Grape Phytochemicals Research Articles

Healthy Diet, Grape Phytochemicals, and Vitamin D: Preventing Chronic Inflammation and Keeping Good Microbiota.

Since the discovery of penicillin, natural antibiotics have protected humans from malicious microbes. A breakthrough, however, is needed to tackle problems like antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review introduces one of the new approaches for the prevention of several diseases through a healthy diet, grape phytochemicals, and vitamin D, which nurture the growth of beneficial bacteria, including gut microbiota, suppressing chronic inflammation and up-regulating immunity. Antibiotics provide protection against infectious diseases by preventing the growth of pathogenic microbes. However, inappropriate use of antibiotics increases antimicrobial resistance to bacteria and limits the benefits of antibiotics. In addition, it is well known that antibiotics kill not only pathogenic microbes but also beneficial ones that reside in healthy individuals. As a result, the excess use of antibiotics increases the threat of diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We can reduce the risk of several diseases, including infectious diseases, in the future by nurturing the good microbes that live in the human body, thereby preventing chronic inflammation induced by the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, improving predisposition, and up-regulating immunity. Along with human evolution, residing bacteria in the skin, digestive system, and other areas have changed. They defend their hosts from malicious microbes in the surrounding environment. With the progress of medicine, science, and technology, the quality of life and environmental public health have improved over the years. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to reduce the risk of illness and keep ourselves healthy by nurturing the good resident microbiota in our bodies and preventing chronic inflammation through the diet and the intake of phytochemicals and vitamin D. This new approach is important, along with the traditional method for preventing emerging infectious diseases in the future.

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) phytochemicals and their biochemical protective mechanisms against leading pathologies

The intake of herbal dietary constituents, mostly fruits and vegetables, have been considered well-known to prevent pathologies (degenerative diseases). Consumer awareness/concern regarding a balanced diet has increased their importance in the food chain. Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), being native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe, and southwest Asia, is a rich source of nutritive (sugar, vitamins, minerals) and non-nutritive/therapeutic or functional bioactive compounds like quercetin, resveratrol and epigallocatechin-3-gallate that could synergistically help in health promotion. Their disease prevention mechanisms are free radical scavenging, DNA damage repair, and modulation of gene expression in proliferation, metabolism, cell survival, and antioxidant defense. This review provides an excellent summary of grape phytochemicals in vivo molecular mechanisms that lead to health promotion by avoiding oxidative stress-related pathologies like cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic syndrome, inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Grape intake-driven disease-preventing mechanism/targets could help to synchronize for an improved efficacy in human pathologies.

The Potential Use of Grape Phytochemicals for Preventing the Development of Intestine-Related and Subsequent Inflammatory Diseases

Grape phytochemicals prevent intestine-related and subsequent other inflammatory diseases. Phytochemicals and vitamin D are useful for the regulation of inflammatory responses. Phytochemicals is the generic name for terpenoids, carotenoids, and flavonoids that consist of a variety of chemicals contained in vegetables and fruits. There are a variety of grape cultivars that contain many kinds of phytochemicals in their skin and seeds. Grape phytochemicals including Grape Seed Extracts (GSE) have already been used to maintain healthy condition through manipulating inflammatory responses by decreasing the expression of inflammation-related factors. Grape phytochemicals mainly consist of a variety of chemicals that include terpenoid (oleanolic acid), carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein), and flavonoids: flavon-3-ols (quercetin), flavan-3-ols (catechins), anthocyanins, oligomers and polymers (tannins and proanthocyanidins), and resveratrol. Phytochemicals improve the dysbiosis (gut microbiota complication) induced by metabolic syndrome and regulate inflammatory diseases induced by TNF-α production. Once absorbed, flavonoids change into glucuronide-form, move into the bloodstream and reach the inflammatory sites including liver, lung, and sites of arteriosclerosis, where they become active. Furthermore, oleanolic acid acts on TGR5 - the cholic acid receptor, as an agonist of cholic acid. These anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemicals have been proven by the experimental animal studies and the clinical trials. It is expected the new health food products will be created from grape skins and seeds since grape phytochemicals participate in the prevention of inflammatory diseases like intestine-related inflammatory diseases.

