The prevalence and mortality due to multifactorial polygenic diseases; hypertension, coronary art... more The prevalence and mortality due to multifactorial polygenic diseases; hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes and cancer vary depending upon genetic susceptibility and environmental precursors because they have identifiable mendelian subsets. Rapid changes in diet and lifestyle, may influence heritability of the variant phenotypes that are dependent on the nutraceutical or functional food supplementation for their expression. It is possible to recognize the interaction of specific nutraceuticals, with the genetic code possessed by all nucleated cells. There is evidence that South Asians have an increased susceptibility to CAD, diabetes mellitus, central obesity and insulin resistance at younger age, which may be due to interaction of gene and nutraceutical environment. These populations appear to have enherited predisposition and may have interaction of internal nutritional status and environmental factors. Higher intake of refined starches and sugar increases generation of super oxide anion in the leucocytes and mononuclear cells, and free fatty acids (FFA), as well as higher amount and activity of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), a transcriptional factor regulating the activity of at least 125 genes, most of which are pro-inflammatory. Glucose intake also causes an increase in two other proinflammatory transcription factors; activating protein-1 (AP-1) and early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), the first regulating the transcription of matrix metallo-proteinases and the second modulating the transcription of tissue factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Refined food, mixed meal induces activation of NF-kB associated with free radicals generation by mononuclear cells. The super oxide anion is an activator of at least two major pro-inflammatory transcription factors, NF-kB and AP-1. Increased intake of linoleic acid, saturated fat, trans fat and refined starches and sugars can increase the generation of free radicals and activate the NF-kB, leading to rapid expression of proinflammatory genes. It is possible that nutraceuticals; antioxidants, micronutrients, minerals, vitamins, coenzyme Q10 and w-3 fatty acids may inhibit the generation of super oxide and suppress NF-kB as well as AP-1, and Egr-1 leading to suppression of phenotypic expressions. It is known that genes are important in determining enzymes, receptors, cofactors, structural components involved in regulation of blood pressure, the metabolism of lipids, lipoproteins and inflammatory and coagulation factors that are involved in determining individual risk for vascular diseases and diabetes. It seems that these phenotypic expressions may be silenced by targeting simple sequence differences known as single nucleotide polymorphisms by nutraceuticals and slowly absorbed wild foods rich in micronutrients and antioxidants.
The objective of the study was to compare the antioxidant activity of two distinct hydrolysates a... more The objective of the study was to compare the antioxidant activity of two distinct hydrolysates and their peptide fractions prepared by ultrafiltration (UF) using membranes with molecular weight cut-off of 5 and 1 kDa. The hydrolysates were a delipidated egg yolk protein concentrate (EYP) intensively hydrolyzed with a combination of two bacterial proteases, and a phosphoproteins (PPP) extract partially hydrolyzed with trypsin. Antioxidant activity, as determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, was low for EYP and PPP hydrolysates with values of 613.1 and 489.2 µM TE×g-1 protein, respectively. UF-fractionation of EYP hydrolysate increased slightly the antioxidant activity in permeate fractions (720.5-867.8 µM TE×g-1 protein). However, ORAC values were increased by more than 3-fold in UF-fractions prepared from PPP hydrolysate, which were enriched in peptides with molecular weight lower than 5 kDa. These UF-fractions were characterized by their lower N/P atomic...
Vascular disease poses a major public health problem worldwide. Trigonelline isolated from Raphan... more Vascular disease poses a major public health problem worldwide. Trigonelline isolated from Raphanus sativus cv. Sakurajima Daikon (Sakurajima radish) induces nitric oxide production from vascular endothelial cells and enhances vascular function. Here, we investigated the characteristics of trigonelline and its effects on endothelial function after consumption of Sakurajima radish by humans. Our results show that Sakurajima radish contains approximately 60 times more trigonelline than other radishes and squashes. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between varieties of Sakurajima radish, suggesting that any type of Sakurajima radish can be ingested for trigonelline supplementation. The effects of cooking and processing Sakurajima radish were also evaluated, as were the effects of freezing, and changes in osmotic pressure and pH. A first-in-human trial using Sakurajima radish showed that ingestion of 170 g/day of Sakurajima radish for ten days increased blood trigon...
