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Enhancing diet quality is a pivotal strategy in the battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a cornerstone of public health policy. The Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack (FOP) labeling system featuring five color-coded letters (A-E), serves as a beacon, guiding consumers towards healthier prepackaged foods. This system has a profound effect on consumer awareness, perception, comprehension, and purchasing behavior, potentially leading to a significant reduction in NCD prevalence. Despite their status as essential protein sources, processed meats have been associated with numerous diseases. By directing consumers towards healthier options through FOP labeling, such as the Nutri-Score, we can potentially alleviate the burden of diet-related diseases. This study classified processed meat products by Nutri-Score to identify nutritionally better options. Analyzing 387 products from major supermarket chains in Belgrade, Serbia, revealed most processed meats fell into classes D and E. Dried meat products and finely ground cooked sausages were ranked more favorably than dry-cured and dry fermented sausages. Significant improvements in Nutri- Score were seen in products with lower sodium chloride and saturated fats. Thus, some processed meats are nutritionally superior within their group, offering potential health benefits to those who choose them. Adopting FOP labeling systems like Nutri-Score is not just beneficial, but essential for steering consumers toward healthier dietary choices and supporting public health goals to reduce NCDs., Poboljšanje kvaliteta ishrane predstavlja ključnu strategiju u borbi protiv hroničnih nezaraznih bolesti (HNB) i kamen temeljac politike javnog zdravlja. Nutri-Score predstavlja nutrituvni sistem obeležavanja na prednjoj strani pakovanja (FOP) se služi kombinacijom pet slova (A-E) označenih sa pet različitih boja, u cilju da potrošače vodi ka zdravijim izborima namirnica. Ovaj sistem ima značajan uticaj na svest potrošača, percepciju, razumevanje i ponašanje prilikom kupovine, što potencijalno dovodi do značajnog smanjenja prevalencije HNB. Uprkos tome što predstvlja esencijalni izvor proteina, mesne prerađevine se dovode u vezu sa brojnim bolestima. Usmeravanjem potrošača ka zdravijim opcijama kroz FOP označavanje, kao što je Nutri-Score, potencijalno možemo da ublažimo prevalencu bolesti povezanih sa ishranom. U ovom radu mesne prerađevine su klasifikovane prema Nutri-Score- u kako bi se identifikovale nutritivne karakteristike različitih grupa proizvoda od mesa. Analizom 387 proizvoda iz najvećih lanaca supermarketa u Beogradu, u Srbiji, otkriveno je da većina prouvoda od mesa svrstana u klasu D i E. Dimljeni proizvodi i fino usitnjene barene kobasice su bolje rangirane od suvomesnatih proizvoda i fermentisanih kobasica. Značajna poboljšanja u Nutri-Score-u primećena su kod proizvoda sa nižim sadržajem natrijum hlorida i zasićenih masti. Shodno tome, određeni proizvodi od mesa su nutritivno superiorniji unutar svoje grupe, nudeći potencijalne zdravstvene koristi onima koji ih izaberu. Usvajanje sistema obeležavanja FOP-a kao što je Nutri-Score nije samo korisno, već je od suštinskog značaja za usmeravanje potrošača ka zdravijim dijetarnim izborima i podržavanje ciljeva javnog zdravlja za smanjenje HNB.

Introduction: During fetal development, the proper development of neural and visual systems relies on the maternal supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids through placental transfer. Pregnant women are strongly advised to augment their diet with additional sources of omega-3, such as fish oil (FO). This supplementation has been linked to a reduced risk of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and perinatal depression. Recently, higher doses of omega-3 supplementation have been recommended for pregnant women. Considering that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate homeostasis required for the proper functioning of the retina and photoreceptors the effects of high-dose fish oil (FO) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in healthy offspring warrant better understanding. Methods: The fatty acid content and the changes in the expression of the genes regulating cholesterol homeostasis and DHA transport in the retina and RPE were evaluated following the high-dose FO supplementation. Results: Our study demonstrated that despite the high-dose FO treatment during pregnancy and lactation, the rigorous DHA homeostasis in the retina and RPE of the two-month-old offspring remained balanced. Another significant finding of this study is the increase in the expression levels of major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein (Mfsd2a), a primary DHA transporter. Mfsd2a also serves as a major regulator of transcytosis during development, and a reduction in Mfsd2a levels poses a major risk for the development of leaky blood vessels. Conclusion: Impairment of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is associated with the development of numerous ocular diseases, and a better understanding of how to manipulate transcytosis in the BRB during development can enhance drug delivery through the BRB or contribute to the repair of central nervous system (CNS) barriers.

Enhancing diet quality is a recognized strategy for reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), making it a primary focus of public health policies worldwide. The Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack labeling logo utilizing five color-coded letters (A, B, C, D, E), has been established as a means to assist consumers in promptly identifying healthier prepackaged foods within a given food category. It has a positive influence in terms of consumer awareness, perception, comprehension, and purchasing behavior and potentially contributes to a decrease in the prevalence of NCDs. The objective of this research was to assess the Nutri-Score of finely and coarsely ground cooked sausages available in the Serbian market. To accomplish this, a total of 189 packaged cooked sausages from the eight largest supermarket chains in the Belgrade region of the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. The sausages were evaluated using the Nutri-score method and categorized accordingly. The results of the Nutri-Score analysis revealed that only 1.1% of the cooked sausages fell into Group C, while 62.4% were classified as Group D, and 36.5% were classified as Group E. The reduction of sodium and saturated fatty acids, which are major contributors to unfavorable Nutri-scores in cooked sausages, is crucial due to their significant presence, often leading to their classification as "unhealthy foods."

