Together or Apart? Revealing the Impact of Dietary Interventions on Bioavailability of Quinolones: A Systematic Review with Meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Managing drug-food interactions is essential for optimizing the effectiveness and safety profile of quinolones. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed the influence of dietary interventions on the bioavailability of 22 quinolones. METHODS: All studies describing or investigating the impact of food, beverages, antacids, and mineral supplements on pharmacokinetic parameters or pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic indices of orally taken quinolones were considered for inclusion. We excluded reviews, in vitro and in silico studies, studies performed on animals, and those involving alcohol. We performed the search in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library, covering reports from database inception to December 2022. We used the following tools to assess the risk of bias: version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for parallel trials, the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for cross-over studies, and the NIH quality assessment tool for before-after studies. We performed quantitative analyses for each quinolone if two or more food-effect studies with specified and comparable study designs were available. If meta-analyses were not applicable, we qualitatively summarized the results. RESULTS: We included 109 studies from 101 reports. Meta-analyses were conducted for 12 antibiotics and qualitative synthesis was employed for the remaining drugs. Of the studies, 60.5% were open-label, cross-over, as recommended by FDA. We judged 46% of studies as having a high risk of bias and only 4% of having a low risk of bias. Among 19 quinolones with available food impact data, 14 (74%) had potentially clinically important interactions. For nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, and tosufloxacin, food exerted a high positive impact on bioavailability (AUC or Cmax increased by > 45%), whereas, for all the remaining drugs, postprandial absorption was lower. The most significant negative influence of food (AUC or Cmax decreased by > 40%) occurred for delafloxacin capsules and norfloxacin, whereas the moderate influence (AUC or Cmax decreased by 30-40%) occurred for nemonoxacin and rufloxacin. All 14 analysed quinolones showed a substantial reduction in bioavailability when co-administered with antacids and mineral supplements, except for calcium preparations. The impact of beverages was evaluated for 10 quinolones, with 50% experiencing significantly reduced absorption in the presence of milk (the highest negative impact for ciprofloxacin). Moreover, both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin demonstrated compromised bioavailability when consumed with orange juice, particularly calcium-fortified. DISCUSSION: Several factors may influence interactions, including the physicochemical characteristics of quinolones, the type of intervention, drug formulation, and the patient's health status. We assessed the quality of evidence as low due to the poor actuality of included studies, their methodological diversity, and uneven data availability for individual drugs.

Do dietary interventions exert clinically important effects on the bioavailability of ß-lactam antibiotics? A systematic review with meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Managing drug-food interactions may help to achieve the optimal action and safety profile of ß-lactam antibiotics. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses in adherence to PRISMA guidelines for 32 ß-lactams. We included 166 studies assessing the impact of food, beverages, antacids or mineral supplements on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters or PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices. RESULTS: Eighteen of 25 ß-lactams for which data on food impact were available had clinically important interactions. We observed the highest negative influence of food (AUC or Cmax decreased by >40%) for ampicillin, cefaclor (immediate-release formulations), cefroxadine, cefradine, cloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin V (liquid formulations and tablets) and sultamicillin, whereas the highest positive influence (AUC or Cmax increased by >45%) for cefditoren pivoxil, cefuroxime and tebipenem pivoxil (extended-release tablets). Significantly lower bioavailability in the presence of antacids or mineral supplements occurred for 4 of 13 analysed ß-lactams, with the highest negative impact for cefdinir (with iron salts) and moderate for cefpodoxime proxetil (with antacids). Data on beverage impact were limited to 11 antibiotics. With milk, the extent of absorption was decreased by >40% for cefalexin, cefradine, penicillin G and penicillin V, whereas it was moderately increased for cefuroxime. No significant interaction occurred with cranberry juice for two tested drugs (amoxicillin and cefaclor). CONCLUSIONS: Factors such as physicochemical features of antibiotics, drug formulation, type of intervention, and patient's health state may influence interactions. Due to the poor actuality and diverse methodology of included studies and unproportionate data availability for individual drugs, we judged the quality of evidence as low.

