Ascorbic acid, also referred to as vitamin C(Vc), is an important nutrient found in fruits and vegetables that promotes produce quality and human health. Rosa roxburghii is an underutilized natural fruit that contains...Ascorbic acid, also referred to as vitamin C(Vc), is an important nutrient found in fruits and vegetables that promotes produce quality and human health. Rosa roxburghii is an underutilized natural fruit that contains very high levels of Vc. However, the Vc content of R. roxburghii varies considerably during plant development and ripening. To better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie fluctuations in Vc content of R. roxburghii fruit at different developmental stages, we performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses and identified two significant gene networks/modules and 168 transcription factors directly involved in Vc synthesis. Promoter analysis of two core genes involved in Vc synthesis, RrGGP and RrGalUR, revealed the presence of a retroviral long terminal repeat(LTR) insert in the RrGalUR promoter. Using yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays, we demonstrated that the transcription factors RrHY5H and RrZIP9 bind to the promoter of RrGGP to promote its expression. RrZIP6 and RrWRKY4 bind to the LTR in the RrGalUR promoter to promote its expression. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism that controls Vc synthesis and accumulation in R. roxburghii fruit.展开更多
Micronutrients are fundamental to support and maintain normal physiological function.Deficiencies of these nutrients are a growing public health concern with potentially devastating consequences.An adequate diet of wh...Micronutrients are fundamental to support and maintain normal physiological function.Deficiencies of these nutrients are a growing public health concern with potentially devastating consequences.An adequate diet of whole foods is the primary source of micronutrients;supplementation is sometimes necessary.Both deficiency and excess of these nutrients have adverse effects.Common deficiencies include iron,folate,iodine,zinc,and vitamin A,which can present clinically as a syndrome.Micronutrient deficiencies(MNDs)are common contributors to intellectual impairments,poor growth,perinatal complications,and increased risk for morbidity and mortality.Excess of a select few of these nutrients can result in conditions such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension and diarrhea.Interventions,including supplementation,fortification,and biofortification,can help combat MNDs.This article reviews some common micronutrient imbalances,their clinical manifestations,and treatment interventions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes(T1D)results from the autoimmune-mediated loss of pancreatic β-cells.Current insulin therapies offer symptomatic relief but fall short of providing a definitive cure.Islet cell transplantati...BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes(T1D)results from the autoimmune-mediated loss of pancreatic β-cells.Current insulin therapies offer symptomatic relief but fall short of providing a definitive cure.Islet cell transplantation,while promising,faces limitations related to donor scarcity,procedural complexities,and the necessity for long-term immunosuppression.Consequently,there is an urgent need for innovative strategies aimed at β-cell regeneration.Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs),obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of T1D patients,hold great potential as a source of cells for therapeutic purposes.Therefore,the differentiation of T1D-iPSCs into functional pancreatic β-cells is a critical step toward effective β-cell replacement therapy.AIM To assess the potential of patient-derived T1D-β-like cells(differentiated from T1D-iPSCs reprogrammed from T1D-PBMCs)for restoring β-cell function in T1D.METHODS T1D-iPSCs were reprogrammed from T1D-PBMCs using an episomal vectorbased approach.Pluripotency was confirmed by flow cytometry(FCM),quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,genomic stability analysis,and teratoma formation assays.Differentiation into pancreatic β-cells was optimized using triiodothyronine(T3),vitamin C(Vc),and an adenovirus(M3C)encoding pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1,neurogenin 3(Ngn3),and MAF bZIP transcription factor A(MafA).Following characterization of β-cell features by immunofluorescence,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and flow cytometry,therapeutic efficacy was assessed through blood glucose monitoring after transplantation under the renal capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.RESULTS T1D-iPSCs were successfully generated from T1D-PBMCs.These cells exhibited the hallmark characteristics of pluripotent stem cells,including appropriate morphology,differentiation potential,genomic integrity,and expression of pluripotency-associated genes.Differentiation yielded insulin-positive(insulin+)pancreatic β-like cells that,at the mRNA level,expressed key β-cell markers such as pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1,Ngn3,MafA,NeuroD,glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor,Nkx6.1,glucose transporter 2,and Kir6.2.Notably,the T3+Vc group displayed the lowest Ngn3 expression(1.31±0.38 vs 1.96±0.25 vs 2.51±0.24,P<0.01),while the M3C+T3+Vc group exhibited the highest MafA expression(0.49±0.11 vs 0.32±0.06 vs 0.29±0.08,P<0.05).Both in vitro and in vivo assessments confirmed the insulin secretion ability of the generated β-like cells;however,they did not demonstrate appropriate modulation of insulin release in response to variations in extracellular glucose concentrations.CONCLUSION T1D-iPSCs derived from T1D-PBMCs can be differentiated into insulin+β-like cells,albeit with functional immaturity.These cells represent a potential source of seed cells for β-cell replacement therapy in T1D.展开更多
The antioxidant and anti-wrinkle firming effects of a combination of vitamin C(Vc)and black Ganoderma lucidum extract was evaluted.Through the DPPH radical scavenging model and elastase inhibition model,this research ...The antioxidant and anti-wrinkle firming effects of a combination of vitamin C(Vc)and black Ganoderma lucidum extract was evaluted.Through the DPPH radical scavenging model and elastase inhibition model,this research investigates the impact of these substances individually and in combination on antioxidant capabilities and anti-wrinkle firming effects.The results demonstrate that the combination of Vc and black Ganoderma lucidum extract exhibits significant antioxidant abilities at various concentrations,and is more effective than when each is used separately,indicating a synergistic interaction between them.Additionally,the combination also shows significant inhibition of elastase,suggesting potential applications in delaying the aging process of the skin.Furthermore,highperformance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to determine if reactions occur among the components of the mixture.The findings reveal that the concentration of Vc in the mixture is very close to the theoretical concentration and relatively stable,suggesting that the components function independently.A quantitative analysis using the Bliss independence model further confirms the synergistic effects of Vc and black Ganoderma lucidum extract at specific ratios,providing a scientific basis for the development of efficacious cosmetic products.展开更多
