CsABF3-activated CsSUT1 pathway is implicated in pre-harvest water deficit inducing sucrose accumulation in citrus fruit

Pre-harvest water deficit(PHWD)plays an important role in sugar accumulation of citrus fruit.However,the mechanism is not known well.Here,it was confirmed that PHWD promoted sucrose accumulation of citrus fruit,but had limited effect on fructose,glucose and total acid.A sucrose transporter,Cs SUT1,which localizes to the plasma membrane,was demonstrated to function in sucrose transport induced by PHWD.Compared to wild-type,Cs SUT1 overexpression in citrus calli stimulated sucrose,fructose and glucose accumulation,while its silencing in juice sacs reduced sucrose accumulation.Increased sugar accumulation in transgenic lines enhanced plant drought tolerance,and resulted in decreased electrolyte leakage,malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents,as well as increased superoxide dismutase activity and proline contents.An abscisic acid(ABA)-responsive transcription factor,Cs ABF3,was found with a same expression pattern with Cs SUT1 under PHWD.Yeast one-hybrid,electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase assays all revealed that Cs ABF3 directly bound with the Cs SUT1 promoter by ABA responsive elements.When Cs ABF3 was overexpressed in citrus calli,the sucrose,fructose and glucose concentration increased correspondingly.Further,transgenic studies demonstrated that Cs ABF3 could affect sucrose accumulation by regulating Cs SUT1.Overall,this study revealed a regulation of Cs ABF3 promoting Cs SUT1 expression and sucrose accumulation in response to PHWD.Our results provide a detail insight into the quality formation of citrus fruit.

Genome-wide identification and function analysis of the sucrose phosphate synthase MdSPS gene family in apple

Sucrose phosphate synthase(SPS)is a rate-limiting enzyme that works in conjunction with sucrose-6-phosphate phosphatase(SPP)for sucrose synthesis,and it plays an essential role in energy provisioning during growth and development in plants as well as improving fruit quality.However,studies on the systematic analysis and evolutionary pattern of the SPS gene family in apple are still lacking.In the present study,a total of seven MdSPS and four MdSPP genes were identified from the Malus domestica genome GDDH13 v1.1.The gene structures and their promoter cis-elements,protein conserved motifs,subcellular localizations,physiological functions and biochemical properties were analyzed.A chromosomal location and gene-duplication analysis demonstrated that whole-genome duplication(WGD)and segmental duplication played vital roles in MdSPS gene family expansion.The Ka/Ks ratio of pairwise MdSPS genes indicated that the members of this family have undergone strong purifying selection during domestication.Furthermore,three SPS gene subfamilies were classified based on phylogenetic relationships,and old gene duplications and significantly divergent evolutionary rates were observed among the SPS gene subfamilies.In addition,a major gene related to sucrose accumulation(MdSPSA2.3)was identified according to the highly consistent trends in the changes of its expression in four apple varieties(‘Golden Delicious’,‘Fuji’,‘Qinguan’and‘Honeycrisp’)and the correlation between gene expression and soluble sugar content during fruit development.Furthermore,the virus-induced silencing of MdSPSA2.3 confirmed its function in sucrose accumulation in apple fruit.The present study lays a theoretical foundation for better clarifying the biological functions of the MdSPS genes during apple fruit development.

Study on the Preparation Process Optimization of Plywood Based on a Full Biomass Tannin-Sucrose Wood Adhesive

