Food frontiers最新文献

Dietary fiber (DF) and phenolics are commonly used as two distinct natural active components to modify the properties of starch, particularly its digestibility. Their interaction causes property changes in related conjugates/complexes, but it remains unknown whether the pattern includes starch regulation. Given that citrus peel fiber is known for its abundant bound phenolics (BP), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the presence or absence of BP in lemon peel soluble DF, as well as individual BP, on gelatinized corn starch (CS) properties. Compared with the fiber-phenolic conjugate (SDF-P), CS supplemented with 8% dephenolized fiber (dp-SDF) exhibited a weaker reduction in viscosity during gelatinization. Furthermore, the viscoelasticity, structural strength, and freeze-thaw stability of gelatinized gels in dp-SDF group were improved. While 8% BP supplementation decreased the hardness and chewiness of gels compared to the blank, it improved the storage/loss modulus and stability in the first few freeze-thaw cycles. In vitro simulated digestion tests showed that all three components increased resistant starch content in freeze-dried gelatinized samples, thereby enhancing overall digestibility resistance. BP had the strongest effect, whereas SDF-P was the least effective. Characterization of crystal, molecular, and microscopic structures revealed that they all formed reinforced structural networks with CS, though differential structural modifications likely contributed to their varying capacities to inhibit digestibility. This study highlights the critical role of phenolic conjugation in how DF affects the physicochemical properties and digestibility of starch, while providing novel insights into developing lemon peel for improving processing and nutritional attributes of starchy foods.

Impairment of intestinal barrier function is intricately linked to intestinal inflammation. Emerging evidence highlights that tryptophan-derived metabolites from the intestinal microbiota play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal barrier function. In this study, a Caco-2/HT29 co-culture model was applied to evaluate the effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on the intestinal barrier and explore its underlying mechanism of action. Results demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused the transepithelial resistance to drop to 387.5 ± 30.41 Ω·cm², while IAA was able to increase it to 542 ± 31.11 Ω·cm². At the same time, it reduced the paracellular permeability and restored the FITC-Dextran 4 (FD-4) permeability to 108.01%. This phenomenon was accompanied by an upregulation in the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. Concurrently, after IAA intervention, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway was activated, while nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, IAA exerted an inhibitory effect on the LPS-triggered upregulation of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) in RAW264.7 cells. These findings provide novel insights into the enhancement of intestinal barrier function and the in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of gut microbiota-derived metabolites.

Fried potatoes are associated with a global rise in metabolic diseases and raise substantial health concerns. However, limited studies have addressed adverse effects of fried potato diets and potential prevention strategies. Here, we aim to uncover detrimental effects of long-term potato chip consumption on glycolipid metabolism through a 13-week animal study and evaluate the protective role of fish oil supplementation. Results revealed that potato chip consumption significantly increased body weight, serum and hepatic total cholesterol, blood glucose, and insulin resistance, alongside liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue damage, which was obviously ameliorated by fish oil intervention. Transcriptional analysis revealed that fish oil supplementation mitigated inflammation, gluconeogenesis, and lipid synthesis. Moreover, metagenomics and metabolomics uncovered that fish oil treatment improved gut health by evaluating the abundances of probiotics Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Lactobacillus johnsonii and raising hepatic docosahexaenoic acid, while reducing hypoxanthine and xanthine. The beneficial effect could be evidenced by showing negative correlations between the abundances of Lactobacillus reuteri and L. johnsonii and hepatic levels of hypoxanthine and xanthine, whereas these bacterial species demonstrated positive correlations with unsaturated fatty acid concentrations. These associations are attributed to the modulative role of fish oil supplementation in the functions of key enzymes, including l-lactate dehydrogenase (EC:1.1.1.27) and acetate kinase (EC:2.7.2.1), involved in gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis through the gut microbiota. In conclusion, these findings highlight the gut–liver axis as a promising target for restoring glycolipid homeostasis and underscore the beneficial role of fish oil use in alleviating unhealthy diet-induced metabolic disorders.

