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Epidemiological evidence suggests that kava (Piper methysticum Forst) drinks may reduce the risk of cancer in South Pacific Island smokers. However, little is known about the anti-carcinogenic effects of kava on tobacco smoking-related bladder cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Here we show that dietary feeding of kawain (a major active component in kava root extracts) to mice either before or after hydroxy butyl(butyl) nitrosamine (OH-BBN) carcinogen exposure slows down urinary bladder carcinogenesis and prolongs the survival of the OH-BBN-exposed mice. OH-BBN-induced bladder tumors exhibit significantly increased expression of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), accompanied by decreased levels of H3K4 mono-methylation compared to normal bladder epithelium, whereas dietary kawain reverses the effects of OH-BBN on H3K4 mono-methylation. Human bladder cancer tumor tissues at different pathological grades also show significantly increased expression of LSD1 and decreased levels of H3K4 mono-methylation compared to normal urothelium. In addition, kava root extracts and the kavalactones kawain and methysticin all increase the levels of H3K4 mono- and di-methylation, leading to inhibitory effects on cell migration. Taken together, our results suggest that modification of histone lysine methylation may represent a new approach to bladder cancer prevention and treatment and that kavalactones may be promising agents for bladder cancer interception in both current and former smokers.

Coffee is a very popular beverage worldwide. However, its composition and characteristics are affected by a number of factors, such as geographical and botanical origin, harvesting and roast-ing conditions, and brewing method used. As coffee consumption rises, the demands on its high quality and authenticity naturally grows as well. Unfortunately, at the same time, various tricks of coffee adulteration occur more frequently, with the intention of quick economic profit. Many analytical methods have already been developed to verify the coffee authenticity, in which the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) plays a crucial role, especially thanks to its high selectivity and sensitivity. Thus, this review summarizes the results of targeted and non-targeted HPLC analysis of coffee-based products over the last 10 years as an effective tool for determining coffee composition, which can help to reveal potential forgeries and non-compliance with good manufacturing practice, and subsequently protects consumers from buying overpriced low-quality product. The advantages and drawbacks of the targeted analysis are specified and contrasted with those of the non-targeted HPLC fingerprints, which simply consider the chemical profile of the sample, regardless of the determination of individual com-pounds present., Káva je celosvětově velmi oblíbeným nápojem. Její složení a vlastnosti jsou však ovlivněny řadou faktorů, jako je zeměpisný a botanický původ, podmínky sklizně a pražení a použitá metoda přípravy kávy. S rostoucí spotřebou kávy přirozeně rostou i nároky na její vysokou kvalitu a autenticitu. Bohužel se zároveň častěji objevují nové praktiky falšování kávy se záměrem rychlého ekonomického zisku. K ověření pravosti kávy již bylo vyvinuto mnoho analytických metod, ve kterých hraje zásadní roli vysokoúčinná kapalinová chromatografie (HPLC), a to zejména díky své vysoké selektivitě a citlivosti. Toto review tedy shrnuje výsledky cílené i necílené HPLC analýzy kávových výrobků za posledních 10 let, jakožto efektivního nástroje pro odhalení potenciálních padělků či nedodržování správné výrobní praxe, což následně chrání spotřebitele před nákupem předraženého nekvalitního produktu. Výhody a nevýhody cílené a necílené HPLC analýzy jsou specifikovány a porovnány.

Diplomová práce se zabývá stanovením furanických látek a maltolu v různých fázích pražení kávy pomocí vysokoúčinné kapalinové chromatografie s DAD detektorem. Pozornost je věnována také sacharidům, které byly stanoveny pomocí vysokoúčinné kapalinové chromatografie s refraktometrickým detektorem. K analýze byly použity komerčně dostupné vzorky zrnkové a instantní kávy a také vzorky kávy odebírané v určitých časových intervalech během pražení., The diploma thesis is focused on the determination of furanic substances and maltol in different stages of coffee roasting using high-performance liquid chromatography with DAD detector. Attention is also paid to carbohydrates which were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with refractometric detector. Commercially available bean and instant coffee samples as well as coffee samples taken at specific time intervals during roasting were used for the analysis., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Studentka seznámila členy zkušební komise s obsahem své diplomové práce, poté byla seznámena s posudky vedoucího a oponenta diplomové práce. Studentka odpověděla na otázky oponenta diplomové práce a členů zkušební komise., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

AimHere, we aim to evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of kava root extracts (KRE) in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice and investigate potential molecular targets of kavalactones, the main components of kava.MethodsTRAMP mice were administrated with KRE formulated food for different periods of time, and then the incidences of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) and adenocarcinomas and tumor burdens were compared between vehicle control and KRE food fed groups. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the KRE and kavalactones on monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) enzyme activities were examined by commercially available inhibitor screening kits. Histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation was also evaluated in prostate cancer cells and tumor tissues using Western blotting analysis.ResultsDietary feeding of 0.3% and 0.6% KRE to TRAMP mice from ages of 6 weeks to 12 weeks inhibited HG-PIN by 43.5% and 59.7%, respectively, and prostate adenocarcinoma by 53.5% and 66.4%, respectively. In addition, 0.6% KRE fed TRAMP mice from ages of 6 weeks to 24 weeks exhibited a significant reduction of genitourinary weight (a surrogate of tumor burden) by 54.5% and reduced body weight gain. Furthermore, the KRE and kavalactones showed a significant inhibition of LSD1 and MAO-A enzyme activities.ConclusionOur results suggest that consumption of kava products through diet can delay prostate cancer development and progression and that kavalactones may be a new structure model for developing a potent dual inhibitor of LSD1 and MAO-A.

