Adzuki and Mung Bean Sprouts Enriched with Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v Improve Body Mass Gain and Antioxidant Status and Reduce the Undesirable Enzymatic Activity of Microbiota in Healthy Rats.

Introducing and establishing new food requires a detailed evaluation of its safety, nutritional value and functionality, thus the control and probiotic-rich adzuki and mung bean sprouts were studied in an in vivo rats model. However, the total feed intake did not differ significantly between the groups, the highest body weight gain and body weight change were recorded in the control AIN diet. At the same time, the addition of legume sprouts caused a reduction of these parameters (up to 25% in the variant with probiotic-rich adzuki bean sprouts). There was no significant effect on serum morphology, except white blood cells (ca. 20% reduction in the control sprout-supplemented diets). Serum and liver antiradical properties were significantly elevated by consuming mung bean sprouts (no effect of the probiotics). The faecal lactic acid bacteria were already increased by the control sprouts (a 2.8- and 2.1-fold increase for adzuki and mung bean sprouts, respectively). The probiotic-rich sprouts further improved this parameter. The diets enriched with mung bean sprouts significantly decreased the urease (by ca. 65%) and ß-glucuronidase activities (by ca. 30%). All the tested diets caused also a significant reduction of faecal tryptophanase activity (the effect was intensified by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v). The functional components did not affect negatively the nutritional parameters and blood morphological characteristics. They improved also the antioxidant potential and significantly decreased the activities of colon cancer-related enzymes (urease and tryptophanase). The results confirmed that these new probiotic carriers may be a valuable, safe and functional element of a healthy diet.

Adding Modified Buckwheat Sprouts to an Atherogenic Diet - the Effect on Selected Nutritional Parameters in Rats.

The germinated seeds of many plants are a natural source of substances that can be used to supplement food and increase its functionality. The seeds' metabolism may be modified during germination to produce specific health-promoting compounds. Fagopyrum esculentum Moench is a rich source of nutrients. Buckwheat seeds modified during germination may be helpful as an additive to new functional food products with anti-atherogenic properties. However, their effect and safety should be assessed in in vivo studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect that adding modified buckwheat sprouts (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) to an atherogenic (high-fat) diet has on the morphology and digestibility parameters of rats. Buckwheat seeds were modified by adding the probiotic strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. The study was carried out on 32 Wistar rats, and digestibility and blood counts were assessed during the experiment. There was no evidence of an adverse effect on the animals' weight gain and nutritional efficiency. However, the influence of diets with freeze-dried buckwheat sprouts on digestibility and morphological parameters was noticed. Fat digestibility registered a statistically significant decrease in the groups fed a high-fat diet with the addition of sprouts. The study shows a new direction in the use of buckwheat sprouts.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effects of Soy Intake on Inflammatory Markers in Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Elevated concentrations of serum inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-6, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), are commonly observed after menopause. OBJECTIVES: Because soy isoflavones may have some anti-inflammatory potential, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to explore whether soy intake affects serum markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to August 2020. All RCTs that met the following criteria were included: 1) studies of the effects of soy intake on inflammatory markers; 2) any date of publication; 3) conducted on postmenopausal women; 4) with sufficient quantitative data for meta-analysis. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% CIs. A total of 24 RCTs assessing the effects of soy intake on serum concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were included in the analysis. A random-effects model was used to determine the overall effect. RESULTS: Soy supplementation significantly reduced CRP by 0.11 mg/L in postmenopausal women (95% CI: -0.22, -0.004 mg/L; P = 0.0414), but did not affect IL-6 or TNF-α. Significant reductions in CRP concentration occurred when natural soy products were given (WMD: -0.23 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.17 mg/L; P < 0.001). This is equivalent to a ∼9% reduction in CRP concentration from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Although our meta-analysis found evidence that soy products significantly reduce CRP concentrations in postmenopausal women, the mechanisms by which soy foods and their constituents affect inflammatory biomarkers still need to be clarified.This systematic review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020179232.

Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Sprouts Modified with Probiotic Yeast.

Buckwheat sprouts are a source of various nutrients, e.g., antioxidant flavonoids, which have a positive effect on human health. This study analyzed the content of phenolic compounds and assessed their impact on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and dietary fiber in modified buckwheat sprouts. For this purpose, the buckwheat seeds were modified by adding Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. The modified buckwheat sprouts showed a higher content of total phenol compounds (1526 µg/g d.w.) than the control sprouts (951 µg/g d.w.) and seeds (672 µg/g d.w.). As a consequence, a higher antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect were noted. Probiotic-rich sprouts also had the highest content of total dietary fiber and its soluble fraction. A correlation between phenolic compounds and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as dietary fiber, was shown. The interaction between dietary fiber and phenolic compounds affects the bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of phenolic compounds in food. The introduction of probiotic yeast into the sprouts had a positive effect on increasing their nutritional value, as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. As a consequence, the nutraceutical potential of the raw material changed, opening a new direction for the use of buckwheat sprouts, e.g., in industry.

Effect of the Addition of Buckwheat Sprouts Modified with the Addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii to an Atherogenic Diet on the Metabolism of Sterols, Stanols and Fatty Acids in Rats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench buckwheat sprouts modified with the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii to an atherogenic diet on the metabolism of sterols and fatty acids in rats. It was noticed in the study that the group fed with modified sprouts (HFDPRS) had a greater amount of sterols by 75.2%, compared to the group fed on an atherogenic diet (HFD). The content of cholesterol in the liver and feces was lower in the HFDPRS group than the HFD group. In the serum of the HFDPRS group, a more significant amount of the following acids was observed: C18:2 (increase by 13.5%), C20:4 (increase by 15.1%), and C22:6 (increase by 13.1%), compared to the HFDCS group. Regarding the biochemical parameters, it was noted that the group fed the diet with the addition of probiotic-rich sprouts diet had lower non-HDL, LDL-C and CRP ratios compared to the group fed the high-fat diet. The obtained results indicate that adding modified buckwheat sprouts to the diet by adding the probiotic strain of the yeast may have a significant impact on the metabolism of the indicated components in the organism.

Comparison of the In Vitro Bioavailability of Selected Minerals from Gluten-Free Breads Enriched with Grains and Synthetic Organic and Non-Organic Compounds.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the constant efforts of scientists to improve the texture, sensory properties, and nutritional value of gluten-free bread, obtaining high bioavailability of minerals is still a huge challenge. Gluten-free bakery products are characterized by a low bioavailability of minerals. The aim of this study was to design gluten-free bread with high bioavailability of minerals commonly found in deficiencies in people struggling with gluten intolerance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material consisted of gluten-free breads designed to obtain the highest possible content of minerals in the bread while maintaining a good structure and taste. RESULTS: Higher contents of all the analyzed minerals were obtained in breads with natural and synthetic additives, both in rice and buckwheat bread, compared to basic bread. There was also a higher content of the analyzed minerals in buckwheat bread in comparison to rice bread for each type of additive. Higher bioavailability of iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium was noted in rice bread, while the bioavailability of zinc was higher in buckwheat bread. CONCLUSION: The additives used increased the bioavailability of the analyzed minerals from the gluten-free breads. The use of various variants of flour (rice, buckwheat) influenced the bioavailability of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium. The release of minerals from gluten-free bread depends on the element and added components (seeds or synthetic additives).

Evaluation of diet and nutritional status in patients aged 45+ with diagnosed, pharmacologically treated arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Diet plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension. Appropriate diet makes it possible to maintain adequate body weight and improve biochemical blood parameters. The aim of the study was to assess nutritional status of arterial hypertension patients in terms of their diet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 55 patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension aged 45-70 years. Diet was evaluated using a 24-hour 7-day diet recall interview. In the course of the diet recall interview arterial pressure was measured three times at regular times, after a 15-minute rest period, and the recorded values were averaged. Nutritional status was assessed based on anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference) and the resulting nutrition status indexes, i.e. BMI (body mass index), WHR (waist-hip ratio) as well as values of biochemical blood parameters. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that a considerable proportion of patients are overweight or obese, have an inappropriate lipid profile and elevated blood glucose levels. Daily food rations (DFR) were inappropriately balanced. Daily food rations were deficient in energy, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, PUFA and folates. It was found that inadequate diet was correlated with nutritional status, lipid profile parameters and arterial blood pressure.