Biomass adhesive is conducive to decreasing the dependence of the wood adhesive industry on synthetic resin based on fossil resources and improving the market competitiveness of adhesives.It is also a critical breakthrough to realize the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in the wood industry.In this study,a full biomass wood adhesive composed of tannin and sucrose was developed and applied successfully to the preparation of ply-wood.The preparation technique of plywood was optimized,and the chemical structure,curing performance,crystallization property and thermal performance of the adhesive were investigated.Results showed that:(1)hot-pressing temperature played a decisive role in the performances of tannin-sucrose composite adhesives and it also had a very significant influence on the water resistance of plywood.(2)The preparation of tannin-sucrose composite adhesive was a process in which sucrose was transformed into furan aldehydes and then made cross-linking reaction with tannin.These composite adhesives could only get good bonding performances when the curing temperature was above 210℃.(3)The optimal plywood preparation technique was:hot-pressing tem-perature of 220℃,hot-pressing time of 1.2 min/mm,m(tannin):m(sucrose)of 60:40,and adhesive loading of 160 g/m^(2).The wet bonding strength in boiling water of the prepared plywood was 0.83 MPa,meeting the strength requirements of Type-I plywood in the standard of GB/T 17657-2013.(4)The curing temperature of tannin-sucrose composite adhesive was further decreased by lowering the temperature during the transformation of sucrose into 5-HMF,which was a key in subsequent research.

Structure and expression analysis of the sucrose synthase gene family in apple

Sucrose synthases(SUS) are a family of enzymes that play pivotal roles in carbon partitioning, sink strength and plant development. A total of 11 SUS genes have been identified in the genome of Malus domestica(Md SUSs), and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Md SUS genes were divided into three groups, named as SUS I, SUS II and SUS III, respectively. The SUS I and SUS III groups included four homologs each, whereas the SUS II group contained three homologs. SUS genes in the same group showed similar structural characteristics, such as exon number, size and length distribution. After assessing four different tissues, Md SUS1 s and Md SUS2.1 showed the highest expression in fruit, whereas Md SUS2.2/2.3 and Md SUS3 s exhibit the highest expression in shoot tips. Most Md SUSs showed decreased expression during fruit development, similar to SUS enzyme activity, but both Md SUS2.1 and Md SUS1.4 displayed opposite expression profiles. These results suggest that different Md SUS genes might play distinct roles in the sink-source sugar cycle and sugar utilization in apple sink tissues.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) sucrose transporter gene family

In higher plants, sugars(mainly sucrose) are produced by photosynthetically assimilated carbon in mesophyll cells of leaves and translocated to heterotrophic organs to ensure plant growth and development. Sucrose transporters, or sucrose carriers(SUCs), play an important role in the long-distance transportation of sucrose from source organs to sink organs, thereby affecting crop yield and quality.The identification, characterization, and molecular function analysis of sucrose transporter genes have been reported for monocot and dicot plants. However, no relevant study has been reported on sucrose transporter genes in Brassica rapa var. rapa, a cruciferous root crop used mainly as vegetables and fodder.We identified and cloned 12 sucrose transporter genes from turnips, named BrrSUC1.1 to BrrSUC6.2according to the SUC gene sequences of B. rapa pekinensis. We constructed a phylogenetic tree and analyzed conserved motifs for all 12 sucrose transporter genes identified. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to understand the expression levels of SUC genes in different tissues and developmental phases of the turnip. These findings add to our understanding of the genetics and physiology of sugar transport during taproot formation in turnips.

Sucrose Secreted by the Engineered Cyanobacterium and Its Fermentability

The unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942(Syn7942), synthesizes sucrose as the only compatible solute under salt stress. A series of engineered Syn7942 strains for sucrose production were constructed. The overexpression of the native sps(encoding a natively fused protein of sucrose phosphate synthase SPS and sucrose phosphate phosphatase SPP) in Syn7942 wild type caused a 93% improvement of sucrose productivity. The strain FL130 co-overexpressing sps and csc B(encoding a sucrose transporter) exhibited a 74% higher extracellular sucrose production than that overexpressing csc B only. Both results showed the significant improvement of sucrose productivity by the double functional protein SPS-SPP. Afterwards, FL130 was cultivated under a modified condition, and the cell-free culture medium containing 1.5 g L-1 sucrose was pre-treated with an acid hydrolysis technique. Cultivated with the neutralized hydrolysates as the starting media, two widely used microorganisms, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, showed a comparable growth with that in the control media supplemented with glucose. These results clearly demonstrated that the cell-free culture of sucrose-secreting cyanobacteria can be applied as starting media in microbial cultivation.