Bakalářská práce shrnuje obecné informace o zpracování kávy, o jejím chemickém složení a o přípravě nápojů z kávových zrn. Zaměřuje se na měření antioxidační aktivity a barevnosti kávy, která byla připravena pomocí studené vody. Každý vzorek byl připraven dvěma způsoby. Poprvé byly pomletá kávová zrna macerována ve studené vodě po dobu 24 hodin (5°C). Podruhé byla pomletá káva přefiltrována pomocí studené vody a filtru V60. Kávový nápoj připravený macerací měl vyšší antioxidační aktivitu, byl tmavší, výrazně červenější a žlutější., The bachelor's thesis summarizes general information about coffee processing, its chemical composition and the preparation of beverages from coffee beansIt focuses on measuring antioxidant activity and color of coffee, which was prepared using cold water. Each sample was prepared in two ways. For the first time, ground coffee beans macerated in distilled water for 24 hours (5°C). For the second time, the ground coffee was filtered using cold water and a V60 filter. Coffee brew prepared by cold maceration exhibited higher antioxidant aktivity darker and more red and yellow in collor, Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Studentka seznámila členy zkušební komise s tématem své bakalářské práce a zodpověděla otázky členů komise., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Introduction and Aims Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) comprises a debilitating cluster of psychological and physiological symptoms that markedly impairs quality of life. GAD is characterised by hallmark cognitions of persistent worry and anticipatory anxiety. Evidence exists for dysregulation in excitatory/inhibitory neurobiological pathways in prefrontal and limbic brain regions, with the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex an area of particular interest. However, limited research exists assessing regional activations and the role of metabolites such as gamma-aminobutyric acid in these regions, nor modulations as a function of treatment. The aim of the thesis was to investigate the functional and metabolic features of this region, and to assess the role of neuroimaging biomarkers of anxiolytic treatment response. Methods Two investigations were conducted utilising structural features of the region of interest: task-based functional magnetic resonance blood oxygen level-dependant signal activation and GABA levels via magnetic resonance spectroscopy together with relevant psychometric and psychiatric measures. The first study was a cross-sectional investigation undertaken to compare neuroimaging biomarkers in 41 participants with GAD with 35 healthy control participants. The second study was an 8-week RCT sub-study involving 41 participants randomised to either daily 240mg of kavalactones Piper methysticum (Kava) extract or a matching placebo. This proof-of-concept study assessed the aforementioned outcomes and whether these markers signal the plant’s anxiolytic activity. Results The results of the first investigation did not reveal group differences in GABA level (p = .302). The relationship between GABA and anxiety severity was different for each group; a significant positive correlation in GAD (e.g., HAM-A, p = .018) and a negative correlation in healthy controls (e.g., trait anxiety, p = .019). The functional task was successful in eliciting regional BOLD signal

Bakalářská práce je orientována na on-line marketing ve vybrané společnosti. Součástí práce jsou také analýzy vnějšího a vnitřního prostředí a návrh autora na zlepšení marketingových činností. Cílem práce je analýza marketingové strategie a návrh na její zlepšení s důrazem na on-line marketing., Bachelor thesis is focused on marketing strategy in selected company. Thesis includes analysis of external and internal environment and proposal of autor for marketing activities improvement. Target of the thesis is analysis of marketing strategy and proposal for improvement emhasising online marketing., Fakulta ekonomicko-správní, Student přednesl obhajobu práce s názvem: Marketingová strategie ve zvoleném podniku. Cílem práce je analýza marketingové strategie ve zvoleném podniku a návrhy na zlepšení s důrazem na online marketing. Otázka dle posudku vedoucího bakalářské práce: Na straně 59 doporučujete využít placenou formu reklam na sociálních sítích. Má už s touto možností firma zkušenost? Pokud ano, jaká jsou zde úskalí při zadávání takovéhoto příspěvku? Doplňující otázka: Podle čeho jste vybíral kritéria hodnocení pro analýzu? Student na otázky reagoval., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Tato práce se zabývá investováním do palladia, mědi, kávy a ropy za podpory vybraných psychologických přístupů, kterými jsou Drasnarův přístup a Kostolanyho přístup. Pozornost je především kladena na psychologické faktory ovlivňující investory a znázornění nejlepších fází prodejů a nákupů s využitím modelových příkladů., This bachelor thesis deals with investing in palladium, copper, coffee and petroleum with the support of psychological analysis. The selected psychological approaches are Drasnar's and Kostolany's theories. The main focus of the thesis is on psychological factors affecting investors and illustration of the best phases for sales and purchases., Fakulta ekonomicko-správní, Studentka přednesla obhajobu práce s názvem: Investování do komodit za podpory psychologické analýzy. Cílem práce je investování do vybraných komodit za podpory existujících psychologických přístupů, které jsou součástí investiční psychologické analýzy na finančních trzích s využitím modelových příkladů včetně formulace vlastních návrhů a doporučení pro investory. Otázky dle posudku vedoucího bakalářské práce: V práci jste prokázala, že je možné uplatnit psychologickou analýzu i z hlediska dlouhodobého. Jak byste podpořila svoje názory u začínajících i stávajících investorů, aby začali více využívat psychologickou analýzu v delších časových intervalech? Byly ceny Vámi zkoumaných komodit výrazně ovlivněny v době vypuknutí pandemie koronaviru? Studentka na otázky reagovala., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Tato diplomová práce se zabývá stanovením antioxidantů a alkaloidů v kávě. V teoretické části je popsáno složení kávy, technologický proces pražení kávy a možné způsoby stanovení antioxidantů a alkaloidů separačními technikami. Experimentální část je zaměřena na optimalizaci separace antioxidantů a alkaloidů v kávě pomocí kapalinové chromatografie s UV a hmotnostní detekcí a na optimalizaci přípravy vzorku k analýze. Vybrané podmínky byly použity pro stanovení antioxidantů a alkaloidů v zalévané kávě a kávě připravené v kávovaru. Dále byl zkoumán vliv pražení na obsah těchto látek v kávě., The aim of this diploma thesis is the determination of antioxidants and alkaloids in coffee. In theoretical part, the coffee composition and the technological process of coffee roasting as well as the possibility of determination of antioxidants and alkaloids by separation methods are described. The experimental part is focused on optimization of the separation of antioxidants and alkaloids in coffee by liquid chromatogaphy with UV and mass spectrometry detection and optimization of the sample preparation for the analysis. The selected conditions were used for the determination of antioxidants and alkaloids content in brewed coffee and in coffee prepared in coffeemaker. Furthermore, the influence of coffee roasting on alkaloids and antioxidants content in coffee was studied., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Student, v průběhu obhajoby seznámil členy komise s cíly, úkoly a výsledky své práce.

Cílem této bakalářské práce je analýza a komparace vybraných zemědělských komodit. V první části je rozebírána problematika finančních trhů, jak jsou členěny, kam patří komoditní trhy, které jsou následně podrobněji popsány. Pozornost je v této části věnována především i některým komoditním burzám. V praktické části jsou komodity analyzovány na základě modelového portfolia. Výsledkem tohoto portfolia je srovnání komodit a vyhodnocení, zda jsou vhodnou investicí pro investora., The aim of this bachelor thesis is to analyse and compare selected agricultural commodities. In the first part we study the issues of financial markets, how they are divided and, in more depth, where do the commodity markets belong. The main focus of this part is mainly about commodity exchanges. In the practical part, commodities are analysed on a model portfolio. The result of this portfolio is to compare commodities and evaluate whether they are a suitable investment., Fakulta ekonomicko-správní, Studentka seznámila komisi se svojí bakalářskou prací s názvem Zemědělské komodity. Cílem práce je komparace a analýza vybraných zemědělských komodit označovaných jako měkké (soft), mezi které například káva, kakao. Vybrané komodity jsou analyzovány a komparovány jak z pohledu investičního, ale i podle vývoje ceny vlivem času. Studentce byly položeny následující otázky:1. Je podle Vás výhodné investovat do měkkých zemědělských komodit?2. Podle jakých kritérií jste zvolila společnosti pro srovnání cen u zkoumaných komodit? Jaký máte názor na ostatní investice do komodit, např. do vanilky?

