Affect Amino Acid Research Articles

Effect of Defatting Method on Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) Fruit Seed Protein Isolate Technological Properties

Fruit seeds are often an underutilized side-stream of fruit processing. The most common approach to seed valorization is oil extraction due to the relative simplicity of the process. The partially or fully defatted seed meal is rarely further processed, even though seeds generally contain more protein and fiber than oil. The present study used single-screw extrusion (oil press), supercritical CO2 extraction, and a combination of the two, to defat Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) seeds, and evaluated the defatted meals as sources of functional protein. Defatting with oil press and CO2 extraction proved similarly effective (reduced seed flour fat content from 11.75% to 6.40% and 5.32%, respectively); combining the two methods reduced fat content to 0.90%. The yield was minimally affected, but protein extract purity was defined by defatting efficiency (65.05% protein from non-defatted versus 82.29% protein from a combination-defatted meal). Defatting did not significantly affect amino acid composition but had a significant effect on every tested functional property (solubility, water, and oil binding capacity, apparent viscosity, foaming capacity, and emulsifying activity index). Of the tested defatting methods, supercritical CO2 extraction and the combination provided the best results from most aspects.

Genetic analysis of a Chinese pedigree affected with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A2A due to a missense variant of MFN2 gene

To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A2A (CMT2A2A) pedigree and to provide genetic counseling for its subsequent pregnancies. A Chinese pedigree presenting with "lower limb muscle atrophy and movement disorders" at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Xuzhou Central Hospital between January and August 2024 was selected as the study subject. Relevant clinical data were collected from the pedigree members. Peripheral blood samples from affected individuals, and amniotic fluid and/or chorionic villus samples were obtained for DNA extraction. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity assessment and bioinformatic analysis were conducted. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Central Hospital (Ethics No. XZXY-LK-20240111-0019). All affected individuals in this pedigree were females, whom included the proband, her mother, and her first daughter. Earlier age of onset was associated with more severe lower limb atrophy. A heterozygous missense variant of the MFN2 gene, namely c.314C>T (p.Thr105Met), was identified in the proband, her mother, daughter, and the third fetus from a re-marriage. The same variant was absent in her elder brother, current husband, and her fourth fetus. Based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and recommendations from Clinical Genome Resources (ClinGen), the variant was classified as pathogenic (PP1_Strong+PM1+PS3+PS4_Moderate+PP3_Moderate+PM2_Supporting). Analyses with PROVEAN and Mutation Taster had categorized the variant as "deleterious" and "disease-causing", respectively. Analysis with Uniprot and Jalview showed that the affected amino acid residue is conserved across multiple species. ChEBI software predicted that the variant may alter the polarity of the 105th amino acid residue. The c.314C>T (p.Thr105Met) missense variant of the MFN2 gene probably underlie the CMT2A2A in this pedigree. Above finding has enabled prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for its subsequent pregnancies.

The gut microbiota-produced vitamin B6 mitigates alcohol-associated liver disease by attenuating hepatic oxidative stress damage.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major clinical issue characterized by progressive stages, including hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Patients with long-term chronic alcoholism often present with gut microbiota dysbiosis and reduced plasma levels of vitamin B6. This study aimed to verify that gut microbiota disruption in ALD significantly contributes to reduced in vivo production of vitamin B6 and to investigate the role of this reduction in the pathogenesis of ALD. The ALD was investigated utilizing the Gao-binge mouse model. Fecal microbial composition was analyzed in pair-fed mice and ALD mice to identify alcohol-induced functional changes in the microbiota. Additionally, liver protein expression profiles and liver and plasma metabolomic profiles were characterized to elucidate the role of vitamin B6 in ALD pathogenesis through integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses. The findings were further validated using animal models and clinical patient samples. Alcohol consumption disrupted the gut microbiota in the mice, impairing the vitamin B6 synthesis by intestinal microorganisms. Vitamin B6 deficiency aggravated the disorder of amino acid metabolism in the liver and inhibited ornithine aminotransferase expression, thereby worsening oxidative stress damage. In patients with ALD, significant disturbances of gut microbiota were observed, along with decreased intestinal vitamin B6 levels, which were negatively correlated with serum biochemical markers. The imbalance of gut microbiota in ALD mice reduces vitamin B6 synthesis, which affects amino acid metabolism and glutathione synthesis in the liver, thereby exacerbating ALD. These findings suggest that vitamin B6 may play a critical protective role in ALD progression by regulating amino acid metabolism.