Selected bioactive compounds in food of plant origin as natural immunomodulators in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Plants offer a variety of sources of substances that can function as nutraceuticals, such as phytotherapeutic raw materials, as functional products or as food products in a diet. These substances can affect the respiratory system by modulating the human immune system. The mechanism of indirect immunomodulation of the respiratory system also occurs through the action of substances in the digestive tract. The presented compounds were found in the form of foods, functional foods or nutraceuticals. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that plants and the compounds contained within them can be modulators in chronic infectious diseases and inflammations of the respiratory system in disease units such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A Comparative Study of the Bioavailability of Fe, Cu and Zn from Gluten-Free Breads Enriched with Natural and Synthetic Additives.

The aim of this study was to compare the bioavailability of iron, copper and zinc from newly designed gluten-free breads enriched with natural and synthetic additives. The study was conducted on rats with induced Fe, Cu and Zn deficiency. The nutritional intervention with diets supplemented with a 70% addition of gluten-free breads enriched with natural additives and organic compounds to the control diet AIN-93M lasted 40 days. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized, the organs were collected and their mineral content was measured. Chemical analysis of diets with the addition of fortified gluten-free breads showed significantly higher amounts of iron, zinc and copper in diets with the addition of fortified breads compared to diets with the addition of unenriched breads. The type of additives did not influence the amount of minerals in diets. It is necessary to conduct further research to explain the interactions of ingredients and the factors affecting the bioavailability of Fe, Cu and Zn from gluten-free breads in order to obtain a product with a high bioavailability of these ingredients.

Fatty acids profile, atherogenic and thrombogenic health lipid indices of lyophilized buckwheat sprouts modified with the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to present an assessment of the effect on the composition of fatty acids of a modification of buckwheat sprouts Fagopyrum esculentum Moench by the addition of the probiotic strain of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. The study is innovative. METHODS: Seeds, control and modified buckwheat sprouts lyophilisates constituted the research material. Fat analyses were performed using the standards methods. However, the determination of fatty acids was carried out following the AOCS Ce 2-66 methodology. RESULTS: The results indicated that the germination process increased the total fat content of the sprouts as well as changed the fatty acid profile. Statistically significant differences were found in the content of palmitic, arachidic, ginkgolic, oleic, eicosenoic and linoleic acids between the control and probiotic-rich sprouts. It was also found that the quality indicators of buckwheat lipids, such as atherogenic and thrombogenic, are optimal in terms of nutritional value. CONCLUSIONS: Buckwheat sprouts modified by adding probiotic yeast might be a new functional product that can be used as part of a diet that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Potential Mechanisms of Probiotics Action in the Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and most diagnosed cancers in the world. There are many predisposing factors, for example, genetic predisposition, smoking, or a diet rich in red, processed meat and poor in vegetables and fruits. Probiotics may be helpful in the prevention of cancer and may provide support during treatment. The main aim of this study is to characterize the potential mechanisms of action of probiotics, in particular the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Probiotics' potential mechanisms of action are, for example, modification of intestinal microbiota, improvement of colonic physicochemical conditions, production of anticancerogenic and antioxidant metabolites against carcinogenesis, a decrease in intestinal inflammation, and the production of harmful enzymes. The prevention of colorectal cancer is associated with favorable quantitative and qualitative changes in the intestinal microbiota, as well as changes in metabolic activity and in the physicochemical conditions of the intestine. In addition, it is worth noting that the effect depends on the bacterial strain, as well as on the dose administered.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) - characteristics, nutritional and pro-health properties.

