Positive Effects of Tomato Paste on Vascular Function After a Fat Meal in Male Healthy Subjects

Tomato consumption has been recently associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to test whether a seven-day period of tomato paste purèe (tomato paste, TP) supplementation could improve some haemodynamic parameters in healthy volunteers before and after a standardized fat meal (FM). Methods and results: Nineteen healthy male volunteers participated in a randomized, single-blind (operator) crossover study. Participants maintained low fiber diets (LFD) during the study periods. They were randomized either to a LFD and TP arm (80 g of TP/day) for seven-days, or to a control arm (LFD-only) with a two-week washout period. Flow Mediated Dilatation and other morpho-functional vascular indices were measured by ultrasound. Stiffness Index and Reflection Index were estimated by digital photo-plethysmography. All these parameters were measured one h before and two and 3.5 h after the FM. The difference in Stiffness Index was increased in the LFD and TP + FM-arm, as compared to the LFD-only + FM arm at both two and 3.5 h points. After the FM, in both arms, at two h, we observed a reduction in the Reflection Index and an increase in heart rate. Interestingly, only in the LFD and TP + FM-arm, some haemodynamic changes were detectable at two h; notably, there was an increase in brachial artery diameter and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (BP). Conclusions: TP has no effect on Flow Mediated Dilatation but acutely modifies some haemodynamic parameters triggered by FM, suggesting possible haemodynamic beneficial effects in people consuming tomatoes.

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Determinants of short-term variation in arterial flow-mediated dilatation in healthy young men

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20050333 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 110 (4) ◽

pp. 475-482 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Mikko J. Järvisalo ◽

Laura Jartti ◽

Jukka Marniemi ◽

Tapani Rönnemaa ◽

Jorma S. A. Viikari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Function ◽

Brachial Artery ◽

Serum Insulin ◽

Circadian Variation ◽

Low Fat ◽

Ultrasound Technique ◽

Brachial Artery Diameter ◽

Flow Mediated Dilatation ◽

Hourly Variation ◽

Fat Meal

Brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilatation) is widely used as a marker of systemic arterial endothelial function. FMD, however, shows considerable 25% day-to-day variation that hinders its clinical use. The reasons for this variability are poorly characterized. Therefore the present study was designed to clarify factors responsible for the hourly variation in endothelial function, including consuming a low-fat meal and circadian rhythms in endogenous hormonal levels. Brachial artery FMD, along with serum glucose, triacylglycerols (triglycerides) and levels of several hormones were measured six times per day on two separate days 1 week apart. On one day, the subjects (healthy males: n=12, mean age, 24 years) ate a light breakfast and a standardized lunch (23.5% fat, 48.7% carbohydrate and 27.8% protein). On the other day, they had a similar breakfast after which they fasted. Postprandial FMD values (both after breakfast and after lunch) were similar to baseline FMD. FMD showed a 28% hourly variation and 27% weekly variation. Variation in plasma levels of insulin (P=0.02) associated negatively and DHPG (3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol) (P=0.001), a marker of sympathetic nervous activation, associated positively with variation in FMD. The effects of DHPG and insulin on FMD were independent of changes in baseline brachial artery diameter, although DHPG was also inversely associated with baseline diameter. Eating a regular low-fat meal does not have any measurable effects on brachial artery endothelial function. These data suggest that strict requirements for fasting conditions may be unnecessary when measuring peripheral endothelial function using the ultrasound technique. Circadian variation in serum insulin and sympathetic tone are physiological determinants of endothelial function.

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Abstract P061: Effects of Black Tea With and Without a Fat Load on Vascular Function in Mildly Hypertensive Subjects

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap061 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Davide Grassi ◽