Pseudocereal Oils, Authenticated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and their Chemopreventive Properties.

Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are the representatives of pseudocereals, different parts and by-products of which are used in daily nutrition and food processing industry. However, only scarce information exists on the bioactivity of their oils. Thus, oils obtained from amaranth, buckwheat, and red, yellow, and white quinoa seeds were evaluated in terms of their nutritional (fatty acid profile, squalene), cytotoxic (against normal and neoplastic gastrointestinal, prostate, and skin cells), anti-inflammatory and antiradical (interleukin 6, TNF-alpha, nitric oxide, DPPH, Total phenolics, and superoxide dismutase) potential in the in vitro model. Linoleic (42.9-52.5%) and oleic (22.5-31.1%) acids were the two main unsaturated, while palmitic acid (4.9-18.6%) was the major saturated fatty acid in all evaluated oils. Squalene was identified in all evaluated oils with the highest content in amaranth oil (7.6 g/100 g), and the lowest in buckwheat oil (2.1 g/100 g). The evaluated oils exerted a high direct cytotoxic impact on cancer cells of different origins, but also revealed anti-inflammatory and antiradical potentials. Yellow quinoa oil was the most active, especially toward skin (A375; IC50 6.3 µg/mL), gastrointestinal (HT29 IC50 4.9 µg/mL), and prostate cancer cells (LNCaP IC50 7.6 µg/mL). The observed differences in the activity between the oils from the tested quinoa varieties deserve further studies. High selectivity of the oils was noted, which indicates their safety to normal cells. The obtained results indicate that the oils are good candidates for functional foods with perspective chemopreventive potential.

Multidirectional Effects of Terpenoids from Sorbus intermedia (EHRH.) PERS Fruits in Cellular Model of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological disease affecting aging men. Its pathogenesis is regarded as complex and multifactorial, with sex hormones and inflammation as key contributory factors. In the current study, we investigated the anti-BPH potential of terpenoids present in the fruits of Sorbus intermedia (EHRH.) PERS. Not only the effects on testosterone-stimulated normal prostate epithelial PNT2 cells, namely suppression of 5-α-reductase activity, PSA secretion, and cell proliferation, were determined but also the inhibitory activity on heat-induced protein denaturation, hyaluronidase, as well as IL-6, TNF-α, and NO release in LPS-treated macrophages. Sorbus terpenoids significantly inhibited 5-α-reductase activity and reduced PSA secretion in PNT2 cells, reversing the stimulatory effect of testosterone. PNT2 cell proliferation was also found to be attenuated. Subsequently, all compounds reduced the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, ursolic acid (UA) and its aldehyde (UAL) were the most potent hyaluronidase inhibitors of all compounds, with IC50 values of 225.75 µg/mL and 369.77 µg/mL, respectively. For better understanding and interpretation of the overall effect of Sorbus terpenoids on different aspects of BPH pathogenesis and development, cluster analysis was applied.

Chemometrics as a valuable tool for evaluating interactions between antiretroviral drugs and food.

AIMS: Clinically significant interactions with food occur for more than half of antiretroviral drugs. Different physiochemical properties deriving from the chemical structures of antiretroviral drugs may contribute to the variable food effect. Chemometric methods allow analysing a large number of interrelated variables concomitantly and visualizing correlations between them. We used a chemometric approach to determine the types of correlations among different features of antiretroviral drugs and food that may influence interactions. METHODS: Thirty-three antiretroviral drugs were analysed: ten nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, six non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, five integrase strand transfer inhibitors, ten protease inhibitors, one fusion inhibitor and one HIV maturation inhibitor. Input data for the analysis were collected from already published clinical studies, chemical records and calculations. We constructed a hierarchical partial least squares (PLS) model with three response parameters: postprandial change of time to reach maximum drug concentration (ΔTmax ), albumin binding (%) and logarithm of partition coefficient (logP). Predictor parameters were the first two principal components of principal component analysis (PCA) models for six groups of molecular descriptors. RESULTS: PCA models explained 64.4% to 83.4% of the variance of the original parameters (average: 76.9%), whereas the PLS model had four significant components and explained 86.2% and 71.4% of the variance in the sets of predictor and response parameters, respectively. We observed 58 significant correlations between ΔTmax , albumin binding (%), logP and constitutional, topological, hydrogen bonding and charge-based molecular descriptors. CONCLUSIONS: Chemometrics is a useful and valuable tool for analysing interactions between antiretroviral drugs and food.

