Phytosterols in human nutrition

Reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase plays a critical role in beta-sitosterol-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma U266 cells

Although beta-sitosterol has been well known to have anti-tumor activity in liver, lung, colon, stomach, breast and prostate cancers via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, the underlying mechanism of anti-cancer effect of beta-sitosterol in multiple myeloma cells was never elucidated until now. Thus, in the present study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in association with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways was demonstrated in beta-sitosterol-treated multiple myeloma U266 cells. Beta-sitosterol exerted cytotoxicity, increased sub-G1 apoptotic population and activated caspase-9 and -3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) followed by decrease in mitochondrial potential in U266 cells. Beta-sitosterol promoted ROS production, activated AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and JNK in U266 cells. Also, beta-sitosterol attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin and S6K, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and VEGF in U266 cells. Conversely, AMPK inhibitor compound C and JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed apoptosis induced by beta-sitosterol in U266 cells. Furthermore, ROS scavenger N-acetyl L-cysteine attenuated beta-sitosterol-mediated sub-G1 accumulation, PARP cleavage, JNK and AMPK activation in U266 cells. Overall, these findings for the first time suggest that ROS-mediated activation of cancer metabolism-related genes such as AMPK and JNK plays an important role in beta-sitosterol-induced apoptosis in U266 multiple myeloma cells.

Pomegranate for your cardiovascular health

Pomegranate is a source of some very potent antioxidants (tannins, anthocyanins) which are considered to be also potent anti-atherogenic agents. The combination of the above unique various types of pomegranate polyphenols provides a much wider spectrum of action against several types of free radicals. Indeed, pomegranate is superior in comparison to other antioxidants in protecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "the bad cholesterol") and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "the good cholesterol") from oxidation, and as a result it attenuates atherosclerosis development and its consequent cardiovascular events. Pomegranate antioxidants are not free, but are attached to the pomegranate sugars, and hence were shown to be beneficial even in diabetic patients. Furthermore, pomegranate antioxidants are unique in their ability to increase the activity of the HDL-associated paraoxonase 1 (PON1), which breaks down harmful oxidized lipids in lipoproteins, in macrophages, and in atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, unique pomegranate antioxidants beneficially decrease blood pressure. All the above beneficial characteristics make the pomegranate a uniquely healthy fruit.

Micronutrients-fortified rapeseed oil improves hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat diet

Intake of high-fat diet is associated with increased fatty livers. Hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress are key pathophysiological mechanisms in this disease. Micronutrients polyphenols, tocopherols and phytosterols in rapeseed exert potential benefit to hepatoprotection, but most of these micronutrients are removed by the traditional refining process. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether rapeseed oil fortified with these micronutrients can decrease hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet. Sprague–Dawley rats received rodent diet contained 20% fat whose source was refined rapeseed oil (RRO) or fortified RRO with low, middle and high quantities of these micronutrients for 10 weeks. Intake of RRO caused a remarkable hepatic steatosis. Micronutrients supplementation was effective in reducing steatosis as well as total triglyceride and total cholesterol contents in liver. These micronutrients also significantly increased hepatic antioxidant defense capacities, as evaluated by the significant elevation in the activities of SOD and GPx as well as the level of GSH, and the significant decline in lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that rapeseed oil fortified with micronutrients polyphenols, tocopherols and phytosterols may contribute to prevent fatty livers such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by ameliorating hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress.

Plant sterols as anticancer nutrients: evidence for their role in breast cancer

While many factors are involved in the etiology of cancer, it has been clearly established that diet significantly impacts one’s risk for this disease. More recently, specific food components have been identified which are uniquely beneficial in mitigating the risk of specific cancer subtypes. Plant sterols are well known for their effects on blood cholesterol levels, however research into their potential role in mitigating cancer risk remains in its infancy. As outlined in this review, the cholesterol modulating actions of plant sterols may overlap with their anti-cancer actions. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women and there remains a need for effective adjuvant therapies for this disease, for which plant sterols may play a distinctive role.

