Mechanisms of genomic and non-genomic actions of carotenoids

A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene in relation to increased morbidity in women after menopause

A balanced and healthy diet during the menopausal transition and after menopause is crucial for women to reduce the risk for morbidities and chronic diseases due to deficiency of essential nutrients.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies that analyzed the impact of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in postmenopausal women in relation to increased morbidities and chronic conditions.

METHODS

Observational studies were searched in the databases PubMed, UpToDate, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

We searched 122 studies, of which 90 were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis of the data could not be performed because of the heterogeneity of the statistical methods in the included studies. In our study, we focused on the aspects of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene, belonging to the family of carotenoids. Postmenopausal women with deficiencies of these nutrients are more vulnerable to comorbidities such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke. We concluded that women after menopause tend to have a greater probability of suffering from deficiencies in various vitamins and nutrients, and consequently have an increased risk of developing morbidities and chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, maintaining optimum serum levels of nutrients and vitamins, either through a balanced and healthy diet consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, and fats or by taking appropriate supplementation, is essential in maintaining optimal health-related quality of life and reducing the risk for women during the menopausal transition and after menopause. Nevertheless, more recent studies need to be assessed to formulate adequate recommendations to achieve positive clinical outcomes.

β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles protect against neuromotor damage, oxidative stress, and dopamine deficits in a model of Parkinson's disease in Drosophila melanogaster

β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles improves absorption by increasing bioavailability. The Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson's disease must be helpful in investigating potential neuroprotective effects. Four groups of four-day-old flies were exposed to: (1) control; (2) diet containing rotenone (500 μM); (3) β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles (20 μM); (4) β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles and rotenone for 7 days. Then, the percentage of survival, geotaxis tests, open field, aversive phototaxis and food consumption were evaluated. At the end of the behaviors, the analyses of the levels of reactive species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was carried out, as well as an evaluation of the levels of dopamine and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, in the head of flies. Nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene were able to improve motor function, memory, survival and also restored the oxidative stress indicators (CAT, SOD, ROS and TBARS), dopamine levels, AChE activity after exposure to rotenone. Overall, nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene showed significant neuroprotective effect against damage induced by the Parkinson-like disease model, emerging as a possible treatment. Overall, β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles presented significant neuroprotective effect against damage induced by model of Parkinson-like disease, emerging as a possible treatment.

Dietary Level of the Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA Influence the Flesh Pigmentation in Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon with a start weight of 53 g were fed diets with different levels of EPA and DHA or a diet with 1 : 1 EPA+DHA (0%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of the diet). At 400 g, all fish groups were mixed and equally distributed in new tanks and fed three diets with 0.2%, 1.0%, or 1.7% of EPA+DHA. At 1200 g, the fish were transferred to seawater pens where they were fed the same three diets until they reached a slaughter size of 3.5 kg. The fillet concentration of astaxanthin and its metabolite idoxanthin was analysed before transfer to seawater pens at 1200 g and at slaughter. The fatty acid composition in the fillet was also analysed at the same time points. Salmon fed low levels of EPA and DHA had lower fillet astaxanthin concentration and higher metabolic conversion of astaxanthin to idoxanthin compared to salmon fed higher dietary levels of EPA and/or DHA. DHA had a more positive effect on fillet astaxanthin concentrations than EPA. There were positive correlations between fillet DHA, EPA, sum N-3 fatty acids, and fillet astaxanthin concentration. A negative correlation was found between the concentration of N-6 fatty acids in the fillet and the astaxanthin concentration.

4,4'-Diaponeurosporene Production as C30 Carotenoid with Antioxidant Activity in Recombinant Escherichia coli

Carotenoids, a group of isoprenoid pigments, are naturally synthesized by various microorganisms and plants, and are industrially used as ingredients in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product formulations. Although several types of carotenoids and diverse microbial carotenoid producers have been reported, studies on lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-derived carotenoids are relatively insufficient. There is a notable lack of research focusing on C₃₀ carotenoids, the functional characterizations of their biosynthetic genes and their mass production by genetically engineered microorganisms. In this study, the biosynthesis of 4,4'-diaponeurosporene in Escherichia coli harboring the core biosynthetic genes, dehydrosqualene synthase (crtM) and dehydrosqualene desaturase (crtN), from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum KCCP11226 was constructed to evaluate and enhance 4,4'-diaponeurosporene production and antioxidant activity. The production of 4,4'-diapophytoene, a substrate of 4,4'-diaponeurosporene, was confirmed in E. coli expressing only the crtM gene. In addition, recombinant E. coli carrying both C₃₀ carotenoid biosynthesis genes (crtM and crtN) was confirmed to biosynthesize 4,4'-diaponeurosporene and exhibited a 6.1-fold increase in carotenoid production compared to the wild type and had a significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene. This study presents the discovery of an important novel E. coli platform in consideration of the industrial applicability of carotenoids.