Relationships between Molecular Characteristics of Novel Organic Selenium Compounds and the Formation of Sulfur Compounds in Selenium Biofortified Kale Sprouts.

Due to problems with selenium deficiency in humans, the search for new organic molecules containing this element in plant biofortification process is highly required. Selenium organic esters evaluated in this study (E-NS-4, E-NS-17, E-NS-71, EDA-11, and EDA-117) are based mostly on benzoselenoate scaffolds, with some additional halogen atoms and various functional groups in the aliphatic side chain of different length, while one compound contains a phenylpiperazine moiety (WA-4b). In our previous study, the biofortification of kale sprouts with organoselenium compounds (at the concentrations of 15 mg/L in the culture fluid) strongly enhanced the synthesis of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Thus, the study aimed to discover the relationships between molecular characteristics of the organoselenium compounds used and the amount of sulfur phytochemicals in kale sprouts. The statistical partial least square model with eigenvalues equaled 3.98 and 1.03 for the first and second latent components, respectively, which explained 83.5% of variance in the predictive parameters, and 78.6% of response parameter variance was applied to reveal the existence of the correlation structure between molecular descriptors of selenium compounds as predictive parameters and biochemical features of studied sprouts as response parameters (correlation coefficients for parameters in PLS model in the range-0.521 ÷ 1.000). This study supported the conclusion that future biofortifiers composed of organic compounds should simultaneously contain nitryl groups, which may facilitate the production of plant-based sulfur compounds, as well as organoselenium moieties, which may influence the production of low molecular weight selenium metabolites. In the case of the new chemical compounds, environmental aspects should also be evaluated.

Interactions of Antiretroviral Drugs with Food, Beverages, Dietary Supplements, and Alcohol: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses.

Multiple factors may affect combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). We investigated the impact of food, beverages, dietary supplements, and alcohol on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of 33 antiretroviral drugs. Systematic review in adherence to PRISMA guidelines was performed, with 109 reports of 120 studies included. For each drug, meta-analyses or qualitative analyses were conducted. We have found clinically significant interactions with food for more than half of antiretroviral agents. The following drugs should be taken with or immediately after the meal: tenofovir disoproxil, etravirine, rilpivirine, dolutegravir, elvitegravir, atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir. Didanosine, zalcitabine, zidovudine, efavirenz, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, and indinavir should be taken on an empty stomach for maximum patient benefit. Antiretroviral agents not mentioned above can be administered regardless of food. There is insufficient evidence available to make recommendations about consuming juice or alcohol with antiretroviral drugs. Resolving drug-food interactions may contribute to maximized cART effectiveness and safety.

RESUMEN: Múltiples factores pueden afectar la terapia antirretroviral combinada (cART). Investigamos el impacto de los alimentos, las bebidas, los suplementos dietéticos y el alcohol en los parámetros farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos de 33 medicamentos antirretrovirales. Se realizó la revisión sistemática en apego a las guías PRISMA, con 109 reportes de 120 estudios incluidos. Para cada fármaco se realizaron metanálisis o análisis cualitativos. Hemos encontrado interacciones clínicamente significativas con alimentos para más de la mitad de los fármacos antirretrovirales. Los siguientes medicamentos deben tomarse durante o inmediatamente después de comer: tenofovir, disoproxil, etravirina, rilpivirine, dolutegravir, elvitegravir, atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir. Didanosina, zalcitabina, zidovudina, efavirenz, amprenavir, fosamprenavir e indinavir deben tomarse con el estómago vacío para obtener el máximo beneficio para el paciente. Los fármacos antirretrovirales no mencionados anteriormente se pueden administrar independientemente de los alimentos. No hay suficiente evidencia disponible para hacer recomendaciones sobre el consumo de jugo o alcohol con medicamentos antirretrovirales. Resolver las interacciones entre medicamentos y alimentos puede contribuir a maximizar la eficacia y la seguridad de cART.

