Amelioration of hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation in steptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed a high fat diet by riceberry supplement

Dark purple riceberry bran contains a higher dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds than unpigmented rice bran. Riceberry supplement (RB) was used to evaluate the effects on biochemical parameters, skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rat. To elucidate the effects were due to dietary fiber supplementation and/or bioactive components, equivalent amounts of dietary fiber present in RB were also fed to STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Sprague–Dawley rats (non-FBG ? 16.65 mM) were randomly divided into five groups: DM fed a high fat (HF) diet, DM-RB1 fed 5% RB, DM-RB2 fed 41% RB, DM-F1 fed 0.6% fiber and DM-F2 fed 5% fiber. After 12 weeks, significant improvement of BG, insulin, HbA1_C, IPGTT and GLUT4 levels were observed in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. Hyperlipidemia was significantly improved in DM-RB2 and DM-F2 groups. Oxidative stress (TBARS), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), antioxidant capacity (ORAC), pro-inflammation cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) were improved in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. Improvement of pancreas and spleen histology was found in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. These indicate the potential of RB to improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia conditions as well as alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation.     

A regular lycopene enriched tomato sauce consumption influences antioxidant status of healthy young-subjects: A crossover study

Tomato and tomato products are known as potential factors to decrease oxidative stress biomarkers. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of consumption of two tomato sauces with different concentrations of lycopene on oxidative stress markers. Thirty healthy subjects (Men/women: 9/21; Aged 39 ± 6 years old; BMI: 24.5 ± 3.3 kg/m²) were recruited to participate in a double-blind crossover study. Participants had to consume 160 g/day of tomato sauce, while maintaining their usual dietary and physical activity habits.The regular consumption of the high-lycopene tomato sauce induced a significant reduction in the oxidized-LDL cholesterol levels (?9.27 ± 16.8%; p < 0.05). Moreover, total plasma antioxidant capacity tended to increase with the high-lycopene tomato sauce, while it decreased slightly with commercial tomato sauce consumption (2.69 ± 13.4 vs ?0.05 ± 0.4; p = 0.058). Lipid, glucose profile and C-reactive protein concentrations were stable during both intervention periods, as well as anthropometric and body composition variables.Thus, the daily consumption of 160 g of a high-lycopene tomato sauce improved oxidized-LDL cholesterol levels, evidencing the putative role of lycopene in combination with other bioactive compounds in the prevention of oxidative stress related diseases.     

Effects of a black rice extract (Oryza sativa L. indica) on cholesterol levels and plasma lipid parameters in Wistar Kyoto rats

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an anthocyanin pigmented rice (e.g. black rice) to mitigate the onset of hypercholesterolemia in rats-fed atherogenic diets. Male Wistar (n = 10/group) rats were fed with atherogenic diets containing 0.5% cholesterol in the presence and in the absence of bile salt (e.g. 0.05% cholic acid) along with a standardized black rice extract (BRE) (e.g. 3%, w/w). All animals were individually housed in stainless steel cages and fed with the experimental diets during a 12-h period for 10 weeks. Body weights of rats were measured every week of the experiment. After 10 weeks fed on experimental diets, rats were sacrificed and plasma total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols were measured immediately. The total cholesterol (TC) content in the liver, heart and aorta, and the concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG) were measured after lipid extraction using Folch method. Rats fed with 0.5% cholesterol containing diets which also included bile salt exhibited a considerably more severe hypercholesterolemia than counterparts fed diets containing only 0.5% cholesterol. The inclusion of the BRE in diets significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of TC, LDL–TC and TAG in plasma of rats-fed control diets that either contained or were absent in bile salt (p < 0.05). There were no differences in HDL-level. Liver crude lipids and total cholesterol levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in experimental groups relative to the control group in both experiments. Thus, supplementation of atherogenic experimental diets with BRE effectively decreased lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. In lieu of the mixture of bioactive components present in BRE, it is possible that more than one mechanism underlying this reduction in lipids is involved.     

