beta-Cryptoxanthin

Concentrations of fat-soluble nutrients and blood inflammatory compounds in mother-infant dyads at birth.[Pubmed:33293682]

Pediatr Res. 2020 Dec 8. pii: 10.1038/s41390-020-01302-8.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal inflammation adversely affects health. Therefore, aims of this IRB-approved study are: (1) compare inflammatory compounds within and between maternal and umbilical cord blood samples at the time of delivery, (2) assess relationships between inflammatory compounds in maternal and cord blood with birth characteristics/outcomes, and (3) assess relationships between blood and placental fat-soluble nutrients with blood levels of individual inflammatory compounds. METHODS: Mother-infant dyads were enrolled (n = 152) for collection of birth data and biological samples of maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and placental tissue. Nutrient levels included: lutein + zeaxanthin; lycopene; alpha-, beta-carotene; beta-Cryptoxanthin; retinol; alpha-, gamma-, delta-tocopherol. Inflammatory compounds included: tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase, interleukins (IL) 1beta, 2, 6, 8, 10. RESULTS: Median inflammatory compound levels were 1.2-2.3 times higher in cord vs. maternal blood, except IL2 (1.3 times lower). Multiple significant correlations existed between maternal vs. infant inflammatory compounds (range of r = 0.22-0.48). While relationships existed with blood nutrient levels, the most significant were identified in placenta where all nutrients (except delta-tocopherol) exhibited relationships with inflammatory compounds. Relationships between anti-inflammatory nutrients and proinflammatory compounds were primarily inverse. CONCLUSION: Inflammation is strongly correlated between mother-infant dyads. Fat-soluble nutrients have relationships with inflammatory compounds, suggesting nutrition is a modifiable factor. IMPACT: Mother and newborn inflammation status are strongly interrelated. Levels of fat-soluble nutrients in blood, but especially placenta, are associated with blood levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory compounds in both mother and newborn infant. As fat-soluble nutrient levels are associated with blood inflammatory compounds, nutrition is a modifiable factor to modulate inflammation and improve perinatal outcomes.

Harvesting time and roasting effects on colour properties, xanthophylls, phytates, tannins and vitamin C contents of orange maize hybrid.[Pubmed:33288812]

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 7;10(1):21327.

Biofortified maize varieties form an essential part of a nutritious diet; available evidence suggests that different processing methods may affect the final food products. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of processing (roasting) and harvesting time on the bioactive components (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-Cryptoxanthin, phytate, tannin and vitamin C) and colour properties (L*, a*, b*), of biofortified orange maize. The orange maize hybrids used for the study were obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) diverse lines with high provitamin A (PVA) content. The results showed that harvesting time and roasting methods significantly (P beta-Cryptoxanthin, tannin and vitamin C increased with an increase in harvesting time. For roasted hybrid, the mean concentrations of all the bioactive components increased with increases in harvesting time except for tannin and vitamin C that showed a decrease at 20DAP and 27DAP. The results revealed that processing and time of harvest affect the levels of non-provitamin A carotenoids, tannins, phytic acid, Vitamin C and the colour properties of biofortified maize genotypes.

Rose Hips, a Valuable Source of Antioxidants to Improve Gingerbread Characteristics.[Pubmed:33271766]

Molecules. 2020 Dec 1;25(23). pii: molecules25235659.

The present study analyzes the complex of bioactive compounds from rose hips pulp powder (RHP) obtained after separating the seeds from Rosa canina L. in order to obtain the oil. The extract prepared from RHP was characterized in terms of the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, cinnamic acids, flavonols, carotenoids, but also the content of individual polyphenols and carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and CIELab color parameters. The effects of some salts, potentially present in foods, and pH variations were examined to predict possible interactions that could occur when adding rosehip pulp as a food component. The results turned out to be a high content of polyphenols, carotenoids and antioxidant activity. The main phenolic components are procyanidin B1, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, gallic acid, salicylic acid, and catechin. The carotenoid complex includes all-trans-beta-carotene, all-trans-lycopene, zeaxanthin, alpha-cryptoxanthin, beta-Cryptoxanthin, rubixanthin, cis-beta-carotene, cis-gamma-carotene and cis-lycopene. The addition of CaCl2 and NaCl to the RHP extract reduced the antioxidant activity and the strong acidic environment (pH to 2.5) decreased the antioxidant activity by 29%. The addition of rose hip powder to gingerbread has improved its general characteristics, and increased its antioxidant activity and microbiological stability, the effects of 4% RHP being the most important.