β-Carotene extracted from Blakeslea trispora attenuates oxidative stress, inflammatory, hepatic injury and immune damage induced by copper sulfate in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

β-Carotene, as a kind of potent antioxidant compounds, has gained extensive attention. Blakeslea trispora, a filiform aerobic fungus, has been proposed as a natural source of β-carotene for commercial exploitation. However, it has not yet been investigated whether β-carotene extracted from Blakeslea trispora can attenuate oxidative stress, inflammatory, liver injury and immune damage of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to copper sulfate (CuSO₄). In this study, we evaluated the effects of β-carotene on migration of GFP-labeled neutrophils, histological changes of liver, markers of oxidative, inflammatory cytokines and transaminase analysis, as well as the expression and activities of apoptosis, immune-related certain genes in zebrafish treated with different concentrations of β-carotene (0, 10, 20, 40 μg/mL) after exposure to CuSO₄. The results indicated that β-carotene reduced migration of neutrophils and released liver damage. What's more, β-carotene was found to reduce the index levels of oxidative stress response (HMOX-1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH, MDA), inflammatory factors (interleukine-1β (IL-1β), interleukine-6 (IL-6), interleukine-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), liver function protein (AST, ALT) which increased by CuSO₄. β-Carotene also promoted the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, ACP, AKP and LZM and increased the protein of immune-related factors, IgM and IFN-γ after exposure to CuSO₄. Thus, our results demonstrate that β-carotene has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity and participation in immunoregulation.

Purification, Identification, and Properties of a Novel Carotenoid Produced by Arthrobacter sp. QL17 Isolated from Mount Qomolangma

The genus Arthrobacter is a source of many natural products that are critical in the development of new medicines. Here, we isolated a novel carotenoid from Arthrobacter sp. QL17 and characterized its properties. The carotenoid was extracted with methanol, and purified by column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Based on micrOTOF-Q and NMR analyses, the pigment was chemically characterized as 2,2′-((((1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E,19E)-3,7,14,18-tetramethylicosa-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19-decaene-1,20-diyl)bis(2,2,4-trimethylcyclohex-3-ene-3,1-diyl)) bis(ethan-2-yl-1-ylidene))bi(propane-1,3-diol), and named arthroxanthin. The biological activities of arthroxanthin were evaluated with DPPH, ABTS and MTT assays. Arthroxanthin exhibited excellent radical scavenging properties, as shown for 2, 20-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-n-(3, 2-ethyl-benzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid) ammonium salt (ABTS), respectively, with IC50s of 69.8 and 21.5 µg/mL. It also showed moderate anticancer activities against HepG2, Hela, MDAB-231, SW480, and MKN-45 with IC50 values of 107.6, 150.4, 143.4, 195.9, and 145.5 μg/mL, respectively. Therefore, arthroxanthin derived from Arthrobacter sp. QL17 may be a potent antioxidant and anticancer agent for food and pharmaceutical use.

Influence of Proteins on the Absorption of Lipophilic Vitamins, Carotenoids and Curcumin - A Review

While proteins have been widely used to encapsulate, protect, and regulate the release of bioactive food compounds, little is known about the influence of co-consumed proteins on the absorption of lipophilic constituents following digestion, such as vitamins (A, D, E, K), carotenoids, and curcumin. Their bioavailability is often low and very variable, depending on the food matrix and host factors. Some proteins can act as emulsifiers during digestion. Their liberated peptides have amphiphilic properties that can facilitate the absorption of microconstituents, by improving their transition from lipid droplets into mixed micelles. Contrarily, the less well digested proteins could negatively impinge on enzymatic accessibility to the lipid droplets, slowing down their processing into mixed micelles and entrapping apolar food compounds. Interactions with mixed micelles and proteins are also plausible, as shown earlier for drugs. This review focuses on the ability of proteins to act as effective emulsifiers of lipophilic vitamins, carotenoids, and curcumin during digestion. The functional properties of proteins, their chemical interactions with enzymes and food constituents during gastro-intestinal digestion, potentials and limitations for their use as emulsifiers are emphasized and data from human, animal, and in vitro trials are summarized.

Effects of Galohgor Nutraceutical Lactation Cookies on Breast Milk Volume and Lactose Concentration

Background

Galohgor nutraceutical lactation cookies (NLC) contain polyherbal which is believed and consumed by postpartum mothers of Sundanese Ethnic in Indonesia to increase breast milk production. This study was aimed to analyze the effects of NLC cookies on breast milk volume and lactose concentrations of postpartum mothers.

Methods

The experimental study with post-controlled design was conducted. Twenty eligible mother-infant pairs were enrolled and divided into two groups. They were randomly assigned to receive NLC (n=9) or original cookies (ORC, n=11). Each subjects consumed 4 pieces/d of NLC which containing 1 g galohgor nutraceutical powder/ pieces or ORC (without galohgor nutraceutical powder), for 14 days intervention period since the first day of giving birth. The measurement of breast milk production was carried out by baby weighing method using SECA 334 digital baby scale (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to determine lactose concentrations in breast milk. Data were analyzed by parametric Independent T-test or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test and adjusted analysis of covariance.

Results

NLC significantly increased (P<0.05) breast milk production, as shown by average breast milk volume of NLC compared to ORC, i.e., 557.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 497.3–616.6) mL/d vs. 435.9 (95% CI, 382.3–489.6) mL/d. This result was supported by lactose concentration in breast milk of mothers who consumed NLC significantly higher (P<0.05), compared to ORC, i.e., 6.03% (95% CI, 5.66%–6.40%) vs. 5.18% (95% CI, 4.85%–5.51%).

Conclusion

NLC which containing galohgor nutraceutical can be recommended to increase breast milk volume and lactose concentration in the early postpartum period.