Tato diplomová práce je věnována stanovení kofeinu a izomerů kyseliny chlorogenové v kávě pomocí kapalinové chromatografie se spektrofotometrickou detekcí. Optimalizovaná chromatografická separace byla použita pro analýzu pražených, zelených a bezkofeinových kávových infuzí. Dále byla pozornost věnována metodám pro odstranění kofeinu z kávových zrn. Nejprve byla využita extrakce různými organickými rozpouštědly, z nichž nejlepších výsledků bylo dosaženo pomocí dichlormethanu. Dále byla testována superkritická fluidní extrakce s oxidem uhličitým. V neposlední řadě byla měřena antioxidační aktivita a celkový obsah fenolických látek pomocí spektrofotometrických technik., The aim of this thesis was the determination of caffeine and chlorogenic acid isomers in coffee by liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection. Optimized chromatographic separation was used for analysis of roasted, green and non-caffeine coffee infusions. Further, the attention was paid to methods for removing caffeine from coffee beans. First, the extraction with various organic solvents was used, from which the best results were obtained with dichloromethane. In addition, supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide was tested. Last but not least, the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were measured by spectrophotometric techniques., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Studentka úspěšně obhájila diplomovou práci a zodpověděla otázky komise.

Background: Prostatic abscess is a rare complication of acute bacterial prostatitis and is most commonly caused by Enterobacteriaceae. We report on a case of prostatic abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus and conduct a review of the literature. Case presentation: We present a case of S. aureus prostatic abscess that was successfully treated with a combination of antibiotic and surgical therapy. The isolate was non-multidrug-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and was genotyped as clonal complex 5, an emerging regional clone that is trimethoprim resistant and Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive. This current case report is the first to describe the use of clindamycin step-down therapy. A literature review identified a further 39 cases of S. aureus prostatic abscesses, of which 26 were methicillin resistant. Conclusion(s):S. aureus is an uncommon cause of prostatic abscess. Optimal management includes both antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. Our use of clindamycin as step-down therapy was guided by its excellent prostatic penetration.Copyright © 2017 The Author(s).

Background: Prostatic abscess is a rare complication of acute bacterial prostatitis and is most commonly caused by Enterobacteriaceae. We report on a case of prostatic abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus and conduct a review of the literature. Case presentation: We present a case of S. aureus prostatic abscess that was successfully treated with a combination of antibiotic and surgical therapy. The isolate was non-multidrug-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and was genotyped as clonal complex 5, an emerging regional clone that is trimethoprim resistant and Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive. This current case report is the first to describe the use of clindamycin step-down therapy. A literature review identified a further 39 cases of S. aureus prostatic abscesses, of which 26 were methicillin resistant. Conclusion(s):S. aureus is an uncommon cause of prostatic abscess. Optimal management includes both antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. Our use of clindamycin as step-down therapy was guided by its excellent prostatic penetration.Copyright © 2017 The Author(s).

Tato práce pojednává o poměrně nedávno objeveném rodu bakterií Arcobacter, o jeho historii, morfologii, kultivaci, onemocnění, která tato bakterie mohou způsobovat a také o možnostech prevence těchto onemocnění. Zejména se zaměřuje na testování antimikrobiálních účinků extraktů z vybraných přírodních produktů vůči této bakterii. V práci jsem testovala inhibiční efekt extraktu brusinky, hřebíčku, plodů a semínek vinné révy, semínek granátového jablka, zeleného, bílého a černého čaje, čaje Pu-Erh, zrnkové a rozpustné kávy. Jelikož se stále objevují nové rezistence různých bakterií k jednotlivým typům antibiotik, je nutné hledat i přírodní alternativy těchto antimikrobiálních léků. Po dalším testování by se některé látky mohly stát potenciálním prostředkem v "boji" s mikroorganismy nejen v potravinářském průmyslu., This paper deals with a relatively recently discovered family of bacteria Arcobacter, its history, morphology, cultivation, diseases, which causes and prevention of this disease. Above all, it is focuses on testing the antimicrobial effects of the extracts from natural products of chosen against this bacterium. In this work, I tested the inhibitory effect of extracts of cranberries, cloves, berries and grape seed, pomegranate seeds, green, white and black tea, Pu-Erh tea, beans and soluble coffee. As there is continuing occurrence of new resistance of various bacteria to the different types of antibiotics, it is neceséry to search natural alternatives to these antimicrobial drugs. After further testing certain substances could become a potential tool for "fighting" with the microorganisms not only in the food industry., Fakulta chemicko-technologická

This paper summarizes a problematic nomenclature of isomers belonging to chlorogenic acid family since its first occurrence until present. During decades, there have been a high number of articles dealing with the family. Unfortunately, researchers who want to get knowledge about this topic may be strongly confused after reading a few articles. Due to gradual discoveries and isolations of the individual isomers from plenty of matrices and because of the changing system of terminology after these discoveries, discrepancies among articles are common. The cause of this confusion is that the main compound of the family, 5-caffeoylquinic acid (also well-known as chlorogenic acid), was truly called as 3-caffeoylquinic acid before 1976, when new rules for nomenclature were published. Many researchers and also chemicals suppliers, however, keep using the "pre-IUPAC" nomenclature and wrongly call 3-caffeoylquinic acid as chlorogenic acid, the main substituent of the family. Despite there have been some works struggling with this issue, the problem is still appearing. Therefore, the present work was written., Tento článek shrnuje problematiku názvosloví isomerů patřících do skupiny chlorogenových kyselin od jejich prvního výskytu až dosud. Během desetiletí bylo publikováno mnoho článků zabývajících se touto skupinou. Bohužel výzkumníci, kteří chtěli získat informace o tomto tématu, mohli být po přečtení několika článků silně znechuceni. Kvůli postupným objevům a izolacím jednotlivých isomerů z nejrůznějších matric a měnící se terminologii po těchto objevech jsou běžné nesrovnalosti mezi jednotlivými články. Příčinou těchto nesrovnalostí je hlavní sloučenina této skupiny, a to 5-kafeoylchinová kyselina (známá jako kyselina chlorogenová) byla jako kyselina 3-kafeoylchinová opravdu nazývána před rokem 1976, kdy byla publikována nová pravidla pro názvosloví. Nicméně mnoho výzkumníků a také dodavatelů chemikálií zůstalo u používání „pre UIPAC“ názvosloví a chybně nazývají 3-kafeoylchinovou kyselinu jako kyselinu chlorogenovou, tj. hlavní substituent této skupiny. Přestože několik prací s touto nesrovnalostí zápasí, tento problém stále přetrvává. Proto byla sepsána tato práce.

