Green tea minimally affects biomarkers of inflammation in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome

Objective

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has shown to exert cardioprotective benefits in observational studies. The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the effects of green tea on features of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in obese subjects.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome. Thirty-five subjects [(mean ± SE) age 42.5 ± 1.7 y, body mass index 36.1 ± 1.3 kg/m²] completed the 8-wk study and were randomly assigned to receive green tea (4 cups/d), green tea extract (2 capsules and 4 cups water/d), or no treatment (4 cups water/d). Both the beverage and extract groups had similar dosing of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the active green tea polyphenol. Fasting blood samples were collected at screening, 4 and 8 wk of the study.

Results

Green tea beverage or extract supplementation did not significantly alter features of metabolic syndrome or biomarkers of inflammation including adiponectin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, leptin, or leptin:adiponectin ratio. However, both green tea beverage and extracts significantly reduced plasma serum amyloid alpha versus no treatment (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the daily consumption of green tea beverage or extracts for 8 wk was well tolerated but did not affect the features of metabolic syndrome. However, green tea significantly reduced plasma serum amyloid alpha, an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor, in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome.     

Plasma antioxidant concentration,not superoxide dismutase polymorphism,is associated with breast cancer risk in Korean women

Disturbances in redox regulation are suggested to be involved in the development of breast cancer. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to examine the hypothesis that lower plasma antioxidant concentration is related to higher risk of breast cancer and that genetic polymorphism of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) modifies the relationship between breast cancer risk and plasma antioxidant. Genotyping for SOD2 Val16Ala polymorphism was performed by a 5′ exonuclease assay, and plasma concentrations of retinol, carotenoids, and tocopherols were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and multivariate odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. The variant allele frequencies of SOD2 Val16Ala (TC or CC type) were 26% for the control subjects and 23% for the breast cancer patients, and the variant genotype was not a risk factor for breast cancer. Higher plasma retinol concentration was associated with a lower risk, whereas higher plasma β-carotene, α-tocopherol, or γ-tocopherol concentrations were associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. SOD2 CT or CC genotype was associated with lower risk (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.93; P for interaction = .025) in subjects with low plasma γ-tocopherol concentration. Our findings suggest that the SOD2 Val16Ala variant is not related to the risk of breast cancer in Korean women; however, it may affect the association between plasma γ-tocopherol levels and the risk of breast cancer.     

Green tea extract decreases plasma malondialdehyde concentration but does not affect other indicators of oxidative stress, nitric oxide production, or hemostatic factors during a high-linoleic acid diet in healthy females

Summary Background: Green tea contains polyphenolic catechins which can act as antioxidants and thus decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Aim of the study: To investigate whether green tea extract differs from placebo in its effects on markers of antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide production, thromboxane production, and blood coagulation during a controlled high linoleic acid diet in healthy subjects. Methods: Twenty healthy non-smoking females (23–50 years) participated in a 4-week controlled intervention study. The experimental diet was rich in linoleic acid (9 en%) and contained fat, protein and carbohydrates: 27, 14, and 59 en%, respectively. In addition, the subjects ingested encapsulated green tea extract (3 g/d) or placebo mixture in a double-blind manner. Fasting blood samples and five 24-hour urines were collected before and at the end of the 4-week experimental period. Same samples were received from 10 control subjects. Results: Green tea extract significantly decreased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in comparison with the placebo treatment. The treatments did not differ in serum lipids, indicators of antioxidant status, urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α, 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B₂, nitric oxide metabolites or coagulation indicators. Conclusions: We conclude that an amount of green tea extract which corresponds to 10 cups of tea per day for 4 weeks does not have specific effects on several indicators related to risk of cardiovascular diseases in comparison with placebo treatment. The relatively small but significant decrease in lipid peroxidation indicated by decreased plasma MDA was not associated with changes in markers of oxidative stress (urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α and blood oxidized glutathione) or hemostasis. Received: 8 January 1999, Accepted: 12 April 1999     

Increased consumption of dietary cholesterol,lutein, and zeaxanthin as egg yolks does not decrease serum concentrations and lipoprotein distribution of other carotenoids,retinol, and tocopherols

