Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

This work characterizes proteins extracted from sheepskin using bromelain and examines angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity of the peptides generated by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID). Gel electrophoresis revealed three major protein bands corresponding to keratin and collagen. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion facilitated protein breakdown into peptides, yielding below 3 kDa of molecular weight peptides. Arginine, tyrosine, lysine, and leucine were identified as the major residues of amino acids in the bromelain-soluble protein hydrolysate (BSPH). The action of inhibiting ACE of 1 mg/mL of BSPH was 48.99%, whereas the activity of the < 3 kDa ultra-filtrated fractions obtained before and after in vitro GID were 0% and 19.94%, respectively. To acquire the peptide profile and fractionate the ultra-filtrated peptide fractions, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was utilized. Among all the RP-HPLC fractions, 2, 3, 12, and 15 had the most active ACE inhibition. Subsequently, the peptide sequences from four active fractions were recognized using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and followed by in silico analysis to examine their bioactivity. Two potent ACE-inhibitory peptide candidates from sheepskin collagen, GPAGPAGPR, and QGPPGPAGPR, were identified by in silico analysis.

Mineral element fingerprint analysis technology is one of the effective methods for grain origin identification. The accuracy of the identification model is closely related to sample origin, including traceability scope and sample quantity. In this study, mung bean samples from four sites (Tailai and Dorbod Mongol Autonomous County in Heilongjiang Province, Baicheng City in Jilin Province, and Sishui County in Shandong Province) were used as the research object. The contents of mineral elements in mung bean samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Based on stoichiometric results, origin tracing models for different traceability scopes and different quantities of samples were established. The results show that the origin discrimination model established by the samples with different traceability scopes has the correct rate for the original discrimination of Tailai–Dorbod Mongol Autonomous (99.33%) < Tailai–Baicheng (99.67%) < Tailai–Sishui (100.0%). The origin discrimination model established by the different quantities has the correct rate for the original origin discrimination of 99.0% (n = 200) < 99.25% (n = 400) < 99.33% (n = 600). The results verified that the larger sample tracing scope and the larger sample quantity can improve the discrimination accuracy of the established origin tracing model.

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is a common complication in patients under radiotherapy for abdominopelvic and retroperitoneal malignancies, significantly impairing quality of life and overall survival. However, the therapeutic effect of standard enteral nutrition (EN) is limited. This study aimed to investigate the protective role and potential mechanisms of octanoic acid (OA)-rich EN in RIII. C3H/HeN mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, Radiation (RI), RI + EN and RI + OA-rich EN to investigate the impacts of OA-rich EN. Then mice were randomly assigned to five groups: Sham, RI, RI + OA-rich EN, RI + OA-rich EN + Luzindole, RI + OA-rich EN + EX527 to examine whether OA-rich EN alleviated RIII through the melatonin-silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) pathway. We evaluated the intestinal histopathology, apoptosis, tight junction protein expression and permeability. Moreover, melatonin and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured in the intestine and serum. SIRT1/Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-Alpha (PGC-1α)/Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) pathway was also assessed. OA-rich EN promoted melatonin secretion in the intestine and serum, activated the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway, markedly improved intestinal histopathology, and significantly reduced levels of inflammatory factors in intestine and serum. These beneficial effects were greater than EN alone. Furthermore, these beneficial effects were abolished when OA-rich EN was co-administered with either a melatonin antagonist or a SIRT1 inhibitor. This is the first confirmation that OA-rich EN alleviated RIII by promoting melatonin secretion, which in turn activated the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway. Our findings highlight OA-rich EN as a promising nutritional strategy to improve intestinal health and reduce treatment-related complications in patients receiving abdominal radiotherapy.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, has the ability to alleviate oxidative stress in animal models. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between kaempferol intake and renal function, as well as its impact on long-term prognosis in the obese population. This is an observational, cross-sectional, and longitudinal analysis based on NHANES data (2007–2018). Data regarding flavanol consumption were obtained from FNDDS. Prognostic information was sourced from the NCHS. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were used to investigate the relationship between dietary kaempferol and kidney function and prognosis. A total of 9816 participants with a median follow-up of 117 months were included. The stratified analysis revealed that kaempferol was a protective factor for renal function. For every 5 mg/day increment in kaempferol intake, the prevalence of kidney damage declined by 7% [OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99]. Additionally, at a median follow-up duration of 117 months, for every 5 mg/day increase in kaempferol intake, the mortality rate decreased by 7% [HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.85–0.98]. Our findings suggested that higher kaempferol intake is associated with a reduced risk of kidney damage and improved long-term prognosis in obese individuals.

