Μmol Trolox Eq Research Articles

Enzymatic Modification of Porphyra dioica-Derived Proteins to Improve their Antioxidant Potential.

Enzymatic hydrolysis has been employed to modify protein functional properties and discover new sources of antioxidants. In this study, the effect of different enzymatic treatments on antioxidant activity of Porphyra dioica (blades and protein isolate (PI)) was investigated. Protein nitrogen content of P. dioica blades and PI were 23 and 50% (dry weight), respectively. Blades and PI were hydrolyzed with Prolyve® and Prolyve® plus Flavourzyme®. Peptide profiles and molecular mass distribution of the hydrolysates were investigated. The hydrolysis promoted generation of peptides and low molecular mass components <1 kDa. Antioxidant activity was assessed using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) scavenging, 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS·+) inhibition, and reactive oxygen species scavenging ability, i.e., oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) scavenging assays. In general, enzymatic hydrolysis of P. dioica blades and PI enhanced the in vitro antioxidant activity. Direct hydrolysis of blades improved ORAC values up to 5-fold (from 610 to 3054 μmol Trolox eq./g freeze dried sample (FDS). The simultaneous release of phenolic compounds suggested a potential synergistic activity (ORAC and ABTS·+ assays). Such hydrolysates may be of value as functional food ingredients.

Interfacial/foaming properties and antioxidant activity of a silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae protein concentrate

The current consumer demand for healthier diets, the growing interest in the search for new sources of protein, and the desire to reduce the negative effects on the environment have increased interest in the study of insect proteins. The present study focused on the technofunctional characteristics (interfacial and foaming properties) and the in-vitro antioxidant activity of a protein concentrate obtained from silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae (SPC). The isoelectric point of the SPC was close to pH 4.0–5.0 as determined by protein solubility and z potential analysis. Given that the SPC had solubilities of ~50% and z potentials of ~20 mV at pH 2.0 and 8.0, it was decided to further study SPC properties at these pH values.The supernatant obtained after adjustment of SPC to pH 8.0 showed higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity than that at pH 2.0 when analysed by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (168.0 ± 3.0 V. 43.5 ± 8.1 μmol Trolox Eq. ·g−1 protein). However, no significant differences in antioxidant activity were found between pH 2.0 and 8.0 when using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay (1826.0 ± 131.9 vs. 1659.2 ± 46.8 μmol Trolox Eq. g−1 protein). The interfacial properties of SPC were determined at pH 2.0 and 8.0 during protein adsorption and after reaching the pseudo equilibrium state by means of dilatational and interfacial shear rheology following by foaming capacity and stability analyses. Faster adsorption kinetic values were obtained at pH 8 (kD∗=69.2±0.4 Vs. 29.5±0.9mN/m·s−1/2at pH 2.0). However, lower kinetic values at pH 2.0 increased the elastic behaviour of the viscoelastic interfacial film formed (E's ⁓ 30 mN/m at pH 2.0 V. E's ⁓ 20 mN/m at pH 8.0), which can be related with the higher protein sizes found at pH 2.0. These rearrangements of the SPC components appeared to increase its foaming capacity, whereas the foaming capacity of SPC adjusted to pH 8.0 was minimal.

Production of bioactive films of carboxymethyl cellulose enriched with green coffee oil and its residues

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based films were developed by incorporating green coffee oil (GCO) obtained by cold pressing and hydroalcoholic extracts of its residues. The effect of cake (CE) and sediment extracts (SE) in different proportions (20–40%) and GCO on chemical, morphological, physical, mechanical, optical, and antioxidant properties of the films was investigated. Eight fatty acids and four major phenolic compounds were identified by High-Resolution Direct-Infusion Mass Spectrometry in GCO and residue extracts. FTIR indicated interactions among CMC, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids. Films enriched with residue extracts presented heterogeneous microstructure. The tensile strength of the films decreased from 58 to 3 MPa with the extracts concentration, while elongation increased from 28 to 156% (p < 0.05). The water vapor permeability (averaging 3.94 × 10−8 g mm/cm2 h Pa) was not significantly affected by the extracts and GCO. The surface color was influenced by the type and concentration of extracts (p < 0.05), the film with SE40% had remarkable UV–vis barrier properties. The incorporation of GCO residue extracts imparted high antioxidant capacity to the CMC-based films, especially with CE40% (643.8 µmol Trolox eq./g dried film; 51.3 mg GAE/g dried film). General observations indicated the potential of these films, mainly the ones containing CE, like active packaging material for food applications.

