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Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-21-3734
Madavu Lokanatha Rai KuriyaCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, Mangalore University, PG centre, Jnanakaveri, Chikaluvar, Kodagu, India.
In this work, we have reported a simple, cost effective and reliable method for the determination of neutral α-amino acids iodometrically by making use of potassium iodate. This volumetric method determines amino acids instantly, thereby greatly reduces the time of determination.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-19-3095
Nefyodov I.I.Corresponding author
Yanka Kupala Grodno State University, Belarus
A mini-review of literature data on the mechanisms of formation of the stock of free amino acids and their derivatives in liver pathology and methods for correcting metabolic imbalance
Apr 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-17-1424
Baumann ChristophCorresponding author
University of Wuerzburg, Medical Faculty, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, Würzburg, Germany
Objective: To assess the effect of different treatment approaches on the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) over time. Methods: The subjects were 27 hospitalized AN patients. In our retrospective analysis we compared weight gain in two groups. While one group was treated with a standard oral refeeding protocol (historical control) through January 2013 (N=16), the second group (highly standardized refeeding protocol) received a high energy liquid nutrition and nutritional supplements including omega-3 fatty acids (N=11). Results: On admission, the two groups were comparable in terms of height, weight, age and heart rate. At the end of our monitoring time frame of 25 days, weight gain was 121.4% higher in the highly standardized refeeding protocol group than in the historical control group (66.5 ±52.4 vs 147.3 ±55.7 grams/day; t-Test p=0.004; CI95%: 29.3-132.2). A carbohydrate rich diet clearly improved weight gain if high energy liquid nutrition was replaced by the diet according the patient’s own wishes. About 45% of our patients stated they were vegetarians at admission. However, we could not identify a vegetarian diet as a statistically significant negative prognostic factor for weight gain. Conclusion: The highly standardized refeeding protocol seems to be helpful in malnourished AN patients to improve weight gain without enhancing the risk of a refeeding syndrome. However, further studies with greater number of patients are needed to confirm the effectiveness of our standardized treatment protocol.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-478
Ali Sahari MohammadCorresponding author
Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
In this study, chemical composition of Barberry integerrima seed and physicochemical properties and fatty acids composition of its oil were determined. The seeds contained 11.4 % oil and protein, moisture, crude fiber and ash contents were 17.0%, 19.1%, 48.8% and 2.9%, respectively. The main fatty acids recognized by gas chromatography were linolenic (ω-3), linoleic (ω-6) and oleic (ω-9) acid (38.3, 37.0, 15.5%, respectively). The density and refractive index of the extracted barberry seed oil were 0.821 and 1.4780, respectively. FFA (% as oleic acid), acid value (mg KOH/g oil), iodine value (g I2/100 g oil), saponification number (mg KOH/ g oil), and unsaponifiable matter content (%) of the extracted oil from Barberry integerrima seeds were 0.70, 1.4, 180.0, 197.2, and 2.3, respectively. Color of extracted crude oil exhibited red unit 4.9, yellow unit 18.6 and blue unit 1.9, respectively. Total phenolics compounds (mg Gallic acid/kg oil), total tocopherols (mg/kg oil) and total sterols (mg/100g oil), were 323.0, 111.1 and 762.3, respectively. Specific extinctions at 232 nm (K232) and 270 nm (K270) and R-value (K232/K270) were 3.9, 2.2 and 1.8, respectively. The present study revealed that Barberry integerrima seed oil can be a valuable source of oil for food, pharmaceutics and cosmetics uses.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-25-5732
S Isaac AnvyCorresponding author
The growing population demands and environmental concerns associated with traditional protein sources have prompted the exploration of alternative and sustainable food sources. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to highlight the nutritional benefits and sustainability of insect-based foods as a promising solution. Global population growth necessitates innovative approaches to meet the demand for nutritious and sustainable protein sources. There are numerous challenges associated with traditional livestock farming, including land use inefficiency, high water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, edible insects have emerged as a viable alternative, providing proteins (35-77% of dry matter), healthy fats (10-50%), essential amino acids, and micronutrients such as iron (up to 31mg/100g) and zinc (up to 20mg/100g), vitamins, and minerals. In contrast to livestock, which requires 22,000-43,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of beef, insect farming consumes significantly less water and land resources. Insects have the potential to address nutritional deficiencies and strengthen food security as they are recognized for sustainable production. The study thoroughly investigates the literature addressing environmental and sustainability concerns associated with edible insect farming, using a rigorous bibliometric and scientometric analysis via Vos viewer. With the help of Vos Viewer, it was possible to identify the geographical distribution of countries that contributed to the field of edible insects and their acceptance, as well as the top ten documents in this field with the most citations and mostly used keywords in this field of research. Future research and implementation strategies will be able to benefit global food security and environmental conservation through these alternative protein sources.
Apr 2024
Ma YongCorresponding author
A procedure has been developed for synthesizing peptides in an aqueous solution with a reusable solid phase. Specifically designed linker molecule is employed to attach peptides to hydrophilic solid phases, enabling Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) in aqueous solutions. The linker molecule is utilized to connect peptides to an anionic exchange resin during peptide synthesis in an aqueous solution. The general structure of the linker molecule is Fmoc-AA-CH2-Ph-Rx-SO3-, the Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) group serves as a protecting group for amino acids. Amino acids (AA) are linked to the solid phase through a structure of Methoxyphenylcarbonyl group, which is cleavable under strong acidic conditions. The sulfate group is present for forming an ionic bond with the solid resin in an aqueous solution. In this procedure, Fmoc-AA are utilized as building blocks for sequentially adding amino acids in peptide synthesis. Due to Fmoc-AA poor solubility in aqueous solutions, a procedure was developed to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic compounds, with a specific emphasis on dissolving Fmoc-protected Amino Acids (Fmoc-AA) in an aqueous solution. This enhancement facilitates SPPS in aqueous conditions with Fmoc-AA as building blocks. Cationic exchange resin, which is reusable, serves as the solid phase. Our research objective is to shift from the use of organic solvents to an aqueous system while maintaining the existing SPPS practices in organic solvents as closely as possible. This transition involves minimal alterations, maintaining consistency with the organic solvent system, except for the utilization of novel peptide linker molecule to hydrophilic solid resins that are commercially available. This approach is designed to facilitate a more readily acceptable transition for the peptide synthesis industry from using organic solvents to aqueous solution, contributing to greener and more sustainable synthetic methodologies.
