Chemical composition, oxidative stability, and biological activity of cold-pressed pomegranate (PG), blackcurrant (BC), and prickly pear (PP) seed oils were investigated. Oils were characterised for fatty acids and minor constituents, and oxidative stability was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Biological activity was evaluated in colon cancer (LoVo, LoVo/Dx) and non-tumorigenic (CCD 841 CoTr) cells using viability, apoptosis, ROS generation, and Rhodamine 123 accumulation assays. PG exhibited the highest PUFA content (90.0%) and the lowest lipophilic antioxidant-to-PUFA ratio (5.92), whereas BC (32.00) and PP (8.78) showed greater antioxidant balance. BC contained the highest tocopherol (1649 mg/kg) and carotenoid levels, while PG contained the highest amount of quantified phenolic and phenolic-related compounds. PP showed the greatest oxidative stability at 100 °C, whereas BC was the most stable at higher temperatures and PG was the least stable. All oils reduced cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis, with PG showing the strongest pro-oxidant activity. The results suggest that the balance between lipophilic antioxidants, fatty acid composition, and the native oil matrix influences oxidative stability and may contribute to the observed biological activity.

Mulberry species (Morus spp.) provide phytochemically distinct plant materials in which leaves are typically characterized by high levels of iminosugars (notably 1-deoxynojirimycin), flavonols/flavones, and polysaccharides, whereas fruits—especially Morus nigra—contain substantial amounts of anthocyanins alongside other phenolic compounds and polysaccharides. Importantly, the composition and biological properties of mulberry-derived products depend not only on species and plant part (leaf vs. fruit), but also on preparation and processing variables, including drying, maceration, fermentation, and extraction, or fractionation strategy (e.g., aqueous vs. hydroalcoholic extracts or enriched fractions). Such technological factors may substantially influence the chemical composition, bioavailability, and functionality of mulberry-derived preparations and thereby modify their interactions with gut microbiota and host metabolic processes. Available preclinical studies indicate that mulberry leaf- and fruit-derived preparations can affect gut microbial composition or activity in experimental models of metabolic dysfunction. Reported findings frequently include enrichment of microbial taxa commonly regarded as beneficial, such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia, normalization of dysbiosis-associated microbial patterns, and increased production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These microbial changes are sometimes observed alongside improvements in metabolic parameters such as glucose regulation, lipid profile, adiposity, or inflammatory markers. However, reported responses differ across plant parts, species, and preparation approaches, indicating that phytochemical composition and processing strategy are likely to influence biological outcomes. Interpretation of the current evidence is limited by the predominance of non-human studies and by incomplete or inconsistent reporting of extract composition, processing conditions, and standardization procedures. These factors reduce comparability between studies and complicate mechanistic interpretation of microbiome-related effects. Overall, existing preclinical data support the possibility that mulberry-derived preparations may influence metabolic health through microbiota-associated pathways shaped by both botanical origin and preparative technology. Well-designed human intervention studies using chemically characterized and standardized preparations, together with comprehensive gut microbiome analyses, are needed to determine the translational relevance of these observations and to identify which mulberry-derived preparations offer the greatest potential for supporting gut and metabolic health.

Infertility affects approximately 17.5% of the adult population, with the male factor contributing to nearly half of the cases. Seminal plasma has emerged as a potential source of biomarkers and insights into the mechanisms of male infertility; however, the significance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in this body fluid remains insufficiently explored. The main objectives of the present observational study were to compare selected PUFA (linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), γ-linolenic acid (GLA), arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) concentrations and ratios in seminal plasma between fertile (n = 22, aged 21-47) and infertile (n = 250, aged 24-45) men, as well as within infertile subgroups, including idiopathic, to investigate their clinical utility and correlations with semen parameters. An optimized extraction procedure and a validated gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method were employed to determine the concentrations of PUFAs in seminal plasma. Nonparametric tests, including Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA rank test followed by Tukey's post hoc test, Spearman's rank test, and ROC curves were used for analyses. Among the twenty-one examined parameters, nine (LA, GLA, EPA, DHA, ALA/LA, LA/AA, EPA/ALA, EPA/GLA, EPA/AA) exhibited significant differences between fertile control group and infertile patients (0.493 vs. 0.762 μg/mL, p = 0.007; 0.029 vs. 0.035 μg/mL, p = 0.005; 0.007 vs. 0.009 μg/mL, p < 0.001; 1.519 vs. 2.174 μg/mL, p = 0.029; 0.066 vs. 0.053, p = 0.042; 0.248 vs. 0.305, p = 0.002; 0.168 vs. 0.216, p = 0.010; 0.230 vs. 0.283, p = 0.013; 0.003 vs. 0.004 p = 0.045, respectively), with LA, GLA, LA/AA, EPA/ALA, and EPA/GLA demonstrating limited (AUC < 0.650), and EPA exhibiting moderate diagnostic value (AUC = 0.709). Among the subgroups of infertile patients, the teratozoospermic group displayed the most pronounced alterations in both individual PUFA concentrations and PUFA ratios compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Notably, DHA, LA/DHA, ALA/DHA, GLA/DHA, AA/DHA, EPA/DHA exhibited at least one moderate correlation with semen parameters (0.4 <|R|, p < 0.05). Despite its exploratory nature, the present study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying male infertility and their reflection in seminal plasma composition while simultaneously outlining new directions in identifying/excluding PUFA concentrations or ratios (especially LA, GLA, EPA, DHA, ALA/LA, LA/AA, EPA/ALA, EPA/GLA, EPA/AA) as potential biomarkers. Moreover, the use of GC-MS/MS method offers a novel approach for potential future diagnostic applications.

