Topical Formulations Based on Ursolic Acid-Loaded Nanoemulgel with Potential Application in Psoriasis Treatment.

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches. It affects nearly 2-5% of the worldwide population and has a negative effect on patient quality of life. A variety of therapeutic approaches, e.g., glucocorticoid topical therapy, have shown limited efficacy with systemic adverse reactions. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents and physicochemical formulations are in constant need and should be obtained and tested in terms of effectiveness and minimization of side effects. For that reason, the aim of our study was to design and obtain various hybrid systems, nanoemulgel-macroemulsion and nanoemulgel-oleogel (bigel), as vehicles for ursolic acid (UA) and to verify their potential as topical formulations used in psoriasis treatment. Obtained topical formulations were characterized by conducting morphological, rheological, texture, and stability analysis. To determine the safety and effectiveness of the prepared ursolic acid carriers, in vitro studies on human keratinocyte cell-like HaCaT cells were performed with cytotoxicity analysis for individual components and each formulation. Moreover, a kinetic study of ursolic acid release from the obtained systems was conducted. All of the studied UA-loaded systems were well tolerated by keratinocyte cells and had suitable pH values and stability over time. The obtained formulations exhibit an apparent viscosity, ensuring the appropriate time of contact with the skin, ease of spreading, soft consistency, and adherence to the skin, which was confirmed by texture tests. The release of ursolic acid from each of the formulations is followed by a slow, controlled release according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models. The elaborated systems could be considered suitable vehicles to deliver triterpene to psoriatic skin.

Immune capture and protein profiling of small extracellular vesicles from human plasma.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), the key players in inter-cellular communication, are produced by all cell types and are present in all body fluids. Analysis of the proteome content is an important approach in structural and functional studies of these vesicles. EVs circulating in human plasma are heterogeneous in size, cellular origin, and functions. This heterogeneity and the potential presence of contamination with plasma components such as lipoprotein particles and soluble plasma proteins represent a challenge in profiling the proteome of EV subsets by mass spectrometry. An immunocapture strategy prior to mass spectrometry may be used to isolate a homogeneous subpopulation of small EVs (sEV) with a specific endocytic origin from plasma or other biofluids. Immunocapture selectively separates EV subpopulations in biofluids based on the presence of a unique protein carried on the vesicle surface. The advantages and disadvantages of EV immune capture as a preparative step for mass spectrometry are discussed.

Transcriptomic and metabolic studies on the role of inorganic and organic iodine compounds in lettuce plants.

Iodine (I) is considered a beneficial element or even micronutrient for plants. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular and physiological processes of uptake, transport, and metabolism of I applied to lettuce plants. KIO3, KIO3 + salicylic acid, 5-iodosalicylic acid and 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid were applied. RNA-sequencing was executed using 18 cDNA libraries constructed separately for leaves and roots from KIO3, SA and control plants. De novo transcriptome assembly generated 1937.76 million sequence reads resulting in 27,163 transcripts with N50 of 1638 bp. 329 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots were detected after application of KIO3, out of which 252 genes were up-regulated, and 77 were down-regulated. In leaves, 9 genes revealed differential expression pattern. DEGs analysis indicated its involvement in such metabolic pathways and processes as: chloride transmembrane transport, phenylpropanoid metabolism, positive regulation of defense response and leaf abscission, and also ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, circadian rhythm including flowering induction as well as a putative PDTHA (i.e. Plant Derived Thyroid Hormone Analogs) metabolic pathway. qRT-PCR of selected genes suggested their participation in the transport and metabolism of iodine compounds, biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, PDTHA pathway and flowering induction.

Transcriptome Dynamics Underlying Planticine®-Induced Defense Responses of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Biotic Stresses.

