Alpha-tocopherol Concentrations Research Articles

Optimizing the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds (Polyphenols, Lipids, and Alpha-Tocopherol) from Almond Okara to Unlock Its Potential as Functional Food.

Almond okara, a by-product of almond milk production, is rich in bioactive components, such as polyphenols, lipids, and alpha-tocopherol, making it a valuable functional food ingredient. This work aimed to investigate its composition while exploring two main aspects: (i) the impact of extraction time, solid-to-solvent ratio, ethanol concentration, and temperature on polyphenol recovery, and (ii) the quantification of okara's triglycerides (TG) and alpha-tocopherol contents. The polyphenols' optimal extraction conditions were 90 min, a 1:30 solid-to-solvent ratio (w/v), 50% ethanol, and 60 °C. These conditions achieved a total polyphenol yield of 523 mg GAE, tannin yield of 340 mg GAE, total flavonoid yield of 548 mg CE, and a total antioxidant capacity of 779 mg AAE per 100 g dry okara. The Peleg model effectively described the extraction kinetics. Additionally, TG levels, quantified by UHE/LPSFC-APCI-MS, in okara were comparable to those in almonds, and alpha-tocopherol levels, quantified by LC-UV, were 14,400 µg/100 g in almonds and 15,600 µg/100 g in okara. These findings highlight the potential of okara as a valuable resource, with a straightforward, scalable, and cost-effective solid-liquid extraction (SLE) method for polyphenols and a supercritical fluid extraction method for TG, for use in the functional food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Associations between Brain Alpha-Tocopherol Stereoisomer Profile and Hallmarks of Brain Aging in Centenarians.

Brain alpha-tocopherol (αT) concentration was previously reported to be inversely associated with neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) counts in specific brain structures from centenarians. However, the contribution of natural or synthetic αT stereoisomers to this relationship is unknown. In this study, αT stereoisomers were quantified in the temporal cortex (TC) of 47 centenarians in the Georgia Centenarian Study (age: 102.2 ± 2.5 years, BMI: 22.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2) and then correlated with amyloid plaques (diffuse and neuritic plaques; DPs, NPs) and NFTs in seven brain regions. The natural stereoisomer, RRR-αT, was the primary stereoisomer in all subjects, accounting for >50% of total αT in all but five subjects. %RRR was inversely correlated with DPs in the frontal cortex (FC) (ρ = -0.35, p = 0.032) and TC (ρ = -0.34, p = 0.038). %RSS (a synthetic αT stereoisomer) was positively correlated with DPs in the TC (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.017) and with NFTs in the FC (ρ = 0.37, p = 0.024), TC (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.009), and amygdala (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.008) after controlling for covariates. Neither RRR- nor RSS-αT were associated with premortem global cognition. Even with the narrow and normal range of BMIs, BMI was correlated with %RRR-αT (ρ = 0.34, p = 0.021) and %RSS-αT (ρ = -0.45, p = 0.002). These results providing the first characterization of TC αT stereoisomer profiles in centenarians suggest that DP and NFT counts, but not premortem global cognition, are influenced by the brain accumulation of specific αT stereoisomers. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the potential role of BMI in mediating this relationship.

Effects of Laurus Nobilis Eye Drop on Selenite-Induced Cataract Formation and Oxidative Stress-Related Parameters in Rabbits: An Experimental Study

