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Six-week supplementation with Chlorella has favorable impact on antioxidant status in Korean male smokers
Abstract
Chlorella vulgaris is a popular food supplement in Asia and is currently marketed as a nutritional supplement. However, available scientific studies do not support its effectiveness for preventing or treating any disease in humans. Because Chlorella contains numerous nutrients, including antioxidants, it is thought to exert antioxidative functions by scavenging free radicals created by various environmental factors such as smoking. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 6 wk of Chlorella supplementation to smokers is protective against oxidative damage in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Fifty-two smokers, aged 20-65 y, were given 6.3g of Chlorella or placebo every day for 6 wk. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning and after the supplementation. Plasma antioxidant vitamin levels and lipid peroxidation levels were measured. As a marker of oxidative stress, lymphocyte DNA damage was measured.
Chlorella supplementation increased plasma vitamin C (44.4%), alpha-tocopherol (15.7%), and erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Although 6 wk of Chlorella supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in lymphocyte DNA damage, as measured by comet assay, placebo supplementation also decreased the measured amount of lymphocyte DNA damage.
Chlorella supplementation resulted in the conservation of plasma antioxidant nutrient status and improvement in erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in subjects. Therefore, our results are supportive of an antioxidant role for Chlorella and indicate that Chlorella is an important whole-food supplement that should be included as a key component of a healthy diet.
... Using herbal and chemical supplement with exercise training can improve physical performance and cellular hemostasis in different tissue [20,21]. In a study, Lee et al. [22] examined the effects of Chlorella vulgaris on antioxidant status in smokers. After intervention, the results showed an increase in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes and a significant decrease in damages of lymphocytes' DNA were shown [22]. ...
... In a study, Lee et al. [22] examined the effects of Chlorella vulgaris on antioxidant status in smokers. After intervention, the results showed an increase in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes and a significant decrease in damages of lymphocytes' DNA were shown [22]. In a study, Ali Ashrafi et al. [23] divided the patient with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into the intervention and placebo groups, each groups consisted of 35 specimens. ...
... Lin et al. stated that Chlorella vulgaris supplement anaerobic exercise capacity and also reduces muscle inflammation following exercise [24]. Lee [22]. Whereas, Panahi et al. showed that 8 weeks of intense intermittent exercise with 4-10 repetitions for 30 s does not have significant changes in amount of plasma IL-6 levels, that the drawn result can be related to gender, time, and the type of training protocol and the duration of the exercise [44]. ...
PurposeOverweight can lead to the down-regulation of insulin sensitivity and cytokine profile. In this regard, non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and supplementation are recommended. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation with acute eccentric exercise on serum levels of interleukin-6 and insulin resistance in overweight men.Methods
Thirty subjects (aged 22.8 ± 2.1 years, BMI 27.1 ± 9.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into three equal groups: exercise [just perform acute eccentric exercise test (AEE)], Chlorella vulgaris (for 7 days and then AEE), placebo (for 7 days and then AEE). Blood sampling was performed in 4 stages: day 1 (before supplementation) and day 7 (after supplementation), after AEE and 24 h after AEE. Subjects of the supplement group received Chlorella vulgaris supplement (300 mg) four times daily for 1 week, and the placebo group consumed similar dextrose tablets. Exercise groups just perform AEE. AEE test included a 20-min treadmill run at a speed of 9 km/h with a negative 10% slope. Serum levels of IL-6, insulin, and glucose were measured by Elisa kit. Also, the hip circumference and knee range of motion (ROM) was measured at four stages.ResultsAt the end of the study, there was a significant decrease in IL-6 levels in the Chlorella vulgaris group compared to the other two groups at 24 h after AEE test (P < 0.01). There was also a significant decrease in insulin resistance levels in the supplement group compared to the other two groups at 24 h after AEE test (P < 0.02). Also, the knee ROM decreased significantly in all three groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion
Chlorella vulgaris with acute eccentric exercise can have a more modulating effect on serum IL-6, insulin resistance and other characteristics in overweight men compared to acute eccentric exercise without chlorella.
... Dietary antioxidants with electron-donor properties such as vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, Q10 and α-lipoic acid can also stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as VO 2max (14) . Chlorella vulgaris (CV), as a well-known algae, has been recently considered as a valuable functional food due to the high content of vitamins, minerals and phenolic components (15) . CV has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties (15) ; its high antioxidant content makes it an appropriate supplement for the exercising people. ...
... Chlorella vulgaris (CV), as a well-known algae, has been recently considered as a valuable functional food due to the high content of vitamins, minerals and phenolic components (15) . CV has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties (15) ; its high antioxidant content makes it an appropriate supplement for the exercising people. ...
The beneficial effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and chlorella vulgaris (CV) on body composition and mitochondrial biogenesis have been shown in some mechanistic studies. This study aimed to determine the effects of CV and/or HIIT on mitochondrial biogenesis, performance and body composition among overweight/obese women. There was a significant reduction in the fat mass (FM) of the CV þ HIIT group, as compared with the placebo group (P = 0·005). A marginal significant increase in body water (P = 0·050) and PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (P = 0·050) was also found only in the CV þ HIIT group, as compared with the placebo. Relative (P < 0·001) and absolute (P < 0·001) VO 2max , as well as Bruce MET (P < 0·001), were significantly increased in the HIIT and HIIT þ CV groups. Besides, the synergistic effect of CV and HIIT on the Bruce MET increment was found (interaction P-value = 0·029). No significant changes were observed in BMI, fat-free mass, visceral fat, silent information regulator 1 and fibroblast growth factor-21. In this randomised clinical trial, forty-six overweight/obese women were assigned to four groups including CV þ HIIT and HIIT þ placebo groups that received three capsules of CV (300 mg capsules, three times a day) or corn starch, in combination with three sessions/week of HIIT. CV and placebo groups only received 900 mg of CV or corn starch, daily, for 8 weeks. Biochemical assessments, performance assessment and body composition were obtained at the beginning and end of the intervention. HIIT may be, therefore, effective in improving mitochondrial biogenesis, performance and body composition in overweight/obese women. Total body fat is associated with impaired mitochondrial function , thus indicating a strong relationship between body composition and mitochondrial energy metabolism (1). Mitochondria, as an important cell organelle, is involved in many crucial cell functions such as metabolism, regulating the maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max), which is important for endurance performance (2). VO 2max is the maximum (max) amount of oxygen (O 2) a person utilises during his/her exercise; it is considered as a common measurement of aerobic power. Some characteristics including sex, age, body composition, exercise history and diet can affect VO 2max (3). Endurance exercise-induced adaptations in mitochondrial activity can improve the metabolic health and decrease the risk of obesity and other metabolic disturbances (4). Higher mitochondrial biogenesis is associated with aerobic performance as well as muscle oxidative capacity and regulated by transcriptional cofactors such as PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) (5). Deacetylation of PGC-1α by silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) which is an NAD-dependent deacetylase increases PGC-1α activity, resulting in the activation of mitochondrial bio-genesis (6,7). Besides, the gene expression of PGC-1α is up-regulated via fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) (8) .
... The choice of the doses to be used in the present study was based on clinical studies from the literature. Although improvement with Chlorella ingestion has been observed in different pathologies and the lack of reported side effects is a well-recognized attribute of the alga (Miyazawa, et al., 2013b;Nakano et al., 2007Nakano et al., , 2010Shimada et al., 2009;Lee et al., 2012;Otsuki et al., 2012;Kwak et al., 2012;Otsuki et al., 2011;Nagayama et al., 2014;Merchant et al., 2000;Lee et al., 2010;Mizoguchi et al., 2008;Noguchi et al., 2014;Azocar and Diaz, 2013), no consensus has been reached on the choice of the low effective clinical doses to be used. In this context, studies showed that in patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, a dose of 1.2 g/day for 3 months, complementary to conventional treatment, produces significant improvements in serum transaminase levels and triglycerides as well as increased sensitivity to insulin (Panahi et al., 2012). ...
... In a study conducted in healthy volunteers and in people with a high-risk factor for the development of lifestyle-related diseases, the intake of 8 g/day for 12 weeks produced an improvement in fat and glucose metabolism in addition to increased gene expression of factors essential for ideal glycaemic maintenance, such as Akt and IRS (Mizoguchi et al., 2008). In healthy volunteers, 8 g/day for a period of 2 months increased the antioxidant activity in erythrocytes by increasing the plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of lutein and decreasing oxidative injury by reducing the phospholipid hydroperoxide concentration in the erythrocyte membrane (Lee et al., 2010). The modulating effects of 10 g/day over a period of 3 months were verified in three different clinical conditions as follows: in hypertensive patients, there was a decrease in high blood pressure and cholesterol levels; in patients with fibromyalgia, there was decreased pain; and in patients with ulcerative colitis, the rectal mucosal region was less inflamed, and patients also noted a reduction in the frequency of evacuations (Merchant and Andre, 2001). ...
The long-term effects of Chlorella doses on the inflammatory status and quality of life (QoL) of individuals with type-2 diabetes (T2D), and prediabetes (pre-T2D), and of nondiabetic controls were investigated. Chlorella was administered for 12 months; 1.6 g/day for the first six months and 3 g/day for the following six months. The inflammatory profile was studied by quantification of cytokines, adipokines and incretins. QoL was evaluated using the Short Form-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Evaluations were performed at baseline, 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) months after initiating Chlorella intake. At baseline, QoL was more deeply impacted in T2D, a similar proinflammatory profile was observed in T2D and pre-T2D. In both, at T6 and T12, Chlorella modulated the altered levels of adipocytokines and incretins towards healthy values, and significantly improved QoL. Moderate correlations between the modulation by the alga and enhancement in QoL were observed only in the T2D group. In the nondiabetic control group, Chlorella improved QoL vitality and mental health scores. No differences were found between the two doses. Our results illustrate Chlorella adaptogen activity on inflammatory pathways and suggest its promising use as a complementary alternative in treating diseases related to insulin resistance in a wide range of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation-related diseases. Moreover, Chlorella increased QoL in all groups, the ultimate goal of all healthy interventions. Altogether, our findings suggest that one core mechanism involved in the homeostatic response produced by Chlorella is related to its rich content of carotenoids, operating mainly through inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway.
... It has also been reported that Chlorella exerts a stimulatory effect on fecal excretion of dioxins in rats (Morita et al. 1999) and similar results in mice have been reported by Takekoshi et al. (2005). In a clinical study, Lee et al. (2010) observed the beneficial effects of Chlorella in fifty-two smokers given 6.3 g of Chlorella pills daily for 6 weeks. The beneficial effects of Chlorella may include several nutritional and antioxidant compounds and it is recommended as a major component of food supplements (Lee et al. 2010). ...
... In a clinical study, Lee et al. (2010) observed the beneficial effects of Chlorella in fifty-two smokers given 6.3 g of Chlorella pills daily for 6 weeks. The beneficial effects of Chlorella may include several nutritional and antioxidant compounds and it is recommended as a major component of food supplements (Lee et al. 2010). In addition, Nakano et al. (2009) found that Chlorella pyrenoidosa 6 g (30 tablets) per day significantly provided nutrition to pregnant women and prevent the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and anemia. ...
Chlorella is a green alga consumed as a dietary food supplement in pulverized form. In addition to its high nutritional value, it is also reported as an excellent detoxifying agent. The Chlorella powder has been reported for removal of mercury, cadmium, and radioactive strontium from the body. The present study evaluated the toxic effect of Chlorella powder (source: Chlorella vulgaris) in Swiss albino mice at acute and sub-acute (28 days repeated dose) doses. In acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies, mice were administered orally with Chlorella powder at single (2000 mg kg−1) and repeated (1000 mg kg−1, once daily for 28 days) doses, respectively. During the study, mice were observed for clinical signs and mortality, weekly body weight, feed and water consumption, and biochemical, hematological, organ weight, and histological parameters. In the acute oral toxicity study, the test item Chlorella produced no change in clinical signs, and no morbidity or mortality was observed throughout the study period. The change in weekly body weight was statistically insignificant compared to the vehicle control group. In the sub-acute oral toxicity study, no statistically significant changes were observed in behavior, body weight, feed and water consumption, and biochemical, hematological, organ weight, and histological parameters compared to vehicle control mice. No morbidity or mortality was observed during the study period. Oral administration of Chlorella at acute and repeated doses in mice showed no toxicity or adverse effect. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level was estimated to be 1000 mg kg−1 body weight per day for male and female mice.
... Many studies have reported high amounts of n-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in fish and other marine sources such as microalgae [5,20,21]. Fish oil supplements and other sources such as microalgae provide EPA and DHA usually used for human diets [17,71]. For example, the marine diatom Odontella aurita is one of the microalgae known to be rich in EPA and currently approved as a dietary supplement [6,17]. ...
... Feeding animals with Chlorella pyrenoidosa enhances the hypoglycemic effects of exogenous insulin at a dose, which does not produce hypoglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, suggesting that insulin sensitivity is increased in these mice [73,74]. In rabbit fed a high cholesterol diet for 10 weeks, Chlorella vulgaris, another species of Chlorella, showed anti-lipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic actions [71]. Another observation has indicated that Chlorella intake can reduce cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia [76]. ...
... Chlorella vulgaris (ChV), a unicellular green algae, has long been used as a health supplement especially in Japan and Korea [28,29]. ChV contains high content of nutrients including vitamins and minerals [30]. ...