We have previously reported that consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin as 2 and 4 egg yolks per day for 5 weeks significantly increased serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in older adults taking cholesterol-lowering statins. We hypothesized that increased consumption of eggs, lutein, and zeaxanthin may correlate with decreased absorption of other carotenoids and increased absorption of vitamins A and E, thus affecting their serum concentrations and lipoprotein distribution. Fifty-two subjects aged at least 60 years consumed 2 egg yolks per day followed by 4 egg yolks per day for 5 weeks each with a 4-week egg-free period at baseline and between the 2 interventions. Mean serum β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and retinol concentrations did not change during the 2 and 4 egg yolk phases. Mean serum α-cryptoxanthin and γ-tocopherol concentrations did not change after the 2 egg yolk phase, but increased by 47% (P < .001) and 19% (P < .05), respectively, after the 4 egg yolk phase. The percentage distribution of carotenoids and tocopherols between the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and non-HDL fractions was not significantly different during the egg yolk phases compared with baseline despite the significant increases in lutein and zeaxanthin carried on HDL and non-HDL fractions. In conclusion, increased dietary cholesterol, lutein, and zeaxanthin consumed as egg yolks did not decrease the absorption of other carotenoids, and increased γ-tocopherol but not retinol as evidenced by their serum and lipoprotein concentrations. Two and 4 egg yolk consumption increases serum and retinal lutein and zeaxanthin without altering the serum status of the other carotenoids, tocopherol, and retinol.     

Bioavailability of plant pigment phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei in older adults: A pilot absorption kinetic study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Angelica keiskei is a green leafy vegetable rich in plant pigment phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. This study examined bioavailability of flavonoids and carotenoids in Angelica keiskei and the alteration of the antioxidant performance in vivo.

SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS

Absorption kinetics of phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei were determined in healthy older adults (> 60 y, n = 5) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 5). Subjects consumed 5 g dry Angelica keiskei powder encapsulated in gelatin capsules with a low flavonoid and carotenoid liquid meal. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h. Samples were analyzed for flavonoids and carotenoids using HPLC systems with electrochemical and UV detection, respectively, and for total antioxidant performance by fluorometry.

RESULTS

After ingestion of Angelica keiskei increases in plasma quercetin concentrations were observed at 1-3 and 6-8 hr in the healthy group and at all time points in the metabolic syndrome group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Plasma lutein concentrations were significantly elevated in both the healthy and metabolic syndrome groups at 8 hr (P < 0.05). Significant increases in total antioxidant performance were also observed in both the healthy and the metabolic syndrome groups compared to baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study clearly demonstrate the bioavailability of phytonutrients of Angelica keiskei and their ability to increase antioxidant status in humans.     

Green tea,white tea,and Pelargonium purpureum increase the antioxidant capacity of plasma and some organs in mice

ObjectiveWe tested in mice the hypothesis that ingestion of infusions of green tea, white tea, or the aromatic plant Pelargonium purpureum increases total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma and organs.MethodsTwenty-five mice were randomly assigned to five groups, each of which received by gavage 0.1 mL of infusion from green tea, white tea, or P. purpureum (8 g/100 mL of water) or catechin (0.01 g/100 mL) or water for 5 consecutive days. On the fifth day the animals were euthanized. Blood was taken by heart puncture and the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain were removed. TAC was measured in plasma and in all organ homogenates with the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and in selected organ homogenates by the total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter assay.ResultsGreen tea and P. purpureum increased TAC in the plasma and lungs, whereas green tea, white tea, and catechin increased TAC in heart homogenates. No effect was observed on the liver, brain, spleen, and kidney homogenates in comparison with the water control with the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay or the total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter assay.ConclusionThese results suggest that green tea, white tea, and P. purpureum exhibit antioxidant effects in vivo that may be observed not only in plasma but also in some organs.     

Inverse Correlation Between Coffee Consumption and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome: Baseline Survey of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study in Tokushima,Japan

Background

It is unclear whether consumption of coffee and green tea is associated with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 554 adults who had participated in the baseline survey of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Consumption of coffee and green tea was assessed using a questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity (JASSO). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between consumption of coffee and green tea and prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components.