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1089 Jmf 2005 8 362, Feb 1, 2005
The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptoz... more The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes were examined in rats. Amla in the form of either the commercial enzymatic extract SunAmla (Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) (20 or 40 mg/kg of body weight/day) or a polyphenol-rich fraction of ethyl acetate extract (10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight/day) was given orally for 20 days to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Amla extracts showed strong free radical scavenging activity. Amla also showed strong inhibition of the production of advanced glycosylated end products. The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of the diabetic rats. The elevated serum levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which is a glycosylated protein that is an indicator of oxidative stress, were significantly reduced dose-dependently in the diabetic rats fed amla. Similarly, the serum level of creatinine, yet another oxidative stress parameter, was also reduced. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were significantly reduced with amla, indicating a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In addition, the decreased albumin levels in the diabetic rats were significantly improved with amla. Amla also significantly improved the serum adiponectin levels. These results form the scientific basis supporting the efficacy of amla for relieving the oxidative stress and improving glucose metabolism in diabetes.
The adsorption of linear tetrapyrroles and porphyrins to mesoporous silicas with pore diameters o... more The adsorption of linear tetrapyrroles and porphyrins to mesoporous silicas with pore diameters of 2.3, 2.7, 4.0, and 7.0 nm from a benzene solution was investigated. As linear tetrapyrroles, 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-benzoyl-5,10,15-triphenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (biladien-ab-one, 1a), its zinc complexes (2 and 3), 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-(4-hexyloxybenzoyl)-5,10,15-tri(4-hexyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (C6-biladienone, 1b), 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-(4-nonyloxybenzoyl)-5,10,15-tri(4-nonyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (C9-biladienone, 1c), 1,15, 21,22-tetrahydro-19-(4-dodecyloxybenzoyl)-5,10, 15-tri(4-dodecyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (C12-biladienone, 1d), and 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-(3,5-didodecyloxybenzoyl)-5,10,15-tri(3, 5-di-dodecyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (1e) were employed. As porphyrins, 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (4a) and 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin (4b) were used. The isothermal adsorption curves were determined, showing that the amount of adsorption decreases in the order, 1a > 1b > 1c > 1d > 2, while neither 1e, 4a, nor 4b were adsorbed to mesoporous silicas. Mesoporous silica with the diameter of 4.0 nm adsorbed the largest amounts of biladienones. The adsorption was not observed in THF, acetone or ethanol. Neither 1c nor 1d was adsorbed to mesoporous silica with the pore diameter of 2.3 nm. These results indicate that the absorption is driven by polar interactions such as hydrogen bonding, and size exclusion effects are observed even for a molecule with flexible alkyl chains. The amount of adsorbed biladienone increased as the temperature was raised from 25 to 35°C. The adsorption of biladien-ab-ones at 80°C caused dehydration of biladien-abone to bilatrien-abc-one due to the acidity of the mesoporous silica.
BACKGROUND: Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortific... more BACKGROUND: Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortification to combat the high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia. A previous study among schoolchildren supplemented with iron-fortified rice showed a significant reduction in the rate of iron-deficiency anemia from 100% to 33%.OBJECTIVE: To document the processes involved in commercializing iron-fortified rice and to determine its effects on anemia prevalence.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 766 mothers and their children aged 6 to 9 years in Orion, Bataan. Soliciting political support, networking with local organizations, market surveys, and social marketing activities were conducted. The iron content of iron-fortified rice was tested for each production run. Hemoglobin measurements were performed on the mothers and children at baseline and endline.RESULTS: A municipal ordinance to sell iron-fortified rice was issued, while the local federation provided funds to kick off the sale of iron-fortified rice. Sales of iron-fortified rice were highest when the rice was sold at Php 27 (Php 1 = US$0.025) per kilogram and lowest when the price was Php 37 per kilogram or greater. The municipal ordinance was not strictly enforced because of the global rice crisis. Social marketing activities encouraged families to buy iron-fortified rice. The iron content of the iron-rice premix was within the set specification limits of 600 to 760 mg of iron per 100 g of premix, while the iron-fortified rice was within 3 to 3.8 mg of iron and 1 to 2 mg (BC No. 2009-010) per 100 g of raw and cooked fortified rice, respectively. The decrease in the rate of anemia was significant among children (from 17.5% to 12.8%) but not among mothers (from 13.0% to 12.5%) after 9 months of study implementation.CONCLUSIONS: Strong political support and intensive social marketing activities are crucial inputs in commercializing iron-fortified rice. Keeping the cost affordable and maintaining the commitment of identified partners were the key factors for providing a continuous supply of iron-fortified rice. Commercializing iron-fortified rice can be considered as one of the strategies for decreasing anemia prevalence.
