Consumption Of Antioxidants Research Articles

Analysis of Gravity-Filtration Preparation Methods’ Antioxidant Content, Capacity, and Coffee Beverage Acceptance

Most gravity-filtration coffee preparation methods constitute good alternatives for obtaining coffee with varying acidity, bitterness, and bodies. The present study identifies the composition of compounds with antioxidant capacities and cup profiles for coffee beverages prepared using eight gravity-filtration methods. UV-visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography quantified antioxidants, hydroxycinnamic acids, and antioxidant activity. A qualitative descriptive analysis was performed using an expert panel to establish the sensory quality. The methods that yielded the highest total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were Chemex, Siphon, and Silvertone. The Silvertone, Siphon, and Neapolitan methods had the most condensed tannin content. The maximum hydroxycinnamic acid content was found with the Siphon and Neapolitan methods. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the ABTS (antioxidant capacity of the cationic radical 2,2-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) methods and found to be the highest with the Silvertone, Siphon, and Neapolitan methods. The preparation methods with the highest sensorial scores were Silvertone and Chemex, while the lowest sensorial acceptance level was found with the Cloth filter method. Beverages made with the Kalita and Drip methods showed the lowest antioxidant compound expressions. The most predominant hydroxycinnamic acid was chlorogenic acid in the eight preparations studied. We thus recommend that coffee be consumed following preparation with the Silvertone, Siphon, or Neapolitan methods to increase antioxidant consumption in the diet. Should the consumer prefer bitter notes, these may be found with the Silvertone preparation method; otherwise, one may enjoy acidic notes in coffee beverages with the Siphon and Neapolitan methods.

Daidzein normalized gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and associated pro-inflammatory cytokines in MDCK and zebrafish: Possible mechanism of nephroprotection

This study investigates the therapeutic activity of daidzein, an isoflavone that occurs naturally in plants and herbs, against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in-vitro and zebrafish model in-vivo. The in-vitro studies revealed that daidzein protected MDCK cells from gentamicin-induced inflammation by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis. The zebrafish were divided into groups and injected with gentamicin (140 mg/mL) to induce nephrotoxic conditions. After injection, renal dysfunction, nitric oxide production, antioxidant consumption, exaggerated apoptosis, and inflammation were all observed in the zebrafish model. We also observed that during kidney inflammation in zebrafish, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as cyclooxygenase (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are upregulated. Furthermore, daidzein treatment after gentamicin injection showed a strong protective anti-inflammatory effect. Daidzein activity was associated with an increase in antioxidant biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GSH), whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) production were decreased in a dose-dependent factor. Moreover, histopathological alteration caused by gentamicin in zebrafish kidneys was normalized due to daidzein treatment. Daidzein also downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression in gentamicin-induced kidney inflammation in zebrafish. These results revealed that daidzein could potentially prevent nephrotoxic conditions through pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibition and its antioxidant property.

High Sodium Intake Differentially Impacts Brachial Artery Flow Mediated Dilation When Evaluated with Reactive Versus Active Hyperemia

