Biological Activity of Canned Pork Meat Fortified Black Currant Leaf Extract: In Vitro, In Silico, and Molecular Docking Study.

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant and inhibiting (ACE-I, DPP IV, and alpha-glucosidase) potential of canned meat featuring reduced sodium nitrate content (50 mg/kg) and fortified with freeze-dried currant leaf extract. Research indicates that employing a lyophilizate dose of 150 mg/kg yields optimal benefits in terms of the antioxidant activity of the meat product. Additionally, three highly promising sequences for canned meat were identified via analysis in the BIOPEP database. These sequences are RPPPPPPPPAD, exhibiting DPP-IV inhibiting activity; ARPPPGPPPLGPPPPGP, demonstrating ACE-I inhibiting activity; and PPGPPPPP, displaying alpha-glucosidase inhibiting activity. Using bioinformatics tools, molecular docking was performed by pairing the selected peptides with protein receptors 2QT9, 1O86, and 5NN8, respectively (PDB ID). The examination of the potential of these selected sequences to manifest specific biological activities toward enzymes was based on the free energy value (∆Gbinding). This knowledge can be harnessed for designing functional foods, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of consumer health.

Reduction of Nitrite in Canned Pork through the Application of Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Leaves Extract.

Sodium nitrite is a multifunctional additive commonly used in the meat industry. However, this compound has carcinogenic potential, and its use should be limited. Therefore, in this study the possibility of reducing the amount of sodium(III) nitrite added to canned meat from 100 to 50 mg/kg, while enriching it with freeze-dried blackcurrant leaf extract, was analyzed. The possibility of fortification of canned meat with blackcurrant leaf extract was confirmed. It contained significant amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoid derivatives. These compounds contributed to their antioxidant activity and their ability to inhibit the growth of selected Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, it was observed that among the three different tested doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) of the blackcurrant leaf extract, the addition of the highest dose allowed the preservation of the antioxidant properties of canned meat during 180 days of storage (4 °C). At the end of the storage period, this variant was characterized by antiradical activity against ABTS (at the level of 4.04 mgTrolox/mL) and the highest reducing capacity. The addition of 150 mg/kg of blackcurrant leaf extract caused a reduction in oxidative transformations of fat in meat products during the entire storage period, reaching a level of TBARS almost two times less than in the control sample. In addition, these products were generally characterized by stability (or slight fluctuations) of color parameters and good microbiological quality and did not contain N-nitrosamines.

Peptides as Potentially Anticarcinogenic Agent from Functional Canned Meat Product with Willow Extract.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate canned pork as a functional meat product due to the presence of potentially anti-cancer factors, e.g., (a) bioactive peptides with potential activity against cancer cells; (b) lowering the content of sodium nitrite and with willow herb extract. In silico (for assessing the anticancer potential of peptides) and in vitro (antiproliferation activity on L-929 and CT-26 cell lines) analysis were performed, and the obtained results confirmed the bioactive potential against cancer of the prepared meat product. After 24 h of incubation with peptides obtained from meat product containing lyophilized herb extract at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, the viability of both tested cell lines was slightly decreased to about 80% and after 72 h to about 40%. On the other hand, after 72 h of incubation with the peptides obtained from the variant containing 1000 mg/kg of freeze-dried willow herb extract, the viability of intestinal cancer cells was decreased to about 40%, while, by comparison, the viability of normal cells was decreased to only about 70%.

Health and safety aspects of traditional European meat products. A review.

Meat products constitute one of the most important groups of traditional foods. Thanks to the unique and favorable organoleptic characteristics, and high quality, they are willingly chosen by consumers. Lately, there has been a growing concern over the health aspects of these products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional value and factors affecting quality and health safety of traditional meat products on the basis of available literature. The study findings have revealed various issues with uniformity of traditional meat products. Products of the same name may differ substantially considering nutritional value. Reports also indicate that there are some discrepancies which can be attributed to product character (traditional/conventional). They mainly concern the content of moisture, protein, salt, fat, and fatty acid profile. Research suggests that traditional meat products may also be associated with some health safety issues, such as the presence of pathogens, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrate and nitrite residues, N-nitrosamines, biogenic amines and heavy metals.

