High Concentrations Of Caffeine Research Articles

Experimental evolution of S. cerevisiae for caffeine tolerance alters multidrug resistance and TOR signaling pathways.

Caffeine is a natural compound that inhibits the major cellular signaling regulator TOR, leading to widespread effects including growth inhibition. S. cerevisiae yeast can adapt to tolerate high concentrations of caffeine in coffee and cacao fermentations and in experimental systems. While many factors affecting caffeine tolerance and TOR signaling have been identified, further characterization of their interactions and regulation remain to be studied. We used experimental evolution of S. cerevisiae to study the genetic contributions to caffeine tolerance in yeast, through a collaboration between high school students evolving yeast populations coupled with further research exploration in university labs. We identified multiple evolved yeast populations with mutations in PDR1 and PDR5, which contribute to multidrug resistance, and showed that gain-of-function mutations in multidrug resistance family transcription factors Pdr1, Pdr3, and Yrr1 differentially contribute to caffeine tolerance. We also identified loss-of-function mutations in TOR effectors Sit4, Sky1, and Tip41, and show that these mutations contribute to caffeine tolerance. These findings support the importance of both the multidrug resistance family and TOR signaling in caffeine tolerance, and can inform future exploration of networks affected by caffeine and other TOR inhibitors in model systems and industrial applications.

Consumption Rate of Energy Drinks among Kabul University Students: Caffeine Contents and Microbiological Examinations of their Available Varieties at Kabul City

Energy drinks (EDs) have gained popularity as a beverage all around the world, but as their usage has grown, questions have been raised concerning their high caffeine concentration and potential for microbial contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate EDs. consumption rate among Kabul University students, the determination of caffeine contents, microbiological quality, and pH of EDs available in Kabul City. 184 Kabul University students were selected using simple random selection to assess the types, amounts of consumption, and awareness about the side effects of EDs. The caffeine levels in EDs were quantified using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The EDs were cultured in various culture media for microbiological studies. 23 of the 184 students were regular users of EDs. The mean concentration of caffeine was 277.43 ppm with an SD of 137.49 to 143.10. The EDs had no microbiological contamination, and their pH ranged from 2.64 to 3.64. 12.5% of the students regularly used EDs, Caffeine levels in all of the evaluated EDs were below recommended levels, and none of them contained any bacteria contamination.

Influence of caffeine on the crystallinity and thermal stability of MAPbI3: Experiment and density-functional theory calculations

In this work, the effect of caffeine concentration (2 %, 4 %, 6 % and 8 %) on crystallinity and thermal stability of MAPbI3 was successfully studied. MAPbI3 showed stability at lower temperatures ranges between 0 and 90 °C, however, after adding caffeine the thermal stability showed an improvement towards higher temperatures [196–242 °C]. All the samples exhibited intense diffraction peaks at ∼2θ = 19.66° and 39.81°, respectively assigned to the (112) and (141) planes of tetragonal perovskite structure which indicates that the desired perovskite film was formed. MAPbI3@Caffeine (8 %) and MAPbI3@Caffeine (6 %) exhibited high PL intensity quenching which indicates their high charge carrier extraction efficacy which can be attributed to the higher crystallinity and fewer defect states of the film compared to MAPbI3@Caffeine (2 %) and MAPbI3@Caffeine (4 %) samples. MAPbI3@Caffeine (8 %) absorption spectra had the shifts to low wavelength in the range 491–532 nm which indicated that caffeine may allow sufficient photon into MAPbI3 due to the estimated bandgap. The density functional theory calculations suggest increased interactions at high caffeine concentration with corresponding switch from metallic to semiconducting properties. The stability of MAPbI3 can be attributed to increased cationic interaction between I 5p orbital states and C 2p, N 2p orbital states as indicated in the PDOS and electron density difference analysis.

