Chemistry, oxidative stability and bioactivity of oil extracted from Rosa rugosa (Thunb.) seeds by supercritical carbon dioxide.

Rosa rugosa Thunb. seed oil (RR) extracted by supercritical CO2 was investigated. RR chemical composition, radical scavenging effect and oxidative stability were evaluated. RR aqueous emulsions were examined for cell cytotoxicity, proliferation, redox state and migration using mouse embryonic fibroblast Balb/3T3, human dermal fibroblast NHDF cell lines, and on neoplastic cell lines: acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 and lung adenocarcinoma A549. RR total contents of phytosterols, tocopherols, carotenoids and phenolics were 10115.23, 784.16, 40.32 and 10.30 mg/kg, respectively. Rich antioxidant composition of RR was reflected in its high antioxidant activity (2.1 mM/kg Trolox equivalent) as well as oxidative stability (activation energy 105.6 kJ/mol). The RR emulsions led to marked augmentation of the total cell protein content in BALB/3T3 and NHDF cultures, inhibited cancer cell migration and reduced ROS formation. The studied RR oil proved to have a remarkable combination of bioactive compounds and to exert an antioxidative and chemopreventive effects.

Is maternal dietary selenium intake related to antioxidant status and the occurrence of pregnancy complications?

Selenium (Se) is a trace element essential for the appropriate course of vital processes in the human body. It is also a constituent of the active center of glutathione peroxidase and other antioxidant compounds which play an important role in red-ox processes. Associations between lower blood selenium concentration and obstetric complications has been reported in many studies. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary selenium intake and serum selenium content in pregnant Polish women and relate this to antioxidant status as whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, serum uric acid (UA) content and serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and pregnancy complications occurrence. Ninety-four pregnant women at a mean age 30.6 ± 5.4 years from the Lower Silesia region of Poland were recruited to the study, 37% of studied group had pregnancy complications. The mean reported Se intake and serum selenium content for Polish pregnant women was in the first trimester - 53.99 µg/day and 44.36 µg/l, the second trimester - 58.93 µg/day and 43.16 µg/l and the third trimester - 62.89 µg/day and 40.97 µg/l, respectively. Selenium intake below or above recommended value hadn't significant effect on GPX activity, TAS and UA levels. There were no statistical differences in selenium intake, serum selenium content, GPX activity and TAS and UA level between physiological and complicated pregnancy, but a positive correlation between Se intake and serum selenium content was observed during all period of gestation as well as in the second trimester of pregnancy between Se intake and GPX activity in group with physiological pregnancy where selenium intake was below the recommended level. Selenium intake above the recommended level was positively correlated also with serum UA level in first and second trimester of pregnancy. Despite weak, positive correlations in the first two trimesters of pregnancy between selenium supply and GPX activity and UA concentration we concluded that selenium intake does not significantly affect during pregnancy, both: markers of the antioxidant status of pregnant women and the occurrence of pregnancy complications.

Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method.

Two new commercially available high linolenic oils, pressed at low temperature from rose hip seeds, were characterised for their composition, quality and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The oxidative stability of oils was assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Phytosterols, tocopherols and carotenoids contents were up to 6485.4; 1124.7; and 107.7 mg/kg, respectively. Phenolic compounds determined for the first time in rose hip oil totalled up to 783.55 µg/kg, with a predominant presence of p-coumaric acid methyl ester. Antiradical activity of the oils reached up to 3.00 mM/kg TEAC. The acid, peroxide and p-anisidine values as well as iron and copper contents indicated good quality of the oils. Relatively high protection against oxidative stress in the oils seemed to be a result of their high antioxidant capacity and the level of unsaturation of fatty acids.

The role of selenium in human conception and pregnancy.

Selenium (Se) is a trace element essential for the appropriate course of vital processes in the human body. It is also a constituent of the active center of glutathione peroxidase that protects cellular membranes against the adverse effects of H2O2 lipid peroxides. Epidemiological surveys have demonstrated that selenium deficiency in the body may contribute to an increased risk for certain neoplasmic diseases (including colonic carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, pulmonary carcinoma and prostate carcinoma), as well as diseases of the cardiovascular, osseous and nervous systems. Apart from its cancer prevention and antioxidative activities, selenium protects the body against detrimental effects of heavy metals and determines the proper functioning of the immunological system. Furthermore, selenium plays a significant role in the undisturbed functioning of the reproductive system. Many studies have addressed correlations between its intake and fertility as well as disorders of procreation processes. Selenium deficiencies may lead to gestational complications, miscarriages and the damaging of the nervous and immune systems of the fetus. A low concentration of selenium in blood serum in the early stage of pregnancy has been proved to be a predictor of low birth weight of a newborn. A deficiency of this element may also cause infertility in men by causing a deterioration in the quality of semen and in sperm motility. For this reason, supplementation in the case of selenium deficiencies in the procreation period of both women and men is of utmost significance.

Interactions between preparations containing female sex hormones and dietary supplements.

