Urinary metabolomics analysis of the protective effects of Daming capsule on hyperlipidemia rats using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Hyperlipidemia is recognized as one of the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. Daming capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, has shown definitive efficacy in patients with hyperlipidemia. In this study, serum biochemistry and histopathology assessment were used to investigate the lipid-lowering effect of Daming capsule. Furthermore, urinary metabolomics based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was conducted to identify the urinary biomarkers associated with hyperlipidemia and discover the underlying mechanisms of the antihyperlipidemic action of Daming capsule. After 10 weeks of treatment, Daming capsule significantly lowered serum lipid levels and ameliorated hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet. A total of 33 potential biomarkers associated with hyperlipidemia were identified, among which 26 were robustly restored to normal levels after administration of Daming capsule. Pathway analysis revealed that the lipid-lowering effect of Daming capsule is related to the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways including vitamin B and amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pentose phosphate pathway. Notably, the study demonstrates that metabolomics is a powerful tool to elucidate the multitarget mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines, thereby promoting their research and development.

Amino Acid Transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5) Mediates MeHg-Induced Oxidative Stress Defense in the Human Placental Cell Line HTR-8/SVneo.

The placental barrier can protect the fetus from contact with harmful substances. The potent neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg), however, is very efficiently transported across the placenta. Our previous data suggested that L-type amino acid transporter (LAT)1 is involved in placental MeHg uptake, accepting MeHg-L-cysteine conjugates as substrate due to structural similarity to methionine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant defense of placental cells to MeHg exposure and the role of LAT1 in this response. When trophoblast-derived HTR-8/SVneo cells were LAT1 depleted by siRNA-mediated knockdown, they accumulated less MeHg. However, they were more susceptible to MeHg-induced toxicity. This was evidenced in decreased cell viability at a usually noncytotoxic concentration of 0.03 µM MeHg (~6 µg/L). Treatment with ≥0.3 µM MeHg increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis rate, and oxidative stress of HTR-8/SVneo cells. These effects were enhanced under LAT1 knockdown. Reduced cell number was seen when MeHg-exposed cells were cultured in medium low in cysteine, a constituent of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH). Because LAT1-deficient HTR-8/SVneo cells have lower GSH levels than control cells (independent of MeHg treatment), we conclude that LAT1 is essential for de novo synthesis of GSH, required to counteract oxidative stress. Genetic predisposition to decreased LAT1 function combined with MeHg exposure could increase the risk of placental damage.

The association between soy-based food and soy isoflavone intake and the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Soy contains many bioactive phytochemicals, such as isoflavones, which have the effect of preventing many cancers. Some studies have shown the beneficial effect of soy-based food and isoflavone intake on gastric cancer (GC), while others claimed no effect. Therefore, whether the beneficial effect of soy-based food is related to its fermentation or whether its protective effect comes from isoflavones still remains inconclusive. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between total soybean, fermented soybean, non-fermented soybean and isoflavone intake, and the risk of GC. Ten cohort studies and 21 case-control studies involving 916 354 participants were included. The association between soy-based food and isoflavone intake and the risk of GC was calculated with the pooled relative risks (RRs) for the highest versus lowest intake categories. The results showed that isoflavone intake might be a protective factor to GC, but the result was not statistically significant (RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.79-1.07). However, total soybean intake could significantly decrease the risk of GC by 36% (RR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.51-0.80), which might be credited to non-fermented soybean products (RR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.71-0.87). In contrast, high intake of fermented soybean products could increase the risk of GC (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02-1.38). High intake of total soybean and non-fermented soybean products could reduce the risk of GC, and high intake of fermented soybean products could increase the risk, which indicated that the beneficial effect of soy-based food might be related to its non-fermentation. However, high intake of isoflavones may not be associated with the incidence of GC. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comprehensive analysis of the compound profiles of Folium Camelliae Nitidissimae extract by ultrafast liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and hepatoprotective effect against CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice.

Folium Camelliae Nitidissimae (jinhuacha in Chinese, JHC) is a kind of caffeine-less tea with antioxidant, antitumor and antibacterial effects. Studies on the chemical profiles and hepatoprotective effects of JHC extracts have not been systematically conducted so far. This study comprehensively investigated the compound profiles of JHC extract by ultrafast liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. We also determined JHC's hepatoprotective effects against CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice. A JHC extract was administered orally to mice at 1.95 and 7.80 g/kg body weight once daily for 14 consecutive days prior to CCl4 treatment. Eighty-four compounds including flavonoids, organic acids, catechins, coumarins, phenylpropanol, amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins and nucleosides in JHC extract were authentically identified or tentatively identified by comparing MS information and retention times with those of authentic standards or available references. JHC administration significantly decreased elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in mouse serum, inhibited hepatic malondialdehyde formation and enhanced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities in the liver of CCl4 -treated mice. The histological observations also further supported the results. These results demonstrate that JHC contains various chemical compounds and its hepatoprotective effects against CCl4 -induced liver injury correlated with decreasing lipid oxidation are significant.

