Polyphenol-rich Foods Research Articles

Mixture of Ethanol Extract of Grape Pomade and Omija Fruit Prevents Hyperglycemia and Alleviates Oxidative Stress in Mice Fed an Obesogenic Diet

Background: A high-fat diet (HFD) is thought to be one of the main environmental factors for obesity in which oxidative stress is an important pathogenic mechanism of obesity-associated metabolic syndrome including diabetes. Polyphenol-rich food plants are known to improve obesity-related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grape pomace (GP) and GP plus omija fruit (GPOF) on hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD with GP (0.5%, w/w) or GPOF (0.5% GP plus 0.05% omija fruit, w/w) for 12 weeks. One gram of GP contains 0.26 mg of total flavonoid and 0.475 mg of total polyphenol, while 1 g of GPOF contains 0.2635 mg of total flavonoid and 0.491 mg of total polyphenol. Results: GP and GPOF significantly lowered fasting blood glucose level and insulin/glucagon ratio compared to HFD but increased plasma glucagon level. Supplementation with GP or GPOF improved glucose tolerance and the expressions of pancreatic insulin and glucagon while preserving α- and β-cells. GPOF in particular seems to improve insulin sensitivity by reducing plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were significantly lower in the GPOF group than in the HFD group along with decreases in erythrocyte hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels. Conclusion: These results suggest that GPOF, which is rich in flavonoids, may be beneficial in preventing an increase in the risk factors for diabetes in obesity, including fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and oxidative stress.

Deleterious effects of maternal ingestion of cocoa upon fetal ductus arteriosus in late pregnancy.

Cocoa powder has twice more antioxidants than red wine and three times more than green tea. Ten percent of its weight is made up of flavonoids. Cocoa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating cyclooxigenase-2 receptors expression in the endothelium and enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability. There are evidences that while polyphenols ingestion have cardioprotective effects in the adult, it may have deleterious effect on the fetus if ingested by the mother on the third trimester of pregnancy, causing intrauterine fetal ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction. Polyphenols present in many foods and their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities have been shown to be as or more powerful than those of indomethacin. These effects are dependent on the inhibition of modulation of the arachidonic acid and the synthesis of prostaglandins, especially E-2, which is responsible for fetal DA patency. So, we hypothesized that this same mechanism is responsible for the harmful effect of polyphenol-rich foods, such as cocoa, upon the fetal DA after maternal intake of such substances in the third trimester of pregnancy, thereby rising the perspective of a note of caution for pregnant women diet.

Orange juice intake during a fatty meal consumption reduces the postprandial low-grade inflammatory response in healthy subjects

Background and AimsEvidence associates polyphenol-rich foods to reduction of low-grade inflammation and mortality for cardiovascular disease, the mechanisms underlying such effects being still unclear. Consumption of a fatty meal by healthy volunteers induces rapid and reversible low-grade inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of orange juice on cellular modifications induced by a fatty meal. Methods and Results18 apparently healthy subjects consumed a fatty meal, during which they drunk orange juice, either blond or red, or water, according to a randomized cross-over design. Two hours after the end of the fatty meal, both white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts significantly increased (12.5 and 5 %, respectively), while mean platelet volume decreased and a 25% release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) from polymorphonuclear leukocyte occurred. Both juices significantly prevented WBC increase and MPO degranulation, in respect to control. Triglycerides significantly increased (42%) after the fatty meal, but at a lower extent when red orange juice was consumed with the meal (20%), in respect to blond orange juice or control. This effect was statistically significant in the subgroup of 8 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. Vascular stiffness (augmentation index), measured by Endo-PAT2000, significantly decreased after the meal only in conjunction with red orange juice. ConclusionIn healthy subjects the concomitant intake of orange juice may prevent the low-grade inflammatory reaction induced by a fatty meal, at cellular and possibly at vascular function levels. The relative role of different polyphenols on the observed effects of orange juices remains to be established.

Normalization to specific gravity prior to analysis improves information recovery from high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic profiles of human urine.