The use of fish oil lipid emulsion in the treatment of intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD)

Since 2004, fish oil based lipid emulsions have been used in the treatment of intestinal failure associated liver disease, with a noticeable impact on decreasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality of this often fatal condition. With this new therapy, however, different approaches have emerged as well as concerns about potential risks with using fish oil as a monotherapy. This review will discuss the experience to date with this lipid emulsion along with the rational for its use, controversies and concerns.

Plasma plant sterols serve as poor markers of cholesterol absorption in man

The validation of the use of plasma plant sterols as a marker of cholesterol absorption is frail. Nevertheless, plant sterol concentrations are routinely used to describe treatment-induced changes in cholesterol absorption. Their use has also been advocated as a clinical tool to tailor cholesterol-lowering therapy. Prior to wider implementation, however, the validity of plant sterols as absorption markers needs solid evaluation. Therefore, we compared plasma plant sterol concentrations to gold-standard stable isotope-determined cholesterol absorption. Plasma campesterol/TC concentrations (camp/TC) were measured in a population of 175 mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals (age: 59.7 ± 5.6 years; BMI: 25.5 ± 2.9 kg/m(2); LDL-C: 4.01 ± 0.56 mmol/l). We compared cholesterol absorption according to the plasma dual-isotope method in subjects with the highest camp/TC concentrations (N = 41, camp/TC: 2.14 ± 0.68 μg/mg) and the lowest camp/TC concentrations (N = 39, camp/TC: 0.97 ± 0.22 μg/mg). Fractional cholesterol absorption did not differ between the groups (24 ± 12% versus 25 ± 16%, P = 0.60), nor was it associated with plasma camp/TC concentrations in the total population of 80 individuals (β = 0.13; P = 0.30, adjusted for BMI and plasma triglycerides). Our findings do not support a relation between plasma plant sterol concentrations and true cholesterol absorption and, therefore, do not favor the use of these sterols as markers of cholesterol absorption. This bears direct consequences for the interpretation of earlier studies, as well as for future studies targeting intestinal regulation of cholesterol metabolism.

Phytosterols esterified with conjugated linoleic acid. In vitro intestinal digestion and interaction on cholesterol bioaccessibility

Intestinal in vitro digestion of phytosterols esterified with conjugated linoleic acid (PS-CLA) was performed to study (1) the potential bioaccessibility of the released bioactive-lipid products and (2) the interference with cholesterol bioaccessibility. Commercial food-grade PS ester (PS-C) was assayed as reference. Hydrolysis of PS-CLA by digestive enzymes was similar to that of PS-C (51 and 47%, respectively), most lipids products being mainly included in the bioaccessible fraction, namely, the micellar phase (MP). Control assays in the absence of PS esters showed most cholesterol solubilized within the MP, whereas a displacement of total cholesterol was caused from MP after digestion of PS esters (14 and 36% displacement for PS-CLA and PS-C, respectively), cholesterol being partially precipitated. Precipitated cholesterol was linearly related to a parallel precipitation of saturated-chain PS, mainly determined by sitosterol (R² = 0.936). The higher composition in sitosteryl esters of PS-C with respect to PS-CLA might explain their different effects on cholesterol. Therefore, besides being a lipid delivery form of PS similar to other commercial esterified PS, the PS-CLA might have the additional advantage of being a lipid delivery form of CLA. Moreover, PS-CLA might hinder the bioaccessibility of cholesterol. Furthermore, the qualitative/quantitative profile in esterified PS forms might determine the magnitude of cholesterol interaction.