International Journal For Vitamin and Nutrition Research Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin Und Ernahrungsforschung Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition, 2004
Unlike commercial ferric pyrophosphate, micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate (MDFP: Sun-Ac... more Unlike commercial ferric pyrophosphate, micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate (MDFP: Sun-Active Fe) does not precipitate and is completely dispersible in liquid form. MDFP shows a sharp particle size distribution at a nanometer level, which is several times smaller than that of commercial ferric pyrophosphate. The bioavailability of MDFP was compared to ferric pyrophosphate, sodium ferrous citrate, and ferrous sulfate by three bioavailability tests in rats; namely the serum iron concentration curve, the hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, and Association of Official Analytical Chemists' hemoglobin repletion test. The high area under curve value, a lag in peak time, and continued high serum iron concentration by MDFP over the other iron compounds indicates a sustained release of iron in the serum iron concentration curve method. MDFP showed the highest hemoglobin regeneration efficiency among all the iron compounds tested. The relative biological value of MDFP per unit of ferrous sulfate in each bioavailability test showed a high value as compared to other iron compounds. The above results suggest that MDFP is an ideal compound with high bioavailability for iron fortification in various liquid applications.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Apr 10, 2002
Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pa... more Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pathological development of many age-related disease processes. This study investigated the effects of green tea extract, and a green tea tannin mixture and its components, on protein damage induced by 2,2′azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (a free radical generator) and glucose in in vitro assay systems. We found that green tea extract can effectively protect against protein damage, and showed that its action is mainly due to tannin. In addition, it was shown that the chemical structures of tannin components are also involved in this activity, suggesting that the presence of the gallate group at the 3 position plays the most important role in the protective activity against protein oxidation and glycation, and that there is also a contribution by the hydroxyl group at the 5′ position in the B ring and the sterical structure. These findings demonstrate the mechanisms of the usefulness of green tea in protein oxidation-and glycation-associated diseases.
To elucidate the anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine... more To elucidate the anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine and theanine, female ICR mice were fed on diets containing 2% green tea powder and diets containing 0.3% catechins, 0.05% caffeine and 0.03% theanine, which correspond, respectively, to their concentrations in a 2% green tea powder diet, singly and in combination for 16 weeks. Body weight
The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, su... more The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, such as rotavirus-associated diarrhoea, is well-established. Oral immunoglobulin therapy with egg yolk-derived anti-rotavirus immunoglobulins has previously been shown to achieve moderate therapeutic effect in diarrhoea due to rotavirus in a clinical trial. Here, data on the therapeutic potential of the same immunoglobulin preparation in an infant mouse model of rotavirus-induced diarrhoea is presented. The use of an animal model has allowed therapy to be evaluated with higher doses of immunoglobulins and has suggested that an improved therapeutic effect can be achieved by increasing the dose in the clinical setting.
Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 2012
Biomedical evidence in the last 20 years has shown that the consumption of partially hydrolyzed g... more Biomedical evidence in the last 20 years has shown that the consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum may influence lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolism at many levels. Since intestine represents the first interface to interact with dietary partially hydrolyzed guar gum in vivo, we evaluated gene expression profiles in small intestinal mucosa of db/db mice fed with partially hydrolyzed guar gum in an effort to delineate its effect on the small intestine. DNA microarray and real-time PCR analyses were performed to evaluate the gene expression profiles in mice small intestinal mucosa. Among the 28,853 transcripts represented on the GeneChip® microarray, no more than 20 genes exhibited up- or down-regulation by 1.5-fold or more after four weeks following partially hydrolyzed guar gum consumption. No adverse effects were apparent. We detected up- or down-regulation of some genes known to be involved in host defense functions and cholesterol absorption.
Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortification to com... more Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortification to combat the high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia. A previous study among schoolchildren supplemented with iron-fortified rice showed a significant reduction in the rate of iron-deficiency anemia from 100% to 33%. To document the processes involved in commercializing iron-fortified rice and to determine its effects on anemia prevalence. This study was conducted on 766 mothers and their children aged 6 to 9 years in Orion, Bataan. Soliciting political support, networking with local organizations, market surveys, and social marketing activities were conducted. The iron content of iron-fortified rice was tested for each production run. Hemoglobin measurements were performed on the mothers and children at baseline and endline. A municipal ordinance to sell iron-fortified rice was issued, while the local federation provided funds to kick off the sale of iron-fortified rice. Sales of iron-fort...
Journal of health, population, and nutrition, 2007
The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, su... more The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, such as rotavirus-associated diarrhoea, is well-established. Oral immunoglobulin therapy with egg yolk-derived anti-rotavirus immunoglobulins has previously been shown to achieve moderate therapeutic effect in diarrhoea due to rotavirus in a clinical trial. Here, data on the therapeutic potential of the same immunoglobulin preparation in an infant mouse model of rotavirus-induced diarrhoea is presented. The use of an animal model has allowed therapy to be evaluated with higher doses of immunoglobulins and has suggested that an improved therapeutic effect can be achieved by increasing the dose in the clinical setting.
Model studies have shown that peptides derived from the N -terminal region of bovine lactoferrin ... more Model studies have shown that peptides derived from the N -terminal region of bovine lactoferrin (Lf-B) exhibit antitumor activity against certain cell lines. This activity is due primarily to the peptides' apoptogenic effect. Several reports indicate that cationic residues clustered in two regions of the peptide sequence can be shuffled into one region and thereby increase cytotoxic activity, although the mechanism of this enhanced cytotoxic effect has not been clarified. In this paper, we considered several parameters that determine the mode of cell death after exposure to a native Lf-B derived peptide (Pep1, residues 17-34), and a modified peptide (mPep1) wherein the cationic residues of Pep1 are clustered in a single region of its helical structure. We found that the cytotoxic activity of mPep1 was about 9.6 fold-higher than that of Pep1 against HL-60 cells, as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethonyphenol)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. In investigating the expression of phosphatidylserine, we observed that the native peptide (Pep1) caused both apoptotic cell death and necrotic cell death, depending on the concentration of the peptide. In contrast, the action of mPep1 was exclusively characteristic of necrotic cell death. This observation was further confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis, in which clear ladder-like DNA bands were observed from cells exposed to Pep1, whereas DNA from cells treated with mPep1 produced a smeared pattern. We extended the study by investigating the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol, and the activation of caspase-3; both peptides caused the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, and the activation of caspase-3.
Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pa... more Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pathological development of many age-related disease processes. This study investigated the effects of green tea extract, and a green tea tannin mixture and its components, on protein damage induced by 2,2′azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (a free radical generator) and glucose in in vitro assay systems. We found that green tea extract can effectively protect against protein damage, and showed that its action is mainly due to tannin. In addition, it was shown that the chemical structures of tannin components are also involved in this activity, suggesting that the presence of the gallate group at the 3 position plays the most important role in the protective activity against protein oxidation and glycation, and that there is also a contribution by the hydroxyl group at the 5′ position in the B ring and the sterical structure. These findings demonstrate the mechanisms of the usefulness of green tea in protein oxidation-and glycation-associated diseases.
