Modulation of hepatic lipoprotein metabolism by dietary procyanidins

INTRODUCTIONDuring the past decade, Nutrition research has been subjected to a shift of focus, from epidemiology and physiology to the comprensión of the molecular basis of nutrients actions.Thus, the new "-omics" disciplines transcriptomics, proteomics or metabolomics, provide the tools to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of gene expression by nutrients. The study of the beneficial properties of wine procyanidins has not avoided this shift of focus. Thus, from the initial studies which defined the "French paradox", to nowadays, a wide array of studies have been focused in defining the properties of the non-alcoholic components of red wine, mainly flavonoids, a family of polyphenolic compounds. The objectives of this thesis have been to define the molecular mechanisms by which grape procyanidins modulate the hepatic metabolism of lipoproteins, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other pathologies which basis is found in the dysregulation of the lipoprotein metabolism.SUMMARYIn the present thesis, the effect of procyanidins in the hepatic lipoprotein metabolism has been studied. With this objective, HepG2, HeLa and CV-1 cells have been used as invitro models. In vivo studies have been performed in Wistar rats and C57BL6 mice, wild-type and transgenic mice lacking SHP (NR0B2) and FXR (NR5H1).RESULTS1. Procyanidins improve plasma lipid profile in the postprandial phase in rats. A single oral dose of procyanidins decreases plasma triglycerides and ApoB levels to 50% of control values. In addition LDL-Cholesterol is significantly reduced, thus improving the atherosclerotic risk index.2. Procyanidins display a triglyceride-lowering effect both in vivo and in vitro. In rat and mouse, procyanidin treatment triggers a hypotriglyceridemic response. In HepG2 cultures, procyanidins down-regulate the secretion of triglycerides and ApoB, thus showing that these flavonoids act directly on hepatic cells. This fact strongly suggests that, in vivo, a direct action of procyanidins on the liver contributes to their hypotriglyceridemic response.3. Nuclear receptor Small Heterodimer Partner (SHP) is a target of procyanidins in hepatic cells. Procyanidins modulate the expression of SHP, rapidly increasing its expression in rat liver as well as in HepG2 cultured cells.4. SHP mediates the triglyceride-lowering activity of procyanidins in vitro and in vivo. When SHP expression is silenced in HepG2 or abolished in SHP-null mice, procyanidins lose their hypotriglyceridemic activity. In contrast, in SHP-silenced HepG2 cells, procyanidins are still able to reduce apoB secretion. Hence, procyanidins reduce triglyceride via a SHP-dependent mechanism, whereas they reduce apoB in a SHPindependent manner.5. Nuclear receptor Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) is an essential mediator of the hypotriglyceridemic action of procyanidins upstream SHP. Oral gavage of procyanidins to FXR-null mice have not a hypotriglyceridemic effect. Moreover, luciferase based in vitro assays showed that procyanidins increase the transcriptional activity of FXR. Thus, FXR is an essential component of the signalling pathway used by procyanidins to elicit the triglyceride lowering effect.6. Key genes of the inflammation process are targets of procyanidins in liver, in the postprandial phase. Oral administration of procyanidins to rats rapidly downregulates the expression, in liver, of transcription factor Egr1, a mediator of the hepatic inflammatory response, and several acute-phase proteins, namely haptoglobin, fibrinogen B and alpha-1 antitrypsin. In addition, expression of DUSP6, a component of the ERK1/2 subfamily of MAPK, is repressed by this treatment. Nfkbia, a repressor of NF-kB activity, is overexpressed upon procyanidin treatment. This expression pattern strongly suggests that procyanidins attenuate the pro-inflammatory state associated to the postprandial phase.INTRODUCCIÓNDurante la pasada década, la investigación en nutrición se ha visto