N-methylpyridinium, a degradation product of trigonelline upon coffee roasting, stimulates respiratory activity and promotes glucose utilization in HepG2 cells

N-Methylpyridinium (NMP) is a thermal degradation product of trigonelline formed upon coffee roasting and hypothesized to exert several health benefits in humans. Since for trigonelline evidence for hypoglycemic effects exists, we examined whether NMP also affects mechanisms of glucose utilization and cellular energy formation. For this purpose, the impact of trigonelline and NMP on respiratory activity, extracellular acidification, cellular adenosine nucleotides, energy supply from fatty acids and glucose as well as thermogenesis in HepG2 cells was analyzed. A 24 hour incubation with nanomolar concentrations of NMP enhanced oxygen consumption rates, resulting in increased ATP levels. Glucose was identified as the prevalent energy substrate as its uptake was augmented up to 18.1% ± 7.44% by NMP at 0.09 μM, whereas the uptake of fatty acids decreased upon NMP treatment. Cellular glucose uptake was also stimulated by trigonelline administration; however, a shift to the anaerobic energy production pathway was monitored. Both pyridine derivatives induced thermogenesis, although trigonelline presumably promoted proton leaks, while NMP increased the concentration of the uncoupling protein-2. We provide evidence that both compounds appear to stimulate cellular energy metabolism in HepG2 cells. Human intervention studies are warranted to ensure these effects in vivo.

Potential antioxidant response to coffee - A matter of genotype?

In a human intervention study, coffee combining natural green coffee bean constituents and dark roast products was identified as a genotype-dependent inducer of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, significantly affecting Nrf2 gene expression and downstream GST1A1 and UGT1A1 gene transcription. The observed transcriptional changes correlated with the presence of specific Nrf2 genotypes suggesting their influence on both Nrf2 and subsequent ARE-dependent GST1A1 and UGT1A1 transcription. While the presence of the − 653 SNP seems to be advantageous, resulting in higher Nrf2, GST1A1 and UGT1A1 gene transcription following coffee consumption, in contrast, the presence of the − 651 SNP significantly down-regulated the response to the study coffee. Furthermore, the presence of the B/B genotype in GST1A1 along with the frequency of the [TA]_6/6 and [TA]_7/7 polymorphisms in UGT1A1 appeared to significantly increase sensitivity toward coffee-induced gene transcription. This data suggests that when examining the role of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in the regulation of antioxidative and chemopreventive phase II efficacy, individual genotypes should be included when considering the potency of bioactive food/food constituents and their therapeutic potential.

Quantitative studies on roast kinetics for bioactives in coffee

Quantitative analysis of the bioactives trigonelline (1), N-methylpyridinium (2), caffeine (3), and caffeoylquinic acids (4) in a large set of roasted Arabica (total sample size n = 113) and Robusta coffees (total sample size n = 38) revealed that the concentrations of 1 and 4 significantly correlated with the roasting color (P < 0.001, two tailed), whereas that of 2 significantly correlated inversely with the color (P < 0.001, two tailed). As dark-roasted coffees were rich in N-methylpyridinium whereas light-roasted coffees were rich in trigonelline and caffeoylquinic acids, manufacturing of roast coffees rich in all four bioactives would therefore necessitate blending of two or even more coffees of different roasting colors. Additional experiments on the migration rates during coffee brewing showed that all four bioactives were nearly quantitatively extracted in the brew (>90%) when a water volume/coffee powder ratio of >16 was used.

Effect of coffee combining green coffee bean constituents with typical roasting products on the Nrf2/ARE pathway in vitro and in vivo

This study investigated Nrf2-activating properties of a coffee blend combining raw coffee bean constituents with 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (CGA) as a lead component with typical roasting products such as N-methylpyridinium (NMP). In cell culture (HT29) the respective coffee extract (CN-CE) increased nuclear Nrf2 translocation and enhanced the transcription of ARE-dependent genes as exemplified for NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)A1, reflected in the protein level by an increase in GST enzyme activity. In a pilot human intervention study (29 healthy volunteers), daily consumption of 750 mL of CN-coffee for 4 weeks increased Nrf2 transcription in peripheral blood lymphocytes on average. However, the transcriptional response pattern of Nrf2/ARE-dependent genes showed substantial interindividual variations. The presence of SNPs in the Nrf2-promoter, reported recently, as well as the detection of GSTT1*0 (null) genotypes in the study collective strengthens the hypothesis that coffee acts as a modulator of Nrf2-dependent gene response in humans, but genetic polymorphisms play an important role in the individual response pattern.

