Dietary supplementation of ark clams protects gut health and modifies gut microbiota in d-galactose-induced aging rats

BACKGROUND

Ark clams, a seafood abundant in various nutrients, are widely consumed worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the protective benefits of two common ark clams in Korea, Scapharca subcrenata (SS) and Tegillarca granosa (TG), on gut health in d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging rats.

RESULTS

Thirty-two Wistar rats (11 weeks old) were randomly allocated into four groups: a CON group (normal diet + saline intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection), a CD group (normal diet + d-gal i.p. injection), an SS group (normal diet with 5% SS supplementation + d-gal i.p. injection), and a TG group (normal diet with 5% TG supplementation + d-gal i.p. injection). After 12 weeks of treatment, histopathological results showed that gut barrier damage was alleviated in rats of the SS and TG groups, as evidenced by increases in mucus layer thickness and goblet cell numbers. Meanwhile, the two groups supplemented with ark clams showed an evident reduction in oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl content levels in the colon) and an increase in the immune-related factor (immunoglobulin A level in the plasma) in rats. The 16S ribosomal RNA analysis revealed that SS and TG ark clams significantly increased the proliferations of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Parabacteroides at the genus level. Additionally, the levels of the three main short-chain fatty acids in the cecal contents were also significantly increased in the SS and TG groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated a potent preventive effect of SS and TG ark clams on d-gal-induced gut injury, suggesting that ark clams may be a promising dietary component for intervening in aging. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Simple Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Method for Quantification and Classification of Edible Sea Salts Assisted by Surface-Hydrophilicity-Enhanced Silicon Wafer Substrates

Salt, one of the most commonly consumed food additives worldwide, is produced in many countries. The chemical composition of edible salts is essential information for quality assessment and origin distinction. In this work, a simple laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy instrument was assembled with a diode-pumped solid-state laser and a miniature spectrometer. Its performances in analyzing Mg and Ca in six popular edible sea salts consumed in South Korea and classification of the products were investigated. Each salt was dissolved in water and a tiny amount of the solution was dropped and dried on the hydrophilicity-enhanced silicon wafer substrate, providing homogeneous distribution of salt crystals. Strong Mg II and Ca II emissions were chosen for both quantification and classification. Calibration curves could be constructed with limits-of-detection of 87 mg/kg for Mg and 45 mg/kg for Ca. Also, the Mg II and Ca II emission peak intensities were used in a k-nearest neighbors model providing 98.6% classification accuracy. In both quantification and classification, intensity normalization using a Na I emission line as a reference signal was effective. A concept of interclass distance was introduced, and the increase in the classification accuracy due to the intensity normalization was rationalized based on it. Our methodology will be useful for analyzing major mineral nutrients in various food materials in liquid phase or soluble in water, including salts.

Effects of sea salt intake on metabolites, steroid hormones, and gut microbiota in rats

High salt intake is positively linked to many health problems, but the effect of mineral-rich sea salt (SS) has rarely been studied. To better understand the physiological effects of SS intake, the changes in general characteristics, metabolites, steroid hormones, and gut microbiota of SS-fed rats were investigated. Male rats were fed either a normal diet (ND, control) or ND containing 1% SS or 4% SS for 5 weeks. SS intake decreased fat, spleen, liver, and body weight, and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), water intake, and gut salt content. Accumulated gut salt content led to a decrease in beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus, but an increase in potentially harmful bacteria, resulting in a change in lipid metabolites associated with gut health. Interestingly, most renal lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) associated with many renal functions were dramatically decreased and female hormones, such as estrogens, were significantly more altered than the male hormones by high SS intake. Although further investigation is needed, these data suggest that high SS intake could be positively linked to kidney dysfunction and gut health problems, and salt-related physiological changes may be sex-specific. Additionally, these data will be useful to better under-stand the physiological effects of SS intake.

