Suppression of hypercholesterolemia in hepatoma-bearing rats by cabbage extract and its component, S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide

S-Methyl Cysteine Sulfoxide Does Not Ameliorate Weight Gain or Hyperlipidemia in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

SCOPE

Higher intake of cruciferous and allium vegetables is associated with lower cardiometabolic risk. Little research has investigated the cardiometabolic effects of S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), found abundant in these vegetables. This study hypothesizes that SMCSO will blunt development of metabolic syndrome features in mice fed high-fat feed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifty C57BL/6 male mice are randomly assigned to standard-chow, high-fat, or high-fat supplemented with low-SMCSO (43 mg kg-1 body weight [BW] day-1), medium-SMCSO (153 mg kg-1 BW day-1), or high-SMCSO (256 mg kg-1 BW day-1) for 12-weeks. High-fat with SMCSO did not prevent diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, or hypercholesterolemia. Mice fed high-fat with SMCSO has higher hepatic lipids than mice fed standard-chow or high-fat alone. Urinary SMCSO increases at 6- and 12-weeks in the low-SMCSO group, before reducing 46% and 28% in the medium- and high-SMCSO groups, respectively, at 12-weeks, suggesting possible tissue saturation. Interestingly, two SMCSO-fed groups consume significantly more feed, without significant weight gain. Due to limitations in measuring consumed feed, caution should be taken interpreting these results.

CONCLUSION

SMCSO (43-256 mg kg-1 BW day-1) does not ameliorate metabolic syndrome features in high-fat fed mice. Substantial knowledge gaps remain. Further studies should administer SMCSO separately (i.e., gavage), with metabolic studies exploring tissue levels to better understand its physiological action.

One-Pot Synthesis of Useful S-Substituted-l-cysteine Sulfoxides Using Genetically Engineered Escherichia coli

S-Substituted-l-cysteine sulfoxides are valuable compounds that are contained in plants. Particularly, (+)-alliin and its degraded products have gained significant attention because of their human health benefits. However, (+)-alliin production has been limited to extraction from plants and chemical synthesis; both methods have drawbacks in terms of stability and safety. Here, we proposed the enzymatic cascade reaction for synthesizing (+)-alliin from readily available substrates. To achieve a one-pot (+)-alliin production, we constructed Escherichia coli coexpressing the genes encoding tryptophan synthase from Aeromonas hydrophila ssp. hydrophila NBRC 3820 and l-isoleucine hydroxylase from Bacillus thuringiensis 2e2 for the biocatalyst. Deletion of tryptophanase gene in E. coli increased the yield about 2-fold. Under optimized conditions, (+)-alliin accumulation reached 110 mM, which is the highest productivity thus far. Moreover, natural and unnatural S-substituted-l-cysteine sulfoxides were synthesized by applying various thiols to the cascade reaction. These results indicate that the developed bioprocess would enable the supply of diverse S-substituted-l-cysteine sulfoxides.

S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide and its potential role in human health: a scoping review

Higher intakes of cruciferous and allium vegetables are associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic-related outcomes in observational studies. Whilst acknowledging the many healthy compounds within these vegetables, animal studies indicate that some of these beneficial effects may be partially mediated by S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), a sulfur-rich, non-protein, amino acid found almost exclusively within cruciferous and alliums. This scoping review explores evidence for SMCSO, its potential roles in human health and possible mechanistic action. After systematically searching several databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL Plus Full Text, Agricultural Science), we identified 21 original research articles meeting our inclusion criteria. These were limited primarily to animal and in vitro models, with 14/21 (67%) indicating favorable anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and antioxidant properties. Potential mechanisms included increased bile acid and sterol excretion, altered glucose- and cholesterol-related enzymes, and improved hepatic and pancreatic β-cell function. Raising antioxidant defenses may help mitigate the oxidative damage observed in these pathologies. Anticancer and antibacterial effects were also explored, along with one steroidogenic study. SMCSO is frequently overlooked as a potential mediator to the benefits of sulfur-rich vegetables. More research into the health benefits of SMCSO, especially for cardiometabolic and inflammatory-based pathology, is warranted. Human studies are especially needed.

