Review
Horticulture
Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Michele Ciriello, Leo Sabatino, Lorena Vultaggio, Sara Baldassano, Sonya Vasto, Youssef Rouphael, Salvatore La Bella, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been important sources of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds in the produce. This review discusses the latest findings on agronomic biofortification, focusing on increasing the concentration of crucial minerals in edible portions of vegetables. The effects on human health and the influence of other compounds were also analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xin Yang, Zhe Tang, Jing Li, Jizong Jiang
Summary: This article reviews the association between essential trace elements intake or supplementation (especially zinc, copper, iron, and selenium) and the risk of esophageal cancer. Zinc intake may decrease the risk of esophageal cancer, while copper supplementation remains uncertain in its association with EC risk. Total iron consumption is associated with lower risk, while heme iron intake may increase risk. Selenium intake shows a protective effect against EC, especially for individuals with low baseline selenium levels.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Natalia Mandia, Pilar Bermejo-Barrera, Paloma Herbello, Olalla Lopez-Suarez, Jose M. Fraga, Cristina Fernandez-Perez, Maria L. Couce
Summary: This study quantified concentrations of minerals and trace elements in human milk and infant formula, revealing that preterm infants are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and toxicity. Toxic trace elements levels were higher in infant formula compared to human milk, suggesting a need for manufacturers to reduce their content.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Costanza Ceccanti, Andrea Brizzi, Marco Landi, Luca Incrocci, Alberto Pardossi, Lucia Guidi
Summary: The study found that wild edible plants can be a good alternative to improve human intake of minerals, with open field cultivation conditions aiding plants in maintaining major mineral content.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Tiphaine Chouvelon, Lola Gilbert, Florence Caurant, Paula Mendez-Fernandez, Paco Bustamante, Maud Brault-Favrou, Jerome Spitz
Summary: Forage species play a crucial role in marine food webs by transferring energy and nutrients to top predators. This study examines the elemental composition of 78 forage species in the Bay of Biscay and reveals significant differences among species, influenced by taxonomy and habitat. The study also suggests that the elemental composition of forage species can impact the diets of certain predator species.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sabrina H. Bilston-John, Ardra Narayanan, Ching Tat Lai, Alethea Rea, John Joseph, Donna T. Geddes
Summary: The study examined the daily and within-feed variations of macro- and trace-elements in human milk, finding significant differences in intake estimates when using morning pre-feed samples compared to measured 24-hour intake. Standardized sampling protocols with large sample volumes and multiple collections over 24-hours are recommended to provide a more accurate calculation of infant intake of macro- and trace-elements in human milk.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pi-I D. Lin, Andres Cardenas, Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, Ami R. Zota, Marie-France Hivert, Izzuddin M. Aris, Alison P. Sanders
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between trace elements and maternal kidney function during the first trimester of pregnancy. The findings suggest that high lead levels and low magnesium, selenium, and zinc levels are associated with decreased kidney function. Furthermore, the analysis of trace element mixtures shows that a higher concentration of non-essential trace elements is associated with reduced kidney function, while a higher concentration of essential trace elements is associated with improved kidney function.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isis Baro-Camarasa, Ana Judith Marmolejo-Rodriguez, Antonio Cobelo-Garcia, Marta D. Palacios, Daniela Alejandra Murillo-Cisneros, Felipe Galvan-Magana
Summary: This study investigated the transfer of essential and non-essential trace elements from a pregnant Munk's pygmy devil ray female to its embryo. The results showed elevated concentrations of arsenic in both the pregnant female and the embryo tissues, while higher levels of cadmium, vanadium, uranium, and silver were found in the pregnant female's liver compared to the embryo tissue. This study provides insights into the maternal transfer of trace elements in these species and their reproductive strategy.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. Fantuz, S. Ferraro, L. Todini, R. Spurio, A. Fatica, F. Marcantoni, E. Salimei
Summary: This study evaluated the concentrations and distribution of various elements in donkey milk. The results showed that the fat fraction of donkey milk contained a small proportion of certain elements, while the casein fraction carried most of the essential elements. Soluble forms of elements were found in whey proteins and the aqueous phase of milk. The findings highlight the element composition of donkey milk and its different fractions.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Yang, Jiajia Wu, Lingbin Yan, Lifei Yu, Jingchun Liu, Chongling Yan
Summary: This study compared the sediment characteristics between halophyte plants habitat and mudflats in intertidal habitats, showing higher concentrations of trace elements in sediment associated with S. alterniflora in Beihai. Variations in magnetic minerals accumulation in different sites explained the differences in sediment-bound As, Hg, Sb, Cd and Sc between S. alterniflora and mudflats.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Mabelebele, S. D. Kolobe, E. Malematja, N. A. Sebola, T. G. Manyelo
