Rapid Folin–Ciocalteu method using microtiter 96-well plate cartridges for solid phase extraction to assess urinary total phenolic compounds, as a biomarker of total polyphenols intake

Diverse impacts of red palm olein, extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil on cardiometabolic risk markers in individuals with central obesity: a randomised trial

PURPOSE

Dietary fats with an abundance of phytonutrients have garnered public attention beyond fatty acids per se. This study was set to investigate the impact of consuming diets with red palm olein (RPOO), extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, as a control) on cardiometabolic risk biomarkers and lipid profile.

METHODS

We recruited a total of 156 individuals with central obesity, aged 25-45 years, with waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women in a parallel single-blind 3-arm randomised controlled trial. The participants consumed isocaloric diets (~ 2400 kcal) enriched with respective test fats (RPOO, EVCO or EVOO) for a 12-week duration.

RESULTS

The mean of the primary outcome plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein was statistically similar between the three diets after a 12-week intervention. EVOO resulted in significantly lower mean LDL cholesterol compared with RPOO and EVCO, despite similar effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol subfractions. The RPOO diet group showed elevated mean α and β -carotenes levels compared with EVCO and EVOO diet groups (P < 0.05), corresponding with the rich carotenoid content in RPOO.

CONCLUSION

The three oils, each of which has unique phytonutrient and fatty acid compositions, manifested statistically similar cardiometabolic effects in individuals with central obesity at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases with distinct circulating antioxidant properties.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05791370).

A comprehensive and critical review of the unstandardized Folin-Ciocalteu assay to determine the total content of polyphenols: The conundrum of the experimental factors and method validation

The Folin-Ciocalteu method can be considered to be the most widely used in laboratories around the world, to quantify the total polyphenols content. Many different variations found in this assay have been reported in the scientific literature. In this review, the full experimental conditions influencing the Folin-Ciocalteu assay have been comparatively assessed and discussed. Furthermore, few studies relating to the method validation have been evaluated according to the results of selectivity, linearity, precision, trueness, limit of determination, limit of quantification and robustness. In general, the results derived from the reviewed literature are widely variable according to both, the experimental factors selected and the performance parameters reported, making difficult the comparison of the overall results published.

Gut microbes differ in postmenopausal women responding to prunes to maintain hip bone mineral density

Foods high in phenolics such as prunes have been shown to exert protective effects on bone mineral density (BMD), but only certain individuals experience these benefits. This post-hoc analysis of a 12-month randomized controlled trial aimed to identify the relationship among the gut microbiome, immune responses, and bone protective effects of prunes on postmenopausal women. Subjects who consumed 50-100 g prunes daily were divided into responders (n = 20) and non-responders (n = 32) based on percent change in total hip bone mineral density (BMD, ≥1% or ≤-1% change, respectively). DXA scans were used to determine body composition and BMD. Immune markers were measured using immunoassays and flow cytometry. Targeted phenolic metabolites were analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The fecal microbiota was characterized through 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicon sequencing. After 12 months of prune consumption, anti-inflammatory markers showed responders had significantly lower levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. QIIME2 sequence analysis showed that microbiomes of responders and non-responders differed in alpha (Shannon and Faith PD, Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.05) and beta diversity (unweighted Unifrac, PERMANOVA p < 0.04) metrics both before and after prune treatment. Furthermore, responders had a higher abundance of bacterial families Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae (ANCOM-BC p < 0.05). These findings provide evidence that postmenopausal women with initial low BMD can benefit from prunes if they host certain gut microbes. These insights can guide precision nutrition strategies to improve BMD tailored to diet and microbiome composition.

Moderate wine consumption measured using the biomarker urinary tartaric acid concentration decreases inflammatory mediators related to atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES

Several studies suggest that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, may have benefits for cardiovascular health. Red wine contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols like phenolic acids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of wine, measured as urinary tartaric acid, a new biomarker of wine consumption.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

One-year longitudinal study that included 217 participants from the PREDIMED trial.

MEASUREMENTS

Plasma inflammatory biomarkers and urinary tartaric acid were analyzed using xMAP technology and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between variations over 1-year in urinary tartaric acid concentrations and 1-year changes in serum inflammatory molecules, including adhesion cell molecules, interleukine-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. Three categories were built according to tertiles of 1-y changes in urinary tartaric acid.

RESULTS

Using a ROC curve, urinary tartaric acid was corroborated as a reliable biomarker of wine consumption (AUC = 0.818 (95% CI: 0.76; 0.87). In the continuous analysis, participants with higher increases in tartaric acid significantly reduced their concentrations in soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) after 1-year of follow-up (-0.20 (-0.38; -9,93) ng/mL per 1-SD increment, p-value = 0.031). Moreover, tertiles 2 and 3 of 1-year changes in tartaric acid presented a significant reduction in soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) as compared to tertile 1 (-0.31 (-0.52; -0.10) ng/mL, p-value = 0.014 and -0.29 (-0.52; -0.07) ng/mL, p-value = 0.023, respectively). Participants in the third tertile also exhibited a reduced concentration of sVCAM-1 compared to those in the first tertile (-0.31 (-0.55; -0.06) ng/mL, p-value = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that wine consumption is associated with lower levels of inflammation due to the anti-inflammatory properties of wine compounds.

An Innovative Approach to a Potential Neuroprotective Sideritis scardica-Clinoptilolite Phyto-Nanocarrier: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation

The cutting-edge field of nanomedicine combines the power of medicinal plants with nanotechnology to create advanced scaffolds that boast improved bioavailability, biodistribution, and controlled release. In an innovative approach to performant herb nanoproducts, Sideritis scardica Griseb and clinoptilolite were used to benefit from the combined action of both components and enhance the phytochemical's bioavailability, controlled intake, and targeted release. A range of analytical methods, such as SEM-EDX, FT-IR, DLS, and XDR, was employed to examine the morpho-structural features of the nanoproducts. Additionally, thermal stability, antioxidant screening, and in vitro release were investigated. Chemical screening of Sideritis scardica Griseb revealed that it contains a total of ninety-one phytoconstituents from ten chemical categories, including terpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, iridoids, sterols, nucleosides, and miscellaneous. The study findings suggest the potential applications as a promising aspirant in neurodegenerative strategy.

Microbial Phenolic Metabolites Are Associated with Improved Cognitive Health

SCOPE

Diets rich in polyphenols has been associated with better cognitive performance. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) in urine and cognition in the context of an older population at high cardiovascular risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional analysis is conducted in 400 individuals of the PREDIMED-Plus study. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is used to identify urinary MPM. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence is estimated with a 17-item questionnaire and cognitive function is evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models are fitted to assess the relationship of urinary MPM with the MedDiet and cognitive tests. Protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet. Regarding cognitive function, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, enterodiol glucuronide, and enterolactone glucuronide are directly associated with a global composite score of all the cognitive tests. Furthermore, protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination, whereas enterodiol glucuronide is associated with improved Clock Drawing Test scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the MedDiet is linked to MPM associated with better cognitive performance in an older population.