... Antioxidants, especially those derived from plant sources are reported to prevent carcinogenesis through the suppression of cell proliferation, stimulation of apoptosis and scavenging free radicals [28]. Our previous study has successfully shown that ChV (300 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the percentage of CDE-induced preneoplastic liver nodules (ranging in size from 0.1 to 0.5 cm) from 100% to 17% [36]. ...
Background
Chlorella vulgaris (ChV), a unicellular green algae has been reported to have anticancer and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to determine the chemopreventive effect of ChV on liver cancer induced rats by determining the level and expression of several liver tumour markers. Methods
Male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were divided into 4 groups according to the diet given: control group (normal diet), ChV group with three different doses (50, 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight), liver cancer- induced group (choline deficient diet + 0.1% ethionine in drinking water or CDE group), and the treatment group (CDE group treated with three different doses of ChV). Rats were killed at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of experiment and blood and tissue samples were taken from all groups for the determination of tumour markers expression alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) and specific antigen for oval cells (OV-6). ResultsSerum level of TGF-β increased significantly (p < 0.05) in CDE rats. However, ChV at all doses managed to decrease (p < 0.05) its levels to control values. Expressions of liver tumour markers AFP, TGF-β, M2-PK and OV-6 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in tissues of CDE rats when compared to control showing an increased number of cancer cells during hepatocarcinogenesis. ChV at all doses reduced their expressions significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions
Chlorella vulgaris has chemopreventive effect by downregulating the expression of tumour markers M2-PK, OV-6, AFP and TGF-β, in HCC-induced rats.
... Nowadays, Chlorella supplements are commercially available for human consumption in various forms; and it is claimed that the use of these supplements can prevent or treat many metabolic disorders, immune system problems, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cardiovascular problems. Several human clinical trials have been performed and proved some beneficial health effects of Chlorella supplementation: enhancement of antioxidative status in smokers [18] and patients with obstructive pulmonary disorders [19], improvement of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from major depressive disorder [20], enhancement of life quality in breast cancer patients [21], improvement of liver function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [22], and amelioration of diabetes development in borderline diabetics [23]. ...
... The dose of Chlorella varied between 0.6 and 8 g/day; and the intervention duration ranged from 4 weeks to 6 months. The participants were healthy in 7 studies [28e33, 48], hypertensive in 5 studies [24,25,46], non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in 3 studies [26,27,51], hypercholesterolemic in 2 study [47,50], dyslipidemia in 1 study [49], and smokers in 1 study [18]. According to Jadad scores, 9 studies [24,29,31,33,46,47,49] were classified as low-quality studies (score < 3) and 10 studies [18,25e28,30,32,48,50,51] as high-quality studies (score ! ...
Background & aims:
The effect of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors of subjects with different health status has not been conclusively studied. Therefore, the efficacy of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors was assessed through a meta-analysis.
Methods:
A literature search on five electronic databases was performed and related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until 15 January 2017 were identified. For each study, the effect size of each outcome was presented as Un-standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI). The overall effect for each outcome was calculated using random effects model.
Results:
Meta-analysis on 19 RCTs with 797 subjects indicated that Chlorella administration significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (TC; -9.09 mg/dl, 95% CI: -12.91 to -5.26, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -8.32 mg/dl, 95% CI: -12.22 to -4.42, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP; -4.51 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.53 to -2.48, P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, -1.64 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.28 to -0.01, P = 0.049), and fasting blood glucose (FBG; -4.23 mg/dl, 95% CI: -8.29 to -0.17, P = 0.041) whereas changes in triglycerides (TG; 1.73 mg/dl, 95% CI: -7.25 to 10.70, P = 0.706), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 1.54 mg/dl, 95% CI: -2.40 to 5.48, P = 0.443), and body mass index (BMI; -0.23 kg/m(2), 95% CI: -0.97 to 0.51, P = 0.545) was not statistically significant. Subgroup analyses based on intervention duration and Chlorella doses revealed that administration of Chlorella for 8 weeks or higher and doses higher than 4 g/day significantly reduced TC, LDL-C, SBP, and DBP levels in the participants. Moreover, Chlorella supplementation significantly reduced TC and LDL-C levels in unhealthy individuals, and also reduced SBP and DBP in hypertensive ones.
Conclusions:
The results indicated that Chlorella supplementation improved levels of TC, LDL-C, SBP, DBP, and FBG but the changes in TG, HDL-C, and BMI were not satisfactory. More precise RCTs on subjects with different health status is recommended to clarify the effect of Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors.
... However, taking into account the small fat content, the achievement of adequate EFAs consumption would require the intake of more than 10 grams of dry extracts in powder form, against the generally recommended dosages of a few grams, and therefore can be considered irrelevant to ensure a supply of n3 PUFAs. Additionally, it cannot be underestimated that they contain many other substances and matrix molecules that can influence the effects on health or, on the other hand, can limit the quantities of the product assumable [184][185][186]. ...
1) Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known for their ability to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. The consumption of oily fish is the main source of PUFAs in human nutrition and is commonly used for supplement production. However, seafood is an overexploited source that cannot be guaranteed to cover the global demands. Furthermore, it is not consumed by everyone for ecological, economic, ethical, geographical and taste reasons. The growing demand for natural dietary sources of PUFAs suggests that current nutritional sources are insufficient to meet global needs, and less and less will be. Therefore, it is crucial to find sustainable sources that are acceptable to all, meeting the world population's needs. (2) Scope: This review aims to evaluate the recent evidence about alternative plant sources of essential fatty acids, focusing on long-chain omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs. (3) Method: A structured search was performed on the PubMed search engine to select available human data from interventional studies using omega-3 fatty acids of non-animal origin. (4) Results: Several promising sources have emerged from the literature, such as algae, microorganisms, plants rich in stearidonic acid and GM plants. However, the costs, acceptance and adequate formulation deserve further investigation.
... Promotes mental health, prevent the progression of age-dependent cognitive impairment (Nakashima et al., 2009). ▪ Decrease the oxidative stress and stress induced ulcers (Lee et al., 2010); Improvement in energy, reduction of constipation (Azocar and Diaz, 2013). ...
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been part of much worldwide cooperation in engineering design, nutrients production that contributes towards a better and more sustainable future. This review intends to uncover a potential renewable source that could significantly contribute to various goals under the SDGs. The prospects of algae tackling the socio-ecological, economic, and environmental issues faced globally are discussed, along with approaches of algae that can be utilized to achieve many of the SDGs are reviewed and discussed. Moreover, the recent trends in terms of engineering application that co-relate to novel algae-based technology has also been included. Apart from that, algae have high oil content which is suitable for producing affordable and clean energy, which can be used for biofuels or electricity generation. The promising characteristics of algae will lead to its global acceptance and utilization for sustainability to help create a better world.
... It has also been reported that Chlorella exerts a stimulatory effect on faecal excretion of dioxins in rats (Morita et al. 1999) and similar outcomes have been shown in mice (Takekoshi et al. 2005). It has been reported that Chlorella has no toxicity and it is safe to consume approximately 6 g or more daily without any adverse effects (Lee et al. 2010). Yadav et al. (2022b) also suggested that Chlorella powder can be taken by humans as a dietary supplement of 4.88 g per 60 kg human body weight per day. ...
Release of radionuclide and heavy metals in environment during healthcare, agriculture and military practices, and mining and energy production, poses a serious threat to humans and whole ecosystems. Acute or chronic exposure to human causes serious health effects such as acute radiation syndrome, burns, neurological disorders, renal damage and cancers. Hence, there is a need to find safe, wide-spectrum and cost-effective agents for removing internalized radionuclides and preventing internalization of these ions. In this direction, nutritional supplements offer an excellent option. The present review examines the potential of Chlorella for removal of radionuclide and heavy metal ions. Chlorella is a green alga consumed as dietary food supplement in powdered form. In addition to its high nutritional value, it is reported as an excellent detoxifying agent. The powdered Chlorella has been reported for removal of mercury, cadmium and radioactive strontium from the body. Chlorella contains a variety of metal-binding functional groups such as carboxyl, amino, phosphoryl, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which have high affinity towards various metal ions. Different species of Chlorella in live, dead or powdered forms has shown removal efficiency for different toxic metal ions from living as well as non-living things.
... Investigating the effect of Chlorella vulgaris on antioxidant status in e smokers, Lee et al reported a significant increase in plasma vitamin C (44.4%), alpha-tocopherol (15.7%), and erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities at the end of a sixweek treatment. The C. vulgaris extract was also found to significantly decrease in lymphocyte DNA damage, as measured by comet assay, placebo supplementation also decreased the measured amount of lymphocyte DNA damage in chronic smokers (22). Examining the effect of the C. vulgaris extract on the antioxidant status showed to reduce SOD activity in senescent human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). ...
Introduction: Given the importance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a worldwide issue and its health, psychological and social effects and some serious complications and consequences, it needs to find appropriate treatment for this emerging disease. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of combination of Algomed and Mentha longifolia, Matricaria recutita, Althaea rosea and Malva sylvestris on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19. Patients and Methods: In a Randomized clinical trial we included 68 participants with confirmed COVID-19 through PCR tests and/or CT scan, who were admitted to non-ICU wards. The intervention group received four 300-mg Algomed tablets daily, and the quadruple herbal brew three times a day additionally while the control group received routine treatments. The brew was prepared using a large teabag containing 6 g of the four herbs (2 g of Mentha longifolia, 2 g of M. recutita, 1.4 g of Malva sylvestris and 0.6 g of A. rosea). The patients were compared daily from their admission to the end of the third day in terms of clinical and para-clinical symptoms, and outcomes. Results: The two groups were not significantly different in terms of age (P=0.657) and gender (P=0.798). The median and inter-quartile range of length of stay were respectively 3 and 2-4 days in the intervention group and 5 and 3-9 days in the controls, significantly higher in the control group (P<0.001). Comparing the two groups in terms of the difference between the third and the first day values showed a significant difference in white blood cells count, a reduction of 432.9 in the intervention group vs. an increase of 65.5 in the controls (P=0.049). Except for diarrhea, which happened more in the control group (P=0.020), the two groups were not significantly different in terms of other variations. Conclusion: The present study results indicated the effects of a combination of Algomed and the brew of M. longifolia, M. recutita, A. rosea and Malva sylvestris on reducing the length of stay. It is suggested that the findings of this research should be confirmed by more detailed study with bigger sample size. It is also recommended that same or similar research should be conducted in different geographic locations of the world to confirm the outcome of this research. The main limitation of this study is that it was performed only on hospitalized patients who had a milder form of the disease in terms of disease severity. Therefore, the benefits of the interventions cannot be generalized to all patients. Trial Registration: Registration of trial protocol has been approved by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (#IRCT20151228025732N51, https://en.irct.ir/trial/46828, ethical code#IR.SEMUMS.REC.1398.325).
... The phytochemicals and their derivatives have been identified as suitable candidates for anticancer drug development due to their pleiotropic actions on targets and specific actions on tumor cells without affecting normal cells [10]. The biological targets of phytochemicals were found to be involved in antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and proapoptotic effects in mammalian cells or the ability to reduce oxidative stress [11,12]. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals contained in lower plants such as algae have been displayed to arrest carcinogenesis [13]. ...
Introduction:
Natural phytochemicals are considered safe to use as therapeutic agents. There is a growing trend toward exploring anticancer effects of crude algal extracts or their active ingredients. Euglena tuba, a microalga, contains excellent antioxidant potential. However, the anticancer property of E. tuba has not been explored. This study investigates the chemical profiling as well as antitumor property of methanolic extract of E. tuba (ETME) against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells.
Materials and methods:
E. tuba, procured from northern part of India, was extracted in 70% methanol, dried at room temperature, and stored at -20 ∘C for future use. A freshly prepared aqueous solution of ETME of different concentrations was employed into each experiment. The ETME mediated anti-tumor response in Dalton's lymphoma was evaluated in the inbred populations of BALB/c (H2d) strain of mice of either sex at 8-12 weeks of age. The cytotoxicity of ETME in cancer cells, effects on morphology of cell and nucleus, alteration in the mitochondrial membrane potential, and level of expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, cyt C, Bax and p53) were done using known procedures.
Results:
The ETME contained high content of total alkaloids (96.02 ± 3.30 mg/100 mg), flavonoids (15.77 ± 2.38 mg/100 mg), carbohydrate (12.71 ± 0.59 mg/100 mg), ascorbic acid (12.48 ± 2.59 mg/100 mg), and phenolics (0.94 ± 0.05 mg/100 mg). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated the presence of 23 phytochemicals with known anticancer properties. DL cells treated with ETME exhibited significant and concentration dependent cytotoxicity. Florescent microscopy and flow cytometry of ETME treated DL cells indicated significant repair in cellular morphology and decreased mitochondrial potential, respectively. Western blot analysis displayed up-regulation of proapoptotic proteins (Bax, Cyt-c, p53) and down regulation of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl2) in DL cells treated with ETME.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study clearly indicated that the anticancer property of ETME was mediated via reduction in mitochondrial potential and induction of apoptotic mechanism. Further studies are warranted to explore the anticancer activities of active ingredients present in this microalga of pharmaceutical importance.
... Dantas et al. (2021), using extracts from the biomass of Chlorella vulgaris, developed an alcoholic beverage whose in vivo tests showed that it played an important protective role in the physiology of brain cells. Lee et al. (2010), in a randomized study, used Chlorella as food supplement in male smokers to combat the production of free radicals. The results demonstrated that the plasma activities of vitamin C, α-tocopherol, erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase increased, and hence a signi cant decrease in lymphocyte DNA damage. ...
