Apple Polyphenols Research Articles

Screening of ordinary commercial varieties of apple fruits under different storage conditions for their potential vascular and metabolic protective properties.

Epidemiological studies reported that apple consumption is associated with a decrease of cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction, probably due to the polyphenols and fibers present in this fruit. The storage conditions and genetic origin of apples have been reported to influence their content and, as a consequence, their pharmacological properties. The present study evaluated the influence of varieties and storage conditions of traditional and highly appreciated apples including Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Pink Lady varieties after harvest and storage under classic cold conditions, under a controlled atmosphere, or under extreme ultra-low oxygen conditions. Thus, a multi-parametric screening on cell models associated with vascular and metabolic dysfunctions - such as endothelial and smooth muscle cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes and macrophages - in relation to the apple polyphenol content has been developed. This strategy demonstrated that, overall, peeled apple samples exhibited a vascular tropism and acted mainly on proliferation and oxidative stress in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Apple extracts appeared to be less effective on adipocytes and macrophages, but they exhibited antioxidant properties in hepatocytes. Among the varieties, Gala and Golden Delicious were the most efficient against the processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Concerning storage conditions, most of the apple varieties were more efficient under harvest conditions, while they could not be discriminated under all other cold conditions and the concentration used, except for the Gala samples. Interestingly, pharmacological properties were associated with the polyphenol profiles of freeze dried apple flesh powder. The present report revealed the potential use of some apple extracts as effective food supplements or nutraceuticals for the prevention and/or management of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

The apple polyphenol phloretin inhibits breast cancer cell migration and proliferation via inhibition of signals by type 2 glucose transporter

The apple polyphenol phloretin inhibits breast cancer cell migration and proliferation via inhibition of signals by type 2 glucose transporter

Adsorption of apple polyphenols onto β-glucan

The adsorption of polyphenols from apples, a good source of polyphenols in the human diet, onto β-glucan, a soluble dietary fibre were studied. Polyphenols were extracted from the flesh and peel of two apple varieties (wild apple and Slavonska srčika) and adsorbed onto β-glucan for 16 hours. The adsorption capacities (mg/g) and equilibrium polyphenol concentrations (mg/l) were modelled with Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Polyphenols from the flesh and peel showed different behaviours – flesh polyphenols exhibited greater affinity and peel polyphenols greater theoretical adsorption capacity. The analysis of individual polyphenols with high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the composition of the flesh and peel differed (flesh was rich in phenolic acids, peel in flavonols) which could explain the contrasting adsorption behaviour. This study shows that polyphenols from apples can be adsorbed onto β-glucan, that the flesh and peel exhibit distinct adsorption behaviours and that the polyphenol composition can affect the adsorption mechanism.

Comparative study on the effects of apple peel polyphenols and apple flesh polyphenols on cardiovascular risk factors in mice

ABSTRACTApple consumption has been demonstrated to be associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and the beneficial effect is probably due to the polyphenols in apple. Here, we for the first time evaluated and compared the in vivo effects of the polyphenolic extracts of apple peels (PAP) and apple fleshes (PAF) on blood pressure, vascular endothelial function, lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. A high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet was used to cause cardiovascular disorders in mice, with blood pressure, serum ET-1, TC, TG, LDL-C, glucose and insulin levels increased, and serum NO and HDL-C levels decreased. Mice administered with 250 mg/kg of PAP and PAF for 28 days showed lower blood pressure, improved endothelial function, ameliorated lipid homeostasis and decreased insulin resistance compared with HFHF-fed mice. Furthermore, PAP exhibited much more potent cardioprotective effects than PAF in mice. Quantification and phenolic profile analysis showed that PAP contained remarkably higher amount of total phenolics and total flavonoids than PAF, and this may be the reason for the relatively stronger efficacy of PAP. This study demonstrates that apple polyphenols possess potential cardioprotective effects, and suggests that apple, especially apple peel, may be excellent source for exploration of preventive agents against cardiovascular disorders.

Apple Polyphenol Suppresses Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Damage in Experimental Animals by Lowering Oxidative Stress Status and Modulating the MAPK Signaling Pathway.