Summary: This review provides recent published information on trace elements from edible insects from various environments. Insects are gaining popularity as food proteins, especially in developing countries, and there is a higher demand for edible insects due to their nutritional value similar to meat. Edible insects are considered a readily available source of proteins, carbohydrates, and chitin, as well as trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. However, research on this topic is limited, and there is a need for comprehensive understanding of trace element contents in edible insects to prevent mineral deficiency in humans and animals.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sebastian Schaffer, Gerald Rimbach, David Pieper, Niklas Hommen, Alexandra Fischer, Marc Birringer, Ulrike Seidel
Summary: This study investigated the contribution of minerals and trace elements in beverages to the daily intake of German consumers. The results showed that phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium were the main minerals found in beverages, while manganese was the most significant trace element. The study provides a foundation for the establishment of a mineral and trace element database for beverages in the future.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Celia Lucas, Faustina Fernandez, Sancho Banon
Summary: Maceration with sodium salts and vacuum-cooking can improve the water holding capacity in squid-based products. However, these processes lead to the loss of minerals in squid flesh, with only minimal health risks.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuyan Xu, Ruobi Chen, Qibing Zeng
Summary: Ferroptosis is a unique form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation. It plays a crucial role in trace element-related diseases and is regulated by redox homeostasis, cellular metabolic pathways, and disease-related signaling pathways. This review aims to gather research articles and identify key evidence regarding essential trace elements and potentially toxic trace elements in ferroptosis, which can help determine future research priorities and opportunities.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandar Stojsavljevic, Danijela Ristic-Medic, Durda Krstic, Branislav Rovcanin, Slavica Radjen, Brankica Terzic, Dragan Manojlovic
Summary: The study compared levels of various trace elements in chronic kidney disease patients and healthy individuals, finding that some elements were higher in the HD group while others were lower. The Cu/Zn ratio may serve as a marker for early and late detection of renal failure. Differences in trace element levels between groups provide insights into the impact of CKD on trace elements in different stages.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Danuta Sobolewska, Agnieszka Galanty, Sebastian Granica, Irma Podolak, Monika Anna Olszewska, Aleksandra Owczarek, Niraldo Paulino, Klaudia Michalska
Summary: This study reports on the cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract and fractions of Cuphea ingrata against human skin and prostate cancer cells. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest activity against human skin cancer cells.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Agnieszka Wiesner, Magdalena Skronska, Gabriela Gawlik, Monika Marcinkowska, Pawel Zagrodzki, Pawel Pasko
Summary: This study investigated the impact of food, beverages, dietary supplements, and alcohol on antiretroviral drugs and found that more than half of the drugs had clinically significant interactions with food. Some drugs should be taken with or immediately after a meal for optimal efficacy, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. There is insufficient evidence to make recommendations about consuming juice or alcohol with antiretroviral drugs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Grabowska, Wioleta Pietrzak, Pawel Pasko, Agnieszka Soltys, Agnieszka Galanty, Pawel Zmudzki, Renata Nowak, Irma Podolak
Summary: In this study, the levels of soluble phenolic acids and flavonoids in different parts of Atriplex sagittata were investigated. It was found that phenolic acids were present in all parts, with the highest content in the leaves, while the flowers had the highest content of flavonoids. The stem extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while the flower extract had the most potent antihyaluronidase effect. Phytochemical analysis of the flower extract led to the isolation of two triterpene saponins that showed strong hyaluronidase inhibitory activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janusz Malarz, Klaudia Michalska, Agnieszka Galanty, Anna Karolina Kiss, Anna Stojakowska
Summary: Plants of the genus Pulicaria are valuable for their traditional medicinal, culinary, and insect-repelling properties. A specific species within the genus, Pulicaria inuloides, has been less studied chemically. By analyzing hydroalcoholic extracts of the roots and aerial parts of P. inuloides, it was found to contain several caffeoylquinic and caffeoylhexaric conjugates, as well as hydroxykaempferol dimethyl ether and quercetagetin trimethyl ether. Additionally, chloroform extracts from P. inuloides plants revealed the presence of caryophyllene derivatives, thymol derivatives, and polymethoxylated flavonols. The cytotoxicity of two major flavonols isolated from the plant, 6-Hydroxykaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether and quercetagetin 3,7,3'-trimethyl ether, were tested on various cell types with moderate activity against prostate cancer cells.
