Phenolic composition of 91 Australian apple varieties: towards understanding their health attributes.

INTRODUCTION: Apples, an important contributor to total dietary phenolic intake, are associated with cardiovascular health benefits. Determining the phenolic composition of apples, their individual variation across varieties, and the phenolic compounds present in plasma after apple consumption is integral to understanding the effects of apple phenolics on cardiovascular health. METHODS: Using liquid chromatography we quantified five important polyphenols and one phenolic acid with potential health benefits: quercetin glycosides, (-)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, phloridzin, anthocyanins, and chlorogenic acid, in the skin and flesh of 19 apple varieties and 72 breeding selections from the Australian National Apple Breeding program. Furthermore, we measured the phenolic compounds in the plasma of 30 individuals post-consumption of an identified phenolic-rich apple, Cripp's Pink. RESULTS: Considerable variation in concentration of phenolic compounds was found between genotypes: quercetin (mean ± SD: 16.1 ± 5.9, range: 5.8-30.1 mg per 100 g); (-)-epicatechin (mean ± SD: 8.6 ± 5.8, range: 0.2-19.8 mg per 100 g); procyanidin B2 (mean ± SD: 11.5 ± 6.6, range: 0.5-26.5 mg per 100 g); phloridzin (mean ± SD: 1.1 ± 0.6, range: 0.3-4.3 mg per 100 g); anthocyanins (mean ± SD: 1.8 ± 4.4, range: 0-40.8 mg per 100 g); and chlorogenic acid (mean ± SD: 11.3 ± 9.9, range: 0.4-56.0 mg per 100 g). All phenolic compounds except chlorogenic acid were more concentrated in the skin compared with flesh. We observed a significant increase, with wide variation, in 14 phenolic compounds in plasma post-consumption of a phenolic-rich apple. CONCLUSION: This information makes an important contribution to understanding the potential health benefits of apples.

Phytochemical profiles, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of four red-fleshed apple varieties in China.

Red-fleshed apples are preferred because of their high content of phenolics and antioxidants. In this study, the phenolic characteristics, antioxidant properties, and antihuman cancer cell properties of the four hybrids of Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana (Ledeb.) M. Roem were analyzed. In addition, the antioxidant and anti-proliferation properties of these apples were measured. Compared to "Fuji" apples, the red-fleshed apples were rich in phenolic and flavonoid chemicals, ranging from 1.5- to 2.6-fold and 1.4- to 2.4-fold, respectively. In all antioxidant methods (DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and cell antioxidant capacity), "A38" obtained the highest antioxidant value, whereas "Fuji" got the lowest antioxidant value. The IC50 values ranged from 33.44 ("A38") to 73.36 mg/mL ("Fuji") for MCF-7 and 20.94 ("A38") to 39.39 mg/mL ("Fuji") for MAD-MB-231. The red-fleshed "A38" and "Meihong" exhibited higher antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in vitro because of the higher levels of phenolics, and the higher potential for development and utilization value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative activity in vitro of four red-fleshed apple cultivars and one white-fleshed apple cultivar were compared in this study. This information should assist to give a reasonable evaluation for scientists to breed new cultivars with high phenolics and to exploit the natural polyphenol.

Discerning between Two Tuscany (Italy) Ancient Apple cultivars, 'Rotella' and 'Casciana', through Polyphenolic Fingerprint and Molecular Markers.

Ancient apple cultivars usually have higher nutraceutical value than commercial ones, but in most cases their variability in pomological traits does not allow us to discriminate among them. Fruit of two Tuscany ancient apple cultivars, 'Casciana' and 'Rotella', picked from eight different orchards (four for each cultivar) were analyzed for their pomological traits, organoleptic qualities, polyphenolic profile and antiradical activity. The effectiveness of a polyphenol-based cluster analysis was compared to molecular markers (internal transcribed spacers, ITS1 and ITS2) to unequivocally discern the two apples. 'Casciana' and 'Rotella' fruit had a higher nutraceutical value than some commercial cultivars, in terms of phenolic abundance, profile and total antiradical activity. Although pedo-climatic conditions of different orchards influenced the phenolic profile of both apples, the polyphenolic discriminant analysis clearly separated the two cultivars, principally due to higher amounts of procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3 and p-coumaroylquinic acid in 'Casciana' than in 'Rotella' fruit. These three polyphenols can be used proficiently as biochemical markers for distinguishing the two apples when pomological traits cannot. Conversely, ITS1 and ITS2 polymorphism did not allow us to distinguish 'Casciana' from 'Rotella' fruit. Overall, the use of polyphenolic fingerprint might represent a valid tool to ensure the traceability of products with a high economic value.

