In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Cowpea Pod Extracts and Proteins Loaded in Ca(II)-Alginate Hydrogels.

Antioxidants derived from food by-products are known for their bioactive properties and impact on human health. However, the gastrointestinal behavior is often poor due to their degradation during digestion. The development of Ca(II)-alginate beads supplemented with biopolymers and enriched with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) extract could represent a novel environmentally friendly technological solution to produce functional ingredients in the food industry. The present study evaluates the impact of in vitro digestion/fermentation by analyzing global antioxidant response (GAR), production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a modulation of gut microbiota, and behavior of proton transverse relaxation times by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (as an indicator of gelation state and characterization of microstructure). Results revealed that guar gum and cowpea protein preserved a high GAR of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and FRAP methods after digestion/fermentation, promoting an adequate protection of the bioactives for their absorption. Alginate-based beads have great potential as prebiotics, with the guar gum-containing system contributing the most to SCFAs production. Finally, the overall higher mobility of protons observed in the intestinal phase agrees with structural changes that promote the release of phenolic compounds during this stage. Beads are excellent carriers of bioactive compounds (cowpea phenolic compounds and peptides) with potential capacities.

Erythrocyte membrane and breast milk fatty acid profile in lactating mothers: relationship with infant erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile.

During the first thousand days of life, fetus and infant's nutrition depends on mother's diet. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important substrates in infant neurogenesis. We related erythrocyte membrane (EM) and breast milk fatty acids (FA) profile in lactating mothers with the EM FA profile in exclusively breastfed infants and evaluated maternal fat consumption. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional analytical study. During the 2016-2019 period, milk and blood samples from adult mothers 90 days post-partum and infant's blood were analysed, and FA were determined by GC. A frequency of consumption survey of fatty acids precursor foods and sources was conducted. The sample included forty-five mother-infant EM and forty-five milk samples donated by the same mothers. A low percentage of DHA (0·14 (0·12-0·2)) was found in milk, consistent with mother's low consumption of DHA-rich foods. A significant positive correlation between infant's EM DHA percentage and milk DHA percentage (r = 0·39; P value 0·008), as well as between infant's EM ω-3 fatty acids sum and milk DHA percentage (r = 0·39; P value 0·008), was found. When milk had a DHA percentage greater than or equal to 0·20 %, infants had a significant increase in DHA in their EM. Mother's consumption of DHA precursors and sources was NS. The relation between the DHA percentage distribution found in maternal milk, and the DHA percentage distribution found in infant's and mother's EM was proven in this population. Dietary fatty acid intake is associated with the maternal milk lipid distribution and with mothers' and infant's EM fatty acids percentage.

Metabolomic Alterations Associated with Phthalate Exposures among Pregnant Women in Puerto Rico.

Although phthalate exposure has been linked with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes, their underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. We examined associations between biomarkers of phthalate exposures and metabolic alterations using untargeted metabolomics in 99 pregnant women and 86 newborns [mean (SD) gestational age = 39.5 (1.5) weeks] in the PROTECT cohort. Maternal urinary phthalate metabolites were quantified using isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), while metabolic profiles in maternal and cord blood plasma were characterized via reversed-phase LC-MS. Multivariable linear regression was used in metabolome-wide association studies (MWAS) to identify individual metabolic features associated with elevated phthalate levels, while clustering and correlation network analyses were used to discern the interconnectedness of biologically relevant features. In the MWAS adjusted for maternal age and prepregnancy BMI, we observed significant associations between specific phthalates, namely, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP), and 34 maternal plasma metabolic features. These associations predominantly included upregulation of fatty acids, amino acids, purines, or their derivatives and downregulation of ceramides and sphingomyelins. In contrast, fewer significant associations were observed with metabolic features in cord blood. Correlation network analysis highlighted the overlap of features associated with phthalates and those identified as differentiating markers for preterm birth in a previous study. Overall, our findings underscore the complex impact of phthalate exposures on maternal and fetal metabolism, highlighting metabolomics as a tool for understanding associated biological processes. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, exploring the effects of phthalate mixtures, and validating identified metabolic features in larger, more diverse populations.

Protective effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on hepatorenal syndrome in rats.

