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In the context of impact on human health, nitrite/nitrate and related nitrogen species such as nitric oxide (NO) are a matter of increasing scientific controversy. An increase in the content of reactive nitrogen species may result in nitrosative stress—a deleterious process, which can be an important mediator of damage to cell structures, including...
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... from dietary nitrate and nitrite intake have been demonstrated in many studies ( Table 2). The positive effect of nitrates and nitrites is related to the fact that they are exogenous donors for NO formation, which have a potentially beneficial role in physiology and therapeutics [64]. ...Similar publications
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Background:
Accumulating public health and epidemiological literature support the hypothesis that arsenic in drinking water or food affects the brain adversely.
Methods:
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Citations
... [7] However, nitrite under certain conditions can potentially lead to the production of nitrosamines and cancer. [8] Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and potassium sorbate, which are used as antifungals in meat products, can result in allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. [9] The increasing demand for clean label products by consumers has shown the importance of effective alternatives. ...
ɛ-Polylysine (ε-PL), a non-toxic, water-soluble, biodegradable compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, has emerged as a promising bio-preservative for meat products. This review explores ε-PL’s applications as a meat preservative, focusing on its synthesis, antimicrobial mechanism, and effects on meat’s physicochemical and microbiological attributes. ε-PL exhibits strong preservative effects, effectively controlling protein and lipid oxidation and the growth of food-borne pathogens, spoilage bacteria, molds, and yeasts. These properties help maintain meat’s stability, quality, and nutritional value. However, challenges remain in understanding ε-PL’s interactions with meat components, assessing its long-term effects, and scaling up its application in the meat industry. Addressing these challenges is critical to advancing ε-PL, potentially controlling the growth of food-borne pathogens and spoilage bacteria in meats, thereby protecting their stability, nutritional value, and quality attributes. Given its potent antioxidant activity, broad antibacterial spectrum, and superior biological properties, ε-PL could be a promising candidate for preserving meat and meat products.
... High levels of nitrate in drinking water can convert hemoglobin in the blood to methemoglobin, reducing its oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin in infants. Some studies suggest a possible link between long-term exposure to high levels of nitrate and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly stomach cancer (Karwowska & Kononiuk, 2020). However, more research is needed to confirm this association (Ward et al., 2005). ...
... The maximum threshold of nitrate content in wall rocket leaves according to the European Commission Regulation [65] is 6000 mg kg −1 f.w. in spring-summer and 7000 mg kg −1 in autumn-winter, while the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of nitrates should not exceed 3.7 mg kg −1 bw −1 day −1 . In general, the high consumption of nitrates may cause health risks due to the possibility of carcinogenic nitrosamine formation in the stomach under the presence of secondary amines and methemoglobin synthesis which hamper oxygen accumulation [66]. However, nitrate is also highly valuable for human health, as it prevents hypertension and protects human organism against cardiovascular diseases [67,68] via the regulation of gene expressions of proteins and enzymes involved in nitric oxide synthesis. ...
The biofortification of leafy vegetables with selenium (Se) and iodine (I) provides the basis for the Se/I status optimization and preservation of human health. The effect of foliar Se, I, and Se + I supply in three different crop cycles (autumn, autumn–winter, and winter) on yield, quality, and mineral composition of wall rocket leaves was investigated using biochemical and ICP-MS methods of analysis. Joint foliar supply with selenate/iodide increased yield, antioxidant activity, total phenolic, ascorbic acid, and protein levels by 1.63, 1.24, 1.22, 1.25, and 1.50 times, respectively, and the content of Ca, Mg, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn by 1.27, 1.24, 1.35, 1.46, 3.67, 2.76, and 1.44 times, respectively. High correlations between Se, antioxidants, P, Mg, and Ca (r > 0.80) as well as between yield and K/protein content were recorded. Despite a significant decrease in yield, protein, and K, Fe, Cu, and Mn contents in the third crop cycle, compared to the first one, 50 g of wall rocket biofortified with Se/I may provide up to 100% of the Se adequate consumption level, 34.3% of I, 9% of K, 24% of Fe, and 17.7% Ca. The results of the present research confirm the high efficiency of Se/I supply to produce D. tenuifolia leaves as a new functional food.