Screening of ordinary commercial varieties of apple fruits under different storage conditions for their potential vascular and metabolic protective properties.

Epidemiological studies reported that apple consumption is associated with a decrease of cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction, probably due to the polyphenols and fibers present in this fruit. The storage conditions and genetic origin of apples have been reported to influence their content and, as a consequence, their pharmacological properties. The present study evaluated the influence of varieties and storage conditions of traditional and highly appreciated apples including Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Pink Lady varieties after harvest and storage under classic cold conditions, under a controlled atmosphere, or under extreme ultra-low oxygen conditions. Thus, a multi-parametric screening on cell models associated with vascular and metabolic dysfunctions - such as endothelial and smooth muscle cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes and macrophages - in relation to the apple polyphenol content has been developed. This strategy demonstrated that, overall, peeled apple samples exhibited a vascular tropism and acted mainly on proliferation and oxidative stress in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Apple extracts appeared to be less effective on adipocytes and macrophages, but they exhibited antioxidant properties in hepatocytes. Among the varieties, Gala and Golden Delicious were the most efficient against the processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Concerning storage conditions, most of the apple varieties were more efficient under harvest conditions, while they could not be discriminated under all other cold conditions and the concentration used, except for the Gala samples. Interestingly, pharmacological properties were associated with the polyphenol profiles of freeze dried apple flesh powder. The present report revealed the potential use of some apple extracts as effective food supplements or nutraceuticals for the prevention and/or management of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Seasonal Variability of the Phytochemical Composition of New Red-Fleshed Apple Varieties Compared with Traditional and New White-Fleshed Varieties.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the season on the apple phytochemical composition (phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and organic and ascorbic acids). For this proposal, four red-fleshed and five white-fleshed apple varieties from two consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016) were studied. A significant interaction with the season in some compounds was observed. The total phenolic content in the apple flesh from 2015 was higher than that from 2016 probably related with the lower rainfall during the harvest period in 2015 that could have favored hydric stress in the apple trees. The impact of the season on the apple skin was different. The 2016 season was characterized by higher maximum and minimum temperatures resulting in a higher content of flavonols, triterpenes, and organic acids. Anthocyanin concentration in both the flesh and skin of the red-fleshed apples showed no clear relationship to the season, and each variety showed an individual pattern.

WNT Inhibitory Activity of Malus Pumila miller cv Annurca and Malus domestica cv Limoncella Apple Extracts on Human Colon-Rectal Cells Carrying Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Mutations.

Inhibitors of the Wingless-related Integration site (WNT)/ß-catenin pathway have recently been under consideration as potential chemopreventive agents against Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). This autosomal-dominant syndrome is caused by germline mutations in the gene coding for the protein APC and leads to hyperactivation of the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway, uncontrolled intestinal cell proliferation and formation of adenocarcinomas. The aim of the present work was to: (i) test, on in vitro cultures of cells carrying FAP mutations and on ex vivo biopsies of FAP patients, the WNT inhibitory activity of extracts from two common southern Italian apples, Malus pumila Miller cv. 'Annurca' and Malus domestica cv 'Limoncella'; (ii) identify the mechanisms underpinning their activities and; (iii) evaluate their potency upon gastrointestinal digestion. We here show that both Annurca and Limoncella apple extracts act as WNT inhibitors, mostly thanks to their polyphenolic contents. They inhibit the pathway in colon cells carrying FAP mutations with active dilutions falling in ranges close to consumer-relevant concentrations. Food-grade manufacturing of apple extracts increases their WNT inhibitory activity as result of the conversion of quercetin glycosides into the aglycone quercetin, a potent WNT inhibitor absent in the fresh fruit extract. However, in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion severely affected WNT inhibitory activity of apple extracts, as result of a loss of polyphenols. In conclusion, our results show that apple extracts inhibit the WNT pathway in colon cells carrying FAP mutations and represent a potential nutraceutical alternative for the treatment of this pathology. Enteric coating is advisable to preserve the activity of the extracts in the colon-rectal section of the digestive tract.

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity during the Development of 'Brookfield' and 'Mishima' Apples.

