in diabetic rats.

Age-related cognitive changes can be the first indication of the progression to dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease. These changes may be driven by a complex interaction of factors including diet, activity levels, genetics, and environment. Here we review the evidence supporting relationships between flavonoids, physical activity, and brain function. Recent in vivo experiments and human clinical trials have shown that flavonoid-rich foods can inhibit neuroinflammation and enhance cognitive performance. Improved cognition has also been correlated with a physically active lifestyle, and with the functionality and diversity of the gut microbiome. The great majority (+ 90%) of dietary flavonoids are biotransformed into phytoactive phenolic metabolites at the gut microbiome level prior to absorption, and these prebiotic flavonoids modulate microbiota profiles and diversity. Health-relevant outcomes from flavonoid ingestion may only be realized in the presence of a robust microbiome. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accelerates the catabolism and uptake of these gut-derived anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory metabolites into circulation. The gut microbiome exerts a profound influence on cognitive function; moderate exercise and flavonoid intake influence cognitive benefits; and exercise and flavonoid intake influence the microbiome. We conclude that there is a potential for combined impacts of flavonoid intake and physical exertion on cognitive function, as modulated by the gut microbiome, and that the combination of a flavonoid-rich diet and routine aerobic exercise may potentiate cognitive benefits and reduce cognitive decline in an aging population, via mechanisms mediated by the gut microbiome. Mechanistic animal studies and human clinical interventions are needed to further explore this hypothesis.

Ozone (O3) exposure has been reported to contribute to various cutaneous inflammatory conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, rush etc. via a redox-inflammatory pathway. O3 is too reactive to penetrate cutaneous tissue; it interacts with lipids present in the outermost layer of skin, resulting in formation of oxidized molecules and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Interestingly, several inflammatory skin pathologies demonstrate altered levels of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These small, cationic peptides are found in various cells, including keratinocytes, eccrine gland cells, and seboctyes. Classically, AMPs function as antimicrobial agents. Recent studies indicate that AMPs also play roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Since altered levels of AMPs have been detected in pollution-associated skin pathologies, we hypothesized that exposure to O3 could affect the levels of AMPs in the skin. We examined levels of AMPs using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence in vitro (human keratinocytes), ex vivo (human skin explants), and in vivo (human volunteer subjects exposed to O3) and observed increased levels of all the measured AMPs upon O3 exposure. In addition, in vitro studies have confirmed the redox regulation of AMPs in keratinocytes. This novel finding suggests that targeting AMPs could be a possible defensive strategy to combat pollution-associated skin conditions.

Oxylipins are bioactive lipid oxidation products, have vital regulatory roles in numerous physiological processes including inflammation, and can be impacted by diet. This study determined if 2-weeks of blueberry and/or acute banana ingestion influenced generation of n-6 and n-3 PUFA-derived oxylipins during recovery from exercise-induced physiological stress. Cyclists (n = 59, 39 ± 2 years of age) were randomized to freeze-dried blueberry or placebo groups, and ingested 26 grams/d (1 cup/d blueberries equivalent) for 2 weeks. Cyclists reported to the lab in an overnight fasted state and engaged in a 75-km cycling time trial (185.5 ± 5.2 min). Cyclists from each group (blueberry, placebo) were further randomized to ingestion of a water-only control or water with a carbohydrate source (Cavendish bananas, 0.2 g/kg carbohydrate every 15 min) during exercise. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-2-weeks blueberry supplementation, and 0, 1.5, 3, 5, 24, and 48 h-post-exercise. Plasma oxylipins and blueberry and banana metabolites were measured with UPLC–tandem MS/MS. Significant time by treatment effects (eight time points, four groups) were found for 24 blueberry- and seven banana-derived phenolic metabolites in plasma (FDR adjusted p < 0.05). Significant post-exercise increases were observed for 64 of 67 identified plasma oxylipins. When oxylipins were grouped relative to fatty acid substrate [arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA)], and enzyme systems [cytochrome P450 (CYP), lipoxygenase (LOX)], banana and blueberry ingestion were independently associated with significant post-exercise reductions in pro-inflammatory ARA-CYP hydroxy- and dihydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs, DiHETrEs) (treatment effects, FDR adjusted p < 0.05). These trial differences were especially apparent within the first 3 h of recovery. In summary, heavy exertion evoked a transient but robust increase in plasma levels of oxylipins in cyclists, with a strong attenuation effect linked to both chronic blueberry and acute banana intake on pro-inflammatory ARA-CYP oxylipins.

