Bioactive Content Research Articles

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF FICUS CARICA PLANT AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BACTERIA

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is an important epidemiological problem that is on the global agenda and solutions are sought. As the morbidity and mortality rates caused by this problem increase every year, studies on developing new alternative active molecules are gaining momentum. Theoretical Framework: Determining the antibacterial activity of the fig (Ficus carica), which has bioactive content and is the first in production in the world, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain, which is the leading antibiotic resistance, by computer-based molecular docking studies. Method: The binding energies of the interaction of the protein that causes antibiotic resistance in MRSA strains with the molecules of the fig plant were detected. Among the molecules with high binding energy in the protein-ligand structure, those are suitable for the drug likeness parameters were evaluated. Results and Discussion: Molecules with high affinity and sufficient bioavailability of bioactive molecules found in fig can be developed and used in alternative antibiotic studies. The findings obtained will support in vivo and in vitro studies on the antibacterial activity of figs and bring different perspective to new studies. Research Implications: Molecular docking study with 177 active molecules of the Ficus carica plant, 4 candidate active molecules that passed the druglikeness parameters and showed high binding energy were determined as quercetin, kaempherol, coumarins and riboflavin. Originality/Value: It is envisaged that the studies of these candidate molecules, which have been identified, will contribute greatly to experimental studies in terms of both time and cost.

A greener approach to assess bioactive compounds in tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) using colorimetry

Bioactive compounds have been shown to promote healthy human development and protect against certain diseases including some cancers. Tropical pumpkins bred for consumption, such as calabaza (Cucurbita moschata), possess these compounds, though concentrations vary considerably between varieties. Bioactive compound quantification methods can be expensive, complex, and generate considerable hazardous waste. A predictive tool utilizing the relationship between extrinsic properties and tristimulus colorimetry values of calabaza would allow for significantly higher throughput with lower requirements for equipment, training, and laboratory consumables. Therefore, this study examined correlations between flesh color and bioactive compound quantities of several calabaza germplasm lines to assess the utility of a sustainable and portable predictive tool. CIEL* a* b* values of pumpkin flesh were assessed using a colorimeter and compared to bioactive compound concentrations determined analytically. Redness was found to correlate with increased ascorbic acid and total soluble solids content. Yellowness correlated with β-carotene equivalent carotenoids and ascorbic acid content. These results suggest that colorimetry may be a viable pre-screening technique for quantifying bioactive compounds in C. moschata.

Effect of electron beam irradiation treatment on microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive content of areca nut.

Electron beam irradiation treatment is a novel technology that uses low-dose ionizing radiation for the treatment of crops or food to enhance their quality. This study investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive compounds of areca nuts. As the irradiation dose increased, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content in the areca nuts decreased significantly, whereas the polysaccharide and pectin content increased gradually. The hardness, chewiness, and adhesiveness of areca nuts reached their lowest values when the irradiation dose was within the range of 6-9 kGy, indicating that irradiation effectively reduced the hardness of the areca nut fibers. The decrease in crystallinity led to the formation of loose structures in the fibers upon irradiation, thereby improving their water retention, expansion, and oil-holding capacity, which are beneficial for the subsequent processing of areca nut-based chewable products. The water- and oil-holding capacities of the areca nuts peaked when the irradiation dose was within the 6-9 kGy range. Electron irradiation also affected the content of active substances in the areca nuts, particularly alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, showing an overall trend of initial increase followed by subsequent decrease. Electron irradiation was not only effective in softening the fibers but it also impacted the overall quality of the areca nuts significantly. The results provide valuable reference data for improving the quality of areca nuts through electron beam irradiation technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Utilization of Microencapsulated Polyphenols to Enhance the Bioactive Compound Content in Whole Grain Bread: Recipe Optimization

In today’s health-conscious society, there is an increasing consumer demand for functional foods that not only satisfy nutritional needs but also promote overall well-being. The aim of this study was to develop a bread formulation enriched with microencapsulated polyphenols, oat β-glucan concentrate, and sour fermented beetroot juice to enhance its nutritional profile and health benefits. To protect sensitive polyphenols from thermal degradation during baking, the microencapsulation technique was employed to maintain their bioactivity. The influence of these ingredients on the physio-chemical parameters of bread (dough viscosity, hardness, porosity, bioactive ingredients content, color, and volatile compounds profiles), as well as sensory acceptability, was evaluated. Using response surface methodology, the formulation was optimized to achieve a product with high polyphenol and β-glucan content. The optimized formulation included a content of 4.60% sour fermented beetroot juice, 6.29% β-glucan concentrate, and 2.77% microencapsulated polyphenols. The final bread demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and high consumer acceptability, indicating its potential as a functional alternative to traditional bread. This innovative approach addresses the demand for healthier food options and emphasizes the role of functional ingredients in improving dietary quality and promoting health benefits.

