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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Hyperlipidemia is associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. Conventional drugs such as statins are effective in...
The antihyperlipidemic effect of a combined supplement of standardized dry extracts of amla (), walnut (), olive () and red yeast rice () powder: Reduction in circulatory low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and remnant cholesterol (RC) levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Hyperlipidemia is associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. Conventional drugs such as statins are effective in controlling hyperlipidemia; however, they are associated with various side effects, especially myalgia. Nutraceutical lipid-lowering interventions are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among patients who are intolerant or refractory to statins. Substantial preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that extracts of amla, walnut, and olive, and red yeast rice (RYR) powder possess significant antihyperlipidemic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of a combined supplementation of standardized dry extracts of amla fruit (500 mg), walnut leaves (50 mg), olive fruit (25 mg), and RYR powder (33.6 mg) (Cholesfytol NG®) in hypercholesterolemic patients. This was a , retrospective, observational, single-arm, non-randomized study in hypercholesterolemic patients (total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 200 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 130 mg/dL), enrolled at 57 general practitioner (GP) surgeries in Belgium from March 2020 to January 2022. These patients received a GP-prescribed daily single dosage of two oral tablets of Cholesfytol NG® supplementation for 2 months to overcome their hypercholesterolemia in the absence of a conventional lipid-lowering drug (n = 208) or with a lipid-lowering drug (n = 13). At 2-month follow-up, the lipid profile was re-evaluated, alongside a patient's questionnaire on treatment general satisfaction and willingness to pursue supplementation. After supplementation, TC decreased by 15%, LDL-C by 19%, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) by 20% (all < 0.0001), triglycerides (TG) by 9% ( = 0.0028) (-18.4%, = 0.0042, in patients with baseline TG > 180 mg/dL, n = 58), and remnant cholesterol (RC) by 12% ( = 0.0001). These changes were unaffected by statin intolerance status in patients who received Cholesfytol NG® alongside statin. The supplement was well tolerated by all patients, and no serious adverse events or supplement-emergent effects were reported. Most patients were satisfied with the supplementation and wanted to pursue the nutraceutical. According to the results of this study, a combined supplementation of amla, walnut, and olive extracts, and RYR powder exerts a significant antihyperlipidemic effect, leading to a decrease in circulatory LDL-C and RC levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The supplementation bears excellent safety and tolerability, and is rated as satisfactory and pursuable, even among patients with statin intolerance. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov; identifier number: NCT06002893.
PubMed: 38089061
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1280234 -
Journal of the Science of Food and... Apr 2024Mulberry leaves (MLs) are widely used in food because of their nutritional and functional characteristics. However, plant cell walls and natural bitterness influence...
Combined volatile compounds and non-targeted metabolomics analysis reveals variation in flavour characteristics, metabolic profiles and bioactivity of mulberry leaves after Monascus purpureus fermentation.
BACKGROUND
Mulberry leaves (MLs) are widely used in food because of their nutritional and functional characteristics. However, plant cell walls and natural bitterness influence nutrient release and the flavor properties of MLs. Liquid-state fermentation using Monascus purpureus (LFMP) is a common processing method used to improve food properties. The present study used headspace solid-phase micro extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and non-targeted metabolomics to examine changes in volatile and non-volatile metabolites in MLs. The transformation mechanism of LFMP was investigated by microscopic observation and dynamic analysis of enzyme activity, and changes in the biological activity of MLs were analyzed.
RESULTS
LFMP significantly increased total phenolics, total flavonoids, free amino acids and soluble sugars in MLs, at the same time as decreasing phytic acid levels. In total, 92 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified and quantified. VOCs such as (2R,3R)-(-)-2,3-butanediol, terpineol and eugenol showed some improvement in the flavour characteristics of MLs. By using non-targeted metabolomics, 124 unique metabolites in total were examined. LFMP altered the metabolic profile of MLs, mainly in plant secondary metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Microscopic observation and dynamic analysis of enzyme activity indicated that LFMP promoted cell wall degradation and biotransformation of MLs. In addition, LFMP significantly increased the angiotensin I-converting enzyme and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of MLs.
