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Research Interests: Endocrinology, Chemistry, Free Radicals, Medicine, In Vitro, and 15 moreHumans, Internal Medicine, Immunosuppression, Clinical Sciences, Immune system, B Lymphocytes, Propranolol, Methimazole, Clinical Endocrinology, Culture Media, Graves Disease, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, Paediatrics and reproductive medicine, and In Vitro Techniques
OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietary supplementation with a natural source of the compound, and whether any potential increase of lycopene levels in semen translates into... more
OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietary supplementation with a natural source of the compound, and whether any potential increase of lycopene levels in semen translates into increased free‐radical trapping capacity in the seminal plasma.METHODSReactive oxygen species are detrimental to the health and function of spermatozoa. Semen contains enzymatic and non‐enzymatic defence mechanisms to combat such species, and lycopene, a dietary antioxidant, forms part of the non‐enzymatic arm. Immuno‐infertile men have significantly lower levels of lycopene in their semen, and oral lycopene therapy can improve various seminal variables in idiopathic infertility. Whether this improvement is a direct consequence of increased lycopene levels in semen, resulting in an increased radical scavenging ability, remains unknown. Blood and seminal lycopene levels were measured in healthy volunteers, using high‐performance liquid chromatography, before and after a period of dietary supplementation. The antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma was also assayed to determine if supplementation results in a measurable increase in seminal radical scavenging ability.RESULTSThere were statistically significant increases in blood and seminal plasma lycopene levels after dietary supplementation. The increase in seminal and blood lycopene levels showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.84, P < 0.05). There was no measurable increase in the total radical scavenging capacity of semen.CONCLUSIONThis study confirms the presence of lycopene in human semen, the levels of which can be significantly increased after dietary supplementation with a natural source of lycopene. Further studies to establish whether this would also be the case in infertile men, with possible associated improvements in their seminal quality, are warranted.
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ABSTRACT
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Research Interests: Medicine and Coagulation
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Research Interests: Pharmacology, Chemistry, Antioxidant, Vasoconstriction, Enzyme, and 9 moreOxidative stress and free radical biology and medicine, Nitric Oxide Synthase, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Vasodilation, Vascular Permeability, Intravital Microscopy, Biochemistry and cell biology, Bradykinin, and Extravasation
A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin was prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European countries: UK, Republic of... more
A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin was prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European countries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Eighty, age- (25–45 years) and sex-matched volunteers were recruited in each of the five countries. A FFQ and carotenoid database was prepared of the most commonly consumed carotenoid rich foods in the participating countries and the information was used to calculate frequency and intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The median total carotenoid intake based on the sum of the five carotenoids, was significantly higher (P<0.05) in France (16.1 mg/day) and lower in Spain (9.5 mg/day,) than the other countries, where the average intake was approximately 14 mg/day. Comparison of dietary source of carotenoids showed that carrots were the major source of β-carotene in all countries except Spain where spinach was mos...
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Introduction Point-of-care simulation is an increasingly used technique to train multi-disciplinary teams in Human Factors, ergonomics and establish reasons for barriers to safer patient care. We investigate if this method could be used... more
Introduction Point-of-care simulation is an increasingly used technique to train multi-disciplinary teams in Human Factors, ergonomics and establish reasons for barriers to safer patient care. We investigate if this method could be used to improve care of deteriorating patients. Methods A one-year Health Education England fellowship funded two simulation fellows from nursing and medical backgrounds. An intervention utilising simulation and targeted teaching sessions was performed on assessment units of a university hospital. The sessions included a sepsis micro-teach, medium fidelity simulation and debrief, with discussion of human factors. The primary outcome measure audited was percentage of triggers detected and escalated at baseline, six months and regularly throughout the last six months. Secondary outcome measure was percentage of septic patients, as defined by sepsis guidelines, who had documentation and administration of the ‘Sepsis 6’ bundle. Feedback on the training was also collated. Results approximately 300 educational hours were delivered to 105 doctors, nurses and health care assistants. forty-three sessions were planned, but only 25 (58%) proceeded due to hospital-wide operational pressures. Increased cancellations occurred over winter, which correlated with a decrease in escalation rates. Detection and escalation of yellow triggers increased from 23% to 88%, with amber triggers from 18% to 100% on the medical assessment unit. Delivery of the sepsis bundle was variable and not statistically significant. Feedback was positive with over 90% stating they would like more training and would recommend it to their colleagues. Although success with trigger escalation could not be wholly attributed to the simulation training, there was a Statistical difference and no other interventions took place during the training period. Conclusion We suggest that point-of-care simulation improves awareness of deteriorating patients when delivered to an inter-professional team. Training difficulties relate to staff release and operational pressures.