Indomethacin is a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to alleviate pain and inflammation in clinical medicine. Previous studies indicated that NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal mucosal complications, and it is associated with mucosal lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage. Based on the evidences, decreasing oxidative stress may be an ideal therapeutic strategy for preventing gastrointestinal ulcer. Apple (Rosaceae Malus sp.) is one of the most commonly consumed fruits worldwide. The abundant polyphenolic constituents have received increasing attention for decades. In both in vivo and in vitro studies, the reports showed that apple polyphenol (AP) seems to provide an indirect antioxidant protection by activating cellular antioxidant enzymes to defend against oxidative stress. To address this issue and develop AP into a healthy improvement supplement, we studied the effect and potential mechanisms of AP in indomethacin-treated animal. The results showed AP can decelerate the gastric lesion, significantly suppress lipid peroxidation, increase the level of glutathione and the activity of catalase, and regulate the MAPK signaling proteins. These findings imply that AP protects the gastric mucosa from indomethacin-caused lesions and the protection is at least partially attributable to its antioxidative properties. This alternative medical function of AP may be a safe and effective intervention for preventing indomethacin-induced gastric complications.

The effect of an apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin and flavan-3-ol oligomers on brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatory function in volunteers with elevated blood pressure

BackgroundThe primary aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an orally ingested apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin and flavan-3-ol oligomers improves endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) in volunteers with borderline hypertension. The secondary aim of the study was to test whether the investigational product would improve endothelium-independent nitrate-mediated vasodilatation (NMD).MethodsThis was a single centre, repeated-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 60 otherwise healthy subjects (26 men, 34 women; aged 40-65 years) with borderline hypertension (blood pressure 130-139/85-89 mmHg) or unmedicated mild hypertension (blood pressure 140-165/90-95 mmHg). The subjects were randomised to receive placebo or the apple polyphenol extract to provide a daily dose of 100 mg epicatechin for 4 weeks, followed by a four to five-week wash-out period, and then 4 weeks intake of the product that they did not receive during the first treatment period. FMD and NMD of the left brachial artery were investigated with ultrasonography at the start and end of both treatment periods, and the per cent increase of the arterial diameter (FMD% and NMD%) was calculated.ResultsWith the apple extract treatment, a significant acute improvement was detected in the mean change of maximum FMD% at the first visit 1.16 (p = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04; 2.28), last visit 1.37 (p = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.22; 2.52) and for both visits combined 1.29 (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.40; 2.18). However, such improvement was not statistically significant when apple extract was compared with placebo. The overall long-term effect of apple extract on FMD% was not different from placebo. No statistically significant differences between the apple extract and placebo treatments were observed for endothelium-independent NMD.ConclusionsA significant acute improvement in maximum FMD% with apple extract administration was found. However, superiority of apple extract over placebo was not statistically significant in our study subjects with borderline hypertension or mild hypertension. The study raised no safety concerns regarding the daily administration of an apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01690676). Registered 25th May 2012.

Effect of postharvest spray of apple polyphenols on the quality of fresh-cut red pitaya fruit during shelf life

Fresh-cut (FC) red pitaya fruit were treated with 5ga.i.l−1 apple polyphenols (APP) and then stored at 20°C for up to 4days to evaluate the effects on attributes. Results showed that FC pitaya fruit with APP treatment showed greater colour retention, delayed softening, reduced loss of soluble solids content, titratable acidity, betacyanin and total phenolics compared with untreated FC fruit. APP treatment also maintained antioxidant activity, as indicated by higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power compared with untreated FC pitaya fruit. APP treatment strongly suppressed microbial growth, contributing to improvement of product safety. Because APP is a natural product, we propose that application of APP could be a convenient, safe and low-cost approach to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of FC red pitaya fruit.

Effect of apple polyphenols on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function: a translational study.

