Storage stability of lycopene in tomato juice subjected to combined pressure-heat treatments

A study was conducted to characterize the storage stability of lycopene in hot-break tomato juice prepared from two different cultivars and processed by various pressure-heat combinations. Samples were subjected to pressure assisted thermal processing (PATP; 600 MPa, 100 degrees C, 10 min), high pressure processing (HPP; 700 MPa, 45 degrees C, 10 min), and thermal processing (TP; 0.1 MPa, 100 degrees C, 35 min). Processed samples were stored at 4, 25, and 37 degrees C for upto 52 weeks. HPP and PATP treatments significantly improved the extractability of lycopene over TP and control. All-trans lycopene was found to be fairly stable to isomerization during processing, and the cis isomer content of the control and processed juice did not differ significantly. During storage, lycopene degradation varied as a function of the cultivar, processing method, storage temperature, and time. This study shows that combined pressure-temperature treatments could be an attractive alternative to thermal sterilization for preserving tomato juice quality.

Black raspberry components inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, and modulate gene expression in rat esophageal epithelial cells

We have shown that a diet containing freeze-dried black raspberries (BRB) inhibits the development of chemically induced cancer in the rat esophagus. To provide insights into possible mechanisms by which BRB inhibit esophageal carcinogenesis, we evaluated an ethanol (EtOH) extract of BRB, and two component anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside) in BRB, for their effects on growth, apoptosis, and gene expression in rat esophageal epithelial cell lines. The EtOH extract and both anthocyanins selectively caused significant growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in a highly tumorigenic cell line (RE-149 DHD) but not in a weakly tumorigenic line (RE-149). The uptake of anthocyanins from the EtOH extract into RE-149 DHD cells far exceeded their uptake into RE-149 cells, which may have accounted for the selective effects of the extract on growth and apoptosis of RE-149 DHD cells. The growth inhibitory and proapoptotic effects were enhanced by the daily addition of the EtOH extract and the anthocyanins to the medium. Interestingly, the EtOH extract did not alter cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) expression in RE-149 DHD cells, whereas both anthocyanins downregulated the expressions of these genes. This differential effect may have been related to the relative amounts of anthocyanins in the extract vs. when they were added individually to the medium. We conclude that the selective effects of the EtOH extract on growth and apoptosis of highly tumorigenic rat esophageal epithelial cells in vitro may be due to preferential uptake and retention of its component anthocyanins, and this may also be responsible for the greater inhibitory effects of freeze-dried whole berries on tumor cells in vivo.

Hepatic stellate cells are an important cellular site for β-carotene conversion to retinoid

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are responsible for storing 90-95% of the retinoid present in the liver. These cells have been reported in the literature also to accumulate dietary β-carotene, but the ability of HSCs to metabolize β-carotene in situ has not been explored. To gain understanding of this, we investigated whether β-carotene-15,15'-monooxygenase (Bcmo1) and β-carotene-9',10'-monooxygenase (Bcmo2) are expressed in HSCs. Using primary HSCs and hepatocytes purified from wild type and Bcmo1-deficient mice, we establish that Bcmo1 is highly expressed in HSCs; whereas Bcmo2 is expressed primarily in hepatocytes. We also confirmed that HSCs are an important cellular site within the liver for accumulation of dietary β-carotene. Bcmo2 expression was found to be significantly elevated for livers and hepatocytes isolated from Bcmo1-deficient compared to wild type mice. This elevation in Bcmo2 expression was accompanied by a statistically significant increase in hepatic apo-12'-carotenal levels of Bcmo1-deficient mice. Although apo-10'-carotenal, like apo-12'-carotenal, was readily detectable in livers and serum from both wild type and Bcmo1-deficient mice, we were unable to detect either apo-8'- or apo-14'-carotenals in livers or serum from the two strains. We further observed that hepatic triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in livers of Bcmo1-deficient mice fed a β-carotene-containing diet compared to mice receiving no β-carotene. Collectively, our data establish that HSCs are an important cellular site for β-carotene accumulation and metabolism within the liver.

