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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Anaphylaxis due to Brazil nut skin testing in a walnut-allergic subject.

The diagnosis and management of nut allergy can be difficult because of the possible severity of the clinical manifestations and the cross reactivity between different species. We report a case of anaphylaxis due to skin testing in a young adult with clinically ascertained walnut allergy. After an episode of anaphylaxis due to walnut ingestion, a routine diagnostic workup was carried out, involving skin prick test with commercial extracts, prick by prick with fresh food and CAP-RAST assay for different nuts. Immediately after pricking with fresh Brazil nut, a severe episode of anaphylaxis occurred, that required epinephrine and intravenous steroids. The subject had never eaten Brazil nut before. Therefore we hypothesize a cross reactivity effect, since this phenomenon is well known for tree nuts. Our case suggests that in vivo diagnosis, especially if fresh nuts are used, should be performed only if adequate equipment to treat anaphylaxis is available.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Response latency of gerbils and hamsters to nuts flavoured with bitter-tasting substances.

The unconditioned reactions of Mongolian gerbils to peanuts rolled in sucrose octa-acetate (SOA) or denatomium benzoate (Bitrex) were studied in Experiment 1. Although SOA evokes as high a bitterness rating among humans as quinine salts, the gerbils' latency to ingest a nut flavoured with the former was similar to that to an unflavoured nut. Their oral latency to a nut that was flavoured with Bitrex was longer than to either an unflavoured one or one flavoured with SOA. However, the fact that they ingested a nut flavoured with the "most bitter substance known to man" within 70 sec after contact is surprising. Experiment 2 dealt with the effects of a peanut that was either unflavoured or flavoured with SOA or quinine and then paired with a LiCl injection. The oral latency of these gerbils to a nut conveying such flavours was assessed for six days after this conditioning. A nut flavoured with quinine acquired aversive properties but not ones that were flavoured with SOA or were unflavoured. Similar results were observed in Experiment 3, when hamsters were tested under comparable conditions. The theoretical implications of these results are discussed.

Acetates↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Allergens from Brazil nut: immunochemical characterization.

The increase in the consumption of tropical nuts in the Northern Hemisphere during the last years, has evolved in a simultaneous enhancement of allergic IgE mediated (Hypersensitivity type 1) reported cases produced by this kind of food. The Brazil nut is the seed of the Bertholletia excelsa tree (Family Lecythidaceae) and, as in other seeds, proteins represent one of its major components making up 15-17% of its fresh weight and 50% of defatted flour. Of these, storage proteins are the most important ones, and the 12 S globulin legumin-like protein and the 2 S albumin have been described as the most representative. The 2 S protein, due to its high sulfur-rich amino acid content (3% cysteine and 18% methionine), is being studied, cloned and expressed in some important agronomic seeds (soybean, bean, oilseed rape) in order to enrich the nutritional quality of them. The case of a patient with serious clinical allergic symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of consciousness) caused by oral contact with the Brazil nut, is presented. The patient gave a positive Skin Prick Test response to Brazil nut, kiwi and hazelnut extracts, and negative to regionally specific aeroallergens and other food extracts. The patient serum showed a high level of specific IgE by RAST to Brazil nut (> 17.5 PRU/ml, Class 4), and significative levels to hazelnut, and mustard. In vitro immunological studies (SDS-Immunoblotting and IEF-Immunoblotting) revealed IgE-binding proteins present in the extract. It was shown that not only the heavy (Mr 9) and light (Mr 4) subunits of the known allergenic 2 S albumin but also the alpha-subunits (Mr approximately 33.5 and 32) and at least one of the beta-subunits (Mr approximately 21) of the 12 S Brazil nut globulin, hitherto never involved in allergic problems, showed a strong IgE-binding capacity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Modulating role of Semecarpus anacardium L. nut milk extract on aflatoxin B(1) biotransformation.

