Dietary ß-carotene and vitamin A and risk of Parkinson disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of dietary ß-carotene and vitamin A on Parkinson disease (PD) have been confirmed, but some studies have yielded questionable results. Therefore, this meta-analysis investigated the effect of dietary ß-carotene and vitamin A on the risk of PD. METHODS: The following databases were searched for relevant paper: PubMed, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Med online, and Weipu databases for the relevant paper from 1990 to March 28, 2022. The studies included were as follows: ß-carotene and vitamin A intake was measured using scientifically recognized approaches, such as food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); evaluation of odds ratios using OR, RR, or HR; ß-carotene and vitamin A intake for three or more quantitative categories; and PD diagnosed by a neurologist or hospital records. RESULTS: This study included 11 studies (four cohort studies, six case-control studies, and one cross-sectional study). The high ß-carotene intake was associated with a significantly lower chance of developing PD than low ß-carotene intake (pooled OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.74-0.94). Whereas the risk of advancement of PD was not significantly distinctive among the highest and lowest vitamin A intake (pooled OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 0.91-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary ß-carotene intake may have a protective effect against PD, whereas dietary vitamin A does not appear to have the same effect. More relevant studies are needed to include into meta-analysis in the further, as the recall bias and selection bias in retrospective and cross-sectional studies cause misclassifications in the assessment of nutrient intake.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Energy Balance in a NAFLD Cell Model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model. METHODS: Normal human hepatocyte LO2 cells were treated with 1 mmol/L free fatty acids (FFA) mixture for 24 h to induce NAFLD cell model. Cells were divided into 5 groups, including control, model, low-, medium- and high dose LBP (30,100 and 300 µg/mL) groups. The monosaccharide components of LBP were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography. Effects of LBP on cell viability and intracellular lipid accumulation were assessed by cell counting Kit-8 assay and oil red O staining, respectively. Triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated. Energy balance and mitochondrial biogenesis related mRNA and proteins were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Heteropolysaccharides with mannose and glucose are the main components of LBP. LBP treatment significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation as well as TG, ALT, AST and malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and ATP in NAFLD cell model (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of uncoupling protein 2 was down-regulated and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α/nuclear respiratory factor 1/mitochondrial transcription factor A pathway was up-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LBP promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and improves energy balance in NAFLD cell model.

Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, with a high incidence and no effective treatment. At present, the targeted therapy of intestinal microbes for NAFLD is highly valued. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), as the main active ingredient of Lycium barbarum, is considered to be a new type of prebiotic substance, which can improve NAFLD by regulating the gut microbiota. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LBP supplementation in modulating gut microbiota for NAFLD patients. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study will be conducted in the physical examination center of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital. A total of 50 patients with NAFLD confirmed by abdominal ultrasound, laboratory tests, and questionnaire surveys will be recruited and randomly assigned into the control group (maltodextrin placebo capsules) and the intervention group (LBP supplementation capsules) for 3 months. Neither patients, nor investigators, nor data collectors will know the contents in each capsule and the randomization list. The primary outcome measure is the level of ALT concentration relief after the intervention. Secondary outcomes include gut microbiota abundance and diversity, intestinal permeability, patient's characteristic demographic data and body composition, adverse effects, and compliance from patients. DISCUSSION: LBPs are potential prebiotics with the property of regulating host gut microbiota. Our previous studies have documented that LBP supplement can improve the liver damage and the gut microflora dysbiosis in NAFLD rats. This treatment would provide a more in-depth understanding of the effect of this LBP supplementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR2000034740 . Registered on 17 July 2020.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide combined with aerobic exercise ameliorated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through restoring gut microbiota, intestinal barrier and inhibiting hepatic inflammation.

Gut microbiota and intestinal permeability have been demonstrated to be the key players in the gut-liver cross talk in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), which seem to be a potential prebiotic, and aerobic exercise (AE) have shown protective effects on NAFLD. However, their combined effects on intestinal microecology remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of LBP, AE, and its combination (LBP + AE) on gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier, and hepatic inflammation in NAFLD. LBP + AE showed high abundance and diversity of gut microbiota, restored the gut microbiota composition, increased some Bacteroidetes, short chain fatty acids, but decreased Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Simultaneously, LBP, AE, and LBP + AE could restore the colonic and ileum tight junctions by increasing the expression of zonula occludens-1 and occludin. They also downregulated gut-derived lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), hepatic LPS-binding proteins, inflammatory factors, and related indicators of the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway for the liver. Our results implied that LBP could be considered a prebiotic agent, and LBP + AE might be a promising treatment for NAFLD because it could maintain gut microbiota balance, thereby restoring intestinal barrier and exerting hepatic benefits.

Neuroprotective effects of plant polysaccharides: A review of the mechanisms.

Polysaccharides are an important class of phytochemicals, and many studies have demonstrated their beneficial effects in the context of a number of pathologies including neurological disorders. Numerous studies have indicated that polysaccharides exhibit neuroprotection through a variety of mechanisms. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to consolidate studies for the period 2010-2016, and assessed the protection mechanisms on brain function of polysaccharide-rich extracts from natural sources. Studies were identified by conducting electronic searches on PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Reference lists of articles were also reviewed for additional relevant studies. Only articles published in English were included in this review. In total, 21 types of polysaccharides from 16 kinds of plants sources have shown neuroprotective properties. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated the ability of polysaccharide-rich extracts to provide neuroprotective effects through promotion of neurite outgrowth, and NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. This review will give a better understanding of the neurotrophic effects of polysaccharides and the concomitant modulations of signaling pathways. It is useful for designing more effective agents for management of neurological diseases.

Comparison of drip, pipe and surge spring root irrigation for Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit quality in the Loess plateau of China.

