Potential Dietary Supplement Research Articles

The anti-Alzheimer potential of Tamarindus indica: an in vivo investigation supported by in vitro and in silico approaches.

Tamarindus indica Linn. (Tamarind, F. Fabaceae) is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. A crude extract and different fractions of T. indica (using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) were evaluated in vitro with respect to their DPPH scavenging and AchE inhibition activities. The results showed that the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest antioxidant activities, with 84.78 and 86.96% DPPH scavenging at 0.10 μg mL−1. The n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited AchE activity in a dose-dependent manner, and the n-hexane fraction showed the highest inhibition at 20 μg mL−1. The results were confirmed by using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions in vivo to regress the neurodegenerative features of Alzheimer's dementia in an aluminum-intoxicated rat model. Phytochemical investigations of those three fractions afforded two new diphenyl ether derivative compounds 1–2, along with five known ones (3–7). The structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed via 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS analyses. The isolated compounds were subjected to extensive in silico-based investigations to putatively highlight the most probable compounds responsible for the anti-Alzheimer activity of T. indica. Inverse docking studies followed by molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) and binding free energy (ΔG) investigations suggested that both compounds 1 and 2 could be promising AchE inhibitors. The results presented in this study may provide potential dietary supplements for the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Neuroprotective effects of a new triterpenoid from edible mushroom on oxidative stress and apoptosis through the BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB and Nrf2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilat is an edible mushroom which is used to produce tea and syrup due to its medicinal properties. In this study, 10 secondary metabolites (1-10), including a new lanostane triterpenoid named 2α-hydroxy-inotodiol (2α-HI, 1), were identified from the edible mushroom I. obliquus through high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) data analysis. The neuroprotective function of all steroidal metabolites in H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cells was investigated. The results showed that 2α-HI exhibited the most remarkable neuroprotective activity. In the meantime, 2α-HI significantly ameliorated oxidative stress damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial damage induced by H2O2 in SH-SY5Y cells. The Nrf2 siRNA and inhibitors transfected the SH-SY5Y cells, indicating the Nrf2 and BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB pathway mediated the neuroprotective effects of 2α-HI against the H2O2-stimulated oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, the neuroprotection of 2α-HI was preliminarily verified in zebrafish. In conclusion, this research was the first to confirm that 2α-HI could effectively protect SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via the Nrf2 and BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway. Hence, this mushroom could be a potential dietary supplement to ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases.

Potential of dietary supplementation with berries to enhance immunity in humans

One of the most prominent concerns that has arisen from global events such as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is how the immune system might be enhanced to provide greater protection against malignant conditions and diseases. Dietary modification is one of the major fields of research, with special focus on how diet interacts with immunity through impacts on factors such as the gut microbiome, inflammation, and nutritional imbalance. This review focuses on current research regarding the use of bioactives derived from berries as a dietary supplement to improve immunity, with discussions of relevant clinical studies. Major bioactive, metabolic compounds of focus- flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, dietary fiber, and stilbenes- have demonstrated biochemical merits in modulating immunity. In addition, blueberries, goji berries, black raspberries, and cranberries, which have been extensively researched and recently gained interest for their effects on the immune system in animal and cell models, may also hold promise in providing similar benefits to humans, though the precise immunological effects have yet to be clearly determined. Overall, the field of berry research as it relates to diet and immunity shows potential, but more clinical studies will be necessary for a full understanding of the mechanisms of berry immunomodulation.