The aim of this study was to characterize the changes in the contents of total (TPC) and individual (IPC) phenolic compounds, the total antioxidant activity (TAA) in the peel and pulp, and total anthocyanins (TAN) in the peel during the development of the fruits of 'Brookfield' and 'Mishima' apple trees. 'Brookfield' apples were harvested from the 49th to the 138th days after full bloom (DAFB) and 'Mishima' apples from the 45th to the 172th DAFB. In the pulp, the IPC, TPC, and TAA rapidly reduced at 75 and 79 DAFB for the 'Brookfield' and 'Mishima' apples, respectively, and then remained constant until commercial maturity. In the peel of 'Brookfield' apples there was a reduction in the TPC and TAA at 79 DAFB. The quercetin 3-galactoside, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 contents reduced up to 107 DAFB with a subsequent increase in the values at commercial maturity. In the peel of 'Mishima' apples there was a reduction in the TPC, TAA, epicatechin, and procyanidin B1 and B2 contents at 130 DAFB, with a subsequent increase until commercial maturity. The TAN content in the peel increased during the 2 and 4 weeks prior to commercial maturity for 'Brookfield' and 'Mishima' apples, respectively. In the pulp and peel of both cultivars there was a reduction in the IPC, TPC, and TAA as the development proceeded. On nearing commercial maturity, there was an increase in the contents of quercetin 3-galactoside, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, and TAN in the peel for both cultivars.

Phytochemical Profiles of New Red-Fleshed Apple Varieties Compared with Traditional and New White-Fleshed Varieties.

This study is an exhaustive chemical characterization of the phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and organic and ascorbic acids in red-fleshed apple varieties obtained by different breeding programs and using five traditional and new white-fleshed apple cultivars as reference. To carry out these analyses, solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) were used. The results showed that the red-fleshed apples contained, in either the flesh or peel, higher amounts of phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid), anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-galactoside), dihydrochalcones (phloretin xylosyl glucoside), and organic acids (malic acid) but a lower amount of flavan-3-ols than the white-fleshed apples. These quantitative differences could be related to an up-regulation of anthocyanins, dihydrochalcones, and malic acid and a down-regulation of flavan-3-ols (anthocyanin precursors) in both the flesh and peel of the red-fleshed apple varieties. The reported results should be considered preliminary because the complete phytochemical characterization of the red-fleshed apple cultivars will be extended to consecutive harvest seasons.

Determination of D-glucaric acid and/or D-glucaro-1,4-lacton in different apple varieties through hydrophilic interaction chromatography.

d-Glucaric acid (GA) derivatives exhibit anti-cancerogenic properties in vivo in apples, but quantitative information about these derivatives is limited. Hydrophilic interaction-based HPLC with ultraviolet detection or mass spectrometry was developed to quantify GA and/or D-glucaro-1,4-lacton (1,4-GL) in apples. Although the formation of 1,4-GL from GA could be the prerequisite to exert biological effects in vivo, only a small portion of GA (<5%) was identified and converted to 1,4-GL in the rat stomach. The 1,4-GL content in apples ranged from 0.3 mg/g to 0.9 mg/g, and this amount can substantiate health claims associated with apples. The amount of 1,4-GL was 1.5 times higher in Gala and the ratio of 1,4-GL to GA was lower in Green Delicious apples than those in the other varieties. Our findings suggested that the variety and maturity of apples at harvest are factors that determine 1,4-GL content.

Características de las residencias de terapia intensiva pediátrica de la República Argentina: Encuesta nacional / Characteristics of pediatric intensive care residency programs in Argentina: A national survey

Introducción. La residencia de terapia intensiva pediátrica (TIP) tiene pocos años de desarrollo en nuestro país. Conocer su situación brinda la posibilidad de establecer estrategias para contribuir al desarrollo y capacitación de profesionales. Objetivos. 1) Describir las características de las residencias de TIP del país. 2) Evaluar si existen características que se relacionen con una mayor ocupación de las vacantes. 3) Explorar la inserción laboral en el hospital formador de los residentes. Diseño. Descriptivo, observacional. Encuesta nacional. Criterios de inclusión. Residencias de TIP funcionales entre el 1/4/2014 y el 31/5/2014. Resultados. Se analizaron 31 residencias. Solo 11/31 tenían volumen de internación anual >400 pacientes. No había normas y/o criterios de atención en 9/31. En 17/31, el programa estuvo adecuado al marco de referencia nacional. Hubo 13/31 que no contaban con jefe ni instructor de residentes. Fueron acreditadas por el Ministerio de Salud 5/31. Hubo 65 vacantes; el número aumentó en los últimos 4 años; la ocupación disminuyó de 59% en 2009 a 30% en 2013. El 60% de los residentes tuvo inserción laboral en la TIP formadora. El análisis de regresión logística multivariado identificó la variable ingresos anuales > 400 pacientes como predictora independiente de ocupación de vacantes > 60%. Conclusiones. 1) Hay un déficit en la ocupación de cargos. 2) El número de residencias acreditadas es escaso. 3) Las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos con mayor número de ingresos se asociaron a una mayor cobertura de vacantes. 4) Más de la mitad de los residentes se insertaron laboralmente en la TIP formadora.

