Stearic Acid, but not Palmitic Acid, is Associated with Inflammatory and Endothelial Dysfunction Biomarkers in Individuals at Cardiovascular Risk. / Ácido Esteárico (mas não o Ácido Palmítico) está Associado a Biomarcadores Inflamatórios e de Disfunção Endotelial em Indivíduos em Risco Cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have associated dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with cardiovascular risk but there are still many controversies. Most of these studies have focused on the effects of palmitic acid on circulating lipids. Stearic acid usually shows a neutral effect on blood lipids, however, there is a lack of clinical studies assessing the link with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of red blood cell (RBC) SFA (palmitic and stearic acids) with circulating inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 79 adults of both sexes with at least one cardiovascular risk factor but without previous events (acute myocardial infarction or stroke). Plasma biomarkers - lipids, glucometabolic markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) - and RBC palmitic and stearic fatty acids were analyzed. The associations were assessed by correlation and multiple linear regression analyses, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Palmitic acid showed no significant associations with traditional cardiovascular risk factors or inflammatory markers. Stearic acid, on the other hand, was inversely correlated with blood cholesterol and triglycerides, but independently associated with hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: Stearic acid is associated with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in individuals with at least one cardiovascular risk factor.

FUNDAMENTO: Vários estudos têm associado o consumo de ácidos graxos saturados (AGSs) com risco cardiovascular, mas ainda existem muitas controvérsias. A maioria desses estudos avaliou os efeitos do ácido palmítico sobre lipídios circulantes. O ácido esteárico geralmente apresenta um efeito neutro sobre os lipídios sanguíneos, mas faltam estudos clínicos avaliando sua relação com marcadores de inflamação e de disfunção endotelial. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação de AGSs das hemácias (ácido palmítico e ácido esteárico) com biomarcadores inflamatórios e de disfunção endotelial circulantes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que incluiu 79 adultos de ambos os sexos com pelo menos um fator de risco cardiovascular, mas sem eventos prévios (infarto agudo do miocárdio ou acidente vascular cerebral). Biomarcadores plasmáticos ­ lipídios, marcadores glicometabólicos, proteína C ultrassensível (PCR-us), Interleucina 6 (IL-6), Interleucina 10 (IL-10), Fator de Necrose Tumoral-α (TNF-α), Proteína quimioatraente de Monócitos 1 (MCP-1) ­ e ácidos graxos das hemácias (ácidos palmítico e esteárico) foram analisados. As associações foram avaliadas por análises de correlações e regressões lineares múltiplas, com significância estatística estabelecida em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: O ácido palmítico não apresentou associações com fatores de risco cardiovasculares ou com marcadores inflamatórios. Por outro lado, o ácido esteárico foi inversamente correlacionado com PCR-us, IL-6 e TNF-α, mas independentemente associado com PCR-us, IL-6, e TNF-α. CONCLUSÃO: O ácido esteárico está associado com biomarcadores inflamatórios e disfunção endotelial em indivíduos com um ou mais fatores de risco cardiovascular.

In Vitro Digestion of Peanut Skin Releases Bioactive Compounds and Increases Cancer Cell Toxicity.

Peanut skin is a rich source of bioactive compounds which may be able to reduce the risk factors associated with metabolic syndromes. This study aimed to characterize bio-compounds from peanut skin (Arachis hypogaea) and their bioactivity (antioxidant activity, inhibition of lipase, and carbohydrase enzymes) and to evaluate their anti-proliferative properties in colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) upon in vitro digestion. Peanut skin was digested in two sequential phases, and the final content, named phase-1 (P1) and phase-2 (P2) extracts, was evaluated. Several bioactive compounds were positively identified and quantified by liquid chromatography, including quinic acid, released especially after in vitro digestion. The total phenolic content and, regardless of the method, the antioxidant activity of P1 was higher than P2. P1 also showed a lower enzyme inhibitory concentration IC50 than P2, lipase, and α-glucosidase. For cell viability in HCT116 cells, lower concentrations of P1 were found for IC50 compared to P2. In conclusion, bioactive compounds were released mainly during the first phase of the in vitro digestion. The digested samples presented antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibitory activity, and cancer cell cytotoxicity, especially those from the P1 extract. The potential applications of such a by-product in human health are reported.