Wastewater and seawater monitoring in Antarctica: Passive sampling as a powerful strategy to evaluate emerging pollution

The Ross Sea, among the least human-impacted marine environments worldwide, recently became the first marine protected area in Antarctica.To assess the impact of the Italian research station Mario Zucchelli (MZS) on the surrounding waters, passive sampling – as well as spot sampling for comparison – took place in the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the receiving surface marine waters. Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS) were deployed for six consecutive 2-week periods from November to February in a reservoir collecting the wastewater effluent. Passive samplers were also deployed at shallow depth offshore from the wastewater effluent outlet from MZS for two separate 3-week periods (November 2021 and January 2022). Grab water samples were collected alongside each POCIS deployment, for comparison with passive sampling results.POCIS, used for the first time in Antarctica, demonstrated to be advantageous to estimate time-averaged concentrations in waters and the results were comparable to those obtained by repeated spot samplings. Among the 23 studied ECs – including drugs, UV-filters, perfluorinated substances, caffeine – 15 were detected in both grab and passive sampling in the WWTP effluent and followed similar concentration profiles in both types of sampling. High concentrations of caffeine, naproxen and ketoprofen in the dozens of μg L−1 were detected. Other compounds, including drugs and several UV filters, were detected down to sub- μg L−1 concentrations. In marine waters close to the effluent output, only traces of a drug (4.8 ng L−1) and two UV filters (up to 0.04 μg L−1) were quantified.

Chemical composition of guarana flowers and nectar and their ecological significance

The plant species Paullinia cupana Kunth (Sapindaceae), commonly known as guarana, originates from the central Amazonian Basin and has a long history of local use for its stimulant properties. It is currently commercialized worldwide for its health beneficial properties. The seeds chemical composition has been extensively studied over the years. However, the chemistry of guarana flowers, particularly the nectar content, have been barely investigated. From an ecological perspective, floral nectar and pollen are the primary food rewards for pollinators. In the present study, we investigated the chemical composition of nectar and whole pistillate, and staminate guarana flowers harvested separately. Although guarana is well known for its high concentration of caffeine in its seeds, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of caffeine and other methylxanthines as the main constituents of the nectar. The significant difference between guarana floral chemistry, which is more diverse and complex, and nectar chemical profile, which primarily contains methylxanthines, suggests that the presence of these compounds in guarana nectar may have an impact on plant-pollinator interactions, which can affect the fitness of both plants and flower visitors

Hormonal involvement in boosting the vegetative vigour underlying caffeine-related improvements in lentil production

Previous studies have shown that caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) has some potential for its use as a biostimulant ingredient for boosting lentil production at suboptimal temperatures. However, some limitations to its use include its potential side effects as an emerging contaminant and the current lack of knowledge of its mechanism of action. Here, we aimed to study the mechanisms underlying improved lentil production upon caffeine application. Greenhouse-grown plants treated with caffeine (at 10-5 M, 10-4 M, and 10-3 M) were compared to an untreated, control treatment, and both reproductive and vegetative vigour were evaluated in parallel with endogenous foliar concentrations of phytohormones, including both stress and growth-related hormones. Results showed an enhanced lentil production at the highest caffeine concentration (10-3 M) which might be attributed, at least in part, to a greater vegetative vigour. The hormonal profiling revealed a dual effect. Firstly, there was a specific increase in jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) in the short term, which may provide a priming effect. Secondly, abscisic acid (ABA) content kept at low levels and the active cytokinin (CK) isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) increased and persisted at high levels throughout the reproductive stage. Cytokinin-mediated effects on growth, and more specifically the high CK/ABA ratios in leaves, appeared to mediate caffeine-related effects in boosting vegetative vigour. In conclusion, caffeine emerges as a compelling alkaloid for integration into biostimulant formulations due to its favorable effect in boosting lentil production through an improvement of vegetative vigour. These outcomes appear to be modulated by phytohormones, most notably jasmonates, priming plants for improved performance under suboptimal temperatures, and cytokinins, alongside ABA and its associated ratios, collectively enhancing plant growth and reproductive vigour in challenging conditions.

Impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols and caffeine from green tea leaves using high-performance thin-layer chromatography.

Tea is the most popular daily drink consumed globally, with a high concentration of caffeine and polyphenols. In this study, the effects of ultrasonic-assisted extraction and quantification of caffeine and polyphenols from green tea were investigated and optimized using 23 -full factorial design and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Three parameters were optimized to maximize the concentration of caffeine and polyphenols extracted using ultrasound: crude drug-to-solvent ratio (1:10-1:5), temperature (20-40°C), and ultrasonication time (10-30 min). The optimal conditions achieved from the model for tea extraction were as follows: crude drug-to-solvent ratio, 0.199 g/ml; temperature, 39.9°C; and time, 29.9min; the extractive value was found to be 16.8%. Images from scanning electron microscopy showed that the matrix underwent a physical alteration and cell wall disintegration, which intensified and accelerated the extraction. This process might be simplified using sonication, which results in a higher extractive yield and a significant concentration of caffeine and polyphenols than the traditional approach, with a smaller quantity of solvent and faster analytical times. The result of high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis proves a significant positive correlation between extractive value and caffeine and polyphenol concentrations.

