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Rosemary extract: Recent advances and perspectives - Carnosic acid stimulates skeletal muscle cell glucose uptake via AMPK activation

At Porto Polyphenols Congress 2016, Pr. Evangelia Litsa Tsiani from the Department of Health Sciences at Brock University in Ontario, Canada, will speak about Rosemary extract: Recent advances and perspectives - Carnosic acid stimulates skeletal muscle cell glucose uptake via AMPK activation.

In her recent studies, Pr. Tsiani concludes the following: Compounds that increase the activity of the energy sensor AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) have the potential to regulate blood glucose levels. Rosemary extract (RE) has been reported to activate AMPK and reduce blood glucose levels in vivo.
In the present study, we measured the levels of the polyphenol carnosic acid (CA) in RE and examined the effects and the mechanism of action of CA on glucose transport system in muscle cells.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the levels of CA in RE. Parental and GLUT4myc or GLUT1myc overexpressing L6 rat myotubes were used. Glucose uptake was assessed using [3H]-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Total and phosphorylated levels of Akt and AMPK were measured by immunoblotting.  Plasma membrane GLUT4myc and GLUT1myc levels were examined using a GLUT translocation assay.
At concentrations found in rosemary extract, CA stimulated glucose uptake in L6 myotubes. At 2.0 µM CA a response (226±9.62% of control, p<0.001), similar to maximum insulin (201±7.86%, p<0.001) and metformin (213±10.74%, p<0.001) was seen. Insulin sensitivity was increase by CA. Akt phosphorylation was not affected by CA while AMPK phosphorylation was increased and the CA-stimulated glucose uptake was significantly reduced by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. Plasma membrane GLUT4 or GLUT1 glucose transporter levels were not affected by CA.
Our study is the first to show increased muscle cell glucose uptake and AMPK activation by low CA concentrations, found in rosemary extract, indicating that CA may be responsible for the anti-hyperglycemic properties of rosemary extract seen in vivo.

Mediterranean diet, dietary polyphenols and low-grade inflammation

At Porto Polyphenols World Congress, Dr. George Pounis from IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Italy will talk about Mediterranean diet, dietary polyphenols and low-grade inflammation: results from the Moli-sani study.

Dr. Pounis summarizes that dietary polyphenol should be appreciated as an important nutrient component of Mediterranean diet. Data from the Moli-sani Study, a population-based cohort study of 24.325 people living in the Molise region in Italy, support that flavonoid and lignan intake is negatively associated with a range of low-grade inflammation biomarkers. In addition, the elaboration of holistic/multi-dimensional approaches in the evaluation of the overall polyphenol content of diet and the low-grade inflammation status, confirmed these associations in a novel way and in a large epidemiological scale.

Fermentation of bioactive solid lipid nanoparticles by human gut microbiota

Pr. Raquel Madureira, from Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Portugal, will highlight the subject Fermentation of bioactive solid lipid nanoparticles by human gut microbiota, in her presentation at Porto Polyphenols 2016.

Pr. Madureira concludes her recent studies as follows: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) can be used for the oral delivery of phenolic compounds in order to protect them from the harsh conditions of digestion and improve their bioavailability in the intestinal epithelium. Recently, the production and characterization of SLN loaded with rosmarinic acid and herbal extracts was performed for future use as functional food ingredients. On the other hand, a hot topic of the moment is the knowledge that diet components have a huge impact on gut microbiota viability and metabolic activity. Hence, this communication concerns the study of the effect of SLN and released phenolic compounds on gut microbiota. I will make an overview on the results of the fermentations in anaerobic batch cultures using volunteer human faeces during 48 h. The impact of these phenolic compounds free and encapsulated in SLN on the main gut bacterial groups population and metabolic activities will be discussed.

Anthocyanins and cellular redox signaling: Nrf2 and NF-kB as targets

Pr. Francesco Cimino from the University of Messina, Italy, will talk about Anthocyanins and cellular redox signaling: Nrf2 and NF-kB as targets at Porto Polyphenols World Congress.

