Effects of different surfactants on the conjugates of soybean protein-polyphenols for the preparation of ß-carotene microcapsules.

In this study, we investigated the spray-drying microencapsulation of ß-carotene in oil co-stabilized by soy protein isolate-epigallocatechin-3-gallate conjugate (SPE) and small molecule surfactants [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and tea saponin (TS)] of different concentrations [0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% (w/v)], as a prospective approach to stabilize ß-carotene. The results show that different surfactant types and concentrations significantly affect the encapsulation efficiency, water dispersibility, microstructure, and digestion of the microcapsules. Interactions between the surfactants and the SPE at the interface were found to include both synergistic and competitive effects, and they depended on the surfactant type and concentration. Moreover, the addition of SDS and TS before spray drying significantly improved the microencapsulation performance of the microcapsules and the water dispersion behavior of the corresponding spray-dried powders. The highest encapsulation efficiency was achieved for the SPE-0.1TS-encapsulated ß-carotene microcapsules. In contrast, the addition of CTAB was not conducive to microcapsule formation, resulting in poor encapsulation efficiency, water dispersibility, thermal stability, ß-carotene retention rate, and oxidation stability. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion results revealed that the addition of CTAB promotes the release of ß-carotene and improves the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene. In contrast, except for SPE-1.0SDS, the addition of SDS and TS inhibited ß-carotene release and reduced ß-carotene bioaccessibility. This study demonstrated that this novel ß-carotene encapsulation formulation can overcome stability limitations for the development of ß-carotene supplements with a high bioaccessibility.

Enhanced cytotoxic activity of beta carotene conjugated liposomes towards breast cancer cell line: comparative studies with cyclophosphamide.

This work aims to evaluate cyclophosphamide (Cyclo) cytotoxic efficacy combined with liposomes in the presence or absence of beta carotene (beta) by detecting the effects of these compounds on the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) DNA damage. The IC50 value for beta in cytotoxic assay with MCF-7 treated cells was 21.15 µg/ml, while with liposomal beta (LipoBeta) being 121 µg/ml. The free Cyclo IC50 value was 719.86 µg/ml, its liposomal form (LipoCyclo) was 172 µg/ml. The results indicated that in contrast with Cyclo and control values, all comet assay parameters for the LipoBeta were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In MCF-7 cells treated with beta, the findings show a higher intensity of comet tail than those treated with LipoBeta. The presence of several double-strand breaks suggests this high intensity relative to the head. The molecular combination between Cyclo and liposomes in the presence or absence of beta was characterized. Dynamic light scattering measurements confirmed the mono-dispersity of all samples. The incorporation of Cyclo or beta into liposomes exhibited a slight shift to higher temperature compared to the main peak of empty liposomes that exists at 101.5°C which creates a conformational disorder within the phospholipids. The FTIR study showed structural alterations in vesicles after liposome encapsulation.

Comparative performance evaluation of chitosan based polymeric microspheres and nanoparticles as delivery system for bacterial ß-carotene derived from Planococcus sp. TRC1.

ß-carotene is a natural compound with immense healthcare benefits. To overcome insolubility and lack of stability which restricts its application, in this study, ß-carotene from Planococcus sp. TRC1 was entrapped into formulations of chitosan­sodium alginate microspheres (MF1, MF2 and MF3) and chitosan nanoparticles (NF1, NF2 and NF3). The maximum entrapment efficiency (%) and loading capacity (%) were 80.6 ± 4.28 and 26 ± 3.05 (MF2) and 92.1 ± 3.44 and 41.86 ± 4.65 (NF2) respectively. Korsmeyer-Peppas model showed best fit with release, revealing non-Fickian diffusion. Thermal and UV treatment exhibited higher activation energy (kJ/mol), 17.76 and 15.57 (MF2) and 37.03 and 19.33 (NF2) compared to free ß-carotene (3.7 and 3.9), uncovering enhanced stability. MF2 and NF2 revealed swelling index (%) 721 ± 1.7 and 18.1 ± 1.5 (pH 6.8) and particle size 69.5 ± 3.2 µm and 92 ± 2.5 nm respectively. FESEM, FT-IR, XRD and DSC depicted spherical morphology, intactness of functional groups and masking of crystallinity. The IC50 (µg ml-1) values for antioxidant and anticancer (A-549) activities were 33.1 ± 1.7, 45.1 ± 2.8, 39.3 ± 2.9 and 31.3 ± 1.7, 27.9 ± 2.4, 25.3 ± 2.2 for ß-carotene, MF2 and NF2 respectively with no significant cytotoxicity on HEK-293 cells and RBCs (p > 0.05). This comparative study of microspheres and nanoparticles may allow the diverse applications of an unconventional bacterial ß-carotene with promising stability and efficacies.