Exploring the potential of phenolic compounds from the coffee pulp in preventing cellular oxidative stress after in vitro digestion

The coffee pulp, a by-product of the coffee industry, contains a high concentration of phenolic compounds and caffeine. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion may influence these active compounds’ bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity. Understanding the impact of the digestive metabolism on the coffee pulp’s phenolic composition and its effect on cellular oxidative stress biomarkers is essential. In this study, we evaluated the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the coffee pulp flour (CPF) and extract (CPE) on their phenolic profile, radical scavenging capacity, cellular antioxidant activity, and cytoprotective properties in intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) and hepatic (HepG2) cells. The CPF and the CPE contained a high amount of caffeine and phenolic compounds, predominantly phenolic acids (3′,4′-dihydroxycinnamoylquinic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids) and flavonoids (3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone derivatives). Simulated digestion resulted in increased antioxidant capacity, and both the CPF and the CPE demonstrated free radical scavenging abilities even after in vitro digestion. The CPF and the CPE did not induce cytotoxicity in intestinal and hepatic cells, and both matrices exhibited the ability to scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen species. The coffee pulp treatments prevented the decrease of glutathione, thiol groups, and superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities evoked by tert-butyl hydroperoxide elicitation in IEC-6 and HepG2 cells. Our findings suggest that the coffee pulp could be used as a potent food ingredient for preventing cellular oxidative stress due to its high content of antioxidant compounds.

Caffeine content and acidity levels of some non-alcoholic water-based beverages sold in Banda zone, Kampala, Uganda

Background:The consumption of has gained attention due to its ability to promote acute benefits such as improved attention, cognitive performance, reduction of fatigue, increased wakefulness, and analgesia. However, the result of caffeine consumption is a concern, it is important to inform consumers about the caffeine content and acidity levels of all non-alcoholic water-based beverages.Methods:The samples were sonicated and subjected to analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method and pH meter method for acidity content. Results: The highest concentration of caffeine was found in energy drink, ED; with 64.01±0.07 mg/L as compared to soft drinks, SD1; 20.20±0.02 mg/L, SD2; 23.14±0.08 mg/L, and SD3; 29.88±0.02 mg/L. All obtained concentrations were below the permissible levels for caffeine (200 mg/L) intake by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The study also showed that all the non-alcoholic beverages were acidic except bottled water in the sequence BW < ED < SD. The categorical range was bottled water; BW2; 8.01±0.03, BW1; 7.5±0.10, BW3; 7.5±0.11, BW4 6.85±1.38, and Energy drink; ED; 3.17±0.01, and finally, soft drinks; SD2; 2.82±0.02, SD1; 2.61±0.02, and SD3; 2.59±0.05. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study provide satisfactory information on the caffeine and acidity contents of the commonly consumed non-alcoholic water-based beverages in Banda, Kampala-Uganda. This in the future could pose serious health risks, since some individuals consume multiple servings of the drinks in a short time, which could result in intoxication/overdose.Keywords: caffeine, soft drinks, energy drinks, public health, Banda

Clustering of caffeine in water and its adsorption in activated carbon: Molecular simulations and experiments

Motivated by the importance of caffeine removal from wastewater, the clustering and adsorption of caffeine in activated carbon are studied using Molecular Dynamics and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations, and the results validated by experiments showing similar clustering mechanisms in the large pores as well as high caffeine concentrations in water. The mechanism of caffeine clustering as a function of concentration from high concentration up to solubility threshold is described by the creation of hydrogen bonds between dimers (hydrogen of methyl group and oxygen of caffeine) and between dimers and another caffeine molecule (hydrogen bonds between the hydrogen of methyl group and nitrogen of another caffeine molecule). The caffeine solvation pattern shows strong interaction between water and nitrogen atoms of the caffeine molecule. Analysis of the unfolding of caffeine aggregates shows that the solvent accessible surface area varies from 120 to 350 Å2/caffeine molecule (solvent accessible surface area of a single caffeine molecule). Caffeine dimers and more complex forms are also observed in the GCMC simulations, and show that the same mechanism behind the caffeine clustering produces caffeine stacks in the large pores of nanoporous carbon (Activated Carbon Cloth (ACC)). For all molecular simulations, we have utilized our new computed force field for the caffeine molecule as the most accurate force field for both MD and GCMC. This new force field is examined by neutron scattering experiments in the literature for MD simulations and by adsorption isotherm and X-ray scattering experiments for GCMC simulations. According to the X-ray intensity measurements on ACC before and after adsorption, and molecular simulation results, we conclude that this new force field is more accurate than similar force fields in the literature as it produces satisfactory results for both MD and GCMC simulations.