May 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-23-4545
Papiashvili N.A.Corresponding author
This study aimed to analyze pharmacological actions of phenolic compound luteolin on the renal and cardiac hypertrophy, blood pressure (BP), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) and endothelin-1 (E1) in plasma in the 2 kidney - 1 clip (2K-1C) model of renovascular hypertension (RVH). All animals, were randomized into 2 groups: control (normal) I - sham-operated, II- RVH male Wistar rats, which after 4 weeks of surgical intervention secondly randomized to control II group, treated 0.1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and main group - with luteolin in 15 DMSO, 3 mg/kg body weight, intraperitonially, during 2 weeks. ET-1, EETs and PGE2 levels investigated in carotid artery blood plasma and analyzed using ELISA kits. All data statistically analyzed using the SPSS-10.0 program. In RVH rats BP increased by 32%, cardiac and right kidney hypertrophy and reduction in parasympathetic component of BRS by 40% and sympathetic by 39%. The plasma level of total trans-EETs and PGE2 in RVH rats decreased by 44% and 50% respectively, while the level of ET-1 increased by 67%. Two weeks treatment with luteolin lowered BP, improved parasympathetic, without marked changes in sympathetic component of BRS. Deremodeling of cardiac and renal hypertrophy under prolonged treatment with luteolin accompanied with increasing in the level of EETs by 44%, PGE-2 by 50% and markedly reducing of plasma content of ET-1 (by 60%). Inhibition of EET hydrolase using low doses of luteolin provides beneficial cardio and renoprotective action in experimental model of RVH.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-22-4284
B. Little ReginaldCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Upon considering the anticancer effects of larger oligomeric proanthocyanidins and observing various papers reporting the high resolution mass spectroscopy of the oligomeric proanthocyanidins, it is determined that the unusual 13C enrichment in some plant oligomeric proanthocyanidins may be responsible for the anticancer activities of these food products. Such correlation of the 13C in the oligomeric proanthocyanidins also correlate with their scavenging of free-radicals, anti-virial and anti-bacterial properties. Proanthocyanidins in grape seeds are observed to have high enrichment in heavy isotopes of 2H, 13C, 15N and/or 17O. Mass analysis of DNA from human cancer cells are compared to normal human cells and cancer cells show bond specific enrichment of heavy isotopes in nucleotides G, A, T and C. On such basis, this study suggests possible stronger interactions of proanthocyanidins with DNA in cancer verses DNA in normal cells due to heavy isotope bond specific enrichments in both proanthocyanidins and the cancer DNA. Such 13C interactions from oligomeric proanthocyanidins with nucleic acids and proteins involved in replications, transcriptions and translations in cancer cells for interacting and chemically altering anabolism and cell division of the cancer cells are consistent with the author’s mechanism for normal cell to cancer cell transformations via possible replacements of primordial 1H, 12C, 14N, 16O, and 24Mg isotopes by nonprimordial 2H, 13C, 15N, and 17O and 25Mg isotopes in the proteins and nucleic acids. Such is also consistent with the proposed treatment for cancer by the author by use of foods containing proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and/or drug molecules enriched with the nonprimordial isotopes of 2H, 13C, 15N, and 17O and 25Mg.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-4027
Singh SushilaCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Medicinal plants have been used since the era of Vedic history for their health care system where herbal medicine has a long history of use. It is also a very popular medicinal plant belonging to the Leguminosae family and is commonly known as Mulhatti. It contains phytochemicals such as flavonoids, triterpene saponins and other constituents such as coumarins, sugars, amino acids, tannins, starch, choline, phytosterols etc. The present study was conducted for the estimation of phytochemicals (total phenols and flavonoids) and the evaluation of the total antioxidant capacity and DPPH free-radical scavenging activity in aqueous extracts of different pH (2, 4, 7 and 9) from aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The content of phenolic compounds was maximal at pH 7 (14.13 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids at pH 9 (4.90 mg CE/g) and the total antioxidant capacity was maximal at pH 9 (13.43 mg AAE/g) and free radical scavenging DPPH activity was highest at pH 7 (IC50 value = 60.48 µg/ml). Thus, the aerial part is a good source of phytochemicals and also acts as a good antioxidant.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-21-3900
Perez Jean-claudeCorresponding author
Phd Maths Computer Science Bordeaux University, RETIRED Interdisciplinary Researcher (IBM Emeritus, IBM European Research Center On Artificial Intelligence Montpellier) Bordeaux Metropole, France.
In this theoretical discovery of a law of Life, there is MATHEMATICS (Geometry, Bits and Numbers) that UNIFY 3 universes as complementary as ATOMIC MASS, WAVES, and INFORMATION (DNA, RNA and Amino Acids). The discovery of a simple numerical formula for the projection of all the atomic mass of life-sustaining CONHSP bioatoms leads to the emergence of a set of Nested CODES unifying all the biological, genetic and genomic components by unifying them from bioatoms up to 'to whole genomes. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of a digital meta-code common to the three languages of biology that are RNA, DNA and amino acid sequences. Through this meta-code, genomic and proteomic images appear almost analogous and correlated. The analysis of the textures of these images then reveals a binary code as well as an undulatory code whose analysis on the human genome makes it possible to predict the alternating bands constituting the cariotypes of the chromosomes. The application of these codes to perspectives in astrobiology, cancer, and specifically in INFORMATION THEORY with the emergence of binary codes and regions of local stability (voting process), whose fractal nature we demonstrate, is illustrated. PREFACE by Professor Luc Montagnier Addendum by Robert Friedman M.D After the discovery of the DNA double helix structure allowing both the stable storage of genetic information and its transfer through messenger RNA to protein synthesis organelles themselves structured by RNA most abundant in cells, the ribosomal. This wonder of nature exists in ALL living beings from the virus to humans and is based on two codes, the linear sequence of nucleotides and that derived from codons where three nucleotides allow with a certain flexibility - synonymous codons - the choice in the twenty amino acids. But we are missing a third CODE the one governing at multicellular beings from the rotifer to human, the stabilized modulation of gene expression in a nutshell the differentiation of cells from the single cell of the fertilized egg. It is logical to think that this program which begins as soon as fertilization is written in the DNA. We are also prone to associate it with non-coding DNA sequences although they control gene expression. I introduce here the notion developed by Jean-Claude Pérez of mathematical harmony, a higher order present in all living beings and whose existence it finds in