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Abstract Identification of high carotenoid germplasm is crucial to assist breeders in provitamin-A biofortification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench). High-performance liquid chromatography is the gold standard for carotenoid quantification, however, it is not feasible for large scale phenotyping due to its high cost and low throughput. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using grain color as a high-throughput method of carotenoid biofortification breeding. We hypothesized that visual, color-based selection can be an effective strategy to identify high-carotenoid accessions. Yellow grain had significantly higher carotenoid content than red, brown, and white grain. The degree of yellowness could distinguish the presence or absence of carotenoids, but could not distinguish carotenoid concentrations within yellow-only accessions. The degree of luminosity of the grain, however, was able to better predict carotenoid concentrations within yellow-only accessions. Genome-wide association studies identified significant marker-trait associations for qualitative and quantitative grain color traits and carotenoid concentrations near carotenoid pathway genes—ZEP, PDS, CYP97A, NCED, CCD, and LycE—three of which were common between grain color and carotenoid traits. These findings suggest that using grain color as a method for screening germplasm may be an effective high-throughput selection tool for prebreeding and early-stage breeding in carotenoid biofortification.

Abstract Haloarchaeal cultures were isolated from solar salterns of Goa and Tamil Nadu and designated as BS2, BBK2 and E3. These isolates grew with a characteristic bright orange to pink pigmentation and were capable of growing in media containing upto 25% (w/vol) NaCl. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the three haloarchaeal strains BS2, BBK2 and E3 indicated an assembled genomic size of 4.1 Mb, 3.8 Mb and 4 Mb with G + C content of 61.8, 65.6 and 59.8% respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the archaeal isolates belong to Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halogeometricum genera. Haloarcula rubripromontorii BS2 was predicted to have 4292 genes with 4242 CDS regions, 46 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs and 3 misc_RNAs. In case of Haloferax lucentense BBK2, 3840 genes with 3780 CDS regions were detected along with 52 tRNAs, 5 rRNAs and 3 misc_RNAs. Halogeometricum borinquense E3 contained 4101 genes, 4043 CDS regions, 52 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 2 misc_RNAs. The functional annotation and curation of the haloarchaeal genome, revealed C50 carotenoid biosynthetic genes like phytoene desaturase/carotenoid 3′ -4′ desaturase (crtI), lycopene elongase (ubiA/lyeJ) and carotenoid biosynthesis membrane protein (cruF) in the three isolates. Whereas crtD (C-3′,4′ desaturase), crtY (lycopene cyclase) and brp/blh (β-carotene dioxygenase) genes were identified only in BS2.

Abstract Background Vitamin A is essential for physiological processes like vision and immunity. Vitamin A’s effect on gut microbiome composition, which affects absorption and metabolism of other vitamins, is still unknown. Here we examined the relationship between gut metagenome composition and six vitamin A-related metabolites (two retinoid: -retinol, 4 oxoretinoic acid (oxoRA) and four carotenoid metabolites, including beta-cryptoxanthin and three carotene diols). Methods We included 1053 individuals from the TwinsUK cohort with vitamin A-related metabolites measured in serum and faeces, diet history, and gut microbiome composition assessed by shotgun metagenome sequencing. Results were replicated in 327 women from the ZOE PREDICT-1 study. Results Five vitamin A-related serum metabolites were positively correlated with microbiome alpha diversity (r = 0.15 to r = 0.20, p

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of pigment extracted from bacteria, isolated from soil samples. During the study, 20 soil samples were collected from different areas (forest, agriculture fields, river sides and dumping sites) of Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts which were processed for isolation of pigment producing bacteria by spread plate technique. The pigmented bacterial isolates were identified and enriched in nutrient broth. Then, pigment was extracted in 95% methanol as solvent, which was further characterized using UV-Vis Spectrophotometric and TLC analysis. The obtained crude pigment extract was processed to carry out the antimicrobial susceptibility assay using agar well diffusion method. Out of 13 total pigmented bacteria isolates, four different colored pigmented bacterial isolates (S4O, S11Y, S14P and S17G) which produced efficient pigment on nutrient agar were chosen and they were further processed. Among these isolates, S4O was identified as Staphylococcus aureus, S11Y was identified as Micrococcus luteus, S14P was identified as Micrococcus roseus and S17G was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. On characterization using UV-Vis Spectrophotometric and TLC analysis, the pigment extracted from isolates S4O, S11Y and S14P were found to be Carotenoids and from isolate S17G was found to be Pyocyanin in nature. The maximum antibacterial activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus from all the four pigments extracts. The green color pigment extract from isolate S17G was found to be most effective against all the Gram-positive and Gram-negative test bacteria. This study suggests that these pigment extracts from pigmented bacteria may have beneficial antibacterial roles that can be exploited in controlling unwanted bacterial growth.