Bioavailability of Organosulfur Compounds after the Ingestion of Black Garlic by Healthy Humans

The consumption of black garlic has been related to a decreased risk of many human diseases due to the presence of phytochemicals such as organosulfur compounds (OSCs). However, information on the metabolization of these compounds in humans is limited. By means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), this study aims to determine the OSCs and their metabolites excreted in urine 24 h after an acute intake of 20 g of black garlic by healthy humans. Thirty-three OSCs were identified and quantified, methiin (17,954 ± 6040 nmol), isoalliin (15,001 ± 9241 nmol), S-(2-carboxypropyl)-L-cysteine (8804 ± 7220 nmol) and S-propyl-L-cysteine (deoxypropiin) (7035 ± 1392 nmol) being the main ones. Also detected were the metabolites N-acetyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine (NASAC), N-acetyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (NASACS) and N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxypropyl)-L-cysteine (NACPC), derived from S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), alliin and S-(2-carboxypropyl)-L-cysteine, respectively. These compounds are potentially N-acetylated in the liver and kidney. The total excretion of OSCs 24 h after the ingestion of black garlic was 64,312 ± 26,584 nmol. A tentative metabolic pathway has been proposed for OSCs in humans.

Effects of Cabbage-Apple Juice Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum EM on Lipid Profile Improvement and Obesity Amelioration in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the potential of cabbage-apple juice, fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum EM isolated from kimchi, to protect against obesity and dyslipidemia that are induced by a high-fat diet in a rat model. Male rats were fed a modified AIN-93M high-fat diet (HFD), the same diet supplemented with non-fermented cabbage-apple juice, or the same diet supplemented with fermented cabbage-apple juice for eight weeks. In the HFD-fermented cabbage- apple juice administered groups the following parameters decreased: body weight, liver and white fat pad weights, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose and leptin levels, TG levels, while HDL-C and adiponectin levels in serum increased as compared with the HFD group. The HFD-fed rats that were supplemented with fermented cabbage-apple juice exhibited significantly lower fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and malic enzyme gene expression levels when compared to the exclusively HFD-fed rats. The anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects were marginally greater in the fermented juice administered group than in the non-fermented juice administered group. These results suggest that cabbage-apple juice-especially fermented cabbage-apple juice-might have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism dysfunction and obesity-related abnormalities. However, further studies are necessary for analyzing the biochemical regulatory mechanisms of fermented juice for obesity amelioration and lipid metabolic homeostasis.

Discovery of a New Family of Polyoxometalate-Based Hybrids with Improved Catalytic Performances for Selective Sulfoxidation: The Synergy between Classic Heptamolybdate Anions and Complex Cations

A series of functional cation-regulated isopolymolybdate-based organic-inorganic hybrid compounds, Na₂H₂[Mo₄O₁₂(C₈H₁₇O₅N)₂]·10H₂O (1), Na₂[M(Bis-tris)(H₂O)]₂[Mo₇O₂₄]·10H₂O [M = Cu, 2; Ni, 3; Co, 4; Zn, 5; Bis-tris = 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2',2″-nitrilotriethanol], and (NH₄)₂[M(Bis-tris)(H₂O)]₂[Mo₇O₂₄]·6H₂O (M = Zn, 6; Cu, 7), were synthesized and characterized toward advanced molecular catalyst design. Compound 1 is a covalently bonded adduct, and its self-assembly process can be probed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Compounds 2-7 are polyoxometalate (POM)-based hybrids containing classic heptamolybdate anions and complex cations with Bis-tris ligands. All of these compounds showed remarkable catalytic effects for selective sulfide oxidation. To the best of our knowledge, compound 5 presents the best catalytic activity so far among the reported hybrid materials with common easily synthesized small-molecule POM clusters and also exhibits outstanding reliability. The conclusion of the catalytic effect is drawn from the results that Zn-based compounds have better catalytic effects than other transition-metal-containing compounds and the compound constructed by Na⁺ has higher catalytic activity than that constructed by NH₄⁺. The mechanism studies show that the improvements of the catalytic performance are caused by the synergy between classic heptamolybdate anions and complex cations. ESI-MS data and UV-vis spectra revealed that the POM anions can form intermediate peroxomolybdenum units during catalytic reaction. Further, the combination of the substrate thioanisole with complex cations was characterized by NMR experiments and UV-vis spectra. Thus, a new synergistic mechanism of anions and cations is proposed in which the activated thioanisole is used as a nucleophile to attack the peroxomolybdenum bonds, and this provides a new strategy in the design of reliable POM-based catalysts.

