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1.
Phenolic Compounds Promote Diversity of Gut Microbiota and Maintain Colonic Health.
DomĂnguez-Avila, JA, Villa-Rodriguez, JA, Montiel-Herrera, M, Pacheco-Ordaz, R, Roopchand, DE, Venema, K, González-Aguilar, GA
Digestive diseases and sciences. 2021;(10):3270-3289
Abstract
The role of non-energy-yielding nutrients on health has been meticulously studied, and the evidence shows that a compound can exert significant effects on health even if not strictly required by the organism. Phenolic compounds are among the most widely studied molecules that fit this description; they are found in plants as secondary metabolites and are not required by humans for growth or development, but they can influence a wide array of processes that modulate health across multiple organs and systems. The lower gastrointestinal tract is a prime site of action of phenolic compounds, namely, by their effects on gut microbiota and colonic health. As with humans, phenolic compounds are not required by most bacteria but can be substrates of others; in fact, some phenolic compounds exert antibacterial actions. A diet rich in phenolic compounds can lead to qualitative and quantitative effects on gut microbiota, thereby inducing indirect health effects in mammals through the action of these microorganisms. Moreover, phenolic compounds may be fermented by the gut microbiota, thereby modulating the compounds bioactivity. In the colon, phenolic compounds promote anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antiproliferative actions. The aim of the present review is to highlight the role of phenolic compounds on maintaining or restoring a healthy microbiota and overall colonic health. Mechanisms of action that substantiate the reported evidence will also be discussed.
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2.
A Narrative Review of Human Clinical Trials on the Impact of Phenolic-Rich Plant Extracts on Prediabetes and Its Subgroups.
Lim, WXJ, Gammon, CS, von Hurst, P, Chepulis, L, Page, RA
Nutrients. 2021;(11)
Abstract
Phenolic-rich plant extracts have been demonstrated to improve glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes. However, there is increasing evidence that people with prediabetes are not a homogeneous group but exhibit different glycemic profiles leading to the existence of prediabetes subgroups. Prediabetes subgroups have been identified as: isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and combined impaired fasting glucose and glucose intolerance (IFG/IGT). The present review investigates human clinical trials examining the hypoglycemic potential of phenolic-rich plant extracts in prediabetes and prediabetes subgroups. Artemisia princeps Pampanini, soy (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) leaf and Citrus junos Tanaka peel have been demonstrated to improve fasting glycemia and thus may be more useful for individuals with IFG with increasing hepatic insulin resistance. In contrast, white mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) leaf, persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaf and Acacia. Mearnsii bark were shown to improve postprandial glycemia and hence may be preferably beneficial for individuals with IGT with increasing muscle insulin resistance. Elaeis guineensis leaf was observed to improve both fasting and postprandial glycemic measures depending on the dose. Current evidence remains scarce regarding the impact of the plant extracts on glycemic control in prediabetes subgroups and therefore warrants further study.
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3.
The Impact of Bisphenol A on Thyroid Function in Neonates and Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
Koutaki, D, Paltoglou, G, Vourdoumpa, A, Charmandari, E
Nutrients. 2021;(1)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely used in plastic products that may have an adverse effect on several physiologic functions in children. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current knowledge of the impact of BPA concentrations on thyroid function in neonates, children, and adolescents. METHODS A systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. Only case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies that assessed the relationship between Bisphenol A and thyroid function in neonates and children aged <18 years were included. Initially, 102 articles were assessed, which were restricted to 73 articles after exclusion of duplicates. A total of 73 articles were assessed by two independent researchers based on the title/abstract and the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the eligibility criteria, 18 full-text articles were selected for further assessment. Finally, 12 full-text articles were included in the present systematic review. RESULTS The presented studies offer data that suggest a negative correlation of BPA concentrations with TSH in children, a gender-specific manner of action, and a potential effect on proper neurodevelopment. However, the results are inconclusive with respect to specific thyroid hormone concentrations and the effect on thyroid autoimmunity. CONCLUSION The potential negative effect of BPA in the developing thyroid gland of children that may affect proper neurodevelopment, suggesting the need to focus future research on designing studies that elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the effects of BPA in thyroid function in early life.
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4.
Establishing Relationship between Vitamins, Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activities in Various Honey Types.
