大豆蛋白体外酶解物中血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂活性肽研究

目的:体外模仿部分胃肠道消化酶解过程,考察大豆蛋白酶解消化能否产生血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂(ACEI)活性肽及其活性状况,以揭示大豆蛋白体内消化酶解与ACEI的活性关系。方法:模拟人体胃肠道消化过程,以胃蛋白酶结合胰蛋白酶,相继酶解大豆分离蛋白(SPI),经色谱分离,动态检测不同阶段ACEI肽片段及其活性大小。结果:胃蛋白酶酶解过程前20min内,酶解液ACEI活性达到最高点,随后在胰蛋白酶酶解阶段其抑制活性下降。180min后的酶解产物,其半抑制活性浓度IC50值为0.28±0.06 mg/ml。同时,未经酶解的SPI液在0.73mg/ml时无ACEI活性。SPI酶解液经各种色谱分离后的组分,其IC50值从0.13±0.03到0.93±0.08 mg/ml。低分子量和伴有疏水性基团的肽类最具ACE抑制活性。结论:体外模仿胃肠消化过程使用胃蛋白酶和胰蛋白酶酶解SPI可产生不同ACEI活性的肽片段,说明人体正常摄食消化大豆蛋白可产生血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂活性肽。     

In vitro intestinal transport and antihypertensive activity of ACE inhibitory pea and whey digests

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides cause an antihypertensive effect if they reach the systemic circulation. This was investigated for the high ACE inhibitory activity present in peas and whey in vitro gastrointestinal digests. The samples retained high ACE inhibitory activity when incubated in Caco-2 homogenates or rat intestinal acetone powder, both sources of small intestine peptidases. Only little ACE inhibitory activity was transported through Caco-2 cell monolayers in 1?h. As the Caco-2 model is tighter than intestinal mammalian tissue, sufficient absorption of these peptides might occur in vivo. After intravenous administration of 50?mg protein?kg^?1 BW in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), pea digest exerted a transient, but strong antihypertensive effect of 44.4?mmHg. Whey digest exerted no effect at this dose. These results suggest that pea digest could be a promising source of ACE inhibitory peptides for use in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.     

Digestion and absorption of an egg white ACE-inhibitory peptide in human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers

The objective of this study was to investigate the digestion and absorption of egg white-derived angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptide TNGIIR in human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers. Results showed that the digestion of TNGIIR to simulated gastrointestinal enzymes and brush border membrane peptidases were 5.87% ± 1.92% and 17.17% ± 0.64%, respectively (p?app) of TNGIIR from the apical to basolateral side in Caco-2 cell monolayers was determined to be (4.92?±?0.40) × 10^?6 cm/s, indicating that TNGIIR can transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers in intact form. In addition, only cytochalasin D, a disruptor of tight junctions (TJs), changed TNGIIR transport rate significantly (p?via TJs.     

蛋清蛋白肽体外血管紧张素转化酶抑制活性及其消化稳定性

目的研究蛋清蛋白肽体外血管紧张素转化酶(ACE)抑制活性以及耐胃肠道消化稳定性。方法采用超滤分离蛋清蛋白酶解产物;利用高效液相色谱法测定蛋白酶水解物及其超滤各组分的体外ACE抑制活性。氨基酸自动分析仪测定ACE抑制活性较高组分(EWPH-Ⅲ)的氨基酸组成。体外模拟胃肠道消化试验测定EWPH-Ⅲ的消化稳定性。RP-HPLC法分析消化产物的组成变化。结果蛋清蛋白水解物的ACE抑制活性随着分子量的降低而增强(P<0.05),分子量小于3ku组分(EWPH-Ⅲ)的ACE抑制效果最好,其IC50值为0.049 mg/ml。EWPH-Ⅲ中疏水性氨基酸和必需氨基酸总量分别为49.51%和50.26%。经过胃肠道消化作用后,EWPH-Ⅲ的ACE抑制活性有所降低,消化产物的RP-HPLC分析结果显示EWPH-Ⅲ中多肽组分发生了明显的变化,胰酶消化产物中疏水性较强的多肽组分含量有所减少。结论蛋清蛋白肽具有较强的ACE抑制活性并且具有很高的营养价值,其ACE抑制活性随着阶段性的胃肠道消化而发生改变。     

In vitro intestinal transport and antihypertensive activity of ACE inhibitory pea and whey digests

