Supercritical CO2 Treatment to Modify Techno-Functional Properties of Proteins Extracted from Tomato Seeds.

Tomato seeds are a rich source of protein that can be utilized for various industrial food purposes. This study delves into the effects of using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) on the structure and techno-functional properties of proteins extracted from defatted tomato seeds. The defatted meal was obtained using hexane (TSMH) and scCO2 (TSMC), and proteins were extracted using water (PEWH and PEWC) and saline solution (PESH and PESC). The results showed that scCO2 treatment significantly improved the techno-functional properties of protein extracts, such as oil-holding capacity and foaming capacity (especially for PEWC). Moreover, emulsifying capacity and stability were enhanced for PEWC and PESC, ranging between 4.8 and 46.7% and 11.3 and 96.3%, respectively. This was made possible by the changes in helix structure content induced by scCO2 treatment, which increased for PEWC (5.2%) and decreased for PESC (8.0%). Additionally, 2D electrophoresis revealed that scCO2 hydrolyzed alkaline proteins in the extracts. These findings demonstrate the potential of scCO2 treatment in producing modified proteins for food applications.

Extraction methods and nutritional characterization of protein concentrates obtained from bean, chickpea, and corn discard grains.

Protein concentrates obtained from discarded grain flours of white chickpea Sinaloa (Cicer arietinum) (CC), "Azufrazin" bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (BC), and white corn (Zea mays) (MC), were characterized biochemically through bromatological analyses (protein, lipid, fiber, moisture, ashes, and nitrogen free extract), HPLC techniques (amino acids content), and spectrophotometry (anti-nutrients: phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, and saponins). The percentage of protein obtained from CC, BC, and MC was 71.23, 81.10, and 55.69%, respectively. Most peptides in the BC and CC flours had a molecular weight of <1.35 kDa, meanwhile, MC peptides were heavier (1.35 to 17 kDa). The amino acids (AA) profile of flours and protein concentrates were similar; however, all the protein concentrates showed an increased AA accumulation (300 to -400%) compared with their flours. The protein concentrates from BC registered the highest AA accumulation (77.4 g of AA/100 g of protein concentrates). Except for the phytic acid in CC and trypsin inhibitor in CC and MC, respectively, the rest of the protein concentrates exhibited higher amounts of the anti-nutrients compared with their flours; however, these levels do not exceed the reported toxicity for some animals, mainly when used in combination with other ingredients for feed formulations. It is concluded that CC and BC protein concentrates showed better nutritional characteristics than MC (level of protein, size of peptides, and AA profile). After biochemical characterization, protein concentrates derived from by-products have nutritional potential for the animal feed industry.

Foaming and Structural Studies on the Acidic Subunit of Amaranth 11S Globulin Modified with Antihypertensive Peptides as a Function of pH and Ionic Strength.

Some studies aimed at revealing the relationship between protein structure and their functional properties. However, the majority of these reports have been carried out using protein isolates. There are limited reports on the possible relationship between the functional properties and the structure of a purified protein. In this work the amaranth 11S globulin acidic subunit (AAC) and five mutations of the same protein that were modified in their variable regions with antihypertensive peptides (VYVYVYVY and RIPP), were analyzed at two ionic strength (2.9 and 17.6 g/L NaCl) and pH (3.0-7.0). Results revealed better solubility for the proteins mutated at the terminal ends (AACM.1 and AACM.4) and lower solubility for the protein inserted with RIPP peptide. Spectroscopy studies revealed an increase of ß-sheet structure at high salt concentration for all proteins. It was also observed that salt concentration acted as a modulator, which allowed a better foam features for all modified proteins limiting movement of side chains and reducing red-shifted displacement of λmax. All proteins showed foam capacity ranging from 76 to 93% although foam stability was twofold better for modified proteins than for AAC at high salt concentration. This study allowed better understanding about the structural changes that influence the foaming properties of engineered proteins.

Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles Incorporating Antioxidants from Salvia hispanica L. on the Amaranth Flour Films.

