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Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases

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A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 40170

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Prof. Dr. Hae-Jeung Lee

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Department of Food and Nutrition, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-dae ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
Interests: bioactive compounds; phytochemicals; antioxidants; inflammation; brown cell; chronic diseases; in vitro mechanism; animal model; clinical trials; epidemiological study; systemic review
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Dear Colleagues,

Flavonoids belong to polyphenols and are widely distributed in nature, such as fruits, vegetables, and tea. More than 9000 different flavonoid compounds have been described in plants, which play an important biological role by influencing various developmental processes. Flavonoids are divided into many subclasses: anthocyanidins, flavanols, flavanones, flavonols, flavones, and isoflavones. It is well known that flavonoids have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic effects in in vivo and in vitro studies. Nevertheless, we must continuously discover the effects of individual compounds or food extracts rich in flavonoids throughout various evidence levels such as in vivo, epidemiology, clinical trials, and systemic review.

As a dietary component, flavonoids are thought to have health-promoting properties due to their high antioxidant capacity both in in vivo and in vitro systems. Flavonoids have the ability to induce human protective enzyme systems. A number of studies have suggested the protective effects of flavonoids against many infectious (bacterial and viral diseases) and degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other age-related diseases.

Prof. Dr. Hae-Jeung Lee
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Flavonoids
anti-oxidative
anti-inflammatory
anti-carcinogenic
degenerative diseases
chronic diseases

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Synthetic Flavonoid Hidrosmin Improves Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerotic Lesions in Diabetic Mice

by Luna Jiménez-Castilla, Lucas Opazo-Ríos, Gema Marin-Royo, Macarena Orejudo, Raquel Rodrigues-Diez, Constanza Ballesteros-Martínez, Manuel Soto-Catalán, Teresa Caro-Ordieres, Inés Artaiz, Tatiana Suarez-Cortés, Arturo Zazpe, Gonzalo Hernández, Marcelino Cortés, José Tuñón, Ana M. Briones, Jesús Egido and Carmen Gómez-Guerrero

Antioxidants 2022, 11(12), 2499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11122499 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

In diabetes, chronic hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the progression of macro/microvascular complications. Recently, benefits of the use of flavonoids in these conditions have been established. This study investigates, in two different mouse models of diabetes, the vasculoprotective effects of the synthetic flavonoid hidrosmin on endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. In a type 2 diabetes model of leptin-receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, orally administered hidrosmin (600 mg/kg/day) for 16 weeks markedly improved vascular function in aorta and mesenteric arteries without affecting vascular structural properties, as assessed by wire and pressure myography. In streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, hidrosmin treatment for 7 weeks reduced atherosclerotic plaque size and lipid content; increased markers of plaque stability; and decreased markers of inflammation, senescence and oxidative stress in aorta. Hidrosmin showed cardiovascular safety, as neither functional nor structural abnormalities were noted in diabetic hearts. Ex vivo, hidrosmin induced vascular relaxation that was blocked by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition. In vitro, hidrosmin stimulated endothelial NOS activity and NO production and downregulated hyperglycemia-induced inflammatory and oxidant genes in vascular smooth muscle cells. Our results highlight hidrosmin as a potential add-on therapy in the treatment of macrovascular complications of diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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18 pages, 2419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ferulic Acid as a Protective Antioxidant of Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

by Hye-Jeong Hwang, So Rok Lee, Ju-Gyeong Yoon, Hye-Ri Moon, Jingnan Zhang, Eunmi Park, Su-In Yoon and Jin Ah Cho

Antioxidants 2022, 11(8), 1448; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11081448 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2565

Abstract

The intestinal epithelial barrier is the primary and most significant defense barrier against ingested toxins and pathogenic bacteria. When the intestinal epithelium barrier is breached, inflammatory response is triggered. GWAS data showed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers are elevated in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, which suggests ER stress regulation might alleviate IBD symptoms. Ferulic acid (FA) is a polyphenol that is abundant in plants and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, although it is unclear whether FA has these effects on the intestine. Therefore, we investigated the effect of FA in vitro and in vivo. It was found that FA suppressed ER stress, nitric oxide (NO) generation, and inflammation in polarized Caco-2 and T84 cells, indicating that the ER stress pathway was implicated in its anti-inflammatory activities. The permeability of polarized Caco-2 cells in the presence and absence of proinflammatory cytokines were decreased by FA, and MUC2 mRNA was overexpressed in the intestines of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with FA. These results suggest that FA has a protective effect on intestinal tight junctions. In addition, mouse intestine organoids proliferated significantly more in the presence of FA. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism responsible for the antioxidant effects of FA and its protective benefits on the health of the digestive system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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15 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adenophora Stricta Root Extract Protects Lung Injury from Exposure to Particulate Matter 2.5 in Mice

by Seok-Man Park, Cheol-Jong Jung, Dae-Geon Lee, Beom-Rak Choi, Tae-Hun Ku, Im-Joung La, Il-Je Cho and Sae-Kwang Ku

