Carotenoid Intake and Circulating Carotenoids Are Inversely Associated with the Risk of Bladder Cancer: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis

Some evidence indicates that carotenoids may reduce the risk of bladder cancer (BC), but the association is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies investigating the relation between carotenoid intake or circulating carotenoid concentrations and BC risk in men and women. All relevant epidemiologic studies were identified by a search of PubMed and Scopus databases, and the Cochrane Library from inception to April 2019 with no restrictions. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled RRs and their 95% CIs across studies for high compared with low categories of intake or circulating concentrations. We also performed a dose-response meta-analysis using the Greenland and Longnecker method and random-effects models. A total of 22 studies involving 516,740 adults were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled RRs of BC for the highest compared with the lowest category of carotenoid intake and circulating carotenoid concentrations were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.03) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.12, 1.07), respectively. The pooled RR of BC for the highest compared with lowest circulating lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.84). Dose-response analysis showed that BC risk decreased by 42% for every 1 mg increase in daily dietary β-cryptoxanthin intake (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.94); by 76% for every 1 μmol/L increase in circulating concentration of α-carotene (RR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.67); by 27% for every 1 μmol/L increase in circulating concentration of β-carotene (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.94); and by 56% for every 1 μmol/L increase in circulating concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin (RR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.67). Dietary β-cryptoxanthin intake and circulating concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein and zeaxanthin were inversely associated with BC risk. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42019133240.

Transcription activation of β-carotene biosynthetic genes at the initial stage of stresses as an indicator of the increased β-carotene accumulation in isolated Dunaliella salina strain GY-H13

β-carotene is an efficient antioxidant and its accumulation is an oxidative response to stressors. Dunaliella salina strain GY-H13 is rich in β-carotene under environmental stresses, which was selected as material to understand the molecular mechanism underlying β-carotene biosynthesis. Seven full length cDNA sequences in β-carotene biosynthesis pathway were cloned, including geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPS), phytoene synthase (PSY), phytoene desaturase (PDS), 15-cis-zeta-carotene isomerase (ZISO), zeta-carotene desaturase (ZDS), prolycopene isomerase (CRTISO), lycopene beta-cyclase (LCYb). The seven protein sequences from the strain GY-H13 showed the highest similarity with other D. salina strains. Especially, PSY, PDS and LCYb protein sequences shared 100 % identity. Phylogenetic analysis indicated all proteins from GY-H13 firstly clustered with those from other D. salina strains with a bootstrap of 100 %. Multiple alignment indicated several distinct conserved motifs such as aspartate-rich domain (ARD), dinucleotide binding domain (DBD), and carotene binding domain (CBD). These motifs are located near ligand-binding pocket, which may be required for the activity of enzyme. Expression levels of these genes and β-carotene content were measured over 24-h cycle, showing clear daily dynamics. All genes were dramatically up-regulated in the morning but the highest accumulation of β-carotene was observed at noon, suggesting a lag-effect between gene transcription and biological response. Furthermore, the accumulation of β-carotene increased under nitrogen deficiency, Cd exposure and high light and decreased under high salinity in a time-dependent manner. No gene of β-carotene biosynthesis was up-regulated by high salinity while most genes were activated by the other stresses at the beginning stage of exposure. Growth inhibition and oxidative damage were also observed under high salinity. Overall, transcription activation of β-carotene biosynthetic genes at the initial stage of stress exposure is a determinant of the increased accumulation of β-carotene in microalgae, which help their survive under harsh environments. The newly isolated D. salina strain GY-H13 would be a promising microalgae model for investigating the molecular mechanism of stress-induced β-carotene biosynthesis.

