Design and In Vitro Activity of Furcellaran/Chitosan Multilayer Microcapsules for the Delivery of Glutathione and Empty Model Multilayer Microcapsules Based on Polysaccharides

In this study, multilayer microcapsules (two-layer and four-layer) based on furcellaran (FUR) and chitosan (CHIT) were produced, enclosing a tripeptide with an antioxidant effect-glutathione-in different concentrations. In addition, for the first time, an empty, four-layer microcapsule based on CHIT and FUR (ECAPS) was obtained, which can be used to contain sensitive, active substances of a hydrophobic nature. Layering was monitored using zeta potential, and the presence of the resulting capsules was confirmed by SEM imaging. In the current study, we also investigated whether the studied capsules had any effect on the Hep G2 cancer cell line. An attempt was also made to identify the possible molecular mechanism(s) by which the examined capsules suppressed the growth of Hep G2 cells. In this report, we demonstrate that the capsules suppressed the growth of cancer cells. This mechanism was linked to the modulation of the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway and the induction of the G2/M arrest cell cycle. Furthermore, the results indicate that the tested multilayer microcapsules induced cell death through an apoptotic pathway.

Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica L.) Biofortified with 5,7-Diiodo-8-quinolinol: The Influence of Heat Treatment on Iodine Level, Macronutrient Composition and Antioxidant Content

Many disorders are a result of an inadequate supply of macronutrients and micronutrients in the diet. One such element is iodine. This study used curly kale (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica L.) biofortified with the 5,7-diiodo-8-quinolinol iodine compound. The effect of the heat treatment on the chemical composition of the curly kale was studied. In addition, iodine bioavailability was evaluated in in vivo studies. Our investigation showed that iodine loss depends on the type of heat treatment as well as on the variety of kale. Curly kale biofortified with iodoquinoline had significantly higher iodine levels after thermal processing (steaming, blanching, boiling) than the vegetable biofortified with KIO3. Generally, steaming was the best thermal processing method, as it contributed to the lowest iodine loss in curly kale. The red variety of kale, 'Redbor F1', showed a better iodine stability during the heat treatment than the green variety, 'Oldenbor F1'. The thermal treatment also significantly affected the dry matter content and the basic chemical composition of the tested varieties of the 5,7-diI-8-Q biofortified kale. The steaming process caused a significant increase in total carbohydrates, fiber, protein and crude fat content ('Oldenbor F1', 'Redbor F1'), and antioxidant activity ('Oldenbor F1'). On the other hand, boiling caused a significant decrease, while steaming caused a significant increase, in protein and dry matter content ('Oldenbor F1', 'Redbor F1'). The blanching process caused the smallest significant decrease in ash compared to the other thermal processes used ('Oldenbor F1'). A feeding experiment using Wistar rats showed that iodine from the 5,7-diI-8-Q biofortified kale has a higher bioavailability than that from the AIN-93G diet. A number of promising results have been obtained, which could form the basis for further research.

Young Shoots of Red Beet and the Root at Full Maturity Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Modern medicine is struggling with the problem of fully effective treatment of neoplastic diseases despite deploying innovative chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, undertaking cancer-prevention measures, such as proper eating habits, should be strongly recommended. The present research aimed to compare the effects of juice from young shoots of beetroot compared to juice from root at full maturity on human breast cancer and normal cells. The juice from young shoots, both in the native and digested form, was most often a significantly stronger inhibitor of the proliferation of both analyzed breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), compared to the native and digested juice from red beetroot. Regardless of juice type, a significantly greater reduction was most often shown in the proliferation of estrogen-dependent cells (MCF-7 line) than of estrogen-independent cells (MDA-MB-231 line). All analyzed types of beetroot juice and, in particular, the ones from young shoots and the root subjected to digestion and absorption, exerted an antiproliferative and apoptotic effect (pinpointing the internal apoptosis pathway) on the cells of both cancer lines studied. There is a need to continue the research to comprehensively investigate the factors responsible for both these effects.

Mechanisms of Anticancer Activity of a Fatty Acid Mixture Extracted from Hen Egg Yolks Enriched in Conjugated Linoleic Acid Diene (CLA) against WM793 Melanoma Cells

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) diene is a biologically active compound with proven health-promoting effects. In terms of anticancer properties, it has been shown that CLA reduces the proliferation of cancer cells. In this study, it has been demonstrated that a mixture of fatty acids, isolated from chicken egg yolk enriched in CLA isomers by biofortification, reduces (by 30.5%) the proliferation of human melanoma cancer cells line WM793 to a greater extent than a mixture of fatty acids not containing these isomers. At the same time, the tested fatty acid mixtures show no effect on human normal BJ fibroblast cells. For the first time, the genes with increased expression have been identified and the proteins have been activated by the fatty acid mixture of CLA-enriched egg yolk, mainly responsible for mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis.

