Α-tocopherol Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of Quality Parameters and Functional Activity of Ottobratica Extra Virgin Olive Oil Enriched with Zingiber officinale (Ginger) by Two Different Enrichment Processes during One-Year Storage.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of two enrichment processes on the quality parameters and bioactivity of Ottobratica extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with ginger during storage. The first procedure was conducted by including ginger powder with olive fruits in the malaxer, and the second by infusion into the EVOO. The obtained oils were stored at room temperature for one year in the dark and periodically analysed. To evaluate the effect on the shelf-life of flavoured olive oils (FVOOs), physical, chemical and sensory parameters were evaluated. The FVOOs were investigated for antioxidant activity through a multi-target approach. The inhibition of lipase and carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes was analysed. The addition of ginger in the malaxer generated a product that preserved the lowest values of peroxide after storage (10.57 mEq O2 kg-1) and maintained the highest α-tocopherol level (101.16 mg kg-1). The FVOOs, regardless of the enrichment technique used, showed a higher antioxidant activity than EVOO. Generally, a reduction in the inhibitory activity of the carbohydrate inhibitory enzymes was observed, especially after 60 days of storage. The addition of ginger improved the lipase inhibitory effect, especially if added during malaxation, and helped the FVOOs maintain this activity during storage.

Do the oxidative stress biomarkers predict COVID-19 outcome? An in-hospital cohort study.

In SARSCoV-2 infections, excessive activation of the immune system dramatically elevates reactive oxygen species levels, harms cell structures, and directly increases disease severity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate whether plasma oxidative stress biomarker levels could predict mortality in adults admitted with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), considering potential confounders. We conducted a cohort study of 115 adults (62.1 ± 17.6 years, 65 males) admitted to a Brazilian public hospital for severely symptomatic COVID-19. Serum levels of α-tocopherol, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein products were quantified at COVID-19 diagnosis using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum levels of α-tocopherol, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and advanced oxidation protein products differed significantly between survivors and non-survivors. Serum glutathione levels below 327.2 μmol/mL were associated with a significant risk of death in COVID-19 patients, even after accounting for other factors (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.12 [95% CI: 1.83-5.33]).

Tocopherol Content of Euglena sp. Isolated from Yogyakarta under Glucose and Ethanol Mixture Treatment

Euglena sp. is a microalgae with significant potential for utilization as a high-value product because of the presence of protein, lipid, paramylon, and other compounds. Even though these microalgae may be found in freshwater, research on enhancing Euglena sp. cultivation is still limited in Indonesia. Tocopherols are antioxidants that can effectively protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress. The isomer of tocopherol with the highest biological activity is α-tocopherol. Euglena sp. cells had the highest levels of α-tocopherol compared to other microorganisms. Scientists are continuously trying to determine how to obtain a high α-tocopherol concentration and a significant Euglena cell biomass. Photosynthetic organisms culture has been found to boost α-tocopherol content in Euglena sp., although heterotrophic culture can potentially increase biomass. This study used photoheterotrophic culture with a mixture of glucose and ethanol to increase the α-tocopherol and biomass concentration inside the culture of the local strain of Euglena sp. The addition of treatments in a glucose and ethanol combination with levels of 3:2; 2.5: 2.5; 2: 2; and 0:0 (control) g L-1 was used in this study to assess the impact of Euglena sp. culture on growth, biomass, and α-tocopherol concentration. According to the findings of this study, the 3:2 treatment produced the most significant specific growth rate and biomass, including 0.992 (OD680/OD680/day) and 8.480 (g L-1). In contrast, the 2.5:2.5 treatment produced the highest α-tocopherol content, specifically 7.09±0.096 mg L-1.