Purpose To evaluate the protective role of Laurus Nobilis eye drops on selenite-induced cataracts in suckling rabbits. Methods Fifteen male albino suckling rabbits with no signs of ocular inflammation were randomly assigned to three groups: controls (Group A), sodium-selenite group (Group B) and sodium-selenite plus Laurus Nobilis group (Group C). By selenite treatment, cataract formation was experimentally induced and then graded. The grade of oxidative stress was defined in the lens, measuring the concentration of malondialdehyde, alpha-tocopherol, oxidized glutathione, ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and in blood samples as levels of alpha-tocopherol and malondialdehyde. Results Mean lens concentrations of GSSG, H2O2, and MDA levels in group B were significantly higher than in both group C and control. Ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were lower in group B than in both group C and A. As plasma oxidative status markers, the level of MDA was higher in group B respected group C and A. The mean alpha-tocopherol levels in group B were significantly lower than in both group A and group C. Conclusions In animals treated with Laurus Nobilis-based eye drops, inflammation was inhibited, and lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced. Laurus nobilis leaves extract represents a good source of antioxidant components that may contrast sodium selenite-induced cataractogenesis in suckling rabbits.

A Review on Nutritional Powerhouse, Exploring the Health Benefits of Rice Bran

This comprehensive review delves into the nutritional powerhouse that is rice bran, shedding light on its multitude of health benefits. The introduction provides an overview of the significance of rice bran in human nutrition, setting the stage for a deeper exploration. The subsequent sections delve into the nutritional richness of rice bran, highlighting its vital components, including essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Antioxidant properties of rice bran are discussed in detail, emphasizing their role in combating oxidative stress and promoting overall well-being. The review also delves into the impact of rice bran on cholesterol management, shedding light on its potential to reduce cardiovascular risks. The effects of rice bran on digestive health are elucidated, showcasing its positive influence on gut function. The extraction process of rice bran is examined to better understand its utilization in various applications. Determinations of gamma oryzanol and alpha tocopherol content in rice bran are elucidated, underscoring their nutritional significance. Finally, the review concludes by offering insights into the future perspectives of rice bran research, hinting at its untapped potential in nutrition and health. This comprehensive exploration serves as a valuable resource for researchers, nutritionists, and consumers interested in harnessing the nutritional benefits of rice bran.

Oilseed Radish: Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Strategies for Seed Yield and Quality—A Case Study in Poland

Oilseed Radish: Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Strategies for Seed Yield and Quality—A Case Study in Poland

Alpha-tocopherol: An alternative solution for the adverse effects of dental bleaching on dentin adhesion

PurposeThis study evaluated the effect of solutions of different concentrations of alpha-tocopherol on hybrid layer formation and microtensile bond strength of endodontically treated teeth bleached with 38% hydrogen peroxide. Materials and methodsSixty bovine incisors were randomly distributed into six groups (n = 10). In the control group (CONT), no intervention was performed. In the 38HP group, only bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide was conducted. In the 15AT, 20AT, 25AT, and 10SA groups, bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide was followed by the application of alpha-tocopherol at 15%, 20%, 25%, or 10% sodium ascorbate, respectively. Subsequently, bond strength was performed using the microtensile test, and the formation of the hybrid layer was examined through scanning electron microscopy. The obtained data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). ResultsFor bond strength, groups CONT and 20AT displayed higher values compared to HP. There were no significant differences in the other groups compared to the control. 38HP, 10SA, 20AT and 25AT exhibited a predominance of adhesive failures, while CONT and 15AT presented more cohesive failures in dentin. In the evaluation of the hybrid layer, the CONT group showed greater formation of longer resin tags than 38HP and 15AT, which presented a predominance of few and short resin tags (p < 0.05). ConclusionAlpha-tocopherol at 20% is capable of minimizing the deleterious effects of dental bleaching on the hybrid layer formation and bond strength to dentin.

Effects of alpha-tocopherol antioxidant on fracture strength and adhesion of endodontically treated teeth restored after dental bleaching.