BACKGROUND: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the most prevalent form of acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients. It is characterized by reduced renal blood flow and represents the most severe complication in cirrhotic patients with advanced disease. Previous research has indicated that antioxidants can delay the onset of a hyperdynamic circulatory state in cirrhosis and improve renal function in HRS patients. Regular omega-3 supplementation has significantly reduced the risk of liver disease. This supplementation could represent an additional therapy for individuals with HRS. AIM: To evaluated the antioxidant effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the kidneys of cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced in rats by biliary duct ligation (BDL) for 28 d. We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into the following groups: I (control); II (treated with omega-3, 1 g/kg of body weight); III (BDL treated with omega-3, 1 g/kg of body weight); and IV (BDL without treatment). The animals were killed by overdose of anesthetic; the kidneys were dissected, removed, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored in a freezer at -80℃ for later analysis. We evaluated oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, DNA damage by the comet assay, cell viability test, and apoptosis in the kidneys. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Tukey test, with P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Omega-3 significantly decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.001) and lipoperoxidation in the kidneys of cirrhotic rats treated with omega-3 (P < 0.001). The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase increased in the BDL+omega-3 group compared to the BDL group (P < 0.01). NO production, DNA damage, and caspase-9 cleavage decreased significantly in the omega-3-treated BDL group. There was an increase in mitochondrial electrochemical potential (P < 0.001) in BDL treated with omega-3 compared to BDL. No changes in the cell survival index in HRS with omega-3 compared to the control group (P > 0.05) were observed. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that omega-3 can protect cellular integrity and function by increasing antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting the formation of free radicals, and reducing apoptosis.

Tratamiento de la alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca. Consenso interdisciplinario de expertos / Cow's milk allergy treatment. An expert consensus

El tratamiento de la alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca se basa en la eliminación completa de las proteínas de leche de vaca de la dieta del niño y de la madre en los que reciben leche materna. Para lograr la remisión de los síntomas y la tolerancia futura, la exclusión debe ser total. En los niños que reciben fórmula, esta deberá tener hidrolizado extenso de proteínas en las formas leves o moderadas, mientras que aquellas a base de aminoácidos se reservan para los casos más graves. El tiempo de tratamiento, la adquisición de tolerancia y el momento para la prueba de provocación oral van a variar según el cuadro clínico, el mecanismo inmunológico implicado y la edad del paciente. El objetivo de este consenso ha sido reflejar el conocimiento actualizado junto con la experiencia de neonatólogos, pediatras, especialistas en alergia, nutrición y gastroenterología.

The treatment of cow's milk protein allergy is based on the complete elimination of cow's milk protein from the diet. To achieve remission of symptoms and future tolerance, exclusion must be total. In formula fed infants the extensively hydrolysed formula is the most appropriate option in mild or moderate forms, while those based on amino acids are reserved for the most severe cases. The treatment time, the acquisition of tolerance and the moment for the oral provocation test will vary according to the clinical picture, the immunological mechanism involved and the age of the patient. The aim of this consensus has been to reflect the updated knowledge together with the experience of neonatologists, pediatricians, experts in allergy, nutrition and gastroenterology

Characterization of Extractable and Non-Extractable Phenols and Betalains in Berrycactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) and Its Chemoprotective Effect in Early Stage of Colon Cancer In Vivo.

This research identified the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the extractable (EP) and non-extractable (NEP) polyphenol fractions of berrycactus (BC). Additionally, the effects of BC and its residue (BCR) on preventing AOM/DSS-induced early colon carcinogenesis were evaluated in vivo. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 12/group): healthy control (C), AOM/DSS, BC, BCR, BC+AOM/DSS, and BCR+AOM/DSS. NEP was obtained through acid hydrolysis using H2SO4 and HCl (1 M or 4 M). The HCl-NEP fraction exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, while condensed tannins were more abundant in the H2SO4-NEP fraction. A total of 33 polyphenols were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE in both EP and NEP, some of which were novel to BC. Both NEP hydrolysates demonstrated significant total antioxidant capacity (TEAC), with HCl-NEP exhibiting the highest ORAC values. The BC+AOM/DSS and BCR+AOM/DSS groups exhibited fewer aberrant crypt foci (p < 0.05), reduced colonic epithelial injury, and presented lower fecal ß-glucuronidase activity, when compared to AOM/DSS group. No differences in butyric acid concentrations were observed between groups. This study presents novel bioactive compounds in EP and NEP from BC that contribute to chemopreventive effects in early colon carcinogenesis, while reducing fecal ß-glucuronidase activity and preserving colonic mucosal integrity.