Characterization of genomic, physiological, and probiotic features Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DY46 strain isolated from traditional lactic acid fermented shalgam beverage

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a significant probiotic where it could be found in ubiquitous niches. In this study, a new Lb. plantarum strain DY46 was isolated from a traditional lactic-acid-fermented beverage called shalgam. The whole genome of the DY46 was sequenced and obtained sequences were assembled into a 3.32 Mb draft genome using PATRIC (3.6.8.). The DY46 genome consists of a single circular chromosome of 3,332,827 bp that is predicted to carry 3219 genes, including 61 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA operons. The genome has a GC content of 44.3% includes 98 predicted pseudogenes, 25 complete or partial transposases and 3 intact prophages. The genes encoding enzymes related in the intact EMP (Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas) and PK (phosphoketolase) pathways were predicted using BlastKOALA which is an indicator of having facultative heterofermentative pathways. DY46 genome also predicted to carry genes of Pln E, Pln F and Pln K showing the antimicrobial potential of this bacterium which can be linked to in vitro antagonism tests that DY46 can inhibit S.enterica sv. Typhimurium ATCC14028, K. pneumonie ATCC13883, and P. vulgaris ATCC8427. Moreover, it is determined that all resistome found in its genome were intrinsically originated and the strain was found to be tolerant to acid and bile concentrations by mimicking human gastrointestinal conditions. In conclusion, L. plantarum DY46 is a promising bacterium that appears to have certain probiotic properties, confirmed by “in vitro” and “in silico” analyses, and is a potential dietary supplement candidate that may provide functional benefits to the host.

NADH and NRH as potential dietary supplements or pharmacological agents for early liver injury caused by acute alcohol exposure

Alcoholism leads to many diseases, and it is also the social and economic burden of the society. Alcohol intake is the main cause of acute liver injury and chronic liver disease. Here, the ameliorative effect of NADH and dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH) against alcohol-induced liver damage was studied and its possible mechanism was further clarified. In vitro studies showed that NADH and NRH are effective NAD+ concentration-enhancing agents. Compared with NMN, NADH and NRH can provide greater NAD+ increase at the same concentrations. Intraperitoneal injection of NADH and NRH in C57BL/6J mice also significantly increased the NAD+ content in liver, blood, brain, fat and kidney. Importantly, NADH and NRH significantly increased the liver NAD+/NADH ratio, but did not induce apoptosis markers in cells. The intragastric administration of 500 mg/kg NRH, 500 mg/kg NADH 15 min prior to acute alcohol ingestion (8 ml/kg, 40% w/v, in tap water) could dramatically enhance alcohol metabolism as revealed by the reduced concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in blood as well as the decreased duration of the loss of righting reflex (LORR). Both Pretreatment and posttreatment with NADH or NRH could significantly reduce the increase of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) after alcohol administration, indicating that they have a certain therapeutic effect on alcoholic hepatotoxicity besides preventing the adverse effects caused by alcohol. NADH and NRH could also alleviate lipid peroxidation as indicated by the repressed malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the elevated activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissues. Additionally, NADH or NRH can mitigate the abnormal lipid metabolism in acute alcoholic liver damage. These benefits obviously suggested that NADH or NRH could be a potential nutraceutical or pharmacological agent for promoting alcohol metabolism and preventing or treating early liver injury caused by acute alcohol exposure.

Effects of Dietary Modified Bazhen on Reproductive Performance, Immunity, Breast Milk Microbes, and Metabolome Characterization of Sows.

Bazhen is a classic prescription used for the prevention of qi and blood deficiency. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with modified Bazhen powder (MBP) on sows during lactation. Forty pure-bred Yorkshire sows on day 100 of gestation were randomly fed a standard diet supplemented with 20 g MBP per sow per day (MBP group) or without (control group) during -14 to 7 days relative to parturition. Results showed that the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG were higher, whereas IL-10 level was lower in sows fed with MBP diet than in controls on day 7 postpartum. A significantly elevated proportion of serum CD4+ T cells and a slight increase in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells in the MBP group were also observed. Furthermore, MBP supplementation improved gastrointestinal function of postpartum sows, evidenced by increased levels of motilin, gastrin, and nitric oxide. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a quadrupole time of flight and tandem mass spectrometer identified a total of 21 absorbed milk components. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data revealed that the microbiota diversity of the colostrum and transitional milk in the MBP group was increased. At the genus level, relative abundances of Enterococcus and Anaerostipes were significantly lower in the MBP group on day 0 of lactation. Metabolomic analysis showed that 38 metabolites were upregulated, and 41 metabolites were downregulated in the transitional milk; 31 metabolites were upregulated and 8 metabolites were downregulated in the colostrum in response to MBP. Metabolic pathways, protein digestion and absorption, and biosynthesis of amino acids were enriched in the colostrum and transitional milk. Our findings provide new insights into the beneficial effects of MBP, highlighted by the changes to the microbiota and metabolomic profile of breast milk from sows fed with an MBP-supplemented diet. Thus, MBP should be considered as a potential dietary supplement for lactating sows in pork production.