Correlation between caffeine and coprostanol in contrasting Amazonian water bodies

The evaluation of contamination by domestic sewage is relevant in the Amazon region; however, it has neither been well-developed nor accompanied by research or monitoring programs. In this study, caffeine and coprostanol as indicators of sewage were investigated in water samples from Amazonian water bodies that crisscross the city of Manaus (Amazonas state, Brazil) and cover regions with distinct main land uses such as high-density residential, low-density residential, commercial, industrial, and environmental protection areas. Thirty-one water samples were studied based on their dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) fractions. Quantitative determination of both caffeine and coprostanol was carried out using LC-MS/MS with APCI in the positive ionization mode. The streams of the urban area of Manaus had the highest concentrations of caffeine (1.47–69.65 μg L−1) and coprostanol (2.88–46.92 μg L−1). Samples from the peri-urban Tarumã-Açu stream and from the streams in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve showed much lower concentrations of caffeine (20.20–165.78 ng L−1) and coprostanol (31.49–120.44 ng L−1). Samples from the Negro River showed a wider range of concentrations of caffeine (20.59–873.59 ng L−1) and coprostanol (31.72–706.46 ng L−1), with the highest values found in the outfalls of the urban streams. Levels of caffeine and coprostanol were significantly positively correlated in the different organic matter fractions. The coprostanol/(coprostanol + cholestanol) ratio proved to be a more suitable parameter than the coprostanol/cholesterol one in low-density residential areas. Proximity to densely populated areas and the flow of water bodies appear to influence the caffeine and coprostanol concentrations, which was observed in their clustering in the multivariate analysis. The results indicate that caffeine and coprostanol can be detected even in water bodies that receive very low domestic sewage input. Therefore, this study revealed that both caffeine in DOM and coprostanol in POM represent viable alternatives for use in studies and monitoring programs even in remote areas of the Amazon, where microbiological analyses are often unfeasible.

Energy drinks at adolescence: Awareness or unawareness?

Energy drinks (EDs) are beverages similar to soft drinks, characterized by high caffeine concentrations with additional ingredients like taurine and vitamins, marketed for boosting energy, reducing tiredness, increasing concentration, and for their ergogenic effect. The majority of consumers are children, adolescents, and young athletes. Although EDs companies claim about the ergogenic and remineralizing properties of their products, there is a serious lack of evidence at preclinical as well as clinical level to validate their benefits. The regular intake and long-term consequences of these caffeinated drinks are not well documented, especially the possible negative effects in adolescents whose brain is still developing. EDs combined with alcohol are also gaining popularity among adolescents and different publications indicate that this combined consumption might increase the risk to develop an alcohol use disorder, as well as produce serious adverse cardiovascular effects. There is an increasing need to disseminate knowledge on EDs damage on health, so that adolescents can be aware about the potential harmful outcomes of consuming these drinks.

Advanced extraction of caffeine and polyphenols from coffee pulp: Comparison of conventional and ultrasound-assisted methods

Two extraction methods of caffeine and total polyphenols from coffee pulp waste were evaluated using water as solvent: conventional solid-liquid extraction (CSLE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE). A central rotary experimental design was applied in each case, after evaluating the effect of the substrate:solvent ratio. The highest concentration of caffeine in the extractant using CSLE was found to be 49.9 ± 1.3 mg/L (equivalent to 3.7 ± 0.1 g/kg pulp, dry basis (d.b.)), after 5.5 min at 96 °C, and at a substrate:solvent ratio of 1:10 w/v. In parallel, the concentration of total polyphenols reached 128.3 ± 4.3 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L (9.7 ± 0.3 g/kg) at 75 °C (equal time and ratio). USAE was found to be also affected by power, leading to 206.6 ± 0.1 mg caffeine/L and 164.9 ± 5.2 mg GAE/L (15.6 ± 0.3 g/kg and 12.4 ± 0.2 g/kg, respectively) (396 W, 5.5 min, 75–90 °C). These results indicate extraction yields as high as 85%, at a markedly lower energy requirement using USAE. Consequently, USAE using water as a solvent might be a promising and innovative alternative to improve the extraction performance of highly demanded biocompounds from coffee pulp waste, with the consequent environmental and social benefits within a markedly relevant agro-industrial sector.