Rising processed meat consumption globally increases health concerns due to potential adverse effects from nitrite metabolites like nitric-oxide and N-nitroso compounds. This study assessed the food safety of processed meat products in the Serbian market, focusing on domestic manufacturers. Nitrite levels (expressed as NaNO2) were assessed in emulsion-type cooked sausages on the last day of storage - as labeled by product manufacturers. The contribution to acceptable dietary intake (ADI) of nitrites was also evaluated. During a one-year period (2022-2023), the study analyzed a total of 59 meat products: 35 finely grounded cooked sausages (29 small diameter, and 6 large diameter sausages) and 24 coarsely grounded cooked sausages. Each product was evaluated based on three different lot numbers, following the standard ISO procedure. The nitrite levels in coarsely grounded cooked sausages ranged from 17.82 to 69.99 mg/kg, while finely grounded cooked sausages had nitrite content ranging from 3.72 to 68.22 mg/kg for small diameter sausages and 28.85 to 62.87 mg/kg for large diameter sausages, which was well below maximum allowable concentrations determined by national legislation (150 mg/kg). The Serbian population's estimated dietary intake (EDI) of nitrites (as NaNO2) from consuming cooked sausages was 0.021 mg/kg BW/day, significantly below the EFSA-recommended ADI of 0.1 mg/kg BW/day - it accounted for 20.57% of the ADI.

Mfsd2a is expressed mainly in the endothelial cells and is an essential regulator of blood vessel transcytosis. Therefore, decrease in Mfsd2a expression can be a risk factor for developing leaky blood vessels. Mfsd2a is also the main docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) transporter. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is one of the main structural lipids of the neuronal and vascular retina, crucial for the normal functioning of photoreceptors (PRs). However, the capacity of the retina to synthesize DHA is limited, and the maintenance of retinal DHA content relies on the uptake from bloodborne lipids. The currently recommended FO doses yielded low PUFAs tissue bioavailability, and supplementation with higher doses has been increasingly recommended. Nevertheless, the effects of higher FO doses on retinal Mfsd2a expression and blood vessels coverage are unknown. Western blot and qPCR analyses showed that high dose FO supplementation increased Mfsd2a expression in the retina. Immunohistochemical analyses of Mfsd2a expression on retinal blood vessels (labeled with 488-conjugated Lycopersicon esculentum, lectin) and subsequent ImageJ analyses revealed 1.32-fold increase in the Mfsd2a retinal blood vessel coverage. In the same time the pericyte blood vessel coverage (CD13+ cells) was not affected with FO supplementation, and the increase in Mfsd2a blood vessel expression is not the result of the increased pericyte coverage. Therefore, the high-dose FO supplementation emerges as the prophylactic fortifier of the retinal blood vessels that can serve either as prophylaxis in the healthy eye or as an adjuvant in developing targeted manipulations of the barrier during diseases.

Background/Aim. Dietary intake of n-3 long-chain polyun-saturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) is important in prevention and treatment of different diseases. In general population, the average intake of n-3 LC-PUFA is often significantly lower than recom-mended levels. Fish lipids are rich sources of these fatty acids, of which the most important are eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3, DHA) fatty acids. This study was designed to determine and compare fat, fatty acids and lipid qual-ity indices in 10 commercial fish species available on the Serbian market, as well as relation between their price and nutritional val-ue. Methods. Freshwater fish originated from the Danube River in the Belgrade Region, while seawater fish were mostly from the Adriatic Sea. A gas chromatography method was used to define fatty acids in 40 fish samples after lipid extraction. Cost-minimization analysis was conducted to assess the economic util-ity. Results. Seawater fish had a significantly higher value of flash lipid quality compared to the freshwater fish (p < 0.05). Value of Background/Aim. Dietary intake of n-3 long-chain polyun-saturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) is important in prevention and treatment of different diseases. In general population, the average intake of n-3 LC-PUFA is often significantly lower than recom-mended levels. Fish lipids are rich sources of these fatty acids, of which the most important are eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3, DHA) fatty acids. This study was designed to determine and compare fat, fatty acids and lipid qual-ity indices in 10 commercial fish species available on the Serbian market, as well as relation between their price and nutritional val-ue. Methods. Freshwater fish originated from the Danube River in the Belgrade Region, while seawater fish were mostly from the Adriatic Sea. A gas chromatography method was used to define fatty acids in 40 fish samples after lipid extraction. Cost-minimization, Uvod/Cilj. Unos n-3 polinezasićenih masnih kiselina (PMK) je od velike važnosti u prevenciji i tretmanu različitih oboljen-ja. Generalno posmatrajući, prosečan unos n-3 PMK je obično značajno niži od utvrđenih preporuka. Lipidi riba sadrže masne kiseline n-3 serije od kojih su najvažnije ei-kozapentaenska (20:5 n-3, EPA) i dokozaheksaenska (20:6 n-3, DHA) masna kiselina. Cilj ove studije bio je odrediti i uporediti lipidni profil i lipidne indekse u 10 različitih vrsta riba dostupnih na tržištu Srbije. Takođe, određen je odnos cene i nutritivne vrednosti odabranih vrsta. Metode. Ispiti-vane su rečne ribe Dunava iz Beogradskog regiona, dok su morske ribe uglavnom vodile poreklo iz Jadranskog mora. Gasna hromatografija sa jonskim detektorom je korišćena za određivanje masnih kiselina u 40 uzoraka nakon lipidne ekstrakcije. Cost-minimization analiza je korišćena za procenu ekonomske koristi. Rezultati. Morske ribe su imale značajno veće vrednosti za parametar flash lipid quality u odnosu na rečne ribe (p < 0,05). Vrednosti hiperholesterolemijskih mas-nih kiselina za grupu rečnih riba [18,70 (17,40‒21,30)] bile su slične vrednostima dobijenim za morske ribe [18,90 (17,55‒22,75)]. Hipoholesterolemijske masne kiseline su takođe pokazale sličan raspon vrednosti za rečne [68.80 (66–70.20)] i morske ribe [68.40 (64.85–73.05)]. Odnos DHA/EPA kretao se od 1,8 za uzorke sardine, do 10 za uzorke tune, što potvrđuje činjenicu da DHA prevazilazi vrednosti za EPA u svim ispitivanim uzorcima. Vrednosti za aterogeni i trombogeni indeks su bile niže od 1 za sve ana-lizirane uzorke. Zaključak. Sardine i skuša su imale najveći sadržaj n-3 PMK i predstavljale su najekonomičniji izvor EPA i DHA. Niske vrednosti za aterogeni i trombogeni in-deks ukazuju na potencijalno povoljan zdravstveni efekat ispitivanih vrsta.