Chestnut shells in the diet of lamb: Effects on growth performance, fatty acid metabolism, and meat quality

This study aimed to formulate a diet for finishing lambs that included chestnut shells, an underexploited by-product of chestnut industry, and evaluate its effects on in vivo performance and meat quality. Twenty-eight male lambs (race Romane; 27.9 ± 2.7 kg bodyweight) were divided into 4 groups and fed 4 different pelleted diets: one control, one containing chestnut shells (CNS), one containing sainfoin, and one containing both. After 21 days of feeding trial, at slaughter, rumen and abomasum digesta were sampled for the analysis of fatty acid (FA) profile, and meat was analysed for FA profile, vitamins content, and oxidative stability. All lambs showed similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. The CNS diet limited (P = 0.001) ruminal biohydrogenation, increasing (P < 0.050) the C18:1 trans11 proportion in both rumen and abomasum. Consequently, the C18:1 trans11 content of CNS meat was more than 50% higher (P = 0.006) than in the other groups. No differences in the discolouration and lipid oxidation of raw meat were observed over 9 days of refrigerated storage. The phenolic compounds of chestnut shells may have preserved the low native α-tocopherol level of the CNS diet. Chestnut shells can be fed to lambs without detrimental effect on performance, potentially improving meat FA profile.

Maternal Supraphysiological Hypercholesterolemia Is Accompanied by Shifts in the Composition and Anti-Atherogenic Functions of Maternal HDL along with Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Markers at Term of Pregnancy.

Maternal physiological hypercholesterolemia (MPH) occurs in pregnancy for a proper fetal development. When cholesterol increases over the physiological range, maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH) is described, a condition underdiagnosed by a lack of evidence showing its biological and clinical relevance. To determine if MSPH associates with maternal vascular dysfunction, along with changes in the composition and function of maternal HDL leading to increased cardiovascular risk. This study included 57 women at term of pregnancy in which a lipid profile was determined. Maternal total cholesterol (TC) and LDL but not HDL were increased in MSPH women. The isolated HDL from a subgroup of MSPH women had a lower protein abundance and a reduced activity of the antioxidant enzyme PON1; however, an increased antioxidant capacity compared to MPH was observed, along with higher serum levels of α-tocopherol. Moreover, HDL from a subgroup of MSPH women had a lower capacity to induce NO synthesis in endothelial cells compared to MPH. In the circulation, we observed a reduced total antioxidant capacity and augmented levels of soluble VCAM, ApoB, ApoCII, ApoCIII, IL-10, and IL-12p70, as well as the cardiovascular risk ratio ApoB/ApoAI, compared to MPH women. MSPH women present dysfunctional HDL and increased atherogenic cardiovascular risk factors.

The Oxidative and Color Stability of Beef from Steers Fed Pasture or Concentrate during Retail Display.

Beef production in Uruguay is based on pasture (~85%) or concentrate (~15%), resulting in differences in meat quality. The objective of this study was to compare the oxidative stability and color of beef from these two systems during refrigerated retail display. For these purposes, the Semimembranosus muscle was removed from ten Aberdeen Angus steers raised and fed on pasture (130 days prior to slaughter) and from another ten steers fed concentrate (100 days prior to slaughter), sliced. The muscles were placed in a refrigerated showcase for 3, 6, and 9 days. The contents of β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and fatty acids were determined before the meat was placed on display. Lipid and protein oxidation, color, and heme iron content were determined before and during display. The meat from pasture-fed steers had a lower intramuscular fat content (1.78 ± 0.15 vs. 4.52 ± 0.46), lower levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, a lower n-6/n-3 ratio, less lipid and protein oxidation, lower L* and a* values, and higher levels of α-linolenic acid, DHA, total n-3, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol. In conclusion, the meat from pasture-fed steers was more stable during retail display from an oxidative point of view, which may be due to its higher levels of antioxidant compounds such as β-carotene and α-tocopherol and had a healthier fatty acid profile for consumers.