Práce se věnuje kávě, kávovinám, jejich tradičnímu způsobu pražení a pražení kávy za nižších teplot. Další část je věnována vzniku akrylamidu při procesu pražení, jeho zdravotním rizikům a možnostem jeho eliminace. Je zde popsán i vliv přípravy kávy na obsah akrylamidu., This work deals with the coffee, coffee substitutes and their roasting by traditional method and also by low temperature roasting method. Another part is dedicated to acrylamide formation during the roasting process, its health risks and possibilities of prevention or post process elimination of acrylamide. There is also described the effect of the coffee preparation way on the acrylamide content., Fakulta chemicko-technologická

Cílem této bakalářské práce bylo stanovení biologicky aktivních látek v kávě. Ve 23 vzorcích kávy byla vybraná skupina látek stanovena dvěma spektrofotometrickými metodami (DPPH a metoda s Folin-Ciocalteuovým činidlem). Aby bylo docíleno co největší rozmanitosti vzorků, byla použita káva zrnková i mletá. A protože dnešní trh nabízí nespočet variant, byly testovány různé druhy káv a směsí, včetně kávy bezkofeinové., The aim of this study was determination of biologically active substances in coffee. Biological activity was determined in 23 samples of coffee spectrophotometrically using two methods. The first one is DPPH method, the second one Folin-Ciocalteu method. In order to achieve the greatest diversity were used roasted coffee beans and ground coffee. And because today´s fair offers a lot of varinats, it was tested different kinds of blends, including decaffeinated coffee., Fakulta chemicko-technologická

S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) has been shown to be required for spontaneous tumor development that occurs in the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) deficient mice. Here we have demonstrated that flavokawain A (FKA), a novel chalcone from the kava plant, selectively inhibited the growth of pRb deficient cell lines and resulted in a proteasome-dependent and ubiquitination-mediated Skp2 degradation. Degradation of Skp2 by FKA was found to be involved in a functional Cullin1, but independent of Cdh1 expression. Further studies have demonstrated that FKA docked into the ATP binding pocket of the precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 8 (NEDD8)-activating enzyme (NAE) complex, inhibited NEDD8 conjugations to both Cullin1 and Ubc12 in PC3 cells and Ubc12 NEDDylation in an in vitro assay. Finally, dietary feeding of the autochthonous transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice with FKA inhibited the formation of high-grade prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia lesions (HG-PIN) and prostate adenocarcinomas, reduced the tumor burden and completely abolished distant organ metastasis. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that dietary FKA feeding resulted in marked anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects via down-regulation of Skp2 and NEDD8 and up-regulation of p27/Kip1 in the prostate of TRAMP mice. Our findings therefore provide evidence that FKA is a promising NEDDylation inhibitor for targeting Skp2 degradation in prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) has been shown to be required for spontaneous tumor development that occurs in the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) deficient mice. Here we have demonstrated that flavokawain A (FKA), a novel chalcone from the kava plant, selectively inhibited the growth of pRb deficient cell lines and resulted in a proteasome-dependent and ubiquitination-mediated Skp2 degradation. Degradation of Skp2 by FKA was found to be involved in a functional Cullin1, but independent of Cdh1 expression. Further studies have demonstrated that FKA docked into the ATP binding pocket of the precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 8 (NEDD8)-activating enzyme (NAE) complex, inhibited NEDD8 conjugations to both Cullin1 and Ubc12 in PC3 cells and Ubc12 NEDDylation in an in vitro assay. Finally, dietary feeding of the autochthonous transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice with FKA inhibited the formation of high-grade prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia lesions (HG-PIN) and prostate adenocarcinomas, reduced the tumor burden and completely abolished distant organ metastasis. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that dietary FKA feeding resulted in marked anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects via down-regulation of Skp2 and NEDD8 and up-regulation of p27/Kip1 in the prostate of TRAMP mice. Our findings therefore provide evidence that FKA is a promising NEDDylation inhibitor for targeting Skp2 degradation in prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

Bakalářská práce popisuje účinky akrylamidu na lidský organismus. Akrylamid patří mezi látky karcinogenní pro člověka, velmi nebezpečné jsou jeho neurotoxické účinky. Práce se zabývá také vznikem a eliminací akrylamidu v rizikových potravinách. Mezi tyto potraviny patří především hranolky, brambůrky a káva. Součástí práce je dotazníkové šetření týkající se konzumace potravin s potencionálním obsahem akrylamidu., Bachelor's thesis describes the effects of acrylamide on human health. Acrylamide belongs among the substances which are carcinogenic to humans and exhibits dangerous neurotoxic effects. The pathways of formation of akrylamide in fous and the risk of its elimination were discussed in this work. French fries, potato chips and coffee were foods being the most exposed food material. The consumption of food with a potencial content of acrylamide has been examined in a questionnaire survey., Katedra biologických a biochemických věd, 1. Prezentace výsledků bakalářské práce.2. Diskuze k posudku vedoucího bakalářské práce. 3. Studentka zodpovědela vaechny dotazy a připomínky k BP.

Flavokawain A (FKA), a major chalcone in the Kava plant, has recently demonstrated promising anti-cancer activities. A systematic evaluation of FKA's safety profile has not been reported before. In this study, male FVB/N mice were fed with an AIN-76A diet or AIN-76A diet supplemented with 0.6% (6 g/kg food) FKA or 0.6% commercial kava root extract (KRE) for three weeks. Dietary feeding of FKA did not affect food consumption and body weight. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, colon, lung, heart, spleen, and thymus revealed no signs of FKA-induced toxicity. Biochemical serum analysis and histological examination confirmed normal organ function in FKA-treated mice. The cytotoxicity profile showed FKA had minimal side effects on bone marrow and small intestinal epithelial cells compared with Adriamycin. In addition, oral feeding of FKA increased activities of both glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase in the liver, lung, prostate and bladder tissues of mice. In comparison, dietary feeding of 0.6% KRE increased liver/body weight ratio and decreased spleen, thymus, and testis/body weight ratios, as well as induced nodular proliferation in liver tissues. Therefore, dietary feeding FKA showed no adverse effects on major organ function and homeostasis in mice, suggesting the potential of FKA for chemoprevention study of human cancers.

Flavokawain A (FKA), a major chalcone in the Kava plant, has recently demonstrated promising anti-cancer activities. A systematic evaluation of FKA's safety profile has not been reported before. In this study, male FVB/N mice were fed with an AIN-76A diet or AIN-76A diet supplemented with 0.6% (6 g/kg food) FKA or 0.6% commercial kava root extract (KRE) for three weeks. Dietary feeding of FKA did not affect food consumption and body weight. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, colon, lung, heart, spleen, and thymus revealed no signs of FKA-induced toxicity. Biochemical serum analysis and histological examination confirmed normal organ function in FKA-treated mice. The cytotoxicity profile showed FKA had minimal side effects on bone marrow and small intestinal epithelial cells compared with Adriamycin. In addition, oral feeding of FKA increased activities of both glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase in the liver, lung, prostate and bladder tissues of mice. In comparison, dietary feeding of 0.6% KRE increased liver/body weight ratio and decreased spleen, thymus, and testis/body weight ratios, as well as induced nodular proliferation in liver tissues. Therefore, dietary feeding FKA showed no adverse effects on major organ function and homeostasis in mice, suggesting the potential of FKA for chemoprevention study of human cancers.