Background/Objectives: Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation and inflammation, predominantly affecting women. While recent evidence suggests a systemic pro-inflammatory state in lipedema, the role of diet in modulating inflammation remains underexplored. This study assessed the anti-inflammatory potential of a Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet and its effects after 7 months of adherence on systemic inflammation markers (CRP and IL-6) in women with lipedema (n = 24) and a control group with overweight/obesity (n = 24). Methods: The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was used to characterize the inflammatory potential of the diet throughout the intervention. Dietary intake was analyzed pre- and post-intervention, and anthropometric, body composition, and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: Beyond its beneficial effects on body composition (significant reductions in body weight, fat, leg circumferences, and visceral fat), the intervention diet also demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential. In lipedema, baseline diet showed a pro-inflammatory DII profile (DII/day = 3.04), which was reduced by about 1.5 points after the intervention (p = 0.008). When expressed per 1000 kcal, the DII values were markedly lower for both baseline (DII = 0.22) and intervention diet (DII = ~0.01). Following the intervention diet, reduction in CRP (−0.39, p = 0.016) and IL-6 levels (−0.33, p = 0.034) in lipedema were observed. A significant positive association was observed between the intervention diet’s DII and CRP (r = 0.55, p = 0.005), and between the baseline diet’s DII and IL-6 (r = 0.50, p = 0.013) in lipedema group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ketogenic diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients can reduce systemic inflammation in lipedema patients, independently of caloric restriction.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphogenetic efficiency of the new flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivar Silesia. The plant material consisted of five ecotypes of Silesia seeds selected by determining the fatty acid composition in individual plants. Thus, five ecotypes with different fatty acid compositions were applied for germination, and the resulting seedlings were used for callus induction. The observed in vitro morphogenic response of explants to the used callus induction medium was 100%, followed by varying development of shoots, with the highest value being 17 shoots per callus, with an average length of 7.15 cm (for ecotype 1). The biochemical analyses showed photosynthetic pigments were significantly affected by the tested ecotypes. The main conclusion is that the selection of plant material as a source of tissue cultures is crucial for efficient regeneration and organogenesis. One factor potentially influencing these processes is fatty acid composition and the ratio of linoleic to α-linolenic acid. A ratio ranging from 1.36 to 1.68 in the source material (seeds) used for initiation of tissue cultures resulted in the highest efficiency of shoot regeneration and number of obtained shoots per callus. A strong negative correlation (−0.78) was observed between shoot regeneration efficiency and the ratio of linoleic to α-linolenic acid in seeds from which the explants were obtained. Moreover, an efficient protocol of micropropagation from callus tissue was established for the new flax cultivar Silesia. An interesting insight into the metabolism of the obtained regenerants allowed us to determine the relationship between the content of chlorophyll and rhizogenesis efficiency. For these two parameters, the calculated correlation coefficient was 0.66. A strong relationship (high correlation coefficient: 0.79) was also established between flavonoid content and length of obtained regenerants, pointing to the developmental role of flavonoids.

