Food & Nutrition Research

Protective effect of the total alkaloid extract from Bulbus on cigarette smoke-induced Beas-2B cell injury model and transcriptomic analysis
Wang X, Liu X, Aga EB, Tse WM, Tse KWG and Ye B
Bulbus (BFP) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used to treat lung diseases, but the active components and mechanism are still unclear.
Discovery of pharmacological effects and targets of on SYSTCM and virtual screening
Feng Q, Shu X, Fang H, Shi X, Zhang Y and Zhang H
(Huajuhong, CGE) is the peel of the unripe fruits of ' (L.) Osbeck, which is commonly used in the clinic for the treatment of cough and indigestion. The pharmacological mechanism of CGE is unclear. In this study, the pharmacological effect of CGE was predicted by System Traditional Chinese Medicine (SYSTCM), which integrated the pharmacological effect prediction approach by artificial intelligence into the systemic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) platform. The main pharmacological effect of CGE was antiallergy, promoting bile, blood lipid regulation, cardiotonics, diuresis, and antiarrhythmia by prediction of SYSTCM. cell experiments were carried out to identify the antiallergic effect of CGE. Extracts of (ECGE) inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced cell injury and nitric oxide release in RAW264.7 cells. ECGE and naringin-inhibited immunoglobulin E-induced cell degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Target profiling, protein interaction network, and molecular docking of compounds from CGE indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) and matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) were key potential targets of CGE with antiallergic activity. This study identified and validated the antiallergic effect of CGE by combining SYSTCM, cell experiments, and virtual screening, which provided a new paradigm and approach for studying the pharmacological effect and mechanism of TCM.
A combination of fruit rind and seed extracts supplementation enhances metabolic rates in overweight subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study
Ammatalli NKR, Kuricheti SSSK, Veeramachaneni S, Koo YK, Ramanathan G and Yalamanchi A
LN19183 is a proprietary, synergistic combination of fruit rind and seed extracts that increased resting energy expenditure (REE) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese rats. The objective of this study was to validate the thermogenic potential of LN19183 in obese Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and to assess its clinical efficacy in a proof-of-concept, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over human trial.
Natural antagonistic flavones for AhR inhibit indoxyl sulfate-induced inflammatory gene expression and renal pathological damages
Iwashima T, Takemura Y, Kishimoto Y, Ono C, Watanabe A and Iida K
Uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) induces vascular inflammation, a crucial event in renal failure, and vascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In endothelial cells, IS increases the production of inflammatory cytokines partially via the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and several food flavonoids have been reported to act as antagonists of AhR.
Effect of a family-based lifestyle intervention on weight reduction among Jordanian children with obesity aged 6-9 years
Bani Salameh AK, El-Hneiti M, Al Omari OSH, AlBashtawy M, Karavasileiadou S, Alabbasi Y, Bubshait KS and Malak MZ
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a family-based lifestyle intervention on reducing body weight among Jordanian children with obesity aged 6-9 years old. The pretest-posttest control group design was conducted among 162 children (75 in the intervention group and 87 in the control group) with obesity aged 6-9 years old at four primary schools in Jordan during the period from March 2021 to July 2021. The results found that, after the intervention, there was a statistically significant change in the scores in the control group vs. in the intervention group ( = 37.07, SD = 2.77; = 33.48, SD = 2.73; (160) = 8.29, < 0.001), where the mean BMI percentile was reduced by 2.05 in the intervention group. A significant difference was demonstrated in the median BMI percentile in the intervention and control groups post-intervention ( < 0.001). A significant difference was also noticed between the average weekly reported dietary habits and the physical activities of both the control group and the intervention group post-intervention. The findings support the effect of family-based lifestyle interventions. Healthcare providers should adopt such interventions for children living with obesity. Future study is required to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this intervention on weight reduction.
suppresses cell survival and changes reactive oxygen species metabolism in colorectal cancer cells
Seo EB, Oh SM and Han A
There is a significant global increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) among young adults. , one of the signature Korean traditional fermented foods, contains various bioactive compounds and has multiple health-beneficial effects, including anticancer effects; however, the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of its anticancer outcomes are not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the detailed underlying anticancer mechanisms of in CRC cells. was extracted with 80% ethanol, and total polyphenol contents (9.9 ± 1.63 mgGAE/g) and total flavonoid contents (0.14 ± 0.07 mgQE/g) of extract (GE) were evaluated. GE significantly suppressed cell viability, migration, and colony formation in CRC cells. Also, GE increased the cell cycle arrest-related protein p21 level, whereas it decreased cell cycle progression-associated proteins, such as p-Rb. Moreover, GE markedly elevated the levels of proapoptotic proteins (e.g. Bim and c-PARP), while it downregulated antiapoptotic protein expressions (e.g. Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). GE also altered the expression of the autophagy-involved proteins. Furthermore, GE strongly reduced the expression of major antioxidant enzymes and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in CRC cells, causing an imbalance of ROS metabolism. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that exerts anticancer effects in CRC cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, increasing cell death, and interrupting ROS metabolism.