Caffeine dose-dependently induces thermogenesis but restores ATP in HepG2 cells in culture

Caffeine has been hypothesised as a thermogenic agent that might help to maintain a healthy body weight. Since very little is known about its actions on cellular energy metabolism, we investigated the effect of caffeine on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, cellular energy supply and thermogenesis in HepG2 cells, and studied its action on fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes at concentrations ranging from 30-1500 μM. In HepG2 cells, caffeine induced a depolarisation of the inner mitochondrial membrane, a feature of mitochondrial thermogenesis, both directly and after 24 h incubation. Increased concentrations of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) also indicated a thermogenic activity of caffeine. Energy generating pathways, such as mitochondrial respiration, fatty acid oxidation and anaerobic lactate production, were attenuated by caffeine treatment. Nevertheless, HepG2 cells demonstrated a higher energy charge potential after exposure to caffeine that might result from energy restoration through attenuation of energy consuming pathways, as typically found in hibernating animals. In 3T3-L1 cells, in contrast, caffeine increased fatty acid uptake, but did not affect lipid accumulation. We provide evidence that caffeine stimulates thermogenesis but concomitantly causes energy restoration that may compensate enhanced energy expenditure.

Coffees rich in chlorogenic acid or N-methylpyridinium induce chemopreventive phase II-enzymes via the Nrf2/ARE pathway in vitro and in vivo

Recently, the coffee constituents 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (CGA) and N-methylpyridinium (NMP) were identified as inducers of the Nrf2/antioxidant-response element (ARE) detoxifying pathway under cell-culture condition. To study the impact of CGA and NMP on the Nrf2-activating properties of a complex coffee beverage, two different model coffees were generated by variation of the roasting conditions: a low-roast coffee rich in CGA and a heavy-roast low in CGA but containing high levels of NMP. Activation of the Nrf2/antioxidant-response element pathway was monitored in vitro and in vivo.

Studies on acrylamide levels in roasting, storage and brewing of coffee

The content of acrylamide in coffee reaches a peak early in the roasting process, reflecting occurrence of both formation and destruction of acrylamide during roasting. Levels of acrylamide in the fully roasted product are a small fraction of the peak reached earlier. Glucose and moisture in green coffee do not show a significant correlation with acrylamide in roasted coffee. Pre-roasting levels of asparagine show a correlation only in Arabica coffee. The main factors affecting the level of acrylamide in roasted coffee appear to be the Arabica/Robusta ratio, with Robusta giving higher levels; time and degree of roast, with both shorter and lighter roasting at the edges of the normal roasting range giving higher levels; storage condition and time, with clear reduction at ambient storage. This storage reduction of acrylamide followed second order reaction kinetics with an activation energy of 73 KJ/mole. The acrylamide in roasted coffee is largely extracted into the brew and stable within usual time of consumption. As these four main factors also substantially affect the sensorial characteristics of the brew, and as modifications of the process have to comply with the consumer-accepted boundaries of taste profiles, only small effects on the acrylamide level are expected to be achievable.

The influence of focus group-oriented supervision on intensive care nurses' reflections on family members' needs

The aim of this study was to explore intensive care nurses' experiences of focus group-oriented supervision with particular reference to family members' needs. In addition, the aim was to focus on the intensive care nurses' perceived change in their insight into caring for patients and family members in an intensive care unit. Four themes were constructed: increased perception of and response to the family members' needs; increased self-insight related to the therapeutic use of oneself in the relationship with patients and their family members; nurses' reflection on factors that increased their competence; and increased creativity. In conclusion, focus group-oriented supervision increased the intensive care nurses' understanding of their role. This has consequences not only for the family members but also for the teamwork in the intensive care unit, where this type of work is common.

Nursing students' experiences of the effects of continual process-oriented group supervision

AIM

To describe and analyse the nursing students' experiences of the effects of process-orientated group supervision.

BACKGROUND

There is a need to promote the development of the nursing student's professional identity and preparedness to act as well as to provide the opportunity for reflection and setting up a group supervision programme.

METHOD

This paper is an in-depth study using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. An open-ended interview form including 24 items and four open-ended questions was used and 80 nursing students answered a questionnaire. The data were analysed by a factor analysis with varimax rotation and by open coding.

FINDINGS

The three analysis factors were labelled: 'Increased patient attentiveness', Increased empathy ability', and 'Increased insight and security'. From the findings of the qualitative analysis two main categories emerged: 'Increased ability to communicate' and 'Personal growth'.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that there is an association between the effects of group supervision and the nursing students' development of a nurse identity.