The cornelian cherry Cornus mas L. belongs to the Cornaceae family (Cornaceae). It can be found naturally in the central and south-eastern regions of Europe. Its fruits are characterized by oval or oval-oblong shape, with colours ranging from light yellow to dark cherry. The taste of fruits is usually considered to be tart- sweet, sour and in some cases sweet-pineapple. All cultivars of the cornelian cherry have a high biological value, which is mainly connected with their antioxidant activity, as well as with their phenolic compound and ascorbic acid content. The main pro-health properties of the cornelian cherry are related to the large amount of anthocyanins. The basic raw material is fruits; however, leaves, flowers and seeds are also used as a source of active ingredients. The chemical composition of cornelian cherry fruits is diversified and depends to a large extent on the cultivar, as well as on cultivation, and the environmental and climatic conditions.

Safeness of Diets Based on Gluten-Free Buckwheat Bread Enriched with Seeds and Nuts-Effect on Oxidative and Biochemical Parameters in Rat Serum.

Buckwheat breads enriched with seeds (e.g., poppy, carum, amaranth, sunflower, and pumpkin) and nuts can be excellent sources of selected macro- and microelements and bioactive components, such as phenolics, essential oils, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins; however, no studies described their impacts on body biochemical parameters and antioxidant status. The aim of this study was to a determine the safety (the analyses of blood morphological and biochemical parameters) of short-term diets based on buckwheat breads supplemented with the commonly used functional ingredients. Additionally, we confirmed the usefulness of these fortified breads in a reduction of blood cholesterol and triacylglycerols, as well as an improvement of in vivo antioxidant status of Wistar rats. Enriched breads presented an increased phenolic content; however, it has not been translated into an elevation of antioxidant capacities. During short-term in vivo experiments, the studied breads increased the body mass of the rats, except the control buckwheat bread. Compared to the control, the poppy-milk bread markedly lowered (-23%) and egg yolk-carum bread significantly increased (+17%) the total cholesterol concentration in serum. All the fortified breads decreased triacylglycerols' levels by about 50%. Bread enriched with the poppy-milk, milk-seed, egg yolk-carum, and a mix of additives decreased superoxide dismutase activity by 68%, 66%, 73%, and 71%, respectively. Catalase activity was significantly decreased in the rats fed with carum bread (-62%) and markedly increased in the groups fed with egg yolk-carum bread (+89%), hazel nuts-amaranth bread (+72%), and milk-seeds bread (+65%). The results confirmed the usefulness and safety of functional additives in buckwheat breads.

Selenium and Other Elements in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Wheat Bread from a Seleniferous Area.

The objective of the present study was to assess the levels of Se, as well as other essential and toxic trace elements in wheat grains and traditional Roti-bread from whole-grain flour in a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Wheat grain and bread selenium levels originating from seleniferous areas exceeded the control values by a factor of more than 488 and 179, respectively. Se-rich wheat was also characterized by significantly increased Cu and Mn levels. Se-rich bread also contained significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, and V. The level of Li and Sr was reduced in both Se-enriched wheat and bread samples. Roti bread from Se-enriched wheat was also characterized by elevated Al, Cd, and Ni, as well as reduced As and Hg content as compared to the respective control values. Se intake with Se-rich bread was estimated as more than 13,600% of RDA. Daily intake of Mn with both Se-unfortified and Se-fortified bread was 133% and 190% of RDA. Therefore, Se-rich bread from wheat cultivated on a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) may be considered as a potent source of selenium, although Se status should be monitored throughout dietary intervention.

Effect of probiotic supplementation on liver function and lipid status in rats.