According to Pr. Cimino, reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve important physiological functions in host defense, and constitute an important second messenger in cell signaling transduction, but several chronic pathological conditions are associated with a status of oxidative stress, that is an unbalance between ROS formation and antioxidant availability. Many plant antioxidants, have been shown able to prevent free radical-related diseases by counteracting cell oxidative stress. However it is now considered that the in vivo beneficial effects of these phytochemicals are unlikely to be explained just by their antioxidant capability.

To register for the conference, please find more information here: http://polyphenols-site.com/registration.

Natural and Bioinspired Polyphenols with Antioxidant Properties for Health and Food Applications

Pr. Alessandra Napolitano from University of Naples "Federico II" of Italy will present on Natural and Bioinspired Polyphenols with Antioxidant Properties for Health and Food Applications.

According to Pr. Napolitano, the search for novel antioxidants to be used to prevent/control food deterioration or as adjuvants in the treatment of oxidative stress based pathologies has recently spurred considerable interest. In this connection natural compounds and particularly polyphenols that can be easily obtained from accessible vegetable sources or even agricultural wastes are nowadays extensively investigated. The chemopreventive action exerted by polyphenols belonging to the hydroxycinnamate, catechol, catechin, and stilbene groups against the cellular damages brought about by reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also by the reactive nitrosating/nitrating species (RNS) generated in the acidic environment of the stomach from dietary and endogenous nitrite ions is largely documented.

Extracting polyphenols: trying to get the best

Professor Patrícia Valentão from Universidade do Porto, Portugal will present Extracting polyphenols: trying to get the best.

According to Pr. Valentão, nature has been a prolific source of interesting compounds for many years. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in both terrestrial and marine organisms. They are grouped in several classes resulting from acetate and/or shikimate pathways, being recognized for having a wide array of biological properties. Nevertheless, the exploitation of many plant materials and marine organisms as sources of these compounds is still reduced, due to the lack of popularity or commercial interest. The suitable extraction procedure depends on the class of compounds and on the matrix in which they are contained. Case studies, involving different procedures to obtain bioactive natural extracts enriched in phenolic compounds from distinct classes, will be focused. Terrestrial and marine-derived extracts, containing phlorotannins, flavonoids and cinnamoyl derivatives, and their interference in SNC and gastrointestinal disorders, skin aging and fungal infections will be presented.

For more information about the congress please visit: www.polyphenols-site.com.

Systemic absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability of dietary procyanidins in pigs

Professor Hans-Ulrich Humpf from the Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster of Germany will present Systemic absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability of dietary procyanidins in pigs.

According to Pr. Humpf, procyanidins are oligomers of catechin and epicatechin and they can be found in a large number of foods including various fruits. The daily consumption is estimated to be in the range of approximately 50 mg. Procyanidins are described to exhibit beneficial health effects, however the knowledge about their absorption and meta-bolic fate is rather limited. To study the systemic absorption and metabolism of pro-cyani¬dins a kinetic study with pigs was performed as they have a gastro-intestinal tract very similar to humans. After oral application of a procyanidin extract or a single dose of pure procyanidin B4 to pigs urine and plasma samples were collected and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. The results clearly indicate the absorption of low molecular weight procyanidins (dimers and trimers) in the nanomolar range and their metabolism to small phenolic degradation products during the passage of the gastro-intestinal tract.

For mor information about the congress please visit: www.polyphenols-site.com.

Neuroprotective Role of Natural Polyphenols: a Look to the Potentiality of Elderberry Extracts

Dr. Carmela Spagnuolo from the Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council in Italy will talk about Neuroprotective Role of Natural Polyphenols: a Look to the Potentiality of Elderberry Extracts.

According to Dr. Spagnuolo, neurodegenerative diseases cause a progressive functional alteration of neuronal systems, resulting in a state of dementia which is considered one of the most common psychiatric disorders of the elderly. Polyphenols may behave as potential neuroprotective agents, since their ability to influence and modulate key cellular processes implicated in neurodegeneration. Several studies show the promising neuroprotective effects of herbal compounds (e.g., (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and others) or extracts (e.g. tea polyphenols). Berries represent a rich source of flavonoids and among them, we showed that Sambucus nigra extract possesses elevated polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity.

