Beyond the Myths: Brazilian Consumer Perceptions of Functional Food.

The growing consumer interest in functional foods and healthy eating can unfortunately lead to the spread of misinformation and the belief in food-related myths. This study analyzed Brazilian consumers' perceptions and beliefs about facts and myths regarding functional foods, focusing on attitudes, reference groups, and sociocultural factors affecting their perception. A theoretical model was developed, incorporating constructs such as attitudes (reward, trust, necessity, safety), beliefs, and reference groups.

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of the First Tryptophyllin Found in Snake Venom ().

In this study, we report the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of the peptide BmT-2 belonging to the tryptophyllins family, isolated from the venom of the snake . This is the first time a tryptophyllin is identified in snake venom. We tested whether BmT-2 had cytotoxic effects and antioxidant activity in a set of experiments that included both in vitro and cell-based assays.

In vitro inhibition of glucose gastro-intestinal enzymes and antioxidant activity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides from different species.

The growing value of industrial collagen by-products has given rise to interest in extracting them from different species of animals. Intrinsic protein structure variation of collagen sources and its hydrolysis can bring about different bioactivities. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the differences in vitro biological potential of commercial bovine (BH), fish (FH), and porcine hydrolysates (PH) regarding their antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities.

Changes in Phenolic Compound and Antioxidant Activity of Germinated Broccoli, Wheat, and Lentils during Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The consumption of sprouts has increased as the germination process causes changes in the chemical composition of the seeds, improving their nutritional value. The aim of this work was to compare the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of broccoli, lentils and wheat sprouts before and after in vitro digestion, and the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity between seeds and sprouts. Broccoli and wheat showed no difference in total phenolic content before and after germination, while lentils showed a significant decrease in total phenolic content after germination.

STAT3 contributes to cisplatin resistance, modulating EMT markers, and the mTOR signaling in lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is strongly associated with cisplatin resistance. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in cancer cells and coordinates critical cellular processes as survival, self-renewal, and inflammation. In several types of cancer, STAT3 controls the development, immunogenicity, and malignant behavior of tumor cells while it dictates the responsiveness to radio- and chemotherapy.

Anticancer effects of root and beet leaf extracts (Beta vulgaris L.) in cervical cancer cells (HeLa).

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has bioactive compounds that can inhibit the progression of different types of cancer.

Beetroot and leaf extracts present protective effects against prostate cancer cells, inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and growth signaling pathways.

Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) has high nutritional value, containing bioactive compounds such as betalains and flavonoids. Scientific evidence points to the use of these natural compounds in the treatment of several types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in men.

The Hallmarks of Flavonoids in Cancer.

Flavonoids represent an important group of bioactive compounds derived from plant-based foods and beverages with known biological activity in cells. From the modulation of inflammation to the inhibition of cell proliferation, flavonoids have been described as important therapeutic adjuvants against several diseases, including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, neurological disorders, and cancer. Cancer is a complex and multifactor disease that has been studied for years however, its prevention is still one of the best known and efficient factors impacting the epidemiology of the disease.