Total Phytosterols Research Articles

Phytosterol intake and overall survival in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients: An ambispective cohort study.

BackgroundPhytosterol is a bioactive compound existing in all plant foods, which might have anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to first assess the impact of the pre-diagnosis phytosterol intake on overall survival (OS) of patients with ovarian cancer (OC).Materials and methodsThis ambispective cohort study recruited 703 newly diagnosed OC patients to investigate the aforementioned associations. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 111-item food frequency questionnaire. Deaths were ascertained until March 31, 2021, through active follow-up and medical records. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsDuring the median follow-up of 37.17 months, 130 deaths occurred. The median age at diagnosis of 703 OC patients was 53.00 (interquartile: 48.00–60.00) years. Of these, almost half patients (48.08%) were diagnosed in advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (III-IV). Additionally, more than half patients were serous carcinoma (68.14%), poorly differentiated (85.21%), and no residual lesions (78.66%). Patients consumed the highest tertile of dietary campesterol (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.31–0.94, P trend < 0.05), stigmasterol (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37–0.98), and β-sitosterol (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40–0.99) were significantly associated with better OS compared with those with the lowest tertile of intake. The curvilinear associations were observed between total phytosterols and β-sitosterol intake and OC survival (P non-linear < 0.05). Significant associations were generally consistent across different subgroups stratified by demographical, clinical, and immunohistochemical characteristics. Moreover, there were significant interactions between phytosterol intake and age at diagnosis, body mass index, as well as expressions of Wilms’ tumor-1 and Progestogen Receptor (all P interaction < 0.05).ConclusionPre-diagnosis higher campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol intake were associated with better survival among OC patients.

Seven underutilized species of the Fabaceae family with high potential for industrial application as alternative sources of oil and lipophilic bioactive compounds

Fabaceae is the third largest family in the plant world, mainly considered a source of relatively valuable plant protein and a rather poor source of oil. The present study shows that several legume species (Bauhinia purpurea, Phanera vahlii, Butea monosperma, Caesalpinia crista, Gliricidia sepium, Mimosa pudica, Millettia pinnata) can be also considered as an alternative source of oil. The oil yield in studied species (19–36%) was similar or even higher than in soybean (Glycine max), the most known representant of the Fabaceae family. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids constitute 87–99% of detected fatty acids with predomination of unsaturated (62–82%). All obtained oils were rich sources of tocopherols (79–187 mg/100 g oil), mainly α (five species) and γ (two species) homologues. With the exception of M. pinnata, where Δ5-stigmasterol (25%) and α-amyrin (26%) were the main phytosterols, β-sitosterol, Δ5-stigmasterol and campesterol constituted 51–96% of total phytosterols with a predomination of β-sitosterol (36–64%). The total carotenoid and phytosterol contents in studied Fabaceae species were in the range 0.6–8.9 and 175–622 mg/100 g oil, respectively. The present study demonstrated that several legume seeds could be considered a valuable source of oil and lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Investigation on Biosynthesis of Phytosterol Compounds in Ayvalık Olive Variety (Olea europaea L.) During Ripening under Conventional and Organic Cultivation Conditions

Olive oil obtained from the fruit of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) belonging to the Oleaceae family; basically consists of two parts: saponifiable and unsaponifiable parts. The saponifiable fraction represents about 98% by weight of the oil. On the contrary, the unsaponifiable fraction constitutes about 2% of the total oil weight. Phytosterols constitute the largest part of the unsaponifiable fraction and are the most important parameter to establish the purity of olive oil. Olive oil quality is affected by many factors, the most important being the ripening stage. Phytosterol content changes with maturation. Because the metabolic events in its structure continue until the fruit ripens. This study was carried out in Ayvalık olive variety grown with organic and conventional growing techniques during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Fruits obtained from Geyikli region of Çanakkale province were harvested in 8 different maturity stages (September– December) at 15-day intervals. Phytosterol contents of fruits and changes in phytosterols in olive ripening process were determined periodically by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) technique. At the end of the study, the total phytosterol content of the fruits harvested from both conventional and organic orchards during both production seasons in both years, depending on the maturity index. Phytosterol components were found to increase regularly until December, but it decrease after December. While the maximum total sterol amount was determining 2.008 g kg-1 on 08.12.2019, it was 2.520 g kg-1 on 06.12.2020. After this date, it was observed that the total sterol content decreased as a result of over-ripening.