Bioefficacy of red cabbage against hypercholesterolemic diet mediated oxidative stress

Background

The shift towards hypercaloric diets and sedentariness has raised lifestyle related disorders and escalated health care cost. In order to tackle this epidemiological transition, healthy, affordable food choices should be introduced in the routine menu. In this context, red cabbage is known for its rich phytochemistry, minerals, antioxidant vitamins and dietary fiber. Considering these evidences, red cabbage leaves and its extract were assessed against hypercholesterolemia and associated oxidative stress.

Methods

In bioefficacy assessment trial (12 weeks), there were two dietary regimens; normal and hypercholesterolemic (1% cholesterol) that were further split into three groups each. In both feeding trials, red cabbage leaves (20%) and its extract in dose equivalent to red cabbage leaves were assessed against control diets. At termination of trial, serum lipidemic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed to test the efficacy of diets.

Results

In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, red cabbage leaves showed significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL-c and triacylglycerol levels i.e. 15.19, 18.09 and 9.42% than extract administered groups; 10.79, 12.24 and 5.72, respectively. Besides, red cabbage leaves also portrayed momentous enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity up to 13.29 & 17.63% by lowering lipid peroxidation by 27.86% in hypercholesterolemic diet fed groups, whereas red cabbage extract administered group depicted relatively lesser amelioration in lipid peroxidation i.e. 21.42%.

Conclusions

Red cabbage leaves possess higher ameliorative potential against altered lipidemic profile and lipid peroxidation as compared to its extract thus explains its ability to prevent exhaustion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes; SOD and CAT.

An LC-MS/MS Method to Measure S-Methyl-l-Cysteine and S-Methyl-l-Cysteine Sulfoxide in Human Specimens Using Isotope Labelled Internal Standards

This is the first report describing an analytical method for quantitative analysis of two naturally occurring sulphur compounds, S-methyl-l-cysteine (SMC) and S-methyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), in human body fluids using isotope-labelled internal standards and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS techniques. This method was validated according to the guideline of the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Methods Committee. It offers significant advantages including simple and fast preparation of human biological samples. The limits of detection of SMC were 0.08 µM for urine and 0.04 µM for plasma. The limits of detection of SMCSO were 0.03 µM for urine and 0.02 µM for plasma. The calibration curves of all matrices showed linearity with correlation coefficients r² > 0.9987. The intra and inter day precisions in three levels of known concentrations were >10% and >20%, respectively. The quantification accuracy was 98.28 ± 5.66%. The proposed method would be beneficial for the rapid and accurate determination of the SMC and SMCSO in human plasma and urine samples using by isotope labelled internal standards.

Treatment of NASH with Antioxidant Therapy: Beneficial Effect of Red Cabbage on Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Aims

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a major role in type 2 diabetes and its vascular and hepatic complications, and novel therapeutic approaches include natural antioxidants. Our previous chemical and biological studies demonstrated the antioxidant activities of red cabbage (RC), and here, we aimed to determine the in vivo effects of 2-month long RC consumption using a high-fat/high-fructose model of diabetic rats.

Results

This vegetable, associated with lifestyle measurement, was shown to decrease OS and increase vascular endothelial NO synthase expression, ensuring vascular homeostasis. In the liver, RC consumption decreased OS by inhibiting p22phox expression and Nrf2 degradation and increasing catalase activity. It inhibited the activation of SREBP (1c, 2), ChREBP, NF-κB, ERK1/2, PPARγ, and GS and SIRT1 decrease, as observed in diabetic rats.

