Alterations of plasma antioxidants and mitochondrial DNA mutation in hair follicles of smokers

The effects of long-term smoking on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in hair follicles were investigated in subjects with different antioxidant capacity. Twenty-two male smokers with a smoking index of greater than 5 pack-years and without any known systemic diseases were recruited for this study. Forty healthy nonsmoking males were included as controls. We found that the concentrations of ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol and the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase in blood plasma were significantly decreased in smokers. The levels of glutathione and protein thiols in whole blood and the incidence of a 4,977 bp deletion of mtDNA (dmtDNA) in hair follicles were significantly increased in smokers. A significantly higher incidence of the 4,977 bp dmtDNA was found in smokers with plasma GST activity less than 5.66 U/l (OR = 7.2, P = 0.020). Using multiple covariate ANOVA and logistic regression, we found that age and low plasma GST activity were the only two risk factors for the 4,977 bp dmtDNA. These results suggest that smoking depletes antioxidants and causes mtDNA deletions and that plasma GST may play an important role in the preservation of the mitochondrial genome in tissue cells of smokers.     

Relationship between oxidative stress and embryotoxicity of hydrosalpingeal fluid

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of many reproductive disorders. The objective of this study was to characterize oxidative stress parameters in hydrosalpingeal fluid (HSF) and examine their possible role in early embryo development. METHODS AND RESULTS: HSF was aspirated at laparoscopic salpingectomy in 11 infertile women. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), total (non-enzymatic) antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assayed. Two-cell mouse embryos were incubated with 25, 50 or 75% HSF and the blastocyst development rate was observed. ROS was detected in five of 11 (45%) HSF samples with a mean of 4.2 x 10(4) c.p.m. LPO was detected in all samples at a mean (+/- SD) value of 5575.4 +/- 6091.9 micromol/l malonaldehyde. The mean blastocyst development rate at 25, 5+/- 0 and 75% HSF and in the control group was 88.9 +/- 9.4, 65.7 +/- 19.1, 45.7 +/- 5.7 and 96.7% respectively (P < 0.0001). The blastocyst development rate was positively correlated to ROS concentrations (P < 0.02) but was not significantly related to LPO. CONCLUSIONS: The blastocyst development rate decreased with increasing concentrations of HSF. For the first time, the presence of ROS, LPO and TAC activity in human HSF was characterized. A possible role of oxidative stress in the embryotoxicity of HSF is suggested.     

Mutagenicity,antioxidant potential,and antimutagenic activity against hydrogen peroxide of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice and cajuina

Fresh and processed cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juice (CAJ) are among the most popular drinks in Brazil. Besides their nutritional benefits, these juices have antibacterial and antitumor potential. The chemical constituents of both the fresh juice and the processed juice (cajuina) were analyzed and characterized as complex mixtures containing high concentrations of vitamin C, various carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and metals. In the present study, these beverages exhibited direct and rat liver S9-mediated mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome assay with strains TA97a, TA98, and TA100, which detect frameshifts and base pair substitution. No mutagenicity was observed with strain TA102, which detects oxidative and alkylating mutagens and active forms of oxygen. Both CAJ and cajuina showed antioxidant activity as determined by a total radical-trapping potential assay. To test whether this antioxidant potential might result in antimutagenesis, we used a variation of the Salmonella/microsome assay that included pre-, co-, and posttreatment of hydrogen peroxide-exposed Salmonella typhimurium strain TA102 with the juices. CAJ and cajuina protected strain TA102 against mutation by oxidative damage in co- and posttreatments. The antimutagenic effects during cotreatment with hydrogen peroxide may be due to scavenging free radicals and complexing extracellular mutagenic compounds. The protective effects in posttreatment may be due to stimulation of repair and/or reversion of DNA damage. The results indicate that CAJ and cajuina have mutagenic, radical-trapping, antimutagenic, and comutagenic activity and that these properties can be related to the chemical constituents of the juices.     