An advanced aqueous method of recovering pumpkin seed kernel oils and de-oiled meal: Optimization and comparison with other methods

The optimal process conditions of the advanced aqueous method for recovering oil and de-oiled meal from pumpkin seed kernels were: baking the kernels at 110 °C for 1 min, grinding them to pass through a sieve of 150 μm pore size, adding 1.60 ml brine to 10.00 g ground kernels, stirring for 30 min at 30 °C, centrifuging at 4000 r/min for 30 min and cold-pressing the residue from centrifugation. This method recovered &gt; 94% oil. Its oil recovery rate was comparable to that of solvent extraction and higher than that of enzyme-assisted aqueous method or hot-pressing. It recovered edible oil with higher quality and level of coenzyme Q10, tocopherols, carotenoids, total phytosterols and squalene as compared to solvent extraction or hot-pressing and requirements of China’s national standard. It is superior to enzyme-assisted aqueous method or hot-pressing for recovering de-oiled meal which is suitable for making texturized protein.

Association of Dietary Phytosterols Intake and Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background The association of dietary phytosterols intake with survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. This study was to examine the effect of dietary phytosterols intake on ESCC survival in a Chinese rural population. Methods A total of 942 incident ESCC patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2013 in Yanting area were followed up until March 1st, 2020. Dietary intake five years before ESCC diagnosis was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. The outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results When comparing the highest with lowest intake quartiles, intake of five specific and total phytosterols was not significantly associated with risk of death after adjustment for covariates, the adjusted HR (95% CI) for β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitostanol, campestanol and total phytosterols was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.70-1.16), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.71-1.19), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.66-1.12), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.73-1.20), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.72-1.21), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.69-1.15), respectively. Conclusion This study does not find any association between pre-diagnostic phytosterols intake and risk of all-cause mortality among ESCC patients. Further research is required to determine the effect of post-diagnostic phytosterols intake on ESCC survival.

Microwave treatment of rice bran and its effect on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity

An alternative approach for rice bran stabilization is microwave treatment. However, the effects of the microwave treatment on the contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of the rice bran have rarely been reported in detail. In this study, microwave pretreatment (130–880 W for 0.5–5.0 min) of rice bran was proposed where the antioxidant activity, total flavonoids, and total phenolic contents were determined using UV–Vis spectrometry. Tocols, γ-oryzanols, squalene, phytosterols and phenolic compounds were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed an increase in the antioxidant activity (0.5 folds), total phenolic contents (1.3 folds), total flavonoid contents (0.9 folds), total tocols (2.6 folds), total γ-oryzanols (1.6 folds), and total phytosterols (1.4 folds). Phytochemicals were enhanced, especially trans-p-coumaric acid (10.3 folds) and kaempferol (8.6 folds). The microwave treatment at 440 W for 2.5 min provided the best contents of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. This work revealed the microwave treatment as a potential tool for stabilizing rice bran and increasing the usability of its phytochemicals, which applies to several industries concerning the use of rice bran as an ingredient.

Relationship between phytosterol intake and cardiovascular disease in the adult Polish population

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Plant sterols are compounds with multiple biological functions, mainly cholesterol-reducing. Although phytosterols lower LDL-cholesterol, their relationship to cardiovascular risk is unclear. Purpose To assess dietary total phytosterol, β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol and to determine the relationship between total plant sterols and the chance of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the adult Polish population. Methods Within the frame of the National Multicenter Health Survey (WOBASZ II), a random sample of the whole Polish population aged 20 years and above was screened during the years 2013-2014. Dietary habits and an interview of a history of CVD were assessed in 2554 men and 3136 women. The international food databases were used to develop a database on plant sterols in the products consumed in Poland. Plant sterols were calculated from the amount of food consumed by the participants combined with the phytosterol content of the food. The subjects were divided according to the tertiles of total phytosterol intake – 1st tertile (mean [mg/day]); 153 (men 174; women 141); 2nd tertile – 257 (293; 233 respectively), and 3rd tertile 439 (496; 383). The logistic regression method was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of the occurrence of CVD in phytosterol tertiles after adjustment for age, BMI and consumption of lipid-lowering drugs, fiber, and alcohol. Results The average total plant sterol intake [mg/day] was significantly lower in subjects with CVD than in subjects without CVD (men 299 vs 326, p= 0.0016 and women 238 vs 256, p= 0.0016); β-sitosterol (186 vs 201, p= 0.0062 and 149 vs 160 p= 0.0016 respectively), campesterol (63.2 vs 70.6; p=0.0044 and 46.8 vs 51.9 p= 0.0015) and stigmasterol (24.2 vs 26.9; p=0.0017; 20.7 vs 23.1 p=0.0023). In the whole group there was a significantly lower OR=0.695 (0.528-0.916) of developing CVD in the third tertile compared to the first. In men, the odds ratios of CVD were significantly lower in the second tertile OR=0.637 (95%CI 0.445-0.911) and in the third tertile OR=0.581 (95%CI 0.372-0.907) compared to the first tertile. In women, the trends were similar, although no significant differences were shown – in the second tertile OR = 0.927 (95% CI 0.695-1.237) and in the third tertile OR=0.843 (95%CI 0.600-1.184). In addition, there was a better overall quality of nutrition in people in the third tertile of phytosterol intake compared to the first tertile. Conclusion The content of phytosterols in the diet may determine the chance of developing CVD, especially in men.

