Beta-carotene Levels Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics of carotenoids and carotene containing compounds

Background. Some natural carotenoids have anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, and immunomodifying activity and may be considered as potential agents for chemoprevention of cancer. Objective: to study pharmacokinetics of beta-carotene, cantaxantene, lycopene, and carotene-containing compounds created on the base of the mentioned substances. Materials and methods. The study used carotene-containing drugs, which we previously created, such as Betask, Kaskatol, Tomatol, natural carotene-tocopherol complex derived from cankerberry. The research was conducted on mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, piglets, monkeys (Javanese macaque); the observations also involved healthy donors and patients with colorectal cancer before surgery. Carotenoid and retinoid detection was made by high performance liquid chromatography in blood plasma and liver tissue. Results. Comparative analysis of pharmacokinetics of the studied carotenoids demonstrates their relatively low absorption in animals. Bioavailability varies significantly among species; and it increases in the following order: dogs, rabbits, mice, rat, piglets, humans. Pharmacokinetics of carotenoids and carotene-containing compounds was studied with single and multiple administration per os. Cantaxantene and lycopene have a better bioavailability as compared to synthetic beta-carotene. Pharmacokinetics of synthetic carotenes and carotenoids of carotene-containing compounds has no significant differences. Beta-carotene in natural carotene-tocopherol complex has higher bioavailability (2-4 fold higher) as compared to synthetic beta-carotene. Regular complex administration into monkeys results in enhanced beta-carotene levels in blood serum of the animals and inhibits chemically induced carcinogenesis. The patients’ intake of beta-carotene in the pre-operational period was associated with the enhanced pro-vitamin levels in blood serum and stimulation of a number of cellular immune parameters. Conclusions. The studied carotenoids and carotene-containing compounds may be used in combined antitumor therapy and as treatment and prophylactics agents in cancer risk groups.

Retention levels of vegetable extractable beta-carotene preserved in virgin coconut oil and unadulterated honey

Retention levels of vegetable extractable beta-carotene preserved in virgin coconut oil and unadulterated honey

Genetic diversity of genes involved in the carotenoid pathway of Carica papaya L. and their expression during fruit ripening

The genetic variation of seven genes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway was investigated in thirteen papaya cultivars. DNA analysis revealed a total of 46 polymorphisms; 42 SNPs (29 positions in introns and 13 positions in exons) and four insertions/deletions. Six SNPs were transversions resulting in amino acid changes. Most variations were found in cpLCYE (21), followed by cpVDE (10). In cpLCYB and cpNCED3, only one polymorphism was found in each gene. Expression studies indicated the differential expression of caroteogenic genes in red, orange and yellow-fleshed papaya during ripening. At ripe stage, the expression level of cpZEP, cpLYCE, cpVDE, cpLCYB and cpNCED3 was higher in red-fleshed than in orange- and yellow-fleshed papaya. The expression level of cpBCH in ripe red-fleshed papaya was significantly lower than that of both orange and yellow-fleshed papaya. Yellow-fleshed papaya cv. Krung Yellow had highest level of beta-carotene at 1428 ± 32 µg/g FW. Lycopene content of red-fleshed papaya cv. Mexico was 1830 ± 208 µg/g FW was highest among the three cultivars. This study revealed DNA polymorphisms in cartenogenic genes among papaya cultivars and their differential expressions in red, orange and yellow-fleshed papaya correlated with carotenoid content and flesh colour.

KANDUNGAN BETA KAROTEN DAN AKTIVITAS PENANGKAPAN RADIKAL BEBAS TERHADAP DPPH (1,1-DIFENIL 2-PIKRIHYDRAZIL) EKSTRAK BUAH BLEWAH (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis L) SECARA SPEKTROFOTOMETRI UV-VISIBEL

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis L.), a fruit containing some compounds, have activity to protect human body from free radical. The beta carotene (provitamin A) was recognized as antioxidant compound. Antioxidants could protect the body from cardiovascular damage caused by free radical. The aims of this study was to determine the levels of beta carotene and antioxidant activity (IC 50 ) from Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis L. extract using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. Cantaloupe was extracted using n-hexan-acetone-methanol ratio (2: 1: 1). Identification of beta carotene was performed using 25% antimony trichloride reagent followed by TLC and UV-Vis spectrum test compared with beta carotene as standard. The content of beta carotene and free radical scavenging activity was measured spectrophotometrically at 425 nm. The beta carotene level of cantaloupe was 3.171 ± 0.150 %. The antioxidant activity, presented as IC 50 value of cantaloupe extract, was 12.137±0.44 µg/mL and the antioxidant activity of standard beta carotene was 2.15 ± 0.172 µg/mL. The cantaloupe extract contained beta carotene compunds but the antioxidant activity of extract was lower than beta carotene standard.

