Sourdough Fermentation Improves the Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Triticum dicoccum.

The fermentation process has been widely used to improve plant-based foods' nutritional and nutraceutical properties. This study aimed to investigate and compare the impact of sourdough fermentation on the bioactive content and profile, antioxidant and antihypertensive activities, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of fermented (FS) and non-fermented (NFS) flour from Tuscan Triticum dicoccum wheat (spelt) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-inflamed human intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29). FS showed significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid content, in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activities, and ACE-inhibitory activities than NFS. Gallic acid was identified by HPLC-DAD as the most representative polyphenol, followed by rutin, trans-ferulic acid, iso-quercitrin, and quercetin, in the fermented spelt sample. Instead, rutin and gallic acid were identified as the predominant compounds in the non-fermented ones. Moreover, FS exhibited a better protective effect on inflamed HT-29 cells by significantly counteracting the TNFα-induced alterations, lowering the expression of IL-8, COX-2, and ICAM-1 inflammatory mediator while enhancing antioxidant enzyme HO-1 gene expression. In conclusion, sourdough fermentation positively affected the nutraceutical and functional properties of spelt, which may represent a valuable ingredient for the formulation of functional foods and a key product for managing hypertension and inflammatory intestinal diseases.

Effects of Nutraceuticals on Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 Cells.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of several solid tumors, whose use is limited by its nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and development of resistance. The toxicity is caused by DNA cross-linking, increase in reactive oxygen species and/or depletion of cell antioxidant defenses. The aim of the work was to study the effect of antioxidant compounds (Lisosan G, Taurisolo®) or hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing compounds (erucin) in the auditory HEI-OC1 cell line treated with cisplatin. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Caspase and sphingomyelinase activities were measured by fluorometric and colorimetric methods, respectively. Expression of transcription factors, apoptosis hallmarks and genes codifying for antioxidant response proteins were measured by Western blot and/or RT-qPCR. Lisosan G, Taurisolo® and erucin did not show protective effects. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a donor of H2S, increased the viability of cisplatin-treated cells and the transcription of heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase 2, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase type 1 and the catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), the Bax/Bcl2 ratio, caspase-3, caspase-8 and acid sphingomyelinase activity. Therefore, NaHS might counteract the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin by increasing the antioxidant response and by reducing ROS levels and caspase and acid sphingomyelinase activity.

Traditional Fermentation Affects the Nutraceutical Properties of Parkia biglobosa Seeds.

Parkia biglobosa seeds (African locust bean) play a crucial role in the diet and health of Western African populations. The seeds are spontaneously fermented to produce condiments used for food seasoning and stews preparation. Hence, to understand the health benefits of seed-based products from P. biglobosa, total polyphenol content, in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties, as well as antihypertensive activity, of fermented and non-fermented seeds were investigated. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine total polyphenol content; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests were used to estimate the in vitro antioxidant activity. The ex vivo antioxidant and antihypertensive activities were evaluated by using cellular antioxidant activity in human red blood cells (CAA-RBC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity assays, respectively. The fermented seeds showed a huge increase in polyphenol content and in vitro antioxidant activities compared to non-fermented ones. The fermented seeds showed a higher potency of biological antioxidant activity than non-fermented ones by exhibiting greater protection of erythrocytes from oxidative damage at a very low dose of extracts. Both fermented and non-fermented seeds have been shown to contain peptides with ACE-inhibitory activity; however, the non-fermented seeds exerted a higher ACE-inhibitory activity than fermented ones. In conclusion, traditional fermentation positively impacted the nutraceutical and health benefits of P. biglobosa seeds. However, the non-fermented seeds should not be ignored. Both fermented and non-fermented seeds can be used as valuable ingredients for the formulation of functional foods.

Phytochemical and Biological Activities in Limonium Species Collected in Different Biotopes of Tunisia.

