2 research outputs found
Effects of betaine supplementation on inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Several studies have suggested that betaine is closely related to inflammatory biomarkers that contribute to the development of metabolic diseases, but the effect remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of betaine supplementation on inflammatory markers based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Web of Science and ResearchGate databases were searched up to March 2023. A total of 6 RCTs with 7 intervention trials involving 277 participants were included. Betaine supplementation led to a slight reduction in levels of circulating IL-1β of 0.65 pg/mL (95% CI, −1.23 to −0.06) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). Betaine produced a small but nonsignificant reduction in levels of circulating CRP (0.33 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.79 to 1.14), IL-6 (0.47 pg/mL; 95% CI, −1.13 to 0.18) and TNF-α (0.25 pg/mL; 95% CI, −0.98 to 0.48). The present meta-analysis does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that betaine supplementation improved the inflammation state.</p
Apple Polyphenol Extract Ameliorates Atherosclerosis and Associated Cognitive Impairment through Alleviating Neuroinflammation by Weakening TLR4 Signaling and NLRP3 Inflammasome in High-Fat/Cholesterol Diet-Fed LDLR<sup>–/–</sup> Male Mice
Although studies have supported the beneficial effects
of the ingredients
of apple polyphenol extract (APE), a polyphenol mixture being extracted
from whole fresh apples, on neurodegenerative diseases, the role of
APE in atherosclerosis-related cognitive impairment remains unclear.
To clarify the role of APE in regulating cognitive dysfunction in
mice with atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms, high-fat/cholesterol
diet-fed male LDLR–/– mice were gavaged with
125 or 500 mg/(kg·bw·d) APE solution or sterile double-distilled
water for consecutive 8 weeks, and age-matched C57BL/6 male mice were
employed as normal control. APE intervention increased the serum concentration
of high-density apolipoprotein cholesterol, improved atherosclerosis,
and ameliorated cognitive function of mice by inhibiting the phosphorylation
of tau protein, supporting with significantly reduced platform latency
and obviously increased swimming distance in the target quadrant according
to the Morris water maze test. APE intervention alleviated neuroinflammation
by attenuating the activation of microglia and astrocytes and inhibiting
TLR4 signaling with reduced protein expression of NF-κB, MyD88,
TRIF, and IKKβ. Meanwhile, APE intervention inactivated NLRP3
inflammasome with downregulated protein expression of caspase-1, IL-18,
and IL-1β. Additionally, APE intervention improved the damaged
brain barrier structure by upregulating the protein expression of
ZO-1 and occludin. Therefore, our research supplemented new data,
supporting the potential of APE as an effective dietary bioactive
ingredient to improve atherosclerosis and associated cognitive impairment