Bioactivities of Phenolic Compounds from Kiwifruit and Persimmon

Fruit used in the common human diet in general, and kiwifruit and persimmon particularly, displays health properties in the prevention of heart disease. This study describes a combination of bioactivity, multivariate data analyses and fluorescence measurements for the differentiating of kiwifruit and persimmon, their quenching and antioxidant properties. The metabolic differences are shown, as well in the results of bioactivities and antioxidant capacities determined by ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and DPPH assays. To complement the bioactivity of these fruits, the quenching properties between extracted polyphenols and human serum proteins were determined by 3D-fluorescence spectroscopy studies. These properties of the extracted polyphenols in interaction with the main serum proteins in the human metabolism (human serum albumin (HSA), α-β-globulin (α-β G) and fibrinogen (Fgn)), showed that kiwifruit was more reactive than persimmon. There was a direct correlation between the quenching properties of the polyphenols of the investigated fruits with serum human proteins, their relative quantification and bioactivity. The results of metabolites and fluorescence quenching show that these fruits possess multiple properties that have a great potential to be used in industry with emphasis on the formulation of functional foods and in the pharmaceutical industry. Based on the quenching properties of human serum proteins with polyphenols and recent reports in vivo on human studies, we hypothesize that HSA, α-β G and Fgn will be predictors of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Three new decenynol glucosides from Artemisia scoparia (Asteraceae)

Three new decenynol glucosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia scoparia. Their structures were determined to be 6E,8Z-decadien-4-yn-ol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, 6E,8E-decadien-4-yn-ol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and 6E-decen-4-yn-ol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside based on extensive spectroscopic (NMR and MS) analysis. [Formula: see text].

New lignan tyramide, phenolics, megastigmanes, and their glucosides from aerial parts of New Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonoides

Twenty compounds, including a new lignan amide, were isolated from the aerial parts of New Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze, which is an edible halophyte. These compounds were identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to be N-2,3-dihydroxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenol)tyramine (new compound), methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, syringaldehyde, ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, coniferyl alcohol, methyl caffeoate, trans- and cis-coumaroyl-β-d-glucopyranosides, trans- and cis-feruloyl-β-d-glucopyranosides, caffeic acid, staphylionoside E, canabiside D, apocyanol A, megastima-5,7-diene-3,4,9-triol, 1-O-oleoyl-3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol, 5,5'-dimethyl-lariciresinol, and kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. These compounds were identified in New Zealand spinach for the first time.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for rapid accurate analysis of Mg, Ca, and K in edible sea salts

A compact laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument and a simple sample preparation method were developed for rapid on-site analysis of Mg, Ca, and K in edible sea salt products. The LIBS instrument was assembled using a small diode-pumped solid-state laser and a handheld spectrometer. Aqueous solutions of salts were prepared and sampled by using pieces of filter papers. The dried filter paper was attached on the flat surface of a silicon wafer and then analyzed by LIBS. Calibration curves were obtained using binary mixtures of ${\rm NaCl} {-} {{\rm MgSO}_4}$NaCl-MgSO₄, ${\rm NaCl} {-} {{\rm CaCl}_2}$NaCl-CaCl₂, and NaCl-KCl and used to estimate the concentrations of Mg, Ca, and K in 13 edible sea salt products. Matrix effects on the results from LIBS were identified in comparison with those from inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. This indicates that the matrix of sea salt samples is significantly different from that of the binary mixture standards. The sea salts with known concentrations of Mg, Ca, and K were employed to match the matrices of samples and standards. This improved analysis accuracy remarkably. Furthermore, an alternative indirect method for estimating the concentration of K was suggested on the basis of the strong positive correlations observed between the concentrations of Mg and K in the sea salt samples.

Determination of PAHs, PCBs, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Fatty Acids in Rapana thomasiana as an Indication of Pollution

The aim of this investigation was to introduce several analytical methods for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), minerals, trace elements, and fatty acids in Rapana thomasiana as a marine pollution indicator organism. The chemical differences of the gastropod Ra. thomasiana from polluted and nonpolluted sites of the Black Sea on the Bulgarian coast were investigated. Chromatography and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma/MS analyses were used for evaluation of PAHs, PCBs, fatty acids, minerals, and trace elements. These methods can be applied to other marine products.

Feasibility of Quantitative Analysis of Magnesium and Calcium in Edible Salts Using a Simple Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Device

Feasibility of a simple laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device has been investigated for the analysis of Mg and Ca in edible salts. The LIBS spectrometer was assembled with a compact low-power diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) and a non-gated low-resolution handheld spectrometer. A simple sampling process was employed for on-site application. A piece of filter paper was dipped in the aqueous solution of a sample salt and dried for analysis using LIBS. Maintaining the sample surface height at the optimum position was critical to generate plasmas persistently due to the low pulse energy of the DPSSL. The varying height of the filter paper surface was monitored and compensated, while the sample stage was translated to collect spectra from different positions. The variation of line intensities of Mg and Ca could be attributed to the inhomogeneous distribution of dry residues. To correct this, the peak that consists of the Na(I) and C(II) lines at 568 nm was employed as a reference signal for intensity normalization of the analyte Mg(II) and Ca(II) lines. For edible salt products, the normalized Mg(II) and Ca(II) line intensities could be well correlated with the concentrations of Mg and Ca determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Our results indicate that a simple LIBS device in combination with the simple sampling method is promising as an on-site salt quality assessment methodology.

