bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Cooking Process on Phenolic Marker Compounds of Vegetables
Authors: Andlauer  , Stumpf  , Hubert  , Rings  , Fürst
Published: January 2006

Phenolic compounds are secondary plant metabolites which have long been associated with flavor and color characteristics of fruits and vegetables. These phenolic compounds attract great interest due to their postulated health protecting properties. However, adequate intakes and absorption rate of phenolic compounds are necessary for these beneficial effects. Until now, little is known about alterations of phenolic compounds content by the cooking process. In the present study, the influence of different volumes of cooking water on the amount of selected phenolic marker compounds resting in the vegetables was assessed. In zucchini, rutin was quantified as a marker for flavonoid glycosides. Chlorogenic acid, representative of phenolic acids was analyzed in carrots. In beans, rutin and quercitrin, both belonging to flavonoid glycosides, were investigated. In potatoes, chlorogenic and caffeic acid were determined. The cooking of zucchini, beans and carrots with smaller amounts of water resulted in significant higher content of phenolic phytochemicals in the vegetables compared to cooking with larger water volumes. For potatoes, which showed great variations in content of phenolic acids after cooking, no significant differences in phenolic acids was observed. It can be concluded from these observations, that real intakes of phenolic compounds from cooked vegetables are lower and that the amounts consumed are therefore overestimated.
Vegetable and Fruit: The Evidence in their Favour and the Public Health Perspective
Authors: Trichopoulou  , Naska  , Antoniou  , Friel  , Trygg  , Turrini
Published: January 2006

There is strong evidence that the intake of vegetables and fruits reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is inversely associated with several forms of cancer. In contrast, information concerning specific macro- or micronutrients in relation to chronic diseases is limited and largely inconclusive. The beneficial role of vegetable and fruit consumption can also be inferred by considering the health effects of two dietary patterns, the Mediterranean and Japanese ones, in both of which the consumption of plant foods holds a prominent position. Time-trend data, retrieved from the DAFNE databank on the vegetable and fruit availability in four European countries (Greece, Ireland, Italy and Norway) indicate that, during the last decade, fruit availability decreased in Greece and Italy and increased in Ireland and Norway, whereas vegetable availability decreased only in Italy. In Greece, Italy and Norway, the daily fruit availability was higher than that of vegetables, a dietary pattern not in accordance to recommendations for higher vegetable consumption. This information, which is crucial for nutrition policies and health education, also demonstrates the value of the DAFNE surveillance system.
Non-Nutritive Bioactive Food Constituents of Plants: Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Authors: Elmadfa  , Wagner
Published: January 2006

An increasing body of data, especially the in vitro and cell culture studies support protecting effects of tocopherols. They indicate that there is a selective tocopherol transport in the human liver with a higher affinity for a-tocopherol, however, they also show that in food, gamma- and delta-tocopherol are a more potent antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol. Tocopherols as alpha group are the key antioxidants in human cell membranes and are also important in protecting the LDL particles. These LDL particles and other similar intermediate markers of oxidative stress show a good response to tocopherol intakes. Published data underline the role of tocopherols as protecting agents against oxidative stress. They therefore allow the assumption that alpha-tocopherol is probably effective in preventing atherosclerosis, although no proven direct relation to the outcome of the disease itself exists.
Comparison of the Effects of Simultaneous Administration of Vitamin C and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Lipoproteins, Apo A-I, Apo B, and Malondialdehyde in Hyperlipidemic Patients
Authors: Shidfar  , Keshavarz  , Jallali  , Miri  , Eshraghian
Published: January 2006

Background: Control of hyperlipidemia is vital in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3FAs) have desirable effects on serum triglyceride (TG) levels, thrombosis, and arrhythmia, but lead to increases in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and apo-B as well. Objective: To determine and compare the effects of administration of n-3FAs, vitamin C (VitC) and n-3FAs+VitC on the serum levels of LDL, apoB, other serum lipids, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The present study was performed in Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2000 to 2001. Design: In a double-blind, placebo trial of parallel design, 68 hyperlipidemic patients [total cholesterol (TC) and TG greater than 200 mg/dL] were randomly assigned to receive daily 500 mg VitC, 1 g n-3FAs, 500 mg VitC + 1 g n-3FAs, or placebo (control) for 10 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the period. TG, TC, LDL-cholesterol-C (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured enzymatically, VitC and MDA colorimetrically, and apo-B and apo-A-I immunoturbidometrically. The pattern of food consumption, socio-economic, and anthropometric indices were determined; there was no significant change in these indices during the study. Results: There was a significant difference in the blood VitC level at the end of the study in comparison to the initial value in the VitC (p = 0.001) and VitC + n-3FAs (p = 0.027) groups. Similarly, the serum TG level at the end of study was significantly different from the initial value in the n-3FAs group (p = 0.002) and also from the final value in the control group (p = 0.013). In the VitC group, there was a significant decrease in TC (p = 0.004), apo-B (p = 0.005), and MDA (p = 0.015) at the end of study as compared to the respective initial values. There was also a significant increase in blood VitC compared to the control value (p = 0.018) and a significant decrease in MDA compared to the n-3FAs group (p = 0.034). At the end of study, in the n-3FAs group, there was a significant (p = 0.04) and a marginally significant decrease (p = 0.05), respectively, in TG/HDL and apo-B levels as compared to the initial values, and the TG/HDL ratio showed a significant decrease as compared to the control group (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Simultaneous administration of n-3FAs and VitC had no beneficial effects on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients, but 1 g purified n-3FAs daily for 10 weeks is a beneficial supplement for decreasing TG without any increase in LDL-C, apo-B or MDA. Administration of 500 mg VitC for more than 10 weeks might decrease significantly TC and apo-B in hyperlipidemic patients.
Selenium Serum Concentrations in Malnourished Ecuadorian Children: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sempértegui  , Estrella  , Vallejo  , Tapia  , Herrera  , Moscoso  , Cerón  , Griffiths  , Hamer
Published: January 2006