β-Conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S) exert a hypocholesterolemic effect comparable to that of fenofibrate in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet

The hypocholesterolemic effect of isolated soybean proteins and fenofibrate in rats was compared. Forty-five rats were divided into five groups: standard (STD; casein), high cholesterol (HC; STD plus 1% cholesterol/0.5% cholic acid), HC + β-conglycinin, HC + glycinin and HC + fenofibrate. The proteins and the drug were administered by gavage for 28 days. The proteins decreased total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) in the plasma of the rats fed HC diet, to values very close to those fed on fenofibrate. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the plasma were increased by the β-conglycinin, glycinin and fenofibrate groups. The largest TC reduction in the liver was observed in the fenofibrate group; in contrast, the β-conglycinin and glycinin groups exhibited reduced the levels of hepatic TG and TC. Based on these data, it could be suggested that the oral daily administration of isolated soybean proteins, in the range of 2.75% of the protein ingested daily, can promote a reduction in TC and TG in the plasma of rats fed hypercholesterolemic diets.     

Effect of Lactobacillus-fermented adlay-based milk on lipid metabolism of hamsters fed cholesterol-enriched diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adlay milk and adlay-soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus paracasei on lipid metabolism in hamsters fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet. Adlay milk and fermented adlay milk with or without soymilk administered to hamsters significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, when compared to a high-cholesterol diet group; there was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of fecal cholesterol and triglycerides. The group administered adlay milk fermented with L. plantarum or L. paracasei presented increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status activity in the blood, thus relieving the levels of thinobarbituric acid reactive substances as compared to other treatment groups. Adlay milk and Lactobacillus-fermented adlay milk with or without a soymilk supplement, could be used as a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient; it could also relieve hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress to improve hypercholesterolemia.     

Factors affecting the rheological properties of a structured cellular solid used as a fat mimetic

The effects of water content, monoglyceride chain length and concentration, oil type, and the addition of oil-phase and water-phase additives on the elastic modulus and yield stress of a structured oil in water were evaluated. The goal was to increase the elastic modulus of the original emulsion from 8.42 × 10³ ± 11.3 Pa to 1.55 × 10⁶ ± 2.1 × 10⁵ Pa, and the yield stress from 112 ± 2.31 Pa to 835 ± 227 Pa. The addition of wax at greater than 10% (w/w), the use of palm oil or the gelation of the liquid oil phase with 5–7.5% rice bran wax, the use of C-18 saturated monoglyceride at 6%(w/w), and 4% (w/w) for C-22 saturated monoglyceride molecules were effective modifications capable of improving the mechanical behavior of the emulsion so that it can be used as a zero trans and reduced saturated fat laminating shortening substitute for puff pastry products.     

Tea and herbal infusions: Their antioxidant activity and phenolic profile

Tea and herbal infusions have been studied for their polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity and phenolic profile. The total phenolics recovered by ethyl acetate from the water extract, were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure and ranged from 88.1 ± 0.42 (Greek mountain tea) to 1216 ± 32.0 mg (Chinese green tea) GAE (Gallic acid equivalents)/cup. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods, DPPH and chemiluminescence assays, using Trolox and quercetin as standards. The EC₅₀ of herbal extracts ranged from 0.151 ± 0.002 mg extract/mg DPPH (0.38 quercetin equivalents and 0.57 Trolox equivalents), for Chinese green tea, to 0.77 ± 0.012 mg extract/mg DPPH (0.08 quercetin equivalents and 0.13 Trolox equivalents), for Greek mountain tea. Chemiluminescence assay results showed that the IC₅₀ ranged from 0.17 ± 3.4 × 10⁻³ μg extract/ml of the final solution in the measuring cell (1.89 quercetin and 5.89 Trolox equivalents) for Chinese green tea, to 1.10 ± 1.86 × 10⁻² g extract/ml of the final solution in the measuring cell (0.29 quercetin and 0.90 Trolox equivalents) for Greek mountain tea. The phenolic profile in the herbal infusions was investigated by LC-DAD-MS in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI⁺) mode. About 60 different flavonoids, phenolic acids and their derivatives have been identified.     