Digestive stability and transport of norbixin, a 24-carbon carotenoid, across monolayers of Caco-2 cells

Annatto is a natural pigment widely used in the food industry to add yellow to red colors to dairy and cereal products. Here, the in vitro bioaccessibility and potential bioavailability of norbixin, the abundant 24-carbon carotenoid in annatto, were investigated. Norbixin added to milk was highly stable during simulated digestion, and bile salts enhanced partitioning of this carotenoid in the aqueous fraction during the small intestinal phase of digestion. Apical uptake of norbixin by Caco-2 cells was proportional to the concentration in apical medium, but cellular content increased only slightly after 60 min. Transport of norbixin to the basolateral compartment was maximum at 120 min. Both all-trans and cis isomers of norbixin were present in cells and basolateral medium. The results suggest that ingested norbixin is stable during gastric and small intestinal phases of digestion and that both cis and all-trans isomers are bioavailable.

Abstract 1897: Isothiocyanates and their metabolites in the plasma of mice fed broccoli sprouts isothiocyanate extract, broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane or erucin: A potential role in bladder cancer prevention

Background: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, may reduce bladder cancer risk. Our objectives were to characterize glucosinolates (GLUs) and their metabolites, isothiocyanates (ITCs), found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, define bioactivity in bladder cancer cell lines in vitro, and to determine absorption and bioavailability in mice.

Methods: Broccoli and broccoli sprouts GLUs and ITCs were characterized by HPLC-MS-MS and cyclocondensation assay. In vitro effects of non-hydrolyzed (GLUs) and hydrolyzed broccoli and broccoli sprouts (ITCs), and pure ITCs sulforaphane (SFN), erucin (ECN), iberin and allyl ITC, were studied on normal bladder urothelial cells (NBC) and a panel of human bladder cancer cell lines (BCC), representing the spectrum of bladder cancer biology (RT4: non-invasive; J82 and UMUC3: invasive). Cell viability (MTS and SRB assays), apoptosis (caspase-3/7 activity and PARP cleavage) and cell cycle analysis (flow cytometry) were performed. We defined absorption in control female mice and those fed diet containing 4% freeze-dried broccoli sprouts, or 2% freeze-dried broccoli sprouts extract; or gavaged daily with 295 µmol/kg sulforaphane or 295 µmol/kg erucin; for two weeks (n=16/group). Plasma mercapturic acid pathway metabolites of sulforaphane and erucin were extracted and then quantified by UPLC-MS/MS.

Results: We observed significant dose-dependent decreases in cell viability of bladder cancer cell lines by broccoli or broccoli sprouts extracts as well as by pure ITCs. Broccoli sprout ITCs and SFN (IC50 = 2.52 µM) followed by ECN (IC50 = 2.24 µM) were the most potent inhibitors. Normal bladder urothelial cells were less sensitive than cancer cells. SFN and ECN resulted in a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and modulation of the cell cycle in BCC. Metabolites of sulforaphane and erucin were absent in control mice and present in plasma of all treated groups, with dietary and pure phytochemical treatments, resulting in similar plasma metabolite concentrations (micromolar range). N-acetyl cysteine conjugates were found at highest concentrations, followed by cysteinyl and glutathione conjugates and small amounts of detectable cysteinyl glycine conjugates and free SFN. Evidence of inter-conversion of sulforaphane and erucin was seen.

Conclusion: Broccoli extracts and pure ITCs inhibit cell viability, induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in non-invasive and invasive human bladder cancer cell lines. In vivo, dietary and gavaged ITCs are readily absorbed and metabolized to various conjugates. The distribution to bladder cancer xenografts will also be discussed.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1897.

Sulforaphane, a dietary component of broccoli/broccoli sprouts, inhibits breast cancer stem cells

PURPOSE

The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in breast cancer has profound implications for cancer prevention. In this study, we evaluated sulforaphane, a natural compound derived from broccoli/broccoli sprouts, for its efficacy to inhibit breast CSCs and its potential mechanism.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Aldefluor assay and mammosphere formation assay were used to evaluate the effect of sulforaphane on breast CSCs in vitro. A nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient xenograft model was used to determine whether sulforaphane could target breast CSCs in vivo, as assessed by Aldefluor assay, and tumor growth upon cell reimplantation in secondary mice. The potential mechanism was investigated using Western blotting analysis and beta-catenin reporter assay.