Little is known about the selenium status of children living in the Andean regions of South America, which commonly have volcanic soil with low selenium content. Human selenium deficiency has been hypothesized to have a negative impact on immune function and to increase the risk of infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum selenium concentrations of severely malnourished children living in urban and rural Andean Ecuador, and to compare them to a control group of normally nourished children from the same communities. Forty-three children, aged six to 36 months, with marasmus or kwashiorkor and 30 control children were enrolled from July to November 1993 in Quito, Ecuador. Serum selenium concentrations were lower in the children with marasmus (0.91 ± 0.28 muM/L, n = 21) and kwashiorkor (0.37 ± 0.15 muM/L, n = 22) than in those who were normally nourished (1.77 ± 0.75 muM/L, n = 30; p < 0.001 for each difference). The serum selenium concentrations in children with kwashiorkor were significantly lower than those in children with marasmus (p < 0.001). All 22 of the children with kwashiorkor, 15 of the 21 children with marasmus, and five of the 30 normal children had serum levels < 1.08 muM/L (8.5 mug/dL) (chi2 = 38.4, p < 0.00000001). In the Andean regions of Ecuador, selenium deficiency is prevalent in children with protein and caloric deficiency. Furthermore, 17% of Ecuadorian children with normal weight-for age-Z score are selenium-deficient.
Iodized Salt Consumption Maintains Euthyroidism in Iodine-Deficient Hypothyroid Subjects
Authors: Mirmiran  , Hajipour  , Azizi
Published: January 2006

Following previous reports of impaired physical and intellectual growth, hearing deficit, hypothyroidism, and hyperendemic goiter in Kiga, and the administration of iodized oil injection, this study was conducted to evaluate whether or not the effect of the injection could be sustained by iodized salt supplementation. In 1989, one mL of iodized oil solution containing 480 mg of iodine was injected in 198 schoolchildren aged 8 to 14 years. Four years later, in 1993, iodized salt consumption was begun and has since been continued. Serum thyroid hormones, RT3 uptake and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured before, and three, four, and six years after intervention (1989, 1992, 1993, and 1995). Assessment of urinary iodine was performed by the Foss method at the same intervals mentioned above. Prior to the injection, 94% had grade 2 goiters; four years after injection, 26% and 41% had grades 2 and 1 respectively, and 30% had no goiter (p < 0.001). Two years after the introduction of iodized salt consumption, 5 and 39% had grades 2 and 1 goiter, and 56% were not goiterous. Urinary iodine was 11.4 ± 19.8 mug/L before intervention, and was increased to 93 ± 66 and 92 ± 34 mug/L, three and four years, respectively, after intervention. Two years after iodized salt consumption it was 161 ± 34 mug/L. Mean serum T4 was 5.0 ± 2.0, 9.6 ± 2.0, 9.6 ± 2.0 and 9.2 ± 1.5 mug/dL; serum TSH was 20.3 ± 22.8, 2.1 ± 1.9, 2.5 ± 1.6 and 2.9 ± 1.7 mU/L; before and three, four, and six years after the beginning of the study. All children were euthyroid after three, four, and six years of study. Findings show the benefits of iodized oil administration in decreasing goiter size and in reversing abnormal thyroid function. These effects are sustained by iodized salt consumption in schoolchildren who had been previously hypothyroid due to iodine deficiency.
Variations in the Lipid Profile of Patients with Chronic Renal Failure, Treated with Folic Acid
Authors: de Gómez Dumm  , Giammona  , Touceda
Published: January 2006

Dyslipidemia and increases in plasma homocysteine usually occur at end-stage renal disease; both are recognized as risk factors for atherosclerosis. Folate administration reduces homocysteine concentration. In this study we determined the effect of a high dose of folic acid (40 mg intravenous injection three times a week) on plasma and red blood cell lipid profiles in twelve chronic renal failure patients on regular hemodialysis. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study (baseline) and after 21, 42, and 64 days of treatment. Folic acid supplementation decreased plasma homocysteine. Plasma triglyceride levels decreased whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid values increased after 21 days; then they returned to baseline levels at the end of treatment. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were higher than those of the baseline during all the study, whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced. In erythrocyte membranes, folic acid therapy enhanced cholesterol/phospholipid ratios and the fluorescence anisotropy of diphenyl-hexatriene. We conclude that large doses of folic acid produce a favorable effect, reducing plasma homocysteine levels and protecting patients from atherosclerosis. However, as this therapy induces significant alterations in both plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid profiles, plasma lipid values should be controlled throughout the treatment of patients with renal failure.
Effects of Megadoses of Dietary Vitamin E on the Antioxidant Status of Rats Fed Lard or Salmon Oil
Authors: Flader  , Brandsch  , Hirche  , Eder
Published: January 2006

