Dependency of Phytoprostane Fingerprints of Must and Wine on Viticulture and Enological Processes

Wine is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages around the world. Red wine has demonstrated several benefits for health maintenance. One group of potential anti-inflammatory compounds is the phytoprostanes, oxidative degradation products of linolenic acid. The aim of the present study was to measure, for the first time, the phytoprostane content in wine and must by an UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method after solid-phase extraction. The data showed two predominant classes of phytoprostanes: F1- and D1-phytoprostane series. In wines, the total phytoprostane concentration ranged from 134.1 ± 2.3 to 216.2 ± 3.06 ng/mL. Musts showed concentrations between 21.4 ± 0.8 and 447.1 ± 15.8 ng/mL. The vinification and aging procedures for the production of wine seem to influence the final phytoprostane levels in red wine and to modify the phytoprostane profile. The high concentrations observed and previous reports on anti-inflammatory effects of phytoprostanes make further research on the benefits of phytoprostanes more important.

BIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES WITH PREVENTIVE EFFECT IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

The effect of diet on cardiovascular disease prevention has been widely studied for many years. Numerous studies have confirmed that diets rich in fruits and vegetables (Mediterranean diet) are beneficial to the cardiovascular system and various bioactive food components have preventive effect on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this paper we review the effect of bioactive substances included in the group of flavonoids (catechins and proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and isoflavones), stilbenes such as resveratrol, bioactive peptides, plant sterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids omega- 3 on the cardiovascular system.

Markers of cardiovascular risk in elderly patients with age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness among persons aged 60 years and older and many theories exist and feature mechanisms of oxidative stress, atherosclerotic-like changes, genetic predisposition, and inflammation in development of AMD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between markers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk with age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

Case-control study that includes 163 patients with wet AMD (age group of 55-82 years with the mean age of 71 years and 170 age-matched healthy controls in the age group of 55-78 years with the mean age of 71 years. The following parameters were determined: lipidic profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c), CRP (C-Reactive Protein), homocysteine and fibrinogen.

RESULTS

We found significant differences between AMD patients and control group in baseline values of homocysteine, CRP and fibrinogen, although we do not observed differences in levels of lipidic profile.

CONCLUSION

Our data support the role of chronic inflammation in the development of AMD, however, further studies are needed to determine which common disease mechanisms of chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD.

Influence of anti-VEGF about cardiovascular biomarkers in age related macular degeneration

Systemic VEGF inhibition disrupts endothelial homeostasis and accelerates the atherogenesis, suggesting that these events contribute to the clinical cardiovascular adverse events of VEGF-inhibiting therapies. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effect of anti-VEGF therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration. A total of 73 patients with exudative age related macular degeneration (without previous anti-VEGF therapy) were treated with two anti-VEGF: Ranibizumab and Pegaptanib sodium. The follow up was 6 months. The following parameters were determined before and after treatment: homocysteine, lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c), C-Reactive Protein and fibrinogen. There were not statistically significant differences in parameters studied before and after treatment with both Pegaptanib sodium and Ranibizumab, except C-Reactive Protein. Of all patients analyzed, only 3 of them have initially C-Reactive Protein levels above normal levels and after antiangiogenic therapy, there was a significant increase in C-Reactive Protein. We have not found results in our study who to suspect that treatment with anti-VEGF in the patients with exudative age related macular degeneration increases cardiovascular risk predictors. However, after therapy was increased the CRP and fibrinogen may mean that anti-VEGF contribute an alteration of endothelial homeostasis in exudative AMD.

Effect of processing time on the quality of dry-cured ham obtained from a native pig breed (Chato Murciano)

The compositional and sensory parameters of Chato Murciano dry-cured ham at different ripening times (14, 18, 22 and 24 months of processing) were studied. A sensory consumer study of dry-cured ham with a short ripening stage (14 months of processing) and a similar ham with a long ripening stage (22 months of processing) was carried out. Dry-cured hams remained in the ripening stage at 18−20°C and 70–75% relative humidity. The different processing times studied had no effect on the ash, intramuscular fat, sodium chloride and protein contents of the final ham, but significantly affected the moisture (P < 0.05) and saturated (P < 0.01) and monounsaturated (P < 0.05) fatty acid contents. Sensory analysis showed that processing time enhanced redness, fat colour, all of the odour and flavour traits studied, and all the texture traits except juiciness. In the taste profile, only saltiness showed a significant increase. However, sensory changes were only significant up to 22 months of processing (for most of the parameters), the resulting ham showing higher level of consumer preference and acceptability than dry-cured ham with the shorter ripening. Based on these results, it is recommended that an appropriate processing time to obtain a high-quality Chato Murciano dry-cured ham is 22 months.