Exploring the anti-obesity effects of kimchi through enhanced thermogenesis in differentiated T37i brown adipocytes
Yun YR, Lee JE, Lee S and Hong SW
Previous research has demonstrated the anti-obesity effects of kimchi in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and mice with diet-induced obesity by assessing the expression of obesity-associated genes. Additionally, recent studies have identified mechanisms involving thermogenesis that support these effects.
A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a patented fenugreek () seed extract in Type 2 diabetics
Gupta RS, Grover AS, Kumar P, Goel A, Banik SP, Chakraborty S, Rungta M, Bagchi M, Pal P and Bagchi D
Fenugreek plant () constitutes a traditionally acclaimed herbal remedy for many human ailments including diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive disorders. It is also used as an effective anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal agent. The seed of the plant is especially enriched in several bioactive molecules including polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids and has demonstrated potential to act as an antidiabetic phytotherapeutic. A novel patented formulation (Fenfuro) was developed in our laboratory from the fenugreek seeds which contained >45% furostanolic saponins (HPLC).
The impact of freeze-dried Baiyedancong-Oolong tea aqueous extract containing bioactive compounds on the activities of CYP450 enzymes, the transport capabilities of P-gp and OATs, and transcription levels in mice
Zhang M and Qiu Z
In this study, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine extracted from freeze-dried autumn Baiyedancong Oolong tea (FBOT) were orally administered to mice for 7 consecutive days to explore the effects of BOT and its bioactive compounds on the activities and transcription levels of CYP450 enzymes, intestinal effluence transporter P-gp, and renal ingestion Organic Anion Transporters (OATs). Concurrently, EGCG and caffeine enhanced the activities of CYP3A, CYP2E1, and CYP2C37 in the liver of mice, while impairing the transport capabilities of P-gp and OATs. Reduced levels of MDR1 encoding P-gp transcription in the small intestine and renal OAT1 and OAT3 revealed that transcription was involved in the regulation of CYP450, P-gp, and OATs. The reduced transcription level of liver CYP2E1 suggested that CYP2E1 activity may have been elevated due to alternative mechanisms, but not through transcription. The absorption, metabolism, and excretion of drugs may be influenced by the daily consumption or high-dose administration of BOT and its related products, in which EGCG and caffeine may make great contributions.
Adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles from obese mice suppressed splenocyte-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death
Jeong I, Park S, Park J and Kim OK
Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and negatively contributes to the immune system. However, the mechanisms by which obesity mediates these actions are still poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of communication between cells and may influence various aspects of cancer progression.
Responses to the updated Nutri-Score algorithms in Norway: A qualitative study among food system actors in the NewTools-project
Paulsen MM, Øvrebø B, Løvhaug AL, Lund-Iversen K, Andersen LF, Helleve A and Abel MH
Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack label grading foods and beverages from A to E indicating nutritional quality based on the foods' favorable and unfavorable components, and a contender in the ongoing debate on the possible implementation of a harmonized mandatory front-of-pack nutrition label in the European Union. NewTools is a research project on scoring systems for foods involving 28 partners representing actors involved in the Norwegian food system.
Integrating environmental sustainability into food-based dietary guidelines in the Nordic countries
Trolle E, Meinilä J, Eneroth H, Meltzer HM, Þórsdóttir I, Halldorsson T and Erkkola M
The overall aim of this paper was to provide background knowledge to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 Committee for integrating environmental sustainability in a framework for national Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) within the Nordics and Baltics. Additionally, this paper aims to give an overview of recent Nordic scientific literature on environmental impact of foods and dietary patterns and of the FBDG of the Nordics. Finally, we suggest methods for developing national sustainable FBDG. Nordic and Baltic studies on sustainability of diets were searched in August 2022 and complemented with additional relevant literature. The studies show that current diets are far from environmentally sustainable, exceeding planetary boundaries for most impact categories; meat and dairy products being the largest contributors to dietary greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) and land use. Scenario, modelling, optimisation and intervention studies confirm the potential of shifting towards more plant-based diets to improve overall diet quality in terms of both health and environmental sustainability. Such diets comprised of vegetables, fruits, legumes, potatoes, whole grain and refined cereal products, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, with animal foods in moderate or limited amounts. The FBDG in the Nordics promotes more plant-based diets than the current average diet but could improve from further integration of environmental sustainability. To form basis for sustainable FBDG dietary modelling at the national level, prioritising health outcomes and nutritional adequacy is essential. Second, integrating environmental sustainability involves estimating the impact of food choices and amounts on GHGE, land and water use, eutrophication and biodiversity loss. Exploring positive and negative implications of fortified foods and supplementation in relation to nutrient intake, health and environmental sustainability may be needed. Implementing dietary transition requires solutions beyond FBDG to ensure affordability, acceptability and ease of adaption.
