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Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Advances in Leaf Plant Bioactive Compounds: Modulation of Chronic Inflammation Related to Obesity
Jorge Barros1,2, Ana Abraão1, Irene Gouvinhas1
1Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Abstract:
Over the years, there has been a tendency for an increase in global obesity. The World Health Organization's (WHO) 2024 report states that in 2019, more than one billion people were obese, and this condition was responsible for five million deaths, being that obesity is more prevalent among adults compared to adolescents and children. Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by alterations in adipose tissue. When excessive food is consumed and energy expenditure is low, adipose tissue undergoes hypertrophy and hyperplasia. This process activates B cells and induces the transition of anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages into pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages. B cells, acting as inflammatory mediators, stimulate pro-inflammatory CD8+ T cells, and promote macrophage infiltration into tissues. This condition triggers inflammation, increases oxidative stress, and ultimately leads to cellular death. During inflammation, an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines occurs along with a decrease of anti-inflammatory cytokines. By contrast, the increase of oxidative stress is related to an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidation of biomolecules, and a decrease in antioxidants. This mechanism for obesity can be mitigated through several healthy lifestyle changes, primarily including regular physical activity and healthy eating. These factors help reduce pro-inflammatory mediators and ROS, lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, this review article focuses on studying the bioactive compounds present in the edible leaves of Annona cherimola Mill., Ipomoea batata (L.) Poir., Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Eriobotrya japonica, Cymbopogon citratus, Psidium guajava (L.), and Smallanthus sonchifolius to evaluate their effects on the mechanisms involved in obesity.
Insights
Global obesity is rising, impacting over a billion people. This review explores how bioactive compounds in specific edible plants may combat obesity by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Global obesity rates are increasing, with over one billion individuals affected and significant mortality.
- Obesity is a chronic disease involving adipose tissue alterations, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Pro-inflammatory responses involve B cells, M1 macrophages, and cytokine imbalance, while oxidative stress involves reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioactive compounds in seven edible plants: Annona cherimola, Ipomoea batata, Colocasia esculenta, Eriobotrya japonica, Cymbopogon citratus, Psidium guajava, and Smallanthus sonchifolius.
- To evaluate the potential of these plant compounds in mitigating obesity-related mechanisms.
- To explore natural interventions for managing obesity through diet and lifestyle.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on the selected edible plants and their bioactive compounds.
- Analysis of the proposed mechanisms by which these compounds may affect inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Focus on compounds that can reduce pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Main Results:
- The selected plants contain bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- These compounds may help modulate immune responses, shifting from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory states.
- Dietary intake of these plants could contribute to reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage associated with obesity.
Conclusions:
- Edible plants like Annona cherimola and Psidium guajava possess bioactive compounds that may offer therapeutic benefits for obesity.
- Lifestyle changes, including diet rich in these plant compounds, can help manage obesity by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Further research into these plant-derived compounds is warranted for developing novel obesity management strategies.
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