Metabolic syndrome, adiposity, diet, and emotional eating are associated with oxidative stress in adolescents

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS), a condition related to adiposity and oxidative stress, can develop in adolescence, a critical stage in life that impacts health in adulthood. However, there is scarce scientific research about the relationship between lifestyle factors, emotion management, and oxidative stress in this phase of life.

Aim

To analyze whether nutritional parameters, lifestyle factors, emotion management, and MS in adolescents are associated with oxidative stress measured by the biomarker 8-isoprostane.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 132 adolescents (48.5% girls, aged 12 ± 0.48 years) and data were collected on nutritional parameters (anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyzes, and blood pressure), lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleep, and diet), and emotion management (self-esteem, emotional eating, and mood). 8-isoprostane was analyzed in spot urine samples. The study population was categorized in three groups (healthy, at-risk, and with MS) using the International Diabetes Federation definition of MS in adolescents. To capture more complex interactions, a multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between 8-isoprostane and the aforementioned variables.

Results

Urinary 8-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in the MS group compared to the healthy group (1,280 ± 543 pg./mg vs. 950 ± 416 pg./mg respectively). In addition, univariable analysis revealed positive significant associations between 8-isoprostane and body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, blood lipid profile and glucose, emotional eating, and refined cereal intake. Conversely, a negative significant association was found between 8-isoprostane and sleep duration and fish intake. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed associations between 8-isoprostane and LDL-c (β = 0.173 value of p = 0.049), emotional eating (low β = 0.443, value of p = 0.036; high β = 0.152, value of p = 0.470), refined cereal intake (β =0.191, value of p = 0.024), and fish intake (β = -0.187, value of p = 0.050).

Conclusion

The MS group, LDL-c, emotional eating, and high refined cereals and low fish intakes were associated with higher levels of oxidative stress in an adolescent population.

Total (poly)phenol analysis by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay as an anti-inflammatory biomarker in biological samples

The Folin-Ciocalteu method is a well-established and widely used assay for measuring total (poly)phenol content in food/plant products. In recent years, there has been growing interest in applying this method to human samples due to its simplicity and efficacy. However, biological matrices such as blood and urine contain several interference substances that must be eliminated beforehand. This mini-review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the use of the Folin-Ciocalteu assay to measure total phenolic content in human urine and blood samples, as well as the preceding cleaning methods to remove interferences. Higher total (poly)phenol levels measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method have been associated with a decrease in mortality and several risk variables. We focus on the application of this sustainable assay as a biomarker of poly(phenol) intake and its potential use as an anti-inflammatory biomarker in clinical laboratories. The Folin-Ciocalteu method, with a clean-up extraction step, is a reliable tool for determining total (poly)phenol consumption. Here, we also recommend using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay as means to measure anti-inflammatory activity.

Urinary metabolomics of phenolic compounds reveals biomarkers of type-2 diabetes within the PREDIMED trial

BACKGROUND

Phenolic compounds have been associated with protective effects against type-2 diabetes (T2D). We used a metabolomics approach to determine urinary phenolic metabolites associated with T2D and fasting plasma glucose.

METHODS

This case-control study within the PREDIMED trial included 200 participants at high cardiovascular risk, 102 of whom were diagnosed with T2D. A panel of urinary phenolic compounds were analysed using a novel method based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistics and adjusted logistic regressions were applied to determine the most discriminant compounds and their association with T2D. The relationship between the discriminant phenolic compounds and plasma glucose was assessed using multivariable linear regressions.

RESULTS

A total of 41 phenolic compounds were modeled in the orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis, and after applying adjusted logistic regressions two were selected as discriminant: dihydrocaffeic acid (OR = 0.22 (CI 95 %: 0.09; 0.52) per 1-SD, p-value = 0.021) and genistein diglucuronide (OR = 0.72 (CI 95%: 0.59; 0.88) per 1-SD, p-value = 0.021). Both metabolites were associated with a lower risk of suffering from T2D, but only dihydrocaffeic acid was inversely associated with plasma glucose (β = -17.12 (95 % CI: -29.92; -4.32) mg/dL per 1-SD, p-value = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

A novel method using a metabolomics approach was developed to analyse a panel of urinary phenolic compounds for potential associations with T2D, and two metabolites, dihydrocaffeic acid and genistein diglucuronide, were found to be associated with a lower risk of this condition.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction on polyphenol metabolite from Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) urb. bulbs using response surface methodology

Eleutherine bulbosa bulbs, an endemic plant in Indonesia, have enormous potential as raw materials for pharmaceutical products. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen and develop extraction methods that are easy, rapid, and efficient to enrich targeted secondary metabolites. This study aims to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method conditions for polyphenol metabolite from E. bulbosa bulbs. The MAE method (with different conditions) was applied to extract total polyphenol content (TPC) from E. bulbosa bulbs. TPC values were determined using a 96-well microplate reader spectrophotometry method and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The variables of MAE, as an experimental design-independent variable, were involved. The MAE method condition was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design based on the TPC value. The MAE condition was optimized with 60% ethanol, sample-solvent ratio of 1:10 g/mL, and 50% Watts of microwave power for 10 min. The quadratic regression analysis was achieved to predict the TPC value using the equation: TPC value = 28.63-5.545A +2.211B -0.741C +1.995D - 4.045AB +0.856AC -7.541BC +1.961CD -8.342A2-0.071B2 +1.840C2-1.535D2. For the scale-up confirmation test, a 50-g sample was used to prove the validity of the equation to predict the TPC value, yielding 35.33 ± 2.13 mg gallic acid equivalent/g samples. The optimum of the MAE condition recommended based on the results of RSM analysis can be applied directly to the enrichment of polyphenols metabolite constituent of E. bulbosa easily, cheaply, quickly, and efficiently.

Total urinary polyphenol excretion: a biomarker of an anti-inflammatory diet and metabolic syndrome status

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation is associated with noncommunicable diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and CVDs. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects, attributed in part to the polyphenol richness of many of its components.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the value of polyphenols as a urinary biomarker of an anti-inflammatory diet and their influence on MetS status.

METHODS

A longitudinal analysis was performed in Spain considering 543 participants with high CVD risk in a PREDIMED study. Approximately 52% of the participants were women and 48% were men with a mean age of 67.5 (5.9) y. Total polyphenol excretion (TPE) in urine was determined at baseline and 5 y of intervention using a validated Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated from a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire. Three categories were built according to tertiles of change in the DII score. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association of changes in TPE with changes in the DII scores and with MetS status at 5 y.

RESULTS

Tertiles 2 and 3 compared with tertile 1 presented a lower anti-inflammatory potential of the diet and were inversely associated with TPE in women [-0.30 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g creatinine; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.15; P value = 0.006 and -0.29 mg GAE/g creatinine; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.15; P value = 0.005], respectively. The mean changes in TPE were 7.9 (56.1) mg GAE/g creatinine in women and 7.7 (48.2) mg GAE/g creatinine in men. In addition, TPE was inversely associated with changes in MetS status [-0.06 (-0.09; -0.02), P value = 0.009] in both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary polyphenols may be a potential biomarker of anti-inflammatory diet consumption in women and are prospectively associated with improvement in MetS.