The prevalence and mortality due to multifactorial polygenic diseases; hypertension, coronary art... more The prevalence and mortality due to multifactorial polygenic diseases; hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes and cancer vary depending upon genetic susceptibility and environmental precursors because they have identifiable mendelian subsets. Rapid changes in diet and lifestyle, may influence heritability of the variant phenotypes that are dependent on the nutraceutical or functional food supplementation for their expression. It is possible to recognize the interaction of specific nutraceuticals, with the genetic code possessed by all nucleated cells. There is evidence that South Asians have an increased susceptibility to CAD, diabetes mellitus, central obesity and insulin resistance at younger age, which may be due to interaction of gene and nutraceutical environment. These populations appear to have enherited predisposition and may have interaction of internal nutritional status and environmental factors. Higher intake of refined starches and sugar increases generation of super oxide anion in the leucocytes and mononuclear cells, and free fatty acids (FFA), as well as higher amount and activity of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), a transcriptional factor regulating the activity of at least 125 genes, most of which are pro-inflammatory. Glucose intake also causes an increase in two other proinflammatory transcription factors; activating protein-1 (AP-1) and early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), the first regulating the transcription of matrix metallo-proteinases and the second modulating the transcription of tissue factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Refined food, mixed meal induces activation of NF-kB associated with free radicals generation by mononuclear cells. The super oxide anion is an activator of at least two major pro-inflammatory transcription factors, NF-kB and AP-1. Increased intake of linoleic acid, saturated fat, trans fat and refined starches and sugars can increase the generation of free radicals and activate the NF-kB, leading to rapid expression of proinflammatory genes. It is possible that nutraceuticals; antioxidants, micronutrients, minerals, vitamins, coenzyme Q10 and w-3 fatty acids may inhibit the generation of super oxide and suppress NF-kB as well as AP-1, and Egr-1 leading to suppression of phenotypic expressions. It is known that genes are important in determining enzymes, receptors, cofactors, structural components involved in regulation of blood pressure, the metabolism of lipids, lipoproteins and inflammatory and coagulation factors that are involved in determining individual risk for vascular diseases and diabetes. It seems that these phenotypic expressions may be silenced by targeting simple sequence differences known as single nucleotide polymorphisms by nutraceuticals and slowly absorbed wild foods rich in micronutrients and antioxidants.
The objective of the study was to compare the antioxidant activity of two distinct hydrolysates a... more The objective of the study was to compare the antioxidant activity of two distinct hydrolysates and their peptide fractions prepared by ultrafiltration (UF) using membranes with molecular weight cut-off of 5 and 1 kDa. The hydrolysates were a delipidated egg yolk protein concentrate (EYP) intensively hydrolyzed with a combination of two bacterial proteases, and a phosphoproteins (PPP) extract partially hydrolyzed with trypsin. Antioxidant activity, as determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, was low for EYP and PPP hydrolysates with values of 613.1 and 489.2 µM TE×g-1 protein, respectively. UF-fractionation of EYP hydrolysate increased slightly the antioxidant activity in permeate fractions (720.5-867.8 µM TE×g-1 protein). However, ORAC values were increased by more than 3-fold in UF-fractions prepared from PPP hydrolysate, which were enriched in peptides with molecular weight lower than 5 kDa. These UF-fractions were characterized by their lower N/P atomic...
Vascular disease poses a major public health problem worldwide. Trigonelline isolated from Raphan... more Vascular disease poses a major public health problem worldwide. Trigonelline isolated from Raphanus sativus cv. Sakurajima Daikon (Sakurajima radish) induces nitric oxide production from vascular endothelial cells and enhances vascular function. Here, we investigated the characteristics of trigonelline and its effects on endothelial function after consumption of Sakurajima radish by humans. Our results show that Sakurajima radish contains approximately 60 times more trigonelline than other radishes and squashes. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between varieties of Sakurajima radish, suggesting that any type of Sakurajima radish can be ingested for trigonelline supplementation. The effects of cooking and processing Sakurajima radish were also evaluated, as were the effects of freezing, and changes in osmotic pressure and pH. A first-in-human trial using Sakurajima radish showed that ingestion of 170 g/day of Sakurajima radish for ten days increased blood trigon...