Novel Levilactobacillus brevis-based formulation for controlling cell proliferation, cell migration and gut dysbiosis

The objective of the study was to formulate a novel Levilactobacillus brevis enriched nutraceutical and to study its functional property in vitro in cancer cell lines and in vivo in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infected mouse model. The formulation was prepared through the fermentation of carrot and beetroot extracts using L. brevis MTCC 4460 and optimized by response surface methodology and artificial neural networking. The optimized formulation (3.23 mg/ml lactic acid) could be obtained through 48 h fermentation with 2% of bacterial inoculum, 0.67% additional sugar and 30.11% of beetroot extract. The L. brevis MTCC 4460 content in the optimized product was 4 × 109 CFU/ml. GC-MS study indicated the generation of some novel flavouring and bioactive compounds such as γ-decalactone, and 1,2:5,6-dianhydrogalactitol during the fermentation. In vitro study with HCT116 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines elucidated better antiproliferative and antimigratory effect of the optimized formulation. In vivo studies showed that the L. brevis MTCC 4460 could colonize in the colon of the mouse fed with the optimized product. In addition, the formulation effectively prevented Salmonella-induced colitis in the mouse model. Based on the aforesaid findings, the optimized formulation can be recommended as a potential dietary supplement for a healthy lifestyle.

Clanis bilineata tsingtauica: A Sustainable Edible Insect Resource

Insects provide a series of ecological services vital to human survival. Over 1000 insect species have been used for human consumption in Asia, Latin America, and Africa for more than 2000 years. Among them, the soybean hawkmoth, Clanis bilineata tsingtauica (CBT), is a traditional edible insect. CBT, known for its high nutritional value, is considered safe with a long consumption history in East Asia. The present review provides an overview of the rearing technology and utilization prospects of CBT. It has been extensively cultivated on live soybean plants under field and glasshouse conditions. However, an efficient rearing technology has not been reported. The mass production of CBT is still under investigation, and more advanced technology is required to develop high-quality food ingredients to meet consumer needs on a large scale. In addition, food derived from the soybean hawkmoth is prevalent in the farm product market. It is used as freeze-dried, fried, fresh meat, and canned meat. CBT-derived food, a potential dietary supplement used to retard aging in humans, would be a novel and emerging product in the food industry. The development of CBT-derived food will generate more economic and social value if the market demand can be met. This review will provide an insight into CBT mass production and its potential application in the food industry.

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Flavonoids: Special Reference to Kaempferol.

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Ischemic stroke have become a major health problem worldwide. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of flavonoids on neurodegenerative diseases and suggest them to be used as therapeutic agents. Kaempferol is found in many plants such as tea, beans, broccoli, strawberries, and neuroprotective effects against the development of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. The present study summarizes the neuroprotective effects of kaempferol in various models of neurodegenerative diseases. Kaempferol delays the initiation as well as the progression of neurodegenerative disorders by acting as a scavenger of free radicals and preserving the activity of various antioxidant enzymes. Kaempferol can cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), and therefore results in an enhanced protective effect. The multi-target property of kaempferol makes it a potential dietary supplement in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Synergistic effect of combined oyster peptide and ginseng extracts on anti-exercise-fatigue and promotion of sexual interest activity in male ICR mice