Pomegranate phytosterol (β-sitosterol) and polyphenolic antioxidant (punicalagin) addition to statin, significantly protected against macrophage foam cells formation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the anti-atherogenic effects on macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis rate, and on cellular oxidative stress by the combination of simvastatin with a potent polyphenolic antioxidant (punicalagin), or with a phytosterol (β-sitosterol), or with pomegranate juice (POM, that contains both of them).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Simvastatin (15 μg/ml) decreased J774A.1 macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis rate by 42% as compared to control cells. The addition to the statin of either punicalagin (15 or 30 μM), or β-sitosterol (50 or 100 μM), increased the inhibitory effect of the statin up to 62% or 57%, respectively. Similarly, the combination of POM and simvastatin, resulted in an inhibitory effect up to 59%. While simvastatin inhibited the rate limiting enzyme HMGCoA-reductase, punicalagin, β-sitosterol or POM inhibited macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis downstream to mevalonate. Simvastatin (15 μg/ml) also modestly decreased macrophage reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by 11%. In the presence of punicalagin (15 or 30 μM) however, a remarkable further inhibition was noted (by 61% or 79%, respectively). Although β-sitosterol alone showed some pro-oxidant activity, the combination of simvastatin, β-sitosterol and punicalagin, clearly demonstrated a remarkable 73% reduction in ROS production. Similarly, simvastatin + POM decreased the extent of ROS formation by up to 63%. These improved antioxidant effects of the combinations could be related to various anti-oxidative properties of the different compounds, including free radicals scavenging capacity, upregulation of paraoxonase 2, and stimulation of reduced glutathione.

CONCLUSION

The combination of simvastatin with potent antioxidant and phytosterol (such as present in pomegranate) could lead to attenuation of macrophage foam cell formation and atherogenesis.

Sterol composition of shellfish species commonly consumed in the United States

Background

Shellfish can be a component of a healthy diet due to a low fat and high protein content, but the cholesterol content of some species is often cited as a reason to limit their consumption. Data on levels of non-cholesterol sterols in commonly consumed species are lacking.

Objective

Shellfish were sampled and analyzed to update sterol data in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.

Design

Using a nationwide sampling plan, raw shrimp and sea scallops, canned clams, and steamed oysters, blue crab, and lobster were sampled from 12 statistically selected supermarkets across the United States in 2007–08. For each species, four composites were analyzed, each comprised of samples from three locations; shrimp and scallops from six single locations were also analyzed separately. Using validated analytical methodology, 14 sterols were determined in total lipid extracts after saponification and derivatization to trimethylsilyethers, using gas chromatography for quantitation and mass spectrometry for confirmation of components.

Results

Crab, lobster, and shrimp contained significant cholesterol (96.2–27 mg/100 g); scallops and clams had the lowest concentrations (23.4–30.1 mg/100 g). Variability in cholesterol among single-location samples of shrimp was low. The major sterols in the mollusks were brassicasterol (12.6–45.6 mg/100 g) and 24-methylenecholesterol (16.7–41.9 mg/100 g), with the highest concentrations in oysters. Total non-cholesterol sterols were 46.5–75.6 mg/100 g in five single-location scallops samples, but 107 mg/100 g in the sixth, with cholesterol also higher in that sample. Other prominent non-cholesterol sterols in mollusks were 22-dehydrocholesterol, isofucosterol, clionasterol, campesterol, and 24-norcholesta-5,22-diene-3β-ol (4–21 mg/100 g).

Conclusions

The presence of a wide range of sterols, including isomeric forms, in shellfish makes the analysis and quantitation of sterols in marine species more complex than in animal and plant tissues. The detailed sterol composition reported herein provides data that may be useful in research on the impact of shellfish consumption on dietary risk factors.

Naturally-occurring phytosterols in the usual diet influence cholesterol metabolism in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Modulation of cholesterol absorption is potentially an effective way of lowering blood cholesterol levels and decreasing inherent cardiovascular risk in the general population. It is well established that cholesterol absorption efficiency can be modified by the intake of foods enriched with gram-doses of phytosterols, but little is known about the effects of phytosterols in the usual diet, even though moderate doses have been reported to affect whole-body cholesterol metabolism. A way to indirectly measure cholesterol synthesis and absorption rates is by quantification of serum non-cholesterol sterols. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of naturally occurring phytosterol intake on cholesterol absorption and serum cholesterol concentrations in a Spanish free-living population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 85 healthy volunteers were studied regarding their dietary habits (using a validated food frequency questionnaire), lipid profile and surrogate markers of cholesterol metabolism. Subjects were classified into tertiles of total phytosterol intake, and differences in lipid profile and markers of cholesterol metabolism were assessed by multivariate linear regression models adjusted for various confounders. The estimated daily intake of phytosterols and cholesterol was 489 (median) and 513 (mean) mg, respectively. Both serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration and sitosterol-to-cholesterol ratio adjusted by sitosterol intake (a surrogate marker of intestinal cholesterol absorption) decreased significantly (p < 0.05, both) across tertiles of phytosterol intake.

