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Brazilian nut consumption by healthy volunteers improves inflammatory parameters
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose of Brazil nuts on the inflammatory markers of healthy individuals.
Method
A randomized crossover study was conducted with 10 healthy individuals (mean age 24.7 ± 3.4 y). Each individual was tested four times regarding intake of different portions of Brazil nuts: 0, 5, 20 and 50 g. At each testing period, peripheral blood was collected before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 h after intake of nuts, as well as at 5 and 30 d after intake of various Brazil nut portions. Blood samples were tested for high-sensitivity to C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea, and creatinine.
Results
Consumption of nuts did not affect biochemical parameters for liver and kidney function, indicating absence of hepatic and renal toxicity. A single intake of Brazil nuts (20 or 50 g) caused a significant decrease in serum IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels (P < 0.05), whereas serum levels of IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The results indicate a long-term decrease in inflammatory markers after a single intake of large portions of Brazil nuts in healthy volunteers. Therefore, the long-term effect of regular Brazil nut consumption on inflammatory markers should be better investigated.
... Inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical trials (stage one); anti-inflammatory effects of plants (stage two); and therapeutic evidence (positive results over placebo) in clinical trials with methods or formulations using plants (stage three). In vitro and in vivo studies, comments, reviews, semi-structured interviews, conferences, letters, guidance articles, and studies that only mentioned the empirical use of plants were (Colpo et al. 2014) Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved. ...
... It was also suggested that a serial measurement of circulating IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α might be important in identifying disease progression, and it might predict the next respiratory failure (Del Valle et al. 2020). In this review, A. citriodora (Buchwald-Werner et al. 2018), B. excelsa (Stockler-Pinto et al. 2014Colpo et al. 2014), E. edulis (Santamarina et al. 2020), I. paraguariensis (Panza et al. 2019), P. edulis (Kitada et al. 2017), P. americana (Li et al. 2013), P. volubilis (Alayón et al. 2019), S. sonchifolius (Manzoni et al. 2017), S. tuberosum (Kaspar et al. 2011), and T. cacao (Stote et al. 2012;Davis et al. 2020), decreased IL-6 levels in clinical trials. ...
... In blood and tissue samples of SARS-CoV-2 patients, the presence of TNF-α molecules was observed (Wang et al. 2020b). B. excelsa (Stockler-Pinto et al. 2014;Colpo et al. 2014), E. edulis (Santamarina et al. 2020), E. oleracea (Kim et al. 2018 guianensis (Piscoya et al. 2001) are plants with inhibitory activity against TNF-α. B. excelsa (Colpo et al. 2014) and T. cacao (Davis et al. 2020) decreased IL-1β levels, which are released from cells undergoing pyroptosis (an inflammatory form of programmed cell death observed in infections with cytopathic viruses, such as CoVs) and are high in serum and bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. ...
The inflammatory process is a biological response of the organism to remove injurious stimuli and initiate homeostasis. It has been recognized as a key player in the most severe forms of SARS-CoV-2, characterized by significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, the so-called "cytokine storm" that appears to play a pivotal role in this disease. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to select clinical trials with anti-inflammatory plants and relate the activity of these plants to inflammatory markers of SARS-CoV-2 infection. PRISMA guidelines are followed, and studies of interest are indexed in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. As a result, 32 clinical trials encompassing 22 plants were selected. The main anti-inflammatory mechanisms described in the studies are the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-a, IFN-γ, and IL-1; decreased CRP and oxidative marker levels; increased endogenous antioxidant levels; modulation of cardiovascular risk markers. The data found are not directly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, they provide possibilities for new studies as plants have a wide array of phytochemicals, and detecting which ones are responsible for anti-inflammatory effects can provide invaluable contribution to studies aiming to evaluate efficacy in scenarios of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
... Abbreviations: OC, oil content (DB, dry basis); AV, acid value; PV, peroxide value; CD, conjugated dienes; CT, conjugated trienes; IV, iodine value; TT, total tocopherols; TS, total sterols; TP, total phospholipids (data are from oils extracted using chloroform/methanol) [5] ; TPC, total phenolic compounds; OSI, oxidative stability index (Rancimat method); Fatty acid nomenclature: Palmitic (hexadecanoic), palmitoleic (cis-9-hexadecenoic), stearic (octadecanoic), oleic (cis-9-octadecenoic), linoleic (cis-9-cis-12-octadecadienoic), linolenic (cis-9-cis-12-cis-15-octadecatrienoic); ND, not detected; NR, not reported. a) [29,30,34,37,40]; b) [22,31,52,53,55,58,63,60]; c) [55,61,63,64]; d) [20, 71-73, 76, 118]; e) [63,83,85,86]; f) [55,60,63,[90][91][92][93]; g) [97-99, 102, 103]; h) [73,115,116,119,127] Besides fatty acids, some minor compounds, such as vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), squalene, and sterols are also part of the wide array of nut oil components with nutritional and health properties. [3,4] Vitamin E is a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant. ...
... In the last 10 years, numerous studies have emphasized nutritional benefits of oils from numerous nut genetic resources. [2,3,15,[20][21][22][23][24] Recently, the Codex Alimentarious has included the oils from walnut, hazelnut, almond, and pistachio nuts in the Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils. [25] The present review article presents an updated and comprehensive overview on chemical profiles, extraction and quality concerns of oils from the most widely produced tree nut crops. ...
... Thus, BNO is relatively rich in saturated FA; all together, they may sum about 26% of the total FA content. [22,55] The relatively high level of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (40% in average) is largely due to linoleic acid content. Linolenic acid is found in trace amounts (<0.2%). ...
Tree nuts are globally consumed. Their kernels are calorie‐rich, nutrient‐dense foods and contain several bioactive and health‐promoting components. While some nut crops have expanded through the world since ancient times (almond, hazelnut, walnut), more recently there has been a parallel development of underexploited promising species (Brazil nut, macadamia, pecan). Nut kernels have high lipid content, ranging from 40 to 80% depending on nut species and varieties. In general, nut oils contain significant proportions of nutritionally and medicinally desirable fatty acids and nutraceutical compounds (sterols, tocopherols, and other phenolics). A considerable genetic variability in oil content and composition is present in nut genetic resources worldwide. This suggests the possibility of different breeding lines focused to enhance oil yields, chemical and quality traits. Regarding extraction, screw‐pressing is suitable to achieve high oil recovery and good quality standards, but seed materials should be conditioned appropriately. Seed moisture content and pressing temperature appear as key variables to enhance oil recovery. This article presents an overview on chemical profiles, mechanical extraction and quality concerns of oils from the most widely produced tree nut crops. The revision is also aimed at identifying areas where knowledge is insufficient and to set priorities for further research.
Practical applications: The review updates and increases knowledge about oils from tree nut genetic resources, encompassing genetic variability and environmental effects on oil yield and compositional traits. It also analyzes findings regarding oil extraction and provides useful insights to establish better conditions for achieving sustainable oil yields and good quality standards.
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... Diversos compostos fenólicos e flavonoides podem ser encontrados nas castanhas e em menor quantidade no óleo de castanha, já que o processo de obtenção do óleo diminui a extração de compostos lipofílicos. A ingestão desses compostos também está relacionada com diversos benefícios para a saúde, como capacidades anti-inflamatórias, antimutagênicas e anticarcinogênicas que eles apresentam (COLPO et al., 2014;WIJERATNE;AMAROWICZ;SHAHIDI, 2006 funções na resposta imune, defesa antioxidante e redução do risco de desenvolvimento de cânceres (ROMAN, JITARU, and BARBANTE 2014). ...
... Diversos compostos fenólicos e flavonoides podem ser encontrados nas castanhas e em menor quantidade no óleo de castanha, já que o processo de obtenção do óleo diminui a extração de compostos lipofílicos. A ingestão desses compostos também está relacionada com diversos benefícios para a saúde, como capacidades anti-inflamatórias, antimutagênicas e anticarcinogênicas que eles apresentam (COLPO et al., 2014;WIJERATNE;AMAROWICZ;SHAHIDI, 2006). Alguns dos compostos fenólicos e flavonoides que puderam ser identificados no óleo de castanha foram o ácido gálico, ácido p-cumárico, ácido sinápico e catequinas (GOMES; TORRES, 2015). ...
... Atualmente, devido ao resultado negativo do uso da SeMet como anticarcinogênica nestes amplos estudos, as investigações científicas têm buscado o melhor entendimento da interação do Se com o perfil nutricional de cada indivíduo e outros fatores, tais como idade, o tipo de câncer, a localização do tumor e as investigações genéticas, como por exemplo os polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) de selenoproteínas (COMBS et al. 2012;MÉPLAN et al. 2010) ou interações epigenéticas (HU et al., 2016). , No campo das interações epigenéticas, a suplementação diária com castanha-do-brasil contendo 48 µg de Se; em adultos de ambos os sexos com idade entre 52 a 76 anos, por seis semanas consecutivas; foi suficiente para modificar positivamente o padrão dos indicadores moleculares de risco como a expressão da SePP1, que aumentou em 89% e a expressão da β-catenina, biomarcador de inflamação, que diminuiu significantemente em testes moleculares das biópsias retais (HU et al., 2016). ...
A deficiência de Se leva ao hipodesenvolvimento da criança e ao
desequilíbrio do estado de saúde nos adultos, como aumento na prevalência
de câncer e aumento nos fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. O interesse em utilizar a castanha-do-brasil para a prevenção do câncer, especialmente no caso de câncer colorretal mostraram em bons resultados. Reforçamos a importância de considerar, além do estado nutricional, o perfil genético dos indivíduos (polimorfismo de selenoproteínas) na suplementação com castanha-do-Brasil ou qualquer outra forma de Selênio.
A castanha-do-brasil de boa qualidade em teores de selênio depende do
solo amazônico e do ambiente da floresta do mesmo bioma.
... A meta-analysis of 20 RCTs [100,103,110,122,132,147,151,[172][173][174]177,[189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196][197] was conducted by Mazidi et al. 2016 [178]. Nut consumption significantly reduced fasting blood glucose to a small degree (MD = −1.45 ...
... A meta-analysis of 20 RCTs [100,103,110,122,132,147,151,[172][173][174]177,[189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196][197] conducted by Mazidi et al. 2016 [178] showed that nut consumption significantly reduced TC (MD = −0.82 mg/dL), LDL-C (MD = −0.69 ...
... A meta-analysis of 20 RCTs (20 publications) [100,103,110,122,132,147,151,[172][173][174]177,[189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196][197] by Mazidi et al. 2016 [178] showed a significant effect of nuts on leptin (WMD = −0.71 mg/dL), with no effect on CRP, IL-6, adiponectin, IL-10 and TNF-α [178]. ...
Objectives: Accumulating epidemiological and intervention evidence suggest that nut consumption is associated with reduced incidence of some cardiometabolic diseases. However, to date no review of meta-analyses of epidemiological and intervention studies has evaluated the effects of nut consumption on cardiometabolic disease. Design/Results: Electronic searches for meta-analyses of epidemiological and intervention studies were undertaken in PubMed®/MEDLINE®. Meta-analyses of prospective studies show that nut consumption appears to be associated with reduced all-cause mortality by 19–20% (n = 6), cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence (19%; n = 3) and mortality (25%; n = 3), coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence (20–34%; n = 2) and mortality (27–30%; n = 2) and stroke incidence (10–11%; n = 7) and mortality (18%; n = 2). No association between nut consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was observed in meta-analyses of prospective studies, whereas a decrease in fasting blood glucose ranging from 0.08 to 0.15 mmol/L was observed in 3 meta-analyses of intervention studies. In the interventions, nut consumption also had favorable effects on total cholesterol (0.021 to 0.28 mmol/L reduction from 8 meta-analyses of interventions) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.017 to 0.26 mmol/L reduction from 8 meta-analyses of interventions) and endothelial function (0.79 to 1.03% increase in flow-mediated dilation from 4 meta-analyses of interventions). Nut consumption did not significantly affect body weight. Nut consumption had no effect on inflammatory markers in intervention studies. The effect on blood pressure was inconsistent. A higher nut consumption was associated with a lower incidence of hypertension in prospective studies, while nut consumption did not improve blood pressure in intervention studies. Conclusions: Nut consumption appeared to be associated with lower all-cause mortality and CVD and CHD mortality. There was no association between nut consumption and the incidence of T2DM although fasting blood glucose is decreased in intervention studies. In intervention studies nuts lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
... The study was carried out at Fernando Pessoa University, involving 24 volunteers (62.5% female and 37.5% male) with different academic qualifications who were aged between 20 and 65 (with an average age of 36.8). The sample size is small but in line with samples used in several similar works [24][25][26]. Chemical formulas for three main phytosterols present in walnuts: β-sitosterol, ∆5-Avenasterol, and cycloartenol, highlighting the similarity between compounds. ...
... The study was carried out at Fernando Pessoa University, involving 24 volunteers (62.5% female and 37.5% male) with different academic qualifications who were aged between 20 and 65 (with an average age of 36.8). The sample size is small but in line with samples used in several similar works [24][25][26]. ...
(1) Background: Walnut consumption has been associated with having a positive effect on controlling and/or reducing the co-morbidities associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of consuming walnuts of Portuguese origin on risk factors related to CVD were evaluated by measuring glucose, urea, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, AST, and ALT levels, anthropometric profiles, and blood pressure. (2) Methods: This trial study involved 24 volunteers, both female (n = 15) and male (n = 9), from Fernando Pessoa University, Porto. It consisted of a daily intake of 25 g of walnut kernels over a period of 45 days. Before and after intake, biochemical parameters, BMI and BP were measured. (3) Results: Despite the intake of nuts revealing a reduction in mean values of most of the parameters assessed, a significant drop was only observed in AST (p = 0.04).There was also a significant reduction in the mean values for Glu (p = 0.01), UR (p = 0.01) and HDL-C (p = 0.02) for women but not for men. (4) Conclusions: The dose and the period of intake were not effective in lowering the lipid profile but may have had a protective effect on liver function. The benefits were greater in women than in men.
... According to the previous investigations, nuts help decrease glycaemic excursions; moreover, consuming nuts with carbohydrate-rich foods could reduce the postprandial impact on the insulin demand (77)(78)(79)(80). The dose and duration of supplementation in studies that observed a significant effect of nuts consumption on glycaemic factors ranged from 30-60 g/day and 4-24 weeks, respectively (17,18,33,35,49,52). The dose-dependent improvement in the glycaemic response to the meal has been revealed in previous investigations. ...
... Cross-sectional studies in this field showed that people with regular nut consumption had lower serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines or endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Effective interventional periods ranged from 4 to 24 weeks, with doses ranging from 20 to 56 g/day (20,21,34,52). ...
Background
Nuts are in the spotlight because of their association with improved health outcomes. We aimed to summarize the findings of previous studies to evaluate the impact of nuts consumption on glycaemic and lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Methods
Electronic searches for observational and intervention studies were undertaken in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct until 2022 for searching the studies aiming the application of different types of nuts and the beneficial effects of nuts in improving glycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Results
Results from 56 interventional, 9 narrative and 3 systematic reviews, and 12 meta-analysis studies, aiming at the evaluating beneficial effects of different types of nuts on metabolic markers, showed that nut consumption could improve metabolic markers, including glycaemic factors, lipid profile, and inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in both healthy and individuals with metabolic disorders in a type-, dose- and duration-dependent manner. According to their unique nutrient components, nuts can be known as a part of a healthy diet, resulting in improved metabolic biomarkers.