Objective(s): Colistin is used to treat multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. It increases the membrane permeability of kidney cells, leading to kidney toxicity. Crocin, a carotenoid found in saffron, has anti-oxidant and nephroprotective properties. The present study aimed to explore the potential renoprotective effects of crocin against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity.Materials and Methods: Six groups of male Wistar rats were utilized: 1- Control (0.5 ml of normal saline, 10 days, IP); 2- Crocin (40 mg/kg, 10 days, IP); 3-Colistin (23 mg/kg, 7 days, IP); 4-6 Colistin (23 mg/kg, 7 days, IP)+ crocin (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, 10 days, IP). On day 11, rats were sacrificed and their blood and kidney samples were collected to measure creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glutathione (GSH) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological alterations.Results: Colistin caused a significant increase in BUN, creatinine, and MDA, and a decrease in GSH compared to the control group. It also led to congested blood vessels, glomerular shrinkage, and medullary tubular degeneration. Co-administration of crocin with colistin resulted in a significant decrease in BUN and creatinine, increased GSH levels, and ameliorated the histopathological alterations compared to the colistin group. No significant difference was found between the control group and the crocin (40 mg/kg) group.Conclusion: It might be suggested that colistin can induce kidney damage by inducing oxidative stress. However, crocin shows protective effects against colistin-induced renal injury by acting as an anti-oxidant. Hence, crocin can be used as a supplement to reduce tissue and biochemical damage caused by colistin injection.

Bixin (C25H30O4; 394.51 g/mol) is the main apocarotenoid found in annatto seeds. It has a 25-carbon open chain structure with a methyl ester group and carboxylic acid. Bixin increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which may be interesting for counteracting oxidative stress. This study investigated whether bixin-rich annatto extract combined with metformin was able to improve the disturbances observed in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice, with an emphasis on markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses. HFD-fed mice were treated for 8 weeks with metformin (50 mg/kg) plus bixin-rich annatto extract (5.5 and 11 mg/kg). This study assessed glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity in plasma, fluorescent AGEs (advanced glycation end products), TBARSs (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver and kidneys. Treatment with bixin plus metformin decreased body weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased AGEs and TBARSs in the plasma, liver, and kidneys. Bixin plus metformin increased the activities of PON-1, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. Bixin combined with metformin improved the endogenous antioxidant defenses in the obese mice, showing that this combined therapy may have the potential to contrast the metabolic complications resulting from oxidative stress.

Introduction: Vitamin A, one of the most popular vitamins that people usually associate with eye health or beautiful skin, also has many other functions and uses. Recently many scientists conducted studies to determine if vitamin A could be a new weapon against cancers. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to discuss recent findings regarding the impact of Vitamin A and other retinoids on potential applications in anticancer therapy. Materials and methods: This review of studies is based on scientific articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The names of the cancers were juxtaposed with term "Vitamin A" and with term "Retinoids" to gather data regarding the effect of retinoids on cancer treatment and prevention. Results: After analyzing the gathered publications, it is possible to conclude that retinoids can have a positive impact on cancer treatment. Some of them can induce apoptosis of cancer cells and others can reduce their proliferation. Moreover, retinoids can also play an important role in preventing cancers, such as ovarian, breast, cervical, or skin cancer. The role of retinoids in the prevention of prostate cancer remains unclear due to conflicting research results. Conclusion: The studies have shown promising results which indicate a need for further research into anticancer mechanisms of retinoids. Specifically, more research is needed to explore the positive impact of retinoid use in treating cancer diseases. The significant potential of retinoids may make it possible to include them in clinical practice and develop an effective therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment based on them.

Purpose: To investigate the association between skin advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) levels, blood antioxidative vitamin and carotenoid concentrations, and severe erectile dysfunction (ED) in community-dwelling men. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used the 5-Item International Index of Erectile Function to identify 335 community- dwelling men with ED. The accumulation of skin AGEs was assessed noninvasively by measuring skin autofluorescence. Background-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method were performed to evaluate the effects of AGEs, vitamins, and carotenoids on severe ED. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between skin AGEs levels and serum carotenoid concentrations. Results: The median age of study participants was 57 years. Of the 335 men, 289 (86.3%) and 46 (13.7%) were classified into the mild/moderate and severe ED groups, respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that skin AGEs levels, blood vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, total lycopene, and cis-lycopenes concentrations were significantly associated with severe ED, whereas all-trans lycopene concentrations were not. In the multiple linear regression analyses, serum zeaxanthin concentrations were negatively and significantly correlated with skin AGEs levels. Conclusions: Higher skin AGEs levels and lower blood antioxidative vitamin and carotenoid concentrations were significantly associated with severe ED. Serum zeaxanthin levels were negatively and significantly correlated with skin AGEs levels, suggesting the possible effects of zeaxanthin on ED by decreasing tissue AGEs levels.

