Journal of Food Biochemistry最新文献

Background/Objectives: Increasing incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its complicated treatment protocols promote novel drug discovery programs. Maslinic acid (MA) is a naturally occurring oleane-type triterpenoid derived mainly from Olea europaea L., with evident antineoplastic potential.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate in vitro, in silico, and in vivo antineoplastic activity of MA from olive leaves.

Methods: The in vitro antiproliferative activity of MA on HCC cell line (HepG-2) was investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The study comprised an in silico exploration of the putative targets of MA predicted via open-access databases in order to reach a refined list of genes/proteins that would be later investigated to explore the predisposed pathways guiding the experiment forward. The novel antineoplastic molecular mechanisms of MA were further evaluated in vivo against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC probably mediated by targeting hepatic ATP citrate lyase (ACLY)/Wnt/β-catenin pathway for the first time in rats, when administered on the 12^th week of the experiment model (50 mg or 100 mg/kg/day orally).

Results: MA showed significant anticancer activity against HepG-2 cancer cell line with the concentration required for 50% growth inhibition (IC₅₀) value of 18.6 μg/mL, compared to the reference drug doxorubicin, which had an IC₅₀ value of 3.181 μg/mL. The in silico prediction results illustrated that most of the acknowledged genes/proteins were implicated and enriched in cancer pathways, regulation of inflammatory response and cellular response to stress. Wnt–catenin pathway and apoptosis-related markers were furthermore investigated experimentally. MA downregulated ACLY expression, switching off both Wnt arms and stabilizing cell death machinery. Furthermore, MA modulated hepatocellular oxidative and inflammatory responses. Additionally, this overall state was reflected positively, displaying conservation of the liver histopathological architecture.

Conclusions: The study showed new evidence for the potential of MA to ameliorate DEN-induced HCC; therefore, MA is a promising antitumor agent for attenuating HCC.

Circular economy aims to transform waste into resources by closing organic cycles and reducing dependence on nonrenewable inputs. In this study, the use of a solid organic amendment containing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of municipal green waste composed of grass clippings and wood chips from parks and gardens and inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum was evaluated as a biostimulant for the improvement of germination and growth of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa). Two organic amendments from different SSF processes were tested: the first one was obtained using tryptophan as a precursor for IAA production by Trichoderma harzianum and contained 119.02 μg IAA g⁻¹ dw (FS-H), whereas the second one did not include tryptophan in the SSF process and resulted in a concentration of 11.80 μg IAA g⁻¹ dw (FS-L). A control experiment without the addition of fermented solid was also performed. At 7, 14, 21, and 35 days after sowing (DAS), the application of FS-H, FS-L significantly improved germination indicators and biomass accumulation (shoot and root weights) compared to control. Furthermore, the content of photosynthetic pigments, including Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, and carotenoids, was significantly higher in the treatments with high IAA content, with increases of 214%, 200%, and 175%, respectively, compared to those of control. Therefore, the use of these organic amendments acting as biostimulants favors seed germination, phenotypic changes, and chlorophyll content, while enhancing the yield of lettuce seedlings. This demonstrates the potential of the application of these organic amendments produced by SSF from organic waste inoculated with biostimulant producer strains, and it offers a sustainable and circular approach to improve agricultural yields.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of apple pomace (AP) extracts using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Six NADES, based on choline chloride (ChCl), were used as environmentally friendly solvents. Four of these were combined with organic acids, while the other two were combined with urea; they were then used to extract bioactive compounds from AP. ChCl:urea mixture proved to be the solvent with the highest total polyphenol content (TPC), with 13.15 ± 4.70 mg gallic acid equivalent/mL. Antioxidant activity and total anthocyanidin content (TAC) were also assessed. ChCl:oxalic acid recorded the highest values with 35.59 ± 9.53 mg extract/mL and 64.81 ± 4.65 malvidin-3-glucose equivalent μg/mL, respectively. Solvent pH plays a crucial role in selective extraction; an acidic pH facilitates selective anthocyanidin extraction, while a basic pH does not. Anthocyanidin extraction correlated with extract antioxidant activity and solvent viscosity. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the extracts against Bacillus cereus, Listeria innocua, and Escherichia coli strains was studied. All extracts showed antibacterial properties against the strains tested. The ChCl:oxalic acid extracts showed particularly low minimum inhibitory concentrations (e.g., 25 mg_extract/mL for B. cereus) and EC₅₀ values (e.g., 6.0 ± 0.3 mg_extract/mL for B. cereus).