Gundelia rosea seed: Evaluation of biopharmaceutical potential and bioactive composition

Gundelia species are among significant key medicinal plants extensively utilized in folk medicine of Middle Eastern countries. This study focused on researching the biopharmaceutical potency and bioactive compounds of Gundelia rosea seed. Hereby, traditional knowledge-based preparing methods (infusion and decoction) and ethanol-based lyophilized extracts obtained from Gundelia rosea seeds were assessed for (i) antioxidant capacities, (ii) enzyme inhibitory activities, (iii) HPLC-MS/MS and (iv) GC–MS studies.Phytochemical analysis revealed that ethanol extract which primarily compromised of mainly phenolics (4-Caffeoylquinic acid and luteolin hexoside) and several fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids), was superior to those of infusion and decoction extracts. Antioxidant activities findings revealed that ethanol extract contained a high level of total phenolics (55.3 mg Gallic acid Eq./g extract) and had high capacities of reducing (1683 μmol Fe2+ and 214.1 mg Trolox Eq./g extract for FRAP and CUPRAC respectively) and radical scavenging (ORAC: 2241.9 μmol, DPPH: 91.7 mg, ABTS: 141.2 mg Trolox Eq./g extract) and total antioxidant (Phosphomolybdenum: 1.39 mmol Trolox Eq./g extract) properties. The suppressive abilities of the extracts against selected isolated enzymes revealed that ethanol extract had pronounced levels of inhibitory activities against AChE (4.3 mg Galanthamine Eq.), BChE (3.4 mg Galanthamine Eq.), tyrosinase (120 mg Kojic acid Eq.), amylase (0.61 mmol Acarbose Eq.), glucosidase (11.91 mmol Acarbose Eq.) and lipase (53.4 μmol Orlistat Eq.) per gram extract. Findings obtained within this study confirmed the traditional utilization of Gundelia rosea and suggest its potential as a novel candidate of biopharmaceutical agents for public health problems.

Assessment of the microstructural characteristics and the in vitro bioactive properties of sunflower oil-based emulsions stabilized by fava bean (vicia faba) protein

Much interest is currently focused on plants such as legumes as an alternative source of protein for human nutrition. In this work a Vicia faba (fava bean, FB) protein concentrate was characterised for its ability to stabilise sunflower oil, oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions at three different pHs (3.0, 5.0 and 8.0). Emulsion microstructure was characterised by droplet size distribution (DSD) and optical microscopy, and resulting rheological properties were assessed. Smaller droplet sizes and better rheological properties (G′ and G″) were obtained at pH 3.0 and 8.0, i.e., at pH values away from the isoelectric point (pH 5.0). The in vitro bioactive properties of the emulsions at pH 3.0, 5.0 and 8.0 were tested using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) antioxidant assays. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities were also determined. The highest antioxidant activity was observed when the emulsions were generated at pH 8.0 with FRAP and ORAC values of 935.7 ± 151.5 and 368.8 ± 2.3 μmol Trolox Eq. · g−1 of emulsion, respectively. Overall, the emulsions were poor inhibitors of ACE and DPP-IV. However, subjection of the emulsions to in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal digestion (SGID) released peptides which increased ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory activity (67.4 ± 2.7% and 11.2 ± 1.1%, respectively, for emulsions generated at pH 8). The emulsions generated at pH 3.0 displayed the lowest extent of lipid oxidation following 15 d storage. These results show the capability of FB protein concentrate to stabilise o/w emulsions while also demonstrating antioxidant along with ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory properties following gastrointestinal digestion.