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides cause an antihypertensive effect if they reach the systemic circulation. This was investigated for the high ACE inhibitory activity present in peas and whey in vitro gastrointestinal digests. The samples retained high ACE inhibitory activity when incubated in Caco-2 homogenates or rat intestinal acetone powder, both sources of small intestine peptidases. Only little ACE inhibitory activity was transported through Caco-2 cell monolayers in 1 h. As the Caco-2 model is tighter than intestinal mammalian tissue, sufficient absorption of these peptides might occur in vivo. After intravenous administration of 50 mg protein kg(-1) BW in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), pea digest exerted a transient, but strong antihypertensive effect of 44.4 mmHg. Whey digest exerted no effect at this dose. These results suggest that pea digest could be a promising source of ACE inhibitory peptides for use in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.     

Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of a milk protein matrix in vitro and in vivo in women aged 50–70 years

Bovine milk proteins have emerged as a novel, dairy-based source of dietary antioxidants and a component of a nutritional strategy to maintain muscle mass during ageing. The aim of this study was to characterise the in vitro antioxidant capacity (AOC) of a milk-based protein matrix (MPM) before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) and determine whether plasma AOC was similarly modified in vivo following acute ingestion of the MPM in healthy 50–70 years old women. To achieve this, the AOC of the MPM was measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay prior to and following SGID. In parallel, plasma obtained from women prior to and for 3?h following ingestion of the MPM was analysed ex vivo for change in AOC to evaluate the translation in vivo. SGID of the MPM increased AOC by ～35% (27,365?±?2152 versus 42,592?±?2299?μmol TE/100?g dw; p?ex vivo, ingestion of the MPM increased fasting plasma AOC by ～23% (10,952?±?751 to 13,519?±?800?μmol TE/L; p?in vitro and the change in plasma AOC following ingestion of the MPM sampled ex vivo from healthy elderly women.     

三种植物蛋白质酶解物对自发性高血压大鼠降血压效应的比较

目的:观察体外具有抑制血管紧张素转化酶(ACE)活性的绿豆、花生和大米分离蛋白的碱性蛋白酶alcalase酶解物的降血压效应。方法:通过模拟体内消化道环境研究经胃肠道消化酶处理对绿豆、花生和大米分离蛋白alcalase酶解物抑制ACE活性的影响,并利用自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)评定三种酶解物的体内降血压作用。结果:花生分离蛋白和大米分离蛋白alcalase酶解物经不同消化酶处理后活性均显著下降,绿豆分离蛋白酶解物经不同消化酶处理后其活性均有不同程度的提高。以600mg/kg bw的剂量灌胃后三种蛋白质酶解物对SHR均显示出降血压作用,绿豆最强,而花生最弱。三种蛋白质酶解物对SHR的心率均无影响。结论:绿豆、花生和大米分离蛋白质alcalase酶解物均具有降血压作用,但其体外抑制ACE活性与体内降血压效应不一致。     

The potential of cod hydrolyzate to inhibit blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hypertension is an independent yet controllable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Synthetic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat hypertension are often associated with adverse effects, and the interest in diet-related inhibitors is increasing. We hypothesized that North Atlantic fish hydrolysate might inhibit ACE, thus preventing hypertension. We assessed the ACE inhibitory potential of various North Atlantic fish species and evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation of fish hydrolysates on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Fish samples were hydrolyzed using simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and ACE inhibitory activity was evaluated using an ACE inhibitory activity assay. In vivo anti-hypertensive effects were evaluated by administering hydrolysates of wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus L.), or farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) to 10-week-old male, spontaneously hypertensive rats for 4 weeks. The dosing was 200 mg/kg body weight for 21 days, followed by 500 mg/kg body weight for 7 days. Water and Captopril (20 mg/kg body weight) were administered as the negative and positive controls, respectively. The analyzed fish hydrolysates exhibited a 50 % ACE inhibition coefficient (IC₅₀) of 1 to 2.7 μg/mU ACE. Fish hydrolysate supplements did not significantly inhibit the increase in blood pressure during the experimental period. The group receiving cod supplement had a lower (not significant) increase in blood pressure compared to the other groups. Although further studies are necessary to verify the antihypertensive effect of cod, the results obtained in this study indicate the potential that cod hydrolysate may have in inhibiting hypertension.     

