Synergistic effect of chitosan and ß-carotene in inhibiting MNU-induced retinitis pigmentosa.

In this study, N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) was intraperitoneally injected to construct a mouse retinitis pigmentosa (RP) model to evaluate the protective effect of chitosan and ß-carotene on RP. The results demonstrated that chitosan synergized with ß-carotene significantly reduced retinal histopathological structural damage in RP mice. The co-treatment group of ß-carotene and chitosan restored the retinal thickness and outer nuclear layer thickness better than the group treated with the two alone, and the thickness reached the normal level. The content of ß-carotene and retinoids in the liver of chitosan and ß-carotene co-treated group increased by 46.75 % and 20.69 %, respectively, compared to the ß-carotene group. Chitosan and ß-carotene supplement suppressed the expressions of Bax, Calpain2, Caspase3, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, and promoted the up-regulation of Bcl2. Chitosan and ß-carotene interventions remarkably contributed to the content of SCFAs and enhanced the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, Odoribacteraceae and Helicobacteraceae. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong association between gut microbiota and improvement in retinitis pigmentosa. This study will provide a reference for the study of the gut-eye axis.

Effect of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) on the Postharvest Quality of Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris).

Plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment is an effective technique for the quality retention of fresh vegetables with cold atmospheric plasma using controllable parameters. This study investigated the effect of PAW on the postharvest quality of shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). The results displayed that PAW treatment with an activation time of 5, 10, 15, and 20 min reduced the yellowing rate and weight loss of the shepherd's purse during 9 days of storage. Compared with untreated samples, PAW treatment at different times reduced the number of total bacteria, coliform, yeast, and mold by 0.18-0.94, 0.59-0.97, 0.90-1.18, and 1.03-1.17 Log CFU/g after 9 days of storage, respectively. Additionally, the treatments with PAW-5 and PAW-10 better preserved ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents. They also maintained the higher antioxidant and CAT activity and inhibited the formation of terpenes, alcohols, and nitrogen oxide compounds of the shepherd's purse at the end of storage. The microstructural result illustrated that the cells of the shepherd's purse treated with PAW-5 and PAW-10 were relatively intact, with a small intercellular space after storage. This study demonstrated that PAW treatment effectively improved the postharvest quality of shepherd's purse.

Polysaccharides affect the utilization of ß-carotene through gut microbiota investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of six polysaccharides on the utilization of ß-carotene from the perspective of gut microbiota using both in vitro simulated anaerobic fermentation systems and in vivo animal experiments. In the in vitro experiments, the addition of arabinoxylan, arabinogalactan, mannan, inulin, chitosan, and glucan led to a 31.07-79.12% decrease in ß-carotene retention and a significant increase in retinol content (0.21-0.99-fold) compared to ß-carotene alone. Among them, the addition of chitosan produced the highest level of retinol. In the in vivo experiments, mice treated with the six polysaccharides exhibited a significant increase (2.51-5.78-fold) in serum ß-carotene content compared to the group treated with ß-carotene alone. The accumulation of retinoids in the serum, liver, and small intestine increased by 13.56-21.61%, 12.64-56.27%, and 7.9%-71.69%, respectively. The expression of ß-carotene cleavage enzymes was increased in the liver. Genetic analysis of small intestinal tissue revealed no significant enhancement in the expression of genes related to ß-carotene metabolism. In the gut microbiota environment, the addition of polysaccharides generated more SCFAs and altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. The correlation analysis revealed a strong association between gut microbes (Ruminococcaceae and Odoribacteraceae) and ß-carotene metabolism and absorption. Collectively, our findings suggest that the addition of polysaccharides may improve ß-carotene utilization by modulating the gut microbiota.

Lutein combined with EGCG improved retinitis pigmentosa against N-methyl-N nitrosourea-induced.

In order to investigate the synergistic improving effect of lutein (LUT) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) treatment on retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced mouse model was conducted in the present study. Compared to the LUT alone treatment group, in the LUT combined with EGCG (LUT-EGCG) treatment group, the accumulation content of LUT was significantly increased by 50.24% in the liver. The morphological results indicated that LUT-EGCG treatment significantly improved the retina structure with the thickness of the outer nuclear layer restored to 185.28 ± 0.29 µm, showing no significant difference compared to the control group. The LUT-EGCG treatment also increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetic and propionic acids. Compared with the LUT alone treatment, the LUT-EGCG treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Helicobacteraceae. RT-qPCR results indicated that LUT-EGCG treatment significantly increased the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 expression. In addition, the expression of IL-6 was significantly down-regulated in the LUT-EGCG group, while there was no significance in NF-κß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18 compared with the LUT group. Correlation analysis supported the conclusion that LUT combined with EGCG may improve RP by modulating antiapoptotic gene expression and regulating the abundance of gut microbiota. However, the underlying mechanism still needs further research.