Conclusion
Considering the efficacy of nuts in improving metabolic markers, incorporation of, incorporating nuts the effectiveness of nuts in improving metabolic markers, incorporating nuts in the diet may prevent the incidence or aggravation of chronic metabolic diseases. Considering the health benefits of the nuts' components, including essential micronutrients, if consumed in the appropriate dose and duration to provide the necessary amount of effective micronutrients to improve health, we will see an improvement in metabolic factors. At the same time, more research is required to determine the optimal type, dose, and duration of nut intervention with regards to metabolic control and reducing the risk of developing metabolic disorders.
... In all founded studies, these nuts were included in a normalenergetic diet. According to the available studies, the beneficial effect of these nuts on lipid profile and blood pressure is controversial, and no effect on glucose homeostasis has been observed (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39) . In order to better investigate the impact of these nuts intake on health, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Brazil and cashew nuts associated with the traditional approach to the management of obesity and overweight (the energyrestricted diet) on body weight, body composition, cardiometabolic markers and endothelial function in women at cardiometabolic risk. ...
... The beneficial effect of Brazil nut intake on Se status has been demonstrated for all studies that could be found (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(86)(87)(88)(89)(90)(91) . Towards the optimal activity of Se-dependent proteins, such as the glutathione peroxidases and selenoprotein P, serum Se values should be between 100 and 130 μg/l (92) . ...
Several mechanisms have been proposed for the beneficial effect of nuts on health. However, Brazil and cashew nuts remain the least studied. We aim to evaluate the effect of these nuts within an energy-restricted diet on body weight, body composition, cardiometabolic markers, and endothelial function in cardiometabolic risk women. Brazilian nuts study is a randomized controlled parallel 8-week dietary intervention trial. Forty women were randomly allocated to 1) Control group: Energy-restricted diet without nuts, n= 19 or, 2) Brazil and cashew nuts group (BN-Group): Energy-restricted diet containing daily 45 g of nuts (15 g of Brazil nuts + 30g of cashew nuts), n= 21. At the beginning and final intervention, anthropometry, body composition, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood sampling was obtained to evaluate lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and endothelial function markers. After 8-week, plasma selenium concentration increased in BN-group (∆ = + 31.5 ± 7.8 μg/L; p= 0.001). Brazil and cashew nuts intake reduced total body fat (-1.3 ± 0.4 %) parallel to improvement of lean mass percentage in BN-group compared to the control. Besides, the soluble adhesion molecule VCAM-1 decreased (24.03 ± 15.7 pg/mL vs. -22.2 ± 10.3 pg/mL; p= 0.019) after Brazil and cashew nuts intake compared to the control. However, lipid and glucose profile markers, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure remained unchanged after the intervention. Thus, the addition of Brazil and cashew nuts to an energy-restricted diet can be a healthy strategy to improve body composition, selenium status, and endothelial inflammation in cardiometabolic risk women.
... Evidence from the literature unravelled that, BN can serve as a very good anti-inflammatory agent in healthy individuals 11 and pro-inflammatory stimulus among the obese woman 12 . In light of these signals, later the same team proved that BNs can significantly increase the level of circulating miRNAs such as miR-454-3p and miR-584-5p 13 Carvalho et al., in obese patients, healthy individuals and euthyroid patients, respectively 11,15,16 . ...
... Evidence from the literature unravelled that, BN can serve as a very good anti-inflammatory agent in healthy individuals 11 and pro-inflammatory stimulus among the obese woman 12 . In light of these signals, later the same team proved that BNs can significantly increase the level of circulating miRNAs such as miR-454-3p and miR-584-5p 13 Carvalho et al., in obese patients, healthy individuals and euthyroid patients, respectively 11,15,16 . ...
Background & objective(s)
Bertholletia excelsa is a rich herbal source of anti-oxidants and phenols. The goal of this study is to evaluation the effect of bertholletia excelsa nut on body weight, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of sciences databases by two reviewers up to October 2019. Random effect model used to combine results.
Results
Six studies included in analysis with 71 participants. The population was public population. Pooled results showed Bertholletia excelsa have reduction effect on triglyceride weighted mean difference (WMD: -8.23 mg/dl, 95% CI -15.09, -1.38, I² = 0%), Cholesterol (WMD: -14.31 mg/dl, 95% CI -23.38, -5.24, I² = 47%), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: -9.27 mg/dl, 95% CI -13.48, -5.06, I² = 0%).
Conclusion
This study provided an evidence that Bertholletia excelsa nuts have reduction effect on triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL levels.
... It is known that the regular consumption of BN improves the lipid profile and microvascular function, and reduces oxidative stress in obese teens, 5 an effect also observed in subjects with metabolic syndrome, 6 reducing the atherogenic risk in obese women, with increased activity of glutathione-peroxidase. 7 Healthy volunteers taking BN present reduced inflammation markers, such as IL-1 (interleukin 1), IL-6, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IFN-γ (gamma interferon), 8 and improved lipid profile for a period exceeding 30 days. 9 Thus, it is clear that BN has a protective effect in diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. ...
... The doses were selected according to previous studies of humans who ingested nuts in doses without nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects. [5][6][7][8][9] The amount of BN was adjusted daily according to the weight of the animal. Each rat was allocated to a single cage, and BN was offered separate from the feed. ...
Introduction:
Ischemia and reperfusion (IR) is a process inherent to the procedures involved in the transplantation of organs that causes inflammation, cell death and cell injury, and may lead to rejection of the graft. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory properties of the Brazil nuts (BN) can mitigate the renal injury caused by IR.
Objective:
To investigate whether the previous intake of BN reduces the expression of markers of inflammation, injury, and cell death after renal IR.
Methods:
Male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups (N = 6/group): SHAM (control), SHAM treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN, IR, and IR treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN. The IR procedure consisted of right nephrectomy and occlusion of the left renal artery with a non-traumatic vascular clamp for 30 min. BN was given daily from day 1 to 7 before surgery (SHAM or IR), and maintained until sacrifice (48 h after surgery). Inflammation was evaluated by renal expression of COX-2 and TGF-β, injury by the expression of vimentin, and cell death by apoptosis through caspase-3 expression (immunohistochemistry).
Results:
Pretreatment with 75 mg of BN reduced renal expression of the COX-2, TGF-β, vimentin, and caspase-3. The dose of 150 mg caused increased expression of COX-2.
Conclusion:
In experimental IR, the damage can be minimized with a prior low-dose intake of BN, improving inflammation, injury, and cell death.
... However, the beneficial effects of Brazil nuts must not be limited to selenium supplementation since the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds also plays a role in oxidative and inflammatory events. 11,72,73 This is another limitation of our study because, although we highlighted selenium, we cannot ensure that the effects observed in this study were exclusively attributed to this micronutrient under these experimental conditions. In addition, analysis of oxidative stress and antioxidants in other tissues, as well as plasma selenium concentrations in mothers, newborns, or young animals, could help clarify a causal relationship with the observed cognitive effects. ...
Maternal obesity may trigger long-term neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Considering the benefits of the Brazil nut ( Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.), a rich source of nutrients such as selenium, this study aimed to evaluate its effect on the behavior of obese rat offspring and its relationship with oxidative stress. From 60 days of age until weaning, female Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (mHF) or an HF diet supplemented with 5% Brazil nut (mHF/BN), while control mothers (mCTL) were fed a standard diet or a standard diet supplemented with 5% Brazil nut (mBN). Male pups received a standard diet throughout life and, at 30 and 90 days old, were subjected to behavioral tasks to evaluate anxiety and cognition. Biochemical evaluations were performed at 90 days of age. No alterations were observed in the anxiety behavior of the offspring. However, the offspring of the mHF group (oHF) exhibited impaired short-term memory at 30 and 90 days of age and impaired long-term memory at 30 days. Short-term memory impairment was prevented by Brazil nuts in young rats (30 days). While the serum selenium concentration was reduced in the oHF group, the serum catalase concentration was reduced in all groups, without changes in lipid peroxidation or protein carbonylation. Brazil nut maternal diet supplementation prevented short- and long-term cognitive impairment in the offspring, which may be related to the selenium levels.
... This may facilitate the chemical distinction of this species from other nuts. Within the same family (Lecythidaceae), B. excelsa nuts present about 80% of unsaturated fatty acids, with higher concentrations of palmitic acid (14-16%), stearic (9-11%), oleic acid (28-36%) and linoleic (36-40%) [66][67][68]. Oleic and linoleic acid are extremely important in the diet, as they may be associated with a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases [69]. ...
The Amazon rainforest and the biodiversity hotspot of the Atlantic Forest are home to fruit trees that produce functional foods, which are still underutilized. The present study aimed to select potential functional nut donor trees from two Brazilian chestnuts, by evaluating the nutritional and antioxidant composition of the nuts and the fatty acid profile of the oil. The nutritional characteristics, antioxidants, oil fatty acid profile, and X-ray densitometry of the nuts were evaluated, as well as the characterization of leaf and soil nutrients for each parent tree. The nut oil was evaluated through Brix (%), mass (g), yield (%), and the fatty acid profile. For L. pisonis, the most nutritious nuts were produced by L. pisonis tree 4 (N > P > K > Mg > Ca > Zn > Fe) and L. pisonis tree 6 (P > Ca > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cu > Fe), and for the species L. lanceolata, L. lanceolata tree 6 (N > P > Ca > Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu) and L. lanceolata tree 2 (P > K > Mg > Zn > Cu). In L. pisonis, the highest production of anthocyanins, DPPH, total phenolics, and flavonoids was obtained from the nuts of L. pisonis tree 4 as well as for L. lanceolata, from L. lanceolata tree 1, except for flavonoids. The Brix of the oil from the nuts of both species showed no difference between the trees and the fatty acid profile with a similar amount between saturated (48–65%) and unsaturated (34–57%) fatty acids. Both species have nuts rich in nutrients and antioxidant compounds and can be considered unconventional functional foods. The data collected in the present study confirm that the nuts of these species can replace other foods as a source of selenium.
... HPLC is a robust, versatile and widely used technique for the isolation and separation of natural products of plant samples. It is used in phytochemical analysis to quantify and purify the species components from the others [48]. ...
The chemical constituent pattern and morphological traits of six species of Indigofera; I. argentea, I. articulata, I. colutea, I. oblongifolia, I. hochstetteri and I. sessiliflora. were surveyed and compared. The chemical characters revealed one series for all species using total estimation of secondary metabolites; alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and phenolic compounds by using TLC and HPLC analysis. 26 main morphological studies were distinguished as macro and micro- characters. The studied species showed different active phytochemical constituents and high number of morphological characters. Similarity matrix and cluster analysis were constructed based on all traits. The results illustrated that there were some related and distant species by using the tree display graph besides I. hochstetteriis regarded as the transitional species among the studied species. The study confirmed that more studies should be carried out to investigate about unknown phenolic compounds
... Our results agree with those of Canales et al., who reported an increase in PGI 2 serum levels and a decrease in the TXB 2 :PGI 2 ratio after consumption of walnut-paste-enriched meat [52]. Similarly, a long-term decrease in inflammatory markers was observed in healthy volunteers after the consumption of 20 g and 50 g of Brazil nuts [53]. ...
Phenolic compounds in peanuts may moderate inflammation and endothelial function. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association of urinary phenolic metabolites (UPMs) with vascular biomarkers after peanut product consumption. A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 63 healthy young adults who consumed 25 g/day of skin roasted peanuts (SRP), 32 g/day of peanut butter (PB), or 32 g/day of a control butter for six months. UPMs were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Additionally, urinary eicosanoids, prostacyclin I2 (PGI2), and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were determined using two competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Consumers of SRP and PB presented significantly higher excretion of UPMs (enterodiol glucuronide (p = 0.018 and p = 0.031), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001), vanillic acid sulfate (p = 0.048 and p = 0.006), p-coumaric acid (p = 0.046 and p = 0.016), coumaric acid glucuronide I (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030) and II (p = 0.003 and p = 0.036), and isoferulic acid (p = 0.013 and p = 0.015) in comparison with the control group. An improvement in PGI2 (p = 0.037) levels and the TXA2:PGI2 ratio (p = 0.008) was also observed after the peanut interventions compared to the control. Interestingly, UPMs with significantly higher post-intervention levels were correlated with an improvement in vascular biomarkers, lower TXA2 (r from −0.25 to −0.48, p < 0.050) and TXA2:PGI2 ratio (r from −0.25 to −0.43, p < 0.050) and higher PGI2 (r from 0.24 to 0.36, p < 0.050). These findings suggest that the UPMs with higher excretion after peanut product consumption could have a positive impact on vascular health.
... The gradient condition was 5% (B) for 2 min; 15% (B) until 10 min; and 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% (B) every 10 min until 60 min. In 60 min, the concentration of (B) was modified to 5% until 70 min (Colpo et al., 2014). ...
Background:
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances, a claim that has been evidenced in some studies. However, the clinical trials validating this use have shown paradoxical findings and then maca safety is not well known.
Purpose:
This study investigated the effects and mechanisms by which maca affects the reproductive system using an in vivo model, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
Materials and methods:
Tuber maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240 and 330 μg/μl) and 48h after treatments, physiological and biochemical assays were conducted.
Results:
Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels and also impaired vit-2 (vitellogenin) expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have found quantifiable levels of alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity.
Conclusions:
Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms which could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production, and consequently, successful reproduction.
... However the fractions from 20 to 45 min (fractions 6-35) showed activity (Figure 3). Active fractions from the column were subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which provided us the first source of information for the identification and separation of compounds ( Figure S2) [20]. On the basis of TLC results, fraction 11 (90% hexane and 10% dichloromethane) is found to be most potent for further evaluation ( Figure S3). ...
Plants have been a source of medicine since ancient times, and such traditional medications are widely practiced nowadays. Saussurea heteromalla is widely used in traditional medicine in the Himalayan region for the treatment of different ailments. However, despite its traditional uses, it is not widely explored for its free radical scavenging abilities and other biological activities. Thus, the current study is aimed at exploring the free radical scavenging ability of S. heteromalla extracts, along with the isolation and evaluation of its compound through bioassay-guided purification. From different solvent fractions, an n-hexane extract of a whole plant is found to be most active; thus, it is processed for large-scale extraction and column chromatography. Further, the purification of an active fraction is performed using HPLC–DAD, which led to the isolation of an active peak, identified by GC/MS, as 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3, 3-diphenylprop-2-enoate. This compound, commonly known as octocrylene, is widely recommended for UV-B filter, to be used in the cosmetic industry as photoprotection products. The presence of free radical scavenging activity enhances the sun protection factor of octocrylene. The present study presents the first report on the isolation of this compound from the family Asteraceae. The compound has good free radical scavenging activity and is widely used in the cosmetic industry as a sun protectant and is much less reported from botanical sources.
... Regular (15 days to 12 weeks) consumption of BNs (1-11 units/day; 48 µg to 862.65 µg of Se) improved the antioxidant statuses (increased Se in plasma and erythrocytes, GPx, GPx3, SELENOP, and SELENOP mRNA expression), and lipid profiles (decreased TC and increased HDL-c cholesteryl reception) of healthy subjects and reduced their fasting glucose [16,17,21,28,30,32] (Figure 3). Similarly, acute consumption of 1-10 units/day of BNs (156 µg to 1560 µg of Se) associated with a normocaloric diet improved the antioxidant statuses (increased Se in plasma) and lipid profiles (increased HDL-c, decreased LDL-c, and atherogenic indices) in 24 postprandial hours up to 30 days after a single day of consumption [39,40]. Considering that the recommended plasma Se range is between 60-100 µL, only one study with healthy subjects observed that the participants were Sedeficient at baseline ( Figure 4A). ...