OBJECTIVEThis study sought to determine if a high sodium (HS) intake attenuates upper limb flow mediated dilation in response to reactive (RH‐FMD) and sustained (SS‐FMD) hyperemia, and the role of oxidative stress in this response. Our hypothesis is HS intake will similarly impair upper limb vascular function when assessed as both RH‐FMD and SS‐FMD, and that this dysfunction will be reversed following acute antioxidant consumption.METHODSTen young, salt resistant participants (9 Males, 1 Female) consumed a 7‐day HS (6,900 mg/day) or a 7‐day low sodium (LS: 2,300 mg/day) diet in a randomized order. On the last day of the diet, brachial artery RH‐FMD (evaluated after 5 minutes of cuff occlusion) and SS‐FMD (handgrip exercise) were performed following consumption of placebo (PL) and repeated two hours after the consumption of antioxidants [AO; (1000 mg of vitamin C, 800 IU of vitamin E, and 400 mg of alpha lipoic acid]. Handgrip exercise (HG) was performed in 3‐minute workloads, increasing by 8 kg until failure, at a rate of one contraction per second. RH‐FMD responses were evaluated as percentage change from baseline and SS‐FMD was evaluated as brachial artery shear‐to‐dilation slopes assessed across all HG workloads achieved.RESULTSBetween diets, sodium consumption and excretion were significantly greater in the HS condition (p < 0.05 for both), but mean arterial blood pressure was unchanged (LS 85 ± 5; HS 84 ± 7 mmHg; p = 0.5). RH‐FMD was significantly lower during HS compared to LS (p = 0.01), in the placebo condition but not during the AO condition (p = 0.7), with a significant interaction present (HS+PL: 5.9 ± 3.4; HS+AO: 8.2 ± 2.7; LS+PL: 8.8 ± 4.7; LS+AO: 7.0 ± 2.1 %; p = 0.01) due to a significant increase in the HS+AO condition. A comparison of shear‐dilation slopes during SS‐FMD revealed no differences between sodium interventions (p = 0.3), AO condition (p = 0.1), or any interaction effect (p = 0.7) [HS+PL: 0.0031 ± 0.0013; HS+AO: 0.0026 ± 0.0012; LS+PL: 0.0028 ± 0.0012; LS+AO: 0.0022 ± 0.0010; mm.seconds‐1.kg‐1].CONCLUSIONIndependent of changes in MAP, a HS intake impaired peripheral vascular function when assessed via RH‐FMD, which was restored with AO consumption, potentially implicating elevated oxidative stress as a contributor to this dysfunction. However, SS‐FMD, evaluated via HG exercise, was not altered by a HS intake or AO consumption. In conclusion, 7‐days of a HS intake appears to have disparate effects between the two peripheral vascular function techniques, implicating an inability of HS intake to impact exercise‐induced BA dilation.

Resveratrol Reduces Arterial Stiffness and Improves Functional Capacity in Patients with COPD

IntroductionChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide and is strongly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Large artery stiffening is recognized as a major CVD risk factor that contributes to diminished myocardial blood supply and reduced functional capacity, a marker of disease severity in COPD. Elevated oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the etiology of both COPD and CVD. Apart from the body’s endogenous ability to counteract oxidative stress, the consumption of exogenous antioxidants also enhances the capacity to scavenge free radicals and reduce arterial stiffness. Whether or not antioxidants can reduce arterial stiffness and improve functional capacity in patients with COPD, however, has yet to be elucidated.PurposeThis study sought to test the hypothesis that oral resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, will reduce arterial stiffness and improve functional capacity in patients with COPD.MethodsTen patients with COPD (GOLD Stage II‐IV) participated in this study and completed 6 weeks of oral resveratrol (500 mg/daily) or placebo (PLC) treatment. Arterial stiffness was evaluated via tonometry (SphygmoCor) before and after RES or PLC to assess augmentation index (AIx), AIx normalized to a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx75), and diastolic pressure time index (DPTI). Functional capacity was measured via six‐minute walk test to evaluate distance walked.ResultsA single dose of RES significantly (p<0.01) improved markers of arterial stiffness (AIx75: ∆RES=‐8±2% vs. ∆PLC=‐4±2%) while increasing myocardial perfusion (DPTI: ∆RES=158±79 mmHg vs. ∆PLC=‐23±18 mmHg p=0.04). No changes (p=0.171) in functional capacity were observed after a single dose of RES or PLC. However, six weeks of RES significantly (p=0.01) reduced AIx75 (∆RES=‐9±3% vs. ∆PLC=‐3±2%), while it improved myocardial perfusion (DPTI: ∆RES=166±85 mmHg vs. ∆PLC=‐36±18 mmHg; p=0.04) and distance walked (∆RES=25±13m vs. ∆PLC=‐2±4m; p=0.04).ConclusionFor the first time, we have identified that the antioxidant resveratrol reduces markers of arterial stiffness and improves myocardial perfusion in patients with COPD. In addition, six weeks of daily intake of this natural antioxidant also improved functional capacity in this population. Future studies are warranted to investigate the long terms effects of resveratrol in cardiovascular health in patients with COPD.