... Nitrogen compounds in the form of nitrate and nitrite ions can occur in food naturally (mainly in vegetables and drinking water) and as food additives. Studies show that vegetables, especially such leaf vegetables as arugula, spinach and lettuce, tend to have higher nitrate levels compared to seeds or tubers [1]. On the other hand, as food additives, nitrites (E249, E250) and nitrates (E251, E252) can be used in strictly defined amounts under the EU regulation on food additives [2]. ...
... Nitrates and nitrites, authorized food additives in the European Union, serve various purposes such as preserving food color, preventing botulism, and imparting a cured or smoked flavor [79,80]. Nitrates are unstable in acidic conditions, and so spontaneously decompose to nitrites and nitrogen dioxide. ...
Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by significant disability and triggered by various factors, including dietary habits. This review explores the complex relationship between diet and migraine, highlighting both triggering and protective roles of dietary patterns and specific nutrients. Evidence suggests that certain foods, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, MSG, nitrates, and tyramine, can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Conversely, dietary interventions, including carbohydrate-restricted diets, ketogenic diets, vitamin D3 supplementation, omega-3 fatty acids, Mediterranean dietary patterns, and increased water intake, have shown potential in reducing migraine frequency and severity. Observational studies also indicate that maintaining a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods, is associated with better migraine outcomes. The effectiveness of these interventions varies among individuals, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches. Future studies should further explore the role of diet in migraine management, focusing on randomized trials to establish causality and refine dietary recommendations for patients.
... However, vegetables are not the sole source of nitrates in the diet, as these compounds can also be found in animal-based products, where they are used to preserve processed meats and cheeses. Nitrites (sodium nitrite-E249 and potassium nitrite-E250) and nitrates (sodium nitrate-E251 and potassium nitrate-E252) are permitted as food additives by the European Union according to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011, which sets the maximum allowable amounts for their use in food processing [10]. Nitrates and nitrites are often incorporated into food products for several important purposes, including the inhibition of microbial growth (mainly Clostridium botulinum), the delay of rancidity, the enhancement of cured meat flavor and aroma, and the stabilization of meat's appealing red color. ...
Nitrate (NO3) and nitrite (NO2) are important nitrogen compounds that play a vital role in the nitrogen cycle, contributing to plant nutrition and broader ecological functions. Nitrates are produced from nitric acid (HNO3), while nitrites come from nitrous acid (HNO2). These substances are commonly found in the environment, especially in food and water, due to contamination from both human and natural sources. Human activities are major contributors to the high levels of nitrates found in water, leading to environmental pollution. Although nitrogen is crucial for plant growth, excessive fertilizer use has caused ecological disruptions. In plants, nitrates tend to accumulate primarily in the leaves of non-leguminous crops, such as leafy vegetables, which are known for their high nitrate content. Furthermore, nitrates and nitrites are added to animal-based foods, especially processed meats and cheeses, to prevent bacterial growth, slow spoilage, and improve flavor and color. The concentration of these compounds in food can vary due to different factors like farming practices, climate, soil conditions, and food production methods. This review seeks to examine the differences between the plant-based and animal-based sources of these compounds and assess their potential impact on human health, considering also the paradigm that goes beyond nitric oxide production.
... This pathway provides a mechanism for NO generation which is independent of the enzymatic activity of nitric oxide synthases, making it particularly relevant under conditions of hypoxia or ischemia. Dietary nitrate is partially reduced to nitrite and thus to biologically active nitrogen oxides, which perform various physiological functions [82]. A significant portion of dietary nitrate is reduced to nitrite in the oral cavity by commensal bacteria, with a typical salivary nitrate-to-nitrite ratio of approximately 2:1 to 3:1, corresponding to 25-33% [83]. ...
... This process can be further influenced by the presence of reducing agents such as ascorbic acid and polyphenols. In the entire gastrointestinal tract, nitrate can react with amines and amides to the formation of N-nitroso [82]. Reactions between primary amines and nitrite form unstable nitrosamines, which are degraded to nitrogen and alcohol [82]. ...