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11071376 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1836

Abstract

Chronic exposure of particulate matter of less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) has been considered as one of the major etiologies for various respiratory diseases. Adenophora stricta Miq. is a medicinal herb that has been used for treating respiratory diseases in East Asia. The present study investigated the effect of A. stricta root extract (AsE) on PM_2.5-induced lung injury in mice. Oral administration of 100–400 mg/kg AsE for 10 days significantly reduced the PM_2.5-mediated increase in relative lung weight, but there was no difference in body weight with AsE administration. In addition, AsE dose-dependently decreased congested region of the lung tissue, prevented apoptosis and matrix degradation, and alleviated mucus stasis induced by PM_2.5. Moreover, cytological analysis of bronchioalveolar lavage fluid revealed that AsE significantly inhibited the infiltration of immune cells into the lungs. Consistently, AsE also decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in lung tissue. Furthermore, AsE administration blocked reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation through attenuating the PM_2.5-dependent reduction of antioxidant defense system in the lungs. Therefore, A. stricta root would be a promising candidate for protecting lung tissue from air pollution such as PM_2.5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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17 pages, 3088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Plasma-Isolated Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites on Cancer Cell Migration (HT-29 and Caco-2) In Vitro: Results of the ATTACH Study

by Inken Behrendt, Isabella Röder, Frank Will, Hamza Mostafa, Raúl Gonzalez-Dominguez, Tomás Meroño, Cristina Andres-Lacueva, Mathias Fasshauer, Silvia Rudloff and Sabine Kuntz

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1341; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11071341 - 08 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1963

Abstract

Cancer mortality is mainly due to metastasis. Therefore, searching for new therapeutic agents suppressing cancer cell migration is crucial. Data from human studies regarding effects of anthocyanins on cancer progression, however, are scarce and it is unclear whether physiological concentrations of anthocyanins and their metabolites reduce cancer cell migration in vivo. In addition, interactions with chemotherapeutics like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are largely unknown. Thus, we combined a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over study with in vitro migration studies of colon cancer cell lines to examine the anti-migratory effects of plasma-isolated anthocyanins and their metabolites (PAM). Healthy volunteers (n = 35) daily consumed 0.33 L of an anthocyanin-rich grape/bilberry juice and an anthocyanin-depleted placebo juice for 28 days. PAM were isolated before and after intervention by solid-phase extraction. HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were incubated with PAM in a Boyden chamber. Migration of HT-29 cells was significantly inhibited by PAM from juice but not from placebo. In contrast, Caco-2 migration was not affected. Co-incubation with 5-FU and pooled PAM from volunteers (n = 10), which most effectively inhibited HT-29 migration, further reduced HT-29 migration in comparison to 5-FU alone. Therefore, PAM at physiological concentrations impairs colon cancer cell migration and may support the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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16 pages, 1575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavonoids from Selaginella doederleinii Hieron and Their Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities

by Felix Wambua Muema, Ye Liu, Yongli Zhang, Guilin Chen and Mingquan Guo

Antioxidants 2022, 11(6), 1189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11061189 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2461

Abstract

Selaginella doederleinii Hieron. (S. doederleinii) is a traditional herb that is widely used in China to treat several ailments, but mainly cancer. Studies have been carried out to determine the phytochemicals ascribed to its pharmacological activity. However, both phytochemical and pharmacological profiles have not been fully explored as few compounds have been reported. This study evaluated the flavonoid content of the ethanol extract and its four fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) together with their antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays). Further, the antiproliferative activity was evaluated. Two new secondary metabolites (1 and 3) were isolated from S. doederleinii, which comprised of an apigenin skeleton with a phenyl attached at C-8 of ring A and an acetyl group. Additionally, other known metabolites 2 and 4–16 were isolated, whereby compounds 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 15, and 16 were reported for the first time in this species. These compounds were evaluated for their antioxidative potentials by both DPPH and FRAP assays, and for their antiproliferative activities by the MTT assay on three human cancer cell lines: colon cancer (HT-29), cervical cancer (HeLa), and lung cancer (A549). Compound 7 exhibited the best activity on the three cancer cell lines (HT-29, HeLa, A549) by inhibiting the rate of growth of the cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 27.97, 35.47, and 20.71 µM, respectively. The structure–activity relationship of the pure compounds was highlighted in this study. Hence, the study enriched both the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of S. doederleinii. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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11 pages, 2343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maclurin Exhibits Antioxidant and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities, Suppressing Melanogenesis

by Kyoung Mi Moon, Ju-Hye Yang, Min-Kyeong Lee, Eun-Bin Kwon, Jiwon Baek, Taehyeok Hwang, Jae-Il Kim and Bonggi Lee