LDL cholesterol-lowering effects of grape extract used as a dietary supplement on healthy volunteers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Eminol®, the polyphenol-rich grape extract supplement (700 mg), on cardiovascular risk and oxidant stress indicators in a sample of volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed over 56 days and included 60 volunteers. Thirty volunteers took 700 mg of the grape extract, Eminol® (E), and 30 took the placebo (P). On comparison of the results, a decrease in total cholesterol (E: 213.77 ± 4.1 mg/dl and P: 245.57 ± 4.1 mg/dl; p = 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (E: 142.17 ± 3.1 mg/dl and P: 165.13 ± 3.1 mg/dl; p = 0.02) levels as well as an increase in antioxidant capacity (E: 65.63 ± 5.8 μmol TE/mg and P: 57.80 ± 7.7 μmol TE/mg; p < 0.01) and vitamin E (E: 11.46 ± 0.5 μg/ml and P: 9.06 ± 0.5 μg/ml; p = 0.018) was observed. This result indicates that the grape extract Eminol® modulated the lipid profile in terms of cardiovascular risk indicators, lowering total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.     

Protective Role of Gallic Acid on Sodium Fluoride Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Brain

Gallic acid is known as a potent antioxidant active compound of the edible and medicinal plant Peltiphyllum peltatum. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of gallic acid against sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress in rat brain. Gallic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administrated for 1 week prior to sodium fluoride intoxication. After the treatment period, brain tissues were collected and homogenized, and antioxidant parameters were measured in the homogenates. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in sodium fluoride intoxicated rats (42.04 ± 2.14 nmol MDA eq/g tissue, p < 0.01 vs. normal) increased compared to the normal rats (35.99 ± 1.08 nmol MDA eq/g tissue). Pretreatment with gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was exhibited significant reduction in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (37.06 ± 1.4 nmol MDA eq/g tissue, p > 0.05 vs. normal). This increasing in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was accompanied with a decrease in the level of reduced glutathione (6.74 ± 0.28 μg/mg of protein, p < 0.001 vs. normal), superoxide dismutase (53.24 ± 1.62 U/mg of protein, p < 0.001 vs. normal) and catalase (70.73 ± 2.94 μmol/min/mg of protein p < 0.001 vs. normal) activities in sodium fluoride intoxicated rat. Gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was significantly modified the level of reduced glutathione (11.02 ± 0.53 μg/mg of protein, p < 0.05 vs normal) and catalase activity (89.22 ± 3.67 μmol/min/mg of protein, p > 0.05 vs. normal) in rat brain. However, gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was significantly more effective in retrieving superoxide dismutase (124.78 ± 5.7 U/mg of protein) activity than vitamin C (115.5 ± 4.97 U/mg of protein).     

Selective factors governing in vitro β-carotene bioaccessibility: negative influence of low filtration cutoffs and alterations by emulsifiers and food matrices

Because of their putative health benefits, the biological fate of carotenoids after digestion has been met with much interest, and ex vivo methods using carotenoid standards to study their digestion and further metabolism have been developed. In the absence of a complex food matrix, that is, when studying isolated carotenoids, protocol conditions of gastrointestinal digestion models have to be adjusted. In this investigation, we hypothesized that certain selected factors would significantly influence the bioaccessibility of β-carotene in vitro. The factors considered included (i) type of lipid matrix employed (milk, cream, or oil), (ii) presence/absence of emulsifiers (e.g. lecithin and taurocholate), (iii) addition of a gastric lipase, and (iv) final filtration (20 or 200 nm) of the digesta. Adding an emulsifier mixture (10 mg lecithin + 50 mg monoolein + 5 mg oleic acid) enhanced β-carotene bioaccessibility 3 times (P < 0.001), whereas additional taurocholate and the presence/absence of gastric lipase added before intestinal digestion had no significant effect. β-Carotene bioaccessibility was superior with oil than with milk (18.8% ± 0.7% and 6.1% ± 0.7%, respectively; P = 0.03), especially after filtration, thus suggesting incomplete micelle formation after addition of milk. Filtration through 20 nm filters reduced carotenoid concentration in the aqueous fraction (from 7.1% ± 0.2% to 5.5% ± 0.2% in samples digested with canola oil, P < 0.001), indicating that not all formed micelles compared in size with those normally formed in vivo. When studying carotenoid standards during in vitro digestion, care should be taken to separate mixed micelles by filtration, and the choice of emulsifier and matrix should be considered.     