• Novelty, a synergistic effect of OPGE on anti-fatigue and sexual ability was explored. • OPGE promoted physical recovery and accelerated fatigue elimination. • OPGE increased sexual behavior of male mice after exhausted swimming. • OPGE enhanced the expression of testosterone synthesis related protease. Traditionally, ginseng and oyster are regarded as biological tonics for enhancing vital energy. In this study, a post-exercise fatigue model and copulatory test were performed to evaluate the effects of combined oyster peptide and ginseng extracts (OPGE) on anti-fatigue and sexual function. The forced swimming time of mice was prolonged by taking OPGE. Moreover, the level of serum lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, and lactate dehydrogenase activity were decreased, while the liver glycogen content and antioxidant ability in skeletal muscles were increased. Furthermore, OPGE statistically improved the sexual behavioral indexes of exercise-fatigue mice. The levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone in serum, and the expression of testosterone synthesis-related-protease in testis were increased by OPGE administration, while phosphodiesterase-5 content was decreased. Overall, our study suggested that OPGE could be a potential androgen-like dietary supplement to accelerate the elimination of fatigue and improve testosterone-deficiency symptom after intensive training.

Screening of uric acid-lowering active components of corn silk polysaccharide and its targeted improvement on renal excretory dysfunction in hyperuricemia mice

To screen the in vitro uric acid-lowering activity of the neutral polysaccharides (NCSP) and acid polysaccharides (ACSP) isolated from the corn silk were evaluated. Furthermore, preliminary structure-activity relationships for them were investigated. The molecular weight (Mw) of NCSP and ACSP were 74.1 and 109.4 kDa, respectively. NCSP consisted of mannose (Man), glucuronic acid (GlcA), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara), in addition to these monosaccharides, the ACSP contains galactose acid (GalA). NMR spectroscopy showed that the NCSP main chain consisted of 1,4,6)-α-D-Glcp, 1,4)-α-D-Glcp, 1,3)-β-D-Galp, and 1,3,5)-β-D-Manp. NCSP exhibited higher activity in anti-hyperuricemia (HUA). The results indicated that serum uric acid (UA) and liver xanthine oxidase (XO) activities levels decreased by 45.71% and 22.4% in the NCSP groups, respectively. In addition, NCSP could significantly improve the kidney damage and promote uric acid excretion. These findings provide evidence in support of NCSP as a potential dietary supplement for improving HUA.

Dietary xylo-oligosaccharide ameliorates colonic mucus microbiota penetration with restored autophagy in interleukin-10 gene-deficient mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is, nowadays, highly prevalent and presents a global clinical challenge. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) on Il10-/- mice, a classic animal model of IBD. Male wild-type (WT) mice were assigned to WT group, and Il10-/- mice were assigned to interleukin-10 gene-deficient (IL-10-KO) group and XOS group, respectively. There were 6-8 mice aged 8 weeks in each group. Mice in the XOS group received 1.0g/kg/day XOS by gavage for 4 weeks. Compared with mice in IL-10-KO group, Il10-/- mice with XOS intervention presented significant mild spontaneous colitis with lower disease activity index, histological scores, and bowel inflammatory cytokine levels. Dietary XOS downregulated bowel mucus bacterial penetration, which occurred as early as the onset of bowel colitis. The effect of XOS was associated with restored expression of LC3II/I and decreased expression of p62 and beclin-1 in colon. Therefore, XOS decreases colonic mucus microbiota penetration with restored function of antophagy. Our findings suggest that XOS may be a potential dietary supplement or functional food for early management of IBD.

Zebrafish Model for Studying Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy and Preventive Effect of Maca (Lepidium meyenii).