RESULTS

Sulforaphane (1-5 micromol/L) decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cell population by 65% to 80% in human breast cancer cells (P < 0.01) and reduced the size and number of primary mammospheres by 8- to 125-fold and 45% to 75% (P < 0.01), respectively. Daily injection with 50 mg/kg sulforaphane for 2 weeks reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cells by >50% in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient xenograft tumors (P = 0.003). Sulforaphane eliminated breast CSCs in vivo, thereby abrogating tumor growth after the reimplantation of primary tumor cells into the secondary mice (P < 0.01). Western blotting analysis and beta-catenin reporter assay showed that sulforaphane downregulated the Wnt/beta-catenin self-renewal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Sulforaphane inhibits breast CSCs and downregulates the Wnt/beta-catenin self-renewal pathway. These findings support the use of sulforaphane for the chemoprevention of breast cancer stem cells and warrant further clinical evaluation.

Identification and quantification of apo-lycopenals in fruits, vegetables, and human plasma

Research has suggested that lycopene may be metabolized by eccentric cleavage, catalyzed by beta-carotene oxygenase 2, resulting in the generation of apo-lycopenals. Apo-6'-lycopenal and apo-8'-lycopenal have been reported previously in raw tomato. We now show that several other apo-lycopenals are also present in raw and processed foods, as well as in human plasma. Apo-lycopenal standards were prepared by in vitro oxidation of lycopene, and a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in negative mode was developed to separate and detect the apo-6'-, apo-8'-, apo-10'-, apo-12'-, apo-14'-, and apo-15'-lycopenal products formed in the reaction. Hexane/acetone extracts of raw tomato, red grapefruit, watermelon, and processed tomato products were analyzed, as well as plasma of individuals who had consumed tomato juice for 8 weeks. Apo-6'-, apo-8'-, apo-10'-, apo-12'-, and apo-14'-lycopenals were detected and quantified in all food products tested, as well as plasma. The sum of apo-lycopenals was 6.5 microg/100 g Roma tomato, 73.4 microg/100 g tomato paste, and 1.9 nmol/L plasma. We conclude that several apo-lycopenals, in addition to apo-6'- and -8'-lycopenal, are present in lycopene-containing foods. In addition, the presence of apo-lycopenals in plasma may derive from the absorption of apo-lycopenals directly from food and/or human metabolism.

An update on the health effects of tomato lycopene

Lycopene is a non-provitamin A carotenoid that is responsible for the red to pink colors seen in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and other foods. Processed tomato products are the primary dietary lycopene source in the United States. Unlike many other natural compounds, lycopene is generally stable to processing when present in the plant tissue matrix. Recently, lycopene has also been studied in relation to its potential health effects. Although promising data from epidemiological, as well as cell culture and animal, studies suggest that lycopene and the consumption of lycopene containing foods may affect cancer or cardiovascular disease risk, more clinical trial data is needed to support this hypothesis. In addition, future studies are required to understand the mechanism(s) whereby lycopene or its metabolites are proven to possess biological activity in humans.

Universality of solar-wind turbulent spectrum from MHD to electron scales

To investigate the universality of magnetic turbulence in space plasmas, we analyze seven time periods in the free solar wind under different plasma conditions. Three instruments on Cluster spacecraft operating in different frequency ranges give us the possibility to resolve spectra up to 300 Hz. We show that the spectra form a quasiuniversal spectrum following the Kolmogorov's law approximately k(-5/3) at MHD scales, a approximately k(-2.8) power law at ion scales, and an exponential approximately exp[-sqrt[k(rho)e]] at scales k(rho)e approximately [0.1,1], where rho(e) is the electron gyroradius. This is the first observation of an exponential magnetic spectrum in space plasmas that may indicate the onset of dissipation. We distinguish for the first time between the role of different spatial kinetic plasma scales and show that the electron Larmor radius plays the role of a dissipation scale in space plasma turbulence.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits Hsp90 function by impairing Hsp90 association with cochaperones in pancreatic cancer cell line Mia Paca-2