For more information about this congress please visit: www.polyphenols-site.com.

Industrial dosage forms to improve the oral bioavailability of resveratrol

We are pleased to welcome Professor Teófilo Vasconcelos from INEB-I3S of University of Porto in Portugal at the 10th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications: Porto Polyphenols 2016.
During this congress, Pr. Vasconcelos will talk about the industrial dosage forms to improve the oral bioavailability of resveratrol.

According to Pr. Vasconcelos, polyphenols are interesting compounds that present several difficulties in oral administration. The proposed presentation intends to highlight the challenges of developing pharmaceutical products containing Polyphenols. In particular, drug delivery approaches that can be used to overcome and/or potentiate the Polyphenols drug properties will be presented.

For more information about the congress please visit: www.polyphenols-site.com.

The hormetic role of redox-active polyphenols in human health and disease

Dr. José Teixeira from Universidade do Porto in Portugal  will talk about the hormetic role of redox-active polyphenols in human health and disease.

According to Dr Teixeira, polyphenols are well-known antioxidant molecules, which present different mechanisms at several subcellular compartments.
- Polyphenols, in its oxidized quinone form, may act as potent regulators of the cellular redox status.
- Mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse, adapt to environmental factors by producing effectors that activate multiple pathways related to oxidative stress balance.
- Targeting mitochondria with therapeutic agents is an effective therapeutic strategy in human health and disease.
- Re-designing natural products and improving intracellular addressing can be a promising strategy to improve the cellular antioxidant status and contribute to decrease oxidative stress.

For more information about the congress please visit www.polyphenols-site.com.

Are polyphenols strong dietary agents against neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration?

According a recent study published by Dr. Branca Maria Silva from the University of Beira Interior, Portugal, the polyphenols can be considered as strong dietary agents against against neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration?

In this study which will be presented during Porto Polyphenols World Congress 2016, Dr Silva discussed whether polyphenols obtained from diet or food supplements are an effective strategy to prevent or treat neurodegeneration. She also discussed the safety, mechanisms of action, and the current and future relevance of polyphenols in clinical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 

For more information about this study, don't hesitate to register on www.polyphenols-site.com

ELKEN was awarded for the Best Innovative Ingredient 2015

During Malta Polyphenols 2015, Dr Pierluiggi Vitti, from Hospital St James, Malta presented a talk about " Elken Fermented Spirulina for Anti-Inflammation and Liver Protection "
 
The scientific committee awarded Elken Innovation Centre, AK Tan for Elken fermented spirulina as the Best Innovative Ingredient 2015.
 

On behalf of Malta Polyphenols 2015

http://www.polyphenols-site.com/

Pr Richard Maroun from the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut was awarded for his scientific contribution during Malta Polyphenols 2015

During the 9th World Congress on Polyphenols Applications held in Malta between June 3 and 5, 2015 Pr. Maroun, a member of the steering committee of the congress was awarded for his scientific contribution. 

His presentation focusef on "Optimization of Polyphenols Extraction from Wine Shoots & Grape Pomace".

On behalf of ISANH and Polyphenols Committee, we congratulate Pr. Maroun for this award.

Malta Polyphenols Team
www.polyphenols-site.com

Professor Elke Richling will talk about investigating the biological effects of Anthocyanins from Fruits

Pr. Elke Richling, professor in Kaiserslautern university in Germany, will talk about the investigations of the biological effects of Anthocyanins during Malta Polyphenols World Congress on June 3-5, 2015, in St Julian's, Malta.

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The Scientific Committee is pleased to announce that Pr Rufian Henares will present the Antioxidants Activity of Polyphenols in Food & Human Plasma

Pr Rufian Henares will describe the Antioxidants Activity of Polyphenols in Food & Human Plasma: Towards a ISANH Standard, during Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015 held on June 3-5, 2015, in St Julian's, Malta.