This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in gel form on fracture strength, hybrid layer formation, and microtensile bond strength of endodontically treated teeth bleached with 40% hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). Sixty bovine incisors were randomized into one of six groups (n=10 incisors per group) defined by the interventions carried out after endodontic treatment. In the control group, no additional intervention was carried out, while all teeth in the five intervention groups were bleached with 40% H2 O2 and subsequently treated with alpha-tocopherol at concentrations of 15% (15AT), 20% (20AT), or 25% (25AT), with 10% sodium ascorbate (10SA), or with nothing (40HP). Fracture strength was evaluated in a mechanical testing machine, hybrid layer formation was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, and bond strength was determined using microtensile bond-strength testing. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. No statistically significant difference regarding fracture strength was observed among groups. Hybrid layer formation was greater in the 15AT group than in groups 40HP and 10SA. Teeth in groups 15AT, 20AT, and 25AT demonstrated higher bond strength than teeth in groups 40HP and 10SA. Alpha-tocopherol, preferably at 15%, effectively reverses the deleterious effects, of bleaching, on hybrid layer formation and bond strength to dentin.

PSVII-12 The Effect of Two Supplemental Vitamin E Dosing Strategies in Morgan Horses with Marginal/Deficient Concentrations of Serum Alpha-Tocopherol

Abstract Vitamin E is an important antioxidant for normal neuromuscular function in horses. Dietary deficiencies are common in northern climates with seasonal access to pastures. Certain breeds, such as Morgan Horses, with predisposition to equine metabolic diseases, may exhibit deficiencies in vitamin E because of management systems imposed which restrict access to pasture. Few studies have compared strategies for initial supplementation to increase serum alpha-tocopherol in horses. The objective of this study was to compare two dosing strategies of d-alpha-tocopherol acetate to increase serum alpha-tocopherol in marginal/deficient horses. Eight Morgan horses (two geldings, six mares; mean BW = 460 kg) with marginal/deficient serum alpha-tocopherol (0.47-1.12 µg/mL) were enrolled in a randomized block design study. Blocks were balanced for age, sex, and pre-study vitamin E level and horses were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) HIGH - 10,000 IU liquid d-alpha-tocopherol acetate top-dressed on grain for 4 wk followed by 10 d step-down to 5,000 IU of powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate through 16 wk; or MEDIUM – 5,000 IU of powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate for 16 wk. Horses were housed in box stalls with daily turnout without access to grass. Horses were fed hay at 2% of BW and 0.45 kg of concentrate daily with vitamin E feed activity of 45.5 and 1378 IU/kg, respectively. HIGH and MEDIUM treatments were fed once daily with the AM feeding. To ensure horses consumed the powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, cookies made from alfalfa powder, gelatin and d-alpha-tocopherol acetate powder were created. Serum alpha-tocopherol was assessed pre-feeding every two weeks from 0 to 16 weeks. Before the step-down to 5,000 IU dose, horses receiving the HIGH dosage had greater concentrations of serum alpha-tocopherol (P &amp;lt; 0.01; Figure 1). All horses receiving the HIGH treatment attained serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations greater than 2.0 µg/mL after 2 weeks, while only one-half of horses receiving the MEDIUM dosage reached serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations greater than 2.0 µg/mL by 4 weeks. To attain and maintain normal concentrations of serum alpha-tocopherol, deficient horses should follow the HIGH supplementing strategy of d-alpha-tocopherol acetate.

PSVII-13 The Evaluation of Natural Vs Synthetic Vitamin E Supplementation for the Management of Alpha-Tocopherol Serum Concentrations in Morgan Horses

