The Effect of Tomato Juice Consumption on Antioxidant Status in Overweight and Obese Females

Lycopene and Garcinia cambogia Induce White-to-Brown Adipose Differentiation: An Innovative Strategy to Curb Obesity

Obesity is considered one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The browning process has been recently recognized as a promising anti-obesity therapy. Lycopene (LYC) and Garcinia cambogia fruit extract (GE) might be important resources for anti-obesity drugs; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of LYC and GE on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and Zucker rats. Mouse 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated in mature adipocytes and then treated with LYC (0.5 μM), GE (30 mg/mL) or LYC + GE for 24 h. Moreover, male Zucker Crl:ZUC-Leprfa rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups of 10 animals to orally receive Vehicle (Ctrl), Orlistat (20 mg/kg), LYC (5 mg/kg), GE (1000 mg/kg) or LYC + GE for 28 days. LYC, GC extracts and even more LYC + GE stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of thermogenic genes UCP1, CIDEA and DIO2, significantly reduced lipid droplet size and increased lipid droplet number in adipocytes. UCP1 mRNA and protein expression was also increased in the visceral adipose tissue of the rats that received the dietary intake of LYC, GE and even more LYC + GE. Moreover, LYC + GE induced the reorganization of visceral fat depots that showed a great number of small adipocytes and a significant reduction in weight gain and food intake compared to the control group. The obtained results demonstrated that LYC + GE might be used as new approaches for obesity management in order to induce the browning process and achieve a metabolically active tissue instead of a tissue characterized by lipid depot accumulation.

Vascular and Platelet Effects of Tomato Soffritto Intake in Overweight and Obese Subjects

Tomatoes are known for their numerous health benefits, including antioxidants, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, antiplatelet, and cardio-protective properties. However, their potential health benefits in the Mediterranean diet's popular soffritto remain largely unexplored in scientific research. The objective was to evaluate the effects of soffritto intake on platelet activity, vascular endothelial function, weight, lipid profile, and blood parameters. In a prospective, controlled, randomized two-arm longitudinal cross-over trial, 40 overweight and obese individuals received 100 g/day of soffritto, or a control, for 42 days. The primary outcome was the effect on vascular endothelial function and platelet activity. As exploratory secondary outcomes, anthropometric measures, serum lipid profile, and hemogram profile were measured before and after a 6-week intervention with or without soffritto supplementation. Compared with the control group, soffritto supplementation for six weeks improved collagen-induced (-5.10 ± 3.06%) platelet aggregation (p < 0.05). In addition, after six weeks, a reduction in ADP-induced aggregation (-3.67 ± 1.68%) was also only observed in the soffritto group (p < 0.05). No significant effects of the soffritto intake were observed on vascular endothelial function, anthropometric measures, serum lipid profile, or blood parameters (p > 0.05). In conclusion, as a basic culinary technique, soffritto may have a role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by reducing platelet activation, which could contribute to a reduction in thrombotic events.

Associations of serum carotenoids with visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2001-2006

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are comprehensive indicators to evaluate visceral fat and determine the metabolic health of individuals. Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring antioxidants associated with several diseases. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the association between serum carotenoid concentration and VAI or LAP.

METHODS

The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2006. The levels of serum carotenoids were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between levels of serum carotenoids and VAI or LAP. The potential non-linear relationship was determined using threshold effect analysis and fitted smoothing curves. Stratification analysis was performed to investigate the potential modifying factors.

RESULTS

In total, 5,084 participants were included in this population-based investigation. In the multivariate linear regressions, compared to the lowest quartiles of serum carotenoids, the highest quartiles were significantly associated with VAI, and the effect size (β) and 95% CI was - 0.98 (- 1.34, - 0.62) for α-carotene, - 1.39 (- 1.77, - 1.00) for β-carotene, - 0.79 (- 1.18, - 0.41) for β-cryptoxanthin, - 0.68 (- 0.96, - 0.39) for lutein/zeaxanthin, and - 0.88 (- 1.50, - 0.27) for trans-lycopene. Using piece-wise linear regression models, non-linear relationships were found between β-carotene and trans-lycopene and VAI with an inflection point of 2.44 (log2-transformed, ug/dL) and 3.80 (log2-transformed, ug/dL), respectively. The results indicated that α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin were linearly associated with VAI. An inverse association was also found between serum carotenoids and LAP after complete adjustments.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that several serum carotenoids were associated with VAI or LAP among the general American population. Further large prospective investigations are warranted to support this finding.