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Plant during Growth Cycle

It is important to identify the growth stage at which the plant has the maximum antioxidant properties for the production of bioactive compounds from crops or agricultural by-products or for forage as a possible source of antioxidants in livestock. Therefore, we investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of the aerial part of soybean at seven stages classified as vegetative stages (V5 and V6) and reproductive stages (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5). Aqueous-methanol extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), antioxidant activity as determined by photochemiluminescence assay (PCL-ACL), Fe2+ chelating ability, and antiradical activity against DPPH•. The extracts with the highest TPC content were obtained at stages V6 and R5. The phenolic compounds profile, as determined by DAD-HPLC, was characterized by 19 compounds, that differed significantly by growth stage (p &lt; 0.05). Antioxidant tests showed significant differences among stages (p &lt; 0.05). The lowest TEAC value was found for the R2 stage and the highest values for the R3 and R1 stages. FRAP values ranged from 623 to 780 μmol Fe2+/g extract. PCL-ACL values ranged from 516 to 560 μmol Trolox eq./g extract; Fe2+ chelation ability ranged from 36.5 to 51.7%. The highest antiradical activity against DPPH• was found in the extract from the V5 stage, which had the lowest EC50 value. The extracts of soybean plant can be used in pharmacy for the production of nutraceuticals by virtue of their good antioxidant activity and content of flavonols and other bioactive constituents.

Characterisation of the bioactive properties and microstructure of chickpea protein-based oil in water emulsions

Legumes, such as chickpea, represent a good source of high quality proteins for which there is an increasing global consumer demand. A chickpea protein concentrate (CP) was generated by isoelectric precipitation. Protein determination, electrophoretic and gel permeation chromatographic analysis revealed that the order of CP solubility was pH 7.5 > 2.5 > 5.0. Sunflower oil in water (O/W) emulsions were generated with the CP at pH 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5. Microstructural evaluation of the emulsions using laser light-scattering particle size analysis, optical microscopy and rheological analysis showed that smaller droplet size (3.1 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.1 μm) and the highest elastic moduli (876.0 ± 3.2 and 563.5 ± 6.5 Pa) were obtained in those emulsions generated with CP at pH 2.5 and 7.5. The ferric reducing (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of the CP emulsions ranged from 194.5 ± 19.2 to 242.4 ± 8.4 μmol Trolox Eq·g−1 CP for FRAP at pH 2.5 and 5.0, respectively, and from 313.2 ± 2.6 to 369.0 ± 1.6 μmol Trolox eq·g−1 CP for ORAC at pH 5.0 and 2.5, respectively. The enzyme inhibitory activity of the emulsions was generally low irrespective of the pH value (c.a. 3 and 30% inhibition for dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, respectively). Simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) of the emulsions significantly decreased their FRAP whereas it increased their ORAC values as well as their ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory activities irrespective of the pH value of the CP. These results demonstrate the potential application of reduced fat CP-stabilized emulsions for the provision of antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

Characterizing the phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacity of Georgia peaches

Acetonic crude phenolic extracts of six Georgia peach cultivars were prepared and separated into low- and high-molecular-weight (LMW and HMW) fractions by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Further characterization via RP-HPLC-ESI-MS identified the main phenolics as hydroxycinnamates, (+)-catechin, and proanthocyanidins with degrees of polymerization up to seven. The LMW phenolics of the commercial cultivar, ‘July Prince’, were further chromatographed and examined by RP-HPLC-ESI-MS. Derivatives of phenolic acids and flavan-3-ols, along with eriodictyol and quercetin diglycosides, were identified. Antioxidant capacities of the LMW and HMW fractions were determined using in vitro assays. H-ORACFL and FRAP assays gave values of 872 to 2428 μmol Trolox eq./100 g f.w. and 309 to 432 μmol Fe2+ eq./100 g f.w., respectively. The total phenolics content (TPC) was also measured; correlations between TPCs and antioxidant assays indicated that the HMW fractions of peach extracts were major contributors to the antioxidant capacity of the cultivars analyzed.

