Assessment of consumer awareness on the consumption of phytoestrogens in diet and their supplementation - survey studies.

INTRODUCTION: Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with structural similarity to 17-ß-estradiol. They are considered safer substitutes for synthetic drugs, especially in the treatment of menopause related symptoms. They are delivered to the body with diet or as dietary supplements. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to assess consumer awareness of taking phytoestrogens with diet and supplements, as well as the benefits and risks of such supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An original survey form was created for the purpose of the study, 133 questionnaires were completed online, and 100 were distributed to random respondents in the Silesian Voivodship. The vast majority of the respondents (84.5%) was represented by women. The study group was diverse in terms of age, education and place of residence. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (67.4%) encountered the concept of phytoestrogens. Common plants as: flax, sunflower, pumpkin, European olive and hops were indicated as phytoestrogen main sources. A small group of respondents (6%) was convinced of the effectiveness of phytoestrogens and indicated their specific health-promoting activities, 49.4% said that not every therapy with their use would improve health and 42.9% declared lack of knowledge in this area. According to the survey outcomes, 16.7% of respondents unambiguously confirmed beneficial effect of phytoestrogens on menopause symptoms. Half of the respondents had no opinion whether phytoestrogens could be an effective replacement for synthetic drugs based therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete knowledge of society regarding the use of phytoestrogens indicates the need for raising awareness of patients/consumers in this area by medical staff and dietitians. Phytoestrogens, when taken responsibly, can have many benefits for human health.

Interventions for preventing osteoradionecrosis of the jaws in adults receiving head and neck radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is among the most serious oral complications of head and neck cancer radiotherapy, arising from radiation-induced fibro-atrophic tissue injury, manifested by necrosis of osseous tissues and failure to heal, often secondary to operative interventions in the oral cavity. It is associated with considerable morbidity and has important quality of life ramifications. Since ORN is very difficult to treat effectively, preventive measures to limit the onset of this disease are needed; however, the effects of various preventive interventions has not been adequately quantified. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions for preventing ORN of the jaws in adult patients with head and neck cancer undergoing curative or adjuvant (i.e. non-palliative) radiotherapy. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 5 November 2019), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 10) in the Cochrane Library (searched 5 November 2019), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 5 November 2019), Embase Ovid (1980 to 5 November 2019), Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) Ovid (1985 to 5 November 2019), Scopus (1966 to 5 November 2019), Proquest Dissertations and Theses International (1861 to 5 November 2019) and Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to 5 November 2019). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of adult patients 18 years or older with head and neck cancer who had undergone curative or adjuvant radiotherapy to the head and neck, who had received an intervention to prevent the onset of ORN. Eligible patients were those subjected to pre- or post-irradiation dental evaluation. Management of these patients was to be with interventions independent of their cancer therapy, including but not limited to local, systemic, or behavioural interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials from search results, assessed risk of bias, and extracted relevant data for inclusion in the review. Authors of included studies were contacted to request missing data. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies were identified that met pre-determined eligibility criteria, evaluating a total of 342 adults. From the four studies, all assessed as at high risk of bias, three broad interventions were identified that may potentially reduce the risk of ORN development: one study showed no reduction in ORN when using platelet-rich plasma placed in the extraction sockets of prophylactically removed healthy mandibular molar teeth prior to radiotherapy (odds ratio (OR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 19.09; one trial, 44 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Another study involved comparing fluoride gel and high-content fluoride toothpaste (1350 parts per million (ppm)) in prevention of post-radiation caries, and found no difference between their use as no cases of ORN were reported (one trial, 220 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The other two studies involved the use of perioperative hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and antibiotics. One study showed that treatment with HBO caused a reduction in the development of ORN in comparison to patients treated with antibiotics following dental extractions (risk ratio (RR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.76; one trial, 74 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Another study found no difference between combined HBO and antibiotics compared to antibiotics alone prior to dental implant placement (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.14 to 65.16; one trial, 26 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adverse effects of the different interventions were not reported clearly or were not important. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given the suboptimal reporting and inadequate sample sizes of the included studies, evidence regarding the interventions evaluated by the trials included in this review is uncertain. More well-designed RCTs with larger samples are required to make conclusive statements regarding the efficacy of these interventions.