Evaluation of the hypotensive potential of bovine and porcine collagen hydrolysates

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and antihypertensive activity of bovine and porcine collagen hydrolysates in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated. The hydrolyzed collagens were subjected to ultrafiltration using membranes with cutoffs of 30-50 kDa (permeate P1), 5-8 kDa (permeate P2), or 1-2 kDa (permeate P3) in order to obtain products with a narrower range of molecular size. The hydrolyzed bovine and porcine collagens and their permeates showed low ACE inhibitory activity (50% inhibitory concentration [IC(50)] = 5.42-15.58 mg of protein/mL). However, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, a significant increase in the ACE inhibitory potency of the hydrolyzed collagens was observed (IC(50) = 0.97-4.02 mg of protein/mL). Permeates had a higher ACE inhibitory activity and hypotensive activity than non-ultrafiltered hydrolysates. The P1 permeate of bovine and porcine collagen and the P3 fraction of the porcine collagen hydrolysate exhibited the best antihypertensive activity in vivo, promoting a maximum reduction in blood pressure of 22 mm Hg, 21.33 mm Hg, and 21.33 mm Hg, respectively, while lisinopril promoted a maximum reduction of 51.00 mm Hg. These results suggest that the commercial collagen hydrolysates of bovine and porcine origin may be a potential source of bioactive peptides.     

Investigation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa Protein as a Source of Novel Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) Inhibitory Peptides

Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) is a microalgae species with a remarkably high protein content that may potentially become a source of hypotensive and hypoglycemic peptides. In this study, C. pyrenoidosa proteins were extracted and hydrolyzed overnight with pepsin and trypsin with final degrees of hydrolysis of 18.7% and 35.5%, respectively. By LC-MS/MS, 47 valid peptides were identified in the peptic hydrolysate (CP) and 66 in the tryptic one (CT). At the concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, CP and CT hydrolysates inhibit in vitro the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity by 84.2 ± 0.37% and 78.6 ± 1.7%, respectively, whereas, tested at cellular level at the concentration of 5.0 mg/mL, they reduce the ACE activity by 61.5 ± 7.7% and 69.9 ± 0.8%, respectively. At the concentration of 5.0 mg/mL, they decrease in vitro the DPP-IV activity by 63.7% and 69.6% and in Caco-2 cells by 38.4% and 42.5%, respectively. Short peptides (≤10 amino acids) were selected for investigating the potential interaction with ACE and DPP-IV by using molecular modeling approaches and four peptides were predicted to block both enzymes. Finally, the stability of these peptides was investigated against gastrointestinal digestion.     

Functional properties of protein hydrolysates from different body parts of horse mackerel (Magalaspis cordyla) and croaker (Otolithes ruber)

Protein hydrolysates are economically important value added products in the food industry. Hydrolysis of fish proteins is practiced for the improvement of nutritional characteristics, retarding deterioration, removal of toxic or inhibitory ingredients and modification of functional properties. Four different body parts viz., skin, muscle, bone and viscera of horse mackerel (Magalaspis cordyla) and croaker (Otolithes ruber) were hydrolyzed, through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion procedure using commercial proteases (pepsin, trypsin and α-chymotrypsin). The obtained protein hydrolysates were lyophilized and characterized for functional properties like solubility, emulsifying activity index (EAI) and foaming ability at different pH ranging from 2 to 10. After 6 h hydrolysis, all the hydrolysates showed 70% (p < 0.05) protein solubility at different pH evaluated. Lower emulsifying and foaming capacity (p < 0.05) was noticed at pH 4 and a gradual increase in these properties observed with the increasing pH. Current results revealed that these hydrolysates from various body parts of horse mackerel showed good functional properties in wide range of pH and protein hydrolysate obtained from viscera has showed high functional properties than remaining body parts. These results suggest that horse mackerel and croaker protein hydrolysates could find potential applications as functional food ingredients as emulsifiers and foaming agents.     

