Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans

Personalized Nutrition in the Management of Female Infertility: New Insights on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility. Different “fertile” dietary patterns have been studied; however, in humans, conflicting results or weak correlations are often reported, probably because of the individual variations in genome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome and the extent of exposure to different environmental conditions. In this scenario, “precision nutrition”, namely personalized dietary patterns based on deep phenotyping and on metabolomics, microbiome, and nutrigenetics of each case, might be more efficient for infertile patients than applying a generic nutritional approach. In this review, we report on new insights into the nutritional management of infertile patients, discussing the main nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and microbiomic aspects that should be investigated to achieve effective personalized nutritional interventions. Specifically, we will focus on the management of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is associated with several infertility-related diseases.

Taify Pomegranate Juice (TPJ) Abrogates Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress Through the Regulation of Antioxidant Activity, Inflammation, and Apoptosis-Associated Genes

Acrylamide (ACR) has various effects on biological systems, including oxidative stress and its associated metabolic disorders. Previous research reports that plants growing at high altitude have a different profile of antioxidants. In the current report, the Taify pomegranate juice (TPJ) of the Taify pomegranate growing at the Taif region (high altitude), Saudi Arabia, was investigated for its protective activity from ACR-induced oxidative stress. Rats were treated with ACR, TPJ, or TPJ+ACR, and various assays, including blood chemistry, liver function biomarkers, gene expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress regulatory genes, inflammation biomarkers, and apoptosis, were estimated using biochemical, real-time PCR, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. TPJ showed a protective function of ACR-induced alteration of AST, ALT, GGT, urea, total proteins, albumin, MDA, and NO. It also increased the level of the endogenous antioxidative enzymes, including SOD, catalase, and GSH. It showed anti-inflammatory activity by reduction the TNF-α, IL-6 secretion and the enhancing of IL-10 levels. At the gene expression level, TPJ upregulated the expression of endogenous antioxidant genes (SOD and catalase) and of antioxidant-regulating genes Nrf2 and HO-1; downregulated the expression of inflammatory genes TGF-β1, COX2, and the apoptotic gene caspase-3; and upregulated the expression of antiapoptotic gene Bcl2. At the histological level, TPJ showed a protective effect from the ACR-induced hepatic histological damage. Results of this study conclude that TPJ has a protective effect from ACR-induced oxidative stress and its associated metabolic alterations through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effects of sweet basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L) addition on the chemical, antioxidant, and storage stability of roselle calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa) drink

Consumers expect greater functionality from food and beverage products. Celebrated for a range of health benefits, polyphenols have been linked to a preventive role for chronic diseases and viral infections and have the ability to relieve oxidative stress. A drink made with roselle calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and sweet basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L) may provide therapeutic or preventive effects against chronic and infectious diseases. Damage caused by oxidative stress may be alleviated by the polyphenols found in roselle calyces and sweet basil leaves. The roselle-basil samples at different blend ratio were analysed for pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, vitamin C, lycopene, total phenolic contents, antioxidant properties, and storage stability at different temperature (4 and 29 °C). The incorporation of sweet basil leaves to roselle calyces slightly decreased the vitamin C and lycopene content of the processed drink but increased the total carotenoid and antioxidant activities (ABTS and ORAC) of the drink. The radical scavenging properties of the processed drink increased with the addition of the dried sweet basil leaves and samples kept at a higher temperature of 29 °C showed a rise in antioxidant activities compared to samples stored at 4 °C. The increase in the free radical scavenging power of the drinks show that the roselle-basil drink may serve as health drink and addition of sweet basil leaves up to 5% may be suitable to produce roselle-basil drink.

Dietary phytochemical index and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Iranian children: a case control study

OBJECTIVE

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder among children. Based on literature, it has been hypothesized that the higher intake of rich sources of phytochemicals may be inversely related to the risk of ADHD. We investigated the association of dietary phytochemical index (DPI) with odds of ADHD.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted on 360 children and adolescents 7-13 years old in Yazd, Iran. Subjects were categorized into the case (n = 120) and control groups (n = 240) based on matching age and sex. To diagnose ADHD, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSMIV-TR) was used. Food frequency questionnaire was used to measure food intake. DPI was calculated by percent of daily energy intake from phytochemical-rich foods. The association of DPI with the odds ratio of ADHD was examined by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Subjects in the highest quartile of DPI have higher intake of macronutrient, eicosatetraenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid compared to lowest quartile. After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects in the highest quartile of DPI compared with subjects in the lowest quartile showed a lower risk of ADHD (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.18-0.90). There was a significant decreasing trend in the odds of ADHD across increasing quartile of DPI (P for trend: 0.02).

CONCLUSION

We found that higher DPI score is associated with lower risk of ADHD in children. Cohort and clinical studies are necessary to approve our results.

Dietary Factors and Risk of Glioma in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background

Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults. Inappropriate dietary habits are thought to be a risk factor for most human cancer, and glioma is no exception. However, the effect of dietary factors on glioma is not clear.

Objective

This review aims to quantitatively evaluate the association between various dietary intakes and glioma using a meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched articles on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and EMBASE from their inception until October 11, 2021. According to heterogeneity, the fixed-effects or random-effects model was selected to obtain the relative risk (RR) of merger. Based on the methods described by Greenland and Longnecker, we explored the dose-response relationship between dietary intakes and the risk of glioma. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were also used.

Results

This study reviewed 33 articles, including 3,606,015 controls and 8,831 patients with glioma. This study included 12 food groups. Compared with the lowest intakes, the highest intakes of tea (RR = 0.82, 95%CI:0.71–0.93), total vegetables (RR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.70–1.00), green vegetables (RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.66–0.98), and orange vegetables (RR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.66–0.96) significantly reduced the risk of glioma, while the highest intakes of grains (RR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.16–1.66), processed meats (RR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.00–1.42), and processed fish (RR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.03–1.84) significantly increased the risk of glioma. The results of subgroup and sensitivity analyses remained unchanged. In the dose-response relationship, only tea was statistically significant. Taking an extra cup of tea every day reduced the risk of glioma by 4%.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that the intakes of tea, total vegetables, green vegetables, and orange vegetables may reduce the risk of glioma, while the intakes of grains, processed meats, and processed fish may increase the risk of glioma. Therefore, the effect of dietary factors on glioma should not be ignored.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42022296658.

