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

Role of Nutrients and Foods in Attenuation of Cardiac Remodeling through Oxidative Stress Pathways

Cardiac remodeling is defined as a group of molecular, cellular, and interstitial changes that manifest clinically as changes in the heart’s size, mass, geometry, and function after different injuries. Importantly, remodeling is associated with increased risk of ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Therefore, strategies to attenuate this process are critical. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress play critical roles in remodeling. Importantly, antioxidative dietary compounds potentially have protective properties against remodeling. Therefore, this review evaluates the role of nutrients and food as modulators of cardiac remodeling.

Harmful Impact of Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Consumption on the Atrial Myocardium

Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are widespread exposures that are legal and socially accepted in many societies. Both have been widely recognized as important risk factors for diseases in all vital organ systems including cardiovascular diseases, and with clinical manifestations that are associated with atrial dysfunction, so-called atrial cardiomyopathy, especially atrial fibrillation and stroke. The pathogenesis of atrial cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and stroke in context with smoking and alcohol consumption is complex and multifactorial, involving pathophysiological mechanisms, environmental, and societal aspects. This narrative review summarizes the current literature regarding alterations in the atrial myocardium that is associated with smoking and alcohol.

Disease Prevention and Treatment Using β-Carotene: the Ultimate Provitamin A

Humans being unable to synthesize beta-carotene, the provitamin A, depend on external sources as its supplement. Health benefits and dietary requirements of beta-carotene are interrelated. This orange-red coloured pigment has been enormously examined for its capacity to alleviate several chronic diseases including various types of cancer, cystic fibrosis, as well as COVID-19. However, this class of phytoconstituents has witnessed a broad research gap due to several twin conclusions that have been reported. Natural sources for these compounds along with their extraction methods have been mentioned. The current communication aims at contributing to the global scientific literature on beta-carotene’s application in prevention and treatment of lifestyle diseases.

Carotenoids: From Plants to Food Industry

Carotenoids have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease due to the free radical theory of aging in chronic disease etiology. β-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthine and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties, but the antioxidant capability is variable depending on the in vitro system used The physiology, structure and biochemistry is well described. Moreover, sources of carotenoids and health effects along with bioavailability-absorption and metabolism, of carotenoids are well addressed. The effect of carotenoids on biotechnology and the food industry is significantly attributed. Finally, carotenoids as fortified substances in foods and special aspects about carotenenoids as health promoters are well presented along with a glance of carotenoids economics.