Effect of Human Ovarian Tissue Vitrification/Warming on the Expression of Genes Related to Folliculogenesis

Background:

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an alternative strategy to preserve the fertility of women predicted to undergo premature ovarian failure. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of folliculogenesis-related genes, including factor in the germline alpha (FIGLA), growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and KIT LIGAND after vitrification/warming of human ovarian tissue.

Methods:

Human ovarian tissue samples were collected from five transsexual women. In the laboratory, the ovarian medullary part was removed by a surgical blade, and the cortical tissue was cut into small pieces. Some pieces were vitrified and warmed and the others were considered as non-vitrified group (control). Follicular normality was assessed with morphological observation by a light microscope, and the expression of FIGLA, KIT LIGAND, GDF-9,, and FSHR genes was examined using real-time RT-PCR in both the vitrified and non-vitrified groups.

Results:

Overall, 85% of the follicles preserved their normal morphologic feature after warming. The percentage of normal follicles and the expression of FIGLA, KIT LIGAND, GDF-9, and FSHR genes were similar in both vitrified and non-vitrified groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Vitrification/warming of human ovarian tissue had no remarkable effect on the expression of folliculogenesis-related genes. Key Words: Vitrification, Gene expression, Humans     

The Effect of Vitrification and in vitro Culture on the Adenosine Triphosphate Content and Mitochondrial Distribution of Mouse Pre-Implantation Embryos

Background: The mitochondria are an important source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in pre-implantation embryo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vitrification and in vitro culture of mouse embryos on their mitochondrial distribution and ATP content. Methods: The embryos at 2-PN, 4-cell and blastocyst stages were collected from the oviduct of stimulated pregnant mice and uterine horns. Then, the embryos were vitrified with the cryotop method using ethylene glycol and dimethylsulphoxide. After evaluating the survival rates of vitrified embryos, their development to hatching stages were assessed. The ATP content of collected in vivo and in vitro embryos at different stages was measured by luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence assay. The distribution of mitochondria was studied using Mito-tracker green staining under a fluorescent microscope. Results: The survival rates of vitrified embryos at 2-PN, 4-cell and early blastocyst stages were 84.3, 87.87 and 89.89%, respectively. The hatching rates in previous developmental stages in vitrified group were 57.44, 66.73 and 70.89% and in non-vitrified group were 66.32, 73.25 and 75.89%, respectively (P>0.05). The ATP content of in vivo or in vitro collected embryos was not significantly different in both vitrified and non-vitrified groups (P>0.05). Mitochondrial distribution of vitrified and non-vitrified 2-PN embryos was similar, but some clampings or large aggregation of mitochondria within the vitrified 4-cell embryos was prominent. Conclusions: Vitrification method did not affect the mouse embryo ATP content. Also, the cellular stress was not induced by this procedure and the safety of vitrification was shown.Key Words: Mitochondria, Vitrification, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)     

Human Ovarian Tissue Vitrification/Warming Has Minor Effect on the Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes

Background: In this study, we evaluated the incidence of apoptosis at the ultrastructural levels and expression of some apoptosis-related genes in vitrified human ovarian tissue just after warming. Methods: Human ovarian tissue biopsies from 23 women after caesarean section were transported to the laboratory within 2 hours, and then they were cut into small pieces. Some pieces were vitrified and warmed and the other samples were considered as control. Apoptosis was assessed by a transmission electron microscope and also by molecular analysis of pro-apoptotic (Fas, FasL, Bax, p53, caspase8, and caspase3) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2 and BIRC5) genem RNA levels using real-time RT-PCR before and after vitrification. Results: No sign of apoptosis was shown ultrastructurally in vitrified samples. The level of FasL, Bcl-2, Bax, p53, and caspase3 mRNA and Bax:Bcl-2 ratio were similar in non-vitrified and vitrified groups; however, the expression of Fas and caspase8 genes was higher and BIRC5 was lower in vitrified samples compared to non-vitrified group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The fine structure of human vitrified ovarian tissue was well preserved; moreover, vitrification was shown to affect the expression of some apoptosis-related genes. However, additional study is needed to confirm this observation.Key Words: Vitrification, Apoptosis, Gene expression, Ovary, Humans     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of yakuchinone B derivatives in reduction of lipofuscin formation using H2O2-treated neuroblastoma cells

Background: The progressive accumulation of misfolded and aggregated proteins in neurons is an accepted mechanism in aging. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), referred to as oxidative stress, is currently believed to play a pivotal role in this process. Lipofuscin as a histological index of aging results from cross-links between oxidized proteins and lipids. Therefore, to attenuate lipofuscin formation, it would be logical to use exogenous natural or synthetic antioxidants. Yakuchinone B (1-[4''-hydroxy-3''-methoxyphenyl]-7-phenylhept-1-en-3-one) is a component of Alpinia oxyphylla seeds with established antioxidant activity. Methods: To evaluate the neuroprotective roles of yakuchinone B (JC6) and its structural analogues (JC1-JC5), the free radical scavenging capabilities of yakuchinone B derivatives were studied in terms of cell viability, apoptosis, cells ROS content, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the intracellular lipofuscin content in SK-N-MC cells exposed to H₂O₂. The level of MDA (malondialdehyde), as an index of lipid peroxidation and acid phosphatase activity were also measured. Results: Our results indicated that derivatives especially JC4, JC5 and JC6 decreased the extent of apoptosis and ROS level, while they increased the activities of SOD and CAT in drug-pretreated cells as compared to H₂O₂-treated cells. A clear relationship between the structure and antioxidant activities of these compounds was established. In addition, JC4, JC5 and JC6 were capable of down-regulating the formation of MDA and lipofuscin. Conclusion: Our results indicated that free radicals play significant roles in lipofuscin formation and cellular aging which can be attenuated by yakuchinone B derivatives.Key Words: Aging, Lipofuscin, Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Yakuchinone B     

Anthocyanins,Phenolic Acids and Antioxidant Properties of Juçara Fruits (Euterpe edulis M.) Along the On-tree Ripening Process

Juçara (Euterpe edulis M.) fruits are an interesting source of phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins, making them valuable to the food and pharmaceutical industries. Juçara fruits were harvested along the on-tree ripening process between March and June as practiced in Paraná state, Brazil and examined for their total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total phenolic acid (TPA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAA). Overall, TAC increased (91.52–236.19 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/100 g dm) whereas TPC (81.69–49.09 mg GAE/g dm) and TPA (44.27–30.95 mg/100 g dm) decreased during ripening of juçara fruits. Use of tandem mass spectrometry allowed the identification of cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-rutinoside for the first time in juçara fruits. The analysis of the phenolic acids by HPLC-MS/MS indicated the presence of gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, sinapinic and ferulic acids. The high antioxidant capacity using DPPH radical scavenging capacity (655.89–745.32 μmol TE/g dm) and ORAC assays (1088.10–2071.55 μmol TE/g dm) showed that juçara fruits have potential as a source of novel natural antioxidants for disease prevention and health promotion, and also as natural food additives for developing new functional food products.     

ALA对刺葡萄愈伤组织生长及主要抗氧化物质积累的影响

以刺葡萄红色愈伤组织为材料,研究不同浓度ALA处理对刺葡萄愈伤组织生物量及主要抗氧化物质（黄酮类化合物、原花青素和花色苷）积累量的影响,明确ALA与刺葡萄愈伤组织生长、主要抗氧化活性物质合成的相关性。结果表明：中低浓度（0.05~1.0 mg/L）ALA可促进刺葡萄愈伤组织生长,显著增加刺葡萄愈伤组织的生物量;同时,中低浓度ALA能显著增加刺葡萄细胞中黄酮类化合物、原花青素和花色苷的含量;高浓度（2.0~5.0 mg/L）ALA会抑制刺葡萄愈伤组织生长,并最终导致褐变死亡;刺葡萄愈伤组织主要抗氧化物质积累也存在显著的培养阶段差异,在ALA最适浓度0.05 mg/L时,刺葡萄细胞中黄酮类化合物含量最高可达272.48 μg/g（培养45 d）、花色苷含量最高达107.24 μg/g（培养35 d）、原花青素含量最高达1630.16 μg/g（培养45 d）。由结果可知,ALA可以定向调控刺葡萄愈伤组织细胞中主要抗氧化物质的生物合成。     

Effects of infrared heating on phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products in maize flour

Maize grains were heated by infrared radiation for 50–100 s, than flaked and milled. The output was set to 110, 115, 120 and 140 °C to determine the effect of temperature on the formation of acrylamide, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furosine, as well as the level of phenolic compounds in maize flour and its total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Acrylamide and HMF levels were increased as the load of the heat treatment was increased in grains, while furosine concentration was rapidly increased to an apparent maximum (34.96 μg/g) followed by decrease during heating. Acrylamide, as well as HMF variables correlated very well with TAC of heat-treated flour (r² = 0.98 and 0.86). The process of infrared heating had a great influence on the reduction of phenolic compound contents. However, new antioxidants that were formed as a result of the Maillard reaction increased the total antioxidant capacity of heat-treated maize flour.     

Changes in the phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity in developmental maize kernels and expression profiles of phenolic biosynthesis-related genes

Phenolic compounds have various nutritional and functional properties, especially antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the phenolic compound accumulation, antioxidant property and gene expression during maize kernel development. In this study, we explored the effects of developmental stage on the accumulation of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities. The expression levels of genes involved in phenolic biosynthesis were also studied. The results showed that the total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) were gradually increased from 15 to 48 days after pollination (DAP), whereas the total flavonoid content (TFC) decreased continuously. The antioxidant activity of maize kernels was increased gradually and positively associated with TPC. ZmCHSs in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway played important roles for total flavonoid accumulation at both early and later development stages. The expression pattern of ZmANS corresponded to the accumulation of total anthocyanin during kernel development. These results revealed that developmental stage affected the accumulation of different phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and related gene expression. The antioxidant activity of maize kernels was dependent on the total phenolic accumulation which was related to the expression profiles of the genes participated in phenolic synthesis.     

A study of biodiversity of flavonoid content in the rice caryopsis evidencing simultaneous accumulation of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in a black-grained genotype

Rice genotypes with pigmented caryopses have received increased attention because of their antioxidant properties. Previous works evidenced that the kernel of red rice is characterized by the presence of proanthocyanidins, whereas black rice is characterized by the presence of anthocyanins. In the present study, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the polyphenol content of the caryopsis were evaluated on a set of Italian rice varieties (three white, two black and five red ones). The pigmented rices, on average, had a TAC four times higher than the white ones. As expected, red-grained genotypes contained no detectable anthocyanins and one black rice contained no detectable proanthocyanidins. However, the black-grained cv. Artemide had large amounts of both proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. This genotype was also characterized by the highest TAC and polyphenol content: its TAC was about twice the TAC of the other pigmented rices, and it had a polyphenol content 2–3 times the content found in the other pigmented rices. Pigmented genotypes are confirmed to be very interesting to breed rice for high polyphenol content and TAC. Furthermore, the possibility to select for genotypes accumulating both anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins provides a way to substantially increase the polyphenol content and TAC of the rice caryopsis.     

Genetic segregation analysis of unsaturated fatty acids content in the filial generations of high-linolenic-acid rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that can improve human health. Rapeseed is the second largest oil crop in the world but the ALA content in its seed fatty acids is only about 10%. Two rapeseed germplasms YH25005 and R8Q10 with high content (up to 21%) ALA were developed by intervarietal crossing. They were used as the maternal parent (P₁) when crossed with a low ALA parent SW (P₂) to produce the seeds of the F₁ hybrid, F₂, and backcrosses to P₁ (BCP₁) and P₂ (BCP₂). A multigeneration joint segregation analysis was conducted to determine major gene ​+ ​polygene effects of the content of three major unsaturated fatty acids including oleic (OA), linoleic (LA) and ALA. The results showed that, although some genes favorable to ALA accumulation were not allelic in R8Q10 and YH25005, all the inheritances of OA, LA and ALA in YH25005 ​× ​SW and R8Q10 ​× ​SW followed a genetic model of ‘two pairs of additive major genes ​+ ​additive-dominant polygenes’. It is suggested that the contents of OA, LA and ALA are closely related and the major genes in the parent SW containing loss-of-function mutations in FAD2 and FAD3 loci had strong effect to reduce ALA and elevate OA. However, total genetic effect of the polygenes was greater than that of the two major genes, especial on ALA content. It indicated that it is necessary to employ a larger F₂ population to find the plant that accumulate enough minor-effect polygenes for high ALA content. The results are useful for high ALA rapeseed breeding and future work of gene mapping.     

Ecotoxicological Impact of the Marine Toxin Palytoxin on the Micro-Crustacean Artemia franciscana

Palytoxin (PLTX) is a highly toxic polyether identified in various marine organisms, such as Palythoa soft corals, Ostreopsis dinoflagellates, and Trichodesmium cyanobacteria. In addition to adverse effects in humans, negative impacts on different marine organisms have been often described during Ostreopsis blooms and the concomitant presence of PLTX and its analogues. Considering the increasing frequency of Ostreopsis blooms due to global warming, PLTX was investigated for its effects on Artemia franciscana, a crustacean commonly used as a model organism for ecotoxicological studies. At concentrations comparable to those detected in culture media of O. cf. ovata (1.0–10.0 nM), PLTX significantly reduced cysts hatching and induced significant mortality of the organisms, both at larval and adult stages. Adults appeared to be the most sensitive developmental stage to PLTX: significant mortality was recorded after only 12 h of exposure to PLTX concentrations > 1.0 nM, with a 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 2.3 nM (95% confidence interval = 1.2–4.7 nM). The toxic effects of PLTX toward A. franciscana adults seem to involve oxidative stress induction. Indeed, the toxin significantly increased ROS levels and altered the activity of the major antioxidant enzymes, in particular catalase and peroxidase, and marginally glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase. On the whole, these results indicate that environmentally relevant concentrations of PLTX could have a negative effect on Artemia franciscana population, suggesting its potential ecotoxicological impact at the marine level.     

The Effect of Vitrification on Mouse Oocyte Apoptosis by Cryotop Method

Background : Oocyte cryopreservation is one of the most important topics in the field of assisted reproductive technology to preserve women fertility, but relationship between cryopreservation and apoptosis is still a matter of debate. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of vitrification on apoptosis in mouse oocytes by Cryotop method. Method: A total of 200 germinal vesicle (GV) and 200 metaphase II (MII) oocytes were obtained from ovaries and fallopian tubes of NMRI mice, respectively and divided into control and experimental groups. Oocytes in experimental group were vitrified by Cryotop using vitrification medium and were kept in liquid nitrogen for one month. The survival rate of oocytes was evaluated after 2 hour incubation time. Then, the oocyte apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL technique and compared with those in control group. The data was compared statistically using SPSS software and chi-square test. Results: The survival rates of vitrified GV (93%) and MII oocytes (88%) showed a significant decrease compared with the control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in survival rate of both vitrified oocyte groups. The incidence of apoptosis in vitrified and control GV oocytes showed no significant difference (13% vs. 7%), but the rate of apoptosis in vitrified MII oocytes increased significantly not only in comparison with MII control group (25% vs. 5%) but also with vitrified GV oocytes (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that vitrification increases apoptosis in mouse MII oocytes and apoptosis may play a role in MII oocyte injury after vitrification. Key Words: Vitrification, Apoptosis, Oocytes     

Composition of Antioxidants and Amino Acids in Stevia Leaf Infusions

Stevia, a non-caloric natural sweetener with beneficial properties and considerable antioxidants and amino acids, is increasingly consumed as an infusion. This work evaluates the influence of the conditions (temperature: 50, 70 or 90 °C and time: 1, 5, 20 or 40 min) applied to obtain Stevia infusions, on antioxidants (total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity) and amino acids. The total concentration of the eleven amino acids found was 11.70 mg/g in dried leaves and from 6.84 to 9.11 mg/g per gram of Stevia in infusions. However, infusions showed higher levels of certain amino acids (alanine, asparagine, leucine and proline), and greater values of the three antioxidant parameters in comparison with dry leaves. Temperature had more influence (minimum values at 50 °C and maximum at 90 °C) than time in the case of antioxidants. At 90 °C there were no important increases in the extraction of antioxidant compounds after 5 min; each gram of Stevia had 117 mg trolox (total antioxidant activity), 90 mg gallic acid (total phenols) and 56 mg catechin equivalents (flavonoids). Varying the temperature and time conditions no notable differences were observed in the concentrations of the majority of amino acids. However, the infusion treatment at 90 °C for 5 min was the best, as it gave the highest yield of 8 of the 11 amino acids. Therefore, with respect to the compounds analyzed in this study, the best way to obtain Stevia leaf infusions is the same as the domestic process, almost boiling water for a short time.     

The Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Infusions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sambucus nigra</Emphasis> L.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of teas prepared from twenty-four commercially available berries and flowers of Sambucus nigra L. in relation to their phenolic profile, as reflected by the most representative phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic and syringic acids); flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin and rutin); and total phenolic (TPC), phenolic acid (TAC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents. The infusions prepared from elderflowers contained more abundant phenolic compounds than the elderberry infusions. The TPC of these infusions ranged from 19.81 to 23.90 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight of sample (GAE/g DW) for elderberries and from 15.23 to 35.57 mg GAE/g DW for elderflowers, whereas the TFC ranged from 2.60 to 4.49 mg of rutin equivalents/g dry weight of sample (RUTE/g DW) in elderberry infusions and from 5.27 to 13.19 mg RUTE/g DW in elderflower infusions. Among the phenolic compounds quantified in this study, quercetin (2.07–9.48 mg/g DW) and myricetin (1.17–9.62 mg/g DW) had the highest concentrations in the teas prepared from berries and flowers, respectively. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of elder infusions assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays revealed that the teas prepared from flowers had higher mean DPPH and FRAP activities than the teas prepared from berries. Therefore, elder beverages could be important dietary sources of natural antioxidants that contribute to the prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.     

