Lutein and Factor D: Two intriguing players in the field of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that impairs central vision among elderly populations in Western, industrialized countries. In this review we will focus on the role of factor D (FD) and lutein in AMD. FD is a rate-limiting enzyme of the alternative complement activation pathway that may play an important role in the development of AMD. Several independent studies have shown a significant increase in the level of a number of complement factors of the alternative pathway, including factor D in the blood of AMD patients as compared to healthy individuals, which suggests a systemic involvement in the pathogenesis of AMD. FD, also called adipsin, is mainly produced by adipose tissue. Besides playing a role in the activation of the alternative pathway, FD is also known to regulate the immune system. Of interest is our preliminary finding that lutein supplementation of early AMD cases was shown to lower the level of systemic FD. If confirmed, these findings provide further support for the application of anti-factor D intervention as a new approach to control the development of this disease

Avocado Fruit Quality Management during the Postharvest Supply Chain

Avocados are a popular subtropical fruit of high economic importance, and the European Union is the biggest importer of the bulk of the fruit coming from countries such as South Africa, Chile, and Israel. The fruit is highly nutritious, being rich in vitamins A, B, C, minerals, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. The biggest challenge is that the fruit is highly susceptible to qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses. Successful maintenance of avocado fruit quality during the supply chain depends on many aspects, including adequate orchard management practices, harvesting practices, packing operations, postharvest treatments, temperature management, transportation and storage conditions, and ripening at destination. Postharvest losses are mostly attributed to flesh softening, decay, physiological disorders, and improper temperature management. Management of the supply chain is solely done to provide the fruit with the most favorable conditions to extend storage life, and retain quality and nutritional attributes of the fruit. The focus of this review is therefore to study the findings that have emanated from research done to retain overall avocado fruit quality and to reduce postharvest losses during the supply chain through the adoption of appropriate and novel postharvest technologies.Post-Harvest Innovation Programme (Fresh Produce Exporter Forum, South Africa, and Department of Science and Technology).http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/lfri202015-06-30hb201