Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-II-receptor antagonists modulate sodium handling based on endogenous lithium clearance.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies based on assessment of lithium clearance demonstrated higher sodium reabsorption in renal proximal tubules in individuals with hypertension, overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes. AIMS: We aimed to assess the influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin-II-receptor antagonists (ARB) treatment on sodium handling. METHODS: In a sample of 351Caucasian subjects without diuretic treatment with prevailing sodium consumption, we studied associations between renal sodium reabsorption in proximal (FPRNa) and distal (FDRNa) tubules assessed by endogenous lithium clearance and daily sodium intake measured by 24-hour excretion of sodium (UNaV), in the context of obesity and long-term treatment with ACE-I or ARB. RESULTS: In the entire study population, we found a strong negative association between FPRNa and ACE-I/ARB treatment (b = -19.5; SE = 4.9; P <0.001). Subjects with FPRNa above the median value showed a significant adverse association between FPRNa and age (b = -0.06; SE = 0.02; P = 0.003), with no association with ACE-I/ARB treatment (P = 0.68). In contrast, in subjects with FPRNa below the median value, we found a strongly significant adverse relationship between FPRNa and ACE-I/ARB treatment (b = -30.4; SE = 8.60; P <0.001), with no association with age (P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: ACE-I/ARB long-term treatment modulates FPRNa in the group with lower reabsorption, but not in that with higher than median value for the entire study population.

Does selenium fortification of kale and kohlrabi sprouts change significantly their biochemical and cytotoxic properties?

BACKGROUND: The sprouts of Brassica vegetables are known from their nutritional and chemopreventive values. Moreover, sprouts fortification with some trace elements, like selenium, may increase their importance in human diet. Thus, the aim of our study was to examine if selenium enrichment of kale and kohlrabi sprouts may influence their biochemical properties (phenolic acids and L-tryptophan content, antioxidant potential) or cytotoxic activity. Additional aim of the study was to evaluate the profile of selenium compounds and to describe the multidimensional interactions between the mentioned parameters. METHODS: Selenium content in the sprouts was evaluated by double-channel atomic fluorescence spectrometer AFS-230 with the flow hydride-generation system. Separation of selenium species in water soluble fraction was performed by size-exclusion LC-ICP-MS. The identification and quantification of phenolic acids and L-tryptophan was performed by HPLC. For antioxidant activity DPPH and FRAP methods were used. Cytotoxic activity of the sprouts extracts on a panel of human metastatic carcinoma cells was evaluated by MTT test. RESULTS: Selenium content in the fortified sprouts was several orders of magnitude higher than in the unfortified ones. Only small percentage of supplemented selenium (ca. 10 %) was incorporated into the sprouts as seleno-L-methionine, while the other detected selenium species remained unidentified. Selenium fortification differently stimulated the production of phenolic acids (sinapic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and caffeic acid) in the tested sprouts, depending on the particular species, selenium dose and the investigated compound. PCA analysis revealed strong correlation between antioxidant parameters and phenolic acids and L-tryptophan, while Se correlated only with caffeic acid. The sprouts extracts (≥1 mg/mL) showed cytotoxic potency to all the studied cancer cell lines (SW480, SW620, HepG2, SiHa), regardless the selenium supplementation. CONCLUSION: Se-fortified kale and kohlrabi sprouts are good candidates for functional food ingredients. Moreover, these results indicate that the sprouts enriched with sodium selenite show higher nutritional value, without significant changes in their cytotoxic activity.