Vitamin C,a potent antioxidant with broad therapeutic applications,is limited by rapid degradation under environmental stressors,which compromises its stability and bioactivity.This study addresses these limitations b...Vitamin C,a potent antioxidant with broad therapeutic applications,is limited by rapid degradation under environmental stressors,which compromises its stability and bioactivity.This study addresses these limitations by formulating a double nano-emulsion(W/O/W)system incorporating macadamia oil and tea tree oil,using homogenization and phase inversion temperature(PIT)techniques.Comprehensive physicochemical charac-terization,including droplet size,polydispersity index(PDI),zeta potential,turbidity,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and SEM,was conducted alongside stability assessments under varying pH,temperature,and storage conditions.The optimized nano-emulsions exhibited nanoscale droplet sizes(10-40 nm),low PDI values(indicating high uniformity),and robust stability.Interestingly,the formulation with 2%W/O loading,with a particle size of 11.57 nm and a PDI of 0.04,demonstrated an antioxidant capacity of 4622.62μg ascorbic acid equivalents(AA)/g,which was significantly higher(p<0.05)compared to both natural oils(macadamia oil:20.91μg AA/g,tea tree oil:16.86μg AA/g)and a 10%Vitamin C aqueous solution(592.94μg AA/g).FTIR analysis confirmed the molecular integrity of Vitamin C and its successful encapsulation with macadamia and tea tree oils,while SEM images revealed uniformly spherical and well-dispersed droplets.Moreover,the formulation retained its structural integrity and antioxidant functionality under diverse pH and thermal conditions.These findings underscore the potential of double nano-emulsion systems to overcome the stability challenges of Vitamin C,offering a promising approach to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic performance in phar-maceutical and cosmetic applications.展开更多
BACKGROUND Dental follicle stem cell(DFSC)sheets demonstrate strong extracellular secretion capabilities and efficacy in periodontal regeneration.However,existing methods for producing DFSC sheets lack a comprehensive...BACKGROUND Dental follicle stem cell(DFSC)sheets demonstrate strong extracellular secretion capabilities and efficacy in periodontal regeneration.However,existing methods for producing DFSC sheets lack a comprehensive discussion on the most efficient and cost-effective approaches at the good manufacturing practice(GMP)level.AIM To investigate the culture condition of GMP-compliant DFSC sheets and to compare the properties of DFSC sheets and cell suspensions.METHODS This study explored the optimal conditions for culturing GMP-compliant DFSC sheets,focusing on four key factors:Cell passage,cell concentration,L-ascorbic acid content,and culture duration.We evaluated the characteristics of the cell sheets under varying culture conditions,including cell viability,cell count,appearance,osteogenesis,chondrogenesis,odontogenesis,aging,relative telomere length,and extracellular matrix secretion.A comparison was also made between the periodontal regeneration,osteogenesis,and paracrine capacity of cell sheets cultured under optimal conditions and those of the cell suspensions.RESULTS The GMP-compliant DFSC sheets cultured from passage 4 cells exhibited the highest viability(≥99%,P<0.05)and optimal osteogenic differentiation capacity(optical density≥0.126,P<0.05).When cultured for 10 days,DFSC sheets demonstrated maximal expression of osteogenic,chondrogenic and periostin genes[alkaline phosphatase,Runt-related transcription factor 2,collagen type I,osteopontin,cartilage associated protein,and PERIOSTN(P<0.001);osteocalcin(P<0.01)].Concurrently,they showed the lowest senescent cell count(P<0.01)with no progression to late-stage senescence.At a seeding density of 2500 cells/cm^(2),GMP-compliant DFSC sheets achieved better osteogenic differentiation(P<0.01)and maximal osteogenic,chondrogenic and periostin gene expression(P<0.001),coupled with the highest hydroxyproline secretion(P<0.001)and moderate sulfated glycosaminoglycan production.No statistically significant difference in senescent cell count was observed compared to DFSC sheets at a seeding density of 5000 cells/cm^(2).Supplementation with 25μg/mL L-ascorbic acid significantly enhanced osteogenic gene expression(P<0.001)and elevated hydroxyproline(P<0.01)and sulfated glycosaminoglycan secretion to high ranges.Compared with the cell suspension,the cell sheet demonstrated improved osteogenic,paracrine,and periodontal regenerative capacities in Sprague-Dawley rats.The optimized DFSC sheets demonstrated significantly higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1(P<0.001)compared to DFSC suspensions,along with enhanced osteogenic induction outcomes(optical density=0.1333±0.01270 vs 0.1007±0.0005774 in suspensions,P<0.05).Following implantation into the rat periodontal defect model,micro-computed tomography analysis revealed superior bone regeneration metrics in the cell sheet group compared to both the cell suspension group and control group(percent bone volume,trabecular thickness,trabecular number),while trabecular spacing exhibited an inverse pattern.CONCLUSION Optimized DFSC sheets cultured under the identified conditions outperform DFSC suspensions.This study contributes to the industrial-scale production of DFSC sheets and establishes a foundation for cell therapy applications.展开更多
Vitamins are natural materials essential for maintaining the normal physical function of the live cells. It has been reported that 13 vitamins are needed in our body, included vitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, ribofla...Vitamins are natural materials essential for maintaining the normal physical function of the live cells. It has been reported that 13 vitamins are needed in our body, included vitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. Nowadays, the functions of vitamins have been extensively investigated. The objective of this paper is to summarize the new functions of vitamins, aiming to provide suggestions on the usage of various vitamins in clinical application.展开更多
As an essential amino acid, lysine boosts protein synthesis (Nestor et al1997). Yao et al demonstrated that, lysine also exerts protective effect against the isch-emiclesion of brain. Meanwhile, vitamin C is a natural...As an essential amino acid, lysine boosts protein synthesis (Nestor et al1997). Yao et al demonstrated that, lysine also exerts protective effect against the isch-emiclesion of brain. Meanwhile, vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which has undisputable protectiveaction against free radical damages. In order to ascertain whether their combination could affordbetter effect, we have investigated the prophylactic effect of the couplant ascorbate-lysine inliver injuries.展开更多