Effect of Resveratrol, a Dietary-Derived Polyphenol, on the Oxidative Stress and Polyol Pathway in the Lens of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.

Resveratrol is found in grapes, apples, blueberries, mulberries, peanuts, pistachios, plums and red wine. Resveratrol has been shown to possess antioxidative activity and a variety of preventive effects in models of many diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate if this substance may counteract the oxidative stress and polyol pathway in the lens of diabetic rats. The study was conducted on the rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes. After the administration of resveratrol (10 and 20 mg/kg po for 4 weeks), the oxidative stress markers in the lens were evaluated: activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as levels of total and soluble protein, level of glutathione, vitamin C, calcium, sulfhydryl group, advanced oxidation protein products, malonyldialdehyde, Total Oxidant Status and Total Antioxidant Reactivity. The obtained results indicate that the administration of resveratrol to the diabetic rats shows antioxidative properties. It is not a result of antiglycaemic activity but resveratrol probably directly affects the antioxidative system. Resveratrol did not affect the polyol pathway in the lens of diabetic rats. Our results may indirectly indicate benefits of consumption of foods as well as dietary supplements containing resveratrol in diminishing oxidative stress in lenses of individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Effect of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, on the rat skeletal system.

Diosgenin is a steroidal sapogenin present in fenugreek and Dioscorea spp. as glycosides (saponins). Diosgenin has already been reported to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and to stimulate osteogenic activity of osteoblastic cells in vitro, and to exert some antiosteoporotic effects in rats in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of diosgenin administration on the skeletal system of rats with normal estrogen level and with estrogen deficiency induced by bilateral ovariectomy. The experiments were carried out on 3-month-old non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized Wistar rats, divided into control rats and rats receiving diosgenin (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. Serum bone turnover markers, bone mass and mineralization, histomorphometric parameters and mechanical properties were studied. Diosgenin improved some investigated parameters in both non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized rats, in which estrogen deficiency induced osteoporotic changes. Diosgenin increased compact bone formation and probably inhibited cancellous bone resorption, which led to improvement of mechanical properties of compact and cancellous bone. In conclusion, this in vivo study demonstrated that diosgenin may be one of sparse compounds increasing bone formation.

EFFECT OF DIETARY FLAVONOID NARINGENIN ON BONES IN RATS WITH OVARIECTOMY-INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS.

Naringenin is a dietary flavanone which can be found in many products such as citrus fruits. This substance reveals multiple pharmacological activities such as antiinflammatory and antioxidative. During the menopause, the estrogen deficiency occurs, thus naringenin, which is also considered as a phytoestrogen, may be useful in the treatment of menopause-associated osteoporosis. The aim of the presented study was to examine the effect of naringenin on the mechanical properties, chemical composition and the histomorphological parameters of bones in the rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. The female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, ovariectomized, ovariectoiized treated with estradiol (0.2 mg/kg p.o.) and ovariectomized treated with naringenin (50 mg/kg p.o.), and the tested substances were administered for 4 weeks. The obtained results show that ovariectomy caused the characteristic changes in the skeletal system of rats - there was deterioration in mechanics, chemistry and histomorphometry. The estradiol administered to the rats served as positive control for the experiment. Administration of naringenin to the ovariectomized rats affected neither the bone chemical content nor the mechanical properties, however, there was a slight improvement in the bone microarchitecture in the tissue affected by osteoporosis. It can be concluded that the intake of naringenin in dietary products is not harmful and may even bring beneficial effect on the bones histomorphometry during postmenopausal osteoporosis.

BIOCHANIN A SHOWS NO EFFECT ON SKELETAL SYSTEM IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS, WHEN ADMINISTERED IN MODERATE DOSE.