Zawawi, N, Chong, PJ, Mohd Tom, NN, Saiful Anuar, NS, Mohammad, SM, Ismail, N, Jusoh, AZ
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(15)
Abstract
Honey is a well-known natural sweetener and is rich in natural antioxidants that prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress, which is responsible for many human diseases. Some of the biochemical compounds in honey that contribute to this property are vitamins and phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. However, the extent to which these molecules contribute towards the antioxidant capacity in vitro is inconsistently reported, especially with the different analytical methods used, as well as other extrinsic factors that influence these molecules' availability. Therefore, by reviewing recently published works correlating the vitamin, total phenolic, and flavonoid content in honey with its antioxidant activities in vitro, this paper will establish a relationship between these parameters. Based on the literature, vitamins do not contribute to honey's antioxidant capacity; however, the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids has an impact on honey's antioxidant activity.
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5.
Bisphenol A and Male Fertility: Myths and Realities.
Castellini, C, Totaro, M, Parisi, A, D'Andrea, S, Lucente, L, Cordeschi, G, Francavilla, S, Francavilla, F, Barbonetti, A
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2020;:353
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) represents the main chemical monomer of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. The environmental presence of BPA is widespread, and it can easily be absorbed by the human body through dietary and transdermal routes, so that more than 90% of the population in western countries display detectable BPA levels in the urine. As BPA is qualified as an endocrine disruptor, growing concern is rising for possible harmful effects on human health. This review critically discusses the available literature dealing with the possible impact of BPA on male fertility. In rodent models, the in vivo exposure to BPA negatively interfered with the regulation of spermatogenesis throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, BPA promoted mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/apoptotic damages in spermatozoa from different species, including humans. To date, the claimed clinical adverse effects on male fertility are largely based on the results from studies assessing the relationship between urinary BPA concentration and conventional semen parameters. These studies, however, produced controversial evidence due to heterogeneity in the extent of BPA exposure, type of population, and enrollment setting. Moreover, the cause-effect relationship cannot be established due to the cross-sectional design of the studies as well as the large spontaneous between- and within-subject variability of semen parameters. The best evidence of an adverse effect of BPA on male fertility would be provided by prospective studies on clinically relevant endpoints, including natural or medically assisted pregnancies among men either with different exposure degrees (occupational/environmental) or with different clinical conditions (fertile/subfertile).
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6.
The impact of xenoestrogens on effectiveness of treatment for hormone-dependent breast cancer - current state of knowledge and perspectives for research.
Boszkiewicz, K, Sawicka, E, Piwowar, A
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 2020;(4):526-534
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in women and causing the highest number of deaths among them. The role of xenoestrogens has been the subject of many studies in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Less is known about the impact of xenoestrogens on the effectiveness of hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer, and thus possible drug-xenostrogen interactions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge and present perspectives for further research on the impact of xenoestrogens on the effectiveness of drugs used in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer. CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE Phytoestrogens, in particular flavonoid genistein, are the best studied group of xenoestrogens in terms of interaction with drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer, due to their frequent use, including their use in alleviating the adverse effects of hormone therapy. Analyzing the current state of knowledge, it seems that phytoestrogens intake should be avoided during conventional anti-cancer treatment. Of the other xenoestrogens, bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the best-tested compounds for interactions with drugs used to treat breast cancer. It has been shown that bisphenol A could reduced therapeutic effect of active tamoxifen metabolite and cytostatics used in breast cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Confirmation in clinical trials of the results obtained in vitro and in vivo tests, would enable the creation of specific recommendations for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, especially hormone therapy. An area requiring further research is the analysis of the effects of xenoestrogens other than phytoestrogens, e.g. metalloestrogens, on the effects of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer.
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7.
Honey and Its Phenolic Compounds as an Effective Natural Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases in Humans?