Optimization of food deprivation and sucrose preference test in SD rat model undergoing chronic unpredictable mild stress

Background:The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression.However,there are no widely recognised standards for strategies for modeling and for behavioral testing.The present study aimed to optimize the protocols for food deprivation and the sucrose preference test(SPT)for the CUMS model.Methods:We first evaluated the effects of different long periods of food deprivation on the body weight of Sprague Dawley(SD)rats by testing food deprivation for 24 hours(8:00-8:00^+),food deprivation for 12 hours during the daytime(8:00-20:00)and food deprivation for 12 hours at night(20:00-8:00^+).Next,we established a SD rat CUMS model with 15 different stimulations,and used body weight measurement,SPT,forced swim test(FST),open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM)test to verify the success of the modeling.In the SPT,consumption of sucrose and pure water within 1 and 12 hours was measured.Results:Twelve hours of food deprivation during the daytime(8:00-20:00)had no effect on body weight,while 12 hours of food deprivation at night(20:00-8:00^+)and 24 hours of food deprivation(8:00-8:00^+)significantly reduced the mean body weight of the SD rats.When SPT was used to verify the successful establishment of the CUMS rat model,sucrose consumption measured within 12 hours was less variable than that measured within 1 hour.Conclusions:Twelve hours of food deprivation in the daytime(8:00-20:00)may be considered a mild stimulus for the establishment of a CUMS rat model.Measuring sucrose consumption over 12 hours is recommended for SPT.

Variations in Carbohydrate Content and Sucrose-Metabolizing Enzymes in Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>L.) Stamen Parts during Pollen Maturation

The formation of mature and fertile pollen grains, taking place inside the anther, depends on supply of assimilates, in the form of sucrose, provided mainly by the leaves. Data is limited, however, with respect to the understanding of sucrose metabolism in microspores and the supporting tissues. The aims of the present work were to 1) follow the changes in total and relative concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose and starch in the stamen parts and microspores up until anthesis, 2) follow the activities of sucrose-metabolism-related enzymes, in the anther walls fraction and microspores of the crop plant tomato. Sucrose was found to be partially cleaved in the filament, decreasing by more than twofold in the anther wall layers and the locular fluid, and to accumulate in the mature pollen grains, constituting 80% of total soluble sugars. Thus, sucrose was both the starting sugar, supporting microspore development, and the main carbohydrate accumulated at the end of the pollen-development program. The major invertase found to be active in both the anther wall layers and in maturing microspores was cell-wall-bound invertase. High fructokinase 2 and sucrose phosphate synthase activities during pollen maturation coincided with sucrose accumulation. The potential importance of sucrose accumulation during pollen dehydration phase and germination is discussed.

Effect of sucrose on cryopreservation of pig spermatogonial stem cells

Sucrose is known to play an important role in the cryopreservation of sperm and female gonads; however, its effect on the cryopreservation of pig spermatogonial stem cells(p SSCs) has not been tested. The aim of this work was to study the effect of sucrose during p SSC cryopreservation and to find the most effective concentration in freezing medium. p SSCs were cryopreserved with freezing media containing different concentrations of sucrose(70, 140, 210, and 280 mmol L^(–1)) and a control group without sucrose. The survival rates, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential of thawed cells were detected by trypan blue(TB) staining, SYBR-14/propidium iodide(PI) dual staining, and JC-1 staining, respectively. All the staining results showed an obvious increase in cell survival in the sucrose-treated groups as compared to that in the control group, with the exception of 280 mmol L^(–1) sucrose. Moreover, the 210 mmol L^(–1) sucrose group yielded the highest survival rate among all the groups(P<0.05). The results of SYBR-14/PI dual staining and JC-1 staining were consistent with those of TB staining as above described. Quantitative real-time PCR(q RT-PCR) indicated that the m RNA levels of three apoptosis-promoting genes(BAX, APAF1 and CASPASE9) were significantly higher in thawed cells than in cells before freezing(P<0.05). Moreover, the mR NA level of one anti-apoptotic gene(XIAP) was significantly lower in thawed cells than in cells before freezing(P<0.05). When comparing the m RNA expression of apoptosis-related genes in thawed cells, the m RNA level of the anti-apoptotic genes in the control group was significantly lower than that in the sucrose-treated groups(P<0.05). Western blot analyses showed that the expression levels of cleaved CASPASE9, CASPASE3 and PARP-1 in the sucrose-treated groups were lower than those in the control group and were the lowest in the 210 mmol L^(–1) sucrose group. Both q RT-PCR and Western blot analyses suggested that sucrose inhibited cell apoptosis during freezing and thawing. Briefly, sucrose promoted p SSCs survival after freezing and thawing, especially at a concentration of 210 mmol L^(–1), which possibly assisted p SSC dehydration and inhibited cell apoptosis. These findings hold great promise for further studies of the regulatory mechanism of proliferation and differentiation of p SSCs.