The induction of natural defense mechanisms in plants is considered to be one of the most important strategies used in integrated pest management (IPM). Plant immune inducers could reduce the use of chemicals for plant protection and their harmful impacts on the environment. Planticine® is a natural plant defense biostimulant based on oligomers of α(1→4)-linked D-galacturonic acids, which are biodegradable and nontoxic. The aim of this study was to define the molecular basis of Planticine's biological activity and the efficacy of its use as a natural plant resistance inducer in greenhouse conditions. Three independent experiments with foliar application of Planticine® were carried out. The first experiment in a climatic chamber (control environment, no pest pressure) subjected the leaves to RNA-seq analysis, and the second and third experiments in greenhouse conditions focused on efficacy after a pest infestation. The result was the RNA sequencing of six transcriptome libraries of tomatoes treated with Planticine® and untreated plants; a total of 3089 genes were found to be differentially expressed genes (DEGs); among them, 1760 and 1329 were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. DEG analysis indicated its involvement in such metabolic pathways and processes as plant-pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, photosynthesis, and regulation of transcription. We detected up-regulated gene-encoded elicitor and effector recognition receptors (ELRR and ERR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) genes, and transcription factors (TFs), i.e., WRKY, ERF, MYB, NAC, bZIP, pathogenesis-related proteins (PRPs), and resistance-related metabolite (RRMs) genes. In the greenhouse trials, foliar application of Planticine® proved to be effective in reducing the infestation of tomato leaves by the biotrophic pathogen powdery mildew and in reducing feeding by thrips, which are insect herbivores. Prophylactic and intervention use of Planticine® at low infestation levels allows the activation of plant defense mechanisms.

Radiation-Induced Bystander Effect Mediated by Exosomes Involves the Replication Stress in Recipient Cells.

Exosomes released by irradiated cells mediate the radiation-induced bystander effect, which is manifested by DNA breaks detected in recipient cells; yet, the specific mechanism responsible for the generation of chromosome lesions remains unclear. In this study, naive FaDu head and neck cancer cells were stimulated with exosomes released by irradiated (a single 2 Gy dose) or mock-irradiated cells. Maximum accumulation of gamma H2A.X foci, a marker of DNA breaks, was detected after one hour of stimulation with exosomes from irradiated donors, the level of which was comparable to the one observed in directly irradiated cells (a weaker wave of the gamma H2A.X foci accumulation was also noted after 23 h of stimulation). Exosomes from irradiated cells, but not from control ones, activated two stress-induced protein kinases: ATM and ATR. Noteworthy is that while direct irradiation activated only ATM, both ATM and ATR were activated by two factors known to induce the replication stress: hydroxyurea and camptothecin (with subsequent phosphorylation of gamma H2A.X). One hour of stimulation with exosomes from irradiated cells suppressed DNA synthesis in recipient cells and resulted in the subsequent nuclear accumulation of RNA:DNA hybrids, which is an indicator of impaired replication. Interestingly, the abovementioned effects were observed before a substantial internalization of exosomes, which may suggest a receptor-mediated mechanism. It was observed that after one hour of stimulation with exosomes from irradiated donors, phosphorylation of several nuclear proteins, including replication factors and regulators of heterochromatin remodeling as well as components of multiple intracellular signaling pathways increased. Hence, we concluded that the bystander effect mediated by exosomes released from irradiated cells involves the replication stress in recipient cells.

Synthesis of Organic Iodine Compounds in Sweetcorn under the Influence of Exogenous Foliar Application of Iodine and Vanadium.