genomes, including those of viruses. Thus the natural evolution of variants of the genome of coronavirus Covid 19 tends towards increasingly long Fibonacci series. It remains to determine the Who, the How and the Why of such developments. I will bet with my mathematician colleague that waves and fractals play a role. Luc Montagnier ADDENDUM Jean-claude has given scientists a strong new direction for research. He has identified a unified field of science guided by the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence. By identifying an overall guiding principle that makes possible fractal-like nesting at all levels of biological manifestation, future researchers can begin with the "whole" instead of the "parts". If we know that complex systems are organized at varying levels by the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence, we can look for those universal patterns first and then fill in the gaps with small details to complete the picture. It's like having an overall view of a crossword puzzle before beginning to assemble the individual pieces. Without an overarching vision and guiding principle, completing the puzzle is infinitely more difficult. Once scientists and researchers realize and begin using this "SECRET IN HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT," their discoveries will be orders of magnitude more fruitful. Robert Friedman M.D
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3960
Singh SushilaCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
When lipids are exposed to heat, light and oxygen, it leads to oxidation. The addition of antioxidants is required to preserve colour, flavour and vitamin destruction. Present study was, therefore, planned to investigate pod coat of pigeon pea as possible sources of natural antioxidants and to assess their efficacy in stabilization of crude soybean oil during normal storage (28 days at 50°C). Study revealed that acetone pod coat extract of pigeon pea showed richness in total phenolics (17.72 mg/g), flavonoids (9.00 mg/g) and tannins (2.21 mg/g) while the extract of ethyl acetate was found enriched in tocopherols content (9.56 mg/g). The IC50 value of acetone extract was found to be lowest, exhibited potent antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) methods. After adding synthetic and natural antioxidants in oil, Peroxide, p-Anisidine, Thiobarbituric acid value, Conjugated dienes, trienes and free fatty acids content were measured every 4 days. Acetone pod coat extract (2000ppm) of pigeon pea gave strong antioxidant efficacy in stabilization of crude soybean oil and hence could be recommended as natural antioxidants for food applications.The research explored the possibility of using pod coat of pigeon pea as imminent sources of green antioxidants and to evaluate their efficacy in stabilization of crude soybean oil.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3782
Masoero GiorgioCorresponding author
Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino, Via A. Doria 10, 10123 Torino (Italy).
A systematic use of biofertilizers can improve both the quality of a farming system and the parameters of milk. Some issues related to biofertilization experiments on six farms in the Po Valley (NW Italy) involved in the production of milk from dairy cattle fed maize silage or grazed on hay produced from permanent meadows are reported in this paper. Biofertilized maize was found to lower the live stem pH by about 2.3%, and NIR spectroscopy foreshadowing major changes in the composition. Overall, the plant silage was improved in quantity (+10%) but also in quality, as shown by the delayed maturity stage of the leaves (crop maturity index -4%), the lower indigestible NDF content (-7%), and the higher digestible carbohydrates and protein in the whole plants. Such favorable feeding conditions, together with the improved palatability of the feed ration, boosted the nutrient values of the protein (+4.6%) and fat contents (+5.7%) in the milk. Moreover, the functional properties of the milk were ameliorated, as testified by the higher levels of vitamin A (+27%) and vitamin E (+25%) and the reduced levels of saturated fatty acids (-6%), especially myristic (-18%) and stearic (-32%) acids, while the unsaturated acids increased by 15%. As far as economy aspects are concerned, the biofertilization of maize for silage has led to consistent rewards pertaining to the marginal price of the milk, which in turn has led to a value chain increase of about 9%, because of the fields cultivation, but mainly of the cow transformation in milk quality issues. On another farm, intensive maize was substituted with permanent biofertilized meadows, over a greening path, and a + 17% value chain increase was obtained that already derived mainly from the best price for milk quality parameters. Such an evolutionary leap toward a new vision of sustainable agriculture for the environment and for animals, in which a better quality of products, animal welfare and company budget are combined with soil biofertilization, can be considered a bonanza.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2835-513X.ijl-20-3247
Z A Soliman GhadaCorresponding author
Prof Biochem, NNI, Cairo, ARE
Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that represent one of the greatest worldwide medical problems nowadays. Recently, an increased attention/ interest for natural antioxidant/ hypercholesterolemia as WG/WGO is increasing. Wheat germ/ Wheat germ oil (WG/WGO) is an excellent source of essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It is one of the richest natural sources of tocopherol. This work aims to evaluate the effect of administration of wheat germ (WG) /wheat germ oil (WGO) for 6 weeks on serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (liver malondialdehyde) in hypercholesterolemic rats. One hundred and twenty maleSprague Dawelyrats weighing 180-192 gm were used in this study. They were randomly distributed into six groups (20 rats/ group) as follow: g1: normal control, G2: hypercholesterolemic rats; G3: Normal rats treated with WG; G4: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG; G5: Normal rats treated with WGO; G6: hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WGO for 6 weeks. Also WG was analysed for its nutritive value, while WGO was analysed for fatty acid profile, and studied for its physico-chemical properties. The results showed significant elevation of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum lipid profile in untreated rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet. Hypercholesterolemic rats treated with WG/WGO showed an improvement in the biochemical assay of their lipid profile compared with untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. WG/WGO may be able to protect against atherosclerosis and CVD. The administration of WG /WGO to diets of rats caused a marked reduction in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG and MDA. This improvement effect may be mediated via enhancement of the antioxidant defence system and other factors. However, further clinical studies on human beings are required to assess the efficacy and safety of the WG/WGO.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-20-3480
Brumm PhillipCorresponding author
C5-6 Technologies LLC, 5627 Old Oak Drive, Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA
Conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars is a major requirement for successful and cost-effective biofuels production. The conversion of xylan to sugars requires multiple enzymes including α-glucuronidase. Here we report the cloning, expression, purification and characterization of the α-glucuronidase from Dictyoglomusturgidum(DtuAgu). DtuAgu is an intracellular protein of 685 amino acids and a predicted molecular weight of 79.4 kD. Enzymatic activity was optimum between pH 7.0 and 8.0 and at 85°C. The specific activity of the enzyme was 10 u/mg when measured using mixed aldouronic acids. The specific activity on isolated glucuronoxylan was approximately 20% of the value obtained with xylooligosaccharides. DtuAgu significantly improved xylan conversion to xylose when evaluated using two mixtures of thermostable bacterial enzymes and two sources of xylan. DtuAgu has the potential to be a key player in thermostable enzyme cocktails for the conversion to biomass to biofuels.α
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3188
Nefyodov L.I.Corresponding author
Department of Biochemistry Yanka Kupala Grodno State University, Belarus
This article has been retracted on 18 March 2021. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5865) A mini-review of literature data on the mechanisms of formation of the stock of free amino acids and their derivatives in atherosclerosis and methods for correcting metabolic imbalance.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-19-3112
Aydin ZekiCorresponding author
Darica Farabi Training and Research Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Kocaeli, Turkey
Introduction Increased oxidative stress and blunted anti-oxidant mechanisms are important problems in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act directly on proteins, leading to the formation of oxidized amino acids. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are among these substances. Many oxidant substances increase the level of AOPP. Iron is an element with strong oxidant capacity, especially when used intravenously. It is thought that iron treatment further increases the oxidative stress in HD patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AOPP and inflammatory status in HD patients. Materials and Methods Patients who were on maintenance HD program without additional co-morbidities and no history of use of intravenous iron within the last two weeks were recruited in the study. The blood samples taken just before the dialysis session were analyzed for AOPP, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ß2-microglobulin, fibrinogen, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels besides routine biochemical measurements and complete blood count. Results The number of patients included in the study was 102 (n: 53 female, %52.0) and the mean age was 47.6±13.9 years. The mean transferrin saturation was 25.4%. AOPP levels, iron use in patients was higher compared to patients who do not use (respectively 2.58±0.19 mmol/l and 2.50 ±0.16mmol/l, p = 0.046). We did not detect statistically significant correlation of AOPP levels with iron parameters and other inflammatory markers. Conclusion The present study showed that intravenous iron therapy does not increase oxidative stress. Although serum AOPP level was higher in patients on intravenous iron treatment, it was not correlated with iron indices and inflammatory markers. So, intravenous iron may exert its oxidant effect free from serum iron indices.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-19-3026
Awad Hegazy AbdelmonemCorresponding author
Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
Background Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder affecting the functions of many tissues in the body including the testis. Testis is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids content and lacks strong intrinsic antioxidant system making it prone to such oxidative stress. L-carnitine (LC) regulates long chain fatty acids metabolism; and is considered a valuable antioxidant factor. Aim It was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) on rats’ testes and the possible protective role of LC. Methods Forty-eight adult male albino rats were used in this work. The animals were divided into three groups with sixteen animals in each. Group 1 (Control): Animals were kept without medications. Group 2 (PTU-treated): was subjected to administration of PTU; while group 3 (PTU and LC) received both PTU and LC. By the end of the experiment “30 days”, blood samples were taken for hormonal assay; then animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed. Specimens were homogenized for biochemical analysis; epididymal content of each rat was obtained immediately for semen analysis. Testes’ specimens were harvested, prepared and examined by light microscope examination. Results Induced hypothyroidism was noticed to cause histopathological, morphometric and biochemical changes in rat’s testes. LC protected the testicular specimens against such changes; it also improved the seminal quality and quantity as well as testicular structure and biochemistry. Conclusion Hypothyroidism could result in hazards to the structure of testis. Fortunately co-administration of LC might reduce such hazards.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2831
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), India
Pyridoxine HCl plays an important role in the human body as a coenzyme in the synthesis process of amino acids and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, aminolevulinic acid, sphingolipids, etc. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the various physicochemical and thermal properties of pyridoxine HCl using various analytical techniques such. The study plan involved dividing the pyridoxine HCl sample into two parts, in which, the first part was not given any treatment (control sample), while the second part was provided the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Gopal Nayak and named as the Biofield Energy Treated pyridoxine. The particle size values of the treated pyridoxine was altered by -19.51% (d10), -11.92% (d50), 2.46% (d90), and -2.44% {D(4,3)}; whereas, the surface area was significantly increased by 18.92%, compared to the control sample. The powder X-ray diffraction data showed the remarkable increase in the peak intensities and crystallite sizes of the treated pyridoxine in the range from 8.81% to 21.57% and 9.64% to 17.85%, respectively compared to the control sample. Moreover, the treated pyridoxine also showed an increase in the average crystallite size by 13.69%, compared to the control sample. The total weight loss of the treated pyridoxine was significantly reduced by 13.35% during the thermal degradation; however, the residue weight was increased by 29.48% after degradation, in comparison to the control sample. The maximum thermal degradation temperature of the treated pyridoxine corresponding to 1st and 2nd peak was altered by 4.37% and 2.24%, respectively than the control sample. The latent heat of fusion of the treated pyridoxine was significantly increased by 5.89% compared to the control sample. Hence, it was assumed that the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment might form a new polymorph of pyridoxine HCl that might be helpful in designing more efficacious pharmaceutical/nutraceutical product due to its better solubility, absorption, bioavailability, and thermal stability than the untreated sample.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2684
K. Srivastava RajeshCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, GIT, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530045 (A.P.), India.