CONCLUSION

Moderate doses of phytosterols in the habitual diet might have a protective effect on the lipid profile via decreasing cholesterol absorption.

Plant sterol oxidation products--analogs to cholesterol oxidation products from plant origin?

Cholesterol and plant sterols are lipids which are abundantly present in a western type diet of animal and plant origin, respectively. The daily intake averages 300 mg/day each. Over the past decades, a steadily increasing consumption of plant sterol enriched dairy products (2-3 g/day) took place to lower circulating LDL cholesterol concentrations. Like all unsaturated components, plant sterols can be attacked by reactive oxygen species resulting in plant sterol oxidation products (POPs). The most widespread methods for POP determination are high-performance liquid chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography. Yet, based on the low plasma POP concentrations in normophytosterolemic subjects (POPs: ∼0.3-4.5 ng/mL), a reliable quantification yielding an appropriate limit of detection remains a challenge. While the more abundantly present cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) have elaborately been studied, research on the metabolism and biological effects of POPs is only emerging. In relation to atherogenity, biological effects including modulation of cholesterol homeostasis, membrane functioning, and inflammation are attributed to POPs. Although mostly supra-physiological concentrations are applied in in vitro assays, anti-tumor activity, cytotoxicity and estrogen-competition have been attributed to specific POPs. However, it is not obvious, if and how POPs may exert in vivo adverse or beneficial health effects similar to those attributed to COPs. In the field of nutritional science, standardized methods for the determination of POPs are required to perform relevant biological studies and to assess their presence in complex foods or biological tissues and fluids. The aim of this review is to provide an overview and evaluation of the published methods and an update on the biological effects attributed to POPs.

The effect of cocoa, soy, oats and fish oil on metabolic syndrome in rats

BACKGROUND

The effect of functional foods alone or in combination (cocoa + soy + oats + fish oil) on hepatic damage in rats affected with metabolic syndrome was investigated.

RESULTS

Rats that were given cocoa showed a decrease in the levels of triglycerides (TGs) and glucose (63 and 32% respectively) as well as a decrease in blood pressure (15%). Animals fed with soy showed a reduction of 21% in total cholesterol, 15% in blood pressure and 44% in TGs, while feeding oats reduced the concentration of TGs by 53% (P < 0.5). Fish oil caused a reduction in TGs (56%) and glucose (26%). The effect on blood pressure was statistically significant for the groups supplemented with cocoa, soy, cocoa + oats and the total mix. The main finding was a reduction in liver steatosis in animals supplemented with cocoa + oats (from 30 to 4.7% steatosis). Cocoa or fish oil alone did not protect the liver from damage, while cocoa + fish oil did.

CONCLUSION

The most relevant effects were that the cocoa + oats mix decreased steatosis by a very large percentage, as did the cocoa + fish oil mix and the mix of all four functional foods.

Effects of high molecular weight alcohols from sugar cane fed alone or in combination with plant sterols on lipid profile and antioxidant status of Wistar rats

The effect of feeding a mixture of high molecular weight alcohols derived from sugarcane (SCA), both alone and in combination with phytosterols (PS), on changes in plasma lipids, organ cholesterol accumulation, and antioxidant status of Wistar rats was undertaken. Three separate experiments were conducted and each experiment had 3 subsets. In experiment 1, rats were fed on an AIN-76, semi-synthetic diet supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The second experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet (AIN-76+0.5% cholesterol) containing 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The third experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet that contained 2% PS in combination with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA. Rats fed the atherogenic diet exhibited significant elevations in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significant reductions in the high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio, regardless of the presence of 0.5% or 5% SCA mixture. Serum cholesterol increased 29% to 35% in these animals compared with animals fed the nonatherogenic diets. In contrast, animals fed atherogenic diets that contained 2% PS exhibited no difference in serum lipids compared with counterparts fed nonatherogenic diets. The combined presence of SCA with PS had no effect on further lowering plasma cholesterol. No changes in C-reactive protein were observed, but plasma oxygen radical scavenging capacity values significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when rats were fed the atherogenic diets that contained the combination of PS and SCA. This result corresponded to an apparent greater (p < 0.05) susceptibility of red blood cells to oxidative stress.