Effect of Walnut Supplementation on Dietary Polyphenol Intake and Urinary Polyphenol Excretion in the Walnuts and Healthy Aging Study

Among all tree nuts, walnuts contain the highest total polyphenols by weight. This secondary data analysis examined the effect of daily walnut supplementation on the total dietary polyphenols and subclasses and the urinary excretion of total polyphenols in a free-living elderly population. In this 2-year prospective, randomized intervention trial (ID NCT01634841), the dietary polyphenol intake of participants who added walnuts daily to their diets at 15% of daily energy were compared to those in the control group that consumed a walnut-free diet. Dietary polyphenols and subclasses were estimated from 24 h dietary recalls. Phenolic estimates were derived from Phenol-Explorer database version 3.6. Participants in the walnut group compared to the control group had a higher intake of total polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, and phenolic acids in mg/d (IQR): 2480 (1955, 3145) vs. 1897 (1369, 2496); 56 (42,84) vs. 29 (15, 54); 174 (90, 298) vs. 140 (61, 277); and 368 (246, 569) vs. 242 (89, 398), respectively. There was a significant inverse association between dietary flavonoid intake and urine polyphenol excretion; less urinary excretion may imply that some of the polyphenols were eliminated via the gut. Nuts had a significant contribution to the total polyphenols in the diet, suggesting that a single food like walnuts added to habitual diet can increase the polyphenol intake in a Western population.

Association of microbiota polyphenols with cardiovascular health in the context of a Mediterranean diet

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is rich in polyphenols, phytochemicals that are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Phenolic compounds have poor bioavailability but they are extensively metabolized by the gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association of microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) with adherence to the MedDiet, and their relationship with ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cross-sectional substudy within the PREDIMED trial included 200 participants from the Barcelona-Clinic recruitment center. Five MPM were identified and quantified using a novel method based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry: protocatechuic acid (PCA), enterodiol glucuronide (EDG), enterolactone glucuronide (ELG), vanillic acid glucuronide (VAG) and urolithin B glucuronide (UBG). Multivariable-adjusted regressions were used to evaluate the associations between MPM and MedDiet adherence, ICVH score, biochemical parameters, and blood pressure. Additionally, an MPM score was calculated as the weighted sum of MedDiet adherence and ICVH and found to be directly associated. Among individual polyphenols, UBG was inversely associated with LDL-cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

A score of urinary MPM was associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet and ICVH, and individual MPM were related to better cardiovascular health. These findings suggest that the MedDiet may affect gut microbiota, whose metabolites are linked with cardiovascular health.

Effect of Dietary Phenolic Compounds on Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) Cohort

The global incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been steadily increasing in recent decades. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has shown a preventive effect on the risk of T2D. Evaluating the association between bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds (PC) in a Mediterranean cohort could help to better understand the mechanisms implicated in this protection. We evaluated the association between dietary intake of PC and the risk of T2D in a relatively young cohort of 17,821 Spanish participants initially free of T2D, through the University of Navarra Follow-up Project ("Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" or SUN cohort) after 10 years of median follow-up using time-dependent Cox models. Intake of PC was estimated at baseline and repeatedly at 10-year follow-up using a 136-item validated food frequency and the Phenol-Explorer database. The incidence of T2D was identified by a biennial follow-up, and only medically confirmed cases were included. During 224,751 person-years of follow-up, 186 cases of T2D were confirmed. A suboptimal intake of stilbenes was independently associated with a higher risk of T2D in subjects over 50 years (HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.06-2.90, p value < 0.05) after adjusting for potential confounders. Our results suggest that a moderate-high intake of stilbenes can decrease the risk of developing T2D in subjects over 50 years in our cohort.

Comparison between dietary assessment methods and biomarkers in estimating dietary (poly)phenol intake

Background: although widely used, there is limited understanding of the suitability of different dietary assessment tools to estimate (poly)phenol intake. This study aims to compare the agreement between a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 7-day food diary (7DD) in assessing (poly)phenol intake and explore their associations with the urinary and plasma (poly)phenol metabolites. Methods: healthy free-living participants aged 18-80 years (n = 413) completed a 7DD and an FFQ (EPIC-Norfolk) and provided a 24 h urine and a fasting plasma sample. A comprehensive in-house (poly)phenol database was used to estimate (poly)phenol intake. The phenolic metabolite levels were analysed using a validated LC-MS method. The agreement between dietary assessment methods and biomarkers were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), weighted kappa, quartile classification, Bland-Altman plots and correlations. Results: the total (poly)phenol intake estimated from FFQ was higher than from 7DD (median 1463 and 1042 mg d^-1, respectively). The agreement between FFQ and 7DD were moderate (ICC 0.51-0.59) for total (poly)phenols, flavan-3-ols, total phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and alkylmethoxyphenols, and were poor for all the other classes and subclasses (ICC 0.00-0.48). Positive correlations with total urine phenolic metabolites were found in FFQ estimated anthocyanins, dihydroflavonols, total lignans, tyrosols, alkylmethoxyphenols, total phenolic acids, and total stilbenes and the 7DD estimated theaflavins and thearubigins (all FDR adjusted p values < 0.1). No significant correlations were found between total plasma phenolic metabolites and (poly)phenol intake. Conclusion: agreements between dietary assessment tools were moderate for the major classes of (poly)phenols, while agreements between (poly)phenol intake and biomarkers were poor. Future research using biomarker approaches to increase the accuracy of estimating (poly)phenol exposure in larger populations is needed.

Different interactions between Tartary buckwheat protein and Tartary buckwheat phenols during extraction: Alterations in the conformation and antioxidant activity of protein

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction between buckwheat protein and buckwheat phenols in the process of protein extraction and to compare the effects of phenols on protein structure and antioxidant activity. With the extension of extraction time, the content of total phenol increased from 150.51 to 336.01 mg gallic acid equivalent/g sample. Four phenols and seven phenols were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS as binding to proteins in non-covalent and covalent forms, respectively. The contribution of non-covalent and covalent bound phenols to the antioxidant activity of the complexes were different. Meanwhile, the binding of phenols changed the infrared characteristic peak of protein, and reduced the fluorescence intensity and surface hydrophobic value. The free amino and sulfhydryl content of the protein decreased with increasing extraction time. These findings provide valuable information for one-step preparation of protein-phenol complexes.

Brewers' spent hop revalorization for the production of high added-value cosmetics ingredients with elastase inhibition capacity

This article summarizes the analysis of α and β-acids and prenylflavonoids from brewers' spent hop (BSH) as source of bioactive molecules to improve skin integrity by inhibiting elastase activity. To maximize the efficacy of the BSH extracts, it was necessary to identify the most bioactive hop compounds and the extraction parameters to maximize elastase inhibition and total antioxidant capacity. Thus, a computational methodology was carried out to test the anti-elastase potential of these hop molecules, detecting cis-iso-α-cohumulone and 8-prenylnaringenin as main inhibitors. Then, BSH extracts were optimized to ensure the maximum extraction of bioactive compounds, using compatible solvents (water and 100% plant-based propanediol) according to the green cosmetic standards. Finally, a determination and quantification method based on HPLC-MS/MS was used to guarantee the presence of the bioactive molecules, detecting a higher concentration of cis-iso-α-cohumulone and 8-prenylnaringenin in those samples with high anti-elastase activity. By optimizing extraction conditions and agents, a BSH extract was designed, showing high antioxidant (81.9 mmol Trolox/L) and high anti-elastase capacities.

