Molecular Nutrition & Food Research最新文献

Functional interpretation of bacterial genomes and metagenomes is essential for applications ranging from microbial ecology to probiotic development. KEGGaNOG is a lightweight and scalable Python tool that enables pathway-level profiling by translating orthology-based annotations into KEGG module completeness scores. KEGGaNOG accepts input from eggNOG-mapper annotations and supports both individual genome and multi-sample analyses. It calculates completeness scores for KEGG modules using internally integrated KEGG-Decoder logic and offers a suite of visualization options, including heatmaps, grouped summaries, barplots, radar plots, and correlation networks. We demonstrate its use on 11 well-characterized bacterial genomes, including several probiotic strains. KEGGaNOG accurately captured core biosynthetic capabilities and highlighted functionally informative differences across samples, such as vitamin biosynthesis, stress-response pathways, and transport systems. KEGGaNOG provides a practical framework for high-throughput functional annotation and comparative metabolic profiling in bacterial genomics and microbiome research. It is particularly well suited for preliminary analysis of novel or uncharacterized strains and is applicable to both isolate and metagenome-derived data. In the context of probiotic research, KEGGaNOG supports mechanistic exploration and strain selection by linking genomic content to functional capacity in a reproducible and interpretable manner.

Acai seeds have been used in roasting processes, resulting in a percolated beverage similar to coffee. This upcycled product has gained market share, offering consumers a caffeine-free beverage with functional appeal. However, information about the powder and beverage is limited. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the chemical profile of roasted acai seed samples from Brazil, investigate phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity before and after in vitro digestion, and examine the cytotoxic/cytoprotective effects in Caco-2 cell cultures. Six commercial samples from the North, Northeast, and Southeast were characterized by high carbohydrate content, high acidity, and moisture content according to legislation (≤5 g/100 g). After in vitro digestion, all beverages exhibited higher concentrations of tannins and flavonoids and greater capacity to absorb oxygen radicals. However, there was a reduction in antioxidant potential against DPPH and ABTS radicals and in the reducing action of ferric ions. The samples produced in the North and Northeast showed similarity in the phenolic profile compared to those made in the Southeast. They were characterized by chlorogenic acids, vinylic acid, and syringic acid, which are associated with phenolic markers. All beverages demonstrated low cytotoxicity (>90%) and showed cytoprotective effects, indicating that the samples prevented oxidation.

Diet and nutrition significantly influence Parkinson's disease (PD) progression and risk reduction. The Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) effectively assesses diet quality. This study investigates the link between HEI-2015 scores and PD risk in the US population. We analyzed data from 80 241 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants from 2003 to 2018 using weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline to explore non-linear links between HEI-2015 and PD risk. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess variations influenced by confounding factors. After adjusting for potential confounders in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, individuals with PD had significantly lower HEI-2015 scores compared to those without PD. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis found no non-linear relationship between HEI-2015 scores and PD risk. However, in our subgroup, individuals aged 50–60, females, non-Hispanic Whites, those with higher education and income, heavy alcohol consumers, and those without diabetes were notable. Enhancing the nutritional quality of one's diet could potentially lower the risk of PD.

In preventive healthcare, the demand for systematic identification of wellness-promoting natural compounds is rising. Quercetin, a phenolic compound found in various fruits and vegetables, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improving lipid profiles and metabolic dysfunctions in conditions like Type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. This study applies a novel adaptation of an in-silico drug repurposing methodology to quercetin, analyzing a gene expression signature library of over 800 diseases and 30 quercetin-related conditions to prioritize molecular targets. Our findings revealed a strong computational link between quercetin and hypercholesterolemia. To validate this, we conducted a proof-of-concept clinical study using a high-bioaccessibility quercetin formulation (Quercefit^TM) in healthy adults with borderline metabolic profiles, confirming health benefits. This study highlights quercetin's known potential in managing hypercholesterolemia and demonstrates the power of computational methods in advancing natural compound discovery and repositioning. The integration of in-silico predictions with human studies could pave the way for more precise or alternative use of bioactive compounds in dietary supplements.

Hypertension represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. As a diet high in sodium chloride is associated with hypertension, so-called “blood pressure salts” are attracting increasing scientific interest. These are characterized by a partial replacement of sodium chloride by other salts, mainly potassium and magnesium compounds. The aim of this review is to evaluate the bioavailability of potassium and magnesium salts as dietary supplements and to identify potential sodium chloride substitutes. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database using the PICO scheme. Randomized controlled trials in healthy adults investigating the bioavailability of defined potassium/magnesium salts were included. Potassium chloride and potassium citrate showed good bioavailability irrespective of the route of administration and dose. Magnesium citrate and magnesium chloride showed good bioavailability while magnesium oxide was poorly bioavailable. This may be partly due to its poor solubility in water. The results indicate that potassium chloride and potassium citrate as well as magnesium citrate and chloride are suitable for the use as salt substitutes and for increasing potassium and magnesium intake in addition to reducing sodium. Due to its poor water solubility and consequently low bioavailability magnesium oxide is less suitable.