Polyphenolic and Methylxanthine Bioaccessibility of Cocoa Bean Shell Functional Biscuits: Metabolomics Approach and Intestinal Permeability through Caco-2 Cell Models

Cocoa bean shell (CBS), a by-product with considerable concentrations of bioactive compounds and proven biofunctional potential, has been demonstrated to be a suitable ingredient for high-fiber functional biscuits adapted to diabetic consumers. In this work, the in vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of polyphenols and methylxanthines contained in these biscuits were evaluated, and the effect of the food matrix was studied. Biscuits containing CBS and the CBS alone underwent in vitro digestion followed by an intestinal permeability study. The results confirmed that compounds were less bioavailable in the presence of a food matrix, although the digestion contributed to their release from this matrix, increasing the concentrations available at the intestinal level and making them capable of promoting antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. After digestion, CBS biscuits were shown to possess α-glucosidase inhibition capacity comparable to that of acarbose. Moreover, the presence of the food matrix improved the stability of polyphenols throughout the digestion process. Intestinal absorption of flavan-3-ols seemed to be limited to a maximum threshold and was therefore independent of the sample, while procyanidin was not absorbed. Methylxanthine absorption was high and was boosted by the presence of the food matrix. The results confirmed the biofunctional potential of CBS-based biscuitsThe present work was supported by COVALFOOD “Valorisation of high added-value compounds from cocoa industry by-products as food ingredients and additives”. This project received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research and innovation under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 609402—2020 researchers: Train to Move (T2M)S

Effects of diesel exhaust particles on macrophage polarization

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Effects of diesel exhaust particles on macrophage polarization.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) has long been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The development of DEP toxicity seems to be linked to inflammation in which macrophages play a critical role. Macrophages can be polarized into proinflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. The aim of this study was to identify the role of inflammation in DEP-induced toxicity by assessing the effects of DEP on macrophage polarization. METHODS: Monocyte-derived macrophages (Mϕ) were stimulated with interferon γ and lipopolysaccharide or interleukin (IL)-4 to obtain M1 and M2 subtypes, respectively. To test the polarization capacity of DEP, Mϕ cells were exposed to DEP and compared to Mϕ, M1, and M2. We also studied the effects of DEP on already-polarized M1 or M2. The M1 markers assessed were tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β, while the M2 markers were the mannose receptor C type 1 (MRC-1) and transglutaminase 2 (TGM2).RESULTS: Western blots revealed a 31 kDa band corresponding to pro-IL-1β, but only in M1-polarized macrophages. In M1, we also observed an upregulation of TNF-α messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. MRC-1 and TGM2 mRNA expression were only significantly enhanced in M2. DEP had no effect on any of the M1/M2 markers assessed. Moreover, DEP were not able to modify the phenotype of already-polarized M1 or M2.CONCLUSION: Mϕ incubation with DEP did not have any effect on macrophage polarization, at least on the markers assessed in this study, namely, TNF-α/IL-1β for M1, and MRC-1/TGM2 for M2. Hence, these data argue against an important role of inflammation in DEP-induced vascular toxicity.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Effects of diesel exhaust microparticles on vascular function

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Hypertension and particulate air pollution exposure: synergism for vascular function alteration?

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Effects of cigarette smoke and homocysteine on vascular function and human endothelial cells

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No reliable clinical results without a proper description of medicinal herbs: Proper clinical results for medicinal herbs

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Determination of an appropriate dose ratio of a synergistic combination of long-acting bronchodilators for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD

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Determination of an appropriate dose ratio of a synergistic combination of long-acting bronchodilators for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD

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Optimization of Long-Acting Bronchodilator Dose Ratios Using Isolated Guinea Pig Tracheal Rings for Synergistic Combination Therapy in Asthma and COPD

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