Chickpea and Lupin Sprouts, Stimulated by Different LED Lights, As Novel Examples of Isoflavones-Rich Functional Food, and Their Impact on Breast and Prostate Cells.

Among all legumes sprouts' active compounds, isoflavones seem to be the most important; nevertheless, their high content is not always associated with beneficial effects. These compounds may prevent or stimulate hormone-dependent cancers due to their estrogen-like activity. Different LED light quality can change the synthesis of active compounds and significantly influence the biological activity of the sprouts. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of LED light (red, blue, green, yellow), as well as total darkness, and natural light conditions (as reference), on isoflavones content, determined by HPLC-UV-VIS, during 10 days of harvesting of chickpea and lupin sprouts. Due to the ambiguous estrogenic potential of isoflavones, the impact of these sprouts on normal and cancer prostate and breast cells was evaluated. Yellow LED light resulted in the highest sum of isoflavones in chickpea sprouts (up to 1 g/100 g dw), while for green LED light, the isoflavones sum was the lowest. The exact opposite effect was noted for lupin sprouts, with the predominance of green over the yellow LED light. The examined sprouts were of high safety to non-neoplastic breast and prostate cells, with interesting cytotoxic effects on breast MCF7 and prostate DU145 cancer cells. No clear relationship was observed between the activity and isoflavones content.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions and Cytotoxic Activity of Rapanone in Comparison to Its Homologue, Embelin.

Rapanone is a plant-derived simple alkyl-dihydroxybenzoquinone structurally close to embelin, a well-known cytotoxic agent. The pharmacological characterization of rapanone is still incomplete, and to fill the data gap, a good source for its acquisition is required to conduct further research. This study aimed to optimize the conditions for the extraction of rapanone from the leaves of white-berried Ardisia crenata Sims. For this purpose, three methods were employed: heat reflux (HRE), shaking (SE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and such parameters as the extraction time, solvent, and the number of extractions from the same sample were set as experimental variables. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity toward prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal carcinoma cell lines was investigated and compared with doxorubicin and embelin. The most effective and economical method for the extraction of rapanone was shown to be 20 min UAE with ethyl acetate or chloroform. Rapanone exhibited high cytotoxic activity against PC3 (IC50 = 6.50 µg/mL), Du145 (IC50 = 7.68 µg/mL), FTC133 (IC50 = 6.01 µg/mL), 8505C (IC50 = 7.84 µg/mL), and Caco-2 (IC50 = 8.79 µg/mL) cell lines after 24 h and against the HT29 cell line after 48 h (IC50 = 11.67 µg/mL). Furthermore, it revealed a more favorable safety profile than either its homologue, embelin, or doxorubicin. The set of optimal extraction parameters obtained may be utilized for scientific and industrial purposes to achieve the best rapanone yield. Moreover, this benzoquinone revealed a high cytotoxic activity with good selectivity.