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Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common amongst American men. Alongside age and genetic factors, lifestyle and diet have also been implicated as significant factors involved in the pathology... more
Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common amongst American men. Alongside age and genetic factors, lifestyle and diet have also been implicated as significant factors involved in the pathology of cancer and prostate cancer risk. The tomato-derived antioxidant lycopene has been highlighted as a key protective nutrient amongst various dietary components, with several in vitro studies having reported anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanism of action of lycopene is not fully characterized. We present here a comprehensive investigation of the influence of lycopene on the cell signaling pathway regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). NF-κB is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is believed to play a critical role in the development of the cancer phenotype in cells and has been linked to the early onset and progression of prostate cancer. Phosphorylation of IκB releases NF-κB from sequestration in the cytoplasm, allowing its tra...
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Globalization, economics and nutrition: where are we going? ...
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... Submitted by Marty Wanielista Manoj Chopra Josh Spence Craig Ballock Stormwater Management Academy University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 32816 ... 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) Marty Wanielista, Manoj Chopra, Josh... more
... Submitted by Marty Wanielista Manoj Chopra Josh Spence Craig Ballock Stormwater Management Academy University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 32816 ... 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) Marty Wanielista, Manoj Chopra, Josh Spence, Craig Ballock ...
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In the present research, strontium containing nanobioactive glass (NBG-Sr) was synthesized by sol-gel method. The morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Different amounts (0.5 to 5 wt%) of NBG-Sr were then... more
In the present research, strontium containing nanobioactive glass (NBG-Sr) was synthesized by sol-gel method. The morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Different amounts (0.5 to 5 wt%) of NBG-Sr were then added to biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). They were sintered at different temperatures, i.e., 1100, 1200 and 1300 °C and changes in physical and mechanical properties were investigated. A sharp decrease in pore volume was observed as the temperature increased. The maximum bending strength (~45 MPa) was achieved for BCP which was mixed with 3 wt% NBG-Sr and sintered at 1200 °C. This value was approximately the same when it was sintered at 1300 °C. The bending strength failed when both lower and higher amounts of 3 wt% NBG-Sr were utilized. Therefore, sintering of composites at 1200 °C was economically reasonable. The X-ray results showed that NBG-Sr additive did not change the phase composition of BCP when it was heat treated at 1200 °C. The attachment ...
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The heterogeneity of the severity of symptoms of COVID-19 experienced by the young and healthy individuals is poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to mainly examine whether the respective diets and the type of symptoms... more
The heterogeneity of the severity of symptoms of COVID-19 experienced by the young and healthy individuals is poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to mainly examine whether the respective diets and the type of symptoms experienced by patients are predictive of having long COVID-19. Disease severity was assessed with a symptomatology questionnaire and used to group 55 participants in asymptomatic (AS), mild symptoms (S) and long COVID (LC). We found that experiencing a higher number of symptoms as well as fatigue were predictors of developing LC whereas those who experienced rhinorrhea were less likely to develop LC. Blood samples were also taken to measure vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and duration of spike IgG antibodies. In this study, serum 25(OH)D was not significantly different between 3 symptom groups with median (IQR) ng/mL levels of 22.0 (12.3) in the AS, 22.3 (7.5) in S, and 24.9 (9.4) in the LC group (p ≥ 0.05). The duration of IgG antibody response was...