The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris is usually commercialized as nutraceutical althoughit has potential application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Therefore, our objective in this research is to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic action of the aqueous extract of Chlorella vulgaris through the Allium cepa assay. Three concentrations of the aqueous extract of Chlorella vulgaris were tested: 0.075, 0.15 and 0.30mg/mL. In the mutagenicity analysis, Allium cepa meristematic cells were cultured in the presence of the aqueous extract of Chlorella vulgaris with distilled water as negative control and copper sulfate as positive control. For antimutagenicity, pre-treatment, simple simultaneous and post-treatment protocols were used. 400 cells/treatment were analyzed under optical microscopy (40x). Data were analyzed by ANOVA (one-way) and Tukey tests, considering p < 0.05. The aqueous extract of Chlorella vulgaris did not show mutagenicity in any of the three concentrations evaluated. About the antimutagenicity protocols, the harm reduction percentages were 94.7%, 94.1% and 96.2% (pre-treatment); 88.9%, 93.2% and 91.08% (simultaneous simple); and 85.2%, 84.5% and 94.7% (post-treatment) referring to concentrations of 0.075, 0.15 and 0.30 mg/mL, respectively. According to these results, the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris did not show mutagenic action at the tested doses and it reduced genetic damage caused by copper sulfate.
... Although many studies discussed the potential supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a food supplement [15,25,28], scientific evidence does not support its efficacy in preventing or treating any disease or supporting toxicity in humans. Because CV includes a variety of minerals, antioxidant vitamins such as D and B12, and folates absent in plant-derived food sources [14], it is hypothesized to scavenge free radicals produced by environmental factors such as smoking, meaning that it has antioxidative properties. ...
Background: This study provides a model for studying the mechanism(s) responsible for the nervous tissue damage and misfunctioning that occurred due to oral nicotine exposure, considered a stress factor, during the presence of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing in the mouse model (EAC). The mitigating role of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) against nicotine-induced brain damage was evaluated. Methods: Eighty Swiss female mice were classified into four groups, these were the control, the CV group, the nicotine group(100 µg/kg), and the combination group. Oxidant/antioxidant status, proinflammatory cytokines levels, DNA damage, quantitative microscopical lesions, and Caspase 3, Bcl-2 proteins were assessed in the current study. Levels of dopamine (DA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were also evaluated. Results: Nicotine was found to cause pronounced neurobehavioral alterations, increase the mortalities oxidative stress DNA damage, and augment the inflammatory response in brain tissue alongside the microstructural alteration. The administration of CV with nicotine in EAC-bearing mice rescued the detrimental effects of nicotine. Conclusions: CV aids in reducing the harmful effects of nicotine and returns the conditions caused by nicotine to near-control levels. Thus, we are in favor of giving it to cancer patients who are taking daily dosages of nicotine even by smoking cigarettes or being exposed to second-hand smoke.
... In another study, authors have opined that the microalgal antioxidants when supplemented with the chemotherapeutics, they can enhance level of oxidative stress into the tumor cells, inactivate the transcription factors and cell proliferation associated signaling pathways, as well as switch on and accelerate the apoptotic signaling pathways [80]. Some investigators have shown that the presence of polyphenols in E. tuba may induce cell death [81][82][83][84] via induction of G1-cell cycle arrest [85,86] and G2/M arrest [87] and thus may be used against cancer. However, the chemical ingredients present in the microalgae such as carbohydrates, glycosides, terpenoids, triterpenoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins are known to possess structural diversity with multiple interactions in the animal systems [88]. ...
Euglena, a microalga, has gained a great attention as it contains several bioactive compounds including food supplements, drugs and biofuels. The genus Euglena includes >300 species of unicellular, freshwater flagellates. The objective of this review article concerns the presentation of updated information on pharmacological and therapeutic properties and industrial implications of molecules isolated from Euglena species. A bibliographic search of scientific literature published till March, 2020 was made from scientific databases using different search engines.Euglenaproduces several antioxidant molecules, such as β-carotene, L-ascorbic acid, polymers of unsaturated fatty acids and phytotoxins useful in manufacturing many pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and nutraceutical compounds. It is a rich source of antimicrobial, anticancer, immunomodulatorycompounds.Though, several studies have indicated its therapeutic applications, extensive research is needed to explore its efficacy against many pathophysiological conditions including toxicity assessment of compound(s). Nevertheless, the biotechnological influence on industrial production of Euglena has been less exploited.
... Most of the drugs used for controlling pathogenic microorganisms are not fruitful or having side effects 26 . As an alternative strategy, edible Chlorella can be used as it is previously shown to be a health booster 27 . Based on these principles we have selected five bacterial and five fungal strains that cause serious fatal diseases in humans. ...
Chlorella vulgaris is a green microalga, extensively used as a food supplement. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, antioxidants, beta carotene, and minerals. Rigid cell wall hinders its wider acceptability as a food additive. In this report, we have used cell wall free Chlorella extract in controlling opportunistic human pathogens. Opportunistic microbes are commensals but become pathogenic due to several intrinsic and extrinsic cues. Several recent studies have shown the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains. So as an alternative strategy we used Chlorella extract to study its efficacy as an effective agent against these pathogens. Our result suggests the extract is effective against Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus. The zone of inhibition for Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis is equivalent to Ofloxacin a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is also equally effective for opportunist fungal pathogens particularly towards Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis and to some extent Candida parapsilosis. However, it is indifferent to multi-drug resistant Candida auris. The zone of inhibition is 40-50% as compared to fluconazole a known antifungal drug. Combining both antifungal and antibacterial susceptibility assay, it was concluded that Chlorella vulgaris is having antimicrobial properties. So, we are suggesting apart from having a good source of food supplement, Chlorella powder can be used as a health booster and could be an effective therapy in controlling opportunistic infections.
... Chlorella vulgaris (CV), a type of single cellular fresh water green algae, is more popular worldwide, particularly in Eastern countries. CV contains essential nutrients including fiber, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and phytochemicals, making it an appropriate functional food [15]. Data extracted from animal studies have revealed the valuable effects of CV on obesity [16][17][18][19][20], dyslipidemia [21] and glucose status [22]. ...
Background:
Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a multifunctional dietary supplement is known with lots of health benefits. It is possible that CV consumption along with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a short period exercise is more beneficial. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of CV and/or HIIT on anthropometric parameters and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight or obese women.
Methods:
Present randomized double-blind clinical trial, included 46 women with overweight or obesity and randomly assigned them to four groups including CV, HIIT, CV+HIIT, and placebo. CV supplementation was 900 mg a day and HIIT program 3 sessions a week. Dietary intake, anthropometric assays and blood samples were taken at the commencement and completion of 8-week intervention.
Results:
After 8 weeks, waist circumference (WC) significantly reduced in CV+HIIT group in comparison with placebo group. Significant decreases in triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were found after CV supplementation and/or HIIT exercise in comparison with placebo group. A significant rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was observed in HIIT and HIIT + CV groups in comparison with placebo group, however CV consumption failed to affect HDL cholesterol levels. CV and/or HIIT significantly lowered, visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulating product (LAP) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in comparison with placebo. However, concurrent administration of CV and HII resulted in greater reduction in this indexes. Among glycemic indices a significant reduction in insulin resistance in CV+HIIT group compared with placebo group were seen.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, CV and HIIT could improve lipid profile and glycemic status in overweight and obese women.
... 6 Therefore, induction of CCl₄ in experimental animals is often used in research. 6,7 Various drugs, natural ingredients, or organisms have been developed to reduce liver damage due to chemicals and infections. One of the organisms used to resolve liver damage is Chlorella sp. 8 Chlorella is a unicellular green alga that contains various antioxidants such as chlorophyll, essential amino acids, protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber. ...
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a chemical that can cause damage to liver cells. One of the natural ingredients developed to reduce liver damage due to chemicals and infections is Chlorella sp. The research aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effect of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) by administering Sun Chlorella in Rattus norvegicus CCl₄ induced rats. The study design used a post-test with a control group design with a completely randomized design trial on 30 male rats of Wistar strains, aged 2–3 months, 200–250 grams in weight. The research was conducted in November 2016–January 2017 in Purwokerto. Rats were divided into five groups and treated for four weeks as follows: K1 group was given aquades; K2 was given CCl₄; K3, K4, K5 were given CCl₄ and Sun Chlorella 3.6 mg/200 gBW, 7.2 mg/200 gBW, and 14.4 mg/200 gBW respectively, by the gastric probe. Statistical analysis with correlation test and one way ANOVA multivariate test showed that Sun Chlorella 7.2 and 14.4 mg/200 gBW significantly increased SOD levels in rats induced CCl₄ (p=0.004, p=0.009). SOD rates were significantly strong associated with aspartate aminotransferase/AST (r=−0.685, p=0.000) and alanine aminotransferase/ALT (r=−0.659, p=0.000). The conclusion is Sun Chlorella increases SOD levels in CCl₄-induced rats. Increased SOD levels may decrease AST and ALT levels. EFEK HEPATOPROTEKTIF SUN CHLORELLA SEBAGAI ANTIOKSIDAN PADA RATTUS NORVEGICUS YANG DIINDUKSI KARBON TETRAKLORIDAKarbon tetraklorida (CCl₄) merupakan bahan kimia yang dapat menyebabkan kerusakan sel hati. Berbagai bahan alami telah dikembangkan untuk mengurangi kerusakan hati baik akibat bahan kimia maupun infeksi, salah satunya adalah Chlorella sp. Penelitian ini bertujuan melihat efek hepatoprotektif dengan pemberian Sun Chlorella pada tikus Rattus norvegicus yang diinduksi CCl₄. Desain penelitian menggunakan post-test with a control group dengan rancangan percobaan rancangan acak lengkap pada 30 tikus jantan galur Wistar, usia 2–3 bulan, dan berat 200–250 gram. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Purwokerto pada periode November 2016–Januari 2017. Tikus dibagi menjadi lima kelompok dan mendapatkan perlakuan per oral dengan sonde lambung selama 4 minggu sebagai berikut: kelompok K1 sebagi kontrol negatif diberikan aquades; kelompok control positif K2 diberikan CCl₄; kelompok perlakuan K3, K4, dan K5 diberikan CCl4 dan Sun Chlorella 3,6 mg/200 gBB; 7,2 mg/200 gBB; 14,4 mg/200 gBB tikus berurutan. Uji statistik dengan menggunakan uji korelasi dan ANOVA satu arah menunjukkan bahwa pemberian Sun Chlorella 7,2 mg dan 14,4 mg meningkatkan kadar SOD pada tikus yang diinduksi CCl₄ secara bermakna (p=0,004; p=0,009). Kadar SOD berhubungan kuat dengan kadar aspartat aminotransferase/AST (r=−0,685; p=0,000) dan alanin aminotransferase/ALT (r=−0,659; p=0,000). Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah pemberian Sun Chlorella meningkatkan kadar SOD pada tikus yang diinduksi CCl₄. Peningkatan kadar SOD menyebabkan penurunan kadar AST dan ALT.
... Due to the aforementioned nutritional composition, C. vulgaris has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties [8][9][10]. This alga has shown favorable effects on different health conditions, such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, depression, anxiety, and cancer; therefore, it is regarded as a multifunctional dietary supplement [11]. ...
This study presents a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) supplementation and liver function biomarkers. Pertinent studies were identified using Scopus, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane library databases up to August 2020. Mean differences were pooled using a random-effects model. Pooling 7 RCTs together showed that C. vulgaris supplementation led to a significant reduction of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (weighted mean difference [WMD], −9.15 U/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], −16.09, −2.21), but not alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels compared to the placebo consumption. Subgroup-analysis indicated that C. vulgaris supplementation had more effect on AST decreasing among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients (WMD, −16.42 U/L; 95% CI, −29.75, −3.09) than others. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on kind of supplementation showed that C. vulgaris supplementation significantly decreased ALT levels (WMD, −4.65 U/L; 95% CI, −8.88, −0.42) compared with the placebo, but not metformin consumption. It seems that C. vulgaris supplementation mainly affects AST levels rather than ALT and ALP levels, however, as mentioned the effect of C. vulgaris on those enzymes might be context-dependent. Therefore, further investigations with a large number of patients as well as on different disorders are necessary and can provide more definitive evidence.
... Vijayavel et al. (2007) showed that oral administration of Chlorella extract in rats increased the activity of serum, liver and kidney antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT and GPx activities. Similarly, dietary inclusion of Chlorella for 6 weeks increased the plasma SOD and GPx activities in humans (Lee et al., 2010). In fish, dietary Chlorella powder supplementation can improve serum GPx activity and protect tilapia against penoxsulam toxicity (Galal et al., 2018), possibly attributing to the antioxidant activity of polyphenols and flavonoids in the Chlorella (Shibata et al., 2003). ...