BACKGROUND: High gut microflora quality plays a crucial role in cardiovascular protection and undisturbed liver function. Currently, the most effective methods to ameliorate gut microbiota influence on the host’s cardiovascular health state are investigated. Next to low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and low non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) serum levels, triglycerides (TG) seem to be a new goal of cardioprotective treatment and prevention. Moreover, it has been documented that high serum alanine transaminase (ALT) is a reliable marker of cardiovascular risk. Probiotics are a well proven factor decreasing blood LDL and total cholesterol (TCH) concentrations. However, the effect of probiotics on serum TG and ALT levels remains underinvestigated. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 6-week-long supplementation with     a multispecies probiotic mixture in two doses on body mass, liver function and lipid profile in the rat model. METHODS: Thirty ‘Wistar’ rats were randomly divided into the control group – KK, a group receiving a probiotic in a daily dose of 2.5×109 CFU (PA) and a group receiving a probiotic in a daily dose of 1×1010 CFU (PB) for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks body mass, liver mass, serum concentrations of TCH, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), TG, ALT and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined. RESULTS: Neither at baseline nor at the end of the experiment were there any differences in the body mass  of rats between all three groups. At the completion of the study the liver mass of the rats was significantly lower in the PA and PB vs. KK group. In group PB a significantly lower serum concentration of TG and ALT compared to the KK group was registered at the end of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Six-week-long supplementation with multispecies probiotic mixture exerts a favorable and dose-dependent effect on liver function and lipid profile in the rat model and may also have a favorable influ- ence on cardiovascular impairments. Thus, the inclusion of probiotics supplementation in cardiovascular risk management should be considered.

The genetic basis of obesity complications.

Intensive research is currently being performed into the genetic background of excess body mass compli- cations such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, especially atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Chronic inflammation is an important process in the pathogenesis of obesity, wherein there is an aberrant ex- pression of genes encoding adipokines. Visceral tissue is characterized by a higher expression and secretion of interleukin-8, interleukin-1ß and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in the subcutaneous tissue secretion of leptin prevails. An important complication of obesity is obstructive sleep apnea, often observed in Prader- Willi syndrome. The genetic background of sleep apnea may be a polymorphism of the SREBF1 gene. The consequence of excess body mass is metabolic syndrome, which may be related to the occurrence of the rs926198 variant of gene encoding caveolin-1. The genes of transcription factor TCF7L2 and PPAR-γ2 take part in the pathogenesis of diabetes development. It has been demonstrated that oncogenes FOS, FOSB, and JUN may be co-responsible not only for obesity but also for osteoporosis and colorectal cancer. It has been shown that weight loss causes a modification in the expression of about 100 genes involvedt in the production of substances such as cytokines and other responsible for chronic inflammation in obesity. In future studies on the complications of obesity, such scientific disciplines as proteomics, peptidomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics should be used. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge about the genetic basis of obesity complications.

Iron bioavailability from cereal products enriched with Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms in rats with induced anaemia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus is good source of iron. However, there is a limited data concerning bioavailability of iron from oyster mushroom and also cereal products containing this mushroom. The aim of this study was to assess bioavailability of iron from products with an addition of Pleurotus ostreatus in male rats with anaemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Investigations were conducted in two stages. In the first stage iron deficiency was developed in rats. For this purpose 6 weeks old 36 male Wistar rats were fed a AIN-93M diet deficient in iron and 6 males received a standard AIN-93M diet. In the second stage of the study the assessment of Fe bioavailability from cereal products enriched with dried Pleurotus ostreatus. After experiment the animals were killed and blood and heart, liver, spleen and kidneys were collected for biochemical tests. RESULTS: Feeding male Wistar rats supplemented with dried Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms diets resulted in the restitution of the systemic Fe level, as manifested by an increase of the level comparable to the control group for: iron transferrin saturation rate, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume. Values of hematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in animals fed products supplemented with Pleurotus ostreatus were significantly higher compared to animals fed products with no Fe added. The highest MCV value was recorded when 20% of dried oyster mushrooms were added. Iron levels in the blood serum, the liver and kidneys in animals fed cereal products considerably exceeded values recorded at the beginning of the experiment and were similar to the control values. CONCLUSIONS: Product may be a valuable source of iron in the nutrition of individuals with a deficiency of this element, first of all patients with absorption and metabolism disorders, but also may add variety to the traditional daily diet.