The Relationship between Antioxidants Consumption and Insulin Resistance/Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes without and with Coronary Stenosis: A Case-Control Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is known as a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide. Coronary artery diseases are one of the hazardous disorders in diabetic patients. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary antioxidants intake with insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity among T2D without and with coronary stenosis (CS). Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 247 participants (65 diabetic patients suffered from CS and 172 diabetic patients without CS). Dietary antioxidants intake (vitamin E, Vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene, and zinc) were assessed with a valid and reliable 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood pressure, weight, and height were measured. Blood sample was collected for glycaemic control assessment. Results: Diabetic patients with CS had significantly higher HbA1c levels (P = 0.004). There was a negative significant association between vitamin E (r = -0.91; P < 0.001) and Beta-carotene (r =-0.88; P < 0.001) with HbA1c among all participants. There was also a positive significant association between vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium with insulin sensitivity among all the participants; (r = 0.59; P = 0.004) for vitamin E, (r = 0.91; P < 0.001) for vitamin C, and (r = 0.27; P = 0.04) for Beta-carotene. Conclusion: Antioxidants intake especially vitamin C and beta-carotene may have an anti-insulin resistance effect in metabolic disorders.

Edukasi herbal dan pengolahan minuman herbal sebagai peningkat sistem imun untuk mencegah infeksi COVID-19

The COVID-19 situation at the global and national levels is still at very high risk. A good immune system is needed to protect us from COVID-19. Eating healthy meals and increasing antioxidant consumption can help us to boost the body's immune system. Some herbs in Indonesia that are useful in boosting the immune system based on the Traditional Medicine Formulary are included red ginger, lime, cinnamon, and garlic. The Red ginger rhizome contains gingerol and shogaol, cinnamon bark contains cinnamaldehyde, lime has a high vitamin C content, and garlic bulbs contain ajoene. All of these compounds can synergistically improve the immune system. These ingredients are widely available and are processed into antioxidant herbal drinks that increase the immune system. The activity was carried out using the lecture method, discussion, and pretest-posttest to measure the level of participant knowledge. After the implementation of the activity, public knowledge increased regarding herbal ingredients, their processing, and preparation. As many as 100 percent of respondents were recognized the types of immune system enhancing herbs, 72 percent were understood how to process herbs, and 92 percent were understood how to prepare these herbs.

Thermal aging of electrical cable insulation made of cross‐linked low density polyethylene for under‐hood application in automotive industry

AbstractThe thermal aging of two electrical cable insulations made of cross‐linked low density polyethylene (XLPE) only differing by their stabilization system was studied in air between 125 and 200°C. The chemical consumption of the two types of antioxidants (phenol and sulfide), the build‐up of oxidation products and the consequences of thermal oxidation on the mechanical properties were respectively determined by measurement of the oxidation induction time (OIT), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and uniaxial tensile testing. It was found that the chemical consumption of each antioxidant occurs in turn almost independently, starting with the sulfide antioxidant and involving small but well detectable antagonistic effects. As soon as the antioxidant concentration becomes very low, that is, practically undetectable by OIT measurements, the thermal oxidation of XLPE is detected by FTIR spectroscopy causing a catastrophic decrease in the fracture properties. It was shown that the complete consumption of antioxidants coincides with the end of the oxidation induction period and the onset of the sudden decrease in the elongation at break. Based on all these experimental results, a simplified kinetic model was developed to account as faithfully as possible for the consumption kinetics of antioxidants, evaluate their antagonistic effects and, using a relevant end‐of‐life criterion, predict the lifetime of the two XLPE insulations. It was found a satisfying agreement between theory and experiment.

Free Radical Properties, Source and Targets, Antioxidant Consumption and Health

Free radicals have acquired growing importance in the fields of biology and medicine. They are produced during many different endogenous and exogenous processes. Mitochondria are the main source of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced at cell level. The overproduction of free radicals can damage macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. This leads to tissue damage in various chronic and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants play a crucial role in the body’s defense against free radicals. This review concerns the main properties of free radicals, their sources and deleterious effects. It highlights the potential role of the dietary supplementation of antioxidants and discusses unsolved problems regarding antioxidant supplements in the prevention and therapy of diseases.

Metabolic Pathway of Natural Antioxidants, Antioxidant Enzymes and ROS Providence.