A review on health benefits of phenolics derived from dietary spices

Spices are an affluentpool of polyphenolcompounds that possessgigantic medicinal peculiarities such as remedying microbial infections, oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac disorders, etc. On that account, thepresent review illustrates the therapeutic potential, mechanism of action, and different procedures for conscious extraction of polyphenols. The various ethnopharmacological properties; reasons for their diverse pharmacological actions and the mechanism of action of spices-derived phenolics have also been discussed. The findings of this review may be utilized by the food and pharmaceutical industries for developing suitable alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and can be developed into effective food supplements. Further in-depth scientific studies are needed to find out their actual and exact relevance as natural health boosters. Moreover, clinical and toxicological studies are also required for harnessing the full therapeutic potential of polyphenols derived from dietary spices.

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Spices are the treasure house of polyphenols and other useful bioactive compounds.

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Clove, oregano, thyme and rosemary contains highest amount of phenolic compounds.

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They provide protection from microbial infection and oxidative stress related disorders.

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Polyphenols obtained from spices improve the functioning of beneficial gut microbiota.

COVID-19: an In Silico Analysis on Potential Therapeutic Uses of Trikadu as Immune System Boosters

Corona virus pandemic outbreak also known as COVID-19 has created an imbalance in this world. Scientists have adopted the use of natural or alternative medicines which are consumed mostly as dietary supplements to boost the immune system as herbal remedies. India is famous for traditional medicinal formulations which includes 'Trikadu'-a combination of three acrids, namely Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum and Piper longum which have antioxidant properties that boost our immune system hence acting as a strong preventive measure. In this study, AutoDock 4.0 was used to study interaction between the phytocompounds of Trikadu with RNA-dependent polymerase protein and enveloped protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Analysis of the results showed that coumarin, coumaperine and bisdemethoxycurcumin showed strong bonding interactions with both the proteins. We can conclude that Trikadu has the potential molecules; hence, it can be incorporated in the diet to boost the immune system as a preventive measure against the virus.

Functional Profiling and Future Research Direction of Rice Bran Oil in Bangladesh

Rice bran oil (RBO) has been demonstrated to affect complex malfunctioned conditions such as oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, inflammation, abnormal cell growth (cancer), ulceration, immune and cognitive modulation. This unique effect of RBO is due to the presence of well-balanced fatty acid composition and several bioactive compounds, γ- oryzanol (cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, campesterol ferulate, and β-sitosteryl ferulate), vitamin E (tocopherol and tocotrienol), phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol) and other nutrients. The RBO composition of bioactive compounds varied geographically, thus the clear-cut mechanisms of action on complex disease cascades are still required. This review article summarized the RBO compositional profiling and compared it with other edible oils. This article also summarized Bangladesh RBO profiling and their proposed mechanism of action as well as the first line of defense in the prevention, management, and control of complex disease conditions. This review indicates how Bangladesh RBO increase their opportunity to be functional food for 21st century's ailment.

A novel anticoagulant peptide discovered from Crassostrea gigas by combining bioinformatics with the enzymolysis strategy: inhibitory kinetics and mechanisms

A novel anticoagulant peptide (IEELEEELEAER) derived from oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was discovered by combining the emerging bioinformatics with the classical enzymolysis approach. The anticoagulant peptide drastically reduced the extrinsic clotting activity (49% residual PT activity) and impaired the intrinsic clotting activity (77% residual PT activity). Consistent with the clotting data, the thrombin peak height reduced to 88.7 from 123.4 nM, and the thrombin generation time delayed to 5.32 from 4.42 min when an extrinsic trigger was applied. The inhibitory kinetics of FXIa, FIXa, FXa, FIIa, and APC in a purified component system rationally explained the reduction of the extrinsic clotting activity and impairment of thrombin generation. Besides the inhibition of FXa and FIIa activity, the activation processes of FX and FII by an intrinsic/extrinsic tenase complex and prothrombinase were also damaged. The anticoagulant activity in the plasma system was the result of comprehensive inhibition of various factors. The research provided a frame for anticoagulant evaluation and inhibitory mechanism of bioactive peptides from food products.

A geospatial database management system for the collection of medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are increasingly used, both for medical applications and personal healthcare. However, existing herbal database systems for plant retrieval offer only basic information and do not support real-time analysis of the spatial aspects of plantations and distribution sites. Moreover, data records are usually static and not publicly available as they rely on costly proprietary software packages. To address these shortcomings, including limiting the time needed for collection and data processing, a novel medicinal plants geospatial database management system is proposed. The system allows localization of plant sites and data presentation on an interactive heat map displaying spatial information of plants selected by the user within a specific radius from the user's location, including automatic presentation of an itinerary giving the optimal route between user location and plant destinations selected. The approach relies on dynamic and role-based data management, an interactive map that includes graphics and integrated geospatial analyses thanks to cross-platform, geographical a JavaScript library and Google API. Both spatial data and attributes are available in real time. The system would support effective collaboration, among herb farmers, government agencies, private investors, healthcare professionals and the general public with regard to various aspects of medicinal plants and their applications.

Intake Estimation of Phytochemicals in a French Well-Balanced Diet

Phytochemicals contribute to the health benefits of plant-rich diets, notably through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, recommended daily amounts of the main dietary phytochemicals remain undetermined. We aimed to estimate the amounts of phytochemicals in a well-balanced diet. A modelled diet was created, containing dietary reference intakes for adults in France. Two one-week menus (summer and winter) were devised to reflect typical intakes of plant-based foods. Existing databases were used to estimate daily phytochemical content for seven phytochemical families: phenolic acids, flavonoids (except anthocyanins), anthocyanins, tannins, organosulfur compounds, carotenoids, and caffeine. The summer and winter menus provided 1607 and 1441 mg/day, respectively, of total polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins), the difference being driven by reduced anthocyanin intake in winter. Phenolic acids, flavonoids (including anthocyanins), and tannins accounted for approximately 50%, 25%, and 25% of total polyphenols, respectively. Dietary carotenoid and organosulfur compound content was estimated to be approximately 17 and 70 mg/day, respectively, in both seasons. Finally, both menus provided approximately 110 mg/day of caffeine, exclusively from tea and coffee. Our work supports ongoing efforts to define phytochemical insufficiency states that may occur in individuals with unbalanced diets and related disease risk factors.