Oleogel Systems for Chocolate Production: A Systematic Review.

In response to the growing demand for healthier food options, this review explores advances in oleogel systems as an innovative solution to reduce saturated fats in chocolates. Although appreciated for its flavor and texture, chocolate is high in calories, mainly due to cocoa butter (CB), which is rich in saturated fats. Oleogels, three-dimensional structures formed by structuring agents in edible oils, stand out in terms of mimicking saturated fats' physical and sensory properties without compromising the quality of chocolate. This study reviews how oleogels could improve chocolate's stability and sensory quality, exploring the potential of pectin-rich agro-industrial by-products as sustainable alternatives. It also explores the need for physicochemical evaluations of both oleogel and oleogel-based chocolate.

Morphological, Toxicological, and Biochemical Characterization of Two Species of Gambierdiscus from Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California.

We describe five new isolates of two Gambierdiscus species from Bahía de La Paz in the southern Gulf of California. Batch cultures of Gambierdiscus were established for morphological characterization using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pigment and amino acid profiles were also analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV and HPLC-DAD). Finally, toxicity (CTX-like and MTX-like activity) was evaluated using the Artemia salina assay (ARTOX), mouse assay (MBA), marine fish assay (MFA), and fluorescent receptor binding assay (fRBA). These strains were identified as Gambierdiscus cf. caribaeus and Gambierdiscus cf. carpenteri. Toxicity for CTX-like and MTX-like activity was confirmed in all evaluated clones. Seven pigments were detected, with chlorophyll a, pyridine, Chl2, and diadinoxanthin being particularly noteworthy. For the first time, a screening of the amino acid profile of Gambierdiscus from the Pacific Ocean was conducted, which showed 14 amino acids for all strains except histidine, which was only present in G. cf. caribeaus. We report the presence of Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species in the Mexican Pacific, where ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) cases have occurred.

Inadequate Intake of Choline and Essential Fatty Acids in Latin American Childbearing-Age Women as a Regional Pre-Conceptional Disadvantage: ELANS Results.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Choline and essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital for fetal brain development, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining hormonal balance. They also promote overall health. The childbearing years present a window of opportunity to increase the intake of these key nutrients and develop healthy dietary habits. The aims of this study were to evaluate the intake of choline and EFA in women of childbearing age (15-49 years old), identify their food sources and determine if supplements containing choline and EFA were available across the Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS) countries. METHODS: Survey data were collected for the ELANS, including participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (n = 9218; 15-65 years old). Women of childbearing age were extracted from the largest database (n = 3704). RESULTS: In general, choline intake was inadequate in all countries, while EFA intake was normal or above requirements. Chile had the lowest intake of choline, and Colombia had the highest. The results showed that some countries had more inadequate choline intake than others. Consuming a larger quantity of eggs helped reduce choline inadequacy, as did including eggs and fish in the diet. The intake of EFA, including ALA, EPA, and DHA, showed variability. The contributions of EPA and DHA were lower than that of ALA, and the results differed by age group. CONCLUSIONS: choline intake is inadequate, and EFA intake is variable among women of childbearing age in the ELANS study. More awareness and education are needed to achieve better intake of these nutrients.

Nano-encapsulation of essential amino acids: ruminal methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and fermentation.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nano-encapsulation of four essential amino acids (AA), threonine, methionine, tryptophan, and lysine on in vitro ruminal total gas, methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide production as well as the rumen fermentation profile in cattle. The highest (P < 0.001) rate and asymptotic gas production after 48 h of incubation was observed in the diets that had threonine, followed by lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. Asymptotic methane gas production decreased in the following order: threonine > lysine > tryptophan > methionine (P < 0.0001) and the rate of production per hour followed the same trend (P = 0.0259). CH4 parameters showed that in 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h of incubation the lowest methane production was obtained in the diet with methionine (P < 0.05) and the highest one in diet supplemented with threonine. Methane fractions showed that methionine-containing diets resulted in more (P < 0.05) metabolizable energy versus methane, followed by tryptophan-containing, and then lysine-containing diets. Methionine-fortified diets seem to be the most eco-friendly among those studied regarding methane output. However, based on methane, CO, and H2S output as well as the rumen fermentation profile nano-encapsulated lysine is recommended for use in ruminant nutrition.

Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis): A Journey through Sustainability, Processing, and Utilization.

Palm oil, derived from Elaeis guineensis, is a critical component of the global edible oil and industrial fat market. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainability of the palm oil chain, focusing on industrial applications, environmental implications, and economic sustainability. The processing of palm oil, from fruit pulp to refined oil, is detailed, highlighting the importance of refining in maintaining quality and extending application ranges. While palm oil offers health benefits because of its rich fatty acid composition and antioxidant properties, its production poses significant environmental challenges. This review underscores ongoing efforts to balance technological and culinary demands with environmental stewardship and sustainable economic growth. Emerging trends, including interspecific hybrids such as E. guineensis and E. oleifera, are discussed for their potential to increase sustainability and productivity.

Strategies for producing probiotic biomass and postbiotics from Akkermansia muciniphila in submerged cultivations incorporating prebiotic sources.

This research propounds an innovative technology focused on sustainability to increase the biomass yield of Akkermansia muciniphila, the next-generation probiotic, using prebiotic sources to replace or reduce animal mucin levels. A series of experimental design approaches were developed aiming to optimize the growth of Akkermansiamuciniphila by incorporating extracts of green leafy vegetables and edible mushroom into the cultivation media. Experiments using kale extract (KE), Brassica oleracea L., associated with lyophilized mushroom extract (LME) of Pleurotus ostreatus were the most promising, highlighting the assays with 0.376% KE and 0.423% LME or 1.05% KE and 0.5% LME, in which 3.5 × 1010 CFU (Colony Forming Units) mL- 1 was achieved - higher than in experiments in optimized synthetic media. Such results enhance the potential of using KE and LME not only as mucin substitutes, but also as a source to increase Akkermansia muciniphila biomass yields and release short-chain fatty acids. The work is relevant to the food and pharmaceutical industries in the preparation of the probiotic ingredient.

Construction of amino acids reduced alphabets from molecular descriptors for interpretation of N-carbamylase, luciferase and PI3K mutations.

The classification of amino acids has proven to be a useful tool for understanding the importance of sequence in protein function. The reduced amino acid alphabets are an example of these classifications, which, when built from physicochemical, structural and quantum characteristics of the amino acids, allow it to simplify the representation of the sequences, being useful in the modelling, design and understanding of proteins. So, an objective selection of amino acids properties is important, due classes formed in a reduced alphabet depend on the descriptors used for classification. In this research, based on a careful selection of descriptors for the 20 amino acids, through techniques such as the information content index and hierarchical cluster analysis with ties in proximity, 20,871,586 reduced amino acid alphabets were constructed. This large collection of reduced alphabets was been used to interpret alterations in the function of three proteins: N-carbamylase, Luciferase, and PI3K, caused by amino acid changes in their sequences. For this, the similar and different descriptors linked to these mutations were studied. Properties such as volume, hydrophobicity, charge and autocorrelation can be associated with variations in the behaviour of these proteins, while the frequency in specific secondary structures, the Gibbs free energy and some topological and quantum properties can be considered as the causes of preventing the deactivation of protein function. This work offers the most complete collection of reduced alphabets that promise to be a useful tool for the interpretation of alterations caused by amino acid mutations in the protein sequence.

Extract of Araçá-Boi and Its Major Phenolic Compound, Trans-Cinnamic Acid, Reduce Viability and Inhibit Migration of Human Metastatic Melanoma Cells.

Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer that is recognized for its high metastatic potential and the challenges it presents in its treatment. There has been increasing interest in plant extracts and their potential applications in melanoma. The present study aimed to investigate the content of individual phenolic compounds in araçá-boi extract, evaluate their antioxidant activity, and explore their effects on cell viability, migration properties, oxidative stress levels, and protein expression in the human metastatic melanoma cell line SK-MEL-28. HPLC-DAD analysis identified 11 phenolic compounds in the araçá-boi extract. Trans-cinnamic acid was the main phenolic compound identified; therefore, it was used alone to verify its contribution to antitumor activities. SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells were treated for 24 h with different concentrations of araçá-boi extract and trans-cinnamic acid (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1600 µg/mL). Both the araçá-boi extract and trans-cinnamic acid reduced cell viability, cell migration, and oxidative stress in melanoma cells. Additionally, they modulate proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammation. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of araçá-boi extract and its phenolic compounds in the context of melanoma, especially in strategies focused on preventing metastasis. Additional studies, such as the analysis of specific signaling pathways, would be valuable in confirming and expanding these observations.