Effect of a parenteral fish-oil-containing lipid emulsion on liver lipid perioxidation and antioxidative defenses in Lewis rats.

BACKGROUND: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), naturally abundant in fish oil (FO), are known for their anti-inflammatory and potential antioxidant properties. The aim in this article is to evaluate the effect of the infusion of a parenteral FO-containing lipid emulsion on markers of liver lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rats undergoing central venous catheterization (CVC). METHODS: After 5-day acclimatization, adult Lewis rats (n = 42) receiving a 20-g/day AIN-93M oral diet were randomly subdivided into four groups: (1) basal control (BC) (n = 6), without CVC or LE infusion; (2) SHAM (n = 12), with CVC but without LE infusion; (3) soybean oil (SO)/medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) (n = 12), with CVC and receiving LE without FO (4.3 g/kg fat); and (4) SO/MCT/FO (n = 12), with CVC and receiving LE containing 10% FO (4.3 g/kg fat). Animals from the BC group were euthanized immediately after acclimatization. The remaining groups of animals were euthanized after 48 or 72 h of surgical follow-up to assess profiles of liver and plasma fatty acids by gas chromatography, liver gene transcription factor Nrf2, F2-isoprostane lipid peroxidation biomarker, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. R program (version 3.2.2) was utilized for data analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the other groups, liver EPA and DHA levels were higher in the SO/MCT/FO group, which also showed the highest liver Nrf2, GPx, SOD, and CAT levels and lower liver F2-isoprostane (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Experimental delivery of FO via EPA and DHA sources in a parenteral LE was associated with a liver antioxidant effect.

Concentration and potential health risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for consumers of chocolate in Brazil.

Chocolate is widely consumed worldwide and its market grows every year, with emerging demands for new high-quality products. However, this product is susceptible to contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), representing a risk for humans. In this study, a methodology for the evaluation of benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene in chocolate by high performance liquid chromatography was validated. The occurrence, dietary exposure, and health risks of 4 PAHs in 38 commercial chocolate samples was investigated. The methodology demonstrated adequate accuracy and precision, with recovery (95.25 %-108.12 %) and relative standard deviation (0.14 %-5.83 %). Benzo[a]pyrene and the ∑4 PAHs concentrations varied between 1.09 and 10.42 µg/kg and 8.38-41.58 µg/kg, respectively. The results of risk assessment suggest low potential health risk for chocolate consumers, considering the margin of exposure (MOE) and the incremental life cancer risk (ILCR) values.

Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Commonly Consumed Salami in Brazil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that have been found in different food categories, and meat products can have high concentrations of PAHs, since the technological processes to which they are subjected, such as smoking, can produce several compounds. Considering the risk that these compounds can bring to the population's health, it is essential to develop an accurate and reliable method to evaluate the contamination of PAHs in products of animal origin. The objective of this study was to optimize and validate a method for the quantification of 4 PAHs (benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) in salami. The methodology included saponification, liquid­liquid extraction, solid-phase purification, and quantification by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of saponification parameters were investigated by experimental design, whereas the model obtained by regression analysis was considered satisfactory with the dissolution solvent of potassium hydroxide providing the highest global sum of areas. In validation, the parameters studied were adequate and within European and INMETRO Guidelines limits. The evaluation of 22 samples indicated that 27% were contaminated with at least one of the 4 PAHs, and benz[a]anthracene being the prevalent one with content varying between < 1.00 and 17.58 µg/kg. Two samples showed PAHs contamination above the maximum tolerable limit in the European Commission Regulation.