CONCLUSION
LFMP altered the flavour characteristics, metabolite profile and biological activity of MLs. These findings will provide ideas for the processing of MLs into functional foods. In addition, they also provide useful information for biochemical studies of fermented MLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Topics: Solid Phase Microextraction; Morus; Monascus; Fermentation; Metabolomics; Volatile Organic Compounds; Metabolome
PubMed: 38087418
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13215 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jan 2024Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, and its infection rate is rising globally. The efficacy of traditional...
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, and its infection rate is rising globally. The efficacy of traditional antibiotic treatment is less effective, mainly due to bacterial biofilms and the formation of antibiotic resistance. In addition, H. pylori colonizes the gastrointestinal epithelium covered by mucus layers, the drug must penetrate the double barrier of mucus layer and biofilm to reach the infection site and kill H. pylori. The ethanol injection method was used to synthesize nanoliposomes (EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC) with a mixed lipid layer containing rhamnolipids (RHL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) as a carrier, loaded with the urease inhibitor epiberberine (EPI) and the antimicrobial agent rubropunctatin silver nanoparticles (R-AgNPs). EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC had the appropriate size, negative charge, and acid sensitivity to penetrate mucin-rich mucus layers and achieve acid-responsive drug release. In vitro experiments demonstrated that EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC exhibited good antibacterial activity, effectively inhibited urease activity, removed the mature H. pylori biofilm, and inhibited biofilm regeneration. In vivo antibacterial tests showed that EPI/R-AgNPs@RHL/PC exhibited excellent activity in eradicating H. pylori and protecting the mucosa compared to the traditional clinical triple therapy, providing a new idea for the treatment of H. pylori infection.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter pylori; Silver; Urease; Metal Nanoparticles; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Helicobacter Infections
PubMed: 38043750
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123655 -
Current Research in Food Science 2023As one of the quintessential representatives of Chinese rice wine, rice wine is brewed with glutinous rice as the main raw material and (Gutian or Wuyi ) as the...
As one of the quintessential representatives of Chinese rice wine, rice wine is brewed with glutinous rice as the main raw material and (Gutian or Wuyi ) as the fermentation starter. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of on the volatile compositions and the microbial communities in the traditional production of Gutian rice wine (GT) and Wuyi rice wine (WY). Through the OPLS-DA analysis, 3-methylbutan-1-ol, isobutanol, ethyl lactate, ethyl acetate, octanoic acid, diethyl succinate, phenylethyl alcohol, hexanoic acid and n-decanoic acid were identified as the characteristic volatile flavor components between GT and WY. Microbiome analysis revealed significant enrichments of , , and in WY brewing, whereas , , , and were significantly enriched in GT brewing. Additionally, correlation analysis showed that , , and were significantly positively correlated wih most characteristic volatile components. Conversely, , , and showed significant negative correlations with most of the characteristic volatile components. Furthermore, bioinformatical analysis indicated that the gene abundances for enzymes including glucan 1,4-alpha-glucosidase, carboxylesterase, alcohol dehydrogenase, dihydroxy-acid dehydratase and branched-chain-amino-acid transaminase were significantly higher in WY compared to GT. This finding explains the higher content of higher alcohols and characteristic esters in WY relative to GT. Collectively, this study provides a theoretical basis for improving the flavor profile of rice wine and establishing a solid scientific foundation for the sustainable development of rice wine industry.
PubMed: 38021257
DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100628 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Filamentous fungi are well-known for their ability to form mycelial pellets during submerged cultures, a characteristic that has been extensively studied and applied....
Filamentous fungi are well-known for their ability to form mycelial pellets during submerged cultures, a characteristic that has been extensively studied and applied. However, , a filamentous saprophytic fungus with a rich history of medicinal and culinary applications, has not been widely documented for pellet formation. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing pellet formation in and their impact on citrinin production, a key secondary metabolite. Through systematic exploration, we identified pH and inoculum size as critical factors governing pellet formation. exhibited optimal pellet growth within the acidic pH range from 5 to 6, resulting in smaller, more homogeneous pellets with lower citrinin content. Additionally, we found that inoculum size played a vital role, with lower spore concentrations favoring the formation of small, uniformly distributed pellets. The choice of carbon and nitrogen sources also influenced pellet stability, with glucose, peptone, and fishmeal supporting stable pellet formation. Notably, citrinin content was closely linked to pellet diameter, with larger pellets exhibiting higher citrinin levels. Our findings shed light on optimizing pellet formation for enhanced citrinin production and provide valuable insights into the cultivation of this fungus for various industrial applications. Further research is warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations.