Research background: Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) flour produces films with excellent barrier properties against water vapor, allowing food preservation, but the mechanical properties are poor compared to synthetic films. One strategy to improve these properties is the incorporation of nanoparticles. The particles can also serve as a vehicle for the addition of antioxidant agents into the films. The objective of this work is to optimize the formulation for the preparation of amaranth flour films treated with antioxidant chia (Salvia hispanica L.) extract-loaded chitosan particles using response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental approach: Chitosan nanoparticles with the extract were synthesized by ionic gelation, and the films were made by the casting method. Three independent variables were assigned: amaranth flour (4-6%), glycerol (25-35%) and chitosan nanoparticles loaded with the chia extract (0-0.75%). We then evaluated the physical (thickness), mechanical (tensile strength, Young´s modulus and elongation), barrier (water vapor permeability, moisture and water solubility) and antioxidant properties of the films. The experimental results of the properties were analyzed using a Box-Behnken experimental design generating 15 runs with three replicates at the central point. Results and conclusions: Second and third order polynomial models were obtained from the ANOVA analysis of the evaluated responses, and high coefficients of determination were found (0.91-1.0). The water vapor permeability of the films was 0.82-2.39·10-7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m2), tensile strength was 0.33-1.63 MPa and antioxidant activity 2.24-5.65%. The variables had different effects on the films: glycerol negatively affected their properties, and the permeability values increased with increased amaranth flour content. The nanoparticles improved the mechanical, barrier and antioxidant properties of the films compared to the films without nanosystems. The optimal formulation was 4% amaranth flour, 25% glycerol and 0.36% chitosan nanoparticles. The optimized films had better mechanical (1.62 MPa) properties, a low water vapor permeability value (0.91·10-7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m2)) and moderate antioxidant activity (6.43%). Novelty and scientific contribution: The results show the effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the properties of amaranth flour films for the first time. The resulting equations are useful in the design of food packaging.

Engineering Concanavalin B to Release Bioactive Peptides against Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a severe public health issue characterized by multiple metabolic disturbances. Current treatments prescribe a particular drug for each of them, producing multiple side effects. As a first step towards a more integral approach, we applied our recently described methodology to design single proteins, based in the Concanavalin B scaffold (1CNV), that contain several bioactive peptides (BPs), including antioxidant and lipid-lowering activities as well as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and the angiotensin converting enzyme. Modified Concanavalin (CNV44), the designed protein that showed the best in silico properties, was expressed in high yields in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. After in vitro digestion with gastrointestinal enzymes, all the biological activities tested where higher in CNV44 when compared to the non-modified protein 1CNV, or to other previous reports. The results presented here represent the first in vitro evidence of a modified protein with the potential to treat metabolic syndrome and open the venue for the design of proteins to treat other non-communicable diseases.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Particles Loaded with Antioxidants Extracted from Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds contain antioxidants with great benefits for health and are widely used in the food industry. Antioxidants can be degraded by environmental factors, decreasing their biological activity. Their encapsulation in chitosan (CH) particles represents an alternative to protect them and increases their application. The encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of the antioxidants in the CH particles depends on the synthesis conditions. In this study, two methods for encapsulation of chia extract in chitosan particles were evaluated: method A, 0.05% CH in 1% acetic acid was mixed with 0.07% of tripolyphosphate (TPP) and method B, 0.3% CH in 2% acetic acid was mixed with 1% TPP. The results showed that the %EE decreased with the concentration of the extract, and the FTIR analysis suggested that the compounds of the extract were adsorbed on the surface of the particles. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis showed that the particles of method A are unstable and with a tendency to agglomerate, and the particles of method B are stable. The highest %EE was obtained with 0.2 mg·mL-1 (method A) and 1.0 mg·mL-1 (method B) of the extract. The higher loading capacity (%LC) (16-72%) was exhibited by the particles of method A. The best particle yield (62-69%) was observed for method B. The particles with the extract adsorbed showed antioxidant activity (5-60%) at 25°C; however, in the particles with the extract encapsulated, the activity increased after subjecting to acidic conditions at 40°C due to the breakdown of the particles. The results obtained will allow choosing the appropriate conditions for the synthesis of chitosan particles loaded with chia extracts with specific characteristics (%EE, %LC, size, and type) according to their future applications. The particles could be used in food and pharmaceutical industries and even in edible films for food packaging.