The Possibility of Reduction of Synthetic Preservative E 250 in Canned Pork.

The purpose of this study was to determine the possibility of reducing the amount of NaNO2 added to canned pork during 180 days of storage. In this study, three variants of canned pork were prepared by adding different amounts of sodium nitrite: N (100 mg/kg), NH (50 mg/kg), and NF (no nitrite). The antioxidant capacity, amount of secondary products of lipid oxidation, color intensity, and pH were analyzed after one, 60, 90, and 180 days of storage where sensory properties, water activity (aw), selected pathogenic bacteria, nitrate and nitrite residues, N-nitrosamines (NA), and cholesterol were analyzed after 1 and 180 days of storage. The redness parameter of the nitrite-free canned meat was found to be significantly lower (about 6.4) than that of the products containing sodium nitrite (N: 10.49 and NH: 9.89). During the storage period C. perfringens, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella were detected in the products. It is not possible to completely eliminate nitrite from the canned pork production process without deteriorating the color, antioxidant properties, sensory characteristics, and health safety. However, the level of hazard chemicals such as NA, nitrate and nitrite residues can be limited by decreasing the amount of nitrite addition to 50 mg/kg. The free-radical scavenging ability for the sample with 50 mg/kg of sodium nitrite was observed to be poor, so its fortification with plant material rich in various polyphenolic substances may be necessary.

Influence of Sonication and Taraxacum Officinale Addition on the Antioxidant and Anti-ACE Activity of Protein Extracts from Sous Vide Beef Marinated with Sour Milk and after In Vitro Digestion.

The present study assessed the effect of pretreating beef as a raw material for sous vide steak preparation. The pretreatment involved maceration of a batch of meat in sour milk with the simultaneous use of ultrasound (250 or 500 W) as well as the addition of Taraxacum officinale. The biological activity profile of the peptides was assessed in terms of their antioxidant activity and inhibiting activity against angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Changes in the biological activity of peptides under the influence of hydrolysis by gastrointestinal enzymes, i.e., pepsin and pancreatin, were also considered. There was no significant effect of T. officinale addition and sonication of beef batches on the protein content (except for lot S6, after sonication at 500 W as acoustic power and with the addition of dandelion). It was observed that the interaction of maceration in sour milk with simultaneous ultrasound treatment as the initial production step of sous vide beef steak generates the formation of peptides with antioxidant properties. Moreover, peptide formation can be further enhanced by adding dandelion (based on the results of antiradical and chelating activity tests). In addition, the progression of hydrolysis under the influence of gastrointestinal enzymes promotes the release of peptides with antioxidant and anti-ACE activity.

Reduction of Nitrite in Meat Products through the Application of Various Plant-Based Ingredients.

Nitrite is the most commonly applied curing agent in the meat industry, and is known to affect human health. Nitrites impart a better flavor, taste and aroma; preserve the red-pinkish color of the meat; and prevent the risk of bacterial contamination of the cured meat, especially from Clostridium botulinum. Unfortunately, recent research has demonstrated some negative effects of this technique. Certain N-nitroso compounds have been shown to stimulate gastric cancer; therefore, most of the research groups are studying the effects of nitrates and nitrites. In this review, we discuss the various food sources of nitrites and nitrates and their current legal requirements for use in meat products. We also discuss the possible changes that might come up in the regulations, the concerns associated with nitrates and nitrites in meat products, and the use of plant-based nitrite and nitrate substitutes. All these topics will be considered with respect to ensuring a high level of microbiological protection, oxidative stability and acceptable sensory quality (color, taste and smell) in meat products.

Impact of Sodium Nitrite Reduction on Lipid Oxidation and Antioxidant Properties of Cooked Meat Products.