sujeta a un cambio en sus objetivos, pasando de los estudios basados en la fisiología y la epidemiología a la comprensión de las bases moleculares implicadas en las acciones biológicas de los nutrientes. Así, las nuevas disciplinas, como la biología molecular o las "-omics", transcriptómica, proteómica o metabolómica, proporcionan las herramientas para el estudio de los mecanismos moleculares implicados en la modulación génica por nutrientes.El estudio de las propiedades beneficiosas del vino no ha evitado este cambio de foco. Así, desde los primeros estudios que definieron la "paradoja francesa", hasta la actualidad, una ámplia gama de estudios se han dedicado a definir las propiedades de los componentes no alcohólicos del vino, mayoritariamente, los Flavonoides, una familia de compuetos polifenólicos. El objetivo de esta tesis ha sido definir los mecanismos moleculares mediante los cuales las procianidinas de uva modulan el metabolismo de lipoproteínas en el hígado, disminuyendo así el riesgo cardiovascular y diferentes patologías cuya base se encuentra en la desregulación del metabolismo lipoproteico.MEMORIADurante esta tesis se ha estudiado el efecto de las procianidinas sobre el metabolismo lipoproteico en el hígado. Con este objetivo se han usado líneas celulares como modelo in vitro, tanto hepatocitos (HepG2) como líneas accesorias (HeLa y CV-1). Como modelos para el estudio de las procianidinas in vivo se han usado ratas de la cepa Wistar y ratones de la cepa C57BL6, tanto wild-type como dos líneas de transgénicos, Knockout para SHP (NR0B2) y FXR (NR5H1).RESULTADOSSe han obtenido los siguientes resultados:Las procianidinas de uva disminuyen los niveles de lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos, así como mejoran los índices de riesgo cardiovascular en ratas.Estos efectos se deben a la modulación de la expresión génica en el hígado, tejido adiposo y músculo entre otras acciones.El mecanismo por el cual las procianidinas disminuyen las lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos ha sido estudiado in Vitro (HepG2) e in vivo (C57BL6 wild-type y knockout para SHP). Se han definido dos mecanismos principales. El primero implica la señalización de las procianidinas por una vía dependiente de SHP (Small heterodimer partner, NR0B2), un receptor nuclear. El segundo mecanismo es independiente de SHP e inhibe la expresión de MTP (enzima controlador de la síntesis de lipoproteínas) y consecuente secreción de un menor número de lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL).Por encima de SHP, se ha definido FXR (Farnesoid X receptor) como sensor de las procianidinas mediante el uso de ratones C57BL6 KO para FXR y sistemas reporter basados en luciferasa. Estableciendo que el mecanismo de señalización de las procianidinas pasa por FXR, que a su vez induce la expresión de SHP y este inhibe la expresión de SREBP1, factor de transcripción clave para la síntesis de lípidos, disminuyendo así la cantidad de lípidos hepáticos y, consecuentemente, la secreción de lipoproteínas.DISCUSIÓNLa modulación del metabolismo de lipoproteínas es el principal objetivo para el tratamiento de las diferentes patologías relacionadas con dislipemias. Así, la definición de las procianidinas de uva como agentes hipolipidémicos, las convierte en un componente de la dieta de alta importancia para prevenir y mejorar una ámplia gama de patologías, desde la aterogénesis hasta otros estados metabólicos alterados, causantes de la resistencia a la insulina o el síndrome metabólico.Por otro lado, el establecimiento de los mecanismos moleculares implicados en los efectos de las procianidinas de uva, aumenta el conocimiento sobre estos compuestos, así como su aplicabilidad en diferentes estados metabólicos alterados. De esta manera, se ha propuesto que la activación de FXR podría usarse como una estrategia en el tratamiento de la hiperlipidemia o la resistencia a la insulina. Así, las procianidinas emergen como un importante agente terapéutico, cuya importancia radica en la amplia presencia de estos compuestos en la dieta

