Antioxidants in food: content, measurement, significance, action, cautions, caveats, and research needs

Characterization of a novel antioxidant exopolysaccharide from an intestinal-originated bacteria Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum Bi-OTA128

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) have attracted extensive attention for their biological functions in antioxidant activities. In this study, we characterized a novel EPS produced by Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum Bi-OTA128 which exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity compared to nine other ropy bacterial strains, achieving 76.50 % and 93.84 % in DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activity, and ferric reducing power of 134.34 μM Fe2+. Complete genomic analysis identified an eps gene cluster involved in the EPS biosynthesis of Bi-OTA128 strain, which might be responsible for its ropy phenotype. The EPS was then isolated and purified by a DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column. A single elution part EPS128 was obtained with a recovery rate of 43.5 ± 1.78 % and a total carbohydrate content of 93.6 ± 0.76 %. Structural characterization showed that EPS128 comprised glucose, galactose, and rhamnose (molar ratio 4.0:1.2:1.1), featuring a putative complex backbone structure with four branched chains and an unusual acetyl group at O-2 of terminal rhamnose. Antioxidant assay in vitro indicated that EPS128 exhibited antioxidant potential with 50.52 % DPPH· and 65.40 % ABTS·+ scavenging activities, reaching 54.3 % and 70.44 % of the efficacy of standard Vitamin C at 2.0 mg/L. Furthermore, EPS128 showed protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by reducing cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing cell viability. These findings present the first comprehensive report of an antioxidant EPS from B. pseudocatenulatum, highlighting its potential as a natural antioxidant for applications in the food industry and clinical settings.

Neltuma nigra cotyledon and seed flour: nutritional, phytochemical, and techno-functional characterization and nutraceutic potential of polyphenolic enriched extract

Neltuma nigra seed and cotyledon flours were prepared and characterized. Both flours showed high protein and fiber content, and low carbohydrate and fat content. The major storage proteins in N. nigra flours were albumin and globulin. In addition, flours contained carotenoids and potassium as the main micronutrients. The free and bound phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids were the major phytochemical components. The phenolic enriched extracts (PEE) of both flours contained apigenin-derived C-glycosyl flavones, including schaftoside, and isoschaftoside as the main components. The PEE from seed flour contained higher antioxidant capacity on ABTS˙+, FRAP, H2O2, O2˙- and higher inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than the cotyledon flour extract. Techno-functional property analyses showed better water retention capacity and emulsifying stability for cotyledon flour and better oil holding capacity and emulsifying activity for seed flour. The results suggest better biological properties and a low-cost accessibility of seed flour, and a better macronutrient balance for cotyledon flour. Therefore, both can be considered as ingredients or functional food for special foods related to the metabolic syndrome and diseases related to oxidative processes.

Techno-functional aspects of kombucha analogs formulated from mulberry coproducts

This study investigated the techno-functional conditions for producing fermented beverages using the kombucha artisanal consortium (kAC) while implementing sustainable strategies. According to the circular economy principles, the study focused on mulberry coproducts (MC) generated as agro-industrial waste during mulberry fruit production. The presence of target microorganisms in the beverage and biofilm was recorded to determine the MC content necessary for establishing kAC. Additionally, the physicochemical characteristics, carbohydrate and polyphenol profiles were analyzed to understand their impact on antioxidant activity and sensory responses in the soft drink. Notably, a concentration of 0.25% MC was found to yield fermented soft drinks rich in probiotic populations and displaying nutraceutical qualities that enhance antioxidant activity and sensory acceptability. This study offers valuable technical guidance for repurposing mulberry pruning coproducts in the creation of novel products.

Antimicrobial, anti-enzymatic and antioxidant activities of essential oils from some Tunisian Eucalyptus species

Many plants can produce essential oils (EOs), having various biological properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-enzymatic and antimicrobial effects of the EOs derived from leaves of Eucalyptus cladocalyx, E. angulosa, E. microcorys, E. ovata, E. diversicolor, E. saligna, E. sargentii and E. resinifera. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was carried out with three different methods (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP). In addition, their anti-colinesterases, anti α-amylase and anti α-glucosidase effects were assessed by spectrophotometric assays. The antimicrobial activities were tested against six phytopathogenic bacterial strains, including two G + ve (Bacillus mojavensis and Clavibacter michiganensis) and four G-ve (Pseudomonas fluorescence, P. syringae, Xanthomonas campestris and E. coli). The current study has also investigated the inhibition of biofilm formation and the possible effect on bacterial cells biofilm metabolism of three Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii) and two Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes). The ABTS and DPPH tests indicated that E. diversicolor and E. saligna EOs showed high antioxidant activities, whereas FRAP test suggested that E. diversicolor EO exhibited the better antioxidant activity. E. resinifera and E. ovata EOs were the most active against cholinesterases instead E. ovata and E. sargentii EOs were more active against enzymes involved in diabetes. Antibacterial assays revealed that E. ovata and E. saligna EOs possess significant activity closely to tetracycline. Whereas, the antifungal assay revealed that all EOs have effectively suppressed the tested fungal growth. E. saligna EO showed substantial efficacy inhibiting both the mature biofilm (85.40 %) and metabolic activities (89.80 %) of L. monocytogenes. These results demonstrate the wide range of possible uses for Eucalyptus EOs in both agriculture and medicine fields, suggesting potential uses as strong antibiofilm agents and for biocontrol of phytopathogens.

Fast FRAP-SIA method to determine antioxidant capacity

One of the most used methods to measure antioxidant capacity in food is the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test, which is simple, sensitive, and economical, nevertheless has long analysis times, causing measurement errors due to the instability of the FRAP reagent due to its precipitation sequential injection analysis (SIA) is a flow technique that can correct these disadvantages because it is more quickly. So, a novel FRAP-SIA method was developed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. The system was optimized using a central composite design for hydrodynamic and chemical factors, resulting in a flow rate of 35 μL s-1, and aspirate volumes of 33 μL-38 μL-33 μL for the sequence (FRAP-Antioxidant-FRAP). FRAP reagent was prepared with an HCl solution at 0.005 mol L-1, improving its stability 24 times, concerning when it is in acetate buffer at pH 3.6. The method showed excellent accuracy (RSD <3%) with a LOD of 1.0 μmol L-1 of Trolox for a linear range of 5-120 μmol L-1. The reaction time was diminished by 96% concerning the FRAP-microplate assay (from 30 min to 1.2 min). The method was applied in beverages and extracts, obtaining recovery values ranging from 91.24 to 114.22%.

