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Marine Drugs Jul 2020In recent years, the scientific interest in natural compounds with geroprotective activities has grown exponentially. Among the various naturally derived molecules,... (Review)
Review
In recent years, the scientific interest in natural compounds with geroprotective activities has grown exponentially. Among the various naturally derived molecules, astaxanthin (ASX) represents a highly promising candidate geroprotector. By virtue of the central polyene chain, ASX acts as a scavenger of free radicals in the internal membrane layer and simultaneously controls oxidation on the membrane surface. Moreover, several studies have highlighted ASX's ability to modulate numerous biological mechanisms at the cellular level, including the modulation of transcription factors and genes directly linked to longevity-related pathways. One of the main relevant evolutionarily-conserved transcription factors modulated by astaxanthin is the forkhead box O3 gene (FOXO3), which has been recognized as a critical controller of cell fate and function. Moreover, FOXO3 is one of only two genes shown to robustly affect human longevity. Due to its tropism in the brain, ASX has recently been studied as a putative neuroprotective molecule capable of delaying or preventing brain aging in different experimental models of brain damage or neurodegenerative diseases. Astaxanthin has been observed to slow down brain aging by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain, attenuating oxidative damage to lipids, protein, and DNA and protecting mitochondrial functions. Emerging data now suggest that ASX can modulate Nrf2, FOXO3, Sirt1, and Klotho proteins that are linked to longevity. Together, these mechanisms provide support for a role of ASX as a potential geroneuroprotector.
Topics: Aging; Brain; Forkhead Box Protein O3; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 32635607
DOI: 10.3390/md18070351 -
European Journal of Nutrition Aug 2022Carotenoids may protect against chronic diseases including cancer and cardiometabolic disease by mitigating oxidative stress and/or inflammation. We cross-sectionally...
PURPOSE
Carotenoids may protect against chronic diseases including cancer and cardiometabolic disease by mitigating oxidative stress and/or inflammation. We cross-sectionally evaluated associations between carotenoids and biomarkers of oxidative stress or inflammation.
METHODS
From 2003 to 2009, the Sister Study enrolled 50,884 breast cancer-free US women aged 35-74. Post-menopausal participants (n = 512) were randomly sampled to measure carotenoids and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Dietary carotenoid consumption was assessed using a validated 110-item Block 1998 food frequency questionnaire; use of β-carotene-containing supplements was also assessed. Plasma carotenoids were quantified, adjusting for batch. Urinary markers of lipid peroxidation, 8-iso-prostaglandin F (8-iso-PGF) and its metabolite (8-iso-PGF-M) were also measured. Since the biomarker 8-iso-PGF can reflect both oxidative stress and inflammation, we used a modeled 8-iso-PGF to prostaglandin F ratio approach to distinguish effects reflecting oxidative stress versus inflammation. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the associations of dietary and plasma carotenoids with the estimated biomarker concentrations.
RESULTS
Total plasma carotenoids were inversely associated with 8-iso-PGF-M concentrations (P for trend across quartiles = 0.009). Inverse trends associations were also seen for α-carotene and β-carotene. In contrast, lutein/zeaxanthin showed associations with both 8-iso-PGF and 8-iso-PGF-M concentrations. The inverse association for total carotenoids appeared to be specific for oxidative stress (chemical 8-iso-PGF; P = 0.04 and P for trend across quartiles = 0.02). The pattern was similar for α-carotene. However, lutein/zeaxanthin tended to have a stronger association with enzymatic 8-iso-PGF, suggesting an additional anti-inflammatory effect. Supplemental β-carotene was inversely associated with both 8-iso-PGF and 8-iso-PGF-M concentrations, as well as with both chemical and enzymatic 8-iso-PGF. Dietary carotenoids were not associated with either biomarker.
CONCLUSION
Plasma carotenoids and supplemental β-carotene were associated with lower concentrations of 8-iso-PGF metabolite. Plasma carotenoids associations may reflect antioxidant effects.
Topics: Biomarkers; Carotenoids; Dinoprost; F2-Isoprostanes; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Isoprostanes; Lutein; Oxidative Stress; Zeaxanthins; beta Carotene
PubMed: 35253072
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02837-8 -
PloS One 2022Globally, the prevalence of vit-A deficiency disorders i.e., xerophthalmia and nyctalopia is increasing especially in teenagers due to lifestyle shifts and...