Results

After adjustment for sex, age, and other potential confounders, greater coffee consumption was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome, as defined by NCEP ATP III criteria (P for trend = 0.03). Participants who drank more coffee had a lower odds ratio (OR) for high serum triglycerides (P for trend = 0.02), but not for increased waist circumference or high blood pressure. Using JASSO criteria, moderate coffee consumption (1.5 to <3 cups/day) was associated with a significantly lower OR for high plasma glucose (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.93). Green tea consumption was not associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome or any of its components.

Conclusions

Coffee consumption was inversely correlated with metabolic syndrome diagnosed using NCEP ATP III criteria, mainly because it was associated with lower serum triglyceride levels. This association highlights the need for further prospective studies of the causality of these relationships.Key words: metabolic syndrome, coffee, serum triglycerides, plasma glucose, green tea     

Epigallocatechin Gallate: A Review of Its Beneficial Properties to Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity and being overweight are linked with a cluster of metabolic and vascular disorders that have been termed the metabolic syndrome. This syndrome promotes the incidence of cardiovascular diseases that are an important public health problem because they represent a major cause of death worldwide. Whereas there is not a universally-accepted set of diagnostic criteria, most expert groups agree that this syndrome is defined by an endothelial dysfunction, an impaired insulin sensitivity and hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity and hypertension. Epidemiological studies suggest that the beneficial cardiovascular health effects of diets rich in green tea are, in part, mediated by their flavonoid content, with particular benefits provided by members of this family such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Although their bioavailability is discussed, various studies suggest that EGCG modulates cellular and molecular mechanisms of various symptoms leading to metabolic syndrome. Therefore, according to in vitro and in vivo model data, this review attempts to increase our understanding about the beneficial properties of EGCG to prevent metabolic syndrome.     

Antioxidant compounds from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) etheric extract

Five fractions (β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin epoxide, lutein-5,6-epoxide, violaxanthin and neoxanthin) were isolated from a coriander ether extract using column chromatography and identified according to their chromatographic and spectral characteristics. No significant differences were noted with regard to their antioxidant properties using the β-carotene/linoleic acid model, however they were inferior to the BHT and the crude etheric extract. The β-carotene component represented 61.14% of the carotenoids detected in the extract suggesting that it is a principal component in coriander antioxidant action. The greater antioxidant effect of the crude extract compared to its component fractions suggests a synergistic action between the carotenoids.     

Plasma concentrations of carotenoids in healthy volunteers after intervention with carotenoid-rich foods

Summary Aim of the study: The present study was conducted to investigate changes in the plasma concentration of carotenoids and carotenoid oxidation products, vitamin A, α- and γ-tocopherol, and ubiquinone-10 during a dietary intervention trial with 23 male healthy volunteers. Method: A two week carotenoid depletion period was followed by a daily consumption of 330 mL tomato juice (40 mg lycopene), then by 330 mL carrot juice (15.7 mg α-carotene and 22.3 mg β-carotene), and then by a 10 g spinach powder preparation (11.3 mg lutein and 3.1 mg β-carotene) served with main meals for two weeks, respectively. Blood samples were collected in the morning after an overnight fasting and carotenoids, vitamin A, tocopherols, and ubichinone were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. Results: During the tomato juice intervention, plasma concentrations of trans- and cis-lycopene increased 2-fold compared to the depletion period. Lycopene oxidation products could be demonstrated in plasma and were significantly elevated compared to control (p<0.001). After two weeks of carrot juice consumption, α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations increased 8.6- and 3.2-fold, respectively. Finally, during the spinach consumption period the lutein concentration increased 2-fold, while the β-carotene concentrations were still elevated 2-fold. Conclusions: The moderate change in dietary habits, e.g., the consumption of 330 mL of carotenoid-rich vegetable juices caused significant changes in the plasma carotenoid concentrations, indicating a high bioavailability of carotenoids from the processed vegetable products. The changes in plasma carotenoid concentrations reflected the carotenoid composition of the consumed foods. However, particularly during the tomato juice intervention period the occurrence of lycopene oxidation products and cis-lycopene isomers in plasma was eminent. The formation may be due to antioxidant reactions of lycopene in the organism. Received: 30 September 1998, Accepted: 11 November 1998     