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Using Liposomes, Cyclodextrins, or Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency remains a challenge in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic pancreatitis, and biliary atresia. Liposomes and cyclodextrins can enhance their bioavailability, thus this multi-center randomized placebo-controlled trial compared three-month supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins in the form of liposomes or cyclodextrins to medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in pancreatic-insufficient CF patients. The daily doses were as follows: 2000 IU of retinyl palmitate, 4000 IU of vitamin D3, 200 IU of RRR-α-tocopherol, and 200 µg of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, with vitamin E given in soybean oil instead of liposomes. All participants received 4 mg of ß-carotene and 1.07 mg of vitamin K1 to ensure compliance with the guidelines. The primary outcome was the change from the baseline of all-trans-retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations and the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Out of 75 randomized patients (n = 28 liposomes, n = 22 cyclodextrins, and n = 25 MCT), 67 completed the trial (89%; n = 26 liposomes, n = 18 cyclodextrins, and n = 23 MCT) and had a median age of 22 years (IQR 19-28), body mass index of 20.6 kg/m2 [18.4-22.0], and forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 65% (44-84%). The liposomal formulation of vitamin A was associated with the improved evolution of serum all-trans-retinol compared to the control (median +1.7 ng/mL (IQR -44.3-86.1) vs. -38.8 ng/mL (-71.2-6.8), p = 0.028). Cyclodextrins enhanced the bioavailability of vitamin D3 (+9.0 ng/mL (1.0-17.0) vs. +3.0 ng/mL (-4.0-7.0), p = 0.012) and vitamin E (+4.34 µg/mL (0.33-6.52) vs. -0.34 µg/mL (-1.71-2.15), p = 0.010). Liposomes may augment the bioavailability of vitamin A and cyclodextrins may strengthen the supplementation of vitamins D3 and E relative to MCT in pancreatic-insufficient CF but further studies are required to assess liposomal vitamin E (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00014295, funded from EU and Norsa Pharma).

The Zebrafish Embryo as a Model to Test Protective Effects of Food Antioxidant Compounds.

The antioxidant activity of food compounds is one of the properties generating the most interest, due to its health benefits and correlation with the prevention of chronic disease. This activity is usually measured using in vitro assays, which cannot predict in vivo effects or mechanisms of action. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo protective effects of six phenolic compounds (naringenin, apigenin, rutin, oleuropein, chlorogenic acid, and curcumin) and three carotenoids (lycopene B, ß-carotene, and astaxanthin) naturally present in foods using a zebrafish embryo model. The zebrafish embryo was pretreated with each of the nine antioxidant compounds and then exposed to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH), a known inducer of oxidative stress in zebrafish. Significant differences were determined by comparing the concentration-response of the tBOOH induced lethality and dysmorphogenesis against the pretreated embryos with the antioxidant compounds. A protective effect of each compound, except ß-carotene, against oxidative-stress-induced lethality was found. Furthermore, apigenin, rutin, and curcumin also showed protective effects against dysmorphogenesis. On the other hand, ß-carotene exhibited increased lethality and dysmorphogenesis compared to the tBOOH treatment alone.

The apparent inverse association between dietary carotene intake and risk of cardiovascular mortality disappeared after adjustment for other cardioprotective dietary intakes: The Japan collaborative cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An effect of dietary carotenes on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether the association between dietary carotenes intake and risk of CVD mortality will persist after controlling for the intakes of potential cardioprotective dietary factors that correlate with dietary alpha- and/or beta-carotenes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We followed up a total of 58,646 Japanese between 1988 and 1990 and 2009. We used a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to determine the dietary intakes of carotenes, and estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD mortality in relation to carotene intake by the proportional hazard regression developed by David Cox. During 965,970 person-years of follow-up (median 19.3 years), we identified 3388 total CVD deaths. After adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, dietary intakes of alpha-carotene were significantly associated with the reduced risk of mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD); adjusted HR (95% CI) in the highest versus lowest quintiles of intake was 0.75 (0.58-0.96; P-trend = 0.02) and dietary intakes of beta-carotene were significantly associated with the reduced risk of mortality from CVD, CHD, and other CVD; adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 0.88 (0.79-0.98; P-trend = 0.04), 0.78 (0.61-0.99; P-trend = 0.01), and 0.81 (0.67-0.98; P-trend = 0.04), respectively. However, after further adjusting for the dietary intakes of potassium, calcium, vitamins C, E, or K, these associations disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: -Dietary alpha- and beta-carotene intakes were not associated with risk of CVD mortality after controlling for intakes of other potential cardioprotective nutrients.

