Organ-specific distribution of chlorophyll-related compounds from dietary spinach in rabbits.

The distribution of chlorophyll-related compounds (CRCs) derived from dietary spinach was investigated in different organs the rabbits. The rabbits in the experimental group consumed 100 g of freeze-dried spinach powder after a 24 h fasting period and sacrificed 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h later and in the control group sacrificed after the 24 h fasting period. The main CRCs in the liver were found to be chlorophyll (Chl a) and b, chlorophyllide (Chlide) a and b, pheophytin (Phe) a and b and pheophorbide (Pho) a and b, which reached their peak values at 8 h post-feeding. The gallbladder contained mainly Chlide a and a', Pho a and a', Pho b and b', which peaked their values at 2 h post-feeding. Pho a and b were consistently observed in the blood and peaked at 12 h post-feeding. The earlier appearance of Chlide a', Pho a' and Pho b' in the gallbladder compared to the liver indicated that these CRCs were compartmentalized differently and might undergo the same type of vectorialized transport as characterized for the bile salts. Pho levels peaked later in the blood compared to the liver, suggesting that Pho might be released into the peripheral blood circulation from the liver. In conclusion, Chlide and Pho were the principal Chl metabolites in the rabbits. Our data may expand our understanding of the metabolism and biodistribution of CRCs in the human body. A number of biological functions, including anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and anti-aging have recently been attributed to CRCs, it will be interesting to explore, if the binding of Chlide and Pho to other nutrients or trace metal ions in the body mediate their biological functions.

Naturally occurring chlorophyll derivatives inhibit aflatoxin B1-DNA adduct formation in hepatoma cells.

The inhibitory effects of four chlorophyll derivatives (chlorophyllide [Chlide] a and b and pheophorbide [Pho] a and b) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-DNA adduct formation, and on the modulation of hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) were evaluated in murine hepatoma (Hepa-1) cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that pretreatment with Chlide or Pho significantly reduced the formation of AFB1-DNA adducts, and that Pho was the most potent inhibitor. However, wash-out prior to adding AFB1 totally eliminated inhibition by Childe and partially eliminated inhibition by Pho, indicating that the inhibitory effect of Chlide, and to some extent Pho, was mediated through direct trapping of AFB1. Furthermore, spectrophotometric analysis showed that Pho treatment could increase GST activity in Hepa-1 cells. These observations indicate that the chlorophyll derivatives studied may attenuate AFB1-induced DNA damage in the Hepa-1 cell by direct trapping of AFB1. Pho provided additional protection not only by direct trapping, but also by increasing GST activity against hepatic AFB1 metabolites.

Effects of chlorophyll-related compounds on hydrogen peroxide induced DNA damage within human lymphocytes.

Chlorophylls (Chl's) are the most abundant natural plant pigments. Four chlorophyll-related compounds (CRCs), including chlorophyllide a and b (Chlide a and b) and pheophorbide a and b (Pho a and b), were investigated for their antioxidative capacities to protect human lymphocyte DNA from hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) induced strand breaks and oxidative damage ex vivo. Lymphocytes exposed to H(2)O(2) at concentrations of 10 and 50 microM revealed an increased frequency of DNA single-strand breaks (ssb's; as measured by the comet assay) and also an increased level of oxidized nucleoside (as measured by 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG). All Chl's reduced the level of DNA ssb's and 8-OHdG within human lymphocytes following exposure to 10 microM H(2)O(2). Only Pho a and b were able to decrease DNA ssb's and 8-OHdG following treatment of lymphocytes with 50 microM H(2)O(2), in a concentration-dependent fashion. It was demonstrated herein that Pho a and b were more antioxidative than others. We applied DPPH free-radical scavenge assays in vitro, and got similar results. Pho a and b had higher ability in scavenging capacities than others. We conclude that water-extract Chl's are able to enhance the ability of human lymphocytes to resist H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage, especially for Pho a and b.

Effect of purple sweet potato leaves consumption on exercise-induced oxidative stress and IL-6 and HSP72 levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of purple sweet potato leaves (PSPL) consumption on oxidative stress markers in a healthy, nontrained, young male population after completing a running exercise protocol. A crossover design was applied, with 15 subjects participating in a two-step dietary intervention period. Each subject was given a high- (PSPL group) or low-polyphenol (control group) diet for 7 days with a 14-day washout period. After each dietary intervention period, all subjects performed 1 h of treadmill running at a speed corresponding to 70% of each subject's individual maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2max)). Blood samples were taken before exercise and at 0, 1, and 3 h after exercise. Compared with the control group, PSPL consumption significantly increased plasma total polyphenols concentration and total antioxidant power (i.e., the ferric-reducing ability of plasma) in the PSPL group. The markers of oxidative damage, plasma TBARS and protein carbonyl, significantly decreased. Plasma IL-6 concentration also decreased. However, no significant difference was found in HSP72 levels between the two groups. These findings indicate that consuming a high-polyphenol diet for 7 days can modulate antioxidative status and decrease exercise-induced oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Comparisons of attitudes and practices between obese and normal weight women in Taiwan.

This study was designed to obtain baseline data regarding self-reported body image, attitudes toward overweight people, and dietary behaviors of normal-weight and obese women in Taiwan. Fifty obese women (BMI >= 27) and age-matched normal-weight women participated in this study. Written questionnaires were used for data collection. Simple frequency and t-test were used to analyze data. In general, the majority of normal-weight women perceived themselves as being heavier than their actual body weight. The normal-weight group had more high inaccurate images of their bodies than that of the obese group (72% vs. 24%). Obese and normal-weight women had similar attitudes to overweight people, but some of their attitudes showed significant differences. Obese women would prefer to consume more fried foods and drink sugar-containing foods than would normal-weight women (p < 0.05). Education about accurate perceptions of what is normal weight for women and adopting energy-diluted foods for obese women is needed in the future.

Effect of purple sweet potato leaf consumption on the modulation of the antioxidative status in basketball players during training.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of purple sweet potato leaves (PSPLs) consumption on antioxidative status and its modulation of that status in basketball players during training period. Fifteen elite basketball players were enrolled in this study. The seven-week study consisted of a run-in (week 1), PSPLs diet (daily consumption of 200 g PSPLs) (weeks 2, 3), washout (weeks 4, 5), and control diet (low polyphenol, with the amount of carotenoids adjusted to the same level as that of PSPLs) (weeks 6, 7). Blood and urine samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Compared with the control group, the results showed that PSPLs consumption led to a significant increase of plasma polyphenol concentration and vitamin E and C levels. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) lag time was significantly longer in the PSPLs group. A significant decrease of urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was noted; however, there was no significant change in plasma glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS) and malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal level after consuming the PSPLs diet. In conclusion, consumption of PSPLs diet for 2 weeks may reduce lipid and DNA oxidation that can modulate the antioxidative status of basketball players during training period.

Effect of purple sweet potato leaves consumption on the modulation of the immune response in basketball players during the training period.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the consumption of purple sweet potato leaves (PSPLs) on the immune response and the modulation of that response in 15 basketball players during a training period. They completed the 7-week study consisted of a run-in period (week 1), a PSPLs diet (200 g PSPLs/d; weeks 2, 3), a washout period (weeks 4, 5), and a control diet (low polyphenols content and carotenoid content adjusted to the same level as that of PSPLs diet; weeks 6 and 7). Blood, urine, and saliva samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The results showed that the plasma polyphenols concentration increased significantly in the PSPLs period. Compared with the control period, the PSPLs consumption produced a significant increase in the proliferation responsiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), cytotoxic activity of nature killer (NK) cells, and secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma. However, no significant increase in the secretion of salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA), interleukin (IL)-2, or interleukin-4 was observed after PSPLs consumption. In conclusion, consumption of a PSPLs diet for 2 weeks can modulate the immune response of basketball players during a training period.