Lipopolysaccharide derived from the digestive tract provokes oxidative stress in the liver of dairy cows fed a high-grain diet

The aims of this study were to measure oxidative stress parameters and to investigate the molecular mechanism triggered by grain-induced subacute ruminal acidosis in mid-lactation cows. Twelve Holstein-Friesian cows with an average weight of 455 ± 28 kg were divided into 2 groups and subjected to 2 diets over 18 wk: either a low-grain (forage-to-concentrate ratio = 6:4) or a high-grain (forage-to-concentrate ratio = 4:6) diet based on dry matter. Being fed a long-term high-grain diet resulted in a significant decrease in rumen pH and a significant increase in ruminal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 4 h postfeeding in the morning. The increase was also observed in LPS concentrations in the portal vein, hepatic vein, and jugular vein blood plasma as well as reduced milk yield in a high-grain diet. Cows fed a high-grain diet had lower levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and total antioxidant capacity than cows fed a low-grain diet; however, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in both the liver and the plasma of high-grain than in low-grain cows. Positive correlations were observed between plasma LPS versus hepatic MDA, plasma MDA, and hepatic SOD activity, whereas hepatic GPx and plasma GPx were negatively correlated with plasma LPS. The relative mRNA abundances of GPX1 and CAT were significantly lower in the liver of cows fed a high-grain diet than those fed a low-grain diet, whereas SOD1 was significantly higher in cows fed a high-grain diet than cows fed a low-grain diet. The expression levels of Nrf2, NQO1, MT1E, UGT1A1, MGST3, and MT1A were downregulated, whereas NF-kB was upregulated, in cows fed a high-grain diet. Furthermore, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) total protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower than in low-grains. Our results demonstrate the relationship between the translocated LPS and the suppression of cellular antioxidant defense capacity, which lead to increased oxidative stress and suggests that the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response may be affected by higher levels of LPS translocated to the bloodstream.     

Antioxidant activity and effective compounds of immature calamondin peel

The antioxidant activity and the flavonoids of mature and immature calamondin (Citrus mitis Blanco) peel were investigated. The hot water extract of immature calamondin peel exhibited the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), reducing power, and superoxide scavenging effect. 3′,5′-Di-C-β-glucopyranosylphloretin, naringin, hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin are the five major flavonoids found in hot water extract with the levels of 6888 ± 522, 2333 ± 157, 1350 ± 94, 165 ± 13, and 8 ± 4 mg/100 g dry basis, respectively. The contents of nobiletin and tangeretin increased after ripening. The hot water extract of immature calamondin peel was fractionated using a semi-preparative HPLC. Fraction VI showed the highest ORAC value (28.02 ± 2.73 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g fraction) and two compounds, naringin and hesperidin, were identified as the major active components attributed to the antioxidant activity. Fraction V contained 3′,5′-di-C-β-glucopyranosylphloretin, which revealed low ORAC value with 7.43 mmol TE/g fraction. However, it might also contribute to antioxidant activity in immature calamondin peel due to its greatest quantity.     

Polar lipids,sphingomyelin and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids from the milk fat globule membrane are increased in milks produced by cows fed fresh pasture based diet during spring

Milk lipids are an interesting source of bioactive molecules with functional and nutritional properties. Although the composition of milk lipids is of utmost importance for food processing and human consumption, it is far from being fully known. The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of lipids from bovine milks produced in French Brittany during spring (fresh pasture based diet) and winter (corn silage based diet). The polar lipid content and relative proportions of the glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelin were determined using HPLC/ELSD. The fatty acid composition of total lipids and polar lipids was determined using GC. The milks collected in spring contained i) a lower amount of total lipids: 39.7 ± 0.8 g/kg vs 41.7 ± 0.5 g/kg in winter, ii) a higher amount of polar lipids: 138 ± 11 vs 112 ± 8 mg/kg milk; 3.5 ± 0.3 vs 2.7 ± 0.4 mg/g fat, which was related to a smaller size of fat globules, and iii) a higher amount of sphingomyelin, 32 mg/kg milk vs 25 mg/kg milk in winter. Interestingly, the polar lipids from the milk fat globule membrane contained a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in spring (C18:1 n − 9, C18:2 n − 6, C18:3 n − 3 and long-chain n − 3 fatty acids). Milk from cows fed a fresh pasture-based diet during spring is an interesting source of dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for human consumption.     

