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Food & Function Oct 2020A healthy gut microbiota (GM) is paramount for a healthy lifestyle. Alterations of the GM have been involved in the aetiology of several chronic diseases, including... (Review)
Review
A healthy gut microbiota (GM) is paramount for a healthy lifestyle. Alterations of the GM have been involved in the aetiology of several chronic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In pathological conditions, the diversity of the GM is commonly reduced or altered, often toward an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The colonic fermentation of dietary fiber has shown to stimulate the fraction of bacteria purported to have beneficial health effects, acting as prebiotics, and to increase the production of short chain fatty acids, e.g. propionate and butyrate, while also improving gut epithelium integrity such as tight junction functionality. However, a variety of phytochemicals, often associated with dietary fiber, have also been proposed to modulate the GM. Many phytochemicals possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may positively affect the GM, including polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols/phytostanols, lignans, alkaloids, glucosinolates and terpenes. Some polyphenols may act as prebiotics, while carotenoids have been shown to alter immunoglobulin A expression, an important factor for bacteria colonization. Other phytochemicals may interact with the mucosa, another important factor for colonization, and prevent its degradation. Certain polyphenols have shown to influence bacterial communication, interacting with quorum sensing. Finally, phytochemicals can be metabolized in the gut into bioactive constituents, e.g. equol from daidzein and enterolactone from secoisolariciresinol, while bacteria can use glycosides for energy. In this review, we strive to highlight the potential interactions between prominent phytochemicals and health benefits related to the GM, emphasizing their potential as adjuvant strategies for GM-related diseases.
Topics: Alkaloids; Animals; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Carotenoids; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Energy Metabolism; Fermentation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Health; Humans; Lignans; Phytochemicals; Phytosterols; Polyphenols; Prebiotics; Quorum Sensing
PubMed: 32996966
DOI: 10.1039/d0fo01483d -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2024Sitosterolemia is a rare genetic lipid disorder, mainly characterized by the accumulation of dietary xenosterols in plasma and tissues. It is caused by inactivating... (Review)
Review
Sitosterolemia is a rare genetic lipid disorder, mainly characterized by the accumulation of dietary xenosterols in plasma and tissues. It is caused by inactivating mutations in either ABCG5 or ABCG8 subunits, a subfamily-G ATP-binding cassette (ABCG) transporters. ABCG5/G8 encodes a pair of ABC half transporters that form a heterodimer (G5G8). This heterodimeric ATP-binding cassette (ABC) sterol transporter, ABCG5/G8, is responsible for the hepatobiliary and transintestinal secretion of cholesterol and dietary plant sterols to the surface of hepatocytes and enterocytes, promoting the secretion of cholesterol and xenosterols into the bile and the intestinal lumen. In this way, ABCG5/G8 function in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway and mediate the efflux of cholesterol and xenosterols to high-density lipoprotein and bile salt micelles, respectively. Here, we review the biological characteristics and function of ABCG5/G8, and how the mutations of ABCG5/G8 can cause sitosterolemia, a loss-of-function disorder characterized by plant sterol accumulation and premature atherosclerosis, among other features.
Topics: Lipoproteins; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 5; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 8; Phytosterols; Cholesterol; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Adenosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 38036873
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-43883-7_2 -
Animal Biotechnology Dec 2023Medicinal plants with active ingredients have shown great potential as natural and sustainable additives in livestock and poultry diets as growth promoters, performance,... (Review)
Review
Medicinal plants with active ingredients have shown great potential as natural and sustainable additives in livestock and poultry diets as growth promoters, performance, feed conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrient enhancers, and antioxidants and immune system modulators. Among active ingredients, phytosterols, which are plant-based bio-factors that may be found in seeds, fruits, grains, vegetables and legumes, are thought to be involved in the aforementioned activities but are also widely known in human medicine due to their efficacy in treating diabetes, coronary heart disease, and tumors. Nevertheless, phytosterols can also promote carcinogens production, angiogenesis inhibition, metastasis, infiltration, and cancer cells proliferation. This review focuses on the deepening of the biological role and health benefits of phytosterols and their new potential application in poultry and livestock nutrition.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Poultry; Livestock; Phytosterols; Diet; Antioxidants
PubMed: 35839248
DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2099882 -
The American Journal of Cardiology May 2020Sitosterolemia is a rare lipid metabolism disease with heterogeneous manifestations. Atherosclerosis can occur in children, and therefore, early detection, diagnosis,...