The transcriptome sequencing analysis reveals immune mechanisms of soybean fermented powder on the loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) in response to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection.

The loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), a small commercial fish that is widely cultivated for its high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acid, is a member of the genus Misgurnus and the family Cyprinidae. In this study, we gave the LPS-injected loach fermented soybean meal and used transcriptome sequencing to investigate the impact of the fermented soybean powder on the loach's immune system. 3384 up-regulated genes and 12116 down-regulated genes were found among the 15500 differentially expressed genes, according to the results. The differentially expressed genes were shown to be involved in cellular processes, metabolic processes, cellular anatomical entities, and binding, according to the Go functional annotation. Meanwhile, the KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the soybean fermented powder treated groups showed significant differences in DNA replication, Nucleotide excision repair, Fanconi anemia pathway, and Base excision repair pathways, suggesting that these pathways are closely related to the enhancement of the immune function of loach by soybean fermented powder. The particular conclusions not exclusively can provide a new conception for the rational utilization of soybean fermented powder but also can provide theoretical guidance for the subsequent healthy breeding of loach.

Comparative study of the properties of lutein nanoliposomes coated with chitosan/(-)-epigallocatechin- 3-gallate (EGCG) complexes.

BACKGROUND: Numerous positive effects have been attributed to lutein, a lipophilic nutrient, including resisting ultraviolet radiation and protecting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells against blue light damage. It also has preventive effects against cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, its use could be limited by its poor stability and low bioaccessibility in the human digestive system. An encapsulation delivery system was therefore developed to resolve these limitations. In this study, chitosan-modified lutein nanoliposomes (CS-LNLs), chitosan-EGCG covalently modified lutein nanoliposomes (C-CS-EGCG-LNLs), and chitosan-EGCG noncovalently modified lutein nanoliposomes (non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs) were designed. The average particle size, ζ-potential, and retention of lutein during storage were measured to indicate the physicochemical stability of the modified lutein nanoliposomes. The bioaccessibility of modified lutein nanoliposomes was also investigated to demonstrate the availability of lutein in the human digestive system. RESULTS: First, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified that covalent bonds between chitosan and EGCG were formed. Subsequently, ζ-potential results revealed that C-CS-EGCG-LNLs had a relatively stable structure in comparison with lutein nanoliposomes (LNLs). The retention rate of lutein in CS-LNLs, C-CS-EGCG-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs was improved, especially in C-CS-EGCG-LNLs (at around 70% of lutein in initial system). An in vitro digestion experiment illustrated that CS-LNLs, C-CS-EGCG-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs presented relatively higher bioaccessibility, especially in C-CS-EGCG-LNLs (at around 33% of luein in initial system), which increased 2.5 and 1.65 times in comparison with free lutein and LNLs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results showed that C-CS-EGCG-LNLs presented greater physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility than LNLs, CS-LNLs, and non-C-CS-EGCG-LNLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rheological property, ß-carotene stability and 3D printing characteristic of whey protein isolate emulsion gels by adding different polysaccharides.

Emulsion gels with unique structural and mechanical properties have promising applications in 3D food printing. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the rheological property, ß-carotene stability and 3D printing characteristic of whey protein isolate (WPI) emulsion gels by adding guar gum (GG), locust bean gum (LBG), xanthan gum (XG) and gum arabic (GA). The results showed that all samples exhibited shear thinning behavior and elastic characteristic. XG could reduce water mobility and increase WHC of WPI emulsion gel. The disulfide bond was the main chemical molecular force of emulsion gels, and XG significantly increased the hydrophobic interactions. GG and LBG increased gel strength, hardness and gumminess, reduced springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness of emulsion gels. GG sample had the best printing performance, more uniform network structure and better stability of ß-carotene. This study provided a theoretical basis for 3D printing functional food.

Evaluation of the digestibility and antioxidant activity of protein and lipid after mixing nuts based on in vitro and in vivo models.