Extraction of meaningful biological information from urinary metabolomic profiles obtained by liquid-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) necessitates the control of unwanted sources of variability associated with large differences in urine sample concentrations. Different methods of normalization either before analysis (preacquisition normalization) through dilution of urine samples to the lowest specific gravity measured by refractometry, or after analysis (postacquisition normalization) to urine volume, specific gravity and median fold change are compared for their capacity to recover lead metabolites for a potential future use as dietary biomarkers. Twenty-four urine samples of 19 subjects from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort were selected based on their high and low/nonconsumption of six polyphenol-rich foods as assessed with a 24 h dietary recall. MS features selected on the basis of minimum discriminant selection criteria were related to each dietary item by means of orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis models. Normalization methods ranked in the following decreasing order when comparing the number of total discriminant MS features recovered to that obtained in the absence of normalization: preacquisition normalization to specific gravity (4.2-fold), postacquisition normalization to specific gravity (2.3-fold), postacquisition median fold change normalization (1.8-fold increase), postacquisition normalization to urinary volume (0.79-fold). A preventative preacquisition normalization based on urine specific gravity was found to be superior to all curative postacquisition normalization methods tested for discovery of MS features discriminant of dietary intake in these urinary metabolomic datasets.

Curcumin improves endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling in 2K-1C hypertensive rats by raising nitric oxide availability and reducing oxidative stress

Oxidative stress plays a role in maintaining high arterial blood pressure and contributes to the vascular changes that lead to hypertension. Consumption of polyphenol-rich foods has demonstrated their beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Curcumin (CUR), a phenolic compound present in the rhizomes of turmeric, possesses cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of CUR on 2kidney-1clip (2K-1C)-induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling and oxidative stress in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Sham operated or 2K-1C rats were treated with CUR at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day (or vehicle). After 6 weeks of treatment, CUR ameliorated hemodynamic performance in 2K-1C hypertensive rats (P < 0.05), by reducing blood pressure, increasing hindlimb blood flow and decreasing hindlimb vascular resistance. Hemodynamic restoration was associated with a reduction in plasma angiotensin converting enzyme level. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, in response to acetylcholine, of aortic rings isolated from 2K-1C hypertensive rats-treated with CUR was significantly increased (P < 0.05). CUR also attenuated hypertension-induced oxidative stress and vascular structural modifications. These effects were associated with elevated plasma nitrate/nitrite, upregulated eNOS expression, downregulated p47phox NADPH oxidase and decreased superoxide production in the vascular tissues. The overall findings of this study suggest the mechanisms responsible for the antihypertensive action of CUR in 2K-1C hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling involve the improvement NO bioavailability and a reduction in oxidative stress.

Nitric oxide and reactive species are modulated in the polyphenol-induced ductus arteriosus constriction in pregnant sheep.

Because we have previously demonstrated the relation between polyphenol-rich foods (PRF) consumption and ductus arteriosus constriction, in this work, pregnant sheep were submitted to oral PRF intake for 14 days to understand how this process occurs. Fetal Doppler echocardiography, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers and total polyphenol excretion were evaluated. The high polyphenol intake induced ductus arteriosus constriction by 71.6% increase in systolic (P = 0.001) and 57.8% in diastolic velocities (P = 0.002), and 18.9% decrease in pulsatility index (P = 0.033), along with 1.7-fold increase in total polyphenol excretion, 2.3-fold decrease in inflammatory mediator nitric oxide and following redox status changes (mean ± standard deviation): higher protein carbonyls (1.09 ± 0.09 and 1.49 ± 0.31), catalase (0.69 ± 0.39 and 1.44 ± 0.33) and glutathione peroxidase (37.23 ± 11.19 and 62.96 ± 15.03) in addition to lower lipid damage (17.22 ± 2.05 and 12.53 ± 2.11) and nonprotein thiols (0.11 ± 0.04 and 0.04 ± 0.01) found before and after treatment, respectively. Ductal parameters correlated to NOx , catalase, glutathione peroxidase and protein carbonyl. Our results highlight the need to reduce maternal PRF intake in late pregnancy to prevent fetal duct constriction through NO-mediated vasoconstrictive action of polyphenols.

Type 2 diabetes diminishes the benefits of dietary antioxidants: Evidence from the different free radical scavenging potential

The development of food fortified with polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods represents a novel approach for preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. Herein, taking advantage of several radical scavenging, the impact of plasma proteins in diabetes on the benefits of dietary polyphenols was investigated. It illustrated that plasma proteins masked the dietary polyphenols, thus reducing their radical scavenging potential. The plasma proteins from type 2 diabetics bind and protect (i.e., mask) the polyphenol antioxidants less effectively than the non-glycosylated ones in healthy blood do. In the blood of diabetics the less-protected (non-masked) antioxidants react with free radicals before being delivered to the tissues that need them. We should pay more attention to in vivo benefits of dietary polyphenols for type 2 diabetics.