Blueberry is well recognized as a rich source of health promoting phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Multiple studies in blueberry and other crops indicated that flavonoids and phenolic acids function as bioactive compounds in the human body promoting multiple health effects. Despite their importance, information is limited about the levels of variation in bioactive compounds within and between ploidy level and species, and their association with fruit quality traits. Such information is crucial to define a strategy to study the genetic mechanisms controlling these traits and to select for these traits in blueberry breeding programs. Here we evaluated 33 health related phytochemicals belonging to four major groups of flavonoids and phenolic acids across 128 blueberry accessions over two years together with fruit quality traits, including fruit weight, titratable acidity, total soluble acids and pH. Highly significant variation between accessions, years, and accession by year interaction were identified for most of the traits. Cluster analysis grouped phytochemicals by their functional structure (e.g., anthocyanins, flavanols, flavonols, and phenolic acids). Multivariate analysis of the traits resulted in separation of diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid accessions. Broad sense heritability of the traits estimated in 100 tetraploid accessions, ranged from 20 to 90%, with most traits revealing moderate to high broad sense heritability (H2 > 40%), suggesting that strong genetic factors control these traits. Fruit size can be estimated as a proxy of fruit weight or volume and vice versa, and it was negatively correlated with content of most of phytochemicals evaluated here. However, size-independent variation for anthocyanin content and profile (e.g., acylated vs. non-acylated anthocyanin) exists in the tetraploid accessions and can be explored to identify other factors such as genes related to the biosynthetic pathway that control this trait. This result also suggests that metabolite concentrations and fruit size, to a certain degree can be improved simultaneously in breeding programs. Overall, the results of this study provide a framework to uncover the genetic basis of bioactive compounds and fruit quality traits and will be useful to advance blueberry-breeding programs focusing on integrating these traits.

Abstract Background Turmeric is a rich source of bioactive compounds useful in both medicine and cuisine. Mineral concentrations effects (PO4 3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and KNO3) were tested during in vitro rhizome development on the ex vitro content of volatile constituents in rhizomes after 6 months in the greenhouse. A response surface method (D-optimal criteria) was repeated in both high and low-input fertilizer treatments. Control plants were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, acclimatized in the greenhouse and grown in the field. The volatile constituents were investigated by GC-MS. Results The total content of volatiles was affected by fertilizer treatments, and in vitro treatment with Ca2+ and KNO3; but PO4 3− and Mg2+ had no significant effect. The content was higher in the high-input fertilizer treatments (49.7 ± 9 mg/g DM) with 4 mM Ca2+, 60 mM KNO3 and 5 mM NH4 +, than the low-input fertilizer (26.6 ± 9 mg/g DM), and the MS control (15.28 ± 2.7 mg/g DM; 3 mM Ca2+, 20 mM K+, 39 mM NO3 −, 20 mM NH4 +, 1.25 mM PO4 3−, and 1.5 mM Mg2+). The interaction of Ca2+ with KNO3 affected curcumenol isomer I and II, germacrone, isocurcumenol, and β-elemenone content. Increasing in vitro phosphate concentration to 6.25 mM increased ex vitro neocurdione and methenolone contents. Conclusion These results show that minerals in the in vitro bioreactor medium during rhizome development affected biosynthesis of turmeric volatile components after transfer to the greenhouse six months later. The multi-factor design identified 1) nutrient regulation of specific components within unique phytochemical profile for Curcuma longa L. clone 35–1 and 2) the varied phytochemical profiles were maintained with integrity during the greenhouse growth in high fertility conditions.

Our body is continuously exposed to various exogenous aggressors, and, in particular, the skin represents the main target for outdoor stressors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure is well-known to be associated with the development/worsening of extrinsic photoaging and a multitude of skin conditions. Considering the role of photoprotection in skin health, the research of natural photoprotective molecules becomes of great importance. Therefore, in this work we wanted to evaluate the beneficial protective effects of ripe berries of Vaccinium uliginosum (Alaska bog blueberry (BB)) extract (100 μg/mL) for preventing the cutaneous oxidative, inflammatory, and structural damage induced by exposure to 200 mJ of UVA/UVB radiation. We observed that the topical application of BB extract on human ex vivo skin explants averted the UV-induced cutaneous OxInflammatory phenomenon by quenching the increase in the oxidative and inflammatory marker levels, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR); as well as by counteracting the loss of structural proteins (filaggrin and involucrin) induced by UV radiation. Our data propose the use of a topical application of Alaska bog blueberry extract as a natural and valuable approach to ensure photoprotection against UV-induced skin damage and premature aging.