Beta-Carotene derivatives as novel therapy for the prevention and treatment of autistic symptoms.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction & communication as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. The currently reported incidence of ASD is 1-2%, and it increases dramatically to 10-20% in families predisposed to ASD. To date, there is no effective way to treat or prevent ASD, and only symptomatic treatment with limited efficacy is available. Oxytocin (Oxt) enhances affiliative behavior and improves social cognition. Social deficits characteristic of autism may be related to dysfunctional Oxt neurotransmission. Thus, administration of Oxt may relieve ASD, however it has a short plasma half-life and poor Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability. CD38, a multifunctional ecto-enzyme expressed in brain and immune cells, was found to be critical for social behavior via regulation of Oxt secretion. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a potent inducer of CD38 and improves social behavior, but it is toxic and teratogenic. We have shown that beta-carotene has a similar therapeutic effect. The present study aimed to investigate the activity of novel beta-carotene derivatives in rescuing low sociability found in BTBR mice, providing an in vivo "proof of principle" that beta-carotene derivatives are potential agents to prevent/ameliorate the reappearance of ASD in high-risk populations for ASD. Beta-carotene and its synthetic analogs were administered orally to newborn BTBR mice with ASD associated like behavior. After 2 months, they were tested (at dosages of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) by cognitive (T-maze spontaneous alteration and neurological score) and behavioral tests (reciprocal social interaction, repetitive grooming / bedding behavior), previously shown as indicators for autistic behavior. The following biochemical and molecular biology parameters were also examined: serum Oxt; gene expression in hippocampus and hypothalamus of CD 38, Oxt, Oxt receptor, BDNF, and retinoic acid receptor. The new compounds were significantly more effective than control. The most effective compounds, both in the behavioral tests and in their biochemical effects, were (3R,3'R)-astaxanthin bis(N-Cbz-l-alanine ester) (3B(and (3S,3'S)-astaxanthin bis(N,N-dimethylglycine ester (5). They did not exert any neurological symptoms. Thus, beta-carotene derivatives may have the potential to prevent and/or ameliorate autistic symptoms when administered orally after birth to newborns of families predisposed to autism.

Potential health benefits of carotenoid lutein: An updated review.

Carotenoids in food substances are believed to have health benefits by lowering the risk of diseases. Lutein, a carotenoid compound, is one of the essential nutrients available in green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, and peas), along with other foods, such as eggs. As nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining human health, lutein, as a nutritional substance, confers promising benefits against numerous health issues, including neurological disorders, eye diseases, skin irritation, etc. This review describes the in-depth health beneficial effects of lutein. As yet, a minimal amount of literature has been undertaken to consider all its promising bioactivities. The step-by-step biosynthesis of lutein has also been taken into account in this review. Besides, this review demonstrates the drug interactions of lutein with ß-carotene, as well as safety concerns and dosage. The potential benefits of lutein have been assessed against neurological disorders, eye diseases, cardiac complications, microbial infections, skin irritation, bone decay, etc. Additionally, recent studies ascertained the significance of lutein nanoformulations in the amelioration of eye disorders, which are also considered in this review. Moreover, a possible approach for the use of lutein in bioactive functional foods will be discussed.

Carotenoid status in type 2 diabetes patients with and without retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness. Carotenoids are plant-derived pigments required for general health and particularly for vision. In this study, we evaluated the dietary intake and blood carotenoid levels of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with and without DR. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted among 151 age-matched controls and 344 T2D patients, of which 194 had DR and 150 had no DR (NDR). After a complete ophthalmic examination, the demographic, anthropometric and clinical profiles were obtained. Carotenoids in the plasma were measured by HPLC and dietary intakes were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire. The mean plasma levels of carotenoids (except γ-carotene) were significantly lower in the DR group compared to the Control and NDR groups. The dietary intakes of zeaxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene and ß-carotene were significantly lower in the NDR group compared to the Control group, and were further lower in the DR group compared to the NDR group. Plasma carotenoid levels were significantly inversely associated with the duration of diabetes, RBS and HbA1c but positively associated with HDL. This study demonstrated decreased plasma levels and lower dietary intakes of carotenoids in DR subjects.