Loess Plateau is a typical rain-fed farming region, facing the threat of drought. Irrigation method is among the most important factors affecting jujube quality. This study investigated the response of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lizao quality to three different irrigation methods (drip-, pipe- and surge spring root irrigation) combining two water levels (20 m(3)/hm(2) and 120 m(3)/hm(2)). The effects of the trials were evaluated by taking into account the physical-chemical characteristics of jujubes and the antioxidant activity. Concomitant to this, the concentration of some taste-related (viz. glucose, fructose, TSS and malic acid) and health-related compounds/parameters (viz. catechin and epicatechin) were generally much greater in jujube fruit treated with drip irrigation (120 m(3)/hm(2)). Different irrigation treatments had no significant effects on antioxidant capacity, total phenolics and proanthocyanidins (except for pipe irrigation 20 m(3)/hm(2)). The best compromise between quality and irrigation of jujube fruit was achieved with drip irrigation (120 m(3)/hm(2)).

Yields, phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of Ziziphus jujube Mill. in response to different fertilization treatments.

Increasing demand for more jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) production requires understanding the specific fertilization needs of jujube trees. This study was conducted to compare fruit yields, phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of jujube in response to different fertilizers. Application of organic fertilizer appeared to enhance the phenolics and antioxidant activity accumulation of jujubes, compared to conventional fertilized jujubes. Amongst inorganic fertilizers, supplemental potassium as an individual nutrient improved the accumulation of phenolics in jujubes. Our results demonstrate that phenolics levels and antioxidant activity of jujube can be manipulated through fertilizer management and tracked by following proanthocyanidin concentrations. In a practical production context, the combination of organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers such as more supplemental individual potassium, and less supplemental individual nitrogen and phosphorus, might be the best management combination for achieving higher phenolic concentration, stronger antioxidant activity and a good harvest.

Comparison of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity of explosion-puffed and sun-dried jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.).

The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of explosion puffing and sun-drying on individual phenolic acids in four forms (free, esters, glycosides, and insoluble-bound), flavonoids, total phenolic content (TPC), and their antioxidant activity on jujube samples. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant capacity of jujube samples was evaluated by 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity and total reducing power. The results showed that all samples significantly differed in their phenolic contents, phenolic acid and flavonoid composition, and antioxidant activities. The explosion-puffed jujubes had the highest total gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic acids, and rutin contents. Also, explosion-puffed jujubes contained a higher level of total phenolics and antioxidant activity than their counterparts. Among phenolic acid fractions in four forms, each form of phenolic acids in explosion-puffed jujubes had the most abundant content, followed by fresh and sun-dried jujubes. The glycosided and insoluble-bound phenolic acid fractions for each sample represented the highest TPC and the strongest antioxidant activity. The results indicated explosion puffing was a good choice for jujube processing.

The jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit: a review of current knowledge of fruit composition and health benefits.

The nutritional jujube ( Ziziphus jujube Mill.) fruit belonging to the Rhamnaceous family grows mostly in Europe, southern and eastern Asia, and Australia, especially the inland region of northern China. Jujube has a long history of usage as a fruit and remedy. The main biologically active components are vitamin C, phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenic acids, and polysaccharides. Recent phytochemical studies of jujube fruits have shed some light on their biological effects, such as the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective activities and inhibition of foam cell formation in macrophages. A stronger focus on clinical studies and phytochemical definition of jujube fruits will be essential for future research efforts. This review may be useful for predicting other medicinal uses and potential drug or food interactions and may be beneficial for people living where the jujube fruits are prevalent and health care resources are scarce.

Textural characteristic, antioxidant activity, sugar, organic acid, and phenolic profiles of 10 promising jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) selections.

UNLABELLED: Ten promising jujubes were analyzed for textural characteristic (hardness), antioxidant activity, sugar, organic acid, and phenolic profiles. Total phenolic content (TP) measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method ranged from 275.6 to 541.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g fresh weight (mg GAE/100 g FW). Four sugars (rhamnose, fructose, sucrose, and glucose), 3 organic acids (malic, citric, and succinic acids), and 11 phenolic compounds (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and quercetin) were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography in jujube fruits. The results showed that ascorbic acid and proanthocyanidins contents were positively correlated with hardness, and antioxidant activity was well correlated with TP content. Among 10 jujube cultivars, Zizyphus jujuba cv. Qingjianmuzao is good for direct consumption containing high levels of total soluble solids, total sugars, fructose, and glucose, while Zizyphus jujuba cv. Jiaxianmuzao could be an important dietary source of natural antioxidants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Genotype is the main factor influencing the composition of bioactive compounds in jujubes. Zizyphus jujuba cv. Qingjianmuzao is good for direct consumption, while Zizyphus jujuba cv. Jiaxianmuzao could be an important dietary source of natural antioxidants for prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Effect of drying of jujubes ( Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) on the contents of sugars, organic acids, α-tocopherol, ß-carotene, and phenolic compounds.

This study investigated the changes in sugars, organic acids, α-tocopherol, ß-carotene, phenolic profiles, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity of jujube fruits after four drying treatments (sun-, oven-, microwave- and freeze-drying). Sugar, organic acid, phenolic compounds, α-tocopherol, and ß-carotene were qualitatived and quantitatived by high-performance liquid chromatography. The TPC and antioxidant activity of jujube samples were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteau method and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity, respectively. Freeze-drying resulted in jujubes with higher antioxidant activity and was also a good choice for the preparation of ß-carotene from jujubes for the food industry. Microwave-dried jujubes had a higher content of protocatechuic acid, catechin, and epicatechin and maintained the same antioxidant capacity with the freeze-dried jujubes. The combination of microwave- and freeze-drying may be an efficient alternative with shorter processing time and, consequently, less impact on the nutritional value of the jujube.