Os Ácidos Graxos Poli-insaturados Ômega-6 e Ômega-3 Presentes nas Hemácias Exercem uma Influência Distinta sobre o Tamanho das Partículas de LDL e suas Alterações Estruturais / Red Blood Cells' Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Have a Distinct Influence on LDL Particle Size and its Structural Modifications

Resumo Fundamento Embora os ácidos graxos poli-insaturados ômega-3 e ômega-6 (AGPIs n-3 e n-6) tenham efeitos bem conhecidos sobre os fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), ainda existe um conhecimento limitado sobre como eles afetam os indicadores de qualidade da LDL. Objetivo Avaliar as associações dos AGPIs n-3 e n-6 de hemácias com o tamanho da partícula da LDL, LDL-c pequena e densa (sdLDL-c) e com LDL eletronegativa [LDL(-)] em adultos com fatores de risco para DCV. Métodos Estudo transversal com 335 homens e mulheres de 30 a 74 anos com, pelo menos, um fator de risco cardiovascular. Foram realizadas análises de parâmetros bioquímicos, como glicose, insulina, HbA1c, proteína C reativa (PCR), perfil lipídico, subfrações de lipoproteínas, partícula eletronegativa de LDL [LDL(-)] e seu autoanticorpo, e os AGPIs n-3 e n- 6 de hemácias. Os testes t independente/teste de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA unidirecional/teste de Kruskal-Wallis e regressões lineares múltiplas foram aplicados. Todos os testes foram bilaterais e um valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A relação n-6/n-3 de hemácias foi associada ao aumento dos níveis de LDL(-) (β = 4,064; IC de 95% = 1,381 - 6,748) e sdLDL-c (β = 1,905; IC de 95% = 0,863 - 2,947), e redução do tamanho das partículas de LDL (β = -1,032; IC de 95% = -1,585 − -0,478). Individualmente, os AGPIs n-6 e n-3 apresentaram associações opostas com esses parâmetros, realçando os efeitos protetores do n-3 e evidenciando os possíveis efeitos adversos do n-6 na qualidade das partículas de LDL. Conclusão O AGPI n-6, presente nas hemácias, foi associado ao aumento do risco cardiometabólico e à aterogenicidade das partículas de LDL, enquanto o AGPI n-3 foi associado a melhores parâmetros cardiometabólicos e à qualidade das partículas de LDL.

Abstract Background While Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs) have established effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, little is known about their impacts on LDL quality markers. Objective To assess the associations of n-3 and n-6 PUFA within red blood cells (RBC) with LDL particle size, small dense LDL-c (sdLDL-c), and electronegative LDL [LDL(-)] in adults with CVD risk factors. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 335 men and women aged 30 to 74 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Analyses were conducted on biochemical parameters, such as glucose, insulin, HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, lipoprotein subfractions, electronegative LDL particle [LDL(-)] and its autoantibody, and RBC n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regressions were applied. All tests were two-sided, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The RBC n-6/n-3 ratio was associated with increased LDL(-) (β = 4.064; 95% CI = 1.381 - 6.748) and sdLDL-c (β = 1.905; 95% CI = 0.863 - 2.947) levels, and reduced LDL particle size (β = -1.032; 95% CI = -1.585 − -0.478). Separately, n-6 and n-3 PUFAs had opposing associations with those parameters, reinforcing the protective effects of n-3 and showing the potential negative effects of n-6 on LDL particle quality. Conclusion RBC n-6 PUFA was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and atherogenicity of LDL particles, while n-3 PUFA was associated with better cardiometabolic parameters and LDL particle quality.

Ácido Esteárico (mas não o Ácido Palmítico) está Associado a Biomarcadores Inflamatórios e de Disfunção Endotelial em Indivíduos em Risco Cardiovascular / Stearic Acid, but not Palmitic Acid, is Associated with Inflammatory and Endothelial Dysfunction Biomarkers in Individuals at Cardiovascular Risk