Flavokawain A (FKA), a major chalcone in the Kava plant, has recently demonstrated promising anti-cancer activities. A systematic evaluation of FKA's safety profile has not been reported before. In this study, male FVB/N mice were fed with an AIN-76A diet or AIN-76A diet supplemented with 0.6% (6 g/kg food) FKA or 0.6% commercial kava root extract (KRE) for three weeks. Dietary feeding of FKA did not affect food consumption and body weight. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, colon, lung, heart, spleen, and thymus revealed no signs of FKA-induced toxicity. Biochemical serum analysis and histological examination confirmed normal organ function in FKA-treated mice. The cytotoxicity profile showed FKA had minimal side effects on bone marrow and small intestinal epithelial cells compared with Adriamycin. In addition, oral feeding of FKA increased activities of both glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase in the liver, lung, prostate and bladder tissues of mice. In comparison, dietary feeding of 0.6% KRE increased liver/body weight ratio and decreased spleen, thymus, and testis/body weight ratios, as well as induced nodular proliferation in liver tissues. Therefore, dietary feeding FKA showed no adverse effects on major organ function and homeostasis in mice, suggesting the potential of FKA for chemoprevention study of human cancers.

Bakalářská práce shrnuje informace o technologickém výrobním postupu a chemickém složení kávy. Zaměřuje se na možnosti stanovení jednotlivých skupin látek pomocí metod analytické chemie. Pozornost je věnována hlavně separačním metodám., This bachelor thesis summarizes information about technology process and substance composition of coffe and focuses on possibility of determination groups of compounds using methods of analytical chemistry. More attention is dedicated to analytical separation., Katedra analytické chemie, Student přednesl obhajobu své bakalářské práce a zodpověděl otázky komise.

V téme ?Inspirace autoportrétem? sa v teoretickej časti zaoberám a inšpirujem vlastným autoportrétom. Autoportrét v mojom vnímaní nevyvoláva len vizuálnu stránku tváre osoby, ale je pre mňa autoportrétom mojej duše a myšlienok. Inšpiráciou mi boli aj práce viacerých umelcov, ktorých tvorbu uznávam. Výtvarným prostriedkom sa pre mňa stala káva ako farebnosť a určité symbolic-ké vystihnutie seba samej. V praktickej časti vychádzam zo skúmania, ktoré som nadobudla v prvej časti tejto práce. Pokusy ma doviedli k tvarom, formám a finálnym materiálom autoportrétu vlastného vnút-ra. Od navrhovania obuvi som dospela až ku obrazovej stránke a performance. Sťažením bolo vystihnúť všetky myšlienky v jednom bode. Zamerala som hlavne na vizuálnu stránku práce a koncept, aby čo najviac vystihol moju osobnosť., In the theoretical part, the topic "Inspiration of self-portrait" is focused on my self-portrait which is also my inspiration. The self-portrait isn't only the visual side of my person but the main point of this is reflection of my soul and thoughts. Another Inspiration is de-pended on the works of other artists who give me direction in my artwork. The first step of my work is a coffee, coffee like a color, coffee like a symbolic reflection of my life. The practical work is based on research. On the basis of experiments I show, how I get shapes, forms and final materials, which I use in this work. I focus on the visual side of my work because I want to achieve complete picture of me., Ústav designu oděvu a obuvi, obhájeno

Tato práce nás v teoretické části seznamuje s významem pojetí výchovy a učení u Friedricha Nietzscheho. Analyzuje vztahy mezi rozumem, pudem a vůlí. Vyzdvihuje význam výchovy a vzdělání na nabývání a pozbývání moci. Ukazuje, jak je velký vliv výchovy, vzdělání a učení na společnost a sociální pedagogiku. Poukazuje na možnosti, jak můžeme rozvíjet malé věci, které v dnešní společnosti nabývají na obrovském významu, a jak je můžeme využít v sociální pedagogice. Seznamuje nás s významem Nietzscheho stěžejního díla: ?Tak pravil Zarathustra?, se zaměřením na význam Zarathustry jako učitele. V praktické části nás seznamuje, jakým způsobem se žáci připravují na vyučování a zda jim tato domácí příprava přináší dobré výsledky při studiu. Jak je k cestě za školními úspěchy vede motivace a jaké má na tyto školní úspěchy vliv jejich samostatnost., The theoretical part of this work informs us about the importace that the philosopher F.Nietshe attaches to the conception of education. Itss aim is to analyse the relations between the reason, the instict and the will to emphasize the education and the lear-ning as a way of gaining the power or of losing it. This work also points to the possi-bilities of developing so called negligible things ,tzhey can have a great impactl on the contemporary society and be used in the social pedagogy. Finally, we can learn about the Nietshe's main work ? Thus spoke Zarathustra?, where he focuses the role of the prophet Zarathustra as a remarkable trachet. The practical part of my work is focussed on the survey I carried out among my pupils in order to find out the way of their making the preparation for their school lessons and whether this home preparation may contribute to a good success in their studies. This survey also highlights how much influence the motivation has on their efforts to be successful and also points to the impact of their self -reliance on the school success., Katedra společenských věd, obhájeno

Cílem této práce bylo vyvinout metody stanovení a identifikace polyfenolických látek v potravinách metodou HPLC v kombinaci s ESI - MS. První část této diplomové práce se zabývá klasifikací jednotlivých polyfenolických látek. Jsou zde charakterizovány základní skupiny a jejich nejčastěji se vyskytující zástupci. Následuje kapitola, která je věnována potravinám, v nichž se polyfenoly vyskytují ve významném množství. Dále jsou charakte-rizovány dvě metody používané při stanovení polyfenolů v potravinách, tj. MS a HPLC. Posledním oddílem je experimentální část. Zde je popsán způsob, jakým bylo postupováno při stanovení vybraných polyfenolických látek metodou HPLC a ESI-MS., The aim of this work was to develop methods for identification and determination of poly-phenols in foods by HPLC combined with ESI - MS. The first part of this work deals with the classification of polyphenols. They are characterized by a core group and the most frequently occurring representatives. The following chapter is devoted to food, in which the polyphenols found in significant quantities. Next are to be characterized two methods used in the determination of polyphenols in foods, ie. MS and HPLC. The last section is the experimental part. Here is described how they were followed in the determination of selected polyphenols by HPLC and ESI - MS., Ústav technologie tuků, tenzidů a kosmetiky, obhájeno