Abstract Vitamin E is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant that is tied to normal neuromuscular function in adult horses. Deficiency in serum vitamin E concentrations have been associated with several equine diseases such as Equine Motor Neuron Disease and Equine degenerative myeloencepalopathy. Horses with restricted access to pasture and genetic predispositions, like the Morgan Horse, can be especially susceptible to being marginally low or deficient. Two types of supplemental forms of Vitamin E are available: natural form, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, and a synthetic form, dl-alpha-tocopherol, with the natural form being more expensive for horse owners. The objective of this study was to compare the serum vitamin E concentrations of horses on a low dose of natural (d-alpha) versus synthetic (dl-alpha) vitamin E. Eight horses with marginal/deficient serum alpha-tocopherol (0.94 – 2.3 µg/mL) were enrolled in a randomized block design study. Blocks were balanced for age, body weight and pre-study vitamin E level and were assigned to one of two treatments. 1) NATURAL – 2,000 IU powder (d-alpha-tocopherol acetate) for 16 wk. 2) SYNTHETIC – 2,000 IU dl-alpha tocopherol acetate for 16 wk. Horses were housed in box stalls with daily turnout without access to grass. Horses were fed hay at 2% of BW and 0.45 kg of concentrate daily with vitamin E feed activity of 45.5 and 1,378 IU/kg, respectively. Natural and synthetic treatments were fed once daily with the AM feeding. To ensure horses consumed the powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate and capsules of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate, cookies made from alfalfa powder, gelatin and d-alpha-tocopherol acetate powder were created. Serum alpha-tocopherol was assessed pre-feeding every four weeks from 0 to 16 weeks. Overall, horses supplemented with synthetic treatment had higher serum alpha-tocopherol than those supplemented with the natural treatment (2.61 vs 2.34, respectively; SE = 0.08, P = 0.05). Both treatments increased serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations to normal ranges (2.0-4.0 µg/mL) for all horses by 4 weeks and maintained the normal concentrations with the exception of week 12 for horses receiving the natural supplement compared with the synthetic (1.81 vs 2.62 µg/mL). Because of this diversion, there tended to be a week x treatment interaction (P = 0.06). The results of this study indicate the use of a synthetic, more affordable Vitamin E supplement will increase serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations similarly to natural supplements. However, further research is needed to determine how these supplements are utilized within the body.

PSII-19 Analysis of Vitamin A and E in Biological Samples After Prolonged Processing

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess vitamin A and E concentrations in liver and serum samples after extended transport to a diagnostic laboratory. This study was designed to quantify any vitamin A and E concentrations in liver or serum after samples were stored in a Styrofoam cooler with four ice packs for up to 2 days to simulate mailing samples to a diagnostic laboratory. Liver (entire right medial lobe, divided into three equal pieces) and blood (30 mL total, into three 10 mL serum tubes; BD Vacutainer, Franklin Lankes, NJ) samples were collected from six barrows (approximately 10 kg) post-euthanasia. All the samples (liver and serum) for two pigs were placed in one Styrofoam cooler with four ice packs (ThermoSafe PolarPack; 13.97 X 15.24 cm; Sonoco; Hartsville, SC, US) which was then placed onto a benchtop (room temperature, approximately 20°C) for the duration of the study. At the designated timepoints of 0, 1, or 2 days after collection, one sample of both tissue and serum were removed from the cooler, processed, and stored at -80°C until submission to the diagnostic laboratory. To process the samples, the blood was centrifuged (2,000 x g, 10 minutes, at 4°C) and the serum was isolated and placed into 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes (Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, CAT: 05-408-129). The liver was stored in whirl pack bags (15.24 cm X 22.86 cm). Samples were analyzed for vitamin A (retinol) and E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations at the Iowa State University Veterinarian Diagnostic Laboratory (Ames, IA). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS 9.4 (Statistical Analysis System, Cary, NC) with animal as the experimental unit and a fixed effect of time. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were found in serum vitamin A and E (Table 1; vitamin A: d 0 0.26 ppm, d 1 0.26 ppm, and d 2 0.27 ppm, vitamin E: d 0 2.20 ppm, d 1 2.36 ppm, and d 2 2.28) regardless of the sample being processed the day of, one day after, or two days after being collected from the pig. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in vitamin A or E concentrations (Table 1; vitamin A: d 0 12 ppm, d 1 11 ppm, and d 2 12 ppm, vitamin E: d 0 1.74 ppm, d1 2.32 ppm, and d 2 2.08) in the liver throughout the study. Based on these data, vitamin A and E concentrations in liver and serum samples are stable for up to 2 days after being stored in a cooler with ice packs at room temperature.

