Beta-carotene Levels Research Articles

Numbers of Natural Teeth, Diet, and Nutritional Status in US Adults

Evidence that dental status affects diet is equivocal. The hypothesis of this study was that diet was affected by dental status. The objective was to assess the relationship between numbers of teeth and diet and nutritional status in US adult civilians without prostheses. We examined 6985 NHANES (1988-1994) participants. Data included socio-economics, demographics, dental status, and diet and nutritional status. Dietary data were obtained from food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall. Serum levels of beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C were measured with isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography. The population was classified by numbers of teeth. Covariance and Satterthwaite F-adjusted statistical comparisons were made between tooth groupings and the fully dentate population. Multilinear regression models adjusted for covariates. People with fewer than 28 teeth had significantly lower intakes of carrots, tossed salads, and dietary fiber than did fully dentate people, and lower serum levels for beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C. Dental status significantly affects diet and nutrition.

Effect of X‐Radiation on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Systems in Rats Treated with Saponin‐containing Compounds

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three saponin-containing plant species extracts (Aesculuc hippocastanum L. seed extract [AHE], Medicago sativa L. extract [MSE] and Spinacia oleracea L. extract [SOE]) on lipid peroxidation and on antioxidant systems in rats exposed to X-rays (XR). The rats were divided into three categories. The first category served as controls and received only a standard diet. The second category served as the radiation group and received 5 and 10 Gy XR dose. The third category (XR+extract-treated) received plant extracts (25.0 or 50.0 mg kg(-1) live weight) and 5 or 10 Gy XR dose. Blood samples were analyzed for their content of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), plasma vitamin C, beta-carotene and retinol. In animals receiving XR, the plasma MDA (P < 0.001) value significantly increased but the level of GSH (P < 0.01), vitamin C (P < 0.001), retinol and beta-carotene (P < 0.001) decreased significantly with increasing XR doses. In the XR+extract-treated groups, the concentrations of MDA increased significantly with increasing radiation but their concentrations decreased significantly with increasing extract concentrations. Plasma concentrations of GSH, beta-carotene, retinol and vitamin C in XR+extract-treated groups decreased significantly with increasing XR dose but their concentrations increased with increasing extract doses. Further, comparison of blood samples of XR+extract-treated groups with those from the control group showed that GSH, beta-carotene, retinol and vitamin C values increased significantly but that MDA values decreased significantly. The results showed that all extracts have enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased the incidence of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in blood samples of rats exposed to XR. However, the antioxidant effect of AHE-administered animals was more effective than that of MSE- and SOE-administered whole-body XR rats. We conclude that the supplementation with saponin-containing extracts may serve to reinforce the antioxidant systems, thus having protective effect against cell damage by XR.

Carotenoids and cyanogenic glucosides in saskatoon berries ( Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.)

The levels of carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene) and cyanogenic glucosides (prunasin and amygdalin) were determined in saskatoon berries of five cultivars, picked at four stages of maturity, at four locations in Manitoba and Alberta, Canada. Lutein was found to be the predominant carotenoid in all the samples analyzed, and in mature (purple) berries ranged from a low value of about 300 to a high of 1000 μg/100 g of fresh berries. The corresponding values for zeaxanthin were 60–120 μg/100 g of fresh berries. Levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene were much higher in the green berries (48,000–146,000 μg/100 g, fresh weight (FW)) than in the more mature fruit. In mature fruit, the Smoky berries from Alberta had in general higher levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene than the other varieties. The occurrence of two cyanogenic glucosides, prunasin and amygdalin, was also established in all saskatoon berries analyzed. In all varieties, the levels of the two glucosides were very low in the green stage and then essentially the same for the following maturity stages. In mature (purple) berries the content of amygdalin ranged from 43 to 129 mg/kg of fresh berries, and the content of prunasin was 5–19 mg/kg FW. The presence of amygdalin in these berries is reported here for the first time.

