A Narrative Review: The Effect and Importance of Carotenoids on Aging and Aging-Related Diseases.

Aging is generally defined as a time-dependent functional decline that affects most living organisms. The positive increase in life expectancy has brought along aging-related diseases. Oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants can be given as one of the causes of aging. At the same time, the increase in oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is main reason for the increase in aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, liver, skin, and eye diseases and diabetes. Carotenoids, a natural compound, can be used to change the course of aging and aging-related diseases, thanks to their highly effective oxygen-quenching and ROS-scavenging properties. Therefore, in this narrative review, conducted using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases and complying with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines, the effects of carotenoids on aging and aging-related diseases were analyzed. Carotenoids are fat-soluble, highly unsaturated pigments that occur naturally in plants, fungi, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. A large number of works have been conducted on carotenoids in relation to aging and aging-related diseases. Animal and human studies have found that carotenoids can significantly reduce obesity and fatty liver, lower blood sugar, and improve liver fibrosis in cirrhosis, as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and erythema formation, while also lowering glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels. Carotenoid supplementation may be effective in preventing and delaying aging and aging-related diseases, preventing and treating eye fatigue and dry eye disease, and improving macular function. These pigments can be used to stop, delay, or treat aging-related diseases due to their powerful antioxidant, restorative, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. As an increasingly aging population emerges globally, this review could provide an important prospective contribution to public health.

A Comparison Study of Nutritional Assessment, Diet and Physical Activity Habits, Lifestyle and Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Individuals with and without Dizziness/Vertigo.

Dizziness and vertigo are growing health problems and have become responsible for increases in health expenditures. In this context, a case-control study has been conducted by nutritional assessment, including dietary and physical activity habits, lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics in adults with (patient group) and without (control group) dizziness or vertigo, and the outcomes were compared between these groups. The patient (n = 150) and control (n = 150) groups included 300 participants. The 24-h Dietary Recall and the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ-21) were conducted in order to gain detailed information about foods and beverages consumed by the participants. Additionally, a questionnaire was completed, assessing general socio-demographic (age, gender, etc.) and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity) characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and dietary and physical activity habits. The results revealed that there is an association between dizziness/vertigo and female gender and increasing age. Smoking status and alcohol consumption did not differ between the groups, whereas differences in body mass index and obesity were significantly higher in the patient group (65%; n = 98) than the control group (46%; n = 69) (p = 0.001). Skipping meals "everyday" was significantly high (p = 0.044), and lunch was the most skipped meal in the patient group. The three most preferred cooking methods were oven baking, boiling, and frying for both groups. Daily water intake in the patient group was lower than in the control group (p = 0.026). Dietary intake for carotene and vitamin K were significantly lower in the patient group than the control group, but the opposite was true for vitamin D intake (p < 0.05). Daily consumption of bread and dairy products were highest in the patient group (p < 0.05). The physical activity rate was 35% (n = 53) in the control group and 28% (n = 42) in the patient group. Regular walking was the most preferred activity in both groups (p = 0.037). Active monitoring of individual diet and hydration along with supporting professional counseling are advisable. In addition, a healthy lifestyle including weight control and regular physical activity can be helpful to reduce symptoms of dizziness/vertigo.

The Integral Role of Diets Including Natural Products to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review.

Genetic and environmental factors including lifestyle are thought to play a key role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is evidence that diet can enhance the inflammatory response in genetically predisposed individuals. On the other hand, certain types of diets can alleviate RA symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Also, natural compounds with potential effectiveness in RA management belong to different chemical classes such as flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and alkaloids with their antioxidant characteristics as well as probiotics. The nutritional approaches to prevent or extenuate the disease progress were examined in this narrative review which was conducted using the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases and conforms to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. Mediterranean and vegan diets equally have been shown to exhibit positive effects on RA as the consumption of dietary fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds are high. Whereas Mediterranean diet additionally includes beneficial nutrients of animal origin such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish and seafood, patients on vegan diet need to be monitored closely for intake of all critical nutrients. Certain calorie restrictions and intermittent fasting diets have been shown to benefit RA patients although there is an obvious need for further studies to establish solid evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. The research data available strongly suggest that dietary approaches with anti-inflammatory properties may help delay the onset of RA and/or improve symptoms and thus nutrition should be routinely addressed to facilitate management of the disease.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Carvacrol on N-Methyl-N'-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) Induced Gastric Carcinogenesis in Wistar Rats.