A particular interest is nowadays given to natural antioxidants occurring in foods which can reduce the risk of several diseases through their protective effect. The genus Limonium is widely distributed in different salt regions of Tunisia and known in traditional medicine for the presence of highly effective viral and bacterial replication inhibitors. Limonium leaves have possible beneficial effects on human health for their antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities. To exploit the potential of plants from extreme environments as new sources of natural antioxidants, we studied the extracts from leaves of eight Limonium species growing in extreme environments in Tunisia. Antioxidant molecules (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, ascorbate, tocopherols), in vitro (DPPH, ORAC) and ex vivo antioxidant potential on human erythrocytes, antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, glutathione reductase) were evaluated to identify the species with the best antioxidant capacity. The results showed variability among the species considered in function of the environmental conditions of their natural biotopes, as for the antioxidants measured. In particular, L. vulgare from Oued Rane biotope, characterized by dryness and high temperatures, was the species with the highest enzymatic activity and antioxidant capacity, making it interesting as possible edible halophyte plant or as food complement.

Design of a Phased Array EMAT for Inspection Applications in Liquid Sodium.

This article describes the development of a French CEA in-house phased array Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) adapted to hot and opaque sodium environment for in-service inspection of Sodium Fast Reactors. The work presented herein aimed at improving in-service inspection techniques for the ASTRID reactor project. The design process of the phased array EMAT is explained and followed by a review of laboratory experimental test results.

Cell Suspensions of Cannabis sativa (var. Futura): Effect of Elicitation on Metabolite Content and Antioxidant Activity.

Cannabis sativa L. is one of the most-studied species for its phytochemistry due to the abundance of secondary metabolites, including cannabinoids, terpenes and phenolic compounds. In the last decade, fiber-type hemp varieties have received interest for the production of many specialized secondary metabolites derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. The interest in these molecules is due to their antioxidant activity. Since secondary metabolite synthesis occurs at a very low level in plants, the aim of this study was to develop a strategy to increase the production of such compounds and to elucidate the biochemical pathways involved. Therefore, cell suspensions of industrial hemp (C. sativa L. var. Futura) were produced, and an advantageous elicitation strategy (methyl jasmonate, MeJA) in combination with precursor feeding (tyrosine, Tyr) was developed. The activity and expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) increased upon treatment. Through 1H-NMR analyses, some aromatic compounds were identified, including, for the first time, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (4-HPP) in addition to tyrosol. The 4-day MeJA+Tyr elicited samples showed a 51% increase in the in vitro assay (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) radical scavenging activity relative to the control and a 80% increase in the cellular antioxidant activity estimated on an ex vivo model of human erythrocytes. Our results outline the active metabolic pathways and the antioxidant properties of hemp cell extracts under the effect of specific elicitors.

Influence of high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on circulating monocytic angiogenic cells functions in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) can exert anti-atherogenic effects. On top of removing excess cholesterol through reverse cholesterol transport, HDLs play beneficial actions on endothelial function and integrity. In particular, HDLs are strong determinant of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) number and function. To gain further insights into such an effect we characterized in vitro functionality of circulating "early" EPCs obtained from 60 type 2 diabetes individuals with low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and 59 with high HDL-C levels. METHODS: After an overnight fast, venous blood was drawn in EDTA tubes and processed within 2-h from sampling. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and plated on fibronectin coated culture dishes; after 3 days culture, adherent cells positive for Dil-ac-LDL/Lectin dual fluorescent staining were identified as monocytic angiogenic cells (MACs). After 5-7 days culture in EBM-2 medium, adherent cells were evaluated for viability/proliferation (MTT assay), senescence (beta-galactosidase activity detection), migration (modified Boyden chamber using VEGF as chemoattractant), adhesion capacity (on fibronectin-coated culture dishes) and ROS production (ROS-sensitive fluorescent probe CM-H2DCFDA). RESULTS: MACs obtained from diabetic individuals with high HDL-C had 23% higher viability compared to low HDL-C (111.6 ± 32.7% vs. 90.5 ± 28.6% optical density; p = 0.002). H2O2 exposure impaired MACs viability to a similar extent in both groups (109.2 ± 31.7% vs. 74.5 ± 40.8% in high HDL-C, p < 0.0001; 88.3 ± 25.5% vs. 72.3 ± 22.5% in low-HDL, p = 0.004). MACs senescence was comparable in the two groups (102.7 ± 29.8% vs. 99.2 ± 27.8%; p = 0.703) and was only slightly modified by exposure to H2O2. There was no difference in the MACs migration capacity between the two groups (91.3 ± 34.2% vs. 108.7 ± 39.5%; p = 0.111), as well as in MACs adhesion capacity (105.2 ± 32.7% vs. 94.1 ± 26.1%; p = 0.223). Finally, ROS production was slightly thought not significantly higher in MACs from type 2 diabetes individuals with low- than high-HDL. After stratification of HDL-C levels into quartiles, viability (p < 0.0001) and adhesion (p = 0.044) were higher in Q4 than in Q1-Q3. In logistic regression analysis, HDL-C was correlated to MACs viability and adhesion independently of HbA1c or BMI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in type 2 diabetes subjects, HDL-cholesterol is an independent determinant of circulating MACs functional capacities-mainly viability, to a lesser extent adhesion-likely contributing also through this mechanism to cardiovascular protection even in type 2 diabetes.

