Novel natural food colourant G8000 benefits LDL- and HDL-cholesterol in humans.

The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic composition of a natural food colourant (G8000™) as well as its effects on plasma markers after 28-day consumption by healthy individuals at a dietary dose (70 g). Parameters of total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides and plasma enzymes biomarkers of muscle injury were measured. Major compounds identified in G8000™ by ESI-MS showed the presence of anthocyanins, organic acids, phenolic acids as well as monosaccharides. HDL levels significantly increased from 43 ± 10.2 mg/dL to 95 ± 16.9 mg/dL. LDL levels significantly decreased from 110 ± 40.9 mg/dL to 69 ± 39 mg/dL (p < 0.001). No significant statistical differences (p > 0.05) were observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL. After the intake, plasma enzyme CK-MB decreased from 20 ± 12.1 U/L to 10 ± 1.9 U/L while LDH levels increased from 275 ± 124.4 U/L to 317 ± 114.7 U/L (p < 0.005). No significant differences were observed for CK levels. Taken together, dietary intake of natural colourant G8000™ was able to exert beneficial effects on atherosclerosis biomarkers.

Chemopreventive activity of apple extract following medium-term oral carcinogenesis assay induced by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of an apple extract following medium-term oral carcinogenesis assay induced by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO). METHODS: A total of 30 male Wistar rats were distributed into five groups as follows (n=6 per group): Group 1, negative control group (non-treated group); Group 2, received 4NQO during 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with apple extract at 1% by gavage between the first and fourth weeks daily (initiation phase); Group 3, received 4NQO for 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with apple extract by gavage at 1% between the fifth and eighth weeks daily (promotion phase); Group 4, received apple extract at 1% by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks only; and Group 5, received 4NQO for 8 weeks in drinking water daily. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis revealed decreased hyperplasic lesions in Group 2 when compared with Group 5. Likewise, decreased dysplastic lesions in Group 3 were observed when compared with Group 5. In Groups 2 and 3, decreased COX-2 and TNF-alpha gene expressions were observed when compared with Group 5. Cytochrome c and caspase 3 levels increased in Groups 2 and 3 when compared with Group 5. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results demonstrate that apple extract suppresses rat tongue carcinogenesis as a result of anti-inflammatory activity and apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.

Anti-tumor activity of grape juice concentrate in the rat tongue two-stage initiation-promotion protocol induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of grape juice concentrate following medium-term oral carcinogenesis assay induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). A total of 30 male Wistar rats were distributed into five groups, as follows (n = 6 per group): Group 1 - negative control group (non-treated group); Group 2 - received grape juice concentrate at 1% dose by gavage for eight consecutive weeks; Group 3 - received 4NQO for 8 weeks at 20 ppm dose in drinking water daily; Group 4 - received 4NQO at 20 ppm dose during 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with grape juice concentrate at 1% dose orally by gavage for first 4 weeks after 4-NQO administration; Group 5 - received 4NQO at 20 ppm dose for 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with grape juice concentrate at 1% dose orally by gavage between the 5th and 8th weeks daily. Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in hyperplasic and dysplastic lesions in Group 4. Groups 4 and 5 showed decreased COX-2 and TNF-alpha and eNOS gene expression. Grape juice concentrate also increased SOD Cu/Zn and catalase expression. However, Ki-67 immunoexpression was reduced at the promotion step of oral carcinogenesis (G5). Taken together, our results demonstrate that grape juice concentrate modulates rat tongue carcinogenesis as a result of anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity and down-regulation of oral cells proliferation.