Time-resolved electron spin resonance has been used to study quenching reactions between the antioxidant Vitamin C (VC) and the triplet excited states of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PAQ) in ethylene glycol-water (E...Time-resolved electron spin resonance has been used to study quenching reactions between the antioxidant Vitamin C (VC) and the triplet excited states of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PAQ) in ethylene glycol-water (EG-H2O) homogeneous and inhomogeneous reversed micelle solutions. Reversed micelle solutions were used to be the models of physiological environment of biological cell and tissue. In PAQ/EG-H2O homogeneous solution, the excited triplet of PAQ (3PAQ*) abstracts hydrogen atom from solvent EG. In PAQ/VC/EG-H2O solution, 3pAQ* abstracts hydrogen atom not only from solvent EG but also from VC. The quenching rate constant of 3pAQ* by VC is close to the diffusion-controlled value of 1.41 × 108 L/(mol.s). In hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/EG-H2O and aerosol OT (AOT)/EG- H2O reversed micelle solutions, 3pAQ* and VC react around the water-oil interface of the reversed micelle. Exit of 3pAQ* from the lipid phase slows down the quenching reaction. For Triton X-100 (TX-100)/EG-H2O reversed micelle solution, PAQ and VC coexist inside the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol core, and the quenching rate constant of 3pAQ* by VC is larger than those in AOT/EG-H2O and CTAB/EG-H2O reversed micelle solutions, even a little larger than that in EG-H2O homogeneous solution. The strong emissive chemically induced dynamic electron polarization of As'- resulted from the effective TM spin polarization transfer in hydrogen abstraction of 3pAQ* from VC.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to provide the theoretical and technical basis for alleviating salt damages in production practice of oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus). [Method] Seeds of oil sunflower were used as expe...[Objective] This study aimed to provide the theoretical and technical basis for alleviating salt damages in production practice of oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus). [Method] Seeds of oil sunflower were used as experimental materials and treated with 120 mmol/L NaCI solution and 0-200 mg/L Vc solution during the germina- tion process, to investigate the effects of exogenous Vc on seed germination and physiological properties of oil sunflower under salt stress. [Result] Under salt stress, with the increase of Vc concentration, germination potential and germination rate of oil sunflower seeds, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities and proline (Pro) content of oil sunflower seedlings increased first and then declined, which reached the maixmum in 80 mg/L Vc treatment, 120 mg/L Vc treatment and 80 mg/L Vc treatment, respectively; malondialdehyde (MDA) content of oil sunflower seedlings declined first and then increased, which reached the minimum in 160 mg/L Vc treatment. [Conclusion] To varying degrees, Vc could improve germination potential and germination rate of oil sunflower seeds and promote seedling growth under salt stress, thus alleviating the damages of salt stress to seed germination and seedling growth of oil sunflower.展开更多
Aim: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. Methods:Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epidid...Aim: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. Methods:Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymisin modified Ringer's phosphate solution (RPS). After several washings, the sperm samples were dispersed in RPS andincubated with methoxychlor (1μmol/L, 10μmol/L and 100μmol/L) and methoxychlor + vitamin C (100μmol/Leach) for 3 h at 32℃. After incubation, the sperm motility and viability were assessed. An aliquot of sperm samplewas homogenized, centrifuged and used for the assay of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione re-ductase and lipid peroxidation. Results; In methoxychlor-incubated sperm and in sperm co-incubated with methoxy-chlor and vitamin C, the sperm motility and viability showed no significant changes as compared to the correspondingcontrols. In methoxychlor-incubated sperm the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathioneperoxidase were decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of spermwith methoxychlor and vitamin C showed no changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase andglutathione peroxidase and in the level of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion; Methoxychlor induced oxidative stress inepididymal sperm of goats by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlorand vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, reversed the effect of methoxychlor. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3; 285 - 288)展开更多
The bench-scale cooling crystallization for ternary solution of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) was studied.The solid-liquid phase diagram of Vitamin C-water-ethanol system was obtained on the basis of differential scanni...The bench-scale cooling crystallization for ternary solution of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) was studied.The solid-liquid phase diagram of Vitamin C-water-ethanol system was obtained on the basis of differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves. The heat of crystallization of Vitamin C was calculated with the aid of quantitative analysis. According to the population balance equation under unsteady state, the rates of nucleation and growth were determined. The parameters of crystallization kinetics equations were estimated by regression of experimental data. Crystal morphology and size were determined with x-ray diffraction and TA Ⅱ Coulter Counter.展开更多
Chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis (CAAG) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by an immune response, which is directed towards the parietal cells and intrinsic factor of the gastric body and fundu...Chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis (CAAG) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by an immune response, which is directed towards the parietal cells and intrinsic factor of the gastric body and fundus and leads to hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia and inadequate production of the intrinsic factor. As a result, the stomach’s secretion of essential substances, such as hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, is reduced, leading to digestive impairments. The most common is vitamin B12 deficiency, which results in a megaloblastic anemia and iron malabsorption, leading to iron deficiency anemia. However, in the last years the deficiency of several other vitamins and micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid and calcium, has been increasingly described in patients with CAAG. In addition the occurrence of multiple vitamin deficiencies may lead to severe hematological, neurological and skeletal manifestations in CAAG patients and highlights the importance of an integrated evaluation of these patients. Nevertheless, the nutritional deficiencies in CAAG are largely understudied. We have investigated the frequency and associated features of nutritional deficiencies in CAAG in order to focus on any deficit that may be clinically significant, but relatively easy to correct. This descriptive review updates and summarizes the literature on different nutrient deficiencies in CAAG in order to optimize the treatment and the follow-up of patients affected with CAAG.展开更多
