Search Results (66)

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by several factors, including UV exposure, environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices. The demand for effective, natural skincare products has driven research into plant-based oils rich in bioactive compounds. Rosehip oil has garnered attention for its high content of carotenoids, phenolics, and antioxidants, which are known for their anti-aging, photoprotective, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Despite the growing interest in rosehip oil, limited studies have investigated its efficacy on human skin using advanced imaging technologies. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the efficacy of cold-pressed Rosa canina seed oil on facial skin characteristics, specifically wrinkles, ultraviolet (UV) spot reduction, and erythema mitigation, using imaging technologies (the VISIA analysis system). Seed oil pressed from R. canina collected from the Băișoara area of Cluj County has been selected for this study due to its high carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents. The oil has also been analyzed for the content of individual carotenoids (i.e., lutein, lycopene, β Carotene, and zeaxanthin) using HPLC-DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Diode Array Detector), along with lutein and zeaxanthin esters and diesters. After the preliminary screening of multiple Rosa species for carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents, the R. canina sample with the highest therapeutic potential was selected. A cohort of 27 volunteers (aged 30–65) underwent a five-week treatment protocol, wherein three drops of the selected rosehip oil were topically applied to the face daily. The VISIA imaging was conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate changes in skin parameters, including the wrinkle depth, UV-induced spots, porphyrins, and texture. Regarding the bioactivities, rosehip oil showed a significant total carotenoids content (28.398 μg/mL), with the highest levels in the case of the β-carotene (4.49 μg/mL), lutein (4.33 μg/mL), and zexanthin (10.88 μg/mL) contents. Results indicated a significant reduction in mean wrinkle scores across several age groups, with notable improvements in individuals with deeper baseline wrinkles. UV spots also showed visible declines, suggesting ideal photoprotective and anti-pigmentary effects attributable to the oil’s high vitamin A and carotenoid content. Porphyrin levels, often correlated with bacterial activity, decreased in most subjects, hinting at an additional antimicrobial or microbiome-modulatory property. However, skin responses varied, possibly due to individual differences in skin sensitivity, environmental factors, or compliance with sun protection. Overall, the topical application of R. canina oil appeared to improve the facial skin quality, reduce the appearance of age-related markers, and support skin health. These findings reinforce the potential use of rosehip oil in anti-aging skincare formulations. Further long-term, large-scale studies are warranted to refine dosing regimens, investigate mechanisms of action, and explore synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: Lycopene, a dietary carotenoid with antioxidant properties, protects against sun-induced skin damage, prostatic conditions such as chronic prostatitis, and cancer; however, its role in metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (MAFLD), remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically assess the association between lycopene levels (serum and dietary) and the risk of metabolic diseases. Methods: This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline via WoS. Pooled odds ratios (OR), hazard ratios (HR), and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random-effects models based on heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included, of which twenty-five were eligible for the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that the individuals with the lowest serum lycopene levels had a significantly higher risk of MAFLD (OR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02–1.89, p = 0.0388). No significant associations were found between HbA1c levels, diabetes history, and weight status. Although not statistically significant, a clear trend of patients with DM having lower lycopene levels than the control group was observed (MD = −0.09, 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.00, p = 0.054). Comparisons based on weight status showed no significant differences. Conclusions: While lower serum lycopene levels are significantly associated with increased MAFLD risk, their impact on glycemic control remains inconclusive, underscoring the need for targeted clinical research. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red–white koi carp. A total of 630 red–white koi carp with an initial body mass of 13.5 ± 0.05 g were randomly divided into seven groups with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet (C0). The other six diets were supplemented with different levels of whole krill meal or defatted krill meal as replacements (10% whole fat, 20% whole fat, 30% whole fat, 10% defatted, 20% defatted, and 30% defatted) in the experimental groups, named W10, W20, W30, D10, D20, and D30, respectively, for a total duration of 60 days. The growth, body color, immunity and gene expression indexes were measured in the koi after completion. The results indicate the following. (1) Compared with C0, the experimental groups of koi showed a significant increase in the specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05), while the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic ratio (VSI) decreased. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the relative expression level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in both the liver and muscle (p < 0.05). (2) The experimental groups of koi carp exhibited a significant increase in the carotenoid content in the scales and skin, as well as an elevated relative expression level of the tyrosinase (TYR) gene in the muscle (p < 0.05). (3) The lysozyme (LZM) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to C0 (p < 0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was significantly higher in the defatted groups than in the whole-fat groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was significantly lower in the D20 and D30 groups compared to the other five groups. (4) The expression level of LPL was significantly lower in the liver and muscle of the whole-fat group compared to the defatted group (p < 0.05). Tissue section observation revealed that the hepatocytes in the W20 and W30 groups exhibited a reduced size and an increased lipid droplet count, while the vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocytes increased in the D30 group. In conclusion, replacing fish meal with whole-fat or defatted krill powder or defatted Antarctic krill meal significantly improves the growth performance, body color, and immunity of red–white koi carp. However, excessive addition of krill meal can easily cause liver damage. The recommended replacement level for whole krill powder is 20% to 30%, while defatted krill powder should be replaced at a level of 10% to 20%. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a predominant cause of skin damage, with UVB leading to more severe harm compared to UVA. Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) is known for its high carotenoid content and has shown great potential in mitigating UVB-induced skin damage. This study investigated the protective effect and mechanism of zeaxanthin from L. barbarum on UVB-damaged skin in BALB/c mice. The results demonstrated that zeaxanthin effectively alleviated the UVB-injured appearance of mouse skin. Histological analyses revealed a reduction in epidermal thickness by 30% and 61% with low and high doses of zeaxanthin, respectively, compared to the model group. Zeaxanthin also inhibited the degeneration of elastic and collagen fibers. Further investigations indicated that the protective mechanism of zeaxanthin was not involved with inflammation suppression. Instead, it activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to approximately 3 times the level of the model group, significantly promoting the expression of various antioxidant enzymes and enhancing the total antioxidant capacity of skin tissue, subsequently reducing oxidative stress. Zeaxanthin also downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, reducing collagen degradation by 35% compared to the model group, which led to improved skin tissue structure and protection against UVB-induced photodamage. These findings provided a theoretical basis for the advanced development and high-value utilization of carotenoids in L. barbarum. Full article