Yeast as unicellular organism, has shown multiple application due to exhibition of noble ability in its cells. And engineered yeast has found more suitability in bioprocesses application as well as adverse conditions adaptation. Different types of yeast strains showed their best capability to adapt the salt and sugar rich environment with their optimal growth capability. These strains, used as suitable and novel cell factories for production of value added bio-products (via utilization of fermentation processes) and also for different types of bioprocesses. Application of yeast species in biotechnology field, enhanced in current periods, due to conversion of its wild to engineer strain, suitable for bioprocesses utilization and also for different types of biochemical synthesis. Different yeast species identified due to known their genetic, regulatory mechanism and also competitive metabolic pathways. In this regards, different type of engineering approaches (for genetic or pathways modification), applied to construct the optimal and suitable cell factories for different types of bioprocesses as utilized in different sectors (foods with mineral or protein rich, bread, brewing, cosmetics, chemical, agriculture, pharmacy and distillation industries) via improving the quality of bio-products. Further, in silico designed based metabolic engineering technique showed the improvement in performance of yeast strain. System and synthetic biology with engineering approaches applied to further improve the yeast mediated bioprocesses as well as biochemical products formation for industrial or biotechnological application. Some bio-products such as functional bio-molecule, different types of alcoholic biofuels, organic acids and enzymes etc are good examples of yeast mediated biochemicals products, utilized more frequently in our life. Author will focus recent research and development on bio-product formation or bioprocesses with their regulatory control mechanism in different yeast strains.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2677
Grootveld MartinCorresponding author
Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom
Objectives: Sunflower oil (SFO) is regularly employed for cosmetic, emollient and food frying purposes, the latter representing its foremost use globally. Therefore, full investigations of the molecular composition and quality of SFO products are a major requirement. In this study high-field 1H NMR analysis was employed to explore the molecular composition and authenticities of East African virgin (EAV) SFO products, particularly their acylglycerol fatty acid contents, together with those of selected minor constituents. Results acquired were statistically compared to those obtained on commercially-available, EU-approved refined SFO products via NMR-linked multivariate chemometrics strategies. Methodology: High-field 1H NMR spectra of EAV and refined SFOs (n = 55 and 4 respectively) were acquired at an operating frequency of 400 MHz. Their triacylglycerol fatty acid, triacylglycerol hydrolysis product, and sterol and stanol contents were determined via intelligent frequency bucketing and electronic integration of selected resonances. Univariate analysis-of-variance, and multivariate ROC curve evaluations were conducted to determine the magnitude and statistical significance of analyte concentration differences between these two sample classifications. Further multivariate NMR-linked chemometrics analyses such as principal component, random forest and support vector machine classification analyses were also utilised for this purpose. Key Results: Multicomponent 1H NMR analysis demonstrated that EAV SFOs had significantly higher and lower contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively, than those of refined SFOs. Furthermore, significantly higher concentrations of ‘health-friendly’, cholesterol-blocking sterols and stanols were also found in these virgin SFO products. Major Conclusions: 1H NMR analysis provides much valuable molecular information regarding the composition and virginal status of SFOs.The high [MUFA]:[PUFA] content ratio of unrefined EAV SFO products renders them more suitable and safer for commercial or domestic deep-frying episodes than refined SFOs (MUFAs are much more resistant to thermally-induced peroxidation than PUFAs). These products also potentially offer valuable health benefits in view of their high natural sterol and stanol contents.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2469
Kawasaki YoheiCorresponding author
Biostatistics Section, Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8677, Japan
Background Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are categorized as omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are present in fish oil, etc. DHA and EPA omega-3 PUFAs have a well-established fasting serum triglycerides (TG) lowering effect that may result in normal lipidemia in hyperlipidemic patients. In general, omega-3 PUFAs, such as DHA and EPA, can be ingested easily, and because they are highly safe, they are assumed to be suitable for controlling fasting serum TG in the serum of those who do not require drug treatment. To the best of our knowledge, however, almost all systematic reviews on the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on lowering fasting serum TG are directed at patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of dyslipidemia. Objectives To review and confirm the preventive effect of omega-3 PUFAs against hypertriglyceridemia or the effect on nondrug treatment in patients with a mild disease, a systematic review was conducted to determine whether there was a fasting serum TG-lowering effect in subjects without disease and those with a slightly higher triglyceride level who consumed DHA and/or EPA orally compared to those with placebo or no intake of DHA and/or EPA. Search Methods We evaluated articles from searches of PubMed (1946-February 2016), Ichushi-Web (1977-February 2016), and J Dream III (JST Plus, 1981-February 2016; JMED Plus, 1981-February 2016). The keywords were set as follows: “DHA” or “docosahexaenoic acid” or “EPA” or “eicosapentaenoic acid” and “TG” or “triglyceride” or “triglycerol” or “triacylglycerol” or “neutral lipid.”. In addition to the literature group obtained by the database search, we included participants not suffering from any disease (i.e., excluding mild hypertriglyceridemia). Eligibility Criteria Before the test selection process, the following inclusion criteria were defined. Participants were healthy men and women including those with mild hypertriglyceridemia (fasting serum TG level, 150-199 mg/dL [1.69-2.25 mmol/L)). Intervention was defined as orally ingested DHA and/or EPA. Comparison was made to placebo intake or no intake of DHA and/or EPA. Results were measured for the fasting serum TG level. The test design was RCT, and quasi-RCT. Data Abstraction Various characteristics were extracted from original reports using a standardized data extraction form, including the author of the study, research year, research design, subject characteristics (sex, age, sample size), period, dose of DHA and/or EPA (mg/day), and comparison group. Main Results We identified 37 documents for review. Among the 37 reports used to integrate literature results, 25 revealed a decrease in fasting serum TG level due to the oral ingestion of DHA and/or EPA. Sixteen studies on subjects without disease and 21 on subjects with slightly higher fasting serum TG levels were separated and stratified analysis was conducted. Ten of the 16 (normal TG participant) and 15 of the 21 studies (slightly higher TG participant) respectively, indicated that at least 133 mg/day of DHA and/or EPA intervention provided a statistically significant decrease in the fasting serum TG level between an intervention group versus a placebo group.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-18-2527
Zhang XiCorresponding author
Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
As remarkable advances have been made in immunotherapies, the overall goal of immunotherapy has become the selection of patients and evaluating the benefits of treatment. One of the major obstacles to develop immunotherapies is the lack of effective immune monitoring. Monitoring of key changes in the immune system during immunotherapy (immunomonitoring) provides important insights into efficacy as well as the immune mechanisms of response at the molecular and cellular levels. Immunomonitoring techniques include traditional immunoassays that use specific antibodies to recognize the analytes of interest, new high-throughput immunoassays that target immune cells and nucleic acids, and less classical immunogenomic approaches that rely on genome-wide profiling and computational analysis on various types of clinical samples. Substantial progress has been made in the application of immunomonitoring strategies to pre-clinical and clinical studies, especially for patients with cancer and infectious diseases. Current and emerging immunoassays performed in clinical practice will be examined herein, and immunogenomic approaches that complement these techniques will be highlighted and compared with traditional methods. Finally, we will discuss several new computational methods for analyzing gene signatures for immunomonitoring, including gene expression data profiling by microarray, the nCounter technique, regular RNA-seq, and single-cell RNA-seq. Novel immunomonitoring techniques, especially immunogenomic approaches, will continue to be developed to facilitate assessment of immunotherapeutic response and predict patient outcomes in cancer and infectious disease.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-18-2456