Resumo Fundamento Vários estudos têm associado o consumo de ácidos graxos saturados (AGSs) com risco cardiovascular, mas ainda existem muitas controvérsias. A maioria desses estudos avaliou os efeitos do ácido palmítico sobre lipídios circulantes. O ácido esteárico geralmente apresenta um efeito neutro sobre os lipídios sanguíneos, mas faltam estudos clínicos avaliando sua relação com marcadores de inflamação e de disfunção endotelial. Objetivos Avaliar a associação de AGSs das hemácias (ácido palmítico e ácido esteárico) com biomarcadores inflamatórios e de disfunção endotelial circulantes. Métodos Estudo transversal que incluiu 79 adultos de ambos os sexos com pelo menos um fator de risco cardiovascular, mas sem eventos prévios (infarto agudo do miocárdio ou acidente vascular cerebral). Biomarcadores plasmáticos - lipídios, marcadores glicometabólicos, proteína C ultrassensível (PCR-us), Interleucina 6 (IL-6), Interleucina 10 (IL-10), Fator de Necrose Tumoral-α (TNF-α), Proteína quimioatraente de Monócitos 1 (MCP-1) - e ácidos graxos das hemácias (ácidos palmítico e esteárico) foram analisados. As associações foram avaliadas por análises de correlações e regressões lineares múltiplas, com significância estatística estabelecida em p<0,05. Resultados O ácido palmítico não apresentou associações com fatores de risco cardiovasculares ou com marcadores inflamatórios. Por outro lado, o ácido esteárico foi inversamente correlacionado com PCR-us, IL-6 e TNF-α, mas independentemente associado com PCR-us, IL-6, e TNF-α. Conclusão O ácido esteárico está associado com biomarcadores inflamatórios e disfunção endotelial em indivíduos com um ou mais fatores de risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Background Several studies have associated dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with cardiovascular risk but there are still many controversies. Most of these studies have focused on the effects of palmitic acid on circulating lipids. Stearic acid usually shows a neutral effect on blood lipids, however, there is a lack of clinical studies assessing the link with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers. Objective To evaluate the association of red blood cell (RBC) SFA (palmitic and stearic acids) with circulating inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers. Methods Cross-sectional study of 79 adults of both sexes with at least one cardiovascular risk factor but without previous events (acute myocardial infarction or stroke). Plasma biomarkers - lipids, glucometabolic markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) - and RBC palmitic and stearic fatty acids were analyzed. The associations were assessed by correlation and multiple linear regression analyses, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Palmitic acid showed no significant associations with traditional cardiovascular risk factors or inflammatory markers. Stearic acid, on the other hand, was inversely correlated with blood cholesterol and triglycerides, but independently associated with hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conclusion Stearic acid is associated with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in individuals with at least one cardiovascular risk factor.

Effect of guarana seed powder on cholesterol absorption in vitro and in Caco-2 cells.

Cardiovascular disease risk is related to oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia. Guarana seed powder contains flavanols that possess antioxidant properties and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, the molecular mechanism through which guarana seed powder may decrease cholesterol uptake from the intestinal lumen remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of guarana powder aqueous extract on cholesterol absorption mechanisms. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, we performed assays to determine enzymatic inhibitory capacity, bile acid binding capacity, and cholesterol micellar solubilization. Caco-2 cells were used for permeation and protein identification assays. Digested guarana powder extract inhibited pancreatic lipase in a dose-dependent manner (half-maximal inhibitory capacity: 1.033 µg/mL) and, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, bound 45.63 % of sodium taurocholate and decreased cholesterol micellar solubilization by 10.14 %. Moreover, incubation with the extract reduced cholesterol absorption by Caco-2 cells and decreased intracellular cholesterol transporter levels. These results indicate that guarana seed powder have potential applications for blood cholesterol management, presenting hypocholesterolemic effects owing to the presence of bioacessible polyphenols.

Coffee simulated inhibition of pancreatic lipase and antioxidant activities: Effect of milk and decaffeination.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Dietary intake of polyphenols may protect against the development of NCDs. Coffee is a rich source of phenolic acids in the Western diet that may prevent or treat hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, chronic liver diseases, and obesity. These health effects are attributed, at least partially, to the antioxidant properties and inhibitory activity of phenolic acids on lipases. However, the effect of milk on these properties is not clear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the antiradical properties and inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase in vitro of phenolic acids from coffee. We obtained commercial traditional and decaffeinated espresso coffee capsules and prepared the beverages according to the manufacturer's instructions using a domestic coffee maker. Espresso prepared with traditional and decaffeinated coffee capsules were evaluated with and without the addition of milk following in vitro digestion.The total phenolic content ranged from 168.21 to 397.38 mg equivalent to chlorogenic acid/mL. All coffee-based beverages showed antioxidant activity, with emphasis on decaffeinated and milk-added beverages, respectively. Caffeic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound followed by 5-caffeoylquinic acid before digestion. In contrast after in vitro digestion, only caffeic acid was bioaccessible. The addition of milk improved the bioaccessibility of caffeic acid and caffeine. Overall, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the samples for pancreatic lipase varied between 222 and 3035.8 µg/mL. Decaffeinated coffee had a greater inhibitory effect than regular coffee regardless of milk addition. In conclusion, decaffeinated and milk-added coffee beverages have a greater effect on lipase inhibition. This may be related to the greater bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in these samples. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of enzymatic inhibition by phenolic acids.

