Total Lycopene Research Articles

Multi-modular metabolic engineering and efflux engineering for enhanced lycopene production in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In this research, lycopene production in yeast was markedly enhanced by integrating a multi-modular approach, acetate signaling-based down-regulation of competitive pathways, and an efflux optimization strategy.

Association between dietary carotenoids intake and chronic constipation in American men and women adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDietary carotenoids have been proven to improve intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, yet little is known about the link between dietary carotenoids and constipation. This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010.MethodsA total of 11,722 participants were enrolled. Chronic constipation was defined as type 1 (separate hard lumps, like nuts) and type 2 (sausage-like, but lumpy) in the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS). Carotenoids intake was obtained from the average of two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires (if only one 24-hour was available, we used it) and divided into quartiles (Q). The prevalence of constipation was calculated across men and women individuals. The relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation in men and women was assessed with weighted logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting after adjusting confounders, with results displayed as weighted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The model was further stratified by age, race, and HEI 2015 scores (with median as cutoff) among men and women.ResultsThe total weighted prevalence of chronic constipation in this study was 8.08%, 11.11% in women and 5.18% in men. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest intake, participants with the highest dietary lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34–0.80, p for trend = 0.01) were negatively associated with the risk of chronic constipation in men, whereas increased dietary α-carotene intake reduced the risk of chronic constipation in women (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48–0.98, p for trend = 0.04). Smoothing curve fitting further supported these results and provided evidence of dose-response effects. No association was found between other types of carotenoids and chronic constipation in men and women.ConclusionsIncreasing lycopene intake may improve bowel function in men while increased α-carotene intake may reduce the risk of chronic constipation in women. Further studies are essential to explore the role that the intake of carotenoids plays in chronic constipation.

Fate of Amadori compounds in processing and digestion of multi-ingredients tomato based sauces and their effect on other microconstituents

Amadori compounds (ACs), the first stable products of Maillard reaction, are detected in various products of fruits and vegetables, and show an antioxidant activity which can be related to beneficial effects in human health. In order to optimize the nutritional quality of a multi-ingredient tomato sauce (tomato puree – onion – olive oil – dried pepper), the fate of ACs during processing (drying, heating) and gastrointestinal digestion of a model meal was assessed as well as that of other microconstituents, i.e. carotenoids, phenolic compounds and capsaicinoids. The drying at 50 °C of fresh pepper induced the formation and accumulation of ACs after 6 days. During the heat treatment by microwave of multi-ingredient tomato sauce, Maillard reaction occurs in presence of dried pepper and the content in ACs in the tomato-based sauces increased (+33% to + 53%) depending of quantities of dried pepper added. The bioaccessibility of total ACs was 24–31% in duodenal phase and 18–22% in jejunal phase. Individual ACs have shown variable bioaccessibility, e.g. very high for Fru-Arg (50.8% to 71.3%), and very low for Fru-Met (1.8% to 2.2%). The kinetic monitoring of ACs in digestion medium showed that ACs are not stable (-46% in gastric phase, −49 % in intestinal phase) which indicated their potential degradation in the digestive tract. The presence of ACs in the multi-ingredients tomato sauces had no effect on the content of the other bioactive compounds monitored in the study and even promoted the bioaccessibility of total lycopene (+30%) but decreased the bioaccessibility of total phenolic compounds.