This study aimed to evaluate the change of digestibility and antioxidant activity of protein and lipid after mixing walnuts, cashews, and pistachios using in vitro and in vivo models. The results showed that mixed nuts significantly reduced the digested particle size and the degree of hydrolysis of protein and triacylglycerol compared to single nuts in vitro. As a consequence of co-digestion, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity for amino acids and fatty acids were increased by 1.12-1.87 fold and 1.62-3.81 fold, respectively. In vivo studies, the mixed nuts diet increased the concentration of amino acids and fatty acids in the small intestine by 27.69%-158.26% and 18.13%-152.09%, respectively, and enhanced levels of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and serum, all without causing weight gain. These findings highlight the positive interaction between single and mixed nuts, where mixed nuts enhanced the digestibility and antioxidant activity of single nuts both in vitro and in vivo.

Study on physicochemical characteristics of lutein nanoemulsions stabilized by chickpea protein isolate-stevioside complex.

BACKGROUND: Chickpea protein isolate (CPI) originating from chickpeas has the advantages of facilitating the stability of food emulsions. Stevioside (STE) exhibits a notable surface activity and can improve the water solubility of numerous hydrophobic nutrients. STE and protein mixtures show great potential as emulsions stabilizers. The present study aimed to prepare a novel nanoemulsion for encapsulating lutein (LUT) by ultrasonic homogenization using chickpea protein isolate-stevioside complex (CPI-STE) as a stabilizer and also to investigate the physicochemical characteristics. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that different preparation conditions demonstrated significant influences on the physicochemical properties of CPI-STE-LUT nanoemulsions. Under the optimal condition, the average particle size of CPI-STE-LUT nanoemulsions was 195.1 nm, and the emulsifying and encapsulation efficiencies of lutein were 91.04% and 87.56%, respectively. CPI-STE-LUT nanoemulsions stabilized by CPI-STE could significantly increase the emulsifying and encapsulation efficiencies of lutein compared to that stabilized by CPI. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that hydrogen bond was the main binding force of CPI and lutein, and there was a covalent bond between the two molecules. Furthermore, the stability of CPI-STE-LUT nanoemulsions in gastrointestinal phase was higher than that of CPI-LUT nanoemulsions, which could load lutein more effectively and be more resistant to digestive enzymes. CONCLUSION: The present study reports the physicochemical characterization of CPI-STE-LUT nanoemulsions for the first time. CPI-STE-LUT nanoemulsions were characterized by a small average particle size lower than 200 nm, as well as high emulsifying and encapsulation efficiencies, and good stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tofu Whey Wastewater as a Beneficial Supplement to Poultry Farming: Improving Production Performance and Protecting against Salmonella Infection.

Tofu whey wastewater (TWW) is a by-product of the tofu production process, and contains high amounts of organic products and Lactobacillus ap. However, no studies have been reported on whether naturally fermented TWW can be used as a beneficial additive for poultry production. This study analyzed the main nutritional components and microbial flora of naturally fermented TWW from rural tofu processing plants and their effect on chick production performance, role in modulating the biochemical and immune parameters, and protection against Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) infection. It was observed that the average pH of TWW was 4.08; therefore, the total viable count was 3.00 × 109 CFU/mL and the abundance of Lactobacillus was 92.50%. Moreover, TWW supplementation increased the total weight gain and feed intake, reduced the feed/gain ratio, increased the length and relative weight of the gut, and reduced the colonization and excretion of S. enteritidis in chickens. Additionally, TWW decreased oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion caused by S. enteritidis infection. In addition, TWW supplementation ensured the structure of the intestine remained relatively intact in S. enteritidis-infected chicken. Furthermore, TWW markedly promoted the intestinal barrier integrity and up-regulated the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, counteracting the changes in gut microbiota caused by S. enteritidis infection in chicken. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that TWW could be used as a beneficial addition to poultry production, providing a research basis for the further development of TWW as a health care application in in food-producing animal.

Effect of Ca2+ cross-linking on the properties and structure of lutein-loaded sodium alginate hydrogels.

In order to construct nano-lutein hydrogels with sustained release properties, the basic properties and structure of nano-lutein hydrogels cross-linked with different concentrations of Ca2+ were investigated. The results showed that the highest loading capacity for lutein reached 770.88 µg/g, while the encapsulation efficiency was as high as 99.39%. When Ca2+ concentration was lower than 7.5 mM, the filling of lutein nanoparticles reduced the hardness and gumminess of the hydrogel. The resilience and cohesiveness of the hydrogel decreased as the concentration of Ca2+ increased. Filling with lutein nanoparticles and increasing Ca2+ concentration both increased the G' and G″. The hydrogel loaded with lutein showed different swelling properties in different pH environments, the filling of lutein nanoparticles inhibited the swelling of the hydrogel. When Ca2+ concentration was greater than 7.5 mM, the cut-off amount of lutein on the surface of the Ca2+ cross-linked hydrogel was larger. The digestive enzymes quickly degraded the hydrogel structure, resulting in a high initial release of lutein. DSC and FTIR results showed that lutein nanoparticles were mainly physically trapped in the hydrogel network structure. Lutein nanoparticles and excessive Ca2+ affected the stability of cross-linked ionic bonds in the hydrogel, thereby reducing its thermodynamic stability.