Artemisia scoparia attenuates amyloid β accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The preventive effects of Artemisia scoparia extract (AS) and AS + garlic extract (ASG) on the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Rats were supplemented with diets containing 2% (w/w) of AS or ASG for 6 weeks. The AS group showed lower levels of amyloid β and beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 expressions and higher expression levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 than did the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the AS showed remarkably reduced levels of phosphorylated tau proteins and suppressed expression of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β at tyrosine 216 (active form) (p < 0.05). The ASG group also suppressed amyloid β accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, there was no synergistic effect of garlic with AS in lowering the risk of AD. These results indicate that AS could be a potential candidate to ameliorate the risk of AD.

Sesquiterpene lactones and scopoletins from Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. and their angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities

Ten compounds, including a new guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactone, were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia scoparia. The structure of the new compound was determined to be 5-hydroxyguaia-3(4),11(13),10(14)-trien-6α,12-olide, named scoparanolide. Six known sesquiterpene lactones [estafiatone, 3β,4α-dihydroxyguaia-11(13),10(14)-dien-6α,12-olide, estafiatin, preeupatundin, 3β-hydroxycostunolide, and ludovicin B] and three known coumarin derivatives (scopoletin, scoparone, and isofraxidin) were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Six known sesquiterpene lactones were found for the first time in this plant. The angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities of coumarin derivatives and scopoletins were significantly higher compared to those of sesquiterpene lactones and quercetin.

Phenolics, acyl galactopyranosyl glycerol, and lignan amides from Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Kuntze

Eleven antioxidative compounds, including five lignin amides, were isolated from the aerial part of Tetragonia tetragonioides (New Zealand spinach) using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicalscavenging assay-guided purification. The structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy. These compounds were identified as methyl linoleate (1), methyl coumarate (2), methyl ferulate (3), 1-O-stearoyl-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (4), 1-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (6), cannabisin B (7), cannabisin A (8), Ntrans-feruloyltyramine (9), N-cis-feruloyltyramine (10), and N-trans-sinapoyltyramine (11). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8-11 were isolated for the first time from this plant.

Four New Dicaffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives from Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) and Their Antioxidative Activity

Four new dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives and two known 3-caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were isolated from methanol extracts using the aerial parts of Salicornia herbacea. The four new dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives were established as 3-caffeoyl-5-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoyl-5-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, and 3,5-di-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester. Their chemical structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy (LC-ESI-MS). In addition, the presence of dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives in this plant was reconfirmed by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The isolated compounds strongly scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and inhibited cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide formation during rat blood plasma oxidation induced by copper ions. These results indicate that the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives may partially contribute to the antioxidative effect of S. herbacea.

A phenyl lipid alkaloid and flavone C-diglucosides from Spergularia marina

A phenyl lipid alkaloid and seven phenolic compounds were isolated from the aerial part of Spergularia marina, a halophyte that grows on salt marshes and tidal flat. These compounds were identified as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, N-hexacosanoylanthranilic acid, tryptophan, 4-hydroxybenzyol glucopyranoside, luteolin 6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside 8-C-β-D-(2-O-feruloyl)glucopyranoside, luteolin 6-C-β-D-(2-O-feruloyl)glucopyranoside 8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside, apigenin 6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside 8-C-β-D-(2-O-feruloyl)glucopyranoside, and apigenin 6-C-β-D-(2-O-feruloyl)glucopyranoside 8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside. The structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy.

Controlled Synthesis of Hollow Manganese Oxide Nanocrystals

Carbon spheres have been prepared from glucose under hydrothermal conditions to facilitate the synthesis of hollow manganese oxides. The phases of manganese oxide are controlled by changing annealing temperature of the manganese monoxide on a carbon sphere template. The particles on the carbon surface get an agglomeration and make dense oxide shell during the calcination step, which result in typical hollow structures. The electrochemical properties of hollow manganese oxides have been investigated to elucidate their relative catalytic activities.

