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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Previous meta-analyses of multiple studies have suggested that dietary intake and blood concentrations of carotenoids, as well as dietary supplement of certain... (Review)
Review
Previous meta-analyses of multiple studies have suggested that dietary intake and blood concentrations of carotenoids, as well as dietary supplement of certain carotenoids, play a role in reducing the risk of cancer. However, the conclusions of these studies have been subject to controversy. We conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the evidence pertaining the association between carotenoids and cancer outcomes. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases of meta-analyses and systematic reviews up to June 2023. Our selection criteria encompassed meta-analyses of cohort and case-control studies, as well as randomized controlled clinical trials, which investigated the associations between carotenoids and cancer risk. We also determined the levels of evidence for these associations with AMSTAR 2 criteria. We included 51 eligible articles, including 198 meta-analyses for qualitative synthesis in the umbrella review. Despite the presence of moderate to high heterogeneity among the studies, dietary intake, supplementation, and blood concentrations of carotenoids were inversely associated with the risk of total cancer, and certain specific cancers of lung, digestive system, prostate, breast, head and neck, and others. Subgroup analysis also showed that individual carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene) offer certain protection against specific types of cancers. However, high doses of carotenoid supplements, especially β-carotene, significantly increased the risk of total cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Our umbrella meta-analysis supported that high intake of dietary carotenoids as a whole food approach could be more beneficial in reducing cancer risk. Concurrently, the findings suggest that the efficacy of single-carotenoid supplementation in cancer prevention remains a subject of controversy.
PubMed: 38731692
DOI: 10.3390/foods13091321 -
Food Science & Nutrition May 2024The study determined the content of lycopene in the fruits of the (35.25-60.21 mg/100 g), common at different heights above sea level in Western Georgia. For the...
The study determined the content of lycopene in the fruits of the (35.25-60.21 mg/100 g), common at different heights above sea level in Western Georgia. For the effective extraction of lycopene as a biologically active substance, the optimal conditions for ultrasonic extraction were selected: sunflower oil was used as a "green solvent"; the ratio of solid mass and solvent was 1:50; temperature 30°C; ultrasound amplitude 40%; power 85 W; and extraction time 10 min. FTIR spectra revealed the characteristic functional groups of lycopene exhibiting two characteristic peaks at 2920 and 2950 cm. To explore the effect of lycopene on oil quality, the acid value, peroxide value, and p-anisidine were determined in each oil sample. The antioxidant determination by inhibition of DPPH radicals showed significant differences in native oils and oils with lycopene.
PubMed: 38726431
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4030 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Carotenoids play essential roles in plant growth and development and provide plants with a tolerance to a series of abiotic stresses. In this study, the function and...
Carotenoids play essential roles in plant growth and development and provide plants with a tolerance to a series of abiotic stresses. In this study, the function and biological significance of lycopene β-cyclase, lycopene ε-cyclase, and β-carotene hydroxylase, which are responsible for the modification of the tetraterpene skeleton procedure, were isolated from Lycium chinense and analyzed. The overexpression of lycopene β-cyclase, lycopene ε-cyclase, and β-carotene hydroxylase promoted the accumulation of total carotenoids and photosynthesis enhancement, reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, and proline content of tobacco seedlings after exposure to the salt stress. Furthermore, the expression of the carotenoid biosynthesis genes and stress-related genes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase) were detected and showed increased gene expression level, which were strongly associated with the carotenoid content and reactive oxygen species scavenging activity. After exposure to salt stress, the endogenous abscisic acid content was significantly increased and much higher than those in control plants. This research contributes to the development of new breeding aimed at obtaining stronger salt tolerance plants with increased total carotenoids and vitamin A content.
Topics: Carotenoids; Nicotiana; Salt Tolerance; Lycium; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins; Plants, Genetically Modified; Reactive Oxygen Species; Intramolecular Lyases; Photosynthesis; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Abscisic Acid
PubMed: 38719951
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60848-3 -
Current Research in Food Science 2024Andean roots can be used as an alternative to gluten-free food. The objective of this study was to enhance the technological and nutritional properties of Andean root...