Mohamadreza AmiriCorresponding author
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is now recognized not only for its importance in promoting bone health in children and adults, but also for its other health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, common cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Ultraviolet radiation of the sun with wavelengths of 290-310 nm penetrates into the skin and converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3, which quickly transforms to vitamin D3. Vitamin D (D represents either D2 or D3) made in the skin or ingested through diet is biologically inert and requires two successive hydroxylations first in the liver on carbon 25 to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D and then in the kidney for a hydroxylation on carbon 1 to form the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) 121419. The concentration of the produced 25-hydroxy vitamin D in blood circulation is 1,000 times more than 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 4, and it is regarded as a standard indicator of vitamin D status in humans 3. 25-hydroxy vitamin D half-life is about 2-3 weeks and it is regulated by calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) to some extent. 25-hydroxy vitamin D content also reflects the amount of vitamin D produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight or received through food intake 56. Guidelines for vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency defined by serum 25(OH)D concentrations have been published from many countries and regions all over the world 7891011. Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic problem. According to global estimations, more than one billion people around the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Among Iranian population, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency varies from 2.5 to 98.5% based on geographic area 1213. Various factors may give rise to vitamin D deficiency, including skin pigments, low levels of vitamin D in diet (insufficient fish oil and egg yolk intake), malnutrition, genetic factors, exclusive breast feeding, vitamin D deficiency of mother during pregnancy, prematurity, chronic use of drugs (e.g., anticonvulsants, aluminum-containing anti-acids, rifampcin, isoniazid, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, and glucocorticoids), winter and obesity 113. Cultural habits, the need for full body coverage during outdoor activities and the lack of sunlight programs are the risk factors for low vitamin D levels in women 151617. Children enter foster care due to early childhood adverse experiences such as poor prenatal and infant health care, food insecurity, chronic stress, and the effects of abuse and neglect. As a result, they are at higher risk for poor physical, psychological, neuroendocrine and neurocognitive outcomes compared to others. Foster children are at risk for growth and nutritional deficiencies due to their poor nutritional environment prior to placement in foster care. Insufficient caloric intake results in growth deficiencies. Evidence showed that the risk of stunting and underweight is high in this population 18. The risk of developing hypovitaminosis D was significantly higher in children living in foster homes. One reason is that they are at higher risk of child abuse, emotional deprivation and physical neglect than children living with their families. Moreover, these children most likely do not spend much time outdoors and they lack adequate sun exposure. Another reason is that as children grow up in institutional care, they shift from a diet of vitamin D–fortified formula milk to cooked food, which may not be fortified with vitamin D 1. Iranian government has made some efforts to apply efficient interventions to reduce the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and the country’s healthcare system should be managed through accurate planning. Yet, in this country, studies on vitamin D deficiency in children living in foster homes are very limited, and given that timely diagnosis and treatment of this deficiency is vital, this research is conducted in Ali Asghar foster home in Mashhad, Iran.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-18-2455
Habotta OlaCorresponding author
Education and Research Center for Marine Resources and Environment, Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Japan.
In the current study, The GC-MS metabolomics approach was used to evaluate the effect of cypermethrin on the metabolic profile in liver tissue of common carp fish. Fish were exposed to low and high concentrations of cypermethrin (0.1 and 1 µg/L respectively) for 24 and 96 h with subsequent PCA analysis to illustrate the response of the metabolic system after exposure to the pyrethroid. Cypermethrin induced obvious alteration in the intermediates of TCA cycle and encouraged consumption of non-carbohydrate sources in liver at all-time points. Additionally, cypermethrin exposure reduced the level of several amino acids and induced damage to the nucleotides reflecting the effect of cypermethrin on purine metabolism. GC-MS based metabolomics approach is a new and powerful tool to understand the toxicological effects and the underlying mechanism of cypermethrin on fish.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-17-1749
D. Bhilare KiranCorresponding author
Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India
Though, directed evolution/In vitro evolution has greatly enhanced the applicability of natural biomolecules, there is still a big void in synthetic biology, which could be filled only when we are able to make novel/synthetic functional biomolecules. Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is the only known DNA polymerase, which can add deoxyribonucleotides without the requirement of a DNA template. Here, we are introducing the concept of Template-Independent Synthesis of Nucleic Acids (TISNA), where we have exploited the property of terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase to add deoxyribonucleotides to the 3’ end of an oligonucleotide for the generation of de novo libraries of ssDNA, dsDNA coding sequences and RNA. We are able to generate libraries that have diversity not only in sequence but also in length in a single library itself. The length of double stranded random gene libraries generated using this approach ranges from 200 base pairs to 10 kilobase pairs. The ability to make random nucleic acid libraries from scratch (independent of any template information) in the laboratory could open up new avenues and holds promise for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological sectors.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-17-1701
Xu WentaoCorresponding author
Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Functional nucleic acids are a kind of nucleic acid sequences with special functions, which can specifically bind with the target substances or catalyze the reactions. Many target, including mycotoxins, small RNA, heavy metal ions and DNA segment, can bind to particular selected oligonucleotides, and then realized the detection. The uses of functional nucleic acids to detect the genetically modified organism (GMO) have been pursued using different approaches. Meanwhile, the flanking sequence, which was the most specific target in the GMO detection, was also usually separated with the help of functional nucleic acid. During the detection, the functional nucleic acid provided superior sensitivity, specificity and success rate compared with the traditional methods. In this report, we described different functional nucleic acids used in the GMO detection, they were classified based on their structures, and some of them were developed in our lab. The principle, structural composition, advantage, and the comparisons of the functional nucleic acids were reported. Considering most of the functional nucleic acids are fluorescently-labeled, in order to reduce the cost, more and more functional nucleic acids without labeling are under research.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-1716.jn-17-1495
J Gonzalez MichaelCorresponding author
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, Schools of Public Health and Pharmacy, San Juan PR.