Globally, the prevalence of vit-A deficiency disorders i.e., xerophthalmia and nyctalopia is increasing especially in teenagers due to lifestyle shifts and undernutrition. This research was designed to develop carrot-supplemented tomato sauce to overcome vit-A deficiency and its related disorders. The carrot sauce was formulated with the addition of 50, 60, and 70% carrot pulp in tomato paste. The prepared sauce samples were tested for physical and biochemical changes in beta carotene (BC), lycopene, viscosity, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total plate count, and sensory parameters for 12 weeks. A non-significant effect of storage on BC, lycopene, and total soluble solids was observed. The total plate count, acidity, pH, and viscosity were influenced significantly. Sauce containing 60% of the carrot paste showed good sensory characteristics and 42.39 μg/g BC for the whole period of storage. It is concluded that carrot sauce can be used as tomato ketchup replacers to boost the overall quality of life by fighting against vit-A deficiency disorders.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Daucus carota; Lycopene; Carotenoids; Quality of Life; beta Carotene; Solanum lycopersicum; Vitamin A
PubMed: 36383564
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273857 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2017Science is facing a reproducibility crisis. In the biomedical sciences, the inability to validate and reproduce findings is slowing progress in under-standing basic...
Science is facing a reproducibility crisis. In the biomedical sciences, the inability to validate and reproduce findings is slowing progress in under-standing basic biological principles. Among the fields hindered by irreproducibility is retinoic acid (RA) research. Fortunately, new techniques provide a way forward.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Signal Transduction; Vitamin A
PubMed: 29242338
DOI: 10.1126/science.aar6752 -
Organic Letters Mar 2021Although substituted benzimidazoles are common substructures in bioactive small molecules, synthetic methods for their derivatization are still limited. Previously,...
Although substituted benzimidazoles are common substructures in bioactive small molecules, synthetic methods for their derivatization are still limited. Previously, several enantioselective allylation reactions of benzimidazoles were reported that functionalize the nucleophilic nitrogen atom. Herein we describe a reversal of this inherent selectivity toward -allylation by using electrophilic -OPiv benzimidazoles with readily available 1,3-dienes as nucleophile precursors. This CuH-catalyzed approach utilizes mild reaction conditions, exhibits broad functional-group compatibility, and exclusively forms the C2-allylated product with excellent stereoselectivity.
Topics: Allyl Compounds; Benzimidazoles; Catalysis; Copper; Molecular Structure; Polyenes; Stereoisomerism
PubMed: 33646778
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c00306 -
Advances in Therapy Apr 2024Supplementation with dietary neuro-pigments lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) has been shown to improve many aspects of visual and cognitive function in adults. In this... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Supplementation with dietary neuro-pigments lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) has been shown to improve many aspects of visual and cognitive function in adults. In this study, we tested whether a similar intervention could improve such outcomes in preadolescent children.
METHODS
Sixty children (age range 5-12 years) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio in this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were supplemented with gummies containing either a combination of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (LZ) or placebo for 180 days. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints included serum levels of L and Z, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), critical flicker fusion (CFF), eye strain and fatigue using visual analogue scales (VAS), Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Abbreviated (CSHQ-A), and Creyos Health cognitive domains like attention, focus/concentration, episodic memory and learning, visuospatial working memory, and visuospatial processing speed. Safety was assessed throughout the study on the basis of physical examination, vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, and monitoring of adverse events.
RESULTS
The LZ group showed significant increases in MPOD at all visits post-supplementation, with significant increases as early as day 42 compared to placebo. The LZ group showed significant increases in serum lutein levels, reduced eye strain and fatigue, and improved cognitive performance (focus, episodic memory and learning, visuospatial working memory) at days 90 and 180 compared to placebo. Further, the LZ group showed significant increases in processing speed (CFF), attention, visuospatial processing, and serum Z and BDNF levels on day 180 compared to placebo. No safety concerns were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Supplementing LZ resulted in increased MPOD levels, along with increased serum levels of L, Z, and BDNF. These changes were associated with improved visual and cognitive performances and reduction in eye strain and eye fatigue in the children receiving LZ gummies. The investigational product was safe and well tolerated.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
http://ctri.nic.in/ Identifier CTRI/2022/05/042364.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Lutein; Zeaxanthins; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Dietary Supplements; Macular Pigment; Cognition; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 38363462
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2019Composites of polyolefin matrices (HDPE and PP) were prepared by melt processing using two commercially available nano ZnO powders (Zinkoxyd aktiv and Zano 20). The...
Composites of polyolefin matrices (HDPE and PP) were prepared by melt processing using two commercially available nano ZnO powders (Zinkoxyd aktiv and Zano 20). The mechanical and thermal properties, UV-Vis stability, and antibacterial activity of composites were studied. Tensile testing revealed that both nano ZnO types have no particular effect on the mechanical properties of HDPE composites, while some positive trends are observed for the PP-based composites, but only when Zano 20 was used as a nanofiller. Minimal changes in mechanical properties of composites are supported by an almost unaffected degree of crystallinity of polymer matrix. All polyolefin/ZnO composites exposed to artificial sunlight for 8-10 weeks show more pronounced color change than pure matrices. This effect is more evident for the HDPE than for the PP based composites. Color change also depends on the ZnO concentration and type; composites with Zano 20 show more intense color changes than those prepared with Zinkoxyd aktiv. Results of the antibacterial properties study show very high activity of polyolefin/ZnO composites against regardless of the ZnO surface modification, while antibacterial activity against shows only the composites prepared with unmodified ZnO. This phenomenon is explained by different membrane structure of gram-positive () and gram-negative () bacteria.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chemistry, Organic; Escherichia coli; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nanoparticles; Polyenes; Silanes; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Staphylococcus aureus; Stearic Acids; Surface Properties; Tensile Strength; X-Ray Diffraction; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 31269674
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132432 -
American Journal of Men's Health 2023Lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin are polar oxygenated carotenoids found to be detectable in more than 95% of the population in the United States. Research has...