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate [(-)-EGCG], the most abundant polyphenolic catechin in green tea, showed chemoprevention and anticancer activities. (-)-EGCG was reported to bind to the C-terminal domain of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). The purpose of this study is to investigate (-)-EGCG as a novel Hsp90 inhibitor to impair Hsp90 superchaperone complex for simultaneous downregulation of oncogenic proteins in pancreatic cancer cells. MTS assay showed that (-)-EGCG exhibited antiproliferative activity against pancreatic cancer cell line Mia Paca-2 in vitro with IC50 below 50 muM. (-)-EGCG increased caspase-3 activity up to 3-fold in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that (-)-EGCG induced downregulation of oncogenic Hsp90 client proteins by approximately 70-95%, including Akt, Cdk4, Raf-1, Her-2, and pERK. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that (-)-EGCG decreased the association of cochaperones p23 and Hsc70 with Hsp90 by more than 50%, while it had little effect on the ATP binding to Hsp90. Proteolytic fingerprinting assay confirmed direct binding between (-)-EGCG and the Hsp90 C-terminal domain. These data suggest that the binding of (-)-EGCG to Hsp90 impairs the association of Hsp90 with its cochaperones, thereby inducing degradation of Hsp90 client proteins, resulting antiproliferating effects in pancreatic cancer cells.

Determination of anthocyanins, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity in Andes Berry (Rubus glaucus Benth)

Anthocyanins, total phenolic content, ascorbic acid content, and the antioxidant activity were determined in extracts of Andes berry fruit (Rubus glaucus Benth). Anthocyanis (ACNs) were isolated and characterized by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection and electro spray ionization/mass spectrometry (PDA-ESI/MS/MS) analysis. The anthocyanin (ACN) content was 45 mg/100 g FW. The isolated anthocyanins were characterized as cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-xylorutinoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3-rutinoside. The ascorbic acid content was 10.1 mg/100 g FW. The total phenolic content as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method was 294 mg GAE/100 g FW while the antioxidant activity as measured by ABTS(.) (+) radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was 2.01 and 4.50 mmol TE/100 g FW or 8.22 mmoles ferric iron reduced/100 g FW, respectively. The high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Andes berry suggest that this fruit could be a rich source of natural pigments, nutraceuticals, and natural antioxidants.

New developments in Hsp90 inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutics: mechanisms, clinical perspective and more potential

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) is a promising target in cancer therapy. Preclinical and clinical evaluations of a variety of Hsp90 inhibitors have shown anti-tumor effect as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy. Current Hsp90 inhibitors are categorized into several classes based on distinct modes of inhibition, including (i) blockade of ATP binding, (ii) disruption of co-chaperone/Hsp90 interactions, (iii) antagonism of client/Hsp90 associations and (iv) interference with post-translational modifications of Hsp90. The different functions of Hsp90 isoforms and the isoform selectivity of drugs need further investigation. The correlation of cell surface Hsp90 with cancer metastasis and the emerging involvement of Hsp90 inhibition in cancer stem cells have become exciting areas that could be exploited. Therefore, the aim of this review is (1) to summarize the up-to-date knowledge of mechanistic studies and clinical prospect of currently available Hsp90 inhibitors, (2) to enhance our perspectives for designing and discovering novel Hsp90 inhibitors, and (3) to provide an insight into less-understood potential of Hsp90 inhibition in cancer therapy.

Gastrointestinal absorption and metabolism of soy isoflavonoids in ileal-canulated swine

The relative contribution of the small intestine to absorption and microbial metabolism of ingested isoflavonoids (IFN) was investigated in swine with canulae in distal ilea to facilitate collection of chyme (canula open). Weaned swine were fed a single meal containing ground roasted soybean and corn with canulae open followed by a second test soy diet at 48 h with canulae closed to allow passage of chyme into the large intestine. All remaining feedings were soy-free (corn-casein diet). Ileal effluent and urine were collected for 16 and 48 h, respectively, and analyzed for IFN and microbial metabolites of IFN. IFN in ileal effluent were present entirely as aglycones. IFN equivalents excreted for 24 h after ingesting the soy diet were not significantly different when canulae were open or closed. Urinary IFN aglycone equivalents on day 2 were similar to those on day 1 when canulae remained closed, but less than 10% of that on day 1 when canulae were open for 16 h postfeeding. Urinary concentrations of dihydrodaidzein, dihydrogenistein, O-desmethylangolensin, and equol exceeded IFN aglycone equivalents. These findings suggest extensive preabsorptive conversion of IFN glucosides to aglycones in the small intestine and relatively efficient microbial metabolism of IFN in weaned swine.