The Brazil nut (BN) is a promising food due to its numerous health benefits, but it is still necessary to systematically review the scientific evidence on these benefits. Thus, we examined the effects of regular BN consumption on health markers in humans according to the health state (with specific diseases or not) of the subjects. PubMed, Embase®, and Scielo databases were used to search for clinical trials. The PRISMA guideline was used to report the review, and the risk of bias for all studies was assessed. Twenty-four studies were included in the present review, of which fifteen were non-randomized. BNs were consumed in the context of a habitual free-living diet in all studies. Improvement in antioxidant status through increased levels of selenium and/or glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma, serum, whole blood, and/or erythrocytes was observed in all studies that evaluated antioxidant status, regardless of the health state of the sample. In addition, healthy subjects improved lipid markers and fasting glucose. Subjects with obesity had improvement in markers of lipid metabolism. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia improved oxidative stress or DNA damage. Subjects undergoing hemodialysis benefited greatly from BN consumption, as they improved lipid profile markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thyroid function. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment improved verbal fluency and constructional praxis, and controversial results regarding the change in a marker of lipid peroxidation were observed in subjects with coronary artery disease. In conclusion, the benefits of BN consumption were found in different pathways of action and study populations.
... Almendras son ricas en antioxidantes (selenio, vitamina E y fenoles) que mantienen tus células sanas y evitan su envejecimiento prematuro (Cardoso et al., 2017;Huguenin et al., 2015). El consumo de almendras ayuda controlar la inflamación (Colpo et al., 2014). ...
Desde que CIPCA NA empezó sus actividades en la Amazonía boliviana, la producción de especies frutales (incluyendo el cacao) en sistemas agroforestales y el aprovechamiento de productos forestales no maderables, además de su transformación y comercialización a través de Organizaciones Económica Campesinas (OECA) fueron aspectos claves de su Propuesta Económica Productiva. Después de más de dos décadas de promoción e incidencia en la Amazonía boliviana, actualmente una creciente cantidad de productores campesinos e indígenas apostaron a estas actividades económicas, mientras que propuestas con este enfoque no solamente fueron adoptados por las asociaciones productivas como tal, pero también ganaron su espacio en las organizaciones matrices, incluyendo el BOCINAB como plataforma regional del sector campesino e indígena de la Amazonía boliviana.
Gracias a estos antecedentes se generó todo un marco legal y política a favor de esta propuesta de producción. Luego de los grandes cambios sociales, la redistribución de tierra y la aprobación de una nueva constitución política en la primera década del siglo XXI, en los últimos años se produjeron cambios adicionales a favor de una propuesta de desarrollo económico basado en el aprovechamiento democrático y sostenible de los frutos amazónicos. A nivel nacional el “Complejo de Frutas Amazónicas” fue incluido como una de los pilares productivos identificadas en el Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016-2020, que fue la base de diversos programas y proyectos productivos que buscan consolidar una economía plural con fuerte participación campesina-indígena basada en el aprovechamiento de frutas amazónicas como el cacao, el asaí, el majo y el copuazú.
Por su lado, los gobiernos subnacionales mostraron similares tendencias. Por ejemplo, en el Departamento del Beni en 2019 se aprobó una Ley Departamental del Cacao Nativo Amazónico (Ley Departamental Beni Nº 88, 14/03/2019) y el mismo año el municipio de Riberalta aprobó la Ley Declaratoria de Frutas Amazónicas como Productos Estratégicos del Municipio de Riberalta (Ley Municipal Amazónica Nº 113, 04/04/2019),
El presente documento fue elaborado en el marco del proyecto "Consolidación de estrategias de adaptación y atenuación del cambio climático en los sistemas de producción familiar en Bolivia y en la región Andino-Amazónico del continente” financiado por AFD, FFEM y Secours Catholique, con el objetivo de Sistematizar el proceso participativo de construcción del Complejo de Frutos Amazónicos para lograr una alimentación saludable y nutritiva en las familias del área rural del Municipio de Riberalta, adoptando una estrategia de replicabilidad, se presenta un análisis histórico de estos procesos de construcción, mostrando tanto aspectos relacionados a las propuestas e iniciativas desde las comunidades y organizaciones campesinas de Riberalta y áreas aledañas, como también aportes técnicos y científicos desde diversas instancias públicas y privadas y en especial desde CIPCA, y finalmente también los avances en cuanto a la construcción de normas y políticas públicas favorables para esta modalidad de producción.
Desde 2018 esa co-construcción de una nueva propuesta de desarrollo, adquiere un componente adicional en forma de una serie de acciones que buscan aprovechar los grandes beneficios alimenticios y nutricionales de las frutas amazónicas para ayudar reducir los problemas de salud en la población de Riberalta. Asimismo, este documento también describe los aportes de CIPCA para la conformación del Consejo Municipal de Alimentación y Nutrición de Riberalta y un estudio nutricional que facilitaron la incorporación de estos aspectos en las propuestas regionales.
El documento termina con la presentación de un caso de estudio: a través de una breve evaluación de las decisiones tomadas por Sandra Justiniano en relación a los procesos de desarrollo de su familia, la comunidad Buen Retiro y una asociación productiva en torno al asaí y majo. Se evalúa, también, cómo fueron los aportes de CIPCA a los procesos históricos anteriormente descritos y cómo vienen favoreciendo la replicación de esta nueva propuesta alternativa de desarrollo amazónico en torno a los frutos amazónicos.
... , Ghadimi Nouran,Kimiagar et al. 2010, Lopez-Uriarte, Nogues et al. 2010, Ma, Njike et al. 2010, Rajaram, Connell et al. 2010, Torabian, Haddad et al. 2010, West, Krick et al. 2010, Wien, Bleich et al. 2010, Wu, Pan et al. 2010, Casas- Agustench, López-Uriarte et al. 2011, Davidi, Reynolds et al. 2011, Din, Aftab et al. 2011, Li, Liu et al. 2011, Sola, Fito et al. 2011, Tey, Brown et al. 2011, Aronis, Vamvini et al. 2012, Chiang, Haddad et al. 2012, Foster, Shantz et al. 2012, Mohamedou, Tacha et al. 2012, Sola, Valls et al. 2012, West, Gebauer et al. 2012, Damasceno, Sala-Vila et al. 2013, Liu, Liu et al. 2013, Orem, Yucesan et al. 2013, Somerset, Graham et al. 2013, Tey, Gray et al. 2013, Bento, Cominetti et al. 2014, Burns-Whitmore, Haddad et al. 2014, Colpo, Vilanova et al. 2014, Gulati, Misra et al. 2014, Lee, Nam et al. 2014, Moreira Alves, Boroni Moreira et al. 2014, Parham, Heidari et al. 2014, Sauder, McCrea et al. 2014, Sweazea, Johnston et al. 2014, Berryman, West et al. 2015, Carvalho, Huguenin et al. 2015, Chen, Holbrook et al. 2015, Jamshed, Sultan et al. 2015, Njike, Ayettey et al. 2015, Ruisinger, Gibson et al. 2015, Sauder, McCrea et al. 2015, Agebratt, Ström et al. 2016, Dhillon, Tan et al. 2016, Bamberger, Rossmeier et al. 2017, Lee, Berryman et al. 2017, Mah, Schulz et al. 2017, Zibaeenezhad, Farhadi et al. 2017, de Souza, Gomes et al. 2018, Jenkins, Kendall et al. 2018, Jung, Chen et al. 2018, McKay, Eliasziw et al. 2018, Mohan, Gayathri et al. 2018) However, 91 studies did not meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded for the following reasons as shown inFigure 3.1. ...
Among the physiological and metabolic changes occurring with ageing, the ageing of heart function is a key determinant of health. The death number from CVDs is expected to reach over 23.6 million
by 2030. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019 in the UK, representing 32% of all
global deaths. Evidence suggested that the Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (25-50 ml/day) is highly reported as associated with a reduction of CV risk factors. However, the acceptability of the Mediterranean diet and the feasibility of this dietary pattern which includes consumption of olive oil remains unknown among Caucasians and East Asians in Northeast England. An Online Survey with two ethnicities in equal number and similar mean age and BMI that were undertaken for this PhD programme indicating that the acceptability and frequency of olive oil
intake among East Asians is higher with a great MD score (8.02±SD1.8) (p<0.001) while Caucasians who consume olive oil were scored higher for MD score (6.51±SD2.2) (p<0.001), scored higher for
MD acceptability (10.21±SD2.3) (p=0.017) and reported lower perceived barriers to healthy eating (PBHE) (1.81±SD4.0) (p=0.03) than non-consumers. Olive oil intake is likely to be positively
associated with older age, higher MD score, higher MD acceptability and lower PBHE in both ethnicities. Evidence examining the effectiveness of nuts and olive oil, on both traditional and novel
CV risk factors, in a comprehensive study in adults with different ethnic background is lacking. Our systematic reviews and meta-analysis of previous relevant literature on nuts that were undertaken for this PhD programme showed that nuts improve TC (MD: -7.54; 95% CI: -10.2 to -4.89; p < 0.00001; I2=59%, n=66), HDL (MD: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.75; P=0.04; I2= 53%; n=67), LDL (MD: -7.21; 95%
CI: -9.38 to -5.04; P< 0.00001; I2= 68%; n=68), TG (MD: -8.83; 95% CI: -13.12 to -4.53; P< 0.0001; I2= 64%; n=65) and FMD (MD: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.39; P=0.03; I2=5%, n=10). The non-Asiangroup potentially tends to benefit more CV biomarkers with moderate nut consumption than Asian group. Olive oil systematic review reported that olive oil improves biomarker - PAI-1 (MD: -1.02ng/ml, 95% CI: -1.92 to -0.12; p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). Nevertheless, studies on olive oil on different ethnicities
were lacking. A 6-week, cross-over, randomised controlled dietary interventional study with 2 weeks interventional duration was undertaken to test the effects of EVOO on cardiovascular health. Overall, this study provided evidence on the benefits of over a 2-week period produced a positive effect on 24-hour SBP including daytime SBP, night-time DBP and MAP and TC, LDL for all participants. For
East Asians, olive oil exerts a beneficial effect on 24-hour SBP and daytime SBP, MAP while night�time DBP was improved among Caucasians following EVOO. EVOO intake also has a positive effect
on blood lipids - TC and circulating biomarkers - sE-selectin in East Asians while LDL and non-HDL are improved among Caucasians after EVOO intake. The findings reported in the present thesis could be valuable to health professionals to develop more effective interventions and could also help the public to make better informed food choices relating to cardiovascular health
... HPLC is a robust, versatile and widely used technique for the isolation and separation of natural products of plant samples. It is used in phytochemical analysis to quantify and purify the species components from the others [48]. ...
The chemical constituent pattern and morphological traits of six species of Indigofera; I. argentea, I. articulata, I. colutea, I. oblongifolia, I. hochstetteri and I. sessiliflora. were surveyed and compared. The chemical characters revealed one series for all species using total estimation of secondary metabolites; alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and phenolic compounds by using TLC and HPLC analysis. 26 main morphological studies were distinguished as macro and micro- characters. The studied species showed different active phytochemical constituents and high number of morphological characters. Similarity matrix and cluster analysis were constructed based on all traits. The results illustrated that there were some related and distant species by using the tree display graph besides I. hochstetteriis regarded as the transitional species among the studied species. The study confirmed that more studies should be carried out to investigate about unknown phenolic compounds
... In healthy participants, the results show a long-term reduction in inflammatory markers following a single big serving of Brazil nuts. [135] Hempseeds Hempseed protein isolate Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells Animal studies (rat) ...
The advancement within the food and nutrition sector has resulted in the development of a special category of food, particularly referred to as “superfoods”. Superfoods are special kind of foods capable of exhibiting different positive effects involving prevention of different ailments, pro- vide impetus to the immune system, and essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ample quantities. Nowadays, these are gaining considerable attention due to the increased health consciousness of consumers. In contrast to their exceptional health or even medicinal benefits, which are based on their long history of use, the concept of superfoods is still little understood. The category of super- foods mainly comprises different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. This review sheds light on the nutritional composition as well as the possible intervention in the prevention of various chronic ailments of some significant superfoods. This manuscript could help consumers to use superfoods as part of their diet more often and very effectively.
... Por isso, pessoas que vivem em áreas onde os níveis de Se no solo são baixos são mais vulneráveis a deficiências nutricionais de Se, sendo importante citar que a distribuição do mineral nos solos do mundo é bastante variada (COMBS, 2001 STOCKLER-PINTO et al., 2010;COMINETTI et al., 2012). Em recente estudo realizado por COLPO et al. (2014) parecem ter relação com uma maior chance para desenvolver a DP, além de idade avançada, um clássico fator de risco para a doença (ABDULLAH et al., 2014;PRINGSHEIM et al., 2014). ...
O selênio (Se) é um nutriente essencial para o funcionamento adequado do organismo humano e também interfere na fisiopatologia de diversas doenças, principalmente daquelas que possuem o estresse oxidativo nas suas bases patológicas. Esse é o caso da doença de Parkinson (DP), que causa diversos distúrbios do movimento e afeta principalmente indivíduos idosos no mundo todo. Além do estresse oxidativo, vários outros fatores contribuem para a patogênese da DP, entre eles a exposição ao pesticida paraquat (PQ). Por causar a morte seletiva dos neurônios dopaminérgicos da substância negra do mesencéfalo, que é considerada a neurodegeneração característica da DP, o PQ pode ser utilizado para induzir modelos animais da doença. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é investigar os efeitos do Se sobre a neurotoxicidade, genotoxicidade, função locomotora e alterações teciduais em ratos Wistar submetidos a um modelo experimental da DP induzido por PQ. Ainda, uma ampla revisão bibliográfica sobre os efeitos do Se sobre a DP também foi conduzida. Os principais resultados experimentais deste estudo indicaram que o PQ induziu danos no DNA dos leucócitos dos animais testados, mas não às células do encéfalo, sendo que o uso do Se protegeu contra os danos no DNA encontrados nos leucócitos (dados obtidos com a aplicação do Ensaio Cometa). O PQ causou dano locomotor nos animais, que também foram evitados através do uso do Se (conforme indicou os dados do Teste da Barra Estreita). Com a realização de análises histopatológicas verificou-se que o PQ ocasionou alterações teciduais no tecido pulmonar dos ratos, mas não no fígado, testículos e cerebelo. Os efeitos tóxicos do PQ ao pulmão foram minimizados pelo Se. Através de análise histomorfométrica, não foi encontrada diferença significativa na espessura da camada granular do cerebelo entre os grupos experimentais testados. De forma integrada, os resultados obtidos experimentalmente neste trabalho associados à pesquisa bibliográfica realizada indicaram que o uso do Se é promissor para combater os efeitos tóxicos do PQ. Ainda, sugeriram que o mineral possui potencial para ser usado no tratamento dietoterápico da DP e em estratégias de prevenção da mesma em indivíduos com histórico familiar da doença.
... Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa, family Lecythidaceae) are known to be the richest source of Se with high SeMet content and therefore, it has been widely used in studies of Se supplementation. Regular consumption of Brazil nuts results in optimum plasma Se and erythrocytes concentrations, as well as in better activity of selenoenzymes (52-55) antioxidant state (56), muscular retention (57), and inflammation status (54,58). It is important to consider genetic variants in selenoprotein genes (55) and pre-stratification of the population prior to starting the trials as a way to avoid possible differentiated responses depending on the Se status in each individual (59). ...