Improving the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fermented Milks with Exopolysaccharides-Producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) producing lactic acid bacteria have been claimed to confer various health benefits to the host, including the ability to face oxidative and inflammatory-related stress. This study investigated the ability of food-borne Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum to improve the antioxidant activity of fermented milks by producing EPSs. Two Lpb. plantarum strains, selected as lower and higher EPSs producers, have been applied in lab-scale fermented milk production, in combination with conventional starters. Antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays while the ability to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated in an intestinal healthy model, subjected to both oxidative and inflammatory stress. Furthermore, to verify whether digestion affects functionality, fermented milks were evaluated before and after in vitro-simulated INFOGEST digestion. The results showed an improved antioxidant activity of fermented milk enriched with Lpb. plantarum LT100, the highest EPSs producer. Furthermore, the data showed a different ROS modulation with a protective anti-inflammatory effect of samples enriched with Lpb. plantarum strains. Our data suggest the use of selected EPS-producing strains of Lpb. plantarum as a natural strategy to enrich the functionality of fermented milks in terms of ROS modulation and inflammatory-related stress.

Improved muscle fatty acid composition and oxidative stability in lambs grazing on sainfoin pasture

As a mode of animal management, grazing on pasture has the potential to improve animal performance and provide healthy meat. However, there is little information about the effects of lamb meat quality grazed on sainfoin pasture. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare the fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of growing lambs. The twenty-four lambs were randomly divided into grazing on sainfoin pasture (GS) or feeding indoors pelleted total mixed ration (FI). The results show that GS had the higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially n-3 PUFA (P = 0.002), and beneficial for nutritional index of fatty acid. Corresponding that GS had lower the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in raw (P = 0.005) and cooked meat (P = 0.008). The GS had higher total phenols (P = 0.021), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (P = 0.048) and α-Tocopherol of meat (P = 0.004). In conclusion, grazing on sainfoin pasture in lambs can improve muscle fatty acid composition and oxidative stability than feeding indoors.

Plant-Based Antioxidants in Gluten-Free Bread Production: Sources, Technological and Sensory Aspects, Enhancing Strategies and Constraints

The recognized contribution of antioxidant compounds to overall health maintenance and spotted deficiencies in celiac patients' diets has driven more intensive research regarding antioxidant compounds' inclusion in gluten-free bread (GFB) production during the last decade. The presented review gathered information that provided insights into plant-based antioxidant sources which are applicable in GFB production through the resulting changes in the technological, sensory, and nutritional quality of the resulting antioxidant-enriched GFB. The influence of the bread-making process on the antioxidant compounds' content alteration and applied methods for their quantification in GFB matrices were also discussed, together with strategies for enhancing the antioxidant compounds' content, their bioaccessibility, and their bioavailability, highlighting the existing contradictions and constraints. The addition of plant-based antioxidant compounds generally improved the antioxidant content and activity of GFB, without a profound detrimental effect on its technological quality and sensory acceptability, and with the extent of the improvement being dependent on the source richness and the amount added. The determination of a pertinent amount and source of plant-based antioxidant material that will result in the production of GFB with desirable nutritional, sensory, and technological quality, as well as biological activity, remains a challenge to be combated by elucidation of the potential mechanism of action and by the standardization of quantification methods for antioxidant compounds.

Development of a Holistic In Vitro Cell-Free Approach to Determine the Redox Bioactivity of Agricultural Products

In recent years, there has been a strong consumer demand for food products that provide nutritional benefits to human health. Therefore, the assessment of the biological activity is considered as an important parameter for the promotion of high-quality food products. Herein, we introduce a novel methodology comprising a complete set of in vitro cell-free screening techniques for the evaluation of the bioactivity of various food products on the basis of their antioxidant capacity. These assays examine the free radical scavenging activities, the reducing properties, and the protective ability against oxidative damage to biomolecules. The adoption of the proposed battery of antioxidant assays is anticipated to contribute to the holistic characterization of the bioactivity of the food product under examination. Consumer motivations and expectations with respect to nutritious food products with bio-functional properties drive the global food market toward food certification. Therefore, the development and application of scientific methodologies that examine the quality characteristics of food products could increase consumers' trust and promote their beneficial properties for human health.

Higher serum uric acid is associated with body fat, retinol-binding protein 4, and antioxidative status in Brazilian children

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) with adiposity, adipokines, and anti- and oxidative markers in Brazilian children.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional investigation with 378 children ages 8 to 9 y in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Information on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics was obtained via questionnaires, and body fat was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. We compared the distributions of adiposity (total and central), adipokines (adiponectin, chemerin, leptin, and retinol-binding protein 4 [RBP4]), anti- and oxidative markers (plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) by SUA categories using linear regression.

RESULTS

SUA was positively associated with total and central fat. Every standard deviation (SD) of SUA was related, respectively, to a 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-4.4), 4 (95% CI, 2.8-5.1), 4.2 (95% CI, 2.9-5.5), and 3.5 (95% CI, 2.4-4.6) units higher of total, truncal, android, and gynoid fat. We found a positive association of SUA with RBP4 and FRAP, and a negative association with MDA. Every SD of SUA was related, respectively, to 0.1 (95% CI, 0.01-0.1) and 7.8 (95% CI, 5.5-10.1) units higher of RBP4 and FRAP; and to -0.3 (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.1) units lower of MDA.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA was positively associated with adiposity, RBP4, and antioxidative status in Brazilian children.

Analysis of Antioxidant Constituents of Filtering Infusions from Oak (Quercus sideroxyla Bonpl. and Quercus eduardii Trel.) and Yerbaniz (Tagetes lucida (Sweet) Voss) as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

The antioxidant constituents of ancestral products with ethnobotanical backgrounds are candidates for the study of filtering infusions to aid in pharmacotherapies focused on the treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that regulates the metabolic breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline in the nervous system. The goal of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in silico the effect of antioxidant constituents of filtering infusions from yerbaniz (Tagetes lucida (Sweet) Voss) and oak (Quercus sideroxyla Bonpl. and Quercus eduardii Trel.) as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Materials were dried, ground, and mixed according to a simplex-centroid mixture design for obtaining infusions. Differential analysis of the phenolic constituent's ratio in the different infusions indicates that among the main compounds contributing to MAO-A inhibition are the gallic, chlorogenic, quinic, and shikimic acids, quercetin glucuronide and some glycosylated derivatives of ellagic acid and ellagic acid methyl ether. Infusions of Q. sideroxyla Bonpl. leaves, because of their content (99.45 ± 5.17 µg/mg) and synergy between these constituents for MAO-A inhibition (52.82 ± 3.20%), have the potential to treat depression and anxiety. Therefore, future studies with pharmacological approaches are needed to validate them as therapeutic agents with applications in mental health care.