Sitosterolemia is a rare lipid metabolism disease with heterogeneous manifestations. Atherosclerosis can occur in children, and therefore, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease are important. We studied 18 pediatric patients with sitosterolemia who showed a significant increase in plasma lipid levels and analyzed their clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics. We recorded the initial serum lipid results and clinical manifestations of the patients. Lipid and plant sterol levels were measured after homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations of ABCG5 or ABCG8 were identified by genetic testing. Plasma plant sterol levels were analyzed by gas chromatography. Fourteen cases of sitosterolemia were examined by ultrasound and echocardiography. The initial total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels of the children were significantly increased, but then markedly decreased after diet control or drug treatment, and even reached normal levels. Carotid atherosclerosis and aortic valve regurgitation were present in three of 14 patients. Serum lipid levels of children with sitosterolemia and xanthomas were notably higher than those without xanthomas. There were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between patients with different genotypes. In conclusion, sitosterolemia should be considered in children with hyperlipidemia who do not present with xanthomas, especially with a significant increase in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. There does not appear to be a correlation between clinical phenotype and genotype.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Infant; Intestinal Diseases; Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Male; Phytosterols
PubMed: 32143815
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2020.01.048 -
Journal of Food Science Feb 2022Coffee silverskin is a byproduct of the coffee roasting process contributing to organic waste burdens in urban areas. Silverskin is a potential source of dietary fiber,...
Coffee silverskin is a byproduct of the coffee roasting process contributing to organic waste burdens in urban areas. Silverskin is a potential source of dietary fiber, protein, carbohydrates, caffeine as well as vitamins and minerals. However, phytosterols present in the plant are susceptible to thermal oxidation resulting in the formation of phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) in the silverskin during roasting. In collaboration with a small roastery, the formation of POPs in three coffee varieties with roasting time was monitored by GC-MS. The objective was to evaluate the safety and potential benefits of incorporating coffee silverskin into value-added products. The qualitative profile of POPs in the silverskin from the three varieties was similar. Average total POPs were 0.32 g POPs/kg silverskin. POPs from the dominant plant sterol, sitosterol, were present at the highest concentrations. Caffeine, total antioxidant capacity, and total flavonoids were measured in the silverskin of the three coffees. Average values were 1.3 g caffeine/100 g silverskin, TEAC of 11 mmol Trolox/kg silverskin, and 1.94 to 8.60 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g silverskin, respectively. An analysis of the impact of consuming teas and baked goods containing silverskin was also performed. Using published formulations, a tea or cookie containing silverskin would contribute approximately 1 and 0.3 mg POP per day, respectively. Consumption of these products would not substantially increase dietary exposure to POPs, while increasing fiber and antioxidants while reducing organic waste. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Coffee silverskin has been studied as a possible source of fiber, antioxidants, and caffeine when incorporated in snack foods and used to make teas. To assess possible concerns about increasing dietary oxidized phytosterols, the formation of phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) was investigated in the silverskin fraction during the roasting process in three coffee varieties. In addition, caffeine, antioxidant capacity, and total flavonoids were determined. We found that silverskin can be safely used for value-added products including caffeinated teas, cookies, and bars with minimal impact on dietary POP exposures.
Topics: Antioxidants; Coffea; Coffee; Oxidation-Reduction; Phytosterols; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 35067916
DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16042 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2022Phytosterols have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities. However, the high melting point and... (Review)
Review
Phytosterols have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities. However, the high melting point and poor solubility limit their bioavailability and practical application. It is advantageous to modify phytosterols chemically and physically. This article reviews and discusses the chemical and physical modifications of phytosterols, as well as their effects on the bioavailability and possible toxicity in vivo. The current research on chemical modifications is mainly focused on esterification to increase the oil solubility and water solubility. For physical modifications (mainly microencapsulation), there are biopolymer-based, surfactant-based and lipid-based nanocarriers. Both chemical and physical modifications of phytosterols can effectively increase the absorption and bioavailability. The safety of modified phytosterols is also an important issue. Phytosterol esters are generally considered to be safe. However, phytosterol oxides, which may be produced during the synthesis of phytosterol esters, have shown toxicity in animal models. The toxicity of nanocarriers also needs further studies.
Topics: Animals; Biological Availability; Esterification; Phytosterols; Solubility; Surface-Active Agents
PubMed: 33612007
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1888692 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2020Plant seeds have been found to contain bioactive compounds that have potential nutraceutical benefits. Guava seeds () are by-products in the beverage and juice industry;...