"The assessment of antioxidant capacity of those polyphenols or metabolites present in foods and plasma is a hot topic due to the direct relationship with human health and different analytical issues. The present lecture will show current approaches to develop a standardized protocol to measure the antioxidant activity of digested foodstuffs as well as plasma samples. The solubilization constrains of polyphenols during food extraction will be discussed as well as the different analytical approaches for in vitro measurement of antioxidant capacity with relevant physiological radicals."

To know more about the Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015, please click here.

Malta Polyphenols Team
www.polyphenols-site.com

Pr. Chrubasik-Hausmann will present Clinical Importance of Polyphenol Analyses in Functional Food during Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015

Pr. Sigrun Chrubasik-Hausmann, specialist in general practice, will talk about clinical importance of Polyphenol Analyses in Functional Food during Malta Polyphenols World Congress on June 3-5, 2015, in St Julian's, Malta.

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A special session, chaired by Pr Reinhold Carle, and dedicated to Natural Pigments & Colorants 2015: Food & Beverages Applications is organized during Malta Polyphenols World Congress

The Scientific Committee of Malta Polyphenols organizes a special session dedicated to Natural Pigments & Colorants: Food & Beverage Applications.

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Pr Erdogan Orhan from the Gazi University will present Polyphenol Derivatives as Potent Tyrosinase Inhibitors during Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015

During the Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015, held between June 3-5, Pr. Erdogan Orhan from the Gazi University will present the potent action of Polyphenol Derivatives as Tyrosinase Inhibitors.

"Polyphenols are an abundant chemical class of secondary metabolites in the plant kingdom with desired pharmacological activities for human health. The main function of tyrosinase (TYR, EC 1.14.18.1), a member of polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) having dinuclear copper centers, is known to catalyze browning reactions in vegetables and fruits due to the oxidation and dehydrogenation reactions of polyphenols and, therefore, inhibition of TYR is critical in food industry. Besides, inhibitors of TYR are widely employed in skin-whitening (bleaching) products in cosmetics industry and for the treatment of melanoma. More recently, TYR inhibitors have been searched for the possible treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In this talk, polyphenol type of TYR inhibitors will be discussed."

To know more about Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015, please click here.

Dr Gerhäuser will talk about the impact of soy isoflavones on the epigenome in breast cancer prevention during Malta Polyphenols World Congres 2015

In Malta on June 3-5, during Polyphenols World Congres 2015, Dr Gerhäuser will talk about the impact of soy isoflavones on the epigenome in breast cancer prevention.

"Within the past decade, polyphenols from various dietary sources have been shown to directly target enzymatic activities or modulate expression of enzymes involved in epigenetic gene regulation by influencing DNA methylation, chromatin structure or expression of non-coding (micro) RNAs. These effects might contribute to their chemopreventive potential mediated by effects on signal transduction mediated by nuclear receptors and transcription factors such as NF-kB, cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, cellular differentiation, DNA repair, apoptosis induction, cell motility, metastasis formation, and cellular senescence. So far, evidence of in vivo epigenetic activities in animal models and human pilot studies and its relevance for chemopreventive efficacy is limite."

To know more about Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015: www.polyphenols-site.com

Pr Vanden Berghe will give a talk on the role of dietary lifestyle choices in the healthy aging mechanisms during Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015

Pr Vanden Berghe will give a talk during the Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015 held between June 3-5.

"Nowadays, epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA regulation may provide an explanation for the strong interindividual variation in disease risk factors underlying CVD. Dietary lifestyle may strongly affect CVD risk by metabolic (re)programming of our epigenome in utero, after birth or during life. In contrast to genetic mutations, the plasticity of CVD related epigenetic changes makes them attractive candidates for nutritional prevention. The involvement of epigenetic alterations in atherosclerosis will be discussed in relation to the epigenetic impact of a cocoa flavanol diet intervention in the context of personalized nutrition and cardioprotection."

The presentation of Pr Vanden Berghe will discuss the if epigenetics is the key to a personalized nutrition and how to transform inflammaging to healthy aging by dietary lifestyle.

To know more about Malta Polyphenols World Congress 2015, click here.