Effect of moderate beer consumption (with and without ethanol) on osteoporosis in early postmenopausal women: Results of a pilot parallel clinical trial

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a chronic progressive bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to an increase in bone fragility and the risk of fractures. A well-known risk factor for bone loss is postmenopausal status. Beer may have a protective effect against osteoporosis associated with its content of silicon, polyphenols, iso-α-acids and ethanol, and its moderate consumption may therefore help to reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Accordingly, a 2-year controlled clinical intervention study was conducted to evaluate if a moderate daily intake of beer with (AB) or without alcohol (NAB) could have beneficial effects on bone tissue. A total of 31 postmenopausal women were assigned to three study groups: 15 were administered AB (330 mL/day) and six, NAB (660 mL/day), whereas, the 10 in the control group refrained from consuming alcohol, NAB, and hop-related products. At baseline and subsequent assessment visits, samples of plasma and urine were taken to analyze biochemical parameters, and data on medical history, diet, and exercise were collected. BMD and the trabecular bone score (TBS) were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Markers of bone formation (bone alkaline phosphatase [BAP] and N-propeptide of type I collagen [PINP]) and bone resorption (N-telopeptide of type I collagen [NTX] and C-telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX]) were determined annually.

Results

Bone formation markers had increased in the AB and NAB groups compared to the control after the 2-year intervention. However, the evolution of BMD and TBS did not differ among the three groups throughout the study period.

Discussion

Therefore, according to the findings of this pilot study, moderate beer intake does not seem to have a protective effect against bone loss in early post-menopausal women.

Urinary Nitric Oxide Levels Are Associated with Blood Pressure, Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Total Polyphenol Excretion in Adolescents from the SI! Program

Nitric oxide (NO) is important to cardiovascular health (CVH), and its bioavailability could be regulated by the antioxidant effect of polyphenols, improving endothelial function and consequently blood pressure (BP). However, scant research has been carried out on NO and CVH correlates in adolescent populations. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the association between NO and the CVH status and other health factors in adolescents. NO, total polyphenol excretion (TPE), anthropometric measurements, BP, blood lipid profile, blood glucose, diet, physical activity, and smoking status were recorded, while CVH score was classified as ideal, intermediate, and poor. Negative associations were observed between NO and body mass index, body fat percentage, BP, and triglycerides; and positive associations between NO and skeletal muscle percentage, HDL-cholesterol, fruit and vegetable intake, and TPE was observed. To capture more complex interactions among different factors, multiple linear regression was performed, obtaining a significant association between NO and fruit and vegetable intake (β = 0.175), TPE (β = 0.225), and systolic BP (β = -0.235). We conclude that urinary NO levels are positively associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and negatively associated with systolic BP.

1-methylhistamine as a potential biomarker of food histamine intolerance. A pilot study

Efforts are currently being directed to identify a non-invasive marker that can serve as a solid and clinically irrefutable diagnostic criterion for histamine intolerance associated with diamine oxidase (DAO) deficiency. Accordingly, the identification of biomarkers of histamine (HA) metabolism in urine is proposed as a possible new diagnostic strategy. It is hypothesized that individuals with histamine intolerance could have a different urinary profile of HA and its metabolites in comparison with the healthy population. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the urinary excretion of HA and 1-methylhistamine (MHA) in individuals diagnosed with histamine intolerance and in a control group. Levels of HA and MHA were compared between 24 h and first morning spot urine in a subgroup of 14 control individuals. Then, HA and MHA concentrations in spot urine of 32 histamine intolerant and 55 control individuals were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and fluorometric detection (UHPLC-FL) and normalized by creatinine. No differences were found between HA and MHA levels in 24 h and first morning samples. Overall, histamine intolerant patients presented a distinct urinary excretion profile compared to the control group due to lower levels of MHA. No differences in urinary MHA were observed related to serum DAO activity. Spot urine samples were thus validated as a reliable tool to determine the urinary excretion of HA and MHA. These results constitute a starting point for the study of HA metabolomics as a suitable and non-invasive approach to histamine intolerance diagnosis.

Total urinary polyphenols and ideal cardiovascular health metrics in Spanish adolescents enrolled in the SI Program: a cross-sectional study

To study the relationship between urinary total polyphenol excretion (TPE) in adolescents and ideal cardiovascular (CVH) metrics. 1151 adolescents aged 12.04 (0.46) years participating in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools were selected based on the availability of urine samples and information required to assess CVH metrics. Data on health behaviours (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, and healthy diet) and health factors (blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) were used to calculate the CVH metrics. TPE in urine was analysed by a Folin-Ciocalteu method after solid-phase extraction. Associations between TPE (categorized into tertiles) and CVH metrics (total and separate scores) were assessed using multilevel mixed-effect regression models. Higher TPE levels were associated with higher (healthier) CVH scores and ideal smoking status (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10; 1.87, p value = 0.007), physical activity (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02; 1.23, p value = 0.022) and total cholesterol (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.16; 2.73, p value = 0.009) after multivariate adjustment. An association between TPE and total CVH scores was observed only in boys. Girls with higher TPE had higher rates of ideal total cholesterol and blood pressure. According to our findings, higher urinary TPE is related to better CVH scores, with relevant differences in this association by gender.

Enzyme-assisted extraction of anti-inflammatory compounds from habanero chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) seeds

Capsaicinoids are the main bioactive compounds extracted from chili pepper seeds (CPSs) but other bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds may be found. Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) improves the extraction of bioactive compounds from fruits and seeds. The aim of this study was to establish the cellulase-assisted extraction conditions of capsaicinoids and phenolic compounds from Habanero CPSs (Capsicum chinense) and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the obtained extracts on murine macrophages. EAE was performed using different temperatures (T1 = 30°C, T2 = 45°C and T3 = 60°C), enzyme concentrations (E1 = 2,500 UI/L and E2 = 250 UI/L), and extraction time periods (0-150 min). Total phenolic compounds were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, capsaicin (CAP) and dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) contents were evaluated by HPLC, and anti-inflammatory activity was performed with Griess assay on murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell culture. The highest phenolic compound content (337.96 mg GAE/L) was achieved at 30°C, 2,500 UI/L, and 150 min of extraction. The highest CAP content (310.23 μg/ml) was obtained at 45°C with 250 UI/L for 150 min, while for DHC (167.72 μg/ml), the conditions were 60°C, 2,500 UI/L, and 120 min. The highest anti-inflammatory response was obtained when 60°C, E2, and 150 min were used for the extraction, and nitric oxide (NO) production was reduced to 22.56%. Based on the results obtained in this research, EAE allowed the recovery of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity from CPS using water as a solvent. There was a correlation between the extraction of CAP and DHC. But although a moderate direct correlation between the concentration of capsaicinoids and total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and an inverse correlation of the presence of the bioactive compounds (TPC, CAP, and DHC) with the NO synthesis, these were not statistically significant. We demonstrated that Habanero seeds are an important raw material to recover anti-inflammatory compounds beyond capsaicinoids using water in EAE.