Determination of the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Onosma mollis DC

Onosma species have long been used traditionally for respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain, wound treatment, burns, and constipation. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH), and water extracts of Onosma mollis DC. MeOH extract was richer in both phenolics and flavonoids than other extracts (44.06 mg GAEs/g and 41.57 mg QEs/g, respectively). The findings obtained from the results of the chromatographic analysis also supported the results of the spectrophotometric analysis. The MeOH extract was the richest in terms of most of the phytochemicals screened. Apigenin 7-glucoside, luteolin 7-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, and pinoresinol were over 1000.0 μg/g in MeOH extract. The extract in question showed the highest activity in phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging and CUPRAC and FRAP reducing power activity assays (2.01, 3.33, 2.30, 1.48, and 0.79 mg/ml, respectively). The water extract presented the highest activity in the ferrous ion chelating assay (1.01 mg/ml). While EtOAc extract showed high activity in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity tests (1.11, 1.49, and 1.07 mg/ml, respectively), MeOH extract showed significant efficacy in tyrosinase and α-amylase inhibitory activity assays (2.94 and 2.08 mg/ml, respectively). There was a high correlation between the total phenolics/flavonoids of the extracts and their antioxidant activities (correlation coefficients were over 0.9). In addition, the phytochemicals mentioned above were found to contribute significantly to the antioxidant activity. It was concluded that a more detailed analysis should be done to determine the compounds responsible for the enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts.

Olive Paste-Enriched Cookies Exert Increased Antioxidant Activities

Functional foods are beneficial to human health and are part of the daily diet of people trying to follow a healthier lifestyle. Olive paste is a good source of functional compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, that have been shown to have health benefits. At the same time, cookies are an ideal snack that can be fortified with additional ingredients to address human dietary needs. The study aimed to enrich cookies with olive paste and extra ingredients for flavor differentiation and evaluate the impact of the enrichment on their antioxidant properties. Enriched cookies were prepared analyzed and tested for sensorial acceptability, total phenolics, and antioxidant activities by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays. Enriched cookies were sensorially acceptable. Unsaturated fat, total phenolics, and antioxidant activities of enriched cookies were higher compared to control cookies, while among enriched cookies the extra addition of 1% garlic, 0.5% thyme, and 0.5% oregano resulted in higher total phenolics and antioxidant activities compared to cookies that were flavored either with 3% vegetables or 3% orange zest. Antioxidant activity in cookies was strongly correlated with total phenolic content. Cookies enriched with olive paste may be healthy functional food in terms of increased antioxidant activity.

Protease Hydrolysates Ameliorates Inflammation and Intestinal Flora Imbalance in DSS-Induced Colitis Mice

Wheat germ and fish skin usually has not been completely utilized and sometimes may be discarded, thus causing a lot of waste. Here, we aim at exploring the therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects of protease hydrolysates of wheat germ and fish skin on the ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. In the current study, wheat germ protein hydrolysates (WGPH) and fish skin gelatin hydrolysates (FSGH) treated mice had a longer colon than the DSS-induced mice. Moreover, protease hydrolysates reversed DSS-induced gut dysbiosis. Protease hydrolysates were likely to shift the balance of the intestinal flora on inflammation. In summary, these findings suggested that protease hydrolysates might serve as a latent therapy for UC treatment.

Effect of Grafting Rootstock on the Antioxidant Capacity and Content of Heirloom Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Hydroponic Culture

Heirloom tomato varieties are in demand by consumers due to high antioxidant levels. However, these varieties are difficult to produce and are prone to disease. To overcome these problems, heirloom tomatoes may be cultivated in hydroponic systems and grafted onto disease-resistant rootstocks. However, it is unknown if the antioxidant content and capacity are affected by grafting. In this study, heirloom (Black Krim and Green Zebra) and standard (Big Beef) varieties were grafted onto wild type (WT) or productive rootstocks (Arnold and Supernatural). The tomatoes were harvested at maturity, freeze-dried, and ground into a powder. Lycopene was extracted using hexane, and the content was determined spectrophotometrically at 503 nm. The antioxidant capacity of methanol extracts was evaluated by the 2,2'-azino-di[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonsyr]sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, whereas the phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Interestingly, the grafting of Big Beef and Green Zebra onto Supernatural rootstock resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity, as determined by the DPPH assay. Moreover, the phenolic content was changed for Big Beef grafted onto Arnold, and Big Beef and Green Zebra grafted onto Supernatural. Taken together, these results indicate that certain combinations of standard and heirloom tomato varieties and productive rootstocks may influence the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. These results may be used to guide producers when choosing rootstocks for cultivating hydroponic tomatoes.

Laccase and Tyrosinase Biosensors Used in the Determination of Hydroxycinnamic Acids

In recent years, researchers have focused on developing simple and efficient methods based on electrochemical biosensors to determine hydroxycinnamic acids from various real samples (wine, beer, propolis, tea, and coffee). Enzymatic biosensors represent a promising, low-cost technology for the direct monitoring of these biologically important compounds, which implies a fast response and simple sample processing procedures. The present review aims at highlighting the structural features of this class of compounds and the importance of hydroxycinnamic acids for the human body, as well as presenting a series of enzymatic biosensors commonly used to quantify these phenolic compounds. Enzyme immobilization techniques on support electrodes are very important for their stability and for obtaining adequate results. The following sections of this review will briefly describe some of the laccase (Lac) and tyrosinase (Tyr) biosensors used for determining the main hydroxycinnamic acids of interest in the food or cosmetics industry. Considering relevant studies in the field, the fact has been noticed that there is a greater number of studies on laccase-based biosensors as compared to those based on tyrosinase for the detection of hydroxycinnamic acids. Significant progress has been made in relation to using the synergy of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for more stable and efficient enzyme immobilization. These nanomaterials are mainly carbon- and/or polymer-based nanostructures and metallic nanoparticles which provide a suitable environment for maintaining the biocatalytic activity of the enzyme and for increasing the rate of electron transport.

Tropical foods as functional foods for metabolic syndrome

Tropical foods are an integral part of the traditional diet and form part of traditional medicine in many countries. This review examines the potential of tropical foods to treat signs of metabolic syndrome, defined as a chronic low-grade inflammation leading to obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and fatty liver. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease as well as osteoarthritis and some cancers. Tropical foods such as seaweeds and tropical fruits including indigenous fruits such as Davidson's plums are effective in reducing these signs of metabolic syndrome in rats, as well as reducing degeneration of bone cartilage and altering gut microbiome. Further, waste products from tropical fruits including mangosteen rind, coffee pulp and spent coffee grounds provide further options to reduce metabolic syndrome. Production of local tropical foods and local recovery of food waste from these foods could allow the development of commercial, sustainable and cost-effective functional foods in tropical countries. The aim is to develop these functional foods to reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome and decrease the risk of costly chronic cardiovascular and metabolic disorders locally and globally.

