Journal of Food Biochemistry最新文献

This study evaluated the effects of souring (fermenting using Lactobacillus plantarum and back-slopped inoculum and lactic acid acidification) and cooking of finger millet on phenolic content, radical scavenging properties, and inhibition of oxidative DNA damage in finger millet. Fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum and back-slopped inoculum, and lactic acid acidification significantly increased the total phenolic content and radical scavenging properties of finger millet extracts, whereas cooking resulted in the reduction of these bioactive properties. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins in finger millet extracts. Both total phenolic acids and total flavonoids were elevated by fermentation (back-slopped inoculum and Lactobacillus plantarum inoculated) and lactic acid acidification but diminished by cooking. Notably, extracts from both unsoured and soured finger millet flour and gruel demonstrated protective properties against DNA damage. These findings suggest that souring enhances the phenolic content and antioxidant properties of finger millet, underscoring the potential of soured finger millet gruels for health promotion.

Chinese herbal medicine, a cornerstone of traditional medical practices, possesses the potential to make a significant impact on international veterinary care. For these ancient therapeutic methods to be seamlessly integrated into contemporary healthcare, they must undergo thorough research and stringent validation. The rapid advancements in the biotechnology field have propelled the modernization of the Chinese medicine industry, leading to remarkable progress and innovation. This study aims to dissect the distinctions and intersections in the utilization of Chinese herbal medicine between the veterinary and human healthcare sectors. It seeks to understand how these applications can be adapted to enhance veterinary practices on an international scale. The findings of this review underscore the disparities and synergies between Chinese herbal medicine in veterinary and human medicine. It brings to light the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from the adaptation of these treatments in a veterinary context. To sum up, this article emphasizes the application prospect of Chinese veterinary medicine and challenges and puts forward the strategy to cope with the complexity of the strategic direction and development. It advocates for an interdisciplinary approach and the adoption of novel technologies to further the field.

Objective: To develop an efficient method for extracting gelatin from Yanbian cattle skin and to study its anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods: Gelatin was extracted using enzymatic hydrolysis and water extraction techniques. The basic structures of the prepared gelatin were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, amino acid analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). LPS established the RAW264.7 cell inflammation model in vitro. The therapeutic dose range of gelatin, which did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity, was determined using the CCK-8 assay for subsequent experiments. The nitric oxide (NO) content was measured using the Griess method. The content of proinflammatory cytokines was determined using ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe method, and oxidative stress–related indicators were measured using a kit. The mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and proinflammatory cytokines were detected using qRT-PCR. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in each group.

Results: Characteristic absorption peaks of gelatin were observed in the FT-IR and UV spectra. Additionally, gelatin from Yanbian cattle skin significantly reduced NO content in cells, decreased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibited ROS generation, reduced oxidative stress–related indicators, significantly lowered the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and proinflammatory cytokines in cells, and significantly reduced the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS.

Conclusion: Enzymatic hydrolysis and water extraction efficiently prepare gelatin from Yanbian cattle skin. This gelatin can inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells, potentially by inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and ameliorating oxidative stress.

Nickel exposure is known to induce oxidative stress and inflammation and disrupt critical metabolic pathways, leading to hepatic dysfunction and impaired glucose regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical effects of nickel-induced metabolic impairments in an animal model, using a variety of techniques, including ELISA and instrumental analysis, with a specific focus on the expression of key genes involved in insulin regulation and glucose homeostasis. The experiment included four groups: Control, Nickel-exposed, Nickel-exposed with standard treatment (ascorbic acid, AA), and Nickel-exposed with resveratrol (RSV). Serum nickel levels, measured via ICP-MS, showed a significant increase in the exposed group, with a mean value of 125.74 ± 6.20 ppb. The analysis of various metabolic biomarkers demonstrated that nickel exposure resulted in hyperglycemia, elevated HOMA-IR, HbA1c, and DPP-4, increased level of inflammatory cytokines, altered lipid profiles, and impaired liver and kidney function. Nickel exposure triggered inflammation, disrupted carbohydrate metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and altered the expression of genes related to hepatic inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and glucose and lipid metabolism. These changes culminated in mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance, as evidenced by reduced expression of GLUT-2 and GCK—genes critical for glucose uptake and insulin secretion. Elevated serum levels of amino acids, such as glutamate and valine, further indicated disruptions in amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress. Therapeutic interventions with AA and RSV demonstrated significant protective effects: Both compounds mitigated oxidative stress, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and restored normal expression levels of GCK and GLUT-2, improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, AA and RSV alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, suppressing the overexpression of UCP2, a protein linked to impaired energy metabolism. Serum amino acid levels were also normalized, highlighting their role in reestablishing metabolic balance. In conclusion, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of AA and RSV in mitigating nickel-induced hepatic and metabolic disturbances. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing oxidative stress and inflammation in metabolic disorders and position RSV as promising candidate for restoring metabolic homeostasis. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their protective effects.

