Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease and its prevalence has risen sharply. However, whether nutrition, dietary strategies, exercise, lifestyle and environment have preventive value for NAFLD remains unclear.

Through searching 4 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library) from inception to January 2025, we selected studies about nutrition, dietary strategies, exercise, lifestyle and environment in the prevention of NAFLD and conducted a narrative review on this topic.

Reasonable nutrient intake encompassing macronutrients and micronutrients have an independent protective relationship with NAFLD. Besides, proper dietary strategies including mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting diet, ketogenic diet, and dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet have their inhibitory effects on the developmental process of NAFLD. Moreover, right exercises including walking, jogging, bicycling, and swimming are recommended for the prevention of NAFLD because they could effectively reduce weight, which is an important risk factor for NAFLD, and improve liver function. In addition, embracing a healthy lifestyle including reducing sedentary behavior, not smoking, sleeping well and brushing teeth regularly is integral since it not only could reduce the risk of NAFLD but also significantly contribute to overall prevention and control. Finally, the environment, including the social and natural environments, plays a potential role in NAFLD prevention.

Nutrition, dietary strategies, exercise, lifestyle and environment play an important role in the prevention of NAFLD. Moreover, this review offers comprehensive prevention recommendations for people at high risk of NAFLD.

Both protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) are reliant on active-site cysteines stabilized by adjacent amino acids. We reasoned that redox-active compounds might interfere with both enzymes by acting in the vicinity of these reactive sites thus interfering with viral replication and thrombus formation. Our previous screen of 1019 flavonoids identified several compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.

Our goal was to identify phytochemical inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro that block thiol isomerases and are antithrombotic.

PDI, ERp57, ERp5, ERp46, isolated domains of PDI, and PDI mutants were used to evaluate the effects of galloylated polyphenols and their analogs on thiol isomerase reductase activity. Laser-injury and ferric chloride models of thrombus formation and a tail snip assay were used to assess the effects on thrombosis and hemostasis.

Pinocembrin 7-O-(3''-galloyl-4'',6''-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl)-β-D-glucose (PGHG) inhibited both PDI and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Evaluation of isolated PDI fragments and active-site cysteine mutants showed that PGHG acts at the catalytic domains. Structure-function studies showed that PGHG interacts with histidines within the Cys53-Gly54-His55-Cys56 motifs of PDI. PGHG was equally active against other thiol isomerases, including ERp57, ERp5, ERp72, and ERp46. Screening numerous galloylated polyphenols demonstrated a class effect on thiol isomerase inhibition. Structure-activity relationships indicated that the galloyl moieties within large galloylated polyphenols were important for their inhibitory activity. PGHG and punicalagin were antithrombotic in murine models of thrombus formation.

Galloylated polyphenols represent a large class of antithrombotic compounds with broad activity against thiol isomerases. Many of these compounds also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and viral replication.

Background/Objectives: Increased dietary antioxidant capacity is a good means of lowering oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk. Established antioxidant capacity doses should be tested using dietary intervention. Methods: We analysed the influence of a high-antioxidant-capacity diet on oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory and lipid profile in CVD (cardiovascular disease) subjects with initially low (LowA) and high (HighA) antioxidant capacity markers. It was an experimental study with a 6-week dietary intervention (DI). Forty-eight CVD patients completed the DI. Blood and urine samples were collected, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Dietary data were collected using a multi-day food record method. α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and retinol were chosen as antioxidant capacity markers; F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoP), oxidised low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), and uric acid (UA) were used as OS markers; and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins (hs-CRP) were used as inflammatory markers. Total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides (TCHOL, LDL, HDL, TRI) as lipid profiles were analysed. Two groups of subjects with LowA and HighA profiles were identified. Results: The total dietary antioxidant capacity intake during DI was increased by 56%. In the total sample, the DI increased β-carotene, retinol, and UA, and decreased IL-6 oxLDL. The LowA group exhibited increased β-carotene, α-tocopherol, retinol, and decreased IL-6. The HighA group exhibited increased β-carotene and decreased IL-6, F2-IsoP, oxLDL, and oxLDL/LDL ratio. In the HighA group, compared to the LowA group, greater decreases in α-tocopherol and F2-IsoP were found. In both groups, inflammatory markers (IL-6) decreased, and β-carotene increased. Conclusions: The DI results depended on the antioxidant capacity profile at baseline; nevertheless, the established DI including selected antioxidative snacks significantly decrease oxidative stress and improve antioxidant capacity. Further research on diet natural antioxidant supplementation needs to be continued.

The benefits of tea consumption as a special diet for health and life satisfaction have attracted considerable attention; however, it is not clear whether the effect of tea consumption on self-rated health (SRH) and self-rated life satisfaction (SRL) is equal among all types of tea, and it is unclear whether these associations are impacted by gender and age in older adults. This study aimed to examine the associations between tea consumption, SRH and SRL in older adults and to explore the role of gender and age. Participants aged 65-105 (N = 78,345) were interviewed in the years 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2018 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). Generalized estimation equations (GEE) with the identity link function were adopted to estimate the cross-sectional associations of tea consumption with SRH and SRL. GEE with the logic link function were used to explore the longitudinal associations of tea consumption with SRH decline and SRL decline. Drinking tea at present, especially scented tea, was significantly associated with better SRH and SRL for older adults. Male participants benefited more from tea consumption than females, and the protective effect of green tea consumption on improving SRH and SRL in males was evident. Older adults aged 90-105 with current tea consumption daily had better SRH and reduced risk of SRL decline.