Carotenoids and Color of Fruit Juice and Milk Beverage Mixtures

Seventeen commercially available, "ready to drink" fortified beverages consisting of mixtures of fruit juices and milk were analyzed to evaluate their carotenoid profile (including their Z/E stereoisomers) and color during their commercial shelf life. Lightness (L*) was found to be correlated with the content of milk in the mixtures (r= 0.649) whereas red-yellow colors were correlated with the contents of alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and beta-carotene supplied by the fruit. The beverages stored under refrigeration (4 +/- 2 degrees C) showed higher luminosity (L*) and higher saturation of color (C*) and yellowness (b*). Differences (P < 0.05) in the levels of carotenoids were found among the beverages. Common fruits such as apple, lemon, pear, strawberry, kiwifruit, pineapple, and banana were low in carotenoids. However, orange, apricot, mango, and peach contributed significantly (P < 0.05) to increasing beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations. Passion fruit supplied zeta-carotene, and the presence of carrot increased the levels of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. Conversion of all-Ebeta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin to their Z isomers took place in 8 of the 17 samples containing alpha-carotene and in 9 of the 13 samples containing beta-cryptoxanthin, respectively, which resulted in some loss of provitamin A activity and nutritional value.

Interaction between a Heme Oxygenase-1 Gene Promoter Polymorphism and Serum -Carotene Levels on 8-Year Lung Function Decline in a General Population: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (France)

Oxidative stress is thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, characterized by impaired lung function. A large number (> or =33) of GT repeats (L-allele) in the gene of the powerful antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 has been associated with susceptibility to accelerated lung function decline. In contrast, beta-carotene may help to protect against accelerated decline. To determine whether high serum levels of beta-carotene might counterbalance the greater susceptibility of L-allele carriers, the authors analyzed the annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in a general population sample of 523 French subjects (20-44 years, 50% men) examined in 1992 and 2000 as part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Analysis of covariance, adjusted for sex as well as baseline age, body mass index, smoking, and FEV1, showed that, among subjects with low beta-carotene levels, L-allele carriers experienced a steeper mean FEV1 decline than did noncarriers (mean = -58.8, 95% confidence interval: -73.2, -44.5 vs. mean = -34.7, 95% confidence interval: -38.9, -29.8 ml/year) (p = 0.009), whereas among subjects with high beta-carotene levels, the FEV1 decline was not different in L-allele carriers and noncarriers (two-sided p = 0.9). The results suggest that high levels of beta-carotene might counterbalance the effects on FEV1 decline of a genetically determined deficiency in antioxidant response.

Enhancing the carotenoid content of Brassica napus seeds by downregulating lycopene epsilon cyclase

The accumulation of carotenoids in higher plants is regulated by the environment, tissue type and developmental stage. In Brassica napus leaves, beta-carotene and lutein were the main carotenoids present while petals primarily accumulated lutein and violaxanthin. Carotenoid accumulation in seeds was developmentally regulated with the highest levels detected at 35-40 days post anthesis. The carotenoid biosynthesis pathway branches after the formation of lycopene. One branch forms carotenoids with two beta rings such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and violaxanthin, while the other introduces both beta- and epsilon-rings in lycopene to form alpha-carotene and lutein. By reducing the expression of lycopene epsilon-cyclase (epsilon-CYC) using RNAi, we investigated altering carotenoid accumulation in seeds of B. napus. Transgenic seeds expressing this construct had increased levels of beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin and, unexpectedly, lutein. The higher total carotenoid content resulting from reduction of epsilon-CYC expression in seeds suggests that this gene is a rate-limiting step in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. epsilon-CYC activity and carotenoid production may also be related to fatty acid biosynthesis in seeds as transgenic seeds showed an overall decrease in total fatty acid content and minor changes in the proportions of various fatty acids.

Antioxidative role of melatonin in organophosphate toxicity in rats

Previous studies revealed that oxidative stress could be an important component of the mechanism of organophosphate (OP) compound toxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate both prophylactic and therapeutic effects of melatonin against fenthion-induced oxidative stress in rats. Therefore, we determined the changes in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the whole blood, brain, pectoral muscle, liver, lung, heart, kidney, pancreas, and jejunum. Also, the changes in the levels of serum nitrite and nitrate, ascorbic acid, retinal, b-carotene, and ceruloplasmin were measured. In addition, activities of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in erythrocyte of normal and experimental animals were measured. It was found that fenthion administration increased the levels of MDA in all tissues and decreased or increased the levels of GSH in some tissues. In comparison to nitrate, nitrite and ascorbic acid levels in the serum of experimental groups, there was no significant difference between groups. However, fenthion toxicity led to decrease in retinol and beta-carotene levels; melatonin administration significantly prevented this decrease. Serum ceruloplasmin level was increased due to fenthion administration, but prophylactic and therapeutic melatonin administration inhibited the increase in ceruloplasmin level of serum. There was no significant change in SOD levels in melatonin-administered groups. Melatonin modulates the fenthion-induced changes in the activities of GPx and CAT. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that OP toxicity, induced by fenthion, activated oxidant systems in all antioxidant systems in some tissues. Melatonin administration led to a marked increase in antioxidant activity and inhibited lipid peroxidation in most of tissues.