Andean roots can be used as an alternative to gluten-free food. The objective of this study was to enhance the technological and nutritional properties of Andean root flours to promote their industrial applicability. The water content and activity of the flour were lower than those required to prevent mold growth. The bulk density of the flour was comparable to that of wheat flour. The flour of (L.) Lam. exhibited the lowest water absorption capacity of the tested samples. However, both this flour and Ruiz & Pavón showed a higher fat absorption capacity. The samples exhibited type-II isotherms, indicating that the flours were highly hygroscopic. The Guggenheim, Anderson, and de Boer GAB model showed a higher coefficient of determination in mathematical modeling. The chroma of Ruiz & Pavón flour was higher than the other samples, which was related to total carotenoids and lycopene. Furthermore, (L.) Lam. exhibited the highest phenol value.
PubMed: 38708101
DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100752 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... May 2024This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38700012
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12323 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Nutrient profiling (NP) models designed to evaluate the healthfulness of plant-based foods ought to incorporate bioactive phytochemicals. Herbs and spices are one food...
INTRODUCTION
Nutrient profiling (NP) models designed to evaluate the healthfulness of plant-based foods ought to incorporate bioactive phytochemicals. Herbs and spices are one food group of current interest.
METHODS
Two new versions of the well-established Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) index were applied to spices, herbs, vegetables, fruit, and other plant-based foods. Analyses used the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) SR-28 nutrient composition database merged with the USDA Expanded Flavonoid database 3.3. The NRF4.3 model was based on protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. The NRFa11.3 model was based on micronutrients with reported antioxidant activity (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, copper, and zinc), carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein/zeaxantin) and flavonoids. Saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium were nutrients to limit. The NRF algorithm was based on sums of percent daily values (%DVs) capped at 100%.
RESULTS
The NRF4.3 model awarded high scores to herbs and spices, cocoa powder, and nuts, but did not discriminate well among vegetables and fruit. The NRFa11.3 model performed better. Green leafy, red orange and cruciferous vegetables had the highest carotenoid content. Highest in flavonoids were cocoa powder, herbs and spices, and berries. Highest combined NRFa11.3 values were observed for herbs and spices, green leafy vegetables, cocoa, nuts, and red-orange and cruciferous vegetables.
DISCUSSION
Fresh and dry herbs and spices, often ignored by NP models, were particularly nutrient-rich and may provide non-negligible amounts of key phytonutrients to the human diet.
PubMed: 38699550
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1386328 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024An FDA-approved kinase inhibitor called sorafenib (SOR) is used to treat primary kidney and liver cancer as well as to stop the spread of advanced breast cancer. Side...
An FDA-approved kinase inhibitor called sorafenib (SOR) is used to treat primary kidney and liver cancer as well as to stop the spread of advanced breast cancer. Side effects from SOR, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, can negatively impact an individual's quality of life. There are a lot of data supporting the importance of lycopene (LYC) in preventing cancer. The antitumor properties of the combination of sorafenib and lycopene were examined in this study. A viability test against MDA-MB-231 was used to assess the anticancer efficacy of sorafenib, lycopene, and their combination in vitro. Moreover, a cell cycle analysis and Annexin-V/PI double staining were performed by using flow cytometry. In addition, the protein level of JNK-1, ERK-1, Beclin-1, P38, and P53 of the MDA-MB-231 cell line was estimated using ELISA kits. In addition, mice with SEC were divided into four equal groups at random ( = 10) to investigate the possible processes underlying the in vivo antitumor effect. Group IV (SEC-SOR-LYC) received SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.); Group I received the SEC control; Group II received SEC-SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.); and Group III received SEC-LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The findings demonstrated that the combination of sorafenib and lycopene was superior to sorafenib and lycopene alone in causing early cell cycle arrest, suppressing the viability of cancer cells, and increasing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Likewise, the combination of sorafenib and lycopene demonstrated inhibition of the levels of Bcl-2, Ki-67, VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α protein. Otherwise, the quantities of the proteins BAX, P53, and caspase 3 were amplified. Furthermore, the combined treatment led to a substantial increase in , , and gene expression compared to the equivalent dosages of monotherapy. The combination of sorafenib and lycopene enhanced apoptosis and reduced inflammation, as seen by the tumor's decreased weight and volume, hence demonstrating its potential anticancer effect.
PubMed: 38675487
DOI: 10.3390/ph17040527 -
Nutrients Apr 2024This study examined overall and sex-specific associations of serum lipid-soluble micronutrients including α- and γ-tocopherols, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D),...
Overall and Sex-Specific Associations of Serum Lipid-Soluble Micronutrients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease among Adults in the United States.