This review covers current knowledge of selenium in the dietary intake, its bioavailability, metabolism, functions, biomarkers, supplementation and toxicity, as well as its relationship with diseases and gut microbiota specifically on the symbiotic relationship between gut microflora and selenium status. Selenium is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, conversion of thyroid hormones, protection against the harmful action of heavy metals and xenobiotics as well as for the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases. Selenium is able to balance the microbial flora avoiding health damage associated with dysbiosis. Experimental studies have shown that inorganic and organic selenocompounds are metabolized to selenomethionine and incorporated by bacteria from the gut microflora, therefore highlighting their role in improving the bioavailability of selenocompounds. Dietary selenium can affect the gut microbial colonization, which in turn influences the host's selenium status and expression of selenoproteoma. Selenium deficiency may result in a phenotype of gut microbiota that is more susceptible to cancer, thyroid dysfunctions, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Although the host and gut microbiota benefit each other from their symbiotic relationship, they may become competitors if the supply of micronutrients is limited. Intestinal bacteria can remove selenium from the host resulting in two to three times lower levels of host's selenoproteins under selenium-limiting conditions. There are still gaps in whether these consequences are unfavorable to humans and animals or whether the daily intake of selenium is also adapted to meet the needs of the bacteria.
... This mixture produced anxiolyticlike effects, similar to diazepam, in male and female adult Wistar rats associated with the GABA A receptor [32,33]. The depressant effects were also observed in infant rats by corroborating the GABA A receptor involvement [34]. To assess the depressant activity of the B. excelsa oil extract, we explored its effects in different experimental anxiety models. ...
Overweight, obesity, and psychiatric disorders are serious health problems. To evidence the anxiolytic-like effects and lipid reduction in mice receiving a high-calorie diet and Bertholletia excelsa seeds in a nonpolar extract (SBHX, 30 and 300 mg/kg), animals were assessed in open-field, hole-board, and elevated plus-maze tests. SBHX (3 and 10 mg/kg) potentiated the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis. Chronic administration of SBHX for 40 days was given to mice fed with a hypercaloric diet to determine the relationship between water and food intake vs. changes in body weight. Testes, epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), and liver were dissected to analyze fat content, triglycerides, cholesterol, and histological effects after administering the hypercaloric diet and SBHX. Fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid (0.14%), palmitic acid (21.42%), linoleic acid (11.02%), oleic acid (59.97%), and stearic acid (7.44%), were identified as constituents of SBHX, producing significant anxiolytic-like effects and preventing body-weight gain in mice receiving the hypercaloric diet without altering their water or food consumption. There was also a lipid-lowering effect on the testicular tissue and eWAT and a reduction of adipocyte area in eWAT. Our data evidence beneficial properties of B. excelsa seeds influencing global health concerns such as obesity and anxiety.
... However, inflammatory disorders are extremely damaging and can lead to conditions such as cancer, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others [44]. Colpo et al. [45] monitored the activity of inflammation markers upon the intake of different portions of Brazil nuts (from 0 to 50 g) by healthy individuals. The trial revealed that the consumption of 20 or 50 g of Brazil nuts was responsible for a decrease in serum levels of inflammation markers (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ). ...
The consumption of nuts as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle has long been associated with chronic disease prevention. Nuts and their coproducts such as oil, cake, plant-based milk substitutes, flour, and shell are rich in lipids, proteins, phenolics, and other bioactive compounds. Nut flour also presents interesting physical properties, such as water or oil holding capacity, foam properties, emulsifying activity, and emulsion stability. These biological and physical properties make these products commercially attractive as organic ingredients in several foods such as spreads, bakery products, and cereal bars. In this chapter, the nutritional and bioactive profiles, as well as the evidenced health-promoting effects of nuts originating from Brazil, will be discussed. The focus will be on commercial nuts such as cashews, pecan, and Brazil nuts, along with some underexplored and relatively unknown indigenous species, such as sapucaia, chichá, monguba, and pracaxi. The knowledge of these Brazilian native nuts and their coproducts is important for stimulating their consumption among the population and their large-scale commercialization.
... The main fatty acids found in this seed are palmitic (14% -16%), stearic (9% -11%), oleic (28% -36%) and linoleic acids (36% -40%) (Santos, Corrêa, Carvalho, Costa, & Lannes, 2013;Colpo et al., 2014). These last two are important because they have been associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases (Venkatachalam & Sathe, 2006). ...
Brazil nut oil is mostly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, some of which are associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Vegetable proteins have been increasingly used as wall material for partial replacement of carbohydrates and whey proteins. In order to create an oil preservation method, Brazil nut oil was encapsulated with three different types of vegetable protein concentrates and gum arabic (GA): rice (RPC + GA); pea (PPC+ GA); and soy (SPC + GA) .For this purpose, vegetable protein concentrates were characterized, and after the drying process the physicochemical characteristics of the microparticles were evaluated. The most stable emulsion, after seven days of evaluation, was composed of RPC + GA. RPC + GA. This treatment was also more stable based on the shelf life assessments. We concluded that RCP microparticles were the best option for encapsulating Brazil nut oil in comparison with the other particles evaluated. In addition, the product obtained is potentially capable of being included in various processed foods.
... In addition, it can be seen that the direct addition of Brazil nut oil in brownies may have negatively affected the product (which showed less acceptability). Brazil nut oil is a product with great nutritional and functional value, due to its composition, especially unsaturated fatty acids [2,29]. However, the exposure of these fatty acids to heat, moisture, oxygen and light present in the environment can lead to loss of product quality and important sensory changes [12]. ...
The encapsulation of Brazil nut oil with rice protein and gum arabic as a wall material has been successfully demonstrated in previous studies carried out by this group. This process generated a product that maintains the functional properties of the oil and also can be used to produce other foods. In order to evaluate microparticles as a possible ingredient in food formulations, a brownie recipe was created containing encapsulated Brazil nut oil. The oil microparticles were produced by lyophilization and their physical characteristics were analyzed. They were added to the brownie recipe to assess the global acceptance and texture. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the ability of the particles to withstand high temperatures (≅ 280 °C). The rheology tests demonstrated the Newtonian fluid behavior of the 1 CorrespondingApplication of Brazil nut oil microparticles in a brownie recipe EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH-Vol. VIII, Issue 2 / May 2020 906 emulsion. The brownie containing the microparticles showed 8.05 ± 1.12 global acceptance and 7.71 ± 1.8 for texture, while the brownie with crude Brazil nut oil had 7.27 ± 1.76 global acceptance and 7.25 ± 1.85 for texture. These results make it possible to use the oil in new products, in addition to contributing to reduce the disposal of residues from the nut production process, as well as reducing the loss of quality of the oil.
... Some studies recently found that oxidative damage and insulin resistance facilitate the occurrence and development of cancers [30]. The antioxidant components [31] present in nuts have moderate antioxidant capacity and reduce oxidative DNA damage [6] and cell proliferation [32] while decreasing inflammatory reactions [33] and the accumulation of circulatory insulin-like growth factor 1 [34]. Furthermore, the anticancer antioxidant components in nuts can induce apoptosis [35], inhibit angiogenesis [36], and change the gut microbiota [37]. ...
Previous studies have indicated a correlation between nut intake and cancer risk in humans. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between nut consumption and the risks of cancer incidence and mortality. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched up to August 2019. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects and fixed-effects models. We included 38 studies on nut consumption and cancer risk and 9 studies on cancer-specific mortality. Compared with no nut intake, nut intake was associated with a lower cancer risk (Relative Risk=0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.94). Inverse associations were observed with colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer in subgroup analyses. Tree nut consumption was found to reduce cancer risk (Relative Risk=0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.99). Dose-response curves suggested that protective benefits against cancer increased with increased nut intake (P=0.005, P-nonlinearity=0.0414). An inverse correlation with cancer-specific mortality (Odd Ratio=0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.92) was observed. In conclusion, nut consumption is inversely associated with the risks of cancer incidence and mortality; a higher intake is significantly associated with a lower cancer risk.
... The Brazil nut is a seed with high nutritional value and bioactive composition, including selenium, tocopherols, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, dietary fiber, and phenolic compounds [7,8]. Intake of foods containing phenolic compounds has been associated with potential beneficial health effects related to anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities [8,9]. In addition to the direct consumption of the kernel, various products such as oil-and plant-based milk can be obtained from the nut. ...
... Intake of defatted Brazil nuts improved GPX3 and decreased the oxidation of LDL in hyperlipidemic and hypertensive Brazilian patients (34). Farther those atheroprotective mechanisms, eating Brazil nuts has been also associated with decreased inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1, IL-6, INFγ, TNF-α) in human subjects (35). Cardoso et al. (36) studied the possible role of Brazil nut supplementation on antioxidant and antiinflammatory response. ...
Brazil nuts are rich in magnesium, selenium, arginine and other amino acids, dietary fiber, tocopherols (vitamin E), phytosterols, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, sitosterols, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and other amino acids. Due to such a rich mixture of nutrients, Brazil nuts protect LDL from peroxidation, and improve endothelial function, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and decrease endothelial inflammatory markers, DNA oxidation, and blood lipids (cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides). Here, we review and propose biological mechanisms by which bioactive compounds of Brazil nuts afford protections against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Just a few nuts per day provide sufficient cardiovascular benefits, including protection against development and progression of atherosclerosis.
... A meta-analysis by Mazidi et al., 2016 [87] that included 20 RCTs [59,68,74,81,96,98,100,109,110,112,[117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126], and a meta-analysis by Mejia et al., 2014 [89] that included 26 RCTs (healthy subjects [83,117] and subjects with dyslipidemia [65,126], metabolic syndrome [58,66,68,95,99,101,113,116,[127][128][129], and T2DM [86,93,94,102,103,112,114,[130][131][132]) showed a 0.08 mml/L reduction in fasting glucose. A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (n = 450) by Viguiliouk et al., 2014 [88] showed a 0.15 mmol/L reduction of fasting glucose only in subjects with T2DM. ...
Aim We aimed to determine if nut consumption decreases mortality and/or the risk of cardiometabolic diseases based on updated meta-analyses of epidemiological and intervention studies.
Methods:
An updated electronic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Library databases for original meta-analyses to investigate the effects of nut consumption on cardiometabolic disease in humans.
Results:
Seven new meta-analyses were included in this updated review. Findings similar to our previous review were observed, showing that nut consumption significantly decreased cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (-19% to -25%; n = 4), coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality (-24% to -30%; n = 3), stroke mortality (-17% to -18%; n = 3), CVD incidence (-15% to -19 %; n = 4), CHD [or coronary artery disease (CAD)] incidence (-17% to -34%; n = 8), and stroke incidence (-10% to -11%; n = 6) comparing high with low categories of nut consumption. Fasting glucose levels (0.08 to 0.15 mmol/L; n = 6), total cholesterol (TC; 0.021 to 0.30 mmol/L; n = 10), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; 0.017 to 0.26 mmol/L; n = 10) were significantly decreased with nut consumption compared with control diets. Body weight and blood pressure were not significantly affected by nut consumption.
Conclusion:
Nut consumption appears to exert a protective effect on cardiometabolic disease, possibly through improved concentrations of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL-C.
... The Brazil nut is a seed with high nutritional value and bioactive composition, including selenium, tocopherols, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, dietary fiber, and phenolic compounds [7,8]. Intake of foods containing phenolic compounds has been associated with potential beneficial health effects related to anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities [8,9]. In addition to the direct consumption of the kernel, various products such as oil-and plant-based milk can be obtained from the nut. ...
... A. digitata extracts (crude and partitioned fractions) at a concentration of 15 mg/mL was injected by means of a model SIL-20A Shimadzu Auto sampler. Separations were carried out using Phenomenex C 18 column (4.6 mm  250 mm x 5 μm particle size) according to the method described by Colpo et al. [21] with slight modifications. Quantifications were carried out by integration of the peaks using the external standard method. ...
Background:
The investigation and knowledge of calcium handling mechanisms in the plasmodium has been considered as a potential biological target against malaria.
Objective:
This study deals with the evaluation of inhibitory activity of secondary metabolites of ethylacetate partitioned-fraction of Adansonia digitata stem bark extract on malaria-associated protein using in silico docking studies.
Materials and methods:
Molecular docking and virtual screening was performed to understand the mechanism of ligand binding and to identify potent calcium transporter inhibitors. The stem bark extracts of A. digitata contains rich sources of phytochemicals. The secondary metabolites were determined by HPLC-DAD and HRGC-MS analysis. The major chemical constituent present in the ethylacetate partitioned-fraction of A. digitata stem bark extract were examined for their antiplasmodial activity and were also involved in docking study.
Results:
The secondary metabolites, quercetin and apigenin inhibited the formation of β-hematin. The results showed that all the selected compounds in the A. digitata showed binding energy ranging between -6.5 kcal/mol and -7.1 kcal/mol. Among the two chemical constituents, apigenin has the highest docking score along with the highest number of hydrogen bonds formed when compared to quercetin. Analysis of the results suggests that apigenin and quercetin could act as an anti-malaria agent.
Conclusion:
Molecular docking analysis could lead to further development of potent calcium transporter inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of malaria and related conditions.
... Extraction of bioactive compounds before using Brazil nut cake as an ingredient in food and feed may contribute to the development of added-value products. The intake of foods containing phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and selenium has been associated with potential beneficial health effects related to anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities (Colpo et al., 2014). However, natural antioxidants in general, such as phenolics and tocopherols, are unstable in solution, being susceptible to degradation, leading to loss of bioactivity. ...
The aim of this study was to produce and to characterize a new functional food ingredient from Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) cake extract, microencapsulated by inulin and octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch (OSA-starch). Varying proportions of the encapsulating agents were tested, and the particles morphology, average diameter, and contents of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and chemical stability were determined. Microparticles containing OSA-starch and inulin (1:1) were selected for their properties, and stability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity for 120 days of storage. Analysis of these microparticles by HPLC and LC-HRMS revealed seven phenolic acids: gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, sinapinic and 2-hydroxybenzoic, and five flavonoids: quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, myricetin and quercetin. β-Tocopherol was the major tocol identified and microparticles showed high selenium contents (4.95 μg/g), determined by ICP-MS. The Brazil nut microparticles produced consist of a food-grade powder with interest for use in functional foods, combining the bioactive compounds in their core with the prebiotic encapsulating agent, while simultaneously adding-value to the byproduct of Brazil nut oil production.
... However, the consumption of 20 or 50 g of Brazil nuts by healthy adults evaluated in different periods of time resulted in a reduction of IL-6, TNF-a, and IFN-g serum concentration after 24 h and an increase of IL-10 after 9 h. After a washout period (30 d) these parameters remained stable [41]. Supplementation with Se yeast (200 mg) significantly reduced serum CRP in women with Table 4 Spearman correlation between the variation (D) of Se biomarkers and the mRNA fold-change of TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, TLR2, and TLR4 genes. ...
Objective:
Increased inflammatory response is an important factor in the pathophysiology of obesity. The mineral selenium (Se), of which one of the main food sources is the Brazil nut, has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions through the action of selenoproteins. Thus, the evaluation of the influence of this micronutrient in this context is of great relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Brazil nut intake with high Se concentrations on inflammatory biomarkers and its relation to Se status in obese women.