Manipulation of β-carotene levels in tomato fruits results in increased ABA content and extended shelf life

Tomato fruit ripening is controlled by the hormone ethylene and by a group of transcription factors, acting upstream of ethylene. During ripening, the linear carotene lycopene accumulates at the expense of cyclic carotenoids. Fruit-specific overexpression of LYCOPENE β-CYCLASE (LCYb) resulted in increased β-carotene (provitamin A) content. Unexpectedly, LCYb-overexpressing fruits also exhibited a diverse array of ripening phenotypes, including delayed softening and extended shelf life. These phenotypes were accompanied, at the biochemical level, by an increase in abscisic acid (ABA) content, decreased ethylene production, increased density of cell wall material containing linear pectins with a low degree of methylation, and a thicker cuticle with a higher content of cutin monomers and triterpenoids. The levels of several primary metabolites and phenylpropanoid compounds were also altered in the transgenic fruits, which could be attributed to delayed fruit ripening and/or to ABA. Network correlation analysis and pharmacological experiments with the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor, abamine, indicated that altered ABA levels were a direct effect of the increased β-carotene content and were in turn responsible for the extended shelf life phenotype. Thus, manipulation of β-carotene levels results in an improvement not only of the nutritional value of tomato fruits, but also of their shelf life.

Effect of nano-encapsulation of β-carotene on Xenopus laevis embryos development (FETAX)

Vitamin A plays a vital role during embryo development as most precursor of embryonic retinoic acid, a key morphogen during embryogenesis. Carotenoids, including β-carotene, are important vegetal source of Vitamin A and in contrast to teratogenic potential of animal-derived retinoids, β-carotene is usually considered freed from embryotoxic effects and supplements in pregnancy with β-carotene are suggested. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the effect of bulk and nano-encapsulated β-carotene on embryo development, by using the animal model Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay: Xenopus- FETAX. Xenopus laevis embryos were exposed from late gastrula till pharyngula (the phylotypic stage for vertebrates) to the concentrations of BULK β-carotene 150-3000 ng/mL and NANO β-carotene 0.75-30 ng/mL. At pharyngula stage, some embryos were processed for whole mount neural crest cell immunostaining, while others embryos were allowed to develop till tadpole for morphological and histological evaluation of neural crest cells-derived structures. In this model, the nano-encapsulated β-carotene induced specific malformations at craniofacial and eye level, while the bulk formulation only induced developmental delays. Finally, the applied alternative animal model resulted a rapid and sensitive screening method able to re-evaluate the teratogenic profile of nano-encapsulated micronutrients.

Variation in Macronutrient Content, Phytochemical Constitution and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Green and Red Butterhead Lettuce Dictated by Different Developmental Stages of Harvest Maturity

Rising life expectancy and the demanding modern lifestyle drive the growing appeal of healthy and balanced diets centered on vegetable and fruit consumption. Functional, phytonutrient-packed and principally raw food is in high demand. Microgreens constitute such a novel functional food that combines a high sensory and bioactive value, which invites comparison to their mature-leaf counterparts. For this purpose, a controlled environment chamber experiment was carried out to compare the mineral, phytochemical and antioxidant capacity attributes of two-pigmented Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata cultivars (green and red Salanova^®) harvested at the microgreens and the mature-leaf stage. Macronutrients were assessed through ion chromatography, while carotenoids and polyphenols were assessed and quantified through HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, respectively. Calcium and magnesium were higher in microgreens irrespective of the cultivar; conversely, phosphorous, potassium and nitrate where higher in mature leaves. All pigments including chlorophyll, lutein and β-carotene augmented at advanced maturity stage and were more concentrated in the red pigmented cultivar at both stages. Total polyphenols accumulated more densely in red Salanova, particularly in the microgreens stage; whereas, in green Salanova, the accumulation was significant but less pronounced in the mcirogreens stage. Chlorogenic acid, quercetin malonyl glucoside, rutin and coumaroyl quinic acid were the most concentrated phenolic acids in microgreens, while feruloyl tartaric acid was predominant in mature leaves. Finally, when a high carotenoids content is sought, mature lettuce leaves should be the prime culinary choice, whereas high polyphenolic content is dictated by both the cultivar and the harvest stage, with red Salanova microgreens being the most nutrient-packed choice.