Structure-function relationships of anthocyanins from various anthocyanin-rich extracts on the inhibition of colon cancer cell growth

Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants and may be chemoprotective. However, the structure-function relationships are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to compare the chemoprotective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs) with variable anthocyanin profiles to understand the relationship between anthocyanin chemical structure and chemoprotective activity, measured as inhibition of colon cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, the chemoprotective interaction of anthocyanins and other phenolics was investigated. AREs with different anthocyanin profiles from purple corn, chokeberry, bilberry, purple carrot, grape, radish, and elderberry were tested for growth inhibition (GI 50) using a human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell line. All AREs suppressed HT29 cell growth to various degrees as follows: purple corn (GI 50 approximately 14 microg of cy-3-glu equiv/mL) > chokeberry and bilberry > purple carrot and grape > radish and elderberry (GI 50 > 100 microg of cy-3-glu equiv/mL). Anthocyanins played a major role in AREs' chemoprotection and exerted an additive interaction with the other phenolics present. Statistical analyses suggested that anthocyanin chemical structure affected chemoprotection, with nonacylated monoglycosylated anthocyanins having greater inhibitory effect on HT-29 cell proliferation, whereas anthocyanins with pelargonidin, triglycoside, and/or acylation with cinnamic acid exerted the least effect. These findings should be considered for crop selection and the development of anthocyanin-rich functional foods.

Optimizing sampling of tomato fruit for carotenoid content with application to assessing the impact of ripening disorders

Color defines one aspect of quality for tomato and tomato products. Carotenoid pigments are responsible for the red and orange colors of tomato fruit, and thus color is also of dietary interest. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the relative importance of field sampling and analytical replication when measuring lycopene and beta-carotene in tomato fruit and (2) to determine the effect of yellow shoulder disorder (YSD) on the content of lycopene and beta-carotene in tomato juice and tissue. Our results show that increasing biological replications is an efficient strategy for reducing the experimental error associated with measurements of lycopene and beta-carotene. Analytical replications did not contribute significantly to observed variation, and therefore experimental efficiency will be gained by reducing analytical replications while increasing field replication. We found that YSD significantly reduces lycopene in affected tissue and in juice made from affected fruit. In contrast, beta-carotene concentrations were only reduced in affected tissue but were not significantly reduced in juice. With increasing interest in biofortified crops, modulating the carotenoid profile in tomato by minimizing YSD symptoms represents a strategy for improving tomato fruit quality that is currently supported by grower contract structure and processor grades.

A combination of tomato and soy products for men with recurring prostate cancer and rising prostate specific antigen

Tomato and soy products are hypothesized to reduce the risk of prostate cancer or enhance efficacy of therapy. A study was completed to determine if men with active prostate cancer will adhere to a dietary intervention rich in tomato products and a soy protein supplement men (n = 41) with recurrent, asymptomatic prostate cancer were randomized among 2 groups: Group A (n = 20) consumed tomato products (no soy) for Weeks 0 through 4, targeting a minimum of 25 mg of lycopene/day. Group B (n = 21) consumed soy (no tomatoes) for Weeks 0 through 4, providing 40 g of soy protein/day. For Weeks 4 through 8, all men consumed a combined tomato-rich diet and soy supplements. No grade II through IV toxicities were observed. During Weeks 0 through 4, mean daily lycopene intake for Group A was 43 mg (+/- 15 mg) and mean soy intake for Group B was 39 g (+/- 1 g), remaining similar during Weeks 4 through 8. Serum lycopene increased from 0.72 +/- 0.09 micromol/l to 1.21 +/- 0.10 micromol/l (P < 0.0001) and urinary isoflavone excretion increased from not detectable to 54.1 +/- 5.7 micromol/l (P < 0.05) with 8 wk of diet intervention. Serum prostate-specific antigen decreased between Weeks 0 and 8 for 14 / 41 men (34%). Mean serum vascular endothelial growth factor for the entire group was reduced from 87 to 51 ng/ml (P < 0.05) over 8 wk. In conclusion, prostate cancer patients will consume diets rich in tomato products and soy with excellent compliance and bioavailability of phytochemicals. Further studies combining tomato and soy foods to determine efficacy for prostate cancer prevention or management are encouraged.

