Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

The Dominican Republic, like other economically developing countries, has begun to shift national focus away from food security to concentrate on improving food safety and nutrition. The government of the Dominican Republic has promoted and implemented measures aimed at eradicating poverty and malnutrition and reducing the diseases that are a direct consequence of nutritional deficiencies. However, between 2013 and 2018, the Dominican Republic reported approximately 23,000 cases of foodborne illness annually. Additionally, the number of annual cases of acute diarrhea has increased to approximately 80,000 cases per year with a mortality rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) between 5.98 and 6.94. While the etiological agents responsible for these cases are often not identified, foodborne pathogens including Shigella, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella, and Campylobacter have been isolated from food exported from the Dominican Republic as well as locally consumed foods. This review describes the status of food safety in the Dominican Republic. The review focuses on what is known regarding the etiological agents involved in foodborne disease outbreaks in the country, the impact of foodborne disease, measures the Dominican Republic government has taken to ensure the safety of both exported foods and foods consumed locally, barriers to improving food safety, as well as current and emerging food safety challenges.

This investigation evaluated the therapeutic benefit of apocynin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac damage in rats. ISO-administered male Wistar rats were treated with apocynin for 2 weeks. Blood plasma and left ventricle of heart tissues were collected and analyzed for oxidative stress-related parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), and nitric oxide (NO). The activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were also measured. The gene expressions of oxidative stress-related proteins such as Nrf-2, HO-1, and HO-2 in cardiac tissues were also measured. In silico studies like molecular docking and molecular dynamics were also performed to detect how apocynin interacts with NADPH and nitric oxide synthase at the molecular level. This investigation revealed significant elevation of serum transferase enzymes and creatinine kinase-Muscle Brain (CK-MB) activities in ISO-administered rats compared to the control. Apocynin effectively normalized the serum transferases and CK-MB activities in the blood of ISO-stressed rats. Moreover, ISO-induced elevations of MDA, NO, and AOPP levels were also suppressed by apocynin treatment. Consistently, apocynin restored the reduced SOD and catalase activities in ISO-administered rats. This restoration of enzyme activity might be due to the increased expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1 and reduced expression of iNOS and TNF-α in ISO-administered rats. Histological analysis revealed that apocynin treatment ameliorated the mononuclear cell adherence and fibrosis in the cardiac tissue of ISO-administered rats. Computational studies also support the experimental findings. This study demonstrates that apocynin prevents ISO-induced cardiac injury not only by preventing inflammation but also by empowering the antioxidant defense system.

Blackberry deteriorates rapidly after harvest due to its sensitive structure, limiting their storage time to about a week and resulting in significant economic losses. The study was conducted to determine the effects of salicylic acid applications on postharvest fruit quality in blackberries, the harvested fruit was immersed in salicylic acid solutions prepared at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM for 15 min. Measurements and analyses such as weight loss, decay rate, soluble solids contents (SSC), pH, acidity, respiration rate, vitamin C, organic acids, and phenolic compounds were performed on fruits stored for 12 days with intervals of 4 days. Applying salicylic acid to fruits resulted in significantly less weight loss and decay rate. Salicylic acid application was effective in increasing SSC rate and decreasing titratable acidity with increasing storage time, and lower SSC and higher titratable acidity were measured with this application. Salicylic acid maintained organic acids and vitamin C postharvest. The decreases in individual phenolic compound levels occurred with extended storage time. Salicylic acid application generally was effective in maintaining concentrations of phenolic compounds during storage, and it was found to be effective on fruit quality, with effectiveness varying depending on application dosage. The study identified 1.5 mM as the most effective dosage of salicylic acid, which could be utilized to maintain postharvest quality and extend cold storage in blackberries.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass and function caused by an imbalance in protein synthesis and degradation. Inflammation has been shown to accelerate protein degradation during periods of muscle inactivity. We investigated the potential therapeutic effects of beetroot extract (BRE) in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to prevent muscular atrophy after a short period of immobilization. We divided 36 male BALB/c mice into three groups: control, muscular atrophy mice, and muscular atrophy mice treated with BRE (n = 12). Each group was further divided into two subgroups: (1) 7-day immobilization and (2) 10-day recovery. BRE was administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg for 17 days. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of BRE using ELISA and RT-PCR assays. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers, and grip strength tests were performed to assess muscle strength. BRE administration increased muscle weight, CSA, and grip strength in mice with immobilization-induced muscle atrophy. It also suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in atrophic muscle fibers. Higher nitrate levels and lower Troponin I (TnI) concentrations were observed in the BRE-treated group, indicating improved muscle function and structure. These findings suggest that BRE may have therapeutic benefits in improving muscle mass and function and warrant further studies in humans, particularly in individuals with low physical activity levels.