Diets high in unsaturated fatty acids, especially those containing high levels of linoleic acid, e.g., corn oil, enhance mammary gland tumorigenesis in experimental animals. In contrast, diets high in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), e.g. menhaden oil, appear to have a suppressive effect on this tumorigenic process. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the tumor inhibitory action exerted by menhaden oil and other fish oils, e.g., differences in prostaglandin metabolism, energy efficiency, alterations of the immune system, changes in lipid peroxidation, etc. Fundamental to a mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon, however, is an understanding as to whether or not the tumor inhibitory activities of dietary fish oil is mediated via an inhibition of tumor cell proliferation or mediated via an enhancement of tumor cell loss. Whether the amount of dietary fat or the type of fat effects mammary tumorigenic processes, via an effect on tumor cell proliferation or tumor cell loss, has not been clearly established. In the studies described in this communication, three methods were utilized to study tumor cell proliferation, i.e., H3-thymidine autoradiographic analysis, 5-bromo 2'-deoxyuridine (Brdu) flow cytometric analysis, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) flow cytometric analysis. Two methods were used to study tumor cell loss, i.e., a determination of the I125Urd tumor emission rate and a determination of a cell loss factor from the formulas of Steel and Begg. The tumor examined was the human breast carcinoma cell line MDA- MB231 maintained in athymic nude mouse. No significant difference in cell proliferation between carcinomas of mice fed a high corn oil diet (20% w/w) and a diet high in fish oil (19% menhaden oil, 1% corn oil). In contrast, a significant (p<0.05) increase in the rate of I125Urd emission rate and cell loss factor from the carcinomas in the fish oil fed mice compared to the corn oil fed mice was observed. In summary, the decreased tumor volume in the human breast carcinomas maintained in athymic nude mice fed a fish oil diet as compared to those fed a corn oil diet, appears to be due, at least in part, to an increased rate of carcinoma cell loss rather than a decreased rate of carcinoma cell proliferation.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1636
R. Holt PeterCorresponding author
The Rockefeller University
Adipose tissue inflammation is associated with obesity comorbidities. Reducing such inflammation may ameliorate these comorbidities. n-3 fatty acids have been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties in obesity, which may modulate this inflammatory state. In the current study a 1 gram per day oral supplement of the n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was administered for 12 weeks to 10 grade 12 obese postmenopausal women and markers of adipose tissue and systemic inflammation measured and compared before and after supplementation. DHA administration resulted in approximately a doubling of plasma and red cell phospholipid and adipose tissue DHA content but no change in systemic markers of inflammation, such as circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) or interleukins (IL) 6, 8 and 10 (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10). DHA supplementation did not alter the adipose tissue marker of inflammation crown-like structure density nor did it affect any gene expression pathways, including anti-inflammatory, hypoxic and lipid metabolism pathways. The obese postmenopausal women studied were otherwise healthy, which leads us to suggest that in such women DHA supplementation is not an effective means for reducing adipose tissue or systemic inflammation. Further testing is warranted to determine if n-3 fatty acids may ameliorate inflammation in other, perhaps less healthy, populations of obese individuals.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-17-1536
Md. Kamrul HossainCorresponding author
Over the last few decades, many research works highlighted the role of miRNAs on cardiac diseases. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary heart disease is a condition that is mainly caused by atherosclerosis. It has been established that microribonucleic acids regulate many factors that are involved in the development and pathophysiology of IHD. As a result, there are great potential opportunities for miRNAs to be used as a biomarker for disease differentiation, as well as novel drug targets or therapeutics for the treatment and also as a diagnostic approach. As it is now evident that miRNAs play critical roles in the disease mechanisms, this review article tried to focus on the pathway, in which; the miRNAs stimulate the IHD to develop. By understanding the mechanisms, it will be possible to present a complete strategy of IHD treatment and also solving all the impediments that are highlighted in this article. Still, there are a number of limitations and obstacles on the way of developing a proper therapeutic approach that can be approved and well accepted. This review is mainly dependent on the potential of miRNAs as a promising arena on the field of cardiac treatment and the possible obstacles that are needed to be explored and overcome.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-16-1346
D. Deiko RomanCorresponding author
Post-graduate student of the department of pharmacology of National University of Pharmacy
Theaim of study is to evaluate antidepressant-like activity of the new peptidergic neuroprotectoracetyl-(D-Lys)-Lys-Arg-Arg-amide, homologous of ACTH15-18 primary amino acids sequence, that demonstrates nootropic and neuroprotective properties. Using Porsolt swimming test (PST) efficacy of tetrapeptide neuroprotector KK-1 at a single dose of 0.02 mg/kg was investigated on 16 white random bred male rats (body mass equaled 180-220 grams). Imipramine (15 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference drug. Then depression was induced in these rats by reserpine (4 mg/kg, i.p.). The KK-1 (intranasally, i.n.) and imipramine were administered once a day during 3 days until the reserpine-induced depression was reproduced. The indices of rats behavior under the conditions of open-field test (OFT) and PST were evaluated. The influence of both drugs on specific reserpine-induced depressions symptoms (hypothermia and blepharoptosis) was also registered. The results were processed statistically. The tetrapeptide neuroprotector KK-1 reduced immobilization time of rats at PST (statistically significant differences compared with control group), exceeding efficacy of reference drug imipramine. Normalizing of locomotor and exploratory activity in the OFT, decreasing indices of rats helplessness behavior in PST by tetrapeptide neuroprotector KK-1 demonstrates its antagonism with depressive action of reserpine. The tetrapeptide KK-1 showed antidepressant-like action both in intact rats and in rats with the model of reserpine-induced depression. It reduced specific symptoms of depression – hypothermia and blepharoptosis, exceeding the activity of reference drug imipramine.
Nov 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-0105.jbfb-16-1257
Aumeistere LivaCorresponding author
Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, Riga, Latvia
Background: Breast milk is the ideal food source that contains all components an infant needs. Infants are at risk of receiving possible pollutants and high levels of trans fatty acids through breast milk that may affect their cardiovascular health and cognitive development. Statistics indicate that the proportion of children who are breastfed up to one year of age shows an annual increase in Latvia. Objectives: 1. To review studies conducted among the Latvian population regarding breast milk composition. 2. To evaluate the necessary future studies emphasizing the importance of the trans fatty acid content in a mother’s diet and correspondingly in breast milk and taking into consideration the new changes in Latvian legislation setting the maximum trans fat content in foodstuffs. Conclusions: There is very little research done about the human milk composition in Latvia that could be referable to a general population. It is known that the exposure of breast milk to persistent organic pollutants in Latvia corresponds to the lowest levels detected in the European countries and is not a cause of health disorders. Taking into consideration the adverse effect trans fatty acids have on human’s health regardless of the age, consumption should be as low as possible. Latvia has become the latest European Union country to set the maximum amount of trans fats in foodstuffs, yet there is no information about trans fatty acids content in human milk among women in Latvia. This problem needs to be addressed and set in motion. Therefore, it would be a novel idea to study if the TFA content also declines in milk among Latvian women after the introduction of the new legislation.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-15-797
Kevers ClaireCorresponding author