As part of a substantial effort to curtail the adverse health effects posed by aflatoxin B(1), studies have been conducted to elucidate the possible mechanism for the anticarcinogenic action of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Rats are monitored for levels of urinary, serum and liver biomarkers, namely, unmetabolised aflatoxin B(1), and its metabolites aflatoxin M(1), and aflatoxin Q(1), over the course of 2 weeks with nut extract therapy following a single-exposure to aflatoxin B(1). Due to the administration of nut extract, the excretion of unmetabolised aflatoxin B(1) was increased in day 1 urine when compared with rats without drug treatment. In serum and liver which were collected on day 16 and the rest of periodical urine samples showed aflatoxin B(1) and its metabolites in undetectable levels. The nut extract administration induced cytochrome P(450), glutathione, and glutathione-S-transferase levels in liver homogenates of aflatoxin B(1)-treated rats. These data seem to indicate that anticarcinogenic action by Semecarpus anacardium nut extract is possibly via suppression of aflatoxin B(1)activation and through interaction with microsomal-activating components. Previous evidence from this laboratory about the potency of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma together with the present results suggest that extremely effective therapeutic protection can be achieved by this drug against aflatoxin B(1)-mediated ill effects.

Aflatoxin B1↗
PubMed1992

Betel-nut chewing and asthma.

Two Asian patients admitted to hospital with acute severe asthma had been chewing betel nut immediately before the attacks. Arecoline, a cholinergic alkaloid, is a major constituent of Areca catechu (betel) nut and causes the euphoric effects. We sought an association between betel-nut chewing and bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients. In vitro, arecoline caused dose-related contraction of human bronchial smooth-muscle strips, with one-tenth the potency of methacholine. In a double-blind challenge study, inhalation of arecoline caused bronchoconstriction in six of seven asthmatic patients and one of six healthy subjects; methacholine caused bronchoconstriction in all the asthmatic patients and in five controls. The geometric mean concentrations of arecoline and methacholine that caused 20% falls in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC20 FEV1) in the asthmatic subjects were 5.2 mg/ml and 1.6 mg/ml, respectively. We then studied four Bengali asthmatic patients, regular users of betel nut, during a betel-nut challenge. Three showed no adverse effects, but one showed a 30% fall in FEV1 by 150 min after chewing; the effect was reproducible. In the UK, the rate of hospital admission for acute asthma is higher among Asians than among other groups in the population; betel-nut chewing may be one of several factors that affect asthma control and severity of attacks.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Areca nut extract lowers the permeability of vaginal mucosa to reduced arecoline and arecaidine.

Areca nut chewing has been implicated in the development of oral cancer and oral submucous fibrosis. Arecoline and arecaidine, which are alkaloids present in the areca nut, are thought to play a major role in the development of adverse effects resulting from this chewing habit. Because these alkaloids appear to be associated with the development of the above diseases, we determined their diffusion kinetics through human vaginal mucosa in the presence and absence of a 1% areca nut extract. Seven clinically healthy vaginal mucosa specimens (mean patient age+/-standard deviation, 52+/-13 years; age range, 38-74 years) were obtained during surgery. In vitro flux values of reduced arecoline and arecaidine (r-arecoline and r-arecaidine) were determined through use of a flow-through diffusion apparatus. Analysis of variance, a Duncan multiple range test, and an unpaired t-test were used to determine steady state kinetics and flux differences over time intervals. The flux values across vaginal mucosa of r-arecoline and r-arecaidine were decreased in the presence of 1% areca nut extract. For r-arecoline, these flux values were significantly lower statistically when compared to those obtained in the absence of areca nut extract. These findings concur with results previously obtained for water, where the astringent action of the tannins present in the areca nut extract was thought to alter the barrier properties of the epithelium, resulting in decreased permeability.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Areca nut, energy metabolism and hunger in Asian men.