Antihypertensive Effects of Artemisia scoparia Waldst in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Identification of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

We investigated the antihypertensive effects of Artemisia scoparia (AS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The rats were fed diets containing 2% (w/w) hot water extracts of AS aerial parts for 6 weeks. The AS group had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels than the control group. The AS group also had lower angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity and angiotensin II content in serum compared to the control group. The AS group showed higher vascular endothelial growth factor and lower ras homolog gene family member A expression levels in kidney compared to the control group. The AS group had significantly lower levels of plasma lipid oxidation and protein carbonyls than the control group. One new and six known compounds were isolated from AS by guided purification. The new compound was determined to be 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoyl (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl benzoate, based on its nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy data.

In vitro antioxidative and binding properties of phenolics in traditional, citrus and exotic fruits

Many polyphenols bind proteins, therefore our research was focused on the potential of protein binding to polyphenols of investigated fruits and their health-related effects. The contents of polyphenols and related antioxidant activities of traditional, citrus and exotic fruits were compared. The presence of polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids) in the investigated samples and their interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by HPLC, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and three dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-FL). The highest levels of polyphenols, antioxidant and binding capacities were found in red and blond grapefruits (citrus group), followed by strawberries and apples (traditional group) and mangosteen and kiwi fruit (exotic fruit), which also contained the highest levels of protocatechuic, p-coumaric, ferulic acids and quercetin. In conclusion, for the first time, the interaction of the polyphenols with human serum albumin was evaluated by fluorometry/FTIR. The obtained binding profiles allowed the comparison of three different groups of fruits. A mixture of these fruits can be recommended for consumption.

Analytical determination of bioactive compounds as an indication of fruit quality

The aim of this investigation was to determine the bioactive compounds in kiwifruit as an indication of quality after extraction using methanol and ethyl acetate. Using FTIR and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy and electrospray ionization/MS, the contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, and tannins, and the level of the antioxidant activity by 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferric-reducing/ antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays were determined and compared. It was found that the methanol extracts of kiwifruit showed significantly higher amounts of bioactive acetate extracts. The cultivar Bidan, in comparison compounds and antioxidant activities than the ethyl with the classic Hayward, showed significantly higher bioactivity. For the first time, Bidan organic kiwifruit was analyzed for its antioxidant activities and compared with the widely consumed Hayward organic based on its bioactive compounds and fluorescence properties. Relatively high content of bioactive compounds and positive antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of kiwifruit determined by the advanced analytical methods justify its use as a source of valuable antioxidants. The methods used are applicable for bioactivity determination, in general, for any food products.

Nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of bioactive compounds in organic and conventional growing kiwifruit

The bioactivity of two kiwifruit's cultivars growing under organic and conventional conditions were studied and compared. The bioactive compounds were extracted with water and ethanol using similar conditions which are applied in pharmaceutical applications and for daily fruit consumption such as tea drink. Antioxidant radical scavenging assays [ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP); cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC); 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and ultraviolet spectroscopy, two (2D-FL) and three-dimensional (3D-FL) fluorometry were used for the detection of biologically active metabolites derived from kiwifruits (total phenols, flavonoids, chlorophylls, carotenoids and ascorbic acid). The correlation between the total phenol content (TPC) and other bioactive compounds, and their total antioxidant capacities (TAC) was calculated for studied kiwifruit's extracts. The interaction between drugs and human serum albumin (HSA) plays an important role in the distribution and metabolism of drugs. The properties of kiwifruit's phenol extracts showed their ability to quench HSA, forming the complexes similar to the ones between the proteins and pure flavonoids such as quercetin. The cultivar 'Bidan' exhibited significantly higher TAC than the classic 'Hayward'. In conclusion, for the first time 'Bidan' organic kiwifruit was analyzed and compared with widely consumed 'Hayward', using its bioactive and fluorescence properties. The influence of physiologically active kiwifruit's compounds on human health, through our investigations in vitro and scientifically proven information, was explained. Relatively high content of bioactive compounds, high antioxidant and fluorescence properties of kiwifruit justify its use as a source of valuable antioxidants.

Organic and conventional kiwifruit, myths versus reality: antioxidant, antiproliferative, and health effects

Comparison between organic and conventional kiwifruit cultivars 'Hayward' and 'Bidan', which was done by four radical scavenging assays, ESI-MS, and DSC measurements, showed significant differences between the cultivars. Such results were not estimated in kiwifruit growing under organic and conventional conditions. The extraction of bioactive compounds was done by two different methods: sequential extraction with ethyl acetate followed by methanol and maceration with methanol and ethyl acetate. The highest yield of polyphenols was found in the new cultivar 'Bidan' in comparison with the classic 'Hayward', by direct extraction with methanol. This is the first investigation of 'Bidan' kiwifruit cultivar, grown under organic conditions and compared with 'Hayward' organic. High contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of the two kiwifruit cultivars justify their use as sources of valuable antioxidants. It is necessary to continue this study as a long-term experiment to eliminate the influence of seasonality.

Feasibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for classification of sea salts

We have investigated the feasibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a fast, reliable classification tool for sea salts. For 11 kinds of sea salts, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and aluminum (Al), concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and the LIBS spectra were recorded in the narrow wavelength region between 760 and 800 nm where K (I), Mg (I), Ca (II), Al (I), and cyanide (CN) band emissions are observed. The ICP-AES measurements revealed that the K, Mg, Ca, and Al concentrations varied significantly with the provenance of each salt. The relative intensities of the K (I), Mg (I), Ca (II), and Al (I) peaks observed in the LIBS spectra are consistent with the results using ICP-AES. The principal component analysis of the LIBS spectra provided the score plot with quite a high degree of clustering. This indicates that classification of sea salts by chemometric analysis of LIBS spectra is very promising. Classification models were developed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and evaluated. In addition, the Al (I) peaks enabled us to discriminate between different production methods of the salts.

Characterization of Rapana thomasiana as an indicator of environmental quality of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria

The aim of this investigation was to determine the contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), minerals, trace elements and bioactivity in the gastropod Rapana thomasiana, which can be used as an environmental bioindicator organism. The chemical differences between Rapana thomasiana from polluted (RapaPol) and non-polluted (RapaNPol) sites of the Black Sea coast in Bulgarian were investigated. Chromatography and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) were used for evaluation of PAHs, PCBs, minerals and trace elements. Methanol extracts from RapaPol and RapaNPol (to a lesser degree) contained relatively high amounts of free phenolics (2.50 +/- 0.3 and 1.57 +/- 0.18 mg GAE/g DW, respectively) and exhibited the following respective levels of antioxidant activities determined by two radical-scavenging assays (microMTE/g DW): 1.8 +/- 0.2 and 0.98 +/- 0.08 by 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method (DPPH); 1.74 +/- 0.17 and 1.04 +/- 0.12 by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). The total amounts of elements, PAHs and PCBs were higher in RapaPol than in RapaNPol. The obtained indices of Rapana thomasiana can serve as a bioindicator of the environmental ecological quality.

Aorta and liver changes in rats fed cholesterol-containing and raw vegetable-supplemented diets: experiments in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this investigation was to compare the liver and aorta changes in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets and the possible improvement when diets would be supplemented with frequently used raw vegetables. The phenolic compounds of three vegetables in methanol-water (1:1) fraction were characterized using electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS). Results showed that the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, quercetin, flavanols, tannins, and ascorbic acid varied for garlic and white and red onions ranging from 6.68 to 18.08 mg GAE/g DW, 490.4-701.0 μg CE/g DW, 281.2-1100.0 μg, 32.40-41.30 μg CE/g DW, 2.88-3.12 mg CE/g DW, 1.87-2.33 mg AA/g DW, 1388.2-1442.3 μg CGE/g DW, respectively. The radical scavenging capacities (μM TE/g DW) for the same investigated vegetables for ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH assays ranged from 48.78 to 92.42, 9.41-28.56, 3.06-10.41, and 6.49-23.42, respectively. Good correlations were observed between the phenolic contents and the radical scavenging capacities of the vegetables. The interaction between BSA and quercetin, BSA and garlic and onions extracts was measured by 3-dimensional fluorescence (3D-FL) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The highest polyphenol content was found in methanol/water fraction of onions and garlic; therefore, for the investigation of in vitro interactions with BSA only polyphenols of this fraction were used. For in vivo studies, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups each of 6 and named Control, Chol, Chol/Garlic, Chol/OnionRed, and Chol/OnionWhite. During 6 weeks, the rats of all 5 groups were fed a basal diet (BD). The rats of the Control group were fed the BD only. The BD of the Chol group was supplemented with 10 g/kg of nonoxidized cholesterol (NOC). Each of the other three groups was supplemented with 10 g/kg of NOC and 500 mg of raw fresh garlic, 500 mg of raw fresh red onion, and 500 mg of raw fresh white onion on 1 kg of body weight for Chol/Garlic, Chol/OnionRed, and Chol/OnionWhite diet groups, respectively. In order to detect the changes in the liver and aorta, a histological procedure was applied, and the liver enzymes were determined and compared. It was found that the main changes vs the Control group were in the liver of rats fed the cholesterol-containing diet without vegetable supplementation. Significantly less histological changes in the liver and lower level of liver enzymes vs those of the Chol group were detected in rats of the Chol/Garlic group (P < 0.05). The interaction between the polyphenol extract of garlic and BSA in vitro showed its strong ability comparable with that of quercetin to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. In conclusion, all studied vegetables showed protective effects, but raw garlic supplemented with cholesterol-containing diets significantly prevented the aorta and liver damages of rats.