Dietary green tea extract increases phase 2 enzyme activities in protecting against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion

Green tea catechins are dietary antioxidant compounds that have been shown to protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Considering reports that catechins can induce phase 2 enzymes in cultured cells and some organs, we hypothesized that part of the protection to heart against IR injury may involve elevation of phase 2 enzyme activities. Rats were fed for 10 days with either control diet (sham and control groups) or the diet mixed with 0.25% green tea extract. At the end of 10 days, hearts were excised and subjected to global ischemia for 20 min followed by reperfusion for 2 hours. The hearts were compared for indices of cell death, oxidative stress, and phase 2 enzyme activities. Hearts from the green tea group had a 65% to 85% decrease in markers of apoptosis, a tendency to higher total glutathione, and higher activities of the phase 2 enzymes glutamate cysteine ligase and quinone reductase. The results support a possible involvement of phase 2 enzymes in the protection by green tea catechins against myocardial IR injury.     

Prospective analysis of serum carotenoids,vitamin A,and tocopherols in adults with short bowel syndrome undergoing intestinal rehabilitation

ObjectiveCarotenoids, vitamin A, and tocopherols serve important roles in many key body functions. However, availability of these compounds may be decreased in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) due to decreased oral intake of fruits and vegetables and/or decreased intestinal absorption. Little information is available on serum concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin A, and tocopherols during chronic parenteral nutrition (PN) or during PN weaning. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine serum concentrations of a wide variety of carotenoids, vitamin A, and tocopherols in patients with SBS undergoing an intensive 12-wk intestinal rehabilitation program.MethodsTwenty-one PN-dependent adult patients with SBS were enrolled in a 12-wk intestinal rehabilitation program, which included individualized dietary modification, multivitamin supplementation, and randomization to receive subcutaneous placebo (n = 9) or human growth hormone (0.1 mg · kg^?1 · d^?1; n = 12). PN weaning was initiated after week 4 and advanced as tolerated. Serum concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin A, and tocopherols were determined at baseline and at weeks 4 and 12.ResultsA significant percentage of subjects exhibited low serum concentrations for carotenoids and α-tocopherol at study entry, and a few subjects had low concentrations of retinol (5%). Carotenoid and vitamin A valves did not improve over time, while α-tocopherol levels rose. Serum α-tocopherol concentration was negatively associated with PN lipid dose (r = ?0.34, P < 0.008).ConclusionPatients with SBS are depleted in diet-derived carotenoids despite oral and intravenous multivitamin supplementation and dietary adjustment during intestinal rehabilitation and PN weaning. Reduction of PN lipid infusion may improve serum α-tocopherol concentrations.     

Consumption of cranberry beverage improved endogenous antioxidant status and protected against bacteria adhesion in healthy humans: a randomized controlled trial

Consumption of polyphenol-rich foods is associated with lower risk from many chronic diseases. We hypothesized that a single dose of cranberry beverage would improve indices of oxidative stress, inflammation, and urinary antibacterial adhesion activity in healthy humans. Six males and 6 females (18-35 years; body mass index, 19-25 kg/m²) consumed placebo, cranberry leaf extract beverage, or low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail (LCJC) once in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over experimental design trial. The washout period between beverages was 1 week. Blood was collected 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after beverage consumption for measuring oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Urine was collected at 0, 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, and 24 hours postintervention to assess antibacterial adhesion activity. Consumption of cranberry leaf extract beverage elevated (P < .05) blood glutathione peroxidase activity, whereas LCJC consumption increased (P < .05) glutathione concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity compared with placebo. Cranberry leaf extract beverage and LCJC consumption had no effect on the inflammatory biomarkers measured as compared with placebo. At 0 to 3 hours postconsumption, urine from participants who consumed cranberry beverages had higher (P < .05) ex vivo antiadhesion activity against P-fimbriated Escherichia coli compared with placebo. An acute dose of cranberry beverages improved biomarkers of antioxidant status and inhibition of bacterial adhesion in urine.     