Food factors elicit physiological effects by interfering with the central dogma system, including DNA methylation, replication, transcription, and translation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding short RNAs that are ∼20 nucleotides long and play a crucial role in the regulation of mRNA levels and translation processes. Importantly, miRNAs can be delivered to different locations in nanovesicles. However, little is known about their roles as mediators of the effects of food factors. This review introduces recent findings on the role of miRNAs in the beneficial effects of food factors, including green tea polyphenols and soybean isoflavones, and discusses the importance of miRNAs as mediators of the beneficial effects of food.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with oxidative stress playing a pivotal role in its progression. Free radicals produced via oxidative stress contribute to lipid peroxidation, leading to subsequent inflammatory responses, which then result in atherosclerosis. Antioxidants inhibit these harmful effects through their reducing ability, thereby preventing oxidative damage. In this study, we introduce computational models simulating hydrophilic and hydrophobic serum environments. We optimized the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) assay at a microscale level to evaluate the antioxidant activity of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and catechin, a phytochemical found in green tea, in normal and hypertriglyceridemic serum. Hypertriglyceridemic serum, characterized by increased hydrophobic lipid content, provides a model to examine the impact of serum triglycerides on antioxidant activity. Additionally, we employed computational models using the Gaussian software to simulate the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism, calculating free energy changes and bond dissociation energy (BDE) to assess the antioxidant potency of the studied compounds in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environments. The computational results align with the experimental finding offering a unique combinatorial approach to assess antioxidant activity in both normal and hypertriglyceridemic serum, with potential implications for clinical interventions.

To investigate the associations of tea consumption with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Chinese patients.

The present study included 15 718 participants from the Comprehensive Research on the Prevention and Control of Diabetes between 2013 and 2014 in Jiangsu, China. Information on tea consumption (including frequency, amount, and duration) was collected at baseline using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Death data were identified by linkage to the Death Certificate System. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

During a median follow-up of 9.77 (9.69, 9.82) years, 3046 deaths were documented, including 922 from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 736 from cancer. Compared with nonconsumers, regular tea consumption (≥ 3 times/week, 1 cup/day, > 30 years) was associated with reduced all-cause mortality risk in T2DM, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.82 (0.74, 0.91), 0.80 (0.72, 0.89), and 0.77 (0.68, 0.86). For cardiovascular mortality, the HRs (95% CIs) were 0.79 (0.65, 0.96), 0.72 (0.59, 0.89), and 0.75 (0.60, 0.93). The exposure-response relationship suggested that consuming 4 g/day may offer the most evident health benefits.

Among Chinese T2DM patients, higher tea frequency and amount intake were associated with lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. It is suggested that consuming 4 g/day of tea could potentially serve as an intervention target. These findings suggest that tea consumption can be a part of a healthy diet for T2DM patients.

Purple tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is a distinct variety of Camellia sinensis known for its bioactive compounds, including caffeine, catechins, and a unique compound called 1,2-di-Galloyl-4,6-Hexahydroxydiphenoyl-β-D-Glucose, (GHG) found predominantly in purple tea leaves, which shows potential in obesity management. Studies have indicated that these bioactive compounds play a significant role in reducing BMI and body weight among obese patients. This review focuses on how GHG impacts body weight and BMI in obese patients. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Science Direct, Semantic Scholar, Wiley, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases up to 2024. The search employed both single keywords (e.g., 'purple tea', 'GHG', 'obesity') and multiple keyword combinations (e.g., 'purple tea and obesity', 'GHG and weight loss') related to purple tea, GHG, obesity, BMI, and clinical studies. The database search yielded 246 articles, with 173 articles retained after removing duplicates and studies published before 1999. This systematic approach aimed to gather comprehensive data on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential therapeutic applications of purple tea. The investigation revealed that GHG operates through multiple mechanisms, such as inhibiting pancreatic lipase to reduce fat absorption, suppressing adipogenesis and lipogenesis, and preventing fatty tissue formation. Clinical investigations demonstrated significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and body weight among individuals consuming purple tea extracts with high GHG levels. Additional metabolic benefits include increased energy expenditure, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced glucose metabolism regulation. While more comprehensive research is needed to fully elucidate the optimal dosage and long-term effects, current evidence suggests that GHG from purple tea could be a valuable natural intervention in the multifaceted approach to obesity management.

Atrial fibrosis is one of the main causes of the onset and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), for which there is no effective treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on AF in rats.

The rat model of AF was established by rapid pacing induction after angiotensin-II (Ang-II) induced atrial fibrosis to verify the relationship between atrial fibrosis and the AF. The expression levels of TGF-β/Smad3 pathway molecules and lysyl oxidase (LOX) in AF were detected. Subsequently, EGCG was used to intervene Ang-II-induced atrial fibrosis to explore the role of EGCG in the treatment of AF and its inhibitory mechanism on fibrosis. It was further verified that EGCG inhibited the production of collagen and the expression of LOX through the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway at the cellular level.

The results showed that the induction rate and maintenance time of AF in rats increased with the increase of the degree of atrial fibrosis. Meanwhile, the expressions of Col I, Col III, molecules related to TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, and LOX increased significantly in the atrial tissues of rats in the Ang-II induced group. EGCG could reduce the occurrence and maintenance time of AF by inhibiting the degree of Ang-induced rat atrial fibrosis. Cell experiments confirmed that EGCG could reduce the synthesis of collagen and the expression of LOX in cardiac fibroblast induced by Ang-II. The possible mechanism is to down-regulate the expression of genes and proteins related to the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway.

EGCG could downregulate the expression levels of collagen and LOX by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway, alleviating Ang-II-induced atrial fibrosis, which in turn inhibited the occurrence and curtailed the duration of AF.