We aimed examining apple polyphenols' effect on uricemia and endothelial function in a sample of overweight subjects. This was a two-phased study. In vitro experiment aimed to evaluate apple polyphenols' ability to lower uric acid in comparison with allopurinol. In vivo study consisted in a randomized, double-blind, parallel placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 62 overweight volunteers with suboptimal values of fasting plasma glucose (100 mg/dL≤FPG≤125 mg/dL), randomized to 300 mg apple polyphenols or placebo for 8 weeks. Apple polyphenols extract inhibited xanthine oxidase activity, with an IC50 = 130 ± 30 ng/mL; reducing uric acid production with an IC50 = 154 ± 28 ng/mL. During the trial, after the first 4 weeks of treatment, FPG decreased in the active treated group (-6.1%, p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed regarding the other hematochemistry parameters. After 4 more weeks of treatment, active-treated patients had an improvement in FPG compared to baseline (-10.3%, p < 0,001) and the placebo group (p < 0,001). Uric acid (-14.0%, p < 0.05 versus baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo) and endothelial reactivity (0.24±0.09, p = 0.009 versus baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo) significantly improved too. In vivo, apple polyphenols extract has a positive effect on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function and reduce FPG and uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, as our In vitro experiment attests.

PP.22.16] APPLE POLIPHENOLS EFFECTS ON ENDOTHELIAL REACTIVITY AND SERUM URIC ACID

Objective: Several studies support a beneficial role of the dietary polyphenols in regulating some cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of our study was to examine the apple polyphenols’ proprieties. Design and method: This was a two-phases study. The in vitro experiment was carried out developing a sensitive method measuring the intracellular xantine oxidase [XO] activity and its inhibition due to drugs effectively able to cross the cell membrane. A reaction mixture without XO was used as negative control and one with several diluition of oxypurinol was used as positive control. The in vivo study consisted in a randomized, double-blind, parallel placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 60 volunteers withsuboptimal values of fasting plasma glucose (101 mg/dL < FPG < 126 mg/dL). The treatment period was 8 weeks long and consisted in an indistinguishable pill of placebo or an active product, containing 300 mg of apple polyphenol extract. Results: The inhibition degree of XO by apple polyphenols was IC50 = 154 ± 28 ng/mL. During the clinical trial, after the first four weeks of treatment, the FPG decreased in the active treated group (−6,1%, P < 0,05), while no significant changes were observed in both groups of treatment regarding the other hematochemistry parameters or the blood pressure values and the anthropometric characteristics (P > 0,05 always). After 8 weeks of treatment, the active-treated patients had an improvement in the FPG compared to the baseline (−10,3%, P < 0,001) and the placebo group (P < 0,001) and SUA significantly improved too (−14,0%, P < 0,05 vs baseline; P < 0,05 vs placebo). Also the endothelial reactivity increased in the actively treated subjects in comparison with the baseline (0,24 ± 0,09, P = 0,009) and the placebo-treated group (P < 0,05). Conclusions: In vivo, apple polyphenols have a positive effect on the vascular oxidative stress and the endothelium function and reduce FPG and uric acid by the inhibition of the XO, as our in vitro experiment attests.

An Acute Dose of Specific Grape and Apple Polyphenols Improves Endurance Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind versus Placebo Controlled Study.

Polyphenols are thought to be an interesting ergogenic aid for exercise and recovery. However, most studies regarding the effects of polyphenols investigated several days of supplementations. The present work aimed to study the effects of an acute intake of grape and apple polyphenols on the capacity to maintain intense exercise, here named endurance performance. Forty-eight physically active men (31 ± 6 years) were included in this study. During the two testing sessions, volunteers completed an endurance test at a high percentage of their maximal aerobic power and time to exhaustion was measured. Respiratory and pain parameters were also monitored. The preceding evening and 1 h before testing, volunteers had to absorb either 500 mg of polyphenols or placebo according to randomization. In comparison with the placebo, the mean duration of the maximal endurance test was significantly increased with polyphenols (+9.7% ± 6.0%, p < 0.05). The maximal perceived exertion was reached later with polyphenols (+12.8% ± 6.8%, p < 0.05). Practically, the present study showed the beneficial effects of grape and apple polyphenols for athletes looking for endurance performance improvements. The specifically designed profile of polyphenols appeared to enhance the capacity to maintain intensive efforts and delay perceived exertion.

Interaction between Various Apple Procyanidin and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A and Their Inhibitory Effects on Toxin Activity.