Influence of two cultivars of persimmon on atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets: Investigation in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of two persimmon cultivars on some atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol (Chol)-containing diets.

METHODS

Persimmon cultivars "Fuyu" and "Jiro" as supplementation to rats' diets were investigated in vitro to compare the contents of their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid) and antioxidant potentials. In the in vivo investigation, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six diet groups, each with six rats: control, control/Fuyu, control/Jiro, Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro. During a period of 47 d (42 d of feeding and 5-d adaptation before the experiment) of the trial, rats in the control group were fed a basal diet and two additional control groups (control/Fuyu and control/Jiro) a basal diet plus 5% of lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro, respectively. The Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro rat groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% Chol (Chol group) and 1% Chol plus 5% lyophilized Fuyu (Chol/Fuyu group) and plus 5% lyophilized Jiro (Chol/Jiro group), respectively. After completion of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized using Narcotan (halothane) and sacrificed and the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta were assessed. The obtained results of the investigation of all six groups were compared. Testing of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol in the liver, electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue, and three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions was performed.

RESULTS

The polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potential of persimmon Fuyu was higher than in the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of diets with 5% of the lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro hindered the increase in plasma lipids versus the Chol group (total cholesterol 19.4% and 9.5%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 25.6% and 13.1%, respectively, P<0.05) and hindered the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity versus the Chol group by 40.0% and 16.8% and by 39.6% and 11.3% for the ABTS and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively. The atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas of the Chol/Fuyu and Chol/Jiro groups were significantly less than in the Chol group (P<0.05). Electrophoresis of the proteins from rats' liver tissue showed changes in 14-kDa bands after persimmon supplementation. A shift in maximum wavelengths in three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions after persimmon supplementation was found in comparison with the control group and an increase in fluorescence intensity compared with the Chol groups.

CONCLUSION

The contents of polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potentials of Fuyu were higher than those of the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the ABTS assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of 5% lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro to diets of rats fed Chol-containing diets 1) hindered the increase in plasma lipids levels and the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity and 2) significantly decreased the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta (P<0.05). Electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue and fluorescence spectra can be used as additional biomarkers for determination of atherosclerosis indices.

Determination of PAHs, PCBs, minerals, trace elements, and fatty acids in Rapana thomasiana as an indication of pollution

The aim of this investigation was to introduce several analytical methods for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), minerals, trace elements, and fatty acids in Rapana thomasiana as a marine pollution indicator organism. The chemical differences of the gastropod Ra. thomasiana from polluted and nonpolluted sites of the Black Sea on the Bulgarian coast were investigated. Chromatography and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma/MS analyses were used for evaluation of PAHs, PCBs, fatty acids, minerals, and trace elements. These methods can be applied to other marine products.

Comparison of the nutrient and chemical contents of traditional Korean Chungtaejeon and green teas

This study was conducted in order to compare the nutrient and chemical contents of two Korean teas: traditional Chungtaejeon tea (CTJ) with that of green tea (GT). Main bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activities using four radical scavenging assays (ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP and DPPH) in methanol and acetone extracts of both teas were determined. It was found that the contents of vitamin C, amino acids and total nitrogen in CTJ were lower than that of GT (p < 0.05). Caffeine, reducing sugar and chlorophyll contents in CTJ were similar to GT. Catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), and epigallocatechin (EGC) contents were lower in CTJ than in green tea (p < 0.05), but gallocatechin (GC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechin gallate (CG) showed no significant differences between CTJ and GT (p >/= 0.05). The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols and tannins in CTJ methanol were 229.30 +/- 11.3 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW), 15.24 +/- 0.8 mg CE/g DW, 109.10 +/- 5.1 mg CE/g DW and 25.68 +/- 1.2 mg CE/g DW, respectively, and significantly higher than in acetone extracts (p < 0.05). Flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol) were higher in GT than in CTJ and myricetin was higher in CTJ (p < 0.05). Threonine and aspartic acid was lower, and glutamic acid was higher in CTJ compared with GT (p < 0.05). Free amino acid content in CTJ and GT showed no significant difference. Potassium and magnesium in CTJ were lower compared to GT, but no significant difference was found for iron, manganese and calcium. Also, the level of the antioxidant activity by all four used assays was significantly higher in CTJ and in methanol was higher than in acetone extracts (p < 0.05). In conclusion, traditional fermented Korean tea Chungtaejeon contains high quantities of bioactive compounds and possesses high antioxidant activity. The contents of the bioactive compounds and the levels of antioxidant activities are significantly higher in methanol than in acetone extracts. 3-D fluorescence and FTIR- spectroscopy showed slight differences between the two investigated tea samples and can be used as additional tools for identification of polyphenols. Both studied teas can be recommended as a source of bioactive compounds.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Korean white lotus cultivars