Carvacrol is a dietary polyphenol from Lamiaceae plants that has been shown to possess a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant and antitumor effects. This study aimed to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) induced gastric carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Forty-nine rats were randomly assigned to four treatment and three control groups. Over 60 days, MNNG (200 mg/kg BW) was orally applied to animals of groups 1-5 while the rats in groups 2-5 also received different doses of carvacrol (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively) until the end of the experiment. Group 6 rats were treated with 100 mg/kg BW carvacrol and no MNNG whereas group 7 was the control group without any treatment. After the euthanasia of all rats, the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters were assessed in the blood and tissues. The expression of caspase 9, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins in the stomach tissues were investigated through histopathological examinations. Statistically significant differences were observed in the body weight, oxidative stress, and inflammation parameters of groups 1 to 6 compared to group 7 (p ≤ 0.001). Animals in MNNG groups 2 and 3 treated with the low dose carvacrol (10 and 25 mg/kg BW) showed significantly reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic effect compared to animals of the MNNG groups receiving increased doses of carvacrol (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) or no carvacrol. Rats exposed to MNNG exhibited gastric cancer cells in several areas. In the MNNG group receiving 100 mg/kg BW carvacrol, the inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in gastric mucosal and submucosal areas whereas MNNG rats supplemented with 10 and 25 mg/kg BW carvacrol showed no pathological alterations of the gastric cells. The results of this study indicate that significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects induced by carvacrol at doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg BW interfered with gastric carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in Wistar rats as well as provide hepatoprotection. However, high doses of carvacrol (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Preparation and evaluation of novel functional fermented dairy products containing propolis and cinnamon.

Novel functional food products might be an easy accessible and eligible approach to help reduce the risk of severe viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. Hence a product containing probiotics, propolis and cinnamon was developed and interferences of the ingredients were characterized. Yogurts were prepared using starter cultures with propolis (0.03%) and cinnamon in various concentrations (0.3%, 1%, and 2.5%). Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were used as microorganisms for yogurt production. Chemical analysis revealed a decline of fat matter in the presence of propolis and/or cinnamon. Propolis had statistically significant suppressive effects on Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis as well as on Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus numbers (p < 0.05). These effects were diminished in the presence of increasing cinnamon concentrations. For Lactobacillus acidophilus a statistically significant reducing effect on the number of colonies was observed in all products investigated. Nevertheless all samples met the standard of recommended level of ≥ 106 viable cells/g of a product. Propolis showed an inverse effect on Streptococcus thermophilus by increasing its colony numbers in yogurts. The probiotic yogurt samples containing propolis (0.03%) and cinnamon (2.5%) gained the highest number of points in the sensory evaluation compared to control.

In Vitro Hormetic Effect Investigation of Thymol on Human Fibroblast and Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells.

The concept of hormesis includes a biphasic cellular dose-response to a xenobiotic stimulus defined by low dose beneficial and high dose inhibitory or toxic effects. In the present study, an attempt has been made to help elucidate the beneficial and detrimental effects of thymol on different cell types by evaluating and comparing the impact of various thymol doses on cancerous (AGS) and healthy (WS-1) cells. Cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects, as well as levels of reactive oxygen species and glutathione were studied in both cell lines exposed to thymol (0-600 µM) for 24 h. The results showed significant differences in cell viability of AGS compared to WS-1 cells exposed to thymol. The differences observed were statistically significant at all doses applied (P ≤ 0.001) and revealed hormetic thymol effects on WS-1 cells, whereas toxic effects on AGS cells were detectable at all thymol concentrations. Thymol at low concentrations provides antioxidative protection to WS-1 cells in vitro while already inducing toxic effects in AGS cells. In that sense, the findings of the present study suggest that thymol exerts a dose-dependent hormetic impact on different cell types, thereby providing crucial information for future in vivo studies investigating the therapeutic potential of thymol.