Oxidation processes are responsible for reduction of the sensory and nutritional quality of meat and meat products, thus affecting consumer acceptance. The use of sodium nitrite in meat processing is an important factor limiting these changes. Therefore, eliminating this substance from the recipe of meat products to increase their nutritional value is not an easy challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sodium nitrite reduction on the lipid oxidation (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and color parameters (CIE L*a*b*, total heme pigment and heme iron, nitrosylmyoglobin) in cooked meat products during 15 days of vacuum storage. The antioxidant properties of products and isolated peptides (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power) were also evaluated. Experimental material included four different sample groups of cooked meat products produced with various percentages of sodium nitrite (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg kg-1). It was shown that the sodium nitrite dose had no statistically significant effect on lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values, as well as nitrosylmyoglobin content. Along with decreasing the share of sodium nitrite in the samples, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value increased from 0.43 mg kg-1 for samples with 150 mg kg-1 at day 0 to 3.14 mg kg-1 for samples without nitrite at day 15. The total ABTS scavenging capacity of the cooked meat samples was in the range 2.48 to 4.31 eqv. mM Trolox per g of product throughout the entire storage period. During storage, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power of samples with nitrite increased from 0.25 to 0.38 eqv. mg/mL ascorbic acid per g of product. In conclusion, reduction of nitrite to the level of 50 mg kg-1 seemed to be comparable with the traditional use of nitrite in meat products in terms of the physicochemical properties and properties related to lipid oxidation, as well as total antioxidant capacity and peptide antioxidant capacity.

Effect of Marination Time on the Antioxidant Properties of Peptides Extracted from Organic Dry-Fermented Beef.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of marination time on changes in the antioxidant properties of peptides extracted from bovine semimembranosus muscle. We measured antiradical scavenging capacity and reducing power of the peptides using a spectrophotometric decolorization method; inhibition of lipid oxidation was also assessed by estimating the level of malondialdehyde formed. According to our results, there was no benefit from the doubling of marinating time (from 24 to 48 h) as part of the preprocessing of beef. Samples from S1 batch (24 h marination) showed better antioxidant properties than those from S2 batch. We also tested various color parameters as a reflection of the inhibition of oxidative processes, in which case, the most favorable parameters from the consumer point of view were found to be lightness and redness. The effect of marination time on the degree of proteolytic changes was estimated using peptidomic approach. The degradation of myoglobin, hemoglobin, creatine kinase-type M, and beta-enolase-as the most sensitive proteins to proteolytic degradation-was observed during the 62 days of processing. It seems that the prolongation of marination time as a preprocessing step intensifies the hydrolytic degradation of proteins and peptides during the processing step. This results in the loss (or it has no effect) of antioxidative properties in organic dry-fermented beef.

The influence of sonication on the oxidative stability and nutritional value of organic dry-fermented beef.

Organic beef was dry fermented in sea salt (C) or acid whey (W). In order to test the effect of ultrasound, the W sample was subjected to sonication (U10) in an ultrasonic bath (10 min, 40 kHz, 480 W). The effect of sonication on fatty acid (FA) composition (%) and atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic, peroxidistability indexes (AI, TI, h/H, and PI, respectively), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, and color parameters were investigated during ripening period (31, 62, and 93 days). The 10 min sonication did not have influence on AI, TI, and h/H indexes compared with C sample. However, we observed healthy improvements of AI (P < 0.05), TI (P < 0.01), h/H (P < 0.001), and PI (P < 0.001) indexes in W sample. Nevertheless, U10 fermented beef showed the lowest redness parameter in 93 day of ripening. The processes of lipid oxidation were found to be accelerated by the US treatment, however only after 31 days of ripening.

The influence of acid whey on the antioxidant peptides generated to reduce oxidation and improve colour stability in uncured roast beef.