Influence of medium chain fatty acids on selected microbes and on in vitro ruminal fermentation of air-exposed corn silage.

Several medium chain fatty acids and different chemical forms of these acids were evaluated in vitro as treatments of aerobically-exposed corn silage against spoilage and pathogenic microbes and for effects on rumen fermentation. Treatments were control (no additive), myristate (MY), laurate (LA), monolaurin (MLA), methyl ester laurate (MELA), a blend of mono-, di- and triglycerides of laurate (BLA), and monocaprylate (MC). After 24 h of aerobic incubation (37°C), yeast and mold growth were not influenced (P > 0.05) by treatments, while the net growth of lactic acid bacteria was decreased, albeit slightly, compared to that by untreated controls (P < 0.01) by all treatments of the air-exposed corn silage. Compared with controls, wild-type enterococci were decreased (P < 0.01) in MLA, MELA, and BLA. Staphylococcus aureus was reduced (P < 0.01) with MLA, MELA, BLA, and MC. Total aerobes showed reductions (P < 0.01) with MLA, BLA, and MC. Listeria monocytogenes numbers were reduced (P < 0.01) with MELA. Anaerobic incubation (24 h; 39°C) of ruminal fluid (10 mL) with 0.2 g air-exposed and MCFA-treated corn silage revealed higher hydrogen accumulations (P < 0.01) with MLA and MC over the control treatment. Methane was decreased (P < 0.01) solely by MLA. There was an increase (P < 0.01) of acetate with MELA and MC; of propionate with MELA or by BLA; and of butyrate with MLA, MELA, BLA, and MC. Total VFA, hexose fermented, and ammonia were increased (P < 0.01) with MELA, BLA, and MC. The acetate:propionate ratio was increased (P < 0.01) with MC. The results showed that treatment of air-exposed corn silage with esterified MCFA had no effect on yeasts and molds but prevented propagation or reduced populations of some unwanted and potentially desirable bacteria. Modest methane reduction was seen during in vitro incubation of rumen fluid suspensions with MLA-treated silage and ammonia accumulations were increased in esterified MCFA-treated silage. Little, if any, other detrimental effects on beneficial ruminal fermentation characteristics were observed.

Pollution control and biodiesel production with microalgae: new perspectives on the use of flat panel photobioreactors regarding variation in volume application rate.

In the present study, the microalga Arthrospira platensis DHR 20 was cultivated in vertical flat-plate photobioreactors (FPBRs) to bioremediate anaerobically digested cattle wastewater (ACWW) and used as a growth substrate. The final objective was to evaluate the properties of the oil extracted from this biomass to determine its potential for biodiesel production. The process was divided into five phases, varying the volume of the applied substrate: 1 L (Phase I), 5 L (Phase II), 10 L (Phase III), 15 L (Phase IV), and 20 L (Phase V). Dry biomass reached a maximum of 5.7 g L-1, and productivity peaked at 0.74 g L-1d-1. The highest rate of CO2 biofixation was 1213.5 mg L-1 day-1, showing good potential for purifying the air. The highest specific maximum growth rate (µmax) and the shortest doubling time (Dt) were found during Phase I. The removal of pollutants and nutrients during the experimental phases ranged from 65.8% to 87.1% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 82.2% to 85.8% for total organic carbon (TOC), 91% to 99% for phosphate (PO43-), 62.5% to 93% for nitrate (NO3-), 90.4% to 99.7% for ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+), and 86.5% to 98.5% for total nitrogen (TN). The highest lipid production recorded was 0.172 g L-1 day-1. The average cetane number recorded in Phase IV of 51 suggests that the fuel will ignite efficiently and consistently, providing smooth operation and potentially reducing pollutant emissions. The analysis of fatty acids revealed that the produced biodiesel has the potential to be used as an additive for other low-explosive biocombustibles, representing an innovative and sustainable approach that simultaneously offers bioremediation and carbon sequestration.

Maternal preconception glucose intolerance and fatty acid intake from conception to weaning: impact on offspring energy homeostasis in both male and female.