Nutritional Assessment and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Patients Treated With Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.

Researchers have reported that issues of dietary habits have important roles in cancer prevention and development, and during cancer treatments. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may improve the quality of life in cancer patients. However, use of some CAM types can increase or reduce the effect of treatments. This study aims to perform the nutritional assessment and usage of CAM in patients with cancer who received radiotherapy or chemotherapy (CT). Outpatients cancer patients (n = 273) receiving CT or radiotherapy in a hospital of private university were asked to complete the questionnaire including 24-hour dietary recall and usage of CAM. Obtained data were analyzed using BeBIS and SPSS software. Patients with different cancer types participated in this study. The difference for obesity rate was significantly between the patients receiving chemotherapy (44%) and radiotherapy (38%) (P = .001). Total energy and calories obtained from carbohydrates and lipids were also statistically significant between 2 groups (P = .001). Usage of CAM was significantly found in both groups (P = .001). Preference rate for the herbal CAM usage was 59% in radiotherapy and 22% in CT groups. Our results suggest that cancer patients may require professional support and practice for nutrition and use of CAM before they start their therapies.

Effects of Thymol, a Natural Phenolic Compound, on Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro.

CONTEXT: Alternative and complementary medicine has gained importance in anticancer treatment, reflecting a movement toward an integrated approach to treating various diseases. Natural products originating from plants can contain biologically active substances. Thymol is a major component of many plants from the family Lamiaceae that are often used for medicinal and culinary purposes in Mediterranean countries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate thymol's cytotoxic, genotoxic, apoptotic effects on gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells, including measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels at the same time. DESIGN: The research team studied thymol's anticancer potential in vitro. SETTING: The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine at Bezmialem Vakif University (Istanbul, Turkey). INTERVENTION: Caucasian human AGS cells were exposed to 7 concentrations of thymol-10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µM-prepared from a stock solution of 600 µM of thymol in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and after 24 h of incubation, the results were analyzed. The thymol was obtained commercially. The study used a negative control prepared in a concentration of 1:1000 from the stock solution of DMSO. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cytotoxicity was determined using (1) the adenosine 5'-triphosphate cell viability assay; (2) the dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay to evaluate the generation of ROS; (3) the luminescence-based, total GSH assay to determine the GSH levels; and (4) the comet assay to study genotoxicity. Apoptotic induction of thymol was detected (5) by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and (6) by Western blotting using a value below the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). RESULTS: Thymol showed significant cytotoxic, genotoxic, apoptotic, ROS-generating, and GSH-reducing effects, in a dose-dependent manner (P ≤ .001). A close negative relationship existed between cell viability and the ROS level. CONCLUSIONS: After researchers have confirmed thymol's anticarcinogenic effects in vitro on healthy cell lines and in vivo, it may be found to be a novel and strong therapeutic agent against gastric cancer. The study's results suggest that thymol may have therapeutic power when developed from natural components of the diet for treatment of the disease.

In vitro effects of two major phenolic compounds from the family Lamiaceae plants on the human gastric carcinoma cells.