Conclusion/innovation

RC consumption led to metabolic profile improvement, together with hepatic function improvements. Although lifestyle changes are not sufficient to prevent diabetic complications, enrichment with RC avoids progression hepatic complications. This antioxidant strategy using RC does not only able to increase antioxidant defense, such as classical antioxidant, but also able to assure a metabolic and energetic balance to reverse complications. Whereas traditional medical therapy failed to reverse NASH in diabetic patients, consumption of RC should be a natural therapy to treat it.

Mini-Review: Ergothioneine and Ovothiol Biosyntheses, an Unprecedented Trans-Sulfur Strategy in Natural Product Biosynthesis

As one of the most abundant elements on earth, sulfur is part of many small molecular metabolites and is key to their biological activities. Over the past few decades, some general strategies have been discovered for the incorporation of sulfur into natural products. In this review, we summarize recent efforts in elucidating the biosynthetic details for two sulfur-containing metabolites, ergothioneine and ovothiol. Their biosyntheses involve an unprecedented trans-sulfur strategy, a combination of a mononuclear non-heme iron enzyme-catalyzed oxidative C-S bond formation reaction and a PLP enzyme-mediated C-S lyase reaction.

Hypnotic Effect of Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) on Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep in Mice

Objective:

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of red cabbage and its fractions on sleeping behavior in mice.

Materials and Methods:

The extract and its fractions were injected to mice and sleep duration as well as sleep latency were recorded. Furthermore, toxicity of the extract was determined both in vivo and in vitro.

Results:

The extract increased sleep duration at doses of 50–200mg/kg (P < 0.001). This observed hypnotic effect was comparable to that of diazepam (3mg/kg) (P < 0.001 in comparison with control group). Ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions could increase sleep duration (P < 0.001). The sleep latency was decreased by the extract (P < 0.001) and only ethyl acetate fraction (P < 0.001). LD₅₀ value for red cabbage extract was 2.4g/kg. There was no toxic effect on viability of cultured neuronal cells (PC12). Rotarod test results showed that there were no significant differences between the extract groups and the control group.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that red cabbage potentiates pentobarbital hypnosis without any toxic effect. The main component(s) responsible for this effect is most likely to be intermediate polar agent(s) such as flavonoids, which are found in ethyl acetate fraction of this plant.

Rats' urinary metabolomes reveal the potential roles of functional foods and exercise in obesity management

The complexity of the metabolic changes in obese individuals still presents a challenge for the understanding of obesity-related metabolic disruptions and for obesity management. In this study, a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolomics approach targeting urine metabolism has been applied to assess the potential roles of functional foods and exercise for obesity management in rats. Male albino rats diagnosed as obese via histopathology and biochemical assays were administered functional foods in common use for obesity management including pomegranate, grapefruit, and red cabbage juice extracts in parallel with swimming exercise. Urine samples were collected from these rats, and likewise from healthy control animals, for metabolite analysis using (GC-MS) coupled to multivariate data analysis. The results revealed a significant elevation in oxalate and phosphate levels in obese rat urine concurrent with lower lactate levels as compared to the control group. Furthermore, and to pinpoint the bioactive agents in the administered functional foods, ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) was employed for secondary metabolite profiling. The different phenolic classes found in the examined functional foods, viz. ellagitannins in pomegranate, flavanones in grapefruit and flavonols in red cabbage, are likely to mediate their anti-obesity effects. The results indicate that these functional foods and exercise were quite effective in reverting obesity-related metabolic disruptions back to normal status, as revealed by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA).

Serum metabolomics reveals the mechanistic role of functional foods and exercise for obesity management in rats

Obesity is one of the independent risk factors for several health problems, leading to metabolic perturbations and for which analytical approaches i.e., "metabolomics" is needed to monitor the underlying metabolic changes. In this study, obesity associated changes were assessed via serum metabolites analysis of obese rats fed on high fat diet. Obese rats were subsequently treated with different functional foods used for obesity management including pomegranate, grapefruit, and red cabbage in parallel to swimming exercise. Serum samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by multivariate data analysis to classify samples and determine if such treatments can help revert obesity related metabolic changes back to normal status. Results led to the identification of several novel metabolites biomarkers for obesity related to lipids, amino acids and central tricarboxylic acid (TCA) pathways. Distinct variations in metabolite levels were recorded in obese rats compared to normal ones including l-aspartic, l-alanine, l-glutamine, l-glycine, phenylethanolamine, α-aminobutyric acid and β-hydroxybutyric acid. Metabolomics approach developed herein provides novel insight onto the metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, which will assist in future drug design that can help mitigate against such changes.