Targeted metabolic profiling of the revived ancient ‘Corbella’ olive cultivar during early maturation

‘Corbella’ is an ancient olive cultivar whose cultivation has recently been revived and hence little is known about its composition. This is the first work studying the metabolic profile of ‘Corbella’ olives during early maturation. Olives with a ripening index (RI) < 1 yielded considerably less oil content (<40%) but had more concentration of phenolic compounds (148.41–219.70 mg/kg), carotenoids (9.61–14.94 mg/kg) and squalene (521.41–624.40 mg/kg). Contrarily, the levels of α-tocopherol were higher at the RI of 1.08 and 1.96 (64.57 and 57.75 mg/kg, respectively). The most abundant phenolic compound was oleuropein aglycone (>50% of the phenolic composition), suggesting a high hydrolytic activity of β-glucosidase in the fruit. The antioxidant capacity was barely affected, while oleic/linoleic ratio reached its highest at RI of 1.96. Therefore, olives with an RI below 2 could be good candidates to produce high-quality olive oils with good level of stability.

Root pigmentation determines phytochemical, mineral, antioxidant and organoleptic attributes of Tunisian southern coastal carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) landraces

Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a widely grown crop in temperate regions of the world, consumed by humans as an important source of nutrition. This study focused on five local varieties of carrots from irrigated regions of southern Tunisia (Sidi Sallem, Sagui, Arram, ElGrine and Boughrara) with different root pigmentation. The carrots were evaluated for their morphological, physicochemical, biochemical, and organoleptic characteristics. Morphological characterization showed significant differences (p<0.01) in length, weight, and diameter of the root part and aerial part among the five landraces. The pH, titratable acidity, and Brix values were also different for each landrace, ranging from 6.18 (Sagui) to 6.27 (Arram), 0.016 (Boughrara) to 0.045 mg.g − 1 citric acid (Arram), and 5.60 (Arram) to 7.80% (Sidi Sallem), respectively. The study also identified 10 phenolic acids through LC-ESI/MS analysis, with quinic acid, protocachuic acid, and chlorogenic acid being the most abundant compounds. The HPLC method was used to analyze the sugar and β-carotene contents of the landraces. Results showed that the Sidi Sallem landrace had the highest fructose (625 mg.kg−1 DM), glucose (1000 mg.kg−1 DM), and β-carotene (2551.808 mg. kg−1 DM) contents. Sagui had the highest levels of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) (236 μg. L − 1) and vitamin K2 (6.5 μg. L − 1). Sensory analysis of the juices and pureed salads prepared from the five carrot landraces confirmed the findings of the morphological and nutritional evaluations. This research suggests that a participatory breeding program should be considered to preserve genetic resources and improve them in terms of nutritional quality criteria. The work highlights the nutritional value of carrot as a source of natural antioxidant compounds, which may be beneficial in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Vitamin E and Multiple Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses.

The relationship between vitamin E intake or circulating α-tocopherol and various health outcomes is still debatable and uncertain. We conducted an umbrella review to identify the relationships between vitamin E intake or circulating tocopherol and health outcomes by merging and recalculating earlier meta-analyses. The connections that were found to be statistically significant were then classified into different evidence levels based on p values, between-study heterogeneity, prediction intervals, and small study effects. We finally included 32 eligible meta-analyses with four vitamin E sources and 64 unique health outcomes. Only the association between circulating α-tocopherol and wheeze or asthma in children was substantiated by consistent evidence. Suggestive evidence was suggested for seven results on endothelial function (supplemental vitamin E): serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (supplemental vitamin E), cervical cancer (dietary vitamin E), esophageal cancer (dietary vitamin E), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, dietary vitamin E), pancreatic cancer (total vitamin E intake), and colorectal cancer (circulating α-tocopherol levels); all of these showed a protective effect consistent with the vitamin E source. In conclusion, our work has indicated that vitamin E is protective for several particular health outcomes. Further prospective studies are required when other factors that may contribute to bias are considered.