Associations between blood antioxidant levels and femoral neck strength

BackgroundStudies have confirmed that antioxidants contribute to a lower risk of osteoporosis, which is an independent factor for femoral neck fracture (FNF). However, the associations between blood antioxidant levels and femoral neck strength remain unclear.ObjectiveOur aim was to test the hypothesis that levels of blood antioxidants are positively associated with composite indices of bone strength in femoral neck, which integrate the bending strength index (BSI), compressive strength index (CSI), and impact strength index (ISI), in a population of middle-aged and elderly individuals.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Blood levels of antioxidants were measured and analyzed.ResultsIn total, data from 878 participants were analyzed. Results of Spearman correlation analyses indicated that blood levels of 6 antioxidants (total lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, 13-cis-beta-carotene, trans-beta-carotene and total lycopene) were positively associated with CSI, BSI, or ISI in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Conversely, blood gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol levels were negatively associated with CSI, BSI, or ISI scores. Furthermore, linear regression analyses suggested that only blood zeaxanthin levels remained positively associated with CSI (odds ratio, OR 1.27; 95% CI: 0.03, 2.50; p = 0.045), BSI (OR, 0.54; 95% CI: 0.03–1.06; p = 0.037), and ISI (OR, 0.06; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.13; p = 0.045) scores in the study population after adjusting for age and sex.ConclusionsOur results indicated that elevated blood zeaxanthin levels were significantly and positively associated with femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI, or ISI) in a population of middle-aged and elderly individuals. These findings suggest that zeaxanthin supplementation may reduce FNF risk independently.

An integrated genomic and biochemical approach to investigate the potentiality of heirloom tomatoes: Breeding resources for food quality and sustainable agriculture.

A revival of interest in traditional varieties reflects the change in consumer preferences and the greater awareness of the quality of locally grown products. As ancient cultivars, heirlooms have been selected for decades in specific habitats and represent nowadays potential germplasm sources to consider for breeding high-quality products and cultivation in sustainable agriculture. In this study, 60 heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) accessions, including diverse varietal types (beefsteak, globe, oxheart, plum, and cherry), were profiled over two seasons for the main chemical and biochemical fruit traits. A medium-high level of heritability was found for all traits ranging from 0.52 for soluble solids to 0.99 for fruit weight. The average content of ascorbic acid was ~31 mg 100 g-1 of fw in both seasons, while the greatest variability was found for carotenoids with peaks of 245.65 μg g-1 of fw for total lycopene and 32.29 μg g-1 of fw for β-carotene. Dissection of genotypic (G) and seasonal (Y) factors highlighted genotype as the main source of variation for all traits. No significant effect of Y and G × Y was found for ascorbic acid and fruit weight, respectively, whereas a high influence of Y was found on the variation of lycopene. Molecular fingerprinting was performed using the 10K SolCAP array, yielding a total of 7,591 SNPs. Population structure, phylogenetic relationships, and principal components analysis highlighted a differentiation of plum and cherry genotypes with respect to the beefsteak and globe types. These results were confirmed by multivariate analysis of phenotypic traits, shedding light on how breeding and selection focused on fruit characteristics have influenced the genetic and phenotypic makeup of heirlooms. Marker-trait association showed 11 significantly associated loci for β-carotene and fruit weight. For β-carotene, a single variant on chromosome 8 was found at 12 kb to CCD8, a cleavage dioxygenase playing a key role in the biosynthesis of apocarotenoids. For fruit weight, a single association was located at less than 3 Mbp from SLSUN31 and fw11.3, two candidates involved in the increasing of fruit mass. These results highlight the potentiality of heirlooms for genetic improvement and candidate gene identification.

Association between Advanced Glycation End-Products, Carotenoids, and Severe Erectile Dysfunction.

To investigate the association between skin advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) levels, blood antioxidative vitamin and carotenoid concentrations, and severe erectile dysfunction (ED) in community-dwelling men. This cross-sectional study used the 5-Item International Index of Erectile Function to identify 335 community-dwelling men with ED. The accumulation of skin AGEs was assessed noninvasively by measuring skin autofluorescence. Background-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method were performed to evaluate the effects of AGEs, vitamins, and carotenoids on severe ED. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between skin AGEs levels and serum carotenoid concentrations. The median age of study participants was 57 years. Of the 335 men, 289 (86.3%) and 46 (13.7%) were classified into the mild/moderate and severe ED groups, respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that skin AGEs levels, blood vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, total lycopene, and cis-lycopenes concentrations were significantly associated with severe ED, whereas all-trans lycopene concentrations were not. In the multiple linear regression analyses, serum zeaxanthin concentrations were negatively and significantly correlated with skin AGEs levels. Higher skin AGEs levels and lower blood antioxidative vitamin and carotenoid concentrations were significantly associated with severe ED. Serum zeaxanthin levels were negatively and significantly correlated with skin AGEs levels, suggesting the possible effects of zeaxanthin on ED by decreasing tissue AGEs levels.