Vascular aging, marked by alterations in the structure and function of blood vessels, including heightened arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function, is linked to a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular and age-associated pathological conditions. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key stimulation factors in vascular aging. Engaging in healthy dietary habits could enhance the functioning of blood vessels. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review of the evidence regarding the relationship between food regimens, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements and vascular health. A search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, was performed. Experimental and observational studies evaluating the association between food groups, nutraceuticals, supplements, and endothelial function and/or arterial stiffness were deemed eligible for this narrative review. Based on the current body of the included studies, food groups, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements may not demonstrate superiority over placebos in enhancing markers of vascular health. To obtain more reliable evidence on the effectiveness of interventions in vascular health, additional RCTs with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and multi-center participation are necessary. Enhancing the credibility of these RCTs requires better control of dietary variables and more precise measurement of vascular health markers.

Daily lifestyle plays a vital role in modifying the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Our daily life isn't inseparable from nutrition intake. As such, tea and coffee are often regarded as the most consumed beverages worldwide. There have been a lot of debates on the adverse effects and benefits of consuming these popular beverages. This comprehensive review explores the different types of tea and coffee and their mechanism of action. It delves deeper into their roles in reducing CVD risk, aiding CVD recovery, lowering CVD mortality, and their varying effects across populations and regions.

An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed. Relevant articles were identified through cross-referencing and manual searches. Excluded from the study were commentaries, case reports, clinical vignettes, and non-English articles.

Tea and coffee contain varying levels of caffeine and other bioactive compounds with cardioprotective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and more. Genetic factors further modulate their effects. Tea flavonoids benefit cholesterol, blood pressure, and endothelial function, while coffee constituents impact oxidative stress, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and gut flora. Moderate consumption of both beverages may offer cardiovascular benefits, but outcomes vary depending on populations and conditions. Tea and coffee consumption may influence CVD recovery by reducing mortality and improving survival, however, it must be noted that it has the potential to be harmful to some individuals.

Evidence suggests that moderate consumption of these beverages may be linked to reduced cardiovascular mortality, although individual characteristics and pre-existing conditions can influence outcomes. Excessive caffeine consumption, found in both beverages, may pose risks such as arrhythmias, hypertension, and cardiovascular mortality in CVD patients, with a dose-dependent nature. Future research should delve into mechanisms, genetic factors, and diverse cultural impacts of its use. Health care providers should consider individual characteristics when advising on tea and coffee consumption in the context of cardiovascular health.

Approximately one-third of the patients with diabetes worldwide suffer from neuropathic pain, mainly categorized by spontaneous and stimulus-induced pain. Microglia are a class of immune effector cells residing in the central nervous system and play a pivotal role in diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). Microglia specifically respond to hyperglycemia along with inflammatory cytokines and adenosine triphosphate produced during hyperglycemic damage to nerve fibers. Because of the presence of multiple receptors on the microglial surface, microglia are dynamically and highly responsive to their immediate environment. Following peripheral sensitization caused by hyperglycemia, microglia are affected by the cascade of inflammatory factors and other substances and respond accordingly, resulting in a change in their functional state for DNP pathogenesis. Inhibition of receptors such as P2X reporters, reducing cytokine expression levels in the microglial reactivity mechanisms, and inhibiting their intracellular signaling pathways can effectively alleviate DNP. A variety of drugs attenuate DNP by inhibiting the aforementioned processes induced by microglial reactivity. In this review, we summarize the pathological mechanisms by which microglia promote and maintain DNP, the drugs and therapeutic techniques available, and the latest advances in this field.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is a commonly used antibiotic in aquaculture, and its residues in water bodies pose a significant threat to aquatic organisms in the water environment. In the present study, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catecholamine, was used to mitigate the immunotoxicity caused by SMZ exposure in Procambarus clarkii. EGCG reduced the apoptosis rate, which was elevated by SMZ exposure, and increased the total hemocyte count. Simultaneously, EGCG enhanced the activities of enzymes related to antibacterial and antioxidant activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), and GSH, which were decreased following SMZ exposure. Hepatopancreatic histology confirmed that EGCG ameliorated SMZ-induced tissue damage caused by SMZ exposure. In addition to EGCG attenuating SMZ-induced immunotoxicity in crayfish, we determined that EGCG can effectively reduce SMZ residues in crayfish exposed to SMZ. In addition, at the genetic level, the expression levels of genes related to the immune response in hemocytes were disrupted after SMZ exposure, and EGCG promoted their recovery and stimulated an increase in the expression levels of metabolism-related transcripts in hemocytes. The transcriptome analysis was conducted, and "phagosome" and "apoptosis" pathways were shown to be highlighted using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to confirm that EGCG attenuates SMZ-induced immunotoxicity in aquatic animals and reduces SMZ residues in aquatic animals exposed to SMZ. Our study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms by which EGCG reduces the immunotoxicity of antibiotic residues in aquatic animals.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a favorite drink worldwide. Tea extracts and green tea main component (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are recommended for various vascular diseases. Anji white tea is a very popular green tea. Its vascular effect profile, the mechanisms, and the contribution of EGCG to its integrated effect need elucidation.

To characterize the vasomotion effects of Anji white tea and EGCG, and to explore possible involvement of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) and voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels in their vasomotion effects.

Anji white tea water soaking solution (AJWT) was prepared as daily tea-making process and concentrated to a concentration amounting to 200 mg/ml of dry tea leaves. The tension of rat arteries including aorta, coronary artery (RCA), cerebral basilar artery (CBA), intrarenal artery (IRA), intrapulmonary artery (IPA) and mesenteric artery (MA) was recorded with myographs. In arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) freshly isolated from RCA, the levels of intracellular Ca2+ were measured with Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe fluo 4-AM, and Kv currents were recorded with patch clamp. The expressions of VGCCs and Kv channels were assayed with RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining.