An increasing number of premenopausal women use contraception whereas postmenopausal women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This long-term hormone therapy poses a high risk of interactions with dietary supplements. Taking estrogens at the same time as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), biologically-active compounds of glycine soja, Ginkgo biloba or Pimpinella anisum, may distort the final effect of the hormone agent. On the other hand, estrogen therapy coupled with melatonin or retinol supplementation may lead to an increased level of dietary supplements in the serum as studies have proved a concomitant beneficial effect of HRT and vitamin E supplementation on lipid profiles. In turn, taking preparations containing St John's wort during hormone therapy may lead to a reduction in hormone concentrations in serum and debilitation of the pharmacological effect. It results from the inductive effect of the biologically-active compounds of St John's wort on the metabolism of hormones as a result of the enhanced activity of cytochrome P450 CYP3A4.

Effects of exposure to dietary chromium on tissue mineral contents in rats fed diets with fiber.

This study evaluated the effects of diets with fiber (cellulose and/or pectin) supplemented with chromium(III) on homeostasis of selected minerals in femurs, thigh muscles, livers, and kidneys of rats. For 6 weeks, male rats were fed experimental diets: a fiber-free diet (FF), a diet containing 5% cellulose (CEL), 5% pectin (PEC), or 2.5% cellulose and 2.5% pectin (CEL+PEC). These diets had 2.53 or 0.164 mg Cr/kg diet. The tissue levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cr were determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Supplementing diets with Cr resulted in significantly higher Cr levels in the femurs of rats fed the CEL diet and significantly higher Cr and Fe levels in the rats fed the CEL+PEC diet compared to the rats fed FF diet. Muscle Ca content was significantly lower in the rats fed the CEL+PEC+Cr diet compared to the rats fed FF+Cr diet. The rats consuming the PEC+Cr diet had the highest liver Cr content. The highest kidney Zn content was observed in the rats fed diets containing Cr and one type of fiber. These results indicate that diets containing chromium at elevated dose and fiber have a significant effect on the mineral balance in rat tissues.

Dietary supplementation during diabetes therapy and the potential risk of interactions.

BACKGROUND: The classification of dietary supplements as foodstuffs promotes widespread access to them and increases the possibility of patients using them without being monitored. Unreasonable or excessive consumption of these preparations poses risks to type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (among others) because it may induce disturbances in glycemic control. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of dietary supplementation among patients using anti-diabetic drugs and such patients' nutrient intake in order to evaluate the potential risk of interactions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study participants were 150 diabetic patients who were asked about the type of pharmacotherapy and dietary supplementation they used. The intake of minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) from the patients' diets were also assessed, using the 24-h dietary recall method. RESULTS: The highest percentage of patients taking individual anti-diabetic drugs used supplements containing magnesium and herbs. They also often took antioxidant vitamins, B-group vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. In the majority of patients (both those using supplements and those not), the dietary recall showed insufficient intake of potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as of vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin D and LC-PUFAs. In addition, their diets provided high median amounts of iron, copper, vitamin A and ß-carotene. CONCLUSIONS: The level of dietary supplementation and the ill-balanced diets reported by the majority of the recruited T2DM patients indicate a high possible risk of interactions with the anti-diabetic drugs. Therefore, patients should always consult their physicians regarding dietary supplementation, and medically trained staff should routinely assess dietary intake to avoid hazardous changes in the activity of drugs.

Assessment of dietary flavonoid intake among 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw in 2008.

BACKGROUND: In much epidemiological research, a positive impact of flavonoid intake on human health has been observed. The role of flavonoids in heart diseases and cancer prevention was described. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess dietary flavonoid intake among 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw in 2008. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 1520 inhabitants of Wroclaw (879 women, 641 men) who participated in the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program in 2008, which was organized by the Health Division of the Municipal Office in Wroclaw. The mean age of the women was 49.9 +/- 0.3 year old and of the men 50.0 +/- 0.2. To assess dietary flavonoid intake, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, tea, wine and chocolate was evaluated. To assess daily food intake, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The dietary flavonoid intake was evaluated using the database from 2007 "U.S. Department of Agriculture Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods, Release 2.1". RESULTS: The flavonoid intake from fruits and vegetables in women amounted respectively to 13.64 mg/day and 8.59 mg/day. The flavonoid intake from these products in men was respectively 9.56 mg/day and 6.54 mg/day. Fruits and vegetables provided respectively 2.2%, 1.4% of daily flavonoid intake in women and respectively 1.6%, 1.1% in men. The flavonoid intake provided by fruit juices amounted to 4.57 mg/day in women and 4.97 mg/day in men. Chocolate, in both women and men, was a source of 0.80 mg/day of total flavonoids. Fruit juices and chocolate provided respectively 0.7% and 0.1% of daily flavonoid intake in women and respectively 0.8% and 0.1% in men. Tea provided, in both women and men, 595 mg/day of total flavonoids (respectively 95.6% and 96.5% of daily total flavonoid intake). Total daily flavonoid intake in the investigated group amounted to 622.60 mg in women and 616.87 mg in men. CONCLUSIONS: This study assessed a higher dietary flavonoid intake in the investigated group in comparison with other studies results. The major source of these compounds, especially flavan-3-ols, was tea consumption. The authors concluded that increased fruit and vegetable consumption in the investigated group would increase anthocyanidin, flavanone and flavonol intake.