The Importance of Nutritional Aspects in the Assessment of Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is closely linked to nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate associations between nutritional, inflammatory, and intestinal barrier parameters in patients with IBD. We assessed nutritional status, fecal short-chain fatty acid profile, serum cytokine levels, and mRNA expression of enzymes and tight junction proteins in intestinal biopsies obtained from 35 patients, including 11 patients with inactive IBD, 18 patients with active IBD, and six controls. Patients with active IBD were characterized by hypoalbuminemia, fluctuations in body weight, and restriction of fiber-containing foods. In addition, they had significantly reduced levels of isovaleric acid and tended to have lower levels of butyric, acetic, and propionic acids. Patients with active IBD had higher mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and lower mRNA expression of claudin-2 and zonula occludens-1, compared with patients with inactive IBD. Moreover, patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 had higher median tumor necrosis factor-α levels that those with a lower BMI. We comprehensively evaluated inflammatory parameters in relation to IBD activity and nutritional status. The discrepancies between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters depending on IBD activity may be related to nutritional factors, including diet and abnormal body weight.

Application of the Clustering Technique to Multiple Nutritional Factors Related to Inflammation and Disease Progression in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Diet and nutritional status affect intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to use a cluster analysis to assess structural similarity between different groups of parameters including short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in stool as well as hematological and inflammatory parameters (such as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines). We also assessed similarity between IBD patients in terms of various biochemical features of disease activity and nutritional status. A total of 48 participants were enrolled, including 36 patients with IBD and 12 controls. We identified four main meaningful clusters of parameters. The first cluster included all SCFAs with strong mutual correlations. The second cluster contained red blood cell parameters and albumin levels. The third cluster included proinflammatory parameters such as tumor necrosis factor-α, CRP, platelets, and phosphoric, succinic, and lactic acids. The final cluster revealed an association between zonulin and interleukins IL-10, IL-17, and IL-22. Moreover, we observed an inverse correlation between IL-6 and body mass index. Our findings suggest a link between nutritional status, diet, and inflammatory parameters in patients with IBD, which contribute to a better adjustment of the nutritional treatment.

Broccoli Sprouts and Their Influence on Thyroid Function in Different In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Broccoli sprouts are a super vegetable; however, they have possible negative effects on thyroid function, which is especially important for patients with hypothyroidism. As the data on this issue are scarce, this study aimed to determine the safety and possible beneficial effect of broccoli sprouts both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro model comprised the evaluation of the impact of broccoli sprouts on normal and neoplastic thyroid cells and the determination of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (IL-6, TNF-alpha, NO, and SOD) potential in macrophages. The in vivo model concerned the histopathological analysis of thyroid glands in healthy rats and rats with hypothyroidism (induced by iodine deficiency or sulfadimethoxine ingestion) fed with broccoli sprouts. The results of our study indicated that broccoli sprouts decreased the viability of thyroid cancer cells and prevented inflammation. The results also confirmed the satisfactory safety profile of the sprouts, both in vitro and in vivo; however, a further in-depth evaluation of this problem is still needed. Information on the influence of brassica vegetables on thyroid function is of great importance in terms of public health, particularly when taking into account that the risk of iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer in the global population is still increasing.

Association between fecal levels of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and serum Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by dysbiosis and altered short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) level. The association between individual SCFA levels and cytokine levels is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the fecal SCFA levels in patients with IBD in relation to disease severity and the serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 61 patients with IBD (inactive, 22; active, 39) and 16 controls. Fecal levels of organic acids (acetic, lactic, propionic, butyric, isovaleric, isobutyric, and valeric), serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-17, and IL-22, complete blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. RESULTS: Patients with active IBD had reduced butyric, acetic, valeric, and isovaleric acid levels and elevated lactic acid levels in stool. Hemoglobin levels were positively correlated with the levels of acetic and butyric acids (R = 0.266 and R = 0.346, respectively; P <0.05). In addition, CRP levels were inversely correlated with butyric acid levels (R = -0.573; P <0.05). Higher serum TNF-α levels were observed in patients with active IBD compared with controls (6.64 pg/ml vs 2.05 pg/ml, P <0.05). No relationship was noted between the SCFA profile and cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that determination of SCFA levels can be used to evaluate the activity of IBD. The relationship between individual SCFA and cytokine levels seems to be complex and requires further studies.