Relación entre nivel de adherencia al tratamiento y apoyo social en pacientes con falla cardiaca / Relationship between Treatment Adherence Level and Social Support in Patients with Heart Failure / Relação entre nível de adesão ao tratamento e suporte social em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca

Introducción: La falla cardiaca (FC) es una de las enfermedades cardiovasculares con mayor índice de hospitalizaciones en la unidad de cuidado intensivo. En esta enfermedad es imperativo determinar aquellos factores asociados con el reingreso, como la adherencia al tratamiento y el apoyo social. Objetivo: determinar la relación entre la adherencia al tratamiento y el apoyo social de pacientes con falla cardiaca. Método: se realizó un estudio correlacional, con muestreo no probabilístico; el tamaño de la muestra fue de 64 pacientes con diagnóstico de FC. Para la medición del nivel de adherencia, se utilizó la escala para evaluación de comportamientos de adherencia con un alfa Cronbach de 0,72, para medir la percepción del apoyo social; se empleó la escala Medical Outcomes Study Social Supportsurvey (MOS) con una alfa de Cronbach de 0,94. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y, para establecer la relación del nivel de adherencia con el apoyo social, se aplicó la prueba de independencia de distribuciones categóricas de Fisher. Resultados: Los participantes, en su mayoría, se encontraron adheridos al tratamiento (56,2%); el índice global de apoyo social (media: 76,18) y sus dimensiones se encontraron en un rango medio. En cuanto a la asociación entre la adherencia al tratamiento, el apoyo social emocional (p: 0,006336) y el apoyo afectivo (p: 0,03025), esta fue moderada. Conclusiones: Existe asociación entre la adherencia y el apoyo social, por lo que es fundamental que el profesional de enfermería incluya la evaluación e intervención del apoyo social previo al alta del paciente, para optimizar los niveles de adherencia.

Introduction: Hearth Failure (HF) is one of the cardiovascular diseases with higher numbers of admissions in the ICU. In these diseases, it is a must to determine the factors associated with re-admission like the treatment adherence and social support. Objective: To determine the relationship between treatment adherence and social support in patients with HF. Methods: A correlational study with non-probabilistic sampling was conducted. The sample size was 64 patients diagnosed with HF. To measure the adherence level, the adherence behavior evaluation scale with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.72 was used. To measure the social support perception, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Supportsurvey (MOS) with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 was used. A descriptive analysis was carried out and in order to determine how the adherence level is related to the social support, the Fisher's test for categorical distributions was applied. Results: Most of the subjects showed a level of frequently an adhered to the treatment (56.2%). The global index of social support was found with values in a mean range (mean: 76.18). The association between the treatment adherence, social support (p: 0.006336) and affective support (p: 0.03025) was moderate. Conclusions: There is an association between the treatment adherence and social support. Therefore, it is pivotal that the nurse include the evaluation and intervention of social support before the patient's discharge in order to optimize the adherence levels.

Introdução: A insuAciência cardíaca (FC) é uma das doenças cardiovasculares com maior índice de internações na unidade de terapia intensiva. Nesta doença é imperativo determinar os fatores associados à readmissão, como a adesão ao tratamento e o suporte social. Objetivo: determinar a relação entre adesão a tratamento e o suporte social de pacientes com InsuAciência Cardíaca. Método: foi realizado um estudo correlacional, com amostragem não probabilística e tamanho da amostra de 64 pacientes com diagnóstico de IC. Para mensurar o nível de adesão, utilizou-se a Escala para avaliação de comportamentos de adesão com alfa Cronbach de 0,72; para medir a percepção do apoio social, usou-se a escala Medical Outcomes Study Social Supportsurvey (MOS) com alfa de Cronbach de 0,94. Realizou-se análise descritiva e, para estabelecer a relação entre o nível de adesão e o suporte social, foi aplicado o teste de independência de distribuições categóricas de Fisher. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes encontrava-se em nível de adesão frequente ao tratamento (56,2%); o índice global de apoio social (média: 76,18) e suas dimensões se encontraram em um rango médio. Quanto à associação entre adesão ao tratamento, suporte social emocional (p: 0,006336) e suporte afetivo (p: 0,03025) foi moderada. Conclusões: Há associação entre adesão e suporte social, pelo que é fundamental que o proAssional de enfermagem inclua a avaliação e intervenção do apoio social antes da alta, para aperfeiçoar os níveis de adesão.