This article focuses on kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst, Piperaceae) in its various forms: plant, beverage, medicine, and dietary supplement. Specifically, I examine a relatively unexplored dimension of kava’s use: the ways in which both the form and the use of kava are changing as it is introduced into new and different cultural contexts. Kava’s popularity outside Oceania has led to changes in how and why it is used, as well as transformations in the form in which people consume it. The best known of these is the manufacture of kava-containing pills and tinctures, which are marketed for treating anxiety and depression in Western countries. But kava is also undergoing a transformation into an alcohol-like recreational analogue, and it is being incorporated into a range of food products. In this article, I first seek to document some of these transformations and to describe the contexts into which kava has been introduced. Second, I analyze these transformations and attempt to frame them within larger discourses about medicines, recreational intoxicants, and notions of authenticity and exoticism. Finally, I speculate about the future face of kava. The collapse of demand for kava for use in dietary supplements provides a second chance for kava growers and wholesale distributors to consider how they want kava to be represented and sold to the wider world. The article’s conclusion outlines some of the ongoing efforts to shape this future, while highlighting some of the lessons that might be learned by considering the problems associated with the previous kava boom.This article focuses on kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst, Piperaceae) in its various forms: plant, beverage, medicine, and dietary supplement. Specifically, I examine a relatively unexplored dimension of kava’s use: the ways in which both the form and the use of kava are changing as it is introduced into new and different cultural contexts. Kava’s popularity outside Oceania has led to changes in how and why i

Bakalářská práce je zaměřena na popis faktorů ovlivňujících jakost kávy. Mezi primární faktory kávy ovlivňující jakost patří odrůda. Průmyslově nejvýznamnější jsou odrůdy kávovníků Arabica, Liberijský a Robusta. Hlavními pěstitelskými oblastmi jsou státy Střední a Jižní Ameriky, ostrovy Karibiku, většina Afrických států, ostrovní státy v Indickém Oceánu, Indie a Vietnam. Mezi sekundární faktory ovlivňující jakost kávy paří sklizeň, především způsob sběru. Nejlepší kvality koncových produktů je dosahováno opakovaným ručním selektivním sběrem pouze zralých plodů, oproti méně finančně náročnému pásovému sběru prováděnému strojně. Uvedeny jsou druhy posklizňové úpravy plodů a popsány způsoby fermentace. Typy pražících zařízení, vlastní pražení včetně charakteristiky jeho jednotlivých stupňů a jejich vliv na kvalitu kávy, Bachelor thesis is focused on the description of the factors affecting the quality of coffee. Among the primary factors affecting the quality of coffee is the variety. Most important industrially varieties of Arabica coffee trees are Liberian and Robusta. The main production areas are the states of Central and South American countries, Caribbean islands, most African states, island states in the Indian Ocean, India and Vietnam. Among the secondary factors affecting the quality of the coffee harvest include, especially the method of collection. The best quality of final products is achieved by repeated manual selective collection of only the ripe fruit compared to less financially onerous a track collection carried out mechanically. Included are types of post-harvest treatment of fruits and describe technique of the fermentation. Types of roasting equipment, roasting its own characteristics, including their individual levels and their impact on coffee quality, Ústav biochemie a analýzy potravin, obhájeno

Práce shrnuje základní specifika marketingu a komunikace na trhu s kávou. Obsahuje základní data o českém trhu s touto komoditou a popisuje aktuální stav marketingového mixu a komunikačního mixu značky Dersut. V projektové části se pokouší navrhnout nové marketingové a komunikační prvky, které by při nízkých nákladech přinesly zvýšení povědomí o značce Dersut i nárůst prodejů kávy této značky., The thesis resumes basic points of marketing and communication on the coffee market. It includes information about the Czech market with this commodity and describes the actual situation of the marketing mix as well as the communication mix of the Dersut company. In the project part it tries to propose some new marketing and communication elements, which would bring better cognizance of the Dersut company and would also increase the sale of coffee of this brand. All of this at the lowest possible costs., Ústav marketingových komunikací, obhájeno

Cílem této práce je seznámit čtenáře s historií a současností kavárenství v Ostravě. Na úvod se seznámíme s počátky kavárenství ve světě a také s historií kávy. Další kapitoly jsou věnovány historii ostravského kavárenství. Zmapovány jsou úplné počátky, přelom 19. a 20. století, období první republiky, meziválečné období a také situace po 2. světové válce a útlum kavárenství v Ostravě. Zahrnut je výčet historicky nejvýznamnějších kaváren, doplněn o dobové fotografie. Závěr práce je věnován současným nejznámějším kavárnám Ostravy a je koncipován jako průvodce. Závěrečný průvodce je aktuálně zpracován dle vlastních zkušeností a můţe slouţit potenciálním návštěvníkům k výběru kavárny při návštěvě Ostravy., The aim of this work is to introduce readers with a history and present of a coffee houses of Ostrava. Preliminary we introduce with origins of coffee houses in the World and also with history of coffee. Another chapter is about history of caffee houses in Ostrava. Are mapped origins of coffee, break of 19. and 20. century, period of the First republic, interwar period and also situation after second world war and about inhibition of coffee houses in Ostrava. Included is specification of historically most considerable coffee houses with period photos. Finish of the work is devoted to present coffee houses and it is drawn like an itinerary. Finish itinerary is currently processed according to own experiences and can be instrumental for possible visitors of Ostrava., Import 29/09/2010

Adjuvant use of nutritional and herbal medicines has potential to increase the efficacy of synthetic pharmaceuticals, and perhaps also decrease their side-effects by allowing lower doses to be prescribed. We evaluated current evidence for adjuvant use of nutritional and herbal medicines with antidepressants, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines; and explored novel future areas of research. The paper also critiques current evidence for co-administration of St. John’s wort with synthetic antidepressants. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Chinese Science Citation Database. Search results were supplemented by a review of reference lists and a forward search using the Web of Science. Where possible we calculated effect sizes. Encouraging evidence exists for the use of omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe, folic acid and l-tryptophan adjuvantly with antidepressants to enhance response and improve efficacy. Various nutrients also have emerging evidence as effective adjuncts with antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. While some evidence supports nutritional adjuvancy with various psychopharmacotherapies, adjuvant use of herbal therapies has not been sufficiently studied to warrant standard clinical application. This remains a promising area of research via robust, safety-conscious studies.

Diplomovou práci s názvem „Návrh na uvedení nového zařízení na gastronomický trh“ napsala Bc. Barbora Pěntáková. Cílem diplomové práce bylo vytvořit reálný návrh na zřízení nového gastronomického zařízení. Tento návrh byl zaměřený na marketingový mix pro nové zařízení. Návrh vyplynul z analýzy současné situace na gastronomickém trhu. K analýze byl použit marketingový výzkum. Teoretická část práce je věnována rozboru gastronomického trhu v Ostravě, službám, marketingovému mixu služeb a vývoji nové služby. Praktická část práce zahrnuje marketingový výzkum a návrhy a doporučení., The graduation thesis named „New Equipment Proposal at Implementation on Gastronomic Market“ was written by Bc. Barbora Pěntáková. The target of the graduation thesis was to make real proposal floatation new gastronomic equipment. This Propsal was to target on marketing mix for new equipment. The propsal ensued on analyse present situation on gastronomic market. For analyse was to use marketing research. Theoretical part is dedicated to description of gastronomic market in Ostrava, services, marketing mix services and development of new service. Practical part include marketing research and suggestions and recommendation.