Effect of cellulose, pectin and chromium(III) on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in rats.

The effects of cellulose, pectin and chromium(III) on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were investigated in rats. Eighty male Buffalo rats (n=10/group, 4 weeks old) were fed experimental diets for 6 weeks. The two control groups received a fiber free diet (FF) or a fiber free diet plus chromium (FF+Cr) (2.53 mg Cr/kg diet). The other groups were fed diets containing 5% of cellulose (CEL), 5% of pectin (PEC) or 2.5% of cellulose plus 2.5% of pectin (CEL+PEC) with or without chromium. The daily food intake and body weight of the rats were not affected by the experimental diets. Total cholesterol level in plasma was significantly lower (p≤0.05) in the PEC group than the rats fed the FF diet. Feeding of rats with the PEC+Cr diet resulted in a significantly higher concentration of plasma HDL cholesterol (p≤0.05) when compared with the CEL+Cr group. No statistically significant differences in the concentrations of plasma triglycerides (TG) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) between the groups were observed. Rats fed the CEL+Cr diet had a significantly lower content of cholesterol and rats fed the CEL+Cr diet lower contents of cholesterol and TG in the liver (p≤0.05) when compared with other groups. The concentration of HbA1c was significantly lower (p≤0.05) in rats fed the CEL and CEL+Cr diets than in other groups. A significantly lower concentration of plasma glucose (p≤0.05) was observed in rats receiving the CEL+PEC diet in comparison with the FF group. A significant effect of fiber and chromium combination was shown only in the case of triglyceride content in the liver of rats (p≤0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that a diet containing fiber (PEC) and chromium or their supplements may be beneficial for correcting some disturbances of lipid metabolism, and a diet containing cellulose or its supplements may be used to improve glycemic control.

Dietary carbohydrate content influences boron's effect on lipid and protein indices in rats.

The aim of the study was to establish whether an excess or deficiency of dietary carbohydrates would influence the effect of boron (B) on lipid, protein, and glucose metabolism in laboratory rats. Sixty male Buffalo rats were used in the study, divided into six groups fed a control diet or a lower high-carbohydrate diet with or without a B supplement (3 mg B/kg fodder). The hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were assessed in whole-blood samples, and the total protein, albumin, creatine, glucose, total lipid, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol contents in the serum were established. The total cholesterol and triacylglycerol contents in liver lipid extracts were also measured. A low carbohydrate content in a B-supplemented diet led to an increase in the total protein and albumin contents in the serum of the rats compared to the levels for the rats on the control and high-carbohydrate B supplemented diets. Under conditions of an excess or deficiency of carbohydrates in the diet, B did not significantly influence the cholesterol and total lipid contents in the serum. Boron's influence on the other metabolic indexes (glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol contents in the serum; cholesterol and triacylglycerol contents in the liver) was unaffected by the carbohydrate content in the diet.

Influence of bioflavonoids from the radix extract of Scutellaria baicalensis on the level of serum lipids, and the development of laboratory rats fed with fresh and oxidized fats.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of bioflavonoids from the radix of Scurellaria baicalensis on the level of lipids, via the determination of the concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the plasma of laboratory rats fed high-fat and high-cholesterol diets, and via the calculation of their atherogenic index. We also studied the influence of bioflavonoids on their physical development by measuring the increase in their body mass and liver mass. The rats were fed a diet with a 15% content of fresh or oxidized lard or sunflower oil, along with 0.5% added cholesterol. 0.05% S. baicalensis radix extract was added to the diet of half of the rats as the source of bioflavonoids. In the group of rats fed a diet containing oxidized oil we observed a significantly lower increase in body mass (15.5 +/- 7.6 g/4 weeks/rat) than that observed for the control rats (77.0 +/- 15.7 g/4 weeks/rat). The addition of S. baicalensis radix extract to the diet raised the increase in body mass in the groups receiving oil as the source of fat; those receiving fresh oil had a 40% increase, and those receiving oxidized oil showed a 300% increase relative to the appropriate controls. In all the groups of rats fed a diet with bioflavonoids added, a beneficial decrease in the plasma triglyceride content was observed relative to the appropriate controls. In the plasma of rats on a diet containing the extract and fresh or oxidized oil or fresh lard, we observed a beneficial reduction in the total cholesterol level relative to the appropriate controls. The atherogenic index was higher for the group of animals fed with fresh lard than for those fed with fresh oil, and higher for those fed with oxidized oil than for those fed with oxidized lard. The addition of bioflavonoids to the diet beneficially reduced the atherogenic index value in the group fed with fresh oil, and increased its value in the group fed with oxidized lard.

[Nutrition in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis]. / Zywienie w profilaktyce i leczeniu osteoporozy.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Development of maximal bone mass during growth and reduction of loss of bone later in life are the two main strategies for preventing osteoporosis. The most important nutritional factor in prevention of osteoporosis is adequate intake of dietary calcium. Adequate intakes of phosphorus, magnesium, fluoride, boron and vitamins D, K, C, B6 are also necessary for bone health. Chronically low intakes of those components (particularly if coexisting) may predispose to osteoporosis.