A human's diet should be diverse and rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Globally, a high percentage of the human population suffers from malnutrition, deficiencies of nutrients and vitamins also known as the problem of hidden hunger. This problem it is not only common in poor countries, but also occurs in developed countries. Iodine is a nutrient crucial for the proper functioning of the human and animal body. For plants, it is referred to as a beneficial element or even a microelement. The design of the biofortification experiment was determined on the basis of the interaction of iodine and vanadium (synergistic interaction in marine algae), where vanadium-dependent iodoperoxidase catalyzes apoplastic oxidation of iodine, resulting in high efficiency of iodine uptake and accumulation in brown algae (Laminaria digitate). Three independent experiments (Exp.) were carried out with the foliar application of vanadium (V) and iodine (I) compounds. The main differences between the experiments with the adapted proper corn biofortification method were the different application stage between the individual experiments, the application intervals and the dose of the iodine-vanadium compound. In each experiment, the accumulation of iodine and vanadium in the grain was several times lower than in the leaves. The combination iodine and vanadium significantly increased the accumulation of iodine in the grain in the case of applying V with inorganic iodine compounds, and a decrease in the accumulation of I after applying V with organic iodine compound -especially in Exp. No. 3. In grain, the highest content of I-, IO3- was in combination with the application of 2-iodobenzoic acid (products of its metabolism). In most of the tested combinations, vanadium stimulated the accumulation/synthesis of exogenous/endogenous 5-iodosalicylic acid (5ISA) and 2-iodobenzoic acid (2IBeA), respectively, and decreased the content of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (2,3,5-triIBeA) in leaves and grains. The tested compounds I and V and the combinations of their application had a diversified effect on the vitamin C content in the grains. Vanadium in the lower dose of 0.1 µM significantly increased the sugar content in the grain.

Effectiveness of enriching lettuce with iodine using 5-iodosalicylic and 3,5-diiodosalicylic acids and the chemical composition of plants depending on the type of soil in a pot experiment.

Iodine is a beneficial element for humans, animals and plants. This study was a comparison of the effectiveness of iodosalicylate uptake by lettuce. The experiment included two sub-blocks: organic soil and mineral soil with the addition of the same fertigation of plants (8 times every 7 days) with 10 µM solutions (100 mL/per one plant/one application) of potassium iodate (KIO3), salicylic acid (SA) alone or together with KIO3, 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA) or 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid (3,5-diISA). None of the tested iodine compounds negatively affected the yield of lettuce. When growing plants on mineral soil, plants accumulated more iodine in the leaves than plants grown on peat substrate. The use of 5-ISA allowed for achieving better efficiency of plant biofortification in iodine than the application of KIO3 and 3,5-diISA. The type of soil significantly modified the chemical composition of lettuce.

The Influence of Hydroponic Potato Plant Cultivation on Selected Properties of Starch Isolated from Its Tubers.

Starch is a natural polysaccharide for which the technological quality depends on the genetic basis of the plant and the environmental conditions of the cultivation. Growing plants under cover without soil has many advantages for controlling the above-mentioned conditions. The present research focuses on determining the effect of under cover hydroponic potato cultivation on the physicochemical properties of accumulated potato starch (PS). The plants were grown in the hydroponic system, with (greenhouse, GH) and without recirculation nutrient solution (foil tunnel, FT). The reference sample was PS isolated from plants grown in a tunnel in containers filled with mineral soil (SO). The influence of the cultivation method on the elemental composition of the starch molecules was noted. The cultivation method also influenced the protein and amylose content of the PS. Considering the chromatic parameters, PS-GH and PS-FT were brighter and whiter, with a tinge of blue, than PS-SO. PS-SO was also characterized by the largest average diameters of granules, while PS-GH had the lowest crystallinity. PS-SO showed a better resistance to the combined action of elevated temperature and shear force. There was a slight variation in the gelatinization temperature values. Additionally, significant differences for enthalpy and the retrogradation ratio were observed. The cultivation method did not influence the glass transition and melting.

Bioactive Components, Volatile Profile and In Vitro Antioxidative Properties of Taxus baccata L. Red Arils.