No-Aldehydes Glucose/Sucrose-Triacetin-Diamine Wood Adhesives for Particleboard

A three reagents adhesive system for wood particleboards not containing any aldehyde was developed by the reaction of glucose or sucrose with triacetin(glycerin triacetate)and with hexamethylene diamine.The system was found to be based on the mix of three reactions,namely the reaction of(i)glucose with triacetin,(ii)of the diamine with triacetin,and(iii)of glucose with the diamine.The chemical species formed were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight(MALDI-ToF)mass spectrometry.Wood particleboard panels were prepared with this adhesive system and gave good internal bond(IB)strength results suitable for interior grade panels and with extremely low formaldehyde emission.

Molecular cloning,characterization and expression profile of the sucrose synthase gene family in Litchi chinensis

Sucrose synthase(SUS,EC 2.4.1.13)is widely considered as a key enzyme involved in plant sucrose metabolism,and the gene family encoding different SUS isozymes has been identified and characterized in several plant species.However,to date scant information about the SUS genes is available in Litchi chinensis Sonn.Here,we identified five SUS genes in litchi.These Lc SUSs shared high levels of similarity in both nucleotide and amino acid sequences.Their gene structure,phylogenetic relationships,and expression profiles were characterized.Gene structure analysis indicated that the Lc SUSs have similar exon-intron structures.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five members could be classified into three groups(LcSUS1 and LcSUS2 in SUSⅡ,LcSUS4 and LcSUS5 in SUSⅢ,and LcSUS3 in SUSⅠ),demonstrating evolutionary conservation in the SUS family across litchi and other plant species.The expression levels of Lc SUSs were investigated via real-time PCR in various tissues and different developmental stages of aril.For tissues and organs,Lc SUSs exhibited distinct but partially redundant expression profiles in litchi,being predominantly expressed in young leaves(sink).During aril development,the expression pattern of LcSUS1 was consistent with the trend of sugar accumulation,indicating it may play important roles in determination of sink strength in aril.Moreover,transcript levels of LcSUS2,LcSUS4,and LcSUS5 varied between cultivars with different hexose/sucrose ratios,which may regulate the sugar composition in aril.Our results provide insights into physiological functions of SUS genes in litchi,especially roles in regulating sugar accumulation in aril.

CHEMOENZYMATIC SYNTHESIS OF BIODEGRADABLE POLY(1’-O-VINYLADIPOYL-SUCROSE)

A novel polymer containing the sucrose group was synthesized by radical polymerization from an enzymaticallyprepared monomer, 1′-O-vinyladipoyl-sucrose (VAS). Transesterification reaction of sucrose with divinyl adipate inanhydrous pyridine catalyzed by an alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis at 60℃ for 7 days gave VAS (yield 55%) withoutany blocking/deblocking steps. The vinyl sucrose ester could be polymerized with potassium persulfate and H2O2 as initiatorto give poly(1′-O-vinyladipoyl-sucrose) with Mn ＝ 33,000 and Mw ＝ 53,200, Mw/Mn ＝ 1.61. The polymer was biodegradable.After 6 days in aqueous buffer (pH 7), this alkaline protease could degrade poly(1′-O-vinyladipoyl-sucrose) to Mn of ca.1080, Mw/Mn ＝ 3.30 (37℃), and Mn of ca. 5200, Mw/Mn ＝ 2.44 (4℃). The polymer containing the sucrose branch would be afunctional material in various application fields.