Earlier, it was suggested that carotenoids in light-harvesting complexes 2 (LH2) can generate singlet oxygen, further oxidizing bacteriochlorophyll to 3-acetyl-chlorophyll. In the present work, it was found that illumination of isolated LH2 preparations of purple sulfur bacterium Ectothiorhodospira haloalkaliphila with light in the carotenoid absorption region leads to the photoconsumption of molecular oxygen, which is accompanied by the formation of hydroperoxides of organic molecules in the complexes. Photoformation of two types of organic hydroperoxides were revealed: highly lipophilic (12 molecules per one LH2) and relatively hydrophobic (68 per one LH2). It has been shown that illumination leads to damage to light-harvesting complexes. On the one hand, photobleaching of bacteriochlorophyll and a decrease in its fluorescence intensity are observed. On the other hand, the photoinduced increase in the hydrodynamic radius of the complexes, the reduction in their thermal stability, and the change in fluorescence intensity indicate conformational changes occurring in the protein molecules of the LH2 preparations. Inhibition of the processes described above upon the addition of singlet oxygen quenchers (L-histidine, Trolox, sodium L-ascorbate) may support the hypothesis that carotenoids in LH2 preparations are capable of generating singlet oxygen, which, in turn, damage to protein molecules.

Background: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT)-induced oral mucositis (OM) causes oral pain, malnutrition, and impaired quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Phytochemicals play a potential role in eliminating cancer therapy toxicity. Objective: To evaluate the effect of phytochemical-rich vegetable and fruit juice (VFJ) consumption in preventing CCRT-induced OM among patients with locally advanced HNC. Methods: Forty-nine patients with HNC undergoing CCRT were enrolled. All patients received nutritional counseling before CCRT and weekly follow-up. The VFJ group (25 patients) received 600 mL/day VFJ, 5 days/week for two weeks preceding CCRT and during CCRT, and the control group (24 patients) did not. The contents of total polyphenols and carotenoids in the VFJ were determined. Changes in anthropometric, dietary, and laboratory profiles were compared. Assessment of OM was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) scoring system. Results: Total polyphenols content was 64.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 mL of the VFJ, and the main carotenoids were β-carotene and lycopene. The mean daily consumption of the VFJ was 538 mL for VFJ group. Changes in body weight, albumin, and energy intake were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of ulcerative OM was significantly lower in VFJ (64.0%) than in control (95.8%) subjects at week 6 of CCRT. Multiple logistic regressions revealed that VFJ consumption correlated significantly with lower risks of ulcerative OM. Conclusion: Consumption of VFJ rich in phytochemicals including total polyphenols and carotenoids effectively alleviates the severity of CCRT-induced OM among patients with locally advanced HNC. Section: Preventive Medicine; Dietary Therapy/Nutrition Supplements Taxonomy: (classification by EVISE)Preventive medicine, dietary therapy, nutrition supplements.

Introduction: Lutein and zeaxanthin are diet-derived carotenoids that are proposed to help mitigate frailty risk and age-related declines in musculoskeletal health via their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between lutein and zeaxanthin status and indices of musculoskeletal health and incident frailty among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Methods: Cross-sectional analyses (n = 4513) of plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations and grip strength, usual gait speed, timed up-and-go (TUG), probable sarcopenia (defined as grip strength 0.05). Plasma lutein concentration was positively associated with bone stiffness index (0.54 [0.15, 0.93], p 0.05). Conclusion: Higher plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations at baseline were associated with a reduced likelihood of incident frailty after ~8 years of follow up. Baseline plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were also positively associated with several indices of musculoskeletal health cross-sectionally but were not predictive of longitudinal changes in these outcomes over 4–8 years.

Abstract Background Dietary biomarkers may complement dietary intake assessment made by dietary questionnaires. We developed an a-posteriori dietary biomarkers score based on Mediterranean diet food groups and evaluated its association with mortality. Methods 642 participants (56% female), aged ≥65 years, with complete data on dietary biomarkers were followed during 20 years in the InCHIANTI cohort study (Tuscany, Italy). The main outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Dietary biomarkers were selected from literature and from correlation analyses with dietary intakes of Mediterranean diet food groups in the study. The baseline levels of the following dietary biomarkers were chosen: urinary total polyphenols and resveratrol metabolites, and plasma carotenoids, selenium, vitamin B12, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and the mono-unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio. Associations of the Mediterranean diet score using dietary biomarkers and a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (as tertiles) with mortality were assessed through Cox regression. Results During the 20-year follow-up [median (Q1–Q3), 14 (8–18) years], and 435 deaths occurred (139 from cardiovascular diseases and 89 from cancer-related causes). In the fully adjusted models, the dietary biomarker-Mediterranean diet score was inversely associated with all-cause (HRT3vs.T1 0.72; 95%CI 0.56–0.91) and cardiovascular (HRT3vs.T1 0.60; 95%CI 0.38–0.93), but not with cancer mortality. Associations between the FFQ-Mediterranean diet score and mortality were not statistically significant. Conclusions A greater adherence at baseline to a Mediterranean diet assessed by a dietary biomarker score was associated with a lower risk of mortality in older adults during a 20-year follow-up. The measurement of dietary biomarkers may contribute to guide individualized dietary counseling to older people. Trial registration NCT01331512