Determination of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) in the Methanolic Extracts Coffee (C. arabica. L) To seeds and peels (Unroasted and Roasted) Cultivars Grown in Yemen by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

In this study methanolic extract of one plant namely Arabic coffee, were screened for the presence of analysis Constituents and tested for their of liquid chromatographic separation (HPLC). The quantitative HPLC analysis revealed the results showed presence of Caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the concentration of the contents Seeds, peels (unroasted) samples is higher than their contents in the Seeds, and peels (roasted) samples. The highest concentration of Caffeine was 5,334 % in unroasted Arabica coffee peels (Udaini) in Ibb (Kafr) region, while the highest value of chlorogenic acid was 68,460% in unroasted Arabica coffee peels (Tufahi) in Ibb (Kafr). The highest concentration of Caffeine was 9,948% in unroasted Arabic coffee seeds (Udaini) in Ibb (Kafr) region, while the highest concentration of chlorogenic acid was 97,280% in unroasted Arabic coffee seeds (Udaini) in Ibb (Kafr) region. The highest concentration of Caffeine was 1,964 % in roasted Arabica coffee peels (Udaini) in Ibb (Kafr) region, while the highest value of chlorogenic acid was 26,260% in roasted Arabica coffee peels (Bura’ai.) in Sana'a (Haraz). The highest concentration of Caffeine was 2,324% in roasted Arabic coffee seeds (Udaini) in Al- Mahweet (Hufash) region, while the highest concentration of chlorogenic acid was 47,09% in roasted Arabic coffee seeds (Dawairi) in Al- Mahweet (Hufash).

Prevalence and correlates of dry scooping: Results from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors

Dry scooping is a novel dietary practice characterized by consuming pre-workout powders without mixing with a liquid as directed. Despite purported benefits of this practice, such as increased energy due to the high concentration of caffeine, there are potential harms of engagement. To date, no known empirical research has investigated dry scooping in epidemiological research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence and correlates of dry scooping among a sample of Canadian adolescents and young adults. Data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors (N = 2731) were analyzed. Prevalence of any dry scooping in the past 12 months among the overall sample, and by gender, was estimated. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the adjusted associations between sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics and dry scooping. Overall, 16.9 % of the sample reported dry scooping in the past 12 months, which was significantly more common among men (21.8 %) compared to women (14.2 %) and transgender/gender non-confirming participants (8.0 %). Participants who reported weight training, greater time spent on social media, and clinically significant symptoms of muscle dysmorphia were more likely to report dry scooping, while sexual minorities, relative to heterosexual participants, and those with higher education were less likely to report dry scooping. This study is the first known epidemiological study of dry scooping, underscoring the common nature of this contemporary dietary behavior. Findings emphasize the need for future research and prevention and intervention efforts to protect the health and well-being of young people.

Caffeine combined with taurine improves cognitive function and locomotor performance in sleep-deprived mice

• Caffeine and taurine (C&T) synergistically relieve sleep-deprived (SD) fatigue. • C&T improve SD-induced cognition deficits and locomotor imbalance. • C&T act as multiple roles in the actions against both central and physical fatigue. • Anti-fatigue effect of C&T is closely related to oxidative stress, inflammatory factors. Sleep deprivation negatively influences cognitive function and locomotor performance. In this study, a sleep-deprived mice model was used to evaluate the protective effects of caffeine combined with taurine (C&T, 4.35, 8.70, 13.05 g/kg) on fatigue and the underlying mechanisms, showing that a high concentration of combined caffeine and taurine significantly increased the movement speed in the open field by 47 % (3.69 vs 5.42 cm/s, P < 0.05) and in the Y maze (3.31 vs 6.40 cm/s, P < 0.01). Combined caffeine and taurine improved the cognitive deficits and locomotor imbalance caused by sleep deprivation. Additionally, after weight-loaded swimming test, the caffeine and taurine-treated mice had increased glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme activity and significantly reduced serum inflammatory factors indicating that the mechanism may involve reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion, combined caffeine and taurine may be a potential treatment for preventing and improving fatigue.

