Browsing by Author "Coelho, Marta C."
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- Carotenoid-microbiota dynamics: in vitro analysis of gut modulation and associated health benefitsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Introduction: Carotenoids, natural lipid-soluble pigments abundant in various fruits and vegetables, play a significant role in our diet by adding vibrant colours to our meals (1). Humans and animals cannot synthesize these compounds, emphasizing the importance of dietary intake for reaping their benefits (2,3). Besides enhancing the visual appeal of food, carotenoids are renowned for their health advantages, serving as potent antioxidants and supporting eye health and immune function (3). However, realizing the full potential of carotenoids for human health faces challenges, primarily centered around their bioaccessibility (4,5). The journey of carotenoids from ingestion to beneficial impact is filled with obstacles, with digestion presenting a significant challenge. The chemical composition of carotenoids encounters resistance and degradation within protein complexes and the intricate structures of plant cell walls during digestion. Various factors such as dietary sources, food composition, matrix structure, lipid presence, and interactions with other compounds further complicate the bioaccessibility of carotenoids (6). Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (5). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effects (3,7). The intestinal microbiota (IM) significantly influences the efficiency of carotenoids (8). The IM plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of carotenoids, as a balanced diet can modulate the composition of the IM, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting harmful ones. Additionally, the IM synthesizes and releases various metabolites, which can be absorbed into the circulatory system, influencing the host’s health (9). These interactions are crucial for understanding carotenoids' preventive and therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between carotenoids and the intestinal microbiota during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. It examined three specific carotenoids - beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene - alongside a pigment mixture (MIX) and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida. The research focused on how these carotenoids influence bioaccessibility, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid production. The study evaluated carotenoids' antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties, offering insights into their potential health benefits. Conclusions: Through the in vitro digestion simulation, it was observed distinct transformations in carotenoids, indicating intricate changes during digestion; Recovery indexes underscored the difficulty in retrieving carotenoids during digestion, highlighting the complexity of their fate in the digestive process. Carotenoid’s tested groups stimulated the production of organic acids, notably succinic (~6.4 g/L), acetic (~2.75 g/L), butyric (~0.47 g/L), and propionic (~2.78 g/L) acids; The analysis of the IM revealed Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota as the main phyla present. Carotenoids significantly increased the relative abundance (RA) of the Lachnospiraceae family by 77.8% while decreasing the RA of several bacteria, including Lactobacillus by 1.27%, Enterococcus by 16.3%, Streptococcus by 8.80%, and Bifidobacterium by 18.3%, which is consistent with previous studies. The Mix group demonstrated higher antioxidant activity, particularly when located outside the membrane, compared to other carotenoid groups; Lutein and the Mix groups showed effectiveness in anti-diabetic activity, especially when present within the membrane. Carotenoid-digested samples exhibited antimutagenic effects, suggesting their potential to support cell development and act as a shield against mutations.
- Carotenoids and intestinal harmony: exploring the link for healthPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Carotenoids, prominent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are responsible for vibrant colours in nature and play crucial roles in human health. While they are extensively studied for their antioxidant properties and contributions to vitamin A synthesis, their interactions with the intestinal microbiota (IM) remain poorly understood. In this study, beta (β)-carotene, lutein, lycopene, a mixture of these three pigments, and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were submitted to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID) and evaluated on human faecal samples. The results showed varying effects on IM metabolic dynamics, organic acid production, and microbial composition. Carotenoid exposure influenced glucose metabolism and induced the production of organic acids, notably succinic and acetic acids, compared with the control. Microbial composition analysis revealed shifts in phyla abundance, particularly increased Pseudomonadota. The α-diversity indices demonstrated higher diversity in β-carotene and the pigments’ mixture samples, while the β-diversity analysis indicated significant dissimilarity between the control and the carotenoid sample groups. UPLC-qTOF MS analysis suggested dynamic changes in carotenoid compounds during simulated fermentation, with lutein exhibiting distinct mass ion fragmentation patterns. This comprehensive research enhances our understanding of carotenoid-IM interactions, shedding light on potential health implications and the need for tailored interventions for optimal outcomes.