Enhancing beta-carotene content in potato by rnai-mediated silencing of the beta-carotene hydroxylase gene

Plant carotenoids are lipid soluble pigments that play key roles in numerous plant functions. They also play significant roles in the human diet by serving as precursors for vitamin A synthesis and by reducing the occurrence of certain diseases. The purpose of this work was to identify novel methods for enhancing betacarotene content in potato, a major staple food crop. In particular, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the beta-carotene hydroxylase gene (bch), which converts beta-carotene to zeaxanthin. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation was employed to introduce two RNAi constructs into three different potato lines (‘Yema de Huevo’, 91E22, and ‘Desiree’). One construct contained the tuber-specific granulebound starch synthase (GBSS) promoter, and the other contained the strong constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV 35S) promoter. Eighty-six percent of the silenced lines had altered carotenoid profiles, as revealed by HPLC. Beta-carotene content was increased from trace amounts in wild type tubers up to 331 μg 100 g1 fresh weight. In addition, some transformants exhibited a significant decrease in zeaxanthin content and/or an increase in lutein. In general, transformants derived from the GBSS construct contained more beta-carotene than CaMV 35S transformants. Reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analysis of bch RNA abundance in tubers demonstrated that the extent of bch silencing varied between transformants, and was in most cases associated with the level of beta-carotene. Similarly, RT-PCR showed that bch silencing also occurred in leaves, but primarily in the CaMV 35S lines. These results demonstrate that silencing bch has the potential to increase the content of two health-promoting carotenoids, betacarotene and lutein, in potato.

Effects of 6-month daily supplementation with oral beta-carotene in combination or not with benzo[a]pyrene on cell-cycle markers in the lung of ferrets

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that people who eat more fruits and vegetables (rich in carotenoids) and people who have higher serum beta-carotene (BC) levels have a lower risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer. However, the two main human intervention studies of BC supplementation (the ATBC and the CARET trials) revealed an increased risk of lung cancer among smokers and asbestos workers. Previous studies carried out in the ferret have reported that BC effects are related to dose. Here, we treated ferrets with two concentrations of oral BC (0.8 and 3.2 mg/kg body weight per day) for 6 months, using BC in a formulation also containing dl-alpha-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate. The effect of the smoke-derived carcinogenic agent benzo[a]pyrene (BP), with or without low-dose BC, was also analysed. We determined the protein levels and mRNA expression levels of activator protein 1 (c-Jun and c-Fos), c-Myc, cyclin D1, proliferating cellular nuclear antigen and retinoic acid receptor beta. We did not find higher levels of cell proliferation markers in the lung of ferrets treated with BC or signals of squamous metaplasia lesions either. On the other hand, although no evident signals of pulmonary carcinogenesis were observed in animals exposed to BP, BC supplementation in these animals may prevent against excess cell proliferation, since this reestablishes Jun protein and cyclin D1 mRNA levels in the lung of BP-exposed animals. In summary, these results show that the combination of BC with alpha-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate does not induce pro-oxidant effects in the lung of ferrets.

Biosynthesis, accumulation and emission of carotenoids, α-tocopherol, plastoquinone, and isoprene in leaves under high photosynthetic irradiance