Whey- and Soy Protein Isolates Added to a Carrot-Tomato Juice Alter Carotenoid Bioavailability in Healthy Adults

Recent findings suggested that proteins can differentially affect carotenoid bioaccessibility during gastro-intestinal digestion. In this crossover, randomized human trial, we aimed to confirm that proteins, specifically whey- and soy-protein isolates (WPI/SPI) impact postprandial carotenoid bioavailability. Healthy adults (n = 12 males, n = 12 females) were recruited. After 2-week washout periods, 350 g of a tomato-carrot juice mixture was served in the absence/presence of WPI or SPI (50% of the recommended dietary allowance, RDA ≈ 60 g/d). Absorption kinetics of carotenoids and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were evaluated via the triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction response, at timed intervals up to 10 h after test meal intake, on three occasions separated by 1 week. Maximum TRL-carotenoid concentration (C_max) and corresponding time (T_max) were also determined. Considering both genders and carotenoids/TAGs combined, the estimated area under the curve (AUC) for WPI increased by 45% vs. the control (p = 0.018), to 92.0 ± 1.7 nmol × h/L and by 57% vs. SPI (p = 0.006). Test meal effect was significant in males (p = 0.036), but not in females (p = 0.189). In males, significant differences were found for phytoene (p = 0.026), phytofluene (p = 0.004), α-carotene (p = 0.034), and β-carotene (p = 0.031). C_max for total carotenoids (nmol/L ± SD) was positively influenced by WPI (135.4 ± 38.0), while significantly lowered by SPI (89.6 ± 17.3 nmol/L) vs. the control (119.6 ± 30.9, p < 0.001). T_max did not change. The results suggest that a well-digestible protein could enhance carotenoid bioavailability, whereas the less digestible SPI results in negative effects. This is, to our knowledge, the first study finding effects of proteins on carotenoid absorption in humans.

Safety and Efficacy Assessments to Take Antioxidants in Glioblastoma Therapy: From In Vitro Experiences to Animal and Clinical Studies

Glioblastoma (GBM) is considered one of the most common malignant brain tumors, occurring as over 15% of all primary central nervous system and brain neoplasms. The unique and standard treatment option towards GBM involves the combination of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). However, due to the aggressive nature and heterogeneity of GBMs, they remained difficult to treat. Recent findings from preclinical studies have revealed that disruption of the redox balance via using either oxidative or anti-oxidative agents in GBM presented an effective and promising therapeutic approach. A limited number of clinical trials substantially encouraged their concomitant use with RT or CT. Thus, treatment of GBMs may benefit from natural or synthetic antioxidative compounds as novel therapeutics. Despite the presence of variegated in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on safety and efficacy issues of these promising therapeutics, nowadays their translation to clinics is far from applicability due to several challenges. In this review, we briefly introduce the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems as well as potential signaling pathways related to the pathogenesis of GBM with a special interest in antioxidant mechanisms. In addition, we describe the advantages and limitations of antioxidant supplementation in GBM cases or disease models as well as growing challenges for GBM therapies with antioxidants in the future.

Influence of soy and whey protein, gelatin and sodium caseinate on carotenoid bioaccessibility

Proteins could alter carotenoid bioaccessibility through altering their fate during digestion, due to emulsifying properties of resulting peptides, or influencing access of digestion enzymes to lipid droplets. In this investigation, we studied whether whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), sodium caseinate (SC) and gelatin (GEL), added at various concentrations (expressed as percentage of recommended dietary allowance (RDA): 0, 10, 25 and 50%) would influence the bioaccessibility of lycopene, β-carotene or lutein, added as pure carotenoids solubilized in oil, during simulated gastro-intestinal (GI) digestion. Protein and lipid digestion as well as selected physico-chemical parameters including surface tension, ζ-potential and micelle size were evaluated. Adding proteins influenced positively the bioaccessibility of β-carotene, by up to 189% (p < 0.001), but it resulted in generally decreased bioaccessibility of lutein, by up to 50% (p < 0.001), while for lycopene, the presence of proteins did not influence its bioaccessibility, except for a slight increase with WPI, by up to 135% (p < 0.001). However, the effect depended significantly on the type of protein (p < 0.001) and its concentration (p < 0.001). While β-carotene bioaccessibility was greatly enhanced in the presence of SC, compared to WPI and GEL, the presence of SPI strongly decreased carotenoid bioaccessibility. Neglecting individual carotenoids, higher protein concentration correlated positively with carotenoid bioaccessibility (R = 0.57, p < 0.01), smaller micelle size (R = -0.83, p < 0.01), decreased repulsive forces (ζ-potential, R = -0.72, p < 0.01), and higher surface tension (R = 0.44, p < 0.01). In conclusion, proteins differentially affected carotenoid bioaccessibility during digestion depending on carotenoid and protein species, with both positive and negative interactions occurring.