Study on the bioavailability of stevioside-encapsulized lutein and its mechanism.

This study aims to develop novel lutein nanoparticles encapsulized by stevioside (LUT-STE, 165 ± 2 nm average particles size) and systematically evaluate its bioavailability. Multiple spectroscopy and NMR analyses showed lutein and stevioside could interact through hydrogen bonds, CHπ interaction and van der Waals forces. Molecular docking simulation showed lutein was well distributed in the hydrophobic cavity of stevioside. Analyzed by Caco-2 cellular models, the transported amount of LUT-STE was 2.39 times that of lutein in 120 min with a Papp (B â†’ A)/Papp (A â†’ B) value of 0.63 ± 0.04. Nystatin and dynasore significantly reduced the cellular uptake of LUT-STE by 41.3% and 57.7%, respectively. Compared with free lutein, LUT-STE increased the Cmax in mice plasma by 5.01-fold and promoted the accumulation in multiple organs. LUT-STE promoted the protein expressions of CD36, NPC1L1 and PPARγ in both cell and animal models. In conclusion, stevioside entrapment significantly promote the bioavailability of lutein through multiple transmembrane pathways.

Effects of pre-drying treatments combined with explosion puffing drying on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and flavor characteristics of apples.

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of hot air drying, microwave vacuum drying and freeze drying combined with explosion puffing drying (HDEPD, MDEPD and FDEPD) on physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and flavor characteristics of apples. The results showed that MDEPD and FDEPD products had better color and textural properties, exhibited a homogeneous porous structure. MDEPD and FDEPD better preserved scavenging abilities of DPPH, hydroxyl radical and FRAP, retained values of TFC and TPC. Aroma characteristics and taste properties of apples obviously changed with different drying methods, and drying qualities of products could be classified in terms of volatile compounds and taste profiles. Two principal components were able to describe 90.12% and 69.43% of the total volatile compound variance and total taste profile variance, respectively. Three main clusters of dried apples were identified, MDEPD and FDEPD can be used to enhance drying qualities of apple products.

Upregulated ß-arrestin1 predicts poor prognosis and promotes metastasis via AKT/ERK signaling pathway in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: ß-Arrestins have been found to regulate cell proliferation, invasion and migration; transmit anti-apoptotic survival signals; and affect other characteristics of tumours. However, their role in gastric cancer (GC) is not clear. We investigated the role and mechanism of ß-arrestins in the regulation of GC. METHODS: We first examined ß-arrestins mRNA levels in 17 pairs of GC tissues by qRT-PCR. We also used immunohistochemistry to further examine the expression of ß-arrestins in 60 paraffin-embedded primary GC tissues and 20 normal gastric tissues. Then, the function of ß-arrestin1 was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: ß-Arrestin1 was upregulated in GC tissue and was associated with tumour stage, lymph node metastasis, invasion depth and patient sex. High expression of ß-arrestin1 expression predicted poor prognosis in GC. ß-Arrestin1 promoted GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and it suppressed E-cadherin expression and upregulated Vimentin expression via AKT/ERK signalling pathway. The in vivo metastasis assays showed that knockdown of ß-arrestin1 reduced lung metastasis and inhibited EMT. CONCLUSION: The upregulation of ß-arrestin1 predicts poor prognosis and promotes metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in GC through AKT/ERK signalling pathway. This study may provide therapeutic advances for the treatment and early diagnosis of patients with metastatic GC.

A comparative evaluation of nutritional properties, antioxidant capacity and physical characteristics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitate var L.) subjected to different drying methods.

Cabbag has been considered as one of attractive raw materials for dehydrated vegetables owing to high nutrient value. However, information about how drying methods affect the physicochemical properties of cabbage is limited. In present study, segmented cabbages were subjected to freeze drying (FD), hot air drying (HAD), microwave vacuum drying (MVD), vacuum drying (VD), MVD combined with HAD (MVD + HAD) and VD (MVD + VD). Dehydrated cabbages were compared in terms of nutritional components, antioxidant activity, microstructure, texture and so on. Results demonstrated that HAD conducted a worse effect, with loss rate of nutritional components >45%. However, two combined methods performed higher retention for nutritional compositions, better antioxidant activity and lower energy consumption than individual HAD. Furthermore, MVD + HAD products exhibited higher rehydration capacity and more uniform honeycomb porous structure but lower hardness compared to HAD. This conclusion would be fundamental for choosing more appropriate drying methods to obtain desirable quality.