Pro- and Antioxidant Effect of Food Items and Matrices during Simulated In Vitro Digestion

The digestive tract can be considered a bioreactor. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during digestion may predispose for local and/or systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases. Food items rich in antioxidants may prevent such aggravation. This investigation analyzed pro-and antioxidant patterns of food matrices/items following in vitro digestion. Gastrointestinal digestion reflecting typically consumed quantities was performed on nine food items (orange and tomato juice, soda, coffee, white chocolate, sausage, vitamin C and E, and curcumin) and their combinations (n = 24), using the INFOGEST model. Antioxidant potential was measured by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS, and pro-oxidant aspects by MDA (malondialdehyde) and peroxide formation. An anti-pro-oxidant score was developed, combining the five assays. Liquid food items showed moderately high antioxidant values, except for coffee and orange juice, which exhibited a high antioxidant potential. Solid matrices, e.g., white chocolate and sausage, showed both high pro-oxidant (up to 22 mg/L MDA) and high antioxidant potential (up to 336 mg/L vitamin C equivalents) at the same time. Individual vitamins (C and E) at physiological levels (achievable from food items) showed a moderate antioxidant potential (<220 mg/L vitamin C equivalents). Overall, both antioxidant and pro-oxidant assays correlated well, with correlation coefficients of up to 0.894. The effects of food combinations were generally additive, i.e., non-synergistic, except for combinations with sausage, where strong quenching effects for MDA were observed, e.g., with orange juice. In conclusion, as especially highlighted by complex matrices demonstrating both pro- and antioxidant potential, only measuring one aspect would result in physiological misinterpretations. Therefore, it is imperative to employ a combination of assays to evaluate both pro- and antioxidant properties of food digesta to ensure physiological relevance.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

Natural antioxidants from some fruits, seeds, foods, natural products, and associated health benefits: An update

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules and protect the body from the effects of free radicals, produced either by normal cell metabolism or as an effect of pollution and exposure to other external factors and are responsible for premature aging and play a role in cardiovascular disease. degenerative diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. While many antioxidants are found in nature, others are obtained in synthetic form and reduce oxidative stress in organisms. This review highlights the pharmacological relevance of antioxidants in fruits, plants, and other natural sources and their beneficial effect on human health through the analysis and in-depth discussion of studies that included phytochemistry and their pharmacological effects. The information obtained for this review was collected from several scientific databases (ScienceDirect, TRIP database, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), professional websites, and traditional medicine books. Current pharmacological studies and evidence have shown that the various natural antioxidants present in some fruits, seeds, foods, and natural products have different health-promoting effects. Adopting functional foods with high antioxidant potential will improve the effective and affordable management of free radical diseases while avoiding the toxicities and unwanted side effects caused by conventional medication.

Investigation of the effects of bovine collagen peptides and mixed berries on rheological properties and biological activity of egg white-based beverage via central composite design

Modern consumer expectations have become highly diversified: they want more opportunities to meet diverse family needs (diversity of family members in age, gender, physical activity, etc. ,) and individual health goals with a huge variety of sensorial preferences. Our research is aimed to develop a protein-dense, highly bioactive, lactose- and whey protein-free beverage applying a central composite rotational design (CCRD) with 2 factors. For this purpose, an egg white-based beverage was flavored with mixed berries (factor A) and enriched with bovine collagen peptides (factor B). After suitable sample preparation, the rheological properties were investigated by an Anton Paar MCR 92 rheometer (with CC 27 system, and flow behavior was analyzed with a Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) model). The antioxidant capacity of samples was investigated by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method, the total anthocyanin content was estimated based on a spectrophotometric method, and the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin Ciocalteu method. Our results are figured on response surfaces demonstrating that both factors and their interactions show a positive correlation with the examined parameters. Based on the CCRD, all investigated parameters are significantly influenced by at least one aspect and can be adequately estimated for further product development.

Associations of adiposity and adipokine concentrations with anti- and oxidative markers in Brazilian children

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of body fat, anti- and inflammatory adipokines with anti- and oxidative markers.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with 378 schoolchildren ages 8 to 9 y in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We obtained information on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics via questionnaires, measured height and weight, and estimated body fat by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood sample was collected to analyze the adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, chemerin, and retinol-binding protein 4) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the sandwich principle; and anti- and oxidant markers (plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) by enzymatic methods. Concentrations of anti- and oxidant markers were compared by percent body fat quartiles and adipokine concentrations terciles using of linear regression adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Total and central body fat were positively associated with FRAP. Every 1 standard deviation (SD) of total fat was associated with 4.8 higher FRAP (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-7). Additionally, every 1 SD of truncal, android, and gynoid fat were associated with, respectively, 5, 4.6, and 4.6 higher FRAP (95% CI, 2.9-7.1; 2.6-6.7; and 2.4-6.8, respectively). However, adiponectin was inversely associated with FRAP; every adiponectin SD was related to -2.2 lower FRAP (95% CI, -3.9 to -0.5). Chemerin was positively associated with SOD [5.4 (95% CI, 1.9-8.8) SOD units per chemerin SD].

CONCLUSIONS

The body fat measures and adiposity-related inflammation (chemerin) were positively associated with antioxidative markers in children, whereas the adiponectin (anti-inflammatory marker) was inversely associated with FRAP (antioxidative marker).

Chemical fingerprinting, comparative in vitro antioxidant properties, and biochemical effects of ginger and bitterleaf infusion

Botanicals with remarkable pharmacological properties include Zingiber officinale Roscoe [Zingiberaceae] (ginger) and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delie) Sch. Bip [Asteraceae] (bitterleaf). The plants are frequently used as teas and decoctions, and have been studied in the treatment of various illnesses. Thus, this study investigated the in vitro antioxidant activities and chemical fingerprints of ginger and bitter leaf infusions separately and as a combination. In addition, we assessed the effects of the tea infusions on rat liver and kidney indices. The findings from this study showed that the bitterleaf infusion had the highest phenolic content (21.77 ± 3.140 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg) in comparison with that of ginger (15.17 ± 1.50 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg) and their combination (8.81 ± 0.48 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg). The ginger infusion had the highest flavonoid content (547.15 ± 1.17 µg quercetin equivalent/mg), which was preceded by bitterleaf (473.02 ± 10.48 µg quercetin equivalent/mg) and the ginger and bitterleaf infusion (415.08 ± 4.15 µg quercetin equivalent/mg). Furthermore, our results showed that the tea infusions had no significant effect on the liver function indices (ALT and AST) compared to the control. In contrast, the rat plasma urea significantly increased in the groups given bitterleaf and a combination of ginger and bitterleaf infusions, while creatinine significantly decreased in the group that received the combined form of the infusion. The GC-MS analysis of ginger and bitterleaf infusions revealed that n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and ergosterol were most abundant in the bitterleaf infusion. At the same time, gingerol, 2-butanone, and 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) were the most abundant in the ginger infusion. Together, the findings are not only evidence in support of the medicinal value of these plants but also reinforce their prospects as nutriceuticals.