Comprehensive In silico and In vitro evaluation of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil: A promising inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron variant, proinflammatory biomarkers and diabetes-related enzymes

Existing challenges, such as the viral SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron variants, adverse reactions, and limited availability of drugs for COVID-19 continue to challenge global health. Severe inflammatory response associated with COVID-19 has been shown to worsen diabetic conditions and finding a range of treatment options for COVID-19 is significant. The research investigated the potential of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. (Lamiaceae) essential oil (PEO), known for its bioactive terpene content, as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. In silico and in vitro approaches were conducted to evaluate its inhibitory effects on the replication of Omicron variant, its ability to modulate proinflammatory biomarkers, and its impact on diabetes-related enzymes. PEO was extracted by hydrodistillation method. GC-MS analysis revealed 62 compounds. In silico molecular docking showed that the top ten PEO major components exhibited strong binding affinities with Omicron 3CL protease (-4.0 to −6.1 kcal/mol) and spike-RBD protein (-6.1 to −9.2 kcal/mol). PEO (6.25–200 μg mL⁻¹) significantly inhibited the B.1.1.529 Omicron SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and Spike-RBD. PEO showed a cytotoxic effect at >80 μg mL⁻¹ in LPS-induced macrophage and inhibited production of TNF-α from 6.25 to 50 μg mL⁻¹, indicating its potential to mitigate the cytokine storm in link with severe COVID-19 cases. In vitro, PEO at 6.25–200 μg mL⁻¹ significantly inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, suggesting that PEO components could modulate key enzymes involved in glucose metabolisms. These findings showed the potential of PEO as an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic agent and offer an opportunity to further clinical investigations in testing the efficacy as an alternative approach to managing COVID-19 and its complications.

Investigation of the impact of cold plasma pretreatments, long term storage and drying on physicochemical properties, bioactive contents and microbial quality of 'Keitt' mango

There is heightened demand for dried mango fruits with desired nutritional and physicochemical qualities, microbiologically stable and chemical residue free. This has led to the exploration of innovative preservation technologies for the extension of storability prior to processing. This study investigated the impact of cold plasma (CP) treatment on physicochemical properties and microbial stability in fresh and dried 'Keitt' mango during long term storage. Freshly harvested 'Keitt' mangoes were subjected to: CP treatment (for 5 min (CP5) and 10 min, CP10), dipping in “Chronos Prochloraz” for 30 s (industry practice), and untreated group (control). All samples were stored at 11°C for 30 days, prior to minimal processing and hot air drying at 60°C. Results after 30 days of storage demonstrated that untreated samples (control) had the highest TSS (15.06 ± 0.32 °Brix), while CP10 pretreated samples had the lowest TSS (13.80 ± 0.06 °Brix) value (p ≤ 0.05). In comparison to the fresh samples post storage, all pretreated dried mango slices retained lower total flavanols with CP5 (13.49 ± 1.64 mg GAE 100/g), CP10 (20.12 ± 1.42 mg GAE 100/g) and SMB (23.89 ± 3.35 mg GAE 100/g), but higher than the dried untreated samples (6.68 ± 0.53 mg GAE 100/g). Yellowness (b*) of the fresh pulp (38.53 ± 1.73) increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the long-term storage (39.88 – 46.74) and drying (55.01 – 64.90). CP pre-treatment combined with drying resulted in ≥ 2 Log reduction in microbial count. This study shows the potential of cold plasma as a pretreatment for extending storability and maintaining the quality of 'Keitt' mangoes.