In order to evaluate the effect of raw meat's freezing/thawing process on meat products produced from them, frankfurter's quality was monitored. Fresh beef meat was grounded and separated into two lots – the first lot was immediately used in the preparation of frankfurters (G1F), and the other lot was frozen and stored at -18°C for 4 weeks, when it was used in the preparation of the second group of frankfurters (G2F). Physicochemical and technological properties were investigated on fresh (CG-FM) and thawed meat (G-F/TM) samples and the frankfurters made from these samples. Frozen storage significantly affected (p<0.05) moisture, TBA value, instrumental color parameters (L*a*b*), WHC, total pigment, and total heme pigment in the raw meat samples; some frankfurters characteristics, such as moisture, L*(lightness), a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) were affected (p<0.05). However, the differences in the final products' process loss/cooking loss/frying loss and FRP were not significant. The sensory evaluation did not show any significance between the two groups of frankfurters It can be concluded that the frozen storage of minced beef meat for 4 weeks at -18°C and the consequential thawing process (at 4°C for 24h) does not significantly affect the overall acceptability of frankfurters prepared from them. However, effects on the marked changes in instrumental color are apparent.

The recommended fish oil (FO) supplementation doses often yield low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) tissue bioavailability, and higher doses (up to 10 g per day) have been increasingly recommended. However, the exact effects of such FO supplementation on the healthy retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) are unknown. Our study showed that the high dose FO treatment did not imbalance the rigorous docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) homeostasis in the retina and RPE in the three-month-old female B6/SLJ mice. Instead, we have found the significant increase in the expression of Mfsd2a, the main DHA transporter. Mfsd2a is also an essential regulator of blood vessel transcytosis and the decrease in Mfsd2a expression can be a risk factor for developing leaky blood vessels. Therefore, the high-dose FO supplementation emerges as the prophylactic fortifier of the retinal blood vessels.

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is one of the most important food additives and it has a significant impact on the sensory and microbiological properties of meat products. According to the Regulation on the quality of ground meat, meat preparations and meat products (Official Gazette of RS 50/2019), the salt content in meat products is not defined. The average NaCl values in these products can be concluded by comparison with available experimental and literature data. The aim of this study was to examine the content of sodium chloride in different meat products from 3 different production batches locally produced. A total of 42 samples were tested: Kulen and Čajna sausage (fermented sausages), dry tenderloin (cured meat products), smoked tenderloin (smoked products), hot dog (finely chopped boiled sausage), Serbian sausage (coarsely chopped boiled sausage) and pancetta (bacon). The highest average sodium chloride content was found in dry tenderloin (4.49g/100 g) while the lowest content was measured in hot dogs (1.88g/100 g). Comparing the obtained values of sodium chloride content with the values obtained by other authors for fermented products (Kulen and Čajna sausage), the tested products had significantly higher values of salt content, while the lowest average content of sodium chloride was found in smoked tenderloin samples. For other products, the content of the tested parameter was similar to the values reported in the literature. After the analysis of available samples, it was determined that the manufacturer adhered to the prescribed amounts of NaCl, according to the recipe, in every product. There weren't any notable deviations in the preparation of monitored meat products.

The impact of diet and fibre fractions on adipocytokines in obese subjects with a risk of diabetes has not been investigated in detail yet. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-month lifestyle intervention with different fibre profiles (resistant starch (RS)—rich fibre, or ordinary food fibre profiles) on adipocytokine levels. Fifty participants are divided into two groups (RS group and Fibre group). The groups differ only in the percentage of the recommended level of the RS consumed as a fraction of the same total fibre amount. The applied dietary intervention includes intake of 7531 KJ/daywith a total fibre portion of 25–35 g/dayfor both groups that includes 15 g/day of RS for the RS group only. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, apelin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP) are measured, and their relationship to anthropometric and biochemical parameters is estimated. Along with significant body weight loss, only leptin is significantly reduced by 13% in the RS group while in the Fibre group, apelin levels are significant (−21%). Polynomial regression shows a negative correlation between RS intake and adiponectin (R2 = 0.145) and resistin level (R2 = 0.461) in the RS group. This study indicates the possibility that fibre fractions differently influence the outcome of lifestyle interventions, as well as their adipocytokine levels, in obese prediabetic adults.

The amount of organic pomace, left behind agricultural processes, is continuously rising in accordance with industrial progress. Grape pomace, generated in the wine industry all over the world, represents a raw material for obtaining valuable products. Grape seeds are especially rich in oil containing bioactive compounds that can have various health-related effects. The aim of the study is to compare the quality of seed oils obtained from six white grapes, including two Serbian autochthonous varieties. Linoleic acid, associated with numerous health benefits, is the major fatty acid in all samples (≈66% of total); α-tocopherol is the main tocopherol homologue. Total polyphenol content ranges from 73.4 to 104.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g. In order to provide comprehensive information about antioxidant capacity of grape seed oil (GSO), three tests are performed (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power; 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging). Antimicrobial activity is investigated against different strains; however, GSO inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Obtained results are used to develop a novel approach for oil quality assessment. Calculated oil quality scores (OQS) reveal no significant difference between international and autochthonous varieties, although Smederevka stands out as the most potent one. Practical applications: Considering the progressive waste increase in the wine industry and keeping in mind all health-promoting effects of grape seed oil (GSO), it is clearly observed that oil production represents a profitable and sustainable utilization of grape seeds. The results of the present study show that GSO is a rich source of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, this work provides deeper insight into a quality of Serbian autochthonous grape varieties that are still insufficiently explored. Furthermore, the prop