Assessment of Techno-Functional and Nutraceutical Potential of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seed Meal.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely consumed fruit all around the world. The industrial exploitation of tomato generates a lot of waste. Most of the utilization of tomato seeds waste is focused on animal feeding, as well as a food ingredient aimed to increase the protein content, and raw material for some organic bioactive component extraction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the techno-functional properties of tomato seed meal (TSM) and its nutraceutical properties after applying defatting processing (TSMD), and to evaluate the nutraceutical properties after a fermentation processing (TSMDF) by Lactobacillus sp. The results showed that, at alkaline conditions (pH 8-9), the techno-functional properties for TSM and TSMD improved. In comparison with TSM, TSMD showed higher water holding capacity (WHC ≈32%), higher oil holding capacity (OHC ≈13%), higher protein solubility (49-58%), more than 10 times foaming activity (FA), more than 50 times foam stability (Fst), as well as an improved emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (Est) wich were better at pH 9. Regarding the nutraceutical properties, after 48 h of fermentation (TSMDF), the antioxidant activity was doubled and a significant increase in the iron chelating activity was also observed. During the same fermentation time, the highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) was achieved (IC50 73.6 µg/mL), more than 10 times higher than TSMD, which leads to suggest that this fermented medium may be a powerful antihypertensive. Therefore, the strategy proposed in this study could be an option for the exploitation of tomato wastes.

Moringa straw as cellulase production inducer and cellulolytic fungi source / Residuo de moringa como inductor de la producción de celulasas y como fuente de hongos celulolíticos

Abstract Currently, the valorization of agroindustrial waste is of great interest. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree whose softwood residues could be used as raw material for low-cost cellulase production. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize microorganisms with cellulolytic activity in different carbon sources. We isolated and puri-fied 42 microorganisms from M. oleifera biomass. Fungi presenting the largest hydrolytic halos in carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate were molecularly identified as Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). The ability of these fungal strains to break down cellulose was assessed in a submerged fermentation using either amorphous CMC or crystalline form (Avicel). P. funiculosum and C. cladosporioides displayed similar endoglucanase (606 U/l) and exoglucanase (205 U/l) activities in the Avicel-containing medium, whereas F. verticillioides showed the highest level of p-glucosidase activity (664 U/l) in the carboxymethylcellulose medium. In addition, the effect of three culture media (A, B, and C) on cellulase production was evaluated in P. funiculosum using moringa straw as a carbon source. The results showed a volumetric productivity improvement of cellulases that was 2.77-, 8.26-, and 2.30-fold higher for endoglucanase, exoglucanase and p-glucosidase, respectively when medium C containing moringa straw was used as a carbon source. The enzymatic extracts produced by these fungi have biotechnological potential especially for second-generation bioethanol production (2G) from moringa straw. This is the first report on the use of M. oleifera biomass to induce the production of various cellulases in P. funiculosum. © 2019 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Resumen Actualmente, la valorización de los residuos agroindustriales es de gran interés. En este trabajo se emplearon residuos de madera blanda de Moringa oleifera para la producción de celulasas de bajo costo. El objetivo fue aislar, identificar y caracterizar microorganismos con actividad celulolítica en diferentes fuentes de carbono. A partir de la biomasa de M. oleifera, se aislaron e identificaron 42 microorganismos productores de celulasas. Los hongos que presentaron los mayores halos de hidrólisis en carboximetilcelulosa como sustrato fueron identificados molecularmente como Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) y Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). Mediante fermentación sumergida, se evaluó la capacidad de estas cepas en la producción de celulasas utilizando celulosa cristalina (Avicel) y amorfa (CMC) como fuentes de carbono. P. funiculosum y C. cladosporioides presentaron las mayores actividades de endoglucanasa (606 U/l) y exoglucanasa (205 U/l) en medio Avicel, mientras que F. verticillioides mostró la mayor actividad de p-glucosidasa (664 U/l) en medio CMC. Además, se evaluó el efecto de tres medios de cultivo (A, B y C) sobre la producción de celulasas en P. funiculosum empleando residuos de moringa como fuente de carbono. Los resultados mostraron que en el medio C, la productividad volumétrica de celulasas se incrementó en 2,77; 8,26 y 2,30 veces para las actividades de endoglucanasa, exoglucanasa y p-glucosidasa, respectivamente. Los extractos enzimáticos producidos tienen gran potencial para su utilización biotecnológica, especialmente en la sacarificación de residuos de moringa y la producción de bioetanol de segunda generación. Este es el primer estudio del uso de la biomasa de M. oleifera para inducir la producción de diversas celulasas en P. funiculosum.