One-Year Changes in Urinary Microbial Phenolic Metabolites and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes-A Case-Control Study

The intake of polyphenols has been associated with a risk reduction of type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, the molecules that might be metabolically active after ingestion are only starting to be investigated regarding this metabolic disease. To investigate the association between one-year changes in urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, we performed a case-control study using data and samples of the PREDIMED trial including 46 incident type 2 diabetes cases of 172 randomly selected participants. Eight urinary MPMs were quantified in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and used to assess their associations with type 2 diabetes risk by multivariable logistic regression models. Compared to participants in the lowest tertile of one-year changes in hydroxybenzoic acid glucuronide, those in the highest tertile had a significantly lowered probability of developing type 2 diabetes (OR [95% CI], 0.39 [0.23−0.64]; p < 0.001 for trend). However, when additionally adjusting for fasting plasma glucose, the statistical significance was lost. Changes in the dietary pattern can increase the concentrations of this compound, derived from many (poly)phenol-rich foods, and might be changing the gut microbial population as well, promoting the production of the metabolite.

Influence of Plasma-Isolated Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites on Cancer Cell Migration (HT-29 and Caco-2) In Vitro: Results of the ATTACH Study

Cancer mortality is mainly due to metastasis. Therefore, searching for new therapeutic agents suppressing cancer cell migration is crucial. Data from human studies regarding effects of anthocyanins on cancer progression, however, are scarce and it is unclear whether physiological concentrations of anthocyanins and their metabolites reduce cancer cell migration in vivo. In addition, interactions with chemotherapeutics like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are largely unknown. Thus, we combined a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over study with in vitro migration studies of colon cancer cell lines to examine the anti-migratory effects of plasma-isolated anthocyanins and their metabolites (PAM). Healthy volunteers (n = 35) daily consumed 0.33 L of an anthocyanin-rich grape/bilberry juice and an anthocyanin-depleted placebo juice for 28 days. PAM were isolated before and after intervention by solid-phase extraction. HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were incubated with PAM in a Boyden chamber. Migration of HT-29 cells was significantly inhibited by PAM from juice but not from placebo. In contrast, Caco-2 migration was not affected. Co-incubation with 5-FU and pooled PAM from volunteers (n = 10), which most effectively inhibited HT-29 migration, further reduced HT-29 migration in comparison to 5-FU alone. Therefore, PAM at physiological concentrations impairs colon cancer cell migration and may support the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics.

Identification and Quantification of Urinary Microbial Phenolic Metabolites by HPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS and Their Relationship with Dietary Polyphenols in Adolescents

This study aimed to develop and validate a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-linear ion trap quadrupole-Orbitrap-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS) method to identify and quantify urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM), as well as to explore the relationship between MPM and dietary (poly)phenols in Spanish adolescents. A total of 601 spot urine samples of adolescents aged 12.02 ± 0.41 years were analyzed. The quantitative method was validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, as well as postpreparative stability according to the criteria established by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists International. A total of 17 aglycones and 37 phase II MPM were identified and quantified in 601 spot urine samples. Phenolic acids were the most abundant urinary MPM, whereas stilbenes, hydroxytyrosol, and enterodiol were the least abundant. Urinary hydroxycoumarin acids (urolithins) were positively correlated with flavonoid and total (poly)phenol intake. An HPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS method was developed and fully validated to quantify MPM. The new method was performed accurately and is suitable for MPM quantification in large epidemiological studies. Urinary lignans and urolithins are proposed as potential biomarkers of grain and nut intake in an adolescent population.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet assessed by a novel dietary biomarker score and mortality in older adults: the InCHIANTI cohort study

BACKGROUND

Dietary biomarkers may complement dietary intake assessment made by dietary questionnaires. We developed an a-posteriori dietary biomarkers score based on Mediterranean diet food groups and evaluated its association with mortality.

METHODS

642 participants (56% female), aged ≥65 years, with complete data on dietary biomarkers were followed during 20 years in the InCHIANTI cohort study (Tuscany, Italy). The main outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Dietary biomarkers were selected from literature and from correlation analyses with dietary intakes of Mediterranean diet food groups in the study. The baseline levels of the following dietary biomarkers were chosen: urinary total polyphenols and resveratrol metabolites, and plasma carotenoids, selenium, vitamin B12, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and the mono-unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio. Associations of the Mediterranean diet score using dietary biomarkers and a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (as tertiles) with mortality were assessed through Cox regression.

RESULTS

During the 20-year follow-up [median (Q1-Q3), 14 (8-18) years], and 435 deaths occurred (139 from cardiovascular diseases and 89 from cancer-related causes). In the fully adjusted models, the dietary biomarker-Mediterranean diet score was inversely associated with all-cause (HR_T3vs.T1 0.72; 95%CI 0.56-0.91) and cardiovascular (HR_T3vs.T1 0.60; 95%CI 0.38-0.93), but not with cancer mortality. Associations between the FFQ-Mediterranean diet score and mortality were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A greater adherence at baseline to a Mediterranean diet assessed by a dietary biomarker score was associated with a lower risk of mortality in older adults during a 20-year follow-up. The measurement of dietary biomarkers may contribute to guide individualized dietary counseling to older people.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01331512.

A Review on the Obtaining of Functional Beers by Addition of Non-Cereal Adjuncts Rich in Antioxidant Compounds

Beer is one of the oldest and most consumed beverages worldwide, and recent trends point to increased consumption of functional beers. However, there is a lack in the scientific literature on the effects of adding functional adjuncts in distinct steps of the manufacturing process and its implications on the final physicochemical and sensorial profile. Therefore, the present review analyzes the ingredients used and their insertion stage to achieve a functional beer with bioactive compounds, higher antioxidant activity, and improved sensory characteristics. The addition of fruits, herbal extracts, plants, and mushrooms in beers was documented. Furthermore, adjuncts were successfully added in wort boiling, fermentation, maturation, and packaging. The wort boiling step stands out among these four due to the superior extraction of phenolic compounds from the added adjuncts. On the other hand, adjunct addition in the maturation step induced low increases in antioxidant and phenolic content of the respective enriched beers. Fruits represented the majority of adopted adjuncts among the studies evaluated. Furthermore, the addition of fruits represented a positive increment in the beer’s volatile profile and an increase in sensory acceptability. A gap in the literature was found regarding the analysis of phenolic compounds with appropriate techniques such as HPLC-MS. Furthermore, there is a need to study the bioavailability of the incorporated bioactive compounds to prove the health claims inferred about these beers. In conclusion, functional beers are a little-explored relevant field, with potential for new studies.