At 0.4-12.8 mg/ml of dry tea leaves, AJWT profoundly relaxed all tested arteries precontracted with various vasoconstrictors about half with a small transient potentiation on the precontractions before the relaxation. KCl-induced precontraction was less sensitive than precontractions induced by phenylephrine (PE), U46619 and serotonin (5-HT). IPA was less sensitive to the relaxation compared with other arteries. AJWT pretreatment for 1 h, 24 h and 72 h time-dependently inhibited the contractile responses of RCAs. In sharp contrast, at equivalent concentrations according to its content in AJWT, EGCG intensified the precontractions in most small arteries, except that it induced relaxation in PE-precontracted aorta and MA, U46619-precontracted aorta and CBA. EGCG pretreatment for 1 h and 24 h did not significantly affect RCA contractile responses. In RCA ASMCs, AJWT reduced, while EGCG enhanced, intracellular Ca2+ elevation induced by depolarization which activates VGCCs. Patch clamp study showed that both AJWT and EGCG reduced Kv currents. RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that both AJWT and EGCG reduced the expressions of VGCCs and Kv channels.

AJWT, but not EGCG, consistently induces vasorelaxation. The vasomotion effects of either AJWT or EGCG vary with arterial beds and vasoconstrictors. Modulation of VGCCs, but not Kv channels, contributes to AJWT-induced vasorelaxation. It is suggested that Anji white tea water extract instead of EGCG may be a promising food supplement for vasospastic diseases.

Medial arterial calcification (MAC) accompanying chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to increased vessel wall stiffness, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, there are currently no drugs available to treat MAC. The natural polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been demonstrated to protect against cardiovascular disease; however, whether EGCG supplementation inhibits MAC in CKD remains unclear. In this study, we utilize a CKD-associated MAC model to investigate the effects of EGCG on vascular calcification and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. Our findings demonstrate that EGCG treatment significantly reduces calcium phosphate deposition and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs in vivo and in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, we show a significant activation of the transcription factor JunB both in CKD mouse arteries and in osteoblast-like VSMCs. Notably, EGCG effectively suppresses CKD-associated MAC by inhibiting the activity of JunB. In addition, overexpression of JunB can abolish while knockdown of JunB can enhance the inhibitory effect of EGCG on the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs. Furthermore, EGCG supplementation inhibits MAC in CKD via modulation of the JunB-dependent Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential therapeutic value of EGCG for managing CKD-associated MAC, as it mitigates this pathological process through targeted inactivation of JunB.

The association between tea consumption and kidney stones is inconsistent in observational studies. Thus, we performed a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to identify this association.

The prospective cohort studies reporting the relationship between tea consumption and kidney stones were searched from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to December 1, 2023. For MR analysis, the summary-level data for tea consumption and kidney stones were extracted from the UK Biobank available data and the 8th release of the FinnGen consortium, respectively. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary analytical method.

In our dose-response meta-analysis, four prospective cohort studies involving 1,263,008 participants were included, and tea consumption was found to have significant associations with kidney stones (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.87). We also observed a substantially linear negative relationship between tea consumption and the risk of kidney stones. In MR analysis, the IVW method indicated that tea consumption was inversely associated with kidney stones (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.94).

Our study confirmed a causal relationship between tea consumption and kidney stones, and higher tea consumption may reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Green tea intake has been reported to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with cardiovascular diseases or cancer. It may have a certain role in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among cancer patients. The current study aimed to address this issue, which has been understudied.

We carried out a retrospective study to explore the role of green tea intake in cancer patients. Patients with and without green tea intake were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio by using propensity scoring matching. The primary and secondary outcomes were VTE development and mortality 1 year after cancer diagnosis, respectively.

The cancer patients with green tea intake (n = 425) had less VTE development (10 [2.4%] vs. 23 [5.4%], p = 0.021), VTE-related death (7 [1.6%] vs. 18 [4.2%], p = 0.026), and fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) (3 [0.7%] vs. 12 [2.8%], p = 0.019), compared with those without green tea intake (n = 425). No intake of green tea was correlated with an increase in VTE development (multivariate hazard ratio (HR) 1.758 [1.476-2.040], p < 0.001) and VTE-related mortality (HR 1.618 [1.242-1.994], p = 0.001), compared with green tea intake. Patients with green tea intake less than 525 mL per day had increased VTE development (area under the curve (AUC) 0.888 [0.829-0.947], p < 0.001; HR1.737 [1.286-2.188], p = 0.001) and VTE-related mortality (AUC 0.887 [0.819-0.954], p < 0.001; HR 1.561 [1.232-1.890], p = 0.016) than those with green tea intake more than 525 mL per day. Green tea intake caused a decrease in platelet (p < 0.001) instead of D-dimer (p = 0.297). The all-cause mortality rates were similar between green tea (39 [9.2%]) and non-green tea (48 [11.3%]) intake groups (p = 0.308), whereas the VTE-related mortality rate in the green tea intake group (7 [1.6%]) was lower than that of the non-green tea intake group (18 [4.2%]) (p = 0.026). The incidences of adverse events were similar between the green tea and non-green tea intake groups.

In conclusion, the current study suggests that green tea intake reduces VTE development and VTE-related mortality in cancer patients, most likely through antiplatelet mechanisms. Drinking green tea provides the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis for cancer patients.