Supercritical fluid extraction of Eucalyptus globulus bark-A promising approach for triterpenoid production

Eucalyptus bark contains significant amounts of triterpenoids with demonstrated bioactivity, namely triterpenic acids and their acetyl derivatives (ursolic, betulinic, oleanolic, betulonic, 3-acetylursolic, and 3-acetyloleanolic acids). In this work, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of Eucalyptus globulus deciduous bark was carried out with pure and modified carbon dioxide to recover this fraction, and the results were compared with those obtained by Soxhlet extraction with dichloromethane. The effects of pressure (100–200 bar), co-solvent (ethanol) content (0, 5 and 8% wt), and multistep operation were studied in order to evaluate the applicability of SFE for their selective and efficient production. The individual extraction curves of the main families of compounds were measured, and the extracts analyzed by GC-MS. Results pointed out the influence of pressure and the important role played by the co-solvent. Ethanol can be used with advantage, since its effect is more important than increasing pressure by several tens of bar. At 160 bar and 40 °C, the introduction of 8% (wt) of ethanol greatly improves the yield of triterpenoids more than threefold.

Phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption by inhibition of 27-hydroxycholesterol generation, liver X receptor α activation, and expression of the basolateral sterol exporter ATP-binding cassette A1 in Caco-2 enterocytes

Phytosterol-enriched foods are increasingly marketed to lower cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis in the general population. Phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption, but the molecular mechanism is controversial. We therefore investigated the phytosterol effects on cholesterol metabolism in human enterocyte, hepatocyte, and macrophage models relevant for sterol absorption, reverse transport, and excretion. Isomolar sitosterol (50 μmol/L) was less effectively taken up by enterocytes than cholesterol but suppressed apical cholesterol uptake by 50% (P < 0.01) and basolateral secretion by two-thirds (P < 0.01) whether added in micelles or ethanol or complexed to cyclodextrin. In contrast, enterocytes handled nanomolar (3)H-sitosterol similarly to cholesterol. Enterocytes selectively oxidized all sterols to 27-hydroxy- and 27-carboxy-sterols. Conversion rates were much lower for sitosterol (0.05 ± 0.02 nmol/mg protein) and campesterol (0.48 ± 0.10) compared with cholesterol (3.73 ± 0.60) (P < 0.001). 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OH-C) activated liver-X-receptor alpha (LXRα) (P < 0.01) and stimulated ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1 expression (P < 0.001) and basolateral systemic cholesterol secretion from enterocytes (P < 0.05). In co-incubations, phytosterols inhibited 27OH-C generation by sterol 27-hydroxylase (P < 0.001) and reduced LXRα-mediated ABCA1 expression (P < 0.01) and basolateral systemic cholesterol secretion. In contrast, ABCG8 transcription and apical sterol resecretion was unchanged by LXRα activation in human enterocytes. Exogenous LXRα agonists reverted sterol selectivity and phytosterol cholesterol interaction. Due to constitutive apical expression of ABCG5/G8 and LXRα-enhanced basolateral expression of ABCA1 in enterocytes, interference of phytosterols with the generation of the dominating LXRα-agonist 27OH-C blocks the self-priming component of cholesterol absorption. This local LXRα antagonism of dietary phytosterols contributes to sterol selectivity and reduces fractional cholesterol absorption and preloading of nascent HDL with dietary cholesterol.