BACKGROUND: The effect of marinating beef in acid whey on the antioxidant peptides generated, and their influence on lipid oxidation, colour stability, sensory analysis and protein degradation products in uncured roasted beef stored 6 weeks in vacuum conditions (T = 4 °C) were determined. Measurements of pHe, water activity, oxidation-reduction potential, colour, TBARS, the cutting force, texture and amino acid profile, the total content of peptides, and antioxidant activity of isolated peptides were conducted immediately after production and during 42 days of storage. RESULTS: The non-nitrite control batch (C) was characterized by a lower a* value (6.33-6.70) during the whole storage period compared to the non-nitrite sample with acid whey (W). It also appears that meat with the worst colour stability has the poorest oxidative stability (C = 1.57 mg MDA kg-1 , W = 0.76 mg MDA kg-1 ). Activity against reactive forms of oxygen to fraction A and fraction B (P < 0.05) showed an increasing trend with time and it was the largest in sample C and W. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that bioactive peptides could be generated in uncured roasted beef. The <3.5 kDa peptides have strong antioxidant activity, as a result of which they function as inhibitors of lipid oxidation and colour discoloration during prolonged storage. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evolution of free amino acids, biogenic amines and n-nitrosoamines throughout ageing in organic fermented beef.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, interest in uncured meat products has grown and studies were carried out on the use of substances which could replace nitrites, such as acid whey. In spite of this problem in fermented meat products, there is no information regarding the effects of prolonged ageing on the formation of chemical (nitrosoamines, biogenic amines, secondary lipid oxidation products) and microbiological (L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, OLD) toxicants in fermented beef marinated with acid whey. The aim of this study was to determine the selected pathogenic bacteria, biogenic amines, N-nitrosamines contents in fermented beef subjected to extended ageing. METHODS: In this study, selected pathogenic bacteria, N-nitrosamines, biogenic amines, amino acids, TBARS values changes during the ageing of fermented beef marinated with acid whey were analyzed in 0-, 2- and 36-month-old samples. RESULTS: The pH values of fermented beef aged for 2 months (5.68, 5.49 and 5.68 respectively) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those obtained after the end of the manufacturing ripening period (5.96, 5.97 and 5.74 respectively), which confirmed the effectiveness of the fermentation process of acidification on beef. The high Lactic Acid Bacteria content (5.64-6.30 log cfu/g) confirmed this finding. Histamine was not detected in either of the products. The highest concentration of total biogenic amine (i.e. 1159.0 mg/kg) was found in fermented beef marinated with acid whey, whereas a total of only 209.8 mg/kg, was observed in control beef with nitrate and nitrite. N-nitrosamines were not detected in any of the ageing beef samples. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, marinating beef in acid whey did not inhibit the production of biogenic amines in the samples analyzed. The high concentration of FAAs, the potential precursor of BA, could lead to intense peptidase activity. The results obtained indicate that biogenic amines are not direct precursors for nitrosamines formation in fermented beef. The LAB strain from acid whey reduced the pH value during the first stages of ageing and ensured the microbiological safety of the product not only in the first stage of fermentation but also at the end of ageing (36 months).

Application of acid whey and set milk to marinate beef with reference to quality parameters and product safety.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of acid whey and set milk as a marinade in the traditional production of fermented eye round. METHODS: Studies involved assaying pH value, water activity (aw), oxidation-reduction potential and TBARS value, colour parameters in CIE system (L*, a*, b*), assaying the number of lactic acid bacteria and certain pathogenic bacteria after ripening process and after 60-day storing in cold storage. Sensory analysis and analysis of the fatty acids profile were performed after completion of the ripening process. RESULTS: Analysis of pH value in the products revealed that application of acid whey to marinate beef resulted in increased acidity of ripening eye round (5.14). The highest value of the colour parameter a* after ripening process and during storage was observed in sample AW (12.76 and 10.07 respectively), the lowest on the other hand was observed in sample SM (10.06 and 7.88 respectively). The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher in eye round marinated in acid whey by approx. 4% in comparison to other samples. CONCLUSIONS: Application of acid whey to marinade beef resulted in increased share of red colour in general colour tone as well as increased oxidative stability of the product during storage. It also increased the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the product. All model products had high content of lactic acid bacteria and there were no pathogenic bacteria such as: L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolitica, S. aureus, Clostridium sp.