Chlorella meal as feed ingredient in diets has been well evaluated in fish and shellfish, whereas limited information is available about Chlorella extract as feed supplement and their effects on growth performance and stress resistance of fish. This study was conducted to assess effect of Chlorella water extract (CWE) on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant and immune capacity, histomorphology, and sodium nitrite stress resistance of Oreochromis niloticus. In total of 1920 O. niloticus fingerlings with initial body weight of 0.9 ± 0.01 g were randomly distributed into six groups with four replicates (80 fish per replicate) and fed six diets containing 0 (C0), 2.7 (C2.7), 5.5 (C5.5), 11 (C11), 22 (C22), and 33 (C33) ml/kg dry matter of CWE for 56 d. Fish were suffered with a 24-h sodium nitrite stress test at the end of feeding trial. Results indicated that dietary CWE did not affect growth performance, body composition and histological appearance of fish, but quadratically increased (P < 0.05) protein efficiency ratio and trypsin activity as dietary CWE increasing. Inclusion of CWE in diets increased (P < 0.05) hepatic glutathione peroxidase and lysozyme activities. Fish fed CWE-containing diets had lower (P < 0.05) cumulative mortality rate but higher (P < 0.05) acid phosphatase and lysozyme activities as observed in the sodium nitrite stress test. In conclusion, dietary CWE did not affect growth performance, body composition and histological appearance, but improved protein utilization, trypsin activity, antioxidant and immune capacity, and sodium nitrite stress resistance of O. niloticus.
... [105] have noted that extracted of phycocyanin improved oxidative enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in pancreatic beta cells. Our results are parallel with the study of [106,107] who indicated adding Spirulina significantly improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes of fish through inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species. Likewise, diets comprising Gracilaria tenuistipitata extract increased antioxidant performance of L. vannamei [108]. ...
The current trial investigated the roles of β-carotene and phycocyanin extracted from Spirulina platensis on growth, serum biochemical, digestive enzymes, antioxidant defense, immune responses, and immune gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (1.52 ± 0.10 g) were randomly stocked to three treatments with three replicates (12 fish per replicate) in nine aquaria (60 L glass aquarium for each), and reared for 70-days. Three tested diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isolipidic, and were offered for experimental fish until ad-libitum three times daily at 09:00 a.m., 11.00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The first diet (control) was without supplementation. About 50 mg β-carotene and 50 mg phycocyanin kg⁻¹ were supplemented to the other experimental diets, respectively. Results indicated that feed intake was not (P > 0.05) differ among experimental diets. Compared to control diet wight gain and specific growth rate were significantly (P < 0.05) in fish fed diet containing β-carotene, while, the highest weight gain and the best FCR were detected in phycocyanin diet. Survival fish among treatments was significantly (P < 0.05) differ and the highest survival rate was showed in fish fed diet supplemented with phycocyanin. Either β-carotene or phycocyanin significantly (P < 0.05) improved the intestinal digestive enzymes compared with control diet, where the highest values of chymotrypsin, trypsin, lipase and amylase were noticed in fish fed phycocyanin. Diets supplemented with β-carotene and phycocyanin significantly (P < 0.05) improved hematology parameters contents compared with to the control diet, and the best contents were detected in fish fed diet supplemented with phycocyanin. The highest significant (P < 0.05) phagocytic, lysozyme, immunoglobulin M (IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities were recorded in diet supplemented with phycocyanin. The transcripts of interferon gamma and interleukin 1β genes were (P < 0.05) up-regulated in the liver of fish fed diet supplemented with β-carotene and phycocyanin, but expression of HSP70 gene down-regulated in fish fed β-carotene and phycocyanin containing diet compared control. The highest gene expression of the interferon gamma and interleukin 1β was observed in fish fed phycocyanin.
... Other studies have reported that lycopene from the microalgae Chlorella marina extracts, has significantly reduced the proliferation of prostate cancer in mice [19]. In addition to anticancer activity, supplementation of Chlorella for six weeks has been shown to improve the antioxidant status of male smokers by increasing their plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol, and erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities [20]. ...
The current study assessed antioxidants contents (total phenolics and total flavanoids, β-carotene and lycopene) present in Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) cultivated in low cost media and their free radical scavenging activities. Microalgae was cultured using Bold basal medium (BBM) as a control, 5% banana stem compost (BCM) and aquaculture wastewater supplemented with 1.0 g/L NPK (ANM). The free radical scavenging ability was analysed using 1,1-diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Cells grown on BCM resulted in higher (13.73 ± 0.121%) extraction yield than in other media. The phenolic (8.53 ± 0.10 mg/g GAE) and lycopene (0.29 ± 0.008 mg/g) content were highest in cells grown on BCM and BBM, respectively. Microalgae cultured in ANM displayed higher (547.023 ± 34.703 mg/g RE) flavanoid and β-carotene (2.887 ± 0.121 mg/g) content than in other media. Furthermore, cells cultivated in BCM showed highest (97.87 ± 0.088%) scavenging activity than in BBM. These results indicated that the BCM and ANM can be used as alternative to expensive synthetic media for antioxidant production in C. vulgaris.
... Similarly to flaxseed and nuts, whether the effects of dietary intervention with seaweed are attributed to its n3-PUFAs per se remain to be investigated, as the food matrix should be considered. Spirulina and Chlorella contain not only macro and micronutrients but also other compounds with antioxidant properties which may play a role in positive health outcomes [99][100][101]. ...
Cardiovascular diseases remain a global challenge, and lipid-associated biomarkers can predict cardiovascular events. Extensive research on cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFAs) is geared towards fish oil supplementation and fish-rich diets. Nevertheless, vegetarianism and veganism are becoming more popular across all segments of society, due to reasons as varied as personal, ethical and religious values, individual preferences and environment-related principles, amongst others. Due to the essentiality of PUFAs, plant sources of n3-PUFAs warrant further consideration. In this review, we have critically appraised the efficacy of plant-derived n3-PUFAs from foodstuffs and supplements upon lipid profile and selected cardiometabolic markers. Walnuts and flaxseed are the most common plant sources of n3-PUFAs, mainly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and feature the strongest scientific rationale for applicability into clinical practice. Furthermore, walnuts and flaxseed are sources of fibre, potassium, magnesium, and non-essential substances, including polyphenols and sterols, which in conjunction are known to ameliorate cardiovascular metabolism. ALA levels in rapeseed and soybean oils are only slight when compared to flaxseed oil. Spirulina and Chlorella, biomasses of cyanobacteria and green algae, are important sources of n3-PUFAs; however, their benefits upon cardiometabolic markers are plausibly driven by their antioxidant potential combined with their n3-PUFA content. In humans, ALA is not sufficiently bioconverted into eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. However, evidence suggests that plant sources of ALA are associated with favourable cardiometabolic status. ALA supplementation, or increased consumption of ALA-rich foodstuffs, combined with reduced omega-6 (n6) PUFAs intake, could improve the n3/n6 ratio and improve cardiometabolic and lipid profile.
... Microalgae are an important source for feed supplements and bioactives [46,47]. However, a key limiting factor in valorizing the microalgal biomass is its low productivity, which then reduces the economic feasibility of the biomass production for use as feed and nutraceuticals [48]. ...
Microalgae isolated from the Qatari desert was identified as thermotolerant, with a rich metabolite profile that is appropriate for use as food and health supplements. In this research, a species of Chlorella, QUCCCM3, from the Qatar University Culture Collection of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae, was investigated for its growth characteristics and metabolite compositions for use as potential feedstock for food production. The strain was cultivated at 30, 35, and 40 °C, covering the annual average low and high temperatures in Qatar. The highest growth rates were recorded for cultures at 30 °C with 0.64 ± 0.04 day−1, followed by a growth rate of 0.54 ± 0.06 day−1 at 40 °C, indicating its thermotolerance ability. The biomass exhibited a high protein content (43 ± 2.3%), with existence of lysine (4.13%) as an essential amino acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid as important omega fatty acids present. On the other hand, Chlorella sp. QUCCCM3 also exhibited a high capacity for scavenging free radicals with an antiproliferative effect against chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cancer cells. The results indicate that Chlorella sp. QUCCCM3 is a promising candidate that can be produced year-round, in the Qatar environment, for commercial applications such as feed and nutraceutical supplements.
... In Piper longum and Piper nigrum, the main active constituents is piperine. Piperine significantly decreases breast cancer cell proliferation by increasing cells in the G2/M phase, by decreasing cell migration, and by inhibiting MMP 9 and MMP 13 expression [7]. Present study measured the inhibitory activities of ethanolic extracts of ten edible Thai plants on human breast cancer cells, MCF-7. ...
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of ten edible, medicinal Thai plant extracts on MCF-7 cell viability and cell migration, as well as their mechanism(s) of action. Methods: Ethanolic plant extracts of ten edible, medicinal plants were tested for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells using sulforhodamine B (SRB). To investigate the cytotoxic mechanism(s) of action of these extracts, the study was examined gene expression and protein expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell migration was studied by wound healing assay. Results: Four of the ten test extracts were potently cytotoxic, Careya sphaerica (CS), Azadirachta indica (AI), Piper nigrum (PN) and Oroxylum indicum (OI) with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) less than 100 μg/mL. All four extracts stimulated ROS overgeneration, increased caspase 3 activity and decreased growth-related gene expression including cdk2, cdk4, cdk6, cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Furthermore, the extracts significantly enhanced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p21 levels and activated cancer cell death. The four extracts, CS, AI, PN and OI, also significantly reduced cancer cell migration, with PN being the most potent. Conclusion: Extract of the edible plants CS, AI, PN and OI have in vitro anticancer activity and are promising starting points for the development of breast cancer drugs. Keywords: Careya sphaerica (CS), Azadirachta indica (AI), Piper nigrum (PN), Oroxylum indicum (OI), Breast cancer, Cell death
... Joray et al., 2015;Kadioglu et al., 2012;Kim et al., 2013;Lee et al., 2010; Petrovi et al., 2016;B. Song et al., 2017), apresentaram resultados significativamente positivos na redução do dano de DNA. ...
Dietary intake involves complex interactions between nutrients and non-nutrients. Moreover, dietary components can influence gene activity and influence human health, because they are directly related to DNA synthesis and maintenance. DNA integrity and stability are essential for life, while, DNA damage contributes mainly to disease development. The present study aimed to review the literature about the influence of dietary factors and the presence of DNA damage through the comet assay in the last decade. The literature review was performed using PubMed, LILACS and Scielo databases, with the terms "comet assay", "diet" and "dietetic" in Portuguese and English. The review identified 647 studies, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 articles were included in the review. It was observed high methodological quality in the included studies and a few studies that evaluated the dietary pattern and DNA damage. In general, fruit and vegetable intake and dietary supplementation or multivitamin compounds had higher positive impact on DNA damage.
... Many microalgal species are marketed for their medicinal value, as Chlorella protects against kidney failure and promotes the growth of Lactobacillus. In addition, it favors the decrease in blood cholesterol concentration [49,55], increases the level of antioxidants in the body [56], and stimulates collagen synthesis, supporting tissue regeneration and wrinkle reduction [50]. Dunaliella is marketed for its high content of β-carotene [49,55]. ...
... Bioactive peptides from various sources have certain functions, such as antitumor effects [2,3], antihypertensive effects [4], antioxidant activity [5,6], etc. Chlorella, a type of single-cell green algae, contains over 50% bioactive proteins and has become a major source for extracting high-yield proteins. It is reported that Chlorella has certain functional properties, such as antioxidant [7], anti-inflammatory [8], antihypertensive [9], antitumor activities [2], etc. ...
A novel lipid inhibition peptide Leu-Leu-Val-Val-Try-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg (PP1) (MW 1274.53 Da) was obtained from Chlorella pyenoidose using enzymatic hydrolysis, gel filtration chromatography, and LC–MS/MS. Its lipid inhibition effects indicated that the synthetic peptide PP1 exhibits a good inhibitory effect against porcine pancreatic lipase (PL) (47.95%) at 200 μg/mL, which could be attributed to its hydrogen binding into catalytic sites of PL (Ser153, Asp177, and His 264) by docking analysis. Furthermore, in 3T3-L1 cells, the synthetic PP1 remarkedly decreased the accumulation of intracellular triacylglycerol (27.9%, 600 μg/mL), which carried a similar consequence as the positive drug simvastatin (24.1%, 10 μM). Western blot revealed that PP1 inhibited the lipid accumulation and fatty acid synthesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in two pathways, primarily: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway (C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, AMPKα) and AMPK signaling pathway (SREBP-1c, PPARγ, AMPKα). In short, these results support that PP1 can be used as a potential agent against obesity.
... The effect of CV supplementation on blood pressure was assessed in three studies. In Sun Hee et al. [25] study, supplementation of healthy Korean smokers with 6.3 g/ d CV for 6 weeks did not affect blood pressure. Jung et al. also found no significant effect of supplementation with 5 g/d CV for 8 weeks on blood pressure. ...
Abstract
Background
Plant and medicinal herbs are important sources of bioactive compounds and minerals that can play a role in preventing various diseases and they are considered a factor indispensable for the proper functioning of the human body.
Methods
We investigated the content of carotenoids and chlorophylls of leaves from Pallenis spinosa (P. spinosa), as well as their antioxidant activity and mineral composition then, we optimized the solvent extraction for the recovery of total carotenoids and chlorophylls using spectrophotometric method. Finally, we tested the antioxidant activity of the optimized extract by three assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and we determined the mineral composition by Emission Spectrometer Induced Couple Plasma (ICP).
Results
Carotenoid (CART), chlorophylls (CHLa + b), chlorophyll a (CHLA), chlorophyll b (CHLB) contents were about 36.337 ± 0.312; 347.769 ± 6.326; 224.286 ± 5.601; 123.483 ± 1.339 mg/100 g dw, respectively. We revealed an interesting antioxidant capacity by the tested extract (DPPH: 127.522 ± 1.406 mmol ET/Kgdw, ABTS: 104.827 ± 1.222 mmol ET/Kgdw and FRAP 71.89 ± 0.495 ± 0.994 mmol ET/Kgdw). Carotenoids and chlorophylls content correlate positively with the antioxidant activity of P. spinosa leaves extract (r=0.646–0.986). Eight minerals have been detected (Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cr), Mg and Ca being the predominant ones (6479.32 ± 48.33 and 3851.88 ± 130.63 mg/Kg, respectively).