Effect of brewing conditions on pigments and total polyphenols content and biological activities of the Acantholippia deserticola (Phil.) infusion

ABSTRACTBrewing conditions influence the composition and properties of herbal infusions. Acantholippia deserticola (Phil.) (RR) is a native and medicinal, Chilean Altiplano herb. This study assessed the effect of the section plant used, mass:water ratio and brewing time, on the infusions RR characteristics. RR leaves had higher total polyphenols (TPP) and antioxidant capacity (A.C.) than the stem. Polyphenol, chlorophyll and pheophytin extraction was maximized after 5 min brewing. Infusion prepared with 1 g has lower extraction ratio, per herb mass used, than those with 0.5 g. The infusion contained 10.1 µmol/L TPP, 5.5 µg/mL chlorophyll and 4.3 µg/mL pheophytins. Its A.C. was 69.2 µmol Trolox eq./L (FRAP), its IC50 was µg/mL 337 (DPPH) and 438 µg/ml (ABTS), and a dose of 300 mg/kg had an anti-inflammatory effect. The section of the plant, the herb : water ratio and the brewing time affect the characteristics of the RR infusions.

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Composition of a Red Bean (Phasoelus vulgaris) Extract and its Fractions

- The activities of the crude acetonic extract of red bean and its two fractions were determined using a 0-carotene-linoleate model system as well as the total antioxidant activity (TAA), the total phenolics content (TPC), the DPPH radical-scavenging activity, and the reducing power assays. Results from the in vitro assays showed the highest values when tannins (fraction II) were tested. Specifically, the TAA of the tannins fraction was 4.37 mmol Trolox eq./g fraction; whereas, the crude extract and fraction I were 0.481 and 0.093 μmol Trolox eqi/mg extract or fraction, respectively. The content of total phenolics in fraction II was the utmost (612 mg/g); the tannins content, assayed by the vanillin method and expressed as absorbance units at 500 nm per I g, was 938. RP-HPLC- PAD-MS profiling revealed the presence of 33 compounds: quercetin arabinoglucoside, quercetin rutinoside, quercetin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and kaempferol rutinoside were the most abundant phenolics in the extract.

Identification, functional gastrointestinal stability and molecular docking studies of lentil peptides with dual antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory activities

The objective was to identify peptides with dual antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities released from lentil proteins by Savinase®. The influence of gastrointestinal digestion on peptide bioactivity was also assayed. Fragments from vicilin, convicilin and legumin were the most abundant peptides identified. Peptides LLSGTQNQPSFLSGF, NSLTLPILRYL, TLEPNSVFLPVLLH showed the highest antioxidant (0.013-1.432μmol Trolox eq./μmol peptide) and ACE inhibitory activities (IC50=44-120μM). Gastrointestinal digestion of peptides improved their dual activity (10-14μmol Trolox eq./μmol peptide; IC50=11-21μM). In general, C-terminal heptapeptide was crucial for their dual activity. ACE inhibition relies on the formation of hydrogen bonds between C-terminal residues of lentil peptides and residues of the ACE catalytic site. The present study helps clarifying the relationship between structure and dual antioxidant/antihypertensive activity of lentil peptides opening new opportunities to food industry such as the application of lentil protein hydrolysates as ingredients for development of functional foods.