The influence of acid whey and mustard seed on lipid oxidation of organic fermented sausage without nitrite.

BACKGROUND: The influence of the addition of mustard seed and acid whey on the stability of nitrite-free organic fermented sausage during 90 days of vacuum storage was investigated by measuring primary and secondary products of lipid oxidation, changes in fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity, as well as water activity. RESULTS: The native and autoclaved mustard seed with acid whey can be used in the composition of organic fermented sausage without nitrite with beneficial effect on pH, water activity, antioxidant capacity and oxidation stability during vacuum storage. The use of the combination of acid whey and mustard seed resulted in an effective decrease in pH of organic fermented sausage during fermentation. The inclusion of mustard seed to the sausage with acid whey significantly increased the capacity of stuffing to capture the radical cation ABTS. During the whole storage period the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) values of salted sausage samples with the addition of acid whey with combination of mustard seed were similar to the control sample with curing agent. CONCLUSION: In general, results suggest that mustard seed with combination of acid whey can be successfully applied to protect organic fermented sausages without nitrite from lipid oxidation.

Use of acid whey and mustard seed to replace nitrites during cooked sausage production.

The aim was to determine the effects of sea salt, acid whey, native and autoclaved mustard seed on the physico-chemical properties, especially colour formation, microbial stability and sensory evaluation of non-nitrite cooked sausage during chilling storage. The cooked pork sausages were divided into 4 groups (group I--control sausages with curing salt (2.8%) and water (5%) added; group II--sausages with sea salt (2.8%) and acid whey (5%) added; group III--sausages with sea salt (2.8%), acid whey (5%) and mustard seed (1%) added; group IV--sausages with sea salt (2.8%), acid whey (5%) and autoclaved mustard seed (1%) added). Instrumental colour (L*, a*, b*), oxygenation index (ΔR), 650/570 nm ratio, heme iron, pH value and water activity (aw) were determined 1 day after production and after 10, 20 and 30 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C). Sensory analysis was conducted immediately after production (day 1). Microbial analysis (lactic acid bacteria, total viable count, Clostridium spp.) was determinated at the end of storage (30 days). The autoclaved mustard with acid whey can be used at 1.0% (w/w) of model cooked sausages with beneficial effect on physico-chemical and sensory qualities of no-nitrite sausage. This product can be stored at refrigeration temperature for up to 30 days, in vacuum, with good acceptability. The colour, visual appearance and overall quality of samples with autoclaved mustard seed and acid whey were similar to the control with curing agent.

Oxidative stability of fermented meat products.

Meat and meat products, which form a major part of our diet, are very susceptible to quality changes resulting from oxidative processes. Quality of fermented food products depends on the course of various physicochemical and biochemical processes. Oxidation of meat components in raw ripening products may be the result of enzymatic changes occurring as a result of activity of enzymes originating in tissues and microorganisms, as well as lipid peroxidation by free radicals. Primary and secondary products of lipid oxidation are extremely reactive and react with other components of meat, changing their physical and chemical properties. Oxidised proteins take on a yellowish, red through brown hue. Products of lipid and protein degradation create a specific flavour and aroma ; furthermore, toxic substances (such as biogenic amines or new substances) are formed as a result of interactions between meat components, e.g. protein-lipid or protein-protein combinations, as well as transverse bonds in protein structures. Oxidation of meat components in raw ripening products is a particularly difficult process. On the one hand it is essential, since the enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid oxidation creates flavour and aroma compounds characteristic for ripening products; on the other hand excessive amounts or transformations of those compounds may cause the fermented meat product to become a risk to health.