Various wild berry species endemic to Alaska and the circumpolar North that exhibit unique medicinal properties have long been appreciated by indigenous Arctic communities. Traditional use of Alaskan berry preparations in the treatment of skin wounds is recorded but has not been scientifically evaluated. Alaskan wild berries feature diverse phytochemical compositions that contain a variety of bioactive polyphenols exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for wound healing interventions and natural anti-aging cosmeceutical formulations. Given increasing interest in identifying biologically active plant constituents for wound care and cosmeceutical applications, the objective of this study was to screen several wild berry species endemic to Alaska and the circumpolar Artic for wound healing and in the crude, polyphenol-enriched, and further fractionated extracts of: Empetrum nigrum (crowberry), Vaccinium uliginosum (bog blueberry), and V. vitis-idaea (low-bush cranberry or lingonberry). A cell migration assay with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) was performed to model promotion of wound closure, revealing that bog blueberry extract most actively promoted migration, whereas divergent effects observed with other berry extracts were related to compositional disparities. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory response variables measured in RAW 264.7 macrophages [reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO production, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression] were suppressed by most extracts/fractions, but especially bog blueberry and proanthocyanidin (PAC) fractions. Wild berry germplasm contained abundant complex flavonoid structures such as PAC and anthocyanins (ANCs), associated with enhanced repair and inflammatory resolution in these models. Next, underlying mechanisms by which PACs and bioactive metabolites (B2 dimer and epicatechin) could influence wound repair and tissue regeneration were examined. PAC metabolites promoted scratch-wound closure and appeared to exert the highest impacts on early stages of wound healing through stimulating mitochondrial bioenergetics (basal respiration, ATP production, and maximum respiratory capacity) and upregulating expression of important extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (integrin-ß1 and collagen type I α2 chain). Targeting cellular bioenergetics and integrin-mediated cell–ECM signaling with bioactives from Alaskan wild berries shows considerable therapeutic promise to treat chronic skin wounds and inflammatory skin disorders, as well as more generally to support regenerative healing responses and restore function in a variety of tissue and organ settings after injury or aging.

The present study investigated the effect of spray-dried algae-rosemary particles against pollution-induced damage using ex-vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). For this, the complexation of hydroalcoholic rosemary extract with Chlorella (RCH) and Spirulina (RSP) protein powders was conducted. The process efficiency and concentration of rosmarinic acid (RA), carnosic acid (CA), and carnosol (CR) phenolic compounds of both products were compared. The RSP spray-dried production was more efficient, and RSP particles presented higher CR and CA and similar RA concentrations. Therefore, spray-dried RSP particles were prioritized for the preparation of a gel formulation that was investigated for its ability to mitigate pollution-induced skin oxinflammatory responses. Taken altogether, our ex-vivo data clearly demonstrated the ability of RSP gel to prevent an oxinflammatory phenomenon in cutaneous tissue by decreasing the levels of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4HNE-PA) and active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as by limiting the loss of filaggrin induced by DEE exposure. Our results suggest that the topical application of spirulina-rosemary gel is a good approach to prevent pollution-induced skin aging/damage.

Chronic inflammation is characterized by macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue, which subsequently up-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes the dysregulation of lipid metabolism, ultimately leading to insulin resistance. This study was designed to examine the effects of coastal Alaskan seaweeds on the macrophage inflammatory response and lipid metabolism of adipocytes. Two bioactive subfractions from the brown alga Fucus distichus, a monoglycosyldiacylglycerol subfraction and a phlorotannin subfraction, decreased mRNA expression of acute and chronic inflammatory biomarkers. Expression of Toll-like receptors TLR4 and TLR9 were also reduced, suggesting a potential mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity via TLR attenuation. F. distichus fractions decreased lipid accumulation up to 55% and increased free glycerol concentrations by 28–45%. This result was supported by increases in adiponectin and UCP-1 and decreases in leptin mRNA expression. Overall, the Alaskan seaweed F. distichus inhibited proinflammatory responses and improved lipid metabolism, suggesting the potential for seaweed phytochemicals to attenuate inflammatory diseases.