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Dietary modification, especially the consumption of larger amounts of fruits and vegetables can act to decrease the risk of a variety of human cancers. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely distributed in fruits and vegetables has been shown... more
Dietary modification, especially the consumption of larger amounts of fruits and vegetables can act to decrease the risk of a variety of human cancers. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely distributed in fruits and vegetables has been shown to have a chemoprotective role in cancer, through complex effects on signal transduction involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study we examined the effects of dietary supplementation of quercetin (30 mg per day) incorporated into a black currant drink. Healthy male subjects aged between 33 and 64 years (mean=47.1 years) received either quercetin or placebo for 14 days. Blood samples were taken at baseline and upon completion of the study and analysed for full blood count, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinse-1 and -2 (TIMP-1 and -2) plasma levels using ELISA techniques. RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) carried out for MMP-2 and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 gene expression determination. Supplementation of the diet with quercetin did not alter the MMP-2 or TIMP-2 gene transcription or plasma protein levels of the healthy subjects in this study. The TIMP-1 gene transcription and plasma protein levels (311+/-70 ng/ml at baseline to 183+/-35 ng/ml post-supplementation, P&lt;0.05) of the subjects in this study were, however, significantly decreased following quercetin supplementation. This is an interesting result, as there is some controversy over the functions of TIMP-1 in tumour progression. In certain model systems, artificially increased TIMP-1 levels prevent or decrease tumour growth. However, in other studies high levels of TIMP-1 have been correlated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis in patients with certain malignancies. This study has outlined a potential role for the anti-tumour promoter quercetin as a dietary mediator of the carcinogenic cascade.
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Consumption of lycopene through tomato products has been suggested to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Cellular adhesion and migration are important features of cancer progression and therefore a potential target for cancer... more
Consumption of lycopene through tomato products has been suggested to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Cellular adhesion and migration are important features of cancer progression and therefore a potential target for cancer interception. In the present study we have examined the in vitro effect of lycopene on these processes. Prostate cancer cell lines PC3, DU145 and immortalised normal prostate cell line PNT-2 were used. The adhesion assay consisted of seeding pre-treated cells onto Matrigel™, gently removing non-adherent cells and quantitating the adherent fraction using WST-1. Migratory potential was assessed using ibidi™ migration chamber inserts, in which a cell-free zone between two confluent areas was allowed to populate over time and the migration measured. 24 hour incubation of prostate cell lines with 1.15µmol/l lycopene showed a 40% reduction of cellular motility in case of PC3 cells, 58% in DU145 cells and no effect was observed for PNT2 cells. A dose related inhibiti...
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Angiogenesis is important for tumour vascularisation and growth, and is therefore a promising target for cancer therapy. The present study reports inhibition ofin vitroangiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as well... more
Angiogenesis is important for tumour vascularisation and growth, and is therefore a promising target for cancer therapy. The present study reports inhibition ofin vitroangiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as well as in rat aortic rings at physiological concentrations of lycopene, that is, 1–2 μmol/l. At a final concentration of 1·15 μmol/l, a significant reduction (P < 0·05) in network branching, that is, junction numbers, the number of tubules and tubule length, was observed in both HUVEC as well as in the rat aortic rings. The inhibitory effect of lycopene was independent of the presence of the pro-angiogenic agents, vascular endothelial growth factor and TNF-α. The anti-angiogenic effects of lycopene in the present study were shown at a concentration that should be achievable by dietary means. These results extend our knowledge of one of the putative anti-cancer actions of lycopene.
Research Interests: Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Biology, Carotenoids, and 14 moreMedicine, Animal Production, Angiogenesis, Humans, Animals, TNF, Lycopene, Rats, Food Sciences, Cell Proliferation, Aorta, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Angiogenesis inhibitors, and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Free radical (FR) scavenging may be a therapeutically useful adjunctive property of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In this study we have shown that SH-containing ACE inhibitors (captopril, epicaptopril, zofenopril) are... more
Free radical (FR) scavenging may be a therapeutically useful adjunctive property of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In this study we have shown that SH-containing ACE inhibitors (captopril, epicaptopril, zofenopril) are potent FR scavengers at a concentration of 4 x 10(-5) M whereas non-SH ACE inhibitors (enalaprilat, quinaprilat and perindoprilat) have no FR-scavenging activity at this concentration. Furthermore, the SH-containing agents preferentially scavenged general radicals rather than superoxide radicals, i.e. suggesting that these drugs would be effective in quenching the culprit FR in ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