A new antioxidant beverage produced with green tea and apple

Green tea and apple are natural products with health benefits. These healthy properties are linked closely to the antioxidant compounds, mainly phenolic compounds. These antioxidant compounds have a potential for preventing and treating cancer, cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases in humans. The aim of the present work was to design a new beverage with high antioxidant power combining extracts of green tea and apple, studying the antioxidant composition and activity, organoleptic properties (colour) and stability status during storage at different temperatures. The majority compounds identified in the beverage were flavan-3-ols, being the (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate which had the highest concentration. After storage, floridzine was the compound with lower decrease of concentration. The new designed beverage had a good colour, and high antioxidant activity and stability at room temperature, so that the beverage needs no refrigeration, showing potential for the development of new healthy functional beverages.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with wet age related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with wet age related macular degeneration (AMD).

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Case-control study that includes 163 patients with wet AMD (age group of 55-82 years with the mean age of 71 years and 170 age-matched healthy controls in the age group of 55-78 years with the mean age of 71 years. The following parameters were determined: reduced and oxidized Glutathione (GSH/GSSH), protein carbonyl groups, total antioxidant activity in plasma and the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as, gluthatione peroxidase, gluthatione reductase and superoxide dismutase.

RESULTS

We observed total antioxidant activity higher in control group (CG) compared with patients with wet AMD (7.1 ± 1.2 μM Trolox vs 5.8 ± 1.1 μM Trolox). Values of superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), gluthatione reductase (GR) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx) are higher in control group than in patients with wet AMD. According to the GSH/GSSH results, average values were higher in the CG than in patients with wet AMD and data were not significantly different.. Values of protein carbonyl groups were higher in patients with wet AMD than in CG and significant differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of the present study suggests that the patients with wet AMD are an altered metabolic state of oxidation-reduction and that it is convenient to give therapeutic interventions with antioxidants. We have demonstrated that systematic oxidative stress, measured by different biomarkers is closely associated with the wet AMD.

Soy isoflavones and cardiovascular disease epidemiological, clinical and -omics perspectives

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rates are lower in Asian countries where dietary patterns are very different from Western diet. A number of studies have linked these lower rates to the inclusion of soy products as a staple food in those countries. Soy is the richest dietary source of isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen associated with many potentially beneficial effects. Isoflavone-containing soy protein consumption has been linked to reduced levels of LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients. This effect is increased with the concomitant administration of isoflavones, and seems to be also complemented by the isoflavone capacity to restore the endothelial function in patients with weak and moderated endothelial dysfunction. The effects are variable depending on individuals� � � metabolism and in particular to their ability to convert daidzein to equol that seems to be restricted to approximately 1/3 of the population. Equol production has been indeed linked to a decreased arterial stiffness and antiatherosclerotic effects via NO production. Because the relevance of isoflavones consumption on the modulation of cardiovascular risk still remains unclear, this paper aims to review the existing knowledge on the biological activity of the isoflavones on the human cardiovascular system from an epidemiological, clinical and -omics point of view.

Oxidative stress, frailty and cognitive decline

The causes of frailty are complex and must be accepted as multidimensional based on the interplay of genetic, biological, physical, psychological, social and environmental factors, although inflammation and oxidative stress are two factors that play an important role in the development of symptoms with those fragile states.

OBJECTIVE

to establish the relationship between oxidative stress, frailty and decline cognitive.

METHODS

A review of the literature and data abstraction from papers are showing the relationship between a) oxidative stress and frailty, b) oxidative stress and decline cognitive.

RESULTS

The papers reviewed showed that we can establish a relationship between the progress of neurodegenerative disorders and increased oxidative stress. Also found in frailty, that oxidative stress plays an important role as one of the starting points for the appearance of permanent inflammatory states.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the literature indicates the relationship between oxidative stress, frailty and decline cognitive, more studies are needed in this regard, especially interventions that asses whether increased intake of antioxidants in older frailty may improve the progress of disease and slow cognitive decline.