Absence of oxysterol-like side effects in human monocytic cells treated with phytosterols and oxyphytosterols

Oxysterols, found in some commonly consumed foods, can induce a wide range of cytotoxic effects, which have been extensively studied. On the other hand, the side effects of phytosterols and oxyphytosterols are less well-known. Over the past few years, different types of foods have been enriched with phytosterols on the basis of the properties of these compounds that reduce circulating cholesterol levels in certain experimental conditions. It is therefore important to gain better knowledge of the risks and benefits of this type of diet. In this study, conducted in human monocytic U937 cells, the ability of phytosterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and oxyphytosterols (7β-hydroxysitosterol, 7-ketositosterol) to induce cell death, polar lipid accumulation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (MCP-1; IL-8) secretion was determined and compared to that of oxysterols (7-ketocholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol). Phytosterols and oxyphytosterols had no significant effects on the parameters studied; only 7β-hydroxysitosterol slightly increased cell death, whereas at the concentration used (20 μg/mL), strong cytotoxic effects were observed with the oxysterols. With sitosterol, campesterol, and 7-ketositosterol, IL-8 secretion was decreased, and with campesterol the intracellular polar lipid level was reduced. The data show that phytosterols and oxyphytosterols have no oxysterol-like side effects, and they rather argue in favor of phytosterols' beneficial effects.

Plant sterols and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The impact of increased serum concentrations of plant sterols on cardiovascular risk is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether there is an association between serum concentrations of two common plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We systematically searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE for studies published between January 1950 and April 2010 that reported either risk ratios (RR) of CVD in relation to serum sterol concentrations (either absolute or expressed as ratios relative to total cholesterol) or serum sterol concentrations in CVD cases and controls separately. We conducted two meta-analyses, one based on RR of CVD contrasting the upper vs. the lower third of the sterol distribution, and another based on standardized mean differences between CVD cases and controls. Summary estimates were derived by fixed and random effects meta-analysis techniques. We identified 17 studies using different designs (four case–control, five nested case–control, three cohort, five cross-sectional) involving 11 182 participants. Eight studies reported RR of CVD and 15 studies reported serum concentrations in CVD cases and controls. Funnel plots showed evidence for publication bias indicating small unpublished studies with non-significant findings. Neither of our meta-analyses suggested any relationship between serum concentrations of sitosterol and campesterol (both absolute concentrations and ratios to cholesterol) and risk of CVD. Our systematic review and meta-analysis did not reveal any evidence of an association between serum concentrations of plant sterols and risk of CVD.

Characterization of high-value bioactives in some selected varieties of Pakistani Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study reports the composition and variation of fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols and γ-oryzanol among selected varieties namely Basmati Super, Basmati 515, Basmati 198, Basmati 385, Basmati 2000, Basmati 370, Basmati Pak, KSK-139, KS-282 and Irri-6 of Pakistani rice (Oryza sativa L). Oil content extracted with n-hexane from different varieties of brown rice seed (unpolished rice) ranged from 1.92% to 2.72%. Total fatty acid contents among rice varieties tested varied between 18240 and 25840 mg/kg brown rice seed. The rice tested mainly contained oleic (6841-10952 mg/kg) linoleic (5453-7874 mg/kg) and palmitic acid (3613-5489 mg/kg). The amounts of total phytosterols (GC and GC-MS analysis), with main contribution from β-sitosterol (445-656 mg/kg), campesterol (116-242 mg/kg), Δ(5)-avenasterol (89-178 mg/kg) and stigmasterol (75-180 mg/kg) were established to be 739.4 to 1330.4 mg/kg rice seed. The content of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols as analyzed by HPLC varied from 39.0-76.1, 21.6-28.1 and 6.5-16.5 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. The amounts of different γ-oryzanol components (HPLC data), identified as cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylene cycloartanyl ferulate, campesteryl ferulate and β-sitosteryl ferulate, were in the range of 65.5-103.6, 140.2-183.1, 29.8-45.5 and 8.6-10.4 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. Overall, the concentration of these bioactives was higher in the Basmati rice cultivars showing their functional food superiority. In conclusion, the tested varieties of Pakistani rice, especially the Basmati cultivars, can provide best ingredients for functional foods.