Insulin Resistance and Renal Sodium Handling Influence Arterial Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients with Prevailing Sodium Intake.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance and renal tubular sodium handling influence arterial structure and function and play an essential role in salt-sensitive forms of hypertension. METHODS: In a population with prevailing sodium consumption, we assessed the relationship between cardiovascular phenotypes (peripheral and central blood pressures, elastic properties of large arteries, the left ventricular structure) and sodium handling parameters (daily urinary sodium excretion, fractional urinary lithium excretion in proximal-FELi and distal tubules), as a function of insulin sensitivity-measured by homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin-to-adiponectin (L/A) ratio, and homeostasis model assessment-adiponectin (HOMA-AD). RESULTS: In patients with FELi below the median value (corresponding to the group with increased proximal sodium reabsorption) and higher insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR, pulse wave augmentation indexes were significantly higher-AIxP (99.4% vs. 86.2%; P = 0.007), AIxC1 (159.4% vs. 144.2%; P = 0.04), and AIxC2 (36.1% vs. 28.3%; P = 0.02), than in patients with lower insulin resistance. The same trend was observed in relation to L/A ratio-AIxP (98.7% vs. 87.1%; P = 0.005), AIxC1 (158.6% vs. 144.5%; P = 0.02), and AIxC2 (35.6% vs. 28.5%; P = 0.01) and HOMA-AD-AIxP (99.7% vs. 83.8%; P = 0.001), AIxC1 (160.5% vs. 140.3%; P = 0.007), and AIxC2 (36.6% vs. 26.3%; P = 0.003). Such relationships were not observed in patients with FELi above the median value. CONCLUSIONS: In the hypertensive population with prevailing sodium intake, insulin resistance and increased sodium reabsorption in proximal tubules may affect arterial wall function.

Comparative Study of Predominant Phytochemical Compounds and Proapoptotic Potential of Broccoli Sprouts and Florets.

The study compares lyophilized broccoli sprouts and florets in terms of their chemical composition, cytotoxic and proapoptotic potential against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, colorectal cancer SW480, and skin fibroblast BJ cells. Sinapic and isochlorogenic acids were predominant phenolics in the sprouts and florets, respectively. The amount of sulforaphane in the sprouts was significantly higher vs. florets. Oleic and linoleic acids dominated in the sprouts, while caproic, stearic and oleic acids in the florets. Broccoli sprouts were selectively cytotoxic on HepG2 and SW480 cells, with proapoptotic effect for the latter, while the florets were less selective, but more active, with profound proapoptotic effect for HepG2 cells (77.4%). Thus, lyophilized broccoli sprouts may be effectively used in dietary chemoprevention.

Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and endogenous lithium clearance in relation to AGTR1 A1166C and AGTR2 G1675A gene polymorphisms.

INTRODUCTION: Although recently a matter of epidemiologic controversy, sodium overload and its interaction with genetic factors predispose to hypertension and related target organ complications. METHODS: In 131 (66 male) treated hypertensives, we measured peripheral and central arterial pressures and pulse wave augmentation indexes (AIx(P), AIx(C1), AIx(C2)), pulse wave velocity (PWV), daily urinary sodium excretion and did genetic studies of AGTR1 A1166C and AGTR2 G1675A polymorphisms. Proximal (FE(Li)) and distal (FDR(Na)) sodium reabsorption measurements were performed using endogenous lithium clearance. RESULTS: In men, we found interaction between FDR(Na) and AGTR2 G1675A polymorphism with respect to AIx(C1) (p(INT)=0.01), AIx(C2) (p(INT)=0.05) and AIx(P) (p(INT)=0.006). Arterial stiffness increased with higher sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, in the presence of AGTR2 G allele with the opposite tendency in A allele carriers. In the subgroup with FDR(Na) below median, as compared to those with FDR(Na) above median, the AIx(C1) (139.6±3.8 vs 159.1±5.7%; p=0.009), AIx(C2) (26.3±1.8 vs 33.3±1.7%; p=0.016) and AIx(P) (83.4±2.5 vs 96.5±2.6%; p<0.0001) were lower, in the G allele carrying men and GG homozygous women. CONCLUSIONS: The relation between sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule and the development of arterial stiffness depends on the AGTR2 G1675A polymorphism in blood pressure independent fashion.

The relation between ACE D/I and CYP11B2 C-344T polymorphisms and parameters of arterial stiffness in the context of renal sodium handling.