Antioxidant biomarkers and cardio-metabolic risk markers in an Aboriginal community in remote Australia: a cross-sectional study.[Pubmed:33261694]

Public Health Nutr. 2020 Dec 2:1-30.

OBJECTIVE: High quality diets, characterized by nutrient-rich foods, are one of the foundations for health and well-being. Indicators of diet quality, antioxidants, are associated with protection against cardio-metabolic diseases. This study explores relationships between plasma antioxidants and cardio-metabolic risk among Aboriginal people in Australia. DESIGN: As part of a community-driven health promotion programme, we conducted a cross-sectional study including a health-behaviour questionnaire, plasma antioxidants and cardio-metabolic risk markers (anthropometric-, blood pressure measurements, fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin, lipids, C-reactive protein and albumin-creatinine-ratio) continuous and categorized into population-specific cut-offs. Antioxidants (beta-carotene, beta-Cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein-zeaxanthin, retinol and alpha-tocopherol measured using HPLC) were applied to a principal component analysis, which aggregated these into a single component. Linear regression models were applied to investigate associations between the antioxidant component and cardio-metabolic risk markers. SETTING: Community in a remote area in Northern Territory, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 324 Aboriginal people, mean age 35.5 [range 15-75] years. RESULTS: Antioxidant component levels were higher among those with higher self-reported vegetable intake (p<0.01), higher among those with higher self-reported fruit intake (p=0.05) and lower among current smokers (p=0.06). Linear regression revealed an inverse association between the antioxidant component and C-reactive protein (beta= -0.01, p<0.01) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: Higher plasma antioxidant levels, indicators of diet quality were associated with lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in this Aboriginal population in remote Australia. This association suggests plasma antioxidants may be protective against inflammation; however, longitudinal studies are needed to examine this potentially protective relationship.

Comparative transcriptome analysis implied a ZEP paralog was a key gene involved in carotenoid accumulation in yellow-fleshed sweetpotato.[Pubmed:33244002]

Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 26;10(1):20607.

The mechanisms of carotenoid accumulation in yellow-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars are unclear. In this study, we compared the transcriptome profiles of a yellow-fleshed cultivar, Beniharuka (BH) and two of its spontaneous white-fleshed mutants (WH2 and WH3) to reveal the genes involved in yellow flesh. As a result of RNA sequencing, a total of 185 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were commonly detected in WH2 and WH3 compared to BH. Of these genes, 85 DEGs and 100 DEGs were commonly upregulated and downregulated in WH2 and WH3 compared to BH, respectively. g1103.t1, a paralog of zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), was only DEG common to WH2 and WH3 among 38 genes considered to be involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in storage roots. The expression level of g1103.t1 was also considerably lower in five white-fleshed cultivars than in five yellow-fleshed cultivars. Analysis of carotenoid composition in the storage roots showed that the epoxidised carotenoids were drastically reduced in both WH2 and WH3. Therefore, we propose that the ZEP paralog, g1103.t1, may be involved in carotenoid accumulation through the epoxidation of beta-carotene and beta-Cryptoxanthin in sweetpotato.

Effects of paprika carotenoid supplementation on bone turnover in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study.[Pubmed:33240029]

Food Nutr Res. 2020 Oct 6;64. pii: 4565.

Background: Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) is a good source of carotenoids, including capsanthin, beta-carotene, beta-Cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Several epidemiological studies have shown a beneficial association of intake of these carotenoids or their blood concentration with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. However, little information is available regarding the effect of intake of these carotenoids on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of paprika carotenoid extract (PCE) on bone turnover in healthy, postmenopausal women. Design: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to PCE or placebo groups. Each group was given a 20 mg PCE (equivalent to 1.4 mg of carotenoids) a day or a placebo for 24 weeks. We measured bone resorption markers (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b [TRACP-5b] and serum type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide [sNTX]) at 12 and 24 weeks and bone formation markers (bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) at 24 weeks. Results: The percentage decrease of TRACP-5b at 24 weeks was significantly higher for PCE than the placebo. There were no significant differences in sNTX or bone formation markers, although PCE decreased each marker compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PCE supplementation suppresses bone resorption and contributes to maintaining bone quality in postmenopausal women.

Addition of either gastric lipase or cholesterol esterase to improve both beta-cryptoxanthin ester hydrolysis and micellarization during in vitro digestion of fruit pulps.[Pubmed:33233265]

Food Res Int. 2020 Nov;137:109691.