Microalgae presents an inducing potential as a primary raw material in crafting plant-based seafood alternatives, revolutionizing the landscape of sustainable food production. These microscopic organisms display a rich nutritional profile, presenting an array of nutrients such as essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals comparable to those found in seafood. Their versatile nature allows for the replication of seafood flavors and textures, addressing the sensory aspects crucial to consumer acceptance of substitutes. Furthermore, microalgae cultivation requires minimal land and resources, making it an environmentally friendly and scalable option for meeting the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources. The biochemical diversity within microalgae species provides a wide spectrum of options for developing various seafood substitutes. Moreover, advancements in biotechnology and processing techniques continue to enhance the feasibility and palatability of these alternatives. Modern technologies, such as 3D printing, provide convenient and efficient technological options to reproduce the identical texture properties of seafood. As society gravitates toward eco-conscious food choices, the exploration of microalgae as a core ingredient in plant-based seafood alternatives aligns with the quest for ethical, environmentally sustainable, and nutritious food sources. This expanding field holds immense potential for reshaping the future of food by offering appealing, cruelty-free alternatives while reducing dependence on traditional, unsustainable modes of seafood production.

Microglia serve as the primary defense mechanism in the brain. Artificial sweeteners are widely used as dietary supplements, though their long-term effects remain uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effects of sucralose on microglia during prolonged exposure via the neuroinflammatory and ferroptosis pathways. Initially, human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) cells were exposed to sucralose (0–50 mM) for 24, 48, and 72 h to investigate the short-term effects. Subsequently, HMC3 cells were treated with 1 mM sucralose for 7, 14, and 21 days to examine long-term effects. We measured levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx4), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), and caspase 3/7. Additionally, we analyzed the impact of sucralose on cell morphology, migration, and expression levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, SIRT1, and GPx4. Sucralose inhibited cell viability and proliferation in HMC3 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and induced membrane and nuclear abnormalities. Moreover, sucralose significantly reduced the cell migration rate. Long-term sucralose treatment decreased Fe²⁺, GPx4, GSH, and SIRT1 levels in HMC3 cells while increasing IL-1β, MDA, NLRP3, 8-OHdG, and caspase 3/7 activity. Sucralose treatment also enhanced microglial activation and neuroinflammation by upregulating IL-1β and NLRP3 and downregulating SIRT1 and GPx4, thereby inducing ferroptosis and suppressing cell viability. Consequently, high concentrations or long-term sucralose treatment may induce neuroinflammation and ferroptosis by targeting the SIRT1/NLRP3/IL-1β/GPx4 pathway in HMC3 cells.

Calcium (Ca) is a vital nutrient essential for structural development and signal transmission in both plants and animals. In humans, inadequate calcium intake has been correlated with various diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer. In areas where plants serve as a main dietary source, calcium intake is significantly lower than the recommended adequate intake, notably in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Exploring the connections between calcium consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer has significant implications for public health, given that these two conditions are the primary contributors to global mortality. This study conducted a systematic review of existing literature to assess the evidence regarding calcium intake and its effect on blood pressure control, stroke prevention, and the controversial association with myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the preventive effect of calcium intake on tumor development, particularly in cancer prevention, was discussed. The study explores the potential of agronomic biofortification as a key strategy to enhance plant-based dietary calcium density and improve human health. By advocating for the incorporation of calcium-rich plants and plant-derived products, alongside appropriate calcium supplementation, the study emphasizes the economic and practical benefits of plants as a calcium source. This approach is aligned with global dietary patterns and socioeconomic disparities. The review also highlights the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms through which agronomic biofortification can increase dietary calcium intake and reduce the risks of CVD and cancer associated with calcium deficiency. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between calcium intake and health.