Comparison of In Vitro Hair Growth Promotion and Anti-Hair Loss Potential of Thai Rice By-Product from Oryza sativa L. cv. Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong

The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention. Overall, Buebang 3 CMU extracts contained significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and various polyphenols such as phytic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid, compared to Sanpatong extracts. Additionally, ethanolic extracts demonstrated greater bioactive content and antioxidant activities than those extracted with dichloromethane. These compounds enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 124.28 ± 1.08% (p < 0.05) and modulated anti-inflammatory pathways by reducing nitrite production to 3.20 ± 0.36 µM (p < 0.05). Key hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, GLI1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were activated by approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold compared to minoxidil. Also, in both human prostate cancer (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the ethanolic Buebang 3 CMU extract (Et-BB3-CMU) suppressed SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3 expression—key pathways in hair loss—by 2-fold and 1.5-fold more than minoxidil and finasteride, respectively. These findings suggest that Et-BB3-CMU holds promise for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Ultrasonication-Enhanced Nanoencapsulation of Thymol and Cinnamaldehyde with Chitosan and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose: A Novel Approach to Improving Physicochemical Properties, Stability, and Bioactive Content

Ultrasonication-Enhanced Nanoencapsulation of Thymol and Cinnamaldehyde with Chitosan and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose: A Novel Approach to Improving Physicochemical Properties, Stability, and Bioactive Content

Effect of the culture liquid of Antarctic yeast <i>Nadsoniella nigra</i> on rooting, growth, and biochemical composition of <i>in vitro</i> grapevine (<i>Vitis vinifera</i> L.), cultivar '<i>Karmrahyut</i>'

Background: Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a globally significant fruit crop known for its nutritional and health benefits, including its role in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The bioactive compounds in grapes contribute to these benefits. Bioactive content changes due to grapevine variety and environmental conditions necessitate ongoing research. In vitro propagation provides a controlled environment for grapevine cultivation, minimizing disease risk and ensuring consistent quality. This study investigates the potential of Nadsoniella nigra (Nn), an Antarctic yeast, as a natural alternative to synthetic auxins like Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in grapevine micro cutting propagation. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the culture liquid of Nn as a natural alternative to auxin-class hormones, using IBA as an example, for promoting rooting in grapevine microcuttings and to assess its impact on chlorophyll content, vitamin C levels, and sugar concentrations. Materials and Methods: In vitro propagation of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar 'Karmarhyt' was performed using half-strength Woody Plant Medium (WPM). Nn culture liquid was prepared at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ml/L, and IBA was used at equivalent concentrations. Microcuttings were cultured on media supplemented with these treatments, with a control group maintained without growth regulators. Rooting was evaluated after 4 weeks by measuring rooting percentage, number of roots per shoot, and root length. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and Chlorophyll b (Chl b) levels, vitamin C content, and sugar concentrations were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using standard error and t-tests. Results: Rooting performance of grapevine microcuttings varied with treatment. Nn culture liquid promoted rooting in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest values observed at 2.0 ml/L (97.0% rooting, 7.2 roots, 13.8 cm root length). IBA treatment resulted in peak rooting at 1.0 mg/L (100% rooting) but decreased at higher concentrations, accompanied by callus formation. Chlorophyll content was higher in Nn culture liquid treated microcuttings, with a maximum total chlorophyll of 2.20 mg/g at 2.0 mg/L, compared to a peak of 2.05 mg/g in IBA-treated microcuttings at 1.0 mg/L. Sugar and vitamin C content increased with Nn culture liquid concentrations, whereas IBA showed a less consistent effect. Conclusion: Nn culture liquid was an effective natural alternative to IBA for promoting rooting in grapevine microcuttings. It improved rooting efficiency, chlorophyll content, and increased sugar and vitamin C levels, while IBA led to growth inhibition and callus formation at higher concentrations. Nn culture liquid demonstrated consistent benefits, suggesting potential for sustainable viticulture. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the mixture of secondary metabolites contained in the liquid culture medium of Nn possesses high biological activity and can be recommended for use in plant biotechnology in vitro to promote the growth of both underground and above-ground parts. Future research could explore its use in propagating other plant species. Keywords: ´Karmrahyut´, grapevine, culture liquid of Nadsoniella nigra. in vitro propagation, functional foods

Bleaching efficacy, decomposition rate and pH of experimental bleaching gels incorporating bioactive materials