Based on the origin, we can classify different types of stress. Environmental factors, such as high light intensity, adverse temperature, drought, or soil salinity, are summarized as abiotic stresses and discriminated from biotic stresses that are exerted by pathogens and herbivores, for instance. It was an unexpected observation that overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common response to all kinds of stress investigated so far. With respect to applied aspects in agriculture and crop breeding, this observation allows using ROS production as a measure to rank the stress perception of individual plants. ROS are important messengers in cell signaling, but exceeding a concentration threshold causes damage. This requires fine-tuning of ROS production and degradation rates. In general, there are two options to control cellular ROS levels, (I) ROS scavenging at the expense of antioxidant consumption and (II) enzyme-controlled degradation of ROS. As antioxidants are limited in quantity, the first strategy only allows temporarily buffering of a certain cellular ROS level. This way, it prevents spells of eventually damaging ROS concentrations. In this review, we focus on the second strategy. We discuss how enzyme-controlled degradation of ROS integrates into plant metabolism. Enzyme activities can be continuously operative. Cellular homeostasis can be achieved by regulation of respective gene expression and subsequent regulation of the enzyme activities. A better understanding of this interplay allows for identifying traits for stress tolerance breeding of crops. As a side effect, the result also may be used to identify cultivation methods modifying crop metabolism, thus resulting in special crop quality.

Fermentation of Vaccinium floribundum Berries with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Reduces Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells and Modulates Macrophages Function.

Accumulating evidence suggests that high consumption of natural antioxidants promotes health by reducing oxidative stress and, thus, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, fermentation of natural compounds with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, enhances their beneficial properties as regulators of the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular system. We investigated the effects of fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Pushgay berries (Vaccinium floribundum, Ericaceae family) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and macrophage cell line RAW264.7. Polyphenol content was assayed by Folin–Ciocalteu and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The effects of berries solutions on cell viability or proliferation were assessed by WST8 (2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, Trypan blue exclusion test, and Alamar blue assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by a cell-based chemiluminescent probe for the detection of intracellular H2O2 production in HUVECs. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels were investigated by RT-qPCR. Glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, as markers of intracellular antioxidant defense, were evaluated by spectrophotometric analysis. The immunomodulatory activity was examined in RAW 264.7 by quantification of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Tumor Necrosis Factor—alpha (TNFα) by RT-qPCR. Data showed that fermentation of Pushgay berries (i) enhances the content of quercetin aglycone, and (ii) increases their intracellular antioxidant activity, as indicated by the reduction in H2O2-induced cell death and the decrease in H2O2-induced HO-1 gene expression in HUVECs treated for 24 h with fermented berries solution (10 µg/mL). Moreover, treatment with Pushgay berries for 72 h (10 µg/mL) promotes cells growth in RAW 264.7, and only fermented Pushgay berries increase the expression of iNOS in the same cell line. Taken together, our results show that LAB fermentation of Pushgay berries enhances their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

Biotic and abiotic degradation of suspended particulate lipids along a transect in the Chukchi Sea

Lipids and their degradation products were investigated in samples of suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected in summer 2015 from surface waters of a South-North transect (ca. 65–81°N) of the Chukchi Sea. This material appeared to be composed mainly of diatoms (dominated by Thalassiosirales) and copepod faecal pellet debris. The high solar irradiances measured in the surface waters (up to 500 W m−2) favour chlorophyll (sensitizer) photobleaching at the expense of Type II photosensitized oxidation of unsaturated lipid components of phyto- and zooplankton (photodynamic effect). The weak photoreactivity of wax esters of herbivorous zooplankton in these SPM samples contrasts with previous observations of strong photooxidation of these compounds in sinking particles, which suggests that the photodynamic effect should be favoured in large faecal pellets of herbivorous copepods sinking quickly in weakly irradiated zones. Autoxidation (free radical induced oxidation) processes operating in all oxic environments appeared to be particularly efficient in faecal pellets of omnivorous and carnivorous zooplankton and limited in those of herbivorous origin. These differences were attributed to the consumption of algal antioxidants (such as mycosporine-like amino acids and carotenoids) during the diet of omnivorous and carnivorous copepods, favouring the involvement of free radical oxidation processes.

