Journal of Food Biochemistry最新文献

Luffa aegyptiaca exhibits broad medicinal and therapeutic potential, with its polysaccharide component identified as a key contributor to its biological activities. However, the specific molecular structures and immunomodulatory mechanisms of these polysaccharides remain largely unclear, which hinders their further development for medicinal development. In this study, a novel polysaccharide, named LAP-C1, was extracted and purified from L. aegyptiaca using a DEAE-52 cellulose column. Its molecular characteristics and immunomodulation mechanism were systematically investigated using various analytical techniques, combined with integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. LAP-C1 contained 56.17% total carbohydrates and 38.33% uronic acids. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that LAP-C1 primarily consists of fucose (3.74%), arabinose (11.71%), rhamnose (16.16%), galactose (37.60%), glucose (4.76%), galacturonic acid (23.44%), and glucuronic acid (2.57%). The immunomodulatory assay demonstrated that LAP-C1 enhanced the phagocytic ability of RAW264.7 macrophages, the nitric oxide (NO) production, and cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that LAP-C1 exerts its immunomodulatory effects primarily by activating the alpha-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. This study provides critical insights into the molecular structure and immunostimulatory mechanisms of Luffa-derived polysaccharides, thereby laying a foundation for their potential application in immunomodulatory therapies and biomedical development.

The escalating global prevalence of infant food allergies (FA) imposes societal burdens and health risks, highlighting the importance of understanding breast milk (BM) composition in FA prevention and early intervention. As the latest systematic review summarizing molecular mechanisms and clinical evidence, it comprehensively addressed the relationship between FA pathogenesis and BM composition, including key metabolites (short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], human milk oligosaccharides [HMOs], and free amino acids [FAAs]), fat-soluble vitamins, microbiota composition, and food allergens. Five main mechanisms were described as follows: (1) HMOs shape immune polarization through TLR4 signaling and Th cell balance regulation; (2) lipids mediate immune responses via SCFA-G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)–dependent membrane effects; (3) FAAs sustain gut barrier function and modulate IgE responses through metabolic regulation; (4) fat-soluble vitamins maintain immune homeostasis through nuclear receptor signaling and mucosal maintenance; and (5) microbiota-HMO crosstalk generates tolerance-promoting metabolites. Interestingly, the amount of clinical evidence also indicated that certain BM components can be involved in regulating FA. These insights offered clinically actionable targets for precision nutrition and redefined BM as a dynamic immune-modulating ecosystem with stratified intervention potential.

Background: Laocaifu (LCF), a traditional Chinese fermented radish product originating from the Fujian and Chaoshan regions, is widely consumed for its distinctive flavor and texture. However, the specific flavor substances and quality markers associated with different aging periods still remained poorly characterized.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the key flavor substances and quality markers in LCF across different aging durations.

Methods: The chemical profiles of LCF samples aged 2, 6, 10, 20, and 30 years were comparatively characterized using ultraviolet (UV), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) methods. Simultaneously, sensory evaluation was performed to analyze the changes of color, aroma, flavor, and texture characteristics of LCF at different years; to verify the differences of flavor substances; and to provide a sensory basis for subsequent chemical analysis.

Results: Sensory evaluation revealed progressive darkening of color, intensification of sourness, and softening of texture with extended aging of LCF. HPLC assay identified potential signature components eluting at 14–16 min, while UPLC–MS assay detected acid derivatives (such as azelaic acid and hexadecanedioic acid) and alcohols as major flavor contributors. Notably, hexadecanedioic acid and azelaic acid showed a strong positive correlation with prolonged aging, establishing their potential as a reliable aging biomarker. Age-dependent variations in ester and alcohol contents were observed, especially in LCF at 6 and 10 years, suggesting their influence on sensory characteristics. Furthermore, GC–MS assay showed that compositional diversity increased with the aging time of LCF.

Conclusion: This study successfully established UPLC–MS as an effective tool for LCF quality assessment by correlating chemical profiles with sensory attributes. The identification of hexadecanedioic acid and azelaic acid as key aging biomarkers, with content directly proportional to fermentation duration, provided a scientific basis for quality control and market differentiation of LCF products. These findings address critical gaps in the commercial characterization of this traditional fermented food.