Effect of microwave pretreatment of perilla seeds on minor bioactive components content and oxidative stability of oil

This study investigated the effects of different microwave power (380 W, 540 W, 700 W) and time (0–10 min) on the minor bioactive components content and oxidative stability of perilla oil. The results indicated that fatty acids in perilla oil were slightly affected by microwave treatment. The oxidative stability of perilla oil increased with increasing microwave treatment intensity and the oil from perilla seeds treated at 700 W for 10 min had the highest oxidative stability. Compared with other microwave treatments, treatment with 700 W for 10 min resulted in significant increases in the total phytosterols content, Maillard reaction products and DPPH radical scavenging activity of perilla oil, while showed dramatic reductions in the total tocopherol content, phenolic compounds content and lipase activity. These results proved that microwave treatment of perilla seeds was an effective way to improve the quality of perilla oil.

Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Anticancer Characteristics of Seed Oil from Three Chenopodium quinoa Genotypes.

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is recognized to be an excellent nutrient with high nutritional content. However, few genotypes of quinoa were analyzed, so we found a knowledge gap in the comparison of quinoa seeds of different genotypes. This study aims to compare the physicochemical, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of seed oil from three C. quinoa genotypes. Seeds of three genotypes (white, red, and black) were extracted with hexane and compared in this study. The oil yields of these quinoa seeds were 5.68–6.19% which contained predominantly polyunsaturated fatty acids (82.78–85.52%). The total tocopherol content ranged from 117.29 to 156.67 mg/kg and mainly consisted of γ-tocopherol. Total phytosterols in the three oils ranged from 9.4 to 12.2 g/kg. Black quinoa seed oil had the highest phytosterols followed by red and white quinoas. The chemical profile of quinoa seed oils paralleled by their antioxidant and anticancer activities in vitro was positively correlated with the seed coat color. Black quinoa seed oil had the best antioxidant and anti-proliferation effect on HCT 116 cells by the induction of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which may play more significant roles in the chemoprevention of cancer and other diseases related to oxidative stress as a source of functional foods.

Quality evaluation of oil by cold-pressed peanut from different growing regions in China.

In this study, twenty‐six peanut varieties and their cold‐pressed oils from eleven provinces in China were investigated for their oil content, acid value, peroxide value, fatty acid profiles, bioactive constituents, and induction period (IP) of lipid oxidation. Meanwhile, the effect of the geographical origin of peanut on the quality of cold‐pressed peanut oils (CPOs) was studied. The average acid value of CPOs in southern China was higher than that in northern China (0.49 mg KOH/g versus 0.22 mg KOH/g, p > .05). In addition, the average of oleic acid content, ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid (O/L), and IP were also higher in southern China than that in northern China (p < .05). However, the average content of campesterol, β‐sitosterol, total phytosterol, linoleic acid, and ratio of unsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid (UFA/SFA) exhibited reverse results (p < .05). At last, the comprehensive evaluation of CPOs based on principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. In all samples, Silihong from Liaoning province, northern China was No.1, and Zhonghua 21 from Xiaogan City, Hubei Province was No.4 which was the first one from southern China. Moreover, heat map clustering analysis further revealed the differences and similarities among different samples, and those results were in accordance with the comprehensive evaluation results.