Potential of Carotenoids from Fresh Tomatoes and Their Availability in Processed Tomato-Based Products

The high consumption of tomatoes worldwide has made them an essential source of health-promoting carotenoids that prevent a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes are available year-round, consumed fresh, and used as a raw material for the production of many processed products, such as juices, pastes, and purees. A plethora of carotenoids has been characterized in tomatoes. Most of the relevant carotenoids in the human bloodstream are supplied by fresh and processed tomatoes. Lycopene is the predominant carotenoid in tomato and tomato-based food products. Other carotenoids such as α-, β-, γ- and ξ-carotene, phytoene, phytofluene, neurosporene, and lutein are present in tomatoes and related products. There is a growing body of evidence that these bioactive compounds possess beneficial properties, namely anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects among other health benefits, due to their antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic properties. This chapter analyzes the carotenoid composition of tomatoes and their based products as major contributors to the chronic disease-preventive properties.

Scientometric and Methodological Analysis of the Recent Literature on the Health-Related Effects of Tomato and Tomato Products

The health benefits of tomato, a vegetable consumed daily in human diets, have received great attention in the scientific community, and a great deal of experiments have tested their utility against several diseases. Herein, we present a scientometric analysis of recent works aimed to estimate the biological effects of tomato, focusing on bibliographic metadata, type of testers, target systems, and methods of analysis. A remarkably variable array of strategies was reported, including testers obtained by standard and special tomatoes, and the use of in vitro and in vivo targets, both healthy and diseased. In vitro, 21 normal and 36 cancer human cell lines derived from 13 different organs were used. The highest cytotoxic effects were reported on cancer blood cells. In vivo, more experiments were carried out with murine than with human systems, addressing healthy individuals, as well as stressed and diseased patients. Multivariate analysis showed that publications in journals indexed in the agriculture category were associated with the use of fresh tomatoes; conversely, medicine and pharmacology journals were associated with the use of purified and formulate testers. Studies conducted in the United States of America preferentially adopted in vivo systems and formulates, combined with blood and tissue analysis. Researchers in Italy, China, India, and Great Britain mostly carried out in vitro research using fresh tomatoes. Gene expression and proteomic analyses were associated with China and India. The emerging scenario evidences the somewhat dichotomic approaches of plant geneticists and agronomists and that of cell biologists and medicine researchers. A higher integration between these two scientific communities would be desirable to foster the assessment of the benefits of tomatoes to human health.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of dietary interventions for weight loss in adults in the Middle East and north Africa region

The prevalence and incidence of obesity, and associated complications, such as type 2 diabetes, in the Middle East and north Africa (MENA) region rank among the highest in the world. Little is known about the effectiveness of dietary weight loss interventions conducted in the MENA region. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials aiming to assess the effectiveness of dietary interventions for weight loss in the adult population originating from and residing in the MENA region. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and EMBASE were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) using dietary interventions for weight loss conducted in the MENA region. RCTs examining weight loss as an outcome in adults (≥ 18 years old) were included. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias was used to ascertain the quality of the eligible RCTs and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication for population health and policy interventions (TIDieR-PHP) checklist was used to evaluate the reporting of the interventions. Twenty-nine RCTs including 2792 adults from five countries in the MENA region met the search criteria. Study participants were predominantly middle-aged females. Duration of follow up was mostly 3 months or less. Weight loss ranged from -0.7 to 16 kg across all intervention groups and the average weight loss was 4.8 kg. There was paucity of description of the weight loss interventions and variations amongst studies did not allow a meta-analysis of findings. It was not possible to draw firm conclusions on the effectiveness of dietary weight loss interventions in the region. High quality studies using more structured interventions of longer duration with standardized outcome measures are needed in the MENA region to support clinical practice with evidence-based interventions for obesity.