Cornus mas L. is characterized by an increased quantity of bioactive compounds, namely polyphenols, monoterpenes, organic acids, vitamin C and lipophilic compounds such as carotenoids, being anciently used in the treatment of various diseases. This paper’s objectives were to characterize the phytochemical profile of Cornus mas L. fruits and to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects on renal cells exposed to gentamicin. As such, two ethanolic extracts were obtained. The resulting extracts were used to assess the total polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids through spectral and chromatographic methods. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Due to the high content of phenolic compounds analyzed in fruits and the results obtained regarding antioxidant capacity, we decided to further use the ethanolic extract to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects on renal cells stressed with gentamicin. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods, with great results regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using MTT and Annexin-V assays. According to the findings, extract-treated cells had a higher cell viability. However, at high concentrations, viability was shown to decline, most likely due to the extract and gentamicin’s additive effects.

Abstract Background Most studies focused on the benefits of lycopene on serum lipids but no studies have been specifically designed to assess the role of a tomato sauce from vine-ripened tomatoes on patients affected by polygenic hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to compare the lipid-lowering effect of a novel functional tomato sauce with a well-known functional food with a lipid-lowering effect, i.e. a sterol-enriched yogurt. Methods In this cross-over study, we evaluated a population of 108 ambulatory patients affected by polygenic hypercholesterolemia of both gender, who were allocated to a tomato sauce (namely OsteoCol) 150 ml/day or a sterol-enriched yogurt (containing sterols 1.6 g/die) treatment, for 6 weeks. Carotenoids content was 3.5 mg per gram of product. We measured serum lipids and creatinine and transaminases at basal and follow-up visit. Results A total of 91 subjects completed the protocol. A significant difference in LDL-cholesterol change was found between participants taking yogurt, tomato sauce (high adherence) and tomato sauce (low adherence) (− 16; − 12; + 8 mg/dl respectively; p

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic appliances with its various components cause inaccessible areas for plaque and make tooth cleaning difficult. Several chemical formulations have been used for mechanical cleaning, but due to their unpleasant side-effects researchers now concentrate on herbal drugs. Aim: To determine the antibacterial effect of carrot extract on Lactobacillus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: This was an in-vitro study conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of Daucus carota subsp. sativus (carrot) extract against Lactobacillus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans. A 500 grams of healthy and mature carrots were cleaned, washed and peeled then dried in a hot air oven at 40°C for 5 days and then ground. Ground powder was mixed with distilled water and ethanol to obtain the aqueous and ethanolic extract respectively. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts was studied using well diffusion methods in culture plates under three different concentrations. Antimicrobial activity was studied by measuring the area of inhibition. Cytotoxic activity of the samples was also assessed. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract mouthwash. Results: Aqueous mouthwash showed moderate antimicrobial activity without statistically significant difference against S.mutans (p-value=0.06), Lactobacillus sp. (p-value=0.7), or A. Actinomycetemcomitans (p-value=0.16) microbes, at three different concentrations. Ethanolic extract had moderate antimicrobial activity against all the three microorganisms, but more significant at 100 microlitre concentrations with a p-value of 0.03 against S. mutans. The cytotoxic effects of the ethanolic and aqueous mouthwashes were less cytotoxic at minimal concentrations. Conclusion: Extract derived from Daucus carota was proven to possess antimicrobial activity against S.mutans, A.actinomycetemcomitans and Lactobacillus. Further research is required to advocate its efficacy at lower concentrations.

Background: Carotenoids have played a significant role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The most studied in this regard is β-carotene, present in species of Tagetes and Calendula genus. Objective of the study: Comparative analysis of β-carotene content in liquid and dry flowers extracts of Tagetes and Calendula species, cultivated in the collection of the Scientific Center for the Cultivation of Medicinal Plants of Nicolae Testemitanu SUMPh. Material and methods: Dry extracts of flowers harvested in the budding-flowering phase, were obtained by repeated maceration and rotary evaporation, subjected to phytochemical evaluation by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and UV-VIS spectrophotometry, equivalent to β-carotene. Results: Beta-carotene was identified by TLC in hexan-ethyl acetate (50:50, v/v), retention factors were established. Caratenoid content (mg%) varied as follows: in T. patula L. (75.34±2.15), T. erecta L. (21.97±0.84), C. officinalis L. variety Natali (13.09±3.23), C. officinalis L. variety Diana (12.39±1.98), C. officinalis L. local population (10.99±0.06). The carotenoids content ranged in the dry extracts as well, determined in the highest amount in T. patula L. flowers (137.87±2.18 mg%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the opportunity for further research of Tagetes and Calendula varieties that could serve as sources of carotenoids for obtaining antioxidant phyto-pharmaceuticals.

