Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of tomato products reduces the risk of CVD via antioxidant, hypocholesterolaemic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Although experimental data also describe beneficial effects on endothelial function, clinical data in human subjects are lacking. To test the hypothesis that tomato ingestion ameliorates endothelial function, we randomised healthy non-smoking postmenopausal women to consume a buttered roll with and without tomato purée (70 g) in a cross-over design. Endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelial-independent nitro-mediated dilation of the brachial artery were assessed with highresolution ultrasound (13 MHz linear array transducer). Acute (24 h) and long-term (7 d) effects were examined after daily consumption of the described meal. Nineteen volunteers completed the protocol and provided technically suitable ultrasound measurement data. Plasma lycopene levels increased from 0·30 (SEM 0·04) (baseline) to 0·42 (SEM 0·04) and to 0·74 (SEM 0·06) mM after 24 h and 7 d, respectively, with tomato purée consumption. These data indicated an effective absorption of the tomato product. However, both acute and long-term tomato purée consumption had no effects on endothelium-dependent or -independent dilation of the brachial artery. In addition, we found no correlation between lycopene plasma levels and FMD. In conclusion, consumption of tomato products associated with a significant increase in plasma lycopene levels had no effects on endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women.
Adenosine, which is released under pathophysiological conditions such as hypoxia or ischemia, is involved in a variety of regulatory processes related to neuroprotection. Major advances in the research on neuronal adenosine receptors have provided a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects during hypoxia. The therapeutic potential of adenosine was recognized several years ago, but only the development of stable and selective adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists has offered novel approaches for the pharmacological manipulation of the receptor activity. To date, four G protein coupled receptors have been cloned and identified in the central nervous system: A 1 , A 2A , A 2B , and A 3. The neuroprotective effects of adenosine are mediated primarily by the activation of A 1 receptors. Knowledge of the physiological role of A 3 receptors in the brain is still limited. This article focuses on new evidences referring to possible functions of A 3 receptors in the CNS, especially the role during hypoxia. Electrophysiological investigations on brain slices give us new insights concerning mechanisms of synaptic modulation. The data from pyramidal cells of the rat cingulate cortex show that a high level of endogenous adenosine (occuring during hypoxia) activates A 3 receptors, which mediates a depression of the synaptic transmission. The A 3 receptors inhibit the glutamate release additionally to and independently from the A 1 receptors. The two distinct mechanisms of synaptic modulation contribute to the neuroprotective action of adenosine during hypoxia and offer new approaches for therapeutic strategies. Drug Dev. Res. 58:420-427, 2003.
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