Sanda Andrei

Fatty acid and phytosterol contents of some Romanian wild and cultivated berry pomaces

The total oil content and composition of fatty acids and phytosterols of five Transylvanian (Romania) pomaces of wild and cultivated blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), wild cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and cultivated black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), were determined by capillary gas chromatography. Out of the five pomace oils, the percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ranged from 37 % to 69 %. The lipid classes analysed (PLs — polar lipids, TGs — triacylglycerols, SEs — sterol esters) were separated and identified using thin-layer chromatography. TGs showed the highest PUFAs content (ranging from 41.9 % to 72.5 %) and PUFAs/SFAs (saturated fatty acids) ratios (in the range of 5.8–33.1 %). In the case of PL and SE fractions, the levels of SFA were significantly higher than in TGs. The total amount of sterols was in the range of 101.6–168.2 mg per 100 g of lipids of the pomaces analysed. The predominant phytosterols were β-sitosterol, stigmastanol + isofucosterol, and campesterol. The results indicated that the investigated pomace oils, due to their good balance between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (except for chokeberry) and high β-sitosterol content, could be excellent sources of PUFAs and phytosterols, thus suggesting potential value-added utilisation of berry waste oils for preparing functional foods or food supplements.

Comparative analysis of lipophilic compounds in eggs of organically raised ISA Brown and Araucana hens

Hens’ eggs represent a rich source of important nutrients, including lipids and carotenoids. The lipid composition of hens’ eggs is influenced by genetic factors, age, and diet. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acids, cholesterol, and carotenoids content of the egg yolk of ISA Brown and Araucana hens grown in free-range housing systems. Fatty acids and cholesterol were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS and carotenoids were quantified by RP-HPLC-PDA.The Araucana egg yolk has a higher lipid content and higher egg-to-albumen ratio than the ISA Brown yolk, while the total cholesterol, carotenoids content and profile are not significantly different. The lipids of the Araucana egg yolk have a higher content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and a better n-6/n-3 ratio than the ISA Brown egg yolk lipids. The major carotenoids were lutein and zeaxanthin, which account for more than 83 % in egg yolk. Eggs of both breeds, when raised organically, represent very good sources of highly bio-available lutein and zeaxanthin, pigments which are related to lower risk of age-related macular degeneration. We report for the first time on the fatty acids composition in lipid fractions and the profile and content of carotenoids of the Araucana egg yolk.

Carotenoid and fatty acid profiles of bilberries and cultivated blueberries from Romania

The worldwide consumption of blueberries has increased due to their potential health effects. They contain micronutrients, various phytochemicals and anti-oxidant pigments, represented especially by anthocyanins. In addition to these, carotenoids and fatty acids are also present. The aim of this study was the identification and quantification of carotenoids (by HPLC) and fatty acids (by GC with flame ionisation detection) in two bilberry genotypes (Wild 1 and 2) and three cultivars (BlueCrop, Elliot, and Duke). The main carotenoids identified were lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene, with the average total carotenoid content of 266 μg per 100 g of fruit. The ratio of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was 0.098 for Wild 1 and 0.11 for Wild 2 genotypes and ranged from 0.14 to 0.28 for cultivars. The main fatty acids identified were linoleic (18:2) and linolenic (18:3) acids in all the samples analysed. In Vaccinium myrtillus the amount of carotenoids and fatty acids was higher than in Vaccinium corymbosum species.

Oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in horses infected with equine infectious anaemia virus.

This study assesses the impact of equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) infection on the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium of horses. Blood samples from 96 Romanian horses aged 1-25 years, were divided into different groups according to their EIAV-infection status, age, and time post-seroconversion. The effect of infection on oxidative stress was estimated by measuring enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid and carotenoids), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]). Infection modified the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium in the horses, influencing GPx and uric acid levels (P<0.05). Time post-seroconversion also contributed to oxidative stress imbalance, exhibiting a significant influence on both SOD and MDA concentrations in the blood (P<0.05). Animal age did not have a significant influence on oxidative stress. Recently infected horses (<1 year following seroconversion), and horses >5 years old, represented the most vulnerable category in terms of oxidative stress, followed by recently infected animals <5 years old. The results of this study are novel in implicating EIAV infection in the development of oxidative stress in horses.

Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on chemically induced tumorigenesis in Wistar rats

BackgroundAstaxanthin (ASTA) is a fat-soluble xanthophyll with powerful antioxidant functions. It is extracted from e.g. salmon, an important food source for certain human populations known to have a reduced risk of tumor development. It is possible that ASTA plays a role in cancer chemoprevention in such populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on chemically induced mammary tumorigenesis using N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea (MNU) in immature Wistar rats.MethodsThirty-six 37 days old juvenile female Wistar rats were at random allocated to 4 groups of which Groups 1 and 2 received a single dose of 55 mg MNU/kg body weight. The effects of ASTA was evaluated by giving rats of Groups 2 and 4 a dose of 50 mg ASTA/kg/day for the entire duration of the study. Group 3 rats received feed added alimentary oil.Necropsy and histopathological examinations were carried out on each rat 14 months after the administration of MNU. Haematological values and antioxidative status were determined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by monitoring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in hepatic tissue. Lipid peroxidation and carbonylation of proteins was determined in protein extracts from the liver.ResultsTumor development occurred only in rats of Groups 1 and 2, i.e. MNU exposed animals. Frequency of tumor development in general and average number of tumors per animal were insignificant between these two groups. Mammary gland tumors developed in equal frequencies in Group 1 and 2 rats, respectively. Although only rather few tumors were found in the mammary glands, a substantial number of other tumors were found in Group 1 and 2 rats, but at equal rates.Biochemical analyses showed significant higher levels of GPx, malondialdehyde and dinitrophenylhydrazine in Group 1 rats that for rats in all other groups thus indicating protective effects of ASTA on MNU induced hepatic oxidative stress.ConclusionsSupplementation with ASTA did not reduce tumorigenesis induced by MNU in Wistar rats. However, supplementation with ASTA seemed to have anti-inflammatory effects.