AMMONIUM CONCENTRATIONS INDUCED CHANGES IN THE ASCORBIC ACID, CAROTENOID, PHENOLIC AND FLAVONOID CONTENT IN THE CULTURES OF Aglaonema simplex, AN AQUATIC PLANT

Ammonium is one source of nitrogen for plants. In higher concentrations, ammonium causes toxicity to plants. The present study examined the effects of ammonium concentrations (0 to 45.0 mM) on biomass, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenolic, flavonoid, and flavones levels in the aquatic plant, Aglaonema simplex culture. Results showed that ammonium concentration induced changes in the biomass and measured biochemicals in the plant. Ammonium at 36.0 mM produced the highest biomass (1.5-fold of dry weight), ascorbic acid (1.2-fold), and total phenolic (1.3-fold) after 28 days of treatment. Carotenoid, chlorophyll, and flavonoid content varied among the ammonium concentrations and depend on the culture period. Ammonium concentrations did not significantly influence (p &gt; 0.05) the α-tocopherol content in the treated plants. The finding suggested that ascorbic acid and phenolic might act as shields to diminish the ammonium toxicity effect and can be induced by an appropriate ammonium concentration applied into the culture medium.

MRNA level of antioxidant genes and activity of NADPH-generating enzymes in rotenone-induced parkinsonism in rats

Aim. To analyze the mRNA level of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and the transcription factors Nrf2 and Foxo1 regulating their expression and the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and NADPdependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-IDH) and assess the correlation between these parameters, oxidative status, and motor coordination parameters in rats with rotenone-induced parkinsonism.Materials and methods. The study was performed on male Wistar rats aged 4–6 months and weighing 200–250 g. Parkinsonism was modeled by subcutaneous administration of rotenone for 10 days at a dose of 2.5 mg / kg. To confirm the development of the pathology, motor coordination tests and histological staining of the cerebral cortex and striatum with hematoxylin and eosin were used. The oxidative status was analyzed based on the levels of conjugated dienes, carbonyl amino acid residues in proteins, and α-tocopherol. The enzyme activity was studied spectrophotometrically by the formation of NADPH. Real-time PCR was used to analyze the level of gene mRNA.Results. During the study, an increase in serum and brain concentrations of conjugated dienes, carbonyl amino acid residues, and α-tocopherol was observed in the experimental group of rats compared to the controls. It could be associated with the redistribution of this compound between tissues during pathology development. The animals with experimental parkinsonism, in addition, were characterized by a decrease in the mRNA level of the Sod1, Gpx1, Gsr, Gsta2, Nfe2l2, and Foxo1 genes, as well as the activity of G6PDH and NADP-IDH. In the rats with experimental parkinsonism, a negative correlation of NADPH-IDH activity in the brain with serum α-tocopherol level and a positive correlation with Gpx1 and Foxo1 mRNA levels in the striatum were found. The level of oxidatively modified proteins in the brain of the animals with PD was negatively correlated with the concentration of Gsta2 mRNA in the striatum, while the specific activity of G6PDH in the serum was characterized by the positive relationship with grip strength.Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that the inhibition of transcription of the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and regulatory factors Nrf2 and Foxo1 contributed significantly to the development of oxidative stress in PD. A decrease in the activity of G6PDH and NADP-IDH led to a decrease in the availability of NADPH, which is a limiting factor in the functioning of the glutathione antioxidant system. Obviously, the inhibition of G6PDH and NADP-IDH was also an important pathogenic factor in the progression of the pathology. Along with a decrease in the content of antioxidant gene mRNA in the brain tissues, the level of α-tocopherol increased in the rats with parkinsonism, which could be the result of an imbalance in the functioning of antioxidant system.

Associations of plasma retinol and α-tocopherol levels with skeletal muscle health in Chinese children.

