Combination Of Antioxidants Research Articles

Brazil nuts: nutritional benefits from a unique combination of antioxidants

Brazil nut is the seed of the Bertholletia excelsa tree, which grows naturally in the rainforests of South America. The production chain is environmentally sustainable as seeds are collected from the hard-shelled indehiscent fruits as they fall on the forest floor, without the need of deforestation. Brazil nut is among the most popular and commercially important tree nuts, and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease among other health benefits have been related to their consumption. A high content of both soluble and bound phenolic antioxidants, especially in the brown skin of the kernel, partly explains this positive health effect together with a high content of oleic acid and linoleic acid. The ω-3/ω-6 is less favorable, but the relatively high content of delta-tocopherol for a tree nut and the highest selenium (Se) level among all foods warrant other health benefits such as antioxidant activity and anticancer effects. Se levels in Brazil nuts vary strongly depending on origin, and recommendations for their safe consumption should be made and added in food labels in order to avoid selenosis.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effect Combination Vasconcellea pubescens A.DC. and Momordica charantia L. Extract in Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Rats

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effect Combination Vasconcellea pubescens A.DC. and Momordica charantia L. Extract in Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Rats

The use of natural antioxidants to combat lipid oxidation in O/W emulsions

This research investigated the efficacy of four natural antioxidants, quercetin, curcumin, rutin hydrate and ascorbic acid in their ability to combat Lipid Oxidation (LO) within different oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion environments. The free radical scavenging and metal chelating ability of the four antioxidants was first assessed through DPPH and Ferrozine assays respectively and used to help explain each antioxidants efficacy in particular environments. Generally, in emulsions with no added iron, compounds that exhibited the greatest levels of DPPH and Ferrozine inhibition provided the best oxidative stability. In the presence of added iron, antioxidant effectiveness reduced dramatically and in some cases resulted in prooxidant activity. It was concluded that the antioxidant metal chelating mechanism of antioxidants in emulsions with added iron was largely insignificant compared to the prooxidant effect gained by these compounds through their interaction with iron. The most non-polar compounds, curcumin and quercetin provided peroxide value (PV) reductions of 65% and 74% respectively in 5% oil phase volume emulsions compared to just 28% and 43% PV reductions in 40% oil phase volume emulsions; thus providing more evidence of the widely reported ‘polar paradox’. Combinations of ascorbic acid with quercetin or curcumin resulted in antioxidant synergism, whereas other antioxidant combinations led only to additive or antagonistic effects. This research builds on the understanding of the fundamental behaviour of natural antioxidants within different emulsion formulations.

Mechanisms and Treatment of Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration-Associated Inflammation: Insights from Biochemical Profiling of the Aqueous Humor.

Ocular inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of blind-causing retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or photic maculopathy. Here, we report on inflammatory mechanisms that are associated with retinal degeneration induced by bright visible light, which were revealed while using a rabbit model. Histologically and electrophysiologically noticeable degeneration of the retina is preceded and accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by granulocyte infiltration and edema in this tissue, as well as the upregulation of total protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers in aqueous humor (AH). Consistently, quantitative lipidomic studies of AH elucidated increase in the concentration of arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids and lyso-platelet activating factor (lyso-PAF), together with pronounced oxidative and inflammatory alterations in content of lipid mediators oxylipins. These alterations include long-term elevation of prostaglandins, which are synthesized from AA via cyclooxygenase-dependent pathways, as well as a short burst of linoleic acid derivatives that can be produced by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic free radical-dependent mechanisms. The upregulation of all oxylipins is inhibited by the premedication of the eyes while using mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1, whereas the accumulation of prostaglandins and lyso-PAF can be specifically suppressed by topical treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitor Nepafenac. Interestingly, the most prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and overall retinal protective effects are achieved by simultaneous administrating of both drugs indicating their synergistic action. Taken together, these findings provide a rationale for using a combination of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant and cyclooxygenase inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory components of retinal degenerative diseases.

Epidermal and Dermal Hallmarks of Photoaging are Prevented by Treatment with Night Serum Containing Melatonin, Bakuchiol, and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies.