Moringa straw as cellulase production inducer and cellulolytic fungi source.

Currently, the valorization of agroindustrial waste is of great interest. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree whose softwood residues could be used as raw material for low-cost cellulase production. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize microorganisms with cellulolytic activity in different carbon sources. We isolated and purified 42 microorganisms from M. oleifera biomass. Fungi presenting the largest hydrolytic halos in carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate were molecularly identified as Penicillium funiculosum (FG1), Fusarium verticillioides (FG3) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (FC2). The ability of these fungal strains to break down cellulose was assessed in a submerged fermentation using either amorphous CMC or crystalline form (Avicel). P. funiculosum and C. cladosporioides displayed similar endoglucanase (606U/l) and exoglucanase (205U/l) activities in the Avicel-containing medium, whereas F. verticillioides showed the highest level of ß-glucosidase activity (664U/l) in the carboxymethylcellulose medium. In addition, the effect of three culture media (A, B, and C) on cellulase production was evaluated in P. funiculosum using moringa straw as a carbon source. The results showed a volumetric productivity improvement of cellulases that was 2.77-, 8.26-, and 2.30-fold higher for endoglucanase, exoglucanase and ß-glucosidase, respectively when medium C containing moringa straw was used as a carbon source. The enzymatic extracts produced by these fungi have biotechnological potential especially for second-generation bioethanol production (2G) from moringa straw. This is the first report on the use of M. oleifera biomass to induce the production of various cellulases in P. funiculosum.

The insertion of bioactive peptides at the C-terminal end of an 11S globulin changes the structural stability and improves the antihypertensive activity

BACKGROUND: The 11S globulin from amaranth is the most abundant storage protein in mature seeds and is well recognized for its nutritional value. We used this globulin to engineer a new protein by adding a four valinetyrosine antihypertensive peptide at its C-terminal end to improve its functionality. The new protein was named AMR5 and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21-CodonPlus(DE3)-RIL strain using a custom medium (F8PW) designed for this work. RESULTS: The alternative medium allowed for the production of 652 mg/L expressed protein at the flask level, mostly in an insoluble form, and this protein was subjected to in vitro refolding. The spectrometric analysis suggests that the protein adopts a ß/α structure with a small increment of α-helix conformation relative to the native amaranth 11S globulin. Thermal and urea denaturation experiments determined apparent Tm and C1/2 values of 50.4°C and 3.04 M, respectively, thus indicating that the antihypertensive peptide insertion destabilized the modified protein relative to the native one. AMR5 hydrolyzed by trypsin and chymotrypsin showed 14- and 1.3-fold stronger inhibitory activity against angiotensin I-converting enzyme (IC50 of 0.034 mg/mL) than the unmodified protein and the previously reported amaranth acidic subunit modified with antihypertensive peptides, respectively. CONCLUSION: The inserted peptide decreases the structural stability of amaranth 11S globulin and improves its antihypertensive activity.

Desiccation-induced viable but nonculturable state in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, a survival strategy.

The potential of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to act as a plant-growth promoter or as a bioremediator of toxic compounds can be affected by desiccation. In the present work, the bacterial survival ratio (BSR) in response to air desiccation was evaluated for P. putida KT2440 in the presence of different protectors. The BSR in the presence of nonreducing disaccharides, such as trehalose, was high after 15 days of desiccation stress (occurring at 30°C and 50% relative humidity), whereas in the absence of a protector the bacterial counts diminished to nondetectable numbers (ca 2.8 log CFU/mL). The LIVE/DEAD staining method showed that bacteria protected with trehalose maintained increased numbers of green cells after desiccation while cells without protection were all observed to be red. This indicated that nonprotected bacteria had compromised membrane integrity. However, when nonprotected bacteria subjected to 18 days of desiccation stress were rehydrated for a short time with maize root exudates or for 48 h with water (prolonged rehydration), the bacterial counts were as high as that observed for those not subjected to desiccation stress, suggesting that the cells entered the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under desiccation and that they returned to a culturable state after those means of rehydration. Interestingly an increase in the green color intensity of cells that returned to a culturable state was observed using LIVE/DEAD staining method, indicating an improvement in their membrane integrity. Cellular activity in the VBNC state was determined. A GFP-tagged P. putida strain expressing GFP constitutively was subjected to desiccation. After 12 days of desiccation, the GFP-tagged strain lost culturability, but it exhibited active GFP expression, which in turn made the cells green. Furthermore, the expression of 16S rRNA, rpoN (housekeeping), mutL, mutS (encoding proteins from the mismatch repair complex), and oprH (encoding an outer membrane protein) were examined by RT-PCR. All evaluated genes were expressed by both types of cells, culturable and nonculturable, indicating active molecular processes during the VBNC state.