Activation of eNOS by Polyphenol-rich Products and Polyphenolic Compounds

Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of polyphenol-rich food and beverages is associated with a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. The beneficial effect has been attributable to several mechanisms including the improvement of the vascular function. Indeed, polyphenols have been shown to be potent stimulators of endothelial vasoprotective mechanisms including the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and the induction of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH). The aim of this review is to provide a non-exhaustive analysis of the literature regarding polyphenols-rich sources capable of activating endothelial NO synthase and the characterization of the underlying mechanism as well as the beneficial effects of polyphenols on the endothelial function in both experimental models of cardiovascular diseases and in Humans.

107 Effect of a Polyphenol-rich Diet on Vascular Function and other Markers of Cardiovascular Risk

IntroductionObservational evidence indicates that polyphenol-rich foods, in particular berries and dark chocolate, have the potential to influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.There are few polyphenol dietary intervention studies of sufficiently robust...

Polyphenol supplementation: benefits for exercise performance or oxidative stress?

Supplement use among athletes is widespread, including non-traditional and biological compounds. Despite increasing research, a comprehensive and critical review on polyphenol supplementation and exercise is still lacking. This review is relevant for researchers directly involved in the topic, as well as those with a broad interest in athletic performance enhancement and sports nutrition. The purpose of this review is to present background information on groups of polyphenols and their derivatives because their differing chemical structures influence mechanisms of action; to discuss the potential of plant, fruit and vegetable-based biological supplements, high in polyphenol content, to affect exercise performance and biomarkers of oxidative stress and exercise-induced muscle damage; and to critically discuss the exercise studies and biomarkers used. Subjects in the studies reviewed were either sedentary, healthy individuals, or active, recreationally trained or well-trained athletes. Polyphenol supplementation in exercise studies included mainly extracts (multicomponent or purified), juices, infusions or an increased intake of polyphenol-rich foods. This review includes details of supplement doses and exercise test protocols. Many studies considered only the performance or one or two selected biomarkers of antioxidant capacity instead of a comprehensive choice of biomarkers to assess damage to lipids or proteins. Evidence is insufficient to make recommendations for or against the use of polyphenol supplementation (neither specific polyphenols nor specific doses) for either recreational, competitive or elite athletes. Polyphenols have multiple biological effects, and future exercise studies must be designed appropriately and specifically to determine physiological interactions between exercise and the selected supplement, rather than considering performance alone.

Biotransformation and resulting biological properties of green tea polyphenols produced by probiotic bacteria

This study evaluates the antioxidant properties and ACE inhibition capacities of eight individual flavonoids before and after incubation with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactisLAFTI@B94®. Changes in flavonoid content and the survival of the probiotics, incubated in individual flavonoid solutions as the only source of carbon, were also determined. The glycosylated flavonoids permitted a higher survival rate of the probiotic bacteria with survival percentages above 50% at 48 h of incubation. The incubation of B. animalis B94 with individual catechins would supposedly produce an increase in all the biological activities tested (ABTS, FRAP and ACE inhibition), but the increments were minor or imperceptible in the flavonol solutions. Epigallocatechin, catechin and epicatechin solutions registered the most important changes in ABTS, FRAP and ACE inhibition capacity, in some cases even doubling their biological activities after incubation with the bacteria. These results are encouraging as the incorporation of B. animalis B94 in various polyphenol-rich foods could be a way of improving the antioxidant properties of the foods. In addition, the polyphenol-rich food could act as a matrix for probiotic strains.