Lycopene is superior to moringa in improving fertility markers in diet-induced obesity male rats

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Obesity contributes to male infertility.

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Can lycopene or moringa improve male infertility?

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Tested in a rodent model of diet-induced obesity.

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Lycopene was superior to Moringa in improving male fertility parameters.

Obesity is a condition of chronic tissue inflammation and oxidative stress that poses as a risk factor for male infertility. Moringa oleifera oil extract is known to have cholesterol-lowering properties and a potential to treat obesity, while lycopene is a potent antioxidant. We hypothesize that Moringa or lycopene may improve male fertility markers in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. Male Albino rats (n = 60) were randomized to receive regular chow (RC) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks (n = 30 each). Animals in each arm were further randomized to receive gavage treatment with corn oil (vehicle), lycopene (10 mg/kg), or Moringa (400 mg/kg) for four weeks starting on week 9 (n = 10 each). Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks, and blood was collected to assess lipid profile, serum testosterone, and gonadotropin levels. The testes and epididymides were removed for sperm analysis, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and histopathological assessment. In comparison to their RC littermates, animals on HFD showed an increase in body weights, serum lipids, testosterone and gonadotrophin levels, testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as sperm abnormalities and disrupted testicular histology. Moringa or lycopene reduced body weight, improved oxidative stress, and male fertility markers in HFD-fed animals with lycopene exhibiting better anti-antioxidant and anti-lipidemic effects. Lycopene is superior to Moringa in improving male fertility parameters, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress.

The association between carotenoids and subjects with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Excess body weight, including overweight and obesity, is one of the major factors influencing human health, and plays an important role in the global burden of disease. Carotenoids serve as precursors of vitamin A-related retinoids, and are considered to have potential effects on many diseases. However, the influence of carotenoids on people with excess body weight is unclear.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of carotenoids on overweight or obese subjects utilizing the available evidence. We searched PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE databases up to September 2020. Random effects models were used to calculate the standard mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

A total of seven randomized controlled trials and eight observational studies met the inclusion criteria and contained 28 944 subjects and data on multiple carotenoid subgroups, including lycopene, astaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene. In all included Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), the intervention duration was 20 days at the shortest and 16 weeks at the longest, and the range of intervention doses was 1.2-60 mg d-1. Our study found that the insufficiency of serum carotenoids was a risk factor for overweight and obesity (OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.57, 1.91], p < 0.001). Moreover, carotenoid supplementation was significantly associated with body weight reductions (SMD = -2.34 kg, 95% CI [-3.80, -0.87] kg, p < 0.001), body mass index decrease (BMI, SMD = -0.95 kg cm-2, 95% CI [-1.88, -0.01] kg cm-2, p < 0.001) and waist circumference losses (WC, SMD = -1.84 cm, 95% CI [-3.14, -0.54]cm, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In summary, the carotenoids show promising effects in overweight or obese subjects. Additional data from large clinical trials are needed.

The effect of diet on oxidative stress and metabolic diseases-Clinically controlled trials

Oxidative stress is associated with several chronic diseases. It is acknowledged that molecules damaged by reactive oxygen species activate the inflammatory process and that this response increases the production of free radicals. Modifications in a diet can improve or decrease redox state markers. The aim of this revision was to provide an update of clinical controlled trials, to assess changes in diet and markers of oxidative stress in subjects with metabolic diseases. They were investigated randomized controlled intervention studies (RCTs) published in MEDLINE (U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) that were conducted in subjects with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia; with dietary intervention; where markers of oxidative stress have been evaluated and published in the last 5 years. Food antioxidants, hypocaloric diets with loss of adipose tissue, substitution of animal protein by vegetable, and changes in the microbiota improve antioxidant status in people with chronic disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus and adipose tissue in obesity are known to trigger oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, in turn, decreases insulin sensitivity and favors an inflammatory state producing adhesion molecules. Oxidative stress and adhesion molecules, can increase blood pressure and oxidation of lipoproteins, that ultimately could lead to a cerebrovascular event. Consumption of high-antioxidant and polyphenol foods increases plasma antioxidant capacity and decreases oxidative stress markers in people with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, weight loss caused by caloric restriction with or without exercise increases the endogenous antioxidant capacity. Therefore, it is likely that the combination of a hypocaloric diet with a high content of antioxidants and polyphenols will have a greater effect. Other dietary changes with antioxidant effect, such as the substitution of animal for vegetable protein or the addition of fiber, might be mediated by changes in the microbiota. However, this aspect requires further study.