Evaluation of The Antioxidant Capacity of Food Products: Methods, Applications and Limitations

Assays of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) are popular in the analysis of food products. This review presents the most popular assays of TAC and their limitations, databases of TAC of food products, their application in clinical studies, and the effect of processing on the TAC of food. The importance of sample preparation for TAC assays and striking effects of digestion in the gastrointestinal tract on the TAC of food are discussed. Critical opinions on the validity of food TAC assays are considered. It is concluded that TAC methods can be useful as screening assays for food quality control and as low-cost, high-throughput tools used to discover potential antioxidant sources and follow changes in the content of antioxidants during food processing. However, effects revealed by TAC assays should be followed and explained using more specific methods.

An integrated approach to the analysis of antioxidative peptides derived from Gouda cheese with a modified β-casein content

This study is the first to present an integrated approach involving in silico and in vitro protocols that was pursued to analyse an antioxidative potency of Gouda cheese with modified content of β-casein. Firstly, the predictions of the presence of antioxidant peptides in the casein sequences were computed using the BIOPEP-UWM database. Then, the antioxidative bioactivity of six variants of Gouda cheese (with reduced, normative, and increased content of β-casein at the initial and final stage of ripening) was assessed. Finally, the RP-HPLC–MS/MS was applied to identify antioxidative peptides in Gouda-derived water-soluble extracts (WSEs). Analyses were supported with the heatmaps and the computation of parameters describing the efficiency of proteolysis of caseins in the modified Gouda cheeses, i.e., the frequency and the relative frequency of the release of antioxidative fragments during cheese ripening (A_Eexp and W_exp., respectively). All Gouda cheese variants exhibited the antioxidative potential which differed depending on the assay employed. The highest antioxidative activity (ABTS^·+ radical scavenging effect, FRAP, and Fe-chelating) was observed for WSEs derived from Gouda cheese with increased content of β-casein after the 60th day of ripening. The results obtained suggest the potential of Gouda cheese as the antioxidant-promoting food.

Paraquat induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cytotoxicity in lymphocytes

Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide belonging to the group of bipyridylium salts. The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cytotoxicity induced by paraquat in peripheral lymphocyte cells in vivo as well as pathological changes in various tissues. For this purpose, 28 male Wistar rats in 6 different groups were poisoned by paraquat gavage and blood samples were taken from the hearts of rats after during the poisoning period. Oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell membrane integrity, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and cytotoxicity, were investigated by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) test, alkaline comet assay, measuring serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Hoechst staining and flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI) respectively. The lung, kidney, and liver tissues were also examined pathologically. Paraquat caused dose-dependent DNA damage in peripheral lymphocyte cells and significant oxidative cell membrane damage. The most damage was caused by a single dose of 200 mg/kg b.w of paraquat by gavage. The gradual exposure to a dose of 300 mg/kg b.w of paraquat showed less damage, which could be due to the activation of the antioxidant defense mechanism.

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Paraquat induced oxidative stress.

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Paraquat increases serum lactate dehydrogenase.

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Oxidative stress Inducted by exposure to paraquat Inducted DNA damage.

Chemical Variation of Chenpi (Citrus Peels) and Corresponding Correlated Bioactive Compounds by LC-MS Metabolomics and Multibioassay Analysis

The peel of Citrus reticulata “Chachi” (CP) possesses various health-promoting benefits and is not only one of the most famous Chinese herbal medicine, but also an ingredient in fermented foods. In the present study, the effects of storage years (1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 11-years) on the chemical profiling and potential bioactive compounds of CP were compared by metabolomics and in vitro bioactivity analysis. With the increase of storage time, the content of hesperidin significantly decreased, but nobiletin, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone, and tangeretin were increased. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity of CP was enhanced. Phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, fatty acids, and alkyl glycosides were marker compounds that were responsible for distinguishing the storage time of CP. Correlation analysis suggested that some polyphenols including quercetin-glucoside, quinic acid, trihydroxydimethoxyflavone, and rutin were potential antioxidant compounds in CP. The dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions showed the better antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects on glucose-hydrolysis enzymes. They mainly contained ferulic acid, nobiletin, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone, kaempferol, and hesperidin.

Adolescents' dietary polyphenol intake in relation to serum total antioxidant capacity: the HELENA study

We evaluated the association between intake of total polyphenols, polyphenol classes and the 10 most consumed individual polyphenols with serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in 749 European adolescents (53% girls; 15% overweight; 12.5-17.5 years-old) from the cross-sectional HELENA study of 2006-2007. Dietary polyphenol intake was calculated from two non-consecutive 24-h recalls matched with the Phenol-Explorer database. Multilevel linear models examined the associations between dietary polyphenols and TAC. Polyphenol intake was rather low (median = 321mg/day; p25 = 158; p75 = 536) and TAC was comparable to other literature findings (median = 1.57 mmol/L; p25 = 1.45; p75 = 1.74). Total polyphenol intake, polyphenol classes and the top 10 compounds were not associated with TAC in a linear, quadratic or cubic way in partially or fully confounder-adjusted models. A direct anti-oxidative effect of dietary polyphenol intake was not observed in European adolescents. Polyphenol biomarkers and additional antioxidant measures are needed in future prospective studies to confirm these results.

Exercise, Diet and Sleeping as Regenerative Medicine Adjuvants: Obesity and Ageing as Illustrations

Regenerative medicine uses the biological and medical knowledge on how the cells and tissue regenerate and evolve in order to develop novel therapies. Health conditions such as ageing, obesity and cancer lead to an impaired regeneration ability. Exercise, diet choices and sleeping pattern have significant impacts on regeneration biology via diverse pathways including reducing the inflammatory and oxidative components. Thus, exercise, diet and sleeping management can be optimized towards therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. It could allow to prevent degeneration, optimize the biological regeneration and also provide adjuvants for regenerative medicine.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Active Compounds Identified in Ardisia elliptica Extracts from Different Plant Parts