A fermented bean flour extract downregulates LOX-1, CHOP and ICAM-1 in HMEC-1 stimulated by ox-LDL.

This study focused on an extract from fermented flour from the Lady Joy variety of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. The extract, Lady Joy lysate (Lys LJ), is enriched in antioxidant compounds during the fermentation. We assessed it for its protective effect on endothelial cells treated with oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL). The oxidative stress was determined by measuring the contents of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and reactive oxygen metabolites. ICAM-1, ET-1 and IL-6 concentrations were assessed using ELISA. LOX-1 and CHOP expression were analyzed using both quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA or western blotting. Ox-LDL treatment induced significant oxidative stress, which was strongly reduced by pre-treatment with the extract. The ox-LDL exposure significantly enhanced ICAM-1, IL-6 and ET-1 levels over basal levels. Lys LJ pre-treatment exerted an inhibitory effect on ox-LDL-induced endothelial activation with ICAM-1 levels comparable to those for the untreated cells. IL-6 and ET-1 production, although reduced, was still significantly higher than for the control. Both LOX-1 and CHOP expression were upregulated after ox-LDL exposure, but this effect was significantly decreased after Lys LJ pre-treatment. Lys LJ alone did not alter the ICAM-1, IL-6 and ET-1 concentrations or CHOP expression, but it did significantly lower the LOX-1 protein level. Our data suggest that Lys LJ is an effective antioxidant that is able to inhibit the oxidation process, but that it is only marginally active against inflammation and ET-1 production in HMEC-1 exposed to ox-LDL.

Relationship among IL-6, LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxidation.

Previous studies evidenced a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels during an episode of acute inflammation. The aim of the present study was to verify the hypothesis of a regulatory role of cytokines through an in vitro model that simulates a situation of vascular inflammation and high levels of LDL or lipoperoxides. Human microvascular endothelial cells-1 were used in all experiments. The cells were exposed for 24 h to increasing doses of LDL, oxidized lipoprotein, and 8-isoprostane (in the absence or presence of SQ29.548, a TXA2 receptor antagonist). Moreover, LDL receptor and oxidized lipoprotein receptor expression analyzed after endothelial cells' incubation with increasing doses of interleukin-6. The ELISA test and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. Endothelial cells showed a significant increase in interleukin-6 medium levels associated with LDL, oxidized LDL and with the degree of oxidation (absence or presence of SQ29.548), while 8-isoprostane did not. Treatment of human microvascular endothelial cells-1 for 24 h with increasing doses of interleukin-6 significantly enhanced LDL receptor and oxidized lipoprotein receptor-1 mRNA expression. Our data suggest the presence of a compensatory mechanism. The induction of a significant increase of IL-6 does not seem to be caused by the presence of the biological activity of 8-isoprostane.

Antioxidant effect of a fermented powder of Lady Joy bean in primary rat hepatocytes.