Effect of low vitamin A diets with high-moisture or dry corn on marbling and adipose tissue fatty acid composition of beef steers

Angus-cross steers (n = 165; 295 +/- 16 kg of BW) were used evaluate the effect of low vitamin A diets with high-moisture corn (HMC) or dry corn (DC) on marbling and fatty acid composition. Steers were allotted to 24 pens (7 steers/pen), such that each pen had the same average initial BW. Treatments were randomly allotted to the pens. The experiment had a completely randomized design, with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: low vitamin A (Lo, no supplemental vitamin A) and HMC (LoHMC); LoDC; high vitamin A (Hi, supplemented with 2,200 IU of vitamin A/kg of DM) and HMC (HiHMC); and HiDC. Diets contained 76% corn, 10% corn silage, 11% protein supplement, and 3% soybean oil (DM basis). Samples of feed ingredients were collected for carotenoid analysis. Blood samples were collected for serum retinol determination. Steers were slaughtered after 145 d on feed. Carcass characteristics and LM composition were determined. Samples from the s.c. fat depot were analyzed for fatty acid composition. High-moisture corn had a greater vitamin A content, based on its carotenoid content, than DC (614 vs. 366 IU/kg of DM, P < 0.01). No vitamin A x corn type interactions were detected for feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, or serum, s.c. fat, or liver retinol concentration. Average daily gain, DMI, and G:F were not affected by vitamin A (P > 0.05). Marbling score and USDA quality grade were greater (P < 0.05) in Lo vs. Hi steers. Hot carcass weight, backfat, and yield grade were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). Vitamin A and corn type did not affect LM composition (DM, ash, CP, or ether-extractable fat, P > 0.05). Vitamin A supplementation increased (P < 0.06) serum retinol on d 112 and 145 and increased (P < 0.01) liver retinol at slaughter (Lo = 38.7 vs. Hi = 102.9 mug/g). The s.c. fat retinol concentrations were less (P < 0.01) for Lo (0.8 mug/g) than for Hi (1.4 mug/g) at slaughter. Cell diameter of adipocytes in the i.m. depot was not affected by dietary vitamin A (P > 0.05). A vitamin A x corn type interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for the s.c. fat cellularity. Feeding HMC increased the number of cells per square millimeter when Lo diets were fed (LoHMC = 128 vs. LoDC = 100 cells/mm(2), P < 0.05), but not when Hi diets were fed (HiHMC = 109 vs. HiDC = 111 cells/mm(2), P > 0.05). The CLA content of adipose tissue was not affected by the treatments. Regardless of the corn type used, feeding low vitamin A diets for 145 d to Angus-cross steers increased marbling and quality grade without affecting yield grade, animal health, or performance.

Impact of fatty acyl composition and quantity of triglycerides on bioaccessibility of dietary carotenoids

A carotenoid-rich salad meal with varying amounts and types of triglycerides (TG) was digested using simulated gastric and small intestinal conditions. Xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) and carotenes (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene) in chyme and micelle fraction were quantified to determine digestive stability and efficiency of micellarization (bioaccessibility). Micellarization of lutein (+zeaxanthin) exceeded that of alpha- and beta-carotenes, which was greater than that of lycopene for all test conditions. Micellarization of carotenes, but not lutein (+zeaxanthin), was enhanced (P < 0.05) by addition of TG (2.5% v/w) to the meal and was dependent on fatty acyl chain length in structured TG (c18:1 > c8:0 > c4:0). The degree of unsaturation of c18 fatty acyl chains in TG added to the salad purée did not significantly alter the efficiency of micellarization of carotenoids. Relatively low amounts of triolein and canola oil (0.5-1%) were required for maximum micellarization of carotenes, but more oil (approximately 2.5%) was required when TG with medium chain saturated fatty acyl groups (e.g., trioctanoin and coconut oil) was added to the salad. Uptake of lutein and beta-carotene by Caco-2 cells also was examined by exposing cells to micelles generated during the simulated digestion of salad purée with either triolein or trioctanoin. Cell accumulation of beta-carotene was independent of fatty acyl composition of micelles, whereas lutein uptake was slightly, but significantly, increased from samples with digested triolein compared to trioctanoin. The results show that the in vitro transfer of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene from chyme to mixed micelles during digestion requires minimal (0.5-1%) lipid content in the meal and is affected by the length of fatty acyl chains but not the degree of unsaturation in TG. In contrast, fatty acyl chain length has limited if any impact on carotenoid uptake by small intestinal epithelial cells. These data suggest that the amount of TG in a typical meal does not limit the bioaccessibility of carotenoids.

