Transport of maternal LCPUFA across the human placenta
During intrauterine life, docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6 (AA) rapidly accumulate in fetal tissues and play a critical role in the growth and development of the fetus. We, for the first time, have shown that placental membrane transport proteins are responsible for the transport of maternal fatty acids to the fetus. Maternal plasma LCPUFAs are taken up by placental trophoblasts via several fatty acid transport proteins (FAT/CD36, FATPs, FABPpm, and p-FABPpm) and intracellular fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs for fetal supply (Campbell et al 1997).
Aqueous extract of tomatoes as anti-thrombotic agent
I have developed an aqueous extracts from tomatoes display a range of anti-platelet activities. This extract is effective against thrombin, ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation (Duttaroy et al 2001). My internationally patented discovery is the first to get EFSA approval as a functional food in 2009. Now a multinational company, DSM is producing this extract for worldwide distribution