Sequence Identification of Bioactive Peptides from Amaranth Seed Proteins (Amaranthus hypochondriacus spp.).

Amaranthus hypochondriacus spp. is a commonly grown cereal in Latin America, known for its high protein content. The objective of this study was to separate and identify bioactive peptides found in amaranth seeds through enzymatically-assisted hydrolysis using alcalase and flavourzyme. Hydrolysis was carried out for each enzyme separately and compared to two-step continuous process where both enzymes were combined. The biological activity of the resulting three hydrolysates was analyzed, finding, in general, higher bioactive potential of the hydrolysate obtained in a continuous process (combined enzymes). Its fractions were separated by RP-HPLC, and their bioactivity was analyzed. In particular, two fractions showed the highest biological activity as ACE inhibitors with IC50 at 0.158 and 0.134, thrombin inhibitors with IC50 of 167 and 155, and antioxidants in ABTS assay with SC50 at 1.375 and 0.992 mg/L, respectively. Further sequence analysis of the bioactive peptides was carried out using MALDI-TOF, which identified amino acid chains that have not been reported as bioactive so far. Bibliographic survey allowed identification of similarities between peptides reported in amaranth and other proteins. In conclusion, amaranth proteins are a potential source of peptides with multifunctional activity.

Bioactivity of Peptides Released During Lactic Fermentation of Amaranth Proteins with Potential Cardiovascular Protective Effect: An In Vitro Study.

Fermentation has shown to be an effective technique in bioactive peptides release. That is why in this study antihypertensive, antithrombotic, and antioxidant activity was evaluated during amaranth proteins fermentation with Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Streptococcus thermophilus 54102 in mono and combined culture. During fermentation an increase of free amine groups was observed, and no statistical differences among monocultures were shown, getting higher concentration in combined culture. This was related to antihypertensive and antioxidant activities, where the highest values were also found in the combined process (45% of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, and 168 µmol Trolox equivalents per liter [TE/L] for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 268 µmol TE/L for 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and 381 µmol Fe2E/L for ferric reducing ability of plasma). On the contrary, antithrombotic activity was not related to free amine groups during fermentation, having the highest bioactivity in different moments in each experiment. L. casei Shirota and S. thermophilus 54102 are strains that are able to release bioactive peptides from amaranth protein, although amaranth is not a common matrix for the development of lactic acid bacteria. In addition, in this study it was observed for the first time that lactic acid strains are able to release bioactive peptides from amaranth protein. In addition, this methodology could be part for the development of fermented beverages, different from fermented milk, to diversify matrix to obtain a novel functional food.

Primera guía clínica basada en la evidencia médica para la suplementación con probióticos en la farmacia comunitaria española / First clinical guide based on medical evidence for probiotic supplementation in Spanish community pharmacies

Se ha elaborado la primera guía clínica española que permitirá a los farmacéuticos comunitarios y demás profesionales de la salud seleccionar, para cada indicación específica, el producto con probióticos adecuado, la dosis y la vía de administración. Con ello se pretende lograr que la práctica diaria de indicación farmacéutica de los suplementos probióticos esté basada en las mejores evidencias científicas disponibles

We have developed the first Spanish clinical guide that will allow the community pharmacists and other health care professionals easily select the right product with probiotics, dosage and format for each specific indication. With the proposed guide, it is our goal that the daily pharmaceutical practice of probiotics supplementation in community pharmacy is based on the best scientific evidence available (AU)

Microextraction method of medium and long chain fatty acids from milk.

The aim of this research was to develop a method for microextraction and quantification of long and medium chain fatty acids from milk. The proposed method was carried out on three steps: (1) lipids extraction from 10 µL of whole or skimmed milk containing omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) during 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, in 2 mL chloroform: methanol mixture (2:1); (2) acid methylation of FAs; and (3) quantification of FAs methyl esters by gas chromatography. Using this method, the percentage recovery of FAs was higher (67% for whole and 85% for skimmed milk) compared with AOAC method 905.02 recovery (49% and 83%, respectively). Good reproducibility and repeatability (<3%) were obtained. The method developed can be useful for researching and in routine quality control. Additionally, it is simpler, faster and cheaper than the reference procedure since it requires minimum sample and solvents volume as well as fewer steps.

Aspectos toxicológicos del consumo de bebidas refrescantes que contienen quinina / Toxicological aspects of the consumption of soft drinks containing quinine

En España, la producción total de bebidas refrescantes en 2005 ascendió a 4.887 millones de litros. Estos datos representan un incremento del 2,5 % con respecto al año 2004. Del total de la producción industrial,98822 litros (2,02%) corresponden a bebidas refrescantes tipo tónica. En términos toxicológicos el consumo de quinina debe ser evitado por mujeres embarazadas, individuos con cuadro de fallo hepático y muy especialmente por niños. Se han descrito incluso episodios de alergias y shocks anafilácticos derivados de una única ingesta de esta sustancia. Ya el consumo de quinina en dosis excesivas, puede causar un cuadro de intoxicación reversible denominado cinchonismo. Creemos necesario una regulación más específica y mayor información para los consumidores, especialmente para ciertos grupos de riesgo. De los resultados de muestras analizadas en España, tanto de la concentración hallada como de las normas relativas a su etiquetado, se desprende que no hay una concentración homogénea de la substancia analizada, ni un cumplimiento de la legislación establecida (AU)

In Spain, total production of soft drinks in 2005 amounted to 4887 million liters. These, represent an increase of 2.5% compared to the year 2004. Of the total industrial output, 98,822 liters (2.02%) corresponding to soft drinks type tonic water. Toxicologically, quinine is important and should be avoided by pregnant women and people with hepatic failure, and remains a potentially extremely toxic agent in children. Also allergy to quinine and anaphylactic shock after drinking a glass of tonic water has been described. The use of quinine in therapeutic or excessive consumes may cause cinchonism syndrome. We believe there is a need for more extensive information for risk groups and to raise awareness among consumers about possible adverse reactions to quinine. Data show that quinine concentrations in the analyzed beverages from Spain is variable. Soft drinks from different manufactures do not always comply with the labelling directive (AU)