Urinary Tartaric Acid, a Biomarker of Wine Intake, Correlates with Lower Total and LDL Cholesterol

Postmenopausal women are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to changes in lipid profile and body fat, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of urinary tartaric acid, a biomarker of wine consumption, with anthropometric (weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio), blood pressure, and biochemical variables (blood glucose and lipid profile) that may be affected during the menopausal transition. This sub-study of the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial included a sample of 230 women aged 60-80 years with high cardiovascular risk at baseline. Urine samples were diluted and filtered, and tartaric acid was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Correlations between tartaric acid and the study variables were adjusted for age, education level, smoking status, physical activity, BMI, cholesterol-lowering, antihypertensive, and insulin treatment, total energy intake, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and raisins. A strong association was observed between wine consumption and urinary tartaric acid (0.01 μg/mg (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.01), p-value < 0.001). Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were inversely correlated with urinary tartaric acid (-3.13 μg/mg (-5.54, -0.71), p-value = 0.016 and -3.03 μg/mg (-5.62, -0.42), p-value = 0.027, respectively), whereas other biochemical and anthropometric variables were unrelated. The results suggest that wine consumption may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women, underpinning its nutraceutical properties.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. and Cyanthillium cinereum (Less) H. Rob. Lozenges in Volunteer Smokers

Smokers have high plaque accumulation that initiates gingival inflammation and progresses to periodontitis. Thus, oral hygiene to control microbial plaque formation is an effective method of preventing gingivitis. Medicinal plants such as Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) and Cyanthillium cinereum (Less.) H. Rob. (CC) have an anti-inflammatory effect that might improve oral health in smokers. This study evaluated the effect of MO leaf and CC extracts using MO lozenges and a combination of MO + CC lozenges on oral inflammation and gingivitis in volunteer smokers. Lozenges consisting of MO and CC extracts were developed and studied in vivo. The results showed that lozenges significantly reduced oral inflammation and gingivitis in volunteers. The gingival index (GI) of group III (MO + CC lozenges) significantly decreased, while the percentage decrease of oral inflammation in group II (MO lozenges) was significantly higher than the other groups. The percentage decrease of GI values in group II (MO lozenges) and group III (MO + CC lozenges) were significantly higher than the placebo group I. Our findings indicated that MO and MO + CC lozenges reduced oral inflammation and gingivitis and showed potential to improve oral health in smokers.

Evaluation of the potential of total proanthocyanidin content in feces as an intake biomarker

Due to the health benefits associated with proanthocyanidins (PAs), it is useful to identify dietary PA biomarkers that can be determined by simple methods. Since increased levels of circulating PA metabolites are associated with increased fecal PA content, this study explores the spectrophotometric measurement of fecal PA content and its use as a biomarker of PA intake. To this end, fecal PA content was measured using an adaptation of Porter's spectrophotometric method in samples from a preclinical study and an observational study. In the former, excretion of 250-400 mg PA polymer equivalents/100 g feces was observed during supplementation and the day after, together with a significant association (p < 0.05) between PA intake and the excretion of both intact PAs and some PA metabolites, i.e., (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and syringic acid. No relationship between intake and excretion was found in the observational study, either for the entire group (mean excretion of 240 ± 226 mg PA polymer equivalents/100 g feces) or after stratification into tertiles of consumption. In conclusion, the spectrophotometric determination of total PA content in feces proved to be a valid compliance marker in a preclinical study, but it was not associated with PA intake in free-living subjects. The potential of total PA excretion in observational studies, determined in fecal samples collected the day before dietary recall or in several fecal samples from the same subject, remains to be elucidated, as does a complete validation of the method proposed here.

The relationship between urinary polyphenol metabolites and dietary polyphenol intakes in young adults

Spot urinary polyphenols have potential as a biomarker of polyphenol-rich food intakes. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between spot urinary polyphenols and polyphenol intakes from polyphenol-rich food sources. Young adults (18-24 years old) were recruited into a sub-study of an online intervention aimed at improving diet quality. Participants' intake of polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods was assessed at baseline and 3 months using repeated 24-h recalls. A spot urine sample was collected at each session, with samples analysed for polyphenol metabolites using LC-MS. To assess the strength of the relationship between urinary polyphenols and dietary polyphenols, Spearman correlations were used. Linear mixed models further evaluated the relationship between polyphenol intakes and urinary excretion. Total urinary polyphenols and hippuric acid (HA) demonstrated moderate correlation with total polyphenol intakes (rs = 0·29-0·47). HA and caffeic acid were moderately correlated with polyphenols from tea/coffee (rs = 0·26-0·46). Using linear mixed models, increases in intakes of total polyphenols or polyphenols from tea/coffee or oil resulted in a greater excretion of HA, whereas a negative relationship was observed between soya polyphenols and HA, suggesting that participants with higher intakes of soya polyphenols had a lower excretion of HA. Findings suggest that total urinary polyphenols may be a promising biomarker of total polyphenol intakes foods and drinks and that HA may be a biomarker of total polyphenol intakes and polyphenols from tea/coffee. Caffeic acid warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker of polyphenols from tea/coffee.

Analytical Methods Used in Determining Antioxidant Activity: A Review

The study of antioxidants and their implications in various fields, from food engineering to medicine and pharmacy, is of major interest to the scientific community. The present paper is a critical presentation of the most important tests used to determine the antioxidant activity, detection mechanism, applicability, advantages and disadvantages of these methods. Out of the tests based on the transfer of a hydrogen atom, the following were presented: the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) test, the Hydroxyl Radical Antioxidant Capacity (HORAC) test, the Total Peroxyl Radical Trapping Antioxidant Parameter (TRAP) test, and the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) test. The tests based on the transfer of one electron include the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Power (CUPRAC) test, the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) test, the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Mixed tests, including the transfer of both a hydrogen atom and an electron, include the 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) test, and the [2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl] (DPPH) test. All these assays are based on chemical reactions and assessing the kinetics or reaching the equilibrium state relies on spectrophotometry, presupposing the occurrence of characteristic colours or the discolouration of the solutions to be analysed, which are processes monitored by specific wavelength adsorption. These assays were successfully applied in antioxidant analysis or the determination of the antioxidant capacity of complex samples. As a complementary method in such studies, one may use methods based on electrochemical (bio)sensors, requiring stages of calibration and validation. The use of chemical methods together with electrochemical methods may result in clarification of the operating mechanisms and kinetics of the processes involving several antioxidants.

Interplay between dietary phenolic compound intake and the human gut microbiome in hypertension: A cross-sectional study

In the present study, potential associations between dietary phenolic compounds (PCs), gut microbiota composition and targeted faecal metabolites were identified in a cross-sectional study including grade 1 hypertensive (HT) and normotensive (NT) subjects. We performed comprehensive quantification of PC intake, together with 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the gut microbiota, and faecal and plasma short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) determination. The results showed multiple-way relationships between PCs from several plant-based foods and 25 bacterial taxa previously defined as discriminant biomarkers among groups. Remarkably, coffee PCs were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, faecal SCFAs, Bacteroides plebeius and Bacteroides coprocola in HT and negatively associated with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Christensenellaceae R-7 in NT. Olive fruit PCs were positively associated with Ruminococcaceae UCG-010, Christensenellaceae R-7 and plasma SCFAs in NT. These interplays with discriminant bacterial taxa in HT and NT subjects highlight the potential role of specific PCs as gut microbiome modulators in either the pathogenesis or prevention of hypertension.