Influence of Boric Acid and Sucrose on the Germination and Growth of Areca Pollen

This study investigates the effect of boric acid and sucrose on the germination and growth of Areca catechu L (areca palm). Using areca pollen from Hainan, China, this study determines the influence of culture media with different concentrations of boric acid and sucrose on the germination and growth of areca pollen. Results show that the germination and growth of the pollen tube growth are highest under a boric acid concentration of 0.4 g/L to 0.6 g/L. The germination rate of areca pollen is highest in solid medium with a sucrose concentration of 40 g/L. The optimum culture medium for developing areca pollen comprises 5 g/L agar, 0.4 g/L to 0.6 g/L boric acid, 40 g/L sucrose, and water. Furthermore, areca pollen grows most rapidly approximately 1.5 h after in vitro cultivation at normal temperature, and growth stabilizes at approximately 3 h. The principle that governs the development of areca pollen is also discussed.

Preparation of Highly Concentrated Silver Nanoparticles in Reverse Micelles of Sucrose Fatty Acid Esters through Solid-Liquid Extraction Method

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in reverse micelles consisting of sucrose fatty acid esters by dissolving reactant powder in the water pool of reverse micelles through the solid-liquid extraction. Silver nanoparticles having various sizes and shapes were obtained at high concentration. The size of silver nanoparticles was controlled by reaction temperature. Moreover, the size of silver nanoparticles was dependent upon the average esterification degree of sucrose fatty acid esters forming reverse micelles. The wavelength in the peaks, which corresponded upon the localized surface plasmon resonance of resultant silver nanoparticles, was correlated with their sizes.

Overexpression of aspen sucrose synthase gene promotes growth and development of transgenic Arabidopsis plants

In plants, sucrose synthase (SUS) enzymes catalyze conversion of sucrose into fructose and UDP-glucose in the presence of UDP. To investigate the impact of overexpression of heterologous SUS on the growth and development of Arabidopsis, we transformed Arabidopsis plants with an overexpression vector containing an aspen SUS gene (PtrSUS1). The genomic PCR confirmed the successful integration of PtrSUS1 transgene in the Arabidopsis genome. PtrSUS1 expression in transgenic Arabidopsis plants was confirmed by RT-PCR. The SUS activity was dramatically increased in all transgenic lines examined. The three selected transgenic PtrSUS1 lines exhibited faster growth and flowered about 10 days earlier compared to untransformed controls, and also possessed 133%, 139%, and 143% SUS activity compared to controls. Both fresh weights and dry biomass yields of the whole plants from these three selected transgenic lines were significantly increased to 125% of the controls. Transgenic PtrSUS1 lines also had a higher tolerance to higher concentration of sucrose which was reflective of the increased SUS activity in transgenic versus wild-type plants. The growth differences between wild-type and transgenic plants, either in root and hypocotyl length or in fresh and dry weight of whole plant, became more pronounced on the media containing higher sucrose concentrations. Taken together, these results showed that the early flowering, faster growth and increased tolerance to higher sucrose in transgenic lines were caused by the genome integration and constitutive expression of the aspen PtrSUS1 gene in transgenic Arabidopsis.