Breast cancer prevention in premenopausal women: role of the Mediterranean diet and its components

Breast cancer (BC) is a growing public health concern in most developed and developing countries. Since an increasing number of patients with BC are diagnosed before the menopause and premenopausal women show a more aggressive phenotype, there is consistent interest in promoting prevention strategies in order to reduce the incidence of BC in the premenopause. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been reported to have beneficial effect in terms of cancer prevention. This healthy dietary pattern consists primarily of foods having important antioxidant properties along with a favourable fatty acid profile, all associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Due to the large variability in study subject characteristics, the protective role of the MD on BC still remains controversial and studies that have investigated the association between adherence to the MD and risk of BC in premenopausal women are fewer than those in postmenopausal women. In addition, the possibility that the beneficial effects of the MD are due to a single component or might more probably derive from the synergic effects of all components of the MD remains a scantly explored field. Considering the increased risk of recurrence and mortality rate of BC in premenopausal women as compared with postmenopausal women, the aim of the present report is to provide a general overview of the current evidence on the relationship between BC and the MD specifically in premenopausal women, and to emphasise the potential role of the MD as an effective measure to reduce the risk of developing BC in premenopausal women.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of Tucumã oil nanocapsules in breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7)

In this work was to develop an inedited nanocapsule with tucumã oil (Astrocaryum vulgare). The oil presents of phytosterols (squalene and β-sitosterol), all-trans-beta-carotene, acids oleic and palmitic. Antioxidant activity showed a good performance in DPPH and ABTS assays. The nanocapsules were prepared and demonstrated in their characterization particle size (206 ± 0.69 nm). The cytogenotoxicity evaluation was performed using the MTT, dichlorofluorescein, nitric oxide and dsDNA PicoGreen® assays. Antitumor efficacy assays in MCF-7 cells demonstrated that free oil and tucumã nanocapsules had IC₅₀ of 130 and 50 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, previous studies of toxicity are relevant, as they generate future subsidies, aiming at the potential application of nanostructures and in addition, the promising effect of NCs of tucumã oil on the antiproliferative effect in breast adenocarcinoma cells was evidenced.

Intestinal injury can be effectively prevented by Dunaliella salina in gamma irradiated rats

Dunaliella salina (D. salina) is one of the most common microalgae that is used as human food. It is isolated from the salty lakes in El-Fayoum and Lake of Bardawil-Sinai in Egypt and can withstand very high concentrations of salt: The potentiality of D. salina, a unicellular biflagellate green alga to protect against intestinal injury induced after radiation exposure was studied. D. salina was given orally in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg to male Wistar rats for 5 days before exposure to 6 Gray (Gy) gamma radiation and continued for a further two days. Rats were sacrificed 24 h later and intestinal segments were dissected out. One segment was examined histologically and another was used to prepare homogenates to assess relevant biochemical parameters reflecting intestinal injury. Radiation exposure led to a rise in the histological damage score, an increase in tissue tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) but a reduction in tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) and in serum citrulline. Pretreatment with either dose of D. salina effectively reduced the severity of intestinal mucositis induced by gamma radiation.

Whey protein isolate modulates beta-carotene bioaccessibility depending on gastro-intestinal digestion conditions

Carotenoids are lipophilic phytochemicals; their intake has been associated with reduced chronic diseases. However, their absorption depends on emulsification during digestion and incorporation into mixed micelles, requiring digestive enzymes, gastric peristalsis, bile, and dietary lipids. In this study, we investigated whether whey-protein-isolate (WPI), a commonly consumed protein source, can modulate β-carotene bioaccessibility in vitro, especially under incomplete digestive conditions, i.e. under low digestive enzyme concentrations. Thus, amounts of pepsin, pancreatin, bile, co-digested lipids and kinetic energy and gastric digestion time were modified, and WPI at concentrations equivalent to 0/25/50% of the protein recommended dietary allowance (approx. 60 g/d) were added to β-carotene dissolved in oil. WPI enhanced bioaccessibility by up to 20% (p < 0.001), especially under higher simulated peristalsis or reduced amount of dietary lipids. Conversely, they impaired bioaccessibility to one third (p < 0.001) under incomplete digestive conditions. WPI modulated β-carotene bioaccessibility depending on digestive conditions.

Nanodispersions of beta-carotene: effects on antioxidant enzymes and cytotoxic properties

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid precursor of vitamin A, known for its biological activities. Due to its high hydrophobicity, nanonization processes, i.e. the transformation into nanoparticles, can improve its water affinity, and therefore the activity in aqueous systems. The objective of this study was to produce beta-carotene nanoparticles by the solid dispersion method and to evaluate their effects on the activity of glutathione-S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes using Drosophila melanogaster (DM) homogenate, the superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like activities under in vitro conditions, and their cytotoxic properties against tumor and non-tumor cells. The formed nanometric beta-carotene particles resulted in stable colloids, readily dispersed in water, able to modulate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and presenting high potential to control the cholinergic system. Beta-carotene nanoparticles, at concentrations much lower than the pure pristine beta-carotene, presented in vitro mimetic activity to superoxide dismutase and altered glutathione-S-transferase activity in DM tissue. The content of hydrogen peroxide was neither affected by the nanoparticles (in aqueous solution) nor by pristine beta-carotene (in DMSO). In the cytotoxic assays, beta-carotene nanoparticles dispersed in water showed activity against four different tumor cell lines. Overall, beta-carotene nanoparticles presented significant bioactivity in aqueous medium surpassing their high hydrophobicity constraint.