Exopolysaccharides from milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria enhance dietary carotenoid bioavailability in humans in a randomized crossover trial and in rats

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplementation with carotenoids can have beneficial health effects, but carotenoids are poorly absorbed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate how milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria affects dietary carotenoid bioavailability in humans and rats and to investigate mechanisms by which active components in milk fermented by Lactobacilli enhance dietary carotenoid absorption.

METHODS

Male rats (n = 8/group) were administered β-carotene or β-carotene + fermented milk. Rats (n = 6/group) were also pretreated with ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, to investigate β-carotene transport mechanisms. In humans, 3 studies were conducted using a randomized crossover method. Subjects (n = 16/study) consumed a vegetable (carrot, tomato, or spinach) drink alone or with a fermented milk drink. Blood samples were collected at various time points after consumption.

RESULTS

In rats, the serum β-carotene area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was significantly higher for the β-carotene + fermented milk than for β-carotene only. A significant correlation (r = 0.83, P < 0.001) between the exopolysaccharide (EPS) content of fermented milk and serum β-carotene AUC was observed. Ezetimibe treatment did not suppress elevations in serum β-carotene concentrations induced by fermented milk ingestion. In humans, the incremental area under the concentration-time curve (iAUC) for β-carotene in the plasma triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction was significantly (1.8-fold, range: 0.6-3.9) higher when carrot + fermented milk was consumed compared with carrot drink alone. A significantly (6.5-fold, range: 0.04-7.7) higher iAUC for lycopene in the plasma TRL fraction was observed for subjects who consumed tomato + fermented milk compared with tomato drink alone. A significant increase in plasma lutein in all fractions was observed after consumption of spinach + fermented milk, but not with spinach drink alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-ingestion of β-carotene and fermented milk significantly increased dietary β-carotene bioavailability in humans and rats. EPSs could affect the physical properties of fermented milk to enhance dietary β-carotene absorption mediated by simple diffusion mechanisms. These findings may be relevant for methods to increase dietary carotenoid bioavailability.This trial was registered at umin.ac.jp/ctr as UMIN000034838, UMIN000034839, and UMIN000034840.

The Benefits and Risks of Certain Dietary Carotenoids that Exhibit both Anti- and Pro-Oxidative Mechanisms-A Comprehensive Review

Carotenoid pigments, particularly β-carotene and lycopene, are consumed in human foodstuffs and play a vital role in maintaining health. β-carotene is known to quench singlet oxygen and can have strong antioxidant activity. As such, it was proposed that β-carotene might reduce the risk of cancer. Epidemiological studies found inverse relationships between cancer risk and β-carotene intake or blood levels. However, clinical trials failed to support those findings and β-carotene supplementation actually increased lung cancer incidence in male smokers. Early experimental animal studies found dietary β-carotene inhibited UV-induced skin cancers. Later studies found that β-carotene supplementation exacerbated UV-carcinogenic expression. The discrepancies of these results were related to the type of diet the animals consumed. Lycopene has been associated with reduced risk of lethal stage prostate cancer. Other carotenoids, e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin, play a vital role in visual health. Numerous studies of molecular mechanisms to explain the carotenoids' mode of action have centered on singlet oxygen, as well as radical reactions. In cellular systems, singlet oxygen quenching by carotenoids has been reported but is more complex than in organic solvents. In dietary β-carotene supplement studies, damaging pro-oxidant reactivity can also arise. Reasons for this switch are likely due to the properties of the carotenoid radicals themselves. Understanding singlet oxygen reactions and the anti-/pro-oxidant roles of carotenoids are of importance to photosynthesis, vision and cancer.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids and Chlorophylls in a Diverse Collection of Spinach Accessions and Commercial Cultivars

Spinach, a nutrient-dense, green-leafy vegetable, is a rich source of carotenoid and chlorophyll bioactives. While the content of bioactives is known to vary with the genotype, variation in bioaccessibility is unknown. Bioaccessibility was explored in 71 greenhouse-grown spinach genotypes in fall and spring 2018/2019. Spinach was phenotyped for its greenness, leaf texture, leaf shape, and SPAD chlorophyll content. Postharvest, spinach was washed, blanched, and homogenized prior to assessment of bioactive bioaccessibility using a novel high-throughput in vitro digestion model followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector analysis. There was a significant variation in the bioaccessible content for all bioactives (p < 0.05), except for chlorophyll b (p = 0.063) in spring-grown spinach. The correlation coefficients of bioaccessible contents between seasons reveal that lutein (r = 0.52) and β-carotene (r = 0.55) were correlated to a greater extent than chlorophyll a (r = 0.38) and chlorophyll b (r = 0.19). The results suggest that carotenoid and chlorophyll bioaccessible contents may vary based on spinach genotypes and may be stable across seasons.