Conclusions
These results have shown that P. spinosa leaves are a good source of carotenoids and chlorophylls with a potent antioxidant potential with high amount of minerals.
... In animal production, this is beneficial because it demonstrated that at minimal supplementation levels the microalgae is an additive whose supplementation is capable of improving productivity. In a similar submission Lee et al [41] stated that short-term Chlorella vulgaris supplementation improved activities of antioxidant enzymes. The enhancement of antioxidant status by supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris can be biologically explained to be as results of complementary roles of antioxidants in the microalga which contributed to free radical scavenging capacities of the internal antioxidant system serving as second line of defence and thereby increase activities of primary antioxidants enzymes activities. ...
Oxidative stress is an exclusive biochemical complication affecting reproduction; hence, dietary antioxidant supplementation for its attenuation is a required nutrition-reproduction improvement strategy. On this background , Chlorella vulgaris (a natural antioxidant) was supplemented to grower female rabbits to maturity. The rabbits were thirty-five in number randomly distributed into five experimental groups in a completely randomized design. Control group was fed only basal feed while treatment groups were fed diets containing 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 % Chlorella vulgaris biomass as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively at 500 mg per animal body weight (kg) along with the basal feed daily. Performance records were obtained, blood was collected, and at the end uterus, ovaries and liver were removed from sacrificed animals for analysis. Serum, uterus and liver oxidative stress status were determined while RNA isolated from liver and ovaries samples were used for antioxidant genes expression analysis. Oxidative stress status and antioxidant enzymes activities were determined using chemical assays while antioxidant gene expression levels were determined using real-time quantitative PCR system. There was significant difference in feed intake (p < 0.014), final body weights (p < 0.008), empty carcass weights (p < 0.001) and commercial carcass weights (p < 0.001) of the rabbits as results of the microalgae supplementation. There was also significant difference in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (p < 0.050), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p < 0.050) and protein carbonyl (PCO) concentrations (p < 0.050) due to the supplementation of the microalgae; in addition, supplementation of the microalgae significantly improved activities of superoxide dis-mutase (SOD) (p < 0.050), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.050) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration (p < 0.050). Furthermore, there was significant difference in relative expression of primary antioxidant genes sod1 (p < 0.050) and gpx1 (p < 0.050); however, there was no significant difference in relative expression of bre (p > 0.050) and ucp1 (p > 0.050). The study concluded from the outcomes stated above that supplementation of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris improved performances of rabbits through attenuation of oxidative stress, enhancement of antioxidant enzymes activities as well as up-regulation of primary antioxidant genes. Hence, it was recommended as dietary supplement for protection against oxidative stress and improved productivity in rabbits and other food producing mammalian species. In addition, further studies into assessment of its effects on expression of transcripts and immune modulation genes in rabbits and other animals is warranted as future studies in order to established its potential as beneficial nutraceutical for animals and human.
... The peptides from marine microalgae, such as Chlorella, Arthrospira, have also gaining attention as new antioxidative alternatives in the last few years [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Dunaliella salina, as a unique unicellular microalgae, is rich in good proteins and can survive in various salt concentrations (0.2%-35%) and light intensity conditions. ...
DPPH• scavenging peptides (<3kDa) from underutilized Dunaliella salina protein were obtained by the following successive treatment, i.e., ultrasound extraction, simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion hydrolyzation, and membrane ultrafiltration classification. The optimal condition for ultrasound-assisted extraction was an ultrasound wave with 800 W of power treating a mixture of 60 mL of 1.0 mol L ⁻¹ NaOH and 2 g algae powder for 15 min. A high correlation (r=0.8146) between DPPH• scavenging activity and yield of the intact peptides showed their antioxidant capacity. Simulated in vitro digestion assay resulted in excellent DPPH• scavenging activity of the total peptide, amounting to (86.5 ± 10.1)%, comparing with the nondigestion samples at (46.8 ± 6.5)%. After fractionation, the 500-1000 Da fraction exhibited the highest DPPH• scavenging activity (81.2 ± 4.0)%, increasing 1.5 times due to digestion. Then, the 500-1000 Da fraction was analyzed by RPLC-Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer, and 4 novel peptides, i.e., Ile-Leu-Thr-Lys-Ala-Ala-Ile-Glu-Gly-Lys, Ile-Ile-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Gly-Lys, Asn-Asp-Pro-Ser-Thr-Val-Lys, and Thr-Val-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gln-Arg, were identified. From these amino acid sequences, hydrophobic residues accounted for 56%, which indicated their high antioxidant property. The results indicated that underutilized protein of Dunaliella salina could be a potential source of antioxidative peptides through simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.
... Microalgae are an important source for feed supplements and bioactives [46,47]. However, a key limiting factor in valorizing the microalgal biomass is its low productivity, which then reduces the economic feasibility of the biomass production for use as feed and nutraceuticals [48]. ...
Micro algae are a diverse group of aquatic, photosynthetic organisms which are the primary food source for many crustaceans, molluscs and fish species occurring naturally in the marine food chain. In the recent past, micro algae have shown great importance as food supplements not just for the marine Eco system but for the cattle - poultry feed stocks as well as the human beings. Micro algae render most of the essential nutrients such as amino acids, proteins, sugars, fatty acids, vitamins etc. which will supplement and provide a balanced mixture of nutrients to the animals there by enhancing the quality of eggs, meat, fish meat and other co products. 50 strains of micro algae that can be potentially useful for the food security program were screened from QUCCM (Qatar University Culture Collection of Cyanobacteria and Micro algae) for their biochemical composition.
Following the screening process,10 eminent strains such as Chlorella sp, Nannochloris sp, Tetraselmis sp, Desmodesmus sp, Myconastes sp, Chlamydomonas sp, Scenedesmus sp, Chlrococcum sp, Ourococcus sp, Chlorocystis sp representing major micro algal taxa were chosen whose protein content was estimated to be (20–45%) and carbohydrates (8–20%) that may best be adapted to Qatar's environmental conditions. Proteins are composed of different amino acids and hence the nutritional quality of a protein is determined basically by the content, proportion and availability of its amino acids. Therefore, Amino acid profiling was also performed for few selected strains using the method adapted from Heinrikson and Meredith 1984 and quantified by HPLC using UV detector. The profiles obtained for some of the strains showed similarity and richness in all the essential amino acids particularly high in glycine, serine, aspartate and glutamate. On the other hand, the micro algal polysaccharides extracted by acid hydrolysis was quantified using HPLC coupled with RI detector. The profiles exhibited variability in sugar compositions showing the presence of mainly glucose, fructose and xylose in different amounts. Above all, most of the strains displayed a reasonably fair growth rate (0.2–1.5 per day approx.) which further supports algae being used as feed by attaining more mass in lesser time.
Therefore it was highlighted that micro algae have a very diverse profile for metabolites under standard growth conditions. Chlorella sp was rich in its protein content while Chlorocystis sp exhibited its importance in sugars. The presence of all essential amino acids in microalgae helps fulfill the missing nutritional requirements in animals and humans. Micro algae are able to enhance the nutritional content of conventional food preparations and therefore positively affect the life of organisms consuming it. Based on the available information on toxic properties or any other adverse effects of algae, none of the them caused any anomalies on feeding experiments during various toxicity tests making them completely safe for use as feed (Chamorro, 1980). It can be concluded that microalgae have an important role in food security and the nutritional profiles of Qatari isolates closely matched the overseas strains. A segment of World algal production can be used for animal feed application and aquaculture.
Keywords
Microalgae, Protein, Carbohydrate, Amino acids, Amino acid profiling, HPLC
... In the conditions of optimum growth, the biomass of Chlorella consists 25-50% of protein, 5-35% of carbohydrates and 5-20% of fat which is present as non-saturated fatty acids, the greater part of which is stearic, oleic, arachidonic, linolenic and linoleic acids, 5-10% of mineral substances, mostly consisting of phosphorus, sulfur and magnesium, and also carotene, vitamins C and K and vitamins of group B (Panahi et al., 2015). The microalgae contains peptides, alkaloids, polysaccharides, which can be used as both antimicrobial and antibacterial substances, and likewise, Chlorella has antioxidant properties, for it contains antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase (Shibata et al., 2003;Lee et al., 2010;Aliahmat et al., 2012;Zheng et al., 2012;Flerova & Bogdanova, 2014). ...
We researched the influence of the additive Chlorella cultivated in a closed bioreactor under the influence of an electrostatistic field, on the biochemical and hematological parameters of blood in different age groups of cattle. The experiment was conducted on two groups of three month old heifers and two groups of lactating cows in the 7th month of lactation, with 15 individuals in each group; all animals in the groups were given the basic diet. During the 120-day experiment, the experimental group of heifers was fed on a suspension of Chlorella cultivated with the technology using an electrostatic field, in the following amounts: 1–30th day – 1.51 g, 31–60th day – 1.82 g, 61–90th day – 2.01 g, 91–120th day – 2.28 g of dry substance per individual daily; the group of lactating cows during 60 days was given the Chlorella additive to the amount of 6 g of dry substance per individual per day. Over the following 30 days the heifers and lactating cows were kept under observation to determine the “aftereffects” of the Chlorella suspension fodder additive. On the first day of the experiment and after every 30 days, blood was drawn from the animals’ jugular veins for determination of the biochemical and hematological parameters of the blood During the experiment, the experimental groups of heifers and lactating cows were observed to have a strengthened antioxidant system due to increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and also to have a strengthened hematopoietic function and intensified metabolic and redox processes. Due to the stimulating effect of the suspension of Chlorella cultivated using the intense technology involving using an electrostatic field on the erythro- and leukopoiesis of different age groups of the cattle, we determined a strengthening of the cellular element of the animals’ immune system. During the following 30 days, the heifers and lactating cows of the experimental groups were observed to exhibit “aftereffects” of the Chlorella suspension additive, namely increases in the values of biochemical, hematological and morphological indicators of the blood in comparison with these indicators for the animals in the control groups. As a result, we concluded that feeding different age groups of cattle with suspension of Chlorella cultivated in the conditions of a closed bioreactor under the influence of an electrostatic field, in the dosage of 155 ml per kg of dry substance of the animals’ diet, contributes to the strengthening of non-specific defence of their organism, forming a potential for increasing the productive indicators and maintenance of the livestock.
... It contains amino acids, protein, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll, and bioactive substances (Borowitzka, 1986;Shubert, 1988). Moreover, administration of C. vulgaris in animals demonstrated effects on biochemical functions, such as remarkable antioxidant effects in Korean male smokers and anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in rats (Guzman et al., 2003;Lee et al., 2010). With the exception of some economic benefits, C. vulgaris, as the model organisms, has been applied in assessing the toxicity of environmental pollutants in recent years. ...
Boscalid is one of the most frequently detected pesticides in main coastal estuaries in California, with concentrations as high as 36 μg/L. However, ecotoxicology information about boscalid to aquatic organisms is scarce. To investigate toxic effects and mechanisms of boscalid on freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris), C. vulgaris were exposed to a range of boscalid concentrations (0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 mg/L) for 96 h to study the changes in photosynthetic pigment contents, responses of the antioxidant enzyme system and alterations in endogenous substances. Results indicated that the growth of algae and the content of chlorophyll and carotenoids were significantly inhibited by 1.6 mg/L boscalid. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage of C. vulgaris could be induced by boscalid, in accordance with significant changes in ROS levels and a series of antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, the alterations in endogenous substances showed that boscalid could affect photosynthesis and energy metabolism of C. vulgaris. These results demonstrated that boscalid could induce impacts on C. vulgaris mainly through disturbing the photosynthesis, oxidative damage and energy metabolism. The present study provided a better understanding of the negative effects and mechanisms of bosaclid in microalgae.
... Moreover, other studies have also been suggested that the high antioxidant capacity of Chlorella vulgaris is attributed to its content in specific compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, chlorophyll, vitamins, b-1,3-glucan and minerals (Wu et al., 2005;Li et al., 2007;Geetha et al., 2010;Goiris et al., 2012). In agreement with our results, a significant increase either in CAT and SOD activities in blood erythrocytes (Lee et al., 2010) or in the total antioxidant measurements in serum (Panahi et al., 2013) of humans were found when their diets supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris. Significantly higher GSH-Px activity in the blood erythrocytes of mice, fed with a diet supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris, has also been observed (Aliahmat et al., 2012). ...
The impact of dietary supplementation with microalgae on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids (FA) profile and enzymes activities related to antioxidant mechanism has not been well documented. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris on the following: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile, (ii) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood plasma and (iii) the activities of SOD, GR and lactoperoxidase (LPO) in milk of goats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC)] were also determined in blood plasma and milk of the animals. For this purpose, 16 cross-bred goats were divided into two homogenous groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group (Control) had no microalgae, while those of the Chlorella group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrates (Chlorella). Thus, the average intake was 5.15 g Chlorella vulgaris/kg DM. The results showed that the dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris had not noticeable impact on goat's milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile. Significantly higher SOD (by 10.31%) and CAT (by 18.66%) activities in the blood plasma of goats fed with Chlorella vulgaris compared with the control were found. Moreover, the dietary supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris caused a significant increase in SOD (by 68.84%) activity and a reduction in PC (by 24.07%) content in goat's milk. In conclusion, the Chlorella vulgaris inclusion in goat's diets improved the antioxidant status of both animals and milk.