This study aimed at assessing the composition of bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, carotenoids and polyphenols, the volatile compound profile and the antioxidant activity of red arils (RAs) of Taxus baccata L. grown in diverse locations in Poland. Among the carotenoids assayed in high quantities (3.3-5.42 µg/g), the lycopene content (2.55-4.1 µg/g) was remarkably higher than that in many cultivated fruits. Samples collected from three sites were distinguished by higher amounts of ascorbic acid (125 mg/100 g, on average) than those found in many cultivated berries. Phenylpropanoids quantitatively dominated among the four groups of phenolic compounds. Chromatographic separation enabled the detection of two phenylpropanoid acids: ferulic and p-coumaric. Irrespectively of the growth site, RAs contained substantial amounts of (-)-epicatechin (1080 µg/100 g, on average). A higher ability to scavenge DPPH● and ABTS●+ radicals was found in the hydrophilic fraction of RAs from two sites (Warsaw and Koszalin) compared with the other two sites. The volatile compound profile of RAs was dominated by alcohols, followed by ketones, esters and aldehydes. The presence of some volatiles was exclusively related to the specific growth site, which may be regarded as a valuable indicator. The combination of bioactive and volatile compounds and the fairly good antioxidant potential of RAs render them an attractive source for preparing functional foods.

Effectiveness of Foliar Biofortification of Carrot With Iodine and Selenium in a Field Condition.

Iodine (I) and selenium (Se) are essential to human and animal development. There is a worldwide deficit of I and Se in the diet of humans, as well as in animals. It is advisable to enrich plants with these elements to ensure adequate uptake in animals and humans. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the application of I and Se in the cultivation of carrot crops, to better understand the metabolic pathways and processes of I applied through foliar spray. Carrots were fertilized with 4-fold foliar applications of I and Se, which were applied as the liquid fertilizers "I + Se", "Solo iodine" and "Solo selenium", all containing an organic stabilizer, in two field trials. Foliar nutrient applications of I and Se were translocated by the plant for storage in the roots. The level of enriched I and Se in the roots was considered safe for the consumer. The Recommended Daily Allowance values for I and Se in the roots of 100 g of fresh carrots are 4.16% and 4.37%, respectively. Furthermore, I and Se accumulated in the roots to a level that was physiologically tolerated by carrot. Biofortification through foliar feeding did not impact negatively on the yield or quality of the carrot crop. Iodides applied via foliar application were the dominant form of I in the plant tissues and were included in the metabolic process of the synthesis of iodosalicylates, iodobenzoates, iodotyrosine (I-Tyr), and plant-derived thyroid hormone analogs. No synergistic or antagonistic interaction between I and Se, with respect to the effectiveness of biofortification in roots, was observed in any treatments. The molar ratio of I:Se in the roots after foliar application of both elements was approximately 1.6:1 and was similar to the control (1.35:1).

New Aspects of Uptake and Metabolism of Non-organic and Organic Iodine Compounds-The Role of Vanadium and Plant-Derived Thyroid Hormone Analogs in Lettuce.

The process of uptake and translocation of non-organic iodine (I) ions, I- and IO3 -, has been relatively well-described in literature. The situation is different for low-molecular-weight organic aromatic I compounds, as data on their uptake or metabolic pathway is only fragmentary. The aim of this study was to determine the process of uptake, transport, and metabolism of I applied to lettuce plants by fertigation as KIO3, KIO3 + salicylic acid (KIO3+SA), and iodosalicylates, 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA) and 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid (3,5-diISA), depending on whether additional fertilization with vanadium (V) was used. Each I compound was applied at a dose of 10 µM, SA at a dose of 10 µM, and V at a dose of 0.1 µM. Three independent 2-year-long experiments were carried out with lettuce; two with pot systems using a peat substrate and mineral soil and one with hydroponic lettuce. The effectiveness of I uptake and translocation from the roots to leaves was as follows: 5-ISA > 3,5-diISA > KIO3. Iodosalicylates, 5-ISA and 3,5-diISA, were naturally synthesized in plants, similarly to other organic iodine metabolites, i.e., iodotyrosine, as well as plant-derived thyroid hormone analogs (PDTHA), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 were synthesized in roots with the participation of endogenous and exogenous 5-ISA and 3,5-diISA and then transported to leaves. The level of plant enrichment in I was safe for consumers. Several genes were shown to perform physiological functions, i.e., per64-like, samdmt, msams5, and cipk6.