Investigation for Natural Convection Heat Transfer of Sucrose Solution Using a Converging and Diverging Tube with Regularly——spaced Twisted Tapes

The natural convection heat transfer of a 60% sucrose solution in a vertical converging-diverging tube(CD) with regularly-spaced twisted tapes(RSTT) has been investigated numerically and experimentally. The effects of wall temperature and number of RSTT on the Nusselt number were studied in detail. The distributions of velocity and temperature in the 60% sucrose solution were studied and the simulated results of CD with RSTT were compared with those of the smooth tube. The influence of Rayleigh number and RSTT on the Nusselt number was conducted experimentally. The results indicate that the Nusselt number of the 60% sucrose solution obviously increased with the number of RSTT but increased inconspicuously with 2 and more twisted tapes. The simulation shows that the distance for achieving an optimal heat transfer performance is 46 times the diameter of the tube. The mechanism of the natural convection heat transfer enhancement of the 60% sucrose solution in relationship with the CD and the RSTT was analyzed, and the change of average tangential velocity with the axial distance was presented to demonstrate that the enhancement of heat transfer was realized mainly because of the increase in tangential velocity.

Characterization and functional divergence of genes encoding sucrose transporters in oilseeds castor bean

Castor bean(Ricinus communis L.)is an economically important non-edible oilseed crop.Its seed oils are rich in hydroxy fatty acid,which are highly valuable with a wide range of industrial applications.Sucrose transportation is critical in regulating the growth,development and oilseed yield in castor bean.The transporters or carriers(SUTs or SUCs)play a central role in orchestrating sucrose allocation and aiding in plant adaptation to diverse stresses.In this study,based on castor bean genome,three RcSUCs(RcSUC2,RcSUC3 and RcSUC4)were identified and characterized.The expressional profiles of RcSUCs in different tissues such as leaf,stem,root,phloem and seed tissues exhibited a distinct divergence of gene expression,suggesting that the functions of RcSUC2,RcSUC3 and RcSUC4 are differentiated into long or short-distance transportation among tissues.Additionally,under abiotic stresses including hot temperature,low temperature,drought and salt stresses,the sugar allocation among leaf,stem and roots was tested.The expressional changes of Rc SUCs in leaf,stem and root tissues were associated with sugar transportation and allocation.Taken together,the differential expression of Rc SUCs among tissues responsing to abiotic stress suggested functional differences in sucrose transport and redistribution in different tissues.This study is helpful to understand the physiological and molecular mechanisms of sucrose transportation and allocation among tissues in heterotrophic oilseeds,and could provide clues for genetic improvement and optimization of cultivation practices.

Effects of Ovariectomy and 17<i>β</i>-Estradiol Replacement on Dopamine D2 Receptors in Female Rats: Consequences on Sucrose, Alcohol, Water Intakes and Body Weight

Background: Mechanisms underlying overeating-induced obesity in post-menopausal woman include functional lack of 17β-estradiol dysregulating dopamine D2 receptors, thereby inducing food addiction, glucose craving or alcohol dependence through reward circuitry. This study aimed at further understanding 17β-estradiol and dopamine D2 receptors interferences in the etiology of woman obesity. Method: Seventy-two Wistar female rats weighing 200 - 205 g, individually-housed, were divided into non-ovariectomized control (C = 6 groups) and ovariectomized rats (OVX = 6 groups) which were concurrently subjected to the following treatments: Non-drug-treated (DMSO vehicle), 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 μg/kg, s.c.), sulpiride (SUL, 20 mg/kg, i.p.), bromocriptine (BR, 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), E2 + SUL or E2 + BR, designating the 6 constitutive groups of either control or ovariectomy. Within each experimental group, consumption of different solutions (10% alcohol, 10% sucrose and water) as well as food intake and body weight were daily measured, for 10 consecutive days. Results: This study indicated that D2S was a specific inducer of alcohol and food intakes, but reduced sugar consumption. In addition, 17β- estradiol regulated the body weight set point, modulating D2S functions towards increased food intake at lower weights and decreased food intake at higher weights. D2S met the slow genomic actions induced by 17β-estradiol. Conversely, D2L inhibited alcohol and food intakes, but induced specifically sugar consumption, thereby regulating blood glucose levels and promoting energy expenditure in reducing body weight. Indeed, 17β-estradiol exerted a tonic inhibition on D2L which was released by OVX, exacerbating sugar intake and increasing body weight. D2L mediated the rapid metabolic effects of 17β-estradiol. Conclusion: Our results supported physiological data reporting that activation of the mostly expressed presynaptically D2S-class autoreceptors decreased dopamine release stimulating food intake, whereas activation of the predominantly postsynaptic isoform D2L receptors increased dopamine activity inhibiting food intake. Our studies indicated that 17β-estradiol acted on the two types of D2 receptors showing opposite functions to equilibrate energy intake vs. expenditure for weight set point regulation. Our data also supported biochemical findings reporting that 17β-estradiol induced D2 genes transcriptional regulation, thereby involving both types of D2 receptors in the etiology of obesity. The combined dysregulated effects of D2L and D2S receptors, as 17β-estradiol was lacking, would be causal factors underlying the etiology of obesity.

