Analyzing Bioaccessibility of Polyphenols in Six Commercial and Six Traditional Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) during In Vitro and Ex Vivo Oral Digestion.

Scope: Apples are an important polyphenol (PP) source. To compare the health benefits of traditional and commercial varieties, the phenolic contents and profiles as well as their release from the matrix (bioaccessibility) during oral digestion are determined. Furthermore, based on these data the proposed beneficial effect of PP on the variety specific allergenicity is discussed.

Bioaccessibility of Apple Polyphenols from Peel and Flesh during Oral Digestion.

Health benefits of apple polyphenols for different chronic diseases are postulated. To exert bioactive properties, absorption into the body is required (bioavailability), which is strongly influenced by matrix release (bioaccessibility). For seven apple varieties, in vitro experiments with simulated saliva fluid (SSF) and ex vivo digestion with centrifuged human saliva were conducted.

A C-type lectin from the tunicate, Styela plicata, that modulates cellular activity.

Previous studies have identified proteins from tunicates (invertebrate members of the Phylum Chordata) that have physicochemical and functional properties similar to those of the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 1 (IL-1). Here we characterize one of those proteins from the tunicate, Styela plicata, that can stimulate tunicate and mammalian cell proliferation, activate phagocytosis, increase interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion by mammalian peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhance IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression by mammalian EL-4.IL-2 cells.

Effects of metal-based environmental pollutants on tunicate hemocytes.

Tunicates are filter feeding marine invertebrates that are susceptible to environmental contamination by toxic metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Recently, we have shown that tunicate immune reactions are profoundly affected by exposure to tributyltin (TBT) and copper, both of which are components of marine antifouling paints. This study tests the effects of those pollutants on the hemocytes of tunicates.