Discrimination of Lycium chinense and L. barbarum Based on Metabolite Analysis and Hepatoprotective Activity.

Lycii Fructus is a traditional medicine used to prevent liver and kidney diseases, which commonly derives from Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum. Here, the extracts and ethyl acetate-soluble fractions of L. chinense fruits exhibited better hepatoprotective effects than those of L. barbarum, which was likely due to differences in their composition. Therefore, GC-MS and HPLC analyses were conducted to characterize the metabolite differences between L. chinense and L. barbarum. Based on amino acid (AA) and phenolic acid (PA) profiling, 24 AAs and 9 PAs were identified in the two species. Moreover, each species exhibited unique and readily distinguishable AA and PA star graphic patterns. HPLC analysis elucidated composition differences between the ethyl acetate-soluble layers of the two compounds. Further, NMR analysis identified their chemical structures as 4-(2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)butanoic acid and p-coumaric acid. The higher content of 4-(2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)butanoic acid was detected in L. chinense, whereas the content of p-coumaric acid was higher in L. barbarum. Therefore, the differences in the relative contents of these two secondary metabolites in the ethyl acetate-soluble layer of Lycii Fructus could be a good marker to discriminate between L. chinense and L. barbarum.

Does red orange juice supplementation has a protective effect on performance, cardiovascular parameters, muscle damage and oxidative stress markers following the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 under polluted air?

This study aimed to investigate the effect of red orange juice supplementation (ROJS) on performance, cardiovascular parameters, muscle damage and oxidative stress markers of athletes following exercise under polluted air. Eleven soccer players performed a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 in polluted area (PA) and non-polluted area (NPA). Participants are invited to drink 500 ml of red orange or placebo (PLA) juice 2.5 h before the test. Blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min after each session to assess creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status. Our results showed that, VO2max, heart rate and systolic blood pressure post-exercise were significantly altered by pollution with both supplements, but the damage was lowered more with ROJS than PLA. Concerning muscle damage and oxidative stress markers, orange juice supplementation blunted the effect of pollution on CK levels post-exercise (p > 0.05) and decreases significantly (p < 0.05) the MDA levels post-exercise in PA and NPA compared to PLA supplementation. In conclusion, ROJS seemed to be an appropriate strategy to reduce the risk of exposure to pollution especially on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Strategy-Driven Active Traditional Chinese Medicine Ingredients Discovery for the Alleviation of Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity.

Renal injury is the main adverse reaction of cisplatin, and many traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) were proven active against renal toxicity. Here, an integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology strategy was proposed to discover active TCM ingredients for the alleviation of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. First, by interrogating the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) we collected targets connected to 149 cisplatin nephrotoxicity-related metabolites. Second, targets of kidney damage were obtained from the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), PharmGKB, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Genetic Association Database (GAD). Common targets of both dysregulated metabolites and kidney damage were then used for TCM active ingredient screening by applying the network pharmacology approach. Eventually, 22 ingredients passed screening criteria, and their antinephrotoxicity activity was assessed in human kidney tubular epithelial (HK2) cells. As a result, 14 ingredients were found to be effective, in which kaempferol showed relatively better activity. Further metabolomics analysis revealed that kaempferol exerted an antinephrotoxicity effect in rats by regulating amino acid, pyrimidine, and purine metabolism as well as lipid metabolism. Collectively, this proposed integrated strategy would promote the transformation of metabolomics research in the field of drug pair discovery for the purpose of reduced toxicity and increased efficiency.

Growth environment and organ specific variation in in-vitro cytoprotective activities of Picea mariana in PC12 cells exposed to glucose toxicity: a plant used for treatment of diabetes symptoms by the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (Quebec, Canada).