BACKGROUND: Sodium overload is related to the development of primary hypertension and its complications. METHODS: In 131 (65 female) treated hypertensives (average blood pressure 144/82 mmHg and duration of hypertension 11.7 years), we measured peripheral and central arterial pressures, peripheral (AIx(P)) and central (AIx(C1), AIx(C2)) augmentation indices, pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and daily urinary sodium excretion, and conducted genetic studies of ACE D/I and CYP11B2 C-344T polymorphisms. Proximal (FE(Li)) and distal (FDR(Na)) sodium reabsorption measurements were performed using endogenous lithium clearance. RESULTS: We found statistically significant interactions between FE(Li) and ACE D/I polymorphism with respect to AIx(C2) (P(INT) = 0.05) and between FE(Li) and CYP11B2 C-344T polymorphism with respect to AIx(C1) (P(INT) = 0.01), AIx(C2) (P(INT) = 0.04) and AIx(P) (P(INT) = 0.01). In the group of ACE I allele carriers compared with DD homozygotes, the AIx(C1) (154.1 vs 140.6%; p = 0.02), AIx(C2) (33.3 vs 26.9%; p = 0.02) and AIx(P) (94.6 vs 85.2%; p = 0.01) were higher in the subgroup with FE(Li) below the median value (FE(Li)1), but not in the subgroup with FE(Li) above the median value (FE(Li)2). In the group of CYP11B2 TT homozygotes compared with C allele carriers, we observed higher values of AIx(C1) (158.5 vs 146.4%; p = 0.03), AIx(C2) (36.0 vs 29.4%; p = 0.01) and AIx(P) (99.0 vs 88.7%; p = 0.005) in the FE(Li)1 but not the FE(Li)2 subgroup. Conclusions. In the population with assumed high dietary sodium intake and long-standing history of hypertension, the relation between proximal sodium reabsorption and the development of arterial stiffness depends on the genetic context of the selected genetic polymorphisms of the renin­angiotensin­aldosterone system, independent of blood pressure.

Aronia melanocarpa treatment and antioxidant status in selected tissues in Wistar rats.

Aronia juice is considered to be a source of compounds with high antioxidative potential. We conducted a study on the impact of compounds in the Aronia juice on oxidative stress in plasma and brain tissues. The influence of Aronia juice on oxidative stress parameters was tested with the use of a model with a high content of fructose and nonsaturated fats. Therefore, the activity of enzymatic (catalase, CAT, and paraoxonase, PON) and nonenzymatic (thiol groups, SH, and protein carbonyl groups, PCG) oxidative stress markers, which indicate changes in the carbohydrate and protein profiles, was marked in brain tissue homogenates. Adding Aronia caused statistically significant increase in the CAT activity in plasma in all tested diets, while the PON activity showed a statistically significant increase only in case of high fat diet. In animals fed with Aronia juice supplemented with carbohydrates or fat, statistically significant increase in the PON activity and the decrease in the CAT activity in brain tissue were observed. In case of the high fat diet, an increase in the number of SH groups and a decrease in the number of PCG groups in brain tissue were observed.

Antioxidant agents and physiological responses in adult epileptic patients treated with lamotrigine.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our research was to evaluate some biochemical changes in blood during lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy of adult patients with epilepsy, and to check possible associations between typical selenium status parameters and the frequency of seizures. METHODS: The study was performed by examining aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT), creatinine, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), serum uric acid (UA), uric-acid-independent FRAP (UAiFRAP), plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX3), selenoprotein P (SelP), plasma superoxide dismutase (pSOD), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in serum and urine, serum selenium (sSe) and zinc (sZn), in 22 adult patients with epilepsy and 22 healthy controls. Additionally, the levels of LTG were determined in patients. RESULTS: pSOD activity was higher in the study group (5.32±1.24 U/ml) compared with the controls (4.05±0.92 U/ml, p=0.008). No other statistical difference between patients and controls was found. CONCLUSION: Lack of difference in parameters other than SOD, particularly no difference in 8-OHdG concentrations between the patients treated with LTG compared to the control subjects suggests that these patients are at no particular risk of oxidative DNA damage. In patients who are well or moderately well clinically controlled, selenium status parameters (sSe, GPX3, SelP) are not directly connected with the frequency of seizures.

Effect of amaranth seeds (Amaranthus cruentus) in the diet on some biochemical parameters and essential trace elements in blood of high fructose-fed rats.