Bioavailability of insect growth regulator residues in citrus

The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge in the field of bioavailability of pollutants in agricultural food samples. Bioavailability of flufenoxuron, lufenuron, pyriproxyfen and fenoxycarb was studied in a common commodity as mandarin in vitro. Not only was it studied in fresh fruit but also in standards and canned mandarin to be able to establish matrix-related differences. Human gastric digestion, intestinal digestion and absorption were imitated. Porcine pepsin, porcine pancreatin, bile salts and semipermeable cellulose dialysis tubing were used. Dialysis values were lower than 15% and followed this order: standards > processed samples > fresh samples. The highest dialyzable values were observed for fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen. The higher the digested amount of pesticide, the higher the dialysed amount.

Ingredients for functional drinks in neurodegenerative diseases: a review

Several studies have indicated that oxidative stress is a major risk factor for the initiation and progression of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's (AD). Therefore, reducing oxidative stress appears to be a rational choice for the prevention and reduction in the rate of progression of these neurological disorders. The brain utilizes about 25% of respired oxygen even though it represents only 5% of the body weight. Free radicals are generated during the normal intake of oxygen, during infection, and during normal oxidative metabolism of certain substrates. Although experimental data are consistent in demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of antioxidants in vitro and in animal models, the clinical evidence that antioxidant agents may prevent or slow the course of these diseases is still relatively unsatisfactory, and insufficient to strongly modify clinical practice. In this paper, natural possible substances that could be added to a beverage to prevent or decrease the developing of neurodegenerative diseases are reviewed.

Ingredients for Functional Drinks in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review

Several studies have indicated that oxidative stress is a major risk factor for the initiation and progression of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's (AD). Therefore, reducing oxidative stress appears to be a rational choice for the prevention and reduction in the rate of progression of these neurological disorders. The brain utilizes about 25% of respired oxygen even though it represents only 5% of the body weight. Free radicals are generated during the normal intake of oxygen, during infection, and during normal oxidative metabolism of certain substrates. Although experimental data are consistent in demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of antioxidants in vitro and in animal models, the clinical evidence that antioxidant agents may prevent or slow the course of these diseases is still relatively unsatisfactory, and insufficient to strongly modify clinical practice.

In this paper, natural possible substances that could be added to a beverage to prevent or decrease the developing of neurodegenerative diseases are reviewed.

A new process to develop a cocoa powder with higher flavonoid monomer content and enhanced bioavailability in healthy humans

Cocoa is a food rich in polyphenols, mainly the flavonoid procyanidins and flavan-3-ols. The improvement of the cardiovascular function in humans upon cocoa consumption has been specifically linked to the presence of flavan-3-ol derived metabolites in plasma, especially epicatechin glucuronide. In this context, a flavonoid-enriched cocoa-derived product could potentially exert stronger health benefits. The aim of the present study was to obtain a cocoa powder with a higher flavonoid content (mainly enriched in monomer compounds) and assess its flavonoid bioavailability in humans. For this purpose, an unfermented, nonroasted, and blanch-treated cocoa powder (A) was obtained. The powder contained four times more procyanidins than a conventional (B) cocoa powder. Powder A contained eight times more epicatechin and procyanidin B2 than powder B. Cocoa milk drinks were prepared with powder A (MDA) and B (MDB). The bioavailability of flavonoids in both drinks was assessed in a crossover intervention with healthy volunteers. The content of epicatechin glucuronide, the main metabolite detected in plasma, was five-fold higher upon consumption of MDA as compared with MDB. The urinary excretion of metabolites, mainly methyl epicatechin sulfate, was higher upon MDA consumption as compared with MDB, ranging from two- to 12-fold higher depending on the metabolite. These results, together with previous reports regarding the cardiovascular benefits linked to the presence of procyanidin metabolites in plasma, suggest that further clinical trials to validate the health benefits of a flavonoid-enriched cocoa powder are warranted.

Bioavailability of insect growth regulators in citrus and stone fruits

The aim of this study was to offer data about the bioavailability of flufenoxuron, lufenuron, pyriproxyfen and fenoxycarb in common commodities like mandarin, apricot and peach. The in vitro bioavailability of the compounds was studied not only in fresh fruit but also in standards and canned food in order to establish possible differences according to the matrix. The gastric digestion was simulated with porcine pepsin at pH 2, for 2 h in a shaking water bath at 37 degrees C. The intestinal digestion was simulated with porcine pancreatin at pH 7, for 2 h in a shaking water bath at 37 degrees C. The intestinal absorption was simulated with cellulose dialysis tubing filled with a solution of sodium carbonate. No in vitro bioavailability was observed in mandarin, peach and apricot samples spiked at the concentrations generally found in the market for the raw and processed commodities. In standards, the dialysis started at the level of 0.25 mg/kg. This is an approximation to the pesticide digestion and absorption in humans.