Oral inflammation and the immune response are distinct but related processes where Linum usitatissimum L., fam. Linaceae represents a possible use for localized relief. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) with an inflammatory background that mainly affects post- and peri-menopausal women. The presented methodology was threefold. Firstly, the plant extracts were made from flaxseeds of selected cultivars (Szafir [SZ] and Jantarol [JA]) containing plant lignans. In silico docking affinity was performed to verify the beta and alpha estrogen receptors of keratinocytes’ (ERα and ERβ) affinity for lignans from the plant extracts. Lastly, tests using living keratinocyte cell lines were performed. Adding the studied extracts from two cultivars of flaxseed—JA and SZ (10 µg/mL) reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—induced cell inflammation markers levels of COX-2 and IL-6. The effect of JA was more pronounced than that of SZ, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). A high in silico affinity was provided during secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) docking to ERα and ERβ. Flaxseed’s action could be based on the docking affinity of its major components to the estrogen receptors and the overall concentration of the elements of the extracts.

To assess the associations between serum and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as the inflammatory potential of diet measured by the Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DIITM), and recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) in children. We enrolled 44 children aged 3-16 years with RRIs and 44 healthy controls. Dietary intake was assessed using a 7-day food record from which PUFA intake and C-DIITM were calculated. Serum PUFA levels were determined using gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The dietary assessment showed a significantly lower fiber intake in children with RRIs. The RRI group had a higher inflammatory potential in the diet than healthy controls. Children with RRIs have higher serum levels of linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acids than healthy subjects. A pro-inflammatory diet was positively associated with serum n-6 PUFA levels in both the groups. A high inflammatory potential of diet, body mass index over 75 percentile, and short breastfeeding duration were identified as risk factors for RRIs. The inflammatory potential of diet is strongly associated with RRIs in children and related to their PUFA status. Promoting breastfeeding and healthy dietary habits during childhood are crucial for implementing effective preventive management strategies.

The oxidative stability of nutritive and bioactive lipids is essential for their functionality. This study evaluated the potential of lipid fractions from pumpkin seeds obtained from eleven high-performing cultivars of Cucurbita maxima Duchesne, C. pepo L., and C. moschata Duchesne cultivated in Poland, aiming to evaluate their stability for nutraceutical applications. This study investigated the intrinsic relationship between chemical composition and oxidative stability to identify cultivars with promising functional potential and commercial value. The fatty acid, sterol, and lipid antioxidant profiles were characterized using gas chromatography (GC), GC–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), respectively. Antiradical activity was assessed via the DPPH assay, and oxidative stability was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The oils exhibited high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (59.5–68.6%), with n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios ranging from 66.5 to 211.6. The lipid extracts contained up to 97.1% Δ7-sterols, while key antioxidants included squalene (616.6–3092.0 mg/kg) and γ-tocopherol (54.1–423.6 mg/kg). Notably, the C. pepo cultivar ‘Moonshine’ was the least abundant in these bioactive compounds. The carotenoid content ranged from 5.7 to 19.4 mg/kg across the extracts. Among the studied cultivars, ‘Show Winner’ and ‘Pink Jumbo Banana’ (C. maxima) stood out as promising candidates for nutraceutical applications due to their elevated levels of tocopherols, carotenoids, and squalene. A moderate n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (100–170), coupled with balanced levels of γ-tocopherol and squalene, was found to significantly enhance the oxidative stability of pumpkin seed lipids. These lipid fractions also show potential as stabilizing additives for oils rich in α-linolenic acid but deficient in natural antioxidants.

Considering Acheta domecticus flour’s growing importance and utilization as an ingredient in many food products, research on its storage is essential. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and nutritional fat profile of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour during storage for 12 months under different storage temperatures (−18 °C, +4 °C, and +20 °C in two variants, with and without access to light). Insect flour was studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The fatty acids content was determined, and dietary indicators were calculated. The acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value were also determined, and differential scanning calorimetry was performed. The results obtained from spectroscopic analysis of Acheta domesticus flour were consistent with the biochemical data. During the 12-month period of flour storage, the storage temperature significantly influenced the percentage composition of identified groups of fatty acids and the values of all presented ratios and dietary indices. During storage at refrigerated temperatures (−18 °C and +4 °C), no changes were observed in the fatty acid content and dietary indices, indicating that refrigerated temperatures provide oxidative stability to flour during 12 months of storage. Samples stored at 20 °C had higher acid values (AV), peroxide values (PV), and anisidine values (p-AV) compared to samples stored at lower temperatures (4 °C and −18 °C). Simultaneously, an increase in SFA and MUFA, as well as a decrease in PUFA and UFA, was noted in samples stored at room temperature. Storing cricket flour at lower temperatures when the storage period will be more than 12 months is essential to restrict the occurrence of fat oxidation. Elevated temperatures and exposure to light have a notable effect in hastening oxidation mechanisms, reducing thermal resilience, and inducing more pronounced alterations in the quality of fats.

The Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA©) is a validated nutritional screening, assessment, triage, and monitoring tool. The aim of this study was to perform translation, cultural adaptation, linguistic, and content validation of the translated and culturally adapted version of the PG-SGA for the Polish setting. The study was performed in concordance with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Principles. Patients (n = 174) and healthcare professionals (HCPs, n = 188) participated in the study. Comprehensibility and difficulty were assessed by patients for the PG-SGA Short Form, and by HCPs for the professional component. Content validity was assessed for the full PG-SGA by HCPs only. Evaluations were operationalized by a 4-point scale. Item and scale indices were calculated using the average item ratings divided by the number of respondents. Item indices < 0.78 required further analysis of the item, while scale indices ≥ 0.90 were defined as excellent and 0.80–0.89 as acceptable. The PG-SGA Short Form was rated as excellent for content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.90) by HCPs and easy to comprehend (Scale-CI = 0.96) and use (Scale-DI = 0.94) by patients. The professional component of the PG-SGA was perceived as acceptable for content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.80), comprehension (Scale-CI = 0.87), and difficulty (Scale-DI = 0.80). The physical exam was rated the least comprehensible and the most difficult, and with the lowest content validity. We found significant differences in scale indices (p < 0.05 for all) between HCPs with different professions and between those being familiar with PG-SGA and not. Translation and cultural adaptation of the PG-SGA for the Polish setting preserved the purpose and conceptual meaning of the original PG-SGA. Validation revealed that the Polish version of PG-SGA is well understood and easy to complete by patients and professionals, and is considered relevant by professionals. However, detailed results indicate the need for appropriate training of the Polish HCPs, especially physicians and nurses, mainly in the worksheets related to the metabolic demand and physical exam.

Background and objectives: Respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of children's morbidity in the world. Children with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRIs) frequently use health care services and antibiotics, undergo surgical procedures and are at risk of asthma in early life. In RRIs, the induction of the immune system and inflammatory processes is associated with changes in metabolic milieu; however, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) blood profile in RRIs has not been well recognized. Diet is among the factors that can modulate inflammation; therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of the inflammatory potential of diet on the serum PUFA profile in children with RRIs and on the risk of the disease. Methods: In 44 children with RRIs aged 3–16 years and 44 healthy children aged 2.5–17 years, dietary intake was assessed via 24 h dietary recall, then the children's dietary inflammatory index (C-DII) was calculated using dietary data. Serum PUFA levels were determined by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and immunological parameters were investigated in children with RRIs. Results: One-third of the RRI group had elevated IgE level and 14% had eosinophilia. Dietary intake did not differ in either group, except for significantly lower fiber intake in RRI children (7.97 g/1000 kcal vs. 9.43 g/1000 kcal, p = 0.004, respectively). The RRI group was characterized by the higher inflammatory potential of the diet than in the control group (C-DII = 0.26 vs. −0.92, p = 0.000). In the serum of RRI children, a higher level of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid was shown than in healthy subjects. The C-DII score was positively associated with serum n-6 PUFA levels in both groups. The high inflammatory potential of the diet, low fibre intake, BMI over 75 percentile, and a lack of breastfeeding or its duration up to 6 months age were identified as RRI risk factors. Discussion: Our study indicates that assessing the inflammatory potential of diet and nutritional status may be crucial for determining comprehensive interventions in RRIs, as well as for establishing rational preventive management.

Objectives: The nitrogen-containing xenobiotics, such as nitrates and acrylamide may potentially influence systemic redox status and contribute to the generation of oxidative stress (OS) in the human body, but there is still a lack of studies that would evaluate the various parameters assessing the oxidative-antioxidant balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to nitrates and acrylamide derived from daily diet and to analyze the impact of these nitrate-containing xenobiotics on the parameters of systemic redox status in healthy young adults. Material and Methods: To assess nitrate and acrylamide intake in the study population, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. Systemic redox status was evaluated by measurement of a panel of biochemical parameters: enzymatic (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and non-enzymatic (uric acid, bilirubin and albumin), thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters (total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide) and oxidative/ antioxidant balance indicators (total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, OS index). Results: The average consumption of nitrates and acrylamide in the study population was 1.24 mg/kg b.w./day and 0.23 mu g/kg b.w./day, respectively, which is within the normal value range. Of 12 measured parameters, significant differences were revealed for disulfide and total thiol levels, which were increased in the subgroup with the highest daily intake of nitrates compared to the subgroup with the lowest intake; for GPx, which was highest in the subgroup of the lowest daily intake of acrylamide; and for native thiols in the subgroup with the highest daily intake. Conclusions: The intake of nitrogen-containing xenobiotics within the range considered as normal does not markedly influence redox state parameters in healthy young adults. Some significant changes were revealed only for thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters, which may be the first line of antioxidant defense, as well as for GPx activity. Compensative mechanisms in healthy young people are efficient enough to neutralize OS induced by slightly increased exposure to nitrogen-containing xenobiotics delivered with food. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(6):773-87