The effect of amaranth seeds on the lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected trace element (Na, K, Ca and Mg) levels were determined in high-fructose fed Wistar rats. Fructose addition to rat fodder caused changes mainly in the blood lipid profile, particularly manifesting in an increased triglyceride level within all subsequent pairs of rat groups, and ranged between 85% and 112%. Administration of amaranth seeds to rats did not inhibit the increase of triglyceride induced by fructose. There was an increase in glucose concentration of between 3% and 14%. Uric acid concentrations also increased in all groups (30-37%), while changes in creatinine levels were varied. Fructose addition to fodder also brought about a significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity (9-20%).

Valproic acid modulates superoxide dismutase, uric acid-independent FRAP and zinc in blood of adult epileptic patients.

We aimed to evaluate changes in antioxidant status in blood during valproate (VPA) monotherapy of adult patients with epilepsy. Antioxidant enzymes [plasma superoxide dismutase (pSOD), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (eSOD)] and non-enzymatic indices [concentration of trace elements in serum: selenium, copper, zinc (sZn) and uric acid (UA), as well as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and UA-independent FRAP (UAiFRAP)] were evaluated in 21 adult patients with epilepsy and 21 healthy controls. Significant differences between the study group and controls were found for pSOD (p = 0.002) and UAiFRAP (p = 0.003). pSOD was higher, whilst UAiFRAP was lower in patients compared to controls. The activity of eSOD was higher in patients treated with VPA for a longer period (7-14 years) in comparison to controls (p = 0.001) and patients with a short period of VPA treatment (p < 0.001). Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy exhibited higher sZn than seizure-free patients (p = 0.041). Standard diet and moderate use of alcohol and/or nicotine did not exert significant effects on redox balance. We conclude that the antioxidant status of epileptic patients is modified by valproate monotherapy. The frequency of seizures and duration of VPA therapy are associated with changes of oxidative/antioxidative balance. The most sensitive and relevant parameters for antioxidative defence mechanism are pSOD, UAiFRAP and sZn.

Advantages of the use of deciduous teeth, hair, and blood analysis for lead and cadmium bio-monitoring in children. A study of 6-year-old children from Krakow (Poland).

The population of about 300 6-year-old preschool children was studied for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in deciduous teeth, scalp hair, and capillary blood. Zinc (Zn) content in hair was also measured due to its possible interferences with the elements studied. The Pb and Cd contents were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction, and Zn, by flame method. Metal levels found were comparable to those in European countries. Positive correlations between Pb and Cd in the same and different tissues were widespread (r=0.23-0.68). A positive correlation was found between Pb in teeth and blood (r=0.65, p<0.001). Pb blood threshold 100 µg L(-1) referred to 2.6 µg g(-1) Pb in teeth. Predictability of this Pb teeth limit was 14% vs. 5% for Pb blood. Strong negative correlation was found between hair Pb and Zn (r=-0.68, p<0.001). Enhanced Cd and Zn levels in hair were associated with the household drinking water hardness. The associations with some other environmental and behavioral factors were also presented and discussed. The results proved the advantage of analysis of primary teeth for Pb exposure screening of preschool children.

Effect of quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) in diet on some biochemical parameters and essential elements in blood of high fructose-fed rats.

The effect of Chenopodium quinoa seeds on lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) level was determined in high-fructose fed male Wistar rats. Fructose decreased significantly LDL [42%, p<0.01] and activity of alkaline phosphatase [20%, p<0.05], and increased triglycerides level [86%, p<0.01]. The analysis of blood of rats fed quinoa indicated, that these seeds effectively reduced serum total cholesterol [26%, p<0.05], LDL [57%, p<0.008] and triglycerides [11%, p<0.05] when compared to the control group. Quinoa seeds also significantly reduced the level of glucose [10%, p<0.01] and plasma total protein level [16%, p<0.001]. Fructose significantly decreased HDL [15%, p<0.05] level in control group but when the quinoa seeds were added into the diet the decrease of HDL level was inhibited. Quinoa seeds did not prevent any adverse effect of increasing triglyceride level caused by fructose. It was shown in this study that quinoa seeds can reduce most of the adverse effects exerted by fructose on lipid profile and glucose level.

A "zero sample concentration approach": standardization of methods for the estimation of total antioxidant activity by the use of extrapolation to zero sample concentration. A novel standard. 1. ABTS cation radical scavenging.

