In-Silico Screening Compounds of Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis as Potential Inhibitor of Neutral Amino Acid Transporter B0AT1 as an Alternative Phenylketonuria Treatment

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is known as a severe autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the expression enzyme, namely the PAH (Phenylalanine Hydroxylase) enzyme that causes the build-up of phenylalanine in the body. Untreated PKU affected brain damage and developmental problems. One of the strategies to reduce phenylalanine in the body is inhibiting B0AT1 activity using carotenoid and terpenoids compounds from Bok choy (Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis). In this study, we evaluated the nine carotenoid and terpenoid compounds from Bok choy as B0AT1 inhibitors. Nine Bok choy compounds, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, lutein, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, geranylgeranyl diphosphate, and zeaxanthin were downloaded from PubChem database, while the 3D structure of B0AT1 was retrieved from Protein Data Bank RCSB. The compounds and B0AT1 were prepared by PyRx 0.8 version and Discovery Studio ver 21.1.1, then docked with Hex 8.0.0 and analyzed using Discovery Studio ver 21.1.1. This screening implies that three terpenoid compounds dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, and geranylgeranyl diphosphate interacts in C domain of B0AT1 while six carotenoid compounds, alpha carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and zeaxanthin interacts in A domain and have possibility to inhibit B0AT1, because it interact with same A domain and have a stronger binding energy than phenylalanine. Alpha carotene has a same residue with phenylalanine, Phe144, making it potentially greater than other compound as inhibitors. Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis is indeed good for consumption by people with phenylketonuria, but it is also necessary to do a further compound screening in other low-phenylalanine diet foods to know which one is better as alternative phenylketonuria treatment.

​Effect of Beta-carotene Supplementation on Plasma Carotene Content and Fertility of Lactating Crossbred Sahiwal Cows

Background: Beta-carotene (BETA) is a precursor of retinol (Vitamin A) and positively influenced on reproductive efficiency in cows. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of orally supplementation of beta-carotene on plasma carotene content and fertility rate of lactating crossbred Sahiwal cows. Methods: Twenty-four disease-free lactating crossbred Sahiwal cows with a close date of calving were randomly divided into two homogeneous groups for Control group (CONT; n = 12) and Beta-carotene group: 500 mg/cow/d (BETA; n = 12) from 7 days post partum (dpp) until 105 dpp thereafter on concentrations of beta-carotene and selected protein and energy parameters in plasma were determined. In addition, effects on fertility rate were studied. Result: Beta-carotene concentrations increased in plasma of beta-carotene (BETA-group) supplemented cows compared to control (CONT-group) cows (p less than 0.001). In BETA-group cows, urea concentration in blood plasma decreased significantly compared to cows of CONT-group (p less than 0.001) but did not differ in total protein, albumin, glucose and total cholesterol content in cows of both groups. Occurrence of first post partum estrus decreased (p less than 0.001) in beta-carotene (BETA-group: 74 dpp) cows compared to control (CONT-group: 81 dpp) cows. In this study, it was observed that the overall conception rate was higher (p greater than 0.001) in BETA-group: 83.33% (cows pregnant: 10/12) and lesser in the CONT-group: 50.00% (cows pregnant: 6/12). The results of this study indicated that oral supplementation with beta-carotene increased the concentration of beta-carotene and decreased the concentration of urea in plasma and cows with higher blood plasma beta-carotene content improved fertility over cows with lower blood plasma beta-carotene content.

Identifying novel metabolite biomarkers of adherence to a cluster analysis-derived healthy dietary pattern

The MEDDINI intervention study investigated how advice improved the adoption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) in cardiovascular disease patients. Earlier research profiled the levels of blood metabolites in MEDDINI participants, in the process discovering a number dietary biomarkers indicative of a MD. However, a potential limitation of this approach is that MD scores are semi-quantitative, and don't reflect the absolute amounts of food consumed. Therefore, the present study identified distinct dietary patterns based on quantified food diary data from 58 MEDDINI participants by applying k-means clustering analysis. Previously measured blood metabolites (90) using targeted and untargeted methods were then assessed for their performance as dietary biomarkers. After careful standardisation (z-scores), optimisation and cross-validation dietary data were reduced to 6 specific food groups and this led to the formation of two clusters. Cluster 1 included participants who had the lowest intakes of fruit and vegetables, legumes, fish and whole grain cereals and the highest intake of meat and sweet foods (including carbonated drinks). Cluster 2 comprised the participants with highest intake of fruit and vegetables, legumes, fish and whole grain cereals and the lowest intake of meat and sweet foods (including carbonated drinks). Discriminatory metabolites (p derived from untargeted analysis included Citric acid, Tyrosine, Malonate, Pyroglutamic acid, Succinate, Betaine, L-asparagine and Fumaric acid which were significantly increased in cluster 2, and 2-Hydroxybutyric acid and Pyruvic acid which were significantly decreased in cluster 2. Targeted biomarker analysis showed 8 discriminatory metabolites which were significantly (p increased in cluster 2. These were Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-Carotene, beta-Carotene, beta-Cryptoxanthin, Vitamin C, Lutein, alpha-Linolenic acid and Lycopene. Conversely Osbond acid, Cholesterol and Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) were significantly lower in cluster 2. Metabolites significantly correlated with some of the 6 groups in the clusters. For example, Citric acid, Betaine and Vitamin C positively correlated with combined fruit, fruit juice and vegetable intake: (r = 0.20, p = 0.018; r = 0.20, p = 0.02 and r = 0.34, p = 5.7E-5 respectively). DHA, alpha-Carotenoid and beta-Carotenoid significantly correlated with fish intake (r = 0.58, p = 1.94E-13; r = 0.40, p = 2E-6 and r = 0.30, p = 3.5E-4 respectively). The present study demonstrates the utility of clustering analysis for effectively assessing adherence to healthy dietary patterns and the discovery of novel dietary biomarkers.