Environmental factors in the early life stages can lead the descendant to adaptations in gene expression, permanently impacting several structures and organs. The amount and quality of fatty acids in the maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation were found to impact offspring metabolism. So, maternal diet and insulin resistance can affect the male and female descendants through distinct pathways and at different time points. We hypothesized that maternal high-fat diet (HFD) intake before conception and an adequate amount of different fatty acids intake during pregnancy and lactation could influence the energy homeostasis system of 21-day-old offspring. Female rats received control diet (C) or HFD (HF) for 8 weeks before pregnancy. During pregnancy and lactation C group remained with same diet (C-C), HF group were distributed into 4 groups and received C diet (HF-C), normolipidic diet based on saturated fatty acids (HF-S) or based on polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (HF-P) or remained in same diet (HF-HF). Maternal HFD in preconception, pregnancy, and lactation (HF-HF) led to lower glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in male (HF-HF21) compared to other groups (C-C21, HF-C21, and HF-P21) and compared to HF-HF21 females. Neuropeptide YY levels were higher in the HF-HF21, HF-C21, and HF-S21 male offspring compared to HF-P21. HF-P21 was similar to C-C21. Positive correlations were found among the energy homeostasis markers genes expressed in the offspring hypothalamus. Maternal diet changes to adequate quantities of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation showed less impaired results but was not entirely avoided. A maternal diet based on PUFA n-3 during pregnancy and lactation seems to reverse the damage of an HFD in preconception. These results of homeostasis energy system disturbance in the offspring at weaning give us clues about changes that precede the onset of the disease in adult life - adding notes to the knowledge for future investigations of prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Relevance of D-Amino Acids Dynamics: From Neurochemistry to Pharmacotherapy.

Over three decades ago, two independent groups of investigators identified free D-aspartic and later D-serine in specific brain nuclei and endocrine glands. This finding revealed a novel, non-proteinogenic role of these molecules. Moreover, the finding that aged proteins from the human eye crystallin, teeth, bone, blood vessels or the brain incorporate D-aspartic acids to specific primary protein sequences fostered the hypothesis that aging might be related to D-amino acid isomerization of body proteins. The experimental confirmation that schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases modify plasma free D-amino acids or tissue levelsnurtured the opportunity of using D-amino acids as therapeutic agents for several disease treatments, a strategy that prompted the successful current application of D-amino acids to human medicine.

Análisis de los niveles de ácidos orgánicos en orina de la primera infancia y recién nacidos: un estudio de cromatografía gaseosa acoplada a espectrometría de masas con evaluación de rangos de referencia / Analysis of urinary organic acid levels in early childhood and newborns: a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study with evaluation of reference ranges / Análise dos níveis de ácidos orgânicos na urina da primeira infância e dos recém-nascidos: um estudo por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa com avaliação de intervalos de referência

Resumen El análisis de los ácidos orgánicos urinarios juega un papel crucial en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de pacientes con trastornos metabólicos congénitos. La falta de datos completos, las variaciones en los hábitos alimentarios entre países y el aumento del consumo de alimentos procesados subrayan la necesidad de realizar investigaciones actualizadas. Con el fin de establecer los intervalos de confianza y medianas de ácidos orgánicos urinarios se evaluaron mediante cromatografía gaseosa acoplada a espectrometría de masas, 125 muestras de orina de pacientes sanos, con edades comprendidas entre 2 días y 13 años. Los resultados fueron analizados teniendo en cuenta el grupo etario, y evidenciaron que las concentraciones de la mayoría de los ácidos orgánicos urinarios varían de acuerdo a la edad, lo que enfatiza la importancia de los valores de referencia emparejados con la edad para interpretar los datos de los pacientes. Existen pocos informes en esta área; sin embargo, la comparación de estos resultados con los valores de referencia informados por otros trabajos muestra una concordancia razonable y las pocas disparidades podrían atribuirse a factores genéticos o influencias dietéticas. Se presentan resultados e interpretaciones de niños previamente diagnosticados con trastornos metabólicos y otras afecciones, lo que confirma la confiabilidad de nuestros datos y métodos analíticos. Este estudio proporciona datos de referencia esenciales para los profesionales clínicos, destaca la importancia de los valores de referencia específicos de la edad para diagnosticar y tratar con precisión a pacientes con trastornos metabólicos y sirve como recurso fundamental para futuras investigaciones en este campo.