The role and beneficial effects of plant and food extracts against various diseases induced by oxidative stress have received much attention in recent years. Legumes are rich in bioactive compounds, and some studies suggest a correlation between their consumption and a reduced incidence of diseases. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were used to investigate whether and how an extract obtained from a fermented powder of bean named Lady Joy (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is able to regulate antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes through the NRF2 pathway, inhibit NF-kB activation, and reduce H2O2-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. All of the antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes studied were significantly up-regulated by Lady Joy treatment. Western blot showed that Nrf2 was activated by Lady Joy treatment. Also, cells treated with this fermented bean were partially protected against NF-kB activation resulting from H2O2 stress. As a link between oxidative stress and ER dysfunction is hypothesized, we verified whether Lady Joy was able to protect cells from H2O2-induced ER stress, by studying the response of the proteins CHOP, BiP and caspase 12. The results of this study show that Lady Joy can induce the Nrf2 pathway, inhibit NF-kB, and protect ER from stress induced by H2O2.

Effect of white wheat bread and white wheat bread added with bioactive compounds on hypercholesterolemic and steatotic mice fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: The effects of white wheat bread and white wheat bread added with a bioactive compound mixture (Cyclanthera pedata, Glycine max, Monascus-fermented red mold rice, Cynara scolymus and Medicago sativa) were examined on hypercholesterolemic and steatotic mice, divided into four groups: control diet (CTR), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet with white wheat bread added with 1.5 g kg(-1) of mixture (HFD+AB) and high-fat diet with white wheat bread (HFD+B). RESULTS: Total serum cholesterol in the HFD+AB and HFD+B groups and hepatic triglycerides in the HFD+AB group decreased compared with the HFD group. Liver histology confirmed lower lipid drop accumulation in the HFD+AB group than in the HFD and HFD+B groups. HFD+AB caused a 7.0-fold increase and a 3.5-fold reduction in CYP7A1 and SREBP-1c gene expression respectively compared with the HFD group. Moreover, the HFD+B group showed a 2.2-, 8.4- and 1.5-fold increase in HMG CoA reductase, CYP7A1 and LDLr gene expression respectively compared with the HFD group. CONCLUSION: Both the white wheat bread and the added white wheat bread induced cholesterol reduction by increasing CYP7A1. Moreover, the added white wheat bread improved steatosis by decreasing SREBP-1c gene expression.

Intravenous fenoldopam for early acute kidney injury after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury remains a serious complication after orthotopic liver transplantation. To date, several 'renal-protective' agents have been explored in this setting but with conflicting and disappointing results. Therefore, our aim is to evaluate the effects of fenoldopam in liver transplant patients with an established renal injury. METHODS: In this prospective study, intravenous fenoldopam 0.1 µg/kg/min was administered to consecutive liver transplant patients with postoperative (within 7 days from surgery) stage 2 acute kidney injury (AKI) according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification. Actual glomerular filtration rate (GFR; calculated by the iohexol plasma clearance), serum creatinine (SCr) and cystatin C (SCyC) were used to assess the effect of the medication on the patients. RESULTS: During the study, 295 patients underwent liver transplant. Fifty-one patients (17.6%) met the inclusion criteria and the data from 48 patients were analysed. SCr and SCyC levels decreased (p < 0.001 after 48 h; p < 0.0001 after 72 h) and GFR increased (p < 0.001 after 24 h; p < 0.0001 after 72 h). When compared to a cohort of comparable patients with AKI from our historical series, the patients in the present study showed better SCr and SCyC levels. It was not necessary to discontinue the infusion of fenoldopam in any patient because of the occurrence of adverse events potentially attributable to it. CONCLUSION: We showed that fenoldopam was capable of improving some renal function parameters in postoperative liver transplantation patients with on-going AKI. This preliminary study now sets the stage for a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in order to provide definite evidence.

Antimutagenic and antioxidant activity of a selected lectin-free common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in two cell-based models.

Legumes and particularly beans are a key food of Mediterranean diet representing an important source of proteins, fiber, some minerals and vitamins and bioactive compounds. We evaluated the antioxidant and anti-mutagenic effects of a new fermented powder of a selected lectin-free and phaseolamin-enriched variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), named Lady Joy. Lady Joy lysate (Lys LJ) was studied in human erythrocytes and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. The antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties of Lys LJ, studied in an ex vivo erythrocytes system using the cellular antioxidant assay (CAA-RBC) and the hemolysis test, evidenced a dose-dependent antioxidant activity as well as a significant hemolysis inhibition. Besides, results evidenced that Lys LJ treatment significantly decreased the intracellular ROS concentration and mutagenesis induced by hydrogen peroxide in S. cerevisiae D7 strain. In conclusion, Lys LJ showed both an antimutagenic effect in yeast and a strong scavenging activity in yeast and human cells.