Childhood is a critical period for muscle accumulation. Studies in elders have reported that antioxidant vitamins could improve muscle health. However, limited studies have assessed such associations in children. This study included 243 boys and 183 girls. A seventy-nine-item FFQ was used to investigate dietary nutrients intake. Plasma levels of retinol and α-tocopherol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with MS. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and total body fat. The ASM index (ASMI) and ASMI Z-score were then calculated. Hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar® Plus+ Hand Dynamometer. Fully adjusted multiple linear regression models showed that for each unit increase in plasma retinol content, ASM, ASMI, left HGS and ASMI Z-score increased by 2·43 × 10-3 kg, 1·33 × 10-3 kg/m2, 3·72 × 10-3 kg and 2·45 × 10-3 in girls, respectively (P < 0·001-0·050). ANCOVA revealed a dose-response relationship between tertiles of plasma retinol level and muscle indicators (Ptrend: 0·001-0·007). The percentage differences between the top and bottom tertiles were 8·38 %, 6·26 %, 13·2 %, 12·1 % and 116 % for ASM, ASMI, left HGS, right HGS and ASMI Z-score in girls, respectively (Pdiff: 0·005-0·020). No such associations were observed in boys. Plasma α-tocopherol levels were not correlated with muscle indicators in either sex. In conclusion, high circulating retinol levels are positively associated with muscle mass and strength in school-age girls.

Age-related changes in adipose tissue metabolomics and inflammation, cardiolipin metabolism, and ferroptosis markers in female aged rat model

Aging adipose tissue exhibits elevated inflammation and oxidative stress that are major sources of age-related metabolic dysfunction. However, the exact metabolic changes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress are unclear. To address this topic, we assessed variation in metabolic phenotypes of adipose tissue from 18 months adult sedentary (ASED), 26 months old sedentary (OSED), and 8 months young sedentary (YSED). The results of metabolomic analysis showed that ASED and OSED group had higher palmitic acid, elaidic acid, 1-heptadecanol, and α-tocopherol levels than YSED, but lower sarcosine levels. Furthermore, stearic acid was specifically elevated in ASED compared with YSED. Cholesterol was upregulated specifically in the OSED group compared with YSED, whereas linoleic acid was downregulated. In addition, ASED and OSED had more inflammatory cytokines, lower antioxidant capacity, and higher expression of ferroptosis-related genes than YSED. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with abnormal cardiolipin synthesis was more pronounced in the OSED group. In conclusion, both ASED and OSED can affect the FA metabolism and increase oxidative stress in adipose tissue, leading to inflammation. In particular, linoleic acid content specifically decreases in OSED, which associated with abnormal cardiolipin synthesis and mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.

Dietary Ulva lactuca and CAZyme supplementation improve serum biochemical profile and hepatic composition of weaned piglets

Ulva lactuca is a seaweed with antinutritional cell wall for monogastrics. Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) supplementation can potentially cause its disruption. This study evaluates four diets: Ctrl—control diet; UL—control + 7% U. lactuca (wild caught, powdered form); ULR—UL + 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP; ULU—UL + 0.01% ulvan lyase on piglets’ haematologic and serologic profiles, hepatic lipids and minerals. White blood cells and lymphocytes reached the highest values in piglets fed UL compared to control, and to control and ULR; respectively (P < 0.05). IgG levels were boosted by seaweed incorporation compared to control (P = 0.015). The glycaemic homeostasis was assured by the seaweed inclusion. Dietary seaweed decreased serum lipids (P < 0.001), with the exception of ULU, due to HDL-cholesterol increase (P < 0.001). Cortisol was decreased in ULR and ULU (P < 0.001). No systemic inflammation was observed (P > 0.05). While hepatic n-3 PUFA increased in piglets fed with seaweed diets due to increment of beneficial 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids (P < 0.05), the opposite occurred for n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios (P < 0.05). Hepatic pigments were unchanged (P > 0.05). ULR reduced α-tocopherol levels (P = 0.036) and increased serum potassium levels (P < 0.001) compared to control. Seaweed contributed to overcome piglets’ weaning stress, with some benefits of including CAZyme supplementation.

Can Dietary Hazelnut Oil Inclusion Alleviate the Negative Effects of Oxidized Fish Oil in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Juveniles?