Polyphenol Profiling of Chestnut Pericarp, Integument and Curing Water Extracts to Qualify These Food By-Products as a Source of Antioxidants

Plant polyphenols have beneficial antioxidant effects on human health; practices aimed at preserving their content in foods and/or reusing food by-products are encouraged. The impact of the traditional practice of the water curing procedure of chestnuts, which prevents insect/mould damage during storage, was studied to assess the release of polyphenols from the fruit. Metabolites extracted from pericarp and integument tissues or released in the medium from the water curing process were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and electrospray-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (ESI-qTOF-MS). This identified: (i) condensed and hydrolyzable tannins made of (epi)catechin (procyanidins) and acid ellagic units in pericarp tissues; (ii) polyphenols made of gallocatechin and catechin units condensed with gallate (prodelphinidins) in integument counterparts; (iii) metabolites resembling those reported above in the wastewater from the chestnut curing process. Comparative experiments were also performed on aqueous media recovered from fruits treated with processes involving: (i) tap water; (ii) tap water containing an antifungal Lb. pentosus strain; (iii) wastewater from a previous curing treatment. These analyses indicated that the former treatment determines a 6–7-fold higher release of polyphenols in the curing water with respect to the other ones. This event has a negative impact on the luster of treated fruits but qualifies the corresponding wastes as a source of antioxidants. Such a phenomenon does not occur in wastewater from the other curing processes, where the release of polyphenols was reduced, thus preserving the chestnut’s appearance. Polyphenol profiling measurements demonstrated that bacterial presence in water hampered the release of pericarp metabolites. This study provides a rationale to traditional processing practices on fruit appearance and qualifies the corresponding wastes as a source of bioactive compounds for other nutraceutical applications.

Effect of Tai Chi on Markers of Oxidative Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence of the effect of practicing Tai Chi on oxidative stress markers (OxSM). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducting using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, and Ovid databases to identify randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (NRCT) clinical trials that evaluated the Tai Chi effect on OxSM compared to sedentary behavior, walking or yoga. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using the inverse variance method to determine the effect of Tai Chi on OxSM. PROSPERO register: CRD42019138362. Results: Five RCT and five NRCT were included. Compared to sedentary behavior, regular Tai Chi practice increases the levels of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (MD = 34.97 U/mL, (95%CI, 9.45 to 60.48), 344 participants) and catalase (MD = 15.63 U/mL, (95%CI, 4.05 to 27.22), 110 participants), as well as reducing the levels of lipoperoxides (MD = −0.02 µmol/L, (95%CI, −0.04 to −0.00), 234 participants). For comparisons with walking or yoga, only one study per activity was identified comparing the effect on OxSM. Conclusions: Regular Tai Chi practice increases the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as reducing the levels of lipoperoxides. More studies are necessary to determine the effect of Tai Chi on OxSM when compared to other physical activities.

Varietal differences in flavonoid and antioxidant activity in Japanese soybean accessions

Soybean seeds contain many antioxidants, including flavonoids and other phytochemicals. Isoflavone is a phytoestrogen that mimics estrogenic effects on target tissues and also exerts antioxidant activity by sequestering free radicals. Despite many cultivars developed to date, varietal differences in flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in Japanese soybean accessions remain less well characterized. Here, we evaluated the seed content of isoflavones, total flavonoids, and total phenolics in 26 soybean accessions. Next, the antioxidant activity of each accession was examined using antioxidant responsive element (ARE) linked to a luciferase reporter in human HepG2 stable cells. The relative ARE luciferase activity rate of all soybean accessions varied up to 4-fold which ranged from 1.00 to 4.02; and 22 accessions exhibited significant antioxidant activities. Correlation analysis indicated that the level of total isoflavone moderately correlated with antioxidant activity.

Longitudinal association between an overall diet quality index and latent profiles of cardiovascular risk factors: results from a population based 13-year follow up cohort study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, including poor diet. Indices reflecting the overall quality of diets are more effective than single food or nutrient-based approaches in clarifying the diet disease relationship. The present study aims to use latent variable modeling to examine the longitudinal joint relationships between the latent profiles of CVDs risk factors and the diet quality index (DQI).

METHODS

A total of 4390 Iranian adults aged 35 and older within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study were included in the current secondary analysis. DQI focused on food groups, including fast foods, sweets, vegetables, fruits, fats, and proteins, based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. The score of DQI has a range between 0 (indicating healthy and high diet quality) and 2 (indicating unhealthy and low diet quality). Blood pressure (BP), anthropometric measurements, blood glucose, serum lipids, and high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) were measured according to standard protocols in 2001, 2007, and 2013 to evaluate the profiles of CVDs risk factors. A Bayesian Multidimensional Graded Responses Linear Mixed Model was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

At baseline, the participants' mean ± standard deviation age was 50.09 ± 11.21, and 49.5% of them were male. Three latent profiles of CVDs risk factors were derived: (1) Fit Pre-Metabolic Syndrome (FPMS) profile characterized by normal anthropometric indices and some impaired metabolic risk factors; (2) DysLipoproteinemia Central Obese (DLCO) profile with abdominal obesity and impaired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as other normal risk factors; (3) Impaired Laboratory Inflammatory State (ILIS) profile with impaired high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hs-CRP and other normal risk factors. In general, higher scores of the extracted latent profiles indicated more impaired function in the related risk factors. After controlling for various potential fixed and time-varying confounding variables, a significant positive longitudinal association was found between FPMS, DLCO, and ILIS profiles and DQI (β (95% CrI): 0.26 (0.03,0.51), 0.14 (0.01,0.27), and 0.24 (0.11,0.38), respectively), demonstrating that lower overall diet quality was associated with more impaired function of the related risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

More adherence to a healthy quality diet is associated with lower levels of all emerging latent profiles of CVDs risk factors. Increasing the knowledge of the community about the importance of the quality of consumed foods may help to prevent CVDs. It is recommended that further investigations, particularly interventional studies, be conducted to confirm our results.