... Treatment with Spirulina platensis leads to the activation of the metabolic process in the females' rabbits and to decrease a cholesterol level. This data is in Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium Modern Trends in Livestock Production, October 2-4, 2013 295 agreement with results of Colla et al., (2009) and Sun Hee et al. (2010), who underlined the hypocholesterolemic effect of Spirulina in rabbits. The similar decreased level of cholesterol was observed in calves supplemented with Spirulina platensis (Heidarpour et al., 2011). ...
Production of ecologically clean animal products supposes the use of natural feed additives for stimulation of growth rate as well as for stimulation of reproductive potential. The most appropriate for this purpose are plant extracts and microalgae. They are a protein source and content many vitality important compounds: vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals with antioxidant and hormone stimulating activity. Due to high quality and healthfulness of rabbits' meat the special attention should be pay for rearing of these animals under ecological conditions. The aim of this investigation was studying the effect of plant extract Tribulus terrestris and dry biomass of microalgae Spirulina platensis added to the main diet of rabbits on their physiological and reproductive status. Two experiments were conducted with white New Zealand rabbits. In first experiment were involved 28 female rabbits at 40 days age divided in 4 groups: control and 3 experimental. Experimental animals obtained the different doses of the Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris L.: 2,5mg, 5 mg, 10 mg/ kg of live weight during 42 days.The live weight was controlled during the whole experimental period. At the end of treatment the routine histological estimation of the ovaries included follicular dynamic, number of follicles and their size in the serial 5 µm section of whole ovary was done. In second experiment were involved 16 rabbits of both sexes divided in two groups: control and experimental. The experimental animals received additionally the dry biomass of Spirulina platensis in dose 1g/per animal during 120 days before coitus. The live weight and morphological and biochemical parameters of blood was measured at the beginning and at the end of experiment. All does were covered with two control rabbits. The live born offspring were registered. In both experiments the standard diet of food and water was supplied ad libitum. The investigated feed additives had shown different biological effect on the rabbits. Tribulus terrestris extract affected directly the ovarian activity and changed the folliclegeneses process in dose dependent manner. The highest ovarian activity without pathological changes was observed after treatment with dose 2,5 mg/ kg of Tribulus terrestris extract. Spirulina platensis improved the physiological state of animals (enhance the hemoglobin level, decrease the cholesterol), but not affect directly the fertility of rabbits in first generation.
The impact of Algae supplements and its extract on blood pressure has not concluded yet. The aim of this systematic review meta-analysis is to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of this group marine organism on human. Alga was used in some studies as capsules (from 500 mg to 8 g) and the follow-up duration changed from 17 days to 9 months. The difference in standardized mean and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied as the effect size of algae supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Based on the results, a meta-analysis of 10 studies with baseline effect control demonstrated that there was no difference in the mean systolic blood pressure in the two groups SMD (95%CI): -1.05 (-2.85,0.76), but a significant difference in the mean diastolic blood pressure was observed and showed that the mean diastolic blood pressure in the treatment group was lower than the control group SMD(95%CI): -2.23 (-4.35,-0.11). A meta-analysis of 4 studies with no baseline control effect did not show significant results on both blood pressure. The evidence to support this systematic review meta-analysis requires more investigation and future large scale RCT clinical trial to confirm the results.
Nicotine is one of several physiologically stable and active chemicals found in tobacco. The mechanism through which nicotine causes kidney damage is still obscure. As a result, the goal of this research was to investigate how oral nicotine intake can lead to kidney damage. Naturaly occurring superfood green algae are immense supplements help us using extra chemicals during cancer prevalence if the patient is exposed to nicotine. Hence, the mitigating role of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CVE) against nicotine-nephrotoxic impact in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice was studied. For this purpose, four groups of Swiss female mice were assigned, nicotine group (NIC) (100 µg/ml/kg), CVE group (100 mg/kg), CVE+Nicotine, and a control group. Renal dysfunction was evaluated by estimating serum biomarkers of renal damage. The expression pattern of Nf-KB, MAPK, P53, and α7-nAchR, lipid peroxidation biomarker, and antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated in kidney tissue. Also, micro-morphometric examination and apoptosis immunohistochemical reactivity of kidney tissue were applied. The obtained results indicated up-regulation of all estimated genes and oxidative stress. Moreover, a significant (P<0.05) increment in the apoptotic marker Caspase-3 and declined BCL-2 proteins were recorded. In serum, a significant (P<0.05) elevation of urea, creatinine, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Kim-1 were evident. Histological investigation reinforced the aforementioned data, revealing structural changes involving the tubules, glomeruli, and interstitium of mice kidneys. CVE may be a strong contender for protecting renal tissue damage since it reduces renal tissue injury and oxidative stress. Cancer patients who regularly use nicotine through direct smoking or second-hand exposure can benefit from CVE usage as a dietary supplement.
O soro de queijo é a porção líquida proveniente da produção de queijoresultante da coagulação ácida ou enzimática das caseínas do leite. Cerca de 40% do soro de queijo produzido no Brasil, é descartado de forma inadequada, apenas 15% dos laticínios no país utilizam toda matéria prima para elaborar novos produtos.Aproximadamente 75% da população mundial apresenta algum tipo de intolerância à lactose que se deve à inatividade ou baixa atividade da enzima intestinal β-galactosidase. A β-galactosidase é uma proteína popularmente conhecida como lactase, classifica-se como uma hidrolase com potencial de hidrolisar a lactose (dissacarídeo), em glicose e galactose (monossacarídeo). É uma enzima de grande importância para a indústria de alimentos, no setor de laticínios e derivados. O objetivo do presente estudo visa fazer um levantamento sobre o potencial biotecnológico de microalga para a produção de compostos bioativos, como por exemplo, a enzima β-galactosidase. Palavras-chave: Biotecnologia. Enzima. Fermentação. Microalgas. Abstract Cheese whey is a proven liquid portion of the production of acidic or enzymatic coagulation of milk caseins. Approximately 40% of the content of cheese produced in Brazil is discarded inappropriately, only 15% of dairy products in the country use all raw materials to make new products. Approximately 75% of the world population has some type of lactose intolerance that should be due to inactivity or low activity of the intestinal β-galactosidase enzyme. Β-galactosidase is a protein popularly known as lactase, classified as a hydrolase with the potential to hydrolyze lactose (disaccharide), into glucose and galactose (monosaccharide). It is an enzyme of great importance for the food industry, no sector of dairy products and derivatives. The objective of the present study is to carry out a survey on the biotechnological potential of microalgae for the production of bioactive compounds, such as an β-galactosidase enzyme. Keywords: Biotechnology. Enzyme. Fermentation. Microalgae.
The identification and pharmacological validation of plant-based lead compounds for the cure of different diseases including cancer have always been globally strived. In addition to possessing numerous medicinal properties, many of the phytochemicals display antioxidant potential activities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) causeoxidative stress leading to several severe diseases such as cancer. The antioxidants are substances that fight against ROS to protect the cells from their damaging effects. In the present study, the effects of methanol extract of Euglena tuba(ETME) have been evaluated for its antioxidant and antitumor potential against Dalton’s lymphoma (DL) introduced in BALB/cmice. After 24 h of intraperitoneal inoculation of DL cells in mice, ETME (300 mg kg−1 body weight) was administered intraperitoneally upto18 alternative days. On the 18th day, the mice were sacrificed; the blood and tissues (liver and brain) were collected to determine the tumor growth parameters including morphological, behavioural, haematological profile, and antioxidant indices. The results indicated that ETME exhibited significant antioxidative and antitumor properties when compared with the data from DL bearing mice. The results from the present study indicated that ETME contained remarkable antitumor efficacy, which was mediated through amelioration of oxidative stress. The data suggested that ETME could be used as a potential natural anticancer agent.
Background
The beneficial effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and chlorella vulgaris (CV) on body composition and mitochondrial biogenesis have been shown in some mechanistic studies. This study aimed to determine the effects of CV and/or HIIT on mitochondrial biogenesis, performance and body composition among overweight/obese women.
Methods
In this randomized clinical trial, 46 overweight/obese women were assigned to four groups including CV+HIIT and HIIT+placebo groups that received three capsules of CV (300 mg capsules, 3 times a day) or corn starch, in combination with three sessions/week of HIIT. CV and placebo groups only received 900mg of CV or corn starch, daily, for 8 weeks. Biochemical assessments, performance assessment and body composition were obtained at the beginning and end of the intervention.
Results
There was a significant reduction in the fat mass of the CV+HIIT group, as compared with the placebo group (p=0.005). A marginal significant increase in body water (p=0.050) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 ɑ (p=0.050) was also found only in the CV+HIIT group, as compared with the placebo. Relative (p<0.001) and absolute (p<0.001) VO2max, as well as Bruce MET (p<0.001), was significantly increased in the HIIT and HIIT+CV groups. Besides, the synergistic effect of CV and HIIT on the Bruce MET increment was found (interaction p-value =0.029). No significant changes were, observed in BMI, fat free mass, visceral fat, silent information regulator 1 and fibroblast growth factor-21.
Conclusions
HIIT may be, therefore, effective in improving mitochondrial biogenesis, performance and body composition in overweight/obese women.
Objectives:
Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a unicellular algae is a dietary supplement with beneficial nutritious content, used for decades in some countries. Positive effects for CV supplementation on metabolic parameters has been established in animal and human studies. However there is a gap for this results summary for a definite conclusion announce. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of CV on body weight, lipid profile, and blood glucose.
Content:
PRISMA guidelines were charted in this review. Subject search was performed in MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ISI web of sciences, Google scholar, Cochrane and Scopus databases for randomized clinical trials published in English languages, until December 2020, which assessed the effects of CV on metabolic syndrome related symptoms in clinical trials.
Summary:
Out of 4,821 records screened, after duplicate and irrelevant exclusion by title and abstract, 20 articles remained for full text screening. Finally a total of 12 articles met the study inclusion criteria and were assessed for study method and results.
Outlook:
The findings showed controversies in anthropometric, glycemic and lipid profile effects. CV may have beneficial effects on obesity-related metabolic disorders; however, collected studies lacked statistical power to reach a definite conclusion. More well-designed studies are required.
Prospero registration number:
CRD42019123683.
The current study aims to explore the anti‐inflammatory activity of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on RAW 267.4 cells and followed by a cross‐over clinical trial in healthy subjects to check the antioxidant and anti‐aging properties of Chlorella water extract (CWE). For the clinical trial, 44 healthy subjects were requested to consume 27 ml of either placebo or CWE for 90 days (phase I) and vice‐versa manner for 90 days (phase II) with 4 weeks of washout period. The RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with Chlorella display potent anti‐inflammatory activity by significantly downregulating (p < .05) the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Whereas, the subjects supplemented with CWE showed improved (p < .05) antioxidant status (TEAC, SOD, CAT, and DHEAs) and lower (p < .05) oxidative stress/aging markers (TBARS and 8‐OHdG) as well as considerably (p < .05) protected liver (by lowering GOT and GPT). Thus, consumption of chlorella could significantly improve the overall health status by suppressing various oxidative stress markers and aging stress markers.
Practical applications
Chlorella is considered as a popular functional food owing to its rich nutrient value and its array of biological activities. Numerous studies indicated that treatment with Chlorella spp. would considerably lower oxidative stress, inflammation, and regulate immune response which might contribute to anti‐aging property in various cell and animal models. Based on the above information, we expected that Chlorella would be a better contender for the development of a novel anti‐aging agent. Hence, we designed this clinical trial to assess the beneficial effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa especially anti‐aging. In agreement with our hypothesis, our results also showed that subjected supplemented with Chlorella water extract could significantly improve overall health status by suppressing various oxidative stress markers and aging stress markers. Hence, Chlorella could be developed into a novel anti‐aging agent. In the future, it can be prescribed with standard anti‐aging agents to improve the overall health status of the elderly population. However, large‐scale clinical studies are needed to confirm our statements.
Fifteen multiparous Friesian cows with average live body weight (LBW) of 500±4.35 kg and 2-4 lactations were used after parturition and continues until 120 days of lactation and divided into three similar groups. Cows were fed a basal ration contained (DM basis) 40% concentrate feed mixture , 35% corn silage and 25% rice straw without any supplement in R1 (control) or orally supplemented with Chlorella algae and their media at the levels of 2 ml or 4 ml per kg LBW to instead of 1 and 2 liter/head/day for R2 and R3, respectively. Results showed that nutrients digestibility and feeding values improved significantly (P<0.05) with increasing the level of supplementation. Addition of C. vulgaris increased (P< 0.05) feed intake, the concentrations of total protein and globulin, AST to ALT ratio in serum, actual milk, 4% fat corrected milk yield, milk contents, also TVFA’s compared with the control. However, the concentration of NH3-N and Live enzymes activity decreased. Whereas, ruminal pH value and serum albumin and creatinine concentrations were nearly similar for the different groups. Chlorella supplementation had a significant improvements in feed conversion, economic efficiency and post-partum reproductive traits compared to control group. In conclusion, cows supplemented with Chlorella and their media at the level of 4 ml/kg LBW showed the best results concerning productive and reproductive traits and economic efficiency.