Carotenoids are compounds of natural origin and are a product of secondary metabolism of plants and bacteria. These are chemically unsaturated hydrocarbons that act as dyes with a wide range of colors. These compounds are stored in chloroplasts and chromatophores. In living organisms, they are used in the photosynthesis process, have a protective function in the photooxidation process and are designed to neutralize free radicals. Due to the difference in structure, the molecules were divided into 2 groups, i.e. orange - carotenes and yellow - xanthophylls. Due to their unique antioxidant properties, they are widely used in the cosmetics industry. Carotenoids as antioxidants have a beneficial effect on human health and well-being. Currently, the most popular compounds that are used in cosmetology are carotene and lycopene. The development of cosmetology followed the development of biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy and medicine. Compounds used in care products can be obtained as extracts from plants or obtained by chemical synthesis or biotechnological processes. It can be seen that in recent years the awareness of the use of cosmetic products has increased. This contributed to the increased interest in cosmetics of natural origin. Thanks to the interest in natural / ecological products, we have the opportunity to get to know biologically active substances better and to fully use them in cosmetology, pharmacology and medicine.

Abstract Objective Diabetes is associated with an upset of hematological and immunological parameters in humans, however information on the effects of Lycopene is scarce. The aim of the study was to gain information on basic changes in hematological parameters as markers for safety since anemia as a complication in diabetic chemotherapy has been reported. Results Lycopene had anti-anemic effects and improved on the immune status of diabetic rats and these observations were dose independent. There was a decrease in neutrophil, low neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet counts and stable albumin, globulin levels. Lycopene could exert its protective effects through a balance of basic hematological physiological variables.

The two main methods for partitioning crude methanolic extract from Amphidinium carterae biomass were compared. The objective was to obtain three enriched fractions containing amphidinols (APDs), carotenoids, and fatty acids. Since the most valuable bioproducts are APDs, their recovery was the principal goal. The first method consisted of a solid-phase extraction (SPE) in reverse phase that, for the first time, was optimized to fractionate organic methanolic extracts from Amphidinium carterae biomass using reverse-phase C18 as the adsorbent. The second method consisted of a two-step liquid-liquid extraction coupled with SPE and, alternatively, with solvent partitioning. The SPE method allowed the recovery of the biologically-active fraction (containing the APDs) by eluting with methanol (MeOH): water (H2O) (80:20 v/v). Alternatively, an APD purification strategy using solvent partitioning proved to be a better approach for providing APDs in a clear-cut way. When using n-butanol, APDs were obtained at a 70% concentration (w/w), whereas for the SPE method, the most concentrated fraction was only 18% (w/w). For the other fractions (carotenoids and fatty acids), a two-step liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method coupled with the solvent partitioning method presented the best results.

There is emerging evidence linking fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive function. However, studies focusing on the nutrients underlying this relationship are lacking. We aim to examine the association between plasma nutrients and cognition in a population at risk for cognitive decline with a suboptimal diet. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) trial is a randomized controlled intervention that examines the effects of the MIND diet to prevent cognitive decline. The primary outcome is global cognition. A multivariate linear model was used to investigate the association between blood nutrients and global and/or domain-specific cognition. The model was adjusted for age, sex, education, study site, smoking status, cognitive activities and physical activities. High plasma α-carotene was associated with better global cognition. Participants in the highest tertile of plasma α-carotene had a higher global cognition z score of 0⋅17 when compared with individuals in the lowest tertile (P 0⋅002). Circulating α-carotene levels were also associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅007). Lutein and zeaxanthin (combined) was positively associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅009). Our study demonstrated that higher α-carotene levels in blood were associated with higher global cognition scores in a US population at risk for cognitive decline. The higher α-carotene levels in blood reflected greater intakes of fruits, other types of vegetables and lesser intakes of butter and margarine and meat. The higher circulating levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin reflected a dietary pattern with high intakes of fruits, green leafy, other vegetables and cheese, and low consumption of fried foods. Objective nutrient markers in the blood can better characterize dietary intake, which may facilitate the implementation of a tailored dietary intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline.

Background: Thyroid hormones are essential to maintain the tissue's metabolism throughout the life. Thyroid hormones exert their effects on physiology and almost all body functions. Carrot is a rich source of iodine and carotenoids that can interfere in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of carrot consumption on T4 levels and its effect on memory, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), animal weight, and finally, on water and food intake in Wistar rats. In this study, 24 male rats were used and divided into three groups: Control, Ca 200 mg/kg, and Ca 400 mg/kg. Results: The results indicated that carrot consumption at Ca 200 mg/kg treated group increased the level of serum T4 and induced hyperthyroidism. Animal weight in both treated groups did not change compared to the control group (P > 0.05). Water and food consumption, and the level of T4 in Ca 200 mg/kg group increased when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). NCV in both treated groups was not significantly different in comparison with the control group (P > 0.05). Spatial memory and passive avoidance memory in both treated groups significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Carrot consumption, via increases the synthesis of thyroid hormones, creates hyperthyroidism, but due to induced moderate hyperthyroidism did not impact on weight. Moderate hyperthyroidism induced appetite and memory impairment. Then increased food intake or effect of hyperthyroidism on metabolism increased water intake.