A health technology assessment of personalized nutrition interventions using the EUnetHTA HTA Core Model

Objectives Poor nutrition links to chronic diseases, emphasizing the need for optimized diets. The EU-funded project PREVENTOMICS, introduced personalized nutrition to address this. This study aims to perform a health technology assessment (HTA) comparing personalized nutrition interventions developed through this project, with non-personalized nutrition interventions (control) for people with normal weight, overweight, or obesity. The goal is to support decisions about further development and implementation of personalized nutrition. Methods The PREVENTOMICS interventions were evaluated using the European Network for HTA Core Model, which includes a methodological framework that encompasses different domains for value assessment. Information was gathered via [1] different statistical analyses and modeling studies, [2] questions asked of project partners and, [3] other (un)published materials. Results Clinical trials of PREVENTOMICS interventions demonstrated different body mass index changes compared to control; differences ranged from -0.80 to 0.20 kg/m2. Long-term outcome predictions showed generally improved health outcomes for the interventions; some appeared cost-effective (e.g., interventions in UK). Ethical concerns around health inequality and the lack of specific legal regulations for personalized nutrition interventions were identified. Choice modeling studies indicated openness to personalized nutrition interventions; decisions were primarily affected by intervention's price. Conclusions PREVENTOMICS clinical trials have shown promising effectiveness with no major safety concerns, although uncertainties about effectiveness exist due to small samples (n=60-264) and short follow-ups (10-16 weeks). Larger, longer trials are needed for robust evidence before implementation could be considered. Among other considerations, developers should explore financing options and collaborate with policymakers to prevent exclusion of specific groups due to information shortages.</p

Potential Use of Mobile Phone Applications for Self-Monitoring and Increasing Daily Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: A Systematized Review

A wide range of chronic diseases could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, such as consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, although the majority of the adult population does not meet this recommendation. The use of mobile phone applications for health purposes has greatly increased; these applications guide users in real time through various phases of behavioural change. This review aimed to assess the potential of self-monitoring mobile phone health (mHealth) applications to increase fruit and vegetable intake. PubMed and Web of Science were used to conduct this systematized review, and the inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trials evaluating mobile phone applications focused on increasing fruit and/or vegetable intake as a primary or secondary outcome performed from 2008 to 2018. Eight studies were included in the final assessment. The interventions described in six of these studies were effective in increasing fruit and/or vegetable intake. Targeting stratified populations and using long-lasting interventions were identified as key aspects that could influence the effectiveness of these interventions. In conclusion, evidence shows the effectiveness of mHealth application interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Further research is needed to design effective interventions and to determine their efficacy over the long term

Reduction of Obesity and Insulin Resistance through Dual Targeting of VAT and BAT by a Novel Combination of Metabolic Cofactors

Obesity is an epidemic disease worldwide, characterized by excessive fat accumulation associated with several metabolic perturbations, such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. To improve this situation, a specific combination of metabolic cofactors (MC) (betaine, N-acetylcysteine, L-carnitine, and nicotinamide riboside) was assessed as a promising treatment in a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model. Obese animals were distributed into two groups, orally treated with the vehicle (obese + vehicle) or with the combination of metabolic cofactors (obese + MC) for 4 weeks. Body and adipose depots weights; insulin and glucose tolerance tests; indirect calorimetry; and thermography assays were performed at the end of the intervention. Histological analysis of epidydimal white adipose tissue (EWAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) was carried out, and the expression of key genes involved in both fat depots was characterized by qPCR. We demonstrated that MC supplementation conferred a moderate reduction of obesity and adiposity, an improvement in serum glucose and lipid metabolic parameters, an important improvement in lipid oxidation, and a decrease in adipocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, MC-treated animals presented increased adipose gene expression in EWAT related to lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, MC supplementation reduced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, with an increased expression of the glucose transporter Glut4; and decreased fat accumulation in BAT, raising non-shivering thermogenesis. This treatment based on a specific combination of metabolic cofactors mitigates important pathophysiological characteristics of obesity, representing a promising clinical approach to this metabolic disease. Keywords: obesity; adipose tissue; insulin resistance; thermogenesis; metabolic cofactor

Genetic diversity of Contracaecum rudolphii sp. A (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing the European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii from the Spanish Mediterranean coast