Effects of orthodox religious fasting versus combined energy and time restricted eating on body weight,lipid concentrations and glycaemic profile

Abstract

For seven weeks, 37 overweight adults followed a hypocaloric diet based on Orthodox Fasting (OF). A hypocaloric, time restricted eating (TRE) plan (eating between 08:00 to 16:00?h, water fasting from 16:00 to 08:00?h) was followed by 23 Body Mass Index (BMI)-matched participants. Anthropometric, glycaemic and inflammation markers and serum lipids were assessed before and after the diets. Both OF and TRE groups demonstrated reductions in BMI (28.54?±?5.45 vs 27.20?±?5.10?kg/m², p?<?0.001 and 26.40?±?4.11 vs 25.81?±?3.78?kg/m² p?=?0.001, respectively). Following the intervention, the OF group presented lower concentrations of total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, compared with the pre-fasting values (178.40?±?34.14 vs 197.17?±?34.30?mg/dl, p?<?0.001 and 105.89?±?28.08 vs 122.37?±?29.70?mg/dl, p?<?0.001, respectively). Neither group manifested significant differences in glycaemic and inflammatory parameters. Our findings suggest that OF has superior lipid lowering effects than the TRE pattern.     

蛋清蛋白酶解物抗氧化与血管紧张素转换酶抑制活性的研究

目的研究三种蛋白酶的蛋清蛋白酶解物(EWPH)的抗氧化及血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)抑制活性。方法分别采用Fenton体系、邻苯三酚自氧化体系和亚油酸自氧化体系测定胰蛋白酶、木瓜蛋白酶及alcalase碱性蛋白酶的EWPH清除羟自由基、超氧阴离子及抑制脂质过氧化的能力。利用高效液相色谱法测定ACE抑制活性。超滤分离上述三种蛋白酶的EWPH,检测各组分的抗氧化和ACE抑制活性。结果抗氧化活性最强的是木瓜蛋白酶的EWPH,在浓度10mg/ml时,对羟自由基和超氧阴离子清除率分别为53.14%和27.87%,在浓度0.8mg/ml时,对亚油酸自氧化的抑制率73.72%(D7)。ACE抑制效果最明显的是胰蛋白酶的EWPH,其IC50值为0.985mg/ml。低分子量(Mw3ku)组分酶解物的活性优于高分子量(Mw3ku)组分。结论三种蛋白酶的EWPHs均具有抗氧化和ACE抑制活性,但两种活性之间无明显的相关,且小分子组分的活性最强。     

Influence of Purine Intake on Uric Acid Excretion in Infants Fed Soy Infant Formulas

Objective: These studies tested the hypothesis that increasing intake of purines, delivered as RNA from soy protein-based infant formula, would increase urinary uric acid excretion in infants.

Methods: Study One examined the influence of feeding on serum uric acid in a total of 178 infants from four separate trials with infants fed commercial and experimental soy-based and milk-based infant formulas or human milk. Studies Two and Three compared the effect of a standard purine soy formula (STD Purine; 180 mg purines/L from RNA) and a reduced purine soy formula (Reduced Purine; 65 mg purines/L; 26 mg/L from RNA and 39 mg/L from ribonucleotides) on urinary uric acid excretion in infants. In Study Two, 11 infants ranging in age from 16 to 128 days of age were fed both formulas in a random crossover design. Complete 72-hour urine collections were done at the end of each 11-day feeding period. Urinary uric acid excretion was expressed as mmol/day. In Study Three, 33 infants were enrolled before eight days of age and randomized to one of the formulas one week later. Spot urine samples were collected at 28 and/or 56 days of age and urinary uric acid concentration was expressed as mmol/mmol creatinine.

Results: In Study One, each of the feedings resulted in mean serum uric acid levels within normal reference ranges. Soy formula led to higher serum uric acid levels than human milk, and human milk to levels indistinguishable from cow milk-based formulas. In Study Two, infants excreted significantly more uric acid in the urine when fed the STD Purine formula compared to the Reduced Purine formula (0.86±.04 vs. 0.57±.04 mmol/d) (p=0.006). In Study Three, infants fed the STD Purine formula had a significantly higher concentration of uric acid in their urine compared to those fed the Reduced Purine formula (2.1±0.2 vs. 1.4±0.1 mmol uric acid/mmol creatinine) (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: These data indicate that healthy infants can digest RNA and subsequently absorb the liberated purine ribonucleotides as determined by urinary uric acid concentration.     

Preparation and biological evaluation of enzyme-assisted extracts from edible seaweed (Enteromorpha prolifera) as antioxidant,anti-acetylcholinesterase and inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages

The multifunctional bioactive materials were prepared from Enteromorpha prolifera by enzyme-assisted extraction using four proteases and seven carbohydrases, and the biological activities of the enzyme-assisted extracts were evaluated as antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and anti-inflammatory effect as the measures of inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells. The enzyme-assisted extracts were rich in polyphenols in the range 124 ± 4.2 to 844 ± 9.1 mg/100 g and flavonoids in the range 453 ± 6.0 to 675 ± 5.2 mg/100 g, and Protamex and Viscozyme extracts, which were rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, showed the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferrous ion chelating and reducing power. Flavourzyme extract (89.92%) and Promozyme extract (93.64%) showed the highest AChE inhibitory activities at the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml. All enzyme-assisted extracts showed no cytotoxic effect on RAW264.7 cells at the tested concentration and significantly inhibited the LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells.     