Antioxidants 2022, 11(6), 1164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11061164 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2717

Abstract

Maclurin is rich in some edible fruits such as Morus alba (white mulberry) and Garcinia mangostana. Although maclurin showed anti-cancer and antioxidant effects, its roles in ultraviolet (UV)-induced melanogenesis have not been studied. Here, we investigated the effects of maclurin in melanogenesis using skin cells and a three-dimensional human skin model. When the cytotoxicity of maclurin was examined in B16F10 cells, no cytotoxicity was found up to 20 μM. Maclurin suppressed UVB-mediated tyrosinase activation and melanin accumulation in B16F10 cells without changes in mRNA levels of melanogenesis-related genes including tyrosinase, TRP1, TRP2, CREB, and MITF. Moreover, maclurin reduced melanin contents in melan-a cells, a cell line for normal melanocytes. When applied to a human skin model consisting of the epidermis and melanocytes, maclurin significantly reduced UVB-induced melanin accumulation (~47%) in a concentration-dependent manner based on microscopic observation and Fontana-Masson staining. Protein–ligand docking simulation followed by binding residue analysis showed that maclurin may bind to inactivate tyrosinase by forming multiple hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic and aromatic interactions with the residues of tyrosinase. Together, our study suggests that maclurin may be applied as an anti-melanogenic agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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18 pages, 3520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lemon Balm and Corn Silk Mixture Alleviates Metabolic Disorders Caused by a High-Fat Diet

by Il-Je Cho, Joung-Hoon Shin, Beom-Rak Choi, Hye-Rim Park, Jeong-Eun Park, Seong-Hwa Hong, Young-Sam Kwon, Won-Seok Oh and Sae-Kwang Ku

Antioxidants 2022, 11(4), 730; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11040730 - 07 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2532

Abstract

We recently reported that varying combination ratios of lemon balm (Mellissa officinalis L.) and corn silk extracts (Stigma of Zea mays L. fruit) could reduce the obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the dose-dependent effect of a 1:1 (w:w) mixture of lemon balm and corn silk extracts (M-LB/CS) on HFD-mediated metabolic disorders and compared the effect with metformin. Oral administration of 50–200 mg/kg of M-LB/CS for 84 days significantly inhibited HFD-induced body weight gain, adipocyte hypertrophy, and lipogenic gene induction without affecting food consumption in mice. Biochemical analyses showed that M-LB/CS blocked abnormal lipid accumulation in the blood by escalating fecal lipid excretion. In addition, M-LB/CS prevented HFD-mediated pancreatic atrophy, decreased the number of insulin- and glucagon-immunoreactive cells, and inhibited increases in glycated hemoglobin, glucose, and insulin. Moreover, M-LB/CS also reduced hepatic injury, lipid accumulation, gluconeogenesis, and lipid peroxidation in parallel with the induction of AMP-activated protein kinase and antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, M-LB/CS protected the kidney by inhibiting tubular vacuolation and reducing serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. The prophylactic effect of 100 mg/kg M-LB/CS-administration was comparable to that of metformin. Therefore, M-LB/CS may be an alternative option for managing obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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20 pages, 1739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake of Flavonoids and Carotenoids Is Associated with Anti-Depressive Symptoms: Epidemiological Study and In Silico—Mechanism Analysis

by Seon-Joo Park, Varun Jaiswal and Hae-Jeung Lee

Antioxidants 2022, 11(1), 53; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11010053 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3710

Abstract

Flavonoids and carotenoids are bioactive compounds that have protective effects against depressive symptoms. Flavonoids and carotenoids are the two main types of antioxidant phytochemicals. This study investigated the association between flavonoid and carotenoid intake and depressive symptoms in middle-aged Korean females. We analyzed the mechanism of these associations using an in silico method. Depressive symptoms were screened using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and flavonoid and carotenoid intake were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we found that flavones, anthocyanins, individual phenolic compounds, lycopene, and zeaxanthin were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. In silico analysis showed that most flavonoids have high docking scores for monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), which are two important drug targets in depression. The results of the docking of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and carotenoids suggested the possibility of allosteric activation of BDNF by carotenoids. These results suggest that dietary flavonoids and carotenoids can be utilized in the treatment of depressive symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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16 pages, 2702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lemon Balm and Corn Silk Extracts Mitigate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

by Il-Je Cho, Sung-Eon Kim, Beom-Rak Choi, Hye-Rim Park, Jeong-Eun Park, Seong-Hwa Hong, Young-Sam Kwon, Won-Seok Oh and Sae-Kwang Ku