The effects of five domestic cooking methods,including steaming,microwaving,boiling,stir-frying,and stir-frying followed by boiling(stir-frying/boiling),on the nutrients and health-promoting compounds of broccoli were...The effects of five domestic cooking methods,including steaming,microwaving,boiling,stir-frying,and stir-frying followed by boiling(stir-frying/boiling),on the nutrients and health-promoting compounds of broccoli were investigated.The results show that all cooking treatments,except steaming,caused significant losses of chlorophyll and vitamin C and significant decreases of total soluble proteins and soluble sugars.Total aliphatic and indole glucosinolates were significantly modified by all cooking treatments but not by steaming.In general,the steaming led to the lowest loss of total glucosinolates,while stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling presented the highest loss.Stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling,the two most popular methods for most homemade dishes in China,cause great losses of chlorophyll,soluble protein,soluble sugar,vitamin C,and glucosinolates,but the steaming method appears the best in retention of the nutrients in cooking broccoli.展开更多
The tight junction disorder plays an important role in the pathological process of many chronic diseases, and is becoming a major concern for the clinical application of metal drugs, i.e. anti-diabetic vanadium compou...The tight junction disorder plays an important role in the pathological process of many chronic diseases, and is becoming a major concern for the clinical application of metal drugs, i.e. anti-diabetic vanadium compounds. The development of novel tight junction protecting agents has thus been a major research focus. Since oxidative stress is the primary cause for vanadium toxicity, the present work tested the protective effects of zinc gluconate (Zn2+) alone and when combined with vitamin C (VC) on the vanadium compound (VO(acac)z.)-mediated paracellular leakage of MDCK cells. The experimental results showed that VO(acac)2_ treatment significantly increased the paracellular permeability of MDCK monolayer. Zn2+ alone showed no protective effects and VC ameliorated tight junction leakage of MDCK cells when given in the basal chamber. Interestingly, unilateral treatment with the combination of Zn2+ and VC effectively prevented the increase of paracellular permeability. In addition, the combination of zinc and VC down-regulated the levels of reactive oxygen species in both the control and VO(acac)2-treated MDCK cells and caused the elevation of intracellular Ca2+; both effects were beneficial for the maintenance of integrity of intercellular tight junction. Our results provided a simple but very effective method of preventing the metal toxicity for clinical aoNication of anti-diabetic vanadium compounds.展开更多
Utilization of biochar at high application rates can increase soil C and crop yields, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce nutrient run-off from soils. However, the high application rate of 10 t ha-1 may not r...Utilization of biochar at high application rates can increase soil C and crop yields, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce nutrient run-off from soils. However, the high application rate of 10 t ha-1 may not return a profit to the farmer due to the high cost of biochar. In this study biochar was modified through pre-treating the biomass and post-treating with phosphoric acid, minerals and different chemical fertilisers to study the effects of two new enhanced biochar fertilisers on the yield and quality of green pepper in a field experiment with 5 fertilisation treatments and 3 replications. The two new biochar fertilisers significantly (P 〈 0.05) increased the yield of green pepper (11.33-11.47 t ha-l), compared with the conventional chemical fertiliser (9.72 t ha-l). The biochar fertiliser treatments improved the vitamin C content of green pepper from 236.99 to 278.28 mg kg-1, and also significantly (P 〈 0.05) reduced the nitrate content from 132.32 to 101.92 mg kg-1, compared with chemical fertiliser. This study indicated that, compared to the use of conventional chemical fertiliser, all of the biochar fertiliser treatments could significantly improve the yield and quality of green pepper.展开更多
Aim: To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. M...Aim: To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods: Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient's treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results: After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5) and total progressive motility (19.0± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8) were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9± 0.2). Conclusion: The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function. (Asian JAndrol 2008 Mar;. 10: 201-206)展开更多
AIM:To examine the relationship between the trends in food consumption and gastric cancer morbidity in Poland.METHODS:The study was based on gastric cancer incidence rates and consumption of vegetables,fruit,vitamin C...AIM:To examine the relationship between the trends in food consumption and gastric cancer morbidity in Poland.METHODS:The study was based on gastric cancer incidence rates and consumption of vegetables,fruit,vitamin C and salt in Poland between 1960 and 2006.Food consumption data were derived from the national food balance sheets or household budget surveys.Spearman correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationship between the variables.RESULTS:A negative correlation was found between vegetables(-0.70 both for men and women;P < 0.0001),fruit(-0.65 and-0.66;P < 0.0001) and vitamin C(-0.75 and-0.74;P < 0.0001) consumption and stomach cancer incidence rates.The same applied to the availability of refrigerators in the household(-0.77 and-0.80;P < 0.0001).A decline in these rates could also be linked to reduction in salt intake.CONCLUSION:The decline of gastric cancer incidence probably resulted from increased consumption of vegetables,fruit and vitamin C and a decrease in salt consumption.展开更多
Recent investigations on pomegranate products have significantly increased and successfully drawn consumers’ attention to nutritional and medicinal values, promoting the pomegranate industry’s development worldwide....Recent investigations on pomegranate products have significantly increased and successfully drawn consumers’ attention to nutritional and medicinal values, promoting the pomegranate industry’s development worldwide. However, little information on pomegranates grown in China is available. Morphological and chemical characterizations of fruits and arils from 20 pomegranate cultivars in six regions of China were investigated. Combined with overall scores by principal component analysis, ‘Yushiliu No. 1’, ‘Taishanhong No. 2’, ‘Tunisia’ and ‘Mollar’ were promising cultivars, and Chinese researchers bred the first two. It was surprising that ‘Mollar’ had bigger fruit size and more aril moisture grown in China than in Spain. Cultivars with higher anthocyanin content in arils were ‘Turkey’, ‘Moyu’ and ‘Red Angel’, which might be used as the source of natural red food colourants. While red husk ‘Hongruyi’ and ‘Hongshuangxi’ with higher vitamin C, aril moisture and lower titratable acid in arils, might also be promising cultivars for further various utilization. Furthermore, the comparison of ‘Tunisia’ fruits from four regions revealed that cultivation locations had more influence on fruit traits than genotypes. Maturity index classification was established for Chinese pomegranate cultivars. Therefore, the results would provide a valuable guide for agricultural cultivation, industrial utilization, and breeding.展开更多