Introduction. Pediatric intensive care residency programs have been in place in Argentina for just a few years. Knowing their status offers the possibility to establish strategies to help with professional development and training. Objectives. 1) To describe the characteristics of pediatric intensive care residency programs across Argentina. 2) To assess whether certain characteristics are related to a higher vacancy filling rate. 3) To assess job placement in the hospital where residents are trained. Design. Descriptive, observational study. National survey. Inclusion criteria. Pediatric intensive care residency programs in place between April 1st, 2014 and May 31st, 2014. Results. Thirty-one residency programs were analyzed. Only 11/31 had an annual hospitalization volume >400patients. There were no guidelines and/or criteria for care in 9/31. The program suited the national reference frameworkin17/31. There was no head ofresidents or resident trainer in 13/31. Only 5/31 had been certified by the Ministry of Health. There were 65 vacancies; this number increased in the past four years; vacancy filling rate decreased from 59% in 2009 to 30% in 2013. Sixty percent of residents got a job in the pediatric intensive care unit where they were trained. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the outcome measure annual hospitalization volume >400 patients as an independent predictor of vacancy filling rate >60%. Conclusions. 1) Vacancy filling is deficient. 2) The number of certified residency programs is scarce. 3) Pediatric intensive care units with a higher number of hospitalizations were associated with a higher vacancy filling rate. 4) More than half of residents got a job in the pediatric intensive care unit where they were trained.

HPLC-DAD-MS Profiling of Polyphenols Responsible for the Yellow-Orange Color in Apple Juices of Different French Cider Apple Varieties.

The pigments responsible for the yellow-orange coloration of apple juices have remained largely unknown up to now. Four French cider apple juices were produced in conditions similar to those used in the cider-making industry. The oxidized juices, characterized using the CIE L a b parameters, displayed various colors depending on the apple variety and native phenolic composition. HPLC-DAD-MS revealed contrasting pigment profiles related to oxidized tanning and nontanning molecules. The latter were divided into two groups according to their polarity and their visible spectra. With regard to phenolic classes, flavanol monomers and hydroxycinnamic acids played an essential role in the formation of oxidation products. Interestingly, dihydrochalcones appeared to include precursors of some yellow compounds. Indeed, the yellow pigment phloretin xyloglucoside oxidation product (PXGOPj), derived from phloretin xyloglucoside, was clearly identified in apple juices as a xyloglucose analogue of the yellow pigment phloridzin oxidation product (POPj), previously characterized in a model solution by Le Guernevé et al. (Tetrahedron Lett. 2004, 45 (35), 6673-6677).

Is there room for improving the nutraceutical composition of apple?

In this study, we assessed the main bioactive compounds of a broad apple germplasm collection, composed by 247 accessions of wild (97) and domesticated (150) species. Among the stilbenes, trans- and cis-piceid were found to be ubiquitary components of both wild and cultivated apples. Apple was suggested to be the second dietary source of resveratrols. Results confirmed that the selection pressure of breeding and domestication did not uniformly affect all the phytochemicals contained in apples. For instance, organic acids (malic and ascorbic acid) and some phenolics (stilbenes, hydroxycinnamic acids, and dihydrochalcones) were significantly influenced by selection, while some relevant flavonoids (flavonols and flavan-3-ols) and triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic, and betulinic acids) were not. This comprehensive screening will assist in the selection of Malus accessions with specific nutraceutical traits suitable to establish innovative breeding strategies or to patent new functional foods and beverages.

Bioanalytical characterization of apple juice from 88 grafted and nongrafted apple varieties grown in Upper Austria.