Sorbus intermedia (EHRH.) PERS. fruits as a novel source of biologically active triterpenoids - Comparative studies of ursolic acid derivatives with cytotoxic potential.

In the current study, the fruits of a popular ornamental tree, Sorbus intermedia, were investigated phytochemically and biologically as potential source of bioactive triterpenes. Six terpenoids were isolated and examined with respect to their cytotoxic activity using a broad screening in vitro model and multivariate analysis for better demonstration of the effects on cancer cells. This chemometric approach allowed us to confirm that the structural characteristics of the compounds significantly affected their impact on cell lines. Ursolic acid was found to be the most potent cytotoxic agent with IC50 predominantly < 10 µg/mL after 24 h of incubation. Its 3-acetoxy derivative was less active, however, an improvement in selectivity with regard to prostate panel was observed. Reduction of the carboxylic moiety at C28, as well as introduction of the hydroxyl group at 19α position led to complete loss of cytotoxic activity.

The Impact of Kohlrabi Sprouts on Various Thyroid Parameters in Iodine Deficiency- and Sulfadimethoxine-Induced Hypothyroid Rats.

Brassica sprouts, as the rich source of dietary glucosinolates, may have a negative effect on thyroid function. In this study, kohlrabi sprouts diet, combined with two models of rat hypothyroidism, was tested. TSH, thyroid hormones and histopathology analysis were completed with the evaluation of immunological, biochemical, haematological parameters, cytosolic glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase in the thyroid, and plasma glutathione peroxidase. A thermographic analysis was also adapted to confirm thyroid dysfunction. The levels of TSH, fT3 and fT4, antioxidant enzyme (GPX) as well as histopathology parameters remained unchanged following kohlrabi sprouts ingestion, only TR activity significantly increased in response to the sprouts. In hypothyroid animals, sprouts diet did not prevent thyroid damage. In comparison with the rats with iodine deficiency, kohlrabi sprouts diet decreased TNF-α level. Neither addition of the sprouts to the diet, nor sulfadimethoxine and iodine deficiency, caused negative changes in red blood cell parameters, glucose and uric acid concentrations, or kidney function. However, such a dietary intervention resulted in reduced WBC levels, and adversely interfered with liver function in rats, most likely due to a higher dietary intake of glucosinolates. Moreover, the possible impact of the breed of the rats on the evaluated parameters was indicated.

Assessment of the Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Production of Selected Cytokines in Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

The impact of selenium on the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) was mainly assessed by monitoring the titer of antithyroid autoantibodies in most of the studies conducted hitherto. On the other hand, the imbalance in activity of T cells such as Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg may be relevant in the pathogenesis of this disease. Hence, the assessment of changes in the secretion of cytokines by these cells during selenium supplementation in patients with HT seems to be an important issue and was the main goal of this study. A further aim was to search for correlations among these cytokines, as well as markers of thyroid function, selenium/iodine status in the body, and other biochemical parameters. The group of 29 women with newly diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis was supplemented with selenium in a dose of 100 µg/day for 6 months. Immunological parameters: interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, chemokine CXCL10, interleukin 4, interleukin 1ß, interleukin 17, transforming growth factor ß, and C-reactive protein, as well as selenium status parameters were determined in serum twice, i.e., before and after supplementation. Selenium supplementation was associated with a change in the production of two cytokines: interferon γ and interleukin 1ß, for which a decrease and an increase in concentration were observed, respectively. The partial least squares (PLS) model revealed the presence of many relevant correlations among analyzed parameters. The stage of HT development, degree of thyroid dysfunction, and selenium supplementation of diet are interdependent factors which shape the profile of some cytokines secreted by cells participating in the autoimmunity process.

In the Search for Novel, Isoflavone-Rich Functional Foods-Comparative Studies of Four Clover Species Sprouts and Their Chemopreventive Potential for Breast and Prostate Cancer.