Comparative study of young shoots and the mature red headed cabbage as antioxidant food resources with antiproliferative effect on prostate cancer cells

The increasing knowledge on health benefit properties of plant origin food ingredients supports recommendations for the use of edible plants in the prevention of diet related diseases, including cancer. The beneficial effects of young shoots of red cabbage can be attributed to their mixture of phytochemicals possessing antioxidant and potential anticancer activity. The objective of this study was to compare the content of bioactive compounds, including HPLC analysis of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of young shoots of red cabbage and the vegetable at full maturity. The content of vitamin C and polyphenols in juices obtained from young shoots and the mature vegetable were also determined. The other aim of this study was to confirm the hypothesis that juice of young shoots more effectively, compared to juice of the mature vegetable, reduces the proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and LNCaP in vitro. A significantly higher content of vitamin C and carotenoids, as well as a higher antioxidant activity were found in edible young shoots in comparison to the mature vegetable. In addition, studies have shown higher amount of vitamin C in the juice of young shoots than in the juice of the mature vegetable and similar content of polyphenolic compounds. The level of total polyphenol content in the studied plant samples did not differ significantly. Flavonoids were the main polyphenols in young shoots and juice obtained from them, while phenolic acids were dominant in the mature vegetable and in juice obtained from it. The juice of young shoots has shown stronger in vitro anti-proliferation effect against prostate cancer cells than juice of the mature vegetable.

Young shoots of red cabbage could be a good source of phytochemicals with potential anticancer activity.

Young shoots of red cabbage are a better source of selected nutrients and glucosinolates in comparison to the vegetable at full maturity

Cruciferous vegetables are a valuable source of ingredients with health benefits. The most characteristic compounds of cruciferous vegetables with identified anticancer properties are glucosinolates. Young shoots and sprouts of red cabbage are becoming a popular fresh food rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. The objective of this research was to determine, for the first time in a comprehensive approach, whether young shoots of red headed cabbage are a better source of selected nutrients and glucosinolates in the human diet in comparison to the vegetable at full maturity. The proximate composition (protein, fat, digestible carbohydrates, fiber), fatty acids profile, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper), as well as glucosinolates were examined. The red headed cabbage was characterized by a significantly larger amount of dry matter, and total and digestible carbohydrates in comparison to young shoots. The ready-to-eat young shoots, which are in the phase of intensive growth, are a better source of protein, selected minerals, and especially glucosinolates. The level of some nutrients can be enhanced and the intake of pro-healthy glucosinolates can be significantly increased by including young shoots of red cabbage into the diet.

PPAR Receptors Expressed from Vectors Containing CMV Promoter Can Enhance Self-Transcription in the Presence of Fatty Acids from CLA-Enriched Egg Yolks-A Novel Method for Studies of PPAR Ligands

PPAR receptors are ligand-dependent transcription factors activated in response to various small lipophilic ligands controlling the expression of different genes involved in cellular differentiation, development, metabolism, and tumorigenesis. Unexpectedly, our previous studies have shown that single plasmid-based expression of PPARs under the control of CMV promoter/enhancer was significantly elevated in the presence of PPAR agonists. Here we show that the PPAR reporters controlled by the CMV promoter/enhancer, that was shown to contain three internal non-canonical PPRE elements, can be used as a fast screening system for more effective PPAR ligands. This model allowed us to confirm our previous results indicating that fatty acids of CLA-enriched egg yolks (EFA-CLAs) are efficient PPAR ligands that can specifically upregulate the expression of PPARα and PPARγ leading to downregulation of MCF-7 cancer cell proliferation. We also show that synthetic cis9,trans11CLA is more effective in transactivation of PPARγ, while trans10,cis12CLA of PPARα receptor indicating the selectivity of the CLA isomers. This report presents a novel, fast, and reliable strategy for simple testing of PPAR ligands using PPAR expressing plasmids containing the CMV promoter/enhancer that can trigger the positive feedback loop of PPAR self-transcription in the presence of PPAR ligands.

Fatty Acids of CLA-enriched Egg Yolks Can Induce Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Fatty acids from conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched egg yolk suppressed the viability of the MCF-7 cancer line more effectively than non-enriched egg yolk. Herein we aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms by analysing the expression and activation of proteins involved in cellular stress and apoptosis signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight Isa Brown laying hens (26-week-old) were fed a fortified (0.75% CLA) or a control diet (0% CLA) for 4 months. Collected eggs were used to obtain CLA-enriched (EFA-CLA) or non-enriched (EFA) fatty acid extracts for the treatment of the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Protein levels were analysed by PathScan® Stress and Apoptosis Signalling Antibody Array and western blot method.

RESULTS

Treatment with EFA-CLA led to activation of caspase signalling as main effector of apoptosis. It also increased levels of pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 family proteins as well as promoted the release of cytochrome c, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase and mitochondrial serine protease from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. EFA-CLA increased levels of tumour protein 53 and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 tumour suppressors, and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase proteins. Finally, treatment down-regulated anti-apoptotic extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, heat-shock protein 27, inhibitor of nuclear factor κβ, transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 and survivin proteins.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results suggest that activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway may be a potential mechanism of EFA-CLA action.

The effect of "NutramilTM Complex," food for special medical purpose, on breast and prostate carcinoma cells

NutramilTM Complex is a multicomponent food product that meets the requirements of a food for special medical purpose. As a complete, high-energy diet it consists of properly balanced nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of NutramilTM Complex on breast and prostate carcinoma cells. Our results showed that NutramilTM Complex reduced the viability and proliferation of breast and prostate cancer cells and that this process was associated with the induction of apoptosis via activation of caspase signalling. Data showed elevated levels of p53 tumour suppressor, up-regulation of p38 MAPK and SAPK / JNK proteins and downregulation of anti-apoptotic ERK1/2, AKT1 and HSP27. Treatment with NutramilTM Complex also affected the expression of the BCL2 family genes. Results also showed down-regulation of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic members such as BAX, BAD, BID. In addition, we also observed regulation of many other genes, including Iκβα, Chk1 and Chk2, associated with apoptotic events. Taken together, our results suggest activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as most likely mechanism of anti-carcinogenic activity of NutramilTM Complex.