Genome-Wide Association Study Uncovers Loci and Candidate Genes Underlying Phytosterol Variation in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame is one of the most important oilseed crops grown worldwide. It provides diverse nutraceuticals—including lignans, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), phytosterols, etc.—to humans. Among sesame’s nutraceuticals, phytosterols have received less attention from sesame breeders, although their biological and pharmacological functions have been recorded. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the variation of phytosterol contents in 402 sesame accessions grown in two environments and revealed their associated loci and candidate genes. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis unveiled that sesame mainly contains four phytosterols: campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and Δ5-avenasterol. β-sitosterol (1.6–4.656 mg/g) was the major phytosterol, followed by campesterol (0–2.847 mg/g), stigmasterol (0.356–1.826 mg/g), and Δ5-avenasterol (0–1.307 mg/g). The total phytosterol content varied from 2.694 to 8.388 mg/g. Genome-wide association study identified 33 significant associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for the four traits, of which Ch6-39270 and Ch11-142842 were environmentally stable and simultaneously linked with campesterol and stigmasterol content variation. Candidate genes screening indicated that SINPZ1100015 encoding a NAC domain-containing protein 43 is likely the major candidate effect gene of phytosterol variation in sesame. The results of this study extend knowledge of phytosterol variation in sesame and provide important resources for markers-assisted breeding of high-phytosterol content varieties.

Assessment of obtaining sunflower oil from enzymatic aqueous extraction using protease enzymes

The aim of this work was to maximize the enzymatic aqueous extraction (EAE) of sunflower seed oil using protease enzymes from the evaluation of various temperatures, pH and enzyme concentrations, using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The effect of a thermal pre-treatment of sunflower seeds on free oil yield (FOY) and oil quality was also determined. In the experimental range adopted, a lower temperature (40 °C) provided higher FOY values, as well as the intermediate pH (8.00) and maximum enzyme concentration (9% v/v). Thermal pre-treatment provided an increase in FOY in the initial extraction times (60 to 180 min) and decreased of the extraction time of 4 to 3 h to obtain the highest FOY value (~16%). The fatty acid composition of the oils obtained showed a predominance of oleic (~47.5%) and linoleic acids (~39.5%). The total phytosterol content in the samples was hardly affected by the heat pre-treatment of the seeds, while the fatty acid profile, tocopherol content and oxidative stability were not altered.

Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Enzymatic Extraction on Fatty Acid Profiles, Physicochemical Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Elaeagnus mollis Oil.

Elaeagnus mollis oil extracted from the nuts of Elaeagnus mollis Diels can be used in food and pharmaceutical applications due to its excellent nutritional value. An ultrasound-assisted solvent enzymatic extraction (UASEE) method was used to extract oil from Elaeagnus mollis Diels with n-hexane solvent (1:11.6 g/mL) and 1.1% (w/w) mixed enzymes (neutral protease:hemicellulase:pectinase = 1:1:1, w/w/w). The physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, morphology, and thermal stability of UASEE oil were investigated and compared with soxhlet extraction (SE) oil and cold pressing (CP) oil. The UASEE oil exhibited a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids (93.96 ± 0.28%), total tocopherols and tocotrienols (147.32 ± 2.19 mg/100 g), total phytosterols (261.78 ± 5.74 mg/100 g), squalene (96.75 ± 0.31 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (84.76 ± 2.37 mg GAE/kg), and antioxidant activity (12.52 ± 0.28 mg/mL) than SE and CP oil. The lower peroxide value and acid value in UASEE oil indicated its better quality and lower likelihood of rancidity. The oil obtained using UASEE had higher thermal stability as well, as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the UASEE process causes damage to cell walls, and the leakage of substances in the cells facilitates extraction in the following step. Thus, UASEE is a promising processing method for the extraction of Elaeagnus mollis oil.

Lipid Profiles in Preliminary Germinated Brown Rice Beverages Compared to Non-Germinated Brown and White Rice Beverages

Brown rice is nutritionally superior to white rice, yet oil rancidity can be problematic during processing and storage regarding sensory attributes. Germinating brown rice is known to generally increase some health-promoting compounds. In response to increasing the consumption of plant-based beverages, we sprouted unstabilized brown rice, using green technologies and saccharification enzymes for value-added beverages. ‘Rondo’ paddy rice was dehulled, sorted and germinated, and beverages were produced and compared against non-germinated brown and white brewers rice beverages. The preliminary germinated brown rice beverage contained significantly higher concentrations of total lipids, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, free sterols, phytosterol esters and oryzanols than both non-germinated brown and white rice beverages. White rice beverages had significantly higher free fatty acids. Significant lipid losses occurred during sieving, yet novel germinated brown rice beverages contained appreciable levels of valuable health-beneficial lipids, which appeared to form natural emulsions. Further pilot plant investigations should be scaled-up for pasteurization and adjusted through emulsification to ameliorate sieving losses.