Polyphenols in Urine and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Reveals Gender Differences in Spanish Adolescents from the SI! Program

(1) Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between polyphenol intake and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in adults, but few have provided information about adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between urinary total polyphenol excretion (TPE) and CVRFs in adolescents. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 1194 Spanish adolescents from the SI! (Salud Integral) program. TPE in urine samples was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, after solid-phase extraction, and categorized into quartiles. The association between TPE and CVRFs was estimated using mixed-effect linear regression and a structural equation model (SEM). (3) Results: Linear regression showed negative associations among the highest quartile of TPE and body fat percentage (B = -1.75, p-value = <0.001), triglycerides (TG) (B = -17.68, p-value = <0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (B = -8.66, p-value = 0.002), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C) (B = -4.09, p-value = 0.008) in boys, after adjusting for all confounder variables. Negative associations between TPE quartiles and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and TC were also found in girls. Moreover, a structural equation model revealed that TPE was directly associated with body composition and blood glucose and indirectly associated with blood pressure, TG, LDL-C, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in boys. (4) Conclusions: Higher concentrations of TPE were associated with a better profile of cardiovascular health, especially in boys, while in girls, the association was not as strong.

Dietary Polyphenol Intake is Associated with HDL-Cholesterol and A Better Profile of other Components of the Metabolic Syndrome: A PREDIMED-Plus Sub-Study

Dietary polyphenol intake is associated with improvement of metabolic disturbances. The aims of the present study are to describe dietary polyphenol intake in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to examine the association between polyphenol intake and the components of MetS. This cross-sectional analysis involved 6633 men and women included in the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterranea-Plus) study. The polyphenol content of foods was estimated from the Phenol-Explorer 3.6 database. The mean of total polyphenol intake was 846 ± 318 mg/day. Except for stilbenes, women had higher polyphenol intake than men. Total polyphenol intake was higher in older participants (>70 years of age) compared to their younger counterparts. Participants with body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2 reported lower total polyphenol, flavonoid, and stilbene intake than those with lower BMI. Total polyphenol intake was not associated with a better profile concerning MetS components, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), although stilbenes, lignans, and other polyphenols showed an inverse association with blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and triglycerides. A direct association with HDL-c was found for all subclasses except lignans and phenolic acids. To conclude, in participants with MetS, higher intake of several polyphenol subclasses was associated with a better profile of MetS components, especially HDL-c.

Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Health in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

While the role of diet and nutrition in cognitive health and prevention of dementia in older adults has attracted much attention, the efficacy of different dietary patterns remains uncertain. Previous reviews have mainly focused on the Mediterranean diet, but either omitted other dietary patterns, lacked more recent studies, were based on cross-sectional studies, or combined older and younger populations. We followed PRISMA guidelines, and examined the efficacy of current research from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies on the effects of different dietary patterns. We reviewed the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, Anti-inflammatory diet, Healthy diet recommended by guidelines via dietary index, or Prudent healthy diets generated via statistical approaches, and their impact on cognitive health among older adults. Of 38 studies, the Mediterranean diet was the most investigated with evidence supporting protection against cognitive decline among older adults. Evidence from other dietary patterns such as the MIND, DASH, Anti-inflammatory, and Prudent healthy diets was more limited but showed promising results, especially for those at risk of cardiovascular disease. Overall, this review found positive effects of dietary patterns including the Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, and Anti-inflammatory diets on cognitive health outcomes in older adults. These dietary patterns are plant-based, rich in poly- and mono-unsaturated fatty acids with lower consumption of processed foods. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and effectiveness is needed to develop comprehensive and practical dietary recommendations against age-related cognitive decline among older adult.

Antimicrobial and Fermentation Potential of Himanthalia elongata in Food Applications

Himanthalia elongata is a brown oceanic seaweed rich in bioactive compounds. It could play an important role in food production because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Three strains belonging to the Lactobacillus casei group (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) and a Bacillus subtilis strain were used for the solid-state fermentation of commercial seaweeds, and bacterial growth was monitored using the plate count method. High-pressure processing (HPP) was also employed (6000 bar, 5 min, 5 °C) before extraction. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested in terms of the main food pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus), and the phenolic content was estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. In addition, targeted UHPLC-MS² methods were used to unravel the profile of phlorotannins. H. elongata allowed the growth of the L. casei group strains and B. subtilis, showing the fermentability of this substrate. Significant antimicrobial activity toward L. monocytogenes was observed in the extracts obtained from unfermented samples, but neither fermentation nor HPP enhanced the natural antimicrobial activity of this seaweed species. The content in the phenolic compounds decreased because of the fermentation process, and the amount of phenolics in both the unfermented and fermented H. elongata extracts was very low. Despite phlorotannins being related to the natural antimicrobial activity of this brown seaweed, these results did not support this association. Even if fermentation and HPP were not proven to be effective tools for enhancing the useful compounds of H. elongata, the seaweed was shown to be a suitable substrate for L. casei group strains as well as for B. subtilis growth, and its extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity toward foodborne pathogens.

ABTS/PP Decolorization Assay of Antioxidant Capacity Reaction Pathways

The 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS^•+) radical cation-based assays are among the most abundant antioxidant capacity assays, together with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-based assays according to the Scopus citation rates. The main objective of this review was to elucidate the reaction pathways that underlie the ABTS/potassium persulfate decolorization assay of antioxidant capacity. Comparative analysis of the literature data showed that there are two principal reaction pathways. Some antioxidants, at least of phenolic nature, can form coupling adducts with ABTS^•+, whereas others can undergo oxidation without coupling, thus the coupling is a specific reaction for certain antioxidants. These coupling adducts can undergo further oxidative degradation, leading to hydrazindyilidene-like and/or imine-like adducts with 3-ethyl-2-oxo-1,3-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate and 3-ethyl-2-imino-1,3-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate as marker compounds, respectively. The extent to which the coupling reaction contributes to the total antioxidant capacity, as well as the specificity and relevance of oxidation products, requires further in-depth elucidation. Undoubtedly, there are questions as to the overall application of this assay and this review adds to them, as specific reactions such as coupling might bias a comparison between antioxidants. Nevertheless, ABTS-based assays can still be recommended with certain reservations, particularly for tracking changes in the same antioxidant system during storage and processing.