Development of ß-carotene loaded oil-in-water emulsions using mixed biopolymer-particle-surfactant interfaces.

In this study, ß-carotene loaded oil-in-water emulsions were stabilized by complex interfaces composed of propylene glycol alginate (PGA), rhamnolipids (Rha), and zein colloidal particles (ZCPs). The influence of mixed biopolymer-surfactant, biopolymer-particle, surfactant-particle and biopolymer-surfactant-particle interfaces on the performance of the emulsions was investigated. The stability, microstructure, rheological properties, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the emulsions were controlled by regulating the adding sequence and mass ratio of the multiple stabilizers. The droplet size of the emulsion was in the range of 14-77 µm. After encapsulation into the emulsions stabilized by the complex interfaces, the photothermal stability of ß-carotene were increased by 41.53% and 21.52%, respectively. The co-existence of particles, biopolymers, and surfactants could induce competitive displacement, multilayer deposition and an interparticle network at the interface. Compared with a single PGA- or Rha-stabilized emulsion, the complex interface-stabilized emulsion reduced the release of FFA by 28.06% and 26.16%, respectively. The interfacial composition of the emulsion and the delayed lipid digestion further affected the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The mixed biopolymer-particle-surfactant interface-stabilized emulsion could be incorporated in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics for excellent stability, targeted nutrient delivery and controlled lipolysis.

Dietary Antioxidants and the Risk of Parkinson Disease: The Swedish National March Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether high baseline dietary antioxidants and total nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC) is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson disease (PD) in men and women, we prospectively studied 43,865 men and women from a large Swedish cohort. METHODS: In the Swedish National March Cohort, 43,865 men and women aged 18-94 years were followed through record linkages to National Health Registries from 1997 until 2016. Baseline dietary vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene intake, as well as NEAC, were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire collected at baseline. All exposure variables were adjusted for energy intake and categorized into tertiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PD. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up time of 17.6 years, we detected 465 incidence cases of PD. In the multivariable adjusted model, dietary vitamin E (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.90; p for trend 0.005) and vitamin C (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.89; p for trend 0.004) were inversely associated with the risk of PD when comparing participants in the highest vs the lowest tertiles of exposure. No association was found with estimated intake of dietary beta-carotene or NEAC. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that dietary vitamin E and C intake might be inversely associated with the risk of PD. No association was found with dietary beta-carotene or NEAC. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that dietary vitamin E and C intake are inversely associated with the risk of PD.

Maternal antioxidant intake during pregnancy and the development of cows' milk allergy in the offspring.

Cows' milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in young children, and it is often the first manifestation of atopic diseases. Accordingly, very early environmental factors, such as maternal diet during pregnancy, may play a role in the development of CMA, but the evidence is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal intake of antioxidant nutrients during pregnancy and the subsequent development of CMA in the offspring in a prospective, population-based birth cohort within the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study. Maternal dietary information during pregnancy was collected with a detailed, validated FFQ. The maternal dietary information and the information on putative confounding factors were available for 4403 children. Information on diagnosed CMA (n 448) was obtained from a medical registry and queried from the parents up to child's age of 3 years. The Finnish food composition database was used to calculate the average daily intake of nutrients. Logistic regression was applied for statistical analyses, and the nutrient intakes were adjusted for energy intake. OR are presented per 1 sd increment of the particular nutrient intake. Maternal total and dietary intake of ß-carotene was associated with an increased risk of CMA in the offspring when adjusted for the putative confounding factors (total OR 1·10, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·20; dietary OR 1·10; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·19). Using dietary supplements containing antioxidants in addition to a balanced diet may not confer any additional benefits.

Oleophylic Nanospheres Self-Assembly by Emulsion Technique Utilizing the Automatic Nanoscalar Interfacial Alternation (ANIAE).