Assessment of bioactive metabolites and hypolipidemic effect of polyphenolic-rich red cabbage extract

CONTEXT

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the consumption of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra DC. - Brassicaceae) has been linked with the reduction risk of chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The present study assesses the bioactive metabolites and hypolipidemic effect of red cabbage on rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content of total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity were assessed, while individual phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected using reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Acute hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of red cabbage (RC - 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) was investigated using a Triton WR-1339 (400 mg/kg) induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats compared to fenofibrate (65 mg/kg).

RESULTS

The HPLC analysis of extracts revealed eight phenolic acids, gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, m-coumaric, syringic, caffeic, cinnamic, dicaffeoylquinic and three flavonoids, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin. Furthermore, the aqueous extract showed higher amounts of total phenolics (116.00 mg/g), flavonoids (161.32 μg/g) and, antioxidant activity (87.19%) than the hydromethanolic (89.33 mg/g, 123.34 μg/g and 75.07%), respectively. The RC significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorated the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins alterations in hyperlipidemic rats without toxicity.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Herein, the RC presented the higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids comparing with the hydromethanolic extract. Additionally, the RC showed as the majority compounds, dicaffeoylquinic and cinnamic acids, and the flavonoids epicatechin and gallocatechin. Furthermore, the RC demonstrated a beneficial effect against hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, demonstrating its potential therapeutic effect on these risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Chemical and biochemical mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective roles of dietary organopolysulfides

Foods that are rich in organosulfides are highly regarded for their broad range of functions in disease prevention and health promotion since ancient time yet modern scientific study, particularly clinical studies could not agree with traditional wisdom. One of the complexities is due to the labile nature of organosulfides, which are often transformed to different structures depending on the processing conditions. The recent evidence on polysulfides as H₂S donors may open up a new avenue for establishing structure and health promotion activity relationship. To put this development into perspective, we carried out a review on the recent progress on the chemistry and biochemistry of organopolysulfides with emphasis on their cardioprotective property. First, we briefly surveyed the foods that are rich in polysulfides and their structural diversity. This is followed by in-depth discussion on the chemical transformations of polysulfides under various processing conditions. We further reviewed the potential action mechanisms of polysulfides in cardioprotection through: (a) hydrogen sulfide releasing activity; (b) radical scavenging activity; and (c) activity in enzyme inhibition and intervention of gene regulation pathways. Based on the literature trend, we can conclude that the emerging concept of organopolysulfides as naturally occurring H₂S donors is intriguing and warrants further research to establish the structure and activity relationship of the organopolysulfides as H₂S donors.

Toll-like receptors as a target of food-derived anti-inflammatory compounds

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in linking pathogen recognition with the induction of innate immunity. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, representing potential targets for prevention/treatment. Vegetable-rich diets are associated with the reduced risk of several inflammatory disorders. In the present study, based on an extensive screening of vegetable extracts for TLR-inhibiting activity in HEK293 cells co-expressing TLR with the NF-κB reporter gene, we found cabbage and onion extracts to be the richest sources of a TLR signaling inhibitor. To identify the active substances, we performed activity-guiding separation of the principal inhibitors and identified 3-methylsulfinylpropyl isothiocyanate (iberin) from the cabbage and quercetin and quercetin 4'-O-β-glucoside from the onion, among which iberin showed the most potent inhibitory effect. It was revealed that iberin specifically acted on the dimerization step of TLRs in the TLR signaling pathway. To gain insight into the inhibitory mechanism of TLR dimerization, we developed a novel probe combining an isothiocyanate-reactive group and an alkyne functionality for click chemistry and detected the probe bound to the TLRs in living cells, suggesting that iberin disrupts dimerization of the TLRs via covalent binding. Furthermore, we designed a variety of iberin analogues and found that the inhibition potency was influenced by the oxidation state of the sulfur. Modeling studies of the iberin analogues showed that the oxidation state of sulfur might influence the global shape of the isothiocyanates. These findings establish the TLR dimerization step as a target of food-derived anti-inflammatory compounds.