Pegylated-liposomes increase the efficacy of Idelalisib in lymphoma B-cells.

New drugs and technologies are continuously developed to improve the efficacy and minimize the critical side effects of cancer treatments. The present investigation focuses on the development of a liposomal formulation for Idelalisib, a small-molecule kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. Idelalisib is a potent and selective antitumor agent, but it is not indicated nor recommended for first-line treatment due to fatal and serious toxicities. Herein, liposomes are proposed as a delivery tool to improve the therapeutic profile of Idelalisib. Specifically, PEGylated liposomes were prepared, and their physicochemical and technological features were investigated. Light-scattering spectroscopy and cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed nanosized unilamellar vesicles, which were proved to be stable in storage and in simulated biological fluids. The cytotoxicity of the liposome formulation was investigated in a human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma B cell line. Idelalisib was able to induce death of tumor cells if delivered by the nanocarrier system at increased efficacy. These findings suggest that combining Idelalisib and nanotechnologies may be a powerful strategy to increase the antitumor efficacy of the drug.

Assessment of Sourdough Fermentation Impact on the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Pearl Millet from Burkina Faso.

Millet, a gluten-free cereal, has received attention for its environmental friendliness and higher protein content than other grains. It represents a staple food in many African countries, where fermentation is traditionally used for preserving food products and preparing different cereal-based products. This study aimed to assess the impact of sourdough fermentation on bioactive compounds and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pearl millet from Burkina Faso. Phenolic compounds were investigated spectrophotometrically and by HPLC-DAD. The antioxidant activity of unfermented (MF) and fermented (FeMF) millet was evaluated in vitro by spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays and ex vivo on oxidized human erythrocytes for hemolysis inhibition. Finally, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of FeMF and MF was evaluated on human adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) exposed to TNF-α inflammatory stimulus. Results revealed significantly higher levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and in vitro antioxidant activity following millet fermentation. Notable differences in phenolic composition between FeMF and MF are observed, with fermentation facilitating the release of bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin. A dose-dependent protection against oxidative hemolysis was observed in both FeMF- and MF-pretreated erythrocytes. Similarly, pretreatment with FeMF significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory markers in TNF-α-treated cells, with effects comparable to those of MF. Fermentation with sourdough represents a simple and low-cost method to improve the bioactive compounds content and in vitro antioxidant activity of millet flour with promising nutraceutical potential.

The IRS1 G972R polymorphism and glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes of European ancestry.

BACKGROUND: In Mexican Americans, the IRS1 G972R polymorphism (rs1801278) has been associated to such a marked reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (i.e. ß = -8.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) to be considered a major determinant of kidney function. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study to investigate whether a similarly strong effect can also be observed among individuals of European ancestry. We investigated a total of 3973 White patients with type 2 diabetes. Standardized serum creatinine was measured by the modified kinetic Jaffè reaction and estimated GFR (eGFR) calculated by the modification diet renal disease (MDRD) formula; rs1801278 was genotyped by TaqMan assay. RESULTS: No significant association was observed, with R972 carriers showing only a modestly, not significant, lower eGFR level as compared with other subjects (ß = -1.82 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that IRS1 G972R is not a strong determinant of GFR in diabetic patients of European ancestry as in Mexican Americans. Since we had 100% power to detect the previously reported association, the risk our finding is a false negative one is minimal.

Liposome-Mediated Delivery Improves the Efficacy of Lisosan G against Retinopathy in Diabetic Mice.