PubMed: 37998925
DOI: 10.3390/jof9111120 -
Food & Function Dec 2023This study investigated the composition of Tartary buckwheat oil fermented by and extracted under supercritical CO conditions (FTBO) and evaluated its effects on...
This study investigated the composition of Tartary buckwheat oil fermented by and extracted under supercritical CO conditions (FTBO) and evaluated its effects on lipid-lowering, inflammation modulation, and gut microbial regulation in mice that were fed a high-fat diet (MOD). Compared with the raw oil (TBO), the γ-oryzanol content reached 27.09 mg g; the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (such as oleic acid and palmitic acid) was elevated; and the antioxidant capacities of DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl were improved in FTBO ( < 0.0001). Then, supplementation with FTBO had a remarkable effect on reducing the body weight and visceral obesity as well as alleviating hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammatory reactions, and liver damage. The TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the liver and plasma were reduced, and the HDL-C levels in the liver were increased ( < 0.05). In particular, the high-dose group (FTBOH) exhibited the most significant effect on reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines ET, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the liver, which were 18.85, 570.12, 50.47, and 26.22 pg mL, respectively ( < 0.05). Moreover, FTBO reversed intestinal disorders and increased the intestinal microbial diversity and richness. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as , , , and , were increased, and the relative abundance of the harmful bacteria and were reduced. In summary, FTBO has potential applications as a dietary supplement or dietary modifier in lowering blood lipids, modulating immune activity, and reversing intestinal disorders. This study provides reference guidance for the subsequent industrialization and development of Tartary buckwheat, the extension of the industrial chain, the development of new products, and the extraction of functional components.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Fagopyrum; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Inflammation; Lipids; Liver; Diet, High-Fat
PubMed: 37982812
DOI: 10.1039/d3fo04117d -
International Journal of Biological... Jan 2024Increasing data suggested that histone methylation modification plays an important role in regulating biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (SMs). Monascus spp. have...
Increasing data suggested that histone methylation modification plays an important role in regulating biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (SMs). Monascus spp. have been applied to produce hypolipidemic drug lovastatin (also called monacolin K, MK) and edible Monascus-type azaphilone pigments (MonAzPs). However, little is known about how histone methylation regulates MK and MonAzPs. In this study, we constructed H3K9 methyltransferase deletion strain ΔMpDot1 and H4K20 methyltransferase deletion strain ΔMpSet9 using Monascus pilosus MS-1 as the parent. The result showed that deletion of MpDot1 reduced the production of MK and MonAzPs, and deletion of MpSet9 increased MonAzPs production. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed inactivation of mpdot1 and mpset9 disturbed the expression of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of MK and MonAzPs. Western blot suggested that deletion of MpDot1 reduced H3K79me and H4K16ac, and deletion of MpSet9 decreased H4K20me3 and increased H4pan acetylation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) showed ΔMpDot1 strain and ΔMpSet9 strain reduced the enrichment of H3K79me2 and H4K20me3 in the promoter regions of key genes for MK and MonAzPs biosynthesis, respectively. These results suggested that MpDot1 and MpSet9 affected the synthesis of SMs by regulating gene transcription and histone crosstalk, providing alternative approach for regulation of lovastatin and MonAzPs.
Topics: Lovastatin; Histones; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase; Monascus
PubMed: 37979745
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128208 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023The urge of designing new safe and natural functional foods to control blood lipids and dispensable without the need of physician supervision, has increased especially...
INTRODUCTION
The urge of designing new safe and natural functional foods to control blood lipids and dispensable without the need of physician supervision, has increased especially after the coming into effect of the recent EU Commission regulation 2022/860, that regulates the consumption of "red yeast rice," made by fermentation of rice with , and perceived as a natural functional food, due to a health risk for frail consumers. The results of the present work are a part of the systematic study we are carrying out of the binding ability of some soluble dietary fibers (SDF) from different natural sources toward selected bile salts (BS).