Biological activity of egg-yolk protein by-product hydrolysates obtained with the use of non-commercial plant protease

Enzymatic hydrolysis leads to improved functional and biological properties of protein by-products, which can be further used as nutraceuticals and protein ingredients for food applications. the present study evaluated AcE-inhibitory, antioxidant and immunostimulating activities in hydrolysates of egg-yolk protein by-product (YP), generated during industrial process of delipidation of yolk. the protein substrate was hydrolyzed using non-commercial protease from Asian pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia). the reaction was conducted in 0.1 M t ris-Hcl buffer (pH 8.0) at temperature of 37°c for 4 hours using different enzyme doses (100-1000 U/mg of substrate). the protein degradation was monitored by the determination of the degree of hydrolysis (DH), release of free amino groups (FAG) and by rP-HPLc. In the obtained hydrolysates we also evaluated biological activities. It was shown that the highest DH of substrate (46.6%) was obtained after 4h of reaction at the highest amount of enzyme. this hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant activity, including ferric ion reducing (FrAP) (56.41 μg Fe 2+ /mg), ferric ion chelating (695.76 μg Fe 2+ /mg) and DPPH free radical scavenging (0.89 μmol trolox eq /mg) as well as AcE-inhibitory (Ic 50 =837.75 μg/mL) activities. the research showed improved biological properties of enzymatically modified YP by-product.

Centaurea karduchorum Boiss. from Eastern Anatolia: Phenolic composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities

The phenolic composition of lyophilized hydrophilic extracts obtained from root, stem, leaf and flower of Centaurea karduchorum Boiss. a medicinal plant endemic to Eastern Anatolia (Turkey) used as anti-diabetic agent was characterized for the first time. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed that luteolin derivatives and chlorogenic acid were the dominating compounds contributing, respectively, from 16.1% (root) to 33.7% (stem) and from 7.3% (flower) to 12.0% (root) of total phenolics. Total reducing capacities of the extracts varied from 24.1 (root) to 38.5 (flower) mg gallic acid Eq./g DW [Folin–Ciocalteu assay] and from 274.0 (root) to 441.0 (stem) μmol Fe2+/g DW [FRAP assay]. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC assay) values varied from 930.5 (root) to 1853.5 (stem) μmol trolox Eq./g DW. The leaf extract exhibited a pronounced inhibitory activity towards α-glucosidase (IC50: 0.63±0.00mg/ml) and a weak inhibitory activity towards amylase (IC50: 14.63±0.67mg/ml), which suggests a potential to reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia and supports its traditional use as antidiabetic agent.

The polypeptide composition, structural properties and antioxidant capacity of gluten proteins of diverse bread and durum wheat varieties, and their relationship to the rheological performance of dough

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare five bread and five durum wheat genotypes for gliadins and glutenins profiles, the concentration of free sulphhydryl groups and disulphide bonds, antioxidant capacity of gluten proteins and their bread‐making performance. On average, bread wheat had significantly higher concentration of total sulphur‐rich (S‐rich) and sulphur‐poor (S‐poor) subunits of gliadins, as well as total low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) subunits of glutenins than durum wheat. However, durum wheat had higher concentration of S‐rich γ‐gliadins and S‐poor D‐LMW‐glutenins, but did not possess S‐poor ω‐gliadins. The concentration of disulphide bonds and total cysteine was higher in the durum gluten than that in the bread gluten, as well as antioxidant capacity (on average 90.6 vs. 85.9 mmol Trolox Eq kg−1, respectively). In contrast to the bread wheat, the concentration of HMW‐glutenins was negatively associated with extensibility, as well as resistance to extension in durum wheat flour dough.

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, total antioxidant capacity, and total oxidant status in central serous chorioretinopathy

The objective of this work is to evaluate plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) levels in patients diagnosed with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and control samples. The TAC, TOS, and DHEA-S levels were assessed in the plasma of 46 CSCR patients and compared with 40 control samples. The TAC level was 1.16 ± 0.08 and 1.20 ± 0.09mmol Trolox eq./l; TOS level was 28.77 ± 33.33 and 19.95 ± 10.42μmolH202/l; DHEA-S level was 203.79 ± 84.75μg/dl and 249.36 ± 122.93μg/dl in the CSCR group and in the control group, respectively. The plasma TAC and DHEA-S values were significantly lower in the CSCR group than in the control group (p = 0.027 and p = 0.046, respectively). There was no significant difference between the CSCR and the control groups in terms of age, gender, and TOS levels (p > 0.05). We demonstrated that the levels of plasma DHEA-S and antioxidative parameters were reduced in CSCR. Our results suggest that the antioxidant defense system may be inadequate or corrupted in CSCR. Reduced DHEA-S level is one of the factors that trigger this insufficiency.