Antigen detection during Western blotting commonly utilizes a horseradish peroxidase-coupled secondary antibody and enhanced chemiluminescent substrate. We utilized this technique to examine the impact of green tea-derived polyphenols on the binding of egg white protein-specific IgE antibodies from allergic human plasma to their cognate antigens. Our experiments unexpectedly showed that green tea-derived polyphenols, when stably complexed with egg white proteins, caused “ghost” band formation in the presence of horseradish peroxide. This study suggests that caution should be taken when evaluating polyphenol-bound proteins by enhanced chemiluminescence Western blotting using horseradish peroxidase and demonstrates that protein-bound polyphenols can be a source of “ghost” band artifacts on Western blots.

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of different extracts and fractions from Eucalyptus. grandis × urophylla bark (EB) against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EB-E) showed the highest activity among others. Seven fractions were derived from EB-E; among them EB-E-7 showed the highest significant inhibition of both enzymes, with IC50 of 1.40±0.18 and 1.72±0.12 μg/mL, respectively. EB-E and its active fraction EB-E-7 showed highest contents of total phenolics: 178.79±4.68 and 920.4±5.46 mg GAEag−1, respectively. HPLC-MS analysis of EB-E-7 revealed the presence of ellagic acid, quercetin-glucuronide, quercetin-3-α-rhamnopyranoside, and ellagic acid rhamnoside as major compounds, together with smaller concentrations of myricetin-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-hexoside, myricetin-3-α-arabinofuranoside, and isorhamnetin. Therefore, the phenolic compounds from Eucalyptus grandis × E. urograndis bark potently inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, having potential in prevention of hyperglycemia.

Global incidence of type 2 diabetes has escalated over the past few decades, necessitating a continued search for natural sources of enzyme inhibitors to offset postprandial hyperglycemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate coastal Alaskan seaweed inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, two carbolytic enzymes involved in serum glucose regulation. Of the six species initially screened, the brown seaweeds Fucus distichus and Alaria marginata possessed the strongest inhibitory effects. F. distichus fractions were potent mixed-mode inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC50 values of 0.89 and 13.9 μg/mL, respectively; significantly more efficacious than the pharmaceutical acarbose (IC50 of 112.0 and 137.8 μg/mL, respectively). The activity of F. distichus fractions was associated with phlorotannin oligomers. Normal-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (NPLC-MS) was employed to characterize individual oligomers. Accurate masses and fragmentation patterns confirmed the presence of fucophloroethol structures with degrees of polymerization from 3 to 18 monomer units. These findings suggest that coastal Alaskan seaweeds are sources of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory phlorotannins, and thus have potential to limit the release of sugar from carbohydrates and thus alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia.

Following publication of the original article [1], the author reported a formatting error and an error in the figure caption. The original article has been corrected. The details of the errors are as follows:

Polyphenol supplementation was tested as a countermeasure to inflammation and oxidative stress induced by 3-d intensified training.Water soluble polyphenols from blueberry and green tea extracts were captured onto a polyphenol soy protein complex (PSPC). Subjects were recruited, and included 38 long-distance runners ages 19-45 years who regularly competed in road races. Runners successfully completing orientation and baseline testing (N = 35) were randomized to 40 g/d PSPC (N = 17) (2,136 mg/d gallic acid equivalents) or placebo (N = 18) for 17 d using double-blinded methods and a parallel group design, with a 3-d running period inserted at day 14 (2.5 h/d, 70% VO2max). Blood samples were collected pre- and post-14 d supplementation, and immediately and 14 h after the third day of running in subjects completing all aspects of the study (N = 16 PSPC, N = 15 placebo), and analyzed using a metabolomics platform with GC-MS and LC-MS.Metabolites characteristic of gut bacteria metabolism of polyphenols were increased with PSPC and 3 d running (e.g., hippurate, 4-hydroxyhippurate, 4-methylcatechol sulfate, 1.8-, 1.9-, 2.5-fold, respectively, P

Antigen detection during Western blotting commonly utilizes a horseradish peroxidase-coupled secondary antibody and enhanced chemiluminescent substrate. We utilized this technique to examine the impact of green tea-derived polyphenols on the binding of egg white protein-specific IgE antibodies from allergic human plasma to their cognate antigens. Our experiments unexpectedly showed that green tea-derived polyphenols, when stably complexed with egg white proteins, caused hyperactivation of horseradish peroxidase resulting in the appearance of white “ghost” bands. This study suggests that caution should be taken when evaluating polyphenol-bound proteins by enhanced chemiluminescence Western blotting using horseradish peroxidase and demonstrates that protein-bound polyphenols can be a source of “ghost” band artifacts on Western blots.