Hypertension, often referred to as a silent killer, is responsible for 7.5 million deaths, representing approximately 12.8% of all global mortality. This study aimed to (1) catalogue traditional uses of edible seeds for hypertension as recorded in ethnopharmacological surveys, (2) elucidate the antihypertensive attributes of these seeds based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, and (3) assess the mechanisms of action of primary bioactive compounds derived from these seeds. Data were sourced from online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, resulting in 155 reviewed studies, 47 of which were ethnopharmacological surveys. Data extracted from the studies included the species names of edible seeds, family names, year, countries where the study was conducted, study design, model used, extract, method of preparation, solvent used, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), pulse pressure (PP), and heart rate (HR). Predominant seeds included Nigella sativa L. (black seed), Peganum harmala L. (harmala), Persea americana Mill. (avocado seed), Linum usitassimum L. (flaxseed), and Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick seed). The protein extract of Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) demonstrated the most potent inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.07 to 0.08 mg/mL, whereas Hordeum vulgare L. (barley) exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity at 91.8%. Notably, N. sativa was observed to be especially effective in lowering both diastolic and SBP. This review highlights the potential antihypertensive benefits of traditionally employed edible seeds, presenting new perspectives and avenues for future research.

Intestinal health could be affected by intestinal motility, which is controlled by the enteric nervous system. In this study, we found that α-ketoglutarate (AKG) inhibits intestinal motility and improves intestinal permeability, accompanied by an increased count of intestinal flora. We also identified that the AKG receptor, oxoglutarate receptor 1 (OXGR1), is expressed in the myenteric plexus (MP). Meanwhile, OXGR1 knockout enhanced intestinal motility. Furthermore, we found that AKG activates nitrergic neurons to synthesize nitric oxide through OXGR1, thereby suppressing intestinal smooth muscle contractility. Finally, we demonstrate that AKG/OXGR1 activates nitric oxide synthase in combination with calmodulin in nitrergic neurons. Taken together, this study may identify novel therapeutic targets for intestinal disease, such as diarrhea or colitis.

As a slightly fermented tea in China, large-leaf yellow tea (YT) has demonstrated a capacity to ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders (LMDs) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Tea residue, as a byproduct of tea infusion, is increasingly recognized for its potential in reuse and high-value utilization. The objective of our research was to investigate the possible effects of YSR on LMDs regulation and to clarify its mechanisms of intervention. In this study, YT, large-leaf yellow tea aqueous extract (YAE), and large-leaf yellow tea residue (YSR) were utilized as interventions in a LMDs model induced by HFD. Additionally, we evaluated their effects on serum lipid metabolism indices and explored potential mechanisms of intervention through transcriptome analysis. The results indicated that YT, YAE, and YSR interventions significantly decreased body weight and fasting glucose levels in mice, and moreover, serum lipid indices (including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, insulin and leptin) along with hepatic lipid content exhibited a comparable reduction. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses from RNA-seq confirmed that YSR and YAE were primarily involved in lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways. Both YSR and YAE interventions significantly upregulated genes involved in fatty acid oxidation (including Cyp4a, Acsl4, Cpt1, Ehhadh, Acot3, and Acaa1b). In addition, YSR significantly downregulated key genes in cholesterol synthesis (including Sqle, Tm7sf2, Msmo1, Nsdhl, and Dhcr24), while YAE upregulated genes related to bile acid synthesis (Cyp7a1) expression. These findings underscore the potential of YT and its components in regulating lipid metabolism and suggest opportunities for developing high-value products from YSR.