Richard Draijer ◽

Giovambattista Desideri ◽

Theo Mulder ◽

Claudio Ferri

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Endothelial Dysfunction ◽

Endothelial Function ◽

Vascular Function ◽

Black Tea ◽

Stiffness Index ◽

Maximal Response ◽

Tea Consumption ◽

Double Blind ◽

Reflection Index

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction is an early biomarker for the development of cardiovascular disease and a predictor of future cardiovascular events. A number of intervention studies in healthy and diseased subjects have reported that endothelial function, as assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), is positively affected by black tea consumption. On the other hand, high calorie fatty meals are detrimental to endothelial function. Hypothesis: To assess the effect of black tea with and without a fat load on FMD, digital volume pulse (DVP) and office blood pressure (BP) in never treated grade 1 hypertensive subjects without additional cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: According to a randomized, double-blind, controlled, cross-over design, 19 grade 1 hypertensives were assigned to consume black tea, containing 150 mg polyphenols or a placebo drink matched for caffeine, color and taste, twice a day for eight days, with a wash-out period in between of 13 days. On day 7 all measurements were performed in a fasted state, while on day 8 subjects consumed ultra-heat-treated whipping cream (1 gram fat per kg bodyweight) 30 minutes after consuming the test products. FMD, DVP and BP were measured at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after consumption of the test products. Results: Baseline FMD improved after 1-week tea consumption when compared to placebo (p<0.0001). An additional cup of tea further increased FMD at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after consumption when compared to baseline with maximal response 2 hours after intake (p<0.0001). Fat challenge significantly decreased FMD (p<0.0001), which was counteracted by tea consumption. Tea improved reflection index (small vessel tone; p<0.0001) and stiffness index (large arterial stiffness; p<0.0001) with additional effects after acute tea consumption with and without fat load. Further, tea decreased systolic and diastolic BP with and without a fat load (all p<0.0001). Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time that moderate consumption of black tea protects against oral fat load-induced endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive but otherwise healthy subjects. The vascular benefits of tea are also reflected in improved endothelial function and peripheral arterial hemodynamics as well as blood pressure lowering under fasted and postprandial conditions. Our findings are of clinical relevance and interest, considering that the ingestion of the main daily meal has been suggested to be a trigger for acute myocardial infarction.

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Methodological Considerations for a Vascular Function Test Battery

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-0946-1293 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (09) ◽

pp. 601-608

Author(s):

Rachel Kimble ◽

Karen M. Keane ◽

John K. Lodge ◽

Glyn Howatson

Keyword(s):

Vascular Function ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Augmentation Index ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

Test Battery ◽

Doppler Imaging ◽

Stiffness Index ◽

Future Research ◽

Reflection Index ◽

Repeatability And Reproducibility

AbstractThere is a dearth of information regarding the reliability of non-invasive measures of vascular function taken in a single testing session. This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of a test battery of vascular function measures: automated blood pressure (BP), laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis (LDI), digital volume pulse (DVP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) measured by pulse wave analysis (PWA) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) taken within and between sessions. Measures were taken in 21 non-smoking males intra-session and again inter-session (one week apart) to determine repeatability and reproducibility, respectively. There was moderate to excellent repeatability (ICC: 0.53–0.93; CV=2.2–18.1%) and reproducibility (ICC: 0.71–0.96; CV 1.9–14.2%) for BP, DVP stiffness index, PWV, AIx, AIx normalised to heart rate (75 bpm), absolute and percentage FMD. Repeatability of the DVP reflection index was moderate (ICC: 0.64; CV=9.5%) but there was poor reproducibility (ICC: 0.17; CV=15.1%). Moreover, the repeatability and reproducibility of the LDI measures ranged from poor to good (ICC: 0.31–0.84; CV=28.4–36.7%). These data indicated that there was considerable variability in the repeatability and reproducibility of measurements of endothelial function and arterial stiffness taken in a battery of measurements, which needs careful consideration in future research designs.

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Is Heart Rate a Confounding Factor for Photoplethysmography Markers? A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17072591 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. 2591

Author(s):

Md Rizman Md Lazin Md Lazim ◽

Amilia Aminuddin ◽

Kalaivani Chellappan ◽

Azizah Ugusman ◽

Adila A Hamid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Vascular Function ◽

English Language ◽

Literature Search ◽

Confounding Factor ◽

Stiffness Index ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Reflection Index ◽

Aging Index ◽

The Relationship

Finger photoplethysmography (PPG) waveform is blood volume change of finger microcirculation that reflects vascular function. Reflection index (RI), stiffness index (SI) and second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPPG) are derived from PPG waveforms proposed as cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers. Heart rate (HR) is a known factor that affects vascular function. Individual resting HR variation may affect RI, SI and SDPPG. This review aims to identify studies about the relationship between HR with RI, SI and SDPPG among humans. A literature search was conducted in Medline via the Ebscohost and Scopus databases to find relevant articles published within 11 years. The main inclusion criteria were articles in the English language that discuss the relationship between HR with RI, SI and SDPPG using PPG among humans. The search found 1960 relevant articles but only six articles that met the inclusion criteria. SI and RI showed an association with HR. SDPPG (SDPPG-b/SDPPG-a ratio, SDPPG-d/SDPPG-a ratio, aging index (AGI) and revised aging index (RAGI)) also had an association with HR. Only RI had a considerable association with HR, the association between SI and HR was non-considerable and the association between HR and SDPPG was inconclusive. Further interventional studies should be conducted to investigate this issue, as a variation in resting HR may challenge the validity of PPG-based CVD markers.