BACKGROUND: The Cree of Eeyou Istchee (James Bay area of northern Quebec) suffer from a high rate of diabetes and its complications partly due to the introduction of the western lifestyle within their culture. As part of a search for alternative medicine based on traditional practice, this project evaluates the biological activity of Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. needle, bark, and cone, in preventing glucose toxicity to PC12-AC cells in vitro (a diabetic neurophathy model) and whether habitat and growth environment influence this activity. METHODS: Three different organs (needle, bark, and cone) of P. mariana were collected at different geographical locations and ecological conditions and their 80% ethanolic extracts were prepared. Extracts were then tested for their ability to protect PC12-AC cells from hyperglycaemic challenge at physiologically relevant concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 µg/mL. Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenolic content of P. mariana extracts. RESULTS: All extracts were well-tolerated in vitro exhibiting LD50 of 25 µg/mL or higher. Extracts from all tested organs showed a cytoprotective concentration-dependent response. Furthermore, the cytoprotective activity was habitat- and growth environment-dependent with plants grown in bog or forest habitats in coastal or inland environments exhibiting different cytoprotective efficacies. These differences in activity correlated with total phenolic content but not with antioxidant activity. In addition, this paper provides the first complete Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (UPLC-QTOF) mass spectrometry analysis of Picea mariana's bark, needles and cones. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results provide further understanding of the cytoprotective activity of Canadian boreal forest plants identified by the Cree healers of Eeyou Istchee in a cell model of diabetic neuropathy. Their activity is relevant to diabetic peripheral neuropathic complications and shows that their properties can be optimized by harvesting in optimal growth environments.

HPLC-DAD Analysis, Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Tunisian Rhanterium suaveolens against Acetamiprid Induced Oxidative Stress on Mice Erythrocytes.

The present study was performed to assess the HPLC-DAD analysis as well as antioxidant and protective effects of Tunisian Rhanterium suaveolens (Rs) against acetamiprid (ACT) induced oxidative stress on mice erythrocytes. The in vitro assays showed that the methanolic extract of Rs has an impressive antioxidant effect proved by testing the total antioxidant and scavenging activities using BCB, DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative analysis using HPLC-DAD revealed the richness of Rs in polyphenols where p-Coumaric, Apigenin-7-glucoside and Ferulic acid were detected as the most abundant polyphenols. In the in vivo experiment, ACT, used as a toxicity model, was given to mice at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The latter was the origin of hemolytic anemia characterized by a significant decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and an increase in bilirubin, LDH, osmotic fragility, reticulocytes and white blood cells number. Characteristic erythrocyte morphological alterations were also determined as spherocytosis, schistocytosis and dacryocystitis. The oxidative status of ACT-treated mice was also altered manifested by a significant increase in MDA and GSH levels and a decrease in SOD, CAT and GPx activities. When receiving the Rs methanolic extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg, all the parameters cited above were restored in mice. These remarkable corrections could only confirm the important antioxidant effect and the noticeable protective properties that possess Rs owing to its broad range of secondary bioactive metabolites.

Choice test to determine potential attractants and repellents for the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae).

A choice test bioassay was devised to screen compounds as potential semiochemicals (e.g., kairomones or allomones that mediate aggregation, attraction or repellence) for the obligate parasitic mite, Psoroptes ovis. The choice test used filter paper discs in a 1:4 test:control ratio and was found to be a reliable, effective and efficient method. Four mammalian lipid components were assessed as potential attractants-linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, methyl myristate and squalene-, and the insect/tick repellent DEET for potential repellence. Linoleic acid was significantly attractive to P. ovis adult females and has the potential to act as an attractant. Identification of P. ovis semiochemicals, especially attractants, would be beneficial in the development of novel control methods and tools for this species. This is essential considering the increase in resistance to the limited prophylactic chemical treatments in the UK, and the high prevalence of scab infections.

The role of retinol-binding protein 4 and its relationship with sex hormones in coronary artery disease.

The role of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with different sexes has not been clearly established. Sex hormones, especially testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), have been considered to play an important role in CAD. This study aimed to investigate the role of RBP4 and the possible association between RBP4 and T and E2 in CAD. The study included 658 individuals who underwent coronary angiography (CAG); they were assigned to CAD group (n = 440) and controls (n = 218). CAD group was subdivided into three subgroups. Serum RBP4 and T were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum E2 was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. For men, RBP4 levels were lower in CAD group, especially those with acute myocardial infarction, than in controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). For women, no significant difference was found in RBP4 levels between both groups. RBP4 was positively correlated with T in male patients with CAD (r = 0.124, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that RBP4 was a protective factor for CAD (odds ratio 0.975, 95% confidence interval 0.958-0.993; P = 0.007). In conclusion, RBP4 levels were significantly decreased and positively related with T in men with CAD. Higher RBP4 levels were associated with lower risk of CAD. RBP4 may play a potential protective role for CAD among men.