... In the entire gastrointestinal tract, nitrate can react with amines and amides to the formation of N-nitroso [82]. Reactions between primary amines and nitrite form unstable nitrosamines, which are degraded to nitrogen and alcohol [82]. Some nitrate is then excreted with the urine in the form of urea and ammonia. ...
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. The pathological hallmarks of PD include Lewy bodies and mechanisms like oxidative/nitrosative stress, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, plays a dual role in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Excessive NO production exacerbates neuroinflammation and oxidative/nitrosative damage, contributing to dopaminergic cell death. This review explores NO’s role in PD pathogenesis and investigates dietary nitrate as a therapeutic strategy to regulate NO levels. Methods: A literature review of studies addressing the role of NO in PD was conducted using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using keywords such as “nitric oxide”, “NOSs”, “Parkinson’s disease”, and “nitrate neuroprotection in PD”. Studies on nitrate metabolism via the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway and its effects on PD hallmarks were analyzed. Studies regarding the role of nitrosamine formation in PD, which are mainly formed during the nitrification process of amines (nitrogen-containing compounds), often due to chemical reactions in the presence of nitrite or nitrate, were also examined. In particular, nitrate has been shown to induce oxidative stress, affect the mitochondrial function, and contribute to inflammatory phenomena in the brain, another factor closely related to the pathogenesis of PD. Results: Excessive NO production, particularly from iNOS and nNOS, was strongly associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress, amplifying neuronal damage in PD. Dietary nitrate was shown to enhance NO bioavailability through the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway, mitigating inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative damage. Conclusions: Dysregulated NO production contributes significantly to PD progression via inflammatory and oxidative/nitrosative pathways. Dietary nitrate, by modulating NO levels, offers a promising therapeutic strategy to counteract these pathological mechanisms. Further clinical trials are warranted to establish its efficacy and optimize its use in PD management.
... When humans consume vegetables with excessive nitrite accumulation, most of the nitrite is excreted in the urine, while a small fraction enters the gastrointestinal tract. There, it interacts with endogenous amines, forming reactive nitrides, including potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines, which pose substantial health hazards [15,16]. The efficiency of NR and nitrite reductase (NiR) in primary nitrogen assimilation plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development [13,17]. ...
Background
Toona sinensis and Toona ciliata both belong to the same genus in the Meliaceae family; however, the nitrate and nitrite contents in T. sinensis are significantly higher than those in T. ciliata. Given the growing emphasis on dietary health, it has become imperative to implement breeding strategies to reduce the excessive nitrite levels in T. sinensis. Nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) are crucial enzymes in plant nitrogen metabolism. In this study, we employed a comparative analysis of the NR and NiR gene families in T. sinensis and T. ciliata. By integrating bioinformatics and expression pattern assessments, we aimed to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to the variance in nitrate and nitrite levels between these two species.
Results
T. sinensis exhibited higher nitrate and nitrite contents than T. ciliata. Through comprehensive genome-wide analysis, we identified two TsNRs and two TsNiRs in T. sinensis, compared to one TcNiR and two TcNiRs in T. ciliata, suggesting an expansion of NR members in T. sinensis relative to T. ciliata. The NR and NiR proteins in T. sinensis and T. ciliata share high sequence similarity and exhibit close genetic relationships with their counterparts in Populus trichocarpa and Salix purpurea. The exon–intron structures and conserved motifs of these genes were stringently conserved throughout evolutionary history. All the seven NR and NiR genes in both T. sinensis and T. ciliata harbor various cis-regulatory elements within their promoter sequences, which are associated with development, stress response, and hormonal regulation. Furthermore, the expression of TsNiR and TcNiR genes was also found to be tissue-specific. Among them, TcNR1 and TsNR2 exhibited the highest expression observed in mature leaves. Especially, the expression level of TsNR2 in mature leaves was 400-fold higher than in other tissues. In addition, transient overexpression of TsNiR1 and TsNiR2 in T. sinensis significantly reduced nitrite content.
Conclusions
The higher nitrite accumulation in T. sinensis compared to T. ciliata is attributed to its lower nitrite reductase activity, the expansion of the NR gene family, and the elevated expression of TsNR2 in the leaves.