Efficacy of the oral supplement, Equine Omega Complete, for the prevention of gastric ulcers and alpha-tocopherol supplementation in horses.

Omega-3 fatty acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementation reduces gastric ulcer formation in humans and rodents; however, efficacy of prevention in horses is unknown. Equine Omega Complete (EOC) is an oral supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-tocopherol. Determine if EOC supplementation prevents gastric ulcers and increases serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations in healthy horses. Nine thoroughbred geldings; 5-13 years old. Prospective randomized block design, repeated in crossover model. Horses were administered EOC, omeprazole, or water PO for 28 days. Horses underwent an established gastric ulcer induction protocol from days 21-28 via intermittent feed deprivation. Gastroscopies were performed on days 0, 21, and 28. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured on days 0 and 28. The effects of treatment and time on ulcer grades were assessed with ordinal logistic regression, with significance at P-value <.05. Ulcer grades increased during ulcer induction in control and EOC but not omeprazole groups (P = .02). Grades increased in EOC-treated horses after ulcer induction from a median of 1 [95% confidence interval 0-2.5] (day 0) to 2.5 [1.5-3.5] (day 28) and were similar to the control group (P = .54). Serum alpha-tocopherol increased in EOC-treated horses from day 0 to day 28 (mean 2.2 0.43 μg/mL to 2.96 0.89 μg/mL; P < .001) with high individual variation; this increase was not different from omeprazole or control groups. Supplementation with EOC for 28 days did not prevent gastric ulcer formation nor increase alpha-tocopherol concentrations relative to the control group.

Research on the Differences in Phenotypic Traits and Nutritional Composition of Acer Truncatum Bunge Seeds from Various Regions.

Acer truncatum Bunge (ATB) is an excellent edible woody oil tree species since it bears a huge amount of fruit and has strong adaptability to be widely cultivated. Selecting an optimal cultivation region for ATB is crucial to improving China's woody oil industrialization. Chemical analysis, correlation analysis, and affiliation function values were used in the present research to systematically analyze the phenotypic traits, organic compound content, and seed oil chemical composition of the seeds of ATB from nine regions. The average contents of oil, protein, and soluble sugar in ATB seeds were 43.30%, 17.40%, and 4.57%, respectively. Thirteen fatty acids were identified from ATB seed oil, the highest content of which was linoleic acid (37.95%) and nervonic acid content was 5-7%. The maximum content of unsaturated fatty acids in ATB seed oil was 90.09%. Alpha-tocopherol content was up to 80.75 mg/100 g. The degree of variation in seed quality traits (25.96%) was stronger than in morphological traits (14.55%). Compared to environmental factors, the phenotypic traits of seeds contribute more to organic compounds and fatty acids. Combining the values of the indicator affiliation functions, Gilgarang, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia was selected as the optimal source of ATB for fruit applications from nine regions.

Vitamin content and MDA levels of certain white grape varieties from different altitudes in Turkey

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is regarded as one of the world's most important fruit crops in terms of acreage and commercial worth. Grapes are used to make not only wine but also fresh fruit, dried fruit, and juice. The quality of grapes or wine is significantly affected by environmental factors such as altitude, soil type, and climate. In this study, the 5 white grape varieties (Ağın beyazı, Tahannebi, Kabarcık, Şilfoni, and Besni) grown at different altitudes (800 m, 1000 m and 1200 m) in Turkey were investigated for their vitamin, and phytosterol concentrations as well as lipid peroxidation content. Şilfoni grape harvested at 800 m was found to possess the lowest lipid peroxidation content. High altitudes, were found to reduce lipid peroxidation contents in the Ağın beyazı, Tahannebi, and Kabarcık strains. The highest stigmasterol (98.34 µg/g), and beta-sitosterol (86.90 µg/g) concentrations were found within Şilfoni grape variety harvested at 800 m. The highest vitamin D-2 and D-3 levels were found in Ağın beyazı (1.39 µg/g) and Kabarcık (4.13 µg/g) grape varieties, both harvested at 1200 m. Kabarcık grape, however, revealed the highest concentrations of R-tocopherol (63.09 µg/g) and alpha-tocopherol (24.13 µg/g) at 1200 m within the samples. The highest vitamin K-2 level was determined within the Tahannebi grape (15.44 µg/g) from 1200 m. It was observed that the vitamin and phytosterol concentrations of white grape varieties tended to increase, while the lipid peroxidation values tended to decrease at high altitudes, especially at 1200 m. This study also exhibited a strong relationship among Vitamin D3, R-tocopherol, and alpha-tocopherol in the studied white grape cultivars. Keywords: Vitis vinifera; White grape; Vitamin; MDA; Altitude

