Potential Healthy Effect Research Articles

Casein‐based nanocarriers for encapsulation of propolis extract: Design, fabrication, and characterization

AbstractBackgroundPropolis exhibits multiple biological and pharmacological properties attributed to the presence of natural bio active compounds. In spite of its potential healthy effects, its use in health‐food and pharmaceutical products is very restricted due to its intense aroma, highly unstable, low aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. The purpose of this study is to fabricate an appropriate, stable, and biodegradable casein‐based nanocarrier as propolis delivery system. Propolis‐loaded casein nanocarriers were prepared at different propolis extract/caseinate ratio and assessed for physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties.ResultsThe nanocarriers showed an increase of particle size augmenting propolis extract/caseinate ratio and caseinate concentration. Image processing studies revealed an increase in L* parameter (89.743), while b* parameter revealed a reduction in the yellow color (14.655) increasing the amount propolis extract in the nanocarrier. Surface photomicrographs evidenced that an increment of propolis extract decreased the network compactness of the nanocarriers correlated with the lower entrapment of propolis extract into carriers at higher propolis extract/caseinate ratio. X‐ray diffraction pattern suggested that propolis encapsulation produced a decrement in the caseinate crystallinity while differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis thermograms evidenced an increment of thermal stability of nanocarrier with increasing propolis extract content.ConclusionPropolis extract encapsulated within casein nanocarriers represented convenient physicochemical attributes and could provide as bioactive load in food/medical system.

Indicaxanthin Induces Autophagy in Intestinal Epithelial Cancer Cells by Epigenetic Mechanisms Involving DNA Methylation.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recently, the anticancer potential of autophagy inducers, including phytochemicals, was suggested. Indicaxanthin is a betalain pigment found in prickly pear fruit with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in colorectal cancer cells associated with epigenetic changes in selected methylation-silenced oncosuppressor genes. Here, we demonstrate that indicaxanthin induces the up-regulation of the autophagic markers LC3-II and Beclin1, and increases autophagolysosome production in Caco-2 cells. Methylomic studies showed that the indicaxanthin-induced pro-autophagic activity was associated with epigenetic changes. In addition to acting as a hypermethylating agent at the genomic level, indicaxanthin also induced significant differential methylation in 39 out of 47 autophagy-related genes, particularly those involved in the late stages of autophagy. Furthermore, in silico molecular modelling studies suggested a direct interaction of indicaxanthin with Bcl-2, which, in turn, influenced the function of Beclin1, a key autophagy regulator. External effectors, including food components, may modulate the epigenetic signature of cancer cells. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the pro-autophagic potential of indicaxanthin in human colorectal cancer cells associated with epigenetic changes and contributes to outlining its potential healthy effect in the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract.

MO594POTENTIAL BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL WITH HIGH MINOR POLAR COMPOUNDS CONTENTS IN NEPHROPATHIC PATIENTS: PRELIMINARY DATA

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic degenerative non-communicable diseases represent one of the main causes of death in the world. Among these, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has an estimated prevalence of 7-12% worldwide. CKD is related to numerous comorbidities, especially these cardiovascular. Furthermore, its progression is characterized by a low-grade inflammatory status and oxidative stress, factors that negatively influence quality of life. In recent years, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have analysed the beneficial effects of natural bioactive compounds on health. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in minor polar compounds (MPCs), capable of exerting a cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. The 98-99% of EVOO total weight is made up by fatty acids, in particular, monounsaturated ones such as oleic acid, and a small percentage 1-2% by MPCs. Among MPCs, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacin and oleocanthal are of particular importance for their heathy effects. In our study, we analysed the potential healthy effects of EVOO MPCs in CKD patients. Method The EVOO selected for the study (Ophenoil), was previously characterized for its high content of MPCs through quantitative and qualitative analysis performed using HPLC-DAD-MS and Oxitester. We enrolled 20 CKD patients undergoing conservative therapy (stages I-IV according to K-DIGO guidelines). All enrolled patients have been instructed to assume 40 ml per day of EVOO, for 9 weeks. Laboratory parameters have been collected at two different time-points of the study (at baseline T0 and after 9 weeks T1) (Fig 1). At T0 the patients have been undergo to a detailed medical history. All CKD patients have been unstructured to follow a conventional Mediterranean diet (which adherence is assessed by PREDIMED questionnaire), containing a controlled protein intake according to CKD stage, in which the EVOO Ophenoil represent the main source of plant-based fats. In both time-points of the study, all patients have been undergoing to blood sampling to evaluate renal function, lipid profile, inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein-CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate-ESR, Interleukin(IL)-6, Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α) and oxidative stress (Free Oxygen Radicals Test-FORT and Free Oxygen Radical Defence-FORD by CR4000). Moreover, we evaluated the cardiovascular risk indices (Carotid intima-Media Thickness (C-ITM) monitored by eco(color)Doppler ultrasound). Each patient has been interviewed with Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire (Short-Form 36 items health Survey- SF-36) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results Preliminary data highlight a reduction of the inflammatory state, monitored by CRP (p=0.0299), ESR (p=0.0063), TNF-α (p=0.0001), IL-6 (p=0.0219), an improvement of renal function (azotemia, p=0.0256) and of lipid profile (triglycerides, p=0.0476) after 9 weeks of EVOO assumption (Fig 2). Moreover, we observed a significant improvement of the C-ITM (p=0.0146) and a significant reduction of oxidative stress monitored by FORT (p=0.0144). The results of the PREDIMED and IPAQ questionnaires showed no significant differences. This data indicates that patients have not changed their lifestyle and the results obtained are attributable to EVOO assumption. At the end of the study, there was an improvement of quality of life, in the domains of emotional well-being (p=0.0340) and general health (p=0.0405) of SF-36 questionnaire (Fig 3). Conclusion The consumption of EVOO with high MPCs content would seem to exert an anti-inflammatory (due to high content of oleocanthal) and antioxidant (due to high content of hydroxytyrosol, oleacin and oleuropein aglicone) action in CKD patients. Therefore, once again it is highlighted how the diet therapy plays a pivotal role in the clinical management of CKD patients and that it allows an improvement of their quality of life.