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AMPK activator O304 improves metabolic and cardiac function, and exercise capacity in aged mice

Communications Biology ◽

10.1038/s42003-021-02837-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Madelene Ericsson ◽

Pär Steneberg ◽

Rakel Nyrén ◽

Helena Edlund

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cardiac Function ◽

Exercise Capacity ◽

Vascular Function ◽

Metabolic Dysfunction ◽

Aged Mice ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Age Related

AbstractAge is associated with progressively impaired, metabolic, cardiac and vascular function, as well as reduced work/exercise capacity, mobility, and hence quality of life. Exercise exhibit positive effects on age-related dysfunctions and diseases. However, for a variety of reasons many aged individuals are unable to engage in regular physical activity, making the development of pharmacological treatments that mimics the beneficial effects of exercise highly desirable. Here we show that the pan-AMPK activator O304, which is well tolerated in humans, prevented and reverted age-associated hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, and improved cardiac function and exercise capacity in aged mice. These results provide preclinical evidence that O304 mimics the beneficial effects of exercise. Thus, as an exercise mimetic in clinical development, AMPK activator O304 holds great potential to mitigate metabolic dysfunction, and to improve cardiac function and exercise capacity, and hence quality of life in aged individuals.

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Effects of Evocative Audio-Visual Installations on the Restorativeness in Urban Parks

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13158328 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 8328

Author(s):

Massimiliano Masullo ◽

Luigi Maffei ◽

Aniello Pascale ◽

Vincenzo Paolo Senese ◽

Simona De Stefano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Inclusion ◽

Road Traffic ◽

Traffic Noise ◽

Human Perception ◽

Urban Parks ◽

Well Being ◽

Road Traffic Noise ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Experimental Laboratory

Road traffic noise is responsible for several negative health effects for citizens in modern cities. Inside urban parks, which citizens use for social inclusion and cohesion, psychological and physical restoration, and physical activities, road traffic noise may significantly reduce the potential of these places to induce or enhance well-being. Although access restriction schemes and screens could be effective solutions to limit noise inside urban park areas, preserving their potential regenerative role may engender mobility, social, aesthetic, and architectural issues. Due to the positive effects that natural elements and water sounds can have on human perception, and based on the previous findings of the beneficial effects of audio-visual installations, this paper investigates the possibility of using audio-visual installations that simply evoke some natural features to improve the restoration of individuals inside urban parks. The study has been carried out using immersive virtual environments in two different experimental laboratory sessions in Hong Kong (China) and Aversa (Italy). The results showed that the positive effects provided by evocative installations were similar to those provided by traditional installations. Furthermore, the effects on the restoration increased as the installations became larger and included enveloping shapes. Furthermore, we found that the amount of evocative water installations’ material was responsible for changes in restoration. In contrast, the Chinese groups were less influenced by these installations.

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Nucleotide Supplementation to Whole Milk Has Beneficial Effects on Post-Weaning Holstein Calf Performance

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010218 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 218

Author(s):

Yousef Abbaslou ◽

Davood Zahmatkesh ◽

Ehsan Mahjoubi ◽

Mehdi Hossein Yazdi ◽

Hamed Beiranvand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Free Access ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Whole Milk ◽

Calf Performance ◽

Daily Gain ◽

Fecal Score

The positive effects of nucleotide (NU) supplementation in milk replacer have been elucidated in infants and in dairy calves; however, NU addition to whole milk has not been evaluated previously. This study aimed to assess NU supplementation in the whole milk on calf growth and health. Thirty Holstein calves (body weight: 39.1 ± 1.0 kg; 3 d after birth) were randomly assigned to the following treatments: whole milk without any supplementation (NU0), whole milk + 0.5 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS0.5), and whole milk + 1 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS1). Calves were weaned at d 55 and stayed on study until d 75. Calves had free access to feed and water throughout the study. Dry matter intakes (DMI) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05) during the pre-weaning period; however, increasing NU resulted in a linear (p < 0.05) increase in DMI during the post weaning period (2158, 2432, and 2518 g/d for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Treatments did not affect body weight (BW) at the first and second month of study, but final BW linearly increased as NU was added (87.1, 90.6, and 95.4 kg for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Neither pre-weaning average daily gain nor post-weaning average daily gain was affected by treatments; accordingly, feed efficiency was similar among treatment groups. Days with loose fecal score were linearly decreased as NU was added to whole milk during the first month of life, while the fecal score did not differ among treatments until the end of the study. No difference was observed in the skeletal growth of calves in the current study. Therefore, it can be concluded that NU supplementation in the whole milk has some beneficial effects on calf performance in terms of final BW, post-weaning DMI, and less days with loose feces.