The localization of isoprenoid lipids in chloroplasts, the accumulation of particular isoprenoids under high irradiance conditions, and channelling of photosynthetically fixed carbon into plastidic thylakoid isoprenoids, volatile isoprenoids, and cytosolic sterols are reviewed. During leaf and chloroplast development in spring plastidic isoprenoid biosynthesis provides primarily thylakoid carotenoids, the phytyl side-chain of chlorophylls and the electron carriers phylloquinone K1, alpha-tocoquinone and alpha-tocopherol, as well as the nona-prenyl side-chain of plastoquinone-9. Under high irradiance, plants develop sun leaves and high light (HL) leaves with sun-type chloroplasts that possess, besides higher photosynthetic CO2 assimilation rates, different quantitative levels of pigments and prenylquinones as compared to shade leaves and low light (LL) leaves. After completion of chloroplast thylakoid synthesis plastidic isoprenoid biosynthesis continues at high irradiance conditions, constantly accumulating alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and the reduced form of plastoquinone-9 (PQ-9H2) deposited in the steadily enlarging osmiophilic plastoglobuli, the lipid reservoir of the chloroplast stroma. In sun leaves of beech (Fagus) and in 3-year-old sunlit Ficus leaves the level of alpha-T and PQ-9 can exceed that of chlorophyll b. Most plants respond to HL conditions (sun leaves, leaves suddenly lit by the sun) with a 1.4-2-fold increase of xanthophyll cycle carotenoids (violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin), an enhanced operation of the xanthophyll cycle and an increase of beta-carotene levels. This is documented by significantly lower values for the weight ratio chlorophylls to carotenoids (range: 3.6-4.6) as compared to shade and LL leaves (range: 4.8-7.0). Many plant leaves emit under HL and high temperature conditions at high rates the volatile compounds isoprene (broadleaf trees) or methylbutenol (American ponderosa pines), both of which are formed via the plastidic 1-deoxy-D: -xylulose-phosphate/2-C-methylerythritol 5-phosphate (DOXP/MEP) pathway. Other plants by contrast, accumulate particular mono- and diterpenes. Under adequate photosynthetic conditions the chloroplastidic DOXP/MEP isoprenoid pathway essentially contributes, with its C5 isoprenoid precusors, to cytosolic sterol biosynthesis. The possible cross-talk between the two cellular isoprenoid pathways, the acetate/MVA and the DOXP/MEP pathways, that preferentially proceeds in a plastid-to-cytosol direction, is shortly discussed.

Effect of grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x‐radiation

The present studies were designed to evaluate supplemental grape seed extract (GSE) and vitamin E supplements on lipid peroxidation, on antioxidant systems and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-rays. Three groups of rats were investigated: a control group (CG) received intraperitoneal (i.p.) physiological serum 1 mL/day (n=10), i.p.; a vitamin E group (VG) received 50 mg/kg/day (n=10); an i.p. grape seed extract group received 50 mg/kg/day (n=10). Four weeks later, a 6 Gy radiation dose was given to the rats. Blood samples were taken 24 h later after irradiation and lymphocyte, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrate, nitrite, reduced ascorbic acid, retinol, beta-carotene and ceruloplasmin concentrations were analysed. The levels of GSH (p<0.05), retinol (p<0.001), beta-carotene (p<0.05) and ceruloplasmin concentration (p<0.001) in the GSE group were found to be higher than in the control group but the level of MDA (p<0.001) and nitrite concentration (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with GSE were found to be lower than in the control group. The results indicate that GSE enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased the incidence of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in blood samples of rats exposed to x-radiation. The antioxidant effect of GSE given to animals was more effective than vitamin E administered before whole-body irradiation in rats.

Effect of different contraceptive methods on the oxidative stress status in women aged 40–48 years from the ELAN study in the province of Liège, Belgium

Oxidative stress is associated with the development of several disorders including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Among conditions known to influence oxidative stress, the use of oral contraception (OC) in women has been a matter of ongoing discussion. A total of 897 eligible and healthy volunteers were recruited from among the patients of 50 general practitioners participating in the ELAN study (Etude Liégeoise sur les ANtioxydants). A subsample consisting of 209 women aged 40-48 years was studied for a comprehensive oxidative stress status (OSS), including the analysis of antioxidants, trace elements and three markers of oxidative damage to lipids. Among 209 subsample, 49 (23%) were OC users (OCU), 119 (57%) non-contraception users (NCU) and 41 (20%) were intrauterine (hormonal and copper) devices users (IUD). After adjustment for smoking, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI (or waist circumference), a marked and significant increase in lipid peroxides was observed among OCU women when compared with NCU and IUD users. A cut-off value of 660 microM in lipid peroxides allowed the discrimination of OCU from the two other groups. In contrast, no difference was observed in the plasma concentration of both oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and their related antibodies. The increased level in lipid peroxides was strongly related to higher concentrations of copper (r < 0.84; P < 0.0001, cut-off value 1.2 mg/l). When compared with NCU and IUD users, plasma antioxidant defences were significantly altered in OCU women as shown by lower levels of beta-carotene (decrease of 39%; P < 0.01) and gamma-tocopherol (decrease by 22%; P < 0.01). In contrast, higher concentrations of selenium (increased by 11.8%; P < 0.01) were observed in OCU women. Blood concentrations of vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol and zinc were unaffected by OC use. The intake of OC significantly increases the lipid peroxidation in women aged 40-48 years. This may represent a potential cardiovascular risk factor for these women.

