BACKGROUND Flavonoid metabolites remain in blood for periods of time potentially long enough to allow interactions with cellular components of this tissue. It is well-established that flavonoids are metabolised within the intestine and liver into methylated, sulphated and glucuronidated counterparts, which inhibit platelet function. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We demonstrate evidence sugge...

The global phenolic content of argan oil and press cake samples (alimentary and cosmetic) was evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and the phenolic composition of argan oil (alimentary and cosmetic) and press cake (alimentary) samples were analyzed by GC-MS after extraction with 80:20 (v/v) methanol:water and silylation. Identification of chromatographic peaks was made by mas...

The reaction of methyl chloroformate with catecholamines at the nanogram level in aqueous solution has been estimated. Optimal pH conditions of the aqueous medium were established which provide a quantitative yield of the formate derivative of primary and secondary catecholamines. First the catechol function was blocked by the reaction with methyl chloroformate under mild alkaline conditions (p...

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme key regulator in folate metabolism. Deficiencies in MTHFR result in increased levels of homocysteine, which leads to reduced levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). In the brain, SAM donates methyl groups to catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which is involved in neurotransmitter analysis. Using the MTHFR-deficient mouse model the purpose...

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder affecting mostly young people which could lead to serious complications and consequences. There are ethnical and gender differences in the incidence and prevalence of AN, but the influence of urbanization has not yet been proved. The relationship of genetic background to the risk of AN is still being investigated. In this review we summarize current k...

Nine Zoogloea strains, were examined for their ability to utilize 35 aromatic compounds. Benzoate, m-toluate, and p-toluate, as well as phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, and p-cresol, were utilized by eight strains. These strains exhibited meta cleavage of catechol and of methyl-substituted catechols. With the exception of L-tyrosine, none of the aromatic compounds tested supported growth of Z. ramig...

The biomimetic catalytic oxidations of the dinuclear and trinuclear copper(II) complexes versus two catechols, namely, D-(+)-catechin and L-( - )-epicatechin to give the corresponding quinones are reported. The unstable quinones were trapped by the nucleophilic reagent, 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH), and have been calculated the molar absorptivities of the different quinones. Th...

Levodopa is widely used, but rarely is the topic of tolerance raised. Escalating requirement and ‘on/off’ fluctuations are often ascribed to disease progression, rather than admitted to be iatrogenic. The risk should be discussed before introduction, since ‘weaning off’ levodopa is difficult and usually unsuccessful. Dependence on the mood elevation and relief of anxiety might add to the diffic...