Isomerization of Commercially Important Carotenoids (Lycopene, β-Carotene, and Astaxanthin) by Natural Catalysts: Isothiocyanates and Polysulfides

Effects of natural catalysts, isothiocyanates and polysulfides, on Z-isomerization and decomposition of (all-E)-carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin) after heat treatment were investigated. When isothiocyanates were added to (all-E)-carotenoid solutions and heated, Z-isomerization and decomposition of carotenoids were enhanced and the degree differed depending on the isothiocyanate type. Interestingly, when polysulfides were applied in the same manner, in addition to promoting the Z-isomerization reaction, they markedly improved the thermal stability of carotenoids. Successively, we investigated the reaction characteristics of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and diallyl disulfide (DADS) using (all-E)-lycopene; that is, effects of the amount added, solvent used, and reaction temperature and time, as well as the combination use on Z-isomerization and decomposition of lycopene, were investigated. With increases in the amount added and reaction temperature and time, Z-isomerization of lycopene was promoted for both catalysts. The high-temperature treatment tests clearly showed that AITC induced thermal decomposition of lycopene, whereas DADS improved the lycopene stability. Moreover, the simultaneous use of AITC and DADS resulted in a synergetic effect on the Z-isomerization efficiency.

Free Radical Mediated Oxidative Degradation of Carotenes and Xanthophylls

This article reviews the excited-state quenching, pro-vitamin A activity and anticarcinogenicity of carotenes and xanthophylls in relation to their chemical structures. Excited-state quenching improved with the length of the conjugated chain structure. Pro-vitamin A activity was dependent on the presence of at least one beta-ionyl ring structure. The effectiveness of carotenoids as antioxidants depended on their ability to trap peroxyl radicals with production of resonance-stabilized carotenyl radicals. The products identified from oxidations of carotenes and xanthophylls with molecular oxygen and other oxidizing agents are presented. The free radical-mediated mechanisms that have been proposed to account for the different classes of products are reviewed.

Sensory Analysis of a Processed Food Intended for Vitamin A Supplementation

Provitamin A and pre-formed vitamin A compounds are essential micronutrients for humans. However, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) affects the health status of nearly 50% of populations in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and is especially pronounced in preschool children and pregnant women. The objective of this research was to determine an acceptable flavor/ingredient combination to produce a palatable food product that incorporates sweet potatoes, peanut paste, and chickpeas. We sought to determine the acceptability of the three product formulations and to determine the influence of demographic data on ratings for the sensory attributes of each sample. To address VAD issues, three formulations of a product incorporating sweet potato puree (to increase β-carotene content), pure peanut butter (to provide fat for β-carotene absorption), and chickpeas (to provide a complete protein source), were developed: (1) an unflavored control, and two formulations with added natural seasonings: (2) curry-flavored, and (3) pumpkin spice-flavored. Sensory analysis of the three products showed that the curry-flavored product received the highest acceptability in terms of overall liking, flavor, texture, and appearance (p < 0.001). Since the demographic effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), it is highly likely that the curry-flavored product can be implemented in other countries or areas with high acceptability.

