Development Of Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Olive Mill Wastewater as Source of Polyphenols with Nutraceutical Properties.

Agrifood waste products are often considered rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be conveniently recovered. Due to these peculiar characteristics, the study of these waste products is attracting great interest in nutraceutical research. Olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are generated by extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) production, and they pose environmental challenges due to their disposal. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenolic profile and to evaluate the nutraceutical properties of OMWW extracts from two Tuscan olive cultivars, Leccino (CL) and Frantoio (CF), collected during different time points in EVOO production. After a liquid-liquid extraction, the HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis of OMWW extracts confirmed the presence of 18 polyphenolic compounds. The polyphenol composition varied between the cultivars and during maturation stages. Notably, oleacein was detected at remarkably high levels in CL1 and CF1 extracts (314.628 ± 19.535 and 227.273 ± 3.974 μg/mg, respectively). All samples demonstrated scavenging effects on free radicals (DPPH and ABTS assays) and an anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This study highlights the nutraceutical potential of OMWW extracts, emphasizing their antioxidant, antiradical, and anti-inflammatory activities. The results demonstrate the influence of olive cultivar, maturation stage, and extraction process on the polyphenolic composition and the bioactivity of OMWW extracts. These findings support a more profitable reuse of OMWW as an innovative, renewable, and low-cost source of dietary polyphenols with potential applications as functional ingredients in the development of dietary supplements, as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Vasculoprotective Effects of Red Cell Extract from the Black Sea Urchin Arbacia lixula.

Sea urchins have emerged as an important source of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties relevant to human health. Since inflammation is a crucial pathogenic process in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, we here assessed the potential anti-inflammatory and vasculoprotective effects of coelomic red-cell methanolic extract of the black sea urchin Arbacia lixula in an in vitro model of endothelial cell dysfunction. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were pretreated with A. lixula red-cell extract (10 and 100 μg/mL) before exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The extract was non-toxic after 24 h cell treatment and was characterized by antioxidant power and phenol content. The TNF-α-stimulated expression of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) and cytokines/chemokines (MCP-1, CCL-5, IL-6, IL-8, M-CSF) was significantly attenuated by A. lixula red-cell extract. This was functionally accompanied by a reduction in monocyte adhesion and chemotaxis towards activated endothelial cells. At the molecular level, the tested extract significantly counteracted the TNF-α-stimulated activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB. These results provide evidence of potential anti-atherosclerotic properties of A. lixula red-cell extract, and open avenues in the discovery and development of dietary supplements and/or drugs for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Lyophilized royal jelly preparation in nanoscale and evaluation of its physicochemical properties and bactericidal activity.

Royal jelly, due to its unique bioactive components, has special biological activities, but a great extent of its nutritional value is lost during processing and storage. Lyophilization, an effective preservation technique, can feasibly preserve the main bioactive compounds present in royal jelly. In this study, fresh royal jelly was subjected to the freeze-drying process at a pressure and temperature of 100 Pa and - 70°C, respectively, for 40 h. The results obtained indicated that the pH, turbidity, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity of the royal jelly powder (RJP), during 3 months of storage at ambient temperature (30°C), were constant with values of 4.30, 1.634 (%A.U.), 0.617 (g/L), and 28.7 (%), respectively. Moisture content of the prepared RJP was less than 1%, while that of the fresh royal jelly was 70%. Furthermore, for the fresh royal jelly, the mentioned parameters were significantly (p < .05) decreased after 2 months of storage at freezer temperature (-20°C). GC-MS analysis indicated that the amount of 10-hydroxy-2-decanoic acid (10H2DA) in RJP was 3.85 times more than that of fresh royal jelly. The obtained results also indicated that prepared RJP had a high bactericidal effect toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with clear zone diameters of 12 and 15 mm, respectively. The present study provides a foundation for research on the potential application of prepared RJP and the development of dietary supplements and functional foods.

Selenium-enriched peptides identified from selenium-enriched soybean protein hydrolysate: protective effects against heat damage in Caco-2 cells.