Effects of growing conditions on purple corncob (Zea mays L.) anthocyanins

Purple corn ( Zea mays L.) has been used for centuries as a natural food colorant in South America and, more recently, in Asia and Europe. However, limited information is available on the factors affecting their anthocyanin concentration and profiles. In this study, 18 purple corn samples grown under different conditions in Peru were evaluated for quantitative and qualitative anthocyanin composition as well as total phenolics. High variability was observed on monomeric anthocyanin and phenolic contents with yields ranging from 290 to 1333 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) and from 950 to 3516 mg/100 g DW, respectively, while 30.5-47.1% of the total phenolics were anthocyanins. The major anthocyanins present were cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-maloylglucoside, pelargonidin-3-maloylglucoside, and peonidin-3-maloylglucoside, and 35.6-54.0% of the anthocyanins were acylated. Potassium sources/concentrations on the soil and seedling density did not significantly affect anthocyanin composition. The growing location affected anthocyanin levels and the percentage of anthocyanins to total phenolics ( p < 0.01) and should be taken into account when choosing a material for color production.

Lycopene from heat-induced cis-isomer-rich tomato sauce is more bioavailable than from all-trans-rich tomato sauce in human subjects

Lycopene is present mainly as cis-isomers in human serum and tissues whereas all-trans-lycopene predominates in tomato products, suggesting that all-trans-lycopene is isomerised in the body or is less bioavailable. The objectives of the present study were to develop processing conditions for tomatoes to obtain products with different cis-trans-lycopene isomer distribution and to assess their bioavailability. Healthy adult subjects (n 12) were recruited for this randomised cross-over trial. Each intervention was preceded by a 2-week washout period. Two tomato sauces, one rich in all-trans-lycopene (32·5 mg total lycopene/100 g sauce; 5 % cis-isomers), the other high in cis-lycopene (26·4 mg total lycopene/100 g sauce; 45 % cis-isomers), were produced by different heat-processing techniques. Each sauce (150 g) was served in a standardised meal at 08.00 hours after overnight fasting. Plasma TAG-rich lipoprotein fractions over 9.5 h following test-meal consumption as a measure of lycopene absorption were obtained and expressed as baseline-corrected area under the concentration v. time curves (AUC), using HPLC-electrochemical detection. AUC values adjusted for the amount lycopene consumed showed that total, total cis-, and all-trans-lycopene responses were significantly higher from the cis-isomer-rich sauce, compared with the all-trans-rich sauce, being 7·30 (sem 1·45) v. 4·74 (sem 1·08) nmol × h/l (P = 0·002), 3·80 (sem 0·76) v. 1·98 (sem 0·37) nmol × h/l (P = 0·0005) and 3·50 (sem 0·76) v. 2·76 (sem 0·76) nmol × h/l (P = 0·01), respectively. The present study demonstrates significant lycopene bioavailability from cis-lycopene-rich tomato sauce and highlights the importance of considering isomer-distribution for lycopene bioavailability. Furthermore, processing parameters can be controlled to alter isomer patterns of tomato products and influence lycopene bioavailability.

Resolution of diastereomeric flavonoid (1S)-(-)-camphanic acid esters via reversed-phase HPLC

Prenylflavonoids are an unique class of phytochemicals found in the inflorescences of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus). These flavonoids have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, which may be influenced by their stereochemical configuration. Additionally, recent studies suggest that hop prenylflavonoids are subject to biotransformations which could alter or enrich their stereochemistry. In order to facilitate studies of the stereoisomers of flavanones, a facile method was developed for resolving the diastereomeric esters of flavanones via reversed-phase HPLC. Herein, a method for forming the tri-(1S)-(-)-camphanic acid esters of the 4',5,7-trihydroxy flavanones naringenin, 8-prenylnaringenin and 6-prenylnaringenin, is described. The respective diastereomers were separated using analytical reversed-phase HPLC. Diastereomeric esters were isolated by preparative HPLC to >98% d.e. based on HPLC, with their absolute configurations established by application of CD spectrometry.