BACKGROUND: The nut of the Areca catechu palm has long been attributed effects on hunger and the digestive process. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to assess experimentally effects of areca nut on fasting and postprandial energy metabolism, substrate utilization and hunger. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies were undertaken. In study 1, eight Indian men received bioadhesive gels delivering 0, 5, 10 or 20 mg arecoline to the buccal sulcus after an overnight fast. Resting energy expenditure and substrate utilization were determined by ventilated hood calorimetry over 6 h during which hunger was rated on five occasions. In study 2, 15 Indian men received gels delivering 0 or 10 mg arecoline after consuming a 2.5 MJ meal, and the same protocol was then applied as in study 1. RESULTS: Fasting resting energy expenditures exceeded basal metabolic rate (BMR) by 5.4+/-0.8% (Mean+/-SE) after placebo, and 5.1+/-0.7% after 20 mg arecoline, but by 0.9+/-0.8% and 0.7+/-0.5% following 5 mg and 10 mg arecoline, respectively. Carbohydrate (CHO) utilization rates rose after areca nut compared to placebo (F(3,252)= 7.3, p< 0.001). Hunger varied across doses (chi(2) = 10.5, p < 0.02), being lowest after 10 mg and highest after 20 mg, and was influenced by interaction of dose with delta resting energy expenditure. In study 2, areca dose interacted with fat-free mass (FFM) to lower by 5.4+/-11.2% the thermic effect of a meal (F(1,28) = 4.9, p = 0.05), and retarded peak 'digestive-phase' thermogenesis by 60 min (F(1,58) = 5.7, p = 0.02). Postprandial delta CHO utilization was greater (F(1,28) = 4.5, p = 0.05), and hunger was lower (chi:(2) = 3.8, p = 0.05), after areca nut. The areca nut altered relationships of hunger to thermic effects of the meal, and to delta substrate utilization, in ways consistent with appetite suppression. CONCLUSION: Areca nut constituents modulate metabolic signals regulating appetite in man. This concurs with customary belief.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anthropometric status and resting metabolic rate in users of the areca nut and smokers of tobacco in rural Sarawak.

The areca nut is chewed by many of the world's population, mainly in South and Southeast Asia. Anthropometric data for 458 Sarawaki adults aged over 24 years, measured both in 1990 and in 1996, were examined in relation to use of tobacco and areca nut. Compared to non-smokers, smoking men were significantly taller and slightly (not significantly) thinner in both years, while smoking women were thinner in 1990 and slightly (not significantly) thinner in 1996. In both sexes there was an increase in the mean and range of body mass index (BMI, W/H2) over the 6-year interval. Smoking women showed a significantly smaller increment in BMI after allowing for areca nut use, which was associated with a similar trend, and this finding depended on including areca use in the model. The trend for men was similar. Possible effects of areca use could reflect variation in 'affluence' or conservatism, or appetite suppression. However, resting metabolic rate in 54 men and 70 women aged 24-60 years was associated with areca use. This association appeared to be mediated by the maximum room temperature of the 24 h preceding measurement. In women, a significant curvilinear association of RMR with maximum temperature was found in users of areca nut but not in non-users. In men, RMR was 7% higher (p < 0.05) in users of areca nut than in non-users, after allowing for age, height, weight, the sum of four skinfold thicknesses, and haemoglobin, but the association with maximum temperature was similar in both groups. It is speculated that constituents of areca nut modulate thermoregulatory pathways, resulting in prolonged temperature-dependent and hyperthermic heat production in this population; that males are more responsive to this effect than females; and that by this mechanism, and possibly also through centrally mediated effects on appetite for food, areca use could contribute to long-term variation in energy balance represented by change in BMI.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of dika nut mucilage (Irvingia gabonensis) as binding agent in metronidazole tablet formulations.

Dika nut mucilage obtained from the nuts of Irvingia gabonensis (O'Rorke) Bail (family Irvingiaceae) has been evaluated as a binding agent in metronidazole tablet formulations in comparison with gelatin BP. The compressional properties of metronidazole formulations were analyzed using density measurements and the Heckel equations as assessment parameters, whereas the mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the tensile strength (T), brittle fracture index (BFI), and the friability of the tablets. The drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration and dissolution times of the tablets. The results obtained indicate that formulations containing dika nut mucilage as binding agent show faster onset of plastic deformation under compression pressure than those containing gelatin. The tensile strength of the tablets increased with increase in concentration of the binding agents, whereas the BFI and friability values decreased. Furthermore, tablets containing dika nut mucilage generally showed lower tensile strength but higher brittleness and friability than those containing gelatin. The results also showed that tablets containing dika nut mucilage generally showed higher disintegration and dissolution times than those containing gelatin BP. The results suggest that dika nut mucilage could be useful in achieving various tablet strength and drug release properties.

Adhesives↗
PubMed2004

Serum lipid effects of a monounsaturated (palmitoleic) fatty acid-rich diet based on macadamia nuts in healthy, young Japanese women.