The Antioxidant Capacity of Breast Milk and Plasma of Women with or without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Women with gestational diabetes (GD) have reduced antioxidant capacity; however, the relationship between maternal diet, maternal biochemical capacity, breast milk concentration, and infant intake has not been adequately explored in the literature. An exploration of underlying mechanism(s) is warranted, particularly for nutrient antioxidants impacted by maternal intake. These nutrients may provide a means for modifying maternal and infant antioxidant capacity. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and beta-carotene concentrations were measured in breast milk of women with and without GD. Plasma, three-day diet records, and breast milk were collected at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. Student's t-test was used to compare breast milk ORAC, nutrient antioxidant concentration and plasma ORAC between women with and without GD. Pearson correlations were used to determine associations among antioxidant concentrations in breast milk and dietary antioxidant intake. Breast milk antioxidant concentrations were associated with maternal intake of beta-carotene (r = 0.629, p = 0.005). Breast milk and plasma ORAC and antioxidant vitamin concentrations were not significantly different between GD and NG women. Breast milk ORAC associated with breast milk alpha-tocopherol for NG (r = 0.763, p = 0.010), but not GD women (r = 0.385, p = 0.35), and with breast milk ascorbic acid for GD (r = 0.722, p = 0.043) but not NG women (r = 0.141, p = 0.70; interaction p = 0.041). In GD participants, breast milk ORAC was significantly associated with plasma ORAC (r = 0.780, p = 0.039). ORAC and antioxidant vitamin concentrations in breast milk in women with GD were comparable to women with NG; however, the relationships between breast milk ORAC and vitamin concentrations differed in GD versus NG women for alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid.

EFFECTS OF 6-HYDROXY-2,2,4-TRIMETHYL-1,2-DIHYDROQUINOLINE ON THE OXIDATIVE STATUS AND ACTIVITY OF DICARBOXYLIC ACID METABOLISM ENZYMES IN TOXIC LIVER INJURY IN RATS

One of the widespread public health problems nowadays is toxic liver damage. The key mechanism of the pathogenic action of xenobiotics One of the widespread public health problems nowadays is toxic liver damage. The key mechanism of the pathogenic action of xenobiotics on the liver is the activation of oxidative stress. Excessively generated free radicals damage mitochondrial components in hepatocytes, which can lead to disfunc-tion of mitochondrial dehydrogenases. The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of antioxidant 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline on oxidative status, activity of succinate dehydrogenase and NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase in rats with toxic liver damage. Material and methods. The study included 48 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g, divided into 4 groups of 12 animals in each: control group, a group of animals with tetrachloromethane-induced liver damage, rats with pathology that received intragastrically 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline at a dose of 50 mg/kg, and control rats received the tested compound. The level of oxidative modification of proteins was assessed by the method of Reznick et al. with slight modifications, alpha-tocopherol concentration was estimated by the method based on measuring the ab-sorption of chromogenic complex compound Fe2+ and orthophenanthroline. Activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase was determined in blood serum using Olvex Diagnosticum reagent kits (Russia, Saint Petersburg). Cytoplasmic and mitochondrial liver fractions were obtained for analysis of succinate dehydrogenase and NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase activity. Results. Results of the work have shown that 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline treatment led to the normalization of the analyzed pa-rameters, which was apparently due to the correction of the redox status in the liver of animals under the action of the tested compound. Conclusion. The results of the study make it necessary to further investigate the effect of dihydroquinoline derivatives on oxidative metabolic en-zymes in pathological