Using the INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol adapted to carotenoids, the impact of additional rabbit gastric lipase (RGL) on the hydrolysis extent of beta-Cryptoxanthin esters was evaluated for the first time, and compared with the addition of porcine cholesterol esterase (CEL). Both the modifications increased the hydrolysis of (all-E)-beta-Cryptoxanthin esters from mandarin and peach pulps, although the outcomes were different. Addition of RGL consistently increased the average hydrolysis extent from 55.2% to 59.5% in mandarin pulp and from 22.7% to 48.8% in peach pulp (p < 0.05). The addition of CEL produced lower hydrolysis extents, i.e., 58.5% in mandarin (not statistically significant) and 28.4% in peach (p < 0.05), compared to those obtained with RGL. The hydrolysis extent positively correlated with the carotenoid ester concentration in both matrices. Bioaccessibility values were higher in mandarin pulp (range 32-34%) compared to those in peach pulp (range 16-21%), and were associated with the hydrolysis extent of the carotenoid esters during digestion. Addition of RGL and CEL produced no significant (p < 0.05) effect on the overall carotenoid bioaccessibility values of mandarin, while positively affected those in peach. Altogether these results corroborate that the hydrolysis extent of xanthophyll esters limits bioaccessibility. Additionally, hydrophobicity of the carotenoid inversely correlates with micellarization, as free (all-E)-xanthophylls micellarized in a higher extent compared to (all-E)-beta-carotene and xanthophyll esters. The new information of our results is that the addition of rabbit gastric lipase substantially contributes to the hydrolysis of beta-Cryptoxanthin esters from fruit pulps, and consequently, to increase carotenoid bioaccessibility, being even more effective than CEL.

An improved method for the separation of carotenoids and carotenoid isomers by LC-MS.[Pubmed:33200871]

J Sep Sci. 2020 Nov 17.

Carotenoids consists of a series of conjugated isoprene units that are characteristically highly conjugated through double bonds, leading to the formation of many isomers that are susceptible to oxidation and other chemical modifications. Extreme hydrophobicity and high complexity make carotenoids difficult to identify and quantify. We implemented the use of a common Syncronis C18 column with strong eluting solvent, here isopropanol, to successfully separate a mixture of 23 carotenoids standards with different structural properties. In addition, the method differentiated between three groups of isomeric carotenoids (lycopene/delta-carotene/gamma-carotene/epsilon-carotene/alpha-carotene/beta-caro tene, alpha-cryptoxanthin/beta-Cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin/lutein) by optimizing the gradient profile and using LC-MS. The LOD ranged from 0.05 to 5.51 ng/mL, and the recovery of carotenoids in Mytilus coruscus was from 63.54 to 93.25%, with SDs less than 10%. Twenty-five carotenoids were detected with a total content of 857 +/- 55.1 mg/kg, and three isomeric carotenoids were identified: epsilon-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. Our results show that this methodology is a significant improvement over other alternatives for analyzing carotenoids because of its compatibility with carotenoids of different categories, and most importantly, its ability to resolve isomeric carotenes, which is significant not only for assessing carotenoid species, but also for the tracing of metabolic pathways of carotenoids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Dietary carotenoids related to risk of incident Alzheimer dementia (AD) and brain AD neuropathology: a community-based cohort of older adults.[Pubmed:33184623]

Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Nov 12. pii: 5979933.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported a protective relation to cognitive decline with long-term intake of total and individual dietary carotenoids. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been clearly established in humans. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prospective association between intakes of total and individual carotenoids and risk of incident Alzheimer dementia (AD) and explore the underlying neuropathological basis. METHODS: Among 927 participants from the Rush Memory and Aging Project who were free from AD at baseline and were followed up for a mean of 7 y, we estimated HRs for AD using Cox proportional hazards models by intakes of energy-adjusted carotenoids. Brain AD neuropathology was assessed in postmortem brain autopsies among 508 deceased participants. We used linear regression to assess the association of carotenoid intake with AD-related neuropathology. RESULTS: Higher intake of total carotenoids was associated with substantially lower hazard of AD after controlling for age, sex, education, ApoE-epsilon4, participation in cognitively stimulating activities, and physical activity level. Comparing the top and bottom quintiles (median intake: 24.8 compared with 6.7 mg/d) of total carotenoids, the multivariate HR (95% CI) was 0.52 (0.33, 0.81), P-trend < 0.01. A similar association was observed for lutein-zeaxanthin, a weaker linear inverse association was observed for beta-carotene, and a marginally significant linear inverse association was found for beta-Cryptoxanthin. Among the deceased participants, consumers of higher total carotenoids (top compared with bottom tertile, 18.2 compared with 8.2 mg/d) had less global AD pathology (b: -0.10; SE = 0.04; P-trend = 0.01). For individual carotenoids, lutein-zeaxanthin and lycopene were inversely associated with brain global pathology, whereas lutein-zeaxanthin showed additional inverse associations with AD diagnostic score, neuritic plaque severity, and neurofibrillary tangle density and severity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support a beneficial role of total carotenoid consumption, in particular lutein/zeaxanthin, on AD incidence that may be related to the inhibition of brain beta-amyloid deposition and fibril formation.