1. Recent studies have identified potential beneficial effects of eating nuts, most of which have substantial amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Macadamia nuts consist of 75% fat by weight, 80% of which is MUFA (palmitoleic acid). 2. To examine variations in serum lipid levels in response to a high-MUFA diet based on macadamia nuts, 3 week interventions of macadamia nuts, coconuts and butter were determined in young, healthy Japanese female students. 3. After 3 weeks intervention, serum concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly decreased in the macadamia nut and coconut diets and bodyweight and body mass index were decreased in the group fed macadamia nuts, although there were no statistically significant changes in the group fed butter.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The cariostatic effect of betel nut chewing.

The island of Aua 143 miles off the N.E. coast of Papua New Guinea has a population consisting of (41%) Roman Catholics who chew betel nut regularly and (59%) Seventh Day Adventists who do not. This provided an ideal opportunity to compare the effects of betel nut chewing on all aspects of dental health against an identical population who did not chew and therefore provided an excellent control. The results of this survey showed, for those of the population who had never lived away from the island, that for betel nut chewers the prevalence of dental caries was 23% whereas for non-chewers it was considerably and statistically significantly greater at 49%. The amount of dental caries as measured by DMFT was also considerably and statistically significantly greater for this group of non-chewers at 1.162 compared with 0.364 for chewers. The above findings confirmed the work of other investigators which at the time of this survey were not known to the author, and this led to a laboratory investigation of the possibility that the betel nut stain may mediate its effect by acting as a chemical or physical barrier against the acid attack of dental caries. Betel nut stained teeth from PNG, which had been extracted due to periodontal disease were prepared with "windows" of enamel from which the betel nut stain had been removed, and their roots were protected by layers of varnish. These teeth were maintained in an "Artificial Caries Medium" at pH's of 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 for several months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Studies on the pathological effects of feeding betel-nut meal in albino rats.

The pathological effects of betel-nut meal consumption in weaned albino rats were studied for a period of 4 weeks. In higher concentrations (60-100%), toxic effects were observed. The rats showed severe diarrhoea and died within 1-3 weeks depending upon the amount of betel-nut meal consumed. In lower concentrations (5-10%), no grossly detectable pathological changes were observed in any one of the experimental rats. With the increase in the concentration of betel-nut meal in the experimental diets, the pathological changes were intensified gradually. The pathological changes observed in the rats fed with experimental diets containing more than 15% betel-nut meal were necrosis of the buccal and intestinal mucosa, splenomegaly, fatty changes in the liver and stunted skeletal growth. Catarrhal enteritis was observed in the rats fed with 15% betel-nut meal and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis was observed when the concentration of the betel-nut meal was raised above 15%.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Cardiac arrhythmia and betel nut chewing--is there a causal effect?

Betel nuts are widely ingested in many countries, including Taiwan. They stimulate various autonomic and CNS reactions, but there have been no reports of cardiac toxicity. We treated 2 patients with cardiac dysrhythmias thought due to betel nut chewing. In case 1, a 44-y-old previously healthy male presented with chest tightness, dyspnea, diaphoresis and palpitation immediately after chewing 1 betel quid. He soon became breathless and died despite immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In Case 2, a 28-y-old man suffered palpitations, epigastralgia, and chest distress following consumption of 4 betel quid. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was noted and terminated by repeated verapamil administration. The pharmacological properties of betel nuts and the time sequence of these cases raise the possibility of betel nut-induced cardiac dysrhythmias. The number of betel nut chewers in Taiwan continues to increase, suggesting there may be other cases of betel nut-related cardiac toxicities in the future.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Allergy to pine nut.

BACKGROUND: food allergy is highly prevalent in our environment, especially among atopic patients. Pinus pinea is common in our region and its fruit, the pine nut, is allergologically important. Several cases have been reported in the literature that demonstrate the existence of common antigenic bands between pine nut and almond. In this study we try to assess this finding and the possible existence of common allergens by in vitro techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: we present a 10-year-old boy, previously diagnosed of seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis with sensitisation to grass and olive pollen, who had an anaphylactic reaction after eating pine nut. We performed in vivo (prick test, prick-by-prick) and in vitro tests (total and specific IgE determinations [CAP-FEIA]), histamine release test, and immunoblotting (SDS-PAGE). We also reviewed the literature through the MEDLINE database in PubMed. CONCLUSIONS: because pine nut is commonly consumed in our environment, the prevalence of allergic reactions is probably considerable and these reactions take place at an early age. We demonstrate the existence of common antigenic proteins between pine nut and peanuts.