Sweet potato development and delivery in sub-Saharan Africa

n sub-Saharan Africa, more than 40% of children under five years of age suffer from vitamin A deficiency. Among several interventions in place to address vitamin A deficiency is biofortification, breeding vitamin A into key staple crops. Staple crops biofortified with beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, are orange in color. Given the natural occurrence of high levels of beta-carotene in many sweet potato varieties, breeding progress for biofortified orange sweet potato (OSP) has been much faster than for the other vitamin A enhanced staples. Nearly 3 million households have been reached with OSP. This paper reviews key factors influencing the uptake of OSP, the breeding investment, five key delivery approaches that have been tested in the region and efforts to broaden government and other stakeholder engagement.

DAYA TERIMA DAN KADAR BETAKAROTEN DONAT SUBSTITUSI LABU KUNING

Vitamin A defi ciency in Indonesia is still unresolved, especially in children. Pumpkin is a type of tubers and a local food product that contains high beta-carotene. It is also potential to be used as a substitution for snacks which favored by children such as donuts. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability and beta-carotene level of pumpkin donut substitution. This research was true experimental for product development and quasi experimental for acceptability with a completely randomized design, 6 repetitions on one control formula (F0) and 3 modifi cation formula (F1, F2, F3) with additional of pumpkin. Panelist consists of 4 people as limited panelists and 30 people as non trained panelists. The difference of acceptability was analyze using Friedman test and continued with Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test if it shows a signifi cant difference. The level of beta-carotene was analyze using spectrophotometer. The result of this study showed the best acceptability found in formula 3 (with 40% addition of pumpkin) with an average value of 2,28 and beta-carotene level of was 0,139 ppms. Formula 3 donut have a good acceptability and also contains higherbeta-carotene than commercial donuts, so it is potential as an alternative healthy snack for schoolchildren.Keywords: beta-carotene, acceptance, donuts, pumpkin

Micronutrient Content of Wild Vegetable Species Harvested in Forested and Non-Forested Areas in Southwest Burkina Faso

Generation of improved data on biodiverse foods for nutrition required that nutrient composition data be paired with proper botanical identification of species. This study assessed the nutrient content of ten wild vegetable species within and outside forested area in Burkina Faso. The ten-vegetable species included: Adansonia digitata L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Boerhavia diffusa L., Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn., Cerathoteca sesamoides Endl., Crataeva religiosa Sieber, Ficus ovata Vahl, Moringa oleifera Lam., Strycnos spinosa Lam. and Vitex doniana Sweet. Additionally, the nutrient content for each of the species was compared for specimens collected within and outside forested areas. The iron levels ranged between 3.9-107.9 mg/100 g dry weight, the zinc levels from 11-22 mg/100 g dry weight, and the calcium levels from 25-4637 mg/100 g dry weight. The beta carotene levels were between 0 and 1772 μg/100 g dry weight and the protein levels between 6.6 and 26.4 g/100 g dry weight. The variation between species was often greater than the variation between sites, for a given species. However, large differences in nutrient content between collection sites were seen in many species for many nutrients. Across all species, calcium and protein tended to be higher in forested areas while zinc and iron tended to be lower and beta carotene was highly variable. We sought to better understand the impact of ecosystems services from forests on nutrient composition. Given our modest sample size and the high levels of variation in nutrient content it was difficult to draw conclusions from our results. Despite this, it is increasing clear that wild and traditional African leafy vegetables can play an important role in meeting the international recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake.