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Chronic heart failure (CHF) due to coronary artery disease (CAD) has been shown to be associated with increased plasma thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced plasma thiol (PSH) concentrations, suggesting oxidative stress... more
Chronic heart failure (CHF) due to coronary artery disease (CAD) has been shown to be associated with increased plasma thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced plasma thiol (PSH) concentrations, suggesting oxidative stress (OS). The aims of the present studies were (a) to determine whether OS is due to CAD or CHF per se and (b) to determine if a wider range of more specific markers of OS are abnormal in CHF. In the first study, two groups of patients (n = 15 each) were compared. Group 1 (11 male, mean age 56 years) had CHF due to CAD and group 2 (12 male, mean age 53 years) had non-CAD CHF. Median plasma TBARS in controls was 7.6 nmol.ml-1, 10.0 nmol.ml-1 in group 1 and 9.3 nmol.ml-1 in group 2 (P &lt; 0.01 both groups vs control). Median PSH was 505 384 and 364 nmol.ml-1 (P &lt; 0.05 and P &lt; 0.01 vs control) respectively. Fifty-three patients with CHF were recruited in the second study. Malondialdehyde and PSH were 10.3 and 409 nmol.ml-1 respectively, compared to control values of 7.9 and 560 nmol.ml-1 (both P &lt; 0.001). The median values for the following additional measures of OS in controls and patients were: erythrocyte superoxide dismutase 131 vs 114 U.l-1 (P = 0.005); caeruloplasmin oxidase 97 vs 197 U.l-1 (P &lt; 0.01); erythrocyte glutathione 1.56 nmol.ml-1 vs 1.77 nmol.ml-1 (P &lt; 0.02); plasma conjugated dienes 0.28 vs 0.33 optical density units (P = ns).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Research Interests: Endocrinology, Free Radicals, Medicine, Heart Failure, Humans, and 15 moreInternal Medicine, Chronic Disease, Female, Male, Glutathione, Key words, Lipid peroxidation, Aged, Adult, Ceruloplasmin, Chronic Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Erythrocytes, Malondialdehyde, and Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Interests: Pharmacology, Free Radicals, Medicine, Free Radical, Humans, and 12 moreAnimals, Heart, Neutrophils, In Vivo, Myocardial Infarction, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Biological activity, Reperfusion injury, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Thrombolysis, Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, and In Vitro Techniques
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... Isabelle A. Hininger, PhD,; Anita Meyer-Wenger, PhD,; Ulrich Moser, PhD,; Anthony Wright, PhD,; Susan Southon, PhD,; David Thurnham, PhD,; ... Abstract/FREE Full Text. ↵ Castenmiller JJ,Lauridsen ST, Dragsted LO, van het Hof KH,... more
... Isabelle A. Hininger, PhD,; Anita Meyer-Wenger, PhD,; Ulrich Moser, PhD,; Anthony Wright, PhD,; Susan Southon, PhD,; David Thurnham, PhD,; ... Abstract/FREE Full Text. ↵ Castenmiller JJ,Lauridsen ST, Dragsted LO, van het Hof KH, Linssen JP, West CE: Beta-carotene does not ...
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Fruit and vegetable consumption produces changes in several biomarkers in blood. The present study aimed to examine the dose-response curve between fruit and vegetable consumption and carotenoid (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin,... more
Fruit and vegetable consumption produces changes in several biomarkers in blood. The present study aimed to examine the dose-response curve between fruit and vegetable consumption and carotenoid (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin), folate and vitamin C concentrations. Furthermore, a prediction model of fruit and vegetable intake based on these biomarkers and subject characteristics (i.e. age, sex, BMI and smoking status) was established. Data from twelve diet-controlled intervention studies were obtained to develop a prediction model for fruit and vegetable intake (including and excluding fruit and vegetable juices). The study population in the present individual participant data meta-analysis consisted of 526 men and women. Carotenoid, folate and vitamin C concentrations showed a positive relationship with fruit and vegetable intake. Measures of performance for the prediction model were calculated using cross-validation. For the prediction mod...
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This review outlines the health benefits associated with the regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products. The first section provides a detailed account of the horticultural techniques that can impact the quality of the fruit and... more
This review outlines the health benefits associated with the regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products. The first section provides a detailed account of the horticultural techniques that can impact the quality of the fruit and its nutritional properties, including water availability, light intensity, temperature, and growing media. The next section provides information on the components of tomato that are likely to contribute to its health effects. The review then details some of the health benefits associated with tomato consumption, including anticancer properties, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and skin health. This review also discusses the impact tomatoes can have on the gut microbiome and associated health benefits, including reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases. Other health benefits of eating tomatoes are also discussed in relation to effects on diabetes, the immune response, exercise recovery, and fertility. Finally, this review also add...
