The effect of bioactive complex of quercetin, selenium, catechins and curcumin on cardiovascular risk markers in healthy population after a two month consumption.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is an important factor in prevention of degenerative age-related diseases. Health benefits of the functional food - cereal selenized onion biscuits with bioactive complex such as selenium in organic form, quercetin (onion), curcumin (curcuma) and catechins (green tea) were evaluated. METHODS: In a group of randomly selected 50 apparently healthy men, aged 30-50 years, the levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine (HCy) and its nutritional determinants (methionine, vitamin B12, folic acid, cysteine, vitamin B6) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were measured and the LDL cholesterol and atherogenic index was calculated before and after a 2-month consumption period and after a 2-month wash-out period. RESULTS: The significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, HCy and ADMA was found after onion biscuit consumption. Alternative pathway for HCy degradation using betaine as methyl donor is probably a sole argument for reduced HCy value at the significantly reduced concentrations of the methionine, folic acid, cysteine and vitamin B6. Value of hs-CRP was non-significantly reduced after biscuit consumption. CONCLUSION: The results of improved lipid profile, significantly reduced values of HCy and ADMA document a beneficial effect of cereal biscuit with selenized onion, curcuma and green tea in prevention of cardiovascular disease (Tab. 2, Ref. 19).

Effects of dietary extra virgin olive oil on serum lipid resistance to oxidation and fatty acid composition in elderly lipidemic patients.

An inverse relation between high consumption of olive oil and low incidence of coronary heart disease among the people living in Mediterranean countries has been proposed. It has been shown, that an oleic acid-rich diet could increase the resistance of human LDL to in vitro oxidation which is postulated to play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of extra virgin olive oil consumptiom on the resistance of serum lipids to in vitro oxidation and on fatty acid composition in the serum of elderly lipidemic patients. A total of 26 patients (mean age 69 years) with combined hyperlipidemia consumed daily 2 table spoons (approx. 20 g) of extra virgin olive oil for 6 weeks. Plasma lipids, total antioxidant capacity, indices of serum lipid oxidizability (lag time and maximal rate of oxidation) and the content of fatty acids in serum phospholipids were determined before and after dietary supplementation with olive oil. Plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly after 6 weeks of dietary intervention. A significant increase in the lag time of conjugated diene formation (p = 0.026) and the decrease in the rate of lipid oxidation (p = 0.030) were observed after olive oil consumption. The changes in the fatty acid profile were characterized by an increase in oleic acid content (p = 0.005) as well as by a decline in the content of linoleic acid (p = 0.020) and arachidonic acid (p = 0.022). Linear regression analysis revealed some interesting and significant correlations between indices of serum lipid resistance to oxidation and individual fatty acids, suggesting a protective effects of olive oil in lipoprotein oxidation. In conclusion, the daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil in elderly lipidemic patients favourably affected serum lipoprotein spectrum and fatty acid composition that probably contributed to the increased resistance of serum lipids to oxidation. (Tab. 2, Ref. 18).

Decreased consumption of corticosteroids after selenium supplementation in corticoid-dependent asthmatics.

Selenium represents a trace element comprised in enzyme glutathion-peroxidase. It is anti-inflammatory activity is based on the elimination of hydroperoxides produced in the site of inflammation (scavenger of free oxygen radicals). The authors report the results of a pilot study with 17 corticodependent asthmatics (7 females, 10 males) aged 30-74 years, supplemented with the preparation of selenium (Se), in a daily dose of 200 micrograms during the follow-up lasting 96 weeks. We demonstrate the reduced consumption of both inhaled corticosteroids, manifested after 24 to 96 weeks of Se supplementation (SeS) (21.74 mg vs 15.81 mg, p < 0.009, 21.74 mg vs 15.32 mg, p < 0.007, respectively) and systemic corticosteroids after 48 weeks (294 mg vs 78 mg, p < 0.04) and 96 weeks of SeS (294 mg vs 104 mg, p < 0.04). These results correlated with the elevation of Se levels both in plasma and erythrocytes (p < 0.0003, p < 0.0003, respectively). No adverse effects were seen during the study and the tolerance of preparation was good. (Tab. 3, Ref. 17.)