Screening of herbal extracts for TLR2- and TLR4-dependent anti-inflammatory effects

Herbal extracts represent an ample source of natural compounds, with potential to be used in improving human health. There is a growing interest in using natural extracts as possible new treatment strategies for inflammatory diseases. We therefore aimed at identifying herbal extracts that affect inflammatory signaling pathways through toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR2 and TLR4. Ninety-nine ethanolic extracts were screened in THP-1 monocytes and HeLa-TLR4 transfected reporter cells for their effects on stimulated TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways. The 28 identified anti-inflammatory extracts were tested in comparative assays of stimulated HEK-TLR2 and HEK-TLR4 transfected reporter cells to differentiate between direct TLR4 antagonistic effects and interference with downstream signaling cascades. Furthermore, the ten most effective anti-inflammatory extracts were tested on their ability to inhibit nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation in HeLa-TLR4 transfected reporter cell lines and for their ability to repolarize M1-type macrophages. Ethanolic extracts which showed the highest anti-inflammatory potential, up to a complete inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production were Castanea sativa leaves, Cinchona pubescens bark, Cinnamomum verum bark, Salix alba bark, Rheum palmatum root, Alchemilla vulgaris plant, Humulus lupulus cones, Vaccinium myrtillus berries, Curcuma longa root and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves. Moreover, all tested extracts mitigated not only TLR4, but also TLR2 signaling pathways. Seven of them additionally inhibited translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus. Two of the extracts showed impact on repolarization of pro-inflammatory M1-type to anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages. Several promising anti-inflammatory herbal extracts were identified in this study, including extracts with previously unknown influence on key TLR signaling pathways and macrophage repolarization, serving as a basis for novel lead compound identification.

Conifer Green Needle Complex in Patients with Precancerous Gastric Lesions: An Observational Pilot Study

Objectives. Helicobacter pylori infection is common and can lead to precancerous gastric lesions. Standard antibiotic therapy has a failure rate of more than 25% from antibiotic resistance. The primary aim of this observational pilot study was to test the feasibility of a large-scale clinical trial of Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC) to treat precancerous gastric lesions. Secondary aims were to investigate H. pylori infection, stomach function, and histopathology of the gastric mucosa. Methods. A tablet form of CGNC (extracted from Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies (L) Karst) was prescribed to 26 patients with precancerous gastric lesions (two tablets, 100 mg CGNC/tablet, three times per day for six months). Another 24 patients received no treatment. Results. Compared with control patients, CGNC-treated patients showed total or partial regression (using the quantitative Rome III diagnostic criteria) of dyspeptic symptoms (92.3%, p < 0.0001), eradication of H. pylori infection (57.1%, p < 0.03), a reduction in endoscopic signs of gastritis (92.3%, p < 0.001), an increase of pepsinogen-pepsin in the gastric juice (57.7%, p < 0.05), and total regression or reduction in the degree of intestinal metaplasia (46.2%, p < 0.05) and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration (53.8%, p < 0.05). Conclusions. This study justifies a randomised-controlled trial with CGNC in patients with atrophic gastritis.

Absorption of Carotenoids and Mechanisms Involved in Their Health-Related Properties

Carotenoids participate in the normal metabolism and function of the human body. They are involved in the prevention of several diseases, especially those related to the inflammation syndrome. Their main mechanisms of action are associated to their potent antioxidant activity and capacity to regulate the expression of specific genes and proteins. Recent findings suggest that carotenoid metabolites may explain several processes where the participation of their parent carotenoids was unclear. The health benefits of carotenoids strongly depend on their absorption and transformation during gastrointestinal digestion. The estimation of the 'bioaccessibility' of carotenoids through in vitro models have made possible the evaluation of the effect of a large number of factors on key stages of carotenoid digestion and intestinal absorption. The bioaccessibility of these compounds allows us to have a clear idea of their potential bioavailability, a term that implicitly involves the biological activity of these compounds.

Carotenoids in Adipose Tissue Biology and Obesity

Cell, animal and human studies dealing with carotenoids and carotenoid derivatives as nutritional regulators of adipose tissue biology with implications for the etiology and management of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases are reviewed. Most studied carotenoids in this context are β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, astaxanthin and fucoxanthin, together with β-carotene-derived retinoids and some other apocarotenoids. Studies indicate an impact of these compounds on essential aspects of adipose tissue biology including the control of adipocyte differentiation (adipogenesis), adipocyte metabolism, oxidative stress and the production of adipose tissue-derived regulatory signals and inflammatory mediators. Specific carotenoids and carotenoid derivatives restrain adipogenesis and adipocyte hypertrophy while enhancing fat oxidation and energy dissipation in brown and white adipocytes, and counteract obesity in animal models. Intake, blood levels and adipocyte content of carotenoids are reduced in human obesity. Specifically designed human intervention studies in the field, though still sparse, indicate a beneficial effect of carotenoid supplementation in the accrual of abdominal adiposity. In summary, studies support a role of specific carotenoids and carotenoid derivatives in the prevention of excess adiposity, and suggest that carotenoid requirements may be dependent on body composition.

Specific serum carotenoids are inversely associated with breast cancer risk among Chinese women: a case-control study

Previous epidemiological studies have revealed the anti-cancer effect of dietary circulating carotenoids. However, the protective role of specific individual circulating carotenoids has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine whether serum carotenoids, including α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin, could lower the risk for breast cancer among Chinese women. A total of 521 women with breast cancer and age-matched controls (5-year interval) were selected from three teaching hospitals in Guangzhou, China. Concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin were measured using HPLC. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to calculate OR and 95% CI using quartiles defined in the control subjects. Significant inverse associations were observed between serum α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin and the risk for breast cancer. The multivariate OR for the highest quartile of serum concentration compared with the lowest quartile were 0·44 (95% CI 0·30, 0·65) for α-carotene, 0·27 (95% CI 0·18, 0·40) for β-carotene, 0·41 (95% CI 0·28, 0·61) for lycopene and 0·26 (95% CI 0·17, 0·38) for lutein/zeaxanthin. However, no significant association was found between serum β-cryptoxanthin and the risk for breast cancer. Stratified analysis by menopausal status and oestrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) showed that serum α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin were inversely associated with breast cancer risk among premenopausal women and among all subtypes of ER or PR status. The results suggest a protective role of α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin, but not β-cryptoxanthin, in breast cancer risk.