Hormetic Effects of Bioactive Compounds from Foods, Beverages, and Food Dressing: The Potential Role in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a damage or trauma to the spinal cord resulting in a total or partial loss of motor and sensory function. SCI is characterized by a disequilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species and the levels of antioxidant defences, causing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. This review is aimed at highlighting the hormetic effects of some compounds from foods, beverages, and food dressing that are able to reduce oxidative stress in patients with SCI. Although curcumin, ginseng, and green tea have been proposed for SCI management, low levels of antioxidant vitamins have been reported in individuals with SCI. Mediterranean diet includes food rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Moreover, food dressing, including spices, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), contains multiple components with hormetic effects. The latter involves the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2, consequently increasing the antioxidant enzymes and decreasing inflammation. Furthermore, EVOO improves the bioavailability of carotenoids and could be a delivery system for bioactive compounds. In conclusion, Mediterranean dressing in addition to plant foods can have an important effect on redox balance in individuals with SCI.

Oxidative Stress Is Increased in Combined Oral Contraceptives Users and Is Positively Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Information concerning the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation in young healthy women predisposing eventually to future diseases is scarce. We investigated the relationship of oxidative stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in fertile-age women by oral combined contraceptive (OC) use. Caucasian Italian healthy non-obese women (n = 290; 100 OC-users; 190 non-OC-users; mean age 23.2 ± 4.7 years) were analyzed. Blood hydroperoxides, as oxidative stress biomarkers, were assessed by Free Oxygen Radical Test (FORT). Serum hsCRP was determined by an ultra-sensitive method (hsCRP). Markedly elevated oxidative stress (≥400 FORT Units) was found in 77.0% of OC-users and 1.6% of non-OC-users, odds ratio (OR) = 209, 95% CI = 60.9–715.4, p < 0.001. Elevated hsCRP levels ≥ 2.0 mg/L, considered risky for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), were found in 41.0% of OC-users and 9.5% of non-OC-users, OR = 6.6, 95%CI 3.5–12.4, p < 0.001. Hydroperoxides were strongly positively correlated to hsCRP in all women (r_s = 0.622, p < 0.001), in OC-users (r_s = 0.442, p < 0.001), and in non-OC-users (r_s = 0.426, p < 0.001). Women with hydroperoxides ≥ 400 FORT Units were eight times as likely to have hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L. In non-OC-users only, hydroperoxides values were positively correlated with weight and body mass index, but negatively correlated with red meat, fish and chocolate consumption. Our research is the first finding a strong positive correlation of serum hydroperoxides with hsCRP, a marker of low-grade chronic inflammation, in young healthy women. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential role of these two biomarkers in OC-use associated side-effects, like thromboembolism and other CVDs.

Mediterranean Diet for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes in the Covid-19 Era: Implications of Il-6 In Diabesity

The aim of this review is to highlight the influence of the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) during the COVID-19 pandemic era and the specific role of interleukin (IL)-6 in diabesity. It is known that diabetes, high body mass index, high glycated hemoglobin and raised serum IL-6 levels are predictive of poor outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The immunopathological mechanisms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection include rising levels of several cytokines and in particular IL-6. The latter is associated with hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and could be useful for predicting the development of GDM. Rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, MedDiet improves the immune system and could modulate IL-6, C reactive protein and Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB. Moreover, polyphenols could modulate microbiota composition, inhibit the NF-κB pathway, lower IL-6, and upregulate antioxidant enzymes. Finally, adhering to the MedDiet prior to and during pregnancy could have a protective effect, reducing GWG and the risk of GDM, as well as improving the immune response to viral infections such as COVID-19.

Bioprocessed Wheat Ingredients: Characterization, Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds, and Bioactivity During in vitro Digestion

To enlarge the applications of whole wheat grain (WWG) and wheat bran (WB) as functional ingredients in foodstuffs that can promote human health, researchers have explored bioprocessing approaches to improve the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds from these food matrices and, subsequently, their biological effects. The objective of this study was to compare the composition in nutrients, anti-nutrients, and bioactive compounds of WWG and WB, and their respective bioprocessed products: sprouted wheat (GERM) and WB hydrolysate (stabilized by spray-drying [SPD] and microencapsulated [MEC]). In addition, to evaluate the functional properties of these ingredients, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were monitored in different digestion steps. GERM had increased amounts of insoluble dietary fiber, higher diversity of oligosaccharides, and higher concentration of monosaccharides, free phosphorous, and phenolic compounds than WWG. SPD had improved content of soluble dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, monosaccharides, free phosphorous, and phenolic compounds (vs. WB), whereas MEC was mainly composed of protein and had nearly 2-fold lower content of SPD components. All the ingredients showed lower amounts of phytic acid as compared with raw materials. In all samples, hydroxycinnamic acids were the most representative polyphenols followed by minor amounts of hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonoids. Gastrointestinal digestion of GERM, SPD, and MEC revealed high stability of total phenolic compounds in both gastric and intestinal phases. Hydroxycinnamic acids were the most bioaccessible compounds during digestion among the three bioprocessed wheat ingredients studied, although their bioaccessibility varied across ingredients. In this sense, the bioaccessibility of ferulic acid (FA) derivatives increased in GERM with progression of the digestion, while it was reduced in SPD and MEC up to the end of the intestinal phase. Microencapsulation of SPD with pea protein led to generally to lower bioaccessible amounts of phenolic acids. Comparison analysis of biological effects highlighted SPD for its most potent antioxidant effects in the gastrointestinal tract (3 out 4 antioxidant parameters with highest values), while no clear differences were observed with regard to in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, these results support the potential application of GERM, SPD, and MEC as functional and nutraceutical ingredients.

Imperatorin Ameliorates the Aging-Associated Porcine Oocyte Meiotic Spindle Defects by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Protecting Mitochondrial Function

Imperatorin (IMP) exhibits a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hypertension activities. However, its effects on animal reproduction systems, especially oocyte development, maturation, and aging are not yet clear. In this study, the effects of IMP on oocyte development and aging as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored. Oocytes were cultured for an additional 24 h for aging. Results revealed that the blastocyst formation and hatching rates of embryos, which were parthenogenetically activated aged oocytes, were significantly increased with IMP treatment (40 μM). Simultaneously, well-distributed cortical granules but no significant difference in zona pellucida hardness were observed after IMP treatment. During this stage, intracellular reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and autophagy levels were decreased, while mitochondrial membrane potential, glutathione level, and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased. IMP-treated aged oocytes also showed significantly higher expression of MOS, CCNB1, BMP15, and GDF9 than non-IMP-treated aged oocytes although their levels were still lower than those in the fresh oocytes. These results suggest that IMP can effectively ameliorate the quality of aged porcine oocytes by reducing oxidative stress and protecting mitochondrial function.