Resveratrol or Its Metabolites Modulate TNF-α And IL-13 Mediated Changes In IL-8 and Acidic Mammalian Chitinase In Cultured Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells

Chronic inflammation is implicated in the etiology of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), the leading cause of death among men and women. Accordingly, the discovery of inflammation biomarkers, identification of agents with anti-inflammation properties, and studies of their anti-CVD and cardioprotective mechanisms are of significant interest. Previously, we reported that in cultured Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (HPAEC), treatment by grape phytochemicals resveratrol and piceatannol significantly inhibited the induction of expression and release of eotaxin-1 by proinflammatory cytokines IL-13 and TNF-α. In this paper we further tested the effects of resveratrol and its metabolites in controlling inflammatory chemokines IL-8 and AMCase, and on the level and subcellular distribution of transcription factors, NF-κB, STAT3 and STAT6, which are possibly involved in control of IL-8 and AMCase expression. In HPAEC cultures exposed to TNF-α and IL-13, IL-8 mRNA level was dose-dependently suppressed by IL-13 but was copiously up-regulated by TNF-α. AMCase mRNA was decreased in HPAEC treated with high (100 ng/ml) concentration of TNF-α or by the combination of IL-13 and TNF-α. The IL-8 and AMCase changes were correlated with an increase in expression of STAT3 and p50 subunit of NF-κB. Pre-treatment by 25-50 µM resveratrol or its metabolite piceatannol, significantly reduced the induction of IL-8 elicited by combined treatment of IL-13/TNF-α and also suppressed expression and nuclear localization of pSTAT6 and p50/p65 subunits of NF-κB. To investigate the antioxidant properties of resveratrol and its metabolites, changes in phase II detoxification enzyme quinone reductase 1 (NQO1) was determined. Resveratrol-treated HPAEC showed an increase in protein expression of NQO1 with no corresponding change in its mRNA levels; in the mean time, treatment by piceid, or 3-O- and 4’-O-glucuronidated resveratrol inhibited NQO1 mRNA level with no concomitant alteration in its protein expression. On the basis of these results we propose that profile of the expression of IL-8, AMCase, and NQO1 in HPAEC may be used as cell-based screening markers for identifying cardioprotective potential of phytochemicals or their metabolites, with or without challenge by proinflammatory cytokines.

Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia) or Wine Phytochemicals Reduce Intestinal Inflammation in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis.

The objective of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemical extracts from muscadine grapes or wine on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and to investigate cellular mechanisms. Two groups of C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with muscadine grape phytochemicals (MGP) or muscadine wine phytochemicals (MWP), respectively, for 14 days. Acute colitis was induced by 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. An additional two groups of mice served as healthy and disease controls. Results indicated that MGP or MWP significantly prevented weight loss, reduced disease activity index, and preserved colonic length compared to the colitis group (p ≤ 0.05). MGP or MWP significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon (p ≤ 0.05). MGP or MWP caused down-regulation of the NF-κB pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that phytochemicals from muscadine grape or wine mitigate ulcerative colitis via attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and modulation of the NF-κB pathway.

Grape Phytochemicals and Associated Health Benefits

The phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables may play an important role in deceasing chronic disease risk. Grapes, one of the most popular and widely cultivated and consumed fruits in the world, are rich in phytochemicals. Epidemiological evidence has linked the consumption of grapes with reduced risk of chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that grapes have strong antioxidant activity, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and suppressing platelet aggregation, while also lowering cholesterol. Grapes contain a variety of phytochemicals, like phenolic acids, stilbenes, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, all of which are strong antioxidants. The phytochemical composition of grapes, however, varies greatly among different varieties. While extensive research exists, a literature review of the health benefits of grapes and their phytochemicals has not been compiled to summarize this work. The aim of this paper is to critically review the most recent literature regarding the concentrations, biological activities, and mechanisms of grape phytochemicals.

Polyphenolic pattern and in vitro cardioprotective properties of typical red wines from vineyards cultivated in Scafati (Salerno, Italy)

Wines are the subject of increasing numbers of investigations owing to the pharmaceutical usefulness of grape phytochemicals. The aim of the present work was to hypothesize the use of lyophilised red wines for the formulation of food supplements potentially useful against both physiological and induced cardiac oxidative stress. Cardiac derived H9C2 myocytes were incubated with increasing doses (0.01–1μg) of lyophilised Aglianico wine (lioAW). Experiments showed an appreciable direct radical scavenging activity at a maximum lioAW dose of 0.03μg that made the caspase-3 activity decrease by about 41%. Cardiac cells were exposed to 1μM doxorubicin and its combination with different doses of lioAW. Maximum lioAW aliquot of 0.03μg seemed to effectively contrast the induced oxidant injury decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROSs) levels by about 38%and depressing the caspase-3 activity by about 63%. In both assays, pro-oxidant effects at higher lioAW concentrations were detected.