Antioxidant status in vegetarians and nonvegetarians in Bratislava region (Slovakia).

The level of antioxidant vitamins (C, A, E) and the activity of a selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase as indicators of antioxidant status and lipid peroxides as markers of oxidative damage were investigated in blood of 196 healthy middle-aged inhabitants of Bratislava region. The group consisted of 78 vegearians (32 men and 46 women) and 118 nonvegetarians (61 men and 57 women). The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the diet on the antioxidant status in vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The most important differences were found in the level of ascorbic acid and in the activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase; the ascorbic acid in serum was significantly higher, while the selenium and the activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase was lower both in plasma and erythrocytes of vegetarians.

Determination of the daily selenium intake in Slovakia.

Three models were used to determine the daily dietary Selenium intake in Slovakia. The Selenium content of food produced and consumed in the Slovak Republic was used to estimate and calculate the daily Selenium intake based on food consumption data per capita and seven days, (24 h) eating protocol models. In a duplicate portion model, Selenium was analyzed in a whole day hospital diet during an eight-day period. According to these models the daily dietary Selenium intake was 38.2 microg; 43.3 +/- 6.5 microg for men and 32.6 /- 6.6 microg for women; 27.1 +/- 7.8 microg for normal and 32.3 +/- 4.8 microg for nourishing hospital diets. The main contributors of Selenium to daily intake were the following: eggs, pork, and poultry. The obtained results indicate that the daily dietary intake of Selenium of the Slovak people is below the recommended values.

Changed serum trace element profile in Down's syndrome.

Being cofactors of important antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which are significantly modified in Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), serum levels of microtrace elements zinc, copper, and selenium and of macroelement magnesium are reported in 16 subjects with Down's syndrome (DS) and their respective well age- and sex-matched controls. Serum zinc and selenium levels were significantly lowered in DS subjects, whereas copper levels were elevated. Consequently, a marked increase (40%) of the copper/zinc ratio in DS persons was observed. There were no differences in serum levels of magnesium between DS and control subjects.

Selenium status is decreased in patients with intrinsic asthma.

Lowered selenium (Se) status has been observed in asthma patients. An increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) owing to inflammatory condition has also been found in these patients and thus antioxidant properties of Se via glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity are of great importance. Concentrations of Se in plasma and erythrocytes as well as erythrocyte GPx activity in 22 intrinsic asthma patients (five patients; all women were aspirin-sensitive) were compared with those of 33 control subjects. Se concentrations in both plasma and erythrocytes and GPx activity were decreased in intrinsic asthma patients. There were no significant differences in investigated parameters of Se status between aspirin-tolerant and aspirin-intolerant patients within intrinsic asthma group. Significantly high positive correlation between plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations was found when regarding all subjects as a whole. Se supplementation might be beneficial to patients with intrinsic asthma, which may be at risk of Se deficiency.

Plasma zinc, copper and copper/zinc ratio in intrinsic asthma.

Plasma zinc and copper levels and copper/zinc ratio of 22 intrinsic asthma patients were compared to that of 33 healthy control subjects. Five of the intrinsic asthma patients were aspirin (ASA) intolerant. The zinc content of plasma was found to be significantly lower in patients than in control individuals with the values being 0.80 +/- 0.01 mg/L versus 0.89 +/- 0.02 mg/L, while the plasma copper level and copper/zinc ratio were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control group, with the values being 1.28 +/- 0.03 mg/L and 1.61 +/- 0.04 versus 1.06 +/- 0.02 mg/L and 1.21 +/- 0.02, respectively (mean +/- SE). The role of the essential trace elements zinc and copper and cytokines in the pathogenesis of asthma is discussed.

Selenium status, plasma zinc, copper, and magnesium in vegetarians.

Plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, copper/zinc ratio, and selenium (Se) status were studied in 44 vegetarians (22 males and 22 females) and their age- and sex-matched nonvegetarians in the Bratislava region (Slovakia). Vegetarians had statistically significant lower levels of plasma Zn and Cu than nonvegetarians, which may be the result of lower bioavailability of Zn and Cu from this type of diet. No differences in plasma Mg levels were found between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Se status, as expressed by plasma and erythrocyte concentrations and plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx), was significantly lower in vegetarians when compared to nonvegetarians. In the series as a whole, there were significantly higher correlations between plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations and between plasma and erythrocyte GPx activities. Significant positive correlations were also found between plasma Se concentrations and erythrocyte GPx activities, and between erythrocyte Se concentrations and erythrocyte GPx activities. A vegetarian diet does not provide a sufficient supply of essential antioxidant trace elements, like Zn, Cu, and especially Se. Se supplementation should be recommended to this risk group of the population.

Selenium concentration in plasma and erythrocytes in a healthy Slovak population.

To obtain reference values for plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations blood specimens were collected from healthy adults from the Bratislava region. In 174 people, 20 to 60 years old, a plasma Se concentration of 56.2 +/- 8.5 micrograms/L and in 133 persons an erythrocyte Se level of 95.3 +/- 16.3 micrograms/kg were found (mean +/- SD). Selenium levels showed a normal distribution in plasma and erythrocytes. No differences were found according to sex or age. These results indicate that the Slovak population has a low Se status, with values for plasma Se being among the lowest in Europe.

Serum copper, zinc and copper/zinc ratio in males: influence of aging.

Apparently healthy free-living (non-hospitalized) men aged 8-89 years (n = 408) were studied to determine the effect of age on serum copper and zinc concentrations and the copper/zinc ratio. Mean values +/- S.D. for age, serum copper and zinc levels and the copper/zinc ratio were as follow: 41.9 +/- 22.9 years, 1.15 +/- 0.17 micrograms/ml, 0.93 +/- 0.14 micrograms/ml and 1.25 +/- 0.19, respectively. In the elderly subjects above 75 years, a marked increase in serum copper concentrations and the copper/zinc ratio as well as a decrease in serum zinc concentrations were observed. Serum copper concentrations and the copper/zinc ratio correlated positively with age (p < 0.0001).

Zinc and copper in the tissues and serum of cadmium intoxicated guinea-pigs: influence of vitamin C.

Cadmium in the dose of 1 mg/animal/day was administered to guinea-pigs in the form of CdCl2 dissolved in drinking water during short-term (5 weeks) and subchronic (12 weeks) experiments. Both the control and cadmium-treated groups were divided into two subgroups, according to low (2 mg/animal/day) and high (100 mg/animal/day) vitamin C intake. Subchronic cadmium treatment caused copper deficiency indicated by a dramatic decrease of copper concentration in the liver and serum and by its moderate decrease in the testes and brain. Cadmium significantly increased zinc concentrations in the kidneys during the whole experiment and decreased the level of zinc in the serum after subchronic cadmium treatment. In the control groups, the levels of zinc and copper in the serum were lowered after 5 weeks of high vitamin C doses. High doses of vitamin C in cadmium-treated guinea-pigs decreased the levels of copper in the testes, brain and serum. These observations suggest that cadmium intake in relatively high doses might potentiate the development of copper deficiency, and high doses of vitamin C aggravate, to a certain extent, copper depletion in some important organs and serum of guinea-pigs.

The effect of ascorbic acid on cadmium accumulation in guinea pig tissues.

Accumulation of cadmium in organs of guinea pigs after subchronic oral cadmium treatment (1 mg Cd/animal/24 h) was in the following order: kidneys > liver > heart > testes > brain. The preventive effects of high doses of ascorbic acid (AA) against cadmium deposition were more pronounced in the testes, heart and brain, and in the kidney only after short-term cadmium treatment. Ascorbic acid had no protective effect on cadmium accumulation in the liver.