Quantifying oxygen diffusion in bitumen films using molecular dynamics simulations

Bitumen in asphalt pavements reacts slowly with atmospheric oxygen, resulting in oxidative ageing. This oxidative reaction is strongly dependent on the physical diffusion of the oxygen into the bitumen. This study aims to use molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the oxygen diffusion into the bitumen film and analyse the effects of anti-ageing compounds (AACs) on the oxygen diffusion. The MD diffusion simulations using a Polymer Consistent Force Field (PCFF) were conducted on a bitumen-air bi-layer model at different temperatures. Fick’s second law was used to calculate the diffusion coefficient of the oxygen in the bitumen film. It is found that the oxygen diffusion coefficients ranged from 6.67 × 10−10 to 7.45 × 10−11 m2/s for the unmodified and AAC-modified bitumens at the simulating temperatures of 25, 50 and 100 °C. Irganox acid and DLTDP (Dilauryl thiodipropionate):furfural showed two different anti-aging mechanisms, i.e., reducing the oxygen physical diffusion and controlling the chemical oxidative reaction. Reducing the oxygen diffusivity by constructing a network in the bitumen to retard oxygen diffusion and increase the transport path is an efficient way to slow down the bitumen aging without the antioxidant consumption. This work proposed a MD-based computational approach, contributing to 1) determination of the oxygen diffusion coefficient of the existing bitumen that is extremely challenging for the experimental measurement and 2) instruction of developing new antioxidant.

Special Thai Oolong Tea: Chemical Profile and In Vitro Antidiabetic Activities.

Special Thai oolong tea is oolong tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) steamed with selected Thai botanical drugs. Oolong tea steamed with ginger (Zingiber officinale), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and celery (Anathallis graveolens L.) is called eternity tea (EN), whereas peaceful rest (PR) tea is made of oolong tea leaves steamed with Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), Turkey berry (Solanum torvum), and wild betel leaf bush leaves (Piper sarmentosum). Oolong tea is known for its numerous biological activities including antidiabetic properties. However, the effect of the additional botanical drugs on the biological activities of special oolong teas has not yet been explored. From the results, the PR extract exhibited the best activity in the in vitro assays relevant to antidiabetic properties such as chemical antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-adipogenesis, enzyme inhibition, and glucose uptake and consumption. The UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS profiles of PR and EN extracts indicated chemical profiles different from oolong tea. For instance, gingerdiol and gingerol were detected in EN, whereas piperettine I was detected in PR. Therefore, it was inferred that among the three tea extracts, the additional compounds in PR contributed to good activities compared to oolong and EN. It is also important to highlight that the PR extract inhibited glucose uptake and consumption by adipocytes and skeletal muscles at concentrations of 500 and 100 μg/ml, respectively, as well as metformin activity (p < 0.05). Findings from this study support the antidiabetic potential of PR tea.

Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage after Strength Exercise: A Systematic Review.

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of antioxidant consumption on markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage after performing a muscle strength exercise. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were followed. Four databases were used: Scopus, PubMed, WOS and SportDiscus. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 1709 articles were retrieved and following duplicate removal and application of exclusion criteria seven articles were reviewed. Supplementation with pomegranate juice alleviates oxidative stress, taurine reduces muscle damage, melatonin protects the skeletal muscles, blueberries decrease oxidation and oats mitigate muscle damage. Conclusions: Acute administration of antioxidants immediately before or during an exercise session can have beneficial effects, such as delay of fatigue and a reduction in the recovery period. Administration of antioxidant susbtances may reduce muscle damage and oxidative stress markers.

Aktivitas Antioksidan Kulit Buah Cempedak (Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr.) asal Kalimantan Selatan

The increasing incidence of diseases related to oxidative stress among the human population has led to an increase in the consumption of natural antioxidants in the human diet. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of cempedak fruit skin extract with 50% ethanol and 70% ethanol as solvents. The method used was testing of radical inhibitory activity with the DPPH method (1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazil) and as a positive control was vitamin C. The results of phytochemical screening were known to contain phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. The results of the antioxidant activity of E50% obtained IC50 values of 650.07 ppm and IC50 of E70 of 1219.69 ppm. From these results, it can be concluded that the skin of the cempedak fruit does not have antioxidant activity.

Systemic effect of TiO2 micro- and nanoparticles after acute exposure in a murine model.