Our previous study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selenium-enriched soybean peptides (SePPs) in vivo. In this study, we purified SePPs via gel filtration chromatography and obtained five fractions (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5), among which F3 displayed the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nineteen selenium-enriched peptides were identified in F3 by mass spectrometry. Two selenium-enriched peptides with sequences ESeCQIQKL (Sep-1) and SELRSPKSeC (Sep-2) were selected for synthesis based on their score and the number of hydrophobic amino acids, acidic and basic amino acids. Both Sep-1 and Sep-2 exhibited preventive effects on the heat stress-induced impairment of intestinal epithelial cell integrity, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in a Caco-2 cell model. Pretreatment of the cells with Sep-1 or Sep-2 for 24 h reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, prevented the disruption of tight junction (TJ) proteins, and decreased paracellular permeability. Western blot results showed that Sep-1 and Sep-2 could improve the abnormal expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, NLRP3, caspase-1 and ASC/TMS1, thereby enhancing the glutathione (GSH) redox system and reducing IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations. Sep-1 activated the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway significantly more than Sep-2. Molecular docking results indicated that Sep-1 and Sep-2 are both bound to Keap1 and NLRP3 in the form of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions and salt bridges, which interferes with Nrf2 and NLRP3 signaling. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that more hydrogen bonds were formed during the resultant process of Sep-1 with Keap1, and the compactness and stability of the complex structure were better than those of Sep-2. These findings confirm the value of both Sep-1 and Sep-2 in the development of dietary supplements as potential alternatives for heat damage and related disease prevention.

Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Composition of Citrullus Colocynthis Seeds Growing in Algeria

Citrullus colocynthis is an herbaceous perennial wild species of the Cucurbitaceae family, used in traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present work, C. colocynthis seed oils have been assessed for their fatty acids profile and concentration by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while oil and protein extracts were investigated in respect to their amino acid compositions by using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS) instrumentation. Results revealed that the predominant fatty acids in C. colocynthis seeds were linoleic (70.7 %), oleic (10.9 %), palmitic (8.3 %), and stearic (7.8 %) acids. On other hand, the analysis of the free amino acids content noticed the presence of threonine (0.32 μgmL-1), valine (0.26 μgmL-1), and tryptophan (0.19 μgmL-1). Besides, the C. colocynthis seeds oil contained the non-essential amino acids like serine (0.29 μgmL-1), ethanolamine (0.18 μgmL-1), glycine (0.25 μgmL-1) and aspartic acid (0.12 μgmL-1). In conclusion, the results obtained revealed the valuable nutritional value of C. colocynthis and derived co-products, suggesting its suitability to be used as a nutritional ingredient and to be considered in the development of dietary supplements.

Edible and Herbal Plants for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19.

Background: The outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now become a global pandemic spreading throughout the world. Unfortunately, due to the high infectiousness of the novel β-coronavirus, it is very likely to become an ordinary epidemic. The development of dietary supplements and functional foods might provide a strategy for the prevention and management of COVID-19. Scope and Approach: A great diversity of potential edible and medicinal plants and/or natural compounds showed potential benefits in managing SARS, which may also combat COVID-19. Moreover, many plants and compounds have currently been proposed to be protective against COVID-19. This information is based on data-driven approaches and computational chemical biology techniques. In this study, we review promising candidates of edible and medicinal plants for the prevention and management of COVID-19. We primarily focus on analyzing their underlying mechanisms. We aim to identify dietary supplements and functional foods that assist in managing this epidemic. Key findings and Conclusion: We infer that acetoside, glyasperin, isorhamnetin, and several flavonoid compounds may prevent and/or be effective in managing COVID-19 by targeting the viral infection, reducing the host cytokine storm, regulating the immune response, and providing organ protection. These bioactive dietary components (used either alone or in combination) might assist in the development of dietary supplements or functional foods for managing COVID-19.

Promising leads and pitfalls: a review of dietary supplements and hormone treatments to prevent postpartum blues and postpartum depression.