Matrix effects on the stability and antioxidant activity of red cabbage anthocyanins under simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Red cabbage is, among different vegetables, one of the major sources of anthocyanins. In the present study an in vitro digestion method has been used to assay the influence of the physiological conditions in the stomach and small intestine, as well as faecal microflora on anthocyanins stability in red cabbage and anthocyanin-rich extract. The recovery of anthocyanins during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was strongly influenced by food matrix. The results showed that other constituents present in cabbage enhanced the stability of anthocyanins during the digestion. The amount of anthocyanins (HPLC method) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP assays) strongly decreased after pancreatic-bile digestion in both matrices but total phenolics content (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) in these digestions was higher than in initial samples. Incubation with human faecal microflora caused further decline in anthocyanins content. The results obtained suggest that intact anthocyanins in gastric and products of their decomposition in small and large intestine may be mainly responsible for the antioxidant activity and other physiological effects after consumption of red cabbage.

Quantification of glucosinolates, anthocyanins, free amino acids, and vitamin C in inbred lines of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

We profiled and quantified glucosinolates (GSLs), anthocyanins, free amino acids, and vitamin C metabolites in forty-five lines of green and red cabbages. Analysis of these distinct cabbages revealed the presence of 11 GSLs, 13 anthocyanins, 22 free amino acids, and vitamin C. GSL contents were varied amongst the different lines of cabbage. The total GSL content was mean 10.6 μmol/g DW, and sinigrin was the predominant GSL accounted mean 4.0 μmol/g DW (37.7% of the total) followed by glucoraphanin (1.9) and glucobrassicin (2.4). Amongst the 13 anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-(sinapoyl) diglucoside-5-glucoside levels were the highest. The amounts of total free amino acids in green cabbage lines ranged 365.9 mg/100g fresh weight (FW) to 1089.1mg/100g FW. Vitamin C levels were much higher in red cabbage line (129.9 mg/100g FW). Thus, the amounts of GSLs, anthocyanins, free amino acids, and vitamin C varied widely, and the variations in these compounds between the lines of cabbage were significant.

Genetic regulation of glucoraphanin accumulation in Beneforté broccoli

· Diets rich in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) have been associated with maintenance of cardiovascular health and reduction in risk of cancer. These health benefits have been attributed to glucoraphanin that specifically accumulates in broccoli. The development of broccoli with enhanced concentrations of glucoraphanin may deliver greater health benefits. · Three high-glucoraphanin F1 broccoli hybrids were developed in independent programmes through genome introgression from the wild species Brassica villosa. Glucoraphanin and other metabolites were quantified in experimental field trials. Global SNP analyses quantified the differential extent of B. villosa introgression · The high-glucoraphanin broccoli hybrids contained 2.5-3 times the glucoraphanin content of standard hybrids due to enhanced sulphate assimilation and modifications in sulphur partitioning between sulphur-containing metabolites. All of the high-glucoraphanin hybrids possessed an introgressed B. villosa segment which contained a B. villosa Myb28 allele. Myb28 expression was increased in all of the high-glucoraphanin hybrids. Two high-glucoraphanin hybrids have been commercialised as Beneforté broccoli. · The study illustrates the translation of research on glucosinolate genetics from Arabidopsis to broccoli, the use of wild Brassica species to develop cultivars with potential consumer benefits, and the development of cultivars with contrasting concentrations of glucoraphanin for use in blinded human intervention studies.