Total carotenoid intake is associated with reduced loss of grip strength and gait speed over time in adults: The Framingham Offspring Study.[Pubmed:33181830]

Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Nov 12. pii: 5979783.

BACKGROUND: Lower antioxidant serum concentrations have been linked to declines in lean mass and physical function in older adults. Yet population data on the effect of dietary antioxidants on loss of muscle strength and physical function are lacking. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the association of antioxidant intake [vitamin C, vitamin E, and total and individual carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-Cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin)] with annualized change in grip strength and gait speed in adults from the Framingham Offspring study. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included participants with a valid FFQ at the index examination and up to 2 prior examinations and at >/=2 measures of primary outcomes: grip strength (n = 2452) and/or gait speed (n = 2422) measured over 3 subsequent examinations. Annualized change in grip strength (kg/y) and change in gait speed (m/s/y) over the follow-up period were used. Linear regression was used to calculate beta coefficients and P values, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD age of participants was 61 +/- 9 y (range: 33-88 y). Median intakes (IQR, mg/d) of vitamin C, vitamin E, and total carotenoid across available examinations were 209.2 (133.1-394.2), 27.1 (7.4-199.0), and 15.3 (10.4-21.3), respectively. The mean follow-up time was approximately 12 +/- 2 y (range: 4.5-15.4 y). In the sex-combined sample, higher intakes of total carotenoids, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin were associated with increased annualized change in grip strength [beta (SE) per 10-mg higher intake/d, range: 0.0316 (0.0146) to 0.1223 (0.0603) kg/y)]. All antioxidants except for vitamin C were associated with faster gait speed [beta (SE) per 10-mg higher intake/d, range: 0.00008 (0.00004) to 0.0187 (0.0081) m/s/y]. CONCLUSIONS: Higher antioxidant intake was associated with increase in grip strength and faster gait speed in this cohort of adults. This finding highlights the need for a randomized controlled trial of dietary antioxidants and their effect on muscle strength and physical function.

Validity and Reproducibility of a Culture-Specific Food Frequency Questionnaire in Lebanon.[Pubmed:33137973]

Nutrients. 2020 Oct 29;12(11). pii: nu12113316.

This study aims to assess the validity and reproducibility of a culture-specific semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for Lebanese adults. The 94-item FFQ captures intake of traditional Mediterranean dishes and Western food, reflective of current Lebanese nutrition transition. Among 107 participants (18-65 years), the FFQ was administered at baseline (FFQ-1) and one year thereafter (FFQ-2); 2-3 24-h recalls (24-HRs)/season were collected for a total of 8-12 over four seasons. A subset (n = 67) provided a fasting blood sample in the fall. Spearman-correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, joint-classification and (ICC) were calculated. Mean intakes from FFQ-2 were higher than from the total 24-HRs. Correlations for diet from FFQ-2 and 24-HRs ranged from 0.17 for alpha-carotene to 0.65 for energy. Joint classification in the same/adjacent quartile ranged from 74.8% to 95%. FFQ-2-plasma carotenoid correlations ranged from 0.18 for lutein/zeaxanthin to 0.59 for beta-carotene. Intra-class correlations for FFQ-1 and FFQ-2 ranged from 0.36 for beta-Cryptoxanthin to 0.85 for energy. 24-HRs carotenoid intake varied by season; combining season-specific 24-HRs proximal to biospecimen collection to the FFQ-2 improved diet-biochemical correlations. By applying dietary data from two tools with biomarkers taking into consideration seasonal variation, we report a valid, reproducible Lebanese FFQ for use in diet-disease research.

Characterization of beta-Cryptoxanthin and Other Carotenoid Derivatives from Rhodotorula taiwanensis, A Novel Yeast Isolated from Traditional Starter Culture of Assam.[Pubmed:33094905]

Chem Biodivers. 2020 Oct 23.