Investigations have demonstrated that ratio of sugars to organic acids affects the particular taste of citrus fruit and carotenoids are essential for prevent of the disease. It seems that some rootstocks enhance the ripening of fruits and stimulatethe biosynthesis of sugars and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rootstocks on sugars, organic acids andcarotenoids of fruit. The content of individual sugars and organic acids in fruits were determined by HPLC. Total acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS) and pH value of juice was also evaluated. Total carotenoid and chlorophylls content was measured using a spectrophotometer. The content of ethylene in fruits was determined by Gas chromatograph. HPLC analysis of juice allowed to detection of 3 sugars and 2 acids. Sucrose was the dominant sugar for all rootstocks. The amount of total sugars ranged from 102.27 (mg/ml) (Flying dragon) to 118.07 (mg/ml) (Orlando tangelo). The amount of total acids changed from 6.62 (mg/ml) (Trifoliate orange) to 8.48 (mg/ml) (Flying dragon). The amount of ascorbic acid varied from 0.44 (mg/ml) (Trifoliate orange) to 0.68(mg/ml) (Orlando tangelo).The pH value ranged from 3.65 (Flying dragon) to 3.95 (Orlando tangelo), TSS content changed from11.2 (%) (Flying dragon) to11.9 (%) (Orlando tangelo), TSS/TA varied from15.13 (Flying dragon) to 20.88(Orlando tangelo). Juice content ranged from 49.29 (%) (Trifoliate orange) to 54.47 (%) (Orlando tangelo). The amount of fruit production changed from 12 (Kg /tree) (Flying dragon) to 83(Kg /tree) (Orlando tangelo). The amount of total carotenoid varied from 0.12 (Murcott) to 0.15(Orlando tangelo, Sour orange, Flying dragon) (mg/gr DW). Among the six rootstocks evaluated, Orlando tangelo demonstrated the maximum rate of sugars, pH, TSS, TSS/TA, juice, ascorbic acid and carotenoids. As an outcome of our investigation, we can express that the rootstocks can affect the amount of sugars, acids andcarotenoids of fruit.

The aim of the present study was to assess the relative validity of a new web-based 24-h dietary recall (R24W) in terms of vegetable and fruit (VF) intake assessment using serum carotenoid concentrations as reference biomarkers. A total of seventy-four women and seventy-three men (mean age 47·5 (sd 13·3) years; mean BMI 25·5 (sd 4·4) kg/m2) completed the R24W four times to assess their VF intake. Serum carotenoids were obtained from 12-h fasted blood samples and measured by HPLC. Raw and de-attenuated partial Spearman's correlations were performed to determine how usual vegetable and/or fruit intake was associated with serum carotenoids. Relevant confounders were selected using a stepwise regression analysis. Finally, cross-classification was used to determine agreement between intake of VF and serum carotenoids. Intake of total dietary carotenoids was significantly associated (r 0·40; P < 0·01) with total serum carotenoids (without lycopene). Total VF intake was also associated with total serum carotenoid concentrations without lycopene (r 0·44; P < 0·01). HDL-cholesterol, waist circumference and age were identified as confounders in the association between total VF intake and total serum carotenoids (without lycopene). De-attenuated partial correlation adjusted for these confounders increased the associations between dietary carotenoids and total serum carotenoids without lycopene (r 0·49; P < 0·01) and between total VF intake and total serum carotenoids without lycopene (r 0·48; P < 0·01). Almost 80 % of respondents were classified in the same or the adjacent quartile for total VF intake and total serum carotenoids without lycopene, while less than 6 % were classified in the opposite quartile. Overall, these observations support the appropriateness of the R24W to assess the dietary intake of VF.