Clinical Evaluation of Three Carotenoid Containing Supplements Using Fingertip Reflection Spectroscopy Measurements (P02-009-19)

Objectives Recent technology improvements have allowed measurement of carotenoid pigments utilizing simple reflection spectroscopy fingertip measurements (Veggie Meter®) (1). We used this technique to measure the effect of ingestion of three different dietary supplements containing carotenoids of different types and potencies: Vision Health with Lutein, Multi Carotene (beta carotene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin), or Concentrated Fruits & Vegetables (lutein, lycopene) (2). Methods In an open label study, a total of 24 volunteers (8 for each of the study products) consumed the supplements daily according to label recommendations. Veggie Meter® measurements were taken on Day 0 and Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Supplements were consumed for the first 6 weeks and then were discontinued for the following 6 weeks. Questionnaires were used at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks to obtain a brief history of supplement usage and fruit/vegetable intake. Results In most subjects, the veggie meter measurement increased from baseline after 6 weeks of supplementation, which then returned towards the baseline in the six weeks after supplementation was stopped. Responses from the three supplements varied in magnitude based on dosage and carotenoid type. There was also noticeable variation in individual responses within each supplement group. Conclusions Reflection spectroscopy fingertip measurements provided data supporting the notion that carotenoids deposit in the skin in response to supplementation with carotenoid containing supplements. This may suggest this method is a useful to monitor carotenoid status and indicate when diet modifications would be beneficial to individuals. Funding Sources Funding for the study was provided by Access Business Group/Amway.

PERKEMBANGAN PERAKITAN VARIETAS DAN TEKNIK BUDI DAYA JAGUNG ANTIOKSIDAN SEBAGAI PANGAN FUNGSIONAL

<p align="center">ABSTRAK</p><p>Jagung antioksidan mengandung beta karoten pada endosperm yang bermanfaat untuk kesehatan, antara lain dapat mencegah buta dini (rabun/katarak), kerontokan rambut, memperkuat jaringan tubuh, dan mencegah gizi buruk pada anak balita. Kementerian Pertanian telah melepas tiga varietas jagung antioksidan kaya beta karoten, dua dari jenis bersari bebas (varietas Provit A1 dan Provit A2) dan satu dari jenis hibrida (varietas Bima Provit A1) masing-masing dengan kadar beta karoten 155,3-281,6% lebih tinggi dari jagung biasa. Potensi hasil jenis bersari bebas dapat mencapai 7,36 t/ha dan jenis hibrida 9,85 t/ha. Budi daya jagung antioksidan sama dengan jagung biasa. Aspek yang perlu mendapat perhatian adalah isolasi jarak tanaman, minimal 300 m, dan isolasi waktu tanam 3 minggu setelah tanam dengan tanaman jagung biasa. Hal ini diperlukan untuk menghindari xenia effect, yaitu pengaruh tepungsari jagung biasa yang menyerbuki jagung antioksidan sehingga kadar antioksidannya akan menurun dan statusnya kembali sama dengan jagung biasa. Hasil panen dapat dijadikan bahan baku industry berbagai makanan olahan bergizi tinggi. Pengembangan jagung antioksidan, terutama di Kawasan Timur Indonesia perlu peran pemerintah setempat dalam upaya mempercepat adopsi oleh petani.</p><p>Kata kunci: Jagung, antioksidan, beta karoten, pangan fungsional</p><br /><p align="center"><strong> </strong></p><p align="center">ABSTRACT</p><p>Antioxidant maize contains beta carotene in the endosperm that is beneficial for health, such as can prevent early blindness (blindness / cataract), hair loss, strengthen body tissues, and prevent malnutrition in children under five. The Ministry of Agriculture has released three varieties of beta-carotene-rich antioxidant maize, two of the free-range (Provit A1 and Provit A2) varieties and one of the hybrid varieties (Bima Provit A1) each with carotene beta levels of 155.3 to 236.6 % higher than ordinary corn. The potential of free pollen type yield can reach 7.36 t / ha and hybrid type 9.85 t / ha. The cultivation of antioxidant corn is the same as ordinary corn. Aspects that need attention are isolation of plant spacing, at least 300 m, and isolation of planting time 3 weeks after planting with ordinary corn crops. This is necessary to avoid the xenia effect, which is the effect of ordinary corn corn that pollinate antioxidant corn so that its antioxidant levels will decrease and its status is the same as ordinary corn. Yields can be used as industrial raw materials of various highly processed nutritious foods. Development of antioxidant maize, especially in Eastern Indonesia needs the role of local government in an effort to accelerate adoption by farmers.</p><p>Keywords: Maize, antioxidant, beta caroten, functional food.</p>