Evidence for a protective role for the rs805305 single nucleotide polymorphism of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) in septic shock through the regulation of DDAH activity.

BACKGROUND: Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) regulates the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) through the metabolism of the endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Pilot studies have associated the rs805305 SNP of DDAH2 with ADMA concentrations in sepsis. This study explored the impact of the rs805305 polymorphism on DDAH activity and outcome in septic shock. METHODS: We undertook a secondary analysis of data and samples collected during the Vasopressin versus noradrenaline as initial therapy in septic shock (VANISH) trial. Plasma and DNA samples isolated from 286 patients recruited into the VANISH trial were analysed. Concentrations of L-Arginine and the methylarginines ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were determined from plasma samples. Whole blood and buffy-coat samples were genotyped for polymorphisms of DDAH2. Clinical data collected during the study were used to explore the relationship between circulating methylarginines, genotype and outcome. RESULTS: Peak ADMA concentration over the study period was associated with a hazard ratio for death at 28 days of 3.3 (95% CI 2.0-5.4), p < 0.001. Reduced DDAH activity measured by an elevated ADMA:SDMA ratio was associated with a reduced risk of death in septic shock (p = 0.03). The rs805305 polymorphism of DDAH2 was associated with reduced DDAH activity (p = 0.004) and 28-day mortality (p = 0.02). Mean SOFA score and shock duration were also reduced in the less common G:G genotype compared to heterozygotes and C:C genotype patients (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma ADMA is a biomarker of outcome in septic shock, and reduced DDAH activity is associated with a protective effect. The polymorphism rs805305 SNP is associated with reduced mortality, which is potentially mediated by reduced DDAH2 activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN20769191 . Registered on 20 September 2012.

Association of serum uric acid levels with osteoporosis and bone turnover markers in a Chinese population.

Recent evidence shows that uric acid is protective against some neurological diseases, but can be detrimental in many metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. In this study, we examined the association between serum uric acid levels and bone metabolism in Chinese males and postmenopausal females. A total of 943 males and 4256 postmenopausal females were recruited in Shanghai. The levels of serum uric acid and bone turnover markers (BTMs) were detected along with other biochemical traits. In addition, the fat distribution was calculated through MRI and image analysis software, and bone mineral density (BMD) was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. For postmenopausal females, the prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly lower in the hyperuricemia group compared with the normouricemic group (P=4.65E-06). In females, serum uric acid level was significantly associated with osteoporosis, with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.844 [0.763; 0.933] (P=0.0009) after adjusting for age, body mass index, HbA1c, lean mass, visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, albumin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], and parathyroid hormone (PTH). In females, serum uric acid level was positively correlated with the BMD of the femoral neck (ß±SE: 0.0463±0.0161; P=0.0042), total hip (ß±SE: 0.0433±0.0149; P=0.0038) and L1-4 (ß±SE: 0.0628±0.0165; P=0.0001) after further adjusting for age, BMI, HbA1c, lean mass, VFA, SFA, albumin, 25(OH)D3 and PTH. Regarding BTMs, serum uric acid level was negatively correlated with N-terminal procollagen of type I collagen (PINP) in females (ß±SE: -0.1311±0.0508; P=0.0100). In summary, our results suggest that uric acid has a protective effect on bone metabolism independent of body composition in Chinese postmenopausal females.

Dietary nano-silver: Does support or discourage thermal tolerance and biochemical status in air-breathing fish reared under multiple stressors?

Unexpected fluctuations in weather parameters due to global climate change have been observed in all ecosystems worldwide. The aquatic ecosystem shelters a great diversity of fishes in the upper region of the ecosystem which adversely get affected due to their poikilothermic nature. The present study was designed to elucidate the impact of critical temperature minima (CTMin), lethal temperature minima (LTMin), critical temperature maxima (CTMax), and lethal temperature maxima (LTMax) on Channa striatus. Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were evaluated for their potential to enhance thermal tolerance and improve the activities of biochemical enzymes of C. striatus reared under lead (Pb) and high temperature (34 °C) for 50 days. Three iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets which included a basal diet and two supplemented diets with Ag-NPs @ 0.5 mg/kg, and 1 mg/kg were used in the study. Results suggested that CTMin and LTMin were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced and CTMax and LTMax were enhanced in the group fed with 0.5 mg/kg Ag-NPs supplemented feed. Pre-exposure to high temperature led to enhanced CTMax and LTMax in C. striatus. The biochemical enzymes involved in protein metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, acetylcholine esterase and antioxidant activities were found to be normal in fish fed with 0.5 mg/kg Ag-NPs supplemented diet. Bioaccumulation of silver and Pb was determined in different fish tissues and experimental water. Overall, the incorporation of Ag-NPs at 0.5 mg/kg in diet can confer protection to fish against Pb and thermal stress and enhance thermal tolerance of C. striatus.