The compositional characteristics of untreated pure juice prepared from 88 apple varieties grown in the region of Eferding/Upper Austria were determined. Many of the analyzed varieties are noncommercial, old varieties not present in the market. The aim of the study was to quantitate the mineral, phosphate, trace elements, and polyphenolic content in order to identify varieties that are of particular interest for a wider distribution. Great variations among the investigated varieties could be found. This holds especially true for the total polyphenolic content (TPC) ranging from 103.2 to 2,275.6 mg/L. A clear dependence of the antioxidant capacity on the TPC levels was detected. Bioinformatics was employed to find specific interrelationships, such as Mg²âº/Mn²âº and PO4³â»/K⁺, between the analyzed bio- and phytochemical parameters. Furthermore, special attention was drawn on putative effects of grafting on the phytochemical composition of apple varieties. By grafting 27 different apple varieties on two trees grown close to each other, it could be shown that the apple fruits remain their characteristic phytochemical composition. Finally, apple juice prepared from selected varieties was further characterized by additional biochemical analysis including cytotoxicity, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, and α-amylase activity tests. Cytotoxicity and inhibition of EGFR activation were found to be dependent on the TPC, while α-amylase activity was reduced by the apple juices independent of the presence of polyphenolic substances. Taken together selected apple varieties investigated within this study might serve as preferable sources for the development of apple-based food with a strong focus on health beneficial effects.

Nutraceutical potential of polyphenolic fractions from Annurca apple (M. pumila Miller cv Annurca).

The capacities of polyphenolic extracts from Annurca apple peel and flesh to inhibit the glucose and cholesterol uptake by HepG2 cells were evaluated, and compared with those of other conventional cultivars, such as Red Delicious (RD), Pink Lady (PL), Fuji (F) and Golden Delicious (GD). RD peels exhibited the best hypoglycaemic effects, while Annurca flesh appeared the most active in reducing cell cholesterol uptake among the cultivars tested. The influence of the apple polyphenolic extracts on the cell proliferation and oxidative stress was also evaluated. Particularly, RD, Annurca and PL peels decreased proliferation by a 62.5%, 48.0% and 37.5%, respectively, probably due to their prooxidant capacity. Conversely, flesh extracts appeared more protective of cells than peels: Annurca and RD, particularly, proved to be able of increasing proliferation by a 32.2% and 11.1%, respectively, probably due to their capacity of reducing cell physiological radical levels of a 33.3% and 19.9%, respectively.

A reappraisal of traditional apple cultivars from Southern Italy as a rich source of phenols with superior antioxidant activity.

Few literature data are available on the nutraceutical properties of little widespread local apple cultivars. Such lack of information prevents exploitation of these germplasms for genetic improvement of new cultivars and for the re-evaluation of local agricultural products, which may attract a large share of consumers oriented towards natural food evoking ancient flavours. In this work eight traditional apple cultivars of Southern Italy were analysed in terms of phenolic composition and free radical scavenging activity in comparison with commercial "Annurca" and "Gold Chief® Gold Pink∗" cultivars. HPLC-UV-MS analysis of methanol extracts of the cultivars under examination showed significant differences in phenol distribution within the three main classes of hydroxycinnamates, dihydrochalcones, and flavan-3-ols. Such differences were found to be associated with the antioxidant activities as determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. A good correlation was observed between the percentage of reduced DPPH and the total phenol content (R=0.79). Among all phenol classes, the flavan-3-ol content showed the highest correlation (R=0.77). Almost all of the traditional cultivars examined exhibited a much higher phenol content (2- to 7-fold) and hydrogen donor activity (1.5- to 4-fold) than widely consumed cultivars like "Annurca" and "Gold Chief® Gold Pink∗".

Developmental variation of phenolic compounds in fruit tissue of two apple cultivars.

BACKGROUND: Qualitative and quantitative analyses of 'Zonouz' and 'Gala' apples phenolic compounds were accomplished by HPLC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples for phenolics study were taken at three different growing stages [1 - fruit early growing stage 2 - mid-stage of fruit development (80 days after full bloom) 3 - during commercial harvest time]. RESULTS: The results showed qualitative differences between two apple cultivars regarding phenolic compounds. The highest amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and phenolic acids content in both cultivars were recorded during the fruit early growing stage. The high phenolic acids content was due to increasing in chlorogenic acid content in fruits during early growing stage. The highest amount for flavanol content was recorded in 'Zonouz' peel at the harvest time. Descending pattern was recorded for phloridzin dihydrate content during the season. 'Gala' peel had the greatest amounts for cyanidin-3-galactoside at harvest time. Increasing in total flavonoid content was due to the great amounts of cyanidine-3-galactoside and epicatechin (in 'Gala' peel), rutin hydrate (in 'Zonouz' pulp) at fruit early growing stage, catechin (in 'Zonouz' peel) during mid-stage of fruit development and cyanidin-3-galactoside and quercetin-3-D-galactoside (in 'Gala' peel) at the harvest time in both apple cultivars. CONCLUSIONS: There were meaningful quantitative differences between two cultivars, and 'Gala' was richer in phenolics than 'Zonouz'.