Vigorous rootstocks improve yields and increase fruit sizes in grafted fresh market tomatoes

Grafting high yielding tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto vigorous rootstocks can increase marketable yields, but questions remain regarding optimal cultural and growing conditions such as pinching and plant spacing. This study addressed some of the dynamics between grafted plants and cultural practices. Two scions, ‘Tasti-Lee’ (TL) and ‘Mountain Fresh Plus’ (MFP) were grafted onto each of three rootstocks, ‘Beaufort’, ‘Arnold’, and ‘Shield’. Plants were pinched (removal of main shoot to induce both axillary shoots to grow) or non-pinched, and spaced at 56 or 61 cm. All 32 grafted treatments were compared to the grower standard: non-grafted TL and MFP spaced at 46 cm, which were non-pinched. Fruit quality traits including soluble solids content, pH, lycopene concentration, and titratable acidity were recorded for fruit harvested from tomatoes grafted onto ‘Arnold’, ‘Beaufort’, ‘Shield’ and non-grafted TL. The overall effect of grafting TL and MFP onto vigorous rootstocks ‘Arnold’, ‘Beaufort’, and ‘Fortamino’ increased marketable yields per hectare by 24-35% compared to non-grafted grower standards. The rootstock ‘Shield’ did not significantly increase yields with either scion. TL had a more positive response to grafting than MFP. ‘Arnold’, ‘Beaufort’, and ‘Fortamino’ significantly increased TL fruit size, but the fruit size results were not as significantly impacted by graft treatments for MFP. Plants spaced at 56 compared to 61 cm generated similar yields. Pinched plants significantly increased yields over non-pinched plants by 15% in 2018 but did not impact yield in 2017. No consistent difference was observed between pinched and non-pinched plants with regard to fruit size, only plants grafted with ‘Shield’ benefited significantly from being pinched. Soluble solids content, pH, total lycopene concentration, and titratable acidity differed slightly between grafted and non-grafted plants but was unlikely to positively or negatively affect overall perception of fruit quality in tomatoes. A partial budget analysis revealed that grafting with ‘Arnold’ or ‘Beaufort’ consistently increased profits in this low-disease field.

Thermal conditions and active substance stability affect the isomerization and degradation of lycopene

This study evaluated the effects of thermal treatment conditions (100–120 °C, 0–5 h) and active substance stability on the isomerization and degradation of lycopene in the “Sanhong” pummelo (C. grandis cv. Sanhongmiyou) matrix. The results revealed that the degradation of (all-E)-lycopene and total lycopene in pummelo could be well fit by the first-order kinetic model under thermal treatment. The total Z-lycopene ratio was maintained at nearly 40 % (120 °C, 4 h). The behavior of lycopene was related to the degradation of active substances, such as the degradation of ascorbic acid and polysaccharides. The stability of polysaccharides was temperature-dependent, and with the increasing temperature (100–120 °C), a significant negative correlation was observed between the content of Z-isomers and polysaccharides. The enhancement of lycopene isomerization was attributed to the degradation of polysaccharides under thermal treatment. These findings facilitate the functional development and efficient utilization of lycopene in fruit processing.

Effect of UV-LED irradiation processing on pectolytic activity and quality in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) juice

The aim of this research was to analyze pectolytic activities (pectinmethylesterase “PME” and polygalacturonase “PG”) and physical qualities in tomato juice treated by UV-LED, Hot Break (HB), and Cold Break (CB) processing. Tomato juice treated by UV-LED (117 mJ/cm2) obtained a residual PME activity similar to that of CB, and tomato juice treated by UV-LED (351 mJ / cm2) had a residual PME activity 28.3% lower than HB (p < 0.05). The effect of UV-LED on PG activity was similar to HB and 49% lower than CB (p < 0.05). Furthermore, UV-LED processing caused a decrease in pH and total acidity and a significant increase in total lycopene content. Antioxidant activity and viscosity for UV-LED processing were similar to CB, total polyphenol content and °Brix were similar to HB (p > 0.05). Therefore, this study provides a promising application of UV-LED technology for controlling enzymatic activity in tomato juice, and an alternative to heat treatment. Industrial relevanceNowadays, the tomato industry uses heat treatments to inactivate pectolytic enzymes. UV-LED technology could have an industrial appreciation, as it was efficient in decrease the activity of these enzymes, in addition, preserved and increased some bioactive compounds. Therfore, it is proposed as an efficient method for processing fruit and vegetable juices. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to clarify the effect of this technology on pectolytic enzymes and quality parameters in liquid fruit and vegetable foods.