Ardisia elliptica Thunb. (AE) has been used as food and in traditional medicine to prevent and treat fever, diarrhea, chest pain, liver poisoning, and parturition complications in Southeast Asian countries. This study focused on phytochemical constituents of AE extracts and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro by evaluating nitric oxide production, and DPPH and FRAP radical scavenging activity. The bioactive compounds from different plant parts, including old leaves, young leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits, were identified. The results showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content in the root extract among all extracts, which resulted in the most potent free radical scavenging activity revealed by the DPPH and FRAP assay. The roots and flowers showed the highest bergenin (3.36±0.22 mg/g dry weight) and quercetin (2.99±0.10 mg/g dry weight) content, respectively. In contrast, embelin was found only in the fruits. Interestingly, AE extracts significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, leading to inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusively, the results suggest the natural products of AE extracts as effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can be utilized for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Combining stretching and gallic acid to decrease inflammation indices and promote extracellular matrix production in osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergo cartilage degradation and experience painful joint swelling. OA symptoms are caused by inflammatory molecules and the upregulation of catabolic genes leading to the breakdown of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we investigate the effects of gallic acid (GA) and mechanical stretching on the expression of anabolic and catabolic genes and restoring ECM production by osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes (hAChs) cultured in monolayers. hAChs were seeded onto conventional plates or silicone chambers with or without 100 μM GA. A 5% cyclic tensile strain (CTS) was applied to the silicone chambers and the deposition of collagen and glycosaminoglycan, and gene expressions of collagen types II (COL2A1), XI (COL11A2), I (COL1A1), and X (COL10A1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-13) as inflammation markers, were quantified. CTS and GA acted synergistically to promote the deposition of collagen and glycosaminoglycan in the ECM by 14- and 7-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the synergistic stimuli selectively upregulated the expression of cartilage-specific proteins, COL11A2 by 7-fold, and COL2A1 by 47-fold, and, in contrast, downregulated the expression of MMP-1 by 2.5-fold and MMP-13 by 125-fold. GA supplementation with CTS is a promising approach for restoring osteoarthritic hAChs ECM production ability making them suitable for complex tissue engineering applications.

Application of Heating on the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Malaysian and Australian Stingless Bee Honey

In the honey industry, heat treatments are usually applied to maintain honey’s quality and shelf life. Heat treatment is used to avoid crystallisation and allow the easy use of honey, but treatment with heat might affect the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which are the immediate health effects of honey. This study will determine the effect of heat treatment on Malaysian and Australian stingless bee honey (SBH) produced by the common bee species in both countries. Eighteen honey samples were subjected to heat at 45 °C, 55 °C and 65 °C for one hour and subsequently analysed for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results show that all samples had high TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities before the treatment. The heat treatments did not affect (p < 0.05) the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities in most samples, but did inhibit the antibacterial activities consistently in most of the samples, regardless of the bee species and country of origin. This study also confirms a strong correlation between TPC and TFC with FRAP activities for the non-heated and heated honey samples (p < 0.05). Other heat-sensitive bioactive compounds in SBH should be measured to control the antibacterial properties present.

Inflammatory, oxidative and DNA damage status in vegetarians: is the future of human diet green?

The health benefit of a vegetarian diet is still under debate as it may result in a higher intake of some beneficial micronutrients, while others may be reduced, thus influencing various metabolic pathways and health-related biomarkers. This scoping review discusses inflammatory, oxidative and DNA damage status in vegetarians and vegans compared to omnivores. Most of the reviewed studies indicated favorable effects of a vegetarian diet on oxidative status compared to omnivores but did not clearly associate particular dietary habits to genome damage. The evidence on the effect of vegetarian diet on the inflammatory and immunological biomarkers is poor, which could at least partly be explained by methodological constraints such as small sample size, short duration of vegetarianism and inconsistent definitions of the omnivorous diet. The only inflammatory biomarker that seems to be associated with the vegetarian diet was inflammatory mediator C-reactive protein, which in several studies showed lower values in vegetarians as compared to omnivores. There were very few studies on immunological markers and the results on the difference between vegetarians and omnivores were inconclusive. Although several biomarkers involved in oxidative stress and inflammation showed a beneficial association with the vegetarian diet, further research in well-defined and sufficiently sized cohorts is needed to provide more evidence.

The Synergistic Beneficial Effect of Thyme Honey and Olive Oil against Diabetes and Its Complications Induced by Alloxan in Wistar Rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a chronic increase in blood glucose. Owing to the limitations observed with antidiabetics in modern medicine, medicinal plants and bee products are known as good matrices for the search for new antidiabetic molecules. The present study focused on the evaluation of the hypoglycemic and the protective properties of two natural products widely used in complementary and alternative medicine (thyme honey and olive oil). To achieve this, the study was carried out on Wistar rats rendered diabetic by the injection of a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (65 mg/kg body weight (BW)). First, the physicochemical characterization and the phytochemical analysis of thyme honey and olive oil were carried out, and then in vivo study was conducted on 42 Wistar rats divided into seven groups: three groups were normal, one group was untreated diabetic, and three groups were diabetic rats treated with thyme honey (2 g/kg BW) or olive oil (10 mL/kg BW) or their combination ((1 g/kg BW of thyme honey) and (5 mL/kg BW of olive oil)). During the experiment, the glycemia was measured regularly every 10 days. After 30 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. The serum and urine were analyzed to determine hepatic enzymes levels (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH), lipidic profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein), and kidney parameters (urea, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, sodium, potassium, and chloride). The liver, pancreas, and kidneys were analyzed to evaluate their histological changes and to determine their enzymatic antioxidant content (catalase, GSH, and GPx) and the levels of MDA. The results obtained showed that thyme honey or olive oil, and especially their combination, improved significantly the blood glucose levels and they protect against metabolic changes and the complications induced by diabetes.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiometabolic Health of Children During Cancer Treatment and Potential Impact of Key Nutrients

Significance: The 5-year survival rate of childhood cancers is now reaching 84%. However, treatments cause numerous acute and long-term side effects. These include cardiometabolic complications, namely hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and increased fat mass. Recent Advances: Many antineoplastic treatments can induce oxidative stress (OxS) and trigger an inflammatory response, which may cause acute and chronic side effects. Critical Issues: Clinical studies have reported a state of heightened OxS and inflammation during cancer treatment in children as the result of treatment cytotoxic action on both cancerous and noncancerous cells. Higher levels of OxS and inflammation are associated with treatment side effects and with the development of cardiometabolic complications. Key nutrients (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics) have the potential to modulate inflammatory and oxidative responses and, therefore, could be considered in the search for adverse complication prevention means as long as antineoplastic treatment efficiency is maintained. Future Directions: There is a need to better understand the relationship between cardiometabolic complications, OxS, inflammation and diet during pediatric cancer treatment, which represents the ultimate goal of this review. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 293-318.

