Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining good health for all people across their lifespan, especially children and mothers, who are especially vulnerable due to their specific nutrient needs. Despite the necessity of improved nutrition for these groups, some members do not fully meet their recommended daily micronutrient needs, a challenge exacerbated by different socioeconomic, cultural, and communal constraints resulting in malnutrition. Iron deficiency anaemia is a major concern among children and mothers, especially in pastoralist communities, due to poor nutrition and other related factors. Using a community-based cross sectional study, this study investigated factors associated with hemoglobin levels among children and women in Narok County, Kenya. Anthropometrics were estimated using body mass index measurements for mothers, and the nutritional status of children was calculated using Z-score measurements. Haemoglobin was measured using a rapid test (Hemocue 301). Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between child and maternal risk factors and anaemia. Anaemia in children was associated with age (OR = 1.99, p = 0.047), pastoralism (OR = 2.25, p = 0.002), educational of the mother (OR = 0.74, p = 0.008), severe and moderate undernourishment (OR = 1.14, p = 0.049 and OR = 1.10, p = 0.023), respectively, not meeting children dietary diversity (OR = 1.18, p = 0.027), number of people in a household (OR = 1.84, p = 0.003), and maternal age (OR = 0.30, p = 0.010). On the other hand, the occurrence of anaemia in women was associated with pastoralism (OR = 2.22, p = 0.001), having a primary school level of education (OR = 0.51, p = 0.028), pregnancy status (OR = 5.36, p = 0.002), not meeting maternal dietary diversity (OR = 1.39, p = 0.026), number of household members (OR = 1.93, p = 0.023), age of the mother (OR = 0.53, p = 0.018), and having animals infected with East Coast Fever (Theileria parva) within the household (OR = 1.10, p = 0.023). The results highlight the multifaceted nature of malnutrition, specifically anaemia in pastoral households, with interventions aimed at reducing disease infections in cattle, improved household dietary diversity, and community health education geared towards maternal and child nutrition being best placed to improve the overall household health outcomes relating to anaemia.

Sesame protein isolate (SPI) is a highly nutritious plant protein distinguished by its essential amino acid profile. This study investigates the influence of pH on SPI's physicochemical, structural, and techno-functional properties, highlighting its potential as a sustainable protein source for various food applications. Our findings revealed that SPI had a protein content of 90.60% and a protein extraction yield of 77.2%. The density is measured at 0.72 g/mL, with a critical compressibility index of 19.22, indicating excellent flowability for weaning foods. Notably, the ζ-potential shifts from +39 mV at pH 3.0 to 0 at the isoelectric point (pI, 5–5.5) and becomes negative at higher pH levels. We observed a direct correlation between solubility, fluorescence intensity, and functional characteristics of SPI, with peak solubility and functional properties at acidic and alkaline pH levels and lowest values at the pI. Structural analyses confirmed the relationship between electrical charge, hydrophobicity, and functional attributes, with the highest surface hydrophobicity observed at pH 2.0. In conclusion, our findings underscore the critical role of pH in modulating the physicochemical properties of sesame protein isolate, enhancing its applicability in food formulations. SPI demonstrates significant potential as a versatile ingredient in the functional food product development.

This study investigates the synergistic inhibitory effects of combining the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist cyclic diadenylate monophosphate (c-di-AMP) and ginsenoside RG3 on cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. The objective is to identify novel therapeutic targets and offers insights for the clinical management of DDP resistance. Various techniques were employed, including western blot, MTT assay, colony formation assay, scratch assay, transwell assay, tubule formation assay, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342 fluorescence staining, and in vivo experiments, to investigate the potential mechanisms and effects of the combined application of the STING agonist and ginsenoside RG3 in reversing cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer. The combination markedly suppressed key malignant behaviors, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of SGC-7901/DDP cells. Additionally, this treatment inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and stem cell-like characteristics of SGC-7901/DDP cells, while downregulating the expression of resistance-related proteins. The STING agonist effectively suppresses the growth and proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Ginsenoside RG3, well-documented for its multifaceted properties, including antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects, is widely used in cancer treatment and in managing chemotherapy-related side effects. Furthermore, RG3 enhances anti-tumor immunity by regulating signal transduction. This study comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of the STING agonist and RG3 combination through in vitro and in vivo experiments, demonstrating significant inhibition of malignant progression and reversal of drug resistance in gastric cancer. These findings offer a robust theoretical foundation for clinical applications and highlight new therapeutic targets for future research.

Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, commonly known as “Baishouwu,” has been traditionally used in China for its medicinal and dietary benefits. Despite its long history of use, the potential therapeutic effects of C. auriculatum in the treatment of colitis have not been fully investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the water extract of C. auriculatum root on colitis and elucidate its potential mechanisms of action. The water extract of C. auriculatum root (CW) was prepared and characterized using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, identifying thirty-two distinct compounds, including saponins, organic acids, fatty acid derivatives, and alkaloids. The therapeutic efficacy of CW was assessed in a colitis mouse model. CW significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, evidenced by increased colon length, reduced disease activity indices, and decreased colon tissue damage. CW reduced colonic inflammatory cytokine production and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins, including claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1, thereby strengthening intestinal barrier integrity. Additionally, CW modulated the gut microbiota by increasing microbial diversity, promoting beneficial Lactobacillus growth, reducing pathogenic Pseudomonas levels, and enhancing short-chain fatty acid production. The results suggest that CW exhibits significant therapeutic potential in the management of colitis by attenuating inflammation, restoring gut barrier function, and modulating the gut microbiota. These findings provide a basis for further exploration of C. auriculatum as a functional food for prevention and treatment of colitis.

Forest Fruits Organic Honey Vinegar (FFOHV) is a spontaneously fermented (yeast) and acetified (Acetic Acid Bacteria—AAB) Miombo Woodland honey vinegar developed in Zambia. Live vinegars containing live microbial cultures are marketed for their probiotic health benefits. The correlation between a well-developed gut microbiome and human health is well studied and fermented products such as live vinegar containing AAB contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. This study details a metagenomic analysis of stable, bottled FFOHV (Zambia) alongside two commercially available live vinegar products: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (BOACV) and Nature's Source Apple Cider Vinegar (NSACV). FFOHV contained representatives of five bacterial and nine fungal genera, compared to BOACV with two bacterial and five fungal, and NSACV containing no bacterial and six fungal genera. FFOHV and BOACV showed a dominance of Komagataeibacter bacterial species. The dominant yeast was Vanrija humicola present in all three vinegar samples. FFOHV contained greater diversity of genera, with the notable species Monascus purpureus—a microbe that produces several health-enhancing compounds. The analysis showed that FFOHV is a microbially diverse product containing several potentially health-enhancing microbes. Graphical Abstract Text: This study presents a metagenomic analysis of Forest Fruits Organic Honey Vinegar (FFOHV) from Zambia, compared with two commercial live cider vinegars: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (BOACV) and Nature's Source Apple Cider Vinegar (NSACV). FFOHV exhibited a richer microbial diversity, containing five bacterial and nine fungal genera, including the health-promoting species Monascus purpureus. Both FFOHV and BOACV were dominated by Komagataeibacter species, with Vanrija humicola as the prevalent yeast across all samples. This confirmed FFOHV's unique potential probiotic benefits.

Luteolin is widely distributed phytochemical, a flavonoid, in kingdom plantae. Luteolin with potential antioxidant activity prevent ROS-induced damages and reduce oxidative stress which is mainly responsible in pathogenesis of many diseases. Several chemo preventive activities and therapeutic benefits are associated with luteolin. Luteolin prevents cancer via modulation of numerous pathways, that is, by inactivating proteins; such as procaspase-9, CDC2 and cyclin B or upregulation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, cytochrome C, cyclin A, CDK2, and APAF-1, in turn inducing cell cycle arrest as well as apoptosis. It also enhances phosphorylation of p53 and expression level of p53-targeted downstream gene. By Increasing BAX protein expression; decreasing VEGF and Bcl-2 expression it can initiate cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Luteolin can stimulate mitochondrial-modulated functions to cause cellular death. It can also reduce expression levels of p-Akt, p-EGFR, p-Erk1/2, and p-STAT3. Luteolin plays positive role against cardiovascular disorders by improving cardiac function, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines and cardiac enzymes, prevention of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy; enhances level of CTGF, TGFβ1, ANP, Nox2, Nox4 gene expressions. Meanwhile suppresses TGFβ1 expression and phosphorylation of JNK. Luteolin helps fight diabetes via inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and ChE activity. It can reduce activity levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and GS4. It can improve blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c levels. This review is an attempt to elaborate molecular targets of luteolin and its role in modulating irregularities in cellular pathways to overcome severe outcomes during diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, hepatic disorders, renal disorders, brain injury, and asthma. As luteolin has enormous therapeutic benefits, it could be a potential candidate in future drug development strategies.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide. Although the pathoetiology of NAFLD is not fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests the involvement of stress, inflammation, and programmed death in the onset and progression of the disease. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of ellagic acid (EA), a known herbal antioxidant, on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced animal model of NAFLD by evaluating the status of lipid profile, necroptosis (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL), autophagy (LC3, ATG5, and BECN1), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10), and stress (SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, and MDA). In this regard, rats were randomly divided into 6 groups as follows: normal diet controls, HFD (supplemented with high caloric diet model), EA low dose (HFD and 10 mg/kg/day EA), EA middle dose (HFD and 25 mg/kg/day EA), EA high dose (HFD and 50 mg/kg/day EA), and Rosiglitazone (HFD and 10 mg/kg/day Rosi). After the treatment, the levels of markers related to necroptosis and autophagy in the liver tissue as well as the lipid profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress status were analyzed. It was shown that the dose of EA was able to improve the weight gain and lipid profile when compared to NAFLD animals (p-value < 0.001). Moreover, EA increased the level of LC3 and ATG5 while decreasing BECN 1, RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL compared to the HFD-induced NAFLD rats (p-value < 0.05). TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased after EA administration, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 levels were increased (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, the increase in the activity of SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx along with the decrease in MDA levels indicated the suppression of oxidative stress by EA treatment compared to the NAFLD rats (p-value < 0.0001). The current findings may suggest that EA improves NAFLD via modulation of necroptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and stress.