Loss of myofibers during muscle atrophy affects functional capacity and quality of life. Dexamethasone, an inducer of rapid atrophy of skeletal myofibers, has been studied as a glucocorticoid receptor in muscle atrophy or motor neurodegeneration. In this study, we examined dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy using zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate model, and assessed whether administration of Lepidium meyenii (maca) as a dietary supplement can prevent muscle atrophy. Changes in skeletal myofibers in zebrafish were evaluated after exposure to dexamethasone for different periods and at different concentrations. Under optimized conditions, zebrafish pre-fed with maca for 3 days were exposed to 0.01% dexamethasone for 1 h/day for 7 days. Thereafter, myofiber loss, damaged muscle contractile proteins, and abnormal exploratory behavior due to the structural and functional impairment of skeletal muscle associated with muscle atrophy were investigated using hematoxylin–eosin, immunofluorescence staining, and behavioral analyses. Our findings suggest that dexamethasone induces muscle atrophy in zebrafish, inhibiting exploratory behavior by inducing myofiber loss, inhibiting muscle contraction, and causing changes in endurance and velocity. Thus, the zebrafish model can be used to screen pharmaceutical agents and to study muscle atrophy. Furthermore, maca is a potential dietary supplement to prevent muscle atrophy, as it protects muscle fibers.

Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 dietary supplementation alleviates muscle aging via ghrelin stimulation in d-galactose-induced aging mice

• Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 (PS23) alleviates skeletal muscle atrophy in aging mice. • PS23 restores ghrelin levels in d -galactose-induced aging mice. • Ghrelin secretion in gastric cells is directly induced by PS23. • PS23 is a potential anti-aging dietary supplement that delays muscle aging. Some probiotics have been shown to alleviate age-related muscle atrophy via the gut-muscle axis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of live or heat-killed Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 (PS23) on muscle health in D-galactose-induced aging mice. Administration of D-galactose significantly reduced the strength, size, and levels of phosphorylated Akt in the muscle of mice. These effects were ameliorated by both live and heat-killed PS23 supplementation. Ghrelin is a multifaceted gut hormone with the ability to improve muscle atrophy. The levels of ghrelin in the serum and stomach of the aging mice were also significantly reduced and could be rescued by heat-killed but not live PS23. Furthermore, heat-killed PS23 greatly stimulated ghrelin secretion in the KATO III human gastric cell line. In conclusion, PS23 is a potential dietary supplement that can alleviate age-related muscle loss and dysfunction by regulating ghrelin secretion.

Bacteriocins and Polysaccharides from Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , Bacillus

: Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacillus are important members of probiotics and have great development potential. They can not only regulate the intestinal microecological balance and prevent diseases as the dominant bacteria, but also produce compounds such as bacteriocins and polysaccharides with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Some of these compounds also have anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. These characteristics make these compounds and strains to be developed into potential dietary supplements and functional foods. However, the structure, activity, mechanism and safety of many compounds are still unclear. This review summarizes the bacteriocins and polysaccharides compounds isolated from Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacillus with probiotic potential during the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, and reviews their classification, structure, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant activities and other functions, which provide a reference for the development and application of strains and their metabolites.

Antitumor and immunoregulatory activities of a novel polysaccharide from Astragalus membranaceus on S180 tumor-bearing mice

The Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (APS4) with direct cytotoxicity on various cancer cells has been prepared in our previous study, while the underlying therapeutic role of APS4 on solid tumors in vivo hasn't been investigated yet. Therefore, in this paper, the lymphocytes-mediated antitumor and immunoregulatory activities of APS4 were researched by establishing S180 tumor-bearing mice model. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that APS4 could effectively regulate the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells in thymus, peripheral blood and spleen of S180 tumor-bearing mice, dose-dependently. H&E staining and cell cycle determination of solid tumors manifested that APS4 treatment could significantly inhibit the growth of solid tumors by inducing cells apoptosis. Furthermore, two-dimensional electrophoresis and western blot analysis further demonstrated that APS4 could activate antitumor-related immune cells and promote anaerobic metabolism of tumor microenvironment, thereby causing the apoptosis of S180 tumor cells. These data implicated that APS4 could be used as a potential dietary supplement for immune enhancement.

The Anti-Obesity Effects of Lemon Fermented Products in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and in a Rat Model with High-Calorie Diet-Induced Obesity.