A disaccharidase (GenA) from Enterococcus faecalis CTB was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to > 95% homogeneity using chromatographic techniques. The enzyme exhibited a monomeric molecular weight of 54 kDa and demonstrated hydrolytic activity toward maltose, cellobiose, and lactose, but not sucrose. Kinetic analysis revealed maltose as the preferred substrate (Km = 0.27 ± 0.05 mM, V_max = 33.8 ± 2.24 μM/min), followed by lactose (Km = 0.42 ± 0.04 mM, V_max = 42.0 ± 2.91 μM/min) and cellobiose (Km = 0.47 ± 0.06 mM, V_max = 51.0 ± 1.90 μM/min). GenA also hydrolyzed synthetic substrates including PNP-α-D-glucoside and PNP-β-D-galactopyranoside. The enzyme displayed substrate-dependent optimal conditions: 40°C–60°C and pH 7.5–9.0. MgCl₂ enhanced enzymatic activity 2.0–4.0 fold across all substrates, while NiCl₂ and MnCl₂ were generally inhibitory. These findings provide insights into GenA's catalytic mechanisms and highlight its potential applications in biocatalysis and industrial biotechnology.

Capsaicin, an alkaloid predominantly found in plants in the genus Capsicum, is naturally present in food and utilized in dietary supplements and medicinal products. It interacts with cellular receptors, triggering a sensory response often perceived as pain, measurable by the Scoville Organoleptic Test. However, due to its susceptibility to biases, this test has largely been supplanted by quantitative methods for determining capsaicin content. This systematic review investigates the relationship between quantitatively measured capsaicin levels in dietary products and their sensory effects. The review protocol, registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF), involved searches in the EBSCOHost, ProQuest, and Ovid databases. Findings indicate a direct correlation between quantitatively determined capsaicin levels and extrapolated Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) values. Additionally, associations were noted between capsaicin exposure and physiological responses, as well as between capsaicin sensitivity and other chemesthetic and taste modalities. However, no direct relationship was found between quantitative capsaicin levels in dietary products and consistent, reproducible measurements of their sensory effects. This research marks a point in the discourse where quantification technology refines the traditional SHU system and underscores the need to advance quantitative detection beyond SHU.

Vitamin D deficiency remains a global health concern for pregnant women. Adequate vitamin D is vital for optimal fetal development, immune regulation, and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy complications among a Malaysian cohort. This was a prospective observational study involving 414 pregnant women. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, vitamin D risk factor assessment questions, vitamin D status, and follow up for pregnancy outcomes. Serum vitamin D level was determined using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 64.7%. Participants' daily median total vitamin D intake was 11.2 μg/day which was significantly low compared with the vitamin D recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of the study population. The study found a significant association between vitamin D status and pregnancy complications: gestational hypertensive disorder ( ꭓ² = 9.024; p = 0.011), preterm birth (ꭓ² = 8.249; p = 0.016), and Group B Streptococcus carrier (ꭓ² = 7.379; p = 0.025). Participants who reported vitamin D consumptions during pregnancy had decreased likelihood of gestational hypertensive disorders (aOR = 0.278 (0.08–4.79) 95% CI; p = 0.0001), Group B Streptococcus carriage (aOR = 0.282 (0.08–0.99) 95% CI; p = 0.048), and decreased likelihood of cesarean section (aOR = 0.580 (95% CI: 0.347–0.967); p = 0.037). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with increased risk of gestational hypertensive disorders, Group B Streptococcus carriage and cesarean section. It can be suggested that maternal vitamin D deficiency might be associated with an increased risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further interventional research is required to confirm a causal relationship, meanwhile promoting adequate vitamin D status among pregnant women may be beneficial.