This study investigated the behavior of urban-living students related to the salty snacks consumption, and their contribution to salt daily intake. A cross-sectional survey on 1313 urban-living students (16–25 years, 61.4% university students and 38.6% high school students) used a pre-verified questionnaire created specifically for the study. The logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors influencing snack consumption. The results of salt content and the snack consumption frequency were used to evaluate snack contribution to salt intake. All subjects consumed salty snacks, on average several times per week, more often at home and slightly more during periods of intensive studying, with 42% of the participants reporting to consume two or more packages per snacking occasion. Most of the participants consumed such products between main meals, but 10% of them took snacks immediately after the main meal. More high-school students than university students were in the “high snack group” (p < 0.05). The most frequently consumed salty snacks were those with the highest content of salt. Salt intake from snack products for a majority of participants ranged between 0.4 and 1 g/day. The research revealed younger age, home environment and significant contribution to salt intake as critical points in salty snack consumption among urban-living students important for the better understanding of their dietary habits.

In the past few years, research efforts have focused on plant exploitation for deriving some valuable compounds. Extraction has been usually performed using petrochemical and volatile organic solvents, but nowadays, increased recognition of environmental pollution has prompted the utilization of green solvents as alternatives. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to exploit deep eutectic solvents (DES) (choline chloride: citric acid and choline chloride: glucose) as solvents for extracting valuable phenolic antioxidants from grapes. Investigation was conducted on ten grape varieties, observing seeds and skin as different matrix. Total polyphenol content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric microassay. Antioxidant activity was investigated using four different tests and results were combined in a unique Antioxidant Composite Index (ACI) to reveal comprehensive information about this biological activity. Polyphenol compounds were identified and quantified with the aim of HPLC-diode array detector (DAD). Overall results support that DES (particularly choline chloride: citric acid) were comparable to conventional solvent, and in most cases even outperformed acidified aqueous ethanol (concerning extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity). Regardless of varietal distinctions, grape seeds have higher antioxidant capacity compared to grape skin, and such findings are according to their phenol compound concentrations.

Numerous studies have shown, rather disappointingly, that isolated bioactive phytochemicals are not as biologically effective as natural plant products. Such a discrepancy may be explained by the concept of food synergy, which was verified in this research for cocoa extract versus its major components with regard to cancer chemoprevention. The evaluation embraced the relationship between redox properties evaluated in cell-free systems with the aid of free radicals scavenging method and differential pulse voltammetry, and redox associated anticarcinogenic activities (cellular antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, nutrigenomic activity) in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line exposed to either cocoa powder extract or artificial mixtures of cocoa bioactives at matching concentrations. In contrast to expectations, our results showed that the stepwise enrichment with antioxidants caused no gradual increase in the antioxidant activity of the model mixtures; also, these model mixtures did not reach the reducing potential of cocoa in the cell-free systems or cellular model employed. Further, the biological activities examined in colon adenocarcinoma cells did not alter in a stepwise manner that could reflect the gradual changes in composition of bioactive ingredients. In conclusion, the experiments presented here showed that the growing complexity of a mixture of phytochemicals seems to create a new redox bioactive substance rather than enrich the mixture with new activities, characteristic of the compound added. It follows that no simple, predictable relationship can be expected between the chemopreventive potential and the composition of real food items containing a complicated set of non-toxic redox active ingredients. Our observations suggest that the interactions between different bioactive compounds and food matrix components are cooperating factors determining the final bioactivity of foods.

There is a growing body of evidence that tomato consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effects. We compared the effects of polyphenol-enriched and standard tomato juice on parameters of lipid and oxidative status and blood pressure in subjects with stage 1 hypertension. The experimental group (n=13) was supplemented with 200g of tomato fruit juice enriched with 1g of ethanolic extract of whole tomato fruit, while the control group (n=13) was consuming 200g tomato fruit juice. Before and after the treatment, blood samples were collected, and blood pressure was measured. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidative defense: paraoxonase (PON1), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and C reactive protein (CRP) were determined in serum. Prothrombin time (PT) was measured in the whole blood samples. Parameters of lipid status, as well as susceptibility to copper-induced oxidation of LDL particles in vitro were also determined. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-C only in the control group at the end of the study. No significant differences were observed in the remainder of the assessed parameters along the study. In conclusion, tomato juice may have favorable effects on lipid metabolism, but polyphenol fortification does not constitute additional beneficial cardiovascular effects.