Nutritional significance of amino acids, vitamins and minerals as nutraceuticals in poultry production and health - a comprehensive review

Nutraceuticals have gained immense importance in poultry science recently considering the nutritional and beneficial health effects of their constituents. Besides providing nutritional requirements to birds, nutraceuticals have beneficial pharmacological effects, for example, they help in establishing normal physiological health status, prevent diseases and thereby improve production performance. Nutraceuticals include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc. which are important for preventing oxidative stress, regulating the immune response and maintaining normal physiological, biochemical and homeostatic mechanisms. Nutraceuticals help in supplying nutrients in balanced amounts for supporting the optimal growth performance in modern poultry flocks, and as a dietary supplement can reduce the use of antibiotics. The application of antibiotic growth enhancers in poultry leads to the propagation of antibiotic-resistant microbes and drug residues; therefore, they have been restricted in many countries. Thus, there is a demand for natural feed additives that lead to the same growth enhancement without affecting the health. Nutraceuticals substances have an essential role in the development of the animals' normal physiological functions and in protecting them against infectious diseases. In this review, the uses of amino acids, vitamins and minerals as well as their mode of action in growth promotion and elevation of immune system are discussed.

Dietary Diversity and the Risk of Fracture in Adults: A Prospective Study

Nutrition plays an important and modifiable role in bone health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary diversity on the risk of any type of fracture in adults. Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey collected between waves 1997 and 2015 were used. A total of 10,192 adults aged 40 years and older were included in the analysis. Both dietary diversity score (DDS) based on Chinese dietary guidelines (DDS-CDG) and minimum dietary diversity for women (DDS-MDD-W) were computed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to determine the association. Stratified analyses were conducted in women by the age of fracture using the case-control study approach. In men, higher scores in both the DDS-CDG (hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.56-0.88) and DDS-MDD-W (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.82) were associated with decreased risk of fracture, however, the associations were not significant in women (DDS-CDG: HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.79-1.12; DDS-MDD-W: HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.79-1.09). In the stratified analyses, higher DDS-CDG (odds ratio (OR) 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.95) and higher DDS-MDD-W (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60-0.95) were associated with lower risks of fracture in women aged 40 to 60 years; in women aged over 60 years, no association was observed (DDS-CDG: OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.83-1.46; DDS-MDD-W: OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.79-1.27). In summary, higher dietary diversity was associated with decreased risk of fracture in men and middle-aged women, but not in women aged over 60 years.

Antioxidant Properties of Egg White Hydrolysate Prevent Mercury-Induced Vascular Damage in Resistance Arteries

Aim: We investigated the antioxidant protective power of egg white hydrolysate (EWH) against the vascular damage induced by mercury chloride (HgCl2) exposure in resistance arteries. Methods: Male Wistar rats received for 60 days: (I) intramuscular injections (i.m.) of saline and tap water by gavage - Untreated group; (II) 4.6 μg/kg of HgCl2 i.m. for the first dose and subsequent doses of 0.07 μg/kg/day and tap water by gavage - HgCl2 group; (III) saline i.m. and 1 g/kg/day of EWH by gavage - EWH group, or (IV) the combination of the HgCl2 i.m. and EWH by gavage - EWH + HgCl2 group. Blood pressure (BP) was indirectly measured and dose-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and noradrenaline (NE) were assessed in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA), as in situ production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide (NO) release, vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status. Results: Egg white hydrolysate prevented the elevation in BP and the vascular dysfunction after HgCl2 exposure; restored the NO-mediated endothelial modulation and inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways induced by HgCl2. Conclusion: Egg white hydrolysate seems to be a useful functional food to prevent HgCl2-induced vascular toxic effects in MRA.

The Anti-Neuroinflammatory Role of Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites for the Prevention and Treatment of Brain Disorders

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring polyphenols commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Numerous studies have described that anthocyanin-rich foods may play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of different pathological conditions, which have encouraged their consumption around the world. Anthocyanins exhibit a significant neuroprotective role, mainly due to their well-recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Neuroinflammation is an intricate process relevant in both homeostatic and pathological circumstances. Since the progression of several neurological disorders relies on neuroinflammatory process, targeting brain inflammation has been considered a promising strategy in those conditions. Recent data have shown the anti-neuroinflammatory abilities of many anthocyanins and of their metabolites in the onset and development of several neurological disorders. In this review, it will be discussed the importance and the applicability of these polyphenolic compounds as neuroprotective agents and it will be also scrutinized the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of neuroinflammation by these natural compounds in the context of several brain diseases.

Beverages Rich in Resveratrol and Physical Activity Attenuate Metabolic Changes Induced by High-Fat Diet

Consumption of saturated fat causes deleterious effects on health, which could be minimized through physical activity and foods with functional characteristics consumption. The aim of the study was to evaluate the beverage rich in resveratrol consumption and physical exercise in gut microbiota, body composition, lipid peroxidation, interleukin-6 (IL6) concentration and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of rats to the high-fat diet. Wistar rats were fed with control diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD and 15 mL solution of resveratrol, HFD and 15 mL of grape juice, HFD and 10 mL of red wine. All animals performed the physical training protocol five days a week. Grape juice and red wine composition were analyzed, SBP, body mass, consumption, adiposity and body composition, gut microbiota, lipid peroxidation and inflammation were evaluated. The grape juice (114.8 ± 22.5 mmHG) and red wine (129 ± 15.8 mmHg) groups showed lower SBP when compared to HFD (216.8 ± 20.6 mmHg) (p < 0.0001). The grape juice group (GJG) (39.1 ± 7) had a higher number of microbiota bands DNA when compared to the other groups (p = 0.002). The GJG (33.7 ± 6.7 pg/mL) presented lower concentration IL6 when compared to high-fat group (47.3 ± 16 pg/mL) (p = 0.003). GJG (4.7 ± 1.2 nmol/L) presented a lower concentration of TBARS when compared to control group (6.1 ± 1.4 nmol/L) and resveratrol group (6.6 ± 0.9 nmol/L), and the red wine group (7.4 ± 1.2 nmol/L) had a higher concentration of TBARS when compared to control group and GJG (p = 0.0001). The consumption of these beverages, especially grape juice, together with physical exercise, was able to promote beneficial changes even in the presence of a HFD.

Healthy adult vegetarians have better renal function than matched omnivores: a cross-sectional study in China

Background

An appropriate diet is an important determinant of kidney health. However, the association between vegetarian diets and renal function is unclear. We aimed to study the association between vegetarian diets and renal function in healthy adults.

