Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

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.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading causes of preventable liver-related morbidity and mortality globally. Bioactive polysaccharides exhibit substantial potential as functional foods and therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver injury (ALI). Morchella, an edible and medicinal fungus, contains polysaccharides with diverse biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Morchella mycelium polysaccharides (MP) against alcohol-induced liver injury and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The MP was isolated from the Morchella mycelium using water extraction–ethanol precipitation. Its primary component was glucose (96.555%), with a weight-average molecular weight of 5.7 kDa and an α-glycosidic configuration. These characteristics indicated a highly homogeneous polysaccharide structure. Research findings demonstrated that the MP significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, improved lipid metabolism (evidenced by decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels), and restored the histopathological structure of the mouse liver. Mechanistically, the MP alleviated oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and inhibiting lipid peroxidation (indicated by reduced malondialdehyde levels). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed the anti-inflammatory mechanism of MP. It downregulated the expression of Ifi16, Pycard, and Nlrp3 by suppressing the Nlrp3 inflammasome in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. This suppression subsequently inhibited pro-Casp1 activation and the pyroptosis of hepatocytes. Additionally, the MP upregulated the antimicrobial peptide Camp, highlighting its dual functions in anti-inflammation and intestinal barrier protection. Collectively, these results suggest that Morchella mycelia polysaccharide, as a potent natural compound, holds significant promise for combating alcohol-induced liver injury.

Diet quality and social support play essential roles in maintaining the health of older adults. However, the relationship between these factors remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association between social support and dietary quality among community-dwelling older adults in China. This study analyzed 515 community-dwelling older adults from three districts in Shanghai that were selected based on their geographic location and level of economic development between March and November 2022. Dietary quality was assessed using the China Elderly Dietary Guideline Index (CDGI), China Healthy Eating Index (CHEI), and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Social support was measured using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Associations between dietary quality and social support were examined using linear regression models. Participants had a mean age of 71.3 ± 4.7 years, and 39.4% were male. The mean CDGI, CHEI, and DII scores were 76.35 ± 11.38, 63.87 ± 9.75, and 0.57 ± 1.65, respectively. The mean SSRS score was 35.05 ± 7.54, ranging from 30.86 to 105.61. Correlation analysis showed that CDGI positively correlated with SSRS and CHEI but negatively correlated with DII. Participants in the highest CDGI tertile reported lower total fat intake and higher consumption of anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients compared to those in the lowest tertile. After adjusting for confounding factors, a higher CDGI score was significantly associated with higher SSRS scores (β = 0.094, 95% CI: 0.056–1.679, p = 0.036). Conversely, a lower DII score was significantly associated with higher SSRS scores (β = −0.088, 95% CI: −1.587 to −0.030, p = 0.042). These results showed that dietary quality and social support are positively correlated among older Chinese adults, highlighting the importance of strengthening social networks to promote healthier diets. These findings underscore the potential for community-based interventions targeting social and nutritional factors to be correlated with improved health outcomes in aging populations.

The treatment of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition includes ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs). Novel RUTF recipes aim for inclusion of locally sourced nutrient-dense food ingredients for sustainability in product availability. This study investigated the incorporation of rice bran into RUTF formulations to enhance the bioactive nutrient profile. Experimental RUTFs were developed containing 0%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% rice bran, without a vitamin/mineral premix for targeted nutrient and non-targeted metabolite analysis. Additionally, an investigation was conducted analyzing the nutrient density and food safety of small-scale mill-sourced rice bran varieties collected from Guatemala and Cambodia for comparison to a US-commercial rice bran. Targeted nutrient composition analysis of the RUTFs revealed dietary fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin B1 generally increased with higher rice bran content, though it was not dose dependent. The non-targeted metabolite analysis identified 883 biochemicals across the four experimental RUTFs. Significant metabolite fold changes were identified for a variety of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and xenobiotics in 5%, 7.5%, and 10% rice bran-RUTFs compared to the 0%. Analysis of small-scale mill-sourced rice brans from Guatemala and Cambodia showed variation in vitamin composition, with vitamin B3 averaging 37.1 mg/100 g and vitamin E ranging from 3.2 to 6.0 mg/100 g. These varieties also demonstrated variable microbial levels and trace metal contents, warranting continuous monitoring and evaluation in global supply chains. These findings support the feasibility of incorporating rice bran into RUTFs for malnutrition treatment and the benefit of screening locally sourced rice bran to address regional nutrient-dense food product development and specifically for malnutrition treatment.

Hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia are growing global health concerns and early warning signs for serious chronic diseases such as gout, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. To explore whether long-term consumption of clams influences these conditions, we conducted a 60-day feeding study in rats. Fresh clams were boiled, dried, powdered, and administered orally to four groups (n = 7) at dosages 0 (control), 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg body weight. Results show the high-dose group exhibited a significant reduction in liver weight compared to controls (p = 0.007). Biochemically, all clam-fed groups displayed significant globulin levels and albumin/globulin ratios (p = 0.036). Total bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the low and medium dose groups relative to controls (p = 0.031 and p = 0.047, respectively). AST levels significantly differed between medium and high dose groups (p = 0.048). Additionally, TBA increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing a marked rise (p = 0.0001). Renal function parameters remained largely unchanged except for uric acid, which increased in a clear dose-dependent pattern: control 128.2 ± 52.7 μmol/L; low 145.1 ± 71.6; medium 161.6 ± 132.8; high 339.5 ± 169.7. These elevations were significant between controls and high-dose (p = 0.018) and between low- and high-dose groups (p = 0.037). Blood glucose also rose dose-dependently, reaching 17.6 ± 4.9 mmol/L in the high-dose group, significantly higher than all lower-dose groups (p ≤ 0.015). The study underscores that shellfish's high purine content, such as in clams, may provoke hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia, especially at higher consumption levels.