High frequency of CTNNB1 variants associated with benign and malignant liver tumors in patients with Congenital Porto-Systemic Shunts

Introduction Patients born with congenital porto-systemic shunts have been shown to have a high risk of benign and malignant liver tumors in otherwise healthy livers. This study aims to evaluate the genetic landscape of tumors in congenital porto-systemic shunts (CPSS) and correlate sequencing data with histological findings and clinical evolution. Methods Nodules from patients with CPSS and sporadic pediatric focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) or FNH-like nodules were evaluated histologically and sequenced for a panel of 50 genes using Next-Generation Sequencing. Results Thirty-eight nodules from 17 patients with CPSS were histologically classified as hepatoblastomas (n=2), hepatocellular carcinomas (n=4), HNF-1α inactivated hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) (n=2), -catenin-activated HCAs (n=5), unclassified HCAs (n=9), and FNH-like nodules (n=16). CTNNB1 variants were detected in of 26/38 nodules (68%) across different histological categories (2/2 hepatoblastomas, 4/4 HCCs, 10/16 HCAs, 10/16 FNH-like nodules), but not in sporadic FNH or FNH-like nodules (0/10). Less frequent variants were identified in APOB, GNAS, HNF1A, SERPINA1, MAML2, PTCH1, G6PC, KMT2C, DICER1, AXIN1, IL6ST and the promoter region of TERT. Germline variants were identified in AXIN1, HFE, SERPINA1, and ZNF521. CTNNB1 variants affecting amino acid positions 32 and 33 are more common in malignant tumors. Mutated regions in background non-tumoral liver were identified in 2 patients. Multiple CTNNB1 variants were identified in 6/7 (86%) of patients with multiple nodules, but no intra-tumoral variation was found. Discussion CPSS is strongly associated with nodules containing variants in CTNNB1, irrespective of the histological category. Areas in background liver containing these variants were also identified, and different variants could be identified in individual patients. The high proportion of CTNNB1 variants may explain the higher malignant potential of benign tumors found in CPSS.

Metabolomics with gut microbiota analysis of podophyllotoxin-mediated cardiotoxicity in mice based on the toxicological evidence chain (TEC) concept.

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a lignan isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Dysosma Versipellis, with significant anti-tumor activity. However, its cardiotoxicity restricts its clinical application. This study aims to investigate the cardiotoxicity of PPT in mice and its underlying mechanisms based on the concept of toxicological evidence chain (TEC). In this study, alterations in body weight, behavior, and the levels of myocardial enzymes and histopathology in mice were observed. Additionally, microbiome and metabolome were integrated to identify potential microorganisms, metabolic markers and major pathways with correlation analysis. The results indicated that PPT induced pathological changes in mice, including weight loss, diarrhea, alopecia and dehydration accompanied by increased levels of serum myocardial enzymes. The results of microbiome showed that PPT altered the gut microbiota composition, changing the abundance of microbial community. The results of metabolome studies indicated total of 55 differential metabolites were involved in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, alanine, glutamate, and aspartate metabolism, purine, pyrimidine metabolism, and steroid hormone metabolism. Integrating the results of microbiome and metabolome, it was concluded that PPT remodeled the gut microbiota composition, which in turn modified the gut microbiota metabolism, affecting amino acid metabolisms, nucleotide metabolism, and steroid hormone metabolism in the heart, potentially leading to energy metabolism disorders, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, ultimately inducing cardiotoxicity.