A clinical trial to evaluate the effect of the Mediterranean diet on smokers lung function

Data on the association between lung function and some dietary patterns have been published. However, it is not yet well known if whether the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern can preserve or improve lung function. Our purpose is to evaluate the effect of increased MD adherence on lung function in smokers. A multicenter, parallel, cluster-randomized, controlled clinical trial is proposed. A total of 566 active smokers (>10 packs-year), aged 25–75 years will be included, without previous respiratory disease and who sign an informed consent to participate. Twenty Primary Care Centres in Tarragona (Spain) will be randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group (1:1). All participants will receive advice to quit smoking, and the intervention group, a nutritional intervention (2 years) designed to increase MD adherence by: (1) annual visit to deliver personalized nutritional education, (2) annual telephone contact to reinforce the intervention, and (3) access to an online dietary blog. We will evaluate (annually for 2 years): pulmonary function by forced spirometry and MD adherence by a 14-item questionnaire and medical tests (oxidation, inflammation and consumption biomarkers). In a statistical analysis by intention-to-treat basis, with the individual smoker as unit of analysis, pulmonary function and MD adherence in both groups will be compared; logistic regression models will be applied to analyze their associations. We hope to observe an increased MD adherence that may prevent the deterioration of lung function in smokers without previous respiratory disease. This population may benefit from a dietary intervention, together with the recommendation of smoking cessation.

Alchemilla vulgaris agg. (Lady's mantle) from central Balkan: antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme inhibition properties

The current study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological properties (antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic activity) of methanolic, ethanolic, ethyl-acetate and water extracts of Alchemilla vulgaris from Southeast Serbia (central Balkan) which was traditionally used to alleviate and treat many diseases. Bioactive compounds were characterized by LC-MS/MS technique and biological properties were evaluated using antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic assays. Twenty-six phenolic compounds were quantified in methanolic, ethanolic, ethyl acetate and water extracts, whereas the highest yields were found in ethyl-acetate (EA) extract (gallic acid, caffeic acid, catchin, quercetin). This extract has also shown the greatest antioxidant, anticancer and inhibitory enzyme activities which were demonstrated for the first time in this study. The obtained results indicated that Alchemilla vulgaris from South Serbia possesses high potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Associations between Dietary Polyphenols and Type 2 Diabetes in a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Trial: Role of Body Mass Index and Sex

Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moving towards healthier diets, namely, diets rich in bioactive compounds, could decrease the odds of suffering T2D. However, those individuals with high body mass index (BMI) may have altered absorption or metabolism of some nutrients and dietary components, including polyphenols. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether high intakes of some classes of polyphenols are associated with T2D in a population with metabolic syndrome and how these associations depend on BMI and sex. This baseline cross-sectional analysis includes 6633 participants from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Polyphenol intakes were calculated from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Cox regression models with constant time at risk and robust variance estimators were used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) for polyphenol intake and T2D prevalence using the lowest quartile as the reference group. Analyses were stratified by sex and BMI groups (overweight and obese) to evaluate potential effect modification. Catechins, proanthocyanidins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and lignans were inversely associated with T2D. Hydroxycinnamic acids were directly related in men. These associations were different depending on sex and BMI, that is, women and overweight obtained stronger inverse associations.

High-throughput quantification of drugs of abuse in biofluids via 96-solid-phase microextraction-transmission mode and direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

The workload of clinical laboratories has been steadily increasing over the last few years. High-throughput (HT) sample processing allows scientists to spend more time undertaking matters of critical thinking rather than laborious sample processing. Herein we introduce a HT 96-solid-phase microextraction (SPME) transmission mode (TM) system coupled to direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry (MS).

METHODS

Model compounds (opioids) were extracted from urine and plasma samples using a 96-SPME-TM device. A standard voltage and pressure (SVP) DART source was used for all experiments. Examination of SPME-TM performance was done using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in full scan mode (100-500 m/z), whereas quantitation of opioids was performed using triple quadrupole MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode and by using a matrix-matched internal standard correction method.

RESULTS

Thirteen points (0.5 to 200 ng mL^-1 ) were used to establish a calibration curve. Low limits of quantitation (LOQ) were obtained (0.5 to 25 ng mL^-1 ) for matrices used. Acceptable accuracy (71.4-129.4%) and repeatability (1.1-24%) were obtained for validation levels tested (0.5, 30 and 90 ng mL^-1 ). In less than 1.5 hours, 96 samples were extracted, desorbed and processed using the 96-SPME-TM system coupled to DART-MS.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid HT method for detection of opioids in urine and plasma samples was developed. This study demonstrated that ambient ionization mass spectrometry coupled to robust sample preparation methods such as SPME-TM can rapidly and efficiently screen/quantify target analytes in a HT context.

Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Effects of the Addition of Aqueous Extracts of Dried Corn Silk, Cumin Seed Powder or Tamarind Pulp, in Two Forms, Consumed with High Glycemic Index Rice

Several plant-based traditional ingredients in Asia are anecdotally used for preventing and/or treating type 2 diabetes. We investigated three such widely consumed ingredients, namely corn silk (CS), cumin (CU), and tamarind (TA). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of aqueous extracts of these ingredients consumed either as a drink (D) with high-glycemic-index rice or added to the same amount of rice during cooking (R) on postprandial glycemia (PPG), insulinemia (PPI), and blood pressure (BP), over a 3 h measurement period. Eighteen healthy Chinese men (aged 37.5 ± 12.5 years, BMI 21.8 ± 1.67 kg/m²) took part in a randomized crossover trial, each completing up to nine sessions. Compared to the control meal (plain rice + plain water), the addition of test extracts in either form did not modulate PPG, PPI, or BP. However, the extracts when added within rice while cooking gave rise to significantly lower PPI than when consumed as a drink (p < 0.01). Therefore, the form of consumption of phytochemical-rich ingredients can differentially modulate glucose homeostasis. This study also highlights the need for undertaking randomized controlled clinical trials with traditional foods/components before claims are made on their specific health effects.

MIND food and speed of processing training in older adults with low education, the MINDSpeed Alzheimer's disease prevention pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple national organizations and leaders have called for increased attention to dementia prevention in those most vulnerable, for example persons with limited formal education. Prevention recommendations have included calls for multicomponent interventions that have the potential to improve both underlying neurobiological health and the ability to function despite neurobiological pathology, or what has been termed cognitive reserve.

OBJECTIVES

Test feasibility, treatment modifier, mechanism, and cognitive function effects of a multicomponent intervention consisting of foods high in polyphenols (i.e., MIND foods) to target neurobiological health, and speed of processing training to enhance cognitive reserve. We refer to this multicomponent intervention as MINDSpeed.

DESIGN

MINDSpeed is being evaluated in a 2 × 2 randomized factorial design with 180 participants residing independently in a large Midwestern city. Qualifying participants are 60 years of age or older with no evidence of dementia, and who have completed 12 years or less of education. All participants receive a study-issued iPad to access the custom study application that enables participants, depending on randomization, to select either control or MIND food, and to play online cognitive games, either speed of processing or control games.

METHODS

All participants complete informed consent and baseline assessment, including urine and blood samples. Additionally, up to 90 participants will complete neuroimaging. Assessments are repeated immediately following 12 weeks of active intervention, and at 24 weeks post-randomization. The primary outcome is an executive cognitive composite score. Secondary outcomes include oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and neuroimaging-captured structural and functional metrics of the hippocampus and cortical brain regions.

SUMMARY

MINDSpeed is the first study to evaluate the multicomponent intervention of high polyphenol intake and speed of processing training. It is also one of the first dementia prevention trials to target older adults with low education. The results of the study will guide future dementia prevention efforts and trials in high risk populations.