Subcritical water extraction of phytochemicals from Phlomis umbrosa Turcz

Subcritical water extraction (SWE) avoids the use of organic solvents when extracting active compounds. The SWE of phytochemicals from Phlomis umbrosa Turcz (PT) and the effect of antioxidant activity were investigated while varying the extraction temperature (from 100 °C to 200 °C) and time (from 5 to 25 min). The maximum yields of total polyphenols (142.02 ± 5.67 mg/g PT, mean ± SD) and flavonoids (33.69 ± 3.01 mg/g PT) were obtained for an extraction temperature and time of 200 °C and 20 min, respectively. The correlation of antioxidant activities in terms of their total phenolics and flavonoids contents suggest that the ABTS⁺ assay better reflects the antioxidant contents in SWE from PT than does the DPPH assay for extraction temperatures from 110 °C to 200 °C. At higher temperatures around 200 °C, SWE extracts affect the antioxidant activity due to the presence of not only flavonoids but also nonflavonoid phenolic compounds including prenylated flavonoids.Industrial relevanceThis study used subcritical water extraction (SWE) for the practical applications of the SWE process that extracts antioxidant compounds from medicinal herb such as Phlomis umbrosa Turcz. SWE is excellent technology to selectively extract bioactive compounds using temperature-dependent dielectric constant properties of water. As the temperature of water is increased, the polarity of water decreases. That's why it is selective extraction. The use of SWE in the present study was associated with high efficiency and antioxidant activities. These results indicate that SWE is an efficient and rapid method for extracting phytochemicals, and a safer product only using purified water. SWE has a potential to develop a commercial process for the extraction of phytochemicals. This method can be easily implemented on an industrial scale.     

Prenylation preserves antioxidant properties and effect on cell viability of the natural dietary phenol curcumin

Curcumin (CRM) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound with a variety of biological and pharmacological activities. We have investigated the effect of aromatic C-prenylation on the antioxidant activity of this natural compound. The protective effect of CRM and its diprenyl derivative (PCRM) was investigated against neat cholesterol degradation (at 140 °C) and Cu^2 +-induced oxidation (at 37 °C) of liposomes and human low density lipoproteins. The activity of two simplified vanilloid analogs (vanillin and vanillyl alcohol) was also compared in the same systems. Cytotoxicity and cell permeation of both curcuminoids were also assessed using differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers. PCRM, like CRM, significantly inhibited the oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, and the formation of their oxidation products in the oxidative stress systems, acting as scavenger of peroxyl radicals, without toxic effect (in the range 10–100 μM) on differentiated Caco-2 cell viability. Nevertheless, the structural modification of the lead compound severely affected membrane permeation through the Caco-2 monolayers, with apparent permeability coefficient (P_app) values in the apical-to-basolateral direction (2-h incubation) of 2.93 ± 0.94 × 10^− 6 cm/s and < 10^− 7 cm/s for CRM and PCRM, respectively. Taken together, our observations reveal a surprising bioactivity of PCRM, and qualify this compound as an interesting probe to explore the antioxidant pharmacophore of curcuminoids.     