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Methodologies in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Composition, Biological Activity, and Beneficial Effects on Human Health

Horticulturae ◽

10.3390/horticulturae7020035 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 35

Author(s):

Bety W. Hapsari ◽

Manikharda ◽

Widiastuti Setyaningsih

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Phenolic Compounds ◽

Human Health ◽

Analytical Methods ◽

Environmental Influence ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Research Progress ◽

Hibiscus Sabdariffa ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as an edible flower, has long provided an array of positive effects on human health. This benefit is a result of phenolic compounds that are naturally present mainly in the calyx. Plentiful medicinal remedies and functional foods based on this flower are available worldwide, as supported by the studies of phenolic compounds in recent decades. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the composition, biological activity, and beneficial effects on human health of phenolic compounds in roselle. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured search in the published literature for phenolics compositions in roselle was required prior to the evaluation on the validity of the reported analytical methods. Reliable identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in roselle can be achieved by employing the proper extraction and separation methods. With ample alternative analytical methods discussed here, this review provided an aid for comprehending and selecting the most appropriate method for a particular study. The applications of the analytical methods highlighted indicated that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives have been identified and quantified in roselle with a range of biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. It was also disclosed that the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in roselle vary due to the growth factors, cultivars, and environmental influence. Finally, apart from the research progress carried out with roselle during the last ten years, this review also proposed relevant future works.

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Strawberry and Achenes Hydroalcoholic Extracts and Their Digested Fractions Efficiently Counteract the AAPH-Induced Oxidative Damage in HepG2 Cells

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms19082180 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (8) ◽

pp. 2180 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

María Ariza ◽

Tamara Forbes-Hernández ◽

Patricia Reboredo-Rodríguez ◽

Sadia Afrin ◽

Massimiliano Gasparrini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Hepg2 Cells ◽

In Vitro Digestion ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Digestion Process ◽

Phytochemical Compounds

Strawberry fruits are highly appreciated by consumers worldwide due to their bright red color, typical aroma, and juicy texture. While the biological activity of the complete fruit has been widely studied, the potential beneficial effects of the achenes (commonly named seeds) remain unknown. In addition, when raw fruit and achenes are consumed, the digestion process could alter the release and absorption of their phytochemical compounds, compromising their bioactivity. In the present work, we evaluated the protective effects against oxidative damage of nondigested and digested extracts from strawberry fruit and achenes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. For that purpose, cells were treated with different concentration of the extracts prior to incubation with the stressor agent, AAPH (2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). Subsequently, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the percentage of live, dead, and apoptotic cells were determined. Our results demonstrated that all the evaluated fractions were able to counteract the AAPH-induced damage, suggesting that the achenes also present biological activity. The positive effects of both the raw fruit and achenes were maintained after the in vitro digestion process.

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A Standardized Extract Prepared from Red Orange and Lemon Wastes Blocks High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Mice

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26144291 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (14) ◽

pp. 4291

Author(s):

Santina Chiechio ◽

Magda Zammataro ◽

Massimo Barresi ◽

Margherita Amenta ◽

Gabriele Ballistreri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

High Fat Diet ◽

Extraction Process ◽

Citrus Limon ◽

High Fat ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Glucose And Lipid Metabolism

Citrus fruits are a rich source of high-value bioactive compounds and their consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. Red (blood) oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) are particularly rich in anthocyanins (95% of which are represented by cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-6″-malonyl-glucoside), flavanones (hesperidin, narirutin, and didymin), and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, coumaric acid, sinapic, and ferulic acid). Lemon fruit (Citrus limon) is also rich in flavanones (eriocitrin, hesperidin, and diosmin) and other polyphenols. All of these compounds are believed to play a very important role as dietary antioxidants due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. A standardized powder extract, red orange and lemon extract (RLE), was obtained by properly mixing anthocyanins and other polyphenols recovered from red orange processing waste with eriocitrin and other flavanones recovered from lemon peel by a patented extraction process. RLE was used for in vivo assays aimed at testing a potential beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. In vivo experiments performed on male CD1 mice fed with a high-fat diet showed that an 8-week treatment with RLE was able to induce a significant reduction in glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood, with positive effects on regulation of hyperglycemia and lipid metabolism, thus suggesting a potential use of this new phytoextract for nutraceutical purposes.

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