Despite a significant amount of research, the relationship between a diet rich in isoflavones and breast and prostate cancer risk is still ambiguous. The purpose of the current study was to pre-select the potential candidate for functional foods among red, white, crimson, and Persian clover sprouts, cultured for different periods of time (up to 10 days), with respect to the isoflavone content (determined by HPLC-UV-VIS), and to verify their impact on hormone-dependent cancers in vitro. The red clover sprouts were the richest in isoflavones (up to 426.2 mg/100 g dw), whereas the lowest content was observed for the crimson clover. Each species produced isoflavones in different patterns, which refer to the germination time. Hormone-insensitive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were more resistant to the tested extracts than estrogen-dependent MCF7 breast cancer cells. Regarding prostate cancer, androgen-dependent LNCap cells were most susceptible to the tested sprouts, followed by androgen-insensitive, high metastatic PC3, and low metastatic DU145 cells. The observed cytotoxic impact of the tested sprouts is not associated with isoflavone content, as confirmed by chemometric analysis. Furthermore, the sprouts tested revealed a high antioxidant potential, and were characterized by high safety for normal breast and prostate cells.

Determination of Essential Minerals and Trace Elements in Edible Sprouts from Different Botanical Families-Application of Chemometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: elemental deficiency may result in the malfunctioning of human organisms. Sprouts, with their attractive looks and well-established popularity, may be considered as alternative sources of elements in the diet. Moreover, the uptake of micro- and macronutrients from sprouts is better when compared to other vegetable sources. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the level of the selected essential minerals and trace elements in 25 sprouts from different botanical families, to preselect the richest species of high importance for human diets. METHODS: the Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca determinations were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization and iodine by the colorimetric method. RESULTS: beetroot sprouts had the highest levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg, while onion sprouts were the richest in Mn and Ca, among all of the tested sprouts. Sprouts of the Brassicaceae family were generally richer in Ca, Mg, and Zn than sprouts from the Fabaceae family. Results allow preselection of the most perspective sprouts as possible dietary sources of essential minerals and trace elements. For rucola, leeks, onions, and beetroot sprouts, the data on minerals and trace element compositions were performed for the first time.

Association between Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels, Diet, and Body Mass Index in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Disturbances in the production of bacterial metabolites in the intestine have been reported in diseases associated with dysbiosis, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) that include two conditions: Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main dietary-fiber-derived bacterial metabolites associated with the course of intestinal inflammation. In this study, we assessed the relationship between body mass index (BMI), the type of diet used, and changes in fecal SCFA levels in patients with IBD. We performed nutritional assessments using a nutritional questionnaire and determined fecal SCFA levels in 43 patients with UC, 18 patients with CD, and 16 controls. Our results revealed that subjects with a BMI > 24.99 kg/m2 had higher levels of isobutyric acid, whereas those with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 had lower level of butyric, isovaleric, and propionic acids. Furthermore, we observed higher levels of valeric acid in controls than in IBD patients. We did not reveal a relationship between a specific SCFA and the type of diet, but eating habits appear to be related to the observed changes in the SCFA profile depending on BMI. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BMI is associated with SCFA levels in patients with IBD.

Fecal Levels of Lactic, Succinic and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease: A Pilot Study.

Intestinal dysbiosis plays a crucial role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The importance of bacterial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), succinic and lactic acids, as well as environmental factors that affect their production in the course of IBD, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate a profile of organic acids in the stool of CD and UC patients with different disease activity. We assessed a correlation between used medications, patient's diet, and SCFA levels. A total of 35 adult patients were included in the study. We did not observe significant differences in the levels of organic acids between the CD and UC groups, irrespective of disease activity, and a control group. However, propionic acid levels were higher in IBD patients who received trimebutine vs. those who did not (p = 0.031). Higher isobutyric acid levels were observed in patients treated with biological drugs compared with those without such treatment (p = 0.014). No significant correlations were found between organic acid levels and the frequency of dietary fiber consumption. Our results reveal a new link between medication use and organic acid levels in patients with IBD.