High pressure processing (HPP) of honey for the improvement of nutritional value

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on total phenolic content (TPC) in manuka honey. Manuka honey is known for its amazing antimicrobial action and antioxidant properties. The effect of HPP (200, 400 and 600 MPa) at ambient and moderate temperatures (53.41 ± 0.30 °C, 65.29 ± 1.77 °C, 71.92 ± 1.63 °C) and their combination for different processing time (5, 10 and 15 min) was investigated. Conventional thermal processing (51.74 ± 0.03 °C, 61.90 ± 0.10 °C and 71.58 ± 0.04 °C) was also carried out as comparison to HPP. Operating HPP at 600 MPa (26.80 ± 0.95 °C–30.18 ± 2.14 °C) for 10 min was found to be the most effective process with 47.16% increment in TPC as compared to unprocessed honey, whereas no significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in thermal processing as well as in combined HPP–thermal processing. Therefore, HPP at ambient temperatures could be an appropriate method to produce tastier and more nutritive manuka honey.Industrial relevanceThe preservation of total phenolic content (TPC) as a main phytochemical component in honey is very important with direct impact on nutritional value and antioxidant activity. A significant increase in the TPC was obtained by processing. Results demonstrated the HPP capability to increase TPC in manuka honey by 47%. From a nutritional perspective, this result is associated with the production of a higher antioxidant honey, known to prevent certain diseases such as cancer. The study generates a new approach in honey processing which can guarantee the high nutritional quality of honey and its original natural freshness.     

Consumption of highly processed foods: Effects on bioavailability and status of zinc and copper in adolescents

The effects of consuming diets with different Maillard reaction products (MRP) content on zinc and copper bioavailability and status were examined. In a 2-week randomised 2-period crossover trial, 18 male adolescents consumed two diets, named white diet (WD) and brown diet (BD), which were poor and rich in MRP, respectively. A 3-day balance was performed at the end of each period and fasting blood samples were collected. Zinc bioavailability did not vary significantly between the diets (%WD: 21.0 ± 5.0, %BD: 15.1 ± 5.1), but BD consumption increased copper faecal excretion (~ 1.8-fold) and significantly decreased its bioavailability (~ 3.0-fold). Biochemical parameters related to zinc metabolism remained unaltered whereas copper in serum and erythrocytes significantly decreased after consumption of the BD (72.47 ± 2.42 μg/dl and 0.93 ± 0.01 μg/ml in serum and erythrocytes with WD compared to 65.87 ± 3.11 μg/dl and 0.84 ±0.02 μg/ml with BD). The present results suggest that the high presence of MRP in the diet does not affect zinc but negatively affects copper bioavailability. As both minerals are essential trace elements involved in adolescents' growth and development, possible long-term effects of excessive MRP intake during adolescence warrant attention.     

Effects atmospheric radio-frequency plasma treatment on popping characteristics of popped rice and its nutritional evaluation

This study investigates the effects of household popping methods (using electric flying pans, kitchen ovens, and microwave ovens) on the popping characteristics percent yield and expansion volume (ml g^− 1)) and the nutritional value of popped rice. Next, an atmospheric RF plasma treatment (20 W and 40 W) was used to improve the yield, expansion volume, and content of essential amino acids in the popped rice. The effects of atmospheric RF plasma treatment on the surfaces of popped rice were examined using a microscope. The results demonstrated that the percent yield (42.2 ± 6.6%) and expansion volume (2.53 ± 0.72 ml g^− 1) of popped rice when using an electric flying pan were approximately 4 times higher than those observed when using a kitchen oven and approximately 3 times higher than those observed when using a microwave oven. However, the crude protein and elemental composition (P, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Na, Mn, and Fe) of popped rice using a direct heat from an electric frying pan were found to be significantly lower than obtained using other methods. Atmospheric (RF) plasma at 40 W could improve the quality of popped rice when it is popped in an electric frying pan. Higher percent yield (53.2 ± 1.6%), expansion volume (3.59 ± 0.06 ml g^− 1), and essential amino acid content (5 mg amino acid g^− 1protein of arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, and lysine) in the popped rice were observed after plasma treatment. In addition, a microscopic investigation confirmed that large expanded pellets were observed on the surface of the plasma treated popped rice. Without plasma treatment, a smooth surface of popped rice was observed. Therefore, plasma treatment may be an important factor in the buildup of vapor pressure inside the unhusked rice. This research suggests that a combination of an electric flying pan and atmospheric RF plasma is highly effective for increasing the producing of popped rice.Industrial relevanceTreating unhusked rice with atmospheric RF plasma before popping has positive effects on yield and expansion volume of the popped rice. In addition, atmospheric RF plasma could be used to prevent loss of nutrition value during popping. This treatment also provides high production yields for the rice popping industries and benefits consumers by increasing the nutritional content of popped rice products.     

