Role of food-derived antioxidants against cisplatin induced-nephrotoxicity.

Cancer is a relevant public health problem that represents the second leading cause of global death. In this regard, cisplatin is a highly effective antineoplastic drug used in treatment of several types of cancer, such as head and neck, testicular, ovarian, gastric, lung and breast cancer. Nevertheless, treatment with this compound leads to nephrotoxicity, which limits its use. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cisplatin-induced renal damage and several dietary antioxidants have been reported to ameliorate this secondary effect. Relevant findings on the protective effects of these antioxidant agents in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity are summarized in this paper. Further, limitations of animal models used in these studies are discussed. Additionally, clinical studies on the protective effect of these antioxidants, as well as future directions for these kind of trials are also considered.

Chemical and nutritional composition of tejate, a traditional maize and cacao beverage from the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Foam-topped cacao and maize beverages have a long history in Mesoamerica. Tejate is such a beverage found primarily in the Zapotec region of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico. Historically tejate has been ceremonially important but also as an essential staple, especially during periods of hard fieldwork. However, the nutritional contribution of traditional foods such as tejate has not been investigated. We analyzed tejate samples from three Central Valley communities, vendors in urban Oaxaca markets and one migrant vendor in California, USA for their proximate composition, amino acid content and scores, and mineral and methylxanthine content. Nutritional and chemical variation exists among tejate recipes, however, the beverage is a source of energy, fat, methylxanthines, K, Fe and other minerals although their availability due to presence of phytates remains to be determined. Tejate is a source of protein comparable to an equal serving size of tortillas, with protein quality similarly limited in both. Tejate provides the nutritional benefits of maize, and some additional ones, in a form appealing during hot periods of intense work, and year round because of its cultural significance. Its substitution by sodas and other high glycemic beverages may have negative nutritional, health and cultural consequences.

Role of oxate, phytate, tannins and cooking on iron bioavailability from foods commonly consumed in Mexico.

The objectives of this research were to assess the bioavailability of iron in foodstuffs found in the Mexican diet, to provide data on the content of iron absorption inhibitors present in plant origin products and to assess the inhibitory effect of these compounds and of cooking on iron bioavailability; therefore, total content and bioavailable iron, tannins, phytic and oxalic acid were determined in vegetables, cereals, legumes and animal products, before and after cooking. Vegetables, although rich in iron, have poor iron bioavailability and a high content of inhibitory factors; cooking reduced the content of iron and inhibitory factors, whereas in animal products the treatment of cooking did not significantly reduce it. Iron bioavailability, phytate content and the phytate to iron molar ratio predicted poor iron bioavailability and, therefore, a negative impact on the nutritional status of people who rely on them as staple foods could be expected.