Characterizing relationship between chemicals and in vitro bioactivities of teas made by six typical processing methods using a single Camellia sinensis cultivar, Meizhan

ABSTRACT Processing method is considered as a major factor that affects biotransformation of phytochemicals in tea and leads to diverse flavor and bioactivity of tea. In the present work, six typical tea manufacturing processings were employed to compare the effect on chemical composition of teas through using leaves of the single tea cultivar – – Camellia sinensis var. Meizhan. And in vitro antioxidant activity, inhibition against α-glucosidase and three lipid metabolism enzymes of these teas were also investigated, the relationships among them were analyzed further. As fresh leaves were processed into six categories of teas, the content of total catechins (TCs) has decreased in varying degrees while theaflavins (TFs) has increased. The antioxidant capacity composite index (ACCI) from high to low were green tea, yellow tea, oolong tea, white tea, dark tea, and black tea with the range from 98.44 to 58.38, which dominated by the content of TCs. Furthermore, all categories of teas possessed an inhibition effect on the pancreatic lipase (PL), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-COA reductase), lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and α-glucosidase. The inhibition rate of PL and α-glucosidase appears to be positively influenced by TFs content (r =0.863, r =0.857, p < 0.05) while that of LCAT showed significant positive correlations with the content of tea polyphonels (TPs) (r = 0.902, p < 0.01). These results provide a better understanding of the relationships between processing method and chemical components of tea. It is suggested that various tea categories possess potential healthy effects which could serve as promising nutritional supplements.

Adherence to Southern European Atlantic Diet and physical fitness on the atherogenic index of plasma in adolescents.

We sought (i) to evaluate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF) and Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEADiet) with atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and (ii) to investigate de combined association of MF, CRF and SEADiet on AIP in adolescents. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 493 adolescents (285 girls and 208 boys) aged 15-18 years, from the Portuguese Azorean Archipelago. CRF was measured by shuttle run test and MF by curl up and push up tests. Adherence to SEADiet was assessed with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The AIP was estimated as log (TG/HDL-C). Measures of pubertal stage and socioeconomic status were assessed. Linear regression showed a significant inverse association between MF (standardized β = -0.165; p < 0.001), CRF (standardized β = -0.081; p < 0.030) and SEADiet (standardized β = -0.081; p < 0.045) with AIP, after adjustments for age, sex, pubertal stage and parental education. Furthermore, participants classified with an optimal as well as those with low adherence to a SEADiet but with LowMF/LowCRF had on average the highest AIP (F(7.482) = 3.270; p = 0.002). Moreover, optimal SEADiet with HighMF/HighCRF group showed the lowest AIP when compared with those with low adherence to a SEADiet with HighMF/HighCRF group (p = 0.03). AIP is inversely associated with MF, CRF and SEADiet. The low MF combined with a low CRF levels seems to overcome the potential healthy effect of having an optimal adherence to the SEADiet on AIP. However, an optimal adherence to SEADiet seems to improve the AIP in those adolescents with high fitness levels.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport.