Biochanin A is a naturally occurring isoflavone. Its main sources are clover species such as Trifolium pretense, Trifolium subterraneum or Trifolium incarnatum. Phytoestrogens, including isoflavones, are plant-derived substances, which exhibit estrogen-like properties, thus they may be used as an alternative for hormonal replacement therapies and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Therefore, the aim of the presented study, was to investigate the effect of biochanin A on chemistry and mechanical properties of skeletal system in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. The animals were divided into 4 groups--(I) sham-operated rats, (II) ovariectomized rats, (III) ovariectomized rats receiving estradiol at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg p.o., which were a positive control, and (IV) ovariectomized rats receiving biochanin A at a dose of 5 mg/kg p.o. for four weeks. The administered dose of biochanin A is considered as moderate for human, which can be received in the dietary supplements, and was established using ten-fold conversion rate resulting from faster metabolism in rats. Obtained results showed that ovariectomy induced harmful changes in bone tissue, causing worsening in both chemistry and mechanical parameters in bones. Administration of biochanin A to ovariectomized rats did not affect any changes in bone tissue in comparison to the bones of untreated ovariectomized rats. There was neither improvement nor deterioration noted in chemical composition and mechanical properties in all analyzed bones. Basing on the results, it could be concluded, that biochanin A administered in a moderate dose shows no influence on bone tissue of rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis.

RAPESEED PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE HYDROLYSIS TO PHOSPHATIDIC ACID USING PLANT EXTRACTS WITH PHOPSPHOLIPASE D.

Phosphatidic acid (PA) has a crucial role in cell membrane structure and function. For that reason it has a possible application in the treatment of some health disorders in humans, can be used as a natural and non toxic emulsifier and the component of drug carriers in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as well as a component for synthesis of some new phospholipids. PA is short-lived in the cell and is difficult to extract directly from the biological material. PA may be easily prepared by hydrolysis of phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine (PC), using cabbage phospholipase D (PLD). Hydrolytic activity of purified by us PLD extracts from cabbage towards rapeseed phosphatidylcholine (RPC) was investigated. Hydrolysis was carried out in the biphasic system (water/diethyl ether) at pH 6,5 and temp 30°C. Influence of enzymatic extracts from three cabbage varieties, reaction time, Ca2+ concentration and enzyme extracts/PC ratio, on activity towards RPC resulting in rapeseed phosphatidic acid (RPA) formation were examined. Our study shows that the PLD extracts from savoy cabbage (PLDsc), white cabbage (PLDwc) and brussels sprouts (PLDbs) used in experiments exhibit hydrolytic activity towards RPC resulting in rapeseed RPA with different yield. The highest activity towards RPC shows PLD extract from PLDsc with the RPC conversion degree to RPA (90%) was observed at 120 mM Ca2+ concentration, reaction time 60 min and ratio of PLD extract to RPC 6 : 1 (w/w). Our study shows that purified by us PLDsc extracts exhibit hydrolytic activity towards RPC giving new RPA with satisfying conversion degree for use in pharmacy, cosmetics and as a standard in analytical chemistry.

Unfavorable effect of trigonelline, an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek, on bone mechanical properties in estrogen-deficient rats.

SCOPE: Trigonelline (1-methylpyridinium-3-carboxylate), an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek seed, has been reported to exhibit phytoestrogenic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline on bone mechanical properties of rats with normal estrogen level and estrogen deficiency (developing osteoporosis). METHODS AND RESULTS: The experiments were performed on 3-month-old nonovariectomized and ovariectomized (estrogen-deficient) Wistar rats, divided into control rats and rats receiving trigonelline (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. The ovariectomy was performed 7-8 days before the start of trigonelline administration. Serum bone turnover markers and bone mineralization, as well as mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, femoral diaphysis, and femoral neck were examined. Estrogen deficiency caused worsening of bone mineralization and mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, as well as increases in bone turnover markers. Administration of trigonelline did not affect the investigated parameters in nonovariectomized rats, but it worsened the mineralization and mechanical properties of cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Unfavorable effects of trigonelline on the skeletal system depended on the estrogen status. They were observed only in cancellous bone of estrogen-deficient rats.

Effect of formononetin on mechanical properties and chemical composition of bones in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis.