EMPLOYING STN ANAVIST TO FORECAST CONVERGING INDUSTRIES

Converging industries are characterized by the blurring of boundaries between technologies, markets and industry sectors. As such they can enable firms to access new markets or threaten them with an array of new competitors and a lack of knowledge. This makes an early identification of convergence trends highly important. In the present paper we focus on the application of a frequency-based analysis and visualization software (STN AnaVist) for the forecasting of converging industries. Scrutinizing 3,836 patent and scientific publication references on phytosterols in the areas of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, we employ research landscape, co-authorship and International Patent Classification (IPC) co-classification analyses. The results demonstrate partial convergence between the pharmaceutical, the chemical, the nutrition and the cosmetics industries and the suitability of the employed approach. According to this study, scientific as well as technology convergence have taken place in this segment, with a time-lag of roughly 25 years.

Lipid-altering effects of a dietary supplement tablet containing free plant sterols and stanols in men and women with primary hypercholesterolaemia: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial

This randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial assessed the lipid-altering efficacy of a dietary supplement (tablet form) providing 1.8g/day free (non-esterified) plant sterols and stanols versus placebo for 6 weeks as part of a therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) diet in 32 men and women with primary hypercholesterolaemia. Mean ± SE baseline (end of a 5-week TLC diet lead-in) lipid concentrations (mmol/1) were total cholesterol (TC), 5.88 ± 0.08; non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), 4.71 ± 0.09; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 4.02 ± 0.08; HDL-C, 1.17 ± 0.06 and triglycerides (TGs), 1.51 ± 0.12. Differences from control in responses (plant sterol/stanol — control) were significant (p < 0.05) for LDL-C (− 4.9%), non-HDL-C (− 3.6%) and TC (− 2.8%). HDL-C and TG responses were not significantly different between treatment conditions. These results indicate that 1.8g/day free plant sterols/stanols administered in a tablet produced favourable lipoprotein lipid changes in men and women with hypercholesterolaemia.

Safety evaluation of supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Aloe vera gel

The gel of the Aloe vera plant has been used safely for oral and external applications. Previously, we found phytosterols derived from an extract of Aloe vera gel obtained with an organic solvent to have hypoglycemic and antiobesity effects. While developing of functional foods using Aloe vera gel, we produced an active Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE) using a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction procedure. In this study, we tested the safety of AVGE in vitro and in vivo. In an acute oral toxicological test in which AVGE was administered to rats at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight, there were no deaths or apparent abnormalities at necropsy. In a 90-d toxicity test in which rats were continuously administrered AVGE at 30 or 150 mg/kg, euthanized, and subjected to pathological examinations, no abnormalities attributable to the AVGE were found. AVGE was nonmutagenic in the Ames test and a chromosomal aberration test at concentrations of up to 5000 μg/plate and 1600 μg/plate, respectively, and in an in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test at up to 150 mg/kg/d.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

AVGE can be safely used as a functional food material.

Cholesterol-absorber status modifies the LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of a Mediterranean-type diet in adults with moderate cardiovascular risk factors

LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction may be achieved by various types of prudent diets, but their effects on surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis have not been well studied in humans. We aimed to assess whether the extent of cholesterol absorption or synthesis, and cholesterol concentrations, are modified in adults when they shift from a Western-type diet (WD) to a combined low-fat, low-cholesterol/Mediterranean-type diet (LFCMD). Cholestanol and sitosterol, as well as desmosterol and lathosterol, surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption or synthesis, respectively, were quantified in the serum of 125 fasting, middle-aged participants at moderate cardiovascular risk. They habitually consumed a WD and then consumed a LFCMD during the 3-mo intervention. The group was stratified by serum cholestanol concentration and classified as high, intermediate, or low absorbers of cholesterol. When they consumed the WD, participants had comparable total and LDL-C concentrations, independent of absorber group and sex. After 3 mo of consuming the LFCMD, absorption and synthesis did not change or changed only slightly. The cholestanol concentration increased in low absorbers by 18% (P < 0.02) and decreased in high absorbers by 14% (P < 0.001), but these variations did not change the high- or low-absorber status. In male and female low absorbers, plasma total (-7%) and LDL-C (-9%) concentrations decreased after the 3-mo intervention and changes were 2.3- and 2.4-fold greater, respectively, than in high absorbers, independent of sex. Cholesterol synthesis/absorption status was not markedly altered by diet, but the decrease in plasma LDL-C due to the Mediterranean-type diet occurred only in low absorbers of cholesterol. This should be considered during further dietary interventions.