METHODS
Measurements were carried out by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) with the idea to shed light on the mechanism, if any, by which they show cholesterol-lowering activity.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Epidemiological studies are sometimes conflicting and offer only hypothesis about the mechanism of action, the most accredited being the reduction of reabsorption of BS in the gut. Previous measurements done on negatively charged pectin and alginate, showed specific binding interaction with monomer NaDC for pectin and no interaction at all for alginate. Chitosan, positively charged and soluble only at low pH, in 100 mM acetate buffer at pH = 3 shows strong exothermic interactions with NaTC and NaTDC. Here we considered two plant exudates (Arabic gum and tragacanth gum) and guar gum, extracted from guar beans, and their interaction with the same bile salts. ITC measurements do not evidence specific interactions between gums and the studied BS, so that their cholesterol lowering ability, if any, is due to a different mechanism very probably bound to the viscosity increase. Moreover, the addition of NaC, the most abundant BS in the bile, at very low concentration (under the cmc) causes a structural change of the solution. The obtained results seem to corroborate the hypothesis that the cholesterol lowering activity is related to the increase in viscosity of guar solution favored by NaC, the major component of the bile.
PubMed: 37941767
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1258282 -
Fitoterapia Jan 2024Red yeast rice (RYR) is an entirely natural product that originates from the fermentation of white rice (Oryza sativa) with a yeast, mainly Monascus Purpureus, and has... (Review)
Review
Red yeast rice (RYR) is an entirely natural product that originates from the fermentation of white rice (Oryza sativa) with a yeast, mainly Monascus Purpureus, and has been part of traditional Chinese medicine and diet since ancient times. It has generated great interest in recent years in the context of cardiovascular (CV) prevention due to its ability to inhibit endogenous cholesterol production, helping to achieve and maintain optimal plasma lipid concentrations. This review aims to make an extensive 360-degree assessment and summary of the whole currently available scientific evidence about RYR, starting with its biochemical composition, passing through a historical reconstruction of all the studies that have evaluated its efficacy and safety in cholesterol-lowering action, with a focus on CV outcomes, and ultimately addressing its other relevant clinical effects. We also discuss its possible therapeutic role, alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals, in different clinical scenarios, taking into account the positions of major scientific documents on the issue, and describe the articulate legal controversies that have characterized the regulation of its use up to the present day. RYR preparations have been proven safe and effective in improving lipid profile, with a potential role in reducing cardiovascular risk. They can be considered as additional supportive agents in the armamentarium of lipid-modifying therapies.
Topics: Molecular Structure; Cholesterol; Dietary Supplements; Biological Products
PubMed: 37931717
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105719 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Oct 2023Extreme environment of microbial fermentation is the focus of research, which provides new thinking for the production and application of Monascus pigments (MPs). In...
AIMS
Extreme environment of microbial fermentation is the focus of research, which provides new thinking for the production and application of Monascus pigments (MPs). In this work, the high-sugar synergistic high-salt stress fermentation (HSSF) of MPs was investigated.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The Monascus fungus grew well under HSSF conditions with 35 g L-1 NaCl and 150 g L-1 glucose, and the extracellular yellow pigment and intracellular orange pigment yield in HSSF was 98% and 43% higher than that in conventional fermentation, respectively. Moreover, the mycelial morphology was maintained in a better status with more branches and complete surface structure, indicating good biocatalytic activity for pigment synthesis. Four extracellular yellow pigments (Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4) were transformed into each other, and ratio of the relative content of intracellular orange pigments to yellow pigments (O/Y) significantly (P < 0.05) changed. Moreover, the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (unsaturated/saturated) was significantly (P < 0.05) increased, indicating that the metabolism and secretion of intracellular and extracellular pigment might be regulated in HSSF. The pigment biosynthesis genes mppB, mppC, mppD, MpPKS5, and MpFasB2 were up-regulated, whereas the genes mppR1, mppR2, and mppE were down-regulated, suggesting that the gene expression to regulate pigment biosynthesis might be a dynamic change process in HSSF.
CONCLUSIONS
The HSSF system of MPs is successfully performed to improve the pigment yields. Mycelial morphology is varied to enhanced pigment secretion, and gene expression is dynamically regulated to promote pigment accumulation in HSSF.
Topics: Fermentation; Monascus; Pigments, Biological; Salt Stress; Gene Expression; Sugars
PubMed: 37858303
DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad207