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Nutrients Oct 2023We examined the associations of perinatal plasma carotenoids and E vitamers concentrations with glycemia, insulin resistance, and gestational and type 2 diabetes...
We examined the associations of perinatal plasma carotenoids and E vitamers concentrations with glycemia, insulin resistance, and gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and post-pregnancy in GUSTO women. Plasma carotenoid and E vitamer concentrations were measured at delivery, and principal component analysis was used to derive the patterns of their concentrations. Fasting and 2 h glucose levels and fasting insulin were measured at 26-28 weeks gestation and 4-6 years post-pregnancy, with the derivation of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In 678 women, two carotenoid patterns (CP1: α- and β-carotene and lutein; CP2: zeaxanthin, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin) and one E vitamer pattern (VE: γ-, δ-, and α-tocopherols) were derived. A higher CP1 score (1-SD) was associated with lower gestational fasting glucose (β (95%CI): -0.06 (-0.10, -0.02) mmol/L) and lower gestational (-0.17 (-0.82, 0.01) mmol/L, = 0.06) and post-pregnancy HOMA-IR (-0.11 (-0.15, -0.08) mmol/L). A higher VE score (1 SD) was associated with higher gestational and post-pregnancy fasting and 2 h glucose (gestational: 0.05 (0.01, 0.08) and 0.08 (0.01, 0.16); post-pregnancy: 0.19 (0.07, 0.31) and 0.24 (0.06, 0.42) mmol/L). Higher α- and β-carotene and lutein may be beneficial for gestational fasting glycemia, but higher vitamin E may increase gestational and post-pregnancy glycemia, although these findings require confirmation in cohorts with prospective longitudinal measurements of these vitamins.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Carotenoids; beta Carotene; Vitamin E; Lutein; Insulin Resistance; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Prospective Studies; Glucose
PubMed: 37892496
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204421 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Feb 2019The incidence of resistant fungal pathogens has been increasing, especially in immuno-compromised people. As such, considerable research has been focused on discovering... (Review)
Review
The incidence of resistant fungal pathogens has been increasing, especially in immuno-compromised people. As such, considerable research has been focused on discovering anti-fungal agents with new mechanisms of action and on optimizing the use of existing agents. In this context, interest in the polyene group of anti-fungals has recently been renewed, since they are known to be effective against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens that only rarely develop a resistance to them. In the past 10 years considerable efforts have been made to improve their efficacy and, simultaneously, to reduce their toxicity. Knowledge about the basic mechanisms of their action will be of crucial importance to further optimizing their use. The mechanisms of polyene action at the membrane level are reviewed here, focusing primarily on their pore-forming activity and on the resulting osmotic responses of artificial lipid vesicles and different eukaryotic cells.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Lipids; Membranes, Artificial; Polyenes; Porosity
PubMed: 30458121
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.11.006 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2016Vitamin A is essential for life in all vertebrate animals. Vitamin A requirement can be met from dietary preformed vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoids, the most... (Review)
Review
Vitamin A is essential for life in all vertebrate animals. Vitamin A requirement can be met from dietary preformed vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoids, the most important of which is -carotene. The metabolism of -carotene, including its intestinal absorption, accumulation in tissues, and conversion to vitamin A, varies widely across animal species and determines the role that -carotene plays in meeting vitamin A requirement. This review begins with a brief discussion of vitamin A, with an emphasis on species differences in metabolism. A more detailed discussion of -carotene follows, with a focus on factors impacting bioavailability and its conversion to vitamin A. Finally, the literature on how animals utilize -carotene is reviewed individually for several species and classes of animals. We conclude that -carotene conversion to vitamin A is variable and dependent on a number of factors, which are important to consider in the formulation and assessment of diets. Omnivores and herbivores are more efficient at converting -carotene to vitamin A than carnivores. Absorption and accumulation of -carotene in tissues vary with species and are poorly understood. More comparative and mechanistic studies are required in this area to improve the understanding of -carotene metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Intestinal Absorption; Vitamin A; beta Carotene
PubMed: 27833936
DOI: 10.1155/2016/7393620 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Mar 2022To examine the association between dietary intake of Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin and stomach cancer in Vietnamese men.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between dietary intake of Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin and stomach cancer in Vietnamese men.
METHODS
A case-control study including 80 male incident stomach cancer cases and 146 male controls was performed in a general hospital in Viet Nam. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency (SQFFQ) and demographic lifestyle questionnaire were designed, and venous blood samples were collected to determine H. pylori status by IgG ELISA. Nutrient intake was converted using the data of SQFFQ and the Nutritive Composition Table of Vietnamese Foods, updated in 2019. The respective associations between Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin intake and stomach cancer were examined using unconditional logistic regression analysis with adjustments for possible cofactors.
RESULTS
Both Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin intake and stomach cancer showed a significantly inverse association, tertile-3 versus tertile-1, (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.06-0.35, p trend = 0.00) and (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.14-0.79, p trend = 0.02, respectively). For Trans-Lycopene intake stratifying by H. pylori status remained the benefit effect against stomach cancer among H. pylori-negative participants (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.03-0.69, p trend = 0.02) and H. pylori-positive participants (OR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04-0.42, p trend = 0.00).
CONCLUSIONS
Both Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin intake showed a strong protective effect against stomach cancer. The findings suggest that these two types of fat-soluble micronutrients would be considered as an anti-cancer therapy for both primary and secondary prevention.
Topics: Asian People; Beta-Cryptoxanthin; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Lycopene; Male; Risk Factors; Stomach Neoplasms; Vietnam
PubMed: 35345357
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.3.861 -
Nature Chemistry Jan 2023The cis/trans geometry of olefins is known to dramatically influence the thermal and mechanical properties of polyalkenamers. Yet, polymerization methods that...
The cis/trans geometry of olefins is known to dramatically influence the thermal and mechanical properties of polyalkenamers. Yet, polymerization methods that efficiently control this parameter are scarce. Here we report the development of a stereoretentive acyclic diene metathesis polymerization that uses the reactivity of dithiolate Ru carbenes combined with cis monomers. These Ru catalysts exhibit exquisite retention of the cis geometry and tolerate many polar functional groups, enabling the synthesis of all-cis polyesters, polycarbonates, polyethers and polysulfites. The stereoretentive acyclic diene metathesis polymerization is also characterized by low catalyst loadings and tolerance towards trans impurities in the monomer batch, which should facilitate large-scale implementation. Modulation of the reaction temperature and time leads to an erosion of stereoretention, permitting a stereocontrolled synthesis of polyalkenamers with predictable cis:trans ratios. The impact of the stereochemistry of the repeating alkenes on the thermal properties is clearly demonstrated through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.
Topics: Polymerization; Polyenes; Alkenes; Temperature; Catalysis
PubMed: 36280767
DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-01060-6 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2021is a novel and major fungal pathogen that has triggered several outbreaks in the last decade. The few drugs available to treat fungal diseases, the fact that this yeast... (Review)
Review
is a novel and major fungal pathogen that has triggered several outbreaks in the last decade. The few drugs available to treat fungal diseases, the fact that this yeast has a high rate of multidrug resistance and the occurrence of misleading identifications, and the ability of forming biofilms (naturally more resistant to drugs) has made treatments of infections highly difficult. This review intends to quickly illustrate the main issues in identification, available treatments and the associated mechanisms of resistance, and the novel and alternative treatment and drugs (natural and synthetic) that have been recently reported.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Azoles; Candida; Candidiasis; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Drug Therapy, Combination; Echinocandins; Humans; Mycology; Polyenes; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 33922907
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094470 -
The Journal of Nutrition Oct 2023Carotenoids are plant pigments with light filtering and antioxidant properties that deposit in human tissues, including retina and skin. Descriptive characteristics and...
BACKGROUND
Carotenoids are plant pigments with light filtering and antioxidant properties that deposit in human tissues, including retina and skin. Descriptive characteristics and covariates of carotenoid status in macula and skin have been examined in adults; however, similar studies in children are limited. Thus, this study aimed to delineate how factors of age, sex, race, weight status, and dietary carotenoid intake relate to macular and skin carotenoids in children.
METHODS
Children (7-13 y, N = 375) completed heterochromatic flicker photometry to assess macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Participants underwent anthropometrics to measure weight status (BMI percentile [BMI%]), and parent/guardian provided demographic information. Subsample data were available for skin carotenoids (N = 181), assessed using reflection spectroscopy, and dietary carotenoids (N = 101) using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Relationships between skin and macular carotenoids were assessed using partial Pearson's correlations controlling for age, sex, race, and BMI%. Relationships between dietary carotenoids and macular and skin carotenoids were assessed using stepwise linear regression including age, sex, race, and BMI% in the model.
RESULTS
Mean MPOD was 0.56 ± 0.22 and skin carotenoid score was 282 ± 94.6. There was no significant correlation between MPOD and skin carotenoids (r = 0.02, P = 0.76). BMI% was negatively associated with skin (stdβ = -0.42, P < 0.001), but not macular carotenoids (stdβ = -0.04, P = 0.70). Neither MPOD nor skin carotenoids were associated with age, sex, or race (all P > 0.10). MPOD was positively associated with energy-adjusted reported lutein + zeaxanthin intake (stdβ = 0.27, P = 0.01). Skin carotenoids were positively associated with energy-adjusted reported carotenoid intake (stdβ = 0.26, P = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The mean MPOD values in children were higher than what has been reported in adult populations. Previous studies in adult samples report an average MPOD of 0.21. Although macular and skin carotenoids were not related, they were associated with dietary carotenoids relevant to the respective tissues; however, skin carotenoids may be more susceptible negative influence from higher weight status.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Macular Pigment; Lutein; Zeaxanthins; Macula Lutea; Retina
PubMed: 37315793
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.06.006 -
The Journal of Nutrition Aug 2023Adding carotenoids, particularly lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), to prenatal micronutrient formulations has been promoted to enhance infant visual and neural development... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Adding carotenoids, particularly lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), to prenatal micronutrient formulations has been promoted to enhance infant visual and neural development and to maintain maternal health. Although these claims are biologically plausible, they are not yet supported by a compelling prospective trial.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the effect of prenatal carotenoid supplementation on biomarkers of maternal and infant systemic carotenoid status.