Abstract
Background: Considering Chlorella vulgaris role in improving the antioxidant system, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) program and Chlorella vulgaris supplements on levels of oxidative stress markers in overweight men.
Materials and methods: Thirty subjects in this study (Age: 22.8±2.1 yrs; BMI: 27.1±9.6 Kg/m2) were randomly assigned into three groups: supplement + exercise, placebo + training, and training groups. Before and 48 hours after the end of six weeks of HIIT, blood samples were taken from subjects and used for Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and nitric oxide (NO) serum levels measurements. The participants' training program included six weeks of HIIT progressive exercise three days a week with 90% maximum heart rate intensity. Subjects of the supplement group received Chlorella vulgaris supplement (300 mg) four times daily for six weeks, and the placebo group consumed Sucrose tablets similar to the chlorella tab.
Results: The results showed that Chlorella vulgaris supplementation with HIIT exercises significantly decreased MDA and PC compared to other groups (p<0.05). Also, NO levels when comparing the three groups showed a significant increase in the supplement+exercise group compared to the training group (p<0.05) but did not show significant differences with the placebo+training group.
Conclusion: High-intensity physical activity along with Chlorella vulgaris compared to intense exercise without chlorella can have more beneficial effects on antioxidant indices in overweight people.
Introduction
Considering the role of Chlorella Vulgaris supplementation in
increasing the performance and improving body inflammation
status, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of six
weeks of HIIT program and Chlorella Vulgaris supplementation on
the IL-6 and insulin resistance in overweight men.
Materials and Methods
Thirty subjects in this study (22.8 ± 1.2 yrs.; 27.1 ± 9.66 BMI)
were randomly assigned into three groups (10 N each
group), Before and 48 hours after the end of 6 weeks of HIIT
training, blood samples were taken from subjects and used for
interleukin-6, insulin, and glucose serum levels measurements. The
participants' training program included 6 weeks of intensive HIIT
program with 90% Vo2max intensity. Subjects of the supplement
group received chlorella Vulgaris supplementation (300 mg) for
six weeks. The data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA
and Significance level (p <0.05) was used for all data analyses.
Results
The results showed that Chlorella Vulgaris supplemented with
HIIT exercises significantly decreased IL-6 compared to other
groups (P=0.041). The insulin resistance index showed significant
changes when comparing the three groups (P=0.011). Body
composition results showed a decrease in body fat (P=0.009) and
an increase in aerobic fitness (P=0.016) of subjects in the
supplement+HIIT group compared to other groups.
Conclusion
Chlorella Vulgaris consumption with six weeks of HIIT program
reduced IL-6 and improve insulin resistance in overweight men.
Keywords
Exercise, Insulin Resistance, Overweight, Inflammation
Objective:
Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most commonly reported disorders for women that have unfavorable effects on patient's quality of life. Based on the evidences that suggest the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of chlorella, this double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Chlorella supplementation on the severity of menstrual pain in a group of young women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Study design:
In this clinical trial, 44 girls with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group received 1500 mg/day of chlorella as 5 soft gel and the control group received placebo soft gels for eight weeks. Menstrual and food information were collected using a previously validated and published questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), ProstaglandinF2a (PGF2a), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed at baseline and end of week eight.
Results:
In chlorella supplemented group the PGE2, PGF2a, hs-CRP and MDA decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The severity and duration of dysmenorrheal pain were significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Systemic symptoms of dysmenorrhea (fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, lack of energy) decreased in the chlorella group (p < 0.05). The mean of menstrual characteristics, anthropometric indices and daily energy and macronutrient intake in both intervention and control groups were not changed significantly.
Conclusion:
This study showed that chlorella supplementation could decrease the severity of pain and systemic symptoms and improve serum levels of prostaglandins, inflammatory and oxidative markers in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
α-Glucosidase inhibitors are used therapeutically to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus. Through a bioassay-guided fractionation technique, three carotenoids, (all-E)-lutein, (all-E)-zeaxanthin and (9-Z)-zeaxanthin, were purified from the green alga Chlorella ellipsoidea, in which (all-E)-lutein and (9-Z)-zeaxanthin had potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. IC50 values of (all-E)-lutein and (9-Z)-zeaxanthin were 70 and 53.5 μmol L−1 against Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase, respectively, with non-competitive inhibition. In addition, IC50 values of (9-Z)-zeaxanthin against Bacillus stearothermophilus and rat-intestinal α-glucosidase were 805.1 and 671.2 μmol L−1, respectively. The Ki values of (all-E)-lutein and (9-Z)-zeaxanthin against S. cerevisiae α-glucosidase were 78.1 and 16.5 μmol L−1, respectively. Therefore, C. ellipsoidea carotenoids might be utilized as a novel candidate to prevent type-2 diabetes mellitus related disorders in food and medical industry.
The effect of dietary inclusion of microalgae on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids (FA) profile and enzymes activities related to antioxidant mechanism has not been adequately investigated so far. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on: a) milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile, b) on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood plasma, and c) on the activities of SOD, GR and lactoperoxidase (LPO) in milk of goats. Additionally, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC)] in goats blood plasma and milk were also determined. Thus, sixteen crossbred goats were divided into two homogenous groups. All the goats were fed individually alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group (Control) had no microalgae while that of the treated group supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella pyrenoidosa/ kg concentrate (Chlor). The results showed that the Chlor diet compared with the control had not noticeable impact on goats milk yield, chemical composition and fatty acids profile. Furthermore, the Chlor diet had no effect on the antioxidant enzymes activities, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress indicators in both blood plasma and milk of goats. In conclusion, the daily dietary inclusion of Chlorella pyrenoidosa at 11 g per goat for 28 days did not improves the milk quality and/or the antioxidant status of both animals and milk.
Human lymphocytes were either exposed to X-irradiation (25 to 200 rads) or treated with H2O2 (9.1 to 291 μM) at 4 °C and the extent of DNA migration was measured using a single-cell microgel electrophoresis technique under alkaline conditions. Both agents induced a significant increase in DNA migration, beginning at the lowest dose evaluated. Migration patterns were relatively homogeneous among cells exposed to X-rays but heterogeneous among cells treated with H2O2. An analysis of repair kinetics following exposure to 200 rads X-rays was conducted with lymphocytes obtained from three individuals. The bulk of the DNA repair occurred within the first 15 min, while all of the repair was essentially complete by 120 min after exposure. However, some cells demonstrated no repair during this incubation period while other cells demonstrated DNA migration patterns indicative of more damage than that induced by the initial irradiation with X-rays. This technique appears to be sensitive and useful for detecting damage and repair in single cells.
Cigarette smoke (CS) is known to contain a large number of oxidants. In order to assess the oxidative effects of CS on biological fluids, we exposed human blood plasma to filtered (gas phase) and unfiltered (whole) CS, and determined the rate of utilization of endogenous antioxidants in relation to the appearance of lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid peroxidation was measured with a specific and sensitive assay that can detect lipid hydroperoxides at plasma levels as low as 10 nM. We found that exposure of plasma to the gas phase of CS, but not to whole CS, induces lipid peroxidation once endogenous ascorbic acid has been oxidized completely. In addition, CS exposure caused oxidation of plasma protein thiols and albumin-bound bilirubin, whereas uric acid and alpha-tocopherol were not consumed at significant rates. In plasma exposed to the gas phase of CS, low-density lipoprotein exhibited slightly increased electrophoretic mobility, but there was no apparent degradation of apolipoprotein B. Our results support the concept of an increased vitamin C utilization in smokers, and suggest that lipid peroxidation induced by oxidants present in the gas phase of CS leads to potentially atherogenic changes in lipoproteins.
To further define the relation between smoking and vitamin C status, the dietary and serum vitamin C levels of 11,592 respondents in the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) were analyzed. Smokers of 20 cigarettes daily had the lowest vitamin C dietary intake (79 mg, 95% CI:73, 84) and serum levels (0.82 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.86; 46.6 mumol/L, 95% CI: 43.7, 48.8), while smokers of 1-19 cigarettes daily had decreased vitamin C intake (97 mg; 95% CI: 90, 104 mg) and serum levels (0.97 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.03; 55.1 mumol/L, 95% CI: 52.2, 58.5) compared to respondents who had never smoked (109 mg, 95% CI: 105, 113 and 1.15 mg/dl, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.18; 65.3 mumol/L, 95% CI: 63.0, 67.0, respectively). This inverse association between both intake and serum levels of vitamin C and smoking was independent of age, sex, body weight, race, and alcoholic beverage consumption. Following further adjustment for dietary vitamin C intake, the negative correlation between cigarette smoking and serum vitamin C levels persisted. The risk of severe hypovitaminosis C (serum levels less than or equal to 0.2 mg/dl; 11.4 mumol/L) was increased in smokers, particularly when not accompanied by vitamin supplementation (odds ratio 3.0, 95% CI: 2.5, 3.6). These data suggest that even though smoking adversely affects preferences for vitamin C rich foods, the inverse association between smoking and serum vitamin C levels occurs independently of dietary intake.
Epidemiologic evidence suggests that cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for carcinogenesis, and for cardiovascular disease. However, the precise mechanisms of these effects are incompletely understood. The gas phase of cigarette smoke contains abundant free radicals including nitric oxide. Hence, cigarette smoke may induce some of its damaging effects by free radical mechanisms. We report that exposure of plasma, a model for respiratory tract lining fluids, to gas-phase cigarette smoke causes depletion of antioxidants, including ascorbate, urate, ubiquinol-10, and alpha-tocopherol, and a variety of carotenoids, including beta-carotene. Gas-phase cigarette smoke induced some lipid peroxidation, as measured by cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxide (18:2OOH) formation. Ascorbate was effective in preventing 18:2OOH formation. In contrast to the low concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides measured (< 1 mumol/L), protein carbonyl formation, a measure of protein modification, increased by approximately 400 mumol/L after nine puffs of cigarette smoke. Reduced glutathione inhibited protein carbonyl formation, whereas other plasma antioxidants, including ascorbate, were ineffective. alpha, beta-Unsaturated aldehydes (acrolein and crotonaldehyde) in cigarette smoke may react with protein -SH and -NH2 groups by a Michael addition reaction that results in a protein-bound aldehyde functional group. Gas-phase cigarette smoke is capable of converting tyrosine to 3-nitrotyrosine and dityrosine, indicating free radical mechanisms of protein damage by nitrogen oxides. Aldehydes and nitrogen oxides in cigarette smoke may be significant contributors to biomolecular damage, and endogenous antioxidants can attenuate some of these adverse effects.
The present study describes new methods for the measurement of oxidation products and antioxidant potential of low density lipoproteins (LDL).
LDL is isolated by precipitation with buffered heparin. The assay for LDL oxidation products (LDL-BDC) is based on determination of baseline levels of conjugated dienes (BDC) in lipids extracted from LDL. The assay for antioxidant potential of LDL (LDL-TRAP) is based on the ability of LDL to trap peroxyl radicals.
LDL-BDC was found to increase linearly over a range from 100 to 1750 microL, LDL-TRAP from 250 to 1750 microL of serum taken for precipitation. For LDL-BDC, the CV was 4.4% and 4.5% for within- and between-assay precision, respectively. For the LDL-TRAP, the CV was 8.1% and 8.7% for within- and between-assay precisions, respectively. Freezing of the serum (2 weeks at -70 degrees C) did not affect LDL-BDC or LDL-TRAP levels. A negative correlation was found to exist between the LDL-BDC and LDL-TRAP values. LDL-BDC and LDL-TRAP values were at the same level in both sexes. The LDL-BDC was found to increase with age. Short-term intervention with antioxidants increased LDL-TRAP substantially, but did not affect the LDL-BDC level.
These methods are fast and simple to perform, and can, therefore, be applied to clinical purposes.
The aim of this study was to assess the association between smoking, food consumption, and antioxidant vitamin intake and plasma indexes of oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in French adults. Food and nutrient intakes of 459 healthy men aged 23-57 y were estimated by the diet history method and analyzed by smoking status. Plasma alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids were measured as antioxidants and malondialdehyde, protein Schiff bases, and autoantibodies against malondialdehyde-protein adducts as oxidative stress indexes. Smokers ate less fruit and vegetables than nonsmokers, leading to lower vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotene intakes, even after adjustment for age, education, and marital status. Unlike vitamin E, plasma ascorbic acid and beta-carotene concentrations were reduced in smokers compared with nonsmokers and were inversely related to cigarette consumption. This difference remained significant after adjustment for alcohol and dietary intakes. Among the measured oxidative stress indexes, only Schiff base concentration was positively related to the number of cigarettes smoked. In our sample of French men, smoking had an adverse effect on antioxidant status; vitamin intakes were reduced in smokers and plasma antioxidant indexes were altered independently of dietary intakes. As in other countries, in France smokers require particular attention in terms of public health intervention.