AIM:To examine if dietary and socio-economic factors contribute to Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)re-infection. METHODS:The population of patients consisted of subjects in whom H pylori infection had been successfully t...AIM:To examine if dietary and socio-economic factors contribute to Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)re-infection. METHODS:The population of patients consisted of subjects in whom H pylori infection had been successfully treated in the past.Patients were divided into two groups:Ⅰ-examined group(111 persons with H pylori re-infection)andⅡ-control group(175 persons who had not been re-infected).The respondents were interviewed retrospectively on their dietary habits and socio-economic factors. RESULTS:A statistically significant lower frequency of fermented dairy products(P<0.0001),vegetables (P=0.02),and fruit(P=0.008)consumption was noted among patients with H pylori re-infection as compared to those who had not been re-infected. CONCLUSION:High dietary intake of probiotic bacteria,mainly Lactobacillus,and antioxidants,mainly vitamin C(contained in fruit and vegetables),might decrease the risk of H pylori re-infection.展开更多
基金supported in part by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and the State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (Grant No. ZW201813)supported by the high-performance computing platform at the Bioinformatics Center of Nanjing Agricultural University。
文摘Ascorbic acid, also referred to as vitamin C(Vc), is an important nutrient found in fruits and vegetables that promotes produce quality and human health. Rosa roxburghii is an underutilized natural fruit that contains very high levels of Vc. However, the Vc content of R. roxburghii varies considerably during plant development and ripening. To better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie fluctuations in Vc content of R. roxburghii fruit at different developmental stages, we performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses and identified two significant gene networks/modules and 168 transcription factors directly involved in Vc synthesis. Promoter analysis of two core genes involved in Vc synthesis, RrGGP and RrGalUR, revealed the presence of a retroviral long terminal repeat(LTR) insert in the RrGalUR promoter. Using yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays, we demonstrated that the transcription factors RrHY5H and RrZIP9 bind to the promoter of RrGGP to promote its expression. RrZIP6 and RrWRKY4 bind to the LTR in the RrGalUR promoter to promote its expression. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism that controls Vc synthesis and accumulation in R. roxburghii fruit.
文摘Micronutrients are fundamental to support and maintain normal physiological function.Deficiencies of these nutrients are a growing public health concern with potentially devastating consequences.An adequate diet of whole foods is the primary source of micronutrients;supplementation is sometimes necessary.Both deficiency and excess of these nutrients have adverse effects.Common deficiencies include iron,folate,iodine,zinc,and vitamin A,which can present clinically as a syndrome.Micronutrient deficiencies(MNDs)are common contributors to intellectual impairments,poor growth,perinatal complications,and increased risk for morbidity and mortality.Excess of a select few of these nutrients can result in conditions such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension and diarrhea.Interventions,including supplementation,fortification,and biofortification,can help combat MNDs.This article reviews some common micronutrient imbalances,their clinical manifestations,and treatment interventions.
基金Supported by the Nonprofit Research Institutes Foundation of Fujian Province,China,No.2020R1011003 and No.2022R1012001the Talents Training Project for the Key Young Scholars of Fujian Provincial Health Commission,China,No.2021GGA056.
文摘BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes(T1D)results from the autoimmune-mediated loss of pancreatic β-cells.Current insulin therapies offer symptomatic relief but fall short of providing a definitive cure.Islet cell transplantation,while promising,faces limitations related to donor scarcity,procedural complexities,and the necessity for long-term immunosuppression.Consequently,there is an urgent need for innovative strategies aimed at β-cell regeneration.Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs),obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of T1D patients,hold great potential as a source of cells for therapeutic purposes.Therefore,the differentiation of T1D-iPSCs into functional pancreatic β-cells is a critical step toward effective β-cell replacement therapy.AIM To assess the potential of patient-derived T1D-β-like cells(differentiated from T1D-iPSCs reprogrammed from T1D-PBMCs)for restoring β-cell function in T1D.METHODS T1D-iPSCs were reprogrammed from T1D-PBMCs using an episomal vectorbased approach.Pluripotency was confirmed by flow cytometry(FCM),quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,genomic stability analysis,and teratoma formation assays.Differentiation into pancreatic β-cells was optimized using triiodothyronine(T3),vitamin C(Vc),and an adenovirus(M3C)encoding pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1,neurogenin 3(Ngn3),and MAF bZIP transcription factor A(MafA).Following characterization of β-cell features by immunofluorescence,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and flow cytometry,therapeutic efficacy was assessed through blood glucose monitoring after transplantation under the renal capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.RESULTS T1D-iPSCs were successfully generated from T1D-PBMCs.These cells exhibited the hallmark characteristics of pluripotent stem cells,including appropriate morphology,differentiation potential,genomic integrity,and expression of pluripotency-associated genes.Differentiation yielded insulin-positive(insulin+)pancreatic β-like cells that,at the mRNA level,expressed key β-cell markers such as pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1,Ngn3,MafA,NeuroD,glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor,Nkx6.1,glucose transporter 2,and Kir6.2.Notably,the T3+Vc group displayed the lowest Ngn3 expression(1.31±0.38 vs 1.96±0.25 vs 2.51±0.24,P<0.01),while the M3C+T3+Vc group exhibited the highest MafA expression(0.49±0.11 vs 0.32±0.06 vs 0.29±0.08,P<0.05).Both in vitro and in vivo assessments confirmed the insulin secretion ability of the generated β-like cells;however,they did not demonstrate appropriate modulation of insulin release in response to variations in extracellular glucose concentrations.CONCLUSION T1D-iPSCs derived from T1D-PBMCs can be differentiated into insulin+β-like cells,albeit with functional immaturity.These cells represent a potential source of seed cells for β-cell replacement therapy in T1D.