This study was undertaken to investigate whether megadoses of vitamin E in the diet of rats can have pro-oxidative activity. Two experiments with rats were conducted in which both the dietary vitamin E concentration (Experiment 1: 100; 500; 3000; 10,000 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg, and Experiment 2: 100; 1000; 10,000 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg) and the type of dietary fat (lard vs. salmon oil) were varied. Experimental parameters were the concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, the activities of several antioxidative enzymes, the concentration of glutathione in the liver, and the lag time during copper-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Increasing the dietary vitamin E concentration to 10,000 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg led to a significant reduction of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the liver after feeding salmon oil, and also to a significant reduction in 7beta-hydroxycholesterol after feeding both dietary fats. Megadoses of vitamin E (3000 and 10,000 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg) also led to a reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase and the concentration of glutathione in the liver of rats fed salmon oil. The lag time during LDL oxidation was independent of the dietary vitamin E concentration. The study shows that megadoses of vitamin E, far from having pro-oxidative activity, actually increase the antioxidative capacity of the liver, especially after ingestion of salmon oil.
Relationship Between Soup Consumption, Folate, Beta-Carotene, and Vitamin C Status in a French Adult Population
Authors: Galan  , Renault  , Aissa  , Ait Adad  , Rahim  , Potier de Courcy  , Hercberg
Published: January 2006

The relationship between soup consumption and folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin E and C status was assessed in adults who regularly consumed soup compared to those who did not or who were occasional eaters. Data were obtained for 2114 men and 2874 women living in France and participating in the SU.VI.MAX cohort, who reported twelve 24-hour dietary records during a two-year follow-up period. Six-point-seven percent of women and 8.7% of men were heavy consumers of soup (i.e., they consumed soup from 9–12 days out of 12 days). Respectively, 46 and 42.5% were regular soup consumers (3–8 days out of 12), and 47.3 and 48.8% were occasional or non-soup consumers (0–2 days or less out of 12). Total energy intake did not differ between soup consumers and non-consumers. In both genders, heavy consumers of soups had significantly higher intakes of carbohydrates and lower lipid intakes. Heavy consumers of soup had higher dietary intakes of folates, beta-carotene, vitamin C and, in men, of vitamin E. In heavy consumers, soups contributed 12.5% of total dietary intake of beta-carotene in men and 13% in women. For vitamin C, vitamin E, and folates, soups contributed to 4–5% of total vitamin intake. In heavy soup consumers, mean serum vitamin C levels were higher, but not significantly, than in occasional or non-soup consumers. This trend was also observed for red blood cell folate in women only. The present data suggest that consumption of soup may be beneficial in promotional programs to increase vegetable consumption, and may contribute to a balanced diet and a healthy nutritional status, and especially vitamin status, in the overall population.
Trends in Dietary Intake of Vitamins A, C, and E in German Children and Adolescents – Results of the DONALD Study
Authors: Alexy  , Kersting  , Sichert-Hellert
Published: January 2006

Intake of vitamins A, C, and E was evaluated and age and time trends were assessed on the basis of 3-day weighed dietary records (n = 5121) of 2- to 18-year old boys (n = 417) and girls (n = 425) enrolled in the DONALD Study (Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study) 1986–2001. Intake of vitamin A remains stable over time, intake of vitamin C increases linearly, and intake of vitamin E follows a nonlinear trend. Age trends of vitamins A and C (per MJ) were nonlinear with a minimum at the beginning adolescence, while intake of vitamin E (per MJ) increased linearly. Girls had higher nutrient densities but lower intakes expressed as percent of reference values. Fortified food in total had a higher impact on time trends of nutrient intake than other single food groups defined here. Our results point to the impact of the food industry on long-term nutrient intake, but also underline the necessity of nutrition education even in young age groups to improve vitamin intake.
Umbilical Serum Insulin-like growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in Newborns: Effects of Gestational Age, Postnatal Age, and Nutrition
Authors: Büyükkayhan  , Tanzer  , Erselcan  , Çinar  , Yönem
Published: January 2006

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nutrition, gestational age, and birth weight, and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in newborns. Method: The first study group consisted of sixty newborns; thirty were fed with human breast milk and the others were fed with infant formula. Serum samples were obtained from all the newborns on days one and seven of life. Seventy-two pregnant women and their neonatal cord blood serum samples were obtained in a labor ward in the study group. All the serum samples were analyzed for IGF-1 by immunoassay. Result: Newborns fed with human milk had higher serum IGF-1 concentrations compared to formula-fed controls (p < 0.05). Cord IGF-1 levels showed a negative correlation with birthweight (p < 0.05) and a positive correlation with gestational age (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that IGF-1 levels during the neonatal period are influenced by gestational age, birth weight, and nutrition.
Severe Iodine Deficiency in Southern Albania
Authors: Zimmermann  , Bridson  , Bozo  , Grimci  , Selimaj  , Stuart Tanner
Published: January 2006