Glabridin exhibits potent inhibitory effects against Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is an obligate protozoan parasite capable of infecting a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. Current treatment options, primarily pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, have limitations, such as high recurrence rates, long treatment durations, and limited effectiveness against T. gondii. There is an unmet need for novel, safe, low-toxicity, and highly effective treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-T. gondii effects of glabridin, a natural compound derived from the roots of a widely used medicinal plant.MethodsThe cytotoxicity of glabridin in Vero cells was assessed using a CCK-8 cell viability assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the Tg-529 gene was developed to quantify T. gondii and assess the inhibitory effects of glabridin on parasite proliferation. Ultrastructural changes in T. gondii after treatment were examined using electron microscopy. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were examined to assess the effects of glabridin on ROS levels and ΔΨm in T. gondii tachyzoites. Additionally, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying glabridin’s anti-T. gondii effects.ResultsGlabridin exhibited low toxicity to host cells and effectively inhibited T. gondii invasion and proliferation in vitro in a time-dependent manner. Glabridin-treated tachyzoites exhibited significant structural alterations, along with increased ROS production and a reduction in ΔΨm. Metabolomic analysis indicated that glabridin significantly affected amino acid metabolism pathways in T. gondii. In vivo, glabridin treatment significantly improved survival rates in T. gondii-infected BALB/c mice at a dosage of 100 mg/kg.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that glabridin has potent anti-T. gondii effects in vitro and in vivo, likely through disruption of amino acid metabolism in the parasite. These findings highlight glabridin’s potential as a promising therapeutic agent for toxoplasmosis.Graphical abstract

Effects of a β-glucan-enriched diet on biomarkers of oxidative stress, energy metabolism and lysosomal function in muscle tissue of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.).

The grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.) has several advantages over other fish species that make it attractive for aquaculture and invest it with importance for food security. The study assessed the effects of a β-glucan-enriched diet on biomarkers of oxidative stress, energy metabolism and lysosomal function in muscle tissue of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.). Sixty-six grayling weighing approximately 34 g were divided into equal control and experimental groups. A basal diet was fed to the control group and a β-glucan-enriched one was fed to the experimental group for 45 d. Lipid peroxidation (LP) level; oxidative protein modification (OPM); total antioxidant status (TAS); and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), alanyl aminopeptidase, leucyl aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase (AcP) and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activities were assessed in the muscle tissue of fish euthanised after 15, 30 and 45 d of feeding. The β-glucan supplementation reduced LP, attenuated OPM and improved the TAS in muscle tissue. Increased SOD and CAT activity and maintenance of GPx activity in muscle tissue were the main mediators of these effects. They also affected energy metabolism through modulation of key enzymes and metabolites, including ALT, AST, LDH, SDH, AcP and NAG activity, and altered lactate and pyruvate levels. Multivariate analysis of variance, supported by high F-values and low P-values indicating statistical significance, highlighted the significant effect of β-glucans and feeding duration on markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant defences and TAS. B-glucans altered the balance between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, reduced OPM and modulated the transaminase response, affecting amino acid metabolism and the production of Krebs cycle intermediates.

Kinetic and Mechanistic Investigation of L‐Phenylalanine Oxidation by Alkaline Cu(III) Periodate in CPC Micellar Medium

ABSTRACTAmino acid oxidation is fascinating because different oxidants produce diverse compounds. No research has examined how metal catalysts affect amino acid oxidation by diperiodatocuprate (III) (DPC) in micellar environments. This research is crucial to understanding amino acids in redox processes and identifying active species of Ru(III) and DPC. The study will evaluate how cationic surfactant affects Ru(III)‐facilitated L‐phenylalanine (L‐Pheala) oxidation utilizing DPC in an alkaline medium. The reaction's advancement has been assessed employing the pseudo‐first‐order condition as a gauge for [OH−], [DPC], ionic strength, [L‐Pheala], [Ru(III)], [IO4−], [Surfactant], and temperature. L‐Pheala and DPC interact stoichiometrically in a ratio of 1:4. Across the spectrum of concentrations examined, the reported reaction reflects less than unit order kinematics in relation to both [L‐Pheala] (0.61 in the aqueous medium and 0.58 in the CPC micellar medium) and [OH−] (0.47 in the aqueous medium and 0.51 in the CPC micellar medium), first‐order reliance on the [DPC] and [Ru(III)], and negative fractional‐order for [IO4−] (−0.54 in the aqueous medium and −0.56 in the CPC micellar medium). A zero salt effect is suggested by the observed constancy in oxidation rate with the inclusion of electrolytes. The oxidation rate is significantly enhanced by Ru(III) solution (as a catalyst) at ppm concentration. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) micellar media facilitate an additional enhancement (four times) in the rate of the reaction. CPC thus exhibits an excellent compatibility with Ru(III) for the L‐Pheala oxidation using (DPC).