Formononetin is a naturally occurring isoflavone, which can be found in low concentrations in many dietary products, but the greatest sources of this substance are Astragalus membranaceus, Trifolium pratense, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Pueraria lobata, which all belong to Fabaceae family. Due to its structural similarity to 17 ß -estradiol, it can mimic estradiol's effect and therefore is considered as a "phytoestrogen." The aim of this study was to examine the effect of formononetin on mechanical properties and chemical composition of bones in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. 12-week-old female rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, ovariectomized, ovariectomized treated with estradiol (0.2 mg/kg) and ovariectomized treated with formononetin (10 mg/kg). Analyzed substances were administered orally for 4 weeks. Ovariectomy caused osteoporotic changes, which can be observed in bone biomechanical features (decrease of maximum load and fracture load and increase of displacements for maximum and fracture loads) and bone chemical composition (increase of water and organic fraction content, while a decrease of minerals takes place). Supplementation with formononetin resulted in slightly enhanced bone mechanical properties and bone chemistry improvement (significantly lower water content and insignificantly higher mineral fraction content). To summarize, administration of formononetin to ovariectomized rats shows beneficial effect on bone biomechanical features and chemistry; thus, it can prevent osteoporosis development.

Effects of curcumin on the skeletal system in rats.

There is increasing interest in the discovery of natural compounds that could favorably affect the skeletal system. Curcumin is a constituent of turmeric, a plant which has been used for centuries as a dietary spice and a traditional Indian medicine. Curcumin has been reported to affect differentiation, activity and the lifespan of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on the skeletal system of rats in vivo. Curcumin (10 mg/kg, po daily) was administered for four weeks to normal (non-ovariectomized) and bilaterally ovariectomized (estrogen-deficient) three-month-old female Wistar Cmd:(WI)WU rats. Ovariectomy was performed seven days before the start of curcumin administration. Bone mass, mineral and calcium content, macrometric and histomorphometric parameters, as well as the mechanical properties of the bone, were examined. Serum total cholesterol and estradiol levels were also determined. In rats with normal estrogen levels, curcumin decreased serum estradiol level and slightly increased cancellous bone formation, along with decreased mineralization. Estrogen deficiency induced osteoporotic changes in the skeletal system of the ovariectomized control rats. In ovariectomized rats, curcumin decreased body mass gain and serum total cholesterol level, slightly improved some bone histomorphometric parameters impaired by estrogen deficiency, but did not improve bone mineralization or mechanical properties. In conclusion, the results of the present in vivo study in rats did not support the hypothesis that curcumin, at doses that are readily achievable through dietary intake, could be useful for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.

Administration of caffeic acid worsened bone mechanical properties in female rats.

Natural phenolic acids, commonly present in plants that are normally consumed in the diet, have been reported to exert antiresorptive and/or bone formation increasing activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ferulic, caffeic, P-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids on the skeletal system of normal, mature female rats. The phenolic acids (10 mg/kg p. o. daily for 4 weeks) were administered to 3-month-old female Wistar Cmd:(WI)WU rats. Bone mass, mineral and calcium content, macrometric and histomorphometric parameters, and mechanical properties were examined. Phenolic acids had differential effects on the rat skeletal system. Although none of them affected bone macrometric parameters, mass and mineralization, all of them increased the width of femoral trabeculae. Administration of caffeic acid worsened bone mechanical properties (decreasing ultimate load sustained by the femur in three-point bending test). In conclusion, high intake of caffeic acid may unfavorably affect the skeletal system.

Effects of natural phenolic acids on the skeletal system of ovariectomized rats.

Recent reports indicate the possibility of antiresorptive and/or bone formation increasing activity of natural phenolic acids, commonly present in plants which are normally consumed in the diet. The effects of 4 natural phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, P-coumaric or chlorogenic, 10 mg/kg P. O. daily for 4 weeks) on the skeletal system of ovariectomized (estrogen-deficient) rats were investigated. Bone mass, mineral and calcium content, macrometric and histomorphometric parameters, and mechanical properties were examined. Phenolic acids differentially affected the skeletal system of rats with osteoporotic changes induced by the ovariectomy. Caffeic acid decreased bone mass, whereas P-coumaric acid increased the bone mass/body mass ratio and bone mineral mass/body mass ratio in the long bones, in comparison with the ovariectomized control rats. The phenolic acids improved some bone histomorphometric parameters, impaired by estrogen deficiency. However, they did not increase the ratio of bone mineral mass to bone mass, decreased by estrogen deficiency, and did not significantly affect bone mechanical properties. In conclusion, different natural phenolic acids exert differential effects on the skeletal system of ovariectomized rats, both favourable and deleterious.