Lycopene inhibits disease progression in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.

Lycopene is a promising nutritional component for chemoprevention of prostate cancer (PCa). A possibly beneficial role of lycopene in patients diagnosed with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), who are at increased risk of developing PCa, has been suggested, although clinical data are lacking. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene supplementation in elderly men diagnosed with BPH.

Breastfeeding in Tigray and Gonder, Ethiopia, with special reference to exclusive/almost exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months.

This study assesses the initiation and duration of exclusive/almost exclusive breastfeeding (Ex/AEx-BF) versus partial breastfeeding (P-BF) and its relationship to infant growth and maternal body mass index (BMI) in Ethiopian infants up to 12 months of age (Tigray n = 471; Gonder n =596). Initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hr after birth was 1.7 times more common in Tigray.

The proteasome and its role in nuclear protein maintenance.

The cellular proteome is in a dynamic state of synthesis and degradation. Degradation of extracellular proteins is mainly mediated non-specifically by the lysosomes or due to released proteases, while the proteolysis of intracellular including nuclear proteins is catalyzed by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Furthermore, the proteasomal system is largely responsible for the removal of unfolded and oxidatively damaged proteins.

Solubility, uptake and biocompatibility of lutein and zeaxanthin delivered to cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells in tween40 micelles.

Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are proposed to protect ocular tissues from free-radical damage that can cause cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They accumulate selectively in the lens and macular region of the retina. Changes in the retinal pigment epithelium are characteristic in AMD.

Protein oxidation and proteolysis.

One of the hallmarks of chronic or severe oxidative stress is the accumulation of oxidized proteins, which tend to form high-molecular-weight aggregates. The major proteolytic system responsible for the removal of oxidized cytosolic and nuclear proteins is the proteasome. This complicated proteolytic system contains a core proteasomal form (20S proteasome) and several regulators.

Protective effects of tomato extract with elevated beta-carotene levels on oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells.

Epidemiological studies show that dietary products rich in carotenoids delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Experimental evidence from cellular studies on the antioxidant actions of carotenoids in the retinal pigment epithelium is still, however, fragmentary. The present study examined the uptake and protective potential of dietary carotenoids from tomato on the human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19.

Ascorbic acid suppresses cell death in rat DS-sarcoma cancer cells induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy.

Especially in the public, vitamin C is considered supportive for the treatment of cancer and supplementation is common. However, the underlying mechanism that most chemotherapeutic agents, ionizing radiation, and photodynamic therapy exert on tumor cell kill is an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to irreversible tissue injury. Therefore, antioxidants like ascorbic acid (AA) may prevent cancer cells of cellular free radical damage and may therefore be contraindicated in patients undergoing tumor treatment.

Studies of phosphodiesterase effects on adipose tissue metabolism in obese subjects by the microdialysis technique.

The effect of non-selective (theophylline) inhibition of cyclic AMP breakdown on norepinephrine stimulated lipolysis rate was investigated in subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese subjects. In addition, changes in interstitial glucose and lactate concentration were assessed by means of the microdialysis technique. The interaction of endogenous released insulin and theophylline on adipocyte metabolism was determined.

beta-Carotene conversion into vitamin A in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose: Vitamin A is essential for vision. The key step in the vitamin A biosynthetic pathway is the oxidative cleavage of beta-carotene into retinal by the enzyme beta,beta-carotene-15,15'-monooxygenase (BCO). The purpose of the study was to investigate beta-carotene metabolism and its effects on BCO expression in the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line D407.

Relation of DDT residues to plasma retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene during pregnancy and malaria infection: a case-control study in Karen women in northern Thailand.

Populations living in endemic malaria areas maybe exposed simultaneously to DDT and malaria infection. DDT may impair status of vitamins, which are implicated in the immunity and pathophysiology of malaria. To explore possible interactions, DDT residues, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and cholesterol were measured in plasma samples of malaria-infected pregnant women (cases, n=50) and age matched malaria-free controls (n=58).

Can changes in hydrophobicity increase the bioavailability of alpha-tocopherol?

Background: Bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins from conventional oral supplements is insufficient in some conditions in which fat digestion and absorption are chronically impaired (e. g. cystic fibrosis).

Effects of moderate consumption of white wine on weight loss in overweight and obese subjects.

Background: Patients on dietary, weight-reducing treatment commonly are advised against alcohol consumption. In light of the widespread use of alcoholic beverages and the well-established benefits of light to moderate alcohol consumption in risk reduction, a revision of dietary treatment recommendations may be warranted.

Objective: To investigate whether daily consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol influences the effectiveness of an energy-restricted diet in overweight and obese subjects.

Antioxidant deficiency in cystic fibrosis: when is the right time to take action?

Background: Little is known about age- and disease-related changes in prooxidant and antioxidant systems in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective: We investigated changes in antioxidant concentrations and oxidative stress in plasma, buccal mucosal cells (BMCs), and breath condensate in patients with CF in relation to age and disease progression.