Effects of vitamin E supplementation of a high-lipid diet on the growth and biochemical parameters of hybrid groupers (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatus)

There is a trend towards using high-lipid diets in aquaculture, which can be optimized by using certain additives. This study investigated the effect of vitamin E (VE) supplementation of a high-lipid diet on the growth, serum and liver biochemical indexes, hepatic histology, and lipid metabolism of hybrid groupers (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatus). Six groups of iso-protein (50.23%) and iso-lipidic high-lipid (15.36%) experimental diets were prepared by adding VE at concentrations of 49.6 (basic diet, controls), 100, 110, 163, 206, and 245 mg/kg. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and 30 fish (10.20 ± 0.02 g) in an 8-week feeding experiment. The results show that 1) compared with controls, growth performance was not affected by VE addition. However, the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly lower in the high-VE group (245 mg/kg) than in the 163 and 206 mg/kg groups. 2) Compared with controls, VE significantly increased the contents of alpha-tocopherol in the liver and muscle. 3) Adding VE can reduce the fatty livers caused by high-lipid diets and significantly reduce total serum cholesterol, reduce the activity of lipid synthesis enzymes, and significantly increase the activity of lipolytic enzymes in the liver. 4) Compared with controls, appropriate amounts of VE significantly increased the expressions of the liver lipid-metabolism-related genes PPAR-α, PPAR-β, PPAR-γ, H-FABP , A-FABP, and L-FABP. Based on observations of lipid metabolism enzyme activity, histological sections, and lipid-metabolism-related gene expression, we conclude that the addition of 163–206 mg/kg VE to a high-lipid diet can promote lipid metabolism in groupers.

EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES, FATTY ACIDS AND ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL CONTENT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED OIL [MOSO] GROWN IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA.

The present investigation evaluated the physicochemical, alpha tocopherol content, fatty acid composition, and antimicrobial properties of Moringa oleifera seed oil [MOSO] extracted from M. oleifera seed indigenous to South-Western Nigeria. The oil yield obtained after Soxhlet [n-hexane] extraction of M. oleifera seeds was 37.35 ± 1.13%. The saponification value [mg of KOH g−1 of oil] of the extracted MOSO was 252.90 ± 2.78 while the acid value [mg KOH g−1 of oil] was 2.34 ± 0.23. The peroxide value [mequiv O2 kg−1] and iodine value [g of I2 100 g−1 of oil] were 4.89 ±0.42 and 67.68 ± 1.34 respectively. The specific gravity [@ 25 °C], refractive index [@ 40 °C], and viscosity [mpa.s @40 °C] were 0.90 ± 0.01, 1.464 ± 0.01, and 58.90 ± 3.52 respectively. Alpha-tocopherol [mg 100 g−1 of oil] content of the n-hexane extracted MOSO was 1.44 ± 0.01, and its corresponding mg/serving and percentage daily value [%] were 0.202 and 1.35 respectively. Chemical compounds identified by GC-MS analysis include Ethanol, 2-butoxy [7.56 %], Benzene-1-ethyl-4-methyl-[6.34 %], Benzene-1,2,3-trimethyl-[7.65 %], Benzene-1,2,4-trimethyl- [17.39 %] Isophorone [10.71 %], n-hexadecanoic acid [Palmitic Acid] [12.17 %], Oleic Acid [35.97 %], and Butyl- 9-octadecenoate [2.21 %]. The observed antimicrobial activity was concentration dependent. At 50 and 100 mg/ml, MOSO demonstrated intermediate antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillum notatum while no activity was observed below 50 mg/ml. The examined MOSO exhibited good quality characteristics and could be utilized as alternative vegetable oil for food, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Determination of Free Radical Scavenging Activity in Some Economic Bivalve Species