Prevention of postpartum depression (PPD) is important because it typically has a 13% prevalence rate, impactful immediate symptoms with greater risk of suicide, and higher long-term risk of psychiatric symptoms in both the mother and family. There are no universal approaches across all childbearing women that have proven to be preventative for PPD, so it is hoped that dietary and/or hormonal interventions will be developed. There are some effective preventative approaches for PPD, such as psychotherapy and medical management, for the highest risk cases, like when there is a past history of a major depressive episode. The purpose is to review studies that assess dietary and hormonal interventions for prevention of PPD and/or postpartum blues, a high-risk state for PPD. Studies that assess dietary and hormonal interventions for prevention of PPD which included a comparison group were reviewed,including omega-3 fatty acids, mineral and vitamin supplements, amino acid combinations, allopregnanolone, progesterone, and thyroxine. Presently, development of dietary supplements and hormonal products for prevention of PPD is at an early stage with most trials showing results that are either preliminary, not definitive, trend level or variable across studies. Even so, a few directions are not recommended for further investigation such as progesterone and thyroxine. On the other hand, studies of allopregnanolone for prophylaxis of PPD are needed. Also, given the number of trend level findings and the multifactorial etiology of PPD, it may be prudent to investigate combined interventions rather than monotherapies. There is still a major need to develop a dietary supplement that creates resiliency against the biological changes in early postpartum associated with risk for mood disorders and/or PPD.

Effects of ball milling micronization on amino acids profile and antioxidant activities of Polygonatumcyrtonema Hua tuber powder

Recently, edible and medicinal plants have attracted intensive attention as functional foods because of their biological activities. However, there has been little research on the influence of ball milling micronization on the properties of the Polygonatum powder. In this study, ball milling was used to micronize Polygonatumcyrtonema Hua tuber coarse powder to observe the effects on amino acids profile and antioxidant activities. Different ball milling times produced significant differences in the total polyphenols, amino acids, and soluble sugar contents (P < 0.05). The multiple linearities between total amino acids content, soluble sugar content, and ABTS radical scavenging activity revealed the relationship between antioxidant activities and ingredients. Moreover, the different cluster tendency by principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated the effects of different ball milling times. It was also highlighted that asparagine, α-aminobutyric acid, and valine can be used as the biomarkers to describe the effects of ball milling time by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). In summary, amino acids profile and antioxidant activities of Polygonatumcyrtonema Hua tuber powder were significantly influenced by different ball milling time. The present study provided a foundation for research on the potential application of Polygonatum tuber micronization and the development of dietary supplements and functional foods.

Bacaba powder produced in spouted bed: an alternative source of bioactive compounds and energy food product

Abstract This study evaluated Bacaba powder produced in a spouted bed as a source of bioactive compounds and high energy value. The conditions influencing the drying process parameters (yield, moisture level, phenolic and anthocyanin retention) as well as simultaneous optimization (optimal conditions) of production were also considered. Drying was most efficient at 75 °C using maltodextrin concentrations above 20.0% (w/w). Higher anthocyanin retention (92.52%) at 65 °C (p = 0.0003), and a maltodextrin concentration of 20.0% (w/w) resulted in high retention of phenolics (95.38%). Accordingly, the operations tested under the desirability function (68 °C, maltodextrin concentration of 21.7% w/w, and air velocity of 1.3 × minimum spouting velocity (Vjm) m s-1) resulted in a process yield of 55.04% and the dry basis (d.b.) composition results were: total phenolics (376.43 mg GAE 100 g-1), energetic value (612.64 kcal 100 g-1), lipids (47.74 g 100 g-1), carbohydrates (27.79 g 100 g-1), protein (15.10 g 100 g-1), and dietetic fiber (8.45 g 100 g-1). The high solubility (92%), flowability (14%), energy, and bioactive characteristics of Bacaba powder suggest the potential for many applications, such as development of dietary supplements, high-energy drinks, milk-based and instant products, and bakery products.

Development of composition and technology of combination drug with neurally mediated action «Memofit»

Aim. The aim of this work is to develop composition of combination drug in the form of hard-gelatin capsules «Memofit», determine technological and microbiological parameters of intermediate products and ready medicinal product and develop of manufacturing process for capsules «Memofit». Methods of the research. Investigations presented in the article were performed in accordance with the procedures described by the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPh Ukraine). The results of the research. Necessity of the development of dietary supplement to provide special dietary properties for the purpose of regulation of functions and systems of the organism within the physiologically normal states under the nervous system dysfunction was substantiated. Results of the study of pharmaco-technological and microbiological parameters of dry extracts that are included as a compound of hard-gelatin capsules «Memofit» were presented. Optimal technological parameters for manufacturing process of capsules «Memofit» were proposed. Results of mass balance for a batch of capsules «Memofit» proved rationality of selected manufacturing process were given. Technology of manufacturing process of capsules «Memofit» was introduced into the production on the TOV “DZ “GNCLS”. Conclusions . Possibility of the development of solid formulations in the form of capsules was established based on the obtained experimental findings of the determination of pharmaco-technological and microbiological parameters of dry extracts. It was shown that capsules «Memofit» are used in dietary food ration as additional source of biologically active substances for promoting normalization of brain function and sleep, improvement of attentiveness. This preparation has general tonic properties and improves mental and physical efficiency. Manufacturing process and process flow chart for this medication was substantiated