The harmful effects of solar radiation on the skin are known and scientifically proven, with recent studies indicating that not only ultraviolet (UV) radiation but also infrared (IR) radiation contributes to skin photoaging and increases the risk of carcinogenesis. Infrared radiation is also responsible for the degradation of protective carotenoids in the skin, the disruption of calcium homeostasis, and the activation of apoptosis pathways. The biological mechanisms underlying these effects include an increased level of reactive oxygen species and increased expression of metalloproteinases in the skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the photoprotective properties of 10 cold-pressed plant oils in the infrared spectral range from 1000 nm to 2500 nm by assessing their impact on the directional–hemispherical reflectance (DHR) of human skin after their topical application. This study was conducted in vivo on the skin of 12 volunteers, with non-invasive DHR measurements taken before and directly after the application of the oil and 30 min later. Additionally, the correlation between the oil’s compounds (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, lycopene, and β-carotene) and antioxidant activity, expressed as the DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, was analyzed in relation to the differences in the skin’s DHR observed. An interesting result was obtained in the context of protecting the skin against IR radiation. A statistically significant increase in the skin’s reflectance after the penetration of the oil (p < 0.05) was observed in the 1700–2500 nm range for the chokeberry, fig, pomegranate, and perilla oils, suggesting their potential as photoprotective agents against IR. These findings indicate that chokeberry, fig, pomegranate, and perilla oils may serve as ingredients in cosmetic formulations designed for broad-spectrum skin photoprotection, complementing traditional UV filters with additional protection against infrared radiation. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in a larger population. Full article