Albania does not yet have a national program for control of iodine deficiency and there are no recent data on the severity of the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in the country. The aim of the present study was to assess current IDD status in southern Albania. In primary school children in urban and rural areas urinary iodine concentration (UI) and iodine concentration in salt at retail and household levels was measured. Goiter was graded by palpation and thyroid volume determined by ultrasound. Children aged 5–14 yr (n = 826) were sampled at 2 urban and 5 rural primary schools. In the 2 urban schools, the median UI was 45 mug/L, the goiter prevalence was 32%, and salt iodine levels were inadequate (< 15 mug/g) in 78% of household salt samples. In the rural schools, the median UI was 17 mug/L, the goiter prevalence was 95%, and no household salt samples were adequately iodized. Among children in the rural schools, 73% had grade 2 goiter and 20% had nodular changes detected by thyroid ultrasound. In southern Albania, school children in urban areas are moderately iodine deficient and those in rural villages are severely iodine deficient. These findings suggest that regional distribution of oral iodized oil capsules is indicated to control IDD in vulnerable groups until salt iodization is implemented.
Role of Dietary Vitamin E in Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rabbit’s Blood, Liver and Kidneys
Authors: Beytut  , Yuce  , Kamiloglu  , Aksakal
Published: January 2006

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E intake on lipid peroxidation (LPO) by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), vitamin E and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px: EC 1.11.1.9) activity in plasma, red blood cells (RBC), livers, and kidneys of rabbits dosed with cadmium (Cd). Six-month-old clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits (8 in each group) were given tap water only, containing 1 g CdCl2/L, or tap water with CdCl2 plus vitamin E (100 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate in 0.2 mL corn oil) daily for 30 days. The vitamin E level in the plasma, liver, and kidneys was significantly higher in the control than in the Cd-only group, and TBARS levels were significantly lower. There were no statistical differences between the control and Cd-only groups GSH-Px activities and GSH levels in RBC, liver, and kidneys. Vitamin E levels in plasma, liver, and kidneys and GSH-Px activity in RBC were higher in the vitamin E group than in both control and Cd-only groups. However, the TBARS levels of RBC, liver, and kidneys in vitamin E administered group were decreased. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the effectiveness of vitamin E in reducing oxidative stress in Cd-treated rabbits and suggests that reductions in increased TBARS due to Cd toxicity may be an important factor in the action of vitamin E.
Citrus Pectin and Oligofructose Improve Folate Status and Lower Serum Total Homocysteine in Rats
Authors: Thoma  , Green  , Ferguson
Published: January 2006

Low folate status leads to increased total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration, and this has been associated with an increased risk of several diseases. Many colonic bacteria are capable of synthesizing folate, and certain dietary fibers may enhance this effect. We assessed the ability of non-fermentable (cellulose) and fermentable (citrus pectin and oligofructose) fibers to improve folate status and lower tHcy in rats. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a folate-deficient diet with 5% cellulose for four weeks. Rats were then randomly assigned to one of five folate-adequate (400 mug/kg diet) test diets for 24 days. Diets were as follows: Basal; Basal + Sulfa Drug (succinylsulfathiazole); Cellulose; Citrus Pectin; and Oligofructose. High-fiber diets were formulated by diluting the basal diet such that the final diets contained 10% of the added fiber. Twenty-one days later, 3H-r-aminobenzoic acid was injected into the cecum, and rats were terminated three days later. Rats receiving the Citrus Pectin diet had significantly higher plasma (p = 0.011), erythrocyte (p = 0.035), and colonic tissue folate concentrations (p = 0.013) and lower tHcy (p = 0.003) than rats given the Cellulose diet. Rats receiving the Oligofructose had significantly higher plasma folate (p < 0.001) and lower tHcy (p = 0.032) concentrations than rats receiving the Cellulose diet. 3H-folate was detected in the livers of all rats except those receiving Sulfa Drug. Our study indicates that Citrus Pectin and Oligofructose, but not Cellulose, can significantly increase indices of folate status in rats and lower tHcy. It also confirms the ability of the large bowel to absorb folate.
Oral Administration of Ascorbic Acid Attenuates Endothelial Dysfunction After Short-term Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Stamatelopoulos  , Lekakis  , Papamichael  , Papaioannou  , Cimboneriou  , Stamatelopoulos
Published: January 2006

Short-term cigarette smoking is associated with persistent endothelial dysfunction. Data on the reversibility of this effect with per os antioxidants after short-term smoking are lacking. This study examines the effect of orally administered ascorbic acid on cigarette smoking-induced endothelial dysfunction. In the present double-blind, randomized, crossover study, 19 healthy subjects (28.7 ± 6.8 years, mean ± SD) were examined by high-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery before and 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after smoking a cigarette. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was used as a method to examine endothelial function. Measurements were performed on two different days, 2 hours after oral administration of 2 g of ascorbic acid or placebo. FMD was similar for each subject between the two visits at baseline. FMD was significantly decreased after smoking with both placebo and ascorbic acid. However, there was a significant beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on the FMD change over time after smoking. After smoking, the FMD dropped to less than half of the baseline value. Thereafter in the placebo group, FMD increased to 70% of baseline value in 90 minutes, but in the ascorbic acid group the FMD increased to 70% of baseline value in 46 minutes. Oral administration of ascorbic acid attenuates endothelial dysfunction after short-term cigarette smoking by shortening its duration.
Minimal Inflammation, Acute Phase Response and Avoidance of Misclassification of Vitamin A and Iron Status in Infants – Importance of a High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Assay
Authors: Abraham  , Müller  , Grüters  , Wahn  , Schweigert
Published: January 2006

