Pistachios increase serum antioxidants and lower serum oxidized-LDL in hypercholesterolemic adults
Pistachios are high in lutein; beta-carotene; and gamma-tocopherol relative to other nuts; however; studies of the effects of pistachios on oxidative status are lacking. We conducted a randomized; crossover controlled-feeding study to evaluate 2 doses of pistachios on serum antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative status in 28 hypercholesterolemic adults (LDL-cholesterol >or=2.86 mmol/L). Participants consumed 3 […]
Antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.; variety Bronte) seeds and skins
Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.; Anacardiaceae) is native of aride zones of Central and West Asia and distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. In Italy; a pistachio cultivar of high quality is typical of Bronte (Sicily); an area around the Etna volcano; where the lava land and climate allow the production of a nut with intense green […]
Pistachios Increase Serum Antioxidants and Lower Serum Oxidized-LDL in Hypercholesterolemic Adults
Pistachios are high in lutein; beta-carotene; and gamma-tocopherol relative to other nuts; however; studies of the effects of pistachios on oxidative status are lacking. We conducted a randomized; crossover controlled-feeding study to evaluate 2 doses of pistachios on serum antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative status in 28 hypercholesterolemic adults (LDL-cholesterol >/=2.86 mmol/L). Participants consumed 3 […]
Influence of ripeness and drying process on the polyphenols and tocopherols of Pistacia vera L
This paper highlights; for the first time; the changes in the phenolics fraction (anthocyanins; flavonoids and stilbenes) and tocopherols of unpeeled Pistacia vera L. var. bianca with ripening; and the effect of the sun-drying process. The total polyphenol levels in pistachios; measured as mg of Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE); were: 201 +/- 10.1; 349 +/- […]
Effect of pistachio oil on gene expression of IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2: A biomarker of inflammatory response
When incorporated into the diet; pistachios have a beneficial effect on lipid and lipoprotein profiles. However; little is known about potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study was conducted to determine whether pistachio oil and an organic extract from pistachio oil extract (PE) regulated expression of inflammation-related genes. A mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7 cells) was […]
Effect of pistachio diet on lipid parameters; endothelial function; inflammation; and oxidative status: A prospective study
OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that nuts have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering. We aimed to investigate effect of the Antep pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) on blood glucose; lipid parameters; endothelial function; inflammation; and oxidation in healthy young men living in a controlled environment. METHODS: A Mediterranean diet was administered to normolipidemic 32 healthy young […]
Identification of two pistachio allergens; Pis v 1 and Pis v 2; belonging to the 2S albumin and 11S globulin family
BACKGROUND: IgE-mediated allergic reactions to pistachio appear to be occurring more frequently; however; little is known about its allergenic proteins. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to identify pistachio allergens and to clone the encoding genes. METHODS: Pistachio proteins were extracted and separated by SDS-PAGE. Immunolabelling was performed with sera from 28 pistachio-allergic individuals. Proteins of interest were […]
Consumption of pistachio nuts beneficially affected blood lipids and total antioxidant activity in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Although nuts are typically high in dietary fat; novel studies have shown that regular consumption of these heart-healthy foods might confer a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease risk. In the present study; we aimed to analyse the effects of pistachio consumption on blood lipids; antioxidant activity; oxidative stress and sialic acid levels in high-fat-fed rats […]
Clinical Features of Four Cases with Cashew Nut Allergy and Cross-Reactivity between Cashew Nut and Pistachio
Background: Few cases of cashew nut (CN) allergy have been reported in Japan. We evaluated the clinical features of 4 cases with CN allergy and investigated the allergens involved. Methods: In order to investigate the cross-reactivity between CN and pistachios; we performed ImmunoCAP inhibition tests using sera of 4 cases with positive histories of CN […]
The lipid messenger OEA links dietary fat intake to satiety
The association between fat consumption and obesity underscores the need to identify physiological signals that control fat intake. Previous studies have shown that feeding stimulates small-intestinal mucosal cells to produce the lipid messenger oleoylethanolamide (OEA) which; when administered as a drug; decreases meal frequency by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-alpha (PPAR-alpha). Here; we report that duodenal […]