Protective effect of Tuscan black cabbage sprout extract against serum lipid increase and perturbations of liver antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes in rats fed a high-fat diet

A diet rich in fat is considered a primary risk factor for CVD, cancer and failures in metabolism and endocrine functions. Hyperlipidaemia generates oxidative stress and weakens antioxidant defences as well as metabolic detoxification systems. Brassicaceae are vegetables rich in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, affecting enzymatic antioxidant as well as phase II enzymes and conceivably counteracting high-fat diet (HFD)-associated pathologies. The protective role of Tuscan black cabbage (a variety of kale) sprout extract (TBCSE) intake against HFD alterations was here studied. The effects on rat hepatic antioxidant as well as detoxifying enzymes, and serum lipid- and body weightlowering properties of TBCSE, were investigated. Feeding the animals with a HFD for 21 d increased body as well as liver weights, and induced hyperlipidaemia, as confirmed by a higher serum lipid profile v. control diet. Daily intragastric administration of TBCSE to HFD-fed rats lowered serum total cholesterol, TAG and NEFA. Body and liver weight gains were also reduced. Antioxidant (catalase, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, oxidised glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) and phase II (glutathione S-transferase and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase) enzymes were down-regulated by the HFD, while the extract restored normal levels in most groups. Generation of toxic intermediates, and membrane fatty acid composition changes by the HFD, might account for the altered hepatic antioxidant and detoxifying enzyme functions. The recovering effects of TBCSE could be attributed to high flavonoid, phenolic and organosulphur compound content, which possess free-radical-scavenging properties, enhance the antioxidant status and stimulate lipid catabolism. TBCSE intake emerges to be an effective alimentary strategy to counteract the perturbations associated with a diet rich in fat.

Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

The protective action against oxidative stress of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea) extract was investigated. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight). Throughout the experimental period (60 days), diabetic rats exhibited many symptoms including loss of body weight, hyperglycemia, polyuria, polydipsia, renal enlargement and renal dysfunction. Significant increase in malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation marker, was observed in diabetic kidney. This was accompanied by a significant increase in reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease in catalase activity and in the total antioxidant capacity of the kidneys. Daily oral ingestion (1 g/kg body weight) of B. oleracea extract for 60 days reversed the adverse effect of diabetes in rats. B. oleracea extract lowered blood glucose levels and restored renal function and body weight loss. In addition, B. oleracea extract attenuated the adverse effect of diabetes on malondialdehyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity as well as catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity of diabetic kidneys. In conclusion, the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties of B. oleracea extract may offer a potential therapeutic source for the treatment of diabetes.

Anthocyanin-rich red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) extract attenuates cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress in rats fed an atherogenic diet

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the aetiology of several diseases including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Anthocyanin-rich extracts have been shown to possess a variety of therapeutic roles, including antioxidant, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. The present inventory was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of anthocyanin-rich red cabbage extract (ARCE) on an atherogenic (ATH) diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia and related cardiac and, hepatic oxidative stress in rats.

RESULTS

ARCE (100 mg kg(-1) body weight) treatment of rats fed the ATH diet significantly prevented elevation in serum and tissue lipids, circulating levels of cardiac and hepatic damage markers, and resulted in excretion of lipids through faeces. Also, the ARCE extract significantly attenuated alterations in the cardiac and hepatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes in cardiac and hepatic tissue.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence for a protective role of ARCE against ATH diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia and cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress.

Black cabbage seed extract affects rat Cyp-mediated biotransformation: organ and sex related differences

Brassicaceae are widely consumed in many parts of the world and their dietary intake has been associated with cancer risk reduction. Extracts and metabolites derived from cruciferous vegetables have thus gained popularity as potential cancer chemopreventive agents. We have previously found, unexpectly, that glucoraphanin, the most extensively present glucosinolate in these vegetables, is a potent mutagen bioactivating Phase-I enzyme inducer. In the present study, the influence of black cabbage seed extract, rich in glucoraphanin, was investigated on Phase-I enzymes in different organs of male or female rats. Oral seed extract injection at 120 or 240 mg/kg b.w. for one or four consecutive days, significantly affected various cytochrome P450 (CYP) -linked monooxygenases in a complex way being the lung the most responsive organ (in males, up to ∼2600% increase for CYP2B1/2 isoform and ∼96% loss for CYP1A1, CYP3A1/2). These findings indicate that the extract may strongly enhance and/or suppress rat xenobiotic biotransformation pathways and that caution should be paid to the possible influence on human metabolism. These data suggest an overall evaluation of the balance between beneficial vs. possible adverse effects for each agent, even if of natural origin, prior to routinely, preventive mass use.