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin are polar oxygenated carotenoids found to be detectable in more than 95% of the population in the United States. Research has linked these carotenoids with lower coronary heart disease prevalence. This study investigates the association of serum lutein/zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin with erectile dysfunction (ED) among middle-aged and older men in the United States. Serum lutein/zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were independent variables. The outcome variable was ED. Analyzed data from 1,302 men (≥40 years old) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002 cross-sectional study were included. After adjusting for all covariates, serum lutein/zeaxanthin negatively correlated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 0.972, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.951, 0.994], = .011). However, a U-shaped association between serum lutein/zeaxanthin and ED was detected in men with diabetes or prevalent cardiovascular disease. A U-shaped non-linear association was observed between β-cryptoxanthin levels and ED. These findings suggest that while both lutein/zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin are recognized as essential antioxidants, maintaining lower serum lutein/zeaxanthin levels and appropriate serum β-cryptoxanthin levels may offer potential benefits for individuals with ED. Further investigations, particularly prospective studies, are warranted to determine the role of serum lutein/zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin in the biological mechanism associated with ED.
Topics: Middle Aged; Male; Humans; United States; Aged; Adult; Lutein; Zeaxanthins; Erectile Dysfunction; Beta-Cryptoxanthin; Nutrition Surveys; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Carotenoids
PubMed: 38102781
DOI: 10.1177/15579883231216905 -
Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy :... Oct 2019Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant and emergent pathogen that has caused healthcare-associated infection outbreaks. Recently, C. auris has spread worldwide;... (Review)
Review
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant and emergent pathogen that has caused healthcare-associated infection outbreaks. Recently, C. auris has spread worldwide; nevertheless, it was unexpectedly rare before 2009. Based on the molecular epidemiological analysis, C. auris may independently emerge at specific areas at first and recently may be transmitted to other continents. As C. auris cannot be detected using conventional methods, internally transcribed spacers, D1/D2 regions of the 26S rDNA sequencing, and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method can be selected as comparatively accessible choices. Thus, detection of C. auris using the conventional method might be underestimated. In Japan, all C. auris strains were isolated from ear specimen and not from invasive mycoses. Japan strains were classified as an East Asian clade under a single clone. Although colonization, virulence, and infection pattern are almost the same as with other Candida species, its antifungal resistance is different. Fluconazole resistance is notably common, but resistance to all three classes of antifungals (azole, polyene, and echinocandin) rarely exists. Once C. auris is detected, screening, emphasis on hand hygiene adherence, use of single-patient room isolation, contact precaution, surveillance, and eradication from the environment and patients are appropriately required for infection control.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Azoles; Candida; Candidiasis; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Fungal; Echinocandins; Fluconazole; Humans; Japan; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Polyenes; Prevalence
PubMed: 31257156
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2019.05.034 -
Nutrients Dec 2022Lycopene is a lipophilic unsaturated carotenoid exhibiting a strong singlet oxygen-quenching ability. Herein, we investigated the effect of lycopene intake on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Lycopene is a lipophilic unsaturated carotenoid exhibiting a strong singlet oxygen-quenching ability. Herein, we investigated the effect of lycopene intake on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses. We searched 15 databases (from the earliest date to June 2022 for PubMed or to August or September 2018 for the other databases) and included human interventional studies that assessed the effects of oral lycopene intake on FBG levels of participants ≥ 18 years of age. Three authors independently selected applicable studies and then assessed the study quality. Data were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and analyzed by the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I statistics. A meta-analysis including 11 trial arms ( = 750) revealed a tendency towards a significant decrease in FBG level with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = -0.15 (95% CI: -0.31, 0.00), = 0.05, I = 9%]. Subgroup meta-analysis including two studies ( = 152) in type 2 diabetes patients revealed significantly decreased FBG levels with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = -0.37 (95% CI: -0.69, -0.05), = 0.02, I = 0%]. Most studies meeting the eligibility criteria had a moderate risk of bias. The funnel plot for FBG suggested an absence of publication bias. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analyses suggested that lycopene intake exerted an FBG-decreasing effect.
Topics: Humans; Lycopene; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Carotenoids; Fasting
PubMed: 36615780
DOI: 10.3390/nu15010122