Environmental sustainability of food production and consumption in the Nordic and Baltic region - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023
Harwatt H, Benton TG, Bengtsson J, Birgisdóttir BE, Brown KA, van Dooren C, Erkkola M, Graversgaard M, Halldorsson T, Hauschild M, Høyer-Lund A, Meinilä J, van Oort B, Saarinen M, Tuomisto HL, Trolle E, Ögmundarson O and Blomhoff R
This scoping review examines environmental impacts related to food production and consumption in Nordic and Baltic countries. The overarching advice to all Nordic and Baltic countries, in line with the current body of scientific literature, is to shift to a more plant-based dietary pattern and avoid food waste. Taking into account current consumption patterns, there is a high potential and necessity to shift food consumption across the countries to minimise its environmental impact. More specifically, a substantial reduction in meat and dairy consumption and increased consumption of legumes/pulses, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds are suggested as a priority intervention. Reducing the environmental impacts of seafoods is also key and suggestions include a shift to seafoods with lower environmental impacts such as seaweed and bivalves. As part of the suggested transition to a more plant-based diet, the scope for increasing the provision of plant-based foods through increasing the cultivation of legumes/pulses, vegetables, and grains and through feed-to-food shifts within the region should be explored.
Oral administration of oligo fucoidan improves the survival rate, quality of life, and immunity in patients with lung cancer
Liu TC, Shih CJ and Chiou YL
Lung cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, has the highest incidence and mortality rates in Taiwan. It can be divided into two types. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers, which is further divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell lung cancer accounting for approximately 40%, 25%, and 15% of NSCLC cases, respectively. Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 15% of lung cancers. Early systemic therapy NSCLC was based on chemotherapy, and immunotherapy is currently under development. Fucoidan, from brown seaweed extracts, shows promise in mitigating radiation-induced lung fibrosis in animal studies, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant for radiation therapy-related lung fibrosis in lung cancer patients. However, the clinical utility of such adjuvant therapy in lung cancer treatment remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of oligo-fucoidan on the survival rate, quality of life, and immunity of patients with lung cancer.
Association between Healthy Eating Index-2015 and prostate enlargement: A cross-sectional study of the National and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2008
Di XP, Yuan C and Wei X
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in elder men globally with high prevalence. Human diet and lifestyle aroused great attention in the prevalence of BPH. Prostate enlargement (PE) is a major symptom of BPH.
Preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio relate to postoperative acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery
Ren H, Zhu M, Yu H, Weng Y and Yu W
Acute kidney injury (AKI) poses a significant concern in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery due to increased vulnerability arising from aging, comorbidities, and surgery-related factors. Early detection and intervention are crucial for mitigating short- and long-term consequences. This study aims to investigate the correlation between preoperative Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the occurrence of postoperative AKI in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery, as well as to assess the predictive value of their combined detection for postoperative AKI.
Brazil nut () and metformin abrogate cardiac complication in fructose/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats by attenuating oxidative stress and modulating the MAPK-mTOR/NFkB/IL-10 signaling pathways
Li Z, Wang B, Bai D and Zhang L
The global prevalence of diabetic heart complication has been on the increase, and some of the drugs that are currently used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) have not been able to mitigate this complication.
A standardized combination of and extracts enhances immune function in adults: a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study
Sadhupati DP, Lakshmisudha R, Chakravarthy KNK and Naidana PS
The use of botanical medicine has been demonstrated as a potential strategy to manage or treat a variety of health issues. (Retz) fruit and (L.) Dunal roots are important medicinal herbs described in Ayurveda and traditional therapy for diverse health benefits.
Reproducibility and comparison of a digital food frequency questionnaire (DIGIKOST-FFQ) assessing adherence to national diet and lifestyle recommendations
Knudsen MD, Carlsen MH, Hjartåker A, Blomhoff R and Henriksen HB
We have developed a digital semi-quantitative food frequency and lifestyle questionnaire, the DIGIKOST-FFQ, based on the validated paper-based NORDIET-FFQ.
Erratum: Attenuation of postprandial blood glucose in humans consuming isomaltodextrin: carbohydrate loading studies
Sadakiyo T, Ishida Y, Inoue SI, Taniguchi Y, Sakurai T, Takagaki R, Kurose M, Mori T, Yasuda-Yamashita A, Mitsuzumi H, Kubota M, Watanabe H and Fukuda S
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1080/16546628.2017.1325306.].
Blood circulation effect of fermented citrus bioconversion product (FCBP) in EA.hy926 endothelial cells and high-fat diet-fed mouse model
Cho EC, Kwon HS, Lee NY, Oh HJ and Choi YJ
The escalating global burden of cardiovascular diseases, largely driven by unhealthy lifestyle choices and dietary patterns, has intensified the search for effective and safe interventions. With current treatments often marred by significant side effects, the exploration of natural compounds such as flavonoids presents a compelling alternative.