Red Arils of Taxus baccata L.-A New Source of Valuable Fatty Acids and Nutrients.

The aim of this study, focused on the nutritional value of wild berries, was to determine the contents of macronutrients, profiles of fatty (FAs) and amino acids (AAs), and the contents of selected elements in red arils (RA) of Taxus baccata L., grown in diverse locations in Poland. Protein (1.79-3.80 g/100 g) and carbohydrate (18.43-19.30 g/100 g) contents of RAs were higher than in many cultivated berries. RAs proved to be a source of lipids (1.39-3.55 g/100 g). Ten out of 18 AAs detected in RAs, mostly branched-chain AAs, were essential AAs (EAAs). The EAAs/total AAs ratio approximating were found in animal foods. Lipids of RA contained seven PUFAs, including those from n-3 family (19.20-28.20 g/100 g FA). Polymethylene-interrupted FAs (PMI-FAs), pinolenic 18:3Δ5,9,12; sciadonic 20:3Δ5,11,14, and juniperonic 20:4Δ5,11,14,17, known as unique for seeds of gymnosperms, were found in RAs. RAs may represent a novel dietary source of valuable n-3 PUFAs and the unique PMI-FAs. The established composition of RAs suggests it to become a new source of functional foods, dietary supplements, and valuable ingredients. Because of the tendency to accumulate toxic metals, RAs may be regarded as a valuable indicator of environmental contamination. Thus, the levels of toxic trace elements (Al, Ni, Cd) have to be determined before collecting fruits from natural habitats.

Anti- and pro-oxidant potential of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) biofortified with iodine by KIO3, 5-iodo- and 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid in human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines.

Vegetables are particularly rich sources of micronutrients and phytochemicals such as polyphenols and vitamins. These plant-derived bioactive compounds provide antitumor and antioxidant properties due to their capacity to interact with reactive oxygen species (ROS). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of iodine biofortification (potassium iodate/KIO3/, 5-iodosalicylic acid/5-ISA/, and 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid/3,5-diISA/) on the antioxidant activity of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. capitata) cv. 'Melodion'. In this work, HPLC analysis was used to identify polyphenolic compounds while the antioxidant activity of iodine-enriched vegetables was determined by using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. The content of the water-soluble vitamins was analyzed by using the LC-MS/MS technique. The impact of extracts from iodine-biofortified lettuce on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in gastrointestinal cancer cells was also evaluated. The results from this research indicate that application of iodine compounds improves the antioxidant potential of lettuce by increasing the concentration of some vitamins, antioxidant enzymes and polyphenolic compounds in the enriched plants. Moreover, the study has shown that iodine-biofortified lettuce induces production of ROS in cancer cells, resulting in an anticancer effect by the induction of programmed cancer cell death.

Potential Use of Hyssopus officinalis and Borago officinalis as Curing Ingredients in Pork Meat Formulations.

The replacement of nitrites in pork meat products has been a studied issue for many years. Due to potential health threats associated with these additives, consumers tend to search for alternative meat curing methods. In this study, Hyssopus officinalis and Borago officinalis were tested for their potential to be used as colour-forming and antioxidant agents. Dry plant samples from various sources were tested for fat, protein, ash, polyphenol and nitrate content. There were significant differences between the herbs depending on source. Two control samples (containing curing salt and sodium chloride with nitrate reducing bacteria) and samples with herbs (hyssop, hyssop with nitrate reducing bacteria, borage, borage with nitrate reducing bacteria)-0.5% of the meat mass-were prepared and stored for 15 days. In the samples with herbs and bacterial cultures, a red colour was developed, the TBARS values were low and DPPH activity was strong. All the samples with herbs had lower residual nitrite levels compared to the samples with curing salt. Borage had a stronger influence on colour and antioxidant stability of the meat samples compared to hyssop. However, both herbs can be used as colour-forming and antioxidant agents along with nitrate-reducing bacteria.