Do Maternal Dietary Carotenoids Modify the Relationship Between Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Pregnancy Outcomes? Findings From An Exploratory Analysis

ObjectivesPrevious studies show that pre-pregnancy BMI (pBMI) is an independent determinant for pregnancy outcomes, but less is known about what mediates this relationship. Carotenoids are dietary antioxidants that may be able to attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress generated by maternal obesity. The objective of this study is to determine whether carotenoid levels have the potential to modify the relationship between pBMI pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of mothers who delivered at a Midwestern academic medical center.MethodsFollowing IRB approval, maternal and cord blood samples were collected in mother-infant pairs. Serum nutrient levels were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Maternal serum carotenoids (including lutein + zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, total lycopene, alpha-carotene, total beta-carotene, and retinol) and pBMI data were available for 229 mothers. BMIs recorded up to 10 weeks into pregnancy were considered pBMI. Logistic regression models assessed relationships between pBMI and binary pregnancy outcomes (caesarian section (CS), preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes). Initial models were adjusted for infant gestational age (GA). Subsequent models adjusted for levels of pro-vitamin A (retinol) and non-provitamin A (lutein + zeaxanthin) carotenoids. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsPreceding pregnancy, 1.3% (n = 3), 40.2% (n = 92), 27.5% (n = 63), and 31.0% (n = 71) of the mothers were underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. In the models adjusted for GA, pBMI was associated with higher risk of CS (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, p = 0.01), preeclampsia (OR 1.07, p < 0.001) and gestational diabetes (OR 1.10, p = 0.007). In two separate models, one adjusting for retinol levels and one for non-provitamin A carotenoid levels, associations with preeclampsia were no longer significant. Associations with CS and gestational diabetes remained significant after adjustment.ConclusionsIn this population, there was evidence of maternal carotenoid levels modifying the relationship between pBMI and preeclampsia. Future studies should further explore the ability of carotenoids to influence pregnancy outcomes.Funding SourcesUNMC Pediatrics Department; Child Health Research Institute.

TEST LEVELS OF LYCOPENE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN NATURALLY FERMENTED TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM)

The natural fermentation method for tomatoes is an alternative to avoid rotting tomatoes and increase their selling value. Fermentation is also able to increase the secondary metabolites. Tomatoes contain lycopene as an antioxidant. The aim of the study was to calculate lycopene levels and antioxidant activity in naturally fermented tomatoes. Research method: total lycopene levels were measured using a UV-Vis 472 nm spectrophotometer. Antioxidant levels were measured using the DPPH method (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picryl Hydrazil). The results showed that the lycopene content of fresh tomatoes was 0.05149mg/100mL while naturally fermented tomatoes were 0.1254 mg/100mL. Antioxidant levels in fresh tomatoes were based on the IC50 value, which was 57.93 mg/L, while the IC50 for fermented tomatoes was 45.82 mg. /L. The conclusion of this study was the levels of lycopene in naturally fermented tomatoes were higher and the levels of antioxidants in naturally fermented tomatoes were higher than in fresh tomatoes.

Insufficient Lycopene Intake Is Associated With High Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2010).