Brewers' spent grains (BSG), a major byproduct of the brewing industry, accounts for 85% of its total waste. Due to its high initial moisture content, BSG has a limited shelf life. However, once dried, BSG contains around 60% dietary fibers and 20% protein making them a promising high fiber and high-protein ingredient to be incorporated in foods. Numerous studies have explored the potential use of BSG in food applications, where knowledge of their proximate composition becomes essential for product formulations development. Notably, the composition of BSG from local or craft breweries differs significantly from that of large scale national brands. Thus, this study was conducted to characterize the composition of BSG from 24 local breweries in the Columbus, Ohio area. Using approved standardized methods, moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates contents were measured. While moisture and ash contents showed minimal variation, noticeable substantial differences were measured in the levels of carbohydrates (65%–70%), protein (18%–24%), and lipids (8%–14%). The variation is primarily attributed to changes in brewing practices and in ingredients used to produce beer styles unique to each brewery. The information about the composition of BSG from local breweries can be extremely useful for its potential application in food products. Instrument-based techniques (like near infrared [NIR] or mid infrared [MIR] spectrometers) can be developed based on wet chemistry methods that can offer rapid and precise estimation of BSG composition for the future use. Such an approach will eliminate or greatly reduce the waste generated from the breweries.

Alcohol exposure induces kidney oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. L-theanine (LTA) can protect the kidneys through its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects; however, its role and underlying mechanisms in alleviating alcoholic kidney injury remain unclear. In this study, LTA significantly ameliorated alcohol-induced kidney tissue structural damage, excessive release of inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress imbalance, with the 400 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ dose group showing the most effective intervention. LTA inhibited the sphingolipid metabolism-S1PR2-JNK signaling pathway, reduced sphingosine levels, downregulated the S1PR2 proinflammatory receptor, blocked S1PR2 signal transduction, and subsequently suppressed JNK phosphorylation and AP-1 activity. Additionally, LTA activated the PPARα and steroid synthesis pathway, promoting the production of endogenous anti-inflammatory steroids. These results indicate that LTA alleviates alcohol-induced kidney injury by inhibiting the sphingolipid metabolism-S1PR2-JNK pathway and activating the PPARα and steroid synthesis pathways, providing a safe and effective nutritional intervention strategy for alcoholic kidney injury.

Dysregulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is closely associated with inflammation-driven carcinogenesis, tumor progression and resistance to conventional therapies. Sustained NF-κB activation enhances malignant cell survival, proliferation and immune evasion by promoting proinflammatory and antiapoptotic gene expression. This review aims to critically evaluate natural dietary compounds that modulate NF-κB signaling and explore their translational relevance in cancer prevention and therapy. We analyzed key classes of phytochemicals such as polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol), flavonoids (EGCG, quercetin), alkaloids (berberine), and terpenoids (celastrol), focusing on their molecular mechanisms of NF-κB inhibition, preclinical anticancer efficacy, and emerging strategies to overcome pharmacokinetic limitations. Preclinical evidence consistently demonstrates that these compounds inhibit NF-κB activity by targeting upstream kinases, preventing nuclear translocation, and suppressing downstream protumorigenic gene expression. Notably, advances in nanotechnology-based delivery systems, including liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, have markedly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and tumor-specific delivery of these agents in vivo. In conclusion, natural NF-κB-targeting compounds offer a promising multitargeted strategy for integrative cancer therapy. Continued development of optimized formulations and well-designed clinical trials will be essential to translate their potential into effective nutraceutical or adjuvant interventions in oncology.

Dietary fiber is a bioactive substance that can modulate gut microbiota and exert a relieving effect on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) is a type of bioactive dietary fiber that has been proven to have various biological activities on intestinal function. However, the key mechanism underlying DOP-mediated protection against colitis is unclear. In this study, we proved that DOP alleviates colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and its beneficial effects depend on the gut microbiota. Specifically, DOP supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Clostridium and Ruminococcus in mice, leading to the upregulated secondary bile acid synthesis pathway and increased deoxycholic acid (DCA) production. Notably, DCA administration alleviated colitis manifestations in DSS-treated mice. Collectively, these results indicate that DOP exerts its mechanism of improving colitis by modulating gut microbiota and promoting the synthesis of DCA.