Prolonged tomato consumption can mitigate ultraviolet (UV) light induced sunburn via unknown mechanisms. Dietary carotenoids distributed to skin are hypothesized to protect skin against UV-induced damage, although other phytochemicals may play a role. We hypothesize that tomato consumption would protect against skin cancer. SKH-1 hairless and immunocompetent mice (n = 180) were fed AIN-93G or AIN-93G + 10% tangerine or red tomato powder for 35 weeks. From weeks 11–20, mice (n = 120) were exposed to 2240 J/m2 UV-B light, 3x/week, and tumors were tracked weekly. Control mice were fed the same diets but not exposed to UV. Tumor number was significantly lower in male mice consuming red tomato diets (1.73 ± 0.50, P = 0.015) or pooled tomato diets (2.03 ± 0.45, P = 0.017) compared to controls (4.04 ± 0.65). Carotenoid levels in plasma and skin were quantitated, with total lycopene higher in skin of tangerine fed animals despite a lower dose. Metabolomic analyses elucidated compounds derived from tomato glycoalkaloids (including tomatidine and hydroxylated-tomatidine) as significantly different metabolites in skin after tomato exposure. Here, we describe that tomato consumption can modulate risk for keratinocyte carcinomas; however, the role of the newly identified specific phytochemicals possibly responsible for this action require further investigation.

The chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of twelve wild strains of Ganoderma sp. from Ghana, nine (LS1–LS9) of which were found growing wild simultaneously on the same dying Delonix regia tree, were evaluated. Parameters evaluated included the nutritional value, composition in sugars, fatty acids, phenolic and other organic compounds and some vitamins and vitamin precursors. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by investigating reducing power, radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition using five in vitro assays. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash and energy contents ranged between 15.7–24.5 g/100 g·dw, 73.31–81.90 g/100 g, 0.48–1.40 g/100 g, 0.68–2.12 g/100 g ash and 396.1–402.02 kcal/100 g, respectively. Fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids were relatively abundant. Free sugars included rhamnose, fructose, mannitol, sucrose and trehalose. Total tocopherols, organic acids and phenolic compounds’ content ranged between 741–3191 µg/100 g, 77–1003 mg/100 g and 7.6–489 µg/100 g, respectively. There were variations in the β-glucans, ergosterol and vitamin D2 contents. The three major minerals in decreasing order were K > P > S. Ganoderma sp. strain AM1 showed the highest antioxidant activity. This study reveals, for the first time, chemical characteristics of Ganoderma spp. which grew simultaneously on the same tree.

The detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D at low levels in biological samples is facilitated by the use of chemical derivatization with 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD) in concert with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This mode of analysis is notably hampered by chromatographic co-elution of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) and its C-3 epimer (C3epi). The objective of this work was to improve upon current LC-MS/MS methods used for the analysis of PTAD-derivatized 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by resolving it from C3epi. Additionally, the applicability of this method in human serum and murine skin was investigated. C18 columns of increasing length and varying particle sizes were assessed for performance using a mixed standard of PTAD-derivatized 25OHD3 and C3epi. Serum samples were processed using solid phase extraction, and skin was powdered and extracted for lipophilic compounds. The samples were derivatized with PTAD and subsequently analyzed using isotope dilution LC-MS/MS with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization operated in positive mode. Near baseline resolution of PTAD-25OHD3 from PTAD-C3epi was achieved on a 250mm C18 column with 3μm sized particles. This separation allowed for detection and quantification of both metabolites in serum and skin samples. PTAD-C3epi represented a significant confounding analyte in all samples, and comprised up to 20% of the status measurement in skin. This method is a significant improvement on the chromatography of PTAD-derivatized vitamin D metabolites that could greatly influence the assessment of vitamin D status and C3epi biology in low abundance samples.

Clinical and laboratory studies have implicated black raspberries (BRBs) and their associated phytochemicals in the modulation of several chronic diseases. Most research on the health benefits of BRBs is conducted using freeze-dried or otherwise minimally processed products, yet BRBs are typically consumed as thermally processed goods like jams and syrups. The objective of this work was to profile the chemical changes that result from thermal processing of BRB powder into a nectar beverage. Using an untargeted UHPLC-QTOF-MS metabolomics approach, key degradation products of anthocyanins were identified along with several other proposed phenolic degradants. The effects of processing on other key BRB compound groups, including ellagitannins, are also discussed. This work demonstrates the utility of an untargeted metabolomics approach in describing the chemistry of complex food systems and provides a foundation for future research on the impact of processing on BRB product bioactivity.

Scope UV exposure is a risk factor for keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) while critical for endogenous vitamin D production. We investigated dietary modulation of skin and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) and its C-3 epimer (C3epi) in a mouse model of KC. C3epi is an under-investigated metabolite of vitamin D with respect to its biological implications. Methods and Results Male and female Skh-1 mice were supplemented with 25, 150 or 1000 IU/kg diet vitamin D3 for 25 weeks, with some exposed to UV light. Skin and serum vitamin D metabolites were quantitated using HPLC-MS/MS (n=3 per dose/sex/UV treatment). Serum and skin 25OHD3 and C3epi significantly increased with dose (P<0.0001), but with different response patterns. UV exposure significantly attenuated serum, but not skin, levels of both metabolites (P<0.001, P=0.0287), while up-regulating expression of renal Cyp24a1 (P<0.01). A dose by sex interaction trended towards significance with serum and skin levels of C3epi, wherein male mice attained higher levels of C3epi with higher dietary vitamin D3. This reflected a similar, but non-significant pattern in average tumor size. Conclusion The complex relationship between vitamin D and KC requires further investigation. This study provides insight into modulation of local and systemic vitamin D status with dietary supplementation.