Graphic Abstract
... High nitrate levels are often associated with synthetic nutrient solutions like the Hoagland solution [36]. However, nitrate in green products is also linked with potential health risks including cardiovascular issues, negative effects on pregnancy, and even cancers [37]. ...
Wastewater management nowadays targets simultaneously contaminant removal and further utilization while the operation needs to be affordable and comprehensible. This study investigates the adsorption of pristine human urine and the secondary effluent wastewater onto rice husk biochar and subsequently producing hydroponic nutrients using desorption for growing Ocimum basilicum L. (O.basilicum L.). SEM, BET, EDS, XRD, and FTIR were employed to characterize the adsorbent. The results demonstrated that rice husk biochar exhibited excellent adsorption performance, with total organic carbon adsorption efficiency ranging from 60 to 80%, depending on the type of wastewater. Also, 50% of total nitrogen, 70% of phosphorus, and about 80% of potassium were adsorbed onto the biochar. Desorption from human urine–adsorbed biochar produced a solution with 236.5 mg/L N, 256.73 mg/L P, and 4.6 mg/L K, which was then used to grow O. basilicum L. in comparison with the Hoagland solution. The growth indexes of the plants were slightly lower but comparable in statistical perspectives. Nevertheless, the nutritional profile was better and the economic efficiency was superior, thanks to the low costs in nutrient preparation. A potential mass production of hydroponic nutrients based on human urine adsorption–desorption, which also resolves wastewater issue was subsequently asserted for future application.
... Nitrate is one of the critical contaminants in both surface and groundwater, which may be released from a variety of sources, including anthropogenic processes such as intensive farming and inappropriate waste disposal from urban sewage and mining waste dumps, as well as natural processes such as nitrification adhering to rainfall and weathering of nitrate bearing minerals such as tobelite and nitratine (Kom et al. 2022;Rajkumar et al. 2023). Elevated nitrates in water may cause thyroid problems, methemoglobinemia, and some carcinogenic effects (Palanisamy et al. 2019;Karwowska and Kononiuk 2020;Sudarshan Reddy et al. 2022). Moreover, nitrates may impact renal functioning (Ward et al. 2018). ...
Hydrogeochemical characteristics and ionic sources of groundwater contamination were examined to understand the potential health risk factors behind the chronic kidney illness in parts of the Uddanam CKDu area, Southern India. For this, a total of 50 groundwater samples were obtained during the pre and post-monsoon seasons of 2021 and examined for physicochemical metrics. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater were measured with the handheld meter HI991300P. The major ions in groundwater were analyzed using standard procedures by the American Public Health Association (APHA), followed by an ion balance assessment (IBA) to ensure analytical accuracy. Then water quality evaluation encompassing potability, pollution status, its spatial patterns, and human health risks were determined using Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), pollution index of groundwater (PIG), ArcGIS 10.4 and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines. Moreover, the source evaluation of mineral species and ions was performed using saturation indices (SI) by pH redox equilibrium written in C computer language (PHREEQC) 3.7.3 geochemical model and statistical analysis employed factor analysis (FA) and Pearsons’s correlation matrix using MINTAB22 software. Moreover, conventional graphical diagrams, including Piper, Gibbs and scatter plots, were also portrayed to elucidate the controlling factors of groundwater chemistry and ionic sources. Significant findings of this study are elevated levels of Ca2+, Mg2+, TDS, TH, NO3− and Si in groundwater; High to moderate pollution; High nitrate pollution vulnerability, primarily affecting children followed by women and men; Precipitation of carbonate and silicate minerals; Mixing Ca–Mg–SO4–Cl followed by Ca–Mg–HCO3 water facies; Geological and Anthropogenic influences. Notably, these findings may have critical implications for the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the Uddanam CKDu region. Hence, before water consumption, proper treatment is necessary. Proper waste disposal facilities can reduce the risk of leaching contaminants. Rainwater recharge through invasive structures may reduce the pollutants through the dilution process. These findings assist researchers and policymakers in developing sustainable water management strategies to prevent potential health risks posed to humans.