Objective - We report the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) using a combination of St. John’s wort (SJW) and Kava for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) with comorbid anxiety. Methods - Twenty-eight adults with MDD and co-occurring anxiety were recruited for a double-blind RCT. After a placebo run-in of 2 weeks, the trial had a crossover design testing SJW and Kava against placebo over two controlled phases, each of 4 weeks. The primary analyses used intention-to-treat and completer analyses. Results - On both intention-to-treat ( p¼0.047) and completer analyses ( p¼0.003), SJW and Kava gave a significantly greater reduction in self-reported depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) over placebo in the first controlled phase. However, in the crossover phase, a replication of those effects in the delayed medication group did not occur. Nor were there significant effects on anxiety or quality of life. Conclusion - There was some evidence of antidepressant effects using SJW and Kava in a small sample with comorbid anxiety. Possible explanations for the absence of anxiolysis may include a potential interaction with SJW, the presence of depression, or an inadequate dose of Kava.

Background: Mood and anxiety disorders pose significant health burdens on the community. Kava and St John’s wort (SJW) are the most commonly used herbal medicines in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, respectively. Objectives: To conduct a comprehensive review of kava and SJW, to review any evidence of efficacy, mode of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and use in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder (BP), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Phobia (SP), Panic Disorder (PD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library during late 2008. The search criteria involved mood and anxiety disorder search terms in combination with kava, Piper methysticum, kavalactones, St John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum, hypericin and hyperforin. Additional search criteria for safety, pharmacodynamics , and pharmacokinetics was employed. A subsequent forward search was conducted of the papers using Web of Science cited reference search. Results: Current evidence supports the use of SJW in treating mild-moderate depression, and for kava in treatment of generalized anxiety. In respect to the other disorders, only weak preliminary evidence exists for use of SJW in SAD. Currently there is no published human trial on use of kava in affective disorders, or in OCD, PTSD, PD or SP. These disorders constitute potential applications that warrant exploration. Conclusions: Current evidence for herbal medicines in the treatment of depression and anxiety only supports the use of Hypericum perforatum for depression, and Piper methysticum for generalized anxiety.

Objectives: To report on the design, significance and potential impacts of the first documented human clinical trial assessing the anxiolytic and thymoleptic efficacy of an aqueous monoextract of Piper methysticum (kava). The significance of the qualitative element of our clinical trial is also explored. The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS) is a 3-week placebocontrolled, double-blind, cross-over trial involving 60 adult participants (18—65) with elevated stable anxiety and varying levels of depressive symptoms. Aims: The aims of KADSS are: (1) to determine whether an aqueous standardised extract of kava is effective for the treatment of anxiety; (2) to assess the effects of kava on differing levels of depression; and (3) to explore participants’ experience of taking kava via qualitative research. The study also provides preliminary assessment of the safety of an aqueous extract of kava in humans. Conclusion: If results reveal that the aqueous kava preparation exerts significant anxiolytic effects and appears safe, potentially beneficial impacts may occur. Data supporting a safe and effective kava extract may encourage a re-introduction of kava to Europe, UK and Canada. This may provide a major socioeconomic benefit to Pacific Island nations, and to sufferers of anxiety disorders.

Diplomová práce se snaží na příkladu pardubického regionu v meziválečném období nastínit vývoj jednoho z typických odvětví českého potravinářského průmyslu, výrobu kávových náhražek. Téma se snaží postihnout na základě studia matriálů podnikových archivů, archivů obcí, dobového tisku i odborné literatury., This thesis attempts on the example of Pardubice region in the time between world wars describe typical branch of Czech food industry, production of coffee-substituted beverages. The sources to this thesis were company's and regional archives, papers and literature according to the topic of coffee substitutes., Katedra historických věd, Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

An on-line HPLC screening method for detection of inhibitors of human cytochrome P450 1A2 in extracts was developed. HPLC separation of extracts is connected to a continuous methoxyresorufin-O-demethylation (MROD) assay in which recombinant human P450 1A2 converts methoxyresorufin to its fluorescent metabolite resorufin. The system was tested with three P450 1A2 inhibitors, for which minimum detectable amounts (MDA) ranging from 0.7 to 9.5 ng were obtained. Analysis of a kava kava and a basil extract showed that the on-line system is applicable to complex mixtures, since in both extracts, peaks with P450 1A2 inhibiting activity were observed. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Práce se zabývá vlivy matrice vzorku při IPC OES stanovení boru v rostlinných materiálech a matričních a stopových prvků v moči. Pro každý typ vzorků je zároveň navržen způsob úpravy analytického postupu tak, aby byly projevy matrice minimalizovány., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Analýza komunikačního mixu společnosti Tchibo s.r.o., Ústav ekonomie, Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography and detection with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation tandem mass spectrometry was used for the determination of kava extracts in herbal mixtures. One percent of kava extract can be detected, corresponding to approximately 0.05-0.2 mg/g of the individual kava lactones kavain, dihydrokavain, yangonin, desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and dihydromethysticin. Reliable quantification is obtained from concentrations of 0.25-1 mg/g, depending on the compound. At these concentration levels, the relative standard deviations were 10-14%. Validation showed good linearity and recoveries for all the kava lactones with the exception of yangonin. During method development, degradation of yangonin was observed. The degradation product was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as cis-yangonin. The method was applied to the analysis of commercial herbal products available in the Dutch market before and after market restrictions of kava-containing preparations. The results showed that even though 'old' products contained kava extract, the new formulations were negative on kava lactones. cis-Yangonin was also present in the herbal products. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heavy kava use has been associated with sudden death in Aboriginal Australians in Arnhem Land ( Northern Territory, Australia) where poor diets and a high incidence of premature coronary heart disease are known. Heavy kava users may suffer additional risk if further malnourished. Among 98 people (62 males, 36 females) in one community, 36 never used kava, 26 were past users, and 36 were continuing users. Across kava-using groups skinfold thickness, body mass index and body fat decreased. Total- and LDL-cholesterol were elevated in kava users compared to both former users and never users. HDL-cholesterol was higher in current users vs never users. Across kava-using groups, triglycerides, homocysteine and diet-derived antioxidant vitamins alpha-tocopherol and retinol, did not vary. Plasma carotenoid levels (indicative of vegetable and fruit intake) were very low, but when adjusted for plasma cholesterol, did not vary between kava-using groups. An obsession for kava drinking may mediate kava's direct effects on nutritional status.