Antioxidant Profile and in Vitro Cardiac Radical-Scavenging versus Pro-oxidant Effects of Commercial Red Grape Juices (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Aglianico N.)

Several works have reported on the pharmaceutical usefulness of grape phytochemicals. Nevertheless, the scientific literature needs further studies to consider grape extracts as useful dietary supplements. The aim of the present work was to hypothesize for the first time the use of whole commercial red grape juices as food supplements potentially useful against both physiological and induced cardiac oxidative stress. First of all, the results indicated a good antioxidant stability of the juice sample to lyophilization that may be reasonably regarded as a suitable process for the formulation of food supplements. Then, the processed sample (lioRGJ) was tested on cardiac-derived H9C2 myocytes to ascertain its effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and caspase-3 activity incubating cardiomyocytes with lioRGJ at increasing doses (0.01-1 μg). Experiments showed an appreciable direct radical-scavenging activity at a maximum sample dose of 0.01 μg that made the caspase-3 activity decrease by about 47% (P < 0.001). Cardiac cells were exposed to 1 μM doxorubicin and its combination with different doses of lioRGJ. A maximum sample aliquot of 0.01 μg seemed to effectively contrast the induced oxidant injury, decreasing the ROS levels by about 31% and depressing the caspase-3 activity by about 60% (P < 0.001). In both assays, pro-oxidant effects at higher sample concentrations were detected as indicated by the increase in both ROS generation and apoptotic activity. The data suggested the possible employment of the juice sample as a food supplement with prospective cardioprotective benefits, although further studies are needed to optimize its dosages to avoid harmful pro-oxidant effects.

Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia) and Wine Phytochemicals Prevented Obesity-Associated Metabolic Complications in C57BL/6J Mice

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of muscadine grape or wine (cv. Noble) phytochemicals on obesity and associated metabolic complications. Muscadine grape or wine phytochemicals were extracted using Amberlite FPX66 resin. Male C57BL/6J mice were given a low-fat diet (LF, 10% kcal fat), high-fat diet (HF, 60% kcal fat), HF + 0.4% muscadine grape phytochemicals (HF+MGP), or HF + 0.4% muscadine wine phytochemicals (HF+MWP) for 15 weeks. At 7 weeks, mice fed HF+MGP had significantly decreased body weights by 12% compared to HF controls. Dietary MGP or MWP supplementation reduced plasma content of free fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol in obese mice. Inflammation was alleviated, and activity of glutathione peroxidase was enhanced. Consumption of MGP or MWP improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control in mice. Thus, consumption of muscadine grape and wine phytochemicals in the diet may help to prevent obesity-related metabolic complications.

Inhibition of hyaluronidase activity by Muscadine grape ( Vitis rotundofolia ) phytochemicals

Inhibition of hyaluronidase activity by Muscadine grape ( Vitis rotundofolia ) phytochemicals

Grape phytochemicals: A bouquet of old and new nutraceuticals for human health

Health benefits associated with Mediterranean diets are due to the significantly large intake of functional plant foods and beverages, i.e., fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, wine, beer, and olive oil, containing a great array of bioactive phytochemicals or nutraceutical compounds. Therefore, the low risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary hearth disease and certain cancers, observed in some population groups, results from a diversified eating style, either in term of foods and food components. The paradigm of the relationship between the chemical diversity of a particular food and the array of its biological activities may be symbolized by grape. Despite the extensive knowledge about phenylpropanoids, principally polyphenols (stilbenes and anthocyanins) and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), in grape and wine, little it is known about the other compounds, such as tetrahydro-beta-carbolines. Recently, it has been attached importance to the dietary indoleamines, melatonin, and serotonin, in different plant foods, including grape, thus further supporting the hypothesis that health benefits, associated with Mediterranean dietary style, are due to plant food chemical diversity.