文摘The antioxidant and anti-wrinkle firming effects of a combination of vitamin C(Vc)and black Ganoderma lucidum extract was evaluted.Through the DPPH radical scavenging model and elastase inhibition model,this research investigates the impact of these substances individually and in combination on antioxidant capabilities and anti-wrinkle firming effects.The results demonstrate that the combination of Vc and black Ganoderma lucidum extract exhibits significant antioxidant abilities at various concentrations,and is more effective than when each is used separately,indicating a synergistic interaction between them.Additionally,the combination also shows significant inhibition of elastase,suggesting potential applications in delaying the aging process of the skin.Furthermore,highperformance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to determine if reactions occur among the components of the mixture.The findings reveal that the concentration of Vc in the mixture is very close to the theoretical concentration and relatively stable,suggesting that the components function independently.A quantitative analysis using the Bliss independence model further confirms the synergistic effects of Vc and black Ganoderma lucidum extract at specific ratios,providing a scientific basis for the development of efficacious cosmetic products.
基金Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology(HCMUT),VNU-HCM for supporting this study.
文摘Vitamin C,a potent antioxidant with broad therapeutic applications,is limited by rapid degradation under environmental stressors,which compromises its stability and bioactivity.This study addresses these limitations by formulating a double nano-emulsion(W/O/W)system incorporating macadamia oil and tea tree oil,using homogenization and phase inversion temperature(PIT)techniques.Comprehensive physicochemical charac-terization,including droplet size,polydispersity index(PDI),zeta potential,turbidity,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and SEM,was conducted alongside stability assessments under varying pH,temperature,and storage conditions.The optimized nano-emulsions exhibited nanoscale droplet sizes(10-40 nm),low PDI values(indicating high uniformity),and robust stability.Interestingly,the formulation with 2%W/O loading,with a particle size of 11.57 nm and a PDI of 0.04,demonstrated an antioxidant capacity of 4622.62μg ascorbic acid equivalents(AA)/g,which was significantly higher(p<0.05)compared to both natural oils(macadamia oil:20.91μg AA/g,tea tree oil:16.86μg AA/g)and a 10%Vitamin C aqueous solution(592.94μg AA/g).FTIR analysis confirmed the molecular integrity of Vitamin C and its successful encapsulation with macadamia and tea tree oils,while SEM images revealed uniformly spherical and well-dispersed droplets.Moreover,the formulation retained its structural integrity and antioxidant functionality under diverse pH and thermal conditions.These findings underscore the potential of double nano-emulsion systems to overcome the stability challenges of Vitamin C,offering a promising approach to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic performance in phar-maceutical and cosmetic applications.
基金Supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2021YFA1100600 and No.2022YFA1104400.
文摘BACKGROUND Dental follicle stem cell(DFSC)sheets demonstrate strong extracellular secretion capabilities and efficacy in periodontal regeneration.However,existing methods for producing DFSC sheets lack a comprehensive discussion on the most efficient and cost-effective approaches at the good manufacturing practice(GMP)level.AIM To investigate the culture condition of GMP-compliant DFSC sheets and to compare the properties of DFSC sheets and cell suspensions.METHODS This study explored the optimal conditions for culturing GMP-compliant DFSC sheets,focusing on four key factors:Cell passage,cell concentration,L-ascorbic acid content,and culture duration.We evaluated the characteristics of the cell sheets under varying culture conditions,including cell viability,cell count,appearance,osteogenesis,chondrogenesis,odontogenesis,aging,relative telomere length,and extracellular matrix secretion.A comparison was also made between the periodontal regeneration,osteogenesis,and paracrine capacity of cell sheets cultured under optimal conditions and those of the cell suspensions.RESULTS The GMP-compliant DFSC sheets cultured from passage 4 cells exhibited the highest viability(≥99%,P<0.05)and optimal osteogenic differentiation capacity(optical density≥0.126,P<0.05).When cultured for 10 days,DFSC sheets demonstrated maximal expression of osteogenic,chondrogenic and periostin genes[alkaline phosphatase,Runt-related transcription factor 2,collagen type I,osteopontin,cartilage associated protein,and PERIOSTN(P<0.001);osteocalcin(P<0.01)].Concurrently,they showed the lowest senescent cell count(P<0.01)with no progression to late-stage senescence.At a seeding density of 2500 cells/cm^(2),GMP-compliant DFSC sheets achieved better osteogenic differentiation(P<0.01)and maximal osteogenic,chondrogenic and periostin gene expression(P<0.001),coupled with the highest hydroxyproline secretion(P<0.001)and moderate sulfated glycosaminoglycan production.No statistically significant difference in senescent cell count was observed compared to DFSC sheets at a seeding density of 5000 cells/cm^(2).Supplementation with 25μg/mL L-ascorbic acid significantly enhanced osteogenic gene expression(P<0.001)and elevated hydroxyproline(P<0.01)and sulfated glycosaminoglycan secretion to high ranges.Compared with the cell suspension,the cell sheet demonstrated improved osteogenic,paracrine,and periodontal regenerative capacities in Sprague-Dawley rats.The optimized DFSC sheets demonstrated significantly higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1(P<0.001)compared to DFSC suspensions,along with enhanced osteogenic induction outcomes(optical density=0.1333±0.01270 vs 0.1007±0.0005774 in suspensions,P<0.05).Following implantation into the rat periodontal defect model,micro-computed tomography analysis revealed superior bone regeneration metrics in the cell sheet group compared to both the cell suspension group and control group(percent bone volume,trabecular thickness,trabecular number),while trabecular spacing exhibited an inverse pattern.CONCLUSION Optimized DFSC sheets cultured under the identified conditions outperform DFSC suspensions.This study contributes to the industrial-scale production of DFSC sheets and establishes a foundation for cell therapy applications.
文摘Vitamins are natural materials essential for maintaining the normal physical function of the live cells. It has been reported that 13 vitamins are needed in our body, included vitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. Nowadays, the functions of vitamins have been extensively investigated. The objective of this paper is to summarize the new functions of vitamins, aiming to provide suggestions on the usage of various vitamins in clinical application.
文摘As an essential amino acid, lysine boosts protein synthesis (Nestor et al1997). Yao et al demonstrated that, lysine also exerts protective effect against the isch-emiclesion of brain. Meanwhile, vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which has undisputable protectiveaction against free radical damages. In order to ascertain whether their combination could affordbetter effect, we have investigated the prophylactic effect of the couplant ascorbate-lysine inliver injuries.