In this study, we investigated the interaction between apple polyphenols (AP; mainly consisting of procyanidin (PC) from an apple) and staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), and the inhibitory effects of AP on SEA activity. According to the degree of polymerization, in particularly highly polymerized PC (more than pentamer) strongly interacted with SEA. The binding affinity of AP with SEA molecules was determined using Biacore analysis. AP reacted with SEA immobilized on a Biacore sensor chip. After treatment with pepsin and pancreatin, to examine the changes of binding affinity of AP in intragastric conditions, AP maintained interaction with SEA. We examined whether AP inhibits the proliferation and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production induced by SEA in mouse spleen cells. AP strongly inactivated the proliferation and IFN-γ production induced by SEA. These results suggest that AP, which has a higher degree of polymerization, inactivates stronger biological activity of SEA through interaction with SEA. Our studies are the first to demonstrate the relationship between the degree of polymerization of AP and the inhibitory effects on SEA activities.

Apple and blackcurrant polyphenol-rich drinks decrease postprandial glucose, insulin and incretin response to a high-carbohydrate meal in healthy men and women

Postprandial glycemic responses to meals are inhibited by polyphenol-rich plant foods. Combinations of polyphenols may be particularly effective through complementary mechanisms. A randomized, controlled, double-blinded cross-over trial was conducted in healthy volunteers to test the hypothesis that apple and blackcurrant polyphenol-rich drinks would reduce postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Secondary outcomes included insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion. Twenty men (mean age 26 y, SD 8) and 5 postmenopausal women (mean age 57 y, SD 3) consumed a placebo drink (CON) and 2 polyphenol-rich drinks containing fruit extracts: either 1200 mg apple polyphenols (AE), or 600 mg apple polyphenols+600 mg blackcurrant anthocyanins (AE+BE), in random order with a starch and sucrose meal. Incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) for plasma glucose concentrations were lower following AE+BE over 0–30 and 0–120 min compared with CON; mean differences (95% CI) −32 mmol/L·min (−41, −22, P<.0005) and −52 mmol/L min (−94, −9, P<.05), respectively. AE significantly reduced iAUC 0–30 min (mean difference −26 mmol/L min, −35, −18, P<.0005) compared with CON, but the difference over 120 min was not significant. Postprandial insulin, C-peptide and GIP concentrations were significantly reduced relative to CON. A dose response inhibition of glucose transport was demonstrated in Caco-2 cells, including total and GLUT-mediated transport, and SGLT1-mediated glucose transport was strongly inhibited at all doses in Xenopus oocytes, following 10 min incubation with 0.125–4 mg apple polyphenols/ml. In conclusion, ingestion of apple and blackcurrant polyphenols decreased postprandial glycemia, which may be partly related to inhibition of intestinal glucose transport.

Apple polyphenol decelerates bladder cancer growth involving apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine-induced experimental animal model

Apple polyphenol (AP) was found to possess the potential to prevent cancers. Previously, our study showed AP can trigger bladder transitional carcinoma cells to apoptosis and regulate its cell cycle. This study is aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of AP in urinary bladder carcinoma in vivo. A rat model of bladder cancer was induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (OH-BBN). Tumours were analyzed with immunohistochemical analysis and immunoblot assay. The results showed urinary bladder cancer was established after the administration of OH-BBN. AP can decrease the tumour progression under the monitor of bladder sonography. Analysis of tumour specimens from AP-treated rats showed significant decrease in the expression of Bcl2, cyclin B1, and PCNA, and increase in the expression of p-Chk2 (Thr-68), Bax, and Cip1/p21. The experimental evidences revealed that AP can modulate apoptosis accompanying with cell cycle in animal model of bladder cancer as well as in in vitro system.