Comparisons of phenolic compounds, isoflavones, antioxidant capacity and oxidative enzymes in yellow and black soybeans seed coat and dehulled bean

The total and individual phenolic profiles and their contribution to antioxidant capacities of seed coats and dehulled beans of black and yellow soybeans were investigated. In addition, lipoxygenase (LOX) and peroxidase (POD) activities were also determined. Black seed coats had the highest content of total phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, in addition the highest catechin and protocatechin contents. On the other hand, dehulled beans from yellow soybeans had the highest levels of ferulic and p-coumaric acid content, and free and bound isoflavone content. The LOX activity was concentrated in the dehulled beans of both black and yellow soybeans, while a high POD activity that can be attributed to a dominant gene EpEp was presented in seed coats of yellow soybean genotype Galeb. Due to the high concentration of phenols, the black seed coats from soybean genotypes Black Tokio and Cornaja had the highest ABTS·+-scavenging capacity (597.46 and 486.15 mmol Trolox Eq./kg d.m., respectively). The results suggest that the black seed coat as well as dehulled bean from yellow soybeans would potentially provide sources of natural antioxidants that may play a crucial role in human health protection.

Determination of Total Oxidative Stress and Total Antioxidant Capacity before and after the Treatment of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species and antioxidant system. In this study, total oxidative stress (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were investigated with a new and practical method in childhood iron-deficiency anemia. During the study period 80 children between 6 and 60 months were enrolled; 40 children (study group) had iron-deficiency anemia, and 40 children (control group) were healthy. Complete blood count, serum iron, iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels, TOS, and TAC were evaluated. Children diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia were treated with oral ferric iron. After 2 months of the treatment, blood tests of the study groups were repeated to check the challenge. TAC was similar between both groups (1.55 ± 0.26 in control group 1.53 ± 0.19 mmol Trolox Eq./l). Additionally, TOS was significantly higher in iron-deficiency anemia group before treatment with iron (24.3 ± 18.5, in controls groups 14.4 ± 7.1 mmol Trolox Eq./l). We have shown that TAC did not change (before treatment 1.55 ± 0.26, after treatment 1.54 ± 0.26 mmol Trolox Eq./l) although TOS decreased significantly after the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia (before treatment 24.3 ± 18.5, after treatment 12.4 ± 6.9 mmol Trolox Eq./l). We did not find any correlation between hemoglobin, serum iron, iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels, and TOS or TAC among iron-deficiency anemia patients. As a result of this study, oxidative stress increases in children with iron-deficiency anemia and this increase can be returned to normal levels by treatment.

1427P - Curcuma Longa Extract is Effective in Improving Inflammatory Status and Redox Balance in Patients with Cancer-Related Cachexia and Oxidative Stress