Climate change, drought, and soil salinization present huge limitations to global agricultural output, which threatens food security. This necessitates the cultivation and domestication of wild edible halophytes as alternatives to mainstream food crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Trachyandra ciliata is one of the under-researched and underutilized edible halophytes native to South Africa. The plant was used as a food source by Khoisan people in the past although its edibility and nutritional capacity are undocumented. Thus, the current study explored the effect of varying salinity concentrations on minerals, proximate, phytochemical, and anti-nutrient composition of T. ciliata to evaluate its edibility and promote its cultivation among South African households. Plants were subjected to varying salinity treatments from 0, 50, 100,150, and 200 mM prepared by adding sodium chloride (NaCl) to the nutrient solution. Salinity significantly influenced the mineral, proximate, antinutrient, and phytochemical composition of T. ciliata. Control and 50 mM treatments recorded significantly higher macro and micronutrient content in the flower buds and leaves, except for heavy metals such as Zn and Cu, which increased with increasing salinity and significantly higher in the roots. Leaves under low salinity treatments recorded higher moisture and protein content, while leaves also recorded higher ash content under high salinity. On the other hand, flower buds under low salinity recorded significantly high fat and NDF composition. Phytochemicals and antinutrients increased with increasing salinity concentrations. The low antinutrient content and high nutritional, mineral and phenolic contents validate the edibility and suitability of T. ciliata for human consumption.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used food additive, has been associated with various health concerns, including potential reproductive toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of black garlic (BG) ethanol extract against MSG-induced ovarian damage in rats. Thirty-two female rats in estrus were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): control (saline), BG (250 mg/kg BW), MSG (4 mg/g BW), and BG+MSG (combined treatment). Treatments were administered daily for 14 days. Ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and biochemical analyses. Histopathological examination revealed a significant reduction in cystic follicles in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (p < 0.0001). IHC analysis showed decreased immunoreactivity of endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (both p < 0.01). Biochemical assays demonstrated significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol levels in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (all p < 0.05), while progesterone levels were significantly lower in the MSG group compared to the BG+MSG group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that BG ethanol extract may mitigate MSG-induced ovarian dysfunction in rats by alleviating degenerative changes in follicles and modulating hormonal levels. This study provides insights into potential natural interventions for MSG-related reproductive toxicity.

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a great public health challenge worldwide with iron, zinc, and vitamin A being the most problematic. It has been shown that biofortification through agronomic strategies can increase their micronutrient content, but data on the bioavailability remain limited. In Senegal, consumption of cereals and legumes is high, and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), rich in β-carotene, has been introduced a decade ago. The objective of the present work was to assess the bioaccessibility of iron, zinc, and β-carotene in local complementary foods prepared with millet, cowpea, and OFSP alone or in combination, produced using different agronomic biofortification strategies. Organic residual products were used alone or in combination with microorganisms to produce the abovementioned crops that were used to prepare the complementary foods. Static in vitro digestion was performed to assess the bioaccessibility of the micronutrients, according to a harmonized protocol. The two organic residual products had different effect, as the cow dung alone was inefficient to increase iron and zinc contents as well as their bioaccessibility in millet porridges. However, the use of poultry litter alone or in combination with microorganisms increased iron bioaccessibility in cooked cowpea (27%–29%) compared to the non-biofortified counterpart (9%). Surprisingly, bioaccessible β-carotene was significantly higher (4.1%) in sample of mashed OFSP biofortified with the combination of the different agronomic strategies than in the others (1.4%–2.5%). Portions (150 g) of porridge prepared from the three biofortified crops would cover up to 100% of the daily vitamin A requirements of children aged 6–23 months. The use of a combination the most promising varieties of crops, together with the agronomic strategies, would be a complementary approach to sustainability limit micronutrient deficiencies in a context of monotonous diets.