Antioxidants 2021, 10(12), 2015; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10122015 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2954

Abstract

Lemon balm and corn silk are valuable medicinal herbs, which exhibit variety of beneficial effects for human health. The present study explored the anti-obesity effects of a mixture of lemon balm and corn silk extracts (M-LB/CS) by comparison with the effects of single herbal extracts in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. HFD supplementation for 84 days increased the body weight, the fat mass density, the mean diameter of adipocytes, and the thickness of fat pads. However, oral administration of M-LB/CS significantly alleviated the HFD-mediated weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy without affecting food consumption. Of the various combination ratios of M-LB/CS tested, the magnitude of the decreases in weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy by administration of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, and 4:1 (w/w) M-LB/CS was more potent than that by single herbal extracts alone. In addition, M-LB/CS reduced the HFD-mediated increases in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein, prevented the reduction in serum high-density lipoprotein, and facilitated fecal excretion of cholesterol and triglyceride. Moreover, M-LB/CS mitigated the abnormal changes in specific mRNAs associated with lipogenesis and lipolysis in the adipose tissue. Furthermore, M-LB/CS reduced lipid peroxidation by inhibiting the HFD-mediated reduction in glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Therefore, M-LB/CS is a promising herbal mixture for preventing obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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32 pages, 6629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cynanchum acutum L. Isolated Flavonoids Using Experimentally Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Biological and In Silico Investigation for NF-κB Pathway/miR-146a Expression Modulation

by Reda F. A. Abdelhameed, Amany K. Ibrahim, Mahmoud A. Elfaky, Eman S. Habib, Mayada I. Mahamed, Eman T. Mehanna, Khaled M. Darwish, Dina M. Khodeer, Safwat A. Ahmed and Sameh S. Elhady

Antioxidants 2021, 10(11), 1713; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10111713 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2967

Abstract

Cynanchum acutum L. is a climbing vine that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Using different chromatographic techniques, seven compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of the plant. The isolated compounds include six flavonoid compounds identified as rutin (1), quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside (2), quercetin-3-O-β-galactoside (3), isoquercitrin (4), quercetin (5), and kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside (6), in addition to a coumarin, scopoletin (7). The structures of the compounds were elucidated based on 1D NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), and by comparison with data reported in the literature. The first five compounds were selected for in vivo investigation of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. All tested compounds significantly reduced oxidative stress and increased erythrocyte lysate levels of antioxidant enzymes, along with the amelioration of the serum levels of inflammatory markers. Upregulation of miR-146a expression and downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression were detected in the liver and adipose tissue of rats treated with the isolated flavonoids. Results from the biological investigation and those from the validated molecular modeling approach on two biological targets of the NF-κB pathway managed to highlight the superior anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin-3-O-galactoside (3) and quercetin (5), as compared to other bioactive metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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17 pages, 4462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diosmetin Ameliorates Vascular Dysfunction and Remodeling by Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and p-JNK/p-NF-κB Expression in Hypertensive Rats

by Sariya Meephat, Patoomporn Prasatthong, Prapassorn Potue, Sarawoot Bunbupha, Poungrat Pakdeechote and Putcharawipa Maneesai

Antioxidants 2021, 10(9), 1487; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10091487 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3110

Abstract

Diosmetin is a citrus flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the effect of diosmetin on blood pressure and vascular alterations and its underlying mechanisms in experimentally hypertensive rats. Male Sprague rats were administered Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester L-NAME for five weeks and were given diosmetin at doses of 20 or 40 mg/kg or captopril (5 mg/kg) for two weeks. Diosmetin alleviated hypertension, improved endothelial dysfunction, and suppressed the overactivity of sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction in aorta and mesentery hypertensive rats (p < 0.05). Increases in plasma and aortic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and carotid superoxide generations and reductions of plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide in hypertensive rats were ameliorated by diosmetin (p < 0.05). Diosmetin increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hypertensive rats. Furthermore, diosmetin mitigated hypertrophy and collagen accumulation of the aortic wall in L-NAME rats. It exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing interleukin-6 (IL-6) accumulation and by overexpressing the phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK) and the phospho-nuclear factor-kappaB (p-NF-κB) proteins in the aorta (p < 0.05). Captopril was a positive control substance and had similar effects to diosmetin. In summary, diosmetin reduced blood pressure and alleviated vascular abnormalities in L-NAME-treated rats. These effects might be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as to the modulation of the expression of the Nrf2/HO1 and p-JNK/NF-κB proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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15 pages, 2037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of the Expression of Antioxidant and Immunity Genes in the Spleen of a Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside-Treated Alzheimer’s Mouse Model

by Varun Jaiswal, Miey Park and Hae-Jeung Lee

Antioxidants 2021, 10(9), 1435; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10091435 - 09 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

Cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a well-known antioxidant found as a dietary anthocyanin in different fruits and vegetables. It has protective and therapeutic effects on various diseases. It can reduce neuronal death from amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced toxicity and promote the inhibition of Aβ fibrillization. Antioxidant and immune modulation might play a critical role in the properties of C3G against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other diseases. However, limited studies have been performed on the mechanism involved in the effect of C3G through transcriptome analysis. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform comparative transcriptome analysis of the spleen to determine gene expression profiles of wild-type mice (C57BL/6J Jms), an Alzheimer’s mouse model (APPswe/PS1dE9 mice), and a C3G-treated Alzheimer’s mouse model. Differentially expressed antioxidant, immune-related, and AD pathways genes were identified in the treated group. The validation of gene expression data via RT-PCR studies further supported the current findings. Six important antioxidant genes (S100a8, S100a9, Prdx2, Hp, Mpst, and Prxl2a) and a high number of immune-related genes were found to be upregulated in the treatment groups, suggesting the possible antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms of C3G, respectively. Further studies are strongly recommended to elucidate the precise role of these essential genes and optimize the therapeutic function of C3G in AD and other disease conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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Review

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10 pages, 1114 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Flavonoid Intake and Chronic Sensory Conditions: A Scoping Review

by Diana Tang, Yvonne Tran, Giriraj S. Shekhawat and Bamini Gopinath

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1214; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11071214 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1568

Abstract

Dietary flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular health benefits, which align with the proposed pathophysiology of age-related eye conditions and hearing problems (hearing loss and tinnitus). This scoping review is based on Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework and aims to summarise current evidence on the association between the dietary flavonoid intake and chronic sensory conditions in adults, and to identify the research gaps in this area. Eligible studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE PsycINFO via the OVID platform, and Google Scholar, as well as manually searching the reference lists of the eligible articles. The inclusion criteria included: articles with full-text access, written in the English language, and focused on chronic sensory conditions and dietary flavonoid intake in an adult population. Studies focused on flavonoid supplements were excluded. Ten studies were included in this review. The evidence suggests that the flavonoid subclass, flavonols, are protective against eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. There is insufficient evidence to support an association with hearing loss or tinnitus. Overall, dietary flavonol intake appears to be protective against some chronic eye conditions. However, for most eye and hearing-related conditions, only one study was identified. Thus, there is a need for more recent high-quality research to be conducted to confirm any significant associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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30 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessReview

Flavonoids Present in Propolis in the Battle against Photoaging and Psoriasis

by Claudia Rebeca Rivera-Yañez, Porfirio Alonso Ruiz-Hurtado, María Isabel Mendoza-Ramos, Julia Reyes-Reali, Gina Stella García-Romo, Glustein Pozo-Molina, Aldo Arturo Reséndiz-Albor, Oscar Nieto-Yañez, Adolfo René Méndez-Cruz, Claudia Fabiola Méndez-Catalá and Nelly Rivera-Yañez

Antioxidants 2021, 10(12), 2014; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10122014 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4277

Abstract

The skin is the main external organ. It protects against different types of potentially harmful agents, such as pathogens, or physical factors, such as radiation. Skin disorders are very diverse, and some of them lack adequate and accessible treatment. The photoaging of the skin is a problem of great relevance since it is related to the development of cancer, while psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes scaly skin lesions and deterioration of the lifestyle of people affected. These diseases affect the patient’s health and quality of life, so alternatives have been sought that improve the treatment for these diseases. This review focuses on describing the properties and benefits of flavonoids from propolis against these diseases. The information collected shows that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids play a crucial role in the control and regulation of the cellular and biochemical alterations caused by these diseases; moreover, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, and isoflavones contained in different worldwide propolis samples are the types of flavonoids usually evaluated in both diseases. Therefore, the research carried out in the area of dermatology with bioactive compounds of different origins is of great relevance to developing preventive and therapeutic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids and Chronic Diseases)

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