Article
Plant Sciences
Katarzyna Sulkowska-Ziaja, Agnieszka Galanty, Agnieszka Szewczyk, Pawel Pasko, Katarzyna Kala, Anna Apola, Irma Podolak, Bozena Muszynska
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the production of triterpenes in submerged cultures of Ganoderma applanatum. The results showed that MeJA promoted the production of ganoderic acid A and ganoderic acid C and exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cells.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Barbara Zuromska-Witek, Mariusz Stolarczyk, Marek Szlosarczyk, Szymon Kielar, Urszula Hubicka
Summary: A new universal HPLC-DAD method has been developed for the separation and simultaneous determination of thirteen active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in polypills used in the treatment of hypertension. The method shows good sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, and has been successfully applied to the quality control of commercially available polypill tablets.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Agnieszka Wiesner, Pawel Zagrodzki, Marek Jamrozik, Jacek Korchowiec, Monika Marcinkowska, Pawel Pasko
Summary: Chemometric analysis was used to investigate interactions between antiretroviral drugs and food. The study found that the chemical structures of the drugs may contribute to the variable food effect. Correlations between different features of the drugs and food were also revealed. This study is of great importance in understanding interactions between antiretroviral drugs and food.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Agnieszka Galanty, Justyna Dobrowolska-Iwanek, Wojciech Pazdziora, Irma Podolak, Pawel Pasko
Summary: Caffeine-containing food supplements are often used for weight loss or memory enhancement, which increases the risk of overdose. The presence of iodine-containing seaweed in these products may lead to thyroid disorders. The study aimed to assess the caffeine and iodine content in food supplements.
JOURNAL OF CONSUMER PROTECTION AND FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Galanty, Marta Grudzinska, Wojciech Pazdziora, Pawel Pasko
Summary: Erucic acid (EA) is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in the seeds of various plants. While studies have suggested that EA may be cardiotoxic to rats, its effects on humans have not been confirmed. This review aims to summarize the current research on the toxic and pharmacological properties of EA, in order to determine its potential medicinal use.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pawel Zagrodzki, Agnieszka Wiesner, Monika Marcinkowska, Marek Jamrozik, Enrique Dominguez-Alvarez, Katarzyna Bierla, Ryszard Lobinski, Joanna Szpunar, Jadwiga Handzlik, Agnieszka Galanty, Shela Gorinstein, Pawel Pasko
Summary: Due to selenium deficiency in humans, the search for new organic molecules containing this element in plant biofortification is important. This study evaluated selenium organic esters based on benzoselenoate scaffolds, with additional halogen atoms and various functional groups. The study aimed to discover the relationships between molecular characteristics of these compounds and the amount of sulfur phytochemicals in kale sprouts. The statistical model revealed a correlation structure between the molecular descriptors of selenium compounds and the biochemical features of the sprouts.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paulina Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk, Karolina Grabowska, Elzbieta Karnas, Kamil Piska, Dawid Wnuk, Katarzyna Klas, Agnieszka Galanty, Katarzyna Wojcik-Pszczola, Marta Michalik, Elzbieta Pekala, Hendrik Fuchs, Irma Podolak
Summary: Saponins are plant metabolites with diverse biological activities, including potential anticancer effects. The mechanisms of saponins' anticancer activity depend on factors such as their chemical structure and target cell type. Co-administration of saponins and targeted toxins can enhance the cytotoxicity of the toxins and improve overall therapy outcomes. A study demonstrated that the saponin fraction CIL1 of Lysimachia ciliata L. can enhance the efficacy of the EGFR-targeted toxin dianthin (DE), with increased cytotoxicity, antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects. Moreover, the CIL1 saponin fraction showed a satisfactory safety profile in vitro, with no cytotoxic or mutagenic potential.
Review
Biology
Wojciech Pazdziora, Irma Podolak, Marta Grudzinska, Pawel Pasko, Karolina Grabowska, Agnieszka Galanty
Summary: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to external factors that disrupt its balance, but chronic inflammation can be detrimental. Usnic acid has shown promising anti-inflammatory properties and further research is needed to understand its mechanism, safety, and potential derivatives. The use of usnic acid in topical applications also deserves exploration.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anna Maslanka, Marek Szlosarczyk, Przemyslaw Talik, Joanna Szafraniec-Szczesny, Krzysztof Woyna-Orlewicz, Pawel Zmudzki, Urszula Hubicka
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Eudragit RSPO on the photostability of venlafaxine in a physical mixture and as a melt. A validated method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of venlafaxine and its degradation products. The results showed that the decomposition of venlafaxine was more than three times slower in the venlafaxine-eudragit melt compared to its physical mixture and pure form.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Agnieszka Soltys, Agnieszka Galanty, Karolina Grabowska, Pawel Pasko, Pawel Zagrodzki, Irma Podolak
Summary: This study investigated the anti-BPH potential of terpenoids in the fruits of Sorbus intermedia. The results showed that these compounds inhibited 5-α-reductase activity and reduced PSA secretion in normal prostate epithelial cells. They also demonstrated inhibitory effects on heat-induced protein denaturation, hyaluronidase, as well as IL-6, TNF-α, and NO release in macrophages.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Grudzinska, Bogna Stachnik, Agnieszka Galanty, Agnieszka Soltys, Irma Podolak
Summary: This paper comprehensively summarizes the potential of natural triterpenoids in the treatment of melanoma, including their structural modifications and drug delivery systems to enhance bioavailability. The findings provide valuable information for the development of antimelanoma drug candidates.