Aim: To evaluate the bleaching efficacy, decomposition rate, and pH of experimental gels containing 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and different concentrations of 45S5-bioglass (BG) or Biosilicate® (BS). Methods: Bovine enamel/dentin blocks (n=10) were allocated into the groups HP_BG or HP_BS (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt%) and HP (35% HP – positive control). The blocks were submitted to three sessions of 40 min and 7-day intervals. During the interval, the blocks were kept in artificial saliva at 37ºC. Color change (ΔE00) and whiteness index change (ΔWID) were determined after staining with black tea (T1) and 24 h after the 3rd bleaching session (T2). HP decomposition rate (%) and pH were evaluated for 40 min. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey analyzed ΔE00 and ΔWID data, while the Kruskal-Wallis test determined the decomposition rate and pH of the gels. Results: There were no differences in ΔE00 and ΔWID among the experimental bleaching gels containing BG or BS and 35% HP (p > 0.05), but BG and BS gels displayed lower HP concentration than 35% HP, regardless of the bioactive material concentration (p < 0.05). The experimental BG and BS gels exhibited alkaline pH (ranging from 9.28 to 9.82), which was higher than that of 35% HP (p < 0.05). But regardless of the gel, all kept the pH values stable for 40 min. Conclusion: The experimental gels containing BG and BS did not hamper the 35% HP bleaching efficacy. Moreover, BG or BS gels decreased the hydrogen peroxide concentration and exhibited alkaline pH values.

Effect of Tapioca and Tragacanth based edible coatings on the physiological, chemical, microbial, and phytochemical quality of Tomato fruits

AbstractIn recent years, edible coatings have emerged as a promising solution to extend the shelf life, and maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables. The purpose of the study was the development and application of gum Tragacanth and Tapioca‐based edible coatings to extend the storability and quality of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L). Different treatments were prepared with combinations of Tragacanth gum (0.5, 1, 1.5 g) and Tapioca (1, 1.5, 2 g). Parameters such as weight loss, sugars, decay percentage, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, antioxidant capacity, phenolic and flavonoid contents, microbial counts, and sensory evaluation were measured during 14 days storage. Results revealed that the application of gum Tragacanth and Tapioca‐based coatings significantly reduced weight loss, decay percentage, and microbial counts of treated tomatoes as compared to the control group. The coated tomatoes exhibited improved sensory features, with a slower rate of softening, during the storage. There was a significant increment in total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity of coated fruits during 7 days of storage. The observed improvements in the postharvest quality attributes suggest that the gum Tragacanth and Tapioca‐based edible coatings have the potential to retain and enhance the nutritional and bioactive contents and shelf life of tomato.

Responses of the Allium cepa L. to Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soil.

Heavy metals can accumulate and migrate in soil environments and can negatively affect crops and consumers. Because an increased incidence of chronic diseases can be observed, food security has become a high-priority concern. In the present work, we evaluate the impact of heavy metals on bioactive compounds and elemental content from onions. Plants were grown in the absence and presence of various concentrations of heavy metal salts (Pb, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd). The influence of heavy metal salts on onions was evaluated by analyzing the content of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and elemental content. The variation of assimilatory pigments, total polyphenols content, and antioxidant capacity increased or decreased depending on the heavy metal added to the soil as well as on the amount added. Regarding the amount of bioactive compounds, it increased between 6.79 and 34.39% or decreased between 4.68 and 62.42%. The content of ten elements in plants was reported, as well as elemental mutual correlation and correlation of element content with biologically active compounds and antioxidant capacity.

Characterization of bioactive content and aroma compounds of geographical indication İspir, Narman and Hınıs dry beans

Characterization of bioactive content and aroma compounds of geographical indication İspir, Narman and Hınıs dry beans

Review on Functional Foods and its Role in Both Health & Disease

Functional foods are intended to offer health advantages in addition to needed nutrients. They efficiently prevent numerous diseases due to their mineral, vitamin, probiotic, bioactive, and fiber content, and they may increase quality of life. Probiotic strains are said to provide health benefits to humans when taken in sufficient quantities. As a result, there has been an increase in producing functional foods incorporating probiotic microorganisms in recent decades. Functional foods contain chemicals that may reduce the risk of specific diseases or otherwise improve health. The specific components are found naturally in functional foods or are added through fortification or enrichment.