Heavy kava use has been associated with sudden death in Aboriginal Australians in Arnhem Land ( Northern Territory, Australia) where poor diets and a high incidence of premature coronary heart disease are known. Heavy kava users may suffer additional risk if further malnourished. Among 98 people (62 males, 36 females) in one community, 36 never used kava, 26 were past users, and 36 were continuing users. Across kava-using groups skinfold thickness, body mass index and body fat decreased. Total- and LDL-cholesterol were elevated in kava users compared to both former users and never users. HDL-cholesterol was higher in current users vs never users. Across kava-using groups, triglycerides, homocysteine and diet-derived antioxidant vitamins alpha-tocopherol and retinol, did not vary. Plasma carotenoid levels (indicative of vegetable and fruit intake) were very low, but when adjusted for plasma cholesterol, did not vary between kava-using groups. An obsession for kava drinking may mediate kava's direct effects on nutritional status.

Introduction. Hepatic toxicity from manufactured herbal remedies that contain kava lactones has been reported in Europe, North America, and Australia. There is no evidence for serious liver damage in kava-using populations in Pacific Island societies or in Indigenous Australians who have used aqueous kava extracts. This article presents evidence that liver function changes in users of aqueous kava extracts appear to be reversible. Data from one Arnhem Land community [Northern Territory (NT), Australia] with 340 indigenous people older than 15 years of age in 2000 are used. Methods. This study was a cross-sectional study with 98 participants, 36 of whom had never used kava. Among 62 kava users, 23 had discontinued kava at least 1 year before the study. Continuing users had not used kava for 1 to 2 months (n = 10) or 1 to 2 weeks previously (n = 15). Some (n = 14) had used kava within the previous 24 hr. Liver function tests were compared across these groups, taking into account differences due to age, sex, alcohol, and other substance use. Results. The average quantity of kava powder consumed was 118 g/week, and median duration of use was 12 years (range, 1-18 years). Kava usage levels were less than one-half of those found in previous studies. More recent kava use was independently associated with higher levels of liver enzymes gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p < 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.001), but not with alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin, which were not elevated. In those who were not heavy alcohol users, only those who used kava within the previous 24 hr showed GGT levels higher than nonusers (p < 0.001), whereas higher ALP levels occurred only in those who last used kava 1 to 2 weeks (p = 0.015) and 24 hr previously (p = 0.005). Discussion. Liver function changes in users of aqueous kava extracts at these moderate levels of consumption appear to be reversible and begin to return to baseline after 1 to 2 weeks abstinence from ka

Background: Heavy kava use in Aboriginal commun­ities has been linked to various health effects, including anecdotes of sudden cardiac deaths.Aims: To examine associations between kava use and potential health effects.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out within a kava-using east Arnhem Land Aboriginal community in tropical northern Australia. One-hundred-and-one adults who were current, recent or non-users of kava were enrolled in March 2000. Main outcome measures were physical, anthropometric, biochemical, haematological, immunological and neurocognitive assessments.Results: Kava users more frequently showed a characteristic dermopathy (P < 0.001). They had increased levels of γ-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001). Lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in kava users (P < 0.001). Fibrinogen, plasmin­ogen activator inhibitor-1 and neurocognitive tests were not different between kava use categories. IgE and IgG antibodies were elevated across the whole group, as were C-reactive protein and homocysteine.Conclusions: Kava use was associated with dermopathy, liver function abnormalities and decreased lymphocytes. If kava continues to be used by Aboriginal populations, monitoring should focus on the health consequences of these findings, including a possible increase in serious infections. The interaction between kava, alcohol and other substances requires further study. Although markers of cardiovascular risk are increased across the population, these were not higher in kava users, and this increase may be linked to the large infectious pathogen burden reflective of the socioeconomic disadvantage seen in many remote Aboriginal communities. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 336−340)

Kava is an extract from the Piper methysticum Forst. f. plant that has social and spiritual importance in Pacific islands societies. Herbal remedies that contain kava are used for the psychiatric treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Laboratory studies have found only subtle, if any, changes on cognitive or motor functions from the acute effects of consuming small clinical doses of kava products. Intoxication from recreational doses of kava has not been studied. The performance of individuals intoxicated from drinking kava (n = 11) was compared with a control group (n = 17) using saccade and cognitive tests. On average, intoxicated individuals had consumed 205 g of kava powder each (approximately 150 times clinical doses) in a group session that went for 14.4 h and ended 8 h prior to testing. Intoxicated kava drinkers showed ataxia, tremors, sedation, blepharospasm and elevated liver enzymes (GGT and ALP), together with saccadic dysmetria, saccadic slowing and reduced accuracy performing a visual search task that only became evident as the task complexity increased. Kava intoxication is characterized by specific abnormalities of movement coordination and visual attention but normal performance of complex cognitive functions. Saccade abnormalities suggest disruption of cerebellar and GABAergic functions.

BACKGROUND: Heavy kava use in Aboriginal communities has been linked to various health effects, including anecdotes of sudden cardiac deaths. AIMS: To examine associations between kava use and potential health effects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out within a kava-using east Arnhem Land Aboriginal community in tropical northern Australia. One-hundred-and-one adults who were current, recent or non-users of kava were enrolled in March 2000. Main outcome measures were physical, anthropometric, biochemical, haematological, immunological and neurocognitive assessments. RESULTS: Kava users more frequently showed a characteristic dermopathy (P<0.001). They had increased levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase (P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in kava users (P<0.001). Fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and neurocognitive tests were not different between kava use categories. IgE and IgG antibodies were elevated across the whole group, as were C-reactive protein and homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: Kava use was associated with dermopathy, liver function abnormalities and decreased lymphocytes. If kava continues to be used by Aboriginal populations, monitoring should focus on the health consequences of these findings, including a possible increase in serious infections. The interaction between kava, alcohol and other substances requires further study. Although markers of cardiovascular risk are increased across the population, these were not higher in kava users, and this increase may be linked to the large infectious pathogen burden reflective of the socioeconomic disadvantage seen in many remote Aboriginal communities.

BACKGROUND: Heavy kava use in Aboriginal communities has been linked to various health effects, including anecdotes of sudden cardiac deaths. AIMS: To examine associations between kava use and potential health effects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out within a kava-using east Arnhem Land Aboriginal community in tropical northern Australia. One-hundred-and-one adults who were current, recent or non-users of kava were enrolled in March 2000. Main outcome measures were physical, anthropometric, biochemical, haematological, immunological and neurocognitive assessments. RESULTS: Kava users more frequently showed a characteristic dermopathy (P<0.001). They had increased levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase (P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in kava users (P<0.001). Fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and neurocognitive tests were not different between kava use categories. IgE and IgG antibodies were elevated across the whole group, as were C-reactive protein and homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: Kava use was associated with dermopathy, liver function abnormalities and decreased lymphocytes. If kava continues to be used by Aboriginal populations, monitoring should focus on the health consequences of these findings, including a possible increase in serious infections. The interaction between kava, alcohol and other substances requires further study. Although markers of cardiovascular risk are increased across the population, these were not higher in kava users, and this increase may be linked to the large infectious pathogen burden reflective of the socioeconomic disadvantage seen in many remote Aboriginal communities.