This study provides a comprehensive chemical and functional characterization of Georgian Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.), a traditional fruit known locally as “tkemali.” Using advanced analytical methods including UPLC–PDA–MS and LC–ESI–MS, 34 phenolic compounds were identified, encompassing anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, and flavonol glycosides. Cyanidin-based pigments, particularly cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, dominated the anthocyanin profile, while resveratrol was tentatively detected for the first time in this species. Organic acid analysis revealed malic acid as the principal acidulant, contributing to the fruit's characteristic tartness and strong buffering capacity. Comparative processing studies demonstrated that traditional high-heat methods (jam, open-pan concentrate) caused severe degradation of heat-labile phenolics and anthocyanins, with losses exceeding 90%, and significantly reduced antioxidant capacity. In contrast, innovative low-temperature technologies such as freeze-drying and rotary vacuum concentration preserved up to ninefold higher anthocyanin and sevenfold higher phenolic acid levels, enhancing the nutritional and functional quality of processed products. The fruit also exhibited high potassium content, reinforcing its nutritional value. These findings highlight P. cerasifera as a rich source of bioactive compounds and underscore the potential of non-thermal processing methods to retain its phytochemical integrity. The study establishes a scientific foundation for the valorization of Georgian tkemali as both a cultural product and a modern functional food ingredient.

This study investigated the neuropharmacological and analgesic effects of the methanol extract of Macaranga peltata leaves (MEMPL) in rodents, supported by computational modeling. Phytochemical and GC–MS analyses revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, diterpenes, and other bioactive compounds. MEMPL (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly increased open-arm exploration in the elevated plus maze and reduced head dipping in the hole-board test (p < 0.05), indicating anxiolytic activity. Dose-dependent reductions in locomotor activity in the open-field and hole-cross tests (p < 0.05) suggested central nervous system depressant effects. Although MEMPL reduced immobility in both FST and TST, its effects were notably weaker than fluoxetine, indicating modest antidepressant-like activity. MEMPL also demonstrated significant antinociceptive effects in acetic acid–induced writhing and formalin-induced paw-licking tests, likely via prostaglandin inhibition. Computational screening identified 2-hydroxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde as a potential bioactive compound with strong binding to proteins involved in anxiety, depression, and nociception. Overall, these findings highlight MEMPL's broad neuropharmacological and analgesic potential, demanding further mechanistic and dose–response studies.

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), primarily composed of polar lipids and numerous glycoprotein-dominated proteins, is an emerging dairy ingredient with considerable application potential. This study systematically characterized the protein composition, structural features, nutritional properties, and digestive characteristics of three bovine milk protein materials: MFGM-enriched whey protein (MFGMP), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and micellar casein concentrate (MCC). Label-free quantitative proteomics identified 1025 proteins in MFGMP and 773 in WPC, with 284 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between them, including 247 upregulated and 37 downregulated proteins (MFGMP/WPC). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were mainly involved in protein transport, defense response to Gram-positive bacteria, and negative regulation of endopeptidase activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed enrichment in 45 metabolic pathways, notably complement and coagulation cascades, endocytosis, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Structurally, MFGMP exhibited enhanced stability, characterized by higher α-helix and lower random coil content compared to WPC and MCC. Nutritionally, while valine was identified as the first limiting amino acid, MFGMP demonstrated a superior amino acid score and a higher essential amino acid index compared to both WPC and MCC, closely aligning with the FAO/WHO reference pattern and establishing it as a high-quality protein source. During in vitro digestion, MFGMP showed more rapid intestinal degradation with a higher degree of hydrolysis than WPC, demonstrating superior proteolytic accessibility and digestive efficiency. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the distinctive value of MFGMP and establish a scientific basis for developing MFGM-based functional foods.