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Objectives: Benefits of physical activity on maintenance of blood glucose within an acceptable range are well documented. This study explores the possible beneficial effect of animated conversation and mental activities on blood glucose... more
Objectives: Benefits of physical activity on maintenance of blood glucose within an acceptable range are well documented. This study explores the possible beneficial effect of animated conversation and mental activities on blood glucose levels following dietary carbohydrate loading. Design and Participants: Blood glucose changes were examined in 18 non-diabetic individuals following the consumption of two doughnuts providing ~48g of carbohydrate. The participants acted as their own controls and were studied twice. On the first occasion they maintained quiet/passive behaviour, on the second they conversed and participated in structured mental activities e.g. reading and solving puzzles. Measurements: Using the Freestyle Freedom Lite glucose metre, baseline, then post-fasting blood glucose concentrations were evaluated every 30 minutes over a 2 hour period after the consumption of doughnuts. Results: ANOVA repeated measures analysis of the results showed that time (P<0.001), activi...
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The relative reactivity of leukotrienes and prostaglandins to free radicals and the superoxide ion generated by the photo oxidation of dianisidine have been assessed in vitro. Leukotrienes are effective general radical scavengers rather... more
The relative reactivity of leukotrienes and prostaglandins to free radicals and the superoxide ion generated by the photo oxidation of dianisidine have been assessed in vitro. Leukotrienes are effective general radical scavengers rather than superoxide scavengers, with the order of effectiveness LTD4 greater than LTC4 greater than LTB4. Prostaglandins are relatively unreactive. It is suggested that this susceptibility to free radical attack may be one reason for the formation of chemotactic agents from leukotrienes rather than prostaglandins and this may be one part of the mode of action of these compounds in chronic inflammation.
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Objectives: Benefits of physical activity on maintenance of blood glucose within an acceptable range are well documented. This study explores the possible beneficial effect of animated conversation and mental activities on blood glucose... more
Objectives: Benefits of physical activity on maintenance of blood glucose within an acceptable range are well documented. This study explores the possible beneficial effect of animated conversation and mental activities on blood glucose levels following dietary carbohydrate loading. Design and Participants: Blood glucose changes were examined in 18 non-diabetic individuals following the consumption of two doughnuts providing ~48g of carbohydrate. The participants acted as their own controls and were studied twice. On the first occasion they maintained quiet/passive behaviour, on the second they conversed and participated in structured mental activities e.g. reading and solving puzzles. Measurements: Using the Freestyle Freedom Lite glucose metre, baseline, then post-fasting blood glucose concentrations were evaluated every 30 minutes over a 2 hour period after the consumption of doughnuts. Results: ANOVA repeated measures analysis of the results showed that time (P<0.001), activi...
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The pathogenesis of heart failure is not yet fully understood. In animal models there is some evidence to suggest a role for free radicals (FRs). We have investigated malondialdehyde - LM in plasma of patients with heart failure and found... more
The pathogenesis of heart failure is not yet fully understood. In animal models there is some evidence to suggest a role for free radicals (FRs). We have investigated malondialdehyde - LM in plasma of patients with heart failure and found it to be raised when compared to controls. We present data to show that Captopril, a drug with an ACE inhibitory effect is a FR scavenger both in vitro and ex-vivo in patients with heart failure.
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ABSTRACT Sulfhydryl (thiyl) free radicals can be generated in a variety of biochemical systems, particularly those containing a peroxidase or myoglobin and hydrogen peroxide. They have long been known to be formed thermally, by... more
ABSTRACT Sulfhydryl (thiyl) free radicals can be generated in a variety of biochemical systems, particularly those containing a peroxidase or myoglobin and hydrogen peroxide. They have long been known to be formed thermally, by photolysis, and by radiolysis. They can also be readily formed by sonolysis in systems, such as thiyl free radicals can rapidly undergo electron transfer and hydrogen transfer reactions with a variety of biological molecules. They can also undergo addition reactions with oxygen and with several conjugated olefinic and aromatic compounds including vitamins A and D, styrene, and several polyaromatic dihydrodiols. This chapter discusses the use of vitamin A, the food additive curcumin, and the benzene metabolite muconic acid as reference models in studies of thiyl free radical reactivity together with some of the methods by which thiyl free radicals are generated in the laboratory. Sonolysis and other studies, with curcumin or β-carotene in particular, provide stimulating, relatively inexpensive, and practical teaching excercises.