Yap1-mediated Flr1 expression reveals crosstalk between oxidative stress signaling and caffeine resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Caffeine, a methylxanthine derivative, affects various physiological conditions such as cell growth, proliferation, and energy metabolism. A genome-wide screening for genes required for caffeine resistance in Schizosaccharomyces pombe revealed several candidates, including Pap1 and downstream target genes involved in caffeine efflux. We found that Yap1, a budding yeast AP-1 homolog required for oxidative stress response, has a caffeine tolerance function. Although the Yap1 mutant is not sensitive to caffeine, overexpression of Yap1 renders cells resistant to high concentrations of caffeine. Caffeine sensitivity of mutants lacking two multidrug transporters, Pdr5 or Snq2, is completely recovered by Yap1 overexpression. Among Yap1-dependent target genes, FLR1, a fluconazole-resistant gene, is necessary but not sufficient for caffeine tolerance. Low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide induce Yap1 activation, which restores cell viability against caffeine toxicity. Intriguingly, oxidative stress-mediated cellular adaptation to caffeine toxicity requires Yap1, but not Flr1. Moreover, caffeine is involved in reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as mutation rate and Rad52 foci formation. Altogether, we identified novel reciprocal crosstalk between ROS signaling and caffeine resistance.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Can Caffeine Be a Powerful Ally to Weaken Neuroinflammation?

In recent years, there has been considerable research showing that coffee consumption seems to be beneficial to human health, as it contains a mixture of different bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acids, caffeic acid, alkaloids, diterpenes and polyphenols. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are debilitating, and non-curable diseases associated with impaired central, peripheral and muscle nervous systems. Several studies demonstrate that neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells-such as microglia and astrocytes-is a critical factor contributing to neurodegeneration that causes the dysfunction of brain homeostasis, resulting in a progressive loss of structure, function, and number of neuronal cells. This happens over time and leads to brain damage and physical impairment. The most known chronic NDs are represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease (HD). According to epidemiological studies, regular coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the latest research about the potential effects of caffeine in neurodegenerative disorders prevention and discuss the role of controlled caffeine delivery systems in maintaining high plasma caffeine concentrations for an extended time.

Removal of Emergent Pollutants by a Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland with Vetiveria Zizanioides: A Case Study for Caffeine

This work evaluated caffeine removal in a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW), planted with Vetiveria zizanioides. The feeding was continuous (synthetic influent: mineral medium and caffeine) to reduce the concentration variations in the bed. Two influent concentrations (0.75 ± 1.0 mg·L−1 and 1.5 ± 1.0 mg·L−1) were used with a constant hydraulic load (100 ± 10 L·m−2·d−1). Plant growth was monitored weekly, and characterization was carried out to determine the levels of chlorophyll a and b, pigments and carotenoids, and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium). HPLC-MS was used to determine the caffeine concentration. The caffeine removal efficiency reached averages of 93 ± 1% and 87 ± 1% (retention time: 6.23 ± 0.23 hours). The caffeine contents in the influent did not affect chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll or carotenoids, and an increasing trend throughout the tests was observed. Sodium and potassium contents also showed an increase with higher caffeine concentration. This preliminary study showed that removing caffeine from wastewater using a VFCW is promising.&#x0D; Keywords: wastewater, emergent pollutants, caffeine, vertical flow constructed wetlands, Vetiveria zizanioides

Effects of Caffeine and 5-Caffeoylquinic Acid on Blood Cell In Vitro Cytokine Production in Response to Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation

Previous in vitro studies the have suggested anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine. Coffee is also rich in phenolic acids with several potential health benefits (chlorogenic acids), mainly 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of caffeine and 5-CQA, using concentrations comparable to typical human consumption, on LPS-induced cytokine production in whole blood in vitro cultures. Whole blood samples (n = 10) were stimulated for 24 h with LPS in the presence of caffeine or 5-CQA. The concentrations of various cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA) and adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) were determined in the culture media. Significant effects of caffeine were found only for the stimulated production of TNF-α (p = 0.014) and cAMP (p = 0.001). However, only the highest caffeine concentration (50 μM) induced lower TNF-α (p = 0.016) and higher cAMP (p = 0.006) levels in comparison to the control. The 5-CQA only influenced the stimulated production of IL-6 (p = 0.002), with lower values for the highest 5-CQA concentrations (2 μM: p = 0.012; 20 μM: p &lt; 0.001). Neither caffeine (p = 0.227) nor 5-CQA (p = 0.259) influenced MDA concentrations. In conclusion, both caffeine and 5-CQA exerted limited in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. For caffeine, these effects were attained with high physiological concentrations. However, for 5-CQA, supraphysiological concentrations were needed.