Characterisation of cattle anal odour constituents associated with the repellency of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus.

Adults of the Brown Ear Tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) have a predilection for feeding inside and around the ears of cattle and other hosts. A previous study has shown that the tick locates the host ears by 'push-pull' deployment of a repellent blend emitted at the anal region and an attractant blend emitted at the ears. Interestingly, the two odours play reverse roles with Rhipicephalus evertsi, which prefer to feed around the anal region. The present study was undertaken to characterize the major constituents of the cattle anal odour and to evaluate their repellence to R. appendiculatus. The anal odour was trapped with reverse-phase C18-bonded silica, Porapak Q and Super Q placed in an oven bag attached at the anal region of the cattle for 6 h. The adsorbents were then removed and extracted with dichloromethane, and the extracted compounds analyzed by linked gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major constituents of the odour were o-xylene, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, ethylbenzene, 2,6,6-trimethyl-[1S(1α,ß,5α)]bicycloheptanes, 5-ethoxydihydro-2(3H)-furanone, 3-methylene-2-pentanone, 5-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-indole, and 3-pentanone. The repellency of the available compounds (o-xylene, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, ethyl benzene, 3-methylene-2-pentanone, and 3-pentanone) and blends was evaluated using a dual choice tick climbing assay at different doses. The anal odour showed repellence with RD75 of 0.39. Of the compounds tested, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol was found to be most repellent (RD75 = 0.56) and 3-pentanone least repellent (RD75 = 622.7). The blend of the six constituents showed RD75 of 0.34, comparable to that of the crude anal odour blend. A series of subtractive bioassays with one constituent of the 6-component blend missing was also carried out. Subtraction of 3-methylpentanone gave the most repellent blend (RD75 = 0.097), whereas subtraction of 4-methylguaiacol gave the least repellent blend (RD75 = 160.7) consistent with the high individual activity of this phenol. The study lays down useful groundwork for on-host deployment of controlled-release of a selected repellent or blend to disrupt the tick's ability to locate its preferred feeding site.

Transfer of plant protection products from raspberry crops of Laszka and Seedling varieties to beehives.

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the transfer of active ingredients (AIs) of plant protection products (PPPs) to beehives. They were applied in two commodity red raspberry plantations of two varieties: Laszka (experiment 1) and Seedling (experiment 2). Samples of flowers, leaves, bees, brood, and honey were examined for the presence of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, difenoconazole, cyprodinil, and trifloxystrobin (experiment 1) and chlorpyrifos, boscalid, pyraclostrobin, cypermethrin, difenoconazole, and azoxystrobin (experiment 2). In experiment 1, the highest levels of trifloxystrobin were observed on the surface of flowers, (0.04 µg/flower) and for difenoconazole on the inside (0.023 µg/flower). Leaves contained only trace residues of cypermethrin and cyprodinil (0.001 µg/cm2 of leaves each) and trifloxystrobin (0.01 µg/cm2 of leaves) on the surface; inside the leaves, the highest levels of trifloxystrobin were observed (0.042 µg/cm2 of leaves). In experiment 2, boscalid was found on the surface and inside the flowers and leaves (0.063 and 0.018 µg/flower and 0.057 and 0.033 µg/cm2 of leaves, respectively). In bees, brood, and honey (experiment 1), chlorpyrifos was present in the highest quantity (7.3, 1.6, and 4.7 µg/kg, respectively). Additionally, cypermethrin and trifloxystrobin were found in bees, and trifloxystrobin was present in honey. Bees, brood, and honey from plantation 2 contained all studied AIs, with the highest levels of boscalid (28.6 µg/kg of bees, 37.0 µg/kg of brood, and 33.9 µg/kg of honey, respectively). In no case did the PPP residues in honey exceed acceptable maximum residue levels (MRLs)-from a formal and legal point of view, in terms of the used plant protection products, the analysed honey was fit for human consumption.

Quality properties of fruits as affected by drying operation.