Increased immunoreactivity of transforming growth factor-beta in human kidney transplants

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. TGF-beta is also a potent immunosuppressor that has been shown to be induced after allogeneic transplantation. We have studied the distribution of immunoreactive TGF-beta proteins in different compartments of 21 allogeneic transplanted kidneys that had been rejected through acute (eight interstitial or six vascular) and chronic (seven vascular) processes. This distribution was compared with that in seven non-rejected transplanted and five non-transplanted kidneys with intact morphology. There were no obvious differences between the three groups of rejected grafts and the transplanted non-rejected group for the expression of TGF-beta s. A major difference was seen between transplanted kidneys, which exhibited clearly positive TGF-beta and LTBP1 (latent TGF-beta binding protein) immunoreactivities, and the non-transplanted kidneys. The non-transplanted kidneys showed only very weak or no immunoreactivity for these proteins. The morphologically intact non-rejected grafts showed a significantly increased immunoreactivity compared with the non-transplanted kidneys. When the transplanted kidneys were classified into two groups (i.e. with or without diabetes mellitus) and compared with regard to the expression of all TGF-beta s, no difference was found. Thus, transplantation was the most important predictor for expression of TGF-beta s and LTBP1, and the largest expression increase in the allografts occurred in the interstitium, followed by the glomeruli and blood vessels. Tubuli and lymphocyte aggregates stained only faintly. The results imply that TGF-beta is induced rapidly after kidney transplantation. This induction can suppress immunoreactivation, but concomitantly promotes changes such as arteriosclerosis and fibrosis associated with rejection.

Concomitant increase in blood plasma levels of immunoreactive hemorphin-7 and beta-endorphin following long distance running

Hemorphins are endogenous opioids derived by enzymatic degradation of hemoglobin, a protein released in blood plasma during long distance running. We examined levels of beta-endorphin and the heptapeptide hemorphin-7, in heparinized venous blood plasma from 15 sedentary controls (8 males, 7 females) and from 15 age- and sex-matched marathon runners at baseline and after running 42 km or 21 km. Baseline levels of beta-endorphin (range 0.2-4.3 fmol/ml) were neither dependent upon weight, body mass index weight/height, running status nor sex. Baseline levels of hemorphin-7 (range 0.2-6.9 pmol/ml) were lower in women (P < 0.04) and covariated positively with body weight (P = 0.06), explaining lower levels in runners by their lower body weight. Covariation with body mass index was positive, but not significant (P = 0.10), however, here the dependence upon sex appeared stronger (P = 0.014). Running induced significant and correlated increases in hemorphin-7 and beta-endorphin (r = 0.74; P < 0.002), possibly indicating a functional relationship between these two peptides.

A comparison of human lung, brain, CSF and plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme with regard to neuropeptide metabolism

Human ACE obtained from different tissues and body fluids was assayed with regard to degradative action on tachykinins and various opioid peptides. Substance P (1-9) was easily cleaved, whereas substance P and neurokinin A seemed stable against ACE activity. However, endopeptidase-24.11 easily degraded both of these amidated peptides. When the same peptides were assayed as potential inhibitors of the hydrolysis of hippuryl-His-Leu (specific substrate for ACE activity), substance P and its (1-9) fragment were equally potent, whereas neurokinin A was inactive. The beta-casomorphins, beta-casein derived opioid peptides, with a proline residue at their C-terminus also showed inhibitory action on ACE activity, without being cleaved by the enzyme. These results indicate a modulatory action of these peptides. No differences between ACE originating from different tissues or body fluids could be demonstrated in this regard.

Hemorphins derived from hemoglobin have an inhibitory action on angiotensin converting enzyme activity

The hemorphins are opioid active peptides, which are enzymatically released from the beta-chain of hemoglobin. In this paper we report an inhibitory effect of these peptides on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, known to be involved in blood pressure regulation. The hemorphins were found to be quite stable in tissue extracts containing ACE, and their importance as naturally occurring ACE inhibitors is discussed.

Molecular heterogeneity of angiotensin converting enzyme in human cerebrospinal fluid

Three different molecular forms of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) (approximately Mr 150,000, 80,000 and 40,000, respectively), have been recovered from human cerebrospinal fluid. All three enzymes were inhibited by captopril and enalapril and their activity was potentiated by chloride ions. They were capable of degrading Leu-enkephalin-Arg6 and substance -P, but gave no conversion of neurokinin A. In all these aspects, the CSF enzymes were identical with the human pulmonary enzyme. The Mr 40,000 form of ACE is the smallest active form of the enzyme hitherto reported and is likely to represent a fragment of the C-terminal part of native ACE, where its active center is located.

High enkephalyl peptide degradation, due to angiotensin-converting enzyme-like activity in human CSF

The metabolism of enkephalin peptides was studied in human cerebrospinal fluid. The degradation rates of (Leu)-enkephalin and (Leu)-enkephalin-Arg6 were compared and the latter was degraded at a 10-fold higher rate. The major enzyme activity was investigated by Mr determination and inhibition experiments, showing marked similarity with angiotensin-converting enzyme.