Methods:
A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with 55 women recruited at Clinical Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were randomly assigned to either the Brazil nut group (BN) or the control group (CO) and followed up for 2 mo. The BN group consumed 1 unit/d of Brazil nuts (∼ 1261 μg/Se); the CO group did not receive any intervention. At baseline and after 2 mo, analysis of biochemical parameters related to Se status, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were performed.
Results:
At baseline, both groups did not present Se deficiency. In the BN group, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all Se biomarkers and in gene expression of several proinflammatory parameters (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4) were observed after the intervention period. No changes were observed for the CO group.
Conclusion:
Although there were no changes in plasma inflammatory biomarkers levels, a significant increase in gene expression may be an indication of a proinflammatory stimulus in obesity, induced by the consumption of Brazil nuts with high Se levels.
... All chromatographic operations were performed at room temperature and in triplicates. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were calculated based on the standard deviation of the responses and gradient by means of three curves from independent analyses, as defined by Colpo et al. [23]. LOD and LOQ were calculated as 3.3 and 10 σ / S, respectively, where σ is the standard deviation of the response and S is the slope of the calibration curve. ...
Objective:
The objective of this work was evaluate the cytotoxic, leishmanicidal and tripanocidal activity, as well as to evaluate its antimicrobial and modulatory activity in association with different antibiotics of the hydroethanolic extract of the Ximenia Americana stem bark (EHXA).
Method:
In vitro tests against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania sp. and citotoxicity were performed. The evaluation of the antibacterial and bacterial resistance modulatory effect was given by the microdilution method.
Results:
The chemical profile show different classes of compounds with significant presence of quercetrin and caffeic acid. The EHXA demonstrated activity only in the concentration of 1000 μg/mL against the L. infantum and L. brasiliensis promastigotes, causing mortality percentage of 40.66 and 27.62%, respectively. The extract presented a significant toxicity only in the concentration of 1000 μg/mL, causing a mortality of 55.42% of fibroblasts. The antibacterial activity of the EHXA demonstrated a MIC value ≥1024 μg/mL against all the tested bacteria. However, in the modulation assay with EHXA in association with different antibiotics the extract had a synergistic effect against S. aureus strains when associated with norfloxacin.
Conclusion:
The results of this investigation demonstrate for the first time the chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract of the Ximenia Americana stem bark, your potential antiparasitic and modulatory effect. The low cytotoxic and biological potential against S. aureus open therapeutic perspectives against leishmaniosis and bacterial infections.
... Other inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, DNA damage and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity, did not show significantly results. 23,28 Obese female adolescents were also evaluated after consumption of 15 to 25 g Brazil nuts daily during 16 weeks and compared with a placebo group (PG). The authors showed a significant reduction of TC, LDL-c and TG in the Brazil nuts group (BNG). ...
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death globally and most CVD can be prevented by addressing their risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet. Many authors have studied the benefits of nut consumption on CVD. Nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, like phytosterols and phenolic compounds, which are able to reduce cholesterol levels and promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. This review aims to describe studies involving the consumption of nuts, including Brazil nuts and CVD risk factors with positive results in the improvement of lipid profile, glucose metabolism, vascular function, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
... They are also rich in fiber and phytosterols that contribute to the reduction of the cholesterol re-absorption in the intestine (Robbins, Shin, Shewfelt, Eitenmiller, & Pegg, 2011;Salas-Salvadó, Bulló, Pérez-Heras, & Ros, 2006;Shahzad et al., 2017). In addition, nuts contain tocopherols (vitamin E), minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium), antioxidant minerals (selenium, manganese and copper) and phenolic compounds that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (Cardoso, Duarte, Reis, & Cozzolino, 2017;Colpo et al., 2014;Naozuka, Vieira, Nascimento, & Oliveira, 2011;Robbins et al., 2011). The low content of sodium and high content of potassium contribute to maintain a normal blood pressure (Ndanuko et al., 2017). ...
The nutritional composition of the sapucaia nut, cake and shell, the nut and cake minerals content and the lipid profile of the nut oil (fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols and triacylglycerols) were determined. The nuts and cake exhibited a high content of lipid (47.9 to 60.8 mg 100 g-1), protein (15.8 to 19.5 mg 100 g-1), dietary fiber (16.5 to 22.6 mg 100 g-1) and provided an excellent source of selenium (26.4 to 46.94 μg g-1). The oil contained a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids (39.7 to 45.4% of oleic and 32.2 to 46.6% of linoleic acids) and presented a high Oxidative Stability Index (8.57-12.95 h) indicating the presence of antioxidant compounds in the oil. The major triacylglycerols in the sapucaia oil were LLO, PLO, LOO, POO, OOO, PLL and LLL. The main bioactive lipids identified in the oil were γ-tocopherol (19.2 to 28.5 mg 100 g-1) and β-sitosterol (92.8 to 194 mg 100 g-1). The results showed that the sapucaia nut and its by-products are a promising natural source of bioactive and nutritional compounds and when present in the diet can contribute to the maintenance of human health. In addition, the nut and by-product represents a promising raw material for the food industry.
... As doses foram selecionadas de acordo com estudos prévios em seres humanos sem efeitos nefrotóxicos e hepatotóxicos. [7][8][9][10][11] Os animais dos grupos SHAM foram submetidos à mesma anestesia e procedimentos cirúrgicos descritos acima, mas sem oclusão da artéria renal. Os animais foram sacrificados 48 h após a reperfusão com uma sobredosagem de anestésico (100 mg/Kg de tiopental). ...
Introduction:
Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury results from inflammation and oxidative stress, among other factors. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the Brazil nut (BN) might attenuate IR renal injury.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the intake of BN prevents or reduces IR kidney injury and inflammation, improving renal function and decreasing oxidative stress.
Methods:
Male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups (N=6/group): SHAM (control), SHAM treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN, IR, and IR treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN. The IR procedure consisted of right nephrectomy and occlusion of the left renal artery with a non-traumatic vascular clamp for 30 min. BN was given daily and individually for 7 days before surgery (SHAM or IR) and maintained until animal sacrifice (48h after surgery). We evaluated the following parameters: plasma creatinine, urea, and phosphorus; proteinuria, urinary output, and creatinine clearance; plasmatic TBARS and TEAC; kidney expression of iNOS and nitrotyrosine, and macrophage influx.
Results:
Pre-treatment with 75 mg of BN attenuated IR-induced renal changes, with elevation of creatinine clearance and urinary output, reducing proteinuria, urea, and plasmatic phosphorus as well as reducing kidney expression of iNOS, nitrotyrosine, and macrophage influx.
Conclusion:
Low intake of BN prior to IR-induced kidney injury improves renal function by inhibition of macrophage infiltration and oxidative stress.
... Data from population-based studies indicate an inverse relationship between nut intake, such as almonds and CRP [268,269]. Plasma IL-6 levels were reduced after a Mediterranean diet with nuts compared to a control diet [270,271]. Similarly, previous studies reported by Zhao et al. [272] and Zhao et al. [273] also evaluated walnuts rich in PUFAs and, in particular, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), in relation to proinflammatory cytokine production [273] and inflammatory markers [272] by blood mononuclear cells. The data showed that compared to the average American diet, the CRP levels were reduced by 75% in subjects consuming an ALA diet; conversely, levels in subjects consuming the linoleic acid (LA) diet decreased by 45% [272]. ...
There are different types of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress sources that trigger inflammation. Much information indicates that high intakes of macronutrients can promote oxidative stress and subsequently contribute to inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B-(NF-κB-) mediated cell signaling pathways. Dietary carbohydrates, animal-based proteins, and fats are important to highlight here because they may contribute to the long-term consequences of nutritionally mediated inflammation. Oxidative stress is a central player of metabolic ailments associated with high-carbohydrate and animal-based protein diets and excessive fat consumption. Obesity has become an epidemic and represents the major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress are complex and poorly understood. Therefore, this review aimed to explore how dietary choices exacerbate or dampen the oxidative stress and inflammation. We also discussed the implications of oxidative stress in the adipocyte and glucose metabolism and obesity-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in obesity and the development of obesity-related NCDs would provide a useful approach. This is because oxidative stress can be mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, hence providing a plausible means for the prevention of metabolic disorders.
... In literature, we found a possible mechanism of action regarding the inhibition of inflammatory cascade at the level of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) [46], by polyunsaturated fatty acids present in JRE, in particular linoleic acid ( Table 1 and Fig. 1). ...
Objective:
In this research, fatty acid profile and polyphenolic content of an ethanolic extract of walnut from Juglans regia L. collected in Central Italy, were performed. The potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were investigated in the human keratinocytes cell line.
Methods:
Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for determination of total flavonoids. Kertatinocytes were exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide or Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa in absence or presence of extract. Reduced glutathione was determined by Sedlak method; lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. t-butyl hydroperoxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species were monitored by fluorescent probes. The expression of some genes related to the inflammatory process (IL-6, IL-8, ikB, and ICAM) were analysed by Real-Time PCR.
Results:
JRE contains a favourable fatty acid profile with low saturated fats (19%) and high-unsaturated fats (81%) with a prevalence of the omega-6 linoleic acid (48%). Also a significant amount of polyphenols was found (5,0052 mg gallic acid equivalent/ gdw). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of JRE were observed on cellular model analysed. JRE antioxidants counteracted ROS production, GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation as well downregulated the expression of some genes related to the inflammatory process. Moreover polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibited anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion:
The obtained results uphold walnut as dietary adjunct in health promotion and drive towards its development in drug therapy against chronic inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory skin diseases.
Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) is characterized by its high nutritional and energetic value. It contains high levels of l-arginine, antioxidant vitamins, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. In addition to their biological functions, bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids present therapeutic effects on chronic disease prevention through their antioxidant effects. Thus, this review aims to present the most recent scientific evidence on the effect of Brazil nut on human health. A search for scientific articles was carried out through the MEDLINE/PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases, considering articles published between the years 2010 and 2023. The results showed that Brazil nuts and Brazil nut oil, when consumed regularly and associated with a balanced diet, can improve lipid profile, attenuate inflammatory response, and improve oxidative stress through increased activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, further studies are recommended to better understand the mechanisms of action.
Nuts have been known as a nutritious food since ancient times and can be considered part of our original diet: they are one of the few foods that have been eaten in the same form for thousands of years. They consist of various dry fruits and seeds, with the most common species being almonds (Prunus dulcis), hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), cashews (cashew nuts, Anacardium occidentale), pistachios (Pistacia vera), walnuts (Italian nuts, Juglans regia), peanuts (Arachia hypogaca), Brazil nuts (Bartholletia excels), pecans (Corya illinoinensis), macadamia nuts (Macademia ternifolia) and pine nuts. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have found nuts to possess a range of bioactive compounds with cardioprotective properties, and hence, their consumption may play a role in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The present work reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the functional ingredients of various nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecan nuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) and the molecular mechanisms of their cardioprotective action. The data indicate that almonds, walnuts and pistachios are the best nut sources of bioactive ingredients with cardioprotective properties.
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
An annual herb, Ipomoea pes-tigridis L. (Convolvulaceae) is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties in traditional medicine. As well as treating wounds, fever, skin disorders, and other ailments, it is also used for other purposes.
Aim of the study:
This study investigated polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, RP-HPLC, wound healing, and antioxidant enzyme activity. In terms of I. pes-tigridis potential for healing wounds, there is no scientific data available. Hence this study is designed to use animal models to investigate the ethnopharmacological report.
Materials methods:
The crude extracts of stem and leaf were subjected to phytochemicals, TPC, TTC, TFC, and free radical scavenging assays (DPPH, ABTS, etc). Excision and incision models were used to assess wound healing using the screened extracts (IPLEA, IPLM, IPSEA, and IPSM). Various tissue parameters (hydroxyproline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid content), as well as antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, Catalase, GPX, LPO), were also examined.
Results:
The maximum amount of polyphenolic content was found in IPLM (TPC- 118.86 ± 5.94 mg GAE/g, TTC - 75.25 ± 2.64 mg TAE/g, and TFC-25.73 ± 0.99 mg GAE/g) with significant IC50 value of 1.65 ± 0.87 μg/mL among all the extracts. Coumaric acid was reported high (92.86 mg/g) in RP-HPLC analysis of crude extract in IPLEA. The in vivo excision wound healing model revealed that 1% IPLM had better healing property with the maximum wound healing area (0.098 ± 0.03 cm) and wound concentration (95.56 ± 1.95%) was reported with the significance level of ***P < 0.001, **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05. In the incision model, IPLM represented maximum tensile strength (27500 gf). A significant functional effect of the granulation tissue parameters and enzyme antioxidants on the wound-healed area of dry tissue was also observed. Finally, the histopathological analysis showed enhanced re-epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis in wound-treated animal tissue in both models.
Conclusion:
According to the present study, antioxidant-rich I. pes-tigridis promotes healthy cell regeneration while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress for wound healing. Additionally, it also enhances circulation and promotes healing.
HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) is one of the accurate chromatographic techniques that is widely used for analysis. This present review submitted the extraction and HPLC methods for determining the compound in Melastomataceae and Asteraceae families that related with insecticidal compounds. This review discusses the standard used for the compound and chromatographic conditions. There are several species under both families. As for the Melastomataceae family, the species are Melastoma malabathricum and Miconia albicans meanwhile, the species under the Asteraceae family are Santolina semidentata, Eupatorium littorale , and Vernonia condensata . This review focus on the flavonoid and phenolic compound as these compounds are categorized as an insecticidal compound. HPLC can be used in conjunction with several detection technologies to identify flavonoids and phenolics in the plant, food, and biological samples because it is a method for separating these molecules. As a result, the HPLC procedure for the chosen molecule was reviewed in this article, which will aid in further analysis.
Bertholletia excelsa é uma espécie de florestas tropicais da família Lecythidacea. Fonte econômica primária para muitas populações extrativistas apresentando diversas características relevantes. Esta revisão tem como objetivo reunir artigos publicados nas bases de dados Periódico Capes, Pubmed, Science Direct e outros, utilizando descritores referentes a castanha do Brasil, sobre sua importância na saúde e economia. Foram encontrados 38387 artigos dos quais 107 foram avaliados subsequentemente com as leituras de título/resumos, destes 58 foram selecionados para nortear a revisão. Os resultados confirmam a importância do manejo econômico desta espécie nas comunidades tradicionais na cultura de coleta/beneficiamento, bem como suas propriedades biológicas as quais contribuem para a saúde da população. Estudos experimentais adicionais são necessários para a elucidação de mecanismos de ação, segurança e eficácia da espécie na tentativa do uso da planta como recurso biotecnológico.
Nutraceuticals have been the focus of numerous research in recent years and accumulating data support their use for promoting some health benefits. Several nutraceuticals have been widely studied as supplements due to their functional properties ameliorating symptoms associated with neurological disorders, such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory states. This seems to be the case of some fruits and seeds from the Amazon Biome consumed since the Pre-Columbian period that could have potential beneficial impact on the human nervous system. The beneficial activities of these food sources are possibly related to a large number of bioactive molecules including polyphenols, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements. In this context, this review compiled the research on six Amazonian fruits and seeds species and some of the major nutraceuticals found in their composition presenting brief mechanisms related to their protagonist action in improving inflammatory responses and neuroinflammation.