The 'antioxidant hypothesis' proposes that vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and other antioxidants occurring in fruit and vegetables afford protection against heart disease and cancer by preventing oxidative damage to lipids and to DNA, respectively. To test elements of this hypothesis, we have measured blood levels of dietary antioxidants, and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) concentrations in lymphocyte DNA, in healthy men and women from five European countries: France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K. Volunteers, aged 25 45, all nonsmokers, gave blood samples before and after a 12-wk carotenoid supplementation regime. Vitamin C was measured in plasma and vitamin E and carotenoids were measured in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 8-oxo-dG was assayed by HPLC (with coulometric detection) in DNA isolated from lymphocytes from the same blood samples. Mean values were calculated for groups of volunteers at each sampling time according to country, sex, and supplementation (between 9 and 24 individual samples contributing to each mean). We found that 8-oxo-dG levels in lymphocyte DNA vary significantly according to sex and country. A low mean 8-oxo-dG concentration is seen in DNA of women from all five countries, and of men from France and Spain. 8-oxo-dG is significantly higher (up to about threefold) in lymphocyte DNA from men in Ireland and the U.K. Oxidative DNA damage is not significantly affected by carotenoid supplementation; nor is there any association with mean baseline levels of antioxidants, which are generally similar in the five countries. The five countries sampled lie on an axis from northern to southern Europe with a steep gradient in terms of premature heart disease. There is a strong association between premature coronary heart disease mortality in men and the mean levels of 8-oxo-dG for the five countries (r = 0.95, P < 0.01). Women have low coronary heart disease mortality rates, which do not correlate with 8-oxo-dG. In terms of cancer deaths, only colorectal cancer in men shows a significant positive correlation (r = 0.91, P < 0.05), and stomach cancer in women is negatively correlated with DNA oxidation (r = -0.92, P = 0.01).
To assess the status of lipidsoluble antioxidants (carotenoids, tocopherols, ubiquinone), retinol and their correlation with TRAP (total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) in patients with Crohn's disease.
Prospective case-control study.
Clinic of Internal Medicine IV/Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Vienna Medical School.
Plasma antioxidant concentrations were determined in patients with Crohn's disease (n = 24) to evaluate the antioxidant capacity compared to healthy controls (n = 33). Additionally, plasma TRAP (total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) was measured in 13 patients and 22 controls.
All investigated carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin) were significantly decreased in patients with Crohn's disease (10.2 +/- 9.3, 16.2 +/- 12.4 and 7.8 +/- 5.5 microg/dl) compared to controls (13.3 +/- 5.1, 34.7 +/- 18.8 and 48.5 +/- 38.4 microg/dl respectively), whereas gamma-tocopherol and ubiquinone were significantly elevated in patients (0.14 +/- 0.07 microg/dl and 82.3 +/- 41.5 microg/dl, controls: 0.09 +/- 0.04 microg/dl and 60.8 +/- 30.0 microg/dl, respectively). Retinol and alpha-tocopherol did not significantly differ from controls. The total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) was significantly lower in patients (1.11 +/- 0.28 micromol/l) compared to controls (1.34 +/- 0.26 micromol/l). Antioxidants were neither related to duration or severity of disease nor to disease activity.
In patients with Crohn's disease several plasma antioxidant parameters are altered and the total radical-trapping antioxidant potential is decreased.
Lack of reliable dietary data has hampered the ability to effectively distinguish between effects of smoking and diet on plasma antioxidant status. As confirmed by analyses of comprehensive food-frequency questionnaires, the total dietary intakes of fruit and vegetables and of dietary antioxidants were not significantly different between the study groups in the present study, thereby enabling isolation of the effect of smoking.
Our objective was to investigate the effect of smoking on plasma antioxidant status by measuring ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and lycopene, and subsequently, to test the effect of a 3-mo dietary supplementation with a moderate-dose vitamin cocktail.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, the effect of a vitamin cocktail containing 272 mg vitamin C, 31 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, and 400 microg folic acid on plasma antioxidants was determined in a population of smokers (n = 37) and nonsmokers (n = 38). The population was selected for a low intake of fruit and vegetables and recruited from the San Francisco Bay area.
Only ascorbic acid was significantly depleted by smoking per se (P < 0.01). After the 3-mo supplementation period, ascorbic acid was efficiently repleted in smokers (P < 0.001). Plasma alpha-tocopherol and the ratio of alpha- to gamma-tocopherol increased significantly in both supplemented groups (P < 0.05).
Our data suggest that previous reports of lower concentrations of plasma vitamin E and carotenoids in smokers than in nonsmokers may primarily have been caused by differences in dietary habits between study groups. Plasma ascorbic acid was depleted by smoking and repleted by moderate supplementation.
Recent studies have suggested that the hydrosalpinx has a negative effect on pregnancy outcome, with markedly diminished implantation and increased early pregnancy loss. Fluid from the hydrosalpinx may leak into and accumulate in the uterine cavity. It is not clear, however if this creates a hostile local environment in the uterus for embryo implantation or exerts a direct embryotoxic effect. This study was conducted to investigate the detrimental effects of hydrosalpinx fluid (HSF) on the development of mouse embryos in vitro and to demonstrate whether Vero cells overcome these adverse effects. HSF was collected from three women with bilateral hydrosalpinx at the time of laparoscopic surgery. Collected fluid was centrifuged and the supernatant was frozen at -20 degrees C. For co-culture, Vero cells were commercially obtained in a frozen state and cultured using Ham's F10 medium. Single-cell mouse embryos (B6CBAF1) were cultured for 5 days in 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2% of HSF in media with and without Vero cells and examined daily to record the number of embryos reaching expanded blastocyst and hatching stage. Co-culture of mouse embryos with Vero cells at 0.8% HSF concentration significantly enhanced embryo development, but not at 1.2% hydrosalpinx fluid concentration. These results suggest that HSF is highly embryotoxic and Vero cells are likely to overcome these detrimental effects to some degree.
In this study, we have investigated the effects of the unicellular-green-algae Chlorella vulgaris on the production of INF-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in normal and Listeria monocytogenes infected mice. Our results demonstrated that in normal/non infected mice, CVE administration produced no effects in the levels of all cytokines studied. However, Listeria monocytogenes infection enhanced the production of INF-gamma and IL-2 at 48 and 72 h after the bacteria inoculation. Interestingly, the treatment with five consecutive doses of 50 mg/Kg/day of Chlorella vulgaris given previously to infection, led to further increases in INF-gamma and IL-2 levels at 48 and 72 h in relation to the presence of infection alone. No changes in IL-4 and IL-10 production were observed in Listeria monocytogenes and CVE treated/infected mice. These results are in accordance with the literature, which shows that CVE is a biological response modifier that enhances resistance to Listeria monocytogenes through augmentation of IL-2 and IFN-gamma.
Cigarette smokers have enhanced oxidative stress from cigarette smoke exposure and from their increased inflammatory responses.
The objective of this study was to determine whether cigarette smoking increases plasma alpha-tocopherol disappearance in otherwise healthy humans.
Smokers and nonsmokers (n = 10/group) were supplemented with deuterium-labeled alpha-tocopheryl acetates (75 mg each of d(3)-RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and d(6)-all-rac-alpha-tocopherols acetate) for 6 evenings (days -6 to -1). Plasma alpha-tocopherols, ascorbic acid, uric acid, and F(2alpha)-isoprostanes were measured in blood samples collected on days -6 through 17. The urinary alpha-tocopherol metabolite, alpha-carboxy-ethyl-hydroxy-chroman (alpha-CEHC), was measured on days -6, 0, and 17 in 24-h urine samples.
F(2alpha)-isoprostanes were, on average, approximately 40% higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. On day 0, plasma labeled and unlabeled alpha-tocopherol concentrations were not significantly different between groups. Smoking resulted in faster fractional disappearance of plasma alpha-tocopherol (0.215 +/- 0.011 compared with 0.191 +/- 0.009 pools/d; P < 0.05). Fractional disappearance rates of alpha-tocopherol correlated with plasma ascorbic acid concentrations in smokers (P = 0.021) but not in nonsmokers despite plasma ascorbic acid concentrations that were not significantly different between groups. By day 17, cigarette smoking resulted in lower plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations and urinary excretion of labeled and unlabeled alpha-CEHC (P < 0.05).
Cigarette smoking increased alpha-tocopherol disappearance. Greater rates of alpha-tocopherol disappearance in smokers appear to be related to increased oxidative stress accompanied by lower plasma ascorbic acid concentrations. Thus, smokers have an increased requirement for both alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid.
This article has reviewed what is known about the oxidants present in tobacco tar and smoke and the evidence for their involvement in cigarette-induced pathology. The oxidants consist of organic radicals of a variety of types and reactivities as well as species such as nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite and peroxynitrate. We have identified the chemical nature of the oxidants in smoke and have discussed their reactions with two biomolecules that are known to be important targets for smoke-derived oxidants; alpha-l-proteinase inhibitor (a1PI) and DNA. Interestingly, these two molecules are damaged by very different mechanisms: a1PI by nonradical oxidants and DNA by radicals, and particularly by the hydroxyl radical. Cigarette smoke can be divided into two phases: particulate matter ('tar') which is retained on a filter, and gas-phase smoke. The radicals in these two fractions differ. Tar contains more than 1017 stable, long-lived radicals per gram; gas-phase smoke contains more than 1015 radicals per puff. Gas-phase smoke contains high concentrations of nitric oxide, reactive olefins and dienes; and the tar phase contains polyphenols such as catechol and hydroquinone. The combustion of organic materials produces radicals, but the radicals that are detected in gas-phase cigarette smoke by electron spin resonance (ESR) methods (and thus the radicals that would reach the lungs) are not those that arise in the combustion process. Rather they arise from chemical reactions that occur in the smoke itself. The gas-phase oxidants are produced from reactions 4-7 in which nitrogen oxides react with isoprene (a reactive compound that is present in high concentrations in smoke). Mixtures of nitric oxide and isoprene (at concentrations that mimic those in cigarette smoke) oxidize a1PI with the same complex kinetic pattern as is observed with gas-phase smoke. Cigarette tar contains a stable semiquinone radical, which has been identified by direct ESR spectroscopy. Aqueous extracts of tar, which contain this semiquinone radical, reduce oxygen to superoxide and thus produce both hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. These hydroxyl radicals can be observed by ESR using the spin-trapping technique. Aqueous extracts of cigarette tar both oxidize a1PI and nick DNA. Damage to DNA appears to involve a complex of polyphenolic tar components with DNA, followed by production of the hydroxyl radical (or a hydroxyl radical-like species) that nicks DNA. The inactivation of a1PI involves the oxidation of methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide by nonradical species. Studies of the oxidation of a1PI reveal two classes of oxidants in smoke extracts: slow-reacting species that remain active for several days and fast-reacting species that last only minutes. The slow-reacting species is shown to be hydrogen peroxide, which reacts with a1PI and with a decapeptide that models the active site in a1PI. The fast-reacting oxidant is probably a mixture of peroxynitrate and peroxynitrite and their esters. These compounds are formed from the reactions of superoxide with nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, and from the reactions of lipid hydroperoxides with these nitrogen oxides.
The autoxidation of pyrogallol was investigated in the presence of EDTA in the pH range 7.9–10.6.
The rate of autoxidation increases with increasing pH. At pH 7.9 the reaction is inhibited to 99% by superoxide dismutase, indicating an almost total dependence on the participation of the superoxide anion radical, O2·−, in the reaction. Up to pH 9.1 the reaction is still inhibited to over 90% by superoxide dismutase, but at higher alkalinity, O2·− -independent mechanisms rapidly become dominant.
Catalase has no effect on the autoxidation but decreases the oxygen consumption by half, showing that H2O2 is the stable product of oxygen and that H2O2 is not involved in the autoxidation mechanism.
A simple and rapid method for the assay of superoxide dismutase is described, based on the ability of the enzyme to inhibit the autoxidation of pyrogallol.
A plausible explanation is given for the non-competitive part of the inhibition of catechol O-methyltransferase brought about by pyrogallol.
A glycoprotein extract (CVS), derived from the unicellular green alga Chlorella vulgaris, strain CK22, exhibited a pronounced antitumor effect against both spontaneous and experimentally induced metastasis in mice.
Inhibition of tumor metastasis was enhanced when intratumor administration of CVS was followed by s.c. injection of CVS. Anti-metastatic
immunopotentiation was observed in euthymic mice, but not in athymic nude mice. The antitumor activity of CVS was reflected
in antigen-specific, T-cell-mediated immunity. Both CD4 and CD8 T cells contributed to the antimetastatic effects, as shown
by in vivo depletion experiments with anti-T-cell subset antibodies. Furthermore, CVS caused the recruitment of T cells to
the regional lymph nodes and their proliferation in these organs. The CD4-positive population, following CVS injection at
the time of tumor rechallenge, displayed a pronounced increase in the proportion of T cells that were CD18 bright, CD44 bright,
CD25+, CD54+, CD69+ or CD71+ in the lymph nodes. Thus, CVS induces T cell activation in peripheral lymph nodes in tumor-bearing mice. We conclude that
CVS augments antimetastatic immunity through T cell activation in lymphoid organs and enhances recruitment of these cells
to the tumor sites. Presurgical treatment with CVS might prevent metastasis or tumor progression.
Quadruples of skin cancer patients with and without psoriasis and referents with and without psoriasis (4 x 20 study persons) were identified and examined for DNA damage by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet-assay) and DNA-repair by UV-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in mononuclear blood cells (lymphocytes and monocytes). DNA damage (strand breaks and alkaline labile sites) as assessed by the comet assay and DNA repair as assessed by UDS were significantly associated with the season in which blood sampling took place. This variation might be explained by an increased exposure to solar radiation. When the comet tail moment data were stratified by sampling period, an interaction between psoriasis and skin cancer was detected, with patients with psoriasis and skin cancer exhibiting more DNA damage. Patients with psoriasis and skin cancer also had lower UDS compared to healthy study persons, suggesting that the more DNA damage may be caused by a lower rate of DNA repair. In all study persons, the extent of UDS correlated positively with the amount of DNA damage determined by the comet assay.