Dąbrowski Grzegorz, Konopka Iwona Zofia. Związki biologicznie aktywne obecne w bioolejach roślinnych = Bioactive compounds of plant bio-oils. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2016;6(7):301-308. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.57864 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/3690 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 755 (23.12.2015). 755 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Author (s) 2016; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 15.06.2016. Revised 09.07.2016. Accepted: 09.07.2016. ZWIĄZKI BIOLOGICZNIE AKTYWNE OBECNE W BIOOLEJACH ROŚLINNYCH Bioactive compounds of plant bio-oils Grzegorz Dąbrowski*, Iwona Zofia Konopka Katedra Przetwórstwa i Chemii Surowców Roślinnych Wydział Nauki o Żywności, Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie *Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Katedra Przetwórstwa i Chemii Surowców Roślinnych Pl. Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn e-mail: grzegorz.dabrowski@uwm.edu.pl Abstrakt Wprowadzenie i cel pracy: Wielonienasycone kwasy tłuszczowe nie są syntetyzowane w organizmie człowieka i muszą być dostarczone z dietą. Składniki te są ważne w walce z chorobami sercowo-naczyniowymi, nadciśnieniem, otyłością i cukrzycą. Wysoka zawartość tych kwasów w olejach obniża ich trwałość. Stabilizacja oleju może być uzyskana dzięki substancjom przeciwutleniającym takim, jak: karotenoidy, tokole, polifenole oraz skwalen. Są one też bardzo ważne dla organizmu człowieka dzięki zdolności do zapobiegania chorobom nowotworowym, sercowo-naczyniowym i neurodegeneracyjnym. Celem pracy jest scharakteryzowanie najważniejszych grup składników biologicznie aktywnych obecnych w olejach roślinnych i opisanie ich wpływu na zdrowie człowieka. Skrócony opis stanu wiedzy: Najważniejszymi składnikami bioaktywnymi olejów są karotenoidy, tokole, polifenole, fitosterole oraz skwalen. Większość tych składników wykazuje działanie antyoksydacyjne oraz ma inne funkcje biologiczne ważne dla zachowania zdrowia i homeostazy organizmu. Podsumowanie: Związki bioaktywne poprzez swoje właściwości przeciwutleniające mogą zapewniać bioolejom zadowalającą stabilność przechowalniczą. Oprócz poprawy stabilności wykazują one również szereg dobroczynnych oddziaływań po spożyciu takich, jak zapobieganie i łagodzenie wielu chorób. Z tego względu z żywieniowego punktu widzenia ważne jest wprowadzane do diety olejów o wysokim udziale tych składników. Słowa kluczowe: wielonienasycone kwasy tłuszczowe, karotenoidy, tokole, polifenole, fitosterole, skwalen. Abstract Introduction and purpose: Polyunsaturated fatty acids are not synthesized in the human organism and must be provided with the diet. These compounds are important in combating cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. The high content of these fatty acids in oils reduces their durability. Stabilization of oil can be provided by antioxidants such as carotenoids, tocols, polyphenols and squalene. They are also very important for the human organism because of the ability to prevent cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the study is to characterize the most important groups of bioactive compounds present in vegetable oils and describe their impact on human health. Brief description of the state of the knowledge: The most important bioactive components of the oil are carotenoids, tocols, polyphenols, phytosterols and squalene. Most of these ingredients has an antioxidant effect, and has other biological functions important for health and body homeostasis. Summary: Bioactive compounds through their antioxidant properties may provide satisfactory storage stability for plant bio-oils. In addition to improving the stability they exhibit a number of beneficial effects in body, such as preventing and mitigating many diseases. Thus, introducing of oils with a high content of these components into the diet is very important from nutritional point of view. Keywords: polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocols, polyphenols, phytosterols, squalene.

The winemaking process produces a huge number of pomaces that generally are used for energy purposes. Further valuable applications such as health-promoting properties are still under investigation. The seeds of the white berries of Mantonico and Pecorello cv. were extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus, using n-hexane and chloroform as solvents. Extracts were characterized by NMR and GC-MS analyses. They were assayed in vitro as wound healing and anti-inflammatory agents in HaCaT and RAW 264.7 cell lines, respectively. n-hexane Mantonico extract resulted in the most interesting wound healing sample, while n-hexane Pecorello, containing a good number of carotenoids, resulted in a good anti-inflammatory candidate. These preliminary findings underlined the benefit of grape seed extracts valorization due to their health-promoting properties.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate intakes and serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, and related compounds in a cohort of maternal–infant pairs in the Midwestern USA in relation to measures of health disparities. Concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols in maternal serum were measured using HPLC and measures of socio-economic status, including food security and food desert residence, were obtained in 180 mothers upon admission to a Midwestern Academic Medical Center labour and delivery unit. The Kruskal–Wallis and independent-samples t tests were used to compare measures between groups; logistic regression models were used to adjust for relevant confounders. P