In this study, first, optimization using the response surface method was implemented to obtain the highest yield of protein isolate from defatted hemp seed under different extraction conditions. Optimum extraction conditions were determined with 0% salt concentration, 12 pH value, and 49°C temperature. The protein isolate produced under optimum conditions was subjected to the glycation process, and the glycation conditions were also optimized. The optimum conditions for glycation were determined as a protein isolate: sugar ratio of 1.6:1, temperature of 60°C, and time of 90 min, providing the most suitable glycation degrees and browning indices. There was no statistical difference between the glycated protein isolate obtained under these conditions and the nonglycated protein isolate in terms of emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index. For total phenolic–flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activity, the sugar complex caused a decrease in these values. In addition, there was a high positive correlation between bioactive compounds. SEM micrographs showed relationships between hemp seed protein isolate and sugar, and these interactions led to a spongy three-dimensional microstructure. When the FTIR results were analyzed, the glycated isolate had stronger absorption at 3300–3200 cm⁻¹ compared to the nonglycated isolate. In conclusion, this study reports important findings in terms of functional and characteristic properties of how monosaccharides affect glycation.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a valuable medicinal and culinary plant renowned for its rich content of bioactive compounds, including phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and promote overall health. The stability of these compounds in dried ginger powder depends significantly on packaging materials and storage conditions. This study evaluated the influence of two packaging types—glass jars and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)—and storage durations of 3, 6, and 9 months on the phytochemical and antioxidant profiles of four Ethiopian ginger genotypes: Boziab, Volvo, Farmers Variety, and Candidate-19. The goal was to determine the most effective packaging and storage combination for preserving the nutritional quality of ginger. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were measured. Results indicated a significant reduction in both phytochemical and antioxidant activity with increased storage time, particularly beyond 6 months. Although the differences between glass jars and HDPE packaging were generally not statistically significant (p < 0.05) during the 3- and 6-month periods, glass jars demonstrated a slightly better preservation effect. Among the genotypes, Boziab stored in glass jars for 3 months recorded the highest levels of TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH activity. These findings suggest that ginger should be stored at room temperature for no longer than 6 months to retain its health-promoting compounds. Further studies are recommended to explore extended storage periods, alternative packaging technologies, and strategies to enhance the retention of bioactive constituents.

Rheum tanguticum​ petiole juice, widely consumed in Tibet as both a vegetable and an herb, exhibits varying chemical compositions depending on the production methods. This study aims to identify the bioactive components in raw juice using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF–MS–MS) and analyze their antidiabetic properties through network pharmacology. In addition, the effects of the three types of membrane clarification were evaluated. A total of 36 compounds were identified, and a components–targets–pathways–disease network was constructed for diabetes treatment. Among the membranes tested, the 0.2 μm microfiltration membrane exhibited the highest permeate flux and retained significant amounts of total flavonoids, phenolics, and proanthocyanidins, making it the optimal choice for juice clarification. These findings lay the groundwork for the industrial processing and utilization of R. tanguticum petiole juice in China.

Chloropropanols and chloropropanol esters are major food pollutants. Free chloropropanols are found in foods such as soy sauce, infant formula, edible vegetable oils, bread and margarine, whereas chloropropanol esters are found primarily in processed oils and fats. Risk assessments and toxicological studies indicate that these compounds pose significant risks to human health. Their formation during the heat processing of food is inevitable, making them a critical food safety concern. Comprehensive research on their formation mechanisms, detection methods, exposure levels and toxicity profiles is essential to address this issue. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the occurrence, toxicology, detection and elimination of chloropropanols and chloropropanol esters. It provides a scientific basis for further understanding these pollutants, suggests directions for future research and identifies key challenges requiring resolution.

Background: Previous studies have examined the relationship between vitamin C and depression, but the findings have been inconclusive. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between serum vitamin C and depression in adults.

Methods: Data from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycle were utilized. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were applied to assess the association between serum vitamin C and depression. Weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was conducted to explore the dose–response relationship between serum vitamin C and depression. In addition, we performed stratified and sensitivity analyses to evaluate the stability of the results.

Results: A total of 4517 participants were included in this study. Among of them, 410 (9.08%) participants suffered depression. In fully adjusted models, serum vitamin C, as a continuous variable, was negatively associated with depression (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54–0.88, p = 0.003). Similar results were observed when serum vitamin C was analyzed as a categorical variable. The ORs (95% CI) for Q2, Q3, and Q4, with Q1 as the reference, were 1.00 (0.76–1.33), 0.73 (0.54–0.99), and 0.59 (0.42–0.81), respectively. The RCS analysis found a linear negative relationship between serum vitamin C and depression (p for nonlinearity = 0.579). Additionally, the inverse associations between serum vitamin C and depression remained robust in stratified and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion: Our findings suggested that there was a linear negative relationship between serum vitamin C and depression, indicating that maintaining sufficient serum vitamin C is recommended due to its potential benefits for protecting against depression.

Vemurafenib (PLX4032) targets the most common BRAF mutation, V600E, in human skin melanoma. Casticin, a polymethoxylated flavonoid compound, is extracted from Viticis fructus (a traditional Chinese medicine) and presents many pharmacological activities, in particular, anticancer activities. However, no report shows that both combinations induce cytotoxic effects in human cancer cells. This study is the first report to illustrate the effects of PLX4032, casticin, or casticin combined with PLX4032 on inducing apoptotic cell death in human skin melanoma A375.S2 cells. Results showed that the treatment of PLX4032 combined with casticin caused cytotoxic activities via suppressing cell viability and inducing DNA condensation and then resulted in cell death in A375.S2 cells. The two-drug combination enhanced the amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺ release; however, it diminished the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Moreover, the levels of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and mitochondria-associated proteins (cytochrome c, AIF, and Endo G) were higher in casticin combined with PLX4032 treatment than that in PLX4032 or casticin treatment only by western blotting. The levels of Fas, FasL, FADD, GADD153, and caspase-4 were elevated in the combined treatment. Confocal laser microscopy also confirms that cytochrome c, AIF, and Endo G had higher expression in the combined drug treatments than in single-drug treatment. The casticin combined with PLX4032 treatment decreased cell viability by triggering apoptotic cell death via both mitochondria- and caspase-dependent pathways in human skin melanoma A375.S2 cells.