The increasing consumption of dried fruits requires further attention on the quality parameters. Drying has become necessary because most fruits are highly perishable owing to their high moisture content and the need to make them available all year round and at locations where they are not produced. In addition to preservation, the reduced weight and bulk of dehydrated products decreases packaging, handling and transportation costs. Quality changes associated with drying of fruit products include physical, sensory, nutritional, and microbiological. Drying gives rise to low or moderate glycemic index (GI) products with high calorie, vitamin and mineral contents. This review examines the nutritional benefits of dried fruits, protective compounds present in dried fruits, GI, overview of some fruit drying methods and effects of drying operations on the quality properties such as shrinkage, porosity, texture, color, rehydration, effective moisture diffusivity, nutritional, sensory, microbiological and shelf stability of fruits.

Protective Effect of Silybum marianum and Silibinin on Endothelial Cells Submitted to High Glucose Concentration.

Silybum marianum Gaertn. (Milk thistle) has been used since ancient times for the relief of liver diseases characterized by intense oxidative stress such as inflammatory liver disease and cirrhosis. As oxidative stress by hyperglycemia is involved in micro- and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes, our aim was to assess the protective effect of milk thistle seed extract against oxidative stress induced by a high glucose concentration on endothelial cells (EA.hy926 cells). High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis shows flavonolignans silychristin and silibinin A and B as major components. No cell toxicity was observed for concentrations up to 100 µg/mL of milk thistle extract for 24 h. Concentrations of 5-25 µg/mL of the extract were used to assess the protective effect on EA.hy926 cells treated with 30 mM glucose for 24 h. Oxidative damage by 30 mM glucose was shown as a significant decrease in reduced glutathione and a significant increase in protein carbonyls and antioxidant enzyme activities. S. marianum extract recovered reduced glutathione and balanced the elevated carbonyls and enzyme activity. Silibinin alone also recovered reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. S. marianum protects endothelial cell against oxidative damage by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced glutathione, and protein carbonyl levels.

In Vitro Chondroprotective Potential of Extracts Obtained from Various Phyllantus Species.

Phyllanthus amarus has been proven to exhibit chondroprotection. Regarding the morphological similarities among Phyllanthus species, we were attracted to evaluate the chondroprotective potential of Phyllanthus species including P. amarus obtained from Chiang Mai and Phuket, Phyllanthus urinaria L., Phyllanthus urinaria subsp. chamaepeuce, Phyllanthus debilis, and Phyllanthus airy-shawii using interleukin-1ß-induced degradation of cartilage explants. The ethanolic extracts of the plants were evaluated for major lignans, phyllanthin, and hypophyllanthin by HPLC and further measurements of the total contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds along with the assays for antioxidant and anti-collagenase activities. The interleukin-1ß-induced cartilage explant degradation was performed with/without the extracts at concentrations of 50-250 µg/mL. After 4-14 days of incubation, the medium was assayed for the level of sulfated glycosaminoglycans while the explants were measured for the remaining content of uronic acid. Proteoglycan intensity in the explants was determined by safranin O staining. Diacerein, the antiarthritic agent, was used as the positive control. Although the two major lignans were found in P. amarus from Chiang Mai, P. amarus from Phuket, and P. urinaria L. extracts, similar chondroprotective activities were observed in all Phyllanthus extracts. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extracts showed a correlation with antioxidation, whereas the total phenolic content correlated with anti-collagenase activity. Among the six extracts, P. airy-shawii showed the greatest antioxidant and collagenase inhibitory activities. The results revealed that chondroprotective activities of all of the extracts of Phyllanthus species might result from an additive or synergistic influence of some constituents of these plants, which could be considered for antiarthritic purposes.

Mechanisms of Endothelial Protection by Natural Bioactive Compounds from Fruit and Vegetables.

The endothelium is fundamental for the regulation of vascular tone and structure. Under disease conditions, including the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors, the endothelium loses its protective role and becomes a proatherosclerotic structure. In this article we searched for strategies from PUBMED and Science Direct databases using the following key words: endothelium, natural bioactive compounds, polyphenols and cardiovascular diseases. The search was restricted to english language papers. Studies have identified the contribution of diet to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In this context, high intakes of fruit and vegetables are associated with the decrease of cardiovascular diseases. Thus the most important fruit/vegetables and bioactive compounds to prevent endothelial diseases are berries, apples, virgin olive oil, tomatoes, soybeans, and polyphenols, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetables provide endothelial protection through the following mechanisms: improved eNOS/NO bioavailability, attenuates oxidative stress, inhibited NF-κB pathway and decreased cell adhesion molecules expression. In this article natural bioactive compound mechanisms of endothelium protection are thoroughly reviewed.