Singareddy Sreenivasa Reddy

Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and excessive accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Emerging evidence suggests that aldose reductase (AR), a key enzyme of the polyol pathway, also contributes to obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the potential of a functional food mix (FFM) containing Emblica officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Capsicum annuum in specific proportions to prevent obesity by targeting AR inhibition and AGE accumulation. Male WNIN/GR-Ob obese rats were randomised into untreated obese, low-dose FFM (FF1), and high-dose FFM (FF2) groups, while lean littermates served as controls. Animals received the respective experimental diets for 6 months. Body weight, food intake, body composition (DEXA), biochemical parameters, carboxymethyl lysine (CML; a major AGE), and hepatic AR activity were assessed. FFM supplementation significantly attenuated body weight gain by 9 and 22% and reduced total fat mass by 8 and 23% with FF1 and FF2, respectively, with greater efficacy at the higher dose. Both doses lowered circulating leptin (p < 0.05), while FF2 significantly improved insulin sensitivity by reducing plasma insulin and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). FFM also markedly decreased plasma CML concentrations and hepatic AR activity. Furthermore, treatment increased adiponectin levels, improved hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, and reduced lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05). Together, these findings suggest that the novel functional food mix exerts potent anti-obesity effects through inhibition of AR, suppression of AGE accumulation, and attenuation of oxidative stress.

Background: Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is crucial for energy metabolism and several physiological processes. Pregnant women have a greater chance of being riboflavin‐deficient, but its effects on offspring development remain understudied. Methods: Two‐month‐old female Wistar (WNIN) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (AIN‐93G diet with 5 mg/kg riboflavin), pair‐fed, and riboflavin‐deficient (0.5 mg/kg). After 6 weeks, riboflavin deficiency was confirmed in the riboflavin‐deficient group. All groups of rats were allowed to mate with male littermates. The pups stayed with their mothers during lactation and received a diet similar to the mothers' during weaning. Four pup groups were studied: control, pair‐fed, deficient, and replenished. Blood FAD levels were estimated using HPLC. Reproductive indices in dams, developmental milestones, and morphometric data in pups were assessed. Pups were maintained for 6 weeks (postnatal day 42) before being sacrificed. Results: Adult female rats fed a riboflavin‐deficient diet showed decreased body weight. While maternal fertility and pregnancy indices were unaffected, litter size was reduced in the riboflavin‐deficient group of dams. Pups born to deficient dams exhibited delayed milestones, including pinna unfolding, eye slit formation, and fur coat formation. Morphometric measures, such as body weight, body length, and abdominal circumference, were significantly lower. Post‐weaning mortality was higher in the deficient group, likely due to hypoglycemia. Replenishment with a riboflavin‐sufficient diet partially improved the outcomes. Conclusion: Maternal riboflavin deficiency impairs offspring growth and developmental milestones. Adequate maternal riboflavin intake is critical for ensuring optimal fetal and postnatal development.

Aging-related muscle atrophy/sarcopenia is the most common type of muscle impairment that affects the quality of life. In the current study, we examined the effect of a functional food mixture of amla, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger on D-galactose-induced muscle alterations in rats. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (C), D-galactose (G), and D-galactose + functional food mixture intervention (G + I). Rats in group-G and -G + I were injected with D-galactose (300 mg/kg/day) for 90 days. After 3 months of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed to collect gastrocnemius muscle. Group-G rats showed elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and NF-kB), atrogenes (atrogin-1 and MuRF1), decreased insulin/IGF1 signaling (decreased AKT phosphorylation), altered mitochondrial dynamics (increased fission and decreased fusion proteins), increased apoptotic mediators (Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3), and decreased muscle cell cross-sectional area when compared with group-C ( p < 0.05). Interestingly, supplementation with the functional food mixture prevented galactose-induced alterations in the muscle. The observed anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, mitochondria-protective, and antiapoptotic effects of the functional food could be the underlying mechanisms in displaying positive effects against galactose-induced muscle atrophy and, hence, may be useful for the prevention of age-related muscle disorders.

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to macro and microvascular complications. An increase in the aldose reductase (ALR2) activity, accumulation of sorbitol, accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and inflammation lead to cellular damage, ultimately resulting in complications. ALR2 inhibition has been a consideration to treat/manage diabetic complications, but most of the ALR2 inhibitors are not free of side effects. As a part of our work to find better ALR2 inhibitors, we found that extracts of Gentiana lutea exhibited ALR2 inhibitory potential in vitro. We have also discovered the anti-atherosclerotic potential of G. lutea when supplemented its root powder (2% in the AIN-93 diet) to diabetic rats. Our very recent work suggests the reno-protective effect of G. lutea supplementation (0.2% and 2% in the AIN-93 diet). Here, we summarize our work on the role of G. lutea in preventing macrovascular complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis and microvascular complications like nephropathy and, hence, its potential as an adjunct therapy for diabetic complications.

Acute lung injury (ALI), is a severe inflammatory lung disease. We tested the prophylactic effect of a functional food mix comprising three anti-inflammato

Acute lung injury (ALI), is a severe inflammatory lung disease. We tested the prophylactic effect of a functional food comprising three different anti-inflammatory plant products: turmeric, amla, and black pepper (TAB) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in rats. Two-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C), LPS (5mg/kg), and LPS with TAB (TAB). After 6 hours of LPS injection, the rats were sacrificed by cervical decapitation to collect the lung tissue. Results showed that TAB partially ameliorated LPS-induced circulating inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL6) and significantly prevented lung histopathological changes. TAB also suppressed LPS-activated ER stress markers (GRP78, pIRE1, and CHOP) and apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and -12) in the lung. The anti-inflammatory effects of the TAB support its potential use at least as an adjuvant to mitigate ALI. Importantly, the ingredients of TAB are in use for centuries as part of their diet with limited or no toxic effects identified.