Although lycopene intake and risk of prostate cancer have been explored for decades, recent studies show that Non-Hispanic Black Prostate Cancer (PCa) patients benefit less than Non-Hispanic White patients from a lycopene intake intervention program. This study examined whether a lycopene intake-related racial disparity exists in reducing the risk of PCa in healthy adults. Data on healthy, cancer-free Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) men (n = 159) and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) men (n = 478) from the 2003 to 2010 NHANES dataset were analyzed. Total lycopene intake from daily diet, age, living status, race/ethnicity, education level, poverty income ratio, body mass index, and smoking status were studied as independent variables. The combination of total Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level and the ratio of free PSA was set as criteria for evaluating the risk of PCa. Multivariable logistic regression was used in race-stratified analyses to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) comparing high PCa risk with low PCa risk. We found, in the whole population, race/ethnicity was the only factor that influenced lycopene intake from the daily diet. NHB men consumed less lycopene than NHW men (3,716 vs. 6,487 (mcg), p = 0.01). Sufficient lycopene intake could reduce the risk of PCa (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.85, p = 0.02). Men aged between 66 and 70 had high PCa risk (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.12–9.85, p = 0.03). Obesity served as a protective factor against the high risk of PCa (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12–0.54, p = 0.001). NHW men aged between 66 and 70 had a high risk of PCa (OR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.02–15.73, p = 0.05). Obese NHW men also had lower risk of PCa (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07–0.47 p = 0.001). NHB men had a high risk of PCa compared to NHW men (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.35–3.81 p = 0.004). NHB men who were living without partners experienced an even higher risk of PCa (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.01–11.19 p = 0.07). Sufficient lycopene intake from daily food could serve as a protector against PCa. Such an association was only observed in NHW men. Further studies are needed to explore the dose-response relationship between lycopene intake and the association of PCa risk in NHB men.

Postharvest Quality Evolution in Long Shelf-Life “Vesuviano” Tomato Landrace

“Vesuviano” or “piennolo” tomato is among the most famous Italian small tomato landraces and is cultivated on the slopes of Vesuvio volcano (Southern Italy). The “piennolo” tomato is an interesting case with regard to its potential sustainability, as it is traditionally grown in water-deficit conditions with a low fertilizer input. Fruits with a high firmness and a thick skin can be stored for 3–4 months at room temperature (“long shelf-life” or LSL tomato) without postharvest fungicide applications. The aim of this research was to study the retention, changes in quality, and nutritional traits of “Vesuviano” tomatoes over 120 days of “natural” storage. The dry matter, soluble sugar, organic acids, volatile compounds, and carotenoid contents were evaluated at harvesting and in fruits stored for 40, 80, and 120 days. Slight decreases in dry matter content, soluble sugars, and sweetness index were found, while the organic acids levels remained relatively stable. Moreover, interesting increases in the concentrations of certain flavor volatiles, alcohols, aldehydes, and terpenes were detected. Regarding carotenoids, the total lycopene levels exhibited a 1.5-fold increase from harvest to 120 days. The unchanged lycopene cis-isomer levels and the β-carotene/total lycopene ratio is characteristic of relatively stable isomerization activity and indicated an optimal ripening pattern up until the end of the “natural” storage period. These results, which demonstrate good overall quality retention of this LSL tomato, represent a well-grounded reason to enhance the cultivation and marketing of this genetic resource, the fruits of which can be appreciated by consumers during the winter–early spring, when high-quality fresh tomatoes are not available on the markets.

Non-volatile and volatile metabolic profiling of tomato juice processed by high-hydrostatic-pressure and high-temperature short-time

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing has become a commercial success in fruit and vegetable processing. Herein, the effects of HHP and high-temperature short-time (HTST) processing on metabolic profiling in tomato juice was evaluated by UPLC–MS/MS, HPLC, and GC–MS; a total of 425 metabolites, 14 carotenoids, and 56 volatile compounds were identified in tomato juice. HHP processing affects the composition of the juice less than HTST processing, considering 4 and 33 differential metabolites discriminated after HHP and HTST processing, respectively. The total lycopene and carotenoid contents in tomato juice increased after HHP processing, while the β-carotene and lycopene contents decreased after HTST processing. Further, more volatile compounds and higher contents of aldehydes that contribute to green aroma and lower contents of alcohols were observed after HHP and HTST processing, respectively. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the advantages of HHP processing on metabolite profiles in tomato juice.