Previous studies suggest that Brazil nut can improve the nutritional status of selenium, reduce oxidative stress, modify lipid profile, and alter inflammatory markers. A systematic review was performed to evaluate and synthesize the results of studies on the effect of Brazil nut supplementation on human health. The review was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for reviews and was based on searches of the databases BIREME, BMC Proceedings, The British Library, The Cochrane Library, and PubMed up to December 2019. The searches also included at the databases Google Scholar and Web of Sciences. The descriptors were identified using the Health Science Descriptors system and the search strategy included the following combination of keywords: Bertholletia, protein, lipid, nutritive value, and selenium; in English and Portuguese. A total of 510 potential studies were screened, of which 25 studies were considered for this review. All studies showed that supplementation with Brazil nut in the amounts evaluated improved the selenium status in the body and had positive effects without reports of adverse effects. This systematic review indicates that Brazil nut has a beneficial effect on human health, but further studies with double-blind controlled clinical trials and larger sample sizes are needed for the validation of these effects.
The primary objective of this study was to shed greater light on the characteristics and multifaceted potential of oil extracts from kernels of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut), seeds of the Plukenetia species and Caryocar species. These are but a few of the multitude of the plant species found in the Amazon and Brazil's Cerrado biomes. They have many substantial organoleptic, nutritional, and functional properties that are comparable or exceed better known oils, and they manifest health benefits and prospective economic opportunities as an oil source for foods, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. It is also hoped that this study gives rise to further research that may be beneficial to the industry and improve the local economies where these raw materials are found.
The analysis of fatty acid (FA) esters by gas chromatography and flame ionization detector (FID) normally uses the normalization method. However, if one FA is wrongly estimated, the results could be greatly affected. In this study, methodologies using internal standards and correction factors for the FID response are described. The results show that by using theoretical correction factors associated to the internal standardization, the quantitative analyses of the FAs are expressed in mass, increasing the accuracy and facilitating the interpretation and comparison of the results for foods and biodiesels.
Brazil nuts were shelled and separated as kernel and brown skin; whole nuts were also used. Soluble phenolics from each portion as well as the whole nut were extracted using 70% acetone under reflux conditions. Insoluble-bound phenolics were subsequently extracted into diethyl ether–ethyl acetate mixture (1:1, v/v) after alkaline hydrolysis. Both soluble and insoluble-bound phenolic extracts were separately examined for their total phenolics content; antioxidant activities were evaluated by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), reducing power, and oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC). Soluble phenolics in brown skin was 1236.07 as compared to 406.83 in kernel and 519.11mg/100g in whole nut. Bound phenolics content of brown skin was also 86- and 19-folds higher than kernel and whole nut, respectively. Similarly extracts from the brown skin exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Free- and bound phenolics were identified and quantified; these included nine phenolic acids and flavonoids and their derivatives (gallic acid, gallocatechin. protocatechuic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, taxifolin, myricetin, ellagic acid, and quercetin). However, some phenolics were present only in the bound form. Furthermore, the phenolics were dominant in the brown skin.
Background. This study investigates the effects of Brazil nut ingestion on serum lipid profile in healthy volunteers. Methods. Ten healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Each subject was tested 4 times in a randomized crossover in relation to the ingestion of different serving sizes of the Brazil nut: 0, 5, 20, or 50 g. At each treatment point, peripheral blood was drawn before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 hours and 5 and 30 days. Blood samples were tested for total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c and LDL-c, resp.), triglycerides, selenium, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, gamma GT, urea, creatinine, and C-reactive protein. Results. A significant increase of the plasma selenium levels was observed at 6 hours within the groups receiving the nuts. Serum LDL-c was significantly lower, whereas HDL-c was significantly higher 9 hours after the ingestion of 20 or 50 g of nuts. The biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function were not modified by ingestion of nuts. Conclusions. This study shows that the ingestion of a single serving of Brazil nut can acutely improve the serum lipid profile of healthy volunteers.
Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between nut intakes and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The composition of lipids, minerals, and phytochemicals, and their associated health functions in Brazil nuts are critically reviewed. The nuts have high nutritive food value containing 60–70% oil and 17% protein. Brazil nuts contain abundant dietary antioxidants, especially selenium (Se). One single Brazil nut provides 160% of the US Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of selenium - perhaps the best source of Se from plant-based foods. Brazil nuts possess phenolics and flavonoids in both free and bound forms and are rich in tocopherol, phytosterols, and squalene. These compounds' possible beneficial effects are due to their antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, which are linked to a reduced risk for developing atherosclerosis and cancer.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, possibly by favorably changing vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Inflammatory markers and lipids and lipoproteins were assessed in hypercholesterolemic subjects (n = 23) fed 2 diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in PUFA varying in ALA (ALA Diet) and linoleic acid (LA Diet) compared with an average American diet (AAD). The ALA Diet provided 17% energy from PUFA (10.5% LA; 6.5% ALA); the LA Diet provided 16.4% energy from PUFA (12.6% LA; 3.6% ALA); and the AAD provided 8.7% energy from PUFA (7.7% LA; 0.8% ALA). The ALA Diet decreased C-reactive protein (CRP, P < 0.01), whereas the LA Diet tended to decrease CRP (P = 0.08). Although the 2 high-PUFA diets similarly decreased intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 vs. AAD (-19.1% by the ALA Diet, P < 0.01; -11.0% by the LA Diet, P < 0.01), the ALA Diet decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1, -15.6% vs. -3.1%, P < 0.01) and E-selectin (-14.6% vs. -8.1%, P < 0.01) more than the LA Diet. Changes in CRP and VCAM-1 were inversely associated with changes in serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (r = -0.496, P = 0.016; r = -0.418, P = 0.047), or EPA plus docosapentaenoic acid (r = -0.409, P = 0.053; r = -0.357, P = 0.091) after subjects consumed the ALA Diet. The 2 high-PUFA diets decreased serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides similarly (P < 0.05); the ALA Diet decreased HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI compared with the AAD (P < 0.05). ALA appears to decrease CVD risk by inhibiting vascular inflammation and endothelial activation beyond its lipid-lowering effects.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood.
The objective was to compare the effects of 2 Med-Diets with those of a low-fat diet on immune cell activation and soluble inflammatory biomarkers related to atherogenesis in subjects at high risk of CVD.
In a controlled study, we randomly assigned 112 older subjects with diabetes or > or =3 CVD risk factors to 3 dietary intervention groups: Med-Diet with supplemental virgin olive oil (VOO), Med-Diet with supplemental nuts, and low-fat diet. Changes from baseline in cellular and serum inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at 3 mo.
One hundred six participants (43% women; average age: 68 y) completed the study. At 3 mo, monocyte expression of CD49d, an adhesion molecule crucial for leukocyte homing, and of CD40, a proinflammatory ligand, decreased (P < 0.05) after both Med-Diets but not after the low-fat diet. Serum interleukin-6 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, inflammatory mediators crucial in firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial surfaces, decreased (P < 0.05) in both Med-Diet groups. Soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 and C-reactive protein decreased only after the Med-Diet with VOO (P < 0.05), whereas interleukin-6, soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 increased (P < 0.05) after the low-fat diet.
Med-Diets supplemented with VOO or nuts down-regulate cellular and circulating inflammatory biomarkers related to atherogenesis in subjects at high risk of CVD. The results support the recommendation of the Med-Diet as a useful tool against CVD.
The effect of selenium supplementation on plasma selenium concentrations and lymphocyte-proliferation responses to mitogens was investigated in 22 elderly institutionalized subjects. Subjects were assigned to a 6-mo trial with either 100 micrograms Se/d (as selenium-enriched yeast) or a placebo. Plasma selenium concentrations of the selenium-supplemented group increased from 0.84 +/- 0.26 to 1.55 +/- 0.33 mumol/L (mean +/- SD) after 2 mo and the values plateaued thereafter. The mean response of lymphocytes to mitogens in elderly subjects tended to be lower than responses in healthy adults, although responses remained within the 5-95% confidence-interval limit for healthy adults. During selenium supplementation the proliferative response to pokeweed mitogen increased significantly (+79% of baseline concentrations after 4 mo, P less than 0.01) and reached the upper limit of the usual range for adults after 6 mo (+138%, P less than 0.001). In accordance with previous studies in animals and in vitro, this investigation demonstrates for the first time immunostimulatory properties of selenium-enriched yeast in elderly humans.
A rapid preparation of methyl esters for gas chromatographic analysis was accomplished by saponifying fats with 0.5 N methanolic potassium or sodium hydroxide, followed by refluxing with a solution of ammonium chloride and sulphuric acid in methanol. Rigorous conditions during the saponification and conversion of soaps into methyl esters, and the precipitation of alkali sulphates during the reaction have been avoided, and the degree of esterification has been approximately 99.5%.
In the genetic code, UGA serves as a stop signal and a selenocysteine codon, but no computational methods for identifying
its coding function are available. Consequently, most selenoprotein genes are misannotated. We identified selenoprotein genes
in sequenced mammalian genomes by methods that rely on identification of selenocysteine insertion RNA structures, the coding
potential of UGA codons, and the presence of cysteine-containing homologs. The human selenoproteome consists of 25 selenoproteins.
Dietary selenium intakes in many countries, including the United Kingdom, are lower than international recommendations. No functional consequences of these lower intakes have been recognized, although experimental studies suggest that they might contribute to reduced immune function, increased cancer incidence, and increased susceptibility to viral disease.
The objective was to assess whether administration of small selenium supplements to otherwise healthy UK subjects leads to functional changes in immune status and the rates of clearance and mutation of a picornavirus: live attenuated polio vaccine.
Twenty-two adult UK subjects with relatively low plasma selenium concentrations (<1.2 micromol/L, approximately 60% of those screened) received 50 or 100 microg Se (as sodium selenite) or placebo daily for 15 wk in a double-blind study. All subjects received an oral live attenuated poliomyelitis vaccine after 6 wk and enriched stable (74)Se intravenously 3 wk later.
Selenium supplementation increased plasma selenium concentrations, the body exchangeable selenium pool (measured by using (74)Se), and lymphocyte phospholipid and cytosolic glutathione peroxidase activities. Selenium supplements augmented the cellular immune response through an increased production of interferon gamma and other cytokines, an earlier peak T cell proliferation, and an increase in T helper cells. Humoral immune responses were unaffected. Selenium-supplemented subjects also showed more rapid clearance of the poliovirus, and the poliovirus reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products recovered from the feces of the supplemented subjects contained a lower number of mutations.
The data indicate that these subjects had a functional selenium deficit with suboptimal immune status and a deficit in viral handling. They also suggest that the additional 100 microg Se/d may be insufficient to support optimal function.
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors.
To compare the short-term effects of 2 Mediterranean diets versus those of a low-fat diet on intermediate markers of cardiovascular risk.
Substudy of a multicenter, randomized, primary prevention trial of cardiovascular disease (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea [PREDIMED] Study).
Primary care centers affiliated with 10 teaching hospitals.
772 asymptomatic persons 55 to 80 years of age at high cardiovascular risk who were recruited from October 2003 to March 2004. Interventions: Participants were assigned to a low-fat diet (n = 257) or to 1 of 2 Mediterranean diets. Those allocated to Mediterranean diets received nutritional education and either free virgin olive oil, 1 liter per week (n = 257), or free nuts, 30 g/d (n = 258). The authors evaluated outcome changes at 3 months.
Body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose levels, and inflammatory molecules.
The completion rate was 99.6%. Compared with the low-fat diet, the 2 Mediterranean diets produced beneficial changes in most outcomes. Compared with the low-fat diet, the mean changes in the Mediterranean diet with olive oil group and the Mediterranean diet with nuts group were -0.39 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.70 to -0.07 mmol/L) and -0.30 mmol/L (CI, -0.58 to -0.01 mmol/L), respectively, for plasma glucose levels; -5.9 mm Hg (CI, -8.7 to -3.1 mm Hg) and -7.1 mm Hg (CI, -10.0 to -4.1 mm Hg), respectively, for systolic blood pressure; and -0.38 (CI, -0.55 to -0.22) and - 0.26 (CI, -0.42 to -0.10), respectively, for the cholesterol-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. The Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced C-reactive protein levels by 0.54 mg/L (CI, 1.04 to 0.03 mg/L) compared with the low-fat diet.
This short-term study did not focus on clinical outcomes. Nutritional education about low-fat diet was less intense than education about Mediterranean diets.
Compared with a low-fat diet, Mediterranean diets supplemented with olive oil or nuts have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors.
Biological functions of selenium are exerted by selenoproteins that contain selenocysteine in their primary structure. Selenocysteine is synthesized and inserted into proteins cotranslationally by a complex process. Families of selenoproteins include the glutathione peroxidases, the iodothyronine deiodinases and the thioredoxin reductases. These are redox enzymes that take advantage of the chemical properties of selenium to catalyze, respectively, removal of hydroperoxides by glutathione, deiodination of thyroid hormones and support of cellular processes requiring reduction of disulfides. Approximately 10 additional selenoproteins have been identified. One of them, selenoprotein P, is an extracellular protein that contains most of the selenium in plasma. It associates with endothelial cells, probably through its heparin-binding properties. Selenoprotein P has been postulated to protect against oxidative injury and to transport selenium from the liver to peripheral tissues. Selenium-dependent protection against diquat-induced liver necrosis and lipid peroxidation in the rat correlates with the presence of selenoprotein P. Recent results support a transport function. When (SeO32-)-Se-75 was administered intravenously to rats, liver tissue took Up Se-75 within minutes, associated with a rapid decline in plasma (75) Se. Brain tissue did not begin accumulating Se-75 until Se-75-labeled selenoprotein P had begun appearing in the plasma after 30 min. These results suggest that tissues like liver can take up small-molecule forms of selenium whereas presence of the element in selenoprotein P facilitates uptake by tissues like brain. Thus, there is evidence for both antioxidant and selenium transport functions of selenoprotein P.
Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of the fractions from Scutia buxifolia stem bark and leaves were evaluated. Best antimicrobial results occurred with the ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanolic (NB) fractions from the leaves against Micrococcus sp. (minimal inhibitory concentration—MIC = 62.5 μg/ml), and NB fraction from stem bark and leaves against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 62.5 μg/ml). The most active fractions were selected and fractioned into silica column to perform an in vitro antibiofilm assay, which evidenced subfractions EA2 and EA3 as the more active against Candida albicans (biofilm inhibitory concentration—BIC = 582 ± 0.01 μg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (BIC = 360 ± 0.007 μg/ml), respectively. The NB (selectivity index—SI = 25.78) and the EA (SI = 15.97) fractions from the stem bark, and the EA (SI = 14.13) fraction from the leaves exhibited a potential antiviral activity towards Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 whereas EA2 and EA3 subfractions from leaves (SI = 12.59 and 10.06, respectively), and NB2 subfraction from stem bark (SI = 12.34) maintained this good activity. Phenolic acids and flavonoids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin and quercetin) were identified by HPLC and may be partially responsible for the antimicrobial and antiherpes activities observed. The results obtained in this study showed that Scutia buxifolia has antibiofilm and anti-herpetic activities and that these properties are reported for the first time for this species.
A separation method based on ion-pairing liquid chromatography was combined with both elemental (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)) and molecular (electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ES-MS-MS)) mass spectrometry in order to unravel the identity of the Se-species present in the complex matrix of Brazil nuts rich in Se. Via enzymatic digestion, Se-species were released from the matrix. Subsequently the species were separated and the Se was monitored on-line by ICP-MS. By HPLC–ES-MS-MS, the species were identified based on their molecular mass and their specific product ions. The main compound was identified as Se-Methionine. Another compound was identified as Se-Cystine, partly on the basis of the isotopic pattern of Se. This research was further extended to the analyses of in vitro gastrointestinal digests of the Brazil nuts. These digests were analyzed for their Se-content and screened for the presence of the different Se-species by HPLC–ICP-MS. In both the gastric and the intestinal digests, we were able to identify the Se-species as Se-Methionine and Se-Cystine by HPLC–ES-MS-MS. By coupling HPLC to both elemental and molecular mass spectrometry, the species present in Brazil nuts and supposedly extractable by our body were fully characterized.