Combined biofortification of carrot with iodine and selenium.

The aim of a three-year study was to assess the effect of combined biofortification with I and Se in carrot. Four cultivars ('Askona' F1, 'Samba' F1, 'Kazan' F1 and 'White Satin') were grown in soil fertilized with KI (4 kg I ha-1) and Na2SeO4 (0.25 kg Se ha-1). The I + Se fertilization did not affect yield but the plants of all cultivars accumulated both elements in leaves and roots. On average, the I and Se contents in roots increased 7.7-times for I and 4.9-times for Se as well as the average I:Se molar ratio was 0.28:1. The contents of both elements in roots remained well below the hazard threshold thus the intake of 100 g of biofortified carrot would substantially cover the RDA for I and Se. The changes in chemical composition of roots (nitrates, phenolic compounds, sugars, carotenoids, macro-, microelements and cadmium) were rather year-dependent than affected by the applied I + Se fertilization.

The effects of peeling and cooking on the mineral content and antioxidant properties in carrots enriched with potassium iodate and/or selenite (Se(IV)) and selenite (Se(VI)).

Research covered six variants: control, unfertilized carrots and carrots fertilized with: KIO3, Na2SeO4, Na2SeO3, KIO3 and simultaneously with Na2SeO4, and fertilized with KIO3 and simultaneously Na2SeO3. Carrots enriched with iodate or selenite, or both iodate and selenite, were characterized by higher amount of these minerals. Changes to the content of micro- and macroelements, during the cooking time of the carrots, both in peeled and unpeeled carrots, did not head in the same direction (increase, decrease and no change). However, cooking an unpeeled carrot generally resulted in the increased content of polyphenol and carotenoids. On the other hand, cooking peeled carrots led to a decrease in the content of polyphenol and a general lack of change in carotenoid content in relation to the unpeeled cooked carrot. During cooking, the antioxidant activity of the carrot being assessed changed together with the direction of changes in polyphenol content but not in line with the direction of changes in carotenoids.

Biofortification of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) with Iodine and Selenium in a Field Experiment.

The low content of iodine (I) and selenium (Se) forms available to plants in soil is one of the main causes of their insufficient transfer in the soil-plant-consumer system. Their deficiency occurs in food in the majority of human and farm animal populations around the world. Both elements are classified as beneficial elements. However, plant response to simultaneous fertilization with I and Se has not been investigated in depth. The study (conducted in 2012-2014) included soil fertilization of carrot cv. "Kazan F1" in the following combinations: (1) Control; (2) KI; (3) KIO3; (4) Na2SeO4; (5) Na2SeO3; (6) KI+Na2SeO4; (7) KIO3+Na2SeO4; (8) KI+Na2SeO3; (9) KIO3+Na2SeO3. I and Se were applied twice: before sowing and as top-dressing in a total dose of 5 kg I⋅ha(-1) and 1 kg Se⋅ha(-1). No negative effects of I and Se fertilization were noted with respect to carrot yield. Higher accumulation and the uptake by leaves and storage roots of I and Se were obtained after the application of KI than KIO3, as well as of Na2SeO4 than Na2SeO3, respectively. Transfer factor values for leaves and roots were about a dozen times higher for Se than for I. Selenomethionine content in carrot was higher after fertilization with Na2SeO4 than with Na2SeO3. However, it was the application of Na2SeO3, KI+Na2SeO3 and KIO3+Na2SeO3 that resulted in greater evenness within the years and a higher share of Se from selenomethionine in total Se in carrot plants. Consumption of 100 g f.w. of carrots fertilized with KI+Na2SeO3 and KIO3+Na2SeO3 can supply approximately or slightly exceed 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance for I and Se. Moreover, the molar ratio of I and Se content in carrot fertilized with KI+Na2SeO3 and KIO3+Na2SeO3 was the best among the research plots.