Effects of chromium-enriched bacillus subtilis KT260179 supplementation on chicken growth performance, plasma lipid parameters, tissue chromium levels, cecal bacterial composition and breast meat quality.

BACKGROUND: Both chromium (Cr) and probiotic bacillus own the virtues of regulating animal metabolism and meat quality. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of supplemental Cr and bacillus in the form of chromium-enriched Bacillus subtilis KT260179 (CEBS) on chicken growth performance, plasma lipid parameters, tissue chromium levels, cecal bacterial composition and breast meat quality. METHODS: Six hundred of 1-day-old Chinese Huainan Partridge chickens were divided into four groups randomly: Control, inorganic Cr, Bacillus subtilis, and CEBS. The feed duration was 56 days. RESULTS: After 28 days of treatment, broiler feed CEBS or normal B. subtilis had higher body weights than control broiler, and after 56 days, chickens given either CEBS or B. subtilis had greater body weights than control broiler or those given inorganic Cr. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels declined significantly in the CEBS group compared with the control, whereas plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased significantly. The concentration of Cr in blood and breast muscle increased after CEBS and inorganic Cr supplementation. B. subtilis and CEBS supplementation caused a significant increase in the numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecum, while the numbers of Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased significantly compared to the control. Feed adding CEBS increased the lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast meat, improved the water-holding capacity, decreased the shear force and cooking loss. CONCLUSIONS: In all, CEBS supplementation promoted body growth, improved plasma lipid parameters, increased tissue Cr concentrations, altered cecal bacterial composition and improved breast meat quality.

Thermal profiles, crystallization behaviors and microstructure of diacylglycerol-enriched palm oil blends with diacylglycerol-enriched palm olein.

To elucidate the possible interaction mechanisms between DAG-enriched oils, this study investigated how mixtures of DAG-enriched palm-based oils influenced the phase behavior, thermal properties, crystallization behaviors and the microstructure in binary fat blends. DAG-enriched palm oil (PO-DAGE) was blended with DAG-enriched palm olein (POL-DAGE) in various percentages (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, 100%). Based on the observation of iso-solid diagram and phase diagram, the binary mixture of PO-DAGE/POL-DAGE showed a better compatibility in comparison with their corresponding original blends. DSC thermal profiles exhibited that the melting and crystallization properties of PO-DAGE/POL-DAGE were distinctively different from corresponding original blends. Crystallization kinetics revealed that PO-DAGE/POL-DAGE blends displayed a rather high crystallization rate and exhibited no spherulitic crystal growth. From the results of polarized light micrographs, PO-DAGE/POL-DAGE blends showed more dense structure with very small needle-like crystals than PO/POL. X-ray diffraction evaluation revealed when POL-DAGE was added in high contents to PO-DAGE, above 30%, ß-polymorph dominated, and the mount of ß' forms crystals was decreasing.

Effects of chromium-enriched Bacillus subtilis KT260179 supplementation on growth performance, caecal microbiology, tissue chromium level, insulin receptor expression and plasma biochemical profile of mice under heat stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of providing supplementary Cr-enriched Bacillus subtilis (CEBS) to mice with regard to their growth performance, caecal microbiology, tissue Cr concentration, insulin receptor (IR) expression and plasma biochemical profile. A total of ninety-six Kunming strain mice were allocated to four different groups: control, CEBS, inorganic Cr and B. subtilis. After 15 d of treatment, mice that received CEBS or normal B. subtilis had higher body weights than control mice, and after 30 d mice given either CEBS or B. subtilis had greater body weights than control mice or those given inorganic Cr. The concentration of Cr in tissues (heart, liver, spleen, kidney and skeletal muscle) increased after CEBS supplementation. B. subtilis and CEBS supplementation caused a significant increase in the numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecum, whereas the numbers of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus decreased significantly compared with the control. The levels of IR RNA and protein in skeletal muscles increased significantly. Plasma glucose, total cholesterol, TAG and LDL-cholesterol levels declined significantly in the CEBS group compared with the control group, whereas plasma insulin and HDL-cholesterol levels increased significantly. In conclusion, CEBS supplementation enhanced the regulation of body growth, increased tissue organic Cr concentrations, altered caecal microbiota and enhanced IR expression to produce significant changes in plasma biochemistry.