Effect of Peaches, Pears and Green Tea on Plasma Lipids Profile and Antioxidant Content in Rats Fed High Sucrose Diet

The beneficial effects of feeding syrup of peaches and pears (peel and pulp) & green tea on the restoration of the changes produced by feeding high sucrose diet on plasma lipid profile, plasma antioxidant activity, and antioxidant enzymes in red blood cells (RBC) hemolysate were studied. High sucrose diet induced hyperlipidemia as manifested by significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) in plasma from 103.33 ± 1.8, 61.17 ± 0.48 and 26.6 ± 5.01 mg/dl to 136.67 ± 2.2, 81.3 ± 1.5 and 64.6 ± 6.5 mg/dl respectively. The high density lipoproteins (HDL) level was not significantly affected. TG levels in heart muscles increased significantly P ≤ 0.05 from the level of 194.14 ± 4.35 μg/g in the negative control to 269.72 ± 5.39 μg/g. Administration of fruits syrup and green tea resulted in a significant variable reduction in the elevated levels of cholesterol, TG and LDL and TG in the heart. Administration of sucrose resulted also in elevation of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma from 5.06 ± 0.18 in the negative control to 14.81 ± 0.48 μmol/L in the positive control. This was also accompanied by reduction in the activities of supper oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and a decrease in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma, indicating lipid peroxidation. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT in the negative control were 8.96 ± 0.19, 315.67 ± 5.86, 209 ± 2.18 U/gHb respectively and were reduced significantly in the positive control to 4.7 ± 0.2, 273.83 ± 7.85, 207 ± 2.53 U/g Hb. There was a significant decrease in the level of total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma from 1.45 ± 0.09 to 0.88 ± 0.09 nmol/L. However, no statistically significant changes were noticed in the concentrations of plasma total proteins and albumin. Intake of syrup of peaches and pears (peel and pulp) & green tea increased the level of TAS and GSH and decreased the level of LDL. The treatment also decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the levels of plasma cholesterol, TG and heart TG levels. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were increased following the treatment. It can be concluded that syrup of peaches and pears (peel and pulp) & green tea modulate lipid metabolism and enhance antioxidant status and in this respect green tea produced the best effect followed by peels of pears and peaches. The beneficial effect produced by fruits syrup and green tea may be due to their contents of phytochemicals.

Aluminum Contents in Dry Leaves and Infusions of Commercial Black and Green Tea Leaves: Effects of Sucrose and Ascorbic Acid Added to Infusions

Tea consumption has increased due to its beneficial effects. Results from a lab study on the effect of sucrose (5 g per cup, 150 mL) and/or ascorbic acid (2 mL per cup, 150 mL) on dissolved aluminum compounds during the infusion of two commercial types of dry tea leaves (black, green) with boiling water (5, 15 min infusion time) are presented. Factors influencing the presence of dissolved aluminum in the infusions of both tea leaves were infusion time and sugar contents, as well as the interaction between ascorbic acid and sucrose (p < 0.05). Aluminum contents found after 15 min of infusion were 0.7 mg L–1 for black tea infusions added with sugar, and 0.69 mg L–1 for green tea added with both sugar and ascorbic acid. Both concentrations are higher than the level accepted in Mexico for drinking water (there is no act concerning tea infusions), that is 0.2 mg L–1.