Kakao prah je industrijski proizvod koji se dobija preradom kakao zrna (Theobroma cacao L.) i poseduje jedinstven ukus i aromu. Sve češće se svrstava u veoma popularnu grupu „funkcionalnih namirnica“. Visok sadržaj biološki aktivnih jedinjenja omogućava fiziološke efekte kakao praha koji prevazilaze uobičajenu nutritivnu ulogu namirnica. Specifičan polifenolni profil uz prisustvo purinskih alkaloida čine ovu namirnicu od posebnog interesa u brojnim studijama i dosadašnji nalazi afirmativni su u kontekstu antioksidativnog i antimikrobnog potencijala, hepatoprotektivnog delovanja, zatim delovanja biološki aktivnih jedinjena kakao praha na rad kardiovaskularnog i nervnog sistema.Prvi eksperimentalni cilj ove disertacije bio je hemijska karakterizacija kakao praha i ispitivanje njegove in vitro antioksidativne i antimikrobne aktivnosti kao i uticaja tehnološke obrade kakao praha na iste. Drugi deo disertacije imao je za cilj ispitivanje uloge biološki aktivnih jedinjenja kakao praha na bihejvioralni fenotip zdravih miševa soja C57BL/6 i procenu in vivo antioksidativne aktivnosti u pogledu enzima antioksidativne zaštite hepatocita suplementiranih miševa.HPLC-DAD-MS karakterizacijom kakao praha identifikovano je i kvantifikovano 17 biološki aktivnih jedinjenja od kojih su najzastupljeniji bili metilksantini (teobromin (14,10 mg/g) i kofein (5,84 mg/g)), zatim monomerni flavan-3oli (epikatehin (1,00 mg/g), katehin (0,51 mg/g) i galokatehin (0,25 mg/g)), nakon čega su sledili oligomerni procijanidini i derivati hidroksibenzoeve kiseline. Prirodni kakao prahovi imali su značajno veći sadržaj ukupnih polifenola, flavonoida, proantocijanidina, i monomernih flavan-3ola u poređenju sa alkalizovanim kakao prahovima i analiziranim grupama čokolada (crne čokolade sa ili bez maline i mlečne čokolade). Konzistentno sa tim, prirodni kakao prahovi pokazali su najveću prosečnu vrednost antioksidativnog kompozitnog indeksa (ACI) od 89,4%. Među testiranim mikrobiološkim sojevima, gljivica, Cocoa powder is an industrial product obtained by processing cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) and has a unique flavor and aroma. High content of several biologically active compounds allows various physiological effects of cocoa powder that exceed the usual nutritional role of this food, so it is often classified into a very popular group of "functional foods". Specific polyphenol profile in the presence of purine alkaloids make this food stimulating research topic, and the findings so far are affirmative in the context of antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, hepatoprotective action, as well as the effects on cardiovascular and nervous system.The first experimental goal of this dissertation was the chemical characterization of non-nutritive compounds in cocoa powder, evaluation of its in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with the emphasis on the difference between natural and processed cocoa powder properties. The second part of dissertation was focused on examination of the role of cocoa powder or methylxanthines supplementation in doses that were dietary relevant on behavioral phenotype of healthy C57BL/6 mice and on the assessment of in vivo antioxidant activity in regard to antioxidant enzymes in mice liver.HPLC-DAD-MS characterization of cocoa powder has identified and quantified 17 biological active compounds, the most abounded were methylxanthines (teobromine (14,1 mg / g) and caffeine (5.8 mg / g)), followed by monomer flavan-3ols (epicatechin (1.0 mg / g), catechin (0.5 mg / g) and galocatechin (0.26 mg / g)), oligomeric procyanidins and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. Natural cocoa powders had significantly higher content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and monomer flavan-3ol compared to alkalized cocoa powders and analyzed chocolate groups (black chocolates with or without raspberry and milk chocolates). Consistently, natural cocoa powders showed the highest average value of antioxidant composite index (ACI = 89.4%)

Ateroskleroza predstavlja hroničnu, fokalnu bolest intime krvnih sudova. Iako jeveliki broj etioloških faktora uključen u patogenezu i progresiju ateroskleroze,dislipidemija ima ključnu ulogu u razvoju ateroma. Ateroskleroza se nalazi u osnovi većinekardiovaskularnih bolesti (KVB), uključujući i ishemijsku bolest srca (IBS). Statinipredstavljaju hipolipemike izbora u primarnoj i sekundarnoj prevenciji KVB. Pored dejstvana inhibiciju sinteze holesterola, statini ostvaruju i brojne plejotropne efekte. U rutinskojpraksi za postavljanje dijagnoze dislipidemije i praćenje odgovora na terapiju statinimakoriste se osnovni parametri lipidnog statusa. Međutim, za sagledavanje celokupnogmetabolizma holesterola i praćenje njegove homeostaze, neophodno je odrediti efikasnostsinteze i apsorpcije holesterola, njegovu raspodelu između lipoproteinskih čestica, kao iočuvanost funkcije reverznog transporta holesterola. Homeostaza holesterola predstavljaravnotežu između sinteze i apsorpcije holesterola. Određivanje koncentracija prekursora usintezi holesterola (dezmosterol i latosterol) i fitosterola (kampesterol, stigmasterol i β-sitosterol) kao surogat-markera apsorpcije holesterola, može ukazati na rani razvojdislipidemije i predvideti odgovor na terapiju statinima. Jednim imenom ovi markeri senazivaju neholesterolski steroli (NHS). Relativno niske koncentracije NHS predstavljajuspecifičan problem za njihovu kvantifikaciju. Ovo je dodatni razlog za opsežnu validacijumetoda za određivanje NHS, kao i za utvrđivanjem preanalitičkih i analitičkih faktorauticaja na kvantifikaciju NHS. Kako bi se doprinelo boljem razumevanju metabolizmaholesterola i uticaja terapije statinima na homeostazu holesterola, ciljevi ove studije su bili:uspostavljanje i validacija metode za određivanje NHS; određivanje koncentracija NHSkod zdravih ispitanika (KG) i pacijenata sa IBS; određivanje obrazaca homeostazeholesterola i njihove povezanosti sa osnovnim parametrima lipidnog statusa i raspodelomlipoprotein, Atherosclerosis is a chronic, focal disease of the blood vessel intima. Even thoughmany etiological factors are involved in the pathogenesis and progression ofatherosclerosis, dyslipidemia has the key role in atheroma development. Atherosclerosis isthe underlying cause of the most cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary arterydisease (CAD). Statins represent a hypolipemics of choice in primary and secondary CADprevention. In addition to the inhibitory effect on cholesterol synthesis, statins also havenumerous pleiotropic effects. Basic lipid parameters are used for diagnosing dyslipidemiaand monitoring the statin therapy response in clinical practice. However, in order toexamine the overall cholesterol metabolism and monitor its homeostasis, it is necessary toexamine the efficiency of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, its distribution betweenlipoprotein particles, and the preservation of the reverse cholesterol transport function.Cholesterol homeostasis represents the balance between cholesterol synthesis andabsorption. Non-cholesterol sterols (NCSs) represent cholesterol synthesis precursors(desmosterol and lathosterol) and cholesterol absorption surrogate markers (phytosterols -campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol). These markers can indicate early developmentof dyslipidemia and predict response to statin therapy. Relatively low NCSs concentrationsrepresent a specific problem for their quantification. This represents the additional reasonto conduct an extensive method validation for NCSs determination, as well as to resolvepre-analytical and analytical factors of influence. In order to contribute to a betterunderstanding of cholesterol metabolism and the statin effects on cholesterol homeostasis,the objectives of this study were: establishing and validating the method for NHSsdetermination; determination of NHSs concentrations in healthy subjects (CG) and CADpatients; determination of cholesterol homeostasis patterns and their association with