IntroductionPhotoaging is a complex process that is chiefly the result of oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet (UV)-generated reactive oxygen species. To counter this process, we developed a 3-in-1 night facial serum (3-in-1 NFS) containing a combination of direct and indirect antioxidants and polyphenols that is designed to attenuate UV-generated free radicals and stimulate dermal protein synthesis. In clinical trials 3-in-1 NFS improved the appearance of photoaged skin. In this study we sought to identify some of the main histologic changes responsible for this.MethodsWe performed an immunolabeling analysis of some of the salient epidermal and dermal proteins in 3-in-1 NFS-treated primary epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in vitro, and in UV-exposed skin explants ex vivo. Numbers of apoptotic sunburn cells following exposure of 3-in-1 NFS-treated skin explants to UV radiation were also determined.ResultsWe demonstrate that 3-in-1 NFS increases levels of filaggrin and aquaporin 3 in HEKs, and levels of collagen I and collagen III in HDFs in vitro. Levels of precursor procollagen type I and tropoelastin were increased in ex vivo skin explants. Numbers of apoptotic sunburn cells were significantly reduced in UV-exposed skin explants. These effects were only observed with the combination of ingredients in 3-in-1 NFS, suggesting that they have a synergistic effect on photoaged skin biology.ConclusionOur results show that some of the histological hallmarks of photoaging are improved with the use of 3-in-1 NFS.

Improving the oxidative stability and lengthening the shelf life of DHA algae oil with composite antioxidants

Based on various antioxidant mechanisms, four kinds of antioxidants including ascorbyl palmitate (AP), vitamin E (VE), phytic acid (PA) and one of the polyphenols (antioxidant of bamboo leaves, tea polyphenol palmitate or tea polyphenols (TP)) were used in combination to improve oxidative stability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) algae oil. To achieve the best effect, the formulations and mixture ratios of the antioxidant combinations were optimized. The effects were monitored by peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, acid value, free radicals, Rancimat induction time and fatty acid composition of DHA algae oil undergoing accelerated storage. Finally, the DHA algae oil containing 80 mg/kg AP, 80 mg/kg VE, 40 mg/kg PA and 80 mg/kg TP had the highest oxidative stability. Furthermore, the shelf life of DHA algae oil containing the optimum composite antioxidant was predicted by using accelerated shelf life testing coupled with Arrhenius model, which was 3.80-fold longer than the control sample.

Protective effects of ascorbic acid and calcitriol combination on airway remodelling in ovalbumin-induced chronic asthma

Context Airway remodelling is one of the most refractory problems in asthma. According to the critical roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in airway remodelling, it is supposed that ascorbic acid and calcitriol have beneficial effects. However, a combination of antioxidants may be more effective for asthma therapy. Objective This study investigated the protective effects of ascorbic acid in combination with calcitriol on airway remodelling in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic asthma. Materials and methods BALB/c mice were assigned into seven groups: (1) Control; (2) Asthma; (3) Ineffective C (orally 39 mg/kg ascorbic acid); (4) Ineffective D (intraperitoneally 1.5 μg/kg calcitriol); (5) Effective C (orally 130 mg/kg ascorbic acid); (6) Effective D (intraperitoneally 5 μg/kg calcitriol); (7) Combination (orally 39 mg/kg ascorbic acid + intraperitoneally 1.5 μg/kg calcitriol). All animals were sensitized and challenged with OVA except in the control group (normal saline). In all treatment groups, mice were administrated vitamins 30 min before each challenge (three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks). Results In comparison with the asthma group, co-administration of ineffective doses of ascorbic acid and calcitriol led to the decreased levels of IL-13 (50.5 ± 1.85 vs. 42.13 ± 0.37 pg/mL, p = 0.02) and IgE (58.74 ± 0.43 vs. 45.78 ± 2.05 ng/mL, p = 0.003) as well as the reduction of goblet hyperplasia and subepithelial fibrosis (5 vs. 1 score, p = 0.001 and 5 vs. 2 score, p = 0.001, respectively). Discussion and conclusions Combination of ascorbic acid with calcitriol in ineffective doses improves airway remodelling due to additive effects possibly through reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. This study provides a scientific basis for further research and clinical applications of ascorbic acid and calcitriol and can be generalized to the broader pharmacological studies.