This study examined the fermentation of whole qingjinju puree using the autochthonous probiotic Pichia terricola QJJY1. The results indicated that Pichia terricola QJJY1 could dynamically regulate the ratio of organic acids to sugars in fermented whole qingjinju puree (FWQP) at various fermentation stages, leading to a reduction of 26.59% and 53.65%, respectively. Additionally, fermentation significantly enhanced the release of free and bound phenolics in FWQP, with total phenolic content and total flavonoid content increasing by 50.51% and 106.59%, respectively, compared to the unfermented samples. This positive correlation resulted in a 15.20%, 56.94%, and 148.19% increase in DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging abilities, and CUPRAC, respectively, while the ability to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase activities were increased by 38.60%, 27.34%, and 18.14%, respectively. The increase in the activities of five enzymes produced by Pichia terricola QJJY1 and its metabolites altered the microstructure of FWQP, manifesting as increased porosity and structural loosening. This subsequently facilitated the release and conversion of phenolic compounds, and ultimately influenced the composition and content of these compounds. This study effectively enhanced the release of phenolic compounds and functional activity in whole qingjinju puree, offering a valuable bioprocessing strategy and reference for qingjinju.

This study investigates the dynamic changes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the storage of sweetpotatoes and their correlation with freshness, providing guidance for quality evaluation. The physicochemical indicators of sweetpotatoes stored at 15°C and 90% relative humidity were analyzed, followed by cluster analysis based on these indicators. VOCs during storage were measured using headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectroscopy (HS-GC-IMS) and headspace–solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) techniques. The results showed that the physicochemical properties of sweetpotatoes changed regularly with storage time, allowing for the classification of freshness into three stages. Both HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS results indicated significant changes in VOCs during storage, with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) effectively distinguishing between different freshness stages. Further multivariate statistical analysis of the HS-SPME-GC-MS data identified benzaldehyde, β-cyclocitral, β-cyclohomocitral, methyl phenylacetate, ethyl phenylacetate, eugenol, and β-ionone as indicators of freshness changes. A prediction model for the freshness variation of sweetpotatoes was constructed based on these VOCs, providing an important reference for analyzing freshness changes by measuring the VOCs released during storage.

Intermittent fasting (IF) practices are common eating patterns among physically active population. Therefore, the possible effect of IF on physical activity should be vigorously explored. The objective was to perform a systematic review along with a meta-analysis to determine the possible impacts of IF on physical performance. From the earliest feasible date to January 2024, all of three electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched thoroughly. Two authors identified studies that evaluated the effect of IF on physical performance. The combined effects were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) implementing a random effect model. The risk of bias in the selected studies was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results elucidated that IF did not exert any significant effect on some physical performance parameters including Wingate peak power output, vertical jump height, maximal heart rate, bench press 1RM, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentration, and handgrip strength. Overall, our findings indicate that IF does not exert a significant impact on key physical performance indicators, including strength, anaerobic capacity, perceived exertion, or cardiovascular response to exercise. However, more studies need to be done in this area incorporating athletes from a wider range of physical fitness and diverse exercise routines.

Background: Aging weakens the skin barrier, causing dryness and inflammation. Colla Corii Asini (CCA) shows antioxidant and antiaging potential, possibly protecting against aging-related skin damage.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of CCA on H₂O₂-induced aging and skin barrier damage in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

Method: We performed proteomics on CCA, simulated its digestion to obtain CCA intestinal absorption solution (CCA IAS), and tested its therapeutic effects on H₂O₂-induced skin aging and barrier damage in HaCaT cells.