Vitamin C and Phenolic Antioxidants of Jua (Ziziphus joazeiro M.) Pulp: A Rich Underexplored Brazilian Source of Ellagic Acid Recovered by Aqueous Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

Jua (juá in Portuguese) is an underexplored fruit from Brazil's northeast. This fruit is rich in antioxidant substances. However, there is a dearth of information about jua's bioactive potential. The present study evaluated two extraction methods (continuous agitation and ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE) and employed three different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) to efficiently recover soluble phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts obtained by UAE showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity. Besides being an eco-friendly procedure, extraction and/or solubility in an aqueous medium is also important for food application. Ellagic acids were the predominant phenolics (80%) found in aqueous jua pulp extract obtained by UAE, as determined by HPLC, while its TPC was 405.8 gallic acid equivalent per gram of fruit. This extract also exhibited a higher scavenging activity towards peroxyl radicals when compared to that of several other fruits from the literature, including grape, strawberry, cranberry, and walnuts, which are known references in terms of antioxidants. This is the first report that demonstrates jua pulp's potential as an alternative source of ellagic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, the outcome of this study provides new information that can be useful for functional food and nutraceutical industries.

Bioactive compounds of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L) and their mixture (Brazilian cheiro-verde) as promising antioxidant and anti-cholesterol oxidation agents in a food system.

This study determined the bioactive composition and antioxidant potential of parsley, chives and their mixture (Brazilian cheiro-verde). Additionally, the effect of these herbs against cholesterol oxidation in grilled sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) was also investigated. Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) analyses revealed the presence of phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids) and flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, catechin) in the herbs. Higher levels of phenolics (2.10 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g) and carotenoids (205.95 ± 0.17 µg/g) were determined in parsley extracts. Moreover, parsley also presented higher antioxidant capacity by DPPH (59.21 ± 0.07 %) and ORAC (109.94 ± 18.7 µM TE/g) than the other herbs. In vivo analyses demonstrated that the herbs' extracts decreased the damage on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells exposed to H2O2, except the chives extract at 10 µg/mL. Higher levels of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) were determined after grilling. The total COPs increased from 61.8 ± 0.7 (raw fish) to 139.7 ± 10.1 µg/g (control). However, the addition of herbs effectively reduced cholesterol oxides formation, this effect was more pronounced in fish containing 4% parsley and 4% cheiro-verde. Promising results were found for cheiro-verde; however, it did not present synergic antioxidant effects.

Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant from the Amazon region with cultural importance. Despite its early ancestral use by indigenous tribes, the first reports regarding the benefits of guarana consumption for human health were published in the 19th century. Since then, the use of guarana seed in powder and extract forms has been studied for its diverse effects on human health, such as stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-obesity effects. These effects are attributed to the high content of bioactive compounds found in guarana seeds, especially methylxanthines and flavonoids. In fact, the Brazilian Food Supplement Law has officially acknowledged guarana as a source of bioactive compounds. The number and diversity of studies focused on guarana and human health are increasing; thus, organizing and describing the available evidence on guarana and its applications is necessary to provide a framework for future studies. In this narrative review, we have organized the available information regarding guarana and its potential effects on human health. Guarana produces unique fruits with great potential for human health applications. However, the available evidence lacks human studies and mechanistic investigations. Future studies should be designed considering its applicability to human health, including intake levels and toxicity studies.