Glutathione Participation in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (such as occlusion of the coronary arteries, hypertensive heart diseases and strokes) are diseases that generate thousands of patients with a high mortality rate worldwide. Many of these cardiovascular pathologies, during their development, generate a state of oxidative stress that leads to a deterioration in the patient's conditions associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Within these reactive species we find superoxide anion (O2•-), hydroxyl radical (•OH), nitric oxide (NO•), as well as other species of non-free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HClO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). A molecule that actively participates in counteracting the oxidizing effect of reactive species is reduced glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide that is present in all tissues and that its synthesis and/or regeneration is very important to be able to respond to the increase in oxidizing agents. In this review, we will address the role of glutathione, its synthesis in both the heart and the liver, and its importance in preventing or reducing deleterious ROS effects in cardiovascular diseases.

Cytoprotective Effects of Fish Protein Hydrolysates against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress and Mycotoxins in Caco-2/TC7 Cells

Many studies report the potent antioxidant capacity for fish protein hydrolysates, including radical scavenging activity and inhibition ability on lipid peroxidation (LPO). In this study, the in vitro cytotoxicity of protein hydrolysates from different salmon, mackerel, and herring side streams fractions was evaluated in the concentration range from 1 to 1:32 dilution, using cloned human colon adenocarcinoma cells TC7 (Caco-2/TC7) by MTT and PT assays. The protein hydrolysates' antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress effects were evaluated by LPO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, respectively. The antioxidant capacity for pure and bioavailable hydrolysate fraction was also evaluated and compared. Additionally, mycotoxin levels were determined in the fish protein hydrolysates, and their cytoprotective effect against T-2 toxin was evaluated. Both hydrolysates and their bioavailable fraction induced similar cell viability rates. The highest cytoprotective effect was obtained for the salmon viscera protein hydrolysate (HSV), which increased the cell viability by 51.2%. ROS accumulation induced by H₂O₂ and LPO was suppressed by all pure hydrolysates. The cytoprotective effect of hydrolysates was observed against T-2. Moreover, the different fish fraction protein hydrolysates contain variable nutrients and unique bioactive peptide composition showing variable bioactivity, which could be a useful tool in developing dietary supplements with different target functional properties.

Induced Cell Death as a Possible Pathway of Antimutagenic Action

The existing concepts of antimutagenesis are briefly reviewed. Published reports on antimutagenic and proapoptotic properties of some polyphenols and compounds of other chemical groups obtained in representative in vitro and in vivo experiments on eukaryotic test systems are discussed. The relationships between the antimutagenic and proapoptotic properties of the analyzed compounds (naringin, apigenin, resveratrol, curcumin, N-acetylcysteine, etc.) are considered in favor of the hypothesis on induced cell death as an antimutagenic tool.

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.

Beverages and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Think before you drink

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Beverages and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) both the terms are associated with westernized diet and sedentary lifestyle. Throughout recent decades, dietary changes have boosted demand of beverages to meet the liquid consumption needs, among which rising consumption of several calorie-rich beverages have increased the risk of fatty liver disease. Meanwhile, certain beverages have capacity to deliver many unanticipated health benefits thereby reducing the burden of NAFLD and metabolic diseases. The present review therefore addresses the increasing interconnections between beverages intake among population, dietary patterns and the overall effect of these beverage on the development and prevention of NAFLD. Methods In the present review, some frequently consumed beverage groups have been analyzed in light of their role in the advancement and prevention of NAFLD, including sugar sweetened, hot and alcoholic beverages. The nutritional composition of different beverages makes the progression of NAFLD distinctive.

RESULTS

The ingestion of sugar-rich beverages has demonstrated the metabolic burden and in all cases, raises the risk of NAFLD, while intake of coffee and tea has decreased this risk without any significant adverse effects. In some cases, low to moderate alcohol intake has been shown to minimize the risk of advanced fibrosis and NAFLD-mortality.

CONCLUSION

Together, this review discusses and supports work on new dietary approaches and clinical studies to accomplish nutrition-oriented NAFLD care by improving the drinking habits.

Dietary Restriction and Oxidative Stress: Friends or Enemies?

Significance: It is well established that lifestyle and dietary habits have a tremendous impact on life span, the rate of aging, and the onset/progression of age-related diseases. Specifically, dietary restriction (DR) and other healthy dietary patterns are usually accompanied by physical activity and differ from Western diet that is rich in fat and sugars. Moreover, as the generation of reactive oxidative species is the major causative factor of aging, while DR could modify the level of oxidative stress, it has been proposed that DR increases both survival and longevity. Recent Advances: Despite the documented links between DR, aging, and oxidative stress, many issues remain to be addressed. For instance, the free radical theory of aging is under "re-evaluation," while DR as a golden standard for prolonging life span and ameliorating the effects of aging is also under debate. Critical Issues: This review article pays special attention to highlight the link between DR and oxidative stress in both aging and age-related diseases. We discuss in particular DR's capability to counteract the consequences of oxidative stress and the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Future Directions: Although DR is undoubtedly beneficial, several considerations must be taken into account when designing the best dietary intervention. Use of intermittent fasting, daily food reduction, or DR mimetics? Future research should unravel the pros and cons of all these processes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 421-438.

The [DPPH●/DPPH-H]-HPLC-DAD Method on Tracking the Antioxidant Activity of Pure Antioxidants and Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) Hydroalcoholic Extracts

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-reverse phase (RP)-HPLC-diode array detector (DAD) method was tested on standard antioxidants (AOs), i.e., reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and alcoholic extracts of A. podagraria L. An elaborated HPLC procedure enabled the simultaneous measurement of the redox couple DPPH-R (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical)/DPPH-H (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine). Both forms were fully separated (R_s = 2.30, α = 1.65) on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column eluted with methanol–water (80:20, v/v) and detected at different wavelengths in the range of 200–600 nm. The absorbance increases of the DPPH-H as well as the DPPH-R peak inhibition were measured at different wavelengths in visible and UV ranges. The chromatographic method was optimized, according to reaction time (slow, fast kinetics), the linearity range of DPPH radical depending on the detection conditions as well as the kind of the investigated antioxidants (reference chemicals and the ground elder prepared from fresh and dry plants). The scavenging capacity was expressed by the use of percentage of peak inhibition and the IC₅₀ parameters. The evaluated extracts displayed antioxidant activity, higher than 20% inhibition against 350 µM DPPH free radical. The results show that extract prepared from dry plants in the ultrasonic bath exhibits the highest antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ = 64.74 ± 0.22 µL/mL).