Recombinant β-Carotene Production by Yarrowia lipolytica - Assessing the Potential of Micro-Scale Fermentation Analysis in Cell Factory Design and Bioreaction Optimization

The production of β-carotene has become increasingly interesting within the biotechnological industry due to a rising demand for safer and more natural colorants, nutritional supplements, and antioxidants. A recent study has described the potential of Yarrowia lipolytica as a β-carotene-producing cell factory, reporting the highest titer of recombinant β-carotene produced to date. Finding the best conditions to maximize production and scaling up the process to full scale, a costly and time-consuming process, it is often a bottleneck in biotechnology. In this work, we explored the benefits of using micro-fermentation equipment to significantly reduce the time spent on design and optimization of bioreaction conditions, especially in the early stages of process development. In this proof-of-concept study, a β-carotene producing Y. lipolytica strain was tested in micro-fermentations partly to assess the robustness of the cell factory design and partly to perform media optimization. The medium optimization led us to an improvement of up to 50% in the yield of β-carotene production in the best of the conditions. Overall, the micro-fermentation system had a high degree of reliability in all tests.

Modulation of physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility of β-carotene using alginate beads and emulsion stabilized by scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) gonad protein isolates

The colloidal delivery systems fabricated by emulsion containing natural proteins and lipids have been utilized to protect carotenoids as well as to release the carotenoids in the simulated in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, β-carotene (BC) was embedded into emulsions that were stabilized by scallop gonad protein isolates (SGPIs), and the emulsion droplets containing BC were then entrapped into calcium-alginate beads. The results showed that the oil-in-water emulsions coated by SGPIs only showed good stability at pH 7-8, while the emulsion-alginate beads remained relatively intact at pH 3-8. BC encapsulated in emulsions was extremely unstable and prone to degradation when stored at the comparatively higher temperature (37 °C), whereas the stability of BC was greatly enhanced through incorporation into emulsion-alginate beads. The digestion rate and extent of lipid droplets constructed within SGPIs-stabilized emulsion-alginate beads were slower than that in emulsions during GIT. The confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the lipid droplets in emulsions were aggregated after exposure to the mouth and gastric phases, while the emulsion-alginate beads maintained their spherical shape after exposure to the oral and gastric phases. Moreover, the free lipid droplets in the emulsions showed a higher bioaccessibility of BC (66%) than that in the emulsion-alginate beads (38%), whereas the BC transformation was on the contrary. The findings in this study indicated that SGPIs-stabilized emulsion in alginate beads can potentially be utilized for the encapsulation and controlled release of lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Electrosprayed Soft Capsules of Millimeter Size for Specifically Delivering Fish Oil/Nutrients to the Stomach and Intestines

Contrasting to the traditional centimeter-sized soft capsules that are difficult to swallow or micro/nanometer-sized soft capsules that suffer from limited loading capacity for fish oil/nutrients and lowered stability, the millimeter-sized soft capsules with good enough stability could be a potential solution in solving these problems. Herein, we report millimeter-sized soft core-shell capsules of 0.42-1.85 mm with an inner diameter of 0.36-1.75 mm, for fish oil/nutrients, obtained through an electrospray approach upon optimization of different fabrication parameters such as applied voltage, sodium alginate concentration, shell/core feeding rate ratio, times of feeding rate, and types of coaxial needles. Further in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the resulting soft capsules were apparently weakened and became mechanically destructive in the simulated small intestine solution and were totally destroyed in the simulated small intestine solution if they were first treated in the simulated stomach solution but not in the simulated stomach solution, which makes the millimeter-sized capsules useful as containers for specific delivery of fish oils and lipophilic nutrients to the stomach and intestines with excellent in vivo bioavailability (>90%). The whole fabrication approach is very facile with no complicated polymer modification and formulations involved, which endows the resulting soft capsules with broad application prospect in food and drug industries.