Insertions of antihypertensive peptides and their applications in pharmacy and functional foods.

Hypertension is a worldwide health problem. It is the main cardiovascular risk factor and affects about 31% of the world's adult population. The drugs used to control hypertension may cause side effects; for this reason, there are many investigations focused on searching for alternatives to control or prevent this disease through diet. For example, many peptides have demonstrated antihypertensive effects. The insertion of bioactive peptides is a biotechnological implement used to improve the nutraceutical properties of proteins. This work reviews the current data on the insertion of antihypertensive peptides (AHPs) into food proteins, the systems used to produce the AHPs, the advantages and disadvantages between them, the parameters to produce them at major scales, and their potential applications in pharmacy and functional foods.

Insertion of antihypertensive peptides in acidic subunit from amaranth 11S induces contrasting effects in stability.

The insertion of peptides is a biotechnology tool widely used to improve the nutraceutical properties of proteins. Because the effect of these insertions in protein stability and function is difficult to predict, it should be determined experimentally. In this study, we created two variants of amarantin acidic subunit and analyzed them along with other four proteins reported previously. We measured their response against two destabilizing agents: temperature and urea. The six proteins presented the insertion of antihypertensive peptides (VYVYVYVY or RIPP) in the variable regions of the protein. We observed that their effect strongly depended on the site of the insertion. The insertion in the variable region I stabilized the protein both thermally and chemically, but it affected the inhibitory activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme in vitro. In contrast, insertions in other three regions were severely destabilizing, producing molten globules. Our findings reveal that the insertion of bioactive peptides in variable regions of a protein can increase or decrease the protein's thermal and chemical stability and that these conformational changes may also alter its final activity.

Influencia del consumo de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd. ) sobre la acumulación del tejido adiposo y actividad antioxidante en tejidos de ratas obesas / Influence of the consumption of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) on the accumulation of adipose tissue and antioxidant activity in tissues of obese rats

Se han encontrado compuestos bioactivos en frutas y vegetales con efecto favorable en la prevención de enfermedades crónicas como cáncer y Alzheimer, que también están presentes en la quinua. Son necesarios realizar estudios para evaluar el potencial benéfico in vivo. El objetivo fue determinar la influencia del consumo de tres variedades de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) sobre la acumulación de tejido adiposo y actividad antioxidante en tejidos de ratas obesas. 42 ratas obesas Holtzman fueron divididas en siete grupos. Con excepción del control, los otros grupos fueron alimentadas, durante 23 días, con dietas obesogénicas conteniendo 20% quinua variedad Altiplano, Pasankalla o Negra Collana, procesadas por cocción o tostado. Al finalizar el período de alimentación, la grasa visceral (GV) y abdominal (GA) fueron pesadas y se extrajo muestras de hígado e intestino delgado (ID) siendo almacenadas (­20°C) para posteriores análisis de actividad antioxidante. Se midieron capacidad antioxidante y contenido de polifenoles totales en quinuas procesadas. Se aplicó ANOVA utilizando el modelo lineal generalizado para diseño completamente randomizado con arreglo factorial 3x2+Control; y test de Fisher mediante el programa Minitabv.17.1.0. La GV, GA y peroxidación lipídica del ID no fueron afectadas significativamente (P>0.05) por las dietas experimentales; sin embargo, la peroxidación lipídica en el hígado de ratas que consumieron dietas con quinua fue significativamente menor (P<0.05) que el control. En conclusión, la alimentación de ratas obesas con dietas que contienen variedades de quinua procesada no afecta la acumulación de GV y GA; sin embargo, reduce la peroxidación lipídica en el hígado(AU)