Inhibitory effect of coumarin derivatives on apple (cv. Idared) polyphenol oxidase

Inhibitory effect of 32 coumarin derivatives (20 Schiff bases, 5 thiosemicarbazides, 5 thiazolidinones, and their precursors, 7- hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and 4-methylcoumarin- 7-yl hydrazine carboxylate) on partially purified apple polyphenol oxidase was investigated. Thirteen coumarin derivatives inhibited polyphenol oxidase (5 Schiff bases, 5 thiosemicarbazides, 1 thiazolidinone, 4-methyl- 7-hydroxycoumarin and 4-methylcoumarin-7-yl hydrazine carboxylate), while 19 derivatives showed no effect on enzyme activity. The most effective inhibitors were thiosemicarbazides, with 4-methyl-1-(2-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen- 7-yloxy)acetyl) thiosemicarbazide (compound C23) being the most prominent inhibitor (IC50 = 10.45 µM). The importance of thiosemicarbazide moiety as crucial structure element for strong apple PPO inhibition was confirmed by its cyclisation to thiazolidinone bearing the same substituents as corresponding thiosemicarbazide. Capture of the sulphur atom of thiosemicarbazide group within tiazolidinone ring caused significant loss of inhibitory effect against apple PPO.

Effects of Commercial Apple Varieties on Human Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Output Using an In Vitro Colonic Model.

Apples are a rich source of polyphenols and fiber. A major proportion of apple polyphenols escape absorption in the small intestine and together with non-digestible polysaccharides reach the colon, where they can serve as substrates for bacterial fermentation. Animal studies suggest a synergistic interaction between apple polyphenols and the soluble fiber pectin; however, the effects of whole apples on human gut microbiota are less extensively studied. Three commercial apple varieties—Renetta Canada, Golden Delicious and Pink Lady—were digested and fermented in vitro using a batch culture colonic model (pH 5.5–6.0, 37 °C) inoculated with feces from three healthy donors. Inulin and cellulose were used as a readily and a poorly fermentable plant fiber, respectively. Fecal microbiota composition was measured by 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing (V3-V4 region) and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyphenol microbial metabolites were determined. The three apple varieties significantly changed bacterial diversity, increased Actinobacteria relative abundance, acetate, propionate and total SCFAs (p < 0.05). Renetta Canada and Golden Delicious significantly decreased Bacteroidetes abundance and increased Proteobacteria proportion and bifidobacteria population (p < 0.05). Renetta Canada also increased Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, butyrate levels and polyphenol microbial metabolites (p < 0.05). Together, these data suggest that apples, particularly Renetta Canada, can induce substantial changes in microbiota composition and metabolic activity in vitro, which could be associated with potential benefits to human health. Human intervention studies are necessary to confirm these data and potential beneficial effects.

Chronic administration of apple polyphenols ameliorates hyperglycaemia in high-normal and borderline subjects: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

We previously reported that apple polyphenols (AP) and their major active components, procyanidins, had beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and diabetes in diabetic ob/ob mice. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic AP administration on glucose tolerance in high-normal and borderline human subjects. Subjects (n=65) with a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of 100-125mg/dL determined during a recent health check-up were randomised to receive tablets containing AP (600mg/day) or placebo tablets for 12weeks in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The primary outcome was insulin resistance, assessed using a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The 12-week chronic administration of AP significantly reduced the increase in glucose at 30-min post-75g OGTT (OGTT30-min glucose) value, compared to the placebo regimen. Furthermore, in a subgroup of the high-normal (FPG value, 100-109mg/dL; 2-h post-75g OGTT glucose (OGTT2-h glucose) value, <140mg/dL) and borderline (FPG value, 110-125mg/dL; OGTT2-h glucose value, <140mg/dL and FPG value, <126mg/dL; OGTT2-h glucose value, 140-199mg/dL) subjects, OGTT30-min glucose value in the AP group (164.0±7.4mg/dL) was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (194.7±10.4mg/dL, p<0.05). No significant changes in the other lipid parameters and cytokine levels were observed. Chronic AP administration significantly improved impaired glucose tolerance in high-normal and borderline subjects. Larger and/or longer-term scale human studies are required to confirm the potential glucose homeostasis of AP.