Porcine artery elastin preparation reduces serum cholesterol level in rats

The effect of porcine artery elastin on serum cholesterol level was investigated in rats fed a cholesterol-free diet. Rats were fed for 4 weeks, with a diet (ED) containing 15% casein and 5% of porcine artery elastin in comparison with a diet (CD) containing 20% casein. The total serum and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower (P < 0.001) in ED-fed group than the CD-fed group at the end of the experiment. Caecal propionate concentration and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus population were higher (P < 0.05) in ED-fed group than the CD-fed group. The results of this study suggest that porcine artery elastin could be considered as a functional dietary protein with hypocholesterolaemic ability. Favourable amino acid composition and lysine derived cross links may at least be partially responsible for the hypocholesterolaemic ability of ED. Moreover, the higher caecal propionic acid concentration in the ED-fed group may have suppressed the cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and reduced the serum cholesterol level.     

The potential of cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 enriched diets in laying hens,to improve egg vitamin D content and antioxidant availability

Sixty Hy-line brown hens were randomly assigned to four barns (n = 4) to investigate the effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) versus 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D₃) enriched diets on egg vitamin D concentration, antioxidant activity and egg quality parameters. Experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin square consisting of 4 experimental treatments and 4 experimental periods. The treatments were (1) 1500 IU of vitamin D₃ (2) 3000 IU of vitamin D₃ (3) 1500 IU of vitamin D₃ and 37.5 μg of 25-OH-D₃ (4) 75 μg of 25-OH-D₃ per kg of feed. Hens offered 75 μg of 25-OH-D₃ had a higher (P < 0.05) total vitamin D egg yolk content (5.06 μg/egg), and antioxidant activity compared to other dietary treatments. The results demonstrates that the enrichment of hen diets with 25-OH-D₃ may be a useful approach and may contribute between 25 and 33% towards total vitamin D daily requirements while also improving antioxidant status of eggs.Industrial relevanceVitamin D deficiency is now regarded as a major issue in northern Europe and has been described as a pandemic. A growing interest in vitamin D food fortification in northern Europe to satisfy the current dietary intake recommendations has been observed. The use of a bio-addition approach for increasing vitamin D intake through biofortification of livestock feeds attracts attention. Enrichment of the hen's diet with vitamin D may also supply additional benefits of increasing antioxidant activity. This increase in antioxidant activity may have the ability to increase food quality and extend the shelf life. This study explores the effect of vitamin D enriched diets fed to laying hens on vitamin D egg yolk content and antioxidant activity in the egg. These enriched diets could demonstrate that enrichment of hen diets with 25-hyroxvitamin D₃ may be a useful approach for tackling low vitamin D intakes and improving antioxidant capacity of eggs.     

Intracellular ROS scavenging and antioxidant enzyme regulating capacities of corn gluten meal-derived antioxidant peptides in HepG2 cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities and antioxidant enzyme regulating capacities of corn gluten peptide fractions (CPFs) in HepG2 cells. A cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay was used to assess their antioxidant activities and revealed that both CPF1 (molecular weight < 1 kDa) and CPF2 (molecular weight between 1 and 3 kDa) exhibited high cellular antioxidant activities with EC₅₀ values of 2.85 ± 0.19 mg/mL and 5.05 ± 0.32 mg/mL, respectively. Both CPFs also exhibited cytoprotective effects and intracellular ROS scavenging activities in HepG2 cells subjected to oxidative stress by oxidation with H₂O₂. In addition, at concentrations of 2.50 mg/mL, the CPFs increased the activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as the total glutathione (GSH) levels in oxidized HepG2 cells (from 86.54% to 114.14% (CPF1) or 109.72% (CPF2) for SOD activity; from 71.91% to 107.64% (CPF1) or 106.50% (CPF2) for CAT activity; from 70.52% to 103.01% (CPF1) or 104.10% (CPF2) for GR activity; and from 81.39% to 114.00% (CPF1) or 108.82% (CPF2) for total GSH levels). These results suggested that both CPF1 and CPF2 exhibited positive effects on the activities of the intracellular antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GR, as well as on the total GSH levels in HepG2 cells under conditions of oxidative stress. Furthermore, size exclusion gel chromatography and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry revealed that the molecular weights of the antioxidant peptides in CPF1 were between 500 Da to 900 Da, and a novel antioxidant peptide consisting of GLLLPH (Gly-Leu-Leu-Leu-Pro-His) was identified in CPF1.     