BACKGROUND: The administration of many pharmaceutical active ingredients is often performed by the injection of an aqueous-based solution. Numerous active ingredients are however, insoluble in water, which complicates their administration and restricts their efficacy. OBJECTIVE: The current solutions are hindered by both, a time-consuming manufacturing process and unsuitability for hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. METHODS: Emulsions of oleophilic active ingredients and polyprotein microspheres are an important step to overcome insolubility issues. RESULTS: Polyprotein microspheres offer a versatile modifiable morphology, thermal responsivity, and size variation, which allows for the protection and release of assembled biomaterials. In addition, nanospheres present promising cell phagocytosis outcomes in vivo. CONCLUSION: In this research, a reproducible multifunctional approach, to assemble nanospheres in one step, using a technique termed "automatic nanoscalar interfacial alternation in emulsion" (ANIAE) was developed, incorporating a thermally controlled release mechanism for the assembled target active ingredients. These results demonstrate a viable, universal, multifunctional principal for the pharmaceutical industry.

Comparative study on the effect of dietary ß-carotene and phycocyanin extracted from Spirulina platensis on immune-oxidative stress biomarkers, genes expression and intestinal enzymes, serum biochemical in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

The current trial investigated the roles of ß-carotene and phycocyanin extracted from Spirulina platensis on growth, serum biochemical, digestive enzymes, antioxidant defense, immune responses, and immune gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (1.52 ± 0.10 g) were randomly stocked to three treatments with three replicates (12 fish per replicate) in nine aquaria (60 L glass aquarium for each), and reared for 70-days. Three tested diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic, and were offered for experimental fish until ad-libitum three times daily at 09:00 a.m., 11.00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The first diet (control) was without supplementation. About 50 mg ß-carotene and 50 mg phycocyanin kg-1 were supplemented to the other experimental diets, respectively. Results indicated that feed intake was not (P > 0.05) differ among experimental diets. Compared to control diet wight gain and specific growth rate were significantly (P < 0.05) in fish fed diet containing ß-carotene, while, the highest weight gain and the best FCR were detected in phycocyanin diet. Survival fish among treatments was significantly (P < 0.05) differ and the highest survival rate was showed in fish fed diet supplemented with phycocyanin. Either ß-carotene or phycocyanin significantly (P < 0.05) improved the intestinal digestive enzymes compared with control diet, where the highest values of chymotrypsin, trypsin, lipase and amylase were noticed in fish fed phycocyanin. Diets supplemented with ß-carotene and phycocyanin significantly (P < 0.05) improved hematology parameters contents compared with to the control diet, and the best contents were detected in fish fed diet supplemented with phycocyanin. The highest significant (P < 0.05) phagocytic, lysozyme, immunoglobulin M (IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities were recorded in diet supplemented with phycocyanin. The transcripts of interferon gamma and interleukin 1ß genes were (P < 0.05) up-regulated in the liver of fish fed diet supplemented with ß-carotene and phycocyanin, but expression of HSP70 gene down-regulated in fish fed ß-carotene and phycocyanin containing diet compared control. The highest gene expression of the interferon gamma and interleukin 1ß was observed in fish fed phycocyanin.

Effect of Beta-Carotene Supplementation on the Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Population in Japanese Black Calves.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of beta-carotene supplementation to Japanese Black calves on the peripheral blood leukocyte population. Twenty-two Japanese Black calves were alternately assigned to two groups. Eleven calves received 20 mg/d of beta-carotene orally from 2 to 8 wk of age (BC group), and the other 11 calves did not receive (control group). The serum beta-carotene concentration in the BC group at 4, 8 and 12 wk of age were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). The numbers of CD4+ cells in the BC group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 4 wk of age (p<0.05). These results confirmed that beta-carotene supplementation to Japanese Black calves affected the peripheral blood leukocyte population.

Dietary ß-Cryptoxanthin and α-Carotene Have Greater Apparent Bioavailability Than ß-Carotene in Subjects from Countries with Different Dietary Patterns.

