There are sex differences in the incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease. Although an estrogen-mediated vasculoprotective effect is widely accepted, clinical trial results have been conflicting and the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase, may protect against vascular aging and atherosclerosis; however, the effects of estrogen on SIRT1 expression and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior remain unknown.We ovariectomized (OVX) female, wild-type, C57BL/6J mice, which were randomized into non-estrogen- and estrogen-supplemented groups. We also treated A7r5 VSMCs with 17-β-estradiol and resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator, in vitro, and measured the expression of SIRT1 and apoptotic markers, as well as proliferation, viability, and migration.Aortic tissue from OVX mice exhibited marked VSMC hyperplasia and upregulation of SIRT1, which was reversed by 17-β-estradiol supplementation, as assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, 17-β-estradiol downregulated SIRT1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner, increased apoptosis, and reduced proliferation, viability, and migration. Resveratrol reversed these effects through the activation of SIRT1. Estrogen appeared to mediate its effects through the Akt and ERK pathways.Estrogen may regulate cardiovascular health via the expression of SIRT1, possibly through the AKT and ERK signaling pathways.
The aim was to examine whether the inhibition of selective cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 activation could suppress the development of inflammatory reaction in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fats of high-fat-induced obese rats.The rats were fed separately regular diet (CONT), high-fat diet ad libitum or energy-restrictedly (HFr) for 12 weeks. Rats fed high-fat diet ad libitum were further divided into those co-treated with vehicle (HFa), a selective COX2 inhibitor-celecoxib (HFa-Cel) or nimesulide (HFa-Nim). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at the end of weeks 4, 8, 12. Another set of rats with similar grouping was divided into those with a 4-, 8- or 12-week intervention for tissue sampling.Body and epididymal fat weights were increased similarly in HFa, HFa-Cel and HFa-Nim. Time-dependent increases in plasma insulin, triglyceride, impaired OGTT shown in HFa were significantly reversed in HFa-Cel and HFa-Nim. The obese-linked increases in gene expressions of COX-2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in epididymal and subcutaneous fats (especially in the former) were significantly suppressed in HFa-Cel and HFa-Nim. The protein contents of MCP-1 and TNF-alpha in epididymal fats were changed consistently with their gene expressions. Plasma MCP-1 was increased time-dependently in HFa and suppressed in HFa-Cel and HFa-Nim. The increased CD68 positive cells showed in both epididymal and subcutaneous fats of HFa were significantly attenuated in HFa-Cel and HFa-Nim.Our findings suggest that COX2 activation is crucially involved in the development of inflammatory response in adipose tissues of high-fat-induced obese rats.
Vegan collagen is an innovative plant-based collagen biomimetic that contains a variety of plant extracts, including asiaticoside, ginsenoside, and through fermented amino acids, which stimulates the natural process for type I collagen synthesis. In this study, using vegan collagen (Corpowell BV, Schilde, Belgium) to explore the skin beautifying effects in the human body. 90 subjects were recruited and divided into a placebo group (n = 30), a vegan collagen group (n = 30), and a fish collagen group (n = 30). Subjects were informed to consume 1 sachet of the sample daily for 8 weeks. Skin conditions were measured at week 0, week 4 and week 8. The results showed that vegan collagen significantly increased collagen density and elasticity by 4.7% and 5.1% and decreased wrinkles, texture, and pores by 27.5%, 20.1%, and 12.3% compared to the placebo group. In addition, the hydration and lightness were increased by 4.3% and 2.3% compared to the placebo group. Vegan collagen has the potential to improve skin collagen density, elasticity, texture, wrinkles, pores, hydration, and lightness.
The brain is one of the most critical organs in the human body, regulating functions such as thinking, memory, learning, and perception. Studies have indicated that fish roe, snow fungus, and yeast may have the potential to modulate cognitive, memory, and emotional functions. However, more relevant clinical research in this area still needs to be conducted. This study explored the cognition-enhancing potential of a formula beverage including fish roe, snow fungus, and yeast. Sixty-four subjects were divided into a placebo group (n = 32) and a formula-drink group (n = 32), who consumed the product for 8 weeks. Cognitive tests were administered and analyzed at weeks 0, 4, and 8. After 4 and 8 weeks, there was a significant increase in the number of memory cards, and the response times among those who consumed the formula beverage were significantly faster than those in the placebo group. The subjects remembered the old items better and were more impressed with similar items based on the week effect. There was a significant increase in the cue effect of happy facial expressions after the subjects consumed the formula beverage for 8 weeks. In addition, there was a significant decrease in anxiety and fatigue, and improved quality of life. This formula beverage is a promising option that could be used to prevent further cognitive decline in adults with subjective cognitive complaints.