The surface of a biomedical implant can be a potential endogenous source of release of microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) into the biological environment. In addition, titanium particles from exogenous sources can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological response of the lung, liver, and kidneys to acute exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2 ). Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with a suspension of 45μm or 5 nm TiO2 particles. One month post-exposure, titanium concentration was determined spectrometrically (ICP-MS) in plasma and target organs. Blood smears and organ tissue samples were examined histopathologically, and oxidative metabolism was analyzed (superoxide anion by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) test; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); lipid peroxidation; paraoxonase 1). Liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (urea, creatinine) function was evaluated using serum biochemical markers. Microchemical and histological analysis revealed the presence of particles, though no structural alterations, in TiO2 -exposed groups. NBT test showed an increase in the percentage of reactive cells and antioxidant enzyme consumption in lung samples in the 45μm and 5nm TiO2 -exposed groups. Only the 5nm particles caused a decrease in SOD and CAT activity in the liver. No changes in renal oxidative metabolism were observed in either of the TiO2 -exposed groups. Determination of serum biochemical markers and analysis of oxidative metabolism are not early bioindicators of tissue damage caused by TiO2 MPs and NPs.

Changes in daylength and temperature from April until August for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared in sea cages, increase growth, and may cause consumption of antioxidants, onset of cataracts and increased oxidation of fillet astaxanthin

The hypothesis of the present study was that increased growth in spring, stimulated by increasing temperature and daylength, leads to oxidative stress in Atlantic salmon with accumulation of oxidation products in the tissues and increased utilization of antioxidants. The drop in fillet pigmentation and astaxanthin, often observed in spring by the industry, could be explained by oxidative stress. Furthermore, oxidative stress may cause production related diseases such as development of cataracts and melanin spots in the fillet. We sampled Atlantic salmon from two cages in a commercial scale experiment in Northern Norway (67°N), every month from April until August and then every second month until December (510 ± 160–3060 ± 510 g, mean weight ± std). The specific growth rate (SGR) increased with increasing temperature until midsummer and decreased thereafter. We found that vitamin E in the fillet and vitamin C in the liver were depleted in the spring and were restored in the autumn, even though the dietary concentrations were stable. Astaxanthin concentration in the muscle was constant during the spring and summer and increased in the autumn, concomitant with an increase in astaxanthin supplementation. Cataract increased from zero in May until July, when 90% of the fish were affected. The glutathione based redox-potential in the lenses became more reduced from June, indicating a protective mechanism against oxidative stress and cataract. The number of fish with melanin spots was high in June and decreased in August and October, but the size and intensity of the remaining spots increased in the same period. The change in vitamin C and E concentrations, cataract and glutathione metabolism during spring and early summer, indicate that the fish became oxidized in this period, while malon-di-aldehyde (MDA) and astaxanthin concentrations did not support the hypothesis. There are too few data to draw conclusions on possible effects of oxidative stress on melanin spots.

Antioxidant Activity of Milk and Dairy Products.

Simple SummaryConsumption of food products that are rich in natural antioxidants improves the antioxidant status of an organism through protection against oxidative stress and damage. Milk and dairy products (yogurt and cheese) accounting for approximately 25–30% of the average human diet are undoubtedly a rich source of compounds exhibiting antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to present a review of literature data on the antioxidant potential of raw milk and dairy products (milk, fermented products, and cheese) and the possibility to modify its level at the milk production and processing stage. The antioxidant capacity of milk and dairy products is mainly related to the presence of sulfur amino acids, whey proteins (especially β-lactoglobulin), vitamins A, E, and C, or β-carotene. The processes of fermentation or cheese maturation are associated with the release of bioactive peptides, which are responsible for the level of the antioxidant status of the product. The use of probiotic strains significantly enhances the antioxidant status. The antioxidant status of milk and dairy products can be modified with the use of natural additives in animal nutrition or at the stage of milk processing. Herbal mixtures, seeds, fruits, and waste from the fruit and vegetable industry are used most commonly. It is worth emphasizing that regular consumption of natural dairy antioxidants minimizes the risk of development of civilization diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes). It also slows down the aging process in the organism.The aim of the study was to present a review of literature data on the antioxidant potential of raw milk and dairy products (milk, fermented products, and cheese) and the possibility to modify its level at the milk production and processing stage. Based on the available reports, it can be concluded that the consumption of products that are a rich source of bioactive components improves the antioxidant status of the organism and reduces the risk of development of many civilization diseases. Milk and dairy products are undoubtedly rich sources of antioxidant compounds. Various methods, in particular, ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, are used for the measurement of the overall antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products. Research indicates differences in the total antioxidant capacity of milk between animal species, which result from the differences in the chemical compositions of their milk. The content of antioxidant components in milk and the antioxidant potential can be modified through animal nutrition (e.g., supplementation of animal diets with various natural additives (herbal mixtures, waste from fruit and vegetable processing)). The antioxidant potential of dairy products is associated with the quality of the raw material as well as the bacterial cultures and natural plant additives used. Antioxidant peptides released during milk fermentation increase the antioxidant capacity of dairy products, and the use of probiotic strains contributes its enhancement. Investigations have shown that the antioxidant activity of dairy products can be enhanced by the addition of plant raw materials or their extracts in the production process. Natural plant additives should therefore be widely used in animal nutrition or as functional additives to dairy products.