Postharvest spraying of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances shelf life qualities and zinc concentration of tomato fruits

Plant growth relies on the bioavailability of essential nutrients in the growth environment. Access to mineral nutrients is particularly challenging for crops cultivated in alkaline soil, and in these environments, postharvest application may be effective. Advancements in nanotechnology have provided approaches to improve the essential nutrient content of plants and shelf life of produce. Mineralisation by nanoparticles is a promising postharvest technique that can fortify the essential minerals of plants. This study investigated the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a potential nano-agent to enhance Zn content in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), with ZnO-NPs at 100 mg L–1 applied externally to tomatoes postharvest for 4 weeks. The assimilation of Zn into the tomato tissues was quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The main shelf life factors affecting tomato quality, including microbial spoilage, water loss and colour change, were studied. All experimental data were incorporated through the neural networks model to simulate microbial involvement in fruit spoilage. The biological spoilage factor in the shelf life of tomatoes was projected with high accuracy and a relative error of 3%. Application of ZnO-NPs was associated with 47% inhibition of microbial growth on tomatoes, which may enhance the total lycopene content by up to 6%. In addition, the Zn content of tomatoes was significantly enhanced by 17%. The results also shed light on the thermal conductivity of Zn metal, which increased the dehydration of tomatoes and improved colour maturation. This study provides vital information about the beneficial application of ZnO-NPs and their role in mineralisation to enhance the shelf life of tomatoes.

Ultrasound Processing of Vinegar: Modelling the Impact on Bioactives and Other Quality Factors

In recent years, non-thermal technology has been used for the enrichment of ultrasound bioactive components. For this purpose, it was applied to tomato vinegar and modeled with response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). At the end of the RSM, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (68.64%), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (62.47%), total flavonoid content (2.44 mg CE/mL), total phenolic content (12.22 mg GAE/mL), total ascorbic acid content (2.53 mg/100 mL) and total lycopene (5.44 μg/mL) were determined. The ANN model has higher prediction accuracy than RSM. The microstructure, microbiological properties, sensory analysis, ACE (angiotensin-converting–enzyme) inhibitor and antidiabetic effects of the ultrasound-treated tomato vinegar (UTV) (8.9 min and 74.5 amplitude), traditional tomato vinegar (TTV) and pasteurized tomato vinegar (PTV) samples were then evaluated. UTV was generally appreciated by the panelists. It was determined that the microbiological properties were affected by the ultrasound treatment. UTV was found to have more effective ACE inhibitor and antidiabetic properties than other vinegar samples. As a result, the bioactive components of tomato vinegar were enriched with ultrasound treatment and positive effects on health were determined.

Quality changes kinetic of tomato during transportation and storage

AbstractKinetic models were performed to investigate the quality changes of tomatoes. The samples were transported from three different distances (100, 154, and 205 km), and then stored at a temperature of 10 and 22°C. Physical (weight loss, color, and firmness), chemical (titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSSs), sugar/acid ratio, and pH), and nutritional (total lycopene and carotenoids) quality parameters of tomato were measured for 12 days of storage. Transportation of tomatoes from the long‐distance transportation and storage at 22°C resulted in a higher increase in weight loss, redness, color index, total lycopene, and carotenoids, and a higher decrease in firmness, color lightness, TA, and so forth. The results showed that the quality changes were well described by the zero‐order kinetic model (with a coefficient of determination R2 = values of .9993–.8400). Weight loss, total lycopene, and carotenoids were adequately fitted with the zero‐order kinetic model, where TSSs and most firmness experimental values were successfully fitted with the first‐order kinetic model. In all cases, the reaction rate constant (k) was higher at 22°C storage temperature compared to storage at 10°C. To validate the appropriateness of the selected models, weight loss, firmness, some color parameters, TA, and total lycopene were taken as examples. All the experimental and predicted data showed a strong agreement. Overall, the results of this study could help the distributors, processors, and consumers to identify the storage time and the ideal edible time.Practical applicationsThe practical application obtainable from our research is the classification of fresh produce based on their maturity stage is required to select the suitable packaging with high strength material during long‐distance transportation. Also, the practical objective of the study is to improve refrigeration storage condition of tomato or many other fresh produce after transportation in the industrial field to maintain its quality attributes for long time. In particular, the proposed study establishes the correlation between transport distance, storage temperature, and duration and the quality attributes of tomato to obtain a mathematical model to predict the quality changes during storage and to assess the effect of transport distance on tomato. The knowledge of such type of data can help to develop an advanced supply chain strategies like transporting, storage, and routing policies.