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1089 Jmf 2005 8 362, Feb 1, 2005
The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptoz... more The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes were examined in rats. Amla in the form of either the commercial enzymatic extract SunAmla (Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) (20 or 40 mg/kg of body weight/day) or a polyphenol-rich fraction of ethyl acetate extract (10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight/day) was given orally for 20 days to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Amla extracts showed strong free radical scavenging activity. Amla also showed strong inhibition of the production of advanced glycosylated end products. The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of the diabetic rats. The elevated serum levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which is a glycosylated protein that is an indicator of oxidative stress, were significantly reduced dose-dependently in the diabetic rats fed amla. Similarly, the serum level of creatinine, yet another oxidative stress parameter, was also reduced. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were significantly reduced with amla, indicating a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In addition, the decreased albumin levels in the diabetic rats were significantly improved with amla. Amla also significantly improved the serum adiponectin levels. These results form the scientific basis supporting the efficacy of amla for relieving the oxidative stress and improving glucose metabolism in diabetes.
The adsorption of linear tetrapyrroles and porphyrins to mesoporous silicas with pore diameters o... more The adsorption of linear tetrapyrroles and porphyrins to mesoporous silicas with pore diameters of 2.3, 2.7, 4.0, and 7.0 nm from a benzene solution was investigated. As linear tetrapyrroles, 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-benzoyl-5,10,15-triphenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (biladien-ab-one, 1a), its zinc complexes (2 and 3), 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-(4-hexyloxybenzoyl)-5,10,15-tri(4-hexyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (C6-biladienone, 1b), 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-(4-nonyloxybenzoyl)-5,10,15-tri(4-nonyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (C9-biladienone, 1c), 1,15, 21,22-tetrahydro-19-(4-dodecyloxybenzoyl)-5,10, 15-tri(4-dodecyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (C12-biladienone, 1d), and 1,15,21,22-tetrahydro-19-(3,5-didodecyloxybenzoyl)-5,10,15-tri(3, 5-di-dodecyloxy)phenyl-15-hydroxybilin-1-one (1e) were employed. As porphyrins, 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (4a) and 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin (4b) were used. The isothermal adsorption curves were determined, showing that the amount of adsorption decreases in the order, 1a > 1b > 1c > 1d > 2, while neither 1e, 4a, nor 4b were adsorbed to mesoporous silicas. Mesoporous silica with the diameter of 4.0 nm adsorbed the largest amounts of biladienones. The adsorption was not observed in THF, acetone or ethanol. Neither 1c nor 1d was adsorbed to mesoporous silica with the pore diameter of 2.3 nm. These results indicate that the absorption is driven by polar interactions such as hydrogen bonding, and size exclusion effects are observed even for a molecule with flexible alkyl chains. The amount of adsorbed biladienone increased as the temperature was raised from 25 to 35°C. The adsorption of biladien-ab-ones at 80°C caused dehydration of biladien-abone to bilatrien-abc-one due to the acidity of the mesoporous silica.
BACKGROUND: Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortific... more BACKGROUND: Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortification to combat the high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia. A previous study among schoolchildren supplemented with iron-fortified rice showed a significant reduction in the rate of iron-deficiency anemia from 100% to 33%.OBJECTIVE: To document the processes involved in commercializing iron-fortified rice and to determine its effects on anemia prevalence.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 766 mothers and their children aged 6 to 9 years in Orion, Bataan. Soliciting political support, networking with local organizations, market surveys, and social marketing activities were conducted. The iron content of iron-fortified rice was tested for each production run. Hemoglobin measurements were performed on the mothers and children at baseline and endline.RESULTS: A municipal ordinance to sell iron-fortified rice was issued, while the local federation provided funds to kick off the sale of iron-fortified rice. Sales of iron-fortified rice were highest when the rice was sold at Php 27 (Php 1 = US$0.025) per kilogram and lowest when the price was Php 37 per kilogram or greater. The municipal ordinance was not strictly enforced because of the global rice crisis. Social marketing activities encouraged families to buy iron-fortified rice. The iron content of the iron-rice premix was within the set specification limits of 600 to 760 mg of iron per 100 g of premix, while the iron-fortified rice was within 3 to 3.8 mg of iron and 1 to 2 mg (BC No. 2009-010) per 100 g of raw and cooked fortified rice, respectively. The decrease in the rate of anemia was significant among children (from 17.5% to 12.8%) but not among mothers (from 13.0% to 12.5%) after 9 months of study implementation.CONCLUSIONS: Strong political support and intensive social marketing activities are crucial inputs in commercializing iron-fortified rice. Keeping the cost affordable and maintaining the commitment of identified partners were the key factors for providing a continuous supply of iron-fortified rice. Commercializing iron-fortified rice can be considered as one of the strategies for decreasing anemia prevalence.
International Journal For Vitamin and Nutrition Research Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin Und Ernahrungsforschung Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition, 2004
Unlike commercial ferric pyrophosphate, micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate (MDFP: Sun-Ac... more Unlike commercial ferric pyrophosphate, micronized dispersible ferric pyrophosphate (MDFP: Sun-Active Fe) does not precipitate and is completely dispersible in liquid form. MDFP shows a sharp particle size distribution at a nanometer level, which is several times smaller than that of commercial ferric pyrophosphate. The bioavailability of MDFP was compared to ferric pyrophosphate, sodium ferrous citrate, and ferrous sulfate by three bioavailability tests in rats; namely the serum iron concentration curve, the hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, and Association of Official Analytical Chemists' hemoglobin repletion test. The high area under curve value, a lag in peak time, and continued high serum iron concentration by MDFP over the other iron compounds indicates a sustained release of iron in the serum iron concentration curve method. MDFP showed the highest hemoglobin regeneration efficiency among all the iron compounds tested. The relative biological value of MDFP per unit of ferrous sulfate in each bioavailability test showed a high value as compared to other iron compounds. The above results suggest that MDFP is an ideal compound with high bioavailability for iron fortification in various liquid applications.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Apr 10, 2002
Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pa... more Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pathological development of many age-related disease processes. This study investigated the effects of green tea extract, and a green tea tannin mixture and its components, on protein damage induced by 2,2′azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (a free radical generator) and glucose in in vitro assay systems. We found that green tea extract can effectively protect against protein damage, and showed that its action is mainly due to tannin. In addition, it was shown that the chemical structures of tannin components are also involved in this activity, suggesting that the presence of the gallate group at the 3 position plays the most important role in the protective activity against protein oxidation and glycation, and that there is also a contribution by the hydroxyl group at the 5′ position in the B ring and the sterical structure. These findings demonstrate the mechanisms of the usefulness of green tea in protein oxidation-and glycation-associated diseases.
To elucidate the anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine... more To elucidate the anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine and theanine, female ICR mice were fed on diets containing 2% green tea powder and diets containing 0.3% catechins, 0.05% caffeine and 0.03% theanine, which correspond, respectively, to their concentrations in a 2% green tea powder diet, singly and in combination for 16 weeks. Body weight
The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, su... more The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, such as rotavirus-associated diarrhoea, is well-established. Oral immunoglobulin therapy with egg yolk-derived anti-rotavirus immunoglobulins has previously been shown to achieve moderate therapeutic effect in diarrhoea due to rotavirus in a clinical trial. Here, data on the therapeutic potential of the same immunoglobulin preparation in an infant mouse model of rotavirus-induced diarrhoea is presented. The use of an animal model has allowed therapy to be evaluated with higher doses of immunoglobulins and has suggested that an improved therapeutic effect can be achieved by increasing the dose in the clinical setting.
Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 2012
Biomedical evidence in the last 20 years has shown that the consumption of partially hydrolyzed g... more Biomedical evidence in the last 20 years has shown that the consumption of partially hydrolyzed guar gum may influence lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolism at many levels. Since intestine represents the first interface to interact with dietary partially hydrolyzed guar gum in vivo, we evaluated gene expression profiles in small intestinal mucosa of db/db mice fed with partially hydrolyzed guar gum in an effort to delineate its effect on the small intestine. DNA microarray and real-time PCR analyses were performed to evaluate the gene expression profiles in mice small intestinal mucosa. Among the 28,853 transcripts represented on the GeneChip® microarray, no more than 20 genes exhibited up- or down-regulation by 1.5-fold or more after four weeks following partially hydrolyzed guar gum consumption. No adverse effects were apparent. We detected up- or down-regulation of some genes known to be involved in host defense functions and cholesterol absorption.
Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortification to com... more Rice, the staple food of the Philippines, is an appropriate vehicle for iron fortification to combat the high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia. A previous study among schoolchildren supplemented with iron-fortified rice showed a significant reduction in the rate of iron-deficiency anemia from 100% to 33%. To document the processes involved in commercializing iron-fortified rice and to determine its effects on anemia prevalence. This study was conducted on 766 mothers and their children aged 6 to 9 years in Orion, Bataan. Soliciting political support, networking with local organizations, market surveys, and social marketing activities were conducted. The iron content of iron-fortified rice was tested for each production run. Hemoglobin measurements were performed on the mothers and children at baseline and endline. A municipal ordinance to sell iron-fortified rice was issued, while the local federation provided funds to kick off the sale of iron-fortified rice. Sales of iron-fort...
Journal of health, population, and nutrition, 2007
The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, su... more The role of specific immunoglobulins at mucosal sites in imparting protection against disease, such as rotavirus-associated diarrhoea, is well-established. Oral immunoglobulin therapy with egg yolk-derived anti-rotavirus immunoglobulins has previously been shown to achieve moderate therapeutic effect in diarrhoea due to rotavirus in a clinical trial. Here, data on the therapeutic potential of the same immunoglobulin preparation in an infant mouse model of rotavirus-induced diarrhoea is presented. The use of an animal model has allowed therapy to be evaluated with higher doses of immunoglobulins and has suggested that an improved therapeutic effect can be achieved by increasing the dose in the clinical setting.
Model studies have shown that peptides derived from the N -terminal region of bovine lactoferrin ... more Model studies have shown that peptides derived from the N -terminal region of bovine lactoferrin (Lf-B) exhibit antitumor activity against certain cell lines. This activity is due primarily to the peptides' apoptogenic effect. Several reports indicate that cationic residues clustered in two regions of the peptide sequence can be shuffled into one region and thereby increase cytotoxic activity, although the mechanism of this enhanced cytotoxic effect has not been clarified. In this paper, we considered several parameters that determine the mode of cell death after exposure to a native Lf-B derived peptide (Pep1, residues 17-34), and a modified peptide (mPep1) wherein the cationic residues of Pep1 are clustered in a single region of its helical structure. We found that the cytotoxic activity of mPep1 was about 9.6 fold-higher than that of Pep1 against HL-60 cells, as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethonyphenol)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. In investigating the expression of phosphatidylserine, we observed that the native peptide (Pep1) caused both apoptotic cell death and necrotic cell death, depending on the concentration of the peptide. In contrast, the action of mPep1 was exclusively characteristic of necrotic cell death. This observation was further confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis, in which clear ladder-like DNA bands were observed from cells exposed to Pep1, whereas DNA from cells treated with mPep1 produced a smeared pattern. We extended the study by investigating the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol, and the activation of caspase-3; both peptides caused the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, and the activation of caspase-3.
Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pa... more Protein oxidation and glycation are posttranslational modifications that are implicated in the pathological development of many age-related disease processes. This study investigated the effects of green tea extract, and a green tea tannin mixture and its components, on protein damage induced by 2,2′azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (a free radical generator) and glucose in in vitro assay systems. We found that green tea extract can effectively protect against protein damage, and showed that its action is mainly due to tannin. In addition, it was shown that the chemical structures of tannin components are also involved in this activity, suggesting that the presence of the gallate group at the 3 position plays the most important role in the protective activity against protein oxidation and glycation, and that there is also a contribution by the hydroxyl group at the 5′ position in the B ring and the sterical structure. These findings demonstrate the mechanisms of the usefulness of green tea in protein oxidation-and glycation-associated diseases.
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Papers by Lekh Juneja