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and CEDEVIT B22, University of Liège Chemin de la Vallée, 4, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège Belgium
Liège syrup is a Belgian traditional cooked fruit foodstuff, produced mainly from apples and pears. The process includes several hours of heating at high temperature during which complex chemical reactions occur, such as Maillard condensation between reducing sugars and amino acids. Aiming at understanding the modifications of the fruit juices during heating, different parameters were monitored throughout the process. It was shown that hydoxymethylfurfural was formed during the first step of concentration by heating. At the end of the process, hydroxymethylfurfural had totally disappeared and the deep brown color of the product suggested that this compound was transformed into melanoidins. A parallel increase in antioxidant capacity was also observed. To determine optimal conditions to reach high melanoidin content and high antioxidant capacity, different in vitro model systems were compared. It was shown that different combinations of an amino acid with glucose or fructose led to different levels of hydroxymethyfurfural, of melanoidins and antioxidant capacity. After heating of apple or pear puree, an increase of the antioxidant capacity and the hydroxymethylfurfural and melanoidin contents was observed when the heating time was doubled. An increase of the pH from 5 to 9 in apple marmalade’s also induced an increase in antioxidant capacity and in hydroxymethylfurfural and melanoidins. However it was not the case in pear marmalade where only the increase in antioxidant capacity was observed. These results suggest that some parameters of the processing could be modified to improve the health-promoting effect of this traditional food (antioxidant properties and composition in hydroxymethylfurfural and melanoidins). The main factors affecting the quality of the final product were the cooking times, the temperature, the pH, the addition of reducing sugars or amino acids.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-13-292
Ali ZeeshanCorresponding author
Applied Chemistry Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories
After processing of cotton seed oil (CSO) the activated bleaching clay (ABC) is converted to low valued waste bleaching clay (WBC). The chemical composition of ABC from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir region of Pakistan is found out as; SiO2 71.34, Al2O3 15.54, CaO 2.72, MgO 1.48, Na2O 0.51, K2O 0.23, Fe2O3 0.02. The clay has bleachability (74 %) and oil retention (32.70 %) by standard method (ASTM). The cotton seed oil recovered (CSOR) with polar/nonpolar solvents (31.1-36.3 %) have different FFA values (0.2-0.85). However, lower percentage of tri-esters (88 %) was found out in dark coloured CSOR as compare to freshly n-hexane extracted CSO (92.5 %) from edible oil refinery. The lower FFA (0.2) valued CSOR with n-hexane is transesterified at optimized conditions to mono alkyl esters (CSOR-FAME). The reaction was optimised by performing series of experiments to observe molar conc., of methanol-oil (3-18:1), catalysts; NaOH, NaOCH3, KOH, KOCH3- oil (0.25-1.5), temperature (20-80°C), reflux time (120 min) and mixing intensity (200-650 rpm). The maximum yield of biodiesel (98.5 %) has been found out by NaOCH3 (1.00 %) as catalyst, methanol-oil (6:1) at temperature (65°C) and stirring intensity (650 rpm). The properties of CSOR-FAME (biodiesel) are also under limits as per standards; ASTM 6751, EN 14214 and WBC/ CSOR-FAME appear to be an acceptable feedstock for fatty acids/biodiesel production as renewable fuel.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-0105.jbfb-14-547
Di Luigi GianlucaCorresponding author
University of L’Aquila; Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences. Gynecology & Obstetrics. Ospedale Civile “San Salvatore”. L’Aquila, Italy.
Background: Scientific research is constantly expanding our knowledge of nutritional needs in pregnancy and lactation. In June 2014 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued draft-revised advice encouraging pregnant women, those who might become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and young children to eat more fish, a total of least 8 ounces per week and to eat a variety of fish lower in mercury in particular anchovies, butterfish, catfish, clam, haddock (Atlantic), herring, mullet, oyster, perch (ocean), sardine, shad, trout (freshwater). However, the presence of radionuclides released from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Pacific biota has aroused worldwide attention and concern. Objective and Methods: Evaluating all the scientific literature available after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the aim of this review is to demonstrate the safety of seafood products and the use of omega-3 supplements potentially derived from contaminated radioactive fish. Results and Conclusions: There are no reasons to fear the amount of radiation in Japanese fish. The dose received from seafood consumption can be estimated to result in two additional fatal cancer cases per 10,000,000 similarly exposed people. The safest way to get omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy is by taking a high-quality fish oil supplement, approved by a governing body that provides proof of quality such as the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the European Pharmocopeia Standard or the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and by the Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Agency 12. Pregnant and breastfeeding women do not need to cut fish out of their diet completely, and it may be safely eaten up to three times per week safely 3.
Dec 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-14-598
YC Fung KimCorresponding author
CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Australia
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and its prevalence can be reduced by changes to lifestyle and diet. Fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota and formation of short chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, is widely thought to play a role in preventing development of the disease. Despite butyrate’s known pro-apoptotic effects, a subpopulation of cancer cells is able to overcome these anti-neoplastic effects of colonic luminal butyrate to proliferate and establish tumours in vivo. In this study, a time course analysis of HT29 and HT29-BR cells treated with butyrate was conducted and global gene expression analysis was used to identify novel mechanisms associated with butyrate-induced apoptosis and in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Bioinformatic analysis of the data identified deregulated O-GlcNAcylation activity and disruption to gene transcription by BRD4 as possible factors involved with butyrate-induced apoptosis. EGF signalling was identified as being potentially involved in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Furthermore, the expression of the minichromosome maintenance protein family was significantly reduced in the HT29-BR cell line reflecting disruptions to the DNA replication process. Together, this may confer a unique survival advantage for cells with acquired butyrate resistance.
Sep 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-13-218
Oxenkrug GregoryCorresponding author
Psychiatry and Inflammation Program, Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston MA, USA.
The increased association between depression and diabetes mellitus is generally acknowledged. Recent studies suggest that depression leads to diabetes.However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for this association remain unclear.Literature and our data indicate that inflammatory and/or stress factors in depression up-regulate tryptophan (TRP) conversion into kynurenine (KYN), a substrate for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. Deficiency of vitamin B6, a co-factor of the key enzymes of KYN – NAD pathway, shunts KYN metabolism from formation of NAD towards production of xanthurenic (XA) and kynurenic (KYNA) acids. Human and experimental studies reveal that XA, KYNA and their metabolites interfere with production, release and biological activity of insulin. We propose that inflammation- and/or stress-induced up-regulation of TRP – KYN metabolism in combination with vitamin B6 deficiency is one of the mechanisms mediating increased risk of diabetes in depression. Consequently, monitoring formation of diabetogenic KYN derivatives might help to identify subjects-at-risk for the development of diabetes. Pharmacological down-regulation of the TRP – KYN – NAD pathway and maintenance of adequate vitamin B6 status might help to prevent the development of diabetes in depression and other conditions associated with inflammation/stress–induced excessive production of KYN and vitamin B6 deficiency, e.g., obesity, cardiovascular diseases, aging, menopause, pregnancy, and hepatitis C virus infection.