Perebusan dan penumisan menurunkan kandungan beta karoten dalam wortel

<p>ABSTRACT</p><p><br />Background: Carrot is included in high beta carotene vegetable. Therefore, there were limited studies about the effect of cooking on nutrient content. Beta carotene found in carrots are provitamin A carotenoids that have strong antioxidant activity.</p><p><br />Objectives: To determine the amount of beta carotene in carrots treated with two different cooking methods, that were, boiling and sautéing.</p><p><br />Methods: A posttest–only control group design was used for this study. Samples of this study were local carrots varieties, and were selected by quota sampling. The carrots were divided into three groups, with fresh carrots (n=6) as control groups, and boiled carrots (n=6) and sautéed carrots (n=6) as treatment groups. Beta carotenes were extracted using petroleum ether-acetone solvents. They were separated by using column chromatography and measured by spectrophotometer at wave length 450nm. Data collected were analyzed with one way anova followed by post hoc tests duncan, independent t-test, and<br />paired t-test.</p><p><br />Results: The level of beta carotene between fresh carrots, boiled carrots, and sauteed carrots have significant difference with p=0.013 (anova, p<0.05), whereas the level of beta carotene in boiled carrots and sauteed carrots have no significantly difference with p=0.376 (independent t-test, p>0.05). However,<br />there is a significant decrease in the level of beta carotene in beginning and end groups from the boiling method with p=0.027, and the level of beta carotene in beginning and end groups from the sauteing method have a signifi cant decrease with p=0.020 (paired t-test, p<0.05).</p><p><br />Conclusions: Boiling and sauteing decreased beta carotene levels in carrots.</p><p><br />KEYWORDS: beta carotene, boiling, carrot, sauteeing</p><p><br />ABSTRAK</p><p><br />Latar belakang: Wortel termasuk dalam sayuran dengan kandungan beta karoten yang tinggi. Walaupun demikian, studi mengenai pengaruh pemasakan terhadap kandungan gizinya masih terbatas. Beta karoten merupakan salah satu jenis karotenoid provitamin A dan berperan sebagai antioksidan kuat yang sangat bermanfaat bagi proses metabolisme yang terjadi pada tubuh manusia.</p><p><br />Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui perbedaan kandungan beta karoten pada wortel yang diolah dengan perebusan dan penumisan.</p><p><br />Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimental rancangan acak lengkap. Desain penelitian ini adalah the posttest-only control group design. Populasi dan sampelnya adalah wortel varietas lokal. Sampel dipilih dengan cara kuota sampling untuk dibagi dalam tiga kelompok, yaitu wortel mentah (n=6) sebagai kelompok kontrol, sedangkan kelompok perlakuan adalah wortel yang direbus dengan air (n=6) dan wortel yang ditumis dengan minyak goreng (n=6). Variabel yang diukur adalah kandungan beta karoten pada masing-masing kelompok menggunakan kromatografi kolom dan spektrofotometri pada panjang gelombang 450 nm. Analisis data menggunakan oneway anova dilanjutkan dengan post hoc tests duncan, uji independent t-test, dan paired t-test.</p><p>Hasil: Kandungan beta karoten antara wortel mentah, direbus, dan ditumis berbeda secara signifikan yaitu p=0,013 (anova, p<0,05). Kandungan beta karoten pada wortel direbus tidak berbeda secara signifikan dengan wortel ditumis yaitu p=0,376 (uji independent t-test, p> 0,05). Terbukti adanya perbedaan kandungan beta karoten pada kelompok awal dan akhir dari teknik pengolahan perebusan menurun secara signifikan yaitu p=0,027, sedangkan kandungan beta karoten awal dan akhir dari teknik pengolahan penumisan menurun secara signifikan yaitu p=0,020 (uji paired t-test, p<0,05).</p><p><br />Kesimpulan: Perebusan dan penumisan berpengaruh terhadap penurunan kandungan beta karoten dalam wortel.</p><p><br />KATA KUNCI: beta karoten, perebusan, penumisan, wortel</p>

Dietary, circulating beta-carotene and risk of all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis from prospective studies.