Protective role of Brassica olerecea and Eugenia jambolana extracts against H₂O₂ induced cytotoxicity in H9C2 cells

This study assesses the efficacy of anthocyanin rich Brassica olerecea leaves (ARCE) and flavonoid rich Eugenia jambolana seed (EJSE) extracts as possible cardioprotective agents against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) induced cytotoxicity in H9C2 cells. Presence of ARCE or EJSE resulted in a superior cell viability and cell integrity as revealed by cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release assays and acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining of control and H(2)O(2) treated H9C2 cells. These extracts were also able to reduce the impact of H(2)O(2) induced lipid peroxidation and depletion of intracellular glutathione. Also, there was an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species following ARCE or EJSE treatments. These results suggest that ARCE and EJSE are capable of cardioprotective activity due to the high number of anthocyanins and flavonoids in them that are instrumental in lowering intracellular oxidative stress, preventing depletion of cellular antioxidants and improving cell viability.

Effect of dietary soy protein on tumor necrosis factor productivity in macrophages from nephritic and hepatoma-bearing rats

The present study investigated the effect of dietary soy protein isolate (SPI) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) productivity in peritoneal macrophages from nephritic and hepatoma-bearing rats. Dietary SPI significantly inhibited the elevated production of TNF by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages in nephritic and hepatoma-bearing rats compared with dietary casein, while it exerted no influence on the TNF productivity in normal rats. Removal of the minor components contained in SPI by ethanol extraction could significantly or partially restore the reduced TNF production caused by SPI in nephritic and hepatoma-bearing rats, respectively. These results suggest that dietary SPI could suppress the enhanced productivity of TNF associated with the progression of nephritis and hepatoma, and some factors existing in the ethanol extract of SPI are suggested to be involved in suppressing TNF productivity by macrophages.

Consumption of brown onions (Alliumcepavar.cavalierand var.destiny) moderately modulates blood lipids, haematological and haemostatic variables in healthy pigs

Although garlic and onions have long been associated with putative cardiovascular health benefits, the effects of different commercially available onions and level of intake have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of raw onions using the pig as a biomedical model. Twenty-five female (Large White×Landrace) pigs were used in a (2×2)+1 factorial experiment. Pigs were fed a standard grower diet supplemented with 100 g tallow/kg with the addition ofAllium cepavar.cavalieror var.destinyat 0, 10 or 25 g/MJ digestible energy for 6 weeks. Overall, the consumption of onions resulted in significant reductions in plasma triacylglycerol; however, the reductions were most pronounced in pigs feddestinyonions (−26 %,P=0·042). Total plasma cholesterol and LDL:HDL ratios were not significantly different. Onion supplementation, regardless of the variety, resulted in dose-dependent reductions in erythrocyte counts and Hb levels, while the white blood cell concentrations, particularly lymphocytes, were increased in pigs that consumed onions. Furthermore, indices of blood clotting were largely unaffected by onion consumption. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with raw brown onions has moderate lipid-modulating and immunostimulatory properties. However, daily onion intake >25 g/MJ digestible energy could be detrimental to erythrocyte numbers.

Hypocholesterolemic action of pre-germinated brown rice in hepatoma-bearing rats

The effect of pre-germinated brown rice (PGBR) on cholesterol metabolism was studied in Donryu rats subcutaneously implanted with the ascites hepatoma cell line AH109A and compared with that of white rice (WR). The effect of brown rice (BR), the source of PGBR, was also studied. Hepatoma-bearing rats fed a WR diet exhibited hypercholesterolemia compared with normal rats fed the same diet. Feeding hepatoma-bearing rats a PGBR or BR diet suppressed hepatoma-induced hypercholesterolemia, and enhanced fecal bile acid excretion and the activity of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid biosynthesis, in the microsomal fraction of the liver without affecting cholesterol synthesis in the host liver of hepatoma-bearing rats. These results suggest that PGBR as well as BR suppresses hypercholesterolemia induced by hepatoma growth by up-regulating cholesterol catabolism.