Effects of extra virgin olive oil and pecans on plasma fatty acids in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a healthy diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or pecans on plasma fatty acids (PFAs) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Patients 40 to 80 y of age were randomized to one of three dietary interventions (allocation ratio 1: 1: 1): healthy diet based on guidelines (control group [CG]), healthy diet supplemented with 30 g/d of pecans (PNG), or a healthy diet supplemented with 30 mL/d of extra virgin olive oil (OOG). PFAs were identified at baseline and at the end of follow-up (12 wk), and correlations between dietary fatty acids intake, PFAs, and clinical biomarkers of the lipid profile were also assessed before and after the interventions. RESULTS: Among 149 participants included in the analysis (43 CG; 51 PNG; and 55 OOG), correlations were observed between food intake, PFAs, and lipid profile before and after interventions independent of statins used, but all were considered weak. At the end of the study, the OOG showed increased concentrations of oleic fatty acid independently of the type of statin in use (1.49%; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-2.89; P = 0.029); however, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding the final mean values of oleic fatty acid or in the other PFAs. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable CAD, there were no significant differences in PFAs after 12 wk according to dietary interventions evaluated.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Foods: Biological Effects, Legislation, Occurrence, Analytical Methods, and Strategies to Reduce Their Formation.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemical compounds comprised of carbon and hydrogen molecules in a cyclic arrangement. PAHs are associated with risks to human health, especially carcinogenesis. One form of exposure to these compounds is through ingestion of contaminated food, which can occur during preparation and processing involving high temperatures (e.g., grilling, smoking, toasting, roasting, and frying) as well as through PAHs present in the soil, air, and water (i.e., environmental pollution). Differently from changes caused by microbiological characteristics and lipid oxidation, consumers cannot sensorially perceive PAH contamination in food products, thereby hindering their ability to reject these foods. Herein, the occurrence and biological effects of PAHs were comprehensively explored, as well as analytical methods to monitor their levels, legislations, and strategies to reduce their generation in food products. This review updates the current knowledge and addresses recent regulation changes concerning the widespread PAHs contamination in several types of food, often surpassing the concentration limits deemed acceptable by current legislations. Therefore, effective measures involving different food processing strategies are needed to prevent and reduce PAHs contamination, thereby decreasing human exposure and detrimental health effects. Furthermore, gaps in literature have been addressed to provide a basis for future studies.

The effect of the a regional cardioprotective nutritional program on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease, a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To evaluate the effect of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program (BALANCE Program) on inflammatory biomarkers, involved in the pathophysiology of the atherosclerosis, on inflammatory biomarkers, cardiovascular risk factors, and on plasma fatty acids in cardiovascular disease secondary prevention patients. METHODS: In this substudy of the BALANCE Program randomized clinical trial, a total of 369 patients aged 45 years or older, who have experienced cardiovascular disease in the previous 10 years, were included. These patients were randomized into two groups and followed up for six months: BALANCE Program group and control group (conventional nutrition advice). In the initial and six-month final visits, anthropometry (body weight, height and waist circumference), food intake evaluation by 24-h dietary recall, plasma inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein levels), blood pressure, glycemia, insulinemia, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The BALANCE Program group showed increased plasma alpha-linolenic acid levels (P = 0.008), reduction in waist circumference (P = 0.049) and BMI (P = 0.032). No difference was observed among plasma inflammatory biomarkers and clinical data. CONCLUSION: After six months of follow-up, BALANCE Program led to a significant reduction on BMI and waist circumference in individuals in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease. Although plasmatic alpha-linolenic acid has increased, there was no impact on plasma inflammatory biomarkers. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01620398.

Is There an Advantage in Enriching Parenteral Lipid Emulsions Containing Fatty Acids From Fish Oil With Medium-Chain Triglycerides? A Study on Body Pool Concentrations of ω-3 Fatty Acids in Lewis Rats.

