Risk assessment for subjects with G6PD-deficiency of new fava bean cultivars with low content of vicine and convicine (FEVITA Beans)
Lead Investigator(s)
Dr. Paolo Arese
Lead Investigator(s) Institution
University of Torino Medical School - Dept. of Genetics, Biology and Biochemistry
Objective
To show that faba beans with low levels of Vicine (V) and Convicine (C) (low V/C beans) are not toxic to highly susceptible glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient individuals, and can be ingested in large amounts by deficient subjects without any harmful effect.
Outcome
Extracts prepared from high Vicine (V) and Covicine (C) and low V/C faba bean and not previously treated with beta-glucosidase, were unable to oxidize glutathione (GSH). Only extracts prepared from high V/C faba bean and pre-treated with beta-glucosidase were able to temporarily decrease the intracellular level of GSH. The oxidation of glutathione was reversible due to the anti-oxidant potency of the normal red blood cells.
Processing
SPG Contribution
$34,000.00
Project Status
Complete
Duration/Timeline of Project (Year to Year)
2008 - 2009