Phenolic compounds of essential oils from the family Lamiaceae are commonly used substances in the food industry because of their flavouring, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In this context, it has become important to have healthy and safe products for consumers who are exposed to these phenolic compounds. The present study was aimed to investigate the toxic effects of carvacrol, thymol and their mixture on human gastric carcinoma (AGS) cells. Cells were analyzed after 24 h of exposure to different concentrations of carvacrol, thymol and their mixture by the ATP cell viability, 2',7' dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF-DA), reducte glutatione/oxide glutathione ((GSH)/GSSG-Glo) and comet assays. Apoptosis induction was studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and western blotting. Carvacrol, thymol and their mixture induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, apoptosis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased GSH levels after 24 h of their exposure in a dose-dependent manner. A close negative relationship was found between cell viability and ROS generation. We examined dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of carvacrol, thymol and their mixture in human AGS cells. Increased intracellular ROS causes oxidative stress in cells. The results indicated that these compounds should be used carefully in the food industry.

Effects of carvacrol on human fibroblast (WS-1) and gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells in vitro and on Wistar rats in vivo.

Carvacrol is a natural phenolic compound found in essential oils of Lamiaceae species. In the present study, an attempt has been made to elucidate the mechanism behind the anti-cancer potential of carvacrol on human gastric adenocarcinomas (AGS) by comparing its effects on cancer cells AGS to those on normal human fibroblast (WS-1) cells, in vitro. Cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, glutathione (GSH) levels, genotoxicity, and apoptotic effects of carvacrol (0-600 µM) were studied in both cell lines. Additionally, the effect of high dose carvacrol (100 mg/kg BW) on the oxidative status was investigated in vivo. For this purpose, carvacrol was administered orally to male Wistar rats over a period of 60 days. Rats were weighed regularly. At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanized. Blood and stomach tissues were collected for biochemical and pathological examinations. The in vitro results showed significant differences in cell viability of AGS compared to WS-1 cells exposed to carvacrol. Also the extent of ROS generation, GSH reduction and DNA damage differed significantly between the cell lines studied (P ≤ 0.001). The differences observed were statistically significant at all concentrations applied (P ≤ 0.001). The results found in AGS cells were mirrored in the pathohistological findings obtained from animals of the in vivo experimental group. Changes in body weight, and oxidative stress index for plasma and stomach tissues of animals in this group were found to differ statistically significant from those found in the control group of Wistar rats (P ≤ 0.001). The data obtained from our present study uncovered that carvacrol has the potential to cause toxic effects in both, AGS and WS-1 cells but more effectively in cancer cells than in normal cells. The carvacrol-mediated responses observed in the in vitro and in vivo experiments presented suggest a double-edged pro-oxidative effect. Via this mechanism carvacrol induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner in both cancer and normal cells and these activities were higher in cancer cells than those of normal cells.

Effects of natural phenolic compound carvacrol on the human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells in vitro.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality because of cancer. Medicinal plants containing polyphenolic compounds have gained importance in anticancer treatment. In this context, carvacrol is a main component of many plants in the family Lamiaceae that are frequently used in folk medicine and a good candidate to investigate for GC treatment. The present study aimed to explore the cytotoxic, genotoxic, apoptotic, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating effects of carvacrol on gastric adenocarcinoma in vitro. For these purposes, human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells were used and analyzed after 24 h of exposure to carvacrol with different concentrations. The cytotoxicity, ROS generation, glutathione (GSH) level, and genotoxicity were investigated by the ATP cell viability assay, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate assay, GSH/GSSG-Glo assay, and comet assay, respectively. Apoptosis induction was detected by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and western blotting at below the half-maximal growth inhibitory concentration value. Carvacrol showed cytotoxic, genotoxic, apoptotic, ROS generating, and GSH-reducing effects on AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner. There was a close negative relationship between cell viability and ROS level. Carvacrol inhibited the proliferation of AGS cells, suggesting that it could be a novel and strong anticancer agent against the human gastric adenocarcinoma. These results support the interest of natural diet components in the development of therapeutic products for diseases.

Radioprotectant and Cytotoxic Effects of Spirulina in Relapsed Verrucous Vulvar Cancer: A Case Report.