Observational studies evaluating the relation between dietary or circulating level of beta-carotene and risk of total mortality yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a comprehensive search on publications of PubMed and EMBASE up to 31 March 2016. Random effect models were used to combine the results. Potential publication bias was assessed using Egger’s and Begg’s test. Seven studies that evaluated dietary beta-carotene intake in relation to overall mortality, indicated that a higher intake of beta-carotene was related to a significant lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR for highest vs. lowest group = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.78–0.88) with no evidence of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 1.0%, P = 0.416). A random-effect analysis comprising seven studies showed high beta-carotene level in serum or plasma was associated with a significant lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR for highest vs. lowest group = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.59–0.80) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 37.1%, P = 0.145). No evidence of publication bias was detected by Begg’s and Egger’s regression tests. In conclusion, dietary or circulating beta-carotene was inversely associated with risk of all-cause mortality. More studies should be conducted to clarify the dose-response relationship between beta-carotene and all-cause mortality.

Dietary beta-carotene and lutein metabolism is modulated by the APOE genotype.

The human apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype has been suggested to interact with nutrient metabolism particularly with lipid soluble vitamins. Plasma carotenoid levels are determined by numerous dietary and genetic factors with high inter-individual variation; however, the APOE genotype has not been systematically examined so far. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the APOE genotype on dietary carotenoid metabolism with special regard to transcriptional regulation of carotenoid absorption, cleavage and adipocyte fat storage. We supplemented targeted replacement mice expressing human APOE3 and APOE4 isoforms with dietary beta-carotene (BC) and lutein (LUT) for 8 weeks. Plasma BC and adipose tissue BC and LUT levels were in trend lower in APOE4 than APOE3 mice, while hepatic expression of the beta-carotene oxygenases BCO1 and BCO2 was significantly higher. In contrast to the liver, mRNA levels of proteins involved in carotenoid absorption and cleavage in the small intestinal mucosa as well as of adipogenic markers in the adipose tissue were not different between APOE3 and APOE4 mice. Our data suggest that the hepatic carotenoid cleavage activity is higher in APOE4 mice partially reducing the circulation and extra-hepatic accumulation of intact carotenoids as compared to APOE3. Therefore we suggest considering the APOE genotype as modulator of carotenoid status in the future. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):388-396, 2016.

Study on glycemic indices of carrot enriched food products

Carrot, the important source of dietary carotenoids, is commonly used vegetable in fresh, cooked and dehy-drated form. The carrot is rich in mineral salts and vitamins. The high level of beta-carotene is very important and gives carrots their distinctive color. Carrot grits and powder were obtained by oven drying at 50°C for 18 h. The formulated products, viz., enriched chapati and salty enriched dalia were evaluated for glycemic index on normal subjects. Results showed that enriched chapati had glycemic index 53.48 and salty enriched dalia had glycemic index 49.81

Validation of the FSA nutrient profiling system dietary index in French adults-findings from SUVIMAX study.

Population-wide nutritional recommendations give guidance on food groups' consumption, though a wide variability in nutritional quality within groups may subsist. Nutrient profiling systems may help capturing such variability. We aimed to apply and validate a dietary index based on the British Food Standards Agency nutrient profiling system (FSA-NPS DI) in French middle-aged adults. Dietary data were collected through repeated 24-h dietary records in participants of the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants study (N=5882). An aggregated dietary index at the individual level was computed using the FSA-NPS for each food consumed as well as compliance to the French nutritional guidelines using the Programme National Nutrition Santé-Guideline Score (PNNS-GS). Cross-sectional associations between FSA-NPS DI and nutrient intake, PNNS-GS, socio-demographic factors, lifestyle and nutritional biomarkers were computed using ANOVAs. The FSA-NPS DI was able to characterize the quality of the diets at the individual level in terms of nutrient intake and of adherence to nutritional recommendations: +37.6% in beta-carotene intakes between subjects with a healthier diet versus subjects with a poorer diet, +42.8% in vitamin C intakes; +17% in PNNS-GS, all P<0.001. FSA-NPS-DI was also associated with nutritional status at the biological level: +21.4% in beta-carotene levels between subjects with a healthier diet versus subjects with a poorer diet, +12.8% in vitamin C levels, all P<0.001. The FSA-NPS DI is a useful and validated tool to discriminate individuals according to the quality of the diet, accounting for nutritional quality within food groups. Taking into account nutritional quality of individual foods allows monitoring change in dietary patterns beyond food groups.