Amino Acid Profile of Goat Milk Kefir with Lacticasei bacillus casei AP and Oat Milk during Storage

Background: Accurate and up-to-date information about amino acid profile is crucial in the production and promotion of dairy products and fermented milk because both components contribute to the nutritional and market value of the dairy products. Methods: This study aims to evaluate the amino acid profile of goat milk kefir supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus casei AP, oat milk or both during 14-day storage using the gas chromatography method. Result: The results demonstrated that Lacticaseibacillus casei AP and oat milk incorporated into kefir production significantly affected amino acids (aspartac acid, glutamic acid, tyrosine, valin, phenylalanine, ileusin and leucine).The dominant amino acids in the treatments were phenylalanine (46.66 ppm), glutamic acid (40.40 ppm) and lysine (23.91 ppm). The storage time only significantly reduced the amount of valine. Conclusively, incorporating Lacticaseibacillus casei AP, oat milk or both into goat milk kefir did not negatively affect the amino acid profile during storage time.

The effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Microplastic stress on the composition and gene regulatory network of amino acid in Capsicum annuum

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a widely used plastic in daily life. The extensive accumulation of PET microplastics (PET-MPs) in the environment adversely affects plant growth in multiple ways. However, the impact of PET-MPs exposure on the plant metabolism and the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unexplored. To address this gap, we employed metabolomics and transcriptomics combination analyses to investigate the effects of PET-MPs exposure, varying in particle size and concentration, on the amino acid content and composition in pepper, as well as the underlying genes regulatory network. A total of 282 amino acids and their derivatives were identified, including 8 essential amino acids. Significant changes in differentially accumulated amino acids (DAAs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed across different treatments, indicating that PET-MPs exposure affects amino acid metabolism in peppers, with these effects closely related to the size and concentration of PET-MPs. Ten DAAs with significant variable importance were identified through OPLS-DA. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that the red module was significantly correlated with most of the DAAs indicators, highlighting the essential roles of HMSI, BCAT, and 12 transcription factor (TF) genes in regulating amino acid synthesis under PET-MPs exposure. Furthermore, correlation and redundancy analysis (RDA) identified three candidate genes, HSMI, PROC, and FHM, involved in amino acid biosynthesis pathways. This study enhances our understanding of MPs pollution and provides novel insights into the impact of MPs on crop growth and nutrition.

Novel Loss-of-function Variants of ZP3 Associated with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the leading causes of female infertility. To date, the genetic etiology of POI has been elucidated in approximately 20-25% of the total cases. The human zona pellucida (ZP) plays an important role in the organization and differentiation of granulosa cells, follicle formation, and sperm recognition. Mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 have been reported to cause female infertility due to oocyte degeneration, empty follicle, or in vitro fertilization failure. In this study, we identified three novel missense mutations in ZP3 (NM_001110354.2): c.643G > A (p.Asp215Asn), c.215C > T (p.Thr72Ile), and c.152T > C (p.Leu51Pro) in three sporadic Han Chinese POI patients through whole-exome sequencing. These variants are absent from population databases and were predicted to be deleterious by multiple in silico tools. Structure prediction analysis showed that the affected amino acid altered the ZP3 protein structure. Western blot further confirmed that these ZP3 variants reduced the expression and secretion of ZP components. In summary, this study reports three novel deleterious variants in ZP3 associated with POI, thereby broadening the mutation spectrum of ZP3 in POI patients.