Antioxidant nutritional quality of tomato

Regular consumption of tomatoes has been associated with decreased risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Epidemiological findings confirm the observed health effects are due to the presence of different antioxidant molecules such as carotenoids, particularly lycopene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and phenol compounds, particularly flavonoids. In this work, eight components contributing to the healthy quality of tomato (i. e. lycopene, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins C and E, dry residue) were studied in the framework of breeding programs aiming to develop nutritional superior genotypes. Twelve tomato advanced breeding lines and six open pollinated cultivars were grown in strictly controlled conditions and analysed for their content of antioxidants. Among the 18 genotypes analysed, 10 showed a high level of total carotenoids, 6 high level of beta-carotene, 9 high lycopene levels, 15 high flavonoids and 2 relevant concentration of vitamin E. Based on such data and on a literature survey on tomato composition, an index, called index of antioxidant nutritional quality (I(QUAN)), was proposed as a tool to address the breeding programs in selecting tomato genotypes with antioxidant nutritional qualities.

Serum beta-carotene, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol levels of healthy people in northeast Thailand.

Human serum contains many different antioxidants which may be important in the maintenance of antioxidant status. beta-carotene and lycopene are carotenoids with potent antioxidant activity. Carotenoids intake probably protects against cancers and may affect the risk of several chronic conditions. alpha-tocopherol is well known for its function as antioxidant and in reduction of heart disease and cancer risk. We aimed to establish baseline values for serum beta-carotene, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in healthy northeast Thais. Fasting serum beta-carotene, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol levels from 294 subjects aged 23-75 years old in northeast Thailand were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The mean serum beta-carotene, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol levels were 0.53 +/- 0.32 micromol/L, 0.57 +/- 0.37 micromol/L, and 26.64 +/- 14.85 micromol/L respectively. Serum beta-carotene and lycopene levels in females (N = 118) were significantly higher than the value for males (N = 176), ie 0.60 +/- 0.31 micromol/L versus 0.48 +/- 0.32 micromol/L (p = 0.002) for beta-carotene and 0.74 +/- 0.38 micromol/L versus 0.46 +/- 0.33 micromol/L (p<0.001) for lycopene whereas alpha-tocopherol level in males (28.60 +/- 14.34 micromol/L) was significantly higher than in females (23.72 +/- 15.16 micromol/L) (p = 0.006). beta-carotene level was positively correlated with alpha-tocopherol (r = 0.22, p<0.001) and lycopene levels (r = 0.63, p<0.001). The results from this study give the baseline data of serum beta-carotene, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol levels in healthy northeast Thai population and also suggest future study on the relationship of dietary intake.

Silencing of beta-carotene hydroxylase increases total carotenoid and beta-carotene levels in potato tubers

BackgroundBeta-carotene is the main dietary precursor of vitamin A. Potato tubers contain low levels of carotenoids, composed mainly of the xanthophylls lutein (in the beta-epsilon branch) and violaxanthin (in the beta-beta branch). None of these carotenoids have provitamin A activity. We have previously shown that tuber-specific silencing of the first step in the epsilon-beta branch, LCY-e, redirects metabolic flux towards beta-beta carotenoids, increases total carotenoids up to 2.5-fold and beta-carotene up to 14-fold.ResultsIn this work, we silenced the non-heme beta-carotene hydroxylases CHY1 and CHY2 in the tuber. Real Time RT-PCR measurements confirmed the tuber-specific silencing of both genes . CHY silenced tubers showed more dramatic changes in carotenoid content than LCY-e silenced tubers, with beta-carotene increasing up to 38-fold and total carotenoids up to 4.5-fold. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in the immediate product of beta-carotene hydroxylation, zeaxanthin, but not of the downstream xanthophylls, viola- and neoxanthin. Changes in endogenous gene expression were extensive and partially overlapping with those of LCY-e silenced tubers: CrtISO, LCY-b and ZEP were induced in both cases, indicating that they may respond to the balance between individual carotenoid species.ConclusionTogether with epsilon-cyclization of lycopene, beta-carotene hydroxylation is another regulatory step in potato tuber carotenogenesis. The data are consistent with a prevalent role of CHY2, which is highly expressed in tubers, in the control of this step. Combination of different engineering strategies holds good promise for the manipulation of tuber carotenoid content.