Anti-inflammatory activities of catechin-rich green tea extract (GTE) in obese rodents protect against metabolic endotoxemia by decreasing intestinal permeability and absorption of gut-derived endotoxin. However, translation to human health has not been established. We hypothesized that GTE would reduce endotoxemia by decreasing gut permeability and intestinal and systemic inflammation in persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS) compared with healthy persons. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in healthy adults (n = 19, 34 ± 2 years) and adults with MetS (n = 21, 40 ± 3 years) examined 4-week administration of a decaffeinated GTE confection (890 mg/d total catechins) on serum endotoxin, intestinal permeability, gut and systemic inflammation, and cardiometabolic parameters. Compared with the placebo, the GTE confection decreased serum endotoxin (P = .023) in both healthy persons and those with MetS, while increasing concentrations of circulating catechins (P < .0001) and γ-valerolactones (P = .0001). Fecal calprotectin (P = .029) and myeloperoxidase (P = .048) concentrations were decreased by GTE regardless of health status. Following the ingestion of gut permeability probes, urinary lactose/mannitol (P = .043) but not sucralose/erythritol (P > .05) was decreased by GTE regardless of health status. No between-treatment differences (P > .05) were observed for plasma aminotransferases, blood pressure, plasma lipids, or body mass nor were plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, or the ratio of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein/soluble cluster of differentiation-14 affected. However, fasting glucose in both study groups was decreased (P = .029) by the GTE confection compared with within-treatment arm baseline concentrations. These findings demonstrate that catechin-rich GTE is effective to decrease circulating endotoxin and improve glycemic control in healthy adults and those with MetS, likely by reducing gut inflammation and small intestinal permeability but without affecting systemic inflammation.

Green tea has been reported to be potentially protective against the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the association between green tea consumption and incident CVD in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with overweight/obesity.

A total of 4756 Chinese overweight/obese T2D patients were recruited and followed up for 6.27 years. Information on green tea consumption was collected at baseline using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident CVD according to green tea consumption were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Compared with non-habitual consumers, participants who consumed > 5 g/day of green tea leaves reduced the risk of CVD by 29% (95%CI: 0.55-0.92), stroke by 30% (95%CI: 0.51-0.95) and coronary heart disease (CHD) by 40% (95%CI: 0.40-0.89). Similarly, participants who consumed green tea for ≥ 40 years reduced the risk of CVD by 31% (95%CI: 0.54-0.88), stroke by 33% (95%CI: 0.50-0.90) and CHD by 39% (95%CI: 0.42-0.88). Among participants with < 5-year history of T2D, > 5 g/day of tea leaves and > 40 years of tea consumption were associated with 59% (95%CI: 0.23-0.72) and 57% (95%CI: 0.26-0.74) reduced risk of stroke, respectively. However, among participants with ≥ 5-year history of T2D, > 5 g/day of tea leaves and > 40 years of tea consumption were associated with a 50% (95%CI: 0.30-0.82) and 46% (95%CI: 0.35-0.85) reduced risk of CHD, respectively.

Green tea consumption is associated with reduced risk of CVD, stroke, and CHD in overweight/obese T2D patients.

There are few studies on the connection between food components and circular RNA (circRNA), a type of noncoding RNA that is significant for living organisms. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) has been reported to have various biological effects, and elucidation of the molecular mechanism is important for clarifying the functionality of EGCG. In the current study, we looked at how EGCG regulates the expression of circRNA in the liver, which expresses a lot of circRNAs. Mice were given EGCG (10 mg/kg b.w.) orally for one week before circRNA microarray testing was done on their livers. The microarray analysis revealed that mice treated with EGCG had altered expression of 35 circRNAs in their livers. To clarify the function of mmu_circRNA_011775, one of the circRNAs upregulated by EGCG, mouse liver cells after the mmu_circRNA_011775 expression vector was transfected into NMuLi cells, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze the gene expression. NGS analysis shows that the expression of the genes responsible for liver fibrosis and inflammation. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that mmu_circRNA_011775 changed the meaning of GO terms associated with the cardiovascular system. In the microarray, EGCG altered 35 genes expression. Among them, pre-ribosomal RNA-derived circRNA mmu_circRNA_011775 regulated the expression of various genes related to liver fibrosis and cardiovascular system.

With the aggravating aging of modern society, the sarcopenia-based aging syndrome poses a serious potential threat to the health of the elderly. Natural dietary supplements show great potential to reduce muscle wasting and enhance muscle performance. Tea has been widely recognized for its health-promoting effects. which contains active ingredients such as tea polyphenols, tea pigments, tea polysaccharides, theanine, caffeine, and vitamins. In different tea production processes, the oxidative condensation and microbial transformation of catechins and other natural substances from tea promotes the production of various tea pigments, including theaflavins (TFs), thearubigins (TRs), and theabrownins (TBs). Tea pigments have shown a positive effect on maintaining muscle health. Nevertheless, the relationship between tea pigments and skeletal muscle function has not been comprehensively elucidated. In addition, the numerous research on the extraction and purification of tea pigments is disordered with the limited recent progress due to the complexity of species and molecular structure. In this review, we sort out the strategies for the separation of tea pigments, and discuss the structures of tea pigments. On this basis, the regulation mechanisms of tea pigments on muscle functional were emphasized. This review highlights the current understanding on the extraction methods, molecular structures and regulation mechanisms of muscle function of tea pigments. Furthermore, main limitations and future perspectives are proposed to provide new insights into broadening theoretical research and industrial applications of tea pigments in the future.

The range of non-alcoholic drinks is very varied both from a compositional point of view and from a caloric and nutritional point of view. The excessive consumption of sweetened non-alcoholic beverages represents an important risk factor for health, especially when it is accompanied by an unbalanced diet and a disordered lifestyle. In order to evaluate the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages correlated with the evaluation of the main lifestyle factors that can affect the state of health among Romanians, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out based on a questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that among the most consumed non-alcoholic drinks are coffee and sweetened carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, which are indicated as being responsible for the development of consumption addictions: 44% for coffee, 16.5% for sweetened or tonic carbonated drinks and 12% for sweetened non-carbonated drinks. Considering that the consumption of coffee is usually associated with sweeteners, there is a risk of excessive caffeine and caloric intake in a context where a lack of exercise predominates (59.98%) among respondents declaring that they do sports rarely or not at all, which can lead, in the long term, to the appearance of imbalances either of a psycho-emotional nature or of a metabolic nature. A significant link was found between sports activity and the environment in which they work (χ2 = 51.33, p = 0.05). Respondents with a daily activity that involves movement (working outdoors, working on a construction site) are also those who usually do sports, while 60.67% of the respondents who work a lot in front of the computer declared that they do sports very rarely or not at all. Reducing the excessive consumption of sweetened drinks can be achieved through an appropriate consumption of water and fruits and by intensifying physical activity as a way of counterbalancing the excess caloric intake.