Endoplasmic reticulum adenylate transporter activity affects amino acid metabolism under photorespiratory conditions

The involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized adenylate transporter1 (ER-ANT1) in photorespiratory metabolism has been established, yet its precise physiological function remains uncertain. Rice er-ant1 mutant plants grown in ambient air exhibited stunted growth and substantial alterations in amino acid metabolites, but recovery in a high CO2 condition (1.5%). We show that the absence of ER-ANT1 hindered the breakdown of glycine without affecting its synthesis, leading to a substantial accumulation of glycine, diminished levels of serine, and depleted reserves of glutamate and alanine. Intriguingly, the er-ant1 plants grown in high CO2 and later exposed to ambient air displayed reduced serine levels within 12 h, yet they accumulated serine a week after transferring to ambient air due to induced phosphorylated serine synthesis pathways. Furthermore, knockout of ER-ANT1 marginally impacted the transcription of genes governing core enzymes in photorespiration, but notably upregulated BOU expression that encodes a putative mitochondrial glutamate transporter and AGAT1 that encodes an alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase gene. Surprisingly, AGAT1, an ER-localized protein, exhibited higher activity that correlates with the decreased alanine levels observed in the er-ant1 mutant. Lack of ER-ANT1 activity also led to a significantly elevated NADH/NAD+ ratio that potentially hinders the glycine-to-serine conversion process. This supports the hypothesis that the lack of ER-ANT1-induced limitation of ATP usage might inhibit GDC activity by modulating the NADH/NAD+ ratio. Moreover, non-proteinogenic amino acids, including β-alanine and γ-aminobutyrate (GABA), underwent significant alterations, even under high CO2 conditions in the er-ant mutant, implying additional non-photorespiration roles of ER-ANT1. Taken together, our results indicate that ER-localized ER-ANT1 plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism during photorespiration.

Effect of the quorum sensing signal molecule auto-inducer-2 on fermentation performance of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus DPUL-F36

Fermented milk is a typically product of co-fermentation by a variety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Quorum sensing (QS), as an intercellular communication mechanism of bacteria, may serve as a key factor influencing the quality of fermented milk. In this study, the fermentation performance of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DPUL-F36 were evaluated after supplementation with auto-inducer-2 (AI-2). The protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) was used to retrieve the interactions between QS genes and four major metabolic pathway genes. The expression of luxS gene in DPUL-F36 may affect amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall formation. The key differential metabolites were identified by metabolomics analysis. A variety of amino acids including L-Glutamic, L-Tryptophan, L-Threonine, L-Histidine and L-Glutamine were found to be up-regulated in response to the addition of AI-2. Malic acid and succinate gradually accumulate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The consumption of citric acid increased with the fermentation process. In terms of rheological and texture characteristics of fermented milk, addition of AI-2 could effectively improve its shear stress resistance, firmness and index of viscosity. Our research provided a theoretical basis for improving the fermentation performance of DPUL-F36 strains, and support for the screening of excellent composite starter culture.

Antimicrobial properties of essential oil extracted from Schizonepeta annua against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus via membrane disruption

Schizonepeta annua (Pall.) Schischk. has long been traditionally employed in China for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. This study evaluates the antibacterial properties of essential oil extracted from Schizonepeta annua (SEO) and oregano (OEO) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). SEO and OEO demonstrated substantial antibacterial efficacy, with SEO exhibiting significantly enhanced antibacterial activity due to its complex composition. Mechanistic investigations revealed that both essential oils disrupt bacterial membrane integrity and biosynthetic pathways, leading to the extrusion of intracellular contents. Metabolomic analyses using GC-Q-TOF-MS highlighted SEO's selective targeting of bacterial membranes, while non-targeted metabolomics indicated significant effects on MRSA's amino acid metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. These findings suggest that SEO causes considerable damage to MRSA cell membranes and affects amino acid metabolism, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its potential in treating infections. Our results offer robust theoretical support for SEO's role as an antimicrobial agent and establish a solid foundation for its practical application in combating multidrug-resistant infections.