- Carotenoids diet: digestion, gut microbiota modulation, and inflammatory diseasesPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Coelho, Marta C.; Gomes, Ana M.; Pintado, Manuela E.Several epidemiologic studies have found that consuming fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of getting a variety of chronic illnesses, including several types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and bowel diseases. Although there is still debate over the bioactive components, various secondary plant metabolites have been linked to these positive health benefits. Many of these features have recently been connected to carotenoids and their metabolites’ effects on intracellular signalling cascades, which influence gene expression and protein translation. Carotenoids are the most prevalent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are found in micromolar amounts in human serum, and are very susceptible to multiple oxidation and isomerisation reactions. The gastrointestinal delivery system, digestion processes, stability, and functionality of carotenoids, as well as their impact on the gut microbiota and how carotenoids may be effective modulators of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, are still lacking research advances. Although several pathways involved in carotenoids’ bioactivity have been identified, future studies should focus on the carotenoids’ relationships, related metabolites, and their effects on transcription factors and metabolism.
- Dietary carotenoids and their modulation of intestinal microbiotaPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Gomes, Ana M.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Coelho, Marta C.Introduction: Annually, 41 million deaths are linked to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), often due to poor diets, emphasizing the importance of health-recommended fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids, lipid-soluble compounds found in plants, bacteria, microalgae, and fungi, offer antioxidant protection and promote cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory effects. The efficiency of carotenoids is influenced by the intestinal microbiota (IM), which plays a crucial role in their absorption and metabolism. Dietary changes can impact the IM, affecting microbial proliferation and the production of metabolites crucial in diseases. Despite their significance, there's a research gap in understanding carotenoids' colon metabolism and interactions, necessitating further exploration. Introduction The study aimed to evaluate the effects of digested beta(β)-carotene, lutein, and lycopene, a mixture of these pigments, and Osmundea pinnatifida solutions on the metabolic and population dynamics of the intestinal microbiota. Conclusions: In the presence of carotenoid samples, the IM was mainly composed of Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota phyla, promoting the growth of Lachnospiraceae bacteria while reducing the RA of Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium. The Lycopene and Mix groups exhibited similar microbial compositions, whereas the β-carotene and Alga groups fostered a more diversified microbiota. The bacteria in the IM used glucose as a carbon source and were stimulated to produce significantly essential organic acids such as succinic, acetic, butyric and propionic acids.
- Dietary carotenoids and their modulation of intestinal microbiotaPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Gomes, Ana M.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Coelho, Marta C.Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health concern, causing 41 million deaths annually. Unhealthy dietary behaviours are closely linked to NCDs, the reason why nutrition and health organizations emphasize the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables regularly. Being the most common lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, carotenoids and their metabolites have been linked to various health benefits. The effectiveness of carotenoids is influenced by multiple factors, with the intestinal microbiota (IM) playing a pivotal role in their absorption and metabolism. Dietary choices significantly impact the IM composition, affecting microbial species' proliferation, which can have both protective and detrimental effects. Moreover, IM generates metabolites that enter the bloodstream, influencing the host's IM composition and function, and playing roles in certain diseases. The present work aimed to explore the interaction between carotenoids and the IM. An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation was conducted with three carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, and lycopene), a mixture of these pigments, and the algae Osmundea pinnatifida. After, digested samples were tested on human faeces to assess their impact on gut microbiota dynamics and metabolic activity. At the phylum level, the intestinal microbiota in all tested groups primarily consisted of Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota, consistent with prior research. In general, carotenoids promoted the growth of Lachnospiraceae family bacteria while reducing Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium populations. These bacteria used glucose as a carbon source and produced organic acids like succinic, acetic, butyric, propionic, and malic acids. Functionally, all groups exhibited antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity, with lutein and the Mix group showing the highest levels, respectively. None of the samples displayed mutagenicity, and some even exhibited an anti- mutagenic effect. Importantly, all samples with lower carotenoid concentrations were non-cytotoxic. This study reveals the complex relationship between carotenoids and the gut microbiota, underscoring their potential to positively influence human health.
- Electric fields effects on carotenoids from tomato by-productsPublication . Coelho, Marta C.; Pereira, Ricardo; Teixeira, José A.; Rodrigues, António S.; Pintado, Manuela
- Emergent technologies for the extraction of antioxidants from prickly pear peel and their antimicrobial activityPublication . Alexandre, Elisabete M. C.; Coelho, Marta C.; Ozcan, Kardelen; Pinto, Carlos A.; Teixeira, José A.; Saraiva, Jorge A.; Pintado, ManuelaPhenolic compounds are important bioactive compounds identified in prickly pear peel that have important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, conventional thermal extraction methods may reduce their bioactivity, and technologies such as high pressure (HP) and ohmic heating (OH) may help preserve them. In this study, both technologies were analyzed, individually and combined (250/500 MPa; 40/70◦C; ethanol concentration 30/70%), and compared with Soxhlet with regard to total phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids as well as antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH, ORAC), DNA pro-oxidant, and antimicrobial (inhibition halos, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), growth curves, and viable cells) activities of prickly pear peel extracts. Total phenolics extracted by each technology increased 103% (OH) and 98% (HP) with regard to Soxhlet, but the contents of total flavonoids and carotenoids were similar. Antioxidant activity increased with HP and OH (between 35% and 63%), and OH (70◦C) did not induce DNA degradation. The phenolic compound present in higher amounts was piscidic acid, followed by eucomic acid and citrate. In general, their extraction was significantly favored by HP and OH. Antimicrobial activity against 7 types of bacteria showed effective results only against S. aureus, S. enteritidis, and B. cereus. No synergetic or additive effect was observed for HP/OH.