Mango powders were supplemented with probiotics and then subjected to heat pump drying. The study evaluated the physicochemical, biochemical, and probiotic properties of the resulting mango powders. Through the effects of thickening additives type (sodium alginate and Arabic gum), concentration and drying temperature have been shown to have a direct effect on the objective functions of interest. The results showed that the foam stability increased approximately 2.14 times (MPD-S), the solubility of powders tended to be similar to 67.65 ± 0.40%, while microbial density decreased and remained within the allowable limit of 6.9 × 10⁶ CFU/mL (MPD-G). Through heat pump drying, these values were drastically reduced. The mango powders were mixed for a second time to improve the organoleptic values and showed commercial viability with a score greater than 11.2.

Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health concern, especially in Iran. Currently, numerous oral antihyperglycemic agents and insulin are prescribed to manage diabetes. Historically, in Middle Eastern countries, medicinal herbals were used to manage diabetes in patients. Furthermore, the adverse effects of some diabetes management drugs provide an eager potential for researchers to find novel alternative treatments that reduce the side effects and also increase their efficacy. In addition, the rich history of Iranian traditional medicine reveals the vital role of traditional herbals and their compounds in treating and mitigating diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Several studies conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic properties related to these plant species. In this narrative review, we aimed at a comprehensive study of Iranian plant species with antidiabetic properties through experimental evidence. Our review illustrated that the traditional herbal active ingredients are not well-defined, limiting their standardization. Current efforts focus on identifying these components to improve their therapeutic efficacy.

Objective: This study investigated the antifatigue effects of deer-hide gelatin (DHG) and its mechanism in mice through a weight-loaded swimming experiment.

Methods: The subjects were assigned to the blank group (BC), positive group (PC), model group (MC), and high, medium, and low doses of DHG groups (HP, MP, and LP). After 4 weeks of treatment, the subjects were sacrificed to detect fatigue-related biochemical indicators and the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2/Keap1 and AMPK/PGC1α pathways. The morphological changes of skeletal muscle were detected. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the changes in the relative abundance of intestinal flora and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in tired subjects.

Results: Compared with MC, DHG could prolong the exhaustion time of weight-loaded swimming mice; reduce the CK, BUN, lactic acid, MDA, 5-HT, and GABA levels; and increase the LDH, SOD, CAT, Glycogen, MG, BG, ACH, and Glu levels. Moreover, DHG increased the protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, AMPK, PGC1α, and P-AMPK and reduced the protein and mRNA expression of Keap1. The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis also showed that DHG regulated the abundance of intestinal microbiota and the content of SCFAs and increased the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Conclusions: DHG exhibited antifatigue effects on mice by activating Nrf2/Keap1 and AMPK/PGC1α pathways, reducing oxidative stress damage, and enhancing mitochondrial energy supply. The study’s findings confirmed the considerable antioxidant and antifatigue activities of DHG, providing a preliminary foundation and practical theory for the further development of DHG as a nutritional supplement.