162 The role of functional amino acids in optimizing nutrition and health

Abstract The ability of a diet or an individual protein-containing ingredient to satisfy the indispensable amino acid (IAA) requirements of an individual is a reflection of protein quality. In human nutrition, the concept of PQ is well recognized and widely applied to facilitate guidance on the extensive range of food items we consume. In the pet food industry, the concept of PQ is gaining recognition as a way in which to identify ideal candidate ingredients for diet formulation and our laboratory has recently completed a large data base of PQ estimates of typical ingredients used in the pet food industry to compliment the emerging PQ ingredient data. Our laboratory has also used more advanced methodologies, specifically the IAAO technique, to measure the dietary Phe, Trp, Met, Thr, and Lys requirements for adult dogs of small, medium and large breed dogs. The role of AA beyond support of protein turnover (adults) or protein deposition (growth) is being explored, such as the role of certain AA in behavior, immune function and inflammation. For example, the ratio of tryptophan to the large neutral amino acids of 0.75:1.0 in contrast to 0.46:1.0 resulted in better indices of gut health and may reduce agonistic behaviors both of which are underpinned by improved serotonergic status. The role of the sulfur AA in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy further highlights the role of IAA as sources for secondary metabolites, such as taurine and glutathione in supporting animal health. Indeed, many AA are becoming referred to as functional AA and the requirement of these AA may differ in healthy and challenged animals and deserve attention in dog and cat nutrition as well. Overall, the pattern of AA that defines the requirement of healthy dogs and cats, may not be the pattern that would support the animal under challenging conditions. Research into supporting different physiological challenges and how these may affect amino acid requirements is warranted.

Fucoidan ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury in mice through Parabacteroides distasonis-mediated regulation of the gut-liver axis

Polysaccharides can benefit the liver via modulation of the gut microbiota, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. This study demonstrated that the effect of Scytosiphon lomentaria fucoidan (SLF) on alcohol-induced liver injury can be closely related to the level of Parabacteroides distasonis (Pd) via in vivo and in vitro models. Further mice experiment showed that Pd alleviated liver injury and inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB/MAPK pathways and activating Nrf2 pathway. The underlying mechanism can be closely associated with modulation of the gut microbiota, particularly an increase in microbiota diversity and beneficial bacteria and a reduction in Proteobacteria. Targeted metabolomics indicated that Pd ameliorated alcohol-induced dysbiosis of microbiota metabolites profile, primarily affecting amino acid metabolism. Moreover, Pd reduced the level of total bile acids (BAs) and improved BAs profile, affecting the expression levels of BA-associated genes in the liver and ileum involved in BA synthesis, transport, and reabsorption. This study suggests that SLF can benefit alcohol-induced liver injury via P. distasonis-mediated regulation of the gut-liver axis.

Characterization of Plant-Based Meat Treated with Hot Air and Microwave Heating.

Plant-based meat is growing globally due to health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns, though there is a need for quality improvements. This study assessed how different ratios of wheat gluten (WG) to soy protein isolate (SPI) and various baking methods-hot air (HA), microwave (MW), and a combination of both (HA-MW)-affect the physicochemical properties of plant-based meat. Increasing the SPI from 0% to 40% significantly enhanced lightness, hardness, chewiness, water-holding capacity, moisture content, and lysine (an essential amino acid) (p ≤ 0.05). Hardness and chewiness ranged from 4.23 ± 1.19 N to 25.90 ± 2.90 N and 3.44 ± 0.94 N to 18.71 ± 1.85 N, respectively. Baking methods did not affect amino acid profiles. Compared to HA baking, MW and HA-MW baking increased lysine content (561.58-1132.50 mg/100 g and 544.85-1088.50 mg/100 g, respectively) while reducing fat and carbohydrates. These findings suggest that a 40% SPI and 60% WG ratio with microwave baking (360 W for 1 min) optimizes plant-based meat, offering benefits to both consumers and the food industry in terms of health and sustainability.

Bioinformatics Study on Site-Specific Variations of Eotaxin-3, a Key Chemokine in Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).