Multiresponse Kinetic Modeling of Heat-Induced Equilibrium of β-Carotene cis-trans Isomerization in Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil

The kinetics and mechanism of the stepwise cis-trans isomerization reactions of all-trans-β-carotene dissolved in MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil at temperatures in the range of 80-160 °C have been analyzed using multiresponse modeling. Quantitation of the cis-isomers was performed using HPLC-DAD and quantitation at the reaction isosbestic point at 421 nm. Multiresponse kinetic modeling using the Bayesian criterion was initially performed at 120 °C to determine the best model. Subsequently, the reparametrized Arrhenius equation was used to calculate the activation energies of all reactions. The equilibrium constants for the individual isomerization reactions were determined from the rate constants and the final product distributions. The enthalpies and entropies of the isomerization reactions were determined from the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants. The 13-cis and 13,13'-di-cis isomers were found to be the fastest formed isomers followed by the 9-cis, 9,13-di-cis, and 13,15-di-cis isomers, where the latter was found to be formed from 13-cis and not the 15-cis isomer. The relative free energies of the β-carotene isomers were determined as all-trans < 13-cis < 9-cis < 13,13'-di-cis < 9,13-di-cis ≈ 15-cis < 13,15-di-cis. The entropic contribution of each reaction was found to play an important role in the ordering. It is concluded that the β-carotene system is quite labile at temperatures ranging from 80 to 160 °C and resulting in equilibrium distributions of the cis-trans isomers.

Extraction of carotenoid-rich palm pressed fiber oil using mixtures of hydrocarbons and short chain alcohols

Solvent extraction is the most efficient method for recovering residual oil from palm pressed fiber (PPFO), which may contain up to eight times the carotenoid content of that found in crude palm oil. The objective of the present study is the use of binary mixtures of hydrocarbons (HC), hexane (Hex), cyclohexane (CHex) or heptane (Hep), and alcohols (ALC), ethanol (Eth) or isopropanol (IPA), in order to promote the highest recovery of a carotenoid-rich PPFO, in which the compositions of the mixtures are defined based on the calculation of solute-solvent distance (Ra) considering β-carotene as the solute. The extraction experiments were conducted in batch, at 60 ± 2 °C, or in a fixed-bed packed column, at 55 ± 3 °C. Hex and Hep:IPA provided 80% of batch PPFO extraction yield, while in column, the highest yields were obtained with Eth and Hex:IPA (66%). The total carotenoid content obtained was the same independent of the solvent and extraction configuration (from 1790 ± 230 up to 2539 ± 78 mg β-carotene/kg PPFO). In terms of the carotenoid profile, β-carotene was mostly extracted by Hex, Hex:Eth stood out in the extraction of α-carotene, and Eth extracted the highest content of lycopene. It is possible to infer that mixtures of HC and ALC with compositions defined based on Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) demonstrated good ability to extract carotenoid-rich PPFO, maintaining their relatively stable fatty acids composition and free acidity, showing that partial substitution of HC by ALC is technically possible.

Comparative Analysis of β-Carotene Production by Mucor circinelloides Strains CBS 277.49 and WJ11 under Light and Dark Conditions

Carotenoids are natural potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers which are able to modulate the pathogenesis of some cancers and heart diseases in human, indicating their importance in being provided through the diet. Mucor circinelloides accumulates β-carotene as the main carotenoid compound and has been used as a model organism in carotenogenic studies. In the present study, the potential of two M. circinelloides strains to accumulate β-carotene was investigated under light and dark conditions. The results, which were quantitated by HPLC, showed that CBS 277.49 accumulated higher pigment in comparison to WJ11 under both conditions. Continuous illumination triggered the pigment accumulation up to 2.7-fold in strain CBS 277.49 and 2.2-fold in strain WJ11 in comparison to dark. The mRNA analysis of the four key genes involved in isoprenoid pathway by RT-qPCR showed higher transcriptional levels in CBS 277.49 as compared to WJ11, indicating that the pigment production metabolic machinery is more active in CBS 277.49 strain. A new scope for further research was established by this work for improved β-carotene production in the high producing strain CBS 277.49.

Reutilization of residual glycerin for the produce β-carotene by Rhodotorula minuta

This study aimed to evaluate the production of carotenoid pigments by Rhodotorula spp. in submerged fermentation, using residual glycerin from biodiesel production as a carbon source. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC showed that the residual glycerin used as substrate was 57.88% composed of glycerol. The best growth conditions were found in the fermentation medium composed of residual glycerin at a concentration of 30 g/L and pH 9. From all the Rhodotorula strains tested, R. minuta URM6693 was selected because of their performance and adaptation in all culture media assayed. The maximum volumetric production of carotenoids was found at 48 h (equivalent to 17.20 mg/L, for the R. minuta). The production of β-carotene since the first 24 h of fermentation reach a final concentration of 1.021 mg/L. The yeast Rhodotorula minuta proved its capability to efficiently convert the substrate (mainly at the concentration of 50 g/L), obtaining products of biotechnological interest.