Relation of Fruits and Vegetables with Major Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Markers of Oxidation, and Inflammation

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are considered to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake have been recognized as a risk factor for almost all NCDs (type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases). The main aim of this review is to examine the possible protective effect that fruit and vegetable consumption or their bioactive compounds may have on the development of NCDs such as atherosclerosis. The accumulated evidence on the protective effects of adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in some cases, or the lack of evidence in others, are summarized in the present review. The main conclusion of this review is that well-designed, large-scale, long-term studies are needed to truly understand the role fruit and vegetable consumption or their bioactive compounds have in atherosclerosis.

A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support

Glutathione is a tripeptide that plays a pivotal role in critical physiological processes resulting in effects relevant to diverse disease pathophysiology such as maintenance of redox balance, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of metabolic detoxification, and regulation of immune system function. The diverse roles of glutathione in physiology are relevant to a considerable body of evidence suggesting that glutathione status may be an important biomarker and treatment target in various chronic, age-related diseases. Yet, proper personalized balance in the individual is key as well as a better understanding of antioxidants and redox balance. Optimizing glutathione levels has been proposed as a strategy for health promotion and disease prevention, although clear, causal relationships between glutathione status and disease risk or treatment remain to be clarified. Nonetheless, human clinical research suggests that nutritional interventions, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and foods can have important effects on circulating glutathione which may translate to clinical benefit. Importantly, genetic variation is a modifier of glutathione status and influences response to nutritional factors that impact glutathione levels. This narrative review explores clinical evidence for nutritional strategies that could be used to improve glutathione status.

Association and Genetic Identification of Loci for Four Fruit Traits in Tomato Using InDel Markers

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit weight (FW), soluble solid content (SSC), fruit shape and fruit color are crucial for yield, quality and consumer acceptability. In this study, a 192 accessions tomato association panel comprising a mixture of wild species, cherry tomato, landraces, and modern varieties collected worldwide was genotyped with 547 InDel markers evenly distributed on 12 chromosomes and scored for FW, SSC, fruit shape index (FSI), and color parameters over 2 years with three replications each year. The association panel was sorted into two subpopulations. Linkage disequilibrium ranged from 3.0 to 47.2 Mb across 12 chromosomes. A set of 102 markers significantly (p < 1.19-1.30 × 10-4) associated with SSC, FW, fruit shape, and fruit color was identified on 11 of the 12 chromosomes using a mixed linear model. The associations were compared with the known gene/QTLs for the same traits. Genetic analysis using F2 populations detected 14 and 4 markers significantly (p < 0.05) associated with SSC and FW, respectively. Some loci were commonly detected by both association and linkage analysis. Particularly, one novel locus for FW on chromosome 4 detected by association analysis was also identified in F2 populations. The results demonstrated that association mapping using limited number of InDel markers and a relatively small population could not only complement and enhance previous QTL information, but also identify novel loci for marker-assisted selection of fruit traits in tomato.

Impact of Natural Juice Consumption on Plasma Antioxidant Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Oxidative stress may lead to overproduction of reactive species and a decrease in antioxidant defenses, resulting in chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The consumption of natural compounds with an antioxidant profile may be a preventive alternative. Therefore, we aimed to obtain evidence regarding the potential antioxidant activity of juices in human plasma. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed, which included randomized controlled trials that compared the use of fruit or vegetable juices vs. placebo or other beverages. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and SciELO. The outcome measures extracted were related to antioxidant status, e.g., vitamin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels and reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity measured as TEAC. Results: Twenty-eight trials were identified (n = 1089), of which 16 were used for meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed between juices and placebo with regard to TEAC, SOD, and CAT. However, juices were superior to control in enhancing vitamin C and reducing MDA. Conclusions: Natural juices are possible candidates for the management of oxidative stress. The effects of juices should be further investigated by conducting larger and well-defined trials of longer duration.