Carotenoids from Marine Microalgae: A Valuable Natural Source for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases

Epidemiological studies have shown a relation between antioxidants and the prevention of several chronic diseases. Microalgae are a potential novel source of bioactive molecules, including a wide range of different carotenoids that can be used as nutraceuticals, food supplements and novel food products. The objective of this review is (i) to update the research that has been carried out on the most known carotenoids produced by marine microalgae, including reporting on their high potentialities to produce other less known important compounds; (ii) to compile the work that has been done in order to establish some relationship between carotenoids and oxidative protection and treatment; (iii) to summarize the association of oxidative stress and the various reactive species including free radicals with several human diseases; and (iv) to provide evidence of the potential of carotenoids from marine microalgae to be used as therapeutics to treat or prevent these oxidative stress-related diseases.

Analytical tools for the analysis of β-carotene and its degradation products

β-Carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, possesses pronounced radical scavenging properties. This has centered the attention on β-carotene dietary supplementation in healthcare as well as in the therapy of degenerative disorders and several cancer types. However, two intervention trials with β-carotene have revealed adverse effects on two proband groups, that is, cigarette smokers and asbestos-exposed workers. Beside other causative reasons, the detrimental effects observed have been related to the oxidation products of β-carotene. Their generation originates in the polyene structure of β-carotene that is beneficial for radical scavenging, but is also prone to oxidation. Depending on the dominant degradation mechanism, bond cleavage might occur either randomly or at defined positions of the conjugated electron system, resulting in a diversity of cleavage products (CPs). Due to their instability and hydrophobicity, the handling of standards and real samples containing β-carotene and related CPs requires preventive measures during specimen preparation, analyte extraction, and final analysis, to avoid artificial degradation and to preserve the initial analyte portfolio. This review critically discusses different preparation strategies of standards and treatment solutions, and also addresses their protection from oxidation. Additionally, in vitro oxidation strategies for the generation of oxidative model compounds are surveyed. Extraction methods are discussed for volatile and non-volatile CPs individually. Gas chromatography (GC), (ultra)high performance liquid chromatography (U)HPLC, and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) are reviewed as analytical tools for final analyte analysis. For identity confirmation of analytes, mass spectrometry (MS) is indispensable, and the appropriate ionization principles are comprehensively discussed. The final sections cover analysis of real samples and aspects of quality assurance, namely matrix effects and method validation.

All-trans retinoic acid induces oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondria biogenesis in adipocytes

A positive effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on white adipose tissue (WAT) oxidative and thermogenic capacity has been described and linked to an in vivo fat-lowering effect of ATRA in mice. However, little is known about the effects of ATRA on mitochondria in white fat. Our objective has been to characterize the effect of ATRA on mitochondria biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity in mature white adipocytes. Transcriptome analysis, oxygraphy, analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and flow cytometry-based analysis of mitochondria density were performed in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes after 24 h incubation with ATRA (2 µM) or vehicle. Selected genes linked to mitochondria biogenesis and function and mitochondria immunostaining were analyzed in WAT tissues of ATRA-treated as compared with vehicle-treated mice. ATRA upregulated the expression of a large set of genes linked to mtDNA replication and transcription, mitochondrial biogenesis, and OXPHOS in adipocytes, as indicated by transcriptome analysis. Oxygen consumption rate, mtDNA content, and staining of mitochondria were increased in the ATRA-treated adipocytes. Similar results were obtained in WAT depots of ATRA-treated mice. We conclude that ATRA impacts mitochondria in adipocytes, leading to increased OXPHOS capacity and mitochondrial content in these cells.

Phytonutrients as therapeutic agents

Nutrients present in various foods plays an important role in maintaining the normal functions of the human body. The major nutrients present in foods include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Besides these, there are some bioactive food components known as "phytonutrients" that play an important role in human health. They have tremendous impact on the health care system and may provide medical health benefits including the prevention and/or treatment of disease and various physiological disorders. Phytonutrients play a positive role by maintaining and modulating immune function to prevent specific diseases. Being natural products, they hold a great promise in clinical therapy as they possess no side effects that are usually associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They are also comparatively cheap and thus significantly reduce health care cost. Phytonutrients are the plant nutrients with specific biological activities that support human health. Some of the important bioactive phytonutrients include polyphenols, terpenoids, resveratrol, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, limonoids, glucosinolates, phytoestrogens, phytosterols, anthocyanins, ω-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. They play specific pharmacological effects in human health such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, anti-spasmodic, anti-cancer, anti-aging, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, hypotensive, diabetes, osteoporosis, CNS stimulant, analgesic, protection from UVB-induced carcinogenesis, immuno-modulator, and carminative. This mini-review attempts to summarize the major important types of phytonutrients and their role in promoting human health and as therapeutic agents along with the current market trend and commercialization.