基金ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.20903004) and the Science Foundation of the Education Committee of Anhui Province (No.J2010A145). We are grateful to professor Li-min Zhang for his help in transient absorptive spectrum measurement.
文摘Time-resolved electron spin resonance has been used to study quenching reactions between the antioxidant Vitamin C (VC) and the triplet excited states of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PAQ) in ethylene glycol-water (EG-H2O) homogeneous and inhomogeneous reversed micelle solutions. Reversed micelle solutions were used to be the models of physiological environment of biological cell and tissue. In PAQ/EG-H2O homogeneous solution, the excited triplet of PAQ (3PAQ*) abstracts hydrogen atom from solvent EG. In PAQ/VC/EG-H2O solution, 3pAQ* abstracts hydrogen atom not only from solvent EG but also from VC. The quenching rate constant of 3pAQ* by VC is close to the diffusion-controlled value of 1.41 × 108 L/(mol.s). In hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/EG-H2O and aerosol OT (AOT)/EG- H2O reversed micelle solutions, 3pAQ* and VC react around the water-oil interface of the reversed micelle. Exit of 3pAQ* from the lipid phase slows down the quenching reaction. For Triton X-100 (TX-100)/EG-H2O reversed micelle solution, PAQ and VC coexist inside the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol core, and the quenching rate constant of 3pAQ* by VC is larger than those in AOT/EG-H2O and CTAB/EG-H2O reversed micelle solutions, even a little larger than that in EG-H2O homogeneous solution. The strong emissive chemically induced dynamic electron polarization of As'- resulted from the effective TM spin polarization transfer in hydrogen abstraction of 3pAQ* from VC.
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to provide the theoretical and technical basis for alleviating salt damages in production practice of oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus). [Method] Seeds of oil sunflower were used as experimental materials and treated with 120 mmol/L NaCI solution and 0-200 mg/L Vc solution during the germina- tion process, to investigate the effects of exogenous Vc on seed germination and physiological properties of oil sunflower under salt stress. [Result] Under salt stress, with the increase of Vc concentration, germination potential and germination rate of oil sunflower seeds, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities and proline (Pro) content of oil sunflower seedlings increased first and then declined, which reached the maixmum in 80 mg/L Vc treatment, 120 mg/L Vc treatment and 80 mg/L Vc treatment, respectively; malondialdehyde (MDA) content of oil sunflower seedlings declined first and then increased, which reached the minimum in 160 mg/L Vc treatment. [Conclusion] To varying degrees, Vc could improve germination potential and germination rate of oil sunflower seeds and promote seedling growth under salt stress, thus alleviating the damages of salt stress to seed germination and seedling growth of oil sunflower.
文摘Aim: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. Methods:Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymisin modified Ringer's phosphate solution (RPS). After several washings, the sperm samples were dispersed in RPS andincubated with methoxychlor (1μmol/L, 10μmol/L and 100μmol/L) and methoxychlor + vitamin C (100μmol/Leach) for 3 h at 32℃. After incubation, the sperm motility and viability were assessed. An aliquot of sperm samplewas homogenized, centrifuged and used for the assay of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione re-ductase and lipid peroxidation. Results; In methoxychlor-incubated sperm and in sperm co-incubated with methoxy-chlor and vitamin C, the sperm motility and viability showed no significant changes as compared to the correspondingcontrols. In methoxychlor-incubated sperm the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathioneperoxidase were decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of spermwith methoxychlor and vitamin C showed no changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase andglutathione peroxidase and in the level of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion; Methoxychlor induced oxidative stress inepididymal sperm of goats by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlorand vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, reversed the effect of methoxychlor. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3; 285 - 288)
文摘The bench-scale cooling crystallization for ternary solution of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) was studied.The solid-liquid phase diagram of Vitamin C-water-ethanol system was obtained on the basis of differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves. The heat of crystallization of Vitamin C was calculated with the aid of quantitative analysis. According to the population balance equation under unsteady state, the rates of nucleation and growth were determined. The parameters of crystallization kinetics equations were estimated by regression of experimental data. Crystal morphology and size were determined with x-ray diffraction and TA Ⅱ Coulter Counter.
文摘Chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis (CAAG) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by an immune response, which is directed towards the parietal cells and intrinsic factor of the gastric body and fundus and leads to hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia and inadequate production of the intrinsic factor. As a result, the stomach’s secretion of essential substances, such as hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, is reduced, leading to digestive impairments. The most common is vitamin B12 deficiency, which results in a megaloblastic anemia and iron malabsorption, leading to iron deficiency anemia. However, in the last years the deficiency of several other vitamins and micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid and calcium, has been increasingly described in patients with CAAG. In addition the occurrence of multiple vitamin deficiencies may lead to severe hematological, neurological and skeletal manifestations in CAAG patients and highlights the importance of an integrated evaluation of these patients. Nevertheless, the nutritional deficiencies in CAAG are largely understudied. We have investigated the frequency and associated features of nutritional deficiencies in CAAG in order to focus on any deficit that may be clinically significant, but relatively easy to correct. This descriptive review updates and summarizes the literature on different nutrient deficiencies in CAAG in order to optimize the treatment and the follow-up of patients affected with CAAG.