The effects of combination of antibiotic and antioxidants on haemato-biochemical parameters in dogs affected with gastroenteritis

The effects of combination of antibiotic and antioxidants on haemato-biochemical parameters in dogs affected with gastroenteritis

Recovery of tuna virgin fish oil and formulation as a product model of emulsion food supplement

The aims of this study were to recover and characterize extra virgin fish oil (EVFO) from tuna eyes, and avoid deterioration and loss of EVFO functionality during extraction, formulation and storage of EVFO emulsion supplement. Research comprised extraction, characterization, and formulation of emulsions with addition of mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) natural antioxidant extracts (0%, 2%, 4% and 8%), ascorbic acid (0.2%) and combination of mangrove extract and ascorbic acid (0.2%:0.2%). The extraction of EVFO used cool centrifugation technology and antioxidant activity of mangroves was measured by the ABTS method. Emulsion stability was verified for 2 weeks (25°C). The best formula was determined by using Bayes method. About 10% EVFO was isolated from tuna eye but its peroxide value was still high. The EVFO had a proportion of DHA up to 34.96%. Mangrove extract had an antioxidant activity of 52.96±0.42 ppm. The best preferred emulsion formula closest to the standard of stability was the formula added with mangrove fruit extract 0.8%. This EVFO emulsions supplement formula with serving sizes of 2 tea spoon (10 mL) donated 0.38 g of DHA which was approximately 32% of the average omega-3 requirement for the first trimester period of pregnancy.

Antioxidants increase blastocyst cryosurvival and viability post-vitrification.

What is the effect of antioxidants acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid (A3) in vitrification and warming solutions on mouse blastocyst development and viability? The combination of three antioxidants in vitrification solutions resulted in mouse blastocysts with higher developmental potential in vitro and increased viability as assessed by both an outgrowth model in vitro and fetal development following uterine transfer. The antioxidant combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid present in IVF handling and embryo culture media has significant beneficial effects on mouse embryo and fetal development, especially under oxidative stress. The study was a laboratory-based analysis of an animal model. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on F1 mouse blastocysts, with antioxidants (A3) supplemented in vitrification and/or warming solutions, followed by culture and embryo transfer. Pronucleate oocytes were collected and cultured in groups to Day 4 blastocysts. Expanded blastocysts were vitrified and warmed in solutions with and without the A3 antioxidants and cultured for a further 24h. Blastocyst cell number and allocation, apoptosis and histone acetylation levels were all quantified, and viability through outgrowths and transfers assessed. Mouse blastocysts vitrified with no antioxidants had significantly lower cell numbers (P < 0.001) and higher apoptotic cells (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos. Addition of combined A3 antioxidants to the vitrification and warming solutions resulted in a significant increase in inner cell mass cell (ICM) number (P < 0.001) and total cell number (P < 0.01), and an increase in outgrowth area (P < 0.05), which correlated with the increased fetal weight (P < 0.05), crown rump length (P < 0.05) and limb development (P < 0.05) determined following transfer compared to embryos with no antioxidants. Furthermore, while blastocyst vitrification significantly reduced acetylation levels (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos, the inclusion of A3 antioxidants helped to ameliorate this. Embryo development was only examined in the mouse. Results in this study demonstrate that vitrification and warming of blastocysts have significant detrimental effects on embryo histone acetylation and subsequent viability. The presence of antioxidants in the vitrification solutions helps to alleviate the negative effects of cryopreservation. Our data indicate that antioxidants need to be present in the medium at the time of exposure to increased oxidative stress associated with vitrification and that prior exposure (i.e. during culture or IVF alone) is insufficient to protect cells against cryo-induced injury. Hence, A3 antioxidants may assist in maintaining the viability of vitrified human embryos in ART through the reduction of oxidative stress. This work was funded by a research grant from Vitrolife AB (Sweden). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Combination of antioxidants and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) inhibitor protects auditory hair cells from ototoxic insult.

Hair cell (HC) degeneration causes hearing loss in millions of people worldwide. Aminoglycoside exposure is one major cause of sensory HC damage. Aminoglycosides generate free radicals within the inner ear, permanently damaging sensory cells, and thus causing hearing loss. Hearing protection requires strategies to overcome the apparently irreversible loss of HCs in mammals. The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) inhibitor 11R-VIVIT reportedly protects HCs from gentamicin toxicity. Here we investigated whether the combination of 11R-VIVIT with the antioxidant L-carnitine or N-acetylcysteine could protect mouse cochlear HCs from gentamicin damage. Compared to single-component treatment, combined treatment with 11R-VIVIT plus L-carnitine yielded significant protection from gentamicin, and 11R-VIVIT plus N-acetylcysteine provided almost complete protection of HCs from gentamicin. Caspase activity in organ of Corti was significantly reduced by combined treatment with 11R-VIVIT+N-acetylcysteine+gentamicin, compared to 11R-VIVIT+gentamicin or gentamicin alone. Analysis of relative gene expression by qPCR revealed down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic genes Fasl and Casp9, and up-regulation of the antioxidant genes Hmox1 and Nrf2 after treatment with 11R-VIVIT+N-acetylcysteine+gentamicin, compared to single-compound treatment or gentamicin alone in cultures. Selective NFAT inhibition by 11R-VIVIT may be a good strategy for preventing gentamicin-induced HC damage. L-carnitine and N-acetylcysteine, with their ROS-reducing properties, contribute to the synergistic effectiveness with 11R-VIVIT by decreasing ROS-induced NFAT translocation. Our data suggest that a combined approach of NFAT inhibition together with an antioxidant, like N-acetylcysteine, could be useful for hearing loss treatment and/or prevention. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.14759.