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) seed oil (WSO) recovered by two methods-cold pressing (CP) and extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2E)-taking into account the different extraction times, was characterized for its composition and quality. The cytotoxicity assessment of WSOs was also carried out using the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell line. Tocopherol and total polyphenol contents were significantly higher in WSO recovered by SCO2E, up to 1901.0 and 58.5 mg/kg, respectively, in comparison with CP oil. In CP oil, the highest content of carotenoids and squalene was determined (123.8 and 31.4 mg/kg, respectively). Phytosterol summed up to 5396 mg/kg in WSO collected in 30 min of SCO2E. Moreover, the highest oxidative stability was found for this oil. All studied WSOs were non-cytotoxic in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leaching and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays; however, oils collected by SCO2E in 15 and 30 min were found to be cytotoxic in the tetrazolium salt (MTT) test, with the CC50 at a concentration of 3.4 and 5.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the composition of WSO indicates that, depending on the method of its recovery, seeds can have different bio-potencies and various applications.

Colorectal cancer is a major global health concern, and the need for effective chemopreventive agents is paramount. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of oils from transgenically modified flax for the prevention of colorectal cancer, in relation to the oil concertation. Flaxseed oils were obtained from traditional (Nike) and genetically modified flax lines (M and B). Cell viability assays were performed on various cancer cell lines, including colon adenocarcinoma cells. Flaxseed oil B exhibited the strongest anti-proliferative properties compared to the reference drugs and other oils. Additionally, M and B oils showed enhanced accumulation of Rhodamine 123 and increased apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. M oil exhibited the highest levels of p53 protein. Notably, the tested transgenic oils did not induce metastasis and displayed stronger inhibition of COX-1 compared to COX-2. These data indicate the utility of flaxseed oils, especially from the M line, as adjuvants in colorectal cancer treatment, targeting the colon specifically.

Fusarium culmorum is a ubiquitous soil pathogen with a wide host range. In flax (Linum ussitatissimum), it causes foot and root rot and accumulation of mycotoxins in flax products. Fungal infections lead to huge losses in the flax industry. Moreover, due to mycotoxin accumulation, flax products constitute a potential threat to the consumers. We discovered that the defense against this pathogen in flax is based on early oxidative burst among others. In flax plants infected with F. culmorum, the most affected genes are connected with ROS production and processing, callose synthesis and ABA production. We hypothesize that ABA triggers defense mechanism in flax and is a significant player in a successful response to infection.

Electrospraying and electrospinning are electrohydrodynamic techniques that are applicable to the production of both capsules and fibers on a micro scale. Electrical forces are applied to the surface of the polymer solution to form a charged jet that stretches towards the collector with simultaneous solvent evaporation, forming beads (microcapsules) or microfibers with polymer coating; the morphology heavily influenced by the stability of the jet. These methods can be used to achieve carriers for biologically active hydrophobic substances, such as oils, fatty acids, and oil-soluble substances due to the fact that they do not require the use of high temperatures or toxic solvents. They enable the encapsulation of liquids in polymeric structures and limit possible oxidative degeneration of sensitive compounds. A potential application for electrosprayed microcapsules and electrospun microfibers is functional food production. Careful selection of polymers of various sources and solvents, as well as process parameters, allows for sealing the oil in the shell. The obtained products show more favorable properties in comparison with oils in the bulk, as well as capsules produced using other common encapsulation techniques. Several properties of the solutions such as their viscosity, surface tension, conductivity, and the degree of polymer chain entanglement directly influence bead or fiber formation. One of the strategies for encapsulation of oils is to disperse it in the polymer solution and use the obtained w/o emulsion as the spraying liquid. Multiple emitters are also used, in the so-called coaxial (or multiaxial) electrospraying/electrospinning. This review discusses the fundamental principles of the electrohydrodynamic processes, as well as various parameters of those techniques (related to solution properties, polymer and solvent selection, the equipment used, and the methods applied to product analysis in terms of its morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and oxidation).