Methods

A total of 269 vegetarians and 269 sex- and age-matched nonvegetarian omnivores were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Basic characteristics and daily dietary intakes were assessed by face-to-face interviews. Blood samples were collected, and renal function was assessed by measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), uric acid (UA) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and blood lipid profiles were also assessed.

Results

The average age of the vegetarians was 35.4 ± 8.6 years, 82.2% of whom were female. We evaluated the association between vegetarian diets and renal function using multivariate analysis. Compared with omnivores, vegetarians had lower BUN [β = − 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): (− 0.88, − 0.38)], SCr [β = − 2.04, 95% CI:(− 4.10, 0.02)], and UA levels [β = − 15.15, 95% CI: (− 27.81, − 2.50)] and higher eGFRs [β = 4.04, 95% CI: (0.30, 7.78)] after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking status, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), systolic pressure and fasting blood glucose. Further analysis of food composition and renal function showed that dietary fiber intake was significantly negatively associated with BUN [β = − 0.02, 95% CI: (− 0.03, 0.00)], SCr [β = − 0.14, 95% CI: (− 0.25, 0.04)], and UA levels [β = − 0.72, 95% CI: (− 1.36, 0.07)] and positively associated with the eGFR [β = 0.20, 95% CI: (0.00, 0.40)].

Conclusions

Healthy adult vegetarians have better renal function than omnivores, and the higher dietary fiber intake associated with vegetarian diets may contribute to the protective effect on renal function.

Acute Consumption of Varied Doses of Cocoa Flavanols Does Not Influence Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

Polyphenol consumption has become a popular method of trying to temper muscle damage. Cocoa flavanols (CF) have attracted attention due to their high polyphenol content and palatability. As such, this study will investigate whether an acute dose of CF can aid recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. The study was a laboratory-based, randomized, single-blind, nutrient-controlled trial involving 23 participants (13 females and 10 males). Participants were randomized into either control ∼0 mg CF (n = 8, four females); high dose of 830 mg CF (CF830, n = 8, five females); or supra dose of 1,245 mg CF (CF1245, n = 7, four females). The exercise-induced muscle damage protocol consisted of five sets of 10 maximal concentric/eccentric hamstring curls and immediately consumed their assigned drink following completion. To measure muscle recovery, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee flexors at 60° and 30°, a visual analog scale (VAS), and lower-extremity function scale were taken at baseline, immediately, 24-, 48-, and 72-hr postexercise-induced muscle damage. There was a main effect for time for all variables (p < .05). However, no significant differences were observed between groups for all measures (p ≥ .17). At 48 hr, there were large effect sizes between control and CF1245 for MVIC60 (p = .17, d = 0.8); MVIC30 (p = .26, d = 0.8); MVIC30 percentage change (p = .24 d = 0.9); and visual analog scale (p = .25, d = 0.9). As no significant differences were observed following the consumption of CF, there is reason to believe that CF offer no benefit for muscle recovery when ingested acutely.

Effect of Morning vs. Evening Turmeric Consumption on Urine Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Obese, Middle-Aged Adults: A Feasibility Study

The circadian rhythm of biological systems is an important consideration in developing health interventions. The immune and oxidative defense systems exhibit circadian periodicity, with an anticipatory increase in activity coincident with the onset of the active period. Spice consumption is associated with enhanced oxidative defense. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a protocol, comparing the effects of morning vs. evening consumption of turmeric on urine markers of oxidative stress in obese, middle-aged adults. Using a within-sample design, participants received each of four clock time x treatment administrations, each separated by one week: morning turmeric; evening turmeric; morning control; evening control. Participants prepared for each lab visit by consuming a low-antioxidant diet for two days and fasting for 12 h. Urine was collected in the lab at baseline and one-hour post-meal and at home for the following five hours. The results showed that the processes were successful in executing the protocol and collecting the measurements and that participants understood and adhered to the instructions. The findings also revealed that the spice treatment did not elicit the expected antioxidant effect and that the six-hour post-treatment urine collection period did not detect differences in urine endpoints across treatments. This feasibility study revealed that modifications to the spice treatment and urine sampling timeline are needed before implementing a larger study.

Antioxidant Action and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Myrciaria floribunda Fruit Peels: Possible Involvement of Opioidergic System

This work evaluated the antioxidant properties and in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts obtained from fruit peels of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae). This plant is popularly known in Brazil as Cambuí or camboim. Different extracts were submitted to comparative analysis to determine the content of selected phytochemical classes (levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and monomeric anthocyanins) and the in vitro antioxidant potentials. The extract with higher potential was selected for in vivo evaluation of its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory action. Finally, the chemical characterization of this extract was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). MfAE (extract obtained using acetone as solvent) showed the higher levels of phenols (296 mg GAE/g) and anthocyanins contents (35.65 mg Cy-3-glcE/g) that were associated with higher antioxidant activity. MfAE also exhibited in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic propertiers. This fraction inhibited the inflammatory and neurogenic phases of pain, and this effect was reversed by naloxone (suggesting the involvement of opioidergic system). MfAE reduced the abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid (and its derivatives) and ellagic acid. Taken together, these data support the use of M. floribunda fruit peels for development of functional foods and nutraceutics.

Class-selective voltammetric determination of hydroxycinnamic acids structural analogs using a WS2/catechin-capped AuNPs/carbon black-based nanocomposite sensor

A high-performance screen-printed electrode (SPE) based nanocomposite sensor integrating tungsten disulfide (WS₂) flakes decorated with catechin-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNP-CT) and carbon black (CB) has been developed. The excellent antifouling properties of WS₂ decorated with AuNP-CT into a high conductivity network of CB results in high selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility for the simultaneous determination of hydroxycinnamic acid (hCN) structural analogs: caffeic (CF), sinapic (SP), and p-coumaric acids (CM). Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the target hCNs resulted in three well-resolved oxidation peaks at SPE-CB-WS₂/AuNP-CT sensor. Excellent antifouling performance (RSD i_p,a ≤ 3%, n = 15 for three analytes' simultaneous measure) and low detection limits (CF 0.10 μmol L^-1; SP, 0.40 μmol L^-1; CM, 0.40 μmol L^-1) are obtained despite the analyzed compounds having a high passivation tendency towards carbon-based sensors. The SPE-CB-WS₂/AuNP-CT sensor was successfully applied to determine CF, SP, and CM in food samples with good precision (RSD ≤ 4%, n = 3) and recoveries (86-109%; RSD ≤ 5%, n = 3). The proposed sensor is the first example exploiting the simultaneous determination of these compounds in food samples. Given its excellent electrochemical performance, low cost, disposability, and ease of use, this SPE-CB-WS₂/AuNP-CT nanocomposite sensor represents a powerful candidate for the realization of electrochemical devices for the determination of (bio)compounds with high passivation tendency. Graphical abstract.