Improving oxidative stability of flaxseed oil with a mixture of antioxidants

The optimum combination of antioxidants used for stabilization of flaxseed oil and extension of its shelf life was examined. To achieve this goal, based on different antioxidant mechanisms, a combination of four types of antioxidants including tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate (AP), phytic acid (PA), and a source of polyphenol (antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB), rosemary extract (RE), tea polyphenols extract (TP), and tea polyphenol palmitate (TPP)) were added to flaxseed oil. The effects were monitored using peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), free radicals, and Rancimat induction time (RIT) of flaxseed oil during accelerated storage. Flaxseed oil containing 80 mg/kg tocopherol, 40 mg/kg AP, 40 mg/kg PA, and 240 mg/kg TPP was found to be more stable to oxidation than other samples and had 3.22‐fold longer shelf life than that of the control flaxseed oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Due to its high concentration of alpha‐linolenic acid, flaxseed oil is prone to oxidation. To improve the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil and prolonging its shelf life, the optimum formulation and ratio of mixtures of antioxidants with different antioxidant mechanisms were studied. Our results indicated that the flaxseed oil containing 80 mg/kg tocopherol, 40 mg/kg AP, 40 mg/kg PA, and 240 mg/kg TPP was very stable to oxidation. And the shelf life of the flaxseed oil containing this optimum mixture of antioxidants was 3.22‐fold longer than that of the control flaxseed oil. Therefore, adding the optimum mixture of antioxidants will help to produce the flaxseed oil products with better oxidative stability for commercial development.

Application of Plackett-Burman Design in Screening of Natural Antioxidants Suitable for Anchovy Oil.

Considering the safety of synthetic antioxidants, more and more natural antioxidants have been developed and utilized in foods. This study aimed to screen out a natural antioxidant combination from many antioxidants, which could significantly affect the oxidation stability of anchovy oil, while Plackett–Burman design (PBD) methodology was employed in this screening. According to the statistical results of this design, sesamol, dihydromyricetin, teapolyphenol, and rosemary acid were four significant parameters on the oxidation stability of anchovy oil. Moreover, dihydromyricetin presented the best antioxidant effect among nine kinds of selected antioxidants when they were used alone in anchovy oil. Meanwhile, a combination including sesamol (0.02%), teapolyphenol (0.02%). and rosemary acid (0.02%) was adopted, and its antioxidant ability was similar to that of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Additionally, phytic acid as a synergist was used and combined with sesamol, and the antioxidant ability of this combination was better than that of TBHQ. This study presented a reference for the industrial applications of natural antioxidants and synergists in anchovy oil.

Effects of a Combined Mitochondria-Targeted Treatment on the State of Mitochondria and Synaptic Membranes from the Brains of Diabetic Rats

On samples of the mitochondria and synaptic membranes isolated from rat brains using differential centrifugation, we tried to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of a combination of mitochondriaspecific antioxidants, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and α-lipoic acid (LA), with nicotinamide (NAm), against diabetes-induced disorders in the CNS. Three groups of adult male Wistar rats were examined; these were control intact rats (group C), animals with experimental streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes (group D; 6 weeks after STZ injections), and diabetic rats treated during the two final weeks of the above period by a combination of ALC, LA, and NAm (separate daily injections; doses 100, 50, and 100 mg/kg body mass, respectively; group D+T). At the day of preparation of the organelle samples, the mean blood glucose levels in groups C, D, and D+T were 4.8, 20.3, and 15.4 mM, respectively. The intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the brain mitochondria from rats of group D measured by fluorescent analyses using 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate was, on average, 37.2% greater than that in group C. Co-treatment provided a significant decrease in the above index in group D+T (27.8% in comparison with group D). Diabetes led to dramatic intensification of the CYP2E1 protein level in the liver of group D animals (242% vs. group C). In group D+T, this index was 33.1% lower than that in group D.