The study presents the general method of standardization of estimations of total antioxidant activity (TAA) by extrapolating parameters to zero sample concentration based on a pseudo-first-order kinetics model. To test its suitability, the method was applied to the ABTS cation radical scavenging assay, as the first choice. Two alternative methods of extrapolation were presented, via linear regression and numerical fitting to the dose-response profile. An extrapolation method gives the highest value of estimates, independent of sample concentration, and creates a new standard approach to the methods of TAA estimation. It is proposed to designate the modified index as "standard equivalent antioxidant capacity at zero" (SEAC0) or TEAC0 (for Trolox as standard). The examples of estimates for some foods and rat plasma are presented and compared with the literature method. The applicability of the extrapolation approach to the other TAA measurement methods is under evaluation.

Effect of diet supplemented with quinoa seeds on oxidative status in plasma and selected tissues of high fructose-fed rats.

Oxidative stress plays an important role as a mediator of damage produced by fructose metabolism. This work was designed to investigate the effect of diet supplemented with quinoa seeds on oxidative stress in plasma, heart, kidney, liver, spleen, lung, testis and pancreas of fructose administered rats. Fructose administration (310 g/kg fodder for 5 weeks) caused oxidative stress that was manifested by the increase in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) (p<0.05), and by the non-significant changes in the enzymatic antioxidant potential in plasma and most of tissues. Co-administration of quinoa seeds (310 g/kg fodder) maintained normal activities of some enzymes. It also influenced the oxidative stress as was evidenced by decreasing MDA in plasma, and decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (erythrocyte superoxide dismutase - eSOD, catalase -CAT, plasma glutathione peroxidase - pGPX). These findings demonstrate that quinoa seeds can act as a moderate protective agent against potential of fructose-induced changes in rats by reducing lipid peroxidation and by enhancing the antioxidant capacity of blood (plasma) and heart, kidney, testis, lung and pancreas.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) grain and by-products (flour, popping, cereal).

The objective of our study was evaluation antioxidant activity of Amaranthus cruentus grain and by-products (flour, cereals and popping). The evaluation was performed by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS methods. FRAP and ABTS assays gave comparable results, DPPH method gave lower values. Among by-products cereal had the highest activity as the least processed product. Additionally, antioxidant capacities of two cultivars of amaranth (varieties Aztek and Rawa) were compared and the influence of grain soaking on antioxidant properties was taken into account. It was found, that soaking decreased antioxidant activity of amaranth seed.

Selenium status indices, laboratory data, and selected biochemical parameters in end-stage renal disease patients.

We investigated the relations between selenium status (SeS) parameters, indexes of nutrition, erythropoiesis, and uremic toxemia, serum electrolytes, and other biochemical markers in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, as no multivariate statistical analysis concerning all of these parameters was performed so far. SeS was evaluated by plasma Se concentration (plSe) and glutathione peroxidase (plGSHPx) activity in 69 uremic patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) and 40 healthy controls. The hierarchical multivariate partial least squares model (PLS2) was employed to establish data structure and correlations between parameters investigated. plSe and plGSHPx activity were significantly lower in patients when compared with controls (p=0.000). plSe was positively associated with indexes of erythropoiesis and nutritional status, as well as serum electrolytes and parameters of uremic toxemia. plGSHPx was inversely dependent on the pair of parameters: intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and aluminum plasma concentration (Al). We conclude that (1) ESRD strongly decreases selenium status and (2) the PLS2 approach revealed the existence of significant interactions among plSe, plGSHPx, and selected biochemical parameters or groups of such parameters; some of these associations need further studies to be clarified.