BACKGROUND: The addition of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) into parenteral lipid emulsions rich in fatty acids from fish oil (FOLEs) has been shown to improve their clearance and extrahepatic uptake. We assessed whether this effect could favor the leukocyte uptake of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for immunomodulatory purposes METHODS: Following 5-day adaptation in metabolic cages, 42 male Lewis rats fed with AIN-93M chow were killed (baseline control group [BC]) or submitted to central venous catheterization and distributed into (1) surgical control group without parenteral infusion (chow group), (2) test emulsion (MCT/LCT/FO) group with the parenteral infusion of a FOLE containing 40% MCT, and (3) control emulsion group (LCT/FO) with the parenteral infusion of an FOLE without MCT. The 2 FOLEs had similar ω-3 PUFA contents and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratios and were infused during 48 and 72 hours. Concentrations of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs in plasma, liver, and blood mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were assessed by gas chromatography RESULTS: In both FOLE groups, leukocyte concentrations of ω-3 PUFAs peaked after 48 hours' infusion (vs BC). At this time point, plasma concentrations of ω-3 PUFAs were higher in MCT/LCT/FO group than in LCT/FO group and the opposite was found in the liver (P<.05), but no differences in PUFA concentrations were observed between these groups in leukocytes (P>.05) CONCLUSION: The ω-3 PUFAs provided by FOLEs rich in MCT were less incorporated by liver and remained more available for extrahepatic cell delivery, but this did not result in a clear benefit in increasing their incorporation by peripheral leukocytes.

Infusion time for fish oil-containing parenteral emulsions in surgery: A study on ω-3 fatty acid dynamics in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to contribute to the design of specialized parenteral nutrition protocols in surgery by evaluating the dynamics of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations in different body pools after the infusion of fish oil-containing lipid emulsion (FOLE) in rats that had undergone surgical central venous catheterization (CVC). METHODS: After 5-d adaptation in metabolic cages, 78 male Lewis rats (300-450 g) fed a standard diet were sacrificed (baseline control) or had only CVC (surgical control) or also received a 72-h infusion of a parenteral lipid emulsion with or without fish oil. The catheterized animals were sacrificed 0 (T0), 2 (T2), 6 (T6), and 12 h (T12) after the infusion ended. Gas chromatography was used to determine the concentrations of eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (ARA) acids and the ω-3 to ω-6 ratio in plasma, liver, and blood leukocytes. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests were applied to plasma and liver data and descriptive analysis to leukocyte data. RESULTS: Plasma, liver, and leukocytes exhibited almost undetectable EPA and DHA and detectable ARA concentrations at baseline. Immediately after FOLE infusion (T0), these PUFAs changed in all pools, resulting in a higher ratio of ω-3 to ω-6 compared with rats with no FOLE infusion (P < 0.05). All these changes decreased over time, with residual effects remaining until T6 in plasma, T12 in liver, and only until T2 in leukocytes. CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggest that ω-3 PUFAs are cleared early after the end of FOLE infusion, mainly in leukocytes. This should be considered when FOLEs are applied for immunomodulatory purposes in surgery.

Effect of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit against polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol thermo-oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis).

This study evaluated the protective effect of ground aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit addition against fatty acids and cholesterol oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis) during heating (150 and 180 °C). High temperatures reduced the amount of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and caused the formation of oxidized products. Total cholesterol oxides content increased from 58.9 ± 0.26 to 577.5 ± 2.14 µg/g oil, after heating at 180 °C. However, aroeira significantly protected lipids from oxidation. Although the synthetic antioxidant applied as standard (butylated hydroxytoluene) showed greater results, it was used in the maximum concentration permitted by Brazilian legislation (0.01%), suggesting that aroeira fruit could be used as a natural antioxidant for the food industry. The protective effect of aroeira may be correlated to its antioxidant capacity and the presence of bioactive compounds which were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS in the aroeira extract.

Aroeira fruit (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) as a natural antioxidant: Chemical constituents, bioactive compounds and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruit, known as Brazilian pepper or aroeira, is a natural source of bioactive compounds. However, studies about the antioxidant and nutritional contribution of this fruit in food systems are limited. Regarding the presence of bioactive compounds, flavonoids showed the highest level (10.33 ± 0.34 mg QE/g), and potential antioxidant components such biflavonoids were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The aroeira fruit extract showed antioxidant potential in DPPH (42.68 ± 0.05%), ORAC (43.40 ± 6.22 µM TE/g) and ß- carotene/linoleic acid (61.41 ± 5.30%) assays. Besides that, in vivo analyses demonstrated the ability of aroeira extracts to decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress promoted by H2O2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Thus, the presence of phytochemicals with functional properties and the antioxidant capacity of aroeira fruit indicate its use as a potential natural antioxidant for the food industry.