A 3-hydroxy β-end group in xanthophylls is preferentially oxidized to a 3-oxo ε-end group in mammals

We previously found that mice fed lutein accumulated its oxidative metabolites (3'-hydroxy-ε,ε-caroten-3-one and ε,ε-carotene-3,3'-dione) as major carotenoids, suggesting that mammals can convert xanthophylls to keto-carotenoids by the oxidation of hydroxyl groups. Here we elucidated the metabolic activities of mouse liver for several xanthophylls. When lutein was incubated with liver postmitochondrial fraction in the presence of NAD(+), (3'R,6'R)-3'-hydroxy-β,ε-caroten-3-one and (6RS,3'R,6'R)-3'-hydroxy-ε,ε-caroten-3-one were produced as major oxidation products. The former accumulated only at the early stage and was assumed to be an intermediate, followed by isomerization to the latter. The configuration at the C3' and C6' of the ε-end group in lutein was retained in the two oxidation products. These results indicate that the 3-hydroxy β-end group in lutein was preferentially oxidized to a 3-oxo ε-end group via a 3-oxo β-end group. Other xanthophylls such as β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, which have a 3-hydroxy β-end group, were also oxidized in the same manner as lutein. These keto-carotenoids, derived from dietary xanthophylls, were confirmed to be present in plasma of normal human subjects, and β,ε-caroten-3'-one was significantly increased by the ingestion of β-cryptoxanthin. Thus, humans as well as mice have oxidative activity to convert the 3-hydroxy β-end group of xanthophylls to a 3-oxo ε-end group.

Influence of physical state of β-carotene (crystallized versus solubilized) on bioaccessibility

β-Carotene has potentially beneficial biological effects. However, its use is currently limited because of its low water-solubility, high melting point, and low oral bioavailability. This study investigated the influence of physical state (crystalline versus solubilized) on the bioaccessibility of β-carotene using a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) model. Three delivery systems were compared: (1) β-carotene predissolved in a nanoemulsion; (2) β-carotene crystals mixed with a nanoemulsion; and (3) β-carotene crystals mixed with a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The changes in the microstructure of the delivery systems were characterized after each stage of the GIT model. The β-carotene bioaccessibility decreased in the order of delivery system 1 ≫ 2 > 3, which indicated that carotenoids solubilized within a oil phase were much more bioaccessible than those that formed crystals. This study provides important information for developing effective delivery systems for lipophilic bioactive components in food and beverage applications.

Evaluation of antioxidant compounds, antioxidant activities, and mineral composition of 13 collected purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) accessions

The methanolic extracts of 13 accessions of purslane were analyzed for their total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and total carotenoid contents (TCC) and antioxidant activity of extracts was screened using FRAP assay and DPPH radical scavenging methods. The TPC, TFC, and TCC ranged from 0.96 ± 0.04 to 9.12 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW, 0.13 ± 0.04 to 1.44 ± 0.08 mg RE/g DW, and 0.52 ± 0.06 to 5.64 ± 0.09 mg (β-carotene equivalent) BCE/g DW, respectively. The DPPH scavenging (IC50) activity varied between 2.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 3.29 ± 0.01 mg/mL and FRAP ranged from 7.39 ± 0.08 to 104.2 ± 6.34  μmol TE/g DW. Among all the measured micro- and macrominerals K content was the highest followed by N, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and Mn. The overall findings proved that ornamental purslane was richer in antioxidant properties, whereas common purslane possesses more mineral contents than ornamental ones.

Biological properties of carotenoids extracted from Halobacterium halobium isolated from a Tunisian solar saltern

Background

Bioactive molecules have received increasing attention due to their nutraceutical attributes and anticancer, antioxidant, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties. This study aimed to investigate the biological properties of carotenoids extracted from Archaea.

Methods

Halophilic Archaea strains were isolated from the brine of a local crystallizer pond (TS7) of a solar saltern at Sfax, Tunisia. The most carotenoid-producing strain (M8) was investigated on heptoma cell line (HepG2), and its viability was assessed by the MTT-test. The cells were incubated with different sub-lethal extract rates, with carotenoid concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 μM. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through exposing the cells to sub-lethal extract concentrations for 24 hours and then to oxidative stress induced by 60 μM arachidonic acid and 50 μM H₂O₂.

Results

Compared to non-treated cells, bacterial carotenoid extracts inhibited HepG2 cell viability (50%). A time and dose effect was observed, with cell viability undergoing a significant (P < 0.05) decrease with extract concentration. After exposure to oxidative stress, control cells underwent a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in viability as compared to the non-treated cells.

Conclusions

The bacterial extracts under investigation were noted to exhibit the strongest free radical scavenging activity with high carotenoid concentrations. The carotenoid extract also showed significant antiproliferative activity against HepG2 human cancer cell lines.

Antioxidant activity and content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in raw and heat-processed Jalapeño peppers at intermediate stages of ripening

Jalapeño peppers at intermediate ripening stages (IRS) are typically discarded at the packinghouse because they are not demanded for fresh consumption or industrial processing. These peppers have been scarcely studied in terms of pigment composition and bioactivity. In this study, the profile of pigments (carotenoids and chlorophylls) and antioxidant activity were determined in raw and heat-processed Jalapeño peppers at three IRS (brown, 50% red, and 75% red). Peppers contained 64 different pigments. Chlorophylls were the most abundant pigments in raw brown peppers while capsanthin was the most abundant at the other IRS. The content of most pigments decreased due to heat treatments. Several pheophytins and cis isomers of carotenoids were generated by heat processing. Boiling and grilling consistently decreased and increased the antioxidant activity of peppers, respectively. Tested peppers showed a more complex/abundant pigment content and higher antioxidant activity than those typically reported for green and red peppers.