English

White variety of Lasianthera africana leaves were blanched in hot water (control) and in different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0,75, 1.00 and 1.25%) of unripe plantain peel ash solution for 3 min at 100&deg;C, cooled, drained, oven dried (50&deg;C) for 36 h. Then, raw leaf and all oven dried samples were analyzed for minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The raw leaf contained potassium (78.98&plusmn;0.78 mg/100 g), calcium (190.25&plusmn;0.44 mg/100 g), sodium (75.69&plusmn;0.95 mg/100 g), magnesium (14.68&plusmn;0.74 mg/100 g), iron (3.96&plusmn;0.55 mg/100 g), zinc (5.95&plusmn;0.52 mg/100 g), phosphorus (17.79&plusmn;0.81 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (109.64&plusmn;0.08 mg/100 g), beta-carotene (2.86&plusmn;0.04 mg/100 g), riboflavin (0.22&plusmn;0.03 mg/100 g), thiamine (1.01&plusmn;0.06 mg/100 g), alkaloids (2.67&plusmn;0.33 g/100 g), flavonoids (0.32&plusmn;0.03 g/100 g), saponins (3.09&plusmn;0.04 g/100 g) and tannins (0.28&plusmn;0.01 g/100 g). Blanching the leaves either in hot water or in different concentrations of unripe plantain peel ash solution led to varying losses of the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. Samples blanched in different levels of ash solution retained higher mineral content than hot water blanched samples. Percentage minerals retained increase with increased levels of ash in the blanching solution. Conversely, percentage retention of vitamins and phytochemicals decreased with increase in the levels of ash in the blanching solution. Ash concentration had no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect on the levels of magnesium, zinc, beta-carotene and tannins retained in the blanched samples. For higher retention of vitamins and health benefiting phytochemicals, lower concentration of unripe plantain peel ash solution (0.50% to 0.75%) should be used to debitter L. africana leaf. &nbsp; Key words: &nbsp;Lasianthera africana leaf, debittering agent, minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals.

Fat-soluble vitamins supplementation in patients with cystic fibrosis: is enough Aquadek's®?

Evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel polyvitaminic (Aquadek's®) in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Prospective, longitudinal and non-randomized study. CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency and clinically stable were given Aquadek's® (two chewable tablets) daily for 12 months. Serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, 25 OH vitamin D and α-tocopherol were evaluated twelve months before, at baseline and 12 months after. paired t tests. 28 patients aged 6 to 39 years (median 18.5 years) were included. Aquadek's® supplementation led to an increase in vitamin A dose and a decrease in the number of tablets administered. At baseline, 89% had at least one vitamin deficiency (61% pro-Vitamin A and 54% vitamin D). After one year, serum beta-carotene levels were increases 160 (95% CI 98-222) mcg/l (p <0.001) and decreased the percentage of patients with pro-vitamin A deficiency 46% (95% CI 22-64) (p <0.001). The proportion of patients with vitamin D insuficiency increased 18%(95% CI 2-32) (p =0.025). In any case serum levels exceeded the upper limits used to assess the risk of toxicity.Conclusions: Two daily Aquadek's® chewable tablets are safe and effective for maintaining vitamin A and E status of CF patients older than 6 years, although it is insufficient to normalize serum 25OHvitaminD according to the current recommendations for this disease.

Bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in fresh and dried lychee fractions1

Fruit of the lychee cv. Bengal are approximately 50% peel and seeds, which are discarded. These by-products have antioxidant compounds which are capable of blocking the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. Bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, lycopene and phenols) and antioxidant activity were evaluated in different extracts, both fresh and dried at 45 °C, of the skin, pulp and seeds of the lychee, which were subjected to principal component analysis to clarify which of the compounds are responsible for this activity. Principal component analysis explained 82.90% of the variance of the antioxidant profile of the lychee. The peel displayed higher levels of phenols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and antioxidant activity, while the seeds stood out due to their levels of lycopene. With drying, there was a decrease in the levels of ascorbic acid and beta-carotene and in antioxidant activity, with an increase in the levels of phenols and lycopene. The antioxidant activity found in the peel and seeds of the lychee is high, and is mainly due to ascorbic acid and beta-carotene, as demonstrated by principal component analysis, allowing the use of these fractions as sources of natural antioxidants.