Childhood obesity represents a public concern worldwide. Evidence indicates that fruits and vegetables (FV) consumed as part of the daily diet reduce the global burden of obesity. Indeed, FV are rich in bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, which exert health benefits as very potent natural antioxidants. Here, we compared the anthropometric characteristics and the skin carotenoid content between two schoolchildren populations from Southern and Central Italy to evaluate their dietary habits. A sample of 121 and 124 schoolchildren from primary schools in Central and Southern Italy, respectively, was recruited. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements and assessment of the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) by the KIDMED questionnaire and the skin carotenoid score by Veggie Meter^®. The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in participants from Central Italy than in those from Southern Italy. A significantly higher percentage of overweight and obesity was found in the overall sample from Southern than in Central Italy. The adherence to the MD was in the average range for both populations, with no gender-related differences. The carotenoid score was higher and negatively correlated with BMI in the schoolchildren from Central Italy. In multiple regression analyses, skin carotenoids were positively associated with the consumption of fruit in the entire sample. This study suggests the importance of increasing FV intake, particularly in Southern Italy, as a strategy for preventingof obesity during the whole lifespan. Further studies are essential to better understand the influence of skin carotenoids on different variables and their potential role as indicators of health status in children. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of fairy shrimp (Branchinella thailandensis) meal in the diets of flowerhorn cichlids, on their growth, skin coloration, carotenoid content, antioxidant activity, and innate immunity. The fish were fed diets incorporated with fairy shrimp meal at 0% (control; FS0), 10% (FS10), 20% (FS20), and 30% (FS30) for 60 days. The results showed that growth performance and chemical composition were not significantly different among treatments (p > 0.05), whereas fish fed the 30% fairy shrimp meal (FS30) diet represented significantly enhanced skin coloration, particularly in terms of redness (a*) and dominant wavelength (H°ab). The highest level of antioxidant enzymes and non-specific immune enzymes such as SOD and lysozyme were observed in the fish fed the FS30 diet. Meanwhile, increasing fairy shrimp meal significantly reduced the liver function markers (ALT and AST), and decreased lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that fairy shrimp meal serves as a valuable dietary ingredient for enhancing skin pigmentation, boosting antioxidant defense, and stimulating immune responses in flowerhorn cichlids. Moreover, the economic evaluation of using fairy shrimp meal as an ingredient for ornamental fish demonstrates promising investment potential, supporting its application in commercial aquaculture. Full article

Background: Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is critical for optimizing pregnancy outcomes. Several socio-demographic factors are associated with FV intake, but less is known about behavioral and mental health correlates. Furthermore, existing knowledge is largely based on self-reported FV intake. The current cross-sectional study examined depressive symptoms and income as moderators of the association between eating behaviors and skin carotenoids (FV status biomarker) in pregnancy. Methods: Participants living in an urban area of the south-astern part of the U.S. (N = 299) and who were in their third trimester of pregnancy were recruited for lab visits between 2019 and 2022 and completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. FV status was assessed using a pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy to determine skin carotenoids. Hypotheses were tested via multiple regression. Results: There was an interaction between dietary restraint and depressive symptomatology such that greater restraint predicted higher skin carotenoids at low levels of depressive but not high levels. There was an interaction between restrained eating and family income in predicting skin carotenoids that was significant at high- but not low-income level. External and emotional eating did not predict skin carotenoids. Conclusions: Restrained eating might positively influence skin carotenoids during pregnancy. However, those who suffer from higher levels of depressive symptoms and/or live in lower-income households face additional barriers that might impede FV status. Further research is warranted to advance our understanding of the interplay between mental health, restrained eating and income on FV status in pregnancy. Full article

Objectives: Food insecurity among college students, combined with limited nutrition knowledge and barriers to healthy eating, significantly impacts diet quality and fruit and vegetable intake. Efforts to address these issues are further complicated by the challenges of accurately and efficiently collecting dietary data in research settings. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nutrition knowledge and fruit/vegetable intake using skin, plasma, and dietary carotenoid levels as biomarkers. Methods: Undergraduate and graduate students aged 18 years and older (n = 166) from a California public university were recruited. The sample was predominately female (n = 133, 80%), with 30 males (18%) and three individuals (2%) identifying as non-binary. Food security was assessed using the USDA’s 10-item Adult Food Security Survey Module and nutrition knowledge through a validated questionnaire. Biological data included blood samples and skin carotenoid measurements (Veggie Meter^®). Dietary quality (HEI-2015) and carotenoid intake were assessed through Diet ID™, a photo-based assessment tool. Results: The mean nutrition knowledge scores were 36.55 ± 8.83 out of 58 points, and the mean skin carotenoid score was 307.07 ± 110.22. Higher knowledge scores were associated with increased plasma carotenoids, HEI-score, and Diet ID™ total carotenoids. Food security classification did not significantly impact nutrition knowledge but did influence HEI scores and skin carotenoid levels, with very low food security linked to poorer diet quality and lower carotenoid levels. Conclusions: Nutrition knowledge may serve as a significant predictor of fruit and vegetable intake in university students. Despite this correlation, the impact of overall diet quality is potentially hindered by an individual’s food security status. Therefore, while knowledge is critical, addressing food insecurity is essential for enhancing diet quality among college students. Full article

The pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) is a typical fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado. From it, pequi pulp oil is extracted, a valuable product for cosmetic applications due to its high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidant compounds that are easily oxidized. To improve pulp stability, emulsification techniques with carboxymethylcellulose at 1% (w/w) were used to encapsulate the pequi pulp oil at 1, 3, 5% (w/w), and 8% (w/w) of polysorbate 80^® using a high-rotation mechanical stirrer. The pequi pulp oil was first characterized by FTIR and GC-MS. The results indicated the presence of chemical groups characteristic of the oil itself and the presence of a large proportion of fatty acids, which are essential for the maintenance of cutaneous hydration and the barrier, also acting in the tissue repair process. All emulsions presented stable over 120 days with slightly acidic pH values and were compatible with human skin. The droplet diameter was less than 330 nm, and the polydispersity index was around 0.3, indicating systems with low polydispersity. The Zeta potential (ζ) exhibited negative values sufficient to stabilize the emulsified systems. All emulsions behaved as non-Newtonian fluids, presenting pseudo-plastic and thixotropic properties that are considered important for topical applications. Full article

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables (FVs), which is considered as an important contributor to the beneficial effects of the MD pattern. In this cross-sectional study, we compared the food choices, evaluated by dietary habit questionnaires, of a sample of 995 adults, including 601 and 394 participants from Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic, respectively. In addition, we focused on their FV consumption, assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire, and on its association with skin carotenoid levels as measured by the Veggie Meter^®. We found that a significantly higher percentage of Italians had five meals/day and breakfast compared to Dominicans (five meals/day: 43 vs. 25, p < 0.05; breakfast: 89 vs. 79, p < 0.05), whereas a lower percentage of participants from Italy consumed snacks between the two meals compared to the Dominican Republic population (47 vs. 70, p < 0.005). Most of the participants from both populations had breakfast at home. However, 59.3% of Italians and 27.5% of Dominicans (p = 0.005) had breakfast between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., whereas 5.8% and 27.5% (p = 0.001) had breakfast after 9:00 a.m., respectively. Milk/yogurt and eggs were the most consumed foods for breakfast in Italy and the Dominican Republic, respectively. Regarding the main meals, most of the Italians and Dominicans had a first course for lunch and a second course for dinner. Of note, we observed that approximately half of the Italians ate FVs in their main meals and had a higher carotenoid score than the Dominicans. Interestingly, in the multiple linear regression analysis, we found that the carotenoid score was positively associated with sex (β = 0.078; p = 0.009), age (β = 0.008; p = 0.001), vegetable consumption (β = 0.12; p = 0.041) and the perception of a healthy diet (β = 0.12; p = 0.001) in the Dominic Republic population, while the carotenoid score was directly associated with sex (β = 54.97; p < 0.0001) and both vegetable (β = 25.42; p = 0.0008) and fruit (β = 38.61; p < 0.0001) consumption in the Italian sample. Our findings confirm the need to promote nutrition-based interventions to encourage FV intake, particularly in non-Mediterranean countries. Full article

Background: Nutrition, cooking, and gardening lessons individually and together have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in school-aged children. The CATCH Rainbow program incorporated nutrition education, cooking, and gardening lessons aimed at increasing FV consumption in elementary school-aged children and assessed changes in participants’ BMI, self-reported FV consumption, and skin carotenoid levels at baseline and post-intervention. Methods: Two-hundred and twenty-five 4th and 5th graders (mean age: 9.8 years and 52% male participants) at Genoa Elementary School participated in six cooking and six gardening sessions between September 2021 and May 2022. Each nutrition education session was 25 min long, paired with either hands-on cooking activities or gardening skills. At baseline and post-intervention, participants’ height and weight were assessed with a stadiometer/scale, and skin carotenoid measurement was taken by a Veggie Meter^® (Longevity Link Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT, USA)). Students also completed the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire to self-report FV consumption at both time points. Focus groups were conducted with children at the end of the program for qualitative feedback. Results: paired samples T-test and regression analysis results indicate no significant decrease in BMI or significant increase in skin carotenoid scores from pre- to post-intervention. However, though not significant, there was an increase in self-reported FV intake by 0.4 servings. Additionally, the qualitative feedback was positive, as children mentioned benefits of healthy eating and expressed enjoyment for growing, cooking, and tasting fruits and vegetables. Conclusions: Results from this study can be used to guide future cooking and gardening programs for elementary school children. Time of the year when implementing these programs and collecting data may impact study outcomes due to seasonal variations in fruit and vegetable intake. Full article