Mechanisms and Effects of Green Tea on Cardiovascular Health

Green tea, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to reduce surrogate markers of atherosclerosis and lipid peroxidation, particularly LDL oxidation and malondialdehyde concentrations, in several in vitro, animal, and limited clinical studies. Epidemiological observations in Southeast Asian countries indicate an inverse correlation exists between habitual consumption of green tea beverages and the incidence of cardiovascular events. A few short-term clinical studies have reported its effects in attenuating biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation among smokers, and an ability to decrease postprandial lipemia in hypercholesterolemic subjects has also been suggested. However, further investigations are needed to confirm the potential role of green tea beverages and the safety of green tea supplements in reducing body fat, as well as other biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risks.     

Low-energy cranberry juice decreases lipid oxidation and increases plasma antioxidant capacity in women with metabolic syndrome

Cranberries, high in polyphenols, have been associated with several cardiovascular health benefits, although limited clinical trials have been reported to validate these findings. We tested the hypothesis that commercially available low-energy cranberry juice (Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc, Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass) will decrease surrogate risk factors of cardiovascular disease, such as lipid oxidation, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants identified with metabolic syndrome (n = 15-16/group) were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: cranberry juice (480 mL/day) or placebo (480 mL/day) for 8 weeks. Anthropometrics, blood pressure measurements, dietary analyses, and fasting blood draws were conducted at screen and 8 weeks of the study. Cranberry juice significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity (1.5 ± 0.6 to 2.2 ± 0.4 μmol/L [means ± SD], P < .05) and decreased oxidized low-density lipoprotein and malondialdehyde (120.4 ± 31.0 to 80.4 ± 34.6 U/L and 3.4 ± 1.1 to 1.7 ± 0.7 μmol/L, respectively [means ± SD], P < .05) at 8 weeks vs placebo. However, cranberry juice consumption caused no significant improvements in blood pressure, glucose and lipid profiles, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6. No changes in these parameters were noted in the placebo group. In conclusion, low-energy cranberry juice (2 cups/day) significantly reduces lipid oxidation and increases plasma antioxidant capacity in women with metabolic syndrome.     

Tocopherol and carotenoid content of foods commonly consumed in Costa Rica

This article presents the first Costa Rican database on food carotenoids and tocopherols. The report concerning the content of these nutrients in foods that are common to the Latin American diet and to native Costa Rican varieties and cultivars is particularly important. Celery, which includes the leaves in Costa Rica, shows the highest content of lutein + zeaxanthin (26,400 μg/100 g) and β-carotene (16,200 μg/100 g), and is ranked fourth as a source of α-carotene (168 μg/100 g). The amount of lutein + zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin present in Costa Rican red peppers is significantly high (2600 and 730 μg/100 g, respectively) and the amount of lycopene provided by 100 g of sardines canned in tomato sauce is higher (3300 μg/100 g) than the same amount of home-style tomato sauce (1420 μg/100 g) or raw tomato (1260 μg/100 g). Soybean oil has the highest δ-tocopherol content of all oils and is second to corn oil in γ-tocopherol content. Olive and sunflower oil have the highest α-tocopherol content. However, the content of α-tocopherol in celery and broccoli stands out. On average, these vegetables provide only 3 mg/100 g less of α-tocopherol than sunflower oil (12 mg/100 g and 15 mg/100 g, respectively). The reported data, together with the recently published Brazilian database on food carotenoids, could be the first step towards the systematic development of a Latin America carotenoid and tocopherol food composition database.     