Abstract Analysis of urinary organic acids plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with congenital metabolic disorders. The lack of complete data, variations in dietary habits between countries, and increasing consumption of processed foods highlight the need for up-to-date research. In order to establish the confidence intervals and medians of urinary organic acids, 125 urine samples from healthy patients, aged between 2 days and 13 years, were evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The results were analysed taking into account the age group, showing that the concentrations of most urinary organic acids vary according to age, which emphasises the importance of paired age reference values to interpret patient data. There are few reports in this area; however, comparing our results with those reference values reported by other papers demonstrates reasonable agreement, and minor disparities could be attributed to genetic factors or dietary influences. Results and interpretations from children previously diagnosed with metabolic disorders and other conditions are presented, confirming the reliability of our data and analytical methods. This study provides essential reference data for clinicians, highlighting the importance of age-specific reference values to accurately diagnose and treat patients with metabolic disorders and serves as a critical resource for future research in this field.

Resumo A análise dos ácidos orgânicos urinários desempenha um papel crucial no diagnóstico e monitoramento de pacientes com distúrbios metabólicos congênitos. A falta de dados completos, as variações nos hábitos alimentares entre países e o aumento do consumo de alimentos processados destacam a necessidade de realizar pesquisas atualizadas. Para estabelecer os intervalos de confiança e medianas de ácidos orgânicos urinários, 125 amostras de urina de pacientes saudáveis, com idades entre 2 dias e 13 anos, foram avaliadas por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa. Os resultados foram analisados levando em consideração o grupo etário, evidenciando que as concentrações da maioria dos ácidos orgânicos urinários variam de acordo com a idade, o que destaca a importância dos valores de referência pareados com a idade para interpretar os dados dos pacientes. Há poucos relatos nesta área; no entanto, a comparação destes resultados com os valores de referência informados por outros trabalhos demonstra uma concordância razoável, e as poucas disparidades poderiam ser atribuídas a fatores genéticos ou influências dietéticas. São apresentados resultados e interpretações de crianças previamente diagnosticadas com distúrbios metabólicos e outras condições, o que confirma a confiabilidade de nossos dados e métodos analíticos. Este estudo fornece dados de referência essenciais para profissionais clínicos, enfatizando a importância dos valores de referência específicos da idade para diagnosticar e tratar com precisão pacientes com distúrbios metabólicos, e serve como recurso fundamental para futuras pesquisas nesse campo.

Lipids from the purple and white açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) varieties: nutritional, functional, and physicochemical properties.

The Brazilian superfruit called Açaí or Assaí has gained interested from researcher and consumers worldwide, due to its health-related properties. In this context, this pioneering study aimed to compare the physicochemical, nutritional, and thermal properties of vegetable oils obtained from two varieties of açaí (Euterpe oleracea), purple and white. Both açaí oils from white (WAO) and purple (PAO) varieties were obtained by using the conventional solid-liquid extraction, which resulted in oil yields ranging from 52 to 61%. WAO and PAO were analyzed by their edibility quality parameters given the recommendations from Codex Alimentarius; their nutritional functionality indices and their composition of fatty acids and triglycerides content were estimated. Both oils showed low levels of acidity and peroxides, <1.8 mg KOH g-1 and < 1.7 mEq kg-1, respectively, which are good indicators of their preservation status, agreeing with the food regulations. PAO and WAO showed differences among the composition of fatty acids, mainly related to the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which were 62.5 and 39.5%, respectively, mainly oleic acid. Regarding the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the WAO showed up to 23% of linoleic acid, whereas the PAO exhibited up to 11% of it. These differences reflect on the values of the nutritional functionality indices, atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (IT), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H). Both PAO and WAO showed low levels of AI and TI and superior values of H/H than other oilseeds from the literature. These results indicate the nutritional properties of açaí oils regarding a potential cardioprotective effect when included in a regular dietary intake. The thermogravimetric behavior and the evaluation of oxidation status by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also studied. Both açaí oils demonstrated higher thermal stability (with an onset temperature ranging from 344 to 350 °C) and low indications of oxidation status, as no chemical groups related to it were noted in the FTIR spectrum, which agrees with the determined acidity and peroxide content. Moreover, the FTIR analysis unveiled characteristic chemical groups related to fatty acids and triglycerides, agreeing with the literature reports. These findings collectively contribute to a deeper comprehension of the nutritional and functional properties between white and purple açaí oils, offering valuable insights into their potential health, food, and industrial applications.