ß-carotene, α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin are greater contributors to vitamin A intake than retinol in the human diet for most people around the world. Their contribution depends on several factors, including bioavailability and capacity of conversion into retinol. There is an increasing body of research showing that the use of retinol activity equivalents or retinol equivalents could lead to the underestimation of the contribution of ß-cryptoxanthin and of α-carotene. The aim is to assess their apparent bioavailability by comparing concentrations in blood to their dietary intakes and identifying the major food contributors to their dietary intake. Dietary intake (3-day 24-h records) and serum concentrations (by HPLC) were calculated in normolipemic subjects with adequate retinol status (≥1.1 µmol/L) from our studies (n = 633) and apparent bioavailability calculated from 22 other studies (n = 29,700). Apparent bioavailability was calculated as the ratio of concentration in the blood to carotenoid intake. Apparent bioavailabilities for α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin were compared to those for ß-carotene. Eating comparable amounts of α-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin and ß-carotene foods resulted in 55% greater α-carotene (95% CI 35, 90) and 686% higher ß-cryptoxanthin (95% CI 556, 1016) concentrations than ß-carotene in blood. This suggests differences in the apparent bioavailability of α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin and even larger differences with ß-cryptoxanthin, greater than that of ß-carotene. Four fruits (tomato, orange, tangerine, red pepper) and two vegetables (carrot, spinach) are the main contributors to their dietary intake (>50%) in Europeans.

Gliadin Nanoparticles Pickering Emulgels for ß-Carotene Delivery: Effect of Particle Concentration on the Stability and Bioaccessibility.

ß-carotene is a promising natural active ingredient for optimum human health. However, the insolubility in water, low oral bioavailability, and instability in oxygen, heat, and light are key factors to limit its application as incorporation into functional foods. Therefore, gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs) Pickering emulgels were chosen as food-grade ß-carotene delivery systems. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the influence of GNPs concentration on the rheological properties, stability, and simulated gastrointestinal fate of ß-carotene of Pickering emulgels. The formulations of Pickering emulgels at low GNPs concentration had better fluidity, whereas at high GNPs concentration, they had stronger gel structures. Furthermore, the thermal stability of ß-carotene loaded in Pickering emulgels after two pasteurization treatments was significantly improved with the increase of GNPs concentration. The Pickering emulgels stabilized with higher GNPs concentration could improve the protection and bioaccessibility of ß-carotene after different storage conditions. This study demonstrated the tremendous potential of GNPs Pickering emulgels to carry ß-carotene.

The association of dietary Beta-carotene and vitamin A intake on the risk of esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: dietary β-carotene and vitamin A intake have shown some potential effect in the development of esophageal cancer. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association of β-carotene and vitamin A intake on the risk of esophageal cancer. METHODS: the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Wanfang Med online databases were systematically searched to collect the relevant articles regarding the impact of β-carotene and vitamin A intake on esophageal cancer risk. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were combined using the Review Manager Version 5.3 software. RESULTS: this meta-analysis included 14 articles. The highest category of β-carotene intake may significantly reduce the risk of esophageal cancer compared with the lowest category (OR = 0.62, 95 % CI = 0.50-0.77). Similar significant results were found in American and European populations but not in other populations with β-carotene intake. An inverse association was found between vitamin A intake and esophageal cancer risk (OR = 0.79, 95 % CI = 0.63-0.99). No potential publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS: our study suggested that dietary β-carotene and vitamin A intake may reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. More relevant studies are needed to further explore this association, as there were some limitations in our análisis

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Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential mechanism of dietary carotenoids improving antioxidative capability and immunity of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis.

Carotenoids are known to be involved in the regulation of the antioxidative capability, immune response and stress resistance in crustacean species; however, very limited information is available on their underlying molecular mechanisms. This study performed transcriptome sequencing of hemolymph and hepatopancreas of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) that fed with three diets, i.e. diet A containing 90 mg kg-1 dry weight of astaxanthin, diet B containing 200 mg kg-1 dry weight of ß-carotene and control diet without supplementation of dietary carotenoids. The results showed that there were 2955 and 497 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hemolymph between the astaxanthin treatment and control groups, and between the ß-carotene treatment and control groups, respectively. Moreover, compared with the control group, 833 and 1886 DEGs were obtained in the hepatopancreas of the astaxanthin treatment and the ß-carotene treatment groups, respectively. The DEGs in the three groups were enriched in 255 specific KEGG metabolic pathways according to KEGG enrichment analysis. Through this study, a series of key genes involved in Nrf2 signalling, ROS production, intracellular antioxidant enzymes and chaperones were significantly affected by dietary carotenoids. Dietary carotenoids also significantly altered the expression levels of immune-related molecules associated with signal transduction, prophenoloxidase cascade, apoptosis, pattern recognition proteins/receptors and antimicrobial peptides. In conclusion, this transcriptomic study provides valuable information for understanding the molecular mechanism and potential pathway of dietary carotenoids improved the antioxidative capability and immunity of juvenile E. sinensis.