Antioxidant Activities of Different Colored Sweet Bell Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Antioxidant compounds and their antioxidant activity in 4 different colored (green, yellow, orange, and red) sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) were investigated. The total phenolics content of green, yellow, orange, and red peppers determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method were 2.4, 3.3, 3.4, and 4.2 micromol catechin equivalent/g fresh weight, respectively. The red pepper had significantly higher total phenolics content than the green pepper. Among the 4 different colored peppers, red pepper contained a higher level of beta-carotene (5.4 microg/g), capsanthin (8.0 microg/g), quercetin (34.0 microg/g), and luteolin (11.0 microg/g). The yellow pepper had the lowest beta-carotene content (0.2 microg/g), while the green one had undetectable capsanthin and the lowest content of luteolin (2.0 microg/g). The free radical scavenging abilities of peppers determined by the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method were lowest for the green pepper (2.1 micromol Trolox equivalent/g) but not significantly different from the other 3 peppers. All 4 colored peppers exhibited significant abilities in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6) during heating. However, these 4 peppers did not show significant differences in their abilities in preventing cholesterol oxidation. The green pepper showed slightly higher capability in preventing the oxidation of DHA compared to the other 3 peppers.

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire measurement of selected nutrients using biological markers in African-American men

To validate selected nutrients assessed by the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used in the Harvard cohort studies in an African-American group. Blood aliquots were pooled for each decile of intake of two carotenoids and alpha tocopherol as measured by FFQ. These pooled samples were analyzed for nutrient content, and the resultant blood levels were plotted against the median for each decile of intake. In addition, adipose tissue samples taken from each man were analyzed for content of specific fatty acids. We calculated the Spearman correlations comparing intakes of specific fatty acids as percent of total fat intake, adjusted for energy intake, as measured by FFQ, with the percentage of the corresponding fatty acid in adipose tissue. African-American men (N=104) with prostate cancer were recruited from a Detroit physician's practice and completed a detailed FFQ. Comparing decile 10 with decile 1 intake of nutrients as measured by FFQ, there was a 32% higher blood level of lycopene, a 288% higher blood level of beta carotene and a 100% higher blood level of alpha tocopherol. The Spearman correlation coefficients between intakes of linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, long-chain n-3 fatty acids and trans fatty acid measured by FFQ and the corresponding adipose tissue levels were between 0.10 and 0.47. The FFQ was able to distinguish meaningful differences in biochemical measurements of selected nutrients and presumably corresponding differences in the extremes of intake in African-American men with prostate cancer who were likely to be motivated to report accurately. However, the results found are similar to those found in other populations.

Beneficial effects ofFoeniculum vulgareon ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats

To examine the anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (FVE) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. FVE was administered by gavage at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, and famotidine was used at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Following a 60 min period, all the rats were given 1 mL of ethanol (80%) by gavage. One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed, and the gastric ulcer index was calculated; whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), serum nitrate, nitrite, ascorbic acid, retinol and beta-carotene levels were measured in all the groups. It was found that pretreatment with FVE significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric damage. This effect of FVE was highest and statistically significant in 300 mg/kg group compared with the control (4.18 +/- 2.81 vs 13.15 +/- 4.08, P < 0.001). Also, pretreatment with FVE significantly reduced the MDA levels, while significantly increased GSH, nitrite, nitrate, ascorbic acid, retinol and beta-carotene levels. FVE has clearly a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion, and this effect, at least in part, depends upon the reduction in lipid peroxidation and augmentation in the antioxidant activity.