Roszkowska Beata, Piłat Beata. Miąższ dyni jako surowiec do otrzymywania naturalnych produktów kandyzowanych = Pumpkin pulp as raw material for natural candied products. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2015;5(9):127-140. ISSN 2391-8306. DOI10.5281/zenodo.30107 http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.30107 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/2015%3B5%289%29%3A127-140 https://pbn.nauka.gov.pl/works/617082 Formerly Journal of Health Sciences. ISSN 1429-9623 / 2300-665X. Archives 2011–2014http://journal.rsw.edu.pl/index.php/JHS/issue/archive Deklaracja. Specyfika i zawartość merytoryczna czasopisma nie ulega zmianie. Zgodnie z informacją MNiSW z dnia 2 czerwca 2014 r., że w roku 2014 nie będzie przeprowadzana ocena czasopism naukowych; czasopismo o zmienionym tytule otrzymuje tyle samo punktów co na wykazie czasopism naukowych z dnia 31 grudnia 2014 r. The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland parametric evaluation. Part B item 1089. (31.12.2014). © The Author (s) 2015; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland and Radom University in Radom, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 25.07.2015. Revised 24.08.2015. Accepted: 29.08.2015. MIĄŻSZ DYNI JAKO SUROWIEC DO OTRZYMYWANIA NATURALNYCH PRODUKTÓW KANDYZOWANYCH Pumpkin pulp as raw material for natural candied products Beata Roszkowska, Beata Piłat Katedra Przetwórstwa i Chemii Surowców Roślinnych Wydział Nauki o Żywności , Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Katedra Przetwórstwa i Chemii Surowców Roślinnych Pl. Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn e-mail: beata.wronowska@uwm.edu.pl Streszczenie Obecnie wzrasta świadomość konsumentów i zainteresowanie nie tylko zdrowym trybem życia, ale również żywnością prozdrowotną. Konsumenci chętnie kupują produkty nowe, charakteryzujące się wysoką wartością odżywczą oraz pozytywnie wpływającą na organizm człowieka. Wśród bogatego asortymentu produktów warzywnych znajdują się produkty z udziałem dyni. Jednym z interesujących sposobów wykorzystania miąższu z dyni jest jego kandyzowanie. Celem badań było uzyskanie nowego produktu z miąższu dyni w postaci kostki kandyzowanej o pożądanej teksturze. Do badań wykorzystano przemysłowe odmiany dyni: Karowita, Junona, Justyna, dostarczone przez Przedsiębiorstwo Produkcyjno-Handlowo-Usługowe „Szarłat” w Łomży. W surowcu oznaczono zawartość ekstraktu ogólnego, cukrów redukujących i cukrów ogółem, zawartość związków fenolowych ogółem, zawartość błonnika pokarmowego, pektyn, karotenoidów (ogółem oraz β-karotenu), jak również kwasowość ogólną i zdolność wychwytywania rodnika DPPH. Ponadto przeprowadzono analizę tekstury kostki dyni świeżej oraz kandyzowanej, nieblanszowanej i poddanej procesowi blanszowania, za pomocą Uniwersalnej Maszyny Testującej Instron 4301. Uzyskane wyniki poddano następnie analizie statystycznej przy użyciu programu STATISTICA 10.0 PL. Do wykazania różnic między przemysłowymi odmianami dyni wykorzystano jednoczynnikową analizę wariancji z testem Duncana (p≤0,05). Miąższ dyni odmiany Karowita może stanowić surowiec do produkcji kostki kandyzowanej o większej zawartości związków fenolowych (27,62 mg/100g) i wyższej aktywności przeciwutleniającej (244,9 ilość µM DPPH/1 mg związków fenolowych). Zastosowanie do produkcji kostki kandyzowanej miąższu dyni odmiany Justyna zawierającego najwięcej β-karotenu (3,87 mg/100g) oraz cukrów ogółem (9,67%), pozwoli na uzyskanie produktu o intensywniejszym pomarańczowym zabarwieniu. Więcej substancji teksturotwórczych (błonnik, pektyny) zawiera miąższ dyni odmiany Karowita, a kostka kandyzowana z tego surowca jest najbardziej jędrna. Słowa kluczowe: miąższ dyni, błonnik, związki fenolowe, karotenoidy, kandyzowanie, tekstura. Abstract Today, increasing consumer awareness and interest not only a healthy lifestyle, but also pro-health food. Consumers are willing to buy a new product, with high nutritional value and positively affecting human body. Among the wide range of vegetable products are products with the pumpkin pulp. One of the interesting ways to use the pumpkin pulp is its crystallization. The aim of the study was to obtain a new product from the pumpkin pulp in the form of candied cubes with desired texture. The study used industrial pumpkin varieties: Karowita, Junona, Justyna supplied by Production, Trade and Service "Amaranth" in Łomża. In the raw material, content of the total extract, reducing sugars, total sugars, total phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, pectins, carotenoids (total and β-carotene), as well as total acidity and DPPH radical scavenging ability were determined. Moreover, the texture analysis of cubes of fresh pumpkin and candied, not blanching and subjected to a process of blanching, was carried out using Instron universal testing machine 4301. The results were then statistically analysed using STATISTICA 10.0 PL. To demonstrate the differences between the varieties of pumpkin was used ANOVA with Duncan's test (p ≤ 0.05). The flesh of the pumpkin variety Karowita can provide the raw material for the production of candied cubes with a higher content of phenolic compounds (27.62 mg/100g) and higher antioxidant activity (244.9 µM DPPH/1 mg of phenolic compounds). Application to the production of candied cubs the pumpkin pulp variety Justyna containing much β-carotene (3.87 mg/100g) and total sugars (9.67%) allows to obtain a product with more intense orange colour. More textural substances (cellulose, pectins) contains pumpkin pulp variety Karowita, and candied cubes made from this raw material have the most firmness. Key words: pumpkin pulp, fiber, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, crystallization, texture.