Fabrication of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) / thermoplastic amide elastomer (TPAE) composite foams with supercritical carbon dioxide and their mechanical properties

The low resilience and poor elongation characteristics of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foams make it unsuitable for applications such as high-end sports shoes. In this work the incorporation of thermoplastic amide elastomer (TPAE) into TPU foam has been investigated to meet address this shortcoming. Five TPU/TPAE composite pellets were first prepared using varying combinations of TPU, compatibilizer additive, antioxidant, processing aid, and UV stabilizer. Out of these studies, the pellet with the most hardness was foamed with supercritical CO2, to obtain the TPU/TPAE composite foams. The TPU/TPAE composite foams consisting of aminized polyether polyol, nylon 6 (as the hard segment), and Jeffamine D400 (as the soft segment) exhibit excellent resilience, high elongation, good hardness, high tensile strength, and smaller cell size. Experimental results demonstrated that introduction of TPAE into the TPU composite foam efficiently improves their mechanical performance.

A Combination Treatment of Antioxidants, Bone Graft and Platelet-rich Fibrin Increases the Number of Osteoblasts in the Post-tooth Extraction Socket of Wistar Rats

Background. Worldwide, periodontitis has the highest prevalence among the oral diseases. New medications are needed to repair the damage brought by periodontitis. Previous studies have been done to investigate agents such as antioxidants and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in oxidative stress. These studies focused on the role of antioxidants in periodontitis and other related systemic conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if antioxidants in combination with bone graft and PRF can increase the number of osteoblasts for new bone growth.&#x0D; Methods. Twenty-seven (27) Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups. In the first group, the postextraction tooth socket was filled with blood (control). In the second group, the socket was filled with antioxidants and bone graft. In the third group, the socket was filled with antioxidants, bone graft, and PRF. On day 14, the rats were euthanized and the tissue fixations were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) for histologic examination of the osteoblasts. One-way ANOVA was used as statistical test.Results. Statistical test showed that there were significant differences in the number of osteoblasts in all the 3 groups (p=0.000).&#x0D; Conclusion. The number of osteoblasts was significantly increased in the post-extraction tooth socket treated with a combination of antioxidants, bone graft, and PRF.

STRAWBERRY (Fragaria ananassa Duch): PHYTOCHEMICALS, NUTRACEUTICALS AND HEALTH BENEFITS. A BRIEF REVIEW

Strawberry is an accessory fruit stimulated by cold weather as a berry, reported to constitute, phenolic acid, ellagic acid and its derivatives EA-4-arabiniside, EA-4-acetylarabinoside, EA-4-acetylxyloside, β-carotenoids (Lutein, β-carotene), omega-3 fatty acids and derivatives. Fruits especially berries/soft fruits have combination of antioxidants and phytochemicals. the phenolic compounds present in strawberries are responsible for antioxidant properties rather than to vitamin C and these dietary antioxidants prevent or limit the potential cancer-inducing oxidative damage. These compounds play a synergistic and cumulative role in health promotion. The risk of persistent diseases and oxidative damage to the cellular system can also be prohibited or lowered by these antioxidant compounds (phytochemicals), such as phenolics and carotenoids Strawberries enhance the palatableness of a cholesterol-dropping food whereas it maintains the serum lipid reductions of the food consumed. Cognitive and motor functions are age-related declines that are slowed by strawberry intake and it also has cancer fighting constituents, it also has a potential of decreasing the risk of heart diseases, the females with high strawberry ingestion have reduced levels of an inflammatory marker in their blood. Strawberry extract was found to decrease the activity of transcription factors involved in tumor promotion and there is a need to consume sufficient amounts of antioxidants avoid or reduce the oxidative stress stimulated by free radicals