Kakao prah je industrijski proizvod koji se dobija preradom kakao zrna (Theobroma cacao L.) i poseduje jedinstven ukus i aromu. Sve češće se svrstava u veoma popularnu grupu „funkcionalnih namirnica“. Visok sadržaj biološki aktivnih jedinjenja omogućava fiziološke efekte kakao praha koji prevazilaze uobičajenu nutritivnu ulogu namirnica. Specifičan polifenolni profil uz prisustvo purinskih alkaloida čine ovu namirnicu od posebnog interesa u brojnim studijama i dosadašnji nalazi afirmativni su u kontekstu antioksidativnog i antimikrobnog potencijala, hepatoprotektivnog delovanja, zatim delovanja biološki aktivnih jedinjena kakao praha na rad kardiovaskularnog i nervnog sistema. Prvi eksperimentalni cilj ove disertacije bio je hemijska karakterizacija kakao praha i ispitivanje njegove in vitro antioksidativne i antimikrobne aktivnosti kao i uticaja tehnološke obrade kakao praha na iste. Drugi deo disertacije imao je za cilj ispitivanje uloge biološki aktivnih jedinjenja kakao praha na bihejvioralni fenotip zdravih miševa soja C57BL/6 i procenu in vivo antioksidativne aktivnosti u pogledu enzima antioksidativne zaštite hepatocita suplementiranih miševa. HPLC-DAD-MS karakterizacijom kakao praha identifikovano je i kvantifikovano 17 biološki aktivnih jedinjenja od kojih su najzastupljeniji bili metilksantini (teobromin (14,10 mg/g) i kofein (5,84 mg/g)), zatim monomerni flavan-3oli (epikatehin (1,00 mg/g), katehin (0,51 mg/g) i galokatehin (0,25 mg/g)), nakon čega su sledili oligomerni procijanidini i derivati hidroksibenzoeve kiseline. Prirodni kakao prahovi imali su značajno veći sadržaj ukupnih polifenola, flavonoida, proantocijanidina, i monomernih flavan-3ola u poređenju sa alkalizovanim kakao prahovima i analiziranim grupama čokolada (crne čokolade sa ili bez maline i mlečne čokolade). Konzistentno sa tim, prirodni kakao prahovi pokazali su najveću prosečnu vrednost antioksidativnog kompozitnog indeksa (ACI) od 89,4%. Među testiranim mikrobiološkim sojevima, gljivi, Cocoa powder is an industrial product obtained by processing cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) and has a unique flavor and aroma. High content of several biologically active compounds allows various physiological effects of cocoa powder that exceed the usual nutritional role of this food, so it is often classified into a very popular group of "functional foods". Specific polyphenol profile in the presence of purine alkaloids make this food stimulating research topic, and the findings so far are affirmative in the context of antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, hepatoprotective action, as well as the effects on cardiovascular and nervous system. The first experimental goal of this dissertation was the chemical characterization of non-nutritive compounds in cocoa powder, evaluation of its in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with the emphasis on the difference between natural and processed cocoa powder properties. The second part of dissertation was focused on examination of the role of cocoa powder or methylxanthines supplementation in doses that were dietary relevant on behavioral phenotype of healthy C57BL/6 mice and on the assessment of in vivo antioxidant activity in regard to antioxidant enzymes in mice liver. HPLC-DAD-MS characterization of cocoa powder has identified and quantified 17 biological active compounds, the most abounded were methylxanthines (teobromine (14,1 mg / g) and caffeine (5.8 mg / g)), followed by monomer flavan-3ols (epicatechin (1.0 mg / g), catechin (0.5 mg / g) and galocatechin (0.26 mg / g)), oligomeric procyanidins and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. Natural cocoa powders had significantly higher content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and monomer flavan-3ol compared to alkalized cocoa powders and analyzed chocolate groups (black chocolates with or without raspberry and milk chocolates). Consistently, natural cocoa powders showed the highest average value of antioxidant composite index (ACI = 89.4