Red Ginger as an Immunomodulator

This study aims to examine the potential of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) as an immunomodulator based on various literature sources from books and journals. Red ginger, which is known to have a high bioactive content, has been used in traditional medicine to boost immunity. This study examined the chemical composition, mechanism of action, and scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of red ginger as an immunomodulator. The results of the study show that red ginger has great potential to be developed as an effective and safe immunomodulator product.

Sustainable use of coffee roasting by-products: development of high value-added gummy candies

The sustainable utilization of production wastes in the agri-food sector is an increasing challenge. This work aims to evaluate the applicability of coffee silverskin, the main by-product of coffee roasting, in the formulation of gummy candies. Firstly, the experimental plan envisaged the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from coffee silverskin. The influence of different concentrations of coffee silverskin extract (1%, 2%, and 4%) was then evaluated on chemical, physical, microbiological, structural, and sensory gummy candies characteristics for 120 storage days. Candies formulated without coffee silverskin extract were used as control. The results up to 120 days of storage revealed the higher quality of gummy candies enriched with 1%, 2% and 4% coffee silverskin extract not only for their bioactive content, ranging from 147.9 to 161.1 mg GAE Kg -1 of phenolic compounds, but also for their antioxidant activity, with values at the end of storage of 15.06, 30.25, 31.50 and 28.20 µmol TE g-1 respectively in control and gummy candies enriched with 1%, 2% and 4% coffee silverskin extract. Moreover, all the candies enriched with silverskin coffee extract showed better physical and sensory characteristics compared to the control taste. The results show that the proposed use of silver coffee skin improves and preserves the quality of gummy candies and then be employed as an ingredient to improve the quality of confectionery products.

In vitro antioxidant and in silico enzyme inhibition studies of Carissa carandas Linn.: potential ingredient for nutraceutical development

ABSTRACT Carissa carandas L. is a wild food plant, however, is cultivated for its fruits to be utilized to make pickles, jams, and other similar products. Fruit of this plant has been intensively investigated for its bioactive potential; however, a scanty study is reported on the leaf, which is usually wasted. In the present study, ethanolic extract of the leaf of C. carandas was analyzed for its total bioactive contents and found rich in phenolics and flavonoids (26.67 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g extract and 18.42 ± 0.05 mg RE/g extract, respectively). These findings were substantiated due to UHPLCMS/MS analysis, which disclosed the presence of about 110 secondary metabolites, mostly lignans, flavonoids, and terpenoids. In DPPH and ABTS free radical inhibition assays, the extract showed inhibitory values as 47.51 ± 0.09 and 93.09 ± 2.8 mg TE/g extract, respectively. Its further antioxidant potential was observed in CUPRAC and FRAP assays, wherein the metal reducing power was recorded as 102.05 ± 1.03 and 67.24 ± 0.9 mg TE/g extract, respectively, while in phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating assays, the extract also disclosed potential activity (0.92 ± 0.02 mmol TE/g extract and 21.42 ± 0.34 mg EDTAE/g extract). The extract was also significantly active against tyrosinase (45.69 ± 0.7 mg KAE/g extract) and showed mild activities against AChE (3.61 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g extract), BChE (1.43 ± 0.2 mg GALAE/g extract), α-amylase (0.46 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g extract) and α-glucosidase (1.05 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g extract). In computational studies, binding affinities for AChE and BChE enzymes were from −4.21 to −12.70 and −7.58 to −12.53 kcal/mol, respectively, confirming the results of the invitro tests and ADME studies. The current finding suggested that C. carandas may be considered as a source for several nutraceutical formulations.

Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarumLP28 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae improve the bioactive content and quality of fruit‐based rice beverage

AbstractThe increasing demand for plant‐based beverages with improved functional and sensory qualities has guided this study, which examines the bioactive content, functional, and sensory properties of a rice, apple pomace, and sea buckthorn beverage (RASB) fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found out that total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and β‐carotene were significantly higher in samples with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, particularly in coculture samples. These samples also exhibited elevated alcohol by volume (ABV). Monoculture samples showed increased total flavonol content (TFLC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and proanthocyanidin. The RASB‐LP sample, containing only Lactobacillus plantarum, revealed the highest antioxidant properties, evidenced by DPPH (94.13 ± 0.05%) and ABTS (97.69 ± 0.09%) assays. Interestingly, 3‐methylbutyl 3‐methylbutanoate, abundant in the unfermented control, was hydrolyzed to 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol in fermented samples, especially those containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sensory evaluation evidenced that RASB‐LP scored highest for aroma and overall acceptability. FTIR analysis also indicated changes in functional groups of RASB samples. Together, our findings suggest that a novel probiotic cereal beverage with enhanced quality can be developed through the addition of fruit and fruit pomace, coupled with fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum LP28 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

A-071 Macroprolactin Screening in Patients with Hyperprolactinemia: Comparison Between Different Criteria for Defining Macroprolactinemia

Abstract Background Prolactin (PRL) exists in different forms in human serum. The predominant form is monomeric PRL, the other forms include dimeric PRL and polymeric PRL, also known as macroprolactin, a biologically inactive form. Macroprolactin can be measured by almost all immunoassays for PRL. This may lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of patients. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation is the most widely used method for detecting macroprolactin, generally employing a cutoff of 40% to distinguish macroprolactinemia from true hyperprolactinemia. This approach lacks specificity, so the reported result may be misinterpreted in cases in which excess macroprolactin occurs simultaneously with supraphysiological concentrations of monomeric prolactin. Nowadays, it is recommended to report results as post-PEG PRL using method-specific post-PEG reference intervals, classifying as macroprolactinemia (false or pseudohyperprolactinemia) those individuals with post- PEG PRL within post-PEG reference intervals and true hyperprolactinemia above the upper limit of the post-PEG reference interval. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of macroprolactinemia in patients with hyperprolactinemia using two different criteria, a cutoff < 40% in PEG precipitation and a post- PEG PRL within post-PEG assay specific reference range. Methods We analyzed blood samples requesting serum macroprolactin from patients admitted to a private reference clinical laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 01/01/2019 to 12/31/2023. Anonymized data on laboratory tests was available from a database of the local Laboratory Information System. All patients included had PRL levels above the reference range, males >15.2 ng/mL, females >23.3 ng/mL (ECLIA, Modular, Roche). Results 9423 patients, 80.1% women (W) were evaluated. Men (M) were statistically significantly older than women (p<0.001) (45.6; SD=15.0 vs. 38.9; SD=11.5). Prolactin median levels were significantly higher in women (p<0.001) than men (37.4ng/mL, IQR=26 vs. 23.8ng/mL, IQR=17.1). Macroprolactinemia detection was greater (p<0.001) by post-peg PRL concentration criteria (9.7% - 10.1%W vs. 8.4%M), than by < 40% PRL recovery criteria (5.5% - 5.7%W vs. 4.8%M). Dividing patients by prolactin levels (<50.0; 50.0 to <100.0; 100.0 to <150.0, >150.0 ng/mL, we found macroprolactinemia in 5.2% (5.2%W vs. 5.2%M), 7.7% (8.2%W vs. 2.4%M), 2.8% (2.8%W vs. 2.5%M) and 1.6% (1.3%W vs. 2.6%M) - <40% PRL recovery criteria; and 12.1% (12.8%W vs. 9.8%M), 4.4% (4.8%W vs. 0.6%M), 0.8% (0.8%W vs. 0%M), 0.0% (0%W vs. 0%M) - post-PEG PRL concentration criteria. By the last criteria, no patient with total PRL more than 150 ng/mL had macroprolactinemia. Conclusions The criterion for defining macroprolactinemia has a big impact on the study results and needs to be considered in data interpretation and comparison with other studies. PEG precipitation is an easy and fast screening method for macroprolactin. Its main purpose should be determining whether the bioactive monomeric prolactin concentration is increased which is why the post-PEG PRL with corresponding reference interval is the most suitable way of reporting results.

Impact of Drying Methods on The Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel

Pomegranate peel, a fruit by-product, is a rich source bioactive compound. This study evaluated the effects of shade (SD) and oven drying (OD) on the bioactive content and antioxidant properties of pomegranate peel. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by reducing power activity, radical scavenging, and metal chelating assays. Results showed that total bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity were influenced by drying methods. The study indicated that pomegranate peel could be utilized in food and pharmaceutical industries.