Design: We recruited 22 patients with CF as well as 35 healthy control subjects and conducted a cross-sectional study by dividing the participants into 4 age groups (<6 y, 6-11 y, 12-17 y, > or =18 y).

Sympathetic regulation of glucose uptake by the alpha1-adrenoceptor in human obesity.

Objective: To investigate the involvement of alpha1-adrenoceptors in the sympathetic regulation of glucose uptake in human adipocytes.

Research Methods And Procedures: Twenty-four severely obese subjects participated in this study. The microdialysis technique was used to determine interstitial glucose concentration after stimulation of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue with the alpha1-agonist norfenefrine, the alpha1,2beta-agonist norepinephrine, and both agents in combination with the alpha1-antagonist urapidil.

Intensified oxidative and nitrosative stress following combined ALA-based photodynamic therapy and local hyperthermia in rat tumors.

Oxidative stress-related changes in tumors upon localized hyperthermia (HT), 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) and their combination (ALA+HT) were examined after the observation that the antitumor effects of ALA-PDT could be significantly enhanced upon simultaneous application of HT. Rats bearing s.c.

Vitamin A capsule distribution to control vitamin A deficiency in Indonesia: effect of supplementation in pre-school children and compliance with the programme.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a widespread vitamin A supplementation programme and to describe indicators of compliance with the programme in Indonesia.

Design: Prospective cohort study. Children's anthropometric data were gathered at baseline (June 2000) and 4 months later (2 months after supplementation in August 2000).

2-Methoxyestradiol enhances reactive oxygen species formation and increases the efficacy of oxygen radical generating tumor treatment.

In an investigation of the antitumor effects of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) in combination with other reactive oxygen generating treatments, 2-ME (0.5 microM) was found to completely inhibit cell proliferation of rat DS-sarcoma cells in vitro, with 71% of cells dying after exposure to 5 microM 2-ME. Concentration-dependent increases in ROS-formation, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial changes were also observed, and an elevation in caspase-3 activity resulted in DNA fragmentation and apoptosis.

beta-Carotene and alpha-tocopherol concentration and antioxidant status in buccal mucosal cells and plasma after oral supplementation.

The uptake of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene and their antioxidative effect in plasma and buccal mucosal cells after oral application in twelve subjects is demonstrated in our study. The effect on the antioxidative status was evaluated using a modified thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) method. As expected, the supplement of 134.

Rapid and simple measurement of retinol in human dried whole blood spots.

We describe an improved method for the measurement of retinol in dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper. Retinol in human DBS on filter paper was analyzed by normal phase HPLC after a simple extraction method. Retinol associated with its binding protein was eluted from the paper into aqueous solution facilitated by ultrasonic agitation.

Metabolic and functional properties of lactic acid bacteria in the gastro-intestinal ecosystem: a comparative in vitro study between bacteria of intestinal and fermented food origin.

Metabolic and functional properties of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the human gastro-intestinal ecosystem may be related to certain beneficial health effects. In this study, lactobacilli of either intestinal or fermented food origin were compared in their capability to survive low pH and bile, in their metabolic activity in the presence of bile salts and mucins, as well as in their potential to attach to enterocyte-like CaCO-2 cells. Food fermenting bacteria especially strains of the species Lactobacillus plantarum showed high tolerance to the consecutive exposure to hydrochloric acid (pH 1.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in human milk of a Hmong hill tribe living in Northern Thailand.

In December 1998 whole breast milk samples from 25 Hmong mothers living in the village of Mae Sa Mai, 40 km north of Chiang Mai City, Northern Thailand, were collected and analysed for DDT, heptachlor, HCB and HCH residues (fat normalized data). Short questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were used to obtain information on personal characteristics, lifestyle, contact with pesticides, dietary habits and former residences. DDT was detected in all samples with a median and maximum level of 209 and 2012 ng of total DDT isomers per millilitre of milk, respectively.

Dietary intake and nutritional status of women and pre-school children in the Republic of the Maldives.

Objective: Malnutrition and poor nutritional status among children are common problems in the Republic of Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. The aim of this study was to determine possible macro- and micronutrient deficiencies in the traditional Maldivian diet.

Design: In five atolls, 333 women with children aged between 1 and 4 years who were no longer breast-fed were interviewed, using a 24-hour recall.

A modified system to evaluate the potency of anti-oxidative compounds in different cell types in vitro.

Common assays for evaluation of antioxidative capacity of different compounds are usually performed in cell-free systems. By this approach, cell-specific regulatory mechanisms upon distinct stimuli are not taken into account. Therefore, there is a need to measure anti-oxidative capacity in a cellular setting.

Histochemical visualization of oxidant stress.

Free radicals induce oxidative modification in distinct components of the living matter (lipid, proteins, and DNA). For qualitative and quantitative determination of free radical-induced modifications, different, more or less sensitive biochemical methods are available. Because of the high reactivity and short life of free radicals, ongoing oxidative damage is generally analyzed by measurement of secondary products-such as H(2)O(2), oxidized proteins, peroxidized lipids, and their breakdown products, oxidized DNA-or by fluorographic analysis in combination with fluorescent dyes such as dichlorofluorescin (DCFH).