Ateroskleroza predstavlja hroničnu, fokalnu bolest intime krvnih sudova. Iako je veliki broj etioloških faktora uključen u patogenezu i progresiju ateroskleroze, dislipidemija ima ključnu ulogu u razvoju ateroma. Ateroskleroza se nalazi u osnovi većine kardiovaskularnih bolesti (KVB), uključujući i ishemijsku bolest srca (IBS). Statini predstavljaju hipolipemike izbora u primarnoj i sekundarnoj prevenciji KVB. Pored dejstva na inhibiciju sinteze holesterola, statini ostvaruju i brojne plejotropne efekte. U rutinskoj praksi za postavljanje dijagnoze dislipidemije i praćenje odgovora na terapiju statinima koriste se osnovni parametri lipidnog statusa. Međutim, za sagledavanje celokupnog metabolizma holesterola i praćenje njegove homeostaze, neophodno je odrediti efikasnost sinteze i apsorpcije holesterola, njegovu raspodelu između lipoproteinskih čestica, kao i očuvanost funkcije reverznog transporta holesterola. Homeostaza holesterola predstavlja ravnotežu između sinteze i apsorpcije holesterola. Određivanje koncentracija prekursora u sintezi holesterola (dezmosterol i latosterol) i fitosterola (kampesterol, stigmasterol i β- sitosterol) kao surogat-markera apsorpcije holesterola, može ukazati na rani razvoj dislipidemije i predvideti odgovor na terapiju statinima. Jednim imenom ovi markeri se nazivaju neholesterolski steroli (NHS). Relativno niske koncentracije NHS predstavljaju specifičan problem za njihovu kvantifikaciju. Ovo je dodatni razlog za opsežnu validaciju metoda za određivanje NHS, kao i za utvrđivanjem preanalitičkih i analitičkih faktora uticaja na kvantifikaciju NHS. Kako bi se doprinelo boljem razumevanju metabolizma holesterola i uticaja terapije statinima na homeostazu holesterola, ciljevi ove studije su bili: uspostavljanje i validacija metode za određivanje NHS; određivanje koncentracija NHS kod zdravih ispitanika (KG) i pacijenata sa IBS; određivanje obrazaca homeostaze holesterola i njihove povezanosti sa osnovnim parametrima lipidnog statusa i, Atherosclerosis is a chronic, focal disease of the blood vessel intima. Even though many etiological factors are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia has the key role in atheroma development. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of the most cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD). Statins represent a hypolipemics of choice in primary and secondary CAD prevention. In addition to the inhibitory effect on cholesterol synthesis, statins also have numerous pleiotropic effects. Basic lipid parameters are used for diagnosing dyslipidemia and monitoring the statin therapy response in clinical practice. However, in order to examine the overall cholesterol metabolism and monitor its homeostasis, it is necessary to examine the efficiency of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, its distribution between lipoprotein particles, and the preservation of the reverse cholesterol transport function. Cholesterol homeostasis represents the balance between cholesterol synthesis and absorption. Non-cholesterol sterols (NCSs) represent cholesterol synthesis precursors (desmosterol and lathosterol) and cholesterol absorption surrogate markers (phytosterols - campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol). These markers can indicate early development of dyslipidemia and predict response to statin therapy. Relatively low NCSs concentrations represent a specific problem for their quantification. This represents the additional reason to conduct an extensive method validation for NCSs determination, as well as to resolve pre-analytical and analytical factors of influence. In order to contribute to a better understanding of cholesterol metabolism and the statin effects on cholesterol homeostasis, the objectives of this study were: establishing and validating the method for NHSs determination; determination of NHSs concentrations in healthy subjects (CG) and CAD patients; determination of cholesterol homeostasis patterns and t

The rapid increase in the consumption of salty snack products has led to increased concern about their composition and nutritional value. The aim of this study was to investigate the fat content and fatty acid profile in salty snack products from the Serbian market. A total of 58 different snack products from 3 categories (Baked products, Chips & flips products, Cereal products) were analyzed. The fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography. Total fat content ranged from 3.1 % in expanded rice to 35.7 % in potato chips. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids constituted > 80 % of all fatty acids (FAs) in categories Baked products and Chips & flips. Linoleic acid was more abundant in the category Cereal products (15.5-49.3 %). The trans-FAs elaidic (C18:1 - 9t) and linolelaidic FAs (18: 2 - 9t, 12t) were identified in 66 % of the products. The flips products had the highest average t-FAs content (16.3 %), followed by flips group (9.3 %). Potential t-FAs intake from 100 g of analyzed products was in range 0.1-4.9 g. This study provided a large database on saturated fatty acids and t-FAs content in salty snack products and indicated that by consuming only one package of some products, the t-FAs intake could surpass the recommended maximum of 1 % of daily energy.

Introduction: Cholesterol homeostasis disruption contributes to the development of different pathologies. Non cholesterol sterols (NCSs) serve as cholesterol synthesis markers (desmosterol and lathosterol), and cholesterol absorption surrogate markers (campesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol). The study aimed to resolve certain new pre-analytical and analytical problems and ensure a reliable and validated method. Materials and methods: Method optimization, validation and stability studies were executed in human serum and plasma. Freeze-thaw cycles were done with and without antioxidant. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was used for NCSs confirmation and plasticizer identification, while GC-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) was used for NCSs quantitation. Results: Infra-and inter-assay variabilities for all NCSs were 2.75-9.55% and 5.80-7.75% for plasma and 3.10-5.72% and 3.05-10.92% for serum, respectively. Recovery studies showed satisfactory percentage errors for all NCSs: 93.4-105.7% in plasma and 87.5-106.9 in serum. Derivatized samples were stable up to 7 days at 20 degrees C and derivatization yield was affected by presence of plasticizers. Fatty acid amids were identified as interfering plastic leachates. Statistically different NCSs concentrations were observed after the 1st freeze-thaw cycle, in antioxidant-free samples, and after the 4th cycle in antioxidant-enriched samples. Conclusions: All of the in-house procedures proved to be useful for minimizing the preanalytical and analytical variations, as proven by the validation results.