基金supported by the High-Tech R&D Program (863) of China (No.2008AA10Z111)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30320974)+1 种基金the Fok Ying Tong Education Foundation of China (No.104034)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in the University of China (No.NCET-05-0516)
文摘The effects of five domestic cooking methods,including steaming,microwaving,boiling,stir-frying,and stir-frying followed by boiling(stir-frying/boiling),on the nutrients and health-promoting compounds of broccoli were investigated.The results show that all cooking treatments,except steaming,caused significant losses of chlorophyll and vitamin C and significant decreases of total soluble proteins and soluble sugars.Total aliphatic and indole glucosinolates were significantly modified by all cooking treatments but not by steaming.In general,the steaming led to the lowest loss of total glucosinolates,while stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling presented the highest loss.Stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling,the two most popular methods for most homemade dishes in China,cause great losses of chlorophyll,soluble protein,soluble sugar,vitamin C,and glucosinolates,but the steaming method appears the best in retention of the nutrients in cooking broccoli.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.21271012)Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(Grant No.20090001110068)
文摘The tight junction disorder plays an important role in the pathological process of many chronic diseases, and is becoming a major concern for the clinical application of metal drugs, i.e. anti-diabetic vanadium compounds. The development of novel tight junction protecting agents has thus been a major research focus. Since oxidative stress is the primary cause for vanadium toxicity, the present work tested the protective effects of zinc gluconate (Zn2+) alone and when combined with vitamin C (VC) on the vanadium compound (VO(acac)z.)-mediated paracellular leakage of MDCK cells. The experimental results showed that VO(acac)2_ treatment significantly increased the paracellular permeability of MDCK monolayer. Zn2+ alone showed no protective effects and VC ameliorated tight junction leakage of MDCK cells when given in the basal chamber. Interestingly, unilateral treatment with the combination of Zn2+ and VC effectively prevented the increase of paracellular permeability. In addition, the combination of zinc and VC down-regulated the levels of reactive oxygen species in both the control and VO(acac)2-treated MDCK cells and caused the elevation of intracellular Ca2+; both effects were beneficial for the maintenance of integrity of intercellular tight junction. Our results provided a simple but very effective method of preventing the metal toxicity for clinical aoNication of anti-diabetic vanadium compounds.
基金financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Nos.2013GB23600666 and 2013BAD11B00)funded by the Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization,China+1 种基金supported by the grant of the Australian Research Council (No.LP120200418)Renewed Carbon Pty Ltd.,Australia and the project of DAFF Carbon Farming Futures-Filling the Research Gap,Australia (No.RG134978)
文摘Utilization of biochar at high application rates can increase soil C and crop yields, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce nutrient run-off from soils. However, the high application rate of 10 t ha-1 may not return a profit to the farmer due to the high cost of biochar. In this study biochar was modified through pre-treating the biomass and post-treating with phosphoric acid, minerals and different chemical fertilisers to study the effects of two new enhanced biochar fertilisers on the yield and quality of green pepper in a field experiment with 5 fertilisation treatments and 3 replications. The two new biochar fertilisers significantly (P 〈 0.05) increased the yield of green pepper (11.33-11.47 t ha-l), compared with the conventional chemical fertiliser (9.72 t ha-l). The biochar fertiliser treatments improved the vitamin C content of green pepper from 236.99 to 278.28 mg kg-1, and also significantly (P 〈 0.05) reduced the nitrate content from 132.32 to 101.92 mg kg-1, compared with chemical fertiliser. This study indicated that, compared to the use of conventional chemical fertiliser, all of the biochar fertiliser treatments could significantly improve the yield and quality of green pepper.
文摘Aim: To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods: Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient's treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results: After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5) and total progressive motility (19.0± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8) were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9± 0.2). Conclusion: The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function. (Asian JAndrol 2008 Mar;. 10: 201-206)
基金Supported by Statutory action of the National Food and Nutrition Institute
文摘AIM:To examine the relationship between the trends in food consumption and gastric cancer morbidity in Poland.METHODS:The study was based on gastric cancer incidence rates and consumption of vegetables,fruit,vitamin C and salt in Poland between 1960 and 2006.Food consumption data were derived from the national food balance sheets or household budget surveys.Spearman correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationship between the variables.RESULTS:A negative correlation was found between vegetables(-0.70 both for men and women;P < 0.0001),fruit(-0.65 and-0.66;P < 0.0001) and vitamin C(-0.75 and-0.74;P < 0.0001) consumption and stomach cancer incidence rates.The same applied to the availability of refrigerators in the household(-0.77 and-0.80;P < 0.0001).A decline in these rates could also be linked to reduction in salt intake.CONCLUSION:The decline of gastric cancer incidence probably resulted from increased consumption of vegetables,fruit and vitamin C and a decrease in salt consumption.
基金funded by the Key R&D and Promotion Projects of Henan Province,China(192102110152)。
文摘Recent investigations on pomegranate products have significantly increased and successfully drawn consumers’ attention to nutritional and medicinal values, promoting the pomegranate industry’s development worldwide. However, little information on pomegranates grown in China is available. Morphological and chemical characterizations of fruits and arils from 20 pomegranate cultivars in six regions of China were investigated. Combined with overall scores by principal component analysis, ‘Yushiliu No. 1’, ‘Taishanhong No. 2’, ‘Tunisia’ and ‘Mollar’ were promising cultivars, and Chinese researchers bred the first two. It was surprising that ‘Mollar’ had bigger fruit size and more aril moisture grown in China than in Spain. Cultivars with higher anthocyanin content in arils were ‘Turkey’, ‘Moyu’ and ‘Red Angel’, which might be used as the source of natural red food colourants. While red husk ‘Hongruyi’ and ‘Hongshuangxi’ with higher vitamin C, aril moisture and lower titratable acid in arils, might also be promising cultivars for further various utilization. Furthermore, the comparison of ‘Tunisia’ fruits from four regions revealed that cultivation locations had more influence on fruit traits than genotypes. Maturity index classification was established for Chinese pomegranate cultivars. Therefore, the results would provide a valuable guide for agricultural cultivation, industrial utilization, and breeding.
基金Supported by Statutory action of National Food and Nutrition Institute
文摘AIM:To examine if dietary and socio-economic factors contribute to Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)re-infection. METHODS:The population of patients consisted of subjects in whom H pylori infection had been successfully treated in the past.Patients were divided into two groups:Ⅰ-examined group(111 persons with H pylori re-infection)andⅡ-control group(175 persons who had not been re-infected).The respondents were interviewed retrospectively on their dietary habits and socio-economic factors. RESULTS:A statistically significant lower frequency of fermented dairy products(P<0.0001),vegetables (P=0.02),and fruit(P=0.008)consumption was noted among patients with H pylori re-infection as compared to those who had not been re-infected. CONCLUSION:High dietary intake of probiotic bacteria,mainly Lactobacillus,and antioxidants,mainly vitamin C(contained in fruit and vegetables),might decrease the risk of H pylori re-infection.