In this study, peptide-calcium chelate was screened from antler bone hydrolysate, and its bioactivity on MC3T3-E1 cells and its chelating mechanism were investigated. In vitro experiments showed that peptide-calcium chelate promoted the differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. Subsequently, three novel calcium-chelating peptides were obtained from antler bone hydrolysate using hydroxyapatite chromatography (HAC), Sephadex G-25 gel filtration chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Meanwhile, this work determined peptides' amino acid sequences as TKLGTQLQL, LETVILGLLKT, and KMVFLMDLLK based on LC–MS/MS. Then the present work prepared the three peptides, with the corresponding calcium-chelating rates being verified as 87.68 ± 2.86%, 80.72 ± 0.93%, and 67.96 ± 0.98%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), circular dichroism (CD), zeta potential, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were adopted to investigate the chelating mode of peptides with calcium ions. As a result, oxygen in the carboxyl group and the nitrogen in the amino group were related to calcium binding. In addition, the chelation site preferred the negatively charged carboxylate groups of Leu or Thr. The present work revealed that antler bone might be the new calcium-chelating peptide source and elucidated their positive role in osteogenesis.

Red beet extract is rich in bioactive compounds and possesses health-promoting properties. Moreover, the stability of red beet extract over a broad acidic pH range has given them great potential in developing new functional foods and drinks. The choice of extraction solvent and methodology significantly influences the efficiency of betalain extraction from plant vacuoles. Although the conventional solvent extraction method has been widely employed for betalain extraction, recent innovations have introduced alternative methods that offer advantages, such as reduced solvent consumption, energy efficiency, and minimized exposure to high temperatures. This paper aims to summarize the current knowledge about conventional and novel extraction methods, applications, biological activities, and purification of red beet betalains. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of betalain-rich extract of red beet and associated safety considerations have been investigated.

The need to discover new strategy to enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing negative effects on cultivation system is the driving force behind much novel research. Little is known about the use of natural growth promoters, in combination with Spirulina algae extract (Sae), on plants' quality and quantity characteristics. This can be an effective strategy to reduce the impact of environmental stress on plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of natural growth promoters in combination with Sae on the functional properties and enzymatic activity of Cape gooseberry plants. For this purpose, natural growth stimulants, Kitoplus® and Azotobacter, were foliar applied to plants in a completely randomized factorial design under greenhouse conditions, with varying concentrations of Sae. Results indicated that the use of Sae in conjunction with natural growth promoters had a significant impact on increasing the yield of Cape gooseberry plants. The study found that using Kitoplus® and Spirulina extract at a concentration of 0.5% increased the yield of Cape gooseberry plants by 35.82% compared to control plants, with a yield of 310.43 g per plant. The leaves of Physalis plants treated with 0.5% Kitoplus®, Azotobacter biofertilizer, and Sae had the highest amount of chlorophyll, which was observed to be 46.2%, 40.1%, and 32.3% higher than that of control, respectively. Exposure to Kitoplus® (0.5%) and Azotobacter biofertilizer (0.5%) resulted in the highest percentage (25.49%) of dry to fresh weight ratio (DF) per fruit in the plant. Additionally, plants treated with Kitoplus® at 0.5% in combination with Azotobacter (0.5%) and Sae (0.5%) showed a 14.83% increase in vitamin C (VITC) levels compared to control plants. The highest levels of total antioxidant content (73.8%) and total carbohydrate content were obtained from plants treated with Spirulina algae extract spray at a concentration of 0.5% in the presence of Kitoplus® and Azotobacter. Results also showed that the highest activity of peroxidase (POD) (by 43.5% and 38.8%) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (by 29.1% and 28.4%) enzymes was observed in plants sprayed with natural growth promoters in the presence of Spirulina algae extract at concentrations of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. Overall, this research opens the possibility of utilizing foliar spray of effective biostimulants in combination with Sae to improve the quantity and quality of Cape gooseberry plants. Implementing this simple, safe, eco-friendly, and low-cost management tool can result in nutritionally rich fruit that benefits the consumer at little or no additional cost.