The influence of nutrition has the potential to substantially affect physical function and body metabolism. Particular attention has been focused on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which can be found both in terrestrial features and in the marine world. They are responsible for numerous cellular functions, such as signaling, cell membrane fluidity, and structural maintenance. They also regulate the nervous system, blood pressure, hematic clotting, glucose tolerance, and inflammatory processes, which may be useful in all inflammatory conditions. Animal models and cell-based models show that n-3 PUFAs can influence skeletal muscle metabolism. Furthermore, recent human studies demonstrate that they can influence not only the exercise and the metabolic response of skeletal muscle, but also the functional response for a period of exercise training. In addition, their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity may provide health benefits and performance improvement especially in those who practice physical activity, due to their increased reactive oxygen production. This review highlights the importance of n-3 PUFAs in our diet, which focuses on their potential healthy effects in sport.

Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Allium roseum var. odoratissimum (Desf.) Coss extracts

Polyphenolic extracts from fresh aerial parts (stalk, leaf, and flower) and bulbs of Allium roseum var. odoratissimum (Rosy garlic) harvested from Tunisian sandy soil were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS), and tested for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiviral activities.Leaves, stalks and flowers showed the highest total antioxidant capacity, scavenger activity against stable DPPH radical, and β-carotene bleaching capacity, with leaves and flowers extracts showing the highest total polyphenolic (84.39mg gallic acid equivalents/g plant organs dry residue) and total flavonoid [5.88mg (+)-catechin equivalents/g plant organs dry residue] contents, respectively. The metabolic profiles registered for the polyphenolic extracts revealed the presence of one hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, three flavones, and ten flavonols never detected before, with the only exception of kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide.Overall, all the tested polyphenolic extracts possessed high activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and Candida spp. Strains, generally recognized as the most important pathogens affecting food dishes. Conversely, no toxicity on VERO cells line and no antiviral activity against Coxsakievirus B-3 and Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 were registered.This study gives a better insight into the potential healthy effects of Rosy garlic and the possibility of using it in food dishes to prevent contamination by the most common bacteria.

Occurrence and carcinogenic potential of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in some large-scale enclosed/semi-enclosed vehicle parking areas

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) originating from vehicle exhaust have aroused much attention due to their potential healthy effect. In this study, air samples were collected from three representative parking lots in a metropolitan area, analyzed for PAHs and evaluated for inhalation risk. Atmospheric PAH levels of these parking areas ranged between 1178–4793ngm−3, one order of magnitude higher than general urban areas. Their benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPeq) values varied in 11.0–98.0ngm−3, far exceeding the air quality standard of WHO (1.0ngm−3). Monte Carlo simulation (100,000 trials) results suggest that the potential lifetime inhalation cancer risks of PAHs were 0.27×10−5 to 7.11×10−5 for park employees, which are in the acceptable range acknowledged by US EPA (1.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−4). Several source diagnostic methods proved that vehicle exhaust was the dominant PAH contributor of these parks with the contribution percentages being >53%; oil combustion and/or coal combustion were other important sources. Logarithms of gas-particle distribution coefficients (Kps) of PAHs in all studied parks were linearly correlated with those of both their sub-cooled vapor pressures (pLs) and octanol–air partition coefficients (KOAs). The correlation coefficients indicated that both adsorption onto black carbon and absorption into organic matter were involved in the partition process, but the latter was dominant.

Experimental Evidence ofω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and Bioactive Lipid Mediators: Their Potential Role in Inflammatory, Neurodegenerative, and Neoplastic Diseases

A large body of evidence has emerged over the past years to show the critical role played by inflammation in the pathogenesis of several diseases including some cardiovascular, neoplastic, and neurodegenerative diseases, previously not considered inflammation-related. The anti-inflammatory action of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as their potential healthy effects against the development and progression of the same diseases, has been widely studied by our and others' laboratories. As a result, a rethinking is taking place on the possible mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFAs against these disorders, and, in particular, on the influence that they may exert on the molecular pathways involved in inflammatory process, including the production of inflammatory cytokines and lipid mediators active in the resolving phase of inflammation. In the present review we will summarize and discuss the current knowledge regarding the modulating effects of ω-3 PUFAs on the production of inflammatory cytokines and proresolving or protective lipid mediators in the context of inflammatory, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases.