The intestinal tract is the largest immune organ in the human body. A healthy gut will block bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites, and other attacks. Studies have shown that probiotics can stabilize the intestinal barrier and improve immunity, while prebiotics can help probiotics multiply and grow effectively in the human gut. Dietary fibers increase the frequency of gastrointestinal motility. This study used the combination formula of probiotics, prebiotics, and fruit and vegetable fiber to explore its effects on gastrointestinal health and improving immunity. The study recruited 50 subjects and randomly assigned two groups, the placebo group and the probiotic fruit and vegetable fiber powder group (PF formula). Subjects were measured in body position measurement, blood and stool collection, dietary questionnaire, and somatosensory questionnaire at weeks 0, and 12. The PF formula increased IgG, IgM, and IL-10 and decreased IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-⍺ compared to baseline (week 0). The PF formula increased the frequency of bowel movements, improved flatulence, stomach pain, hard stools, constipation, and diarrhea. It also reduced headache, muscle pain, and dizziness compared to baseline. Finally, the PF formula increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria Porphyromonadaceae and Parabacteroides and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria Clostridiaceae. The PF formula had the effect of gastrointestinal health care and enhanced immunity
The multiple probiotic characteristics of strain TCI904 isolated in this study from natural fermented milk were investigated using a mouse model. TCI904 was identified as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricu (LDB), a well-known lactic acid starter bacterium found in yogurt. TCI904 exhibited an outstanding pancreatic lipase inhibition activity among several strains of lactic acid bacteria in vitro. Its in vivo effects were further studied. In a comparison of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and those fed a HFD combined with TCI904 for 9 weeks, differences were observed in various aspects of health, and the adverse effects of a HFD were prevented in the latter group. TCI904 effectively prevented fat and body weight accumulation without reducing food intake; it also modulated innate immunity and increased the level of IgA in feces, reversing the increased blood sugar and insulin levels and attenuated the hyperlipidemia caused by a HFD. Based on biochemical test data, compared with the HFD group, a HFD combined with TCI904 induced significant lowering of insulin resistance indicator, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and atherogenic indices of plasma (AIP), the atherogenic coefficient (AC) and cardiac risk ratio (CRR) and increased the cardioprotective index (CPI). In addition, the administration of TCI904 alleviated mood disorders caused by a HFD. Taking the recommended human dose of TCI904 did not affect the liver or kidney function, indicating that TCI904 has sufficient in vivo safety. Taken together, the results of the present study contributed towards validation of the probiotic benefits of lactic acid starter microflora. Orally taken TCI904 exhibited positive immune- and metabolic-modulating, and anxiolytic properties, especially in HFD-induced obesity.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03356-3.
As age increases, the concentration of testosterone (male hormone) in the body gradually decreases, causing various aging conditions, such as physical strength. Among them, the Chinese herbal medicine Polygonatum kingianum (PK) can very well improve physical strength and resist fatigue. The purpose of this study is to explore whether PK can increase testosterone's relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness and erection. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=25) or the PK group (n=25). Subjects were required to ingest 50 mL of the test product daily for a duration of 4 weeks. Cardiorespiratory endurance and blood biochemical values were analyzed at week 0, week 2, and week 4. After the subjects took it for 4 weeks, the results showed that PK extract drink increased testosterone 14% compared to the placebo group, and without any side effects on liver and kidney function. After taking PK extract drink for 2 and 4 weeks, the cardiorespiratory endurance index was significantly improved by 3.7% and 6.2%, and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) expression was significantly decreased by 23.3% and 28.9% compared to placebo group. PK extract drink increased testosterone and was harmless to humans, and improved physical strength, erectile function.
The application of plant-based health supplements for reducing blood pressure represents a natural and comprehensive approach involving various botanical extracts aimed at maintaining cardiovascular health. Commonly found in these supplements, such as natto, Haematococcus pluvialis, garlic, and linseed oil, are believed to provide certain benefits in lowering blood pressure. However, comprehensive clinical research on their combined usage must still be available. This trial aimed to explore whether Natto-pressed candy (product name: CHOLESWISE Pressed Candy) can regulate blood pressure. First, using Natto-pressed candy (0.0625%, 0.125%) treated smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells, and then analyzed vascular health genes. Second, the trial recruited 60 subjects with blood pressure (SBP >120 mmHg / DBP >80 mmHg). Subjects took 2 tablets of pressed candy daily for 8 weeks, and blood pressure and blood samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The results showed that Natto-pressed candy can increase beneficial vascular health genes, and decrease harmful vascular health genes compared to mock group in vitro. In clinical trial, the average systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased by 9 mmHg compared to baseline (week 0), and significantly decreased by 6.4 mmHg compared to the placebo group. The fibrinogen concentration in the blood was significantly decreased by 13.4% compared to baseline (week 0). Natto-pressed candy, which included natto, Haematococcus pluvialis, garlic, and linseed oil, reduced blood pressure, fibrinogen and regulated vascular health genes.
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