Transport, metabolism and remedial potential of functional food extracts (FFEs) in Caco-2 cells monolayer: A review

Caco-2, a human intestinal carcinoma cell line, has been used to test the absorption and transport mechanism of functional foods and drugs across the intestinal epithelium in order to study their antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Caco-2 cells represent the morphological and functional characteristics of small intestinal cells and capable of expressing brush borders, tight junctions, intestinal efflux and uptake transporters which regulate permeation of drugs and functional food extracts from intestinal lumen to systemic circulation. The integrity of the Caco-2 monolayer is controlled by establishing the TEER between 200 and 1000 O per cm². FFEs affect intestinal permeability by adjusting the tight junction proteins between the cells in order to maintain the epithelial barrier function. Because of the side effects of medicines, there is an increased interest in functional food extracts (FFEs) as drug substitutes. Functional foods undergo intricate transport processes and biotransformation after oral administration. Metabolism and transport studies of FFEs in Caco-2 cells are very important for determining their bioavailability. Functional foods and their constituents produce anti-proliferative and anti-cancer effects through apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of various signal transduction pathways across Caco-2 cell lines. The current review has summarized the anti-inflammation, anticancer, antioxidant and cholesterol lowering potential of FFEs using Caco-2 cells through reducing local inflammatory signals, production of ROS and lipid accumulation. The transport, bioavailability, metabolism, mechanisms of actions, cellular pathways adopted by FFEs across Caco-2 cell lines are predominantly affected by their molecular weight, structures and physicochemical properties. These studies are beneficial for investigating the different mechanisms of action of FFEs in the human body.

A survey of the secondary exposure to organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides and the impact of preventive factors in female villagers

Organophosphates (OPs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are two main types of pesticides that are widely used worldwide, and their toxicities have been reported in high-risk individuals, such as farmers and their wives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of mentioned pesticides in farmers' wives (FWs) and compare them with the control group; we also aimed to assess the effect of personal health factors on the biochemical parameters. This case-control study was conducted on two FWs and control groups, consisting of 124 and 62 individuals, respectively. Serum levels of OCPs were measured using gas chromatography (GC) method. In addition, the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in all participants. Additionally, the observance of personal health guidelines was assessed. Serum levels of OCPs in the FWs group were significantly higher than the controls. In addition, AChE activity in FWs was significantly lower than the controls. Moreover, it was found that higher levels of education lead to a better observation of most individual health guidelines, which results in reducing the biological adverse effects of pesticides. The results of this study indicated that the use of OCPs, as an illegal pesticide with known toxic and carcinogenic effects, has spread to southern Iran, which may have biological toxic effects. Also, observing the personal health points significantly reduced these complications and it is, therefore, recommended that more attention should be paid to this issue.

Effect of Lactobacillusplantarum containing probiotics on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies have recommended that probiotics may have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. However, they examined all probiotic strains (multi/single probiotics) simultaneously. In respect to strain specificity properties of probiotic, the aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the role of Lactobacillus plantarum as an anti-hypertensive agent by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were used from inception until October 2018 to identify eligible trials. We used random-effects model as the preferable method to assess the combined treatment effect. We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis. Seven studies with 653 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with the random effects model showed a significant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on improvement of SBP with no statistically significant heterogeneity (WMD: -1.58 mmHg, 95 % CI: -3.05 to 0.11) (heterogeneity P = 0.14; I² = 36 %). The overall effect in the DBP showed significant pooled estimates (WMD: -0.92 mmHg, 95 % CI: -1.49 to -0.35) with a complete homogeneity between the studies (heterogeneity P = 0.46; I² = 0 %). The findings of the present meta-analysis study support the use of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The clinical significance of blood pressure-lowering effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum supplementation is not considerable; however, given the overarching benefits evident and concurrent lack of specific side effects, further trials are warranted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotics particularly for hypertensive patients.

Recent progress in the use of functional foods for older adults: A narrative review

The number and proportion of older adults are increasing globally, and it is predicted that in 2020, there will be 723 million people worldwide aged 66 and older. In recent decades, numerous studies showed that healthy eating is positively associated with better nutritional status and quality of life, and the decreased incidence of noncommunicable diseases. As older adults become health conscious, the demand for foods and beverages rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased. The increased demand for healthy food stimulated a recent rapid increase in designing, producing, and marketing functional foods to prevent or correct nutrient deficiencies and to improve the nutritional status of older adults. These functional products contain and/or are enriched with dietary fiber; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; phytoestrogens; polyphenols; carotenoids such as alpha- and beta-carotene; lutein and zeaxanthin; pre-, pro-, and synbiotics; and plant sterols and stanols. A limited number of publications have thoroughly addressed the effect of functional foods on the nutritional status of older adults. The goal of this review was to review existing recent research on the role of functional foods in healthy and active aging.

Chemical characterization of balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorum) sprout extracts and their regulation of inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells

The balloon flower (BF) is a potent natural source of phytochemical compounds and is associated with our health. The sprouting process is accompanied by significant changes in phytochemical compounds in comparison with their original plants. Even though many studies are conducted with BF, there are not yet reports of BF sprouts. In the present study, we determined the chemical composition and biological activity of BF sprouts that had been cultivated for 50 days. Kaempferol-3-O-galactoside and 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid were identified as major components of whole BF sprouts. The leaves/stems of the sprouts had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and lower IC50 values in DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging assays than whole sprouts or roots. The roots of the sprouts had the highest polygalacin D content (1.44 mg/g). We also determined the effects of different parts of BF sprouts on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. When these cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their nitrite and pro-inflammatory cytokine production increased. BF sprouts suppressed the LPS-induced production of nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in a concentration-dependent manner without causing any cytotoxic effects. Nitrite and pro-inflammatory cytokine production were significantly inhibited by the roots and leaves/stems, respectively. The inhibitory effects of BF sprouts on LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were associated with suppressed NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that BF sprouts could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds and exert anti-inflammatory effects due to their polygalacin D, deapi-platycodin D3, and polyphenol content.