The bioactivity of processed garlic (Allium sativum L.) as shown in vitro and in vivo studies on rats.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is widely used as an obligatory part in many cooked dishes loosing during this process a certain part of its bioactivity. Antioxidant capacity measured by the ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) method and by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay was the highest in raw and in a short time processed garlic samples by cooking. 70 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 10 diet groups, each of seven. They were named Control, NPG, PG1, PG2, PG3, Chol, Chol/NPG, Chol/PG1, Chol/PG2 and Chol/PG3. The rats of the Control group were fed basal diet (BD), which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, cellulose, mineral and vitamin mixtures. To the BD of the nine other groups were added 25mg of lyophilized non processed garlic equivalent of 500 mg non processed garlic/kg body weight (NPG), the same quantity of processed garlic for 20, 40 and 60 min for PG1, PG2 and PG3, respectively, 1% of cholesterol (Chol), 1% of cholesterol and 25mg/kg body weight of lyophilized non processed garlic (Chol/NPG), 1% of cholesterol and the same quantity of processed garlic for 20, 40 and 60 min for Chol/PG1, Chol/PG2 and Chol/PG3, respectively. The dose of 500 mg (25mg of lyophilized garlic/kg body weight) was chosen as the most effective (Banerjee, S.K., Maulik, M., Mancahanda, S.C., Dinda, A.K., Gupta, S.K., Maulik, S.K., 2002. Dose-dependent induction of endogenous antioxidants in rat heart by chronic administration of garlic. Life Sciences 70, pp. 1509-1518). Plasma lipid profile and the total antioxidant capacity in rats significantly differed in diet groups with addition of garlic samples cooked for a long time. In summary, garlic cooked for a short time preserves a high bioactivity of non processed garlic. The diet supplemented with these samples and cholesterol improved lipid indices, decreased fibrinogen and increased antioxidant activity in plasma of rats. Therefore, for preservation of garlic bioactivity optimal regime has to be used.

Dose-dependent influence of commercial garlic (Allium sativum) on rats fed cholesterol-containing diet.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the dose-dependent influence of commercial garlic on rats fed cholesterol-containing diets. It was found that commercial garlic contains high concentrations of dietary fibers, microelements, and total polyphenols, and its total antioxidant capacity as determined by two independent assays [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] was similar to that of the original garlic samples. Wistar rats (35) were randomly divided into five diet groups, named control, Chol, Garlic500, Garlic750, and Garlic1000. Control rats were fed basal diet (BD), which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, and vitamin and mineral mixtures. To the BD of the Chol group was added 1% of cholesterol. To the BD of the other three groups (Garlic500, Garlic750, and Garlic1000) were added 1% of cholesterol and commercial garlic equal to 500, 750, and 1000 mg of raw garlic per kilogram of animal weight. After 4 weeks of the experiment only in rats from the Garlic500 group were a significant hindering in the rise in plasma lipids and also a significant hindering in a decrease of plasma antioxidant activity registered. A significant decrease in plasma circulating fibrinogen and an increase in the clotting time were found in the same group of rats (P < 0.05 in both cases). The fibrinogenolytic effect of garlic diets was visualized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the fibrinogen fraction of Garlic500 the 66, 24, and 14 kDa protein bands were detected with weaker protein intensity than in the corresponding ones in the Garlic750 and Garlic1000 diet groups. In conclusion, the positive influences of commercial garlic on plasma lipids, proteins, antioxidant activity, and some indices of blood coagulation are dose-dependent. Therefore, commercial garlic (Elena, Zelazków, Poland) could be a valuable component of atherosclerosis-preventing diets only in optimal doses.

Some essential phytochemicals and the antioxidant potential in fresh and dried persimmon.

Fresh persimmon contains high quantities of bioactive compounds, but is only available in the autumn and winter months. The aim of this investigation was to compare fresh and dried persimmon in order to determine whether the latter could be a substitute for fresh fruit. It was found that the contents of dietary fibers and trace elements in fresh and equivalent quantities of dried fruits were comparable. The content of total polyphenols in fresh persimmon was higher than in dried fruit, but not significantly (P > 0.05). Also the antioxidant potential in fresh persimmon as determined by all three used tests was higher than in dried fruit, but not significantly (P > 0.05). The methanol extracts of fresh and dried persimmon using the ss-carotene-linoleate model system have shown 91% and 88% of antioxidant activity at 50?microl, respectively. Radical scavenging activity with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method has shown 88% and 84% for the same extracts and the nitric oxide test showed similar results. The best correlation was found between polyphenols, ss-carotene, DPPH and nitric oxide values (R(2) ranges between 0.9535 and 0.9934). In conclusion, both fresh and dried persimmon possess high contents of bioactive compounds and have a high antioxidant potential. When fresh fruits are not available, proper dried persimmon can be successfully used.