The Galohgor Nutraceutical Cookies Effects on β-Carotene Serum and Oxidative Stress of Postpartum Mothers

The aim of the present study was to analyze the galohgor nutraceutical cookies effects on β-carotene serum levels and oxidative stress of postpartum mothers. To this end, a post-controlled experiment was carried out. Nineteen subjects were recruited to receive 40 g of galohgor cookies (GC) or control cookies (CC) daily for 14 days. Analysis of covariance was applied to assess the effect of the intervention. The results showed that β-carotene serum concentrations were significantly higher in the GC group compared with the CC group (0.141±0.094 μmol/L vs. 0.106±0.051 μmol/L, P<0.05). Meanwhile, malondialdehyde levels of GC group was significantly lower than that of the CC group (0.82±0.25 nmol/L vs. 0.93±0.27 nmol/L, P<0.05). These results suggest that galohgor nutraceutical may have beneficial effects on improving β-carotene serum levels and oxidative stress of postpartum mothers.

Antioxidant Therapy in Graves' Orbitopathy

The balance of the cell redox state is a key point for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leads to oxidative damage of tissues, which is involved in the development of several diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) is a disfiguring autoimmune-related condition associated with Graves' Disease (GD). Patients with active, moderate-to-severe GO, are generally treated with high doses intravenous glucocorticoids (ivGCs) and/or orbital radiotherapy. On the contrary, up to recently, local ointments were the treatment most frequently offered to patients with mild GO, because the risks related to ivGCs does not justify the relatively poor benefits expected in mild GO. However, a medical treatment for these patients is heavily wanted, considering that GO can progress into more severe forms and also patients with mild GO complain with an impairment in their quality of life. Thus, based on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of GO, a therapy with antioxidant agents has been proposed and a number of studies have been performed, both in vitro and in vivo, which is reviewed here.

Effects of laying breeder hens dietary β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, and jejunum morphology of their offspring chicks

This study evaluated the growth performance, immunity, and jejunum morphology of chicks hatched from laying breeder hens given dietary additive supplementation, as well as chicks receiving direct antibiotic supplementation in early life. Hy-line breeder hens were allotted to 2 groups with 3 replicates. A control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, and the treatment group (CCAB) received β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate in addition to basal diet for 5 wk. Breeder-hen eggs were collected and hatched. The chicks hatched from the CON group were assigned to 2 treatments: a chick control group (cCON) and a chick treatment group (Cipro) given ciprofloxacin lactate into drinking water; the cCON group, Cipro group, and the chicks hatched from the CCAB group (cCCAB) were fed the same diet for 4 wk. The results demonstrated that there were significant differences between the CON and CCAB groups in the serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM (triple P < 0.01), lysozyme (P < 0.05), and β-defensin (P < 0.05). The body weights of the cCCAB group's chicks increased at 1, 7, and 28 D of age (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively), and those of the Cipro group's chicks increased at 7 and 21 D of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The tibial lengths of the cCCAB group's chicks increased at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 D of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, triple P < 0.01), and the lengths in the Cipro group increased at 7 and 14 D of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). Intestinal development, including intestinal length, jejunum morphology, and IgA positive cells, helps to explain these results. The breeder eggs from the CCAB group had higher IgG (P < 0.05) and IgM (P < 0.05) levels in the egg whites and higher IgA, IgG, and IgM levels (triple P < 0.01) in the egg yolks. In conclusion, β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation of laying breeder hen diets produced more advantages in growth performance and intestinal development in offspring than in chicks directly supplemented with antibiotics.