Rainbow trout juveniles were fed different levels of fresh fish oil, oxidized fish oil and fresh hazelnut oil for 9 weeks. Growth performance and feed efficiency was significantly influenced by oxidized fish oil (P&lt;0.05), but not by hazelnut oil supplementation and their interaction. Fish fed diets containing fresh fish oil had better growth and feed efficiency than those fed diets containing oxidized fish oil. Digestibility decreased with the increase in both dietary oxidized fish oil and hazelnut oil. Fatty acid profile in whole body lipids was significantly influenced by the experimental diets (P&lt;0.05). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) showed significant decrease with both dietary hazelnut oil inclusion and dietary oxidized fish oil. Dietary hazelnut oil resulted in a significant increase in hepatic vitamin E and a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation level (P&lt;0.05). Our overall results suggested that dietary oxidized lipids caused growth depletion, lowered nutrient digestibility, lipid peroxidation, and decreased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6n-3) levels in rainbow trout. However, dietary hazelnut oil inclusion alleviated the negative effects of oxidized oil, sparing n-3 long-chain PUFAs such as EPA and DHA, and increasing hepatic α-tocopherol level which lowered lipid peroxidation despite no significant impact on growth.

Vitamin E and A Availability in Goose Embryos and Goslings and Improvement of Reproduction Traits Depending on the Starting Temperature Regime of Egg Incubation

One of the major problems impeding the sustainable development of goose production is low egg hatchability. Thus, it is imperative to develop more efficient ways to improve the hatching qualities of goose eggs. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of changes in the temperature regime of incubation on the availability of vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol), as well as important elements of antioxidant protection in embryos and goslings. The initial heating of eggs at temperatures of 39 and 39.5 °C during the first 24 or 36 h was used as the main factor influencing goose embryo development. The dynamics in the content of antioxidant retinol and α-tocopherol were analyzed in the liver of embryos and goslings (up to 9 days of age) using the standard regime of incubation (at 38 °C) and the prior heating of eggs (at 39 °C and 39.5 °C) in the first 24 and 36 h of incubation. The obtained results provided new information about the effect of the initial heating of eggs on the function of antioxidants in the gosling’s body. It was confirmed that the age-related changes of retinol and α-tocopherol levels in goslings are similar to those found in chicks, ducklings, and turkey-poults. In addition, the effect of an egg’s weight on hatchability was established, with the hatchability of eggs in the medium weight class being higher than that of smaller and larger eggs. The efficiency of the redistribution of retinol from the yolk to the liver in day-old goslings was higher by 6% when exposing eggs to a temperature of 39.5 °C for 36 h. The initial heating regime at 39.5 °C led to an increased hatch of goslings, and to the evenness of their hatch from eggs of different weights, approaching the hatch values of the medium class. Overall, the α-tocopherol concentration in the liver of embryos and goslings, using the starting heating of eggs, was higher than that with the standard temperature mode of incubation. At the same time, the hatch rate of goslings increased by 9–13%, and the hatchability of eggs by 10–16%. For use in the practice of hatcheries and breeding poultry farms, it is recommended that goose eggs are heated for 36 h at 39.5 °C.

Nutritional status assessment and intervention with a red palm oil biscuit among pre-school children attending informal crèches, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Little information is available on the nutritional and health status of pre-school children attending informal crèches. The study aimed to determine the status of blood carotenoid, vitamin E, inflammatory markers and omega-3 fatty acids in children attending crèches in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Baseline measurements were followed by an intervention to determine the effect of a biscuit baked with red palm oil (RPO) shortening on these parameters. Forty-seven (n=47) children were randomly assigned to a RPO (Group A) (n=25) and non-RPO (Group B) (n=22) group. Group A received biscuits providing carotenoids, tocotrienols and α-tocopherol while Group B biscuits provided only tocotrienols and α-tocopherol. Biscuits were distributed daily during the school week. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 3 months and 6 months during intervention as well as 6 months post intervention. At baseline, children showed a mild (10%) vitamin A deficiency, severe vitamin E deficiency (69%) while 98% presented with omega-3 fatty acid indexes below 8%. For vitamin E data was pooled as both groups received similar amounts of vitamin E while no significant differences were observed between the groups during the intervention. Significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in α-tocopherol levels were observed in both groups at 3-, 6- and 6- months post intervention. Deficiency levels declined to 10% and 0% at 6- and 6-months post, respectively. In group A, plasma α-carotene levels (p ≤ 0.05) increased significantly from baseline (0.04 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.03 – 0.06) at 3 (0.36 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.29 – 0.45) and 6 months (0.48 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.39 – 0.60). Similar significant (p ≤ 0.05) results were observed for plasma β-carotene levels (3 months (0.31 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.27 – 0.40) and 6 months (0.33 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.28 – 0.40). Consumption of a biscuit baked with RPO can play a significant role in alleviating vitamin E deficiency and can significantly increase plasma α- and β-carotene levels in pre-school children. Key words: Vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin E, CRP, IL-6, fortification, omega-3 fatty acids