The pathology of a gastric ulcer is complex and multifactorial. Gastric ulcers affect many people around the world and its development is a result of the imbalance between aggressive and protective factors in the gastric mucosa. In this study, we evaluated the ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (eeRo); this plant, more commonly known as rosemary, has attracted the interest of the scientific community due to its numerous pharmacological properties and their potential therapeutic applications. Here, we tested the preventive effects of eeRo against gastric ulcer induced by 70% ethanol in male Wistar rats. In addition, we aimed to clarify the mechanism involved in the preventive action of the eeRo in gastric ulcers. Based on the analysis of markers of oxidative damage and enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, the measurement of nitrite and nitrate levels and the assessment of the inflammatory response, the eeRo exhibited significant antioxidant, vasodilator and antiinflammatory properties.
Phenolic secondary metabolites play an important role in plant‐derived food quality, as they affect quality characteristics such as appearance, flavour and health‐promoting properties. Their content in foods is affected by many factors that influence phenolic stability, biosynthesis and degradation. In terms of their biosynthesis the key enzyme phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) is especially relevant, as it can be induced by different stress (environmental) conditions. In addition, polyphenol oxidases (PPO) and peroxidases (POD) are the main enzymes responsible for quality loss due to phenolic degradation. The different factors affecting phenolic‐related food quality are reviewed. These include internal (genetic) and environmental (agronomic) factors, technological treatments applied during postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables, as well as processing and storage of the processed products. The different strategies that are required to either maintain or enhance the phenolic‐related quality of foods are critically reviewed. Genetic modification designed to decrease polyphenol oxidases or peroxidases is not always a feasible method, owing to side problems related to the growth and defence of the plant. Agronomic treatments can be used to enhance the phenolic content and pigmentation of fruits and vegetables, although the information available on this topic is very scarce and even contradictory. Some postharvest treatments (cold storage, controlled or modified atmospheres, etc) can also improve phenolic‐related quality, as well as new processing methods such as irradiation (gamma, UV), high‐field electric pulses, high hydrostatic pressures and microwaves.
© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
T HE METABOLIC SYNDROME CON-sists of a constellation of fac-tors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates indicate that the metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 24% of the adult population affected. 1 Its clinical identification is based on measures of abdominal obe-sity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, el-evated blood pressure, and glucose intolerance. 2 The etiology of this syn-drome is largely unknown but presum-ably represents a complex interaction between genetic, metabolic, and envi-ronmental factors including diet. 3,4 Sev-eral recent studies also suggest that a proinflammatory state is one compo-nent of the metabolic syndrome. 5-8 Moreover, evidence has accumulated indicating that low-grade inflamma-tion is associated with endothelial dys-function. 9,10 Context The metabolic syndrome has been identified as a target for dietary thera-pies to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the role of diet in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome is poorly understood. Objective To assess the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial func-tion and vascular inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Design, Setting, and Patients Randomized, single-blind trial conducted from June 2001 to January 2004 at a university hospital in Italy among 180 patients (99 men and 81 women) with the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Adult Treat-ment Panel III. Interventions Patients in the intervention group (n=90) were instructed to follow a Mediterranean-style diet and received detailed advice about how to increase daily consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil; patients in the con-trol group (n=90) followed a prudent diet (carbohydrates, 50%-60%; proteins, 15%-20%; total fat, 30%). Main Outcome Measures Nutrient intake; endothelial function score as a mea-sure of blood pressure and platelet aggregation response to L-arginine; lipid and glu-cose parameters; insulin sensitivity; and circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukins 6 (IL-6), 7 (IL-7), and 18 (IL-18).
The purpose of this study was to provide data about in vivo tissue distribution and excretion of diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)(2)) in rats and mice through determination of selenium levels in different biological samples. (PhSe)(2) (500 mg/kg, dissolved in canola oil) was administered to animals once a day per oral. After this, mice and rats were housed in metabolic cages (one animal per cage) and urine and feces were collected at specific times after treatment. Three to five animals per group (for each time-point) were anesthetized and blood samples were collected at 0 and 30 min, 24 h, at day 5, 15, and 30 after (PhSe)(2) administration. The plasma and red blood cells were separated. Brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and adipose tissue were also collected. The determination of selenium levels was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The main results indicate that: (1) urine is an important route of excretion of selenium originated from (PhSe)(2) in mice and rats; (2) a large amount of (PhSe)(2) or some of its metabolites are stored in fat; (3) the content of selenium found in plasma was low; and (4) liver and kidneys are the tissues with high amounts of selenium.
The advance in the area of synthesis and reactivity of organoselenium, as well as the discovery that selenium was the cause of severe intoxication episodes of livestock in the 1930s and the subsequent determination that selenium was an essential trace element in the diet for mammals, has motivated intense studies of the biological properties of both organic and inorganic selenium compounds. In this review, we shall cover a wide range of toxicological and pharmacological effects, in which organoselenium compounds are involved but the effects of inorganic compounds were not discussed in detail here. The molecular toxicity of inorganic selenium was described in relation to its interaction with endogenous -SH groups to allow a comparison with that of synthetic organoselenium compounds. Furthermore, in view of the recent points of epidemiological evidence that overexposure to selenium can facilitate the appearance of chronic degenerative diseases, we also briefly revised the history of selenium toxicity and physiology and how environmental selenium can reach inside the mammalian cells. The biological narrative of the element selenium, in the last century, has been marked by a contrast between its toxic and its beneficial effects. Thus, the potential therapeutic use of simple organoselenium compounds has not yet been sufficiently explored and, consequently, we cannot discard this class of compounds as promising pharmaceutical agents. In effect, the future of the organochalcogens as pharmacological agents will depend on more detailed toxicological studies in the oncoming years.
Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fruit pulp fixed oil (CCFO) has been widely employed by communities from Brazil Northeastern in the treatment of skin inflammation, respiratory affections, wound healing and muscle pain. In this study, we evaluated the topical effect of CCFO against different irritant agents in vivo, in order to verify its antiedematous effect as well to unravel its tentative mechanisms of action.
CCFO was obtained from Caryocar coriaceum fruits using ethyl acetate as solvent. Ear edema provoked by the application of Croton oil (single and multiple applications), arachidonic acid (AA), capsaicin, phenol and histamine to Swiss mice was used to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of CCFO. Histological analysis from mice ears sensitized with Croton oil and AA single application was also performed.
Crude CCFO (20μL/ear) demonstrated significant topical antiedematous effect against Croton oil single (inhibition of 32.0%; P<0.05) and multiple (41.4% after 9 days, P<0.001) applications, AA (inhibition of 49.7%; P<0.01) and phenol (inhibition of 38.8%; P<0.001). In contrast, CCFO did not antagonize the edema caused by topical treatment with capsaicin and histamine when compared to control group (P>0.05). Histological analysis also revealed that CCFO was able to reduce the edema and the influx of inflammatory cells in mice ears sensitized with Croton oil and AA.
CCFO exhibited a similar profile of topical anti-inflammatory activity to that of drugs that classically modulate the production of arachidonic acid metabolites. The study also indicates the potential application of CCFO as an important herbal medicine to be used against skin inflammatory diseases.
The ability of nuts to improve the blood lipid profile and reduce the risk of CHD is now well established. The interest that health effects of nuts have gained recently has brought the possible benefits of consuming nuts, such as improvement in the conditions of the metabolic syndrome, and their potential to prevent and control diabetes into focus. Results from cohort studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced risk of developing diabetes and CVD. However, few randomised controlled trials have assessed the effect of nuts on diabetes control, and those that have been undertaken have shown improvements in blood lipids but not in the glycaemic control. Diabetes agencies are increasingly recognising the importance of controlling postprandial glycaemia fluctuations. Acute feeding studies indicate that nuts have minimal effects on rising postprandial blood glucose levels when eaten alone, and diminish the postprandial glycaemic response when consumed with high-glycaemic index carbohydrate foods in both normoglycaemic and type 2 diabetic individuals. Nuts have a healthy nutritional profile, high in MUFA and PUFA, are a good source of vegetable protein and are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Incorporation of nuts in the diet may therefore improve the overall nutritional quality of the diet. While more research is required to establish the ability of nuts to improve glycaemic control in the long run, early data indicate that the inclusion of nuts in the diets of individuals with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome is warranted, in view of their potential to reduce CHD risk.
Oxidative stress has a key role in atherosclerosis, cancer and other chronic diseases. Some bioactive compounds in nuts have been implicated in antioxidant activities.
We assessed how nut consumption affected several markers of oxidation and endothelial function (EF) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients.
A randomized, controlled, parallel feeding trial was conducted on 50 MetS adults who were recommended a healthy diet supplemented or not with 30 g of mixed nuts (Nut and Control groups, respectively) every day for 12 weeks. The plasma antioxidant capacity (AC), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), conjugated diene (CD) formation, urine 8-isoprostanes, DNA damage assessed by yield of urine 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and EF assessed by peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) and biochemical markers, were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention.
No significant differences in changes between groups were observed in AC, oxLDL, CD, 8-isoprostanes or EF during the intervention, whereas the reduction in DNA damage was significant in the Nut group compared to Control group (P < 0.001).
Nut consumption has no deleterious effect on lipid oxidation. The decrease in DNA damage observed in this study could contribute to explain the beneficial effects of regular nut consumption on some MetS features and several chronic diseases.
In patients who have undergone hemodialysis, large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced and, at higher concentrations, ROS are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. It has been proposed that selenium (Se) may exert an antiatherogenic influence by reducing oxidative stress. The richest known food source of selenium is the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, family Lecythidaceae), found in the Amazon region. We evaluated the effect of Brazil nut supplementation on blood levels of Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in patients on hemodialysis.
A total of 81 patients on hemodialysis (52.0±15.2 y old, average time on dialysis 82.3±91.4 mo, body mass index 24.9±4.4 kg/m(2)) from the RenalCor and RenalVida Clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were studied. All patients received one nut (around 5 g, averaging 58.1 μg Se/g) a day for 3 mo. The Se concentrations in the nuts and in plasma and erythrocytes were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation (Hitachi, Z-500). GSH-Px levels were measured using Randox commercial kits.
Plasma Se (18.8±17.4 μg/L) and erythrocyte (72.4±37.9 μg/L) levels were below the normal range before nut supplementation. After supplementation, the plasma level increased to 104.0±65.0 μg/L and erythrocytes to 244.1±119.5 μg/L (P<0.0001). The activity of GSH-Px also increased after supplementation, from 46.6±14.9 to 55.9±23.6 U/g of hemoglobin (P<0.0001). Before supplementation, 11% of patients had GSH-Px activity below the normal range (27.5-73.6 U/g of hemoglobin). After supplementation, all patients showed GSH-Px activity within the normal range.
The data revealed that the investigated patients presented Se deficiency and that the consumption of only one Brazil nut a day (5 g) during 3 mo was effective to increase the Se concentration and GSH-Px activity in these patients, thus improving their antioxidant status.
Inflammation is crucial in all stages of atherosclerosis, and few studies have investigated the effect of dietary fat on markers of inflammation related to this disease during the postprandial period.
To evaluate the chronic effects of dietary fat on the postprandial expression of proinflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy subjects.
20 healthy men followed three different diets for 4 weeks each, according to a randomized crossover design: Western diet: 15% protein, 47% carbohydrates (CHO), 38% fat (22% saturated fatty acid (SFA)); Mediterranean diet: 15% protein, 47% CHO, 38% fat (24% monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)); CHO-rich and n-3 diet: 15% protein, 55% CHO, <30% fat (8% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)). After 12-h fast, volunteers were given a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets-butter breakfast: 35% SFA; olive oil breakfast: 36% MUFA; walnut breakfast: 16% PUFA, 4% alpha-linolenic acid (LNA).
The butter breakfast induced a higher increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than the olive oil or walnut breakfasts (P=0.014) in PBMCs. Moreover, we found a higher postprandial response in the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 with the intake of butter and olive oil breakfasts than with the walnut breakfast (P=0.025) in these cells. However, the effects of the three fatty breakfasts on the plasma concentrations of these proinflammatory parameters showed no significant differences (P=N.S.).
Consumption of a butter-enriched meal elicits greater postprandial expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA in PBMCs, compared to the olive oil and walnut breakfasts.
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and dietary factors may play an important role in its prevention. We sought to examine the association between nut consumption and incident hypertension.
Prospective cohort of 15,966 participants from the Physicians' Health Study I who were free of hypertension at baseline. Nut consumption was assessed using a simple abbreviated food questionnaire and hypertension was self-reported. We used Cox regression to estimate relative risks of hypertension according to nut consumption.
During 237,585 person-years of follow up, 8,423 new cases of hypertension occurred. Compared to subjects who did not consume nuts, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for hypertension were 0.97 (0.91-1.03), 0.98 (0.92-1.05), 0.96 (0.89-1.03), and 0.82 (0.71-0.94) for nut consumption of 1-2 times per month and 1, 2-6, and > or = 7 times/week, respectively. In a secondary analysis stratified by body mass index, there was an inverse relation between nut intake and hypertension in lean subjects (p for trend 0.0019) but not in overweight or obese subjects (p for interaction 0.0037).
Our data suggest that nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of hypertension in US male physicians and that such relation may be influenced by adiposity.
We investigated the ability of various plant flavonoids (a) to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities in rat peritoneal leukocytes, (b) to inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes, and (c) to stimulate DNA degradation caused by the antibiotic bleomycin in the presence of ferric ions. These compounds were compared with a range of synthetic phenolic substances including carnosol, vanillin, vitamin E and its analogue trolox c. The flavonoids were potent inhibitors of non-enzymatic peroxidation in membranes but this was not significantly correlated with their ability to inhibit either pathway of eicosanoid synthesis, suggesting that their mode of inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase is not simply due to interception of peroxyl radicals generated at the active site of the enzymes. Many of the flavonoids and other compounds (including carnosol, vitamin E and trolox c) stimulated Fe3+/bleomycin-dependent DNA degradation. Those flavonoids which stimulated DNA degradation at low concentrations but which inhibited it at higher concentrations ("biphasic" effect, possibly caused by changing relative contributions of ability to reduce ferric-bleomycin or to chelate iron ions from the bleomycin) were selective inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase compared to cyclo-oxygenase. In contrast, those flavonoids that did not stimulate DNA degradation at all proved to be cyclo-oxygenase selective inhibitors. Compounds that increased Fe3+/bleomycin-dependent DNA damage up to a maintained plateau were non-selective inhibitors of both 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase. Thus, a combination of iron-chelating and iron ion-reducing properties appears to be required for selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by phenolic compounds. Carnosol, vitamin E and trolox c were also found to be 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors of varying potency, and all were less active as cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors.