The acute phase response is known to affect many biological parameters used to assess the iron and vitamin A status. Usually, C-reactive protein (CRP) values higher than 5 to 10 mg/L are taken as indicative of this response. Here we report changes occurring at much lower CRP values. A range of parameters (clinical chemistry, retinol, vitamin E, carotenoids, thyroid status, blood count, immunology) were measured in 101 healthy one-year-old children with no or only minimal symptoms of airway infection and CRP values below 6 mg/L on routine testing. Additionally, CRP values were measured by a high-sensitivity assay (detection limit 0.2 mg/L). When determined by a more sensitive assay, CRP values (median, 0.26 mg/L) revealed highly significant associations with parameters known to be influenced by the acute phase response. Using a limit of 0.6 mg/L (75th percentile), significantly lower levels were observed for transthyretin, iron, retinol, and beta-carotene in the group with the higher CRP levels. This relationship was confirmed intra-individually in a subgroup of 21 children who underwent a second blood draw about four weeks after the first one. The acute phase response is triggered at very low inflammatory levels with CRP values considerably lower than 5 to 10 mg/L, and can occur in apparently healthy children. A high-sensitivity CRP assay is necessary to detect this low level, and in the case of iron or vitamin A, it can help to avoid misclassification of the nutritional status.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis: Effects of Supplementation with Folic Acid
Authors: Chiarello  , Infantozi Vannucchi  , Neto  , Vannucchi
Published: January 2006

This study was undertaken to evaluate two different doses of folic acid and their effects on the control of hyperhomocysteinemia, and on pro-oxidant and antioxidant changes in a group of 32 hemodialysis (HD) patients. Blood samples were collected in a group of patients at three different times: before (basal; B), after the first (S1), and after the second (S2) three-month supplementation periods, and compared to samples from a group of healthy individuals. Analysis of vitamins (C, E, folate, and B12), oxidant parameters (lipid and protein oxidation), and homocysteine were performed. Hyperhomocysteinemia of different degrees was observed in all patients on HD (45.30 ± 24.89 muM). Oxidative stress was also detected, with lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation being associated with lower concentrations of antioxidant substances (vitamins E and C). The first folate dose (2.5 mg after each dialysis session) reduced by half the initial concentrations of homocysteine (44.92 ± 22.05 to 20.56 ± 6.79 muM; p < 0.05) but did not normalize its values. The second dose (15 mg) did not show an additional effect, but it was at this time that lipoperoxidation was significantly reduced, although the protein oxidation showed no change. It was concluded that the first dose of folic acid was efficient in reducing homocysteine concentrations, without normalization of values. The participation of hyperhomocysteinemia in oxidative stress appeared to be partial, but in combination with dialysis treatment, may contribute to the induction of an oxidative environment in this group. The possible antioxidant action of folate must also be considered in this case, acting directly against lipoperoxidation or through hyperhomocysteinemia control. Routine supplementations of folic acid and other antioxidant vitamins should be considered in hemodialysis in order to reduce homocysteine levels to lower values, that although not normal, may be more beneficial in minimizing the cardiovascular risk in this group.
Green Tea Extract Suppresses the Age-Related Increase in Collagen Crosslinking and Fluorescent Products in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Rutter  , Sell  , Fraser  , Obrenovich  , Zito  , Starke-Reed  , Monnier
Published: January 2006

Collagen crosslinking during aging in part results from Maillard reaction endproducts of glucose and oxoaldehydes. Because of the tight link between oxidative and carbonyl stress, we hypothesized that natural antioxidants and 'nutriceuticals' could block collagen aging in C57BL/6 mice. Six groups of young and adult mice received vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin C&E, blueberry, green tea extract (GTE), or no treatment for a period of 14 weeks. Body weights and collagen glycation were unaltered by the treatment. However, GTE or vitamin C&E combined blocked tendon crosslinking at 10 months of age (p < 0.05, adult group). GTE also blocked fluorescent products at 385 and 440 nm (p = 0.052 and < 0.05, respectively) and tended to decrease skin pentosidine levels. These results suggest that green tea is able to delay collagen aging by an antioxidant mechanism that is in part duplicated by the combination of vitamin C and E.
The Effect of Graded Levels of Dietary Casein, with or without Methionine Supplementation, on Glutathione Concentration in Unstressed and Endotoxin-Treated Rats
Authors: Alhamdan  , Grimble
Published: January 2006