Differential tissue-specific accumulation and function of tocochromanols in grape berries

Grape berries have been extensively studied in terms of antioxidant characterization, specifically in anthocyanin, total phenol, and tannin accumulation. However, very little is known about vitamin E composition and contents in this fruit. Aiming to examine the function of vitamin E during grape berries ripening, tocochromanol contents and composition were evaluated in berries and leaves of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot), from just before veraison to commercial harvest. We also determined the time-course evolution of tocochromanol accumulation in various fruit tissues, including the skin, pulp, and seeds, and measured the extent of primary and secondary lipid peroxidation, as well as fruit technological maturity parameters. Vitamin E accumulated at higher levels in leaves than in fruits, although the tissue-specific evaluation of tocochromanol contents revealed that berry skin is also rich in α-tocopherol whereas tocotrienols were present in seeds only. α-Tocopherol content decreased during ripening, more specifically in the skin, and it was accompanied by an increase in the extent of lipid peroxidation. Contents and variations in the levels of α-tocopherol, but not those of the other tocochromanols, were inversely related to changes in lipid peroxidation during fruit ripening, as indicated by tissue-specific variations in malondialdehyde contents. In conclusion, α-tocopherol is more abundant in leaves than fruit, yet it apears to exert a role in the modulation of the extent of lipid peroxidation in grape berries, more specifically in the skin, where α-tocopherol depletion and malondialdehyde accumulation may be related to an adequate progression of fruit ripening.

Circulating Proteins and Metabolite Biomarkers in Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Gastric cancer (GC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and thus patients have a poor prognosis. This implies that early detection of this cancer will improve patient prognosis and survival. This systematic review explored the association of circulating protein and metabolite biomarkers with GC development. A literature search was conducted until November 2021 on Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they assessed circulating proteins and metabolites in blood, urine, or saliva and determined their association with GC risk. Quality of identified studies was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies. Random and fixed effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled odds ratio. A total of 53 studies were included. High levels of anti-Helicobacter pylORi IgG levels, pepsinogen I (PGI) <30 µg/L and serum pepsinogen I/ pepsinogen II (PGI/II) ratio<3 were positively associated with risk of developing GC (pooled odds ratio (OR): 2.70; 95% CI: 1.44-5.04, 5.96, 95% CI: 2.65-13.42 and 4.43; 95% CI: 3.04-6.47). In addition, an inverse relationship was found between ferritin, iron and transferrin levels and risk of developing GC (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38-1,0.97; 95% CI: 0.94-1 and 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76-0.94). However, there was no association between levels of glucose, cholesterol, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin A, α-Carotene, β-Carotene, α-Tocopherol, γ-Tocopherol, and GC risk. The pooled analysis demonstrated that high levels of anti-Helicobacter pylORi IgG, PGI<30µg/L and serum PGI/II ratio <3 and low levels of ferritin, iron and transferrin were associated with risk of GC.

High dairy products intake modifies the correlation between α-tocopherol levels and serum proteins related to lipid metabolism in subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes

High dairy products intake modifies the correlation between α-tocopherol levels and serum proteins related to lipid metabolism in subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes