MPOB exploring palm oil-based MCT as anti-viral agent to combat coronavirus

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is exploring palm oil-based medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) as an anti-viral property, with the aim to boost the immune system to protect from the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) attack, director-general Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said.

According to Ahmad Parveez, there were some Chinese experts who had engaged with MPOB to seek collaborative study related to palm tocotrienols’ possible effect on human immunity, which is now being widely discussed to prevent the coronavirus infection.

Livny A, Schnaider Beeri M, Heymann A, Moshier E, Berman Y, Mamistalov M, Shahar DR, Tsarfaty G, Leroith D, Preiss R, Soleimani L, Silverman JM, Bendlin BB, Levy A, Ravona-Springer R

J Alzheimers Dis. 2020 Feb 12. doi: 10.3233/JAD-191294. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS:

The efficacy of vitamin E in prevention of diabetes-related complications differs by Haptoglobin (Hp) genotype.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the role of Hp genotype in the relationship of vitamin E intake with brain volume in cognitively normal elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

Brain volumes for the superior, middle, and inferior frontal gyri and for the middle temporal gyrus were generated from structural T1 MRI in 181 study participants (Hp 1-1: n = 24, Hp 2-1: n = 77, Hp 2-2: n = 80). Daily vitamin E intake was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Analyses of covariance, controlling for demographic and cardiovascular variables was used to evaluate whether the association of daily vitamin E intake with brain volume was modified by Hp genotype.

RESULTS:

Average age was 70.8 (SD = 4.2) with 40% females, and mean Mini-Mental State Examination score of 28.17 (SD = 1.90). A significant interaction was found between vitamin E intake and Hp genotype in inferior frontal gyrus’ volume; p = 0.0108. For every 1 microgram increase in vitamin E intake, the volume of the inferior frontal gyrus decreased by 0.955% for Hp 1-1 (p = 0.0348), increased by 0.429% for Hp 2-1 (p = 0.0457), and by 0.077% for Hp 2-2 (p = 0.6318). There were no significant interactions between vitamin E intake and Hp genotype for the middle (p = 0.6011) and superior (p = 0.2025) frontal gyri or for the middle temporal gyrus (p = 0.503).

CONCLUSIONS:

The effect of dietary vitamin E on the brain may differ by Hp genotype. Studies examining the impact of vitamin E on brain-related outcomes should consider Hp genotype.

Busch A, Jäger M, Klebingat S, Baghdadi J, Flörkemeier T, Hütter F, Grupp TM, VITAS-Group, Haversath M

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2020 Feb 12. doi: 10.1007/s00402-020-03358-x. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Progressive oxidation of highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight (UHMPWE-X) liners is considered to be a risk factor for material failure in THA. Antioxidants such as vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) (UHMWPE-XE) were supplemented into the latest generation of polyethylene liners. To prevent inhomogenous vitamin E distribution within the polymer, blending was established as an alternative manufacturing process to diffusion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vivo wear behavior of UHMWPE-XE in comparison with conventional UHMWPE-X liners using virtual CAD-based radiographs.

METHODS:

Until now, 94 patients from a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter study were reviewed at 5-year follow-up. Of these, 51 (54%) received UHMWPE-XE and 43 (46%) UHMWPE-X liners. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were made immediately after surgery and at 1 and 5 years postoperatively. The radiographs were analyzed using the observer-independent analysis software RayMatch^® (Raylytic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany).

RESULTS:

The mean wear rate was measured to be 23.6 μm/year (SD 13.7; range 0.7-71.8 μm). There were no significant differences between the two cohorts (UHMWPE-X: 23.2 μm/year vs. UHMWPE-XE: 24.0 μm/year, p = 0.73). Cup anteversion significantly changed within the 1st year after implantation independent from the type of polyethylene liner [UHMWPE-X: 18.2-23.9° (p = 0.0001); UHMWPE-XE: 21.0-25.5° (p = 0.002)]. No further significant changes of cup anteversion in both groups were found between year 1 and 5 after implantation [UHMWPE-X (p = 0.46); UHMWPE-XE (p = 0.56)].

CONCLUSION:

The present study demonstrates that the addition of vitamin E does not adversely affect the midterm wear behavior of UHMWPE-X. The antioxidative benefit of vitamin E is expected to become evident in long-term follow-up. Cup anteversion increment by 5° within the 1st year is likely a result of the released hip flexion contracture resulting in an enhanced posterior pelvic tilt. Therefore, a reassessment of target values in acetabular cup placement might be considered.

Yazici GN, Erdoğan D, Gürgen SG, Sunar M, Elmas Ç, Umur N, Ilgaz C

Biotech Histochem. 2020 Feb 11:1-11. doi: 10.1080/10520295.2020.1715480. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

We investigated using immunohistochemistry the possible protective effects of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and selenium during chemotherapy treatment with cyclophosphamide. Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six: group 1, untreated control; group 2, 75 µg/kg cyclophosphamide; group 3, 75 µg/kg cyclophosphamide + 150 µg/kg/day α-tocopherol; group 4, 75 µg/kg cyclophosphamide + 200 µg/kg/day ascorbic acid and group 5, 75 µg/kg cyclophosphamide + 40 ppm/kg/day selenium. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining was used to detect cell proliferation and AT₁ was used to evaluate structural damage. Caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 signal molecules were used to investigate apoptosis. In group 2, epithelium, alveolar macrophages, infiltrated lymphocytes and connective tissue were immunostained moderately to strongly with PCNA. Bronchus, alveolar wall and infiltrated lymphocytes were immunostained moderately to strongly with AT₁ and diffuse strong caspase immunoreactions were observed throughout the lung tissue. AT₁ and caspase immunoreactions in groups 4 and 5 were similar to group 2. In group 3, PCNA immunoreactivity was strong in the bronchiolus epithelium, endothelial cell nuclei and in stacks of infiltrated lymphocyte cell nuclei. In group 3, AT₁ and caspase immunoreactions were identical to group 1. It appears that α-tocopherol inhibits lung tissue damage in rats during chemotherapy.

Mumtaz S, Ali S, Khan R, Shakir HA, Tahir HM, Mumtaz S, Andleeb S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Feb 8. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-07654-2. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

Due to industrial and urban sewage, the metal contaminations in aquatic and terrestrial environments are increasing day by day, especially in developing countries. Despite the study of several years, we are inert far away from an actual medication for prolonged toxicity of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium etc. Lead is one of the most common heavy metals that possess toxicological effects on numerous tissues of animals as well as humans. Several toxic effects of lead on reproductive organs, renal system, central nervous system, liver, lungs, blood parameters, and bones have been reported. On the other hand, several reports depicted that garlic is operative in declining the absorption of lead in bones as well as soft tissues. A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E enhances the biological recovery induced by lead and mobilize the heavy metal such as lead from intra-cellular positions. This review provides therapeutic approaches such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and extract of garlic to treat the detrimental effects caused after the exposure of lead. These therapeutic strategies are beneficial for both the prevention and alleviation of lead noxiousness.

Ke D, Chen W, Chen W, Yun YH, Zhong Q, Su X, Chen H

Molecules. 2020 Feb 4;25(3). pii: E654. doi: 10.3390/molecules25030654.

Abstract

Vitamin E (VE) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) can form an inclusion complex; however, the inclusion rate is low because of the weak interaction between VE and β-CD. The results of a molecular docking study showed that the oxygen atom in the five-membered ring of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) formed a strong hydrogen bond interaction (1.89 Å) with the hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group of C-6. Therefore, β-CD was modified using OSA to produce octenyl succinic-β-cyclodextrin (OCD). The inclusion complexes were then prepared using OCD with VE. The properties of the inclusion complex were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ¹³C CP/MAS NMR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results demonstrated that VE had been embedded into the cavity of OCD. Furthermore, the emulsifying properties (particle size distribution, ζ-potential, and creaming index) of the OCD/VE inclusion-complex-stabilized emulsion were compared with that stabilized by β-CD, OCD, and an OCD/VE physical mixture. The results showed that the introduction of the OS group and VE could improve the physical stability of the emulsion. In addition, the OCD/VE inclusion complex showed the strongest ability to protect the oil in the emulsion from oxidation. OCD/VE inclusion complex was able to improve the physical and oxidative stability of the emulsion, which is of great significance to the food industry.

Kayhan Kuştepe E, Bahar L, Zayman E, Sucu N, Gül S, Gül M

Biotech Histochem. 2020 Feb 4:1-12. doi: 10.1080/10520295.2019.1695942. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

We investigated the effects of α-lipoic acid (AL) and α-tocopherol (AT) on renal histopathology in a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. Adult male rats were divided into six groups: group 1, saline only; group 2, AL only; group 3, AT only; group 4, STZ only; group 5, STZ + AL; group 6 STZ + AT. Experimental diabetes was induced by STZ. AL and AT were administered for 15 days. Kidney sections were examined using a light microscope after hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and caspase-3 staining. Histological damage to glomeruli, tubule epithelial cells and basement membrane was observed in group 4. Administration of AT and AL reduced renal injury in the diabetic rats. Group 5 exhibited a greater curative effect on diabetic rats than group 6. AT and AL may be useful for preventing diabetic renal damage.

Ciudad-Mulero M, Matallana-González MC, Cámara M, Fernádez-Ruiz V, Morales P

Curr Pharm Des. 2020 Feb 3. doi: 10.2174/1381612826666200203130150. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

Pulses are staple foods cultivated since ancient times, which play an important role in the human diet. From a nutritional point of view, pulses are very interesting foods as they are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Dietary antioxidants are a complex mixture of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds usually present in foods of plant origin, including pulses. In the present study, the phytochemical composition of selected pulses (common beans, fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas and lupins) have been reviewed in terms of their content of antioxidant compounds. The content of hydrosoluble antioxidants (organic acids, phenolic compounds), liposoluble antioxidants (tocopherols, carotenoids) and other compounds, which exert antioxidant properties such as dietary fiber and minerals (zinc, selenium), have been studied, reporting that pulses are an interesting source of these compounds, which have important health benefits, including a preventing role on cardiovascular diseases, anticarcinogenic or neuroprotective properties. It is important to take into account that pulses are not usually consumed raw, but they must be processed before consumption in order to improve their nutritional quality and their palatability, therefore, the effect of different technological and heat treatments (germination, cooking, boiling, extrusion) on the antioxidant compounds present in pulses have been also reviewed. In this sense, it has been observed that as consequence of processing, the content of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties is usually decreased, but processed pulses maintain relevant amounts of these compounds, preserving their beneficial health effect.

Niemchick KL, Riemersma C, Lasker GA

Nutr Metab Insights. 2020 Feb 3;13:1178638820903300. doi: 10.1177/1178638820903300. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the relationship between blood serum lipophilic antioxidant levels and cognitive function (CF) in older adults aged 60 and above guided by the oxidative stress theory of aging.

METHODS:

Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 291) for older adults aged 60 and above were examined using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression to determine whether blood serum antioxidant status predicted CF while controlling for age, sex, race, hypertension, smoking status, and body mass index.

RESULTS:

Alpha-tocopherol, retinyl palmitate, trans-lycopene, and retinyl stearate were all significantly correlated with CF. After controlling for covariates, α-tocopherol and retinyl palmitate were associated with CF. Age, sex, and current smoking status were significant predictors of CF.

CONCLUSIONS:

The benefits of antioxidants in CF may be a part of nutritional recommendations which include α-tocopherol and retinyl palmitate for delay of CI, and subsequently a better quality of life.

Guo HF, Abd Hamid R, Mohd Ali R, Chang SK, Rahman MH, Zainal Z, Khaza'ai H

Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Feb 3;9(2). pii: E130. doi: 10.3390/antiox9020130.

Abstract

Background: An experimental study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) with tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) cream in the wound-healing process on skin with deep partial-thickness burn in rats. Methods: A total of 180 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of six each and were: untreated control, treated with Silverdin^® cream, base cream, base cream with c% EGF, base cream with 3% TRF or base cream with c% EGF and 3% TRF, respectively. Creams were applied once daily for 21 consecutive days. Six animals from each group were sacrificed using anaesthetic overdose on the third, seventh, 11th, 14th and 21st day post-burn. Skin tissues with the wound to be examined were excised for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation and biochemical analyses. Results: EGF + TRF formulation decreased the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and myofibroblasts post-burn. However, no effects on the number of adipose cells in the healing process were recorded. In addition, lipid peroxidation and nitrite production were found to be reduced post-burn, reducing oxidative stress. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that the addition of EGF with TRF have ameliorating effects on deep-partial thickness burn healing parameters.