Redox status disturbances are known during carcinogenesis and may have influence on patients’ survival. However, the prediction of mortality in lung cancer patients based on serum total SOD activity, and concentrations of its isoforms, has not been studied to date. This prospective cohort study has following aims: (1) to evaluate the disturbances in serum SOD activity and SOD1/2 concentrations; (2) to assess the implications of these alterations with regard to biochemical variables and clinical data, and (3) to investigate the association between serum SOD activity, SOD1/2 concentrations, and all-cause mortality in lung cancer patients. Serum total SOD activity and SOD1, SOD2, albumin, CRP, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were determined in lung cancer patients (n = 190) and control subjects (n = 52). Additionally, patients were characterized in terms of biochemical, clinical, and sociodemographic data. Multiple Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between all-cause death and SOD-related parameters. All-cause mortality in lung cancer was positively associated with serum SOD1 and SOD2 concentrations. Clinical stage III and IV disease was the strongest predictor. The utility of the evaluated parameters in predicting overall survival was demonstrated only for SOD1. Serum SOD1 and SOD2 concentrations were shown to positively affect all-cause mortality in lung cancer patients, but SOD1 seems to be a better predictor than SOD2.

There are growing interests in the complex combinations of natural compounds that may advance the therapy of cancer. Such combinations already exist in foods, and a good representative is seed oils. Two raspberry oils: cold pressed (ROCOP) and one extracted by supercritical CO2 (ROSCO2) were evaluated for their chemical characteristics and oil emulsions for cell suppression potential against colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo), doxorubicin-resistant colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo/DX), breast cancer (MCF7), doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer (MCF7/DX), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. The cytotoxicity was also assessed on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). With increasing concentration of raspberry oil emulsions (0.5–10%), increasing inhibition of cancer cell viability and proliferation in all of the lines was observed, with different degrees of potency between cancer types and oil tested. ROSCO2 strongly induced free radical production and DNA strand damage in LoVo and MCF7 cells especially doxorubicin-resistant lines. This suggests that ROSCO2 engages and effectively targets the vulnerabilities of the cancer cell. Generally, both ROSCO2 and ROCOP could be a nontoxic support in therapy of selected human cancers.

Alterations in circulating Cu and Zn are negative predictors of survival in neoplastic patients and are known during lung cancer. However, no data on predicting mortality of lung cancer patients based on the level of these elements in the blood have been presented to date. The aims of this prospective cohort study were as follows: (i) To evaluate the disturbances in serum and whole blood Cu and Zn, (ii) to assess the relationships between serum and whole blood Cu and Zn status and clinical, sociodemographic, and nutritional data, and (iii) to investigate the association of Cu and Zn status with all-cause mortality in lung cancer. Naïve-treatment lung cancer patients (n = 167) were characterized in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric data and dietary intake and compared with sex-matched control subjects (n = 48). Whole blood and serum Cu and Zn status was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for multiple confounders/mediators were used to estimate the association between all-cause death and Cu and Zn status. Sex, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, clinical stage, and hemoglobin, platelet, and glucose concentrations significantly differentiated Cu and Zn status. All-cause mortality in lung cancer patients was positively associated with serum Cu levels, Cu:Zn ratio, and whole blood Zn levels. However, an advanced clinical stage of disease was the strongest predictor of all-cause mortality. Circulatory status of Cu and Zn might be included in routine clinical characteristics of patients with lung cancer patients as additional prognostic variables, but only after further more detail studies.

Upregulation of the terpenoid pathway and increased ABA content in flax upon Fusarium infection leads to activation of the early plant’s response (PR genes, cell wall remodeling, and redox status). Plants have developed a number of defense strategies against the adverse effects of fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum. One such defense is the production of antioxidant secondary metabolites, which fall into two main groups: the phenylpropanoids and the terpenoids. While functions and biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids have been extensively studied, very little is known about the genes controlling the terpenoid synthesis pathway in flax. They can serve as antioxidants, but are also substrates for a plethora of different compounds, including those of regulatory functions, like ABA. ABA’s function during pathogen attack remains obscure and often depends on the specific plant-pathogen interactions. In our study we showed that in flax the non-mevalonate pathway is strongly activated in the early hours of pathogen infection and that there is a redirection of metabolites towards ABA synthesis. The elevated synthesis of ABA correlates with flax resistance to F. oxysporum, thus we suggest ABA to be a positive regulator of the plant’s early response to the infection.