Child↗
PubMed1992

Role of areca nut consumption in the cause of oral cancers. A cytogenetic assessment.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic studies, framed to assess the possible genomic damage caused by areca nut consumption (without tobacco and not as a component of betel quid), were performed among areca nut chewers, which included normal people who chew areca nuts, patients with oral submucous fibrosis, and patients with oral cancer, and healthy nonchewing controls. RESULTS: The analysis showed statistically significant increases in the frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes and the percentage of micronucleated cells in exfoliated cells of buccal mucosa among all three groups of chewers when compared with those of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The current data, the first of this type among only areca nut chewers, highlight that this popular masticatory is erroneously considered "safe" and that it increases the genomic damage even when chewed without tobacco. The data also signify that, henceforth, in cytogenetic biomonitoring, areca nut consumption also should be considered as one of the confounding factors.

Areca↗
PubMed2001

Functional properties of raw and heat processed cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale, L.) kernel protein isolates.

The functional properties viz. solubility, water and oil absorption, emulsifying and foaming capacities of the protein isolates prepared from raw and heat processed cashew nut kernels were evaluated. Protein solubility vs. pH profile showed the isoelectric point at pH 5 for both isolates. The isolate prepared from raw cashew nuts showed superior solubility at and above isoelectric point pH. The water and oil absorption capacities of the proteins were slightly improved by heat treatment of cashew nut kernels. The emulsifying capacity of the isolates showed solubility dependent behavior and was better for raw cashew nut protein isolate at pH 5 and above. However, heat treated cashew nut protein isolate presented better foaming capacity at pH 7 and 8 but both isolates showed extremely low foam stability as compared to that of egg albumin.

Absorption↗
PubMed1999

Nut consumption, lipids, and risk of a coronary event.

In the past, many have avoided nuts because of their high fat content. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, however, recommends regular consumption of this food along with seeds and dried beans (4-5 servings per week) as part of a diet to control hypertension. Nuts are nutrient-dense and most of their fat is unsaturated. They are also perhaps the best natural source of vitamin E and are relatively concentrated repositories of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, and arginine, the dietary precursor of nitric oxide. Human feeding studies have demonstrated reductions of 8-12% in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when almonds and walnuts are substituted for more traditional fats. Other studies show that macadamias and hazelnuts appear at least as beneficial as fats in commonly recommended diets. Whether consuming modest quantities of nuts daily may promote weight gain is not known with certainty, but preliminary data suggest that this is unlikely. Four of the best and largest cohort studies in nutritional epidemiology have now reported that eating nuts frequently is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease of the order of 30-50%. The findings are very consistent in subgroup analyses and unlikely to be due to confounding. Possible mechanisms include reduction in LDL cholesterol, the antioxidant actions of vitamin E, and the effects on the endothelium and platelet function of higher levels of nitric oxide. Although nuts may account for a relatively small percentage of dietary calories, the potential interacting effects of these factors on disease risk may be considerable.

Cholesterol, LDL↗
PubMed2006

Total antioxidant capacity of spices, dried fruits, nuts, pulses, cereals and sweets consumed in Italy assessed by three different in vitro assays.

With the aim to expand the Italian total antioxidant capacity (TAC) database, the TAC values of 11 spices, 5 dried fruits, 7 sweets, 18 cereal products, 5 pulses, and 6 nuts were determined using three different assays and considering the contribution of bound antioxidant compounds in fiber-rich foods (i. e. cereals, legumes, and nuts). Among spices, saffron displayed the highest antioxidant capacity, whereas among dried fruits, prune exhibited the highest value. The TAC values of all the chocolates analyzed were far higher than the other sweet extracts measured. Among cereal products, whole meal buckwheat and wheat bran had the greatest TAC. Among pulses and nuts, broad bean, lentil and walnuts had the highest antioxidant capacity, whereas chickpeas, pine nuts and peanuts were less effective. The contribution of bound phytochemicals to the overall TAC was relevant in cereals as well as in nuts and pulses. The complete TAC database could be utilized to properly investigate the role of dietary antioxidants in disease prevention.

Antioxidants↗