Sibling species of the Contracaecum rudolphii (s.l.) complex are habitual endoparasites of cormorants of the Phalacrocoracidae family, worldwide. In Europe, the two species, C. rudolphii sp. A and C. rudolphii sp. B, have been identified. However, information regarding the occurrence and distribution of these anisakids in cormorants from Spain is scarce. In the present study, 20 specimens of the European Shag, Ph. aristotelis desmarestii, from the western Mediterranean Spanish marine coast were parasitologically analyzed for the presence of nematodes. All hosts were found parasitized with Contracaecum specimens (n D 1,517). A representative subsample was genetically identified as C. rudolphii sp. A by sequence analysis of the mtDNA cox2 gene and the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of the rDNA. This represents the first report of C. rudolphii sp. A from the Spanish Mediterranean waters. Population genetic analysis was performed including other C. rudolphii sp. A specimens from the west Sardinian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the intraspecific level, a significant genetic dierentiation (Fst 0.08, p < 0.00001) between the metapopulation from the Spanish Mediterranean coast and that from the Sardinian waters was observed; whereas, no dierentiation was found between metapopulations of the parasite from the Spanish and the Tyrrhenian Italian coast. The findings highly support the hypothesis of the adaptation of the life cycle of C. rudolphii sp. A in brackish and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the results on the population genetics of C. rudolphii sp. A suggest the possible role of the migration routes of wintering populations of cormorants in the Mediterranean Sea in influencing the parasite genetic structure

Changes in lysophospholipids and liver status after weight loss: the RESMENA study

Background: Obesity and comorbidities such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are major public health burdens. Alterations in lipid metabolism are involved in hepatic diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of weight loss on lysophospholipid (LP) metabolism and liver status in obese subjects as well as to provide new evidence regarding the interaction of LP metabolism as a key factor in the onset and management of obesity-related diseases such as liver damage. Methods: Thirty-three subjects from the RESMENA (Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome in Navarra, NCT01087086) study were selected based on their Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Plasma lipid species (lysophosphatidilcholine: LPC, lysophosphatidilethanolamines: LPE and lysophosphatidylinositols: LPI specifically) were determined by LC-MS, while waist circumference (WC) and other non-invasive liver markers such as, FLI and BAAT scores as well as dietary records, anthropometrical measurements, body composition by DXA and other metabolic determinants were analyzed before and after a six-month hypocaloric nutritional intervention. Results: Computed Z-scores of total LP (LPC, LPE, and LPI) were significantly decreased after 6-months of following a hypocaloric diet. Specifically, LPC14:0, LPC15:0, LPC16:1, LPC18:4, LPC20:4, showed clear relationships with weight loss. Changes in FLI score, WC and BAAT score revealed associations with general changes in LPC score. Interestingly the BAAT score was statistically associated with the LPC score after adjustment for weight loss. Conclusion: The lipidomic LPC profile analysis revealed a generalized decrease in circulating lysophospholipids after weight loss. The involvement of particular LP in liver metabolism and obesity merit further attention, as some of these specific non-invasive liver markers were reduced independently of weight loss

Behavioral and metabolic effects of a calorie-restricted cafeteria diet and oleuropein supplementation in obese male rats

Diet-induced obesity models are widely used to investigate dietary interventions for treating obesity. This study was aimed to test whether a dietary intervention based on a calorie-restricted cafeteria diet (CAF-R) and a polyphenolic compound (Oleuropein, OLE) supplementation modified sucrose intake, preference, and taste reactivity in cafeteria diet (CAF)-induced obese rats. CAF diet consists of high-energy, highly palatable human foods. Male rats fed standard chow (STD) or CAF diet were compared with obese rats fed CAF-R diet, alone or supplemented with an olive tree leaves extract (25 mg/kg*day) containing a 20.1% of OLE (CAF-RO). Biometric, food consumption, and serum parameters were measured. CAF diet increased body weight, food and energy consumption and obesity-associated metabolic parameters. CAF-R and CAF-RO diets significantly attenuated body weight gain and BMI, diminished food and energy intake and improved biochemical parameters such as triacylglycerides and insulin resistance which did not differ between CAF-RO and STD groups. The three cafeteria groups diminished sucrose intake and preference compared to STD group. CAF-RO also diminished the hedonic responses for the high sucrose concentrations compared with the other groups. These results indicate that CAF-R diet may be an efficient strategy to restore obesity-associated alterations, whilst OLE supplementation seems to have an additional beneficial effect on sweet taste function