Plant seeds have been found to contain bioactive compounds that have potential nutraceutical benefits. Guava seeds () are by-products in the beverage and juice industry; however, they can be utilized for a variety of commercial purposes. This study was designed to analyze the phytochemicals of the -hexane extract of guava seed oil (GSO), to study its free-radical scavenging activity, and to monitor the changes in serum lipids and fatty acid profiles in rats that were fed GSO. The GSO was analyzed for phytochemicals using chromatographic methods. It was also tested for free-radical scavenging activity in hepatoma and neuroblastoma cells, and analyzed in terms of serum lipids and fatty acids. GSO was found to contain phenolic compounds (e.g., chlorogenic acid and its derivatives) and phytosterols (e.g., stimasterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol), and exerted radical-scavenging activity in cell cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. Long-term consumption of GSO did not increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rat serum, but it tended to decrease serum fatty acid levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This is the first study to report on the lipid, phytosterol and phenolic compositions, antioxidant activity, and the hepato- and neuro-protection of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress levels in the GSO extract.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cholesterol; Female; Hexanes; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Phytosterols; Plant Extracts; Plant Oils; Psidium; Rats; Seeds; Sitosterols; Triglycerides
PubMed: 32471050
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112474 -
Annual Review of Entomology Jan 2020Insects, like all eukaryotes, require sterols for structural and metabolic purposes. However, insects, like all arthropods, cannot make sterols. Cholesterol is the... (Review)
Review
Insects, like all eukaryotes, require sterols for structural and metabolic purposes. However, insects, like all arthropods, cannot make sterols. Cholesterol is the dominant tissue sterol for most insects; insect herbivores produce cholesterol by metabolizing phytosterols, but not always with high efficiency. Many insects grow on a mixed-sterol diet, but this ability varies depending on the types and ratio of dietary sterols. Dietary sterol uptake, transport, and metabolism are regulated by several proteins and processes that are relatively conserved across eukaryotes. Sterol requirements also impact insect ecology and behavior. There is potential to exploit insect sterol requirements to () control insect pests in agricultural systems and () better understand sterol biology, including in humans. We suggest that future studies focus on the genetic mechanism of sterol metabolism and reverse transportation, characterizing sterol distribution and function at the cellular level, the role of bacterial symbionts in sterol metabolism, and interrupting sterol trafficking for pest control.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Homeostasis; Insect Control; Insecta; Phytosterols; Sterols
PubMed: 31600456
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025017 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2022Plant sterols are important components of the cell membrane and lipid rafts, which play a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes during... (Review)
Review
Plant sterols are important components of the cell membrane and lipid rafts, which play a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes during development and stress resistance in plants. In recent years, many studies in higher plants have been reported in the biosynthesis pathway of plant sterols, whereas the knowledge about the regulation and accumulation of sterols is not well understood. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent findings in the field of plant sterols, including their biosynthesis, regulation, functions, as well as the mechanism involved in abiotic stress responses. These studies provide better knowledge on the synthesis and regulation of sterols, and the review also aimed to provide new insights for the global role of sterols, which is liable to benefit future research on the development and abiotic stress tolerance in plant.
Topics: Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Membrane Microdomains; Phytosterols; Plant Development; Plants; Sterols; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 35216448
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042332 -
Current Opinion in Endocrinology,... Apr 2023The aim of this study was to assess the potential value of the measurement of plasma xenosterols (or phytosterols) concentrations in clinical practice. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The aim of this study was to assess the potential value of the measurement of plasma xenosterols (or phytosterols) concentrations in clinical practice.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent genetic studies suggest that individuals with elevated plasma phytosterol concentrations due to monogenic and polygenic variants are at an increased risk of coronary artery disease. This supports early observations that elevated plasma phytosterol concentrations are per se atherogenic.
SUMMARY
Measurement of plasma phytosterols can identify individuals with xenosterolemia (or phytosterolemia). This may be clinically useful in four ways: Establishing a diagnosis and informing management of patients with homozygous phytosterolemia; Providing a comprehensive differential diagnosis for familial hypercholesterolemia; Providing an index of cholesterol absorption that may inform personalized pharmacotherapy; and Informing more precise assessment of risk of cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Phytosterols; Intestinal Diseases
PubMed: 36597814
DOI: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000795