In traditional Korean medicine, lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) roots have been used as an antidiabetic and an antiproliferative remedy. However, scientific publications on lotus properties are very limited. Therefore, it was decided to investigate the Korean white lotus cultivars in order to find out their bioactivity. It was found that all lotus cultivars (Inchisa, Muan, Garam, and Chungyang) possess high amounts of bioactive compounds: total phenols, between 7.95 +/- 0.8 and 4.21 +/- 0.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW); ascorbic acid, between 15.8 +/- 1.1 and 22.3 +/- 1.7 mg of ascorbic acid/g DW; and amino acids, between 15.05 +/- 0.82% and 16.62 +/- 0.90% DW. The highest contents of polyphenols (7.95 +/- 0.8 mg of GAE/g DW) and the highest levels of antioxidant [by 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays, 54.27 +/- 6.1 and 21.98 +/- 2.5 microM Trolox equivalents/g DW, respectively] and antiproliferative activities on both human cancer cell lines (Calu-6 for human pulmonary carcinoma and SMU-601 for human gastric carcinoma, 59.75 +/- 3.99% and 71.21 +/- 2.79% cell viability, respectively) were found in the Chungyang cultivar. Fluorometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can be applied as rapid methods for determination of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. The correlation between the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity was high. In conclusion, all Korean white lotus cultivars are valuable medicinal foods, and in order to receive the best results a combination of lotus cultivars has to be consumed.

The comparative characteristics of snake and kiwi fruits

In the time of globalization many of the tropical fruits can be find at the markets of Europe and North America. Most customers are not familiar with the nutritional and proliferative values of these fruits. Therefore, a less known snake fruit was compared with better known kiwi fruit, using fluorometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, several radical scavenging and proliferative assays and statistical evaluation. It was found similarity between snake fruit (cultivar Sumalee) and kiwi fruit (cultivar Hayward) in the contents of polyphenols (8.15-7.91, mg GAE g(-1) DW), antioxidant values by DPPH (11.28-10.24, microMTE g(-1) DW), and antiproliferative activities on both human cancer cell lines (Calu-6 for human pulmonary carcinoma, and SMU-601 for human gastric carcinoma, 90.5-87.6 and 89.3-87.1%, cell survival, respectively). In conclusion, snake fruit cultivar Sumalee is comparable with kiwi fruit cultivar Hayward. Two fruits can be used as supplements to the normal diet. Consumption of a combination of both fruits could be recommended in order to receive the best results.

Concentration of bioactive compounds in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis as an indicator of pollution

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organotins were analyzed in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from polluted and unpolluted sites from Mokpo Bay, Korea. The total PAH's concentrations (10(-3)mgkg(-1)) measured by GC-MS were in the range from 31+/-23 to 1+/-1. Among the eight PAHs the predominant ones were fluoranthene, phenanthrene and pyrene and accounted approximately 63% of the total PAHs. Among the four detected PCBs the highest content was of PCB 153, which accounted about 47% of the total PCBs. The main organotin compounds were dibutyltindichloride (DBT) and tributyltinchloride (TBT) and their composition was approximately 33% and 24%. PAHs, PCBs and organotins were found only in the mussels from polluted site. The antioxidant activity by ABTS [2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] test was higher in mussels from polluted than from unpolluted sites (P<0.05). It was found a correlation between the determined compounds (PAHs, PCBs and organotins) and the antioxidant activity of the mussel tissue from polluted site and the correlation coefficients were 0.96, 0.92 and 0.80, respectively. Such correlation can be explained by the properties of mussels. Since the mussel cell wall and tissues are hydrophobic, they can concentrate a number of hydrophobic pollutants like PAHs and PCBs from the marine environment by solubility rules. On the other hand, proteins are lipophilic compounds having antioxidant properties. Certain amino acid residues and thiol (-SH) groups, contained in proteins, respond to the ABTS antioxidant activity assay. Thus there may be a correlation between the total antioxidant activity of the organism and the PAH-PCB pollutants which were concentrated from its environment. The studied properties of mussels from polluted site can be used as an additional indicator of pollution.