Glutathione (GSH) concentration was measured in rats fed either graded levels of dietary casein (experiment 1; 180 g, 120 g, 80 g, or 60 g protein/kg diet) or graded levels of dietary casein, supplemented with methionine to equalize dietary sulfur amino acid content to that seen in an 180 g/kg casein diet supplemented with 0.3 g L-methionine/kg diet (experiment 2; 180 g protein + 0.3 g L-methionine, 80 g protein + 6.70 g L-methionine, or 60 g protein + 7.45 g L-methionine/kg diet). Rats were given an inflammatory challenge by intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli), and were compared with ad libitum and pair-fed controls. Glutathione concentration in various organs (liver, lung, spleen, and thymus) decreased in animals fed the low-protein diets (80 g or 60 g/kg diet). Addition of the sulfur amino acid, methionine, to the low-protein diets restored glutathione concentrations in animals fed ad libitum and prevented the fall in GSH concentration, which occurred in lung, spleen, and thymus in response to the endotoxin. Despite the similarity in the amount of sulfur amino acid consumed between the groups fed the 180 g protein + 0.3 g L-methionine and the 60 g protein + 7.45 g L-methionine/kg diet, in experiment 2, hepatic GSH concentration significantly increased in the latter group, in animals fed ad libitum and in the endotoxin-treated animals, but not in the pair-fed controls.
Iron Contents of Malawian Foods when Prepared in Iron Cooking Pots
Authors: Prinsen Geerligs  , Brabin  , Hart  , Fairweather-Tait
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to determine the iron content of Malawian foods prepared in iron pots and to examine the effects of continuous cooking time and added oil on the iron content of the food prepared. Foods prepared, which included a staple (Nsima), relish vegetables, and beans, had an increased iron content when prepared in an iron compared to a glass pot. For these three foods, iron content per gram increased by 3.15 mug, 35.8 mug, and 147.32 mug, respectively. Continuous use of the iron pot for cooking could have a positive effect on the amount of iron added to the food, as the three foods' iron content increased by a further 2.9 mug iron/g, 7.6 mug iron/g and 20.1 mug iron/g, respectively. This effect needs more study. Food pH was significantly negatively correlated with food iron content. The use of oil reduced the amount of iron added to stir-fried vegetables by 52.37 mug/g and increased iron added to Nsima (1.2 mug/g). Malawian foods increased their iron content when cooked in iron pots. This method of food preparation potentially provides a low-cost sustainable means of improving the iron intakes of families and communities where this traditional method of food preparation is acceptable.
Iron Absorption and Bioavailability in Rats of Micronized Dispersible Ferric Pyrophosphate
Authors: Sakaguchi  , Rao  , Nakata  , Nanbu  , Juneja
Published: January 2006

Unlike commercial ferric pyrophosphate, micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate (MDFP: SunActive FeTM) does not precipitate and is completely dispersible in liquid form. MDFP shows a sharp particle size distribution at a nanometer level, which is several times smaller than that of commercial ferric pyrophosphate. The bioavailability of MDFP was compared to ferric pyrophosphate, sodium ferrous citrate, and ferrous sulfate by three bioavailability tests in rats; namely the serum iron concentration curve, the hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, and Association of Official Analytical Chemists' hemoglobin repletion test. The high area under curve value, a lag in peak time, and continued high serum iron concentration by MDFP over the other iron compounds indicates a sustained release of iron in the serum iron concentration curve method. MDFP showed the highest hemoglobin regeneration efficiency among all the iron compounds tested. The relative biological value of MDFP per unit of ferrous sulfate in each bioavailability test showed a high value as compared to other iron compounds. The above results suggest that MDFP is an ideal compound with high bioavailability for iron fortification in various liquid applications.
Serum Zinc Level and Its Effect on Anthropometric Measurements in 7–11 Year-Old Children with Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds
Authors: Tanzer  , Yaylac_  , Üstdal  , Yönem
Published: January 2006

This study was performed in order to determine the serum zinc (Zn) level of primary school students, to show the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on the zinc level, and finally to show the effect of zinc deficiency on the anthropometric parameters. Ten different primary schools were included in the study according to SES. Four-mL venous blood samples were obtained under fasting conditions using disposable plastic syringes. Four hundred thirty-two randomly chosen students between 7 and 11 years of age were investigated. All the children were living in Sivas, a city located in the middle eastern part of Turkey. Serum Zn level was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Hitachi 2-800). The weight and height of each child was recorded. The SES of children included in this study was as follows: 43.1% low (n = 186), 34.3% middle (n = 148), and 22.7% high (n = 98). Mean serum Zn levels of low and middle SES subjects were 56.3 ± 17.50 mug/dL and 86.6 ± 26.8 mug/dL respectively, while in children with high SES the mean serum Zn was 110.7 ± 24.50 mug/dL. The difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (F = 19.545, p < 0.05). When height-for-age z-scores were calculated according to SES, 105 of 186 children (56.4%) with low SES were found to have a z-score of –2 or lower and 14 of 147 children with middle SES had a z-score of –2 or lower. None of the children in the high SES group had a z-score of –2 or lower.
Breeding Severely Vitamin B12-Deficient Mice as Model Animals
Authors: Kawata  , Funada  , Wada  , Matsushita  , Sanai  , Yamada  , Kuwamori  , Arai  , Yamamoto  , Tanaka  , Tadokoro  , Maekawa
Published: January 2006