Phenolic composition,antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of free and bound phenolic extracts of Moringa oleifera seed flour

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of defatted Moringa oleifera seed flour (DMF) were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using colorimetric methods. Free phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, while antioxidant capacities were evaluated using scavenging assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that extractability of phenolic compounds was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in bound phenolic extract (4173.00 ± 32.22 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g) than in free phenolic extract (780.00 ± 14.2 mg GAE/100 g) and it showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The IC₅₀ value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was 0.9 ± 0.05 and 14.9 ± 0.07 mg/mL for bound phenolic and free phenolic extracts, respectively. Bound phenolic extract was more effective (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 0.06–0.157%) than free phenolic extract (MIC, 0.117–0.191%) against tested bacteria. Ten phenolic compounds (gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, cinnamic acid, catechin, epicatechin, vanillin and quercetin) were identified and quantified in both extracts. These natural plant phenolics from Moringa seeds could be a good source of antioxidants and antibacterials for food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Effects of repeated exposure to either vegetables or fruits on infant’s vegetable and fruit acceptance at the beginning of weaning

This study investigated the effects of repeated exposure to either vegetables or fruits on an infant’s vegetable and fruit acceptance during the first 18 days of weaning. We hypothesized that repeated exposure to a type of vegetable or fruit, would increase its intake. Furthermore, we expected that being exclusively weaned with vegetables would result in a higher acceptance of vegetables than being exclusively weaned with fruits. To investigate this, a 19-day intervention study was conducted in 101 healthy infants, aged 4–6 months. Infants were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Two groups received exclusively vegetable purées as targets every other day for 18 consecutive days; green beans was the target for one group and artichoke for the other group. The other two groups received exclusively fruit purées including either apple or plums as the target fruit. On day 19, the vegetable groups consumed their first fruit purée and the fruit groups their first vegetable purée. At the beginning of the study on days 1 and 2 and at the end on days 17, 18 and 19, the infants were fed fruit or vegetable purée in our laboratory. On days 3–16, the parents fed their infants the fruit or vegetable purées at home.Outcome variables were vegetable and fruit intake over time. Mean vegetable intake in the vegetable group increased significantly from 24 ± 28 g (mean ± SD) on days 1 and 2 to 45 ± 44 g on days 17 and 18. Fruit intake in the fruit group increased significantly from 46 ± 40 to 66 ± 42 g. Fruit intake was significantly higher than vegetable intake from the start. Repeated exposure to fruit had no effect on the vegetable intake. The first intake of green beans in the fruit groups at day 19, was 24 ± 29 g and on average as low as the green beans intake in the vegetable groups at the 1st exposure on days 1 or 2. Similarly, the first apple intake in the fruit groups on days 1 or 2 of 47 ± 48 g did on average not differ from the first apple intake of 45 ± 49 g in the vegetable groups on day 19. The mean intake of green beans and plums increased significantly after repeated exposure. The intake of the target food artichoke stayed low and the intake of apple only increased slightly. These findings confirm that at the first exposure fruit acceptance is higher than vegetable acceptance. Weaning with vegetables, but not with fruits, may promote vegetable acceptance in infants.