Nutraceuticals are natural substances whose anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be used to treat retinal pathologies. Their efficacy is limited by poor bioavailability, which could be improved using nanocarriers. Lisosan G (LG), a fermented powder from whole grains, protects the retina from diabetic retinopathy (DR)-induced damage. For this study, we tested whether the encapsulation of LG in liposomes (LipoLG) may increase its protective effects. Diabetes was induced in mice via streptozotocin administration, and the mice were allowed to freely drink water or a water dispersion of two different doses of LG or of LipoLG. Electroretinographic recordings after 6 weeks showed that only the highest dose of LG could partially protect the retina from diabetes-induced functional deficits, while both doses of LipoLG were effective. An evaluation of molecular markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, vascular endothelial growth factor, and the blood-retinal barrier confirmed that the highest dose of LG only partially protected the retina from DR-induced changes, while virtually complete prevention was obtained with either dose of LipoLG. These data indicate that the efficacy of LG in contrasting DR is greatly enhanced by its encapsulation in liposomes and may lay the ground for new dietary supplements with improved therapeutic effects against DR.

The 9p21 coronary artery disease locus and kidney dysfunction in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether the coronary artery disease (CAD) locus on chromosome 9p21 (as represented by single nucleotide polymorphism rs2383206) is associated with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or increased urinary albumin excretion in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Four samples, including a total of 3167 patients, were studied. The presence of low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73m(2)) was estimated from serum creatinine by means of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Increased urinary albumin excretion was defined as an albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥2.5 mg/mmol in men and ≥3.5 mg/mmol in women. RESULTS: No association was found between rs2383206 and low eGFR or increased ACR in each sample as well as in a pooled analysis (overall odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.94-1.22, P = 0.31 and overall odds ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.12, P = 0.95, respectively). No interaction was observed between rs2383206 and poor glycemic control [HbA1c was above the median in the pooled sample (7.7%) in modulating eGFR or ACR (P for interaction = 0.42 and 0.90, respectively)]. CONCLUSION: Variability at the 9p21 CAD locus is unlikely to play a role in modulating susceptibility to kidney dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

Effects of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Protein on Blood Pressure, Plasma Lipids, Leptin, Adiponectin, and Oxidative Stress in Rats with Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome.

This study evaluates the potential effects of pumpkin seeds protein on blood pressure (BP), plasma adiponectin, leptin levels, and oxidative stress in rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. Twenty four male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups and fed a 20% casein diet, 20% casein diet supplemented with pumpkin protein, 20% casein diet with 64% D-fructose, or 20% casein diet with pumpkin protein and 64% D-fructose for 8 weeks. Contin-uous fructose feeding induced an increase in plasma insulin/glucose ratio, BP, insulin and glucose, aspartate aminotrans-ferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels, and a decrease in the liver and muscle glycogen stores. In addition, elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and leptin and lowered adiponectin levels were observed in rats fed a fructose-enriched diet. These groups also exhibited lower plasma levels of ascorbic acid and glutathione, higher thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, hydroperoxide, carbonyl, and nitric oxide in both the liver and kidneys than rats fed the control diet. Interestingly, pumpkin seed protein treatment significantly counteracted alterations induced by fructose improving glucose, insulin, BP, TG, TC, ALT, and ALP levels, increasing liver and muscle glycogen stores, adiponectin level, and adiponectin/leptin ratio, and reducing plasma leptin lev-els. In addition, rats fed pumpkin protein with a high-fructose diet improved oxidative stress in the liver and kidneys. In conclusion, proteins from Cucurbita pepo L. seeds effectively improve metabolic parameters and protect against oxidative stress induced by a high-fructose diet.

Liposomal Formulations to Improve Antioxidant Power of Myrtle Berry Extract for Potential Skin Application.

Many substances in plant extracts are known for their biological activities. These substances act in different ways, exerting overall protective effects against many diseases, especially skin disorders. However, plant extracts' health benefits are often limited by low bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, drug delivery systems can be employed. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant power of an ethanolic extract from Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) berries through colorimetric tests (DPPH and FRAP). The antioxidant activity was also verified by using fibroblast cell culture through cellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels measurements. Moreover, the myrtle extract was formulated in phospholipid vesicles to improve its bioavailability and applicability. Myrtle liposomes were characterized by size, surface charge, storage stability, and entrapment efficiency; visualized by using cryo-TEM images; and assayed for cytocompatibility and anti-ROS activity. Our results suggest that myrtle liposomes were cytocompatible and improved the extract's antioxidant power in fibroblasts, suggesting a potential skin application for these formulations and confirming that nanotechnologies could be a valid tool to enhance plant extracts' potentialities.