Consumption of cranberry beverage improved endogenous antioxidant status and protected against bacteria adhesion in healthy humans: a randomized controlled trial

Consumption of polyphenol-rich foods is associated with lower risk from many chronic diseases. We hypothesized that a single dose of cranberry beverage would improve indices of oxidative stress, inflammation, and urinary antibacterial adhesion activity in healthy humans. Six males and 6 females (18-35 years; body mass index, 19-25 kg/m2) consumed placebo, cranberry leaf extract beverage, or low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail (LCJC) once in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over experimental design trial. The washout period between beverages was 1 week. Blood was collected 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after beverage consumption for measuring oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Urine was collected at 0, 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, and 24 hours postintervention to assess antibacterial adhesion activity. Consumption of cranberry leaf extract beverage elevated (P < .05) blood glutathione peroxidase activity, whereas LCJC consumption increased (P < .05) glutathione concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity compared with placebo. Cranberry leaf extract beverage and LCJC consumption had no effect on the inflammatory biomarkers measured as compared with placebo. At 0 to 3 hours postconsumption, urine from participants who consumed cranberry beverages had higher (P < .05) ex vivo antiadhesion activity against P-fimbriated Escherichia coli compared with placebo. An acute dose of cranberry beverages improved biomarkers of antioxidant status and inhibition of bacterial adhesion in urine.

0179: Polyphenol-rich blackcurrant juice induces NO-mediated relaxation in porcine coronary artery rings via a copper- and iron-dependent redox-sensitive activation of the Src/PI3-kinase/Akt/eNOS pathway

The beneficial cardiovascular effect of polyphenol-rich food and beverages has been attributed, at least in part, to the improvement of the vascular function through the induction of two major endothelial vasoprotective mechanisms. The aim of the present study is to determine whether a polyphenol-rich blackcurrant juice (PRBJ, 2.7 g/l), improves the vasoprotective endothelial function, and, if so, to characterize the underlying mechanism. The reactivity of porcine coronary artery rings was assessed in organ chambers, and the expression and phosphorylation levels of proteins in cultured porcine coronary endothelial cells by Western blot analysis. PRBJ caused potent endotheliumdependent relaxations that were significantly reduced by an eNOS inhibitor, not affected by inhibition of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization, and abolished by both treatments. PRBJ-induced NO-mediated relaxations were significantly reduced by chelators of either copper or iron, membrane permeant analogues of superoxide dismutase and catalase, inhibitors of either Src or PI3-kinase, and by calmidazolium, a calmodulin inhibitor. The NO-mediated relaxation was not affected by inhibitors of either PKC, EGFR, IGFR, or of several endogenous enzymes involved in the formation of ROS (NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, mitochondrial respiration chain, cytochrome P450). In cultured endothelial cells, PRBJ increased the formation of NO as assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, PRBJ induced the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS on activator sites, which were inhibited membrane permeant analogues of superoxide dismutase and catalase and inhibitors of either Src or PI3-kinase. PRBJ is a potent inducer of endothelium- dependent NO-mediated relaxations in porcine coronary artery rings. The NO-mediated relaxation involves an intracellular copper- and iron-dependent redox-sensitive activation the Src/PI3-kinase/Akt pathway leading to activation of eNOS and subsequent formation of NO.

EXPERIMENTAL CONSTRICTION OF FETAL DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS, OXIDATIVE STRESS, AND POLYPHENOL EXCRETION AFTER MATERNAL POLYPHENOL-RICH DIET IN LATE PREGNANCY

Maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods interferes with fetal ductus arteriosus flow in humans and its restriction reverses ductal constriction. We aimed to assess experimentally the interrelations of ductal dynamics, oxidative damage and polyphenol excretion after a high polyphenol intake in

Abstract P280: Urinary Hippurate and Proline Betaine Excretion relative to Fleshy Fruit Intake and Blood Pressure: The INTERMAP Study