Dietary Antioxidant Micronutrient Intake and Toxicity during Remission Induction in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Results from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium Trial 05-001

Introduction: Treatment related toxicities are a major contributor to morbidity during induction therapy in childhood ALL. Our prior study in 103 children with ALL suggested that low intakes of antioxidant micronutrients were associated with toxicity and delays in chemotherapy administration (Am J Clin Nutr 79:1029, 2004). The objective of this study was to examine whether inadequate antioxidant micronutrient dietary intake in children with ALL is associated with episodes of infection or ≥grade 3 mucositis during Remission Induction.Methods: Assessment of dietary intake was collected in patients (pts) ages 1-17.9 years enrolled on the DFCI ALL Consortium Protocol 05-001 from 2005-2011. Institutional review board approval was obtained by each of the 9 participating centers. Grade 3 or higher (NCI CTCAEvs) mucositis, culture positive bacteremia and fungemia, and radiographic invasive fungal disease were prospectively collected. Dietary intake was assessed with the Harvard Service Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for children ages 1-5 years and the Youth and Adolescent Harvard FFQ for children ages 5-18 years and queried about intake in the past 30 days at the end of induction. Dietary antioxidant intake from food sources ± supplementation was examined by comparing consumption above and below recommended intake for age and sex as per the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). Micronutrient intake was summarized with descriptive statistics and plotted by the presence/absence of a given toxicity in induction. Categorical and continuous variables were compared between group with the Fisher's exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test respectively. Logistic regression was used to model the probability of a given toxicity univariately and with a multivariable adjustment for sex and age.Results: Among 794 eligible pts, 561 (71%) had analyzable FFQs. The sample with dietary surveys responses was marginally younger (p=0.06) and more often classified as initial standard risk (p=0.01) than those with no end of induction survey. DRI recommendations were not met for vitamin C (18%), vitamin E (67%) and zinc (12%); 39% of pts reported zinc overconsumption. 141 (25%) of pts with dietary data had ≥1 bacterial and/or fungal infection, 131 (23%) had ≥1 bacterial infection, and 19 (3%) had ≥1 fungal infection. 24 (4%) pts experienced at least 1 event of ≥grade 3 mucositis. Female sex was associated with overall and bacterial infection (p=0.02) and marginally with mucositis (p=0.06). The proportion of patients with ≥Grade 3 mucositis was marginally higher (p=0.06) for those not meeting the vitamin C recommendation (OR=2.3; 95% CI 1.0-5.5), but was not significant (p=0.10) in a multivariable model. Supplementation was reported by 88 (16%) for zinc, vitamins C, E, and A in combination, 16 (3%) for β-carotene and total carotene, and 87 (15%) for vitamin E alone. Intake levels of vitamins C, E, and A, zinc and total carotenoids from food sources and total (food + supplementation) were compared for pts with and without infection and mucositis (unadjusted for age/sex) (Figure 1). Bacterial infection was associated with low intake from food only of zinc (p=0.02), vitamin A (p=0.01), and vitamin E (p=0.049). Mucositis was associated with the following: low intakes of vitamin C from food (p=0.04), vitamin E from food (p=0.03), total lycopene (p=0.03), total α-carotene (p=0.01), total β-carotene (p=0.007) and from food (p=0.008), total carotene (p=0.005) and carotene from food (p=0.006), and total vitamin A (p=0.01) and vitamin A from food (p=0.004). Females age <10 had higher rates of bacterial infection with low β-carotene (p=0.05) and vitamin A from food (p=0.004). In males age ≥10, low vitamin E from food was observed in those with bacterial infections (p=0.05). Supplementation did not confer an added benefit for most nutrients.Conclusions: Confirming our pilot study, data from a large prospective cohort show that low dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids and zinc primarily from food sources predict risk for bacterial infection or mucositis during induction therapy for childhood ALL. Dietary supplementation for most vitamins and minerals did not confer an added benefit for prevention of infection or mucositis over levels obtained from food. Our results suggest a possible modifiable dietary intervention to reduce toxicity during induction therapy for ALL. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Associations Between Serum Lycopene and Cancer-Related Fatigue: Findings From the US 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Abstract Objectives Cancer-related fatigue is characterized by an overwhelming sense of tiredness that cannot be relieved by sleep or rest; it often persists for years into survivorship. Maintaining appropriate nutritional status is critical during cancer treatment, though few studies have assessed relationships between diet quality and cancer-related fatigue. Herein, we aimed to investigate the association between serum lycopene, a proxy for diet quality, and fatigue in a large representative sample of the US population. Methods Data were obtained from the 2005–2006 NHANES dataset. Serum total lycopene was quantified from fasting blood samples and used as a continuous variable. Patient-reported fatigue was assessed from a question on the validated Patient Health Questionnaire-9: “Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by… feeling tired or having little energy?”; fatigue was categorized as no fatigue (0), low fatigue (1), or moderate-severe fatigue (2–3). Multinomial regression models were applied to assess the association between serum lycopene and fatigue while controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for having low or moderate-severe vs. no fatigue for a 10-μg/dL increase in serum lycopene for all participants and those with a previous cancer diagnosis. Results Participants (n = 4091) were 48.3 ± 18.7 years old, 52% female, and 51.7% non-Hispanic White; 329 had a prior cancer diagnosis. A self-reported cancer diagnosis was associated with a 31.8% greater odds of having moderate-severe vs. no fatigue (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.12–1.55) and a 6.8% greater odds of having low fatigue (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.93–1.22). A 10-μg/dl increase in serum lycopene concentrations was associated with a 5.3% lower odds of moderate-severe vs. no fatigue (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90–0.99) and a similar odds of low fatigue (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97–1.04). These associations were similar for patients who had had a cancer diagnosis. Conclusions Higher levels of serum lycopene were associated with lower odds of moderate-severe. Dietary interventions should be further explored for their associations with cancer-related fatigue among patients with cancer and cancer survivors. Funding Sources National Cancer Institute.