Olas, B
Nutrients. 2020;(2)
Abstract
Honey is a sweet, viscous syrup produced by the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It is probably the first natural sweetener ever discovered, and is currently used as a nutritious food supplement and medicinal agent. The aim of the present mini-review is to summarize and update the current knowledge regarding the role of honey in CVDs based on various experimental models. It also describes the role of its phenolic compounds in treating CVDs. Many such phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and caffeic acid, have antioxidant and anti-platelet potential, and hence may ameliorate cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) through various mechanisms, such as by decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting blood platelet activation. However, as the phenolic content of a particular type of honey is not always known, it can be difficult to determine whether any observed effects on the human cardiovascular system may be associated with the consumption of honey or its constituents. Therefore, further experiments in this area are needed.
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8.
Inhibitory effect of phenolic compounds and plant extracts on the formation of advance glycation end products: A comprehensive review.
Khan, M, Liu, H, Wang, J, Sun, B
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.). 2020;:108933
Abstract
Advance glycation end products (AGEs) are a diverse group of compounds formed through the non-enzymatic maillard reaction of reducing sugars with the free amino groups in proteins, lipids or nucleic acids. Accumulation of AGEs has been suggested to be a pathogenic mechanism of oxidative stress, inflammation and structural tissue damage leading to chronic vascular problems in many ailments including diabetes, atherosclerosis, neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, aging, and chronic renal disease. Treatment with AGEs inhibitors is believed to be a potential strategy for preventing lifestyle-related diseases. To inhibit the AGEs development is supposed to show part in the inhibition of diabetic problems. Study of dietary bioactive combinations with antiglycation properties delivers future views for inhibition or mediation associated to AGEs complications. Many study show the possibility of dietary constituents to stop AGE development. Therefore, search for natural compounds able to prevent glycation and have the potential therapeutic ability to inhibit diabetes and age associated diseases. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the existing literature on different phenolics on AGEs inhibition.
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9.
Bisphenols and Male Reproductive Health: From Toxicological Models to Therapeutic Hypotheses.
De Toni, L, De Rocco Ponce, M, Petre, GC, Rtibi, K, Di Nisio, A, Foresta, C
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2020;:301
Abstract
Bisphenols, and in particular bisphenol A (BPA), have been widely used for the production of plastic manufacts in the last 50 years. Currently, BPA is present in a variety of daily use polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and dietary ingestion is considered the main route of human exposure. Accordingly, BPA is the chemical pollutant with the widest exposure in humans, involving nearly 90% of general population, according to recent studies. Concerns about BPA effects on human health date back to 1930s, when severe impact on male sexual development was suggested. Now, the acknowledged biological effects of BPA are various. In regard to human fertility, BPA has been shown to disrupt hormone signaling even at low concentrations. Results from human epidemiological studies have reported BPA interference with follicle stimulating hormone, inhibin B, estradiol, testosterone levels, and sexual function in male subjects. Moreover, recent studies have reported an association between BPA levels and reduced sperm concentration, motility, normal morphology, sperm DNA damage, and altered epigenetic pattern, resulting in trans-generational legacy of BPA effects. In this review, the recognized effects of BPA on male reproductive health are described, from the most recent issues on experimental models to epidemiological data. In addition, the very recent interest about the use of nutraceutical remedies to counteract BPA effects are discussed.
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10.
Bisphenol S in Food Causes Hormonal and Obesogenic Effects Comparable to or Worse than Bisphenol A: A Literature Review.
Thoene, M, Dzika, E, Gonkowski, S, Wojtkiewicz, J
Nutrients. 2020;(2)
Abstract
In recent years, bisphenol analogues such as bisphenol S (BPS) have come to replace bisphenol A in food packaging and food containers, since bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to leach into food and water, causing numerous negative health effects. Unfortunately, little or no research was done to determine the safety of these BPA-free products before they were marketed to the public as a healthier alternative. The latest studies have shown that some of these bisphenol analogues may be even more harmful than the original BPA in some situations. This article used a literature survey to investigate the bisphenol analogue BPS and compare it to BPA and other analogues with regards to increased obesity, metabolic disorders, cancer, and reproductive defects; among others. It was found that BPS works via different pathways than does BPA while causing equivalent obesogenic effects, such as activating preadipocytes, and that BPS was correlated with metabolic disorders, such as gestational diabetes, that BPA was not correlated with. BPS was also shown to be more toxic to the reproductive system than BPA and was shown to hormonally promote certain breast cancers at the same rate as BPA. Therefore, a strong argument may be made to regulate BPS in exactly the same manner as BPA.