Dietary Habits,Selenium, Copper,Zinc and Total Antioxidant Status in Serum in Relation to Cognitive Functions of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the neurodegenerative process and can impair cognitive functions. In the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an adequate consumption of dietary antioxidants may be a major factor. The objective of the study was to estimate selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of patients with AD in relation to their cognitive functions and dietary habits. A total of 110 patients (aged 54–93 years) with early or moderate AD, as well as 60 healthy people (aged 52–83 years) were studied. The severity of the disease was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale. Food-frequency questionnaires were implemented to collect the dietary data. The concentrations of Se, Cu and Zn in the sera were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method. TAS was estimated spectrophotometrically using ready-made kits (Randox). Significantly lower concentrations of Se, Zn and TAS, and higher Cu:Zn ratio in the serum of patients with AD, compared to healthy people, were observed. A low correlation between the MMSE score and TAS in the serum of AD patients and significantly higher MMSE values in patients with TAS above the reference range were also noted. In patients with serum Cu concentration above the norm, significantly lower MMSE values were found. Selected dietary habits such as the frequency of consumption of various food products had a significant impact on the concentration of the assessed parameters in the serum of people with AD.     

Vitamin C—Sources,Physiological Role,Kinetics, Deficiency,Use, Toxicity,and Determination

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has been known as an antioxidant for most people. However, its physiological role is much larger and encompasses very different processes ranging from facilitation of iron absorption through involvement in hormones and carnitine synthesis for important roles in epigenetic processes. Contrarily, high doses act as a pro-oxidant than an anti-oxidant. This may also be the reason why plasma levels are meticulously regulated on the level of absorption and excretion in the kidney. Interestingly, most cells contain vitamin C in millimolar concentrations, which is much higher than its plasma concentrations, and compared to other vitamins. The role of vitamin C is well demonstrated by miscellaneous symptoms of its absence—scurvy. The only clinically well-documented indication for vitamin C is scurvy. The effects of vitamin C administration on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections are rather minor or even debatable in the general population. Vitamin C is relatively safe, but caution should be given to the administration of high doses, which can cause overt side effects in some susceptible patients (e.g., oxalate renal stones). Lastly, analytical methods for its determination with advantages and pitfalls are also discussed in this review.     

L-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Strength and Power of Knee Muscles and Improves Glycemia Control and Plasma Redox Balance in Exercising Elderly Women

We investigated the effects of oral L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation, associated or not with physical exercises, in control of glycemia, oxidative stress, and strength/power of knee muscles in elderly women. Physically active (n = 21) and sedentary (n = 23) elderly women aged 60 to 80 years were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of D-fructosamine, insulin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, iron, uric acid, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) (lipoperoxidation product), as well as knee extensor/flexor muscle torque peak and average power (isokinetic test), were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with Gln or placebo (30 days). Higher plasma D-fructosamine, insulin, and iron levels, and lower strength/power of knee muscles were found pre-supplementation in the NPE group than in the PE group. Post-supplementation, Gln subgroups showed higher levels of GSH, GSSG, and torque peak, besides lower D-fructosamine than pre-supplementation values. Higher muscle average power and plasma uric acid levels were reported in the PE + Gln group, whereas lower insulin levels were found in the NPE + Gln than pre-supplementation values. TBARs levels were diminished post-supplementation in all groups. Gln supplementation, mainly when associated with physical exercises, improves strength and power of knee muscles and glycemia control, besides boosting plasma antioxidant capacity of elderly women.     

Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex (PFBc), a Source of Polyphenols,Demonstrates Potential Benefits for Inflammaging and Related Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is a key aspect of healthy aging. Inflammation associated with normal aging, also called inflammaging is a primary risk factor for cognitive decline. A diet high in fruits and vegetable and lower in calories, particularly a Mediterranean Diet, may lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline due in part to the associated high intake of antioxidants and polyphenols. A phenolic, Palm Fruit Bioactive complex (PFBc) derived from the extraction process of palm oil from oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis), is reported to offset inflammation due to its high antioxidant, especially vitamin E, and polyphenol content. The benefit is thought to be achieved via the influence of antioxidants on gene expression. It is the purpose of this comprehensive review to discuss the etiology, including gene expression, of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) specific to dietary intake of antioxidants and polyphenols and to focus on the potential impact of nutritional interventions specifically PFBc has on MCI. Several in vitro, in vivo and animal studies support multiple benefits of PFBc especially for improving cognitive function via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. While more human studies are needed, those completed thus far support the benefit of consuming PFBc to enhance cognitive function via its anti-inflammatory antioxidant functions.     

Effects of Fucoxanthin on the Inhibition of Dexamethasone-Induced Skeletal Muscle Loss in Mice

Fucoxanthin (Fx) has preventive effect against muscle atrophy and myotube loss in vitro, but it has not yet been examined in vivo. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Fx on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced muscle atrophy and fat mass in mice. ICR mice were fed with Fx diets from 2 weeks before Dex treatment to the end of the study. Muscle atrophy was induced in the mice by oral administration of Dex. Body weight was significantly lower by Dex treatment. Visceral fat mass in the Fx-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The Dex-induced decrease in tibialis anterior muscle mass was ameliorated by Fx treatment. Fx treatment significantly attenuated muscle lipid peroxidation compared with the control and Dex-treated groups. The phosphorylation of AMPK was significantly higher in the Dex-treated group than in the control group. The expression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) IV was significantly higher in the Fx-treated group than in the control group. These results suggest that Fx may be a beneficial material to prevent muscle atrophy in vivo, in addition to the effect of fat loss.     

Nutritional Controlled Preparation and Administration of Different Tomato Purées Indicate Increase of β-Carotene and Lycopene Isoforms,and of Antioxidant Potential in Human Blood Bioavailability: A Pilot Study

The isoforms of lycopene, carotenoids, and their derivatives including precursors of vitamin A are compounds relevant for preventing chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Tomatoes are a major source of these compounds. However, cooking and successive metabolic processes determine the bioavailability of tomatoes in human nutrition. To evaluate the effect of acute/chronic cooking procedures on the bioavailability of lycopene and carotene isoforms in human plasma, we measured the blood levels of these compounds and of the serum antioxidant potential in volunteers after a meal containing two different types of tomato sauce (rustic or strained). Using a randomized cross-over administration design, healthy volunteers were studied, and the above indicated compounds were determined by HPLC. The results indicate an increased bioavailability of the estimated compounds and of the serum antioxidant potential with both types of tomato purée and the subsequently derived sauces (the increase was greater with strained purée). This study sheds light on the content of nutrient precursors of vitamin A and other antioxidant compounds derived from tomatoes cooked with different strategies. Lastly, our study indicates that strained purée should be preferred over rustic purée.     

Dietary Interventions with Polyphenols in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review Directed from the Preclinical Data to Randomized Clinical Studies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of limited functionality and thus a decrease in the quality of life of the inflicted. Given the fact that the existing pharmacological treatments lack disease-modifying properties and their use entails significant side effects, nutraceuticals with bioactive compounds constitute an interesting field of research. Polyphenols are plant-derived molecules with established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been extensively evaluated in clinical settings and preclinical models in OA. As more knowledge is gained in the research field, an interesting approach in the management of OA is the additive and/or synergistic effects that polyphenols may have in an optimized supplement. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the recent literature regarding the use of combined polyphenols in the management of OA. For that purpose, a PubMed literature survey was conducted with a focus on some preclinical osteoarthritis models and randomized clinical trials on patients with osteoarthritis from 2018 to 2021 which have evaluated the effect of combinations of polyphenol-rich extracts and purified polyphenol constituents. Data indicate that combined polyphenols may be promising for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future, but more clinical trials with novel approaches in the identification of the in-between relationship of such constituents are needed.