ABSTRACT Background Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is the biologically active compound of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) and has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat diseases ranging from heartburn to arthritis: it is thought to have antioxidant and antinflammatory properties. Aim To assess the antioxidant and antinflammatory properties of a curcumin extract in advanced cachectic cancer patients. Methods From September 2011 to March 2012, 15 cachectic patients (M 7/F 8; age range 55–85 y) with cancer at different sites were enrolled, all stage IV. Twenty-one age/sex matched healthy controls were studied. All enrolled patients had inflammation and oxidative stress (high blood levels of proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6), high levels of blood C-reactive protein (CRP), high levels of ROS, low levels of blood antioxidant enzymes GPx and SOD and low levels of total blood antioxidant status, TAS, compared to controls. Patients were administered 4 tablets (2 g/day, equivalent to 400 mg/day of active curcuminoids extract, Meriva, Indena, Milan, Italy). Treatment duration was 4 weeks. Results A significant reduction of ROS levels ( 510 ± 120 vs 390 ± 186 Fort U)and a significant improvement of circulating levels of GPx (5630 ± 1189 vs 6590 ± 2390 U/l) as well as a significant improvement of TAS (0.61 ± 0.23 vs 0.69 ± 0.4 mmol Trolox eq.) was observed after treatment. The inflammatory marker CRP decreased significantly (38.12 ± 28.4 vs 20.24 ± 17.37 mg/dl), no significant decrease of serum IL-6 (25.58 ± 23.67 vs. 19.9 ± 16.8) was observed. No patient was withdrawn from the study and the treatment was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions Curcumin extract added to the normal diet was able to significantly improve inflammatory status and counteract key parameters of oxidative stress, such as ROS, GPx and TAS. Curcumin antinflammatory-antioxidant activity could be useful in a multi-targeted combined pharmaco-nutritional approach to treat cancer-cachexia. Dr. Roberto Serpe was supported by grant CRP1_296 from the Regione Autonoma della Sardegna by PO Sardegna FSE 2007-2013 (L.R.7/2007) titled”Promotion of scientific and technological research in Sardinia”, Italy Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Dissection of antioxidant activity of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) grains as evaluated by the new LOX/RNO method

Antioxidant activity (AA) of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) grains was studied using the innovative LOX/RNO method, able to simultaneously detect different antioxidant mechanisms, and the TEAC assay, one of the most widely used assays. Insoluble-bound and free-soluble phenols, hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds were extracted from eight different whole flour samples; extracts were analyzed for AA and their content in several antioxidants. The LOX/RNO method measured very high AA values, with the highest ones [850–1500 μmol Trolox eq./g whole flour (dry weight)] for insoluble-bound phenolic extracts, highly correlated to total phenolic (r = 0.761, P < 0.001) and ferulic acid (r = 0.816, P < 0.001) contents. Hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts showed lower AA [70-140 and 40–60 μmol Trolox eq./g (dry weight), respectively], highly correlated to flavonoid (r = 0.583, P < 0.01) and protein (r = 0.602, P < 0.01), as well as β-tocotrienol (r = 0.684, P < 0.05) contents, respectively. Interestingly, the LOX/RNO method suggests that insoluble-bound phenolic compounds may exert very strong synergistic interactions within the extract. Contrarily, the TEAC assay did not correlate to any antioxidant content, resulted unable to highlight differences among samples, measured much lower AA values and did not suggest synergism. The use of the LOX/RNO method is useful to unearth new properties of phytochemicals from durum wheat grains, potentially giving health benefits.

The Effect of Preoperative Nutritional Supports on Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: Prospective Randomized Study

Malnutrition adversely affects the postoperative outcome of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Therefore, the malnourished cancer patients are supported by enteral or parenteral nutrition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative nutritional supports on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Seventy-five malnourished patients with GI cancers and 25 patients with non-cancer surgical problems were included in the study. The dietary of cancer patients were supported with immune-enhancing enteral solution in group II or standard enteral solution in group III and with parenteral solution in group IV. Plasma TAC levels were measured prior and after nutritional support. Data were expressed as mmol Trolox eq./L. The mean TAC levels of groups before treatment were 1.10±0.17, 0.92±0.19, 0.89±0.17 and 0.92±0.18, respectively. It was significantly higher in group I than others. The mean TAC levels of supported groups after treatment were 1.11±0.20, 1.08±0.21 and 1.09±0.27, respectively. Although there was a statistically significant increase in TAC after treatment in group II and III, it was not statistically significant in group IV. It was concluded that preoperative nutritional support with standard or immune-enhancing enteral solutions significantly increased TAC levels of malnourished patients with GI cancers.