Background: Intakes of biologically complex fleshy fruits with substantial variations in nutritional composition may be reflected in urinary metabolite differences. We evaluated 24 hr urinary hippurate and proline betaine relative to individual fruit intake and blood pressure (BP) among free-living individuals in a population-based study. Methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological and metabonomic data from the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure were used, available for 4,276 men and women ages 40-59 years from China, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States. Fleshy fruit intakes, according to Stern’s botanical classification, were calculated from four in-depth 24 hr dietary recalls. Urinary spectra from timed 24 hr urine collections were obtained by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Peak intensities of urinary hippurate (δ 7.84, doublet) and proline betaine (δ 3.11, singlet) were quantified. Mean urinary metabolite excretions across quartiles of energy-adjusted fruit intakes and corresponding P for trend were calculated. Country-specific multivariable linear regression coefficients between urinary metabolites and sum of metabolite-related fruits were estimated and pooled, weighted by inverse of their variance. Results: Age-sex-sample adjusted Pearson correlations (r) were: between hippurate and raw fruits 0.17, fruit juice 0.01, urinary potassium 0.19, and dietary fiber 0.15; between proline betaine and raw fruit 0.27, fruit juice 0.30, vitamin C 0.40, sugar 0.21, and dietary fiber 0.16; between hippurate and proline betaine 0.02. Significant multivariable adjusted P for trends (metabolome-wide significance level; P&lt;4x10-6) across quartiles of intake were found between total raw fruit, apple, kiwi fruit, nectarine, peach, plum, dried apricot, dried prune and hippurate; similarly between raw fruit, fruit juice, banana, grapefruit, kumquat, orange, satsuma, tangerine, grapefruit juice, orange juice and proline betaine. Correlations between sum of metabolite-related fruits and hippurate were 0.24 (0.10 for sum of remaining fruits) and 0.64 with proline betaine (0.03 for remaining fruits). After multivariable adjustment including BMI, differences in systolic BP were for urinary hippurate higher by 2SD -1.53 mm Hg (95% CI: -2.32,-0.75) and for sum of hippurate-related fruits -0.60 (-1.32,0.12). Urinary proline betaine and sum of proline betaine-related fruits were not associated with BP. Conclusion: Consumption of several individual fruits was related to urinary hippurate and proline betaine excretion. Higher urinary hippurate excretion was associated with lower systolic BP, but this was not found for hippurate-related fruits. This suggests that other polyphenol-rich foods and/or quantity may be important in this relationship.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial evaluating the effect of a polyphenol-rich whole food supplement on PSA progression in men with prostate cancer—the UK NCRN Pomi-T study

Background:Polyphenol-rich foods such as pomegranate, green tea, broccoli and turmeric have demonstrated anti-neoplastic effects in laboratory models involving angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation. Although some have been investigated in small, phase II studies, this combination has never been evaluated within an adequately powered randomised controlled trial.Methods:In total, 199 men, average age 74 years, with localised prostate cancer, 60% managed with primary active surveillance (AS) or 40% with watchful waiting (WW) following previous interventions, were randomised (2:1) to receive an oral capsule containing a blend of pomegranate, green tea, broccoli and turmeric, or an identical placebo for 6 months.Results:The median rise in PSA in the food supplement group (FSG) was 14.7% (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 3.4–36.7%), as opposed to 78.5% in the placebo group (PG) (95% CI 48.1–115.5%), difference 63.8% (P=0.0008). In all, 8.2% of men in the FSG and 27.7% in the PG opted to leave surveillance at the end of the intervention (χ2 P=0.014). There were no significant differences within the predetermined subgroups of age, Gleason grade, treatment category or body mass index. There were no differences in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, C-reactive protein or adverse events.Conclusions:This study found a significant short-term, favourable effect on the percentage rise in PSA in men managed with AS and WW following ingestion of this well-tolerated, specific blend of concentrated foods. Its influence on decision-making suggests that this intervention is clinically meaningful, but further trials will evaluate longer term clinical effects, and other makers of disease progression.

Green Tea, Cocoa, and Red Wine Polyphenols Moderately Modulate Intestinal Inflammation and Do Not Increase High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Production

Although polyphenols are often merely perceived as antioxidants, their biological activities are manifold and include anti-inflammatory actions. A new area of research on polyphenols and health concerns their putative role in cholesterol metabolism, in particular, their high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c)-raising potential. Indeed, some human studies showed that administration of polyphenol-rich foods such as cocoa, green tea, and extra virgin olive oil modulate and increase HDL-c concentrations. This study assessed the effects of polyphenols on intestinal inflammation, using the physiologically relevant Caco-2 Transwell model and using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger inflammation. This study also investigated the mechanisms of actions behind the proposed HDL-c-increasing effects of polyphenols. The data suggest that polyphenols (at least those from red wine, cocoa, and green tea) administered at a dietary dose moderately modulate intestinal inflammation but do not increase cholesterol secretion by intestinal cells or enhance HDL functionality. Nutraceuticals and supplements provide pharmanutritional doses that might, conversely, produce beneficial effects.