Dental erosion is a chemical process characterized by acid dissolution of dental hard tissue, and its etiology is multifactorial. Dietary polyphenols can be a strategy for dental erosion management, collaborating to preserve dental tissues through resistance to biodegradation. This study describes a comprehensive review to interpret the effects of polyphenols on dental erosion of pre-clinical models with in situ designs and simulated acid attacks on enamel and dentin samples. We aim to evaluate evidence about Polyphenols' effects in the type of dental substrate, parameters of erosive cycling chosen in the in situ models, and the possible mechanisms involved. An evidence-based literature review was conducted using appropriate search strategies developed for main electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, EMBASE, LIVIVO, CINAHL, and DOSS) and gray literature (Google Scholar). The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. From a total of 1900 articles, 8 were selected for evidence synthesis, including 224 specimens treated with polyphenols and 224 control samples. Considering the studies included in this review, we could observe that polyphenols tend to promote a reduction in erosive and abrasive wear compared to control groups. However, as the few studies included have a high risk of bias with different methodologies and the estimated effect size is low, this conclusion should not be extrapolated to clinical reality.

Conflicting data exist on the association between consumption of coffee or tea and cardiovascular outcomes, and few focus on patients with established coronary artery disease.

To describe the association between coffee or tea consumption and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease, using an extensive contemporary international registry, allowing the identification of multiple potential confounders.

The Prospective Observational Longitudinal Registry of Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CLARIFY) registry enrolled in 2009 and 2010 in 45 countries, with a 5-year follow-up. Patients were categorized according to daily consumption of coffee or tea, and were compared with those declaring neither. The primary composite outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death was analysed at 5years, as well as all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses were performed with a multivariable model.

A total of 15,459 and 10,029 patients declared coffee or tea consumption, respectively. At 5years, after full adjustment, no association was found between coffee consumption and the primary outcome: hazard ratio 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.89-1.21) for 1 cup; 0.94 (0.82-1.08) for 2-3 cups; and 1.04 (0.86-1.27) for ≥4 cups (P=0.51). Drinking tea was not associated with a different incidence of the primary outcome before or after adjustment, with fully adjusted hazard ratios of 1.08 (95% confidence interval 0.84-1.38) for 1 cup, 1.12 (0.96-1.31) for 2-3 cups and 0.95 (0.79-1.14) for ≥4 cups (P=0.30). After full adjustment, neither coffee nor tea drinking was associated with all-cause mortality.

In outpatients with stable coronary artery disease, there was no association between coffee or tea consumption and ischaemic outcomes or all-cause mortality.

Background and aims: Tea polyphenols, such as green tea polyphenols, have been extensively studied as agents that ameliorate cardiovascular disease and blood pressure in vitro and in animal studies. However, epidemiological evidence for the association of green tea consumption with hypertension (HTN) is inconsistent. In addition, such an association has not been prospectively examined in the general adult population, particularly among young women. Therefore, we designed a cohort study to examine whether green tea consumption increases the risk of HTN in premenopausal women. Methods and results: This prospective cohort study investigated 6633 premenopausal female participants without hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at the baseline. Green tea consumption was measured at the baseline using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hypertension was confirmed with the SBP ≥140 mm Hg^-1 or with the DBP ≥90 mm Hg^-1. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of green tea consumption with incident hypertension. A total of 488 first incident cases of hypertension occurred during 24 957 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up of 4.0 years). After adjustment for potential confounding variables, the multivariable hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident hypertension in premenopausal female participants with different green tea consumption frequencies were 1.00 (reference) for almost never, 0.84 (0.67, 1.07) for 1 cup per week, 1.02 (0.77, 1.35) for 2-6 cups per week, and 0.65 (0.44, 0.96) for ≥1 cup per day. Conclusions: The results from our prospective study indicate that the consumption of green tea is associated with a reduced risk of HTN in premenopausal women.

The consumption of fruits or by-products from plants of the Passifloraceae family has been associated with multiple health and nutritional benefits, due to their phenolic compound content. Likewise, the effects of polyphenols from Camellia sinensis (green tea) have been explored and are considered a reference for different biological actions of these bioactive substances. This study compared the hypoglycemic and antilipemic activity of polyphenol-rich extracts of Passiflora ligularis Juss (passion fruit) and Camellia sinensis (green tea) given to a group of Wistar rats induced to be overweight. The individuals were subjected to three doses of supplementation of both sources of polyphenols in the drinking water. An additional group without polyphenol supplementation served as a control group. Water consumption, weight gain, glycemia, cholesterol, serum triglycerides and percentage of fecal ethereal extracts were analyzed. Although Passiflora ligularis Juss had five times less polyphenol content than Camellia sinensis, rats fed doses of 2.5 and 3.0 g/L Passiflora ligularis Juss showed reduced glycemia by 16%, suggesting an antiglycemic activity similar to that of Camellia sinensis. On the other hand, higher doses of polyphenols from Passiflora ligularis Juss and Camellia sinensis significantly reduced triglyceride levels (p = 0.05) by more than 17% compared to the unsupplemented control group. The polyphenol-rich extracts produced effective inhibitory activity of lipemic metabolites with a reduction in the percentage of fecal lipids (p < 0.05), with no side effects on liver tissue. The 3.0 g/L dose produced the best result on signs of metabolic syndrome associated with excess weight. Polyphenols extracted from fresh Colombian passion fruit showed the potential to decrease metabolic syndrome risk factors in a murine model.