In this study, free radical scavenging activity, alpha tocopherol and total carotenoid contents of extracts of Mytilus galloprovincialis, Ruditapes philipinarum, Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina bivalve species collected from Denizkent in the Marmara Sea are determined. As a result of the monthly samplings, the amount of alpha tocopherol is quite high in all species, whereas the total amount of carotenoids is highest in Donax trunculus (2435 µg/g), then in Mytilus galloprovincialis (2189.6 µg/g), and in the other two species parallel results are obtained. When the free radical scavenging activity is evaluated, on average, Ruditapes philipinarum (22.8%) is the highest, Mytilus galloprovincialis (16.75%) and Chamelea gallina (17.98%) are close to each other, 11% in Donax trunculus, it has been determined that 85. In addition, other parameters obtained in this study were examined by considering statistical evaluations

Association between serum retinol and overall and cause-specific mortality in a 30-year prospective cohort study

How retinol as a clinical indicator of vitamin A status is related to long-term mortality is unknown. Here we report the results of a prospective analysis examining associations between serum retinol and risk of overall and cause-specific mortality. During a 30-year cohort follow-up, 23,797 deaths were identified among 29,104 men. Participants with higher serum retinol experienced significantly lower overall, CVD, heart disease, and respiratory disease mortality compared to men with the lowest retinol concentrations, reflecting 17–32% lower mortality risk (Ptrend < 0.0001). The retinol-overall mortality association is similar across subgroups of smoking intensity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, trial supplementation, serum alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene concentrations, and follow-up time. Mediation analysis indicated that <3% of the effects of smoking duration and diabetes mellitus on mortality were mediated through retinol concentration. These findings indicate higher serum retinol is associated with lower overall mortality, including death from cardiovascular, heart, and respiratory diseases.

Investigation of Different Post-Harvest Treatments on the Quality of Almond Kernels during Ambient Storage

Maintaining almond kernel quality during and after harvest is crucial in producing premium kernel product for Australian and international markets. In this study, we investigated the effects of different post-harvest treatments on changes in moisture content, texture, colour, nutritional profile and flavour of almond kernels over a storage period of 9 months under ambient conditions. Post-harvest treatments included steam pasteurization, volumetric heating pasteurization, oven roasting and dry roasting, which were compared with raw kernels. Moisture and texture analysis revealed that the average values within each treatment group did not change significantly over 9 months, although the breaking force required to create an initial crack in the kernel structure were markedly lower for Steam Pasteurized (SP) and Oven Roasted (OR) samples after 9 months. Sensory analysis conducted by a trained panel of experts revealed that the chewiness of raw samples increased over time, and both toasted and roasted characteristics were low. For OR and Dry Roasted (DR) samples the chewiness was low and roasted and toasted properties were higher. Average overall enjoyment score given to samples as a part of sensory testing was higher for Volumetric Heating Pasteurization (VHP) and DR at start of the storage (control) and stayed higher than others after 6 and 9 month of storage. Testing of nutritional content of samples showed changes in alpha tocopherol content in roasted samples. However, DR samples had higher content in comparison with OR samples. Volumetric heating treatment didn’t diminish tocopherol content of samples in comparison with raw samples while the average alpha tocopherol content of SP over first 3 month of storage was lower. Both SP and OR samples showed lower fat percentage in comparison with raw, VHP and DR. A reduction was observed in Lightness (L*) values for all samples tested. Among the tested treatments OR samples had darker kernels and Raw and VHP samples had lightest colours. The testing results showed the potential of volumetric heating pasteurization and roasting in maintaining quality of kernel over bulk storage period.