Influence of Diabetes on the Pharmacokinetic Behavior of Natural Polyphenols

The development of food fortified with polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods represents a novel approach to prevent or attenuate type 2 diabetes. It has been reported that type 2 diabetes may affect the pharmacokinetics of various drugs in several animal models. There is powerful evidence linking dietary polyphenols consumption with the risk factors defining type 2 diabetes, even if some opposite results occurred. This mini-review summarizes important advances on diabetes-associated changes in pharmacokinetics of natural polyphenols. The pharmacokinetic behavior between drugs and dietary polyphenols probably may be different due to (i) Ingested dose/amount per day. The dietary polyphenol intake per day is much higher than that of clinical drugs; (ii) Complexity of the components. Clinical drugs are well-characterized and typically small molecules. However, the polyphenols in diet are unimaginably complex; (iii) Interaction with food proteins. Although the effects of food proteins on the bioavailability of polyphenols are still not examined in much detail, direct binding interactions of polyphenols to proteins always occur; (iv) The most common polyphenols in the human diet have a low intrinsic activity and are poorly absorbed from the intestine, highly metabolized, or rapidly eliminated. Although there is very limited information available so far, it is proposed that type 2 diabetes influences the pharmacokinetic behavior of dietary polyphenols including: i) competition of glucose with polyphenols regarding binding to plasma proteins; ii) weakened non-covalent interaction affinities of plasma proteins for natural polyphenols due to protein glycation in type II diabetes; iii) the enhanced clearance of polyphenols in type 2 diabetes. An understanding of diabetes-associated changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and bioactivities of natural polyphenols as well as the mechanism of the variability should lead to the improvement of the benefits of these polyphenols and clinical outcomes for diabetics.

Delivery and Application of Dietary Polyphenols to Target Organs, Tissues and Intracellular Organelles

At present, dietary polyphenols are popular with consumers because regular consumption of polyphenol-rich foods is likely to be beneficial for human health. However, administrated polyphenols are extensively metabolized in the digestive tract or some other parts before reaching the target organs. Additionally, some of the polyphenols are photosensitive, easily oxidized and are in unfavorable forms. Therefore, a lot of work has been performed to ensure delivery of intact polyphenols to the target organs. We here summarize recent progress in polyphenol-delivery to individual organs, tissues, and cells, in regard to relatively new delivery systems. Polyphenol-delivery systems can be divided into three categories: (i) before delivery into the blood stream (skin, mouth, gastrointestine), (ii) in the blood stream (plasma), and (iii) after the blood stream (brain, spleen, bone marrow, kidney). Polyphenols before the delivery into blood stream must overcome several obstacles to avoid converting into inactive forms by commensal microorganisms, environmental pH, and some others. In the blood, plasma-polyphenol interactions and modifications are very effective for the bioavailability of polyphenols with numerous enzymes. Native forms of polyphenols, successfully out of the blood stream, further go through obstacles such as the blood brain barrier to reach target organs. Recent progress in delivering polyphenols is here discussed on 3 main delivery systems, nanoparticle, liposome, and microemulsion. Moreover, we also focused on delivery systems to intracellular organelles (cell surface, lysosome, mitochondria, nucleus), which are the final targets of polyphenols to perform their beneficial reactions.

Dietary patterns and fatty acids levels of three European populations. Results from the IMMIDIET study

Background and aimsDifferences in blood fatty acids (FAs) profile among populations with different lifestyle have partly been attributed to differences in food intake. A holistic approach in dietary guidance through dietary patterns is essential. This study aimed at evaluating the main plasma and red blood cell (RBC) FAs in three European populations and assessing the role of dietary patterns in explaining variation in their levels. MethodsIn the framework of the IMMIDIET Project, 1604 subjects (802 male–female pairs) aged 26–65 years were enrolled in Italy, Belgium and UK. Plasma and RBC FAs were measured. One year recall food frequency questionnaires were used to evaluate dietary habits of each individual. ResultsItalian cohort showed lower plasma and RBC n−3 levels than participants of the other two populations (P<0.001). Both plasma and RBC arachidonic acid were higher in Italian cohort as compared to Belgian and English. Reduced rank regression analysis indicated two dietary patterns explaining 35% and 17% of the total variation of the sum of plasma and RBC n−3, respectively. In a holistic dietary analysis, neither fish nor mollusks intake seemed to contribute to n−3 variation as compared to vegetable oils and polyphenol-rich foods. ConclusionThe Italian cohort presented significant lower plasma and RBC n−3 FA levels compared to Belgians and English. A holistic approach in dietary analysis seemed to explain a relatively high proportion of plasma and RBC n−3 FAs variability. Dietary pattern analysis may contribute to the study of the association of human diet with FAs levels.