Effect of beta-carotene on oxidative stress and expression of cardiac connexin 43

BACKGROUND

Intervention studies have shown an increased mortality in patients who received beta-carotene. However, the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the influence of beta-carotene on oxidative stress and the expression of connexin 43 in rat hearts.

METHODS

Wistar rats, weighing approximately 100 g, were allocated in two groups: CONTROL GROUP (n=30), that received the diet routinely used in our laboratory, and Beta-Carotene Group (n = 28), which received beta-carotene (in crystal form, added and mixed to the diet) at a dose of 500 mg of beta-carotene/kg of diet. The animals received the treatment until they reached 200-250 g, when they were sacrificed. Samples of blood, liver and heart were collected to perform Western blotting and immunohistochemistry for connexin 43; morphometric studies, dosages of beta-carotene by high-performance liquid chromatography as well as reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione and lipids hydroperoxides were performed by biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Beta-carotene was detected only in the liver of Beta-Carotene Group animals (288 ± 94.7 µg/kg). Levels of reduced/oxidized glutathione were higher in the liver and heart of Beta-Carotene Group animals (liver -

CONTROL GROUP

42.60 ± 1.62; liver - Beta-Carotene Group: 57.40 ± 5.90; p = 0.04; heart: -

CONTROL GROUP

117.40 ± 1.01; heart - Beta-Carotene Group: 121.81 ± 1.32 nmol/mg protein; p = 0.03). The content of total connexin 43 was larger in Beta-Carotene Group.

CONCLUSION

Beta-carotene demonstrated a positive effect, characterized by the increase of intercellular communication and improvement of anti-oxidizing defense system. In this model, mechanism does not explain the increased mortality rate observed with the beta-carotene supplementation in clinical studies.

Antioxidants: friends or foe in prevention or treatment of cancer: the debate of the century

There are a number of intrinsic (e.g. oncogenes) and extrinsic (e.g. radiation and inflammation) factors, which may arise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in DNA instability and then cancer. In this situation, initial cancerous cells would balance the harmful effects of ROS by switching on the protective effects in a longstanding manner. In normal conditions, ROS have an important role in signal transduction and gene transcription, nevertheless, ROS may act as a trigger for carcinogenesis via persistent DNA injuries as well as mutations in p53 such as conditions observed in skin, hepatocellular, and colon cancers. Some compounds like paclitaxel are able to attack cancer cells through generation of ROS or interfering with ROS metabolism, while there are a few anti-angiogenesis compounds without toxicity such as endostatin, which act as anti-neoplastic only together with another chemotherapeutic drug. Furthermore, some anti-cancer agents like piperlongumine bind to the active sites of several key cellular antioxidants including glutathione S transferase and carbonyl reductase 1 only in the cancer cells. Although the natural antioxidants can alone or in combination with the diet provide some benefits for chemoprevention, their position in cancer therapy, especially initial stages of carcinogenesis is breaking down. On the other hand antioxidants can promote the survival of detached cells from extra cellular medium playing dual activities with respect to tumorigenesis through inhibition of tumorigenesis by preventing oxidative injuries to DNA and otherwise maintenance of tumor by promoting cell survival via metabolic rescue. Hopefully, more details of antioxidant and anti-neoplastic mechanisms become clear day by day, which have made researchers renew the strategy for designing cancer prevention or treatment.

Carotenoid content of wild edible young shoots traditionally consumed in Spain (Asparagus acutifolius L., Humulus lupulus L., Bryonia dioica Jacq. and Tamus communis L.)

BACKGROUND

Wild vegetables have traditionally been consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, being valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The objective of this work was to analyse the carotenoid content of the edible young shoots of four species (Asparagus acutifolius L., Humulus lupulus L., Bryonia dioica Jacq. and Tamus communis L.) as part of a wider study on the characterisation of the nutritional composition of wild edible plants commonly consumed in Spain. Samples were gathered from two locations in Central Spain for two consecutive years.

RESULTS

Lutein, β-carotene, neoxanthin and violaxanthin were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector. Median concentration ranges (μg g(-1) edible wet weight) were: β-carotene, 3.39-6.69, lutein, 5.44–19.13;neoxanthin, 5.17-17.37; and violaxanthin, 2.08-8.93. The highest carotenoid content was that of B. dioica (59.01 μg g(-1)) and the lowest was found in A. acutifolius (17.58 μg g(-1)) [corrected].

CONCLUSION

Our results show that these wild young shoots are richer sources of carotenoids than many of the commercially available leafy vegetables.

Absorption and metabolism of dietary carotenoids

A number of carotenoids with diverse structures are present in foods and have beneficial effects on human health due to their common antioxidant activity and their respective biological activities. The major carotenoids found in human tissues, however, are limited to several including such as β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. We have little knowledge of whether carotenoids are selectively absorbed in intestine and metabolized discriminately in the body. Moreover, the metabolic transformation of carotenoids in mammals other than vitamin A formation has not been fully elucidated. Here, the intestinal absorption and oxidative metabolism of dietary carotenoids are reviewed with a focus on dietary xanthophylls.