Eotaxin-3 is a key chemokine with a relevant role in eosinophilic esophagitis, a rare chronic immune/antigen-mediated inflammatory disorder. Eotaxin-3 is a potent activator of eosinophil emergence and migration, which may lead to allergic airway inflammation. We investigated, using bioinformatics tools, the protein structure and the possible effects of the known variations reported in public databases. Following a procedure already established, we created a 3D model of the whole protein and modeled the structure of 105 protein variants due to known point mutations. The effects of the amino acid substitution at the level of impact on protein structure, stability, and possibly function were detected by the bioinformatics procedure and described in detail. A web application was implemented to browse the results of the analysis and visualize the 3D models, with the opportunity of downloading the models and analyzing them using their own software. Among 105 amino acid substitutions investigated, the study evidenced in 44 cases at least one change in any of the investigated structural parameters. Other six variations are also relevant, although a structural effect was not detected by our analysis, because they affected amino acids highly conserved, which suggests a possible function role. All these variations should be the object of particular attention, as they may induce a loss of functionality in the protein.

Effect of Abiotic Factors on Nectar Quality and Secretion of Two Early Spring Species, Galanthus nivalis L. and Helleborus niger L.

Floral nectar is mainly a reward in the form of food for pollinators. In early spring, when snow can still be present, pollinators have trouble finding food. The composition and productivity of nectar in flowers play an important role in a pollinator’s life. It is known that low temperatures and lower humidity cause lower nectar secretion. Some studies have also shown that the quality of nectar can differ because of lower temperatures. In our research, we analysed whether abiotic factors affect nectar secretion, as well as the nectar composition of the early spring plant species Galanthus nivalis L. and Helleborus niger L. in February 2024. The study was conducted in two locations in nature. Nectar from H. niger was sampled in Tomišelj, Slovenia, whereas nectar from G. nivalis was sampled in Ljubljana, Slovenia. On four different days at three different times of day, we sampled nectar from flowers using microcapillaries. In total, we sampled 48 nectar samples from one species. We analysed soil humidity and temperature, air temperature and humidity, and UVB radiation. Our results show that nectar productivity is highest in the morning for both species. H. niger has sucrose-dominant nectar, while G. nivalis has hexose-dominant nectar. Proline, which is an important amino acid for bees, has the highest level in both species, as does the phenolic compound rutin. Environmental factors do affect nectar secretion. Soil and air temperature affect G. nivalis nectar secretion, while soil humidity affects H. niger nectar secretion. Soil and air temperature also have an effect on higher levels of sugars in both researched nectars. UVB, air humidity, and air and soil temperature seem to have an effect on phenolic compounds, but abiotic factors do not affect amino acids.

Effect of High Dietary Iron on Fat Deposition and Gut Microbiota in Chickens.

To meet the demand of consumers for chicken products, poultry breeders have made improvements to chickens. However, this has led to a new problem in the modern poultry industry, namely excessive fat deposition. This study aims to understand the effects of dietary iron supplementation on fat deposition and gut microbiota in chickens. In this study, we investigated the effects of iron on the growth performance, fat deposition, and gut microbiota of silky fowl black-bone chickens. A total of 75 7-week-old silky fowl black-bone chickens were randomly divided into three groups (five replicates per group, five chickens per replicate) and fed them for 28 days using a growing diet (control group), a growing diet + 10% tallow (high-fat diet group, HFD group), and a growing diet + 10% tallow + 500 mg/kg iron (HFDFe500 group), respectively. We detected the effects of iron on the growth performance, fat deposition, and gut microbiota of silky fowl black-bone chickens using the growth performance index test, oil red O staining, and HE staining, and found that the high-fat diet significantly increased liver and serum fat deposition and liver injury, while the addition of iron to the diet could reduce the fat deposition caused by the high-fat diet and alleviate liver injury. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to compare the relative abundance of gut microbiota in the cecal contents in different feeding groups. The results showed that the high-fat diet could induce gut microbiota imbalance in chickens, while the high-iron diet reversed the gut microbiota imbalance. PICRUSt functional prediction analysis showed that dietary iron supplementation affected amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, cofactors, and vitamin metabolism pathways. In addition, correlation analysis showed that TG was significantly associated with Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05). Overall, these results revealed high dietary iron (500 mg/kg) could reduce fat deposition and affect the gut microbiota of silky fowl black-bone chickens, suggesting that iron may regulate fat deposition by influencing the gut microbiota of chickens and provides a potential avenue that prevents excessive fat deposition in chickens by adding iron to the diet.