The aim of this study is to investigate efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality drying technologies for Rosa roxburghii Tratt. Five drying methods—hot air drying (HAD), microwave drying (MD), vacuum drying (VD), microwave vacuum drying (MVD), and freeze vacuum drying (FVD), were employed to dry Rosa roxburghii Tratt. The study focused on evaluating drying characteristics, colors, texture and structure, and microstructure, as well as the content of active ingredients and antioxidant activity of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. The results of drying kinetics indicated that the Wang and Singh model was the most suitable for FVD, while the Page model was optimal for the other four drying methods. Rosa roxburghii Tratt subjected to HAD exhibited the highest energy consumption per unit but the lowest ΔE and the highest TFC. The microstructure of Rosa roxburghii Tratt under different drying methods was analyzed. Rosa roxburghii Tratt dried using MD experienced serious cell rupture, resulting in a large loss of active ingredients and the worst antioxidant ability, but it had the fastest drying rate. On the other hand, Rosa roxburghii Tratt dried under VD had the microstructure with the least pore space, leading to slower drying speed and the highest total polyphenol content. Rosa roxburghii Tratt dried using MVD had the least hardness and chewiness, with slightly better ΔE and active ingredient content compared to MD. FVD Rosa roxburghii Tratt took the longest time to dry, with the greatest ΔE difference, hardness, and chewiness, but it had the highest Vitamin C content and the most powerful antioxidant ability. Principal component analysis (PCA)–entropy weighting method was used to provide comprehensive scores for the different drying methods, with FVD, HAD, VD, MVD, and MD were 0.8107, 0.7037, 0.4499, 0.2746, and 0.0586 respectively. Through comprehensive analysis, we demonstrated that the quality of Rosa roxburghii Tratt obtained via FVD and HAD is satisfactory. Additionally, HAD is characterized by its economic efficiency and convenience, providing valuable insights for the industrial production of Rosa roxburghii Tratt drying.

The formation and accumulation of foam cells within the arterial wall is the main early event of atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the most abundant cells in human atherosclerotic lesions and are suggested to contribute to atheroma foam cells. γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-GC), as an immediate precursor of glutathione, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effects of γ-GC on the formation of atherosclerotic plaques are not yet clarified. Here, we display the effects of γ-GC against ox-LDL-induced formation of foamy VSMCs. Our results showed that γ-GC apparently reduced the total intracellular cholesterol content in mouse and rat VSMCs. The oil red O and fluorescent BODIPY staining indicated that γ-GC inhibited the formation of foam cell. Mechanistically, γ-GC reduced the expression of macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (Msr1) in VSMCs to attenuate cholesterol uptake by the cells. Further RNA-seq analysis, and immunofluorescence as well as immunoblotting measurements showed that thioredoxin-1 (Txn1) was important for γ-GC to reduce Msr1 expression in VSMCs and lipid uptake by the cells. Overall, our research indicated that γ-GC increases Txn1 expression, which causes scavenger receptor A reduction and lipid uptake inhibition in ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. Our study revealed that γ-GC has potential for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

A multidisciplinary endocrinopathy affecting women in their reproductive years, polycystic ovarian syndrome, causes insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, cardiovascular issues, obesity, and menstrual difficulties. Cuminum cyminum (cumin seed) is a famous spice traditionally used for various ailments such as indigestion, headache, diarrhea, obesity, and gynecological disorders. This study explored the pharmacological potential of aqueous ethanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum (AECC) in letrozole-induced PCOS animals, which were also obese. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid (HB acid), caffeic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, coumarin, quercetin, benzoic acid, rutin, and p-coumaric acid. Thirty adult female rats were divided into six groups (5 animals in each group). PCOS was induced by using letrozole (1 mg/kg). The groups were normal control, diseased control, standard (metformin, 20 mg/kg), and AECC (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Vaginal smear cytology was used to confirm the PCOS. The animals were euthanized after 12 weeks, and blood was drawn for hormonal and biochemical study. We used isoflurane 5% for euthanasia in a closed chamber. The ovaries were removed for histopathology. Ovarian histopathology showed abnormalities with cystic follicles in PCOS female rats. It also produced hyperinsulinemia, LH surge, lower FSH, perturbed LH/FSH ratio, and higher levels of testosterone and weight gain. Moreover, it also produced oxidative stress with ROS (reactive oxygen species) production. Meanwhile, AECC treatment converted cystic follicles into primary, secondary, and differentiating follicles with healthy granulosa cells and corpus luteum with significant (p < 0.001) weight loss. AECC significantly (p < 0.001) reduced serum insulin levels and normalized LH/FSH ratio, with improved FSH levels and control of LH surge. AECC also reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation with significant (p < 0.001) improvement of antioxidant markers. It has been concluded that AEEC can alleviate PCOS symptoms by improving insulin resistance, reducing weight, addressing hyperandrogenism, regulating the LH/FSH ratio, and overcoming oxidative stress and ROS production.