Improvement of serum antioxidant status in humans after the acute intake of apple juices.

It is hypothesized that apples of 2 Brazilian cultivars with different content of sugars and antioxidant compounds promote similar effects on the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in human serum after acute intake. Nine healthy women ingested 300 mL of Golden Delicious or Catarina apple juice (AJ) or water, and blood samples were collected before and 1 hour after intake. After intake of both AJ, a similar and significant increase in serum antioxidant capacity and ascorbic and uric acid levels and a significant decrease in serum lipid peroxidation was observed. The increase in serum antioxidant capacity after consumption of both AJ was correlated directly with the uric acid levels and inversely with serum lipid peroxidation. In summary, the acute intake of AJ of 2 cultivars promoted a similar effect on the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in human blood serum.

Apple peels, from seven cultivars, have lipase-inhibitory activity and contain numerous ursenoic acids as identified by LC-ESI-QTOF-HRMS.

Apple peel contains numerous phytochemicals, many of which show bioactivity. This study investigated the identity of triterpenoid compounds contained in ethanolic extracts of peel from seven apple cultivars. Using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-HRMS, accurate mass information was obtained for 43 compounds, and chemical identity was inferred from the calculated elemental composition, fragment masses, ms/ms, and a limited set of authentic standards. Compounds were identified as triterpene acids and tentatively identified as ursenoic (or oleanoic) acid derivatives containing hydroxyl, oxo, and coumaroyloxy groups. These apple skin extracts exhibited lipase-inhibitory activity, which may be linked to the ursenoic acid content. Furthermore, both triterpene content and lipase-inhibitory activity varied by cultivar.

[Study on the flavon ingredients of Malus hupehensis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the flavon ingnedients of Malus hupehensis, Malus toringoides and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis. METHODS: TLC was used for the qualitative identification of Malus hupehensis, Malus toringoides and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis. The content of total flavonoids was determined by UV spectrophotometry and the content of phlorizin was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: The TLC spots were clear and well separated. The maximum absorption wavelength of phlorizin was 287 nm. The content of total flavonoids of 6 batches of Malus hupehensis ranged from 19.65 mg/g to 20.97 mg/g, Malus toringoides ranged from 10.71 mg/g to 12.13 mg/g and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis. ranged from 3.49 mg/g to 3.67 mg/g. The content of phlorizin of Malus hupehensis was 15.51 mg/g, Malus toringoides was 14.66 mg/g and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis was 2.05 mg/g. CONCLUSION: Established method is applicable for the study of flavonoid compositione ingredients.

Search for low-allergenic apple cultivars for birch-pollen-allergic patients: is there a correlation between in vitro assays and patient response?

BACKGROUND: Due to the cross-reactivity between Bet v 1 and proteins present in vegetable foods, birch pollen allergic patients frequently develop allergy to fruits and vegetables, mostly apples. Since many apple cultivars exist some of them might contain sufficiently low amounts of Mal d 1 to be tolerated by most allergic patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether apple cultivars containing low amounts of Mal d 1 are better tolerated by apple-allergic patients. METHODS: Mal d 1 content was determined in many apple cultivars by ELISA. Selected cultivars containing high (Golden Delicious) or low (Orim, G 198 and Vienna) amounts of Mal d 1 were compared in apple allergic patients both by SPT and oral challenges. RESULTS: The 3 different apple cultivars induced wheals of similar size in most patients. Upon oral challenges no patient reported the total absence of oral symptoms following the ingestion of either high or low allergenic apples. Golden Delicious and G-198 elicited OAS of similar severity 3/7 cases. The 2 cultivars induced significantly more severe symptoms in 2 cases each. CONCLUSION: Allergy to Mal d 1 is characterized by significant inter-patient variability. Moreover, marked inter-apple and intra-apple variability exists. As a consequence, the amount of Mal d 1 in apples classified as containing low concentrations of allergen may be sufficient to induce both clinical symptoms and skin reactivity in birch pollen-allergic patients. The search for low allergenic apples therefore should be continued and extended to other germplasm accessions, be it cultivars, breeding lines or wild species.