Newborn mice weaned from mice fed on a B12-deficient diet during pregnancy and lactation were fed on a B12-deficient diet for 90 days after weaning, and the state of B12 deficiency was evaluated. The effect of B12 deficiency on the testicular tissue was also examined. The body weight of the mice fed on a B12-deficient diet for 90 days was slightly lower than that of the control mice administrated CN-B12, and the urinary excretion of methylmalonic acid (MMA) was increased. The B12 concentrations in the liver and testes were markedly depressed by B12 deficiency, being about 13 and 10 pmol/g, respectively, on day 90. The testes weight was clearly reduced by B12 deficiency. The testes weight/100g body weight was also lowered. Clear morphological changes were observed in the testicular tissue of the B12-deficient mice. These results showed that mice in a severely B12-deficient state could be produced by dietary B12 deprivation. These B12-deficient mice could be useful as model animals not only for elucidating the functions of B12 in vivo, but also for biochemical studies.
Sex-related Differences in Effect of Ethanol Administration and Folic Acid Supplementation on Pancreatic Amylase in Rats
Authors: García-Benítez  , Delgado-Villa  , Murillo  , Carreras
Published: January 2006

The present study was designed to determine whether folic acid supplement is sufficient to reverse the negative effects of ethanol consumption on amylase activity during gestation, lactation, and growth. Moreover, this study investigated the sex-related differences in amylase content in the pancreatic tissue, serum, and urine. The animals were randomized into three groups: Control group (CG) received water and a basic rat diet during pregnancy, lactation, and growth; Ethanol-rats (EG) were fed an ethanol diet during pregnancy, the suckling period, and growth until death; and Ethanol + folic acid group (E + FG) were handled the same way as those of EG, except they received a folic acid supplement from reproduction until the end of experimental period. Our results showed that ethanol consumption decreased the pancreatic amylase level in offspring rats at 2 months postpartum. Folic acid supplementation did not alter pancreatic amylase activities. In offspring males, ethanol administration decreased serum amylase activity at 2 months postpartum. Folic acid supplementation in males resulted in higher serum amylase levels than those corresponding to the ethanol-fed group. In females, no significant differences between groups in serum amylase levels were found. Ethanol consumption decreased urinary amylase excretion (at 30 days and 2 months postpartum), but the folic acid-supplemented group showed a more pronounced decrease in urine amylase activity than in the ethanol-fed group. At 30 days postpartum, no sex difference in urinary amylase was identified. However, in general, males showed higher values for urine amylase than females at 2 months postpartum. A folic acid-supplemented diet exerts an advantageous effect on amylase in serum in offspring males at 2 months postpartum of mothers fed ethanol during gestation and lactation periods, because amylase renal absorption is increased. In offspring females, amylase renal absorption is also increased, but we did not observed an advantageous effect on amylase in serum. It may be that sexual differentiation in females at 2 months postpartum exerts a definitive effect on amylase in serum. We found a sex-related difference in amylase activities; therefore, we suggest that in future all results of the exocrine pancreas function, in male and female animals, be analyzed separately.
The Effect of Dietary Glutathione and Coenzyme Q10 on the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice
Authors: Liu  , Russell  , Smith  , Bronson  , Milbury  , Furukawa  , Wang  , Blumberg
Published: January 2006

Because reactive oxygen species have been implicated as mediators of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we evaluated the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of two dietary antioxidants, glutathione (GSH) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Fifty female 8-wk old Swiss-Webster mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups for a pre-treatment 'prevention' study: (1) GSH (1% of diet); (2) CoQ10 (200 mg/kg/d); (3) DSS only (3% of drinking water); (4) control (no treatment). The mice in groups 1 and 2 were fed with GSH or CoQ10 for 21 wks, and the mice in groups 1, 2 and 3 were provided DSS from wk 7 for 4 cycles (1 cycle = 1 wk DSS followed by 2-wk water). Another 50 mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups for a 21-wk 'treatment' study where the mice in groups 1, 2, and 3 were administered DSS for 6 cycles (18 wks) to induce colitis. GSH and CoQ10 were added from wk 7 until the completion of the protocol. Loose stools and hemocult positivity were modestly but significantly reduced with GSH or CoQ10 at several periods during the intervention in both the prevention and treatment studies. In contrast, histological evaluation revealed increases in colonic dysplasia and ulceration with GSH or CoQ10. Thus, in this mouse model, GSH and CoQ10 appear to have a beneficial effect on acute signs of IBD, but may have an adverse impact on the chronic pathophysiology of the disease. Further studies using additional animal models are required to determine whether GSH or CoQ10 provide a favorable or unfavorable benefit:risk ratio in the prevention or treatment of IBD.
Dietary Oxidized Cholesterol Increases Expression and Activity of Antioxidative Enzymes and Reduces the Concentration of Glutathione in the Liver of Rats
Authors: Ringseis  , Eder
Published: January 2006