Exploring the Transcriptome Landscape of Pomegranate Fruit Peel for Natural Product Biosynthetic Gene and SSR Marker Discovery(F)

Pomegranate fruit peel is rich in bioactive plant natural products, such as hydrolyzable tannins and anthocyanins. Despite their documented roles in human nutrition and fruit quality, genes involved in natural product biosynthesis have not been cloned from pomegranate and very little sequence information is available on pomegranate in the public domain. Shotgun transcriptome sequencing of pomegranate fruit peel cDNA was performed using RNA-Seq on the Illumina Genome Analyzer platform. Over 100 million raw sequence reads were obtained and assembled into 9,839 transcriptome assemblies (TAs) (>200 bp). Candidate genes for hydrolyzable tannin, anthocyanin, flavonoid, terpenoid and fatty acid biosynthesis and/or regulation were identified. Three lipid transfer proteins were obtained that may contribute to the previously reported IgE reactivity of pomegranate fruit extracts. In addition, 115 SSR markers were identified from the pomegranate fruit peel transcriptome and primers were designed for 77 SSR markers. The pomegranate fruit peel transcriptome set provides a valuable platform for natural product biosynthetic gene and SSR marker discovery in pomegranate. This work also demonstrates that next-generation transcriptome sequencing is an economical and effective approach for investigating natural product biosynthesis, identifying genes controlling important agronomic traits, and discovering molecular markers in non-model specialty crop species.

The metabolic effects of omega-3 plant sterol esters in mixed hyperlipidemic subjects

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of omega-3 plant sterol esters (n-3-PSE) on lipid profile and other coronary heart disease risk factors in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

Ninety-one patients with mixed hyperlipidemia were randomized in a double blind fashion to receive either placebo (corn oil) or n-3-PSE. Twenty four patients dropped out or were excluded from the efficacy analysis due to protocol violation. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels after 12 weeks of treatment. Other efficacy measures included plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Participants who completed the double-blind study were given the option to continue into an open-label, 12-weeks follow up phase.

RESULTS

n-3-PSE treatment did not result in a significant change in LDL-C levels. Triglyceride levels were reduced significantly by 19% (51 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) in the n-3-PSE group in comparison with the placebo group (p = 0.025). Diastolic blood pressure and hsCRP were reduced by 7% (5.9 mmHg) and 7.8% (0.6 mg/L), respectively, and were significantly different from the placebo group (p = 0.036 and p = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with mixed hyperlipidemia, n-3-PSE treatment may offer a safe and effective therapy for triglyceride level reduction while avoiding the typical increase in LDL-C levels associated with n-3 fatty acid treatment. The observed reduction in blood pressure and inflammation markers warrants further evaluation. The positive effect of n-3-PSE treatment was preserved at the end of the follow up phase.

Beyond cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols: clinical and experimental evidence of anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dietary plant sterols are known to reduce plasma cholesterol levels and thereby reduce cardiovascular risk. Recent observations from animal and human studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of phytosterols. For example, several animal and human studies report reductions in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including C-reactive protein, after consumption of dietary plant sterols. Although the cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterols in humans are well documented, studies on the effects of phytosterols on inflammatory markers have produced inconsistent results. This review summarizes and discusses findings from recent animal and human studies with regard to the potential anti-inflammatory effects of dietary phytosterols. Findings on the effects of plant sterols on inflammation remain limited and confounding. Future research using better-designed and well-controlled laboratory studies and clinical trials are needed to fully understand the mechanisms through which phytosterols influence inflammation. Additional well-designed placebo-controlled studies are needed to better understand how and to what extent dietary plant sterols may modify the immune system and the production of inflammatory markers.