METHODS
We randomly assigned 47 first trimester pregnant subjects by 1:1 allocation to receive standard-of-care prenatal vitamins plus a 10 mg L and 2 mg Z softgel (the Carotenoid group) or standard-of-care prenatal vitamins with a placebo softgel (the Control group) for 6-8 mo. Maternal carotenoid concentrations in the serum and skin at the end of each trimester and postpartum were measured with HPLC and resonance Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Infants' systemic carotenoid status was assessed using similar techniques but optimized for infants. Repeated measures and paired t-tests were determined, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
After supplementation, there was a statistically significant increase in maternal serum L + Z concentrations, serum total carotenoid concentrations, and skin carotenoid status (P < 0.001 for all) in the Carotenoid group relative to the Control group at all study time points. Similarly, infants whose mothers were in the Carotenoid group had a significant 5-fold increase in cord blood L + Z concentrations, over a 3-fold increase in cord blood total carotenoids, and a 38% increase in skin carotenoids compared with the Control group (P < 0.0001 for all). In addition, there was a strong positive, statistically significant correlation between postpartum maternal and infant systemic carotenoid status (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Prenatal carotenoid supplementation significantly increased maternal and infant systemic (skin and serum) carotenoid status, which may benefit pregnant women and their infants' health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03750968.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Pregnancy; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Lutein; Mothers; Prospective Studies; Vitamins; Zeaxanthins
PubMed: 37247819
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.05.024 -
Analytical Chemistry Oct 2022Dinoflagellate-derived polyketides are typically large molecules (>1000 Da) with complex structures, potent bioactivities, and high toxicities. Their discovery suffers...
Dinoflagellate-derived polyketides are typically large molecules (>1000 Da) with complex structures, potent bioactivities, and high toxicities. Their discovery suffers three major bottlenecks: insufficient bioavailability, low-yield cultivation of producer organisms, and production of multiple highly related analogues by a single strain. Consequently, the biotechnological production of therapeutics or toxicological standards of dinoflagellate-derived polyketides is also hampered. Strategies based on sensitive and selective techniques for chemical prospection of dinoflagellate extracts could aid in overcoming these limitations, as it allows selecting the most interesting candidates for discovery and exploitation programs according to the biosynthetic potential. In this work, we assess the combination of data-dependent liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and molecular networking to screen polyol polyketides. To demonstrate the power of this approach, we selected dinoflagellate since it is commonly used as a biotechnological model and produces amphidinols, a family of polyol-polyene compounds with antifungal and antimycoplasmal activity. First, we screened families of compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups by examining MS profiles that contain sequential neutral losses of water. Then, we clustered MS spectra by molecular networking to facilitate the dereplication and discovery of amphidinols. Finally, we used the MS fragmentation behavior of well-characterized luteophanol D as a model to propose a structural hypothesis of nine novel amphidinols. We envision that this strategy is a valuable approach to rapidly monitoring toxin production of known and unknown polyol polyketides in dinoflagellates, even in small culture volumes, and distinguishing strains according to their toxin profiles.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Dinoflagellida; Polyenes; Polyketides; Polymers; Water
PubMed: 36190828
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02185 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2022Today, sweet corn is considered an important vegetable due to its high sugar content and low starch content. Cluster analysis and variance analysis showed that hybrids...
Today, sweet corn is considered an important vegetable due to its high sugar content and low starch content. Cluster analysis and variance analysis showed that hybrids had variations in yield indices. GB, DE and GS hybrids had similar performance on indices. SE hybrid that has significant performance on zeaxanthin. Biplot showed that fructose, glucose, sucrose and potassium had stability value on hybrids. All the hybrids had the best performance on fructose, glucose, sucrose and potassium factors. Factor biplot positively correlated with yield indices, including calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, α-Carotene, 9Z-β-Carotene, phosphorus, and β-carotene. On the other hand, there is a positive correlation with fructose, glucose, potassium, lutein, sucrose, β-Cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. So, to evaluate or increase lutein and zeaxanthin, the other parameters like sugar content (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) are important factors and have an effect together. Factor analysis and biplot showed that ME hybrid had a maximum performance on the first factor of yield indices. Also, the second factor of yield indices had a maxi-mum effect on NO hybrids. SE hybrids had maximum performance in zeaxanthin and GS hybrid had maximum performance in zinc, phosphorus, and iron. The dry matter had stability on DB hybrid.
Topics: Fructose; Glucose; Iron; Lutein; Phosphorus; Potassium; Sucrose; Sugars; Zea mays; Zeaxanthins; Zinc; beta Carotene
PubMed: 36102376
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.265735