A role for the dietary trace mineral element selenium in the reduction of cancer incidence has been documented in numerous epidemiological and experimental studies. The precise mechanism of this antitumor effect is not well understood, but published data suggest that both inhibition of tumor cell growth and enhancement of host immunity are likely to be involved. In this study we report that selenium at physiologic concentrations can inhibit human lymphocyte proliferation in response to irradiated tumor cells in mixed lymphocyte/tumor cell cultures (MLTC). In addition, we demonstrate that the various lymphocyte functional activities generated in these cultures exhibit different levels of sensitivity to the effects of selenium. The generation of suppressor-cell activity in MLTC was strongly inhibited by the presence of physiologic levels of selenium, while the development of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity in identical cultures was not affected by selenium. Production of interleukin-2 in these cultures showed an intermediate sensitivity to the effects of selenium. Thus, selenium appears to be capable of selectively regulating the generation of functional lymphocyte subsets in vitro. Such selective regulation could explain the published effects of selenium on immunity and would be consistent with a role for immunity in the observed reduction of cancer incidence associated with elevated selenium intake.
An assay procedure is described in which blood cell glutathione peroxidase may be accurately measured by a direct spectrophotometric procedure. Glutathione peroxidase activity is found to be associated with a relatively stable, nondialyzable, heat-labile, intracellular component which is separable from hemoglobin, by gel filtration and ammonium sulfate precipitation. The activity appears to be dependent upon active sulfhydryl groups and is unaffected by low concentrations of azide, cyanide, or ferricyanide.
We present a food pyramid that reflects Mediterranean dietary traditions, which historically have been associated with good health. This Mediterranean diet pyramid is based on food patterns typical of Crete, much of the rest of Greece, and southern Italy in the early 1960s, where adult life expectancy was among the highest in the world and rates of coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and other diet-related chronic diseases were among the lowest. Work in the field or kitchen resulted in a lifestyle that included regular physical activity and was associated with low rates of obesity. The diet is characterized by abundant plant foods (fruit, vegetables, breads, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds), fresh fruit as the typical daily dessert, olive oil as the principal source of fat, dairy products (principally cheese and yogurt), and fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts, zero to four eggs consumed weekly, red meat consumed in low amounts, and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with meals. This diet is low in saturated fat (< or = 7-8% of energy), with total fat ranging from < 25% to > 35% of energy throughout the region. The pyramid describes a dietary pattern that is attractive for its famous palatability as well as for its health benefits.
This study examined the effect of dietary (200 μg/d for 8 wk) supplementation with selenium (as sodium selenite) on the ability
of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to respond to stimulation with alloantigen, develop into cytotoxic lymphocytes, and
to destroy tumor cells, and on the activity of natural killer cells. The participants in the study were randomized for age,
sex, weight, height, and nutritional habits and given selenite or placebo tablets; all participants had a selenium replete
status as indicated by their plasma Se levels prior to supplementation. The data indicated that the supplementation regimen
resulted in 118% increase in cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated tumor cytotoxicity and 82.3% increase in natural killer cell activity
as compared to baseline values. This apparently was related to the ability of the nutrient to enhance the expression of receptors
for the growth regulatory lymphokine interleukin-2, and consequently, the rate of cell proliferation and differentiation into
cytotoxic cells. The supplementation regimen did not produce significant changes in the plasma Se levels of the participants.
The results indicated that the immunoenhancing effects of selenium in humans require supplementation above the replete levels
produced by normal dietary intake.
Selenium (Se) is an essential nutritional factor that was shown by us to alter the expression of the high affinity interleukin 2 receptor (Il2-R) and its subunits, cell proliferation, and clonal expansion of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in mice. This study shows that dietary supplementation of Se-replete humans with 200 micrograms/d of sodium selenite for 8 wk, or in vitro supplementation with 1 x 10(-7) M Se (as sodium selenite), result in a significant augmentation of the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to respond to stimulation with 1 microgram/mL of phytohemagglutinin or alloantigen (mixed lymphocyte reaction) and to express high affinity Il2-R on their surface. There was a clear correlation between supplementation with Se and enhanced 3H-thymidine incorporation into nuclear DNA, preceded by enhanced expression of high affinity Il2-R. Supplementation with Se can apparently modulate T-lymphocyte mediated immune responses in humans that depend on signals generated by the interaction of interleukin 2 with Il2-R.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a mainstay in the treatment of inflammatory disease and are among the most widely used drugs worldwide. They are anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic and are prescribed as first choice for the treatment of rheumatic disorders and, in general, inflammation. The main limitation in using NSAIDs consists in their side-effects, including gastrointestinal ulcerogenic activity and bronchospasm. The mechanism of action of these drugs is attributed to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), and, consequently, the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. It is hypothesized that the undesirable side-effects of NSAIDs are due to the inhibition of COX-1 (constitutive isoform), whereas the beneficial effects are related to the inhibition of COX-2 (inducible isoform). Arachidonic acid can also be converted to leukotrienes (LTs) by the action of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). LTC(4,) LTD(4,) and LTE(4) are potent bronchoconstrictors, whereas LTB(4) is chemotactic for leukocytes and plays an important role in the development of gastrointestinal ulcers by contributing to the inflammatory process. Thus, developing dual inhibitor compounds that will simultaneously inhibit COX and 5-LOX could enhance their individual anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the undesirable side-effects associated with NSAIDs, especially of the gastrointestinal tract. The most promising COX/5-LOX inhibitor is ML3000 ([2,2-dimethyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-5-yl]-acetic acid), now in Phase III clinical trials. This new approach will certainly help to unravel the mechanisms at the root of the undesirable effects of NSAIDs and to develop safer NSAIDs.
Biological functions of selenium are exerted by selenoproteins that contain selenocysteine in their primary structure. Selenocysteine is synthesized and inserted into proteins cotranslationally by a complex process. Families of selenoproteins include the glutathione peroxidases, the iodothyronine deiodinases and the thioredoxin reductases. These are redox enzymes that take advantage of the chemical properties of selenium to catalyze, respectively, removal of hydroperoxides by glutathione, deiodination of thyroid hormones and support of cellular processes requiring reduction of disulfides. Approximately 10 additional selenoproteins have been identified. One of them, selenoprotein P, is an extracellular protein that contains most of the selenium in plasma. It associates with endothelial cells, probably through its heparin-binding properties. Selenoprotein P has been postulated to protect against oxidative injury and to transport selenium from the liver to peripheral tissues. Selenium-dependent protection against diquat-induced liver necrosis and lipid peroxidation in the rat correlates with the presence of selenoprotein P. Recent results support a transport function. When (75)SeO(3)(2-) was administered intravenously to rats, liver tissue took up (75)Se within minutes, associated with a rapid decline in plasma (75)Se. Brain tissue did not begin accumulating (75)Se until (75)Se-labeled selenoprotein P had begun appearing in the plasma after 30 min. These results suggest that tissues like liver can take up small-molecule forms of selenium whereas presence of the element in selenoprotein P facilitates uptake by tissues like brain. Thus, there is evidence for both antioxidant and selenium transport functions of selenoprotein P.
Lipid decomposition studies in frozen fish have led to the development of a simple and rapid method for the extraction and purification of lipids from biological materials. The entire procedure can be carried out in approximately 10 minutes; it is efficient, reproducible, and free from deleterious manipulations. The wet tissue is homogenized with a mixture of chloroform and methanol in such proportions that a miscible system is formed with the water in the tissue. Dilution with chloroform and water separates the homogenate into two layers, the chloroform layer containing all the lipids and the methanolic layer containing all the non-lipids. A purified lipid extract is obtained merely by isolating the chloroform layer. The method has been applied to fish muscle and may easily be adapted to use with other tissues.Lipid decomposition studies in frozen fish have led to the development of a simple and rapid method for the extraction and purification of lipids from biological materials. The entire procedure can be carried out in approximately 10 minutes; it is efficient, reproducible, and free from deleterious manipulations. The wet tissue is homogenized with a mixture of chloroform and methanol in such proportions that a miscible system is formed with the water in the tissue. Dilution with chloroform and water separates the homogenate into two layers, the chloroform layer containing all the lipids and the methanolic layer containing all the non-lipids. A purified lipid extract is obtained merely by isolating the chloroform layer. The method has been applied to fish muscle and may easily be adapted to use with other tissues.
Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPx4) is the only antioxidant enzyme known to directly reduce phospholipid hydroperoxides within membranes and lipoproteins, acting in conjunction with alpha-tocopherol to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Peroxidation of lipids has been implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and atherogenesis. We investigated the relative positive and negative effects of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and inflammatory cytokines on the activity and gene expression of the selenium-dependant redox enzyme GPx4. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), GPx4 mRNA levels and activity were increased optimally by 114 nM selenium (as sodium selenite). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) further increased mRNA levels whereas arachidonic acid (ARA) had no effect; enzyme activity was decreased by DHA, was unaffected by CLA or was increased by ARA. GPx4 protein levels increased with selenium, ARA and DHA addition but not with CLA. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) increased GPx4 mRNA, protein and activity whereas TNFalpha at 1 ng/ml increased activity while at 3 ng/ml it reduced activity and mRNA. Conversely, alpha-tocopherol reduced mRNA levels without affecting activity. These results indicate that lipids, cytokines and antioxidants modulate GPx4 in a complex manner that in the presence of adequate selenium, may favour protection against potentially proatherogenic processes.
Epidemiological studies suggest that nut intake decreases coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Nuts have a cholesterol-lowering effect that partly explains this benefit. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with CAD and its risk factors and is reversed by antioxidants and marine n-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are a rich source of both antioxidants and alpha-linolenic acid, a plant n-3 fatty acid.
To test the hypothesis that walnut intake will reverse endothelial dysfunction, we randomized in a crossover design 21 hypercholesterolemic men and women to a cholesterol-lowering Mediterranean diet and a diet of similar energy and fat content in which walnuts replaced approximately 32% of the energy from monounsaturated fat. Participants followed each diet for 4 weeks. After each intervention, we obtained fasting blood and performed ultrasound measurements of brachial artery vasomotor function. Eighteen subjects completing the protocol had suitable ultrasound studies. Compared with the Mediterranean diet, the walnut diet improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reduced levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (P<0.05 for both). Endothelium-independent vasodilation and levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and oxidation biomarkers were similar after each diet. The walnut diet significantly reduced total cholesterol (-4.4+/-7.4%) and LDL cholesterol (-6.4+/-10.0%) (P<0.05 for both). Cholesterol reductions correlated with increases of both dietary alpha-linolenic acid and LDL gamma-tocopherol content, and changes of endothelium-dependent vasodilation correlated with those of cholesterol-to-HDL ratios (P<0.05 for all).
Substituting walnuts for monounsaturated fat in a Mediterranean diet improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic subjects. This finding might explain the cardioprotective effect of nut intake beyond cholesterol lowering.
The metabolic syndrome has been identified as a target for dietary therapies to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the role of diet in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome is poorly understood.
To assess the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial function and vascular inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
Randomized, single-blind trial conducted from June 2001 to January 2004 at a university hospital in Italy among 180 patients (99 men and 81 women) with the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III.
Patients in the intervention group (n = 90) were instructed to follow a Mediterranean-style diet and received detailed advice about how to increase daily consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil; patients in the control group (n = 90) followed a prudent diet (carbohydrates, 50%-60%; proteins, 15%-20%; total fat, <30%).
Nutrient intake; endothelial function score as a measure of blood pressure and platelet aggregation response to l-arginine; lipid and glucose parameters; insulin sensitivity; and circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukins 6 (IL-6), 7 (IL-7), and 18 (IL-18).
After 2 years, patients following the Mediterranean-style diet consumed more foods rich in monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and fiber and had a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Total fruit, vegetable, and nuts intake (274 g/d), whole grain intake (103 g/d), and olive oil consumption (8 g/d) were also significantly higher in the intervention group (P<.001). The level of physical activity increased in both groups by approximately 60%, without difference between groups (P =.22). Mean (SD) body weight decreased more in patients in the intervention group (-4.0 [1.1] kg) than in those in the control group (-1.2 [0.6] kg) (P<.001). Compared with patients consuming the control diet, patients consuming the intervention diet had significantly reduced serum concentrations of hs-CRP (P =.01), IL-6 (P =.04), IL-7 (P = 0.4), and IL-18 (P = 0.3), as well as decreased insulin resistance (P<.001). Endothelial function score improved in the intervention group (mean [SD] change, +1.9 [0.6]; P<.001) but remained stable in the control group (+0.2 [0.2]; P =.33). At 2 years of follow-up, 40 patients in the intervention group still had features of the metabolic syndrome, compared with 78 patients in the control group (P<.001).
A Mediterranean-style diet might be effective in reducing the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular risk.
Skepticism about the health benefits of fish oil is largely the result of our incomplete understanding of the biochemistry of omega3 essential fatty acids. Recent work has confirmed the roles of omega3 fatty acids in gene transcription and signal transduction, and has given insight into the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio on prostanoid (PG) metabolism and function. One pronounced effect of fish-oil-induced increases in EPA/AA ratios is decreased PG formation from AA via cyclooxygenase-1, because EPA inhibits this isoform. In addition, cells lacking endogenous alkyl-peroxide-generating systems and thus having a low 'peroxide tone' cannot oxygenate EPA via cyclooxygenase-1. Platelets, however, which are equipped with a lipoxygenase that can produce an abundance of hydroperoxide from AA, can form small amounts of thromboxane A3 from EPA via cyclooxygenase-1. A second major consequence of elevated EPA/AA ratios is significantly increased production of 3-series PGs, including PGE3, via cyclooxygenase-2. There are four PGE receptor subtypes and at least one of these types--not yet identified--has a significantly different response to PGE3 than to PGE2; this difference may underlie the ability of omega3 fatty acids to mitigate inflammation and tumorigenesis.
The inverse association of nut consumption and risk markers of coronary heart disease (lipids) has sparked the interest of the scientific and lay community. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effects of nuts on the lipid profile. Medline and Web of Science databases were searched from the start of the database to August 2004 and supplemented by cross-checking reference lists of relevant publications. Human intervention trials with the objective of investigating independent effects of nuts on lipid concentrations were included. From the literature search, 415 publications were screened and 23 studies were included. These papers received a rating based upon the methodology as it appeared in the publication. No formal statistical analysis was performed due to the large differences in study designs of the dietary intervention trials. The results of 3 almond (50-100 g/d), 2 peanut (35-68 g/d), 1 pecan nut (72 g/d), and 4 walnut (40-84 g/d) studies showed decreases in total cholesterol between 2 and 16% and LDL cholesterol between 2 and 19% compared with subjects consuming control diets. Consumption of macadamia nuts (50-100 g/d) produced less convincing results. In conclusion, consumption of approximately 50-100 g (approximately 1.5-3.5 servings) of nuts > or = 5 times/wk as part of a heart-healthy diet with total fat content (high in mono- and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids) of approximately 35% of energy may significantly decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in normo- and hyperlipidemic individuals.
High postprandial serum lipid concentrations are associated with increased oxidative stress which, in turn, increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies correlate lower incidence of cardiovascular disease with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in inflammatory (TXB(2) and LTB(4)) and oxidative stress markers (urinary hydrogen peroxide levels and serum antioxidant capacity), in addition to classic lipid parameters, after a fat-rich meal administered to 12 normolipemic, healthy subjects. Following a Latin square design, subjects were divided into three groups, each one receiving a different kind of oil (extra virgin olive oil; EVOO, olive oil; OO or corn oil; CO, together with 150g of potatoes), with 2-week washout periods between treatments. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and after 1, 2, and 6h after the meal. A significant decrease in inflammatory markers, namely TXB(2) and LTB(4), after 2 and 6h after EVOO (but not OO or CO) consumption and a concomitant increase of serum antioxidant capacity were recorded. These data reinforce the notion that the Mediterranean diet reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease partially due to the protective role of its phenolic components, including those of extra virgin olive oil.