Racial differences in dietary antioxidant intake and cardiac event-free survival in patients with heart failure

Background: Heart failure is a chronic, burdensome condition with higher re-hospitalization rates in African Americans than Whites. Higher dietary antioxidant intake is associated with lower oxidative stress and improved endothelial function. Lower dietary antioxidant intake in African Americans may play a role in the re-hospitalization disparity between African American and White patients with heart failure. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the associations among race, dietary antioxidant intake, and cardiac event-free survival in patients with heart failure. Methods: In a secondary analysis of 247 patients with heart failure who completed a four-day food diary, intake of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium were assessed. Antioxidant deficiency was defined as intake below the estimated average requirement for antioxidants with an established estimated average requirement, or lower than the sample median for antioxidants without an established estimated average requirement. Patients were followed for a median of one year to determine time to first cardiac event (hospitalization or death). Survival analysis was used for data analysis. Results: African American patients had more dietary antioxidant deficiencies and a shorter cardiac event-free survival compared with Whites ( p = .007 and p = .028, respectively). In Cox regression, race and antioxidant deficiency were associated with cardiac event-free survival before and after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: African Americans with heart failure had more dietary antioxidant deficiencies and shorter cardiac event-free survival than Whites. This suggests that encouraging African American patients with heart failure to consume an antioxidant-rich diet may be beneficial in lengthening cardiac event-free survival.

AKTIVITAS HEPATOPROTEKTOR SARI BUAH LABU KUNING (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne.) PADA TIKUS (Rattus norvergicus) YANG DIINDUKSIKAN KARBON TETRAKLORIDA

One of the plants that are often used in traditional medicine is the fruit of pumpkin used to treat hepatitis manner pumpkin fruit cut into small pieces and then steamed, then eaten .Pumpkin fruits contain active compounds such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A is beneficial for the growth, maintenance of body tissues and to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. This study aims to determine pumpkin juice has a hepatoprotective activities on liver function by looking at parameters SGPT and SGOT in rats after induced CCl4. Type of experimental research using True Experimental research design design. Test animals were grouped into 5 groups, each group consisting of 3 rats. The first group of positive control (Methicol®), the second group negative control (CCl4), the third group of pumpkin juice 25%, the fourth group of pumpkin juice 50%, the fifth group of pumpkin juice 75%. From the results of this study concluded that the pumpkin juice 75% effective as a hepatoprotective by looking at parameters SGPT is 48 U/liter and SGOT is 66 U/liter in rats after induced carbon tetrachloride

Carotenoids from Malanga (Xanthosoma Sagittifolium) Leaves Protect Cells Against Oxidative Stress in Rats

The present study investigated the effect of malanga leaf powder and its carotenoids oil extract on oxidative damage in rat tissues. A group of rats received AIN-93G diet devoid of vitamin A (AD) and three other groups were treated with AD diet supplied with synthetic beta-carotene (beta-car) or malanga leaf powder (MP) or malanga carotenoids extract (CE). The diets’ carotenoids bioavailability was determined through carotenoids intake/liver retinol content. Lipid thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein (carbonyl) oxidation, and reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione concentrations were determined in liver, heart, and brain. Synthetic beta-carotene bioavailability was higher than that of pro-vitamin A carotenoids from MP and CE diets, and no difference was observed between the latter two groups. Liver and heart lipid peroxidation was lower in the beta-car and CE groups than the AD group, while no difference was observed for the MP group. The beta-car, MP, and CE groups showed lower liver protein oxidation than the AD group, and only the CE group had lower heart protein oxidation in relation to AD. The MP group had a lower liver GSSG concentration and higher GSH/GSSG ratio than the AD group, while no difference was observed for heart glutathione concentration among the groups. The results indicate that at physiological levels, beta-car, malanga carotenoids extract, and malanga leaf powder have antioxidant effects in rats.