Results: Proteomic analysis of CCA reveals its potential to prevent aging and repair skin barrier damage by regulating key protein domains and biological processes. CCA enhances intestinal absorption of amino acids, hydroxyproline, and proteins, with significant antioxidant capabilities in the absorption fluid. CCA intestinal absorption solution (CCA IAS) enhances the proliferation and migration of H₂O₂-induced HaCaT cells and reduces oxidative stress by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, CCA reduces gene expression of aging markers p21, p53, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). CCA IAS modulates gene expression of differentiation markers FLG, IVL, K10, tight junction proteins CLD-1, ZO-1, E-cadherin, and AMPs, while inhibiting phosphorylation in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CCA alleviates oxidative stress-induced aging and repairs H₂O₂-induced barrier damage in HaCaT cells, potentially through reducing phosphorylation levels in the MAPK pathway. These findings provide a foundation for further mechanistic and application-focused research on CCA.

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., a tropical tree native to India and prevalent in Asia, Africa and parts of South America, boasts a phytochemical profile dominated by polyphenols. The composition of jackfruit phytochemistry changes during maturity stages due to enzymatic and biochemical reactions. Extraction module and conditions play a crucial role in polyphenol extraction. This investigation aimed to understand the impact of ripening and extraction methods on polyphenol concentration in different jackfruit fractions. Two fresh jackfruit samples, unripe jackfruit (JUR) and ripe jackfruit (JR), along with a commercially frozen sample (JC), were sourced from the local market of Australia. Samples were further processed into four different fractions (peel, core, seed and fruit), and extraction was carried out through conventional and ultrasonic extraction systems. Ripened jackfruit samples exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than unripened ones. Among the jackfruit fractions, the highest phenolic contents and antioxidant activity were observed in the peel followed by core, seed and fruit. As far the extraction module is concerned, ultrasound extraction-based jackfruit samples exhibited overall higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity as compared to conventional. The LC–ESI–QTOF–MS/MS screening showed the presence of 65 compounds in different jackfruit samples showing the diversity of phenolics in this fruit. The majority of the compounds belonged to flavonoids (49), lignans (5), phenolic acids (7) and other polyphenols (4). The HPLC quantification showed that the gallic acid, catechin, syringic acid, epicatechin, coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, sinapic acid, procyanidin A2, quercetin, caffeic acid and kaempferol were present in an appreciable amount in all the samples. This study provides insight into the changes in the phenolic profile during different ripening stages in different fractions of the jackfruit. These changes may impart a significant impact on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of the jackfruit.

Paramyosin (PM) is a structural protein in invertebrates, playing an important role in maintaining the texture of muscle. Although PM has been identified as a major allergen, its characteristics have not been well investigated. In this study, PM with a molecular mass of 97 kDa was purified to homogeneity from Haliotis discus hannai using ammonium sulfate fractionation and hydroxyapatite column chromatography. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis identified 11 peptide fragments with a total of 66 amino acid residues, which were 100% identical to PM from Haliotis discus discus. The sequence of the PM gene, including its complete open reading frame of 2583 bp encoding 860 amino acid residues, was determined by molecular cloning. PM is almost a long-rod chain protein, and α-helix is the dominant secondary structure. Simulated gastrointestinal fluids digestion showed that PM is highly tolerant to digestive proteinases. A specific polyclonal antibody against PM was prepared. Western blot analysis revealed that PM was the most abundant in H. discus hannai, followed by Rapana venosa, Argopecten irradians, and Uroteuthis chinensis, while PM could not be detected in shrimp Penaeus merguiensis and freshwater fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, strongly suggesting the unique existence in shellfish.

In this study, samples of starch were treated using a cold plasma reactor operated at 20 kV and 40 W. Experimental design was performed with Design Expert software, comprising 27 treatments involving factors such as pregelatinization temperatures (55°C and 60°C), cold plasma exposure times (0, 15, and 30 min), and starch drying temperatures (60°C, 70°C, and 80°C). The results indicated that cold plasma treatment significantly affected the water absorption capacity (WAC) of the starch, with increases attributed to starch depolymerization and the formation of simple sugars that enhance water retention. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed notable structural modifications, including shifts in absorption bands associated with C–H and C–O stretching, implying changes in molecular bonds and polymer composition, which led to a reduction in starch granule size. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed surface etching and the formation of porous, fragmented starch granules, contributing to improved moisture absorption and solubility. Overall, cold plasma treatment proved to be an effective and environmentally friendly method for enhancing the functional properties of starch, facilitating its application in food and pharmaceutical industries while improving its structural characteristics.