The Iodine Content in Urine, Faeces and Selected Organs of Rats Fed Lettuce Biofortified with Iodine Through Foliar Application.

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans. Foliar application of micronutrients is successfully used in order to increase the concentration of essential elements in vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iodine absorption in the rat organism fed foliar biofortified lettuce. The presented study was consisted of the vegetative and animal experiment. In the vegetative experiment with lettuce, two combinations of foliar application were used: (1) control-without iodine application and (2) iodine application in the potassium iodide (KI) form. In the animal experiment, Wistar rats were divided to four groups, which received one of four diets: (1) C-control diet containing iodine in the KI form, (2) D-diet deficient in iodine, (3) D + BL-diet containing biofortified lettuce, and (4) D + CL-diet containing control lettuce (as the only source of iodine in diet, respectively). The diets contained 0.260, 0.060, 0.254 and 0.075 mg I/kg, respectively. In order to determine the iodine absorption in the rat organisms, the content of this trace element was measured in urine, faeces and in selected organs with the use of the ICP-OES technique. Foliar application of the KI increased the content of iodine in lettuce. The rats from the D + BL group excreted significantly less iodine in their urine and faeces and also accumulated more iodine in the organs than the rats from the C group. Iodine with biofortified lettuce was much bioavailable for rodents than iodine from control diet. Biofortified lettuce can be a source of iodine in a diet of human and can improve iodine nutrition.

The Impact of Carrot Enriched in Iodine through Soil Fertilization on Iodine Concentration and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Rats.

Iodine is one of the trace elements which are essential for mammalian life. The major objective of iodine biofortification of plants is to obtain food rich in this trace element, which may increase its consumption by various populations. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of iodine deficiency diseases. In this research for the first time we have assessed the bioavailability of iodine from raw or cooked carrot biofortified with this trace element on iodine concentration in selected tissues and various biochemical parameters as well as mRNA expression of some genes involved in iodine metabolism in Wistar rats. Statistically, a significantly higher iodine level was determined in urine, faeces and selected tissues of rats fed a diet containing biofortified raw carrot as compared to a diet without iodine and a diet containing control cooked carrot. Biofortified raw carrot significantly increased triiodothyronine concentration as compared to animals from other experimental groups. The highest thyroid stimulating hormone level was determined in rats fed control cooked carrots. mRNA expression of selected genes was affected by different dietary treatment in rats' hearts. Biofortified raw and cooked carrot could be taken into account as a potential source of iodine in daily diets to prevent iodine deficiency in various populations.

Transcriptome Profiling of Caco-2 Cancer Cell Line following Treatment with Extracts from Iodine-Biofortified Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

Although iodization of salt is the most common method used to obtain iodine-enriched food, iodine deficiency disorders are still a global health problem and profoundly affect the quality of human life. Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are crucial regulators of human metabolism, cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis and have been reported to be involved in carcinogenesis. In this study, for the first time, we evaluated the effect of iodine-biofortified lettuce on transcriptomic profile of Caco-2 cancer cell line by applying the Whole Human Genome Microarray assay. We showed 1326 differentially expressed Caco-2 transcripts after treatment with iodine-biofortified (BFL) and non-fortified (NFL) lettuce extracts. We analysed pathways, molecular functions, biological processes and protein classes based on comparison between BFL and NFL specific genes. Iodine, which was expected to act as a free ion (KI-NFL) or at least in part to be incorporated into lettuce macromolecules (BFL), differently regulated pathways of numerous transcription factors leading to different cellular effects. In this study we showed the inhibition of Caco-2 cells proliferation after treatment with BFL, but not potassium iodide (KI), and BFL-mediated induction of mitochondrial apoptosis and/or cell differentiation. Our results showed that iodine-biofortified plants can be effectively used by cells as an alternative source of this trace element. Moreover, the observed differences in action of both iodine sources may suggest a potential of BFL in cancer treatment.