Bioavailability and Digestibility of Nutrients from the Dried Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes): In Vivo Experiments.

There is a limited number of publications on the bioavailability and digestibility of nutrients contained in macrofungi. The aim of this study was to assess the bioavailability and digestibility of macronutrients using in vivo experiments on laboratory animals. The experiments were conducted with the commercial oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. Semisynthetic diets were prepared based on the modified AIN-93M diet and were supplemented with 4% and 8% mushroom powder. Between days 4 and 13, apparent digestibility indexes were determined for all animals using the conventional balance method. The hematological indexes-that is, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration-were determined using a Sysmex K-1000 hematological analyzer. Feeding rats with semisynthetic diets supplemented with dried oyster mushroom had no negative effect on body weight gain or feeding efficiency, expressed in the amount of body weight gain per unit of metabolic energy uptake. Introduction of dried oyster mushroom to the diet resulted in reduced digestibility of the diet and the protein and fat it contained, as well as decreased apparent energy availability. These changes were dependent on the volume of dried mushroom added to the semisynthetic diet. The addition of dried oyster mushroom to the semisynthetic diet considerably reduced passage time through the alimentary tract of rats.

The effects of a low-calorie diet or an isocaloric diet combined with metformin on sex hormones In obese women of child-bearing age.

BACKGROUND: The influence of weight loss treatment on sex hormones profile has been studied mainly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but in obese premenopausal women without PCOS it still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two approaches to obesity treatment on the serum level of sex hormones in obese women of child-bearing age without PCOS. METHODS: 77 obese Caucasian women (aged 31.2 ±8.3 years) were randomized into two groups: 39 women received a low-calorie diet (LC) and 38 received an isocaloric diet plus metformin (IM), for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, body composition and serum concentrations of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) sulfate were evaluated at baseline and after the study. RESULTS: Reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and body fat content with an increase  in lean body percent were significant and comparable between the LC and IM group after the trial. The concentrations of serum FSH, LH, E2, DHEA and T did not change in either group after treatment. A tendency towards an increase in the E2 concentration in both groups and a decrease in the T level in the LC group  was observed. The correlations between a change in BMI, fat content, waist-hip ratio and a change in T were documented in the LC group. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week low-calorie diet and an isocaloric diet combined with metformin produced comparable and significant weight loss with improvements in body composition. Both interventions did not significantly affect FSH, LH and DHEA sulfate serum concentrations, only a trend towards an E2 increase and a T decrease was observed, stronger in LC group. The significant correlations shown between the changes in anthropometric and body composition parameters and T serum levels in women treated with a low-calorie diet alone show the beneficial effect of a lifestyle intervention on the sex hormone in obese premenopausal women.

Comparative Analysis of the Trace Element Content of the Leaves and Roots of Three Plantago Species.

The primary objective of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of the trace element content of the leaves and roots of three Plantago species (P. maxima Juss. ex Jacq., P. major L., and P. lanceolata L.). Trace element levels were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The data indicate that the leaves of P. lanceolata are characterized by the highest Co, Cr, and Se content, whereas P. maxima leaves contained the greatest levels of Si and Zn. In contrast, the highest concentrations of Co, Cr, Fe, I, Mn, Si, and V were detected in the roots of P. major. Zn content was also higher in P. maxima roots than in the other species analyzed. The toxic trace elements were differentially distributed across the studied species. In particular, P. lanceolata leaves contained significantly higher Al, As, Li, Ni, Pb, and Sr levels, whereas the B and Cd content was elevated in P. major as compared to the other species. Surprisingly, the leaf Hg level was the lowest in P. major, whose levels of Al, As, B, Cd, Ni, Li, and Sr were significantly higher than the other two species. The data indicate that the concentration of most of the essential trace elements was higher in the leaves and roots of P. major and P. lanceolata than in P. maxima, while P. maxima had less toxic metals. The obtained data on trace elements content in Plantago tissues may be taken into account while using plant preparations in practical medicine.