Antioxidants increase blastocyst cryosurvival and viability post vitrification

STUDY QUESTION: What is the effect of antioxidants acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid (A3) in vitrification and warming solutions on mouse blastocyst development and viability? SUMMARY ANSWER: The combination of three antioxidants in vitrification solutions resulted in mouse blastocysts with higher developmental potential in vitro and increased viability as assessed by both an outgrowth model in vitro and fetal development following uterine transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The antioxidant combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and α-lipoic acid present in IVF handling and embryo culture media has significant beneficial effects on mouse embryo and fetal development, especially under oxidative stress. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The study was a laboratory-based analysis of an animal model. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on F1 mouse blastocysts, with antioxidants (A3) supplemented in vitrification and/or warming solutions, followed by culture and embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS: Pronucleate oocytes were collected and cultured in groups to Day 4 blastocysts. Expanded blastocysts were vitrified and warmed in solutions with and without the A3 antioxidants and cultured for a further 24 h. Blastocyst cell number and allocation, apoptosis and histone acetylation levels were all quantified, and viability through outgrowths and transfers assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Mouse blastocysts vitrified with no antioxidants had significantly lower cell numbers (P < 0.001) and higher apoptotic cells (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos. Addition of combined A3 antioxidants to the vitrification and warming solutions resulted in a significant increase in inner cell mass cell (ICM) number (P < 0.001) and total cell number (P < 0.01), and an increase in outgrowth area (P < 0.05), which correlated with the increased fetal weight (P < 0.05), crown rump length (P < 0.05) and limb development (P < 0.05) determined following transfer compared to embryos with no antioxidants. Furthermore, while blastocyst vitrification significantly reduced acetylation levels (P < 0.05) compared to non-vitrified embryos, the inclusion of A3 antioxidants helped to ameliorate this. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Embryo development was only examined in the mouse. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Results in this study demonstrate that vitrification and warming of blastocysts have significant detrimental effects on embryo histone acetylation and subsequent viability. The presence of antioxidants in the vitrification solutions helps to alleviate the negative effects of cryopreservation. Our data indicate that antioxidants need to be present in the medium at the time of exposure to increased oxidative stress associated with vitrification and that prior exposure (i.e. during culture or IVF alone) is insufficient to protect cells against cryo-induced injury. Hence, A3 antioxidants may assist in maintaining the viability of vitrified human embryos in ART through the reduction of oxidative stress. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was funded by a research grant from Vitrolife AB (Sweden). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Antioxidant supplementation to medium for in vitro embryo production in Felis catus.

The development of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) techniques in Felis catus is a fitting model with potential application to the conservation of endangered felid species. To improve the quality of IVEP techniques an appropriate balance of pro- and antioxidants should be provided. Under in vitro conditions, high levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) mRNA provide a defence mechanism against oxidative stress for embryos. In order to improve the development of cat oocytes, the effects of SOD and CAT supplemented to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium and of GPx supplemented to in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium on development and embryo production in vitro were evaluated. Data showed an increase of 70 and 77 % of cleaved embryo and blastocyst formation, respectively, in the experiment with SOD and CAT addition to IVM medium; in the experiment with GPx addition to IVF medium the number of cleaved embryos doubled and the number of embryos increased by 96 %. Therefore, our results were positive and encourage us to continue studies on cat oocytes evaluating the effects of various dosages and combination of antioxidants.

Antioxidant activity and characterization of whey protein-based beverages: Effect of shelf life and gastrointestinal transit on bioactivity

Abstract Whey proteins can exhibit antioxidant activity. The objectives of this study were to formulate model whey based beverages with well-established antioxidants (plant polyphenols, vitamins and astaxanthin) to investigate (1) the antioxidant shelf life over a 24-week period and (2) the antioxidant activity after upper gastrointestinal transit. Pilot scale processing (pasteurization, ultra-high temperature or spray drying) was used to prepare beverages which were representative of current product formats. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of test samples was performed using the standardised INFOGEST method and antioxidant activity of samples was determined using ABTS, FRAP and ORAC. Results from the antioxidant shelf life study provided evidence that powder products functionality was preserved. Whey beverages (pasteurised or spray dried) increased or maintained antioxidant activity during gastrointestinal transit. Combination of whey with additional antioxidant ingredients increased the bioactivity of formulated products; however, this greater bioactivity was altered after gastrointestinal transit, depending on processing type and antioxidant methodology. Industrial relevance Whey protein-based antioxidant beverages could benefit the elderly consumer to meet their increased protein requirements and boost their antioxidant status. Consumer's acceptance for whey protein-based beverages often improves with clear formulations. This work generated whey protein-based UHT beverages with greater stability and clarity than pasteurised formulations. A novel combination of plant and marine antioxidants increased antioxidant activity of whey protein-based formulations. Furthermore, to suit export markets this work generated spray dried whey protein formulations that did not alter antioxidant potential.