Bioactive compounds with favorable effect in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer are found in fruits and vegetables and are also present in quinoa. Studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits in vivo. The objective was to determine the influence of the consumption of three varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) on the accumulation of adipose tissue and antioxidant activity in tissues of obese rats. Forty two obese Holtzman rats were divided into seven groups. With exception of the control, the other groups were fed, during 23 days, with obesogenic diets containing 20% quinoa Altiplano, Pasankalla or Negra Collana, processed by cooking or roasting. At the end of the feeding period, visceral (VF) and abdominal fat (AF) were weighed and samples of liver and small intestine (SI) were extracted and stored (-20°C) for further analysis of antioxidant activity. Antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content were measured in the processed quinoa. Applied ANOVA using the generalized linear model for a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 3x2+Control; and Fisher's test through the statistical program Minitab v.17.1.0. VF, AF and lipid peroxidation of SI were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the experimental diets; however, lipid peroxidation in the liver of rats consuming quinoa containing-diets was significantly lower (P <0.05) than control group. In conclusion, feeding obese rats with quinoa containing-diets do not affect the accumulation of VF and AF; however, it reduce lipid peroxidation in the liver(AU)

Promoción de salud de carácter gerontagógico en la atención primaria / Health promotion of gerontagogic nature in the primary health care

Introducción: En Cuba, la protección al adulto mayor es una prioridad, por cuanto constituye una política del estado la implementación de acciones multidisciplinarias e intersectoriales para el aumento de la calidad de vida, como reto a los desafíos del envejecimiento del siglo XXI. Objetivo: Valorar las acciones de promoción de salud de carácter gerontagógico para adultos mayores en la atención primaria de salud. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio mixto, transversal, en el período que abarca desde noviembre de 2013 a junio del 2016, en la Sede Universitaria de Ciencias Médicas de San José de las Lajas en la provincia Mayabeque. Se utilizaron métodos de análisis documental, descriptivos y triangulación. Se utilizó la información de investigaciones institucionales de intervención comunitaria con estudiantes de ciencias médicas, profesores de, la Universidad del Adulto Mayor y. factores comunitarios. Resultados: Se aplicaron acciones que favorecieron las relaciones comunitarias de apoyo social, la enseñanza con la práctica que mejoraron la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores, acorde con la voluntad política y acción intersectorial, como premisas clave de los resultados de salud que tiene el país. Conclusiones: Las acciones cumplen con los indicadores establecidos, contribuyen al desarrollo de capacidades, a un envejecimiento activo, satisfactorio, protagónico y al fortalecimiento de valores en recursos humanos para la vida social y laboral de forma útil(AU)

Introduction: The protection of the older adult in Cuba is a priority since the implementation of multidisciplinary and intersectoral actions to raise the quality of life and to prevent the consequences of aging in the 21 st century is a governmental policy. Objective: To assess the gerontagogic health promotion actions for older adults in the primary health care setting. Methods: A mixed cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to June 2016 in the medical school of San Jose de las Lajas in Mayabeque province. Documentary and descriptive analyses as well as triangulation were the methods used in this study. The information collected from institutional community intervention research studies, which were conducted with medical students, professors, the University of the Older Adult, and community actors, were used. Results: The applied actions favored the community relationships of social support, the combination of teaching and practice improved the quality of life of the older adults in line with the political willingness and the intersectoral actions that represent a key premise for the health results achieved in the country. Conclusions: The gerontagogic actions meet the set indicators, contribute to the development of capabilities, to active and satisfactory aging and to the strengthening of values in human resources for useful social and working life(AU)

A propósito del artículo: Intervención educativa con participación comunitaria dirigida a adultos mayores diabéticos tipo 2 / On the article: "Educative intervention with community participation aimed at senior adults with type two diabetes"

Los indicadores demográficos se muestran en Cuba como aspecto relevante similar a los de países desarrollados. La reducción de la fecundidad, de la tasa anual de crecimiento de la población, de la mortalidad infantil y un incremento de la esperanza de vida al nacer, constituye avances en el desarrollo socioeconómico e influyen en los cambios poblacionales, determinados por variables demográficas de mortalidad, fecundidad y migraciones. Las personas de edad avanzada comparten cada vez más todos los escenarios, como parte de un proceso natural de la vida, pero es también indicador de aspiración humana legítima.1 Cuba es actualmente el país más envejecido de América Latina y también lo será en 2050 y en 2100, cuando habrá cuatro adultos mayores por cada niño, de acuerdo a las proyecciones de la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).2 A la proporción de adultos mayores dentro de la población se añade la esperanza de vida de los cubanos, que es una de las más altas del mundo, con 78,45 años.3 Los datos demuestran que el envejecimiento de la población es un fenómeno palpable en la sociedad y que exhortan a mayores retos en su cuidado(AU)