Concentration of Pro-Health Compound of Sorghum Grain-Based Foods.

More than 35% of the world sorghum seed production is a human food source. The main ingredient of fully ripe sorghum grains is starch. Sorghum does not contain gluten, and it is also a rich source of antioxidant compounds other than vitamins or macro- and microelements, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and sterols. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and the content of selected bioactive compounds, i.e., total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, and total phytosterols, as well as determination of the qualitative and quantitative profile of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phytosterols in various food products, the basic ingredient of which was sorghum grain. It was found that antioxidant activity is related to the total phenolic compounds content. The ABTS•+ ranged from 319 to 885 µmol TROLOX/kg. However, white sorghum grain flour contained almost two times more polyphenols than red sorghum grain flour. The FPA ranged from 224 in raw pasta to 689 mgGAE/100 g in white sorghum grain. During this study, the quantitative profile of selected polyphenols in grain flour, wafers, pasta, and cookies containing sorghum grain was also investigated, as well as the content of 11 selected phenolic acids. Total content of the latter ranged from 445 to 2850 mg/kg. Phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol were found in all the analyzed products. Based on this research, it was investigated that the products containing sorghum grains can be classified as functional food.

Effects of Deodorization on the Formation of Processing Contaminants and Chemical Quality of Sunflower Oil.

Tocopherols and phytosterols are generally considered to be nutritionally beneficial, and 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPD esters), glycidyl esters (GEs) and trans fatty acids (TFAs) are generally considered to be harmful. The high temperature deodorization step is when these harmful 3-MCPD esters, GEs and TFAs are generated. Knowing how deodorization conditions affect levels of these substances is essential for designing refining processes that will produce nutritious, high quality edible oils. This study analyzed the changes of these components of sunflower oil at different temperatures (210, 230, 250 and 270°C) and times (60, 80, 100 and 120 min) during deodorization. Our research found that during the whole deodorization process (including undeodorized sunflower oil), the contents of 3-MCPD esters, GEs and TFAs all progressively increased, from 0.47 to 11.18 mg/kg, 0.24 to 18.42 mg/kg and 0.062% to 0.698%, respectively. However, the deodorization process significantly decreased the levels of tocopherols (from 535.94 to 240.26 mg/kg) and phytosterols (from 2803.58 to 1864.34 mg/kg). Meanwhile, the retention ratios of total tocopherols and total phytosterols also decreased from 96.29% to 44.83% and 92.29% to 66.50%, respectively.

Lipid Composition of Germinated and Non-Germinated Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Found in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an underutilized oil-bearing seed found in Nigeria. The fatty acid, phospholipids and phytosterols composition of germinated and non-germinated seed of Sorghum bicolor were evaluated using standard analytical techniques. The result showed that the most concentrated fatty acids (%) found in the geminated and non-germinated oils were linoleic acid (41.16, 59.45), oleic acid (33.80, 23.05), palmitic acid (18.20, 10.68) and stearic acid (2.35, 1.72). The fatty acids composition of the germinated and non-germinated oils contained a healthy mixture of all the types of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The polyunsaturated/saturated index (P/S) was 2.12 % and 3.82 % for germinated and non-germinated oils, respectively. The most prominent phospholipids (mg/100 g) found in the germinated seed oil was phosphatidylcholine (23.86) followed by phosphatidylethanolamine (9.22) and phosphatidylinositol (9.08) while the most prominent in the non-germinated seed oil was phosphatidylcholine (32.39) followed by phosphatidylethanolamine (13.03) and lysophosphatidylcholine (13.07). The high value of phosphatidylcholine showed that Sorghum bicolor may help in protecting the liver from disease and hepatitis. The total phytosterols for germinated and non-germinated were (45.93 mg/100 g and 56.69 mg/100 g), respectively. This suggests that Sorghum bicolor lipid is a good source of food supplement or dietary and health benefits to human.

Phytosterols in hull-less pumpkin seed oil, rich in ∆7-phytosterols, ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia by lowing 5α-reductase and regulating balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis in rats.