The apple polyphenol phloretin inhibits breast cancer cell migration and proliferation via inhibition of signals by type 2 glucose transporter

Human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and poorly understood subclass of breast cancer. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are required for glucose uptake in malignant cancer cells and are ideal targets for cancer therapy. To determine whether the inhibition of GLUTs could be used in TNBC cell therapy, the apple polyphenol phloretin (Ph) was used as a specific antagonist of GLUT2 protein function in human TNBC cells. Interestingly, we found that Ph (10–150 μM, for 24 h) inhibited cell growth and arrested the cell cycle in MDA-MB-231 cells in a p53 mutant-dependent manner, which was confirmed by pre-treatment of the cells with a p53-specific dominant-negative expression vector. We also found that Ph treatment (10–150 μM, for 24 h) significantly decreased the migratory activity of the MDA-MB-231 cells through the inhibition of paxillin/FAK, Src, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-sMA) and through the activation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the anti-tumorigenic effect of Ph (10, 50 mg/kg or DMSO twice a week for six weeks) was demonstrated in vivo using BALB/c nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts. A decrease in N-cadherin, vimentin and an increase in p53, p21 and E-cadherin were detected in the tumor tissues. In conclusion, inhibition of GLUT2 by the apple polyphenol Ph could potentially suppress TNBC tumor cell growth and metastasis.

Fast and simultaneous determination of 12 polyphenols in apple peel and pulp by using chemometrics-assisted high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection.

In this work, a smart chemometrics-enhanced strategy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and diode array detection coupled with second-order calibration method based on alternating trilinear decomposition algorithm was proposed to simultaneously quantify 12 polyphenols in different kinds of apple peel and pulp samples. The proposed strategy proved to be a powerful tool to solve the problems of coelution, unknown interferences, and chromatographic shifts in the process of high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, making it possible for the determination of 12 polyphenols in complex apple matrices within 10min under simple conditions of elution. The average recoveries with standard deviations, and figures of merit including sensitivity, selectivity, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation were calculated to validate the accuracy of the proposed method. Compared to the quantitative analysis results from the classic high-performance liquid chromatography method, the statistical and graphical analysis showed that our proposed strategy obtained more reliable results. All results indicated that our proposed method used in the quantitative analysis of apple polyphenols was an accurate, fast, universal, simple, and green one, and it was expected to be developed as an attractive alternative method for simultaneous determination of multitargeted analytes in complex matrices.

Suppression of CCL26 and CCL11 generation in human alveolar epithelial cells by apple extracts containing procyanidins

Apples and pears from New Zealand commercial varieties and breeding selections were evaluated for their potential to modulate airway inflammation. Allergic asthma is characterised by eosinophil cell infiltration and inflamed airways of the lungs as a result of inhaled allergens. Prevention or delayed entry of eosinophils by targeting the IL-4 pathway and eotaxin generation is seen as a constructive method to minimise severity of asthmatic conditions. We evaluated in vitro several apple and pear cultivars and selections, comparing extracts from whole fruit, peel and cortex and demonstrated inhibition of eotaxins CCL26 and CCL11 from human alveolar epithelial cells. Correlation analyses between the extract compositions and inflammation responses revealed the bioactivity of CCL11 inhibition was related to oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins. These data suggest that apples and/or foods rich in certain apple polyphenols should be evaluated for their potential management of airway inflammation.

Adsorptive Property of Food Materials and Chemicals to Cesium and Strontium

In March, 2011, large amounts of radioactive materials were released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the nuclear accident. Especially, for humans, internal exposure to ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr radionuclides presents very high risks because of their very long physical half-lives (¹³⁷Cs: 30.2 years, ⁹⁰Sr: 28.9 years). Therefore, it is important to inhibit the absorption of radioactive materials and to promote the excretion of them from the body through feces. The aim of this.study was to explore foods, their components and various chemicals showing adsorption properties to Cs and Sr. Sodium alginate (ALA-Na) strongly adsorbed Cs and Sr compared with other samples. Chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na), methyl cellulose (MC) and apple polyphenols (AP; high molecule weight) also showed adsorption potency to Cs in that order. For Sr adsorption, kelp, CMC-Na, MC, AP (high molecule weight), laminaran and Jew's mallow exhibited adsorbing effects in that order. These samples might be useful and safe tools to protect from the adverse effects induced by internal exposure to these radioactive materials.