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between green tea consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether an association exists between them in cohort studies.

We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies conducted until September 2022. Prospective cohort studies that provided relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association were included. Study-specific risk estimates were combined using a random-effects model. A total of seven studies, with 9211 CHD cases among 772,922 participants, were included. We observed a nonlinear association between green tea consumption and the risk of CHD (P for nonlinearity = 0.0009). Compared with nonconsumers, the RRs (95% CI) of CHD across levels of green tea consumption were 0.89 (0.83, 0.96) for 1 cup/day (1 cup = 300 ml), 0.84 (0.77, 0.93) for 2 cups/day, 0.85 (0.77, 0.92) for 3 cups/day, 0.88 (0.81, 0.96) for 4 cups/day, and 0.92 (0.82, 1.04) for 5 cups/day.

This updated meta-analysis of studies from East Asia suggests that green tea consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of CHD, especially among those with low-to-moderate consumption. Additional cohorts are still needed before we could draw a definitive conclusion.

PROSPERO CRD42022357687.

Epidemiologic studies are inconsistent regarding the association between green tea consumption and the risk of stroke. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether an association exists between them in cohort studies.

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies conducted from 1966 through September 2022. Prospective cohort studies that provided relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI)s for the association were included. Study-specific risk estimates were combined by using a random-effects model.

A total of five studies, with 11 421 stroke cases among 645 393 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. The summary RR indicated a significant association between highest green tea consumption and reduced risk of stroke (summary RR: 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.83). In the dose-response analysis, we observed a nonlinear association between green tea consumption and the risk of stroke (P for nonlinearity = 0.0000). Compared with non-consumers, the RRs (95% CI) of stroke across levels of green tea consumption were 0.91 (0.89-0.94) for 150 mL/d, 0.84 (0.80-0.89) for 300 mL/d, 0.79 (0.74-0.84) for 500 mL/d, 0.77 (0.72-0.82) for 900 mL/d, and 0.84 (0.77-0.91) for 1500 mL/d.

This meta-analysis suggests that green tea consumption is inversely associated with the risk of stroke, especially among those with moderate consumption. Our results support recommendations for green tea consumption to the primary prevention of stroke.

Tea consumption has been linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, which imposes a heavy burden on the healthcare system; however, which components in tea cause this beneficial effect is not fully understood. Here we uncovered a cystatin (namely CsCPI1), which is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI) of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) that promotes antithrombotic activity. Since thrombosis is a common pathogenesis of fatal CVDs, we investigated the effects of CsCPI1, which showed good therapeutic effects in mouse models of thrombotic disease and ischemic stroke. CsCPI1 significantly increases endothelial cell production of nitric oxide (NO) and inhibits platelet aggregation. Notably, CsCPI1 exhibited no cytotoxicity or resistance to pH and temperature changes, which indicates that CsCPI1 might be a potent antithrombotic agent that contributes to the therapeutic effects of tea consumption against CVD. Specifically, the antithrombotic effects of CsCPI1 are distinct from the classical function of plant cystatins against herbivorous insects. Therefore, our study proposes a new potential role of cystatins in CVD prevention and treatment, which requires further study.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a typical flavone-3-ol polyphenol containing eight free hydroxyl groups, is associated with a variety of bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial activities. However, the poor bioavailability of EGCG restricts its use. In this review, we discuss the processes involved in the absorption and metabolism of EGCG, with a focus on its metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota. Next, we summarize the bioactivities of some key metabolites, describe the biotransformation of EGCG by different microorganisms, and discuss its catabolism by specific bacteria. A deeper understanding of the absorption, metabolism, and biotransformation of EGCG may enable its disease-preventive and therapeutic properties to be better utilized. This review provides a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of EGCG and its metabolites for improving the gut microbiota and physiological health.

The objective of this study was to assess whether acute green tea (GT) supplementation attenuates inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by high-fat, high-saturated (HFHS) meals in obese women, and to assess its ability to modulate circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression. This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. The study included obese women over 18 years old who had no comorbidities. In the first moment, patients were instructed to take 2 capsules of placebo or GT (738 mg) at 10:00 p.m. and to fast overnight. The next morning, a blood sample was collected, and an HFHS meal was offered to the patients. Another blood sample was collected 5 hours after the meal. In the second moment, patients who received placebo in the first moment now received the GT and vice-versa. Serum inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured, and circulating levels of miRNA were evaluated. Fifteen women with mean age of 35.5±9.9 years were included in the final analysis. There was no difference regarding inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. However, patients who consumed GT had lower circulating expression of 62 miRNAs compared with patients who did not consume GT. Predictive analysis of target genes showed 1,757 targets regulated by the 62 miRNAs. Notably, 5 miRNAs (miR-1297, miR-192-5p, miR-373-3p, miR-595 and miR-1266-5p) regulate genes associated with TGF-beta, CARM1, RSK, and BMP pathways. Our study showed that GT inhibited the expression of miRNAs induced by HFHS meal intake. These results shed light on the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of GT ingestion.

In several countries, the cactus plant (Opuntia ficus-indica (L). Mill.) has received renewed attention because of its ecological, socio-economic and environmental role. In this study, prickly pear vinegar was produced employing two types of acetification processes: surface and submerged culture. Both acetification processes were performed at different temperatures (30, 37, 40 °C) by using two different species of thermotolerant acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter malorum and Gluconobacter oxydans). Polyphenols and volatile compounds analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively, were considered as the main variables to determine the effect of the acetification process on the quality of the vinegar.

As a result, 15 polyphenols and 70 volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the vinegar samples produced by both acetification processes. The results showed that the surface acetification method led to an increase in the concentration of phenolic components, which was higher than that in the submerged process. However, a significant increase in volatile compounds predominated by esters and acids was observed when submerged culture acetification was employed, whereas alcohols were predominant in surface culture vinegars. Moreover, multivariate statistical analysis showed that the components that mostly contributed to the differentiation between all vinegar samples were the volatile compounds.