The role of nutritional supplementation with essential amino acids in patients with chronic heart failure

Essential amino acid supplementation (EAS) may counteract hypercatabolic states, such as chronic heart failure (CHF). This pilot study investigated whether EAS could improve quality of life (QoL), cardiac function and exercise tolerance in patients (pts) with stable CHF on optimal medical treatment (OMT). We enrolled 27 pts (21 males) with ejection fraction (EF) <35% and on OMT with no changes within the previous 6 months. EAS, composed of leu (1,250 mg), lys (650 mg), ile (625 mg), val (625 mg), thr (350 mg), cys (150 mg), his (150 mg), phe (100 mg), met (50 mg), t4 (30 mg), trp (20 mg), B1 (0.15 mg) and B6 (0.15 mg) vitamins, was given twice a day for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months, we evaluated symptoms with NYHA classification, LVD36 questionnaire and QoL scale; cardiac function by echocardiography and exercise tolerance (modified Bruce protocol); pro-BNP, renal function, glucose and troponin. We observed a significant reduction of end-systolic and diastolic volumes (ESV 121.6 ± 63.08 vs. 106.82 ± 50.1 mL, p = 0.018; EDV 169.1 ± 75.3 vs. 150 ± 67.5 mL, p < 0.02), an increase of EF (29.8 ± 5.7 vs. 35.4 ± 5.8%, p < 0.001) and of cardiac output (5.58 ± 1.57 vs. 6.07 ± 1.66 L/min; p = 0.015). We assisted a no significant trend toward reduction in mitral regurgitation (p = 0.3). EAS improved QoL (NYHA p < 0.001; LVD36 14.1 ± 7.2 vs. 12.2 ± 6.9, p = 0.015; QoL scale 62.4 ± 12.5 vs. 74 ± 9.7%, p < 0.001); exercise tolerance (stage 3.24 ± 1.3 vs. 3.57 ± 1.3, p = 0.016; METS 6.6 ± 3.4 vs. 7.1 ± 3.3, p = 0.18; Minutes 8.1 ± 4.29 vs. 8.7 ± 3.94, p = 0.055). No changes in glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, troponin and a no significant trend toward reduction of pro-BNP was observed (1,077.4 ± 530.3 vs. 851.6 ± 315.1 ng/l, p = 0.3). No pts showed adverse effects. After 3 months, EAS significantly improves cardiac function, QoL and exercise tolerance in stable CHF pts.     

Using text messages to promote health in African-Americans: #HeartHealthyandCancerFree*

Objectives: African-Americans are vulnerable to both cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to intricately connected risk factors. Use of text messages is an innovative method to provide health information to reduce these risks. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention to reduce CVD and cancer risk factors in African-Americans.

Design: We developed an intervention using text messages culturally tailored for African-Americans over age 50 who were at risk (one or more modifiable risk factors) for CVD and/or cancer. Sociodemographic data, biologic measures, cancer screening practices, and general health status were assessed. Group interviews were conducted to assess feasibility and acceptability.

Results: Participants were primarily female (69%), aged 58?±?5 years, who were married (59%) and worked full time (56%). In terms of feasibility and acceptability, themes of encouragement through text messages received and a desire for a longer study period emerged from group interviews with participants. Participants experienced significant decreases in waist circumference (41?±?5 vs 40?±?5, p?=?.002), systolic blood pressure (147?±?25?mmHg vs 138?±?20?mmHg, p?=?.009), diastolic blood pressure (87?±?16?mmHg vs 82?±?10?mmHg, p?=?.02), total cholesterol (194?±?35?mg/dL vs 173?±?32?mg/dL, p?p?=?.015). Five participants had colorectal cancer screening, two had prostate cancer screening, and four had mammograms.

Conclusions: Use of text messages was widely accepted among participants. Significant CVD risk reductions and increased cancer screenings were noted. Future studies should incorporate innovative strategies such as text messaging in promoting health in vulnerable populations.