Dietary effects on carotenoid composition in the marine harpacticoid copepod Nitokra lacustris

Nitokra lacustris, a euryhaline harpacticoid copepod, was reared on two diets, which varied in composition and relative quantities of carotenoid pigments, and analyzed for differences in tissue carotenoid composition. Carotenoid compositions were analyzed by means of reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Total amounts of unesterified astaxanthin were quantified in the two populations by means of an isocratic HPLC procedure. Carotenoid composition and total astaxanthin content for adult copepods differed between the two diets. Copepod populations fed the live microalga Tetraselmis suesica averaged 696 mg carotenoids (g dry weight) and 185 mg astaxanthin (g dry weight) while copepod populations fed a formulated diet with high levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and alpha-carotene averaged 24.3 mg carotenoids (g dry weight) and 650 mg astaxanthin (g dry weight). Neither diet contained canthaxanthin or astaxanthin, suggesting that the copepods were synthesizing the astaxanthin from precursor pigments. The absence of canthaxanthin and echinenone coupled with the presence of other intermediary carotenoid pigments suggests that the carotenoid conversion pathway of N. lacustris differs from that described for calanoid copepods and other marine crustaceans. N. lacustris may utilize the b-carotene ! zeaxanthin ! b-doradexanthin (adonixanthin) ! astaxanthin pathway of conversion rather than the b-carotene ! echninenone ! canthaxanthin ! astaxanthin pathway proposed for other copepods. Thus, diets containing higher amounts of b-carotene and zeaxanthin would be more likely to produce high levels of astaxanthin in this species.

Imatinib Resistance Restoration with Antioxidants and Immunomodulation in Patients with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is potent BCR/abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). It has remarkable frontline clinical effects in this disease, however, the leukemic cells become resistant to IM in both chronic and blast phases. BCR/abl kinase can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promote self-mutation which subsequently render IM to resistance and failure to eliminate all leukemia cells. This mechanism of resistance in IM (mutation) is caused by oxidant damage to DNA with kinase domain mutations, reduced IM binding and kinase inhibition. Antioxidants (ascorbic acid, etc.) may help overcome IM resistance and restore sensitivity to IM via suppression of transcription factor Nrf2 that regulates the gene expression gammaglutamylcysteine ((g-GCS), the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis and detoxification. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux can also exist and complete molecular response relapse occurs. Leukemic cells that are P-gp positive, and P-gp dependent decline of intracellularIM levels are associated with retained phosphorylation pattern of BCR/abl and loss of IM effect on apoptosis and cellular proliferation. Modulation of P-gp with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin may help restore IM cytotoxicity. We present a case of an 80+ year old female with CML-chronic phase-II (CML-CP-II) with concommitant cormorbidities of CAD, unstable angina, hypertension, and dyslipidemia treated with aspirin, simvastatin and started on IM 400mg daily. After two months of therapy she developed grade 3 neutropenia, lower extremity edemia, nausea/vomiting and fluid retention requiring IM interruption and supportive care with growth factors. IM dose reduction to 300mg daily and simvastatin 10 mg every other day. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were elevated and trending down once proinflammatory cytokines were modulated. Real-time BCR-ABL/abl-PCR ratio increased insignificantly from 0.001% to 0.003%. Betacarotene level significantly decreased to 4, ascorbic level within normal limits, VEGF remained < 31 pg/ml (normal 31–86 pg/ml), fibrinogen level 309.90 mg/dl (normal 162–431), ESR 15 mm/hr, C-reactive protein 5.55 mg/dl and sIL-2R increased to > 3,000 U/mL (normal 200– 1100 U/mL). Betacarotene and ascorbic antioxidants dosage were increased and immunomodulation of preinflammatory cytokines ROS, sIL-2R and betacarotene normalized, 512 and 44 respectively. Serial measurement of BCR-ABL/abl ratio did not exceed 0.02% on three occasions or 0.05% on two occasions, therefore no molecular relapse and persistent low levels of BCR-ABL/abl ratio with no hematologic or cytogenetic relapse. We felt that an acute coronary syndrome with perturbation of CML with some IM resistance was developed.CONCLUSION: IM, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor may develop resistance when leukemic cells are positive with P-gp and oxidative stress increase ROS along with decreases in IM intracellular levels. Modulation by HMG -CoA reductase inhibitor (simvastatin) via a mechanism of inhibition of P-gp transport and antioxidants reduction of BCR/abl mutagenesis may allow IM to efficently restore normal hematopoiesis in CML patients.