BackgroundPumpkin seed oil is widely used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in elder men. However, its active components and mechanism have remained to be elucidated.ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to investigate the active components of pumpkin seed oil and its mechanism against BPH.DesignTotal phytosterol (TPS) was isolated from hull-less pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. var. Styriaca) seed oil and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Three phytosterols were purified by preparative HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and confirmed by NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). TPS (3.3 mg/kg body weight, 1 mL/day/rat) was administered intragastrically to the testosterone propionate-induced BPH rats for 4 weeks. The structure changes of prostate tissues were assessed by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of androgen receptor (AR) and steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, while that of 5α-reductase (5AR), apoptosis, or proliferation-related growth factors/proteins was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or western blotting.ResultsThe ∆7-phytosterols in TPS reached up to 87.64%. Among them, 24β-ethylcholesta-7,22,25-trienol, 24β-ethylcholesta-7,25(27)-dien-3-ol, and ∆7-avenasterol were confirmed by NMR. TPS treatment significantly ameliorated the pathological prostate enlargement and restored histopathological alterations of prostate in BPH rats. It effectively suppressed the expressions of 5AR, AR, and coactivator SRC-1. TPS inhibited the expression of proliferation-related growth factor epidermal growth factor, whereas it increased the expressions of apoptosis-related growth factor/gene transforming growth factor-β1. The proliferation-inhibiting effect was achieved by decreasing the ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) phosphorylation, while apoptosis was induced by Caspase 3 activation through JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 phosphorylation.ConclusionTPS from hull-less pumpkin seed oil, with ∆7-phytosterols as its main ingredients, is a potential nutraceutical for BPH prevention.

Genetic factors associated with alterations in liver function test results in adult hospitalized patients treated with parenteral nutrition: A substudy of a clinical trial

ObjectivesThe presence of phytosterols in vegetable-based lipid emulsions has been associated with alterations in the results of liver function tests (LFTs). Serum levels of phytosterols are under strict genetic control. T-allele carriers in rs41360247 and C-allele carriers in rs4245791 of ABCG8genes are associated with higher phytosterolemia. The objective of this study was to determine the association between these single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and LFT result alterations in an adult hospitalized population treated with parenteral nutrition. MethodsThis is a substudy of a previous clinical trial (EudraCT 2014-003597-17). It included adult hospitalized patients who had received at least 7 d of parenteral nutrition with 0.8 g/kg/d of an olive/soybean lipid emulsion, randomized 1:1 to receive the same olive/soybean emulsion or 100% fish oil at a dose of 0.4 g/kg/d for 7 d. Plasma phytosterols and their fractions, rs41360247 and rs4245791 of ABCG8 genes, and LFT were determined. Analyses of variance were performed to determine the association between the SNPs and LFT values, as well as total phytosterol values and their fractions. Simple linear regressions were performed to analyze LFT variations and the different interactions of the SNPs studied with phytosterols and their fractions. Interactions of the synergic variable plasma phytosterol and its fractions with SNPs allow us to study the interaction of the SNPs with phytosterols with a regression. ResultsWe included 19 participants. In the multivariate model, total phytosterols, sitosterol, and lanosterol were positively associated with increases in γ-glutamyltransferase. Significant increases with stigmasterol were associated with the T allele of rs41360247, whereas campesterol showed only a tendency to increase that was not significant. Increases in alkaline phosphatase were associated with T-rs41360247 independent of the presence of phytosterols. With stigmasterol, C-allele carriers of rs4245791 showed a tendency to increase, and also for sitosterol and lanosterol, although independent of the SNP analyzed. Increases in alanine aminotransferase were positively associated with total phytosterol and sitostanol, whereas lanosterol and stigmasterol were associated with the presence of the T allele of rs41360247. ConclusionsWith both SNPs rs41360247 and rs4245791, the alteration in parameters of liver function in adult patients with short-term parenteral nutrition is conditional.

Supercritical fluid extraction of phytosterols from sugarcane bagasse: Evaluation of extraction parameters

Sugarcane bagasse, is one of the largest agriculture residues in the world and its chemical composition is interesting for several areas. Among one of the lipid components was found phytosterols. These are structurally and functionally similar to cholesterol, they are contributing to the reduction of cholesterol in the blood when consumed. Phytosterols were extracted with supercritical CO2 from sugarcane bagasse. In this work was evaluated the effect of temperature (40–80 °C), flowrate (6–10 ml min−1), pressure (200–400 bar) and co-solvent (0–10% ethanol) on extraction yield and phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol) concentration. The addition of co-solvent improves total phytosterols concentration at low pressure, but has no effect at high pressure. At optimal extraction conditions the yield was 0.92% and 0.300 mg total phytosterol g−1 dry material. The extract obtained presented a lipidic composition with possible cardiovascular health benefits due to phytosterols, policosanols and unsaturated fatty acids found.