- Evaluation of microbial‐fructo‐oligosaccharides metabolism by human gut microbiota fermentation as compared to commercial inulin‐derived oligosaccharidesPublication . Roupar, Dalila; Coelho, Marta C.; Gonçalves, Daniela A.; Silva, Soraia P.; Coelho, Elisabete; Silva, Sara; Coimbra, Manuel A.; Pintado, Manuela; Teixeira, José A.; Nobre, ClarisseThe prebiotic potential of fructo‐oligosaccharides (microbial‐FOS) produced by a newly isolated Aspergillus ibericus, and purified by Saccharomyces cerevisiae YIL162 W, was evaluated. Their chemical structure and functionality were compared to a non‐microbial commercial FOS sample. Prebiotics were fermented in vitro by fecal microbiota of five healthy volunteers. Microbial‐FOS significantly stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium probiotic strains, triggering a beneficial effect on gut microbiota composition. A higher amount of total short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) was produced by microbial‐FOS fermentation as compared to commercial‐FOS, particularly propionate and butyrate. Inulin neoseries oligosaccharides, with a degree of polymerization (DP) up to 5 (e.g., ne-okestose and neonystose), were identified only in the microbial‐FOS mixture. More than 10% of the microbial‐oligosaccharides showed a DP higher than 5. Differences identified in the structures of the FOS samples may explain their different functionalities. Results indicate that microbial‐FOS exhibit promising potential as nutraceutical ingredients for positive gut microbiota modulation.
- Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into gastrointestinal interactions and health-enriching effectsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (1). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals (2) known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effects (3). However, the intestinal microbiota (IM) significantly influences the efficiency of carotenoids (4). The IM plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of carotenoids (4). A balanced diet can modulate the composition of the IM, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting harmful ones (5). The IM also synthesizes and releases various metabolites, which can be absorbed into the circulatory system, influencing the host’s health (6). These interactions are crucial for understanding carotenoids' preventive and therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to explore the interaction between carotenoids and the IM during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Three carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), a pigment mixture (MIX), and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were analyzed. The focus was on understanding how carotenoids affect bioaccessibility, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid production. Additionally, the study assessed the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties of carotenoids, providing insights into their potential health benefits.
- Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into gastrointestinal interactions and health-enriching effectsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Objective: This study aimed to explore the interactions between carotenoids and the intestinal microbiota (IM) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. The focus was on understanding carotenoids' impact on bioavailability, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid (OA) production. Additionally, the study assessed the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties of carotenoid solutions. Methods: An in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST) and absorption was performed to explore carotenoid interactions. Three carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), a pigment mixture, and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were analysed. Human faecal samples were subjected to fermentation to assess the effects on IM dynamics and OA production. Results: During simulated digestion, carotenoids (e.g., lutein, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta- cryptoxanthin) were identified, with compromised bioaccessibility as none were absorbed. The IM analysis revealed Bacteroidota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota as the main phyla present. Also, carotenoids increased the relative abundance (RA) of the Lachnospiraceae family (+ 77.8%) and decreased the RA of bacteria such as Lactobacillus (-1.27%), Enterococcus (-16.3%), Streptococcus (-8.80%), and Bifidobacterium (-18.3%), which was consistent with prior studies. Carotenoids stimulated OA production, in particular, succinic (~6.4 g/L), acetic (~2.75 g/L), butyric (~0.47 g/L) and propionic (~2.78 g/L) acids, reinforcing their positive role in intestinal health. Conclusions: Despite compromised bioaccessibility, carotenoids exhibited positive interactions with IM. The results of microbial dynamics, OA production, and functional properties support carotenoids' potential to promote intestinal health and mitigate oxidative and diabetic risks. The observed antimutagenic effects further underscore the potential health benefits of carotenoids.