CONTEXT: The treatment of relapsed verrucous vulvar cancer (VVC) is difficult. When vulvar cancer relapses, the treatment response is low for second-line treatments. Conversely, toxicity is high. Therefore, scientists need to identify different treatment methods. OBJECTIVES: The case study was intended to examine the benefits of combining treatment with microalgae and metronidazole with radiotherapy to increase the response to treatment. SETTING: The study took place in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Bezmialem Vakif University, in Istanbul, Turkey. PARTICIPANT: The case study involved an 81-y-old female patient whose vulvar tumor was excised and who came to the research team's radiation oncology service for postoperative radiation. She had 2 comorbid disorders: Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. INTERVENTION: A relapse had occurred in the 15-d postoperative period. Because of the patient's age and comorbid disorders, the research team decided to treat the new tumor only with concurrent radiochemotherapy and a weekly dose of cisplatin that contained chemoradiotherapy, for a total of 25 mg. At the 52.2 Gy dose level, grade 3 radiation skin toxicity occurred in the radiated area, although the research team had obtained an 80% response to the radiochemotherapy. The treatment was interrupted because of toxicity but also due to a deterioration in the patient's general health. Progression of the tumor continued, and the tumor's diameter increased to 7 cm after a 4-mo period. The research team then initiated radiotherapy again, combining it with spirulina in a 750 mg/dose at 2 doses/d and metronidazole in a 500 mg/dose at 3 doses/d, to decrease radiation toxicity and increase radiosensitivity. Radiotherapy was applied at 200 cGy per fraction with a total dose of 2400 cGy, with only 1 anterior local-tumor field. RESULTS: The patient showed a complete response to radiotherapy, and the tumor disappeared at the 2400 cGy radiation dose. No toxicity occurred related to the skin or the woman's general health. Her Karnofsky performance score increased to 90% from 50%, which was the initial score of the second treatment.

A Pilot Study of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Eating Habits in Turkish Cancer Patients Under Chemotherapy.

As in all individuals, improving the quality of life, balanced nutrition and physical activity habits must be acquired in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine eating habits and physical activity of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Sixty-six patients were completed the questionnaire included sociodemographic data, type of cancer, anthropometric measurements (size and body weight), dietary and physical activity habits. Body mass index for each patient was calculated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software. Patients were ranged from underweight to obese according to their body mass index: 6.1% of patients were classified as underweight. Almost half (48.5%, n = 32) reported to be regularly physical active, and 46.9% (n = 15) thereof reported 30 min brisk walking. More vegetables consumption was the most popular answer with 62.1% (n = 41), whereas vegetables/fruit or vegetables/legume consumption was 22.7% (n = 15). Gender differences in food choice and preferring the taste of food were not seen as statistically significant. In this article, patients with different types of cancer reported their eating habits and physical activity. Disease-related and worse prognostic factors were found. An institutional program should be offered to cancer patients for consulting about nutrition and physical activity.

Palliative Vitamin C Application in Patients with Radiotherapy-Resistant Bone Metastases: A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to observe effects of ascorbic acid application on pain, performance status, and survival time in cancer patients. A retrospective cohort of 39 patients with bone metastases treated with radiotherapy was identified. All patients were radiotherapy-resistant. Fifteen patients who received chemotherapy, and 15 patients who received an infusion of 2.5 g ascorbic acid were included in the study. Nine control patients were treated with neither chemotherapy nor vitamin C. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale and Visual Analog Scale were used to determine performance status and pain assessments. Survival time and rate in patients were defined. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the results of groups. Performance status was increased in 4 patients of vitamin C group and 1 patient of chemotherapy group, whereas performance status in control group was decreased. A median reduction of 50% in pain was observed among the patients in the vitamin C group. Median survival time was 10 mo in patients receiving ascorbic acid, whereas the chemotherapy and control groups had a median survival of 2 mo. Intravenous vitamin C application seems to reduce pain in patients in comparison to other patients who did not receive it. Patient performance status and survival rate were increased using vitamin C.