This study examined overall and sex-specific associations of serum lipid-soluble micronutrients including α- and γ-tocopherols, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D), retinol, and six major carotenoids with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic lever disease (MASLD) using the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This analysis included 3956 adults (1991 men, 1965 women) aged ≥ 20 years. Steatotic liver disease was determined through transient elastography examination. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for MASLD associated with micronutrients were estimated using logistic regressions. Higher serum α-tocopherol (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05-2.22, = 0.03) and γ-tocopherol (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 4.15, 95% CI = 3.00-5.74, < 0.0001) levels were associated with increased odds of MASLD. Higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with reduced odds of MASLD (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.27-0.61, = 0.0001). Inverse associations with the condition were also observed for carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, combined lutein and zeaxanthin, and lycopene) in the serum ( < 0.05). The results were comparable between men and women, except for those on α-tocopherol, for which a positive association was only observed for men ( = 0.01). Our results suggest potential protective associations of serum 25(OH)D and carotenoids with MASLD. The positive associations between tocopherols and MASLD may reflect pathophysiological conditions associated with the condition.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; United States; Micronutrients; Adult; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Carotenoids; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Sex Factors; alpha-Tocopherol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatty Liver; Young Adult; Lipids; gamma-Tocopherol; Odds Ratio; Aged
PubMed: 38674932
DOI: 10.3390/nu16081242 -
Microorganisms Apr 2024Lycopene represents one of the central compounds in the carotenoid pathway and it exhibits a potent antioxidant ability with wide potential applications in medicine,...
Lycopene represents one of the central compounds in the carotenoid pathway and it exhibits a potent antioxidant ability with wide potential applications in medicine, food, and cosmetics. The microbial production of lycopene has received increasing concern in recent years. () is considered to be a safe and beneficial industrial production platform, naturally endowed with the ability to produce lycopene. However, the scarcity of efficient genetic tools and the challenge of identifying crucial metabolic genes impede further research on for achieving high-yield lycopene production. To address these challenges, a novel genetic editing toolkit, CRISPR/MAD7 system, was established and developed. By optimizing the promoter, ORI and PAM sequences, the CRISPR/MAD7 system facilitated highly efficient gene deletion and exhibited a broad spectrum of PAM sites. Notably, 25 kb of DNA from the genome was successfully deleted. In addition, the CRISPR/MAD7 system was effectively utilized in the metabolic engineering of , allowing for the simultaneous knockout of and genes in one step to enhance the accumulation of lycopene by blocking the branching pathway. Through screening crucial genes such as , , , , , and , an optimal carotenogenic gene combination was obtained. Particularly, , a membrane protein gene, was found to play a vital role in lycopene production. Therefore, the CBIEbR strain was obtained by overexpressing , , and while strategically blocking the by-products of the lycopene pathway. As a result, the final engineered strain produced lycopene at 405.02 mg/L (9.52 mg/g dry cell weight, DCW) in fed-batch fermentation, representing the highest reported lycopene yield in to date. In this study, a powerful and precise genetic tool was used to engineer for lycopene production. Through the modifications between the host cell and the carotenogenic pathway, the lycopene yield was stepwise improved by 102-fold as compared to the starting strain. This study highlights the usefulness of the CRISPR/MAD7 toolbox, demonstrating its practical applications in the metabolic engineering of industrially robust .
PubMed: 38674747
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040803 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024is one of the most common edible medicinal plants frequently used in Malagasy traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal infections. In order to evaluate their...
is one of the most common edible medicinal plants frequently used in Malagasy traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal infections. In order to evaluate their probable antibacterial activities, three organic extracts (successive extractions by hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol) of ripe guava fruits were assessed for their bactericidal and anti-virulence properties against PAO1. Although these three extracts have shown no direct antibacterial activity (MIC of 1000 µg/mL) and, at the non-bactericidal concentration of 100 µg/mL, no impact on the production of major PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin and rhamnolipids), the hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed significant anti-biofilm properties and the dichloromethane extract disrupted the PAO1 swarming motility. Bioguided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract led to the isolation and identification of lycopene and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside as major anti-biofilm compounds. Interestingly, both compounds disrupt PAO1 biofilm formation and maintenance with IC of 1383 µM and 131 µM, respectively. More interestingly, both compounds displayed a synergistic effect with tobramycin with a two-fold increase in its effectiveness in killing biofilm-encapsulated PAO1. The present study validates the traditional uses of this edible medicinal plant, indicating the therapeutic effectiveness of guava fruits plausibly through the presence of these tri- and tetraterpenoids, which deserve to be tested against pathogens generally implicated in diarrhea.
PubMed: 38674531
DOI: 10.3390/plants13081122