Lemon (Citrus limon) has antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and blood lipid-lowering properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of the lemon fermented product (LFP) which is lemon fermented with Lactobacillus OPC1 to prevent obesity. The inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is examined using a Wistar rat model fed a high-fat diet to verify the anti-obesity efficacy and mechanism of LFP. Here, it was observed that LFP reduced cell proliferation and inhibited the lipid accumulation (8.3%) of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, LFP reduced body weight (9.7%) and fat tissue weight (25.7%) of rats; reduced serum TG (17.0%), FFA (17.9%), glucose (29.3%) and ketone body (6.8%); and increased serum HDL-C (17.6%) and lipase activity (17.8%). LFP regulated the mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, HSL, ATGL, FAS, and AMPK). Therefore, LFP reduces body weight and lipid accumulation by regulating the mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. Overall, our results implicate LFP as a potential dietary supplement for the prevention of obesity.

Metabolite Profiling and Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitory Activity of Coreopsis Cultivars in Different Mutations

Coreopsis species have been developed to produce cultivars of various floral colors and sizes and are also used in traditional medicine. To identify and evaluate mutant cultivars of C. rosea and C. verticillata, their phytochemical profiles were systematically characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and their anti-diabetic effects were evaluated using the dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitor screening assay. Forty compounds were tentatively identified. This study is the first to provide comprehensive chemical information on the anti-diabetic effect of C. rosea and C. verticillata. All 32 methanol extracts of Coreopsis cultivars inhibited DPP-IV activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values: 34.01–158.83 μg/mL). Thirteen compounds presented as potential markers for distinction among the 32 Coreopsis cultivars via principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Therefore, these bio-chemometric models can be useful in distinguishing cultivars as potential dietary supplements for functional plants.

Safety evaluation and hypolipidemic effect of aqueous-ethanol and hot-water extracts from E Se tea in rats

E Se tea, processed by the fresh leaves of Malus toringoides (Rehd.) Hughes, is a traditional herbal tea with various human benefits. The present study was aimed to evaluate the toxicity and hypolipidemic effect of aqueous-ethanol extract (EE) and hot-water extract (WE) from E Se tea. Eight main chemical constituents in EE and WE were respectively identified and quantified by UHPLC-HRMS/MS. EE is rich in TPC and TFC, while WE had higher TPS content. Both EE and WE exhibited strong antioxidant activity with no significant difference. The acute toxicity study revealed that the LD50 values were higher than 5000 mg/kg, while both WE and EE had no significant adverse effect in rats by subacute toxicity assay. However, the triglyceride (TG) content in experiment groups (male) and highest doses groups (female) significantly decreased. Furthermore, the hypolipidemic effect of WE and EE were performed on high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rats. The result exhibited that either WE or EE could effectively regulate lipid droplet accumulation in liver, and reduce the adipocyte size. These results demonstrated that these two extracts from E Se tea could be regarded as a potential functional dietary supplement in preventing and treating diet induced metabolic diseases.

Exercise, Nutrition, and Supplements in the Muscle Carnitine Palmitoyl-Transferase II Deficiency: New Theoretical Bases for Potential Applications

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPTII) deficiency is the most frequent inherited disorder regarding muscle fatty acid metabolism, resulting in a reduced mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation during endurance exercise. This condition leads to a clinical syndrome characterized by muscle fatigue and/or muscle pain with a variable annual frequency of severe rhabdomyolytic episodes. While since the CPTII deficiency discovery remarkable scientific advancements have been reached in genetic analysis, pathophysiology and diagnoses, the same cannot be said for the methods of treatments. The current recommendations remain those of following a carbohydrates-rich diet with a limited fats intake and reducing, even excluding, physical activity, without, however, taking into account the long-term consequences of this approach. Suggestions to use carnitine and medium chain triglycerides remain controversial; conversely, other potential dietary supplements able to sustain muscle metabolism and recovery from exercise have never been taken into consideration. The aim of this review is to clarify biochemical mechanisms related to nutrition and physiological aspects of muscle metabolism related to exercise in order to propose new theoretical bases of treatment which, if properly tested and validated by future trials, could be applied to improve the quality of life of these patients.