ChronicallyPre-treatmentof Pistachio Alters the Morphology of CA1 Hippocampus Neurons Following Transient Focal CerebralIschemia in Male Wistar Rats.

Background:Consumption of antioxidants is effective on reducing the damage caused by cerebral ischemia.Objectives:We investigated the effect ofPistacia vera(pistachio) pretreatment on the morphology of the cornu ammonis (CA1) region of hippocampus neurons of the rats' hippocampus following transient focal cerebral occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA).Methods:In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups of control, ischemia, and pretreatment with pistachio (fed with pistachio at 6% of the diet for a five-week duration before the right MCA occlusion). Neurological scores of the rats were assessed using Baderson rating. Thereafter, the animals’ balance and muscle power were assessed by Rotarod and forelimb wire-grip strength tests, respectively. Finally, histopathological and morphometrical characteristics of hippocampal neurons were studied using Hematoxylin-Eosin method.Results:Neurological scores of the ischemia group significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05), while pretreatment with pistachio significantly improved Baderson rating scores compared to the ischemia group (p<0.05). Although stroke significantly decreased the balance and muscular strength in the studied rats compared to the normal rats (p<0.05), pistachio’s exposure significantly increased the balance and muscular strength compared to the ischemia group (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant decrease was observed in the volume of stroke and neuronal degradation in the pistachio-treated rats compared with the ischemia group (p<0.05).Conclusions:Pistachio consumption reduces the volume of infarction and neuronal damage and improves neurological disorders after ischemia. Therefore, pretreatment with pistachio would have a protective effect against stroke. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Flight and Dietary Antioxidants Influence Antioxidant Expression and Activity in a Migratory Bird.

SynopsisEcologically relevant factors such as exercise and diet quality can directly influence how physiological systems work including those involved in maintaining oxidative balance; however, to our knowledge, no studies to date have focused on how such factors directly affect expression of key components of the endogenous antioxidant system (i.e., transcription factors, select antioxidant genes, and corresponding antioxidant enzymes) in several metabolically active tissues of a migratory songbird. We conducted a three-factor experiment that tested the following hypotheses: (H1) Daily flying over several weeks increases the expression of transcription factors NRF2 and PPARs as well as endogenous antioxidant genes (i.e., CAT, SOD1, SOD2, GPX1, GPX4), and upregulates endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., CAT, SOD, GPx). (H2) Songbirds fed diets composed of more 18:2n-6 PUFA are more susceptible to oxidative damage and thus upregulate their endogenous antioxidant system compared with when fed diets with less PUFA. (H3) Songbirds fed dietary anthocyanins gain additional antioxidant protection and thus upregulate their endogenous antioxidant system less compared with songbirds not fed anthocyanins. Flight training increased the expression of 3 of the 6 antioxidant genes and transcription factors measured in the liver, consistent with H1, but for only one gene (SOD2) in the pectoralis. Dietary fat quality had no effect on antioxidant pathways (H2), whereas dietary anthocyanins increased the expression of select antioxidant enzymes in the pectoralis, but not in the liver (H3). These tissue-specific differences in response to flying and dietary antioxidants are likely explained by functional differences between tissues as well as fundamental differences in their turnover rates. The consumption of dietary antioxidants along with regular flying enables birds during migration to stimulate the expression of genes involved in antioxidant protection likely through increasing the transcriptional activity of NRF2 and PPARs, and thereby demonstrates for the first time that these relevant ecological factors affect the regulation of key antioxidant pathways in wild birds. What remains to be demonstrated is how the extent of these ecological factors (i.e., intensity or duration of flight, amounts of dietary antioxidants) influences the regulation of these antioxidant pathways and thus oxidative balance.