The present investigation was intended to characterize pigments for the first time from Rhodotorula taiwanensis (LC011412) yeast isolated from the ethic fermentation starter culture source meant to evaluate its carotenoid contents for beneficial applications. The pigments were extracted by an optimized solvent system, purified by flash chromatography and were identified by TLC and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The absorbance spectra confirmed the presence of beta-carotene, beta-Cryptoxanthin, torulene and torularhodin that showed maximum absorbance (lambdamax ) within the ranges. The fractions were further characterized by LC/MS and analyzed through FT-IR and NMR for structure elucidation. Spectral analyses also confirmed the presence of the compounds mentioned above. These compounds promise great commercial value and could be useful for large scale production anticipated for potential applications in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. It is pertinent that the characterized carotenoid pigments from the isolate have incredible prospects in industrial applications which require profound attention.

A hypocaloric high-protein diet supplemented with beta-cryptoxanthin improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial.[Pubmed:33081717]

BMC Gastroenterol. 2020 Oct 20;20(1):349.

BACKGROUND: Despite promising animal data, there is no randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effects of high protein (HP)-diet and/or beta-Cryptoxanthin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AIMS: Safety and efficacy assessment of a hypocaloric HP-diet supplemented with beta-Cryptoxanthin in NAFLD. METHODS: Ninety-two Iranian NAFLD outpatients were recruited for this 12-week, single-center, parallel-group, double-blind RCT and randomized into 4 arms (n = 23): HP-diet and beta-Cryptoxanthin (hypocaloric HP-diet + beta-Cryptoxanthin), HP-diet (hypocaloric HP-diet + placebo), beta-Cryptoxanthin (standard hypocaloric diet + beta-Cryptoxanthin), and control (standard hypocaloric diet + placebo). Serum levels of liver enzymes and grade of hepatic steatosis were assessed at baseline and study endpoint as outcome measures. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population (N = 92), HP-diet and beta-Cryptoxanthin group experienced greater 12-week reductions in serum levels of liver enzymes than control group (mean difference for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase: - 27.2, - 7.2, - 39.2, and - 16.3 IU/L, respectively; all p < 0.010). Clinical remission rate (achieving grade 0 hepatic steatosis) in HP-diet and beta-Cryptoxanthin group (82.6%) was also higher than other groups (13.0%, 17.4%, and 0.0% in HP-diet, beta-Cryptoxanthin, and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001). Sixteen patients reported minor adverse events. CONCLUSION: A hypocaloric HP-diet supplemented with beta-Cryptoxanthin safely and efficaciously improves NAFLD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial was registered at https://www.irct.ir as IRCT2017060210181N10.

Low expression of carotenoids cleavage dioxygenase 1 (ccd1) gene improves the retention of provitamin-A in maize grains during storage.[Pubmed:33068135]

Mol Genet Genomics. 2020 Oct 17. pii: 10.1007/s00438-020-01734-1.

Provitamin-A (proA) is essentially required for vision in humans but its deficiency affects children and pregnant women especially in the developing world. Biofortified maize rich in proA provides new opportunity for sustainable and cost-effective solution to alleviate malnutrition, however, significant loss of carotenoids during storage reduces its efficacy. Here, we studied the role of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 (ccd1) gene on degradation of carotenoids in maize. A set of 24 maize inbreds was analyzed for retention of proA during storage. At harvest, crtRB1-based maize inbreds possessed significantly high proA (beta-carotene: 12.30 microg/g, beta-Cryptoxanthin: 4.36 microg/g) than the traditional inbreds (beta-carotene: 1.74 microg/g, beta-Cryptoxanthin: 1.28 microg/g). However, crtRB1-based inbreds experienced significant degradation of proA carotenoids (beta-carotene: 20%, beta-Cryptoxanthin: 32% retention) following 5 months. Among the crtRB1-based genotypes, V335PV had the lowest retention of proA (beta-carotene: 1.63 microg/g, beta-Cryptoxanthin: 0.82 microg/g), while HKI161PV had the highest retention of proA (beta-carotene: 4.17 microg/g, beta-Cryptoxanthin: 2.32 microg/g). Periodical analysis revealed that ~ 60-70% of proA degraded during the first three months. Expression analysis revealed that high expression of ccd1 led to low retention of proA carotenoids in V335PV, whereas proA retention in HKI161PV was higher due to lower expression. Highest expression of ccd1 was observed during first 3 months of storage. Copy number of ccd1 gene varied among yellow maize (1-6 copies) and white maize (7-35 copies) while wild relatives contained 1-4 copies of ccd1 gene per genome. However, copy number of ccd1 gene did not exhibit any correlation with proA carotenoids. We concluded that lower expression of ccd1 gene increased the retention of proA during storage in maize. Favourable allele of ccd1 can be introgressed into elite maize inbreds for higher retention of proA during storage.