Predmet ovog istraživanja bilo je ispitivanje tradicionalne hrane u Crnoj Gori na primjeru hrane pripremljene korišćenjem lista biljke Cichorium intybus L. koja se pod nazivom „žućenica“ vjekovima koristi u tradicionalnoj ishrani stanovnika u pojedinim djelovima Crne Gore, posebno u Bokokotorskom zalivu. Istraživanja u okviru ovog rada imala su za cilj: a) Sakupljanje relevantnih dokaza o tradicionalnoj primjeni lista žućenice u ishrani u Crnoj Gori u arhivskom materijalu, b) Dokumentovanje rasprostranjenosti i lokacija samonikle žućenice u Crnoj Gori, c) Uzorkovanje samonikle žućenice sa većeg broja lokacija u Crnoj Gori, d) Analizu osnovnog hemijskog sastava lista samonikle žućenice i žućenice porijeklom iz plasteničke proizvodnje sa više lokaliteta u Crnoj Gori i utvrđivanje varijabilnosti sastava samoniklih i gajenih uzoraka, e) Analizu sadržaja vitamina i minerala i analizu bioaktivnih sastojaka (vlakna, masne kiseline, pigmenti, ukupni polifenoli, ukupni flavonidi i pojedine polifenolne kiseline) i antioksidativne sposobnosti u uzorcima lista samonikle i gajene žućenice, f) Dokumentovanje i određivanje nutritivnog i mineralnog profila odabranih jela koja se pripremaju od lista ove biljke po tradicionalnoj recepturi. Sakupljeni dokazi iz dostupnog arhivskog materijala potvrdili su da su se listovi žućenice vjekovima unazad koristili u Crnoj Gori kao povrće u salatama, sosevima i ostalim vrstama predjela i jela. S obzirom da je u Crnoj Gori i regionu veoma malo podataka koji se odnose na detaljan hemijski sastav lista žućenice sa ovih prostora, dobijeni rezultati ukazali su na višestruku korist upotrebe ove biljke u ishrani. Rezultati su poređeni u odnosu na literaturne podatke o sastavu gajenog lisnatog povrća koje se najčešće koristi u ishrani na ovim prostorima..., The aim of this research was applying the testing protocol for traditional foods on the leaves of Cichorium intybus L., a plant which is localy known as "žućenica" and for centuries has been used in the traditional diet in some parts of Montenegro, especially in the Boka Bay. Research in this work was aimed at: a) Collection of relevant evidence on the traditional use of chicory leaves in food in Montenegro in archive material, b) Documentation of the distribution and location of the wild chicory in Montenegro, c) Sampling of wild chicory from several locations in Montenegro, d) Analysis of the basic chemical composition of the leaves of wild chicory and chicory from greenhouse production from several localities in Montenegro and determining the variability of the composition depending on the location and origin, e) Analysis of vitamins and minerals, as well as analysis of bioactive constituents (fibers, fatty acids, pigments, total polyphenols, total flavonoids and certain polyphenolic acids) and antioxidant capacity in wild and cultivated chicory leaves, f) Documenting and determining the nutritional and mineral profile of selected dishes prepared from the leaves of this plant according to the traditional recipe. Collected information from the available archival material confirmed that chicory leaves were used for centuries in Montenegro as vegetables in salads, souces and other types of appetizers and dishes. Given that in Montenegro and the region there is very little data related to the detailed chemical composition of the leaves of chicory from these areas, the obtained results indicated the multiple benefits of using this plant in the diet. The results were compared with the literature data on the composition of grown leafy vegetables that is most often used in diet in these areas...

The aim of this study was to determine biologically active substances (BAS) in the samples of Cichorium intybus L. leaves from different sources (wild and cultivated) in Montenegro and to investigate the potential influence of location and origin on the BAS. Fiber and fatty acid composition, amount of pigments, total phenols and flavonoids and some phenolic acids were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was also determined by three methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) and the results obtained from all tests were used to calculate the antioxidant potency composite index (ACI). The dietary fiber profile confirmed chicory leaves as an important source of fiber. The majority of fats in chicory leaves consist-of unsaturated fatty acids, while saturated fatty acids were represented mainly by palmitic acid. Chlorophyll a and b, lutein and beta-carotene were the main pigments in chicory leaves. ACI index had a good correlation with the total phenolic and total flavonoid content. All these features reinforced the interest of including chicory in modern diet as a healthy alternative to the variety of commonly used vegetables.

We used rimonabant to investigate the role of CB1 receptor on hepatic FFAs profile during NAFLD. Male mice C57BL/6 were divided into: control group fed with control diet 20 weeks (C; n = 6); group fed with HFD 20 weeks (HF; n = 6); group fed with control diet and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (R; n = 9); group fed with HFD and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (HFR; n = 10). Rimonabant (10 mg/kg) was administered daily to HFR and R group by oral gavage. Rimonabant decreased liver palmitic acid proportion in HFR group compared to HF group (p lt 0.05). Liver stearic and oleic acid proportions were decreased in R group compared to control (p lt 0.01 respectively). Rimonabant increased liver linoleic and arachidonic acid proportions in HFR group compared to HF group (p lt 0.01 respectively). CB1 blockade may be useful in the treatment of HFD-induced NAFLD due to modulation of plasma lipid and hepatic FFA profile.

Background: Cholesterol homeostasis disorders may cause dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis progression and coronary artery disease (CAD) development. Evaluation of non-cholesterol sterols (NCSs) as synthesis and absorption markers, and lipoprotein particles quality may indicate the dyslipidemia early development. This study investigates associations of different cholesterol homeostasis patterns with low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) subclasses distribution in statin-treated and statin-untreated CAD patients, and potential use of aforementioned markers for CAD treatment optimization. Methods: The study included 78 CAD patients (47 statin-untreated and 31 statin-treated) and 31 controls (CG). NCSs concentrations were quantified using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Lipoprotein subclasses were separated by gradient gel electrophoresis. Results: In patients, cholesterol-synthesis markers were significantly higher comparing to CG. Cholesterol-synthesis markers were inversely associated with LDL size in all groups. For cholesterol homeostasis estimation, each group was divided to good and/or poor synthetizers and/or absorbers according to desmosterol and beta-sitosterol median values. In CG, participants with reduced cholesterol absorption, the relative proportion of small, dense LDL was higher in those with increased cholesterol synthesis compared to those with reduced synthesis (p lt 0.01). LDL I fraction was significantly higher in poor synthetizers/poor absorbers subgroup compared to poor synthetizers/good absorbers (p lt 0.01), and good synthetizers/poor absorbers (p lt 0.01). Statin-treated patients with increased cholesterol absorption had increased proportion of LDL IVB (p lt 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest the existence of different lipoprotein abnormalities according to various patterns of cholesterol homeostasis. Desmosterol/beta-sitosterol ratio could be used for estimating individual propensity toward dyslipidemi