Amelioration of Cholesterol Induced Atherosclerosis by Normalizing Gene Expression, Cholesterol Profile and Antioxidant Enzymes by Vigna unguiculata

Cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis, have found to be the dreadful diseases worldwide and therapeutic interventions using plant sources have wide therapeutic value. Vigna unguiculata (VU) leaves have been used as food and therapeutics. Hence, our study was designed to evaluate the hypolipidemic as well as anti-atherogenic potential of VU leaves in normalizing atherogenic gene expression, cholesterol profile, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme system on cholesterol fed rabbit model. For the study New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each and experimental period was three months; group -i - ND [normal diet (40 g feed)], group-ii- ND (normal diet) +EAVU [ethyl acetate fraction of Vigna unguiculata (150 mg/kg body weight)], group -iii- ND [normal diet ]+ CFD [cholesterol fed diet (cholesterol 1 % of 40 g feed and cholic acid 0.5 % of 40 g feed)] and group-iv - ND [normal diet] +CFD [cholesterol fed diet ]+EAVU [ethyl acetate fraction of Vigna unguiculata (150 mg/kg body weight)]. Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding the rabbit with cholesterol (1 % of 40 g feed) and cholic acid (0.5 % of 40 g feed). Supplementation of EAVU normalized cholesterol profile, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products like thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), antioxidant system and important genes of cardiovascular diseases like interleukin-10 (IL 10), paraoxanase-1 (PON I), interleukin-6 (IL 6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox 2) to near normal level as compared with normal diet. The result obtained showed the antioxidant as well as anti-atherogenic potential of Vigna unguiculata leaves in ameliorating cholesterol induced atherosclerosis, and thus it is good task to include VU leaves in daily diet for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases especially atherosclerosis.     

Effect of the mycorrhizal symbiosis time in the antioxidant activity of fungi and Pinus pinaster roots, stems and leaves

The ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis that develops between the roots of host trees and the soil ECM fungi is an important factor towards the survival, health and growth of these trees, as it stimulates their water and nutrient uptake. Ectomycorrhizal colonization can result in the deposition of phenolic compounds in peripheral cortex cells and a similar answer can be recognized as one way of plant defense against pathogenic infections. The aim of the present work was the evaluation of antioxidant potential of the ectomycorrhizal fungi, Paxillus involutus and Pisolithus arhizus, in presence and absence of the symbiont - Pinus pinaster - in response to the symbiotic association, under different contact periods (45 days and 48 h). Phenolic contents in mycelia, culture media and plant leaves, stems and roots were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and their antioxidant properties were evaluated by three in vitro assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition through β-carotene bleaching inhibition. Comparing the response of the symbionts to the host species, P. pinaster benefited most with the association, because it generally decreases the phenolics content and the antioxidant activity values in the presence of both ectomycorrhizal fungi along time. P. arhizus also decreased, in general, its phenolics levels and antioxidant properties, alongside with P. pinaster, unlike P. involutus that did not have the same response as it increases its content of phenolics and some of its values of antioxidant activity. These results can be considered as an hypothetical signal of a symbiotic differential compatibility of mycorrhizal fungi for a host.     

Pomological and Nutraceutical Properties in Apricot Fruit: Cultivation Systems and Cold Storage Fruit Management

We have investigated the effect of cultivation systems and fruit post-harvest management on the antioxidant properties of apricot fruits. Trees of five cultivars ‘Tyrinthos’, ‘Cafona’, ‘Bella d’Italia’, ‘Vitillo’ and ‘Pellecchiella’ were cultivated under integrated and organic systems. Fruits were collected at full maturity stage and analyzed either immediately or after storage at 4±0.5 °C and 85% of relative humidity for seven and 14 days. The main pomological traits (weight, colour, flesh firmness, total soluble sugars, titratable acidity) and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC by TEAC method), total phenols content (TP by Folin-Ciocalteu method) and carotenoid content by HPLC-DAD were monitored. Cultivar characterization by principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a large variability on pomological and antioxidant properties of apricot fruits. ‘Bella d’Italia’ showed better TAC and TP values compared to the other cultivars. ANOVA interactions between cultivar and cultivation system (organic/integrated) were found for the antioxidant properties. These interactions may help to select a set of genotypes with better performances under organic system, which in our study might be indicated in ‘Cafona’ and ‘Bella d’Italia’.     

Application of very high gravity technology to the cofermentation of sweet stem sorghum juice and sorghum grain

Ethanol production from mixtures of sweet stem sorghum juice and sorghum grain was investigated under normal and very high gravity (VHG) fermentation conditions. Fermentation was carried out using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain N96 at 30°C. For VHG fermentation, sucrose was added to the sweet sorghum juice to obtain a concentration of 34 g per 100 ml of dissolved solids. Fermentation was carried out for 96 h using malted and unmalted milled sorghum grain from sorghum cultivars DC-75 and SV-2. Under VHG conditions, maximum ethanol levels were about 16.8% (v/v) and 11% (v/v) for media containing malted and unmalted milled sorghum grain, respectively. Although fermentation did not occur to completion, levels of ethanol obtained under VHG conditions were three times higher than the levels obtained under normal fermentation conditions. Under VHG conditions, about 8 g/100 ml of dissolved solids remained in the fermentation media after ethanol production had ceased while under normal fermentation conditions, about 4 g/100 ml of dissolved solids remained unused in the fermentation media. There was an initial decline in free amino nitrogen (FAN) levels up to 34 h followed by an increase up to 96 h under VHG fermentation conditions. Levels of assayable proanthocyanidins (PAs) from sorghum cultivar DC-75 were reduced during fermentation.     

Origin and inheritance of solarmarine glycoalkaloids in commercial potato cultivars

Tuber tissues of 123 commercial cultivars were tested for their ability to synthesize solamarine glycoalkaloids. Eleven cultivars including ‘Kennebec’ and ‘White Rose’ synthesized major concentrations of solamarines, ranging between 42 and 85% of total glycoalkaloid, when tuber slices were exposed to light during wound-healing. Tuber tissues of the other 112 cultivars did not synthesize solamarines, or they synthesized only trace concentrations of these unusual glycoalkaloids. Nine of the 11 solamarine-synthesizing cultivars have a common ancestor, USDA 96-56. This parental clone synthesizes major solamarine concentrations and it also carries the R₁ gene for late blight resistance that it inherited fromSolatium demissum. Results of solamarine analyses of foliage from 47 USDA 96-56 selfed progeny suggest that this parental clone is the source of a major gene(s) for solamarines present in 9 of the commercial cultivars. However, there appeared to be an alternative source of a gene(s) for solamarines because ‘White Rose’, with onlyS. tuberosum ancestors, also synthesized major solamarine concentrations. There was no association between the R₁ gene for late blight resistance and the ability to synthesize solamarines in 31 USDA 96-56 selfed progeny that were analyzed for both characters.     

Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Properties of Bioactive Compounds in Organic and Conventional Growing Kiwifruit

The bioactivity of two kiwifruit’s cultivars growing under organic and conventional conditions were studied and compared. The bioactive compounds were extracted with water and ethanol using similar conditions which are applied in pharmaceutical applications and for daily fruit consumption such as tea drink. Antioxidant radical scavenging assays [ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP); cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC); 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and ultraviolet spectroscopy, two (2D-FL) and three-dimensional (3D-FL) fluorometry were used for the detection of biologically active metabolites derived from kiwifruits (total phenols, flavonoids, chlorophylls, carotenoids and ascorbic acid). The correlation between the total phenol content (TPC) and other bioactive compounds, and their total antioxidant capacities (TAC) was calculated for studied kiwifruit’s extracts. The interaction between drugs and human serum albumin (HSA) plays an important role in the distribution and metabolism of drugs. The properties of kiwifruit’s phenol extracts showed their ability to quench HSA, forming the complexes similar to the ones between the proteins and pure flavonoids such as quercetin. The cultivar ‘Bidan’ exhibited significantly higher TAC than the classic ‘Hayward’. In conclusion, for the first time ‘Bidan’ organic kiwifruit was analyzed and compared with widely consumed ‘Hayward’, using its bioactive and fluorescence properties. The influence of physiologically active kiwifruit’s compounds on human health, through our investigations in vitro and scientifically proven information, was explained. Relatively high content of bioactive compounds, high antioxidant and fluorescence properties of kiwifruit justify its use as a source of valuable antioxidants.