Estimation of serum antioxidant enzymes in histopathological grades of oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and oral cancer: A clinicopathologic study

Introduction: This study was undertaken to assess the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide distmutase (SOD), beta carotene, and vitamin E in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL), and oral cancer patients. Though several studies have been done on the levels of antioxidants in these disorders, there are very few available reports in patients with various histological staging of these disorders. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 40 patients who were divided into three groups: Group I as control with 20 normal individuals, group II with histopathologically confirmed different stages of OSMF and OL, and group III with histopathologically confirmed different stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Standard methods for estimation of serum values were used and statistical comparisons were performed using SPSS software 16.0 version and the level of significance was calculated. Results: The mean levels of vitamin E, beta carotene, MDA, and SOD among Group I subjects were 9.89 ± 0.75, 112.10 ± 11.97, 2.92 ± 0.36, and 189.45 ± 14.17, respectively. In group II patients with OL having mild dysplasia, serum vitamin E, beta carotene, MDA, and SOD levels were found to be 7.89 ± 0.87, 70.75 ± 2.82, 9.89 ± 0.92, and 119.63 ± 24.97, respectively. In moderate dysplasia, these values were 7.16 ± 0.55, 69.80 ± 5.54, 10.56 ± 0.46, and 115.20 ± 23.03, respectively. Serum vitamin E, beta carotene, MDA, and SOD levels were 7.70 ± 0.57, 70.50 ± 3.54, 9.81 ± 0.11, and 115.00 ± 8.49, respectively, in grade I OSMF and 7.32 ± 0.29, 69.67 ± 3.43, 9.76 ± 0.38, and 113.67 ± 8.32, respectively, in grade II OSMF. In group III patients with well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC), serum vitamin E, beta carotene, MDA, and SOD levels were 7.01 ± 0.36, 64.32 ± 3.42, 12.98 ± 0.67, and 59.22 ± 4.01, respectively, and in patients with moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC), the values were 6.54 ± 0.41, 61.87 ± 2.03, 13.34 ± 0.42, and 58.43 ± 2.26, respectively. The P-value was calculated and the results were highly significant. Conclusion: A decrease in the levels of antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin E, and SOD and an increase in MDA level in these disorders have been previously reported in the literature.

Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol and their correlation with sperm DNA damage in normospermic and infertile men

Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants such as carotenoids function against free radical damages. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in infertile and normospermic males. Sixty two infertile men and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method. Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined. DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were significantly lower than normospermic men (p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003 respectively). While serum MDA was not significantly different between two groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than control group (p< 0.001). We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic infertility.

COMPOSIÇÃO CENTESIMAL, COMPOSTOS BIOATIVOS E PARÂMETROS FÍSICO-QUÍMICOS DO JENIPAPO (Genipa americana L.) IN NATURA

Introduction : Cerrado is a diversified biome which has many types of fruit species, among which the Genipapo ( Genipa americana L.) stands out. Objective : To analyze the centesimal composition, bioactive compounds and physicochemical parameters in in natura (fresh) Genipapo. Methodology : Genipapo was bought in shops located in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Goiás. The analyses were performed in triplicate and the results were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Moisture, proteins, lipids, ashes, dietary fiber, vitamin C, titratable acidity, soluble solids and pH were determined following the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and Adolfo Lutz Institute. In addition, analyses of "available" carbohydrates were performed by the phenol-sulfuric method and by difference; the levels of beta-Carotene were analyzed by spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH assay. Results : The Genipapo pulp showed 70.0% moisture; 0.5% protein; 0% lipids; 1.1% ashes; 6.3% dietary fiber; 20.1% "available" carbohydrates; 22.1% "available" carbohydrates (by difference); 26.0 mg vitamin C/100 g; 0 mg beta-Carotene/100 g; 176.3 mg of phenolic compounds/100 g; pH 3.85; 15.2 ºBrix total soluble solids (TSS); 0.40% titratable acidity and 70.2% antioxidant capacity. Conclusion : The in natura Genipapo showed considerable values for moisture, total carbohydrates (mainly dietary fiber), vitamin C, phenolic compounds, acidity, soluble solids and high antioxidant activity. Thus, its inclusion in the diet could improve quality, contributing to food and nutritional security of the Cerrado population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2014.11310