Molecular cloning and characterization of glucanase inhibitor proteins: coevolution of a counterdefense mechanism by plant pathogens

A characteristic plant response to microbial attack is the production of endo-beta-1,3-glucanases, which are thought to play an important role in plant defense, either directly, through the degradation of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans in the pathogen cell wall, or indirectly, by releasing oligosaccharide elicitors that induce additional plant defenses. We report the sequencing and characterization of a class of proteins, termed glucanase inhibitor proteins (GIPs), that are secreted by the oomycete Phytophthora sojae, a pathogen of soybean, and that specifically inhibit the endoglucanase activity of their plant host. GIPs are homologous with the trypsin class of Ser proteases but are proteolytically nonfunctional because one or more residues of the essential catalytic triad is absent. However, specific structural features are conserved that are characteristic of protein-protein interactions, suggesting a mechanism of action that has not been described previously in plant pathogen studies. We also report the identification of two soybean endoglucanases: EGaseA, which acts as a high-affinity ligand for GIP1; and EGaseB, with which GIP1 does not show any association. In vitro, GIP1 inhibits the EGaseA-mediated release of elicitor-active glucan oligosaccharides from P. sojae cell walls. Furthermore, GIPs and soybean endoglucanases interact in vivo during pathogenesis in soybean roots. GIPs represent a novel counterdefensive weapon used by plant pathogens to suppress a plant defense response and potentially function as important pathogenicity determinants.

Effect of dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylenedioxybiphenyl-2,2'- dicarboxylate (DDB) on chemical-induced liver injury

The effects of orally administered dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylene-dioxybiphenyl-2,2'-d icarboxylate (DDB) on the hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen or ethanol were investigated in rats and mice. Either single or repeated DDB pretreatment (50 or 200 mg/kg) did not alter the hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (0.2 or 1.0 ml/kg, i.p.) in female rats as indicated by increases in the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) in serum. The hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen (350 mg/kg, i.p.) was also unaffected in male mice pretreated with DDB (50 mg/kg/d) for a week. However, DDB administration (50 mg/kg/d for 7 d) decreased the hepatic fatty degeneration induced by repeated ethanol treatment (0.75 g/kg, i.p., x2 times a day for a week) in rats as shown by the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver. Malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in liver homogenates was inhibited by DDB treatment. The significance of the action of DDB on alcoholic fatty liver generation in clinical settings is discussed.

Generation of β-glucan elicitors by plant enzymes and inhibition of the enzymes by a fungal protein

The biosynthesis and accumulation of phytoalexins is a well-studied plant defense response. Plants synthesize and accumulate phytoalexins in response to microbial infection or elicitor treatment. The β-glucan heptaglucoside is a well-studied phytoalexin elicitor isolated from partial acid hydrolysates of Phytophthora sojae f.sp. glycines (Psg) mycelial walls. Using the soybean – Psg system, we have demonstrated that endo-1,3-β-glucanases (EC 3.2.1.39) are the principal soybean enzymes involved in generating phytoalexin oligoglucoside elicitors from mycelial walls. We have also recently observed that Psg secretes a protein that inhibits the soybean endo-1,3-β-glucanase activity that could release elicitors from fungal mycelial walls. This inhibitor protein, which has been purified to homogeneity, does not inhibit endo-1,3-β-glucanases of the fungus or a tobacco pathogenesis-related endo-1,3-β-glucanase. The existence of the inhibitor protein in Psg suggests that pathogens have evolved specific proteins to inhibit the fungal wall-degrading enzymes of their host plants, just as plants have evolved proteins (e.g., pectic enzyme inhibitors) to inhibit plant cell wall degrading enzymes secreted by their pathogens. It seems possible that pathogens secrete inhibitors of other pathogenesis-related proteins (e.g., chitinases) and that the interplay of hydrolases and their inhibitors could determine the outcome of plant – pathogen interactions. Key words: oligosaccharin, phytoalexin, endo-1,3-β-glucanase, glucanase inhibitor protein, elicitor.