Intake of an Obesogenic Cafeteria Diet Affects Body Weight, Feeding Behavior, and Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in a Photoperiod-Dependent Manner in F344 Rats

We previously demonstrated that chronic exposure to different photoperiods induced marked variations in several glucose and lipid metabolism-related parameters in normoweight Fischer 344 (F344) rats. Here, we examined the effects of the combination of an obesogenic cafeteria diet (CAF) and the chronic exposure to three different day lengths (L12, 12 h light/day; L18, 18 h light/day; and L6, 6 h light/day) in this rat strain. Although no changes were observed during the first 4 weeks of adaptation to the different photoperiods in which animals were fed a standard diet, the addition of the CAF for the subsequent 7 weeks triggered profound physiologic and metabolic alterations in a photoperiod-dependent manner. Compared with L12 rats, both L6 and L18 animals displayed lower body weight gain and cumulative food intake in addition to decreased energy expenditure and locomotor activity. These changes were accompanied by differences in food preferences and by a sharp upregulation of the orexigenic genes Npy and Ghsr in the hypothalamus, which could be understood as a homeostatic mechanism for increasing food consumption to restore body weight control. L18 rats also exhibited higher glycemia than the L6 group, which could be partly attributed to the decreased pAkt2 levels in the soleus muscle and the downregulation of Irs1 mRNA levels in the gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, L6 animals displayed lower whole-body lipid utilization than the L18 group, which could be related to the lower lipid intake and to the decreased mRNA levels of the fatty acid transporter gene Fatp1 observed in the soleus muscle. The profound differences observed between L6 and L18 rats could be related with hepatic and muscular changes in the expression of circadian rhythm-related genes Cry1, Bmal1, Per2, and Nr1d1. Although further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiologic relevance of these findings, our study could contribute to emphasize the impact of the consumption of highly palatable and energy dense foods regularly consumed by humans on the physiological and metabolic adaptations that occur in response to seasonal variations of day length, especially in diseases associated with changes in food intake and preference such as obesity and seasonal affective disorder

Gut microbiota profile and its association with clinical variables and dietary intake in overweight/obese and lean subjects: A cross-sectional study

We aimed to differentiate gut microbiota composition of overweight/obese and lean subjects and to determine its association with clinical variables and dietary intake. A cross-sectional study was performed with 96 overweight/obese subjects and 32 lean subjects. Anthropometric parameters were positively associated with Collinsella aerofaciens, Dorea formicigenerans and Dorea longicatena, which had higher abundance the overweight/obese subjects. Moreover, different genera of Lachnospiraceae were negatively associated with body fat, LDL and total cholesterol. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were negatively associated with the genus Intestinimonas, a biomarker of the overweight/obese group, whereas SFAs were positively associated with Roseburia, a biomarker for the lean group. In conclusion, Dorea formicigenerans, Dorea longicatena and Collinsella aerofaciens could be considered obesity biomarkers, Lachnospiraceae is associated with lipid cardiovascular risk factors. SFAs exhibited opposite association profiles with butyrate-producing bacteria depending on the BMI. Thus, the relationship between diet and microbiota opens new tools for the management of obesity.This research was funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, grant number CER-20191010

The NESTORE e-Coach: Designing a Multi-Domain Pathway to Well-Being in Older Age

This article describes the coaching strategies of the NESTORE e-coach, a virtual coach for promoting healthier lifestyles in older age. The novelty of the NESTORE project is the definition of a multi-domain personalized pathway where the e-coach accompanies the user throughout different structured and non-structured coaching activities and recommendations. The article also presents the design process of the coaching strategies, carried out including older adults from four European countries and experts from the different health domains, and the results of the tests carried out with 60 older adults in Italy, Spain and The Netherlands