It has been proved that prickly pear vinegar could be successfully produced at higher temperatures than usual, by employing thermotolerant bacteria, and that the type of acetification method significantly affects the final quality of the vinegar produced. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A bulk of observational studies have revealed the protective role of green tea supplementation in cardiovascular diseases. The current systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to establish the effects of green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors including lipid profile, blood pressure, glycemic control markers and CRP.

A systematic literature search of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of green tea supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors was undertaken in online databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase using a combination of green tea and cardiovascular risk factors search terms. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity of RCTs.

Among the initial 11,286 studies that were identified from electronic databases search, 55 eligible RCTs with 63 effect sizes were eligible. Results from the random effects meta-analysis showed that GTE supplementation significantly reduced TC (WMD = -7.62; 95% CI: -10.51, -4.73; P = < 0.001), LDL-C (WMD = -5.80; 95% CI: -8.30, -3.30; P = < 0.001), FBS (WMD = -1.67; 95% CI: -2.58, -0.75; P = < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.04; P = 0.008), DBP (WMD = -0.87; 95% CI: -1.45, -0.29; P = 0.003), while increasing HDL-C (WMD = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.87, 2.84; P = 0.010). Subgroup analyses based on the duration of supplementation (≥ 12 vs. < 12 weeks), dose of green tea extract (GTE) (≥1,000 vs. < 1,000 mg/d), sex (male, female, and both), baseline serum levels of lipid profile, and glycemic control factors demonstrated different results for some risk factors.

The current study suggests improvements in the lipid and glycemic profiles following green tea supplementation. These findings support previous evidence showing the health benefits of green tea supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Tea polyphenols (TPs) are important bioactive compounds in tea and have excellent physiological regulation functions. However, the extraction and purification of TPs are key technologies affecting their further application, and the chemical instability, poor bioavailability of TPs are major challenges for researchers. In the past decade, therefore, research and development of advanced carrier systems for the delivery of TPs has been greatly promoted to improve their poor stability and poor bioavailability. In this review, the properties and function of TPs are introduced, and the recent advances in the extraction and purification technologies are systematically summarized. Particularly, the intelligent delivery of TPs via novel nano-carriers is critically reviewed, and the application of TPs nano-delivery system in medical field and food industry is also described. Finally, the main limitations, current challenges and future perspectives are highlighted in order to provide research ideas for exploiting nano-delivery carriers and their application in TPs.

(‒)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. Thanks to multiple interactions with cell surface receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and nuclear transcription factors, EGCG possesses a wide variety of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, anti-remodelation, and tissue-protective properties which may be useful in the treatment of various diseases, particularly in cancer, and neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disorders. This article reviews current information on the biological effects of EGCG in the above-mentioned disorders in relation to molecular pathways controlling inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis.

Obesity-related cardiometabolic disorders are driven by inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis. Green tea catechins protect against cardiometabolic disorders by anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and prebiotic activities. However, whether obesity alters catechin bioavailability remains unknown. We hypothesized that obesity would decrease catechin bioavailability due to altered gut microbiota composition. Obese and healthy persons completed a pharmacokinetics trial in which a confection formulated with green tea extract (GTE; 58% epigallocatechin gallate, 17% epigallocatechin, 8% epicatechin, 6% epicatechin gallate) was ingested before collecting plasma and urine at timed intervals for up to 24 h. Stool samples were collected prior to confection ingestion. Catechins and γ-valerolactones were assessed by LC-MS. Obesity reduced plasma area under the curve (AUC_0-12h) by 24-27% and maximum plasma concentrations by 18-36% for all catechins. Plasma AUC_0-12h for 5'-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone and 5'-(3',4',5'-trihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone, as well as total urinary elimination of all catechins and valerolactones, were unaffected. ⍺-Diversity in obese persons was lower, while Slackia was the only catechin-metabolizing bacteria that was altered by obesity. Ascorbic acid and diversity metrics were correlated with catechin/valerolactone bioavailability. These findings indicate that obesity reduces catechin bioavailability without affecting valerolactone generation, urinary catechin elimination, or substantially altered gut microbiota populations, suggesting a gut-level mechanism that limits catechin absorption.

Age-dependent increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis is being increasingly realized, and yet therapies targeting this disorder within the purview of aging are limited. The present study attempted to assess the efficacy of green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) consumption in preventing the severity and progression of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in 18 months old middle-aged male mice. Acute colitis was induced in animals using DSS and protective effects of EGCG consumption were examined. Different parameters related to disease progression and molecular markers related to oxi-inflammatory stress, localized and systemic cytokine response, epithelial barrier integrity, and cell cycle progression profile were evaluated. DSS treatment induced rapid and severe symptoms of colitis such as consistently increased DAI score, shortened and inflamed colon accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory proteins (TNFα/IL-6/IL-1β) in both the colon tissue and cultured splenocytes indicating exaggerated Th1 immune response. Markers of oxidative stress increased while antioxidant defences and the expression of tight junction genes in the colonic cells were attenuated. Dysregulation in the expression of cell cycle inhibitory genes (p53/p21^WAF1/p16^Ink4a) indicated possible induction of colitis-induced dysplasia. On the other hand, EGCG consumption strongly attenuated all the measured ostensible as well as molecular markers of the disease progression as evidenced by improved DAI score, cellular antioxidant capacity, attenuated Th1 cytokine response both in the colon and cultured splenocytes, enhanced expression of tight junction genes, and cell cycle inhibitors thereby suggesting systemic effects of EGCG. Together, these observations suggest that drinking EGCG-rich green tea can be a significant way of managing the severity of colitis during aging.