An experiment was conducted with rats to investigate the effect of dietary oxidized cholesterol on the antioxidant status. Four groups of male, growing Sprague-Dawley rats received diets containing unoxidized or oxidized cholesterol (5 g/kg diet) with either coconut oil or salmon oil as dietary fat (100 g/kg diet) for 5 weeks. The oxidized cholesterol preparation consisted of 7 g of various cholesterol oxidation products and 93 g of unmodified cholesterol per 100 g preparation. No significant amounts of oxysterols were detected in the unoxidized cholesterol-supplemented diets. As parameters of the antioxidant status activities, mRNA concentrations of several antioxidative enzymes and the concentrations of glutathione were measured. Rats fed the diets containing oxidized cholesterol had significantly higher mRNA concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01), a significantly higher activity of glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.001), and significantly lower concentrations of total (p < 0.05) and reduced glutathione (p < 0.01) in the liver than rats fed diets containing unoxidized cholesterol. These effects were independent of the dietary fat. In conclusion, the study suggests that dietary oxidized cholesterol stresses the antioxidant defense system in rats.
Relationship between Serum, Red Cell, Urinary and Dietary Magnesium in a Middle-Aged French Adult Population
Authors: Czernichow  , Zarebska  , Preziosi  , Duport  , Arnaud  , Laffond  , Pocquet  , Hercberg
Published: January 2006

Magnesium (Mg) is the second most common intracellular electrolyte in the body. Few data are available in general population studies on the assessment of Mg status and its relationship to dietary intake. We explored the relationship between several biological Mg surrogates (serum, red cell, and urinary), Mg intake, age, alcohol intake, and mean energy intake in a large sample of French adults issued from the SUVIMAX study. Serum Mg was positively correlated with red cell Mg in men and women (r = 0.17; p < 0.001) whereas no association was found between urinary Mg and red cell Mg nor between urinary Mg and serum Mg. Age was positively correlated with serum and red cell Mg in women (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with urinary Mg in both genders (p < 0.001). Finally, a negative correlation was found between dietary intake and red cell Mg in women (r = –0.06; p < 0.05). Among the biological Mg surrogates, an association was found between serum Mg and red cell Mg. Further investigations should be conducted in order to determine the role played by dietary Mg intake in the relationship between health status and several biological Mg measurements.
Red Wine Consumption Prevents Vascular Oxidative Stress Induced by a High-fat Meal in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ventura  , Bini  , Panini  , Marri  , Tomasi  , Salvioli
Published: January 2006

In order to investigate the effect of red wine on plasma lipid and oxidative stress parameters after a high-fat meal, fifteen healthy volunteers were studied: three days after a high-fat meal with 250 mL of water, they received the same meal with 250 mL of red wine. During both periods, serial blood samples were drawn before and 2, 4, and 8 hours after the meal to evaluate plasma lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides; retinyl palmitate), oxidative stress (D-ROM, and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant (total plasma antioxidant levels and uric acid) parameters. During the meal without wine, plasma lipid parameters increased significantly, whereas plasma total plasma antioxidant levels decreased, and a trend toward reduction of uric acid levels was seen). A similar trend in lipid parameters was observed after the meal with wine; no significant difference in individual lipid parameter trends after a meal with and without wine was observed. Wine ingestion induced higher total plasma antioxidant levels and uric acid; malondialdehyde levels remained constant after wine ingestion. Plasma D-ROM showed a significant postprandial increase in both experiments, but it was significantly lowered after wine ingestion. Our results give evidence of oxidative stress following a fat-rich meal in healthy subjects, suggesting that ingestion of red wine during a high-fat meal significantly reduces oxidative stress without inducing any significant modification in postprandial lipemia.
Effects of 6-Month Multivitamin Supplementation on Serum Concentrations of alpha-Tocopherol, beta-Carotene, and Vitamin C in Healthy Elderly Women
Authors: Wolters  , Hermann  , Hahn
Published: January 2006

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with nutritional doses of antioxidant nutrients on the serum concentrations of ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene in healthy elderly women. Methods: The study was performed as a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Two hundred forty-one free-living, healthy women aged 60 years and older were recruited by newspaper advertisement in Hanover, Germany and its environs. As 21 women dropped out, data of 220 women (aged 60–91 years, median 63 years) were included in this evaluation. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a multivitamin/mineral or placebo capsule with identical appearance for six months containing 36 mg vitamin E, 150 mg vitamin C, and 9 mg beta-carotene. Serum concentrations of vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene were measured initially and after six months of supplementation. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 10.0 program. Results: Median serum concentrations of alpha-carotene and vitamin E increased significantly in the supplemented group (p = 0.000), whereas no significant modifications were observed in the placebo group. Median vitamin C concentration of the supplemented group did not differ from baseline after intervention, but that of the placebo group was significantly decreased after six months (p = 0.000). In comparison to estimated desirable serum concentrations of > 30 mumol/L vitamin E, 50 mumol/L vitamin C, and > 0.4 mumol/l beta-carotene at baseline, lower concentrations were found in 21.1%, 6.9%, and 1.0% of all subjects, respectively. After supplementation none of the members of the supplemented group had tocopherol concentrations below 30 mumol/L and only one woman of the supplemented group had a serum beta-carotene concentration below 0.4 mumol/L. The change in serum concentrations of vitamin C and E in the supplemented group depended on the status at baseline. Conclusion: A six-month supplementation with physiological doses of antioxidant vitamins improves the blood concentration of these nutrients even in relatively well-nourished elderly women or, as seen for vitamin C, prevents reduction of serum concentrations. Prevalence of suboptimal serum concentrations can be reduced.