Search

Several lines of evidence demonstrate the multiple health-promoting properties of anthocyanins, but little is known regarding the bioavailability of these phytochemicals. Therefore, the stability during storage and bioavailability of anthocyanins from lingonberries jams were determined by HPLC, together with the impact of used sweeteners on their adsorption. Further, the in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition using spectrophotometric methods and cytotoxicity determined on normal and colon cancer cells were communicated. The content of anthocyanins was significantly decreased during storage in coconut sugar-based jam, but was best preserved in jam with fructose and stevia. Fructose and stevia-based jams showed the highest inhibition activity upon α-glucosidase. Lingonberry jams showed no cytotoxic effects on normal cells, but at low concentration reduced the tumor cells viability. Anthocyanins were still detectable in rats' blood streams after 24 h, showing a prolonged bioavailability in rats. This study brings important results that will enable the development of functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three nitrogen-doped graphene samples were synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite rods via pulses of current. Depending on the synthesis conditions, the samples had different content of nitrogen (0.79, 2.56 and 2.33 wt%) and were denoted as NGr-1, NGr-2 and NGr-3, respectively. All samples consist in a mixture of graphene oxide, few- and multi-layer graphene. Several biological effects (cytotoxicity, oxidative stress induction, apoptosis, autophagy and DNA lesions) induced by the N-doped graphenes on human endothelial and colon cancer cells were investigated. The in vitro effects of graphenes were different and depended on the type of cell and the amount of nitrogen in the structure. On human endothelial cells, the graphenes showed antioxidant effects and were less toxic than on colon cancer cells, especially the one with low content of nitrogen (NGr-1). In contrast, on colon cancer cells the graphenes induced cell death by various mechanisms: free radicals generation, apoptosis, autophagy and DNA damage. The most severe DNA lesions and ultrastructural changes were produced by graphene with high content of nitrogen (NGr-2 and NGr-3). Our research demonstrates the cytotoxic effect of graphene with high content of nitrogen on colon cancer cells and antioxidant and protective properties on human endothelial cells. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to prepare a series of novel restorative giomers and investigate the morphology, the physico-chemical properties (residual monomer, fluoride release), and the cytotoxicity of the new materials. The experimental giomers were prepared as light-cured pastes by blending different resin matrices comprising aromatic/aliphatic/urethane (di) methacrylates, with hybrid fillers containing pre-reacted glasses (PRGs), a radiopaque glass, and nano fluorhydroxyapatite. Polyalkenoic acids based on acrylic acid/itaconic acid/N-acryloyl -L-leucine modified or not with methacrylic groups, together with a superficially active glass, were used to prepare the PRGs. The fluoride ion release of the experimental giomers was investigated within a period of 60 days of storage in bidistilled water while using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Beautifil II commercial product was used as a reference. Cell cytotoxicity tests were done in vitro, in accordance with ISO 10993-122012 proceedings. Human dermal fibroblasts and umbilical endothelial vein cultures were used. The values that were obtained for cumulative fluoride release for all experimental giomers were higher than for the Beautifil II product, being more than twice the ones that were obtained for the commercial product after 60 days of storage in bidistilled water. The experimental biomaterials showed similar and/or better results when compared to the commercial one; this effect was maintained in all tested conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]