Anti-diabetic activity of aerial parts of Sarcopoterium spinosum

BackgroundSarcopoterium spinosum (S. spinosum) is used by Bedouin medicinal practitioners for the treatment of diabetes. While the anti-diabetic activity of S. spinosum root extract was validated in previous studies, the activity of aerial parts of the same plants has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to clarify the glucose lowering properties of the aerial parts of the shrub.MethodsAnti-diabetic properties were evaluated by measuring the activity of carbohydrate digesting enzymes, glucose uptake into 3 T3-L1 adipocytes, and insulin secretion. Insulin signaling cascade was followed in L6 myotubes using Western blot and PathScan analysis.ResultsActivity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was inhibited by extracts of all S. spinosum organs. Basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion was measured in Min6 cells and found to be enhanced as well. Glucose uptake was induced by all S. spinosum extracts, with roots found to be the most effective and fruits the least.The effect of S. spinosum on Akt phosphorylation was minor compared to insulin effect. However, GSK3β and PRAS40, which are downstream elements of the insulin cascade, were found to be highly phosphorylated by S. spinosum extracts. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt, but not AMPK and ERK, abrogated the induction of glucose uptake by the aerial parts of the shrub.ConclusionThe aerial organs of S. spinosum have anti-diabetic properties and may be used as a basis for the development of dietary supplements or to identify new agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

An L-Glutamine Transporter Isoform for Neurogenesis Facilitated by L-Theanine.

L-Theanine (=γ-glutamylethylamide) is an amino acid ingredient in green tea with a structural analogy to L-glutamine (L-GLN) rather than L-glutamic acid (L-GLU), with regards to the absence of a free carboxylic acid moiety from the gamma carbon position. L-theanine markedly inhibits [3H]L-GLN uptake without affecting [3H]L-GLU uptake in cultured neurons and astroglia. In neural progenitor cells with sustained exposure to L-theanine, upregulation of the L-GLN transporter isoform Slc38a1 expression and promotion of both proliferation and neuronal commitment are seen along with marked acceleration of the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and relevant downstream proteins. Stable overexpression of Slc38a1 leads to promotion of cellular growth with facilitated neuronal commitment in pluripotent embryonic carcinoma P19 cells. In P19 cells stably overexpressing Slc38a1, marked phosphorylation is seen with mTOR and downstream proteins in a fashion insensitive to the additional stimulation by L-theanine. The green tea amino acid L-theanine could thus elicit pharmacological actions to up-regulate Slc38a1 expression for activation of the mTOR signaling pathway required for cell growth together with accelerated neurogenesis after sustained exposure in undifferentiated neural progenitor cells. In this review, I summarize a novel pharmacological property of the green tea amino acid L-theanine for embryonic and adult neurogenesis with a focus on the endogenous amino acid analog L-GLN. A possible translational strategy is also discussed on the development of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals enriched of L-theanine for the prophylaxis of a variety of untoward impairments and malfunctions seen in patients with different neurodegenerative and/or neuropsychiatric disorders.

Cinnamic Acid and Its Derivatives: Mechanisms for Prevention and Management of Diabetes and Its Complications.

With recent insight into the development of dietary supplements and functional foods, search of effective phytochemical compounds and their mechanisms involved in prevention and management of diabetes and its complications are now being assessed. Cinnamic acid and its derivatives occur naturally in high levels of plant-based foods. Among various biological activities, cinnamic acid and its derivatives are associated with a beneficial influence on diabetes and its complications. The aim of the review is to summarize the potential mechanisms of these compounds for prevention and management of diabetes and its complications. Based on several in vitro studies and animal models, cinnamic acid and its derivatives act on different mechanism of actions, including stimulation of insulin secretion, improvement of pancreatic β-cell functionality, inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, enhanced glucose uptake, increased insulin signaling pathway, delay of carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, and inhibition of protein glycation and insulin fibrillation. However, due to the limited intestinal absorption being a result of low bioavailability of cinnamic acid and its derivatives, current improvement efforts with entrapping into solid and liquid particles are highlighted. Further human clinical studies are needed to clarify the effects of cinnamic acid and its derivatives in diabetic patients.

Cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity of bioactives from leaves of Mangifera indica L.

Background:In the earlier studies, methanolic extract of Mangifera indica L leaf was exhibited hypocholesterol activity. However, the bioactive compounds responsible for the same are not reported so far.Objective:To isolate the bioactive compounds with hypocholesterol activity from the leaf extract using cholesterol esterase inhibition assay which can be used for the standardization of extract.Materials and Methods:The leaf methanolic extract of M. indica (Sindoora variety) was partitioned with ethyl acetate and chromatographed on silica gel to yield twelve fractions and the activity was monitored by using cholesterol esterase inhibition assay. Active fractions were re-chromatographed to yield individual compounds.Results and Discussion:A major compound mangiferin present in the extract was screened along with other varieties of mango leaves for cholesterol esterase inhibition assay. However, the result indicates that compounds other than mangiferin may be active in the extract. Invitro pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibition assay was used for bioactivity guided fractionation (BAGF) to yield bioactive compound for standardization of extract. Bioactivity guided fractionation afford the active fraction containing 3b-taraxerol with an IC50 value of 0.86μg/ml.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that M. indica methanol extract of leaf have significant hypocholesterol activity which is standardized with 3b-taraxerol, a standardized extract for hypocholesterol activity resulted in development of dietary supplement from leaves of Mangifera indica.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of whey protein concentrate: effect of enzyme type and enzyme:substrate ratio on peptide profile

Enzymatic hydrolysis of whey protein concentrate was used to prepare hydrolysates with appropriate peptide profiles for use in the development of dietary supplements. Effects of the type of enzyme (pancreatin and proteases from Bacillus licheniformis, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae) and enzyme:substrate ratio (0.5:100, 1:100, 2:100, 3:100, 4:100 and 8:100) were evaluated. Twenty-four hydrolysates were prepared, and their peptide profiles were characterized by chain length using size exclusion liquid chromatography fractionation, followed by a rapid Correct Fraction Area method for quantifying the peptide and amino acid contents. The use of a protease from Bacillus licheniformis (E:S 8:100) and a pancreatin (E:S 2:100, 3:100, 4:100 and 8:100) yielded preparations of hydrolysates with the highest sums of di- and tripeptide and free amino acid contents (9.99 and 11.28 % for the protease from Bacillus licheniformis and pancreatin, respectively) as well as the lowest amount of large peptides (44.61 and 44.13 %, respectively).

Progress in development of dietary supplement (DS) composition and label databases for research

Lack of publicly available DS composition databases can hinder estimates of total nutrient intakes &amp; studies of DS &amp; on health and disease risk This research is needed for estimating nutrient needs, informing policy decisions, and developing dietary guidance messages for consumers. Federal collaborators are currently working to produce publicly available DS databases. The Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID‐2) provides estimates for 20 nutrients based on chemical analyses from national samples of adult &amp; child multivitamin‐minerals (MVM), and provides online calculators for researchers to compare estimated analytically derived data with product label values. OTC prenatal MVM &amp; omega‐3 fatty acid products will be added to DSID in 2013. Another research gap is the lack of a label database; the NHANES database contains label derived nutrient information from DS consumed by survey respondents. And work is underway to create a label database of most DS sold in the US in collaboration with the National Library of Medicine. A controlled vocabulary (LanguaL) has been developed to link these databases. Advances in these databases to address research needs will be described. Funding: ODS/NIH;NLM/NIH; Nutrient Data Laboratory, USDA; and NCHS/CDC.