D-limonene: A multifunctional compound with potent therapeutic effects

D-limonene or 4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene (C₁₀ H₁₆ ) is a monocyclic monoterpene abundant in citrus plants like lemon, orange, and grape. The application of D-limonene in the form of flavor and fragrance additive in perfumes, soaps, foods, and beverages is consistently increased due to its high-quality fragrance property. This review is intended to analyze and delineate every possible available evidence and details about D-limonene with the special focus on its therapeutic efficacy. Many studies have reported that D-limonene effectively plays a valuable role in the prevention of several chronic and degenerative diseases. This review provides worthy information about the beneficial effects of D-limonene such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, immune modulatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-genotoxic etc. This could in turn help in the application of D-limonene for clinical studies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Various plant families contain Terpenes as their secondary metabolites. Monoterpenes constitute an important part of these secondary metabolites. D-limonene is a well-identified monoterpene that is commonly applied as a fragrance ingredient in essential oils. D-limonene is known to possess remarkable biological activities. It can be effectively used for treating various ailments and diseases. Due to its diverse functions, it can be efficiently utilized for human health.

Food-borne Lactiplantibacillus plantarum protect normal intestinal cells against inflammation by modulating reactive oxygen species and IL-23/IL-17 axis

Food-associated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) strains, previously classified as Lactobacillus plantarum, are a promising strategy to face intestinal inflammatory diseases. Our study was aimed at clarifying the protective role of food-borne Lpb. plantarum against inflammatory damage by testing the scavenging microbial ability both in selected strains and in co-incubation with normal mucosa intestinal cells (NCM460). Here, we show that Lpb. plantarum endure high levels of induced oxidative stress through partially neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas they elicit their production when co-cultured with NCM460. Moreover, pre-treatment with food-borne Lpb. plantarum significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17F and IL-23 levels in inflamed NCM460 cells. Our results suggest that food-vehicled Lpb. plantarum strains might reduce inflammatory response in intestinal cells by directly modulating local ROS production and by triggering the IL-23/IL-17 axis with future perspectives on health benefits in the gut derived by the consumption of functional foods enriched with selected strains.

Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders

BACKGROUND

Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract is rich in bioflavonoids, predominantly proanthocyanidins, which are antioxidants. Commercially-available extract supplements are marketed for preventing or treating various chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress. This is an update of a previously published review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of pine bark extract supplements for treating chronic disorders.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched three databases and three trial registries; latest search: 30 September 2019. We contacted the manufacturers of pine bark extracts to identify additional studies and hand-searched bibliographies of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pine bark extract supplements in adults or children with any chronic disorder.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Where possible, we pooled data in meta-analyses. We used GRADE to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Primary outcomes were participant- and investigator-reported clinical outcomes directly related to each disorder and all-cause mortality. We also assessed adverse events and biomarkers of oxidative stress.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 27 RCTs (22 parallel and five cross-over designs; 1641 participants) evaluating pine bark extract supplements across 10 chronic disorders: asthma (two studies; 86 participants); attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (one study; 61 participants), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors (seven studies; 338 participants), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (two studies; 60 participants), diabetes mellitus (DM) (six studies; 339 participants), erectile dysfunction (three studies; 277 participants), female sexual dysfunction (one study; 83 participants), osteoarthritis (three studies; 293 participants), osteopenia (one study; 44 participants) and traumatic brain injury (one study; 60 participants). Two studies exclusively recruited children; the remainder recruited adults. Trials lasted between four weeks and six months. Placebo was the control in 24 studies. Overall risk of bias was low for four, high for one and unclear for 22 studies. In adults with asthma, we do not know whether pine bark extract increases change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted/forced vital capacity (FVC) (mean difference (MD) 7.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.19 to 12.21; one study; 44 participants; very low-certainty evidence), increases change in FEV1 % predicted (MD 7.00, 95% CI 0.10 to 13.90; one study; 44 participants; very low-certainty evidence), improves asthma symptoms (risk ratio (RR) 1.85, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.58; one study; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or increases the number of people able to stop using albuterol inhalers (RR 6.00, 95% CI 1.97 to 18.25; one study; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In children with ADHD, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases inattention and hyperactivity assessed by parent- and teacher-rating scales (narrative synthesis; one study; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or increases the change in visual-motoric coordination and concentration (MD 3.37, 95% CI 2.41 to 4.33; one study; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In participants with CVD, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases diastolic blood pressure (MD -3.00 mm Hg, 95% CI -4.51 to -1.49; one study; 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence); increases HDL cholesterol (MD 0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.11; one study; 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or decreases LDL cholesterol (MD -0.03 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.00; one study; 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In participants with CVI, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases pain scores (MD -0.59, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.16; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence), increases the disappearance of pain (RR 25.0, 95% CI 1.58 to 395.48; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or increases physician-judged treatment efficacy (RR 4.75, 95% CI 1.97 to 11.48; 1 study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In type 2 DM, we do not know whether pine bark extract leads to a greater reduction in fasting blood glucose (MD 1.0 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.09; one study; 48 participants;very low-certainty evidence) or decreases HbA1c (MD -0.90 %, 95% CI -1.78 to -0.02; 1 study; 48 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In a mixed group of participants with type 1 and type 2 DM we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases HbA1c (MD -0.20 %, 95% CI -1.83 to 1.43; one study; 67 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In men with erectile dysfunction, we do not know whether pine bark extract supplements increase International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores (not pooled; two studies; 147 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In women with sexual dysfunction, we do not know whether pine bark extract increases satisfaction as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (MD 5.10, 95% CI 3.49 to 6.71; one study; 75 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or leads to a greater reduction of pain scores (MD 4.30, 95% CI 2.69 to 5.91; one study; 75 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases composite Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (MD -730.00, 95% CI -1011.95 to -448.05; one study; 37 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (MD -18.30, 95% CI -25.14 to -11.46; one study; 35 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We do not know whether pine bark extract increases bone alkaline phosphatase in post-menopausal women with osteopenia (MD 1.16 ug/L, 95% CI -2.37 to 4.69; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In individuals with traumatic brain injury, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases cognitive failure scores (MD -2.24, 95% CI -11.17 to 6.69; one study; 56 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or post-concussion symptoms (MD -0.76, 95% CI -5.39 to 3.87; one study; 56 participants; very low-certainty evidence). For most comparisons, studies did not report outcomes of hospital admissions or serious adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.