Physicochemical and sensory profile of Beauregard sweet potato beer

Beer has been one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages worldwide. However, the incorporation of adjuncts in the beer can add new organoleptic and functional characteristics to the beverage. For this, Beauregard sweet potato shows high potential due to being a rich source of starch and many bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to develop the best process condition to produce a Sweet potato beer with enhanced nutritional and antioxidant properties and good sensory characteristics. Beer samples showed increased antioxidant activity especially due to β-carotene and their total phenolic content. The phytochemical profile of sweet potato biocompounds demonstrated a direct effect of this adjunct on sensory and functional characteristics of the finished beer. In conclusion, it was found that Beauregard sweet potato is a promising adjunct for beer brewing with nutraceutical properties due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure and soaking solution on proximate composition, polyphenols, anthocyanins, β-carotene, and antioxidant activity of white, orange, and purple fleshed sweet potato flour

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure (100, 200, and 400 MPa) and soaking solution (citric acid, calcium chloride, ascorbic acid, and distilled water) on proximate composition, polyphenols, anthocyanins, β-carotene, and antioxidant activity of white, orange, and purple fleshed sweet potato flour were investigated. Total polyphenol content was increased in sweet potato flour of Jishu 98 (white) at 200 MPa with ascorbic acid and Pushu 32 (orange) at 0.1 MPa with ascorbic acid treatment (0.51 and 0.83 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, respectively), but was decreased in Xuzishu No. 3 (purple) in both high hydrostatic pressure and soaking solution treatments. Total anthocyanin content was declined in all treated sweet potato flour. Nevertheless, high hydrostatic pressure with citric acid, calcium chloride, and distilled water significantly increased the β-carotene content in Pushu 32. Correlation analysis between total polyphenol content, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity suggested that polyphenols are the most pivotal antioxidant in sweet potato flour. High hydrostatic pressure and soaking solution treated sweet potato flour could be potentially utilized in food with acceptable nutritional values.

Inhibitory Effect of β-Carotene on Helicobacter pylori-Induced TRAF Expression and Hyper-Proliferation in Gastric Epithelial Cells

Helicobacter pylori infection causes the hyper-proliferation of gastric epithelial cells that leads to the development of gastric cancer. Overexpression of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor (TRAF) is shown in gastric cancer cells. The dietary antioxidant β-carotene has been shown to counter hyper-proliferation in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. The present study was carried out to examine the β-carotene mechanism of action. We first showed that H. pylori infection decreases cellular IκBα levels while increasing cell viability, NADPH oxidase activity, reactive oxygen species production, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation, and TRAF1 and TRAF2 gene expression, as well as protein–protein interaction in gastric epithelial AGS cells. We then demonstrated that pretreatment of cells with β-carotene significantly attenuates these effects. Our findings support the proposal that β-carotene has anti-cancer activity by reducing NADPH oxidase-mediated production of ROS, NF-κB activation and NF-κB-regulated TRAF1 and TRAF2 gene expression, and hyper-proliferation in AGS cells. We suggest that the consumption of β-carotene-enriched foods could decrease the incidence of H. pylori-associated gastric disorders.

Optimization of carotenoids production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MTCC-1403) using agro-industrial waste in bioreactor: A statistical approach

Bio-colorants are preferred over synthetic colors as bio-colorants not only impart characteristic color to the food also contain harmless bio-active antioxidant nutrients. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of agro-industrial waste (Onion peels, potato skin, mung bean husk and pea pods) for carotenoid production from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. After screening of appropriate carbon, nitrogen sources from agro-industrial waste, the fermentation conditions (pH, temperature, agitation) were optimized using Response Surface Methodology and optimum conditions were pH 6.1, temperature 25.8 ᴼC and agitation 119.6 rpm. Further, to evaluate the effect of aeration on carotenoids synthesis, fermentation was carried out in 3 L bio-reactor under optimum conditions with an air input of 1.0 vvm. Aeration causes elevation of more than 100 μg carotenoids per g of dry biomass. LC-MS of extracted pigment confirmed the presence of some other carotenoids along with β-carotene. The major carotenoid compounds were found from the investigation were torularhodin, β-carotene, and torulene.