WEIGHT REDUCTION EFFECTS OF YEAST HYDROLYSATE BELOW 10 kDa ON OBESE YOUNG WOMEN

We investigated the antiobesity effects of yeast hydrolysate below 10 kDa on obese young women for the 4 weeks to assess its possibility as a dietary supplement. Subjects were randomly assigned to the placebo group (n = 10) and yeast hydrolysate below 10 kDa 1 g/day (YH) group (n = 10). The results showed body weight was lost significantly (P < 0.05) in the YH group (1.68 kg) compared with placebo group (0.71 kg). And the percent ideal body weight (PIBW) and body mass index (BMI) of the YH group (PIBW: 3.04%; BMI: 0.65 kg/m2) were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with placebo group (PIBW: 1.26%; BMI: 0.27 kg/m2). The reductions of fat mass, percent body fat, body circumference and skinfold thickness also were slightly higher in the YH group than placebo group, however, the significant effects in these variables were not observed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The limited long-term efficacy of conventional weight management (dietary intervention, physical activity and behavioral therapy) has lead to the development of alternative weight reduction strategies. Alternative therapies such as the use of natural supplements are beginning to form a large and growing market. In order to provide new discoveries and solutions related to natural supplements, we have turned to yeast, a microorganism that mankind has long made use of. The development of dietary supplement using yeast is very valuable for fields related to antiobesity. This report may give useful information about the use of yeast hydrolysate below 10 kDa as a weight-loss supplement.

Effects of Flavonoid-Containing Beverages and EGCG on Endothelial Function

Abnormalities of the vascular endothelium contribute to all stages of atherosclerosis from lesion development to clinical cardiovascular disease events. Recognized risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cigarette smoking, and sedentary lifestyle are associated with endothelial dysfunction. A variety of pharmacological and behavioral interventions have been shown to reverse endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease. A large number of epidemiological studies suggest that dietary factors, including increased intake of flavonoid-containing foods and beverages, reduce cardiovascular risk, and recent studies have shown that such beverages have favorable effects on endothelial function. These studies have engendered interest in the development of dietary supplements or drugs that would allow for more convenient and higher dose administration of flavonoids and might prove useful for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we will review the contribution of endothelial dysfunction to the pathogenesis and clinical expression of atherosclerosis and recent data linking flavonoid and EGCG consumption to improved endothelial function and reduced cardiovascular risk.

Probiotiques et régulation de la réponse immune allergique et inflammatoire

The intestinal tract contains a complex and dynamic ecosystem, composed of several hundreds of bacterial species, comprising potential pathogens, commensals or bacteria beneficial to the health of the host. Today, the important role of gut ecophysiology in human health is well established. The microflora established shortly after birth is essential in priming the immune system and contributing to gut homeostasis and intestinal function. The recent increase in diseases such as allergy and chronic intestinal inflammation (mostly observed in industrialized countries) has been attributed to our modern lifestyle, resulting from certain dietary, hygienic and medical habits. In fact these habits are thought to influence the normal development and later homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota, possibly also resulting in dysfunctional immune responses (it has been shown recently that recognition of commensal bacteria by toll-like receptors (TLR) at the host cell surface, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Notably, the commensal flora could have an anti-inflammatory effect, through an inhibition of the nuclear transcription factor NFκB). Although there are more and more reports concerning the protective efficacy of probiotics, little is known about their precise mechanisms of action. Probiotic bacteria could exert beneficial effects through various mechanisms (e.g. competition with pathogenic bacteria, bacteriocin production, acidification, production of vitamins, production of beneficial enzymes), but research is now mainly focused on their immunomodulation properties. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria can thus mediate different gut mucosal immune responses in a strain-specific manner (these responses clearly result from interaction and signalling at the local level but protective effects could also result through the liberation of soluble mediators. These signals could reduce intestinal permeability (and enhance barrier integrity), or act on the NFκB-mediated inflammatory cascade). Interactions with DCs (dendritic cells) and PRR (pattern recognition receptors) in the gut are believed to be involved in this communication and could lead to the development of regulatory immune responses. (It is obvious that development of dietary supplements containing strains beneficial to human health (substantiated by proper clinical trials !), would constitute a safe, efficient and cheap strategy to assist in the treatment or prevention of diseases which are linked to a dysbalance of the mucosal immune system). The clarification of the mechanisms by which bacteria or their metabolites reinforce intestinal homeostasis will allow a more efficient selection of active strains and will also help to determine optimal administration protocols. (These objectives represent a high priority in the field of probiotic applications.).