Determinación de la capacidad antioxidante total de alimentos y plasma humano por fotoquimioluminiscencia: Correlación con ensayos fluorométricos (ORAC) y espectrofotométricos (FRAP)

La determinación de la capacidad antioxidante es útil para valorar la calidad de un alimento, la cantidad de antioxidantes presentes en un sistema, o la biodisponibilidad de compuestos antioxidantes en el cuerpo humano. Los métodos disponibles realizan la determinación del efecto potencial de las sustancias antioxidantes, presentes en los alimentos y en el organismo humano, contra las reacciones de oxidación. El objetivo fue comparar los resultados de la detección de la capacidad antioxidante total (CAT) en muestras de alimentos y plasma humano, mediante la quimioluminiscencia por fotosensibilización (PCL), en contraste con métodos que cuantifican la capacidad de absorbancia del radical de oxígeno (ORAC) y el poder antioxidante reductor del hierro (FRAP). Se obtuvieron extractos hidrosolubles y liposolubles de salvado de arroz estabilizado (SAE) y de harina de Ulva clathrata (HUC). El plasma se obtuvo de muestras de sangre humana (PHU). Se procesaron tres muestras en cada caso. Los resultados se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza de una vía y correlación de Pearson, p < 0.05. La CAT determinada mediante PCL fue: SAE 246.37 ± 5.37, HUC 21.05 ± 0.41 y PHU 90.59 ± 1.17 equivalentes Trolox (ET) μmol /100 g ó 100 mL, p < 0.05; ORAC: SAE 5015.62 ± 12.83, HUC 852.37 ± 3.45 y PHU 2563.31 ± 39.47 ET μmol /100 g ó 100 mL, p < 0.05. FRAP: SAE 519.37 ± 0.04, HUC 52.78 ± 0.01 y PHU 90.26 ± 0.01 equivalentes Fe2+ (EFe2+) µmol /100 g ó 100 mL. Se observaron correlaciones entre PCL y ORAC, r = 0.99; y la PCL y FRAP, r = 0.94, ambas estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.05). La PCL mostró ser un método confiable y alternativo para cuantificar la CAT, que se puede aplicar en estudios de alimentos y de intervenciones en salud.

Total Dietary Antioxidant Capacity and Longitudinal Trajectories of Body Composition

Although there is some evidence that total dietary antioxidant capacity (TDAC) is inversely associated with the presence of obesity, no longitudinal studies have been performed investigating the effect of TDAC on comprehensive measures of body composition over time. In this study, we included 4595 middle-aged and elderly participants from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort. We estimated TDAC among these individuals by calculating a ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) score based on data from food-frequency questionnaires. Body composition was assessed by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and every subsequent 3–5 years. From these data, we calculated fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), android-to-gynoid fat ratio (AGR), body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI). We also assessed hand grip strength at two time points and prevalence of sarcopenia at one time point in a subset of participants. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models or multinomial logistic regression models with multivariable adjustment. We found that higher FRAP score was associated with higher FFMI (0.091 kg/m² per standard deviation (SD) higher FRAP score, 95% CI 0.031; 0.150), lower AGR (−0.028, 95% CI −0.053; −0.003), higher BMI (0.115, 95% CI 0.020; 0.209) and lower BF% (−0.223, 95% CI −0.383; −0.064) across follow-up after multivariable adjustment. FRAP score was not associated with hand grip strength or sarcopenia. Additional adjustment for adherence to dietary guidelines and exclusion of individuals with comorbid disease at baseline did not change our results. In conclusion, dietary intake of antioxidants may positively affect the amount of lean mass and overall body composition among the middle-aged and elderly.

Silencing of lncRNA PVT1 ameliorates streptozotocin-induced pancreatic β cell injury and enhances insulin secretory capacity by regulating miR-181a-5p

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a type of metabolic disorder characterized by long-term hyperglycemia. Accumulating evidence shows that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant roles in the occurrence and development of DM. This study intended to investigate the role of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) in rat insulinoma (INS-1) cells damaged by streptozotocin (STZ) and to identify the potential mechanisms. Firstly, PVT1 expression in INS-1 cells was assessed using RT-qPCR after STZ stimulation. After PVT1-knockdown, cell apoptosis, the contents of oxidative stress related markers, and changes in insulin secretion were detected. Results indicated that PVT1 was remarkably upregulated after STZ stimulation. PVT1-knockdown inhibited STZ-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of INS-1 cells. Moreover, the insulin secretory capacity was notably elevated following PVT1 silencing. Subsequently, a luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-181a-5p was directly targeted by PVT1. The rescue assays revealed that miR-181a-5p inhibitor dramatically abrogated the effects of PVT1 silencing on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and insulin secretion. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that PVT1-knockdown could ameliorate STZ-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and elevate insulin secretory capacity in pancreatic β cells by regulating miR-181a-5p, suggesting a promising biomarker in DM diagnosis and treatment.

Diet Quality Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Survivors of Childhood Leukemia

There is little information about how diet influences the health of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) survivors. This study explores the associations between diet quality indices, cardiometabolic health indicators and inflammatory biomarkers among cALL survivors. Participants were part of the PETALE study (n = 241, median age: 21.7 years). Adherence to 6 dietary scores and caloric intake from ultra-processed foods were calculated. Multivariate logistirac regressions, Student t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed. We found that 88% of adults and 46% of children adhered poorly to the Mediterranean diet, 36.9% had poor adherence to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and 76.3% had a diet to be improved according to the HEI-2015 score. On average, ultra-processed foods accounted for 51% of total energy intake. Low HDL-C was associated with a more inflammatory diet (E-DIITM score) and higher intake of ultra-processed foods. A greater E-DII score was associated with elevated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and consumption of ultra-processed foods was correlated with high triglycerides. Circulating levels of TNF-α, adiponectin and IL-6 were influenced by diet quality indices, while CRP and leptin were not. In conclusion, survivors of cALL have poor adherence to dietary recommendations, adversely affecting their cardiometabolic health.

Ferric-bipyridine assay: A novel spectrophotometric method for measurement of antioxidant capacity

Measurement of the antioxidant potential using in vitro assays is paramount in the assessment of various food products and nutraceuticals. Researchers always attempt to develop more accurate assays which can be performed in unsophisticated conditions. This novel method, Ferric-Bipyridine reducing capacity of total antioxidants (FBRC) is a very simple, accurate assay performed based on the reduction of Fe (III) to Fe (II) by antioxidants with the formation of a colored complex with bipyridine (Bp) i.e, Fe(II)-Bp. The FBRC method thus developed was assessed under carefully adjusted parameters of oxidant concentration, pH, temperature, solvent, light and time in order to fix the optimum conditions for the assay. The spectrophotometric monitoring of Fe(II)-Bp complex was noted by the formation of an intense pink color at room temperature with absorption maxima at 535 nm, pH 4. The analytical performance of this method was fully validated, and the obtained results were satisfactory. It was successfully applied to measure the total antioxidant capacity of standard compounds such as gallic acid, ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), in addition to some plant extracts and oils. The FBRC method is inexpensive, reproducible and simple to perform. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the tested compounds compared to common reference methods showed that the novel FBRC method is superior to the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) with regard to its use of realistic pH and faster kinetics. Thus, the FBRC method is convenient for the estimation of total antioxidant in plants extracts, natural products, essential oils and food stuff.