Organogels are semi-solid pharmaceutical forms whose dispersing phase is an organic liquid, for example, an oil, such as acai oil, immobilized by a three-dimensional network formed by the gelling agent. Organogels are being highlighted as innovative release systems for cosmetic active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for topical applications. Acai oil was evaluated for its physicochemical parameters, fatty acid composition, lipid quality index, spectroscopic pattern (Attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), thermal behavior, total phenolic, total flavonoids, and total carotenoids and β-carotene content. The effectiveness of the organogel incorporated with hyaluronic acid (OG + HA) was evaluated through ex vivo permeation and skin retention tests, in vitro tests by Attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The physicochemical analyses highlighted that the acai oil exhibited quality standards in agreement with the regulatory bodies. Acai oil also showed high antioxidant capacity, which was correlated with the identified bioactive compounds. The cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that the formulation OG + HA does not release toxic substances into the biological environment that could impede cell growth, adhesion, and efficacy. In vitro and ex vivo analyses demonstrated that after 6 h of application, OG + HA presented a high level of hydration, thermal protection and release of HA. Thus, it can be concluded that the OG + HA formulation has the potential for physical–chemical applications, antioxidant quality, and potentially promising efficacy for application in the cosmetic areas. Full article

Skin aging is associated with the increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) due to mitochondrial dysfunction, and various phytonutrients and estrogens have been shown to improve skin health. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine damage to dermal fibroblasts by chemically induced mitochondrial dysfunction and to study the mechanism of the protective effects of carotenoids, polyphenols, and estradiol. Rotenone, a Complex I inhibitor, caused mitochondrial dysfunction in human dermal fibroblasts, substantially reducing respiration and ATP levels, followed by increased mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS, which resulted in apoptotic cell death, an increased number of senescent cells, increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) secretion, and decreased collagen secretion. Pre-treatment with carotenoid-rich tomato extracts, rosemary extract, and estradiol reversed these effects. These protective effects can be partially explained by a cooperative activation of antioxidant response element (ARE/Nrf2) transcriptional activity by the protective compounds and rotenone, which led to the upregulation of antioxidant proteins such as NQO1. To determine if ARE/Nrf2 activity is crucial for cell protection, we inhibited it using the Nrf2 inhibitors ML385 and ochratoxin A. This inhibition markedly reduced the protective effects of the test compounds by diminishing their effect to reduce cytosolic ROS. Our study results indicate that phytonutrients and estradiol protect skin cells from damage caused by mtROS, and thus may delay skin cell senescence and improve skin health. Full article

This study explored the link between different types of glaucoma and cognitive function in a cohort of 620 Japanese patients. Participants were categorized into primary open-angle glaucoma (PG), exfoliation glaucoma (EG), and non-glaucomatous control groups. The findings revealed a significant decline in cognitive function as indicated by the Mini-Cog test in the EG group (mean ± SD: 4.0 ± 1, 95% CI: 3.9 to 4.2) compared to the PG group (4.4 ± 0.1, 4.3 to 4.5, p < 0.0001). Levels of fingertip measured advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) were significantly higher in the EG group (mean ± SD: 0.45 ± 0.006, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.46) compared to the PG group (0.43 ± 0.004, 0.42 to 0.44, p = 0.0014). Although the multivariate analysis initially showed no direct association between glaucoma types and Mini-Cog scores, the EG group exhibited higher age and intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to the PG group. Further analysis revealed that high levels of AGEs were associated with cognitive decline and decreased mean visual fields in the EG group. Age was identified as a cofounding factor in these associations. An inverse correlation was observed between the accumulation of AGEs and skin carotenoid levels. Early detection of cognitive decline in glaucoma patients could enable timely intervention to preserve visual fields. Fingertip measurements of skin carotenoids and AGEs offer promising potential as non-invasive, straightforward diagnostic tools that could be widely adopted for monitoring ophthalmic and cognitive health in glaucoma patients. Full article