Chemical and nutritional quality changes of tomato during postharvest transportation and storage

Transportation over longer distances could accelerate the chemical changes of fresh produce. Moreover, fresh produce quality is also influenced by temperature conditions during storage. The present study aims to explore the postharvest quality chemical and nutritional changes in tomatoes as affected by transportation distance and storage conditions. Tomato fruit was transported from a local farm to three distances (100, 154, and 205 km) and delivered to the laboratory to undergo chemical and nutritional quality analysis. Tomatoes were stored at two storage temperature conditions at10°C (95 ± 1% relative humidity) and 22 °C (65 ± 5% relative humidity) for 12 days. To record all vibration data signals, a 3-Axis USB vibration/acceleration data logger was used during transportation. The changes in chemical properties of tomato including total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sugar:acid ratio (TSS:TA), and pH were measured. Furthermore, nutritional changes (i.e., total lycopene and carotenoids) were determined. Vibration data results recorded 41% of acceleration occurrence in the range interval of 0.0099 -0.0116 m/s 2 in the longest distance of road travel. Chemical quality indicators like total soluble solids and sugar/acid ratio were mostly affected (p < 0.05) by storage condition and duration but not (p > 0.05) by transportation distance. However, TA was significantly affected by all investigated factors and was lower (0.25%) in tomatoes transported from the farthest distance compared to medium and shortest distances (0.26%) stored at 22 °C. Lycopene and carotenoids were highly affected by all studied factors. The highest amount of lycopene and carotenoids was observed in tomato transported from a long distance and stored at 22 °C on day12 with 1.21 and 1.55 mg.100 g −1 FW, respectively. The temperature during storage and long-distance transportation is critical in reducing postharvest chemical and nutritional quality losses of tomatoes.