Bioactive compounds of peanut skin in prevention and adjunctive treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.

The global prevalence of cancer continues to increase, so does its mortality. Strategies that can prevent/treat this condition are therefore required, especially low-cost and low-toxicity strategies. Bioactive compounds of plant origin have been presented as a good alternative. In this scenario, due to its abundant polyphenolic content (around 60 to 120 times greater than that of the grain), peanut skin by-products stand out as a sustainable source of food bioactives beneficial to human health. Investigated studies highlighted the importance of peanut skin for human health, its phytochemical composition, bioactivity and the potential for prevention and/or adjuvant therapy in cancer, through the advanced search for articles in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Science direct and the Mourisco platform of the FioCruz Institute, from 2012 to 2022. Using the keywords, "peanut skin" AND "cancer" AND NOT "allergy", the words "peanut testa" and "peanut peel" were included replacing "peanut skin". 18 articles were selected from Plataforma Mourisco, 26 from Science Direct and 26 from VHL. Of these, 7 articles evaluated aspects of cancer prevention and/or treatment. Promising benefits were found in the prevention/treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases in the use of peanut and peanut skin extracts, such as cholesterolemia and glucose control, attenuation of oxidative stress and suppressive action on the proliferation and metabolism of cancer cells.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peptides from Chia Present Antibacterial Activity and Inhibit Cholesterol Synthesis.

In previous studies, it has not been reported that protein isolated from chia interferes favorably with antibacterial activity, and reduces cholesterol synthesis. The objective of this study was to determine whether commonly used commercial microbial proteases can be utilized to generate chia protein-based antibacterial and hypocholesterolemic hydrolysates/peptides, considering the effects of protein extraction method. Alcalase, Flavourzyme and sequential Alcalase-Flavourzyme were used to produce hydrolysates from chia protein (CF), protein-rich fraction (PRF) and chia protein concentrates (CPC1 and CPC2). These hydrolysates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G-) microorganisms. The protein hydrolysates were purified by ultrafiltration through a membrane with 3 kDa nominal molecular weight, for evaluation of hypocholesterolemic activity. An inhibition zone was observed when the hydrolysate was tested against S. aureus, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were obtained. Peptides from chia protein with molecular mass lower than 3 kDa reduced up to 80.7% of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) enzymatic reaction velocity. It was also observed that, independent of the method used to obtain chia proteins, the fractions showed relevant bioactivity. Moreover, the intensity of the bioactivity varied with the method for obtaining the protein and with the enzyme used in the hydrolysis process. This is the first report to demonstrate that chia peptides are able to inhibit cholesterol homeostasis.

Peptides from cowpea present antioxidant activity, inhibit cholesterol synthesis and its solubilisation into micelles.

In previous studies, it was reported that the protein isolated from the cowpea interferes favourably in lipid metabolism, and reduces cholesterol synthesis. The present study investigated the role of cowpea peptide fractions in the micellar solubilisation of cholesterol, in the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) activity, and in the in vitro antioxidant capacity, considering the effects of thermal processing. The protein was isolated from the raw and cooked beans and digested to simulate human digestion. The peptides from the protein isolate of raw bean with molecular mass lower than 3kDa reduced 89% of the HMGCR enzymatic reaction velocity. The cooked cowpeas were more effective in inhibiting the micellar solubility of cholesterol than the raw ones but not the antioxidant activity. This is the first report that cowpea peptides inhibit cholesterol homeostasis in vitro in two distinct routes, and act as an antioxidant.