Decidual β-carotene-15,15'-oxygenase-1 and 2 (BCMO1,2) expression is increased in nitrofen model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Retinoids are essential for fetal and lung development. Beta-carotene(BC) is the main dietary retinoid source and beta-carotene-15,15'-oxygenase-1 and 2 (Bcmo1,2) is the primary enzyme generating retinoid from BC in adult mammalian tissues. Placenta has a major role in the retinol homeostasis in fetal life: Since there is no fetal retinol synthesis, maternal retinol has to cross the placenta. It has been recently shown that BC can be converted to retinol by Bcmo1,2 in placenta for retinol transfer and moreover, BC can cross the placenta intact. The placental Bcmo1,2 expression is tightly controlled by placental retinol level. In severe retinol deficiency it has been shown that placental Bcmo1,2 expression are increased for generating retinol from dietary maternal BC even when the main retinol transfer is blocked. In recent years, low pulmonary retinol levels and disrupted retinoid signaling pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in the nitrofen model of CDH. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the main retinol transfer in the placenta is blocked in the nitrofen model of CDH causing increased placental and decreased serum retinol level. The aim of our study was to determine maternal and fetal β-carotene levels and to investigate the hypothesis that placental expression of BCMO1 and BCMO2 is altered in nitrofen-exposed rat fetuses with CDH. Pregnant rats were exposed to either olive oil or nitrofen on day 9 of gestation (D9). Maternal and fetal serum, placenta, liver and left lungs were harvested on D21 and divided into two groups: control (n = 8) and nitrofen with CDH (n = 8). Immunochistochemistry was performed to evaluate trophoblasts by cytokeratin expression and placental Bcmo1,2 expression. Expression levels of Bcmo1,2 genes in fetal lungs and liver were determined using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. BC level was measured using HPLC. Markedly increased decidual Bcmo1,2 immunoreactivity was observed in CDH group compared to controls. There was no difference neither in the trophoblastic Bcmo1,2 immunoreactivity nor in the pulmonary and liver Bcmo1,2 expression compared to controls. There was no significant difference in maternal serum BC levels between control and CDH mothers (2.14 ± 0.55 vs 2.56 ± 1.6 μM/g, p = 0.8). BC was not detectable neither in the fetal serum nor liver or lungs. Our data show that nitrofen increases maternal but not fetal Bcmo1,2 expression in the placenta in nitrofen-induced CDH group. The markedly increased decidual Bcmo1,2 expression suggests that nitrofen may trigger local, decidual retinol synthesis in the nitrofen model of CDH.

Reactive oxygen species, inflammation and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones are formed attached to Randall’s plaques (RPs) or Randall’s plugs. Mechanisms involved in the formation and growth are poorly understood. It is our hypothesis that stone formation is a form of pathological biomineralization or ectopic calcification. Pathological calcification and plaque formation in the body is triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the development of oxidative stress (OS). This review explores clinical and experimental data in support of ROS involvement in the formation of CaOx kidney stones. Under normal conditions the production of ROS is tightly controlled, increasing when and where needed. Results of clinical and experimental studies show that renal epithelial exposure to high oxalate and crystals of CaOx/calcium phosphate (CaP) generates excess ROS, causing injury and inflammation. Major markers of OS and inflammation are detectable in urine of stone patients as well as rats with experimentally induced CaOx nephrolithiasis. Antioxidant treatments reduce crystal and oxalate induced injury in tissue culture and animal models. Significantly lower serum levels of antioxidants, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthine have been found in individuals with a history of kidney stones. A diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to reduce stone episodes. ROS regulate crystal formation, growth and retention through the timely production of crystallization modulators. In the presence of abnormal calcium, citrate, oxalate, and/or phosphate, however, there is an overproduction of ROS and a decrease in the antioxidant capacity resulting in OS, renal injury and inflammation. Cellular degradation products in the urine promote crystallization in the tubular lumen at a faster rate thus blocking the tubule and plugging the tubular openings at the papillary tips forming Randall’s plugs. Renal epithelial cells lining the loops of Henle/collecting ducts may become osteogenic, producing membrane vesicles at the basal side. In addition endothelial cells lining the blood vessels may also become osteogenic producing membrane vesicles. Calcification of the vesicles gives rise to RPs. The growth of the RP’s is sustained by mineralization of collagen laid down as result of inflammation and fibrosis.