Expression, purification and thermal stability evaluation of an engineered amaranth protein expressed in Escherichia coli

Background: The acidic subunit of amarantin (AAC)-the predominant amaranth seed storage protein-has functional potential and its third variable region (VR) has been modified with antihypertensive peptides to improve this potential. Here, we modified the C-terminal in the fourth VR of AAC by inserting four VY antihypertensive peptides. This modified protein (AACM.4) was expressed in Escherichia coli. In addition, we also recombinantly expressed other derivatives of the amarantin protein. These include: unmodified amarantin acidic subunit (AAC); amarantin acidic subunit modified at the third VR with four VY peptides (AACM.3); and amarantin acidic subunit doubly modified, in the third VR with four VY peptides and in the fourth VR with the RIPP peptide (AACM.3.4). Results: E. coli BL21-CodonPlus (DE3)-RIL was the most favorable strain for the expression of proteins. After 6 h of induction, it showed the best recombinant protein titer. The AAC and AACM.4 were obtained at higher titers (0.56 g/L) while proteins modified in the third VR showed lower titers: 0.44 g/L and 0.33 g/L for AACM.3 and AACM.3.4, respectively. As these AAC variants were mostly expressed in an insoluble form, we applied a refolding protocol. This made it possible to obtain all proteins in soluble form. Modification of the VR 4 improves the thermal stability of amarantin acidic subunit; AAC manifested melting temperature (Tm) at 34°C and AACM.4 at 37.2°C. The AACM.3 and AACM.3.4 did not show transition curves. Conclusions: Modifications to the third VR affect the thermal stability of amarantin acidic subunit.

Cardiovascular Risk and Its Associated Factors in Health Care Workers in Colombia: A Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, for this reason, they are a public health problem. In Colombia, cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality, having a death rate of 152 deaths per 100,000 population. There are 80% of these cardiovascular events that are considered avoidable. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the cardiovascular risk and its associated factors among the institution's workers in order to design and implement interventions in the work environment which may achieve a decrease in such risk. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was designed to determine the cardiovascular risk and its associated factors among workers of a high complexity health care institution. A self-applied survey will be conducted considering sociodemographic aspects, physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, level of perceived stress, and personal and family history. In a second appointment, a physical examination will be made, as well as anthropometric measurements and blood pressure determination. Also, blood samples for evaluating total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar will be taken. A ten-year global risk for cardiovascular disease will be determined using the Framingham score. A descriptive analysis of the population's characteristics and a stratified analysis by sex, age, and occupation will be made. Bivariate and multivariate analysis will be made using logistic regression models to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk and the independent variables. The research protocol was approved by the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Ethics Committee on Research of the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia. RESULTS: The protocol has already received funding and the enrollment phase will begin in the coming months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will give the foundation for the design, implementation, and evaluation of a program based on promoting healthy lifestyles, such as performing regular physical activity and healthy food intake in order to avoid and/or control the cardiovascular risk in the workers of a high complexity health care institution.

Overexpression of a modified protein from amaranth seed in Escherichia coli and effect of environmental conditions on the protein expression.

Amaranth seeds are considered as an excellent complementary source of food protein due to their balanced amino acid composition. Amarantin acidic subunit has the potential as a functional and nutraceutical protein, and it is structurally a good candidate for modification. The aim of this work was to improve its functionality, then the primary structure was modified into the third variable region of 11S globulins, by inserting antihypertensive peptides: four Val-Tyr in tandem and Arg-Ile-Pro-Pro in the C-terminal region. Modified protein was expressed in Escherichia coli Origami (DE3) and was purified. The culture conditions, including the culture media, temperature, agitation speed and air flow were tested in order to obtain an increased expression levels of the modified protein. A 2(3) factorial design was used for evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on modified protein production. The results indicated that the yield of modified protein could be increased by up 3-fold in bioreactor as compared with flask. In addition, the temperature, the agitation speed and the oxygen were significant factors on the expression of the antihypertensive protein. The maximum production was 99 mg protein-L(-1). The hydrolyzed protein showed a high inhibitory activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme (IC50=0.047 mg mL(-1)).