Proanthocyanidin metabolites associated with dietary fibre from in vitro colonic fermentation and proanthocyanidin metabolites in human plasma

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) or condensed tannins, a major group of dietary polyphenols, are oligomers and polymers of flavan-3-ol and flavan-3, 4-diols widely distributed in plant foods. Most literature data on PAs' metabolic fate deal with PAs that can be extracted from the food matrix by aqueous-organic solvents ( extractable proanthocyanidins). However, there are no data on colonic fermentation of non-extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPAs), which arrive almost intact to the colon, mostly associated to dietary fibre (DF). The aim of the present work was to examine colonic fermentation of NEPAs associated with DF, using a model of in vitro small intestine digestion and colonic fermentation. Two NEPA-rich materials obtained from carob pod (Ceratonia siliqua L. proanthocyanidin) and red grapes (grape antioxidant dietary fibre) were used as test samples. The colonic fermentation of these two products released hydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydroxyphenylvaleric acid and two isomers of hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, detected by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Differences between the two products indicate that DF may enhance the yield of metabolites. In addition, the main NEPA metabolite in human plasma was 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid. The presence in human plasma of the same metabolites as were detected after in vitro colonic fermentation of NEPAs suggests that dietary NEPAs would undergo colonic fermentation releasing absorbable metabolites with potential healthy effects.

Analysis, Bioavailability, and Potential Healthy Effects of Capsanthin, Natural Red Pigment from Capsicum spp.

Capsanthin, uniquely found in capsicum spp., is a fat soluble red pigment. Capsanthin is synthesized during carotenogenesis and enhances liposolubility by esterifying with short-chain saturated fatty acids. Capsanthin and derivatives have been analyzed and identified by diverse techniques as spectrophotometry, TLC, HPLC, LC/MS, NMR, and FABMS/MS, etc. The absorptive pathways of carotenoids are similar to those of other dietary lipids. Capsanthin is found abundantly distributed at the polar surfaces of lipoproteins, and the clearance of capsanthin is much faster than those of lycopene in the human body. Capsanthin is regarded as a functional material by antioxidative activity and anti-tumor-promotion activity, even though it exhibits no provitamin A activity. In epidemiological studies, capsanthin appears to possibly exert a potent inhibitory effect on colon carcinogenesis. Therefore, increased intake of capsanthin rich foods may be helpful for the improvement of health.

Structure–activity relationship analysis of antioxidant ability and neuroprotective effect of gallic acid derivatives

Gallic acid and its derivatives are a group of naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidants which have recently been shown to have potential healthy effects. In order to understand the relationship between the structures of gallic acid derivatives, their antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective effects, we examined their free radical scavenging effects in liposome and anti-apoptotic activities in human SH-SY5Y cell induced by 6-hydrodopamine autooxidation. It was found that these polyphenol antioxidants exhibited different hydrophobicity and could cross through the liposome membrane to react with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical in a time and dose-dependent manner. At the same time, the structure–antioxidant activity relationship of gallic acid derivatives on scavenging DPPH free radical in the liposome was also analyzed based on theoretical investigations. Analysis of cell apoptosis, intracellular GSH levels, production of ROS and the influx of Ca 2+ indicated that the protective effects of gallic acid derivatives in cell systems under oxidative stress depend on both their antioxidant capacities and hydrophobicity. However, the neuroprotective effects of gallic acid derivatives seem to depend more on their molecular polarities rather than antioxidant activities in the human SH-SY5Y cell line. In conclusion, these results reveal that compounds with high antioxidant activity and appropriate hydrophobicity are generally more effective in preventing the injury of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of olive oil minor components on oxidative stress and arachidonic acid mobilization and metabolism by macrophages RAW 264.7.

Minor components of virgin olive oil may explain the healthy effects of the Mediterranean diet on the cardiovascular system and cancer development. The uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the atheroma plaque or tumor are a major source of ROS and eicosanoids. We aimed to determine the effects of squalene, beta-sitosterol, and tyrosol, which are representative of the hydrocarbons, sterols, and polyphenols of olive oil, respectively, on superoxide anion (O2(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide (*NO) levels. We also studied AA release and eicosanoid production by phorbol esters (PMA)-stimulated macrophages RAW 264.7. beta-Sitosterol and tyrosol decreased the O2(-) and H2O2 production induced by PMA, and tyrosol scavenged the O2(-) released by a ROS generating system. These effects were correlated with the impairment of [3H]AA release, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and prostaglandin E(2)/leukotriene B(4) synthesis in RAW 264.7 cultures stimulated by PMA. beta-Sitosterol exerted its effects after 3-6 h of preincubation. Tyrosol inhibited the [3H]AA release induced by exogenous ROS. beta-Sitosterol and tyrosol also reduced the *NO release induced by PMA, which was correlated with the impairment of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels. This may be correlated with the modulation of NF-kappaB activation. Further studies are required to gain more insight into the potential healthy effects of minor components of extra virgin olive oil.