Canola (Brassica napus) oil from Australian cultivars shows promising levels of tocopherols and carotenoids,along with good oxidative stability

A total of 156 commercial canola seed samples were collected from two growing seasons and tested for oil and protein content, glucosinolate concentration and kernel weight. Extracted oil samples were tested for the bioactive compounds: β-carotene (mean = 2.03 mg/kg), lutein (64.7), α-tocopherol (263), γ-tocopherol (378) and δ-tocopherol (8.94). A subset of 52 oil samples were analyzed for fatty acid profile (FAP) and oxidative stability. Canola cultivar was found to be the dominant influence on many traits, particularly carotenoids and tocopherols, indicating potential breeding opportunities. Previously unreported significant correlations were discovered between the two major carotenoids, lutein and β-carotene. Additionally, significant (p < 0.01) negative correlations existed between oil content and: β-carotene (r = −0.33), lutein (r = −0.23), α-tocopherol (r = −0.49), γ-tocopherol (r = −0.22), and δ-tocopherol (r = −0.30). Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with carotenoid (r = 0.48) and tocopherol (r = 0.60) concentrations. Oxidative stability showed a weak negative correlation with total tocopherols (r = −0.38, p = 0.01) likely due to the over-riding influence of fatty acid profile on oxidative stability, indicating tocopherols may be more influential from a nutritional perspective rather than oil functionality.     

Relationship of Plasma Carotenoids,Retinol and Tocopherols in Mothers and Newborn Infants

Objective:We studied the relationship between maternal and cord plasma concentrations of carotenoids, retinol, and tocopherols in normal mother-baby pairs.

Methods: Healthy pregnant women (n=10) were recruited at a Montréal hospital. Venous blood samples were collected from the mothers at delivery and cord blood was obtained immediately post partum from the umbilical vein after clamping of the cord. All deliveries were full term deliveries and all babies had normal birth weights. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were handled identically. Plasma was digested with lipase and plasma carotenoids were extracted and measured using HPLC.

Results: Cord plasma concentration of carotenoids were significantly lower than that of maternal plasma (p<0.001). There was a high correlation of lutein (r=0.889, p=0.006) and cryptoxanthin (r=0.912, p=0.0002) between maternal plasma concentrations and cord plasma concentrations. The concentrations of the hydrocarbon carotenoids, α-carotene and β-carotene, were also correlated (r=0.779, p=0.0133, & r=0.782, p=0.0076, respectively) between maternal plasma and cord plasma. Whereas the plasma concentration of the acyclic carotenoid, lycopene, showed no correlation between the two groups, after adjustment for plasma triglycerides, the lycopene correlation between maternal and cord plasma was the highest (r=0.975, p=0.0001) of all the carotenoids tested. Cord plasma retinol concentration, which was 50% of that of maternal plasma, was also found to have no correlation with that of maternal plasma. Plasma concentration of α-tocopherol showed no correlation between two groups, whereas there was high correlation between cord and maternal γ-tocopherol concentrations (r=0.808, p=0.0047).

Conclusion: The nutritional status of mothers affects the nutritional status of their babies for certain fat soluble nutrients.     

Extract of green tea leaves partially attenuates streptozotocin-induced changes in antioxidant status and gastrointestinal functioning in rats

Rats with severe streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were subjected to dietary green tea extract supplementation at 2 doses (0.01% and 0.2%; GTL and GTH groups, respectively) to evaluate their effects on antioxidant, gastrointestinal, and renal parameters of experimental animals. The lower dietary supplementation reflects daily consumption of 3 cups of green tea for an average adult weighing 70 kg. Supplementation of a diet with green tea extract had no influence on elevated food intake, body weight loss, increased glucose concentration, or declined antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances in plasma in the diabetic rats. In cases of intestinal maltase activity, attenuation of liver and kidney hypertrophy, triacylglycerol concentration, and aspartate aminotransferase activity in the serum, both dietary treatments normalized metabolic disorders caused by STZ injection to a similar extent. Unlike the GTL group, the GTH treatment significantly ameliorated development of diabetes-induced abnormal values for small intestinal saccharase and lactase activities, renal microalbuminuria, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content in kidney tissue, as well as total antioxidant status in the serum of rats. The GTH group was also characterized by higher antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble substances in plasma and superoxide dismutase activity in the serum. Although the higher dose of green tea extract did not completely protect against STZ-induced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in experimental rats, this study suggests that green tea extract ingested at high amounts may prove to be a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of diabetic dysfunction.