Amino Acid Profile Research Articles

Serum targeted metabolomics uncovering specific amino acid signature for diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a hepatobiliary malignancy which accounts for approximately 5–10 % of primary liver cancers and has a high mortality rate. The diagnosis of iCCA remains significant challenges owing to the lack of specific and sensitive diagnostic tests available. Hence, improved methods are needed to detect iCCA with high accuracy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of serum amino acid profiling combined with machine learning modeling for the diagnosis of iCCA. A comprehensive analysis of 28 circulating amino acids was conducted in a total of 140 blood samples from patients with iCCA and normal individuals. We screened out 6 differentially expressed amino acids with the criteria of |Log2(Fold Change, FC)| > 0.585, P-value < 0.05, variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1.0 and area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8, in which amino acids L-Asparagine and Kynurenine showed an increasing tendency as the disease progressed. Five frequently used machine learning algorithms (Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Supporting Vector Machine, Neural Network and Naïve Bayes) for diagnosis of iCCA based on the 6 circulating amino acids were established and validated with high sensitivity and good overall accuracy. The resulting models were further improved by introducing a clinical indicator, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). This study introduces a new approach for identifying potential serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of iCCA with high accuracy.

Assessment of Nutritional, Physiochemical, Antioxidant and Sensory Properties of Seasoning Powder Containing Asplenium unilaterale Lam

The current study used Asplenium unilaterale Lam. with a natural alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG) , along with plant mixtures to develop a seasoning powder. Four formulations (2-8 w/w of A. unilaterale Lam.) were characterized. Furthermore, the nutritional, physiochemical, amino acid profiles, antioxidant, and sensory properties were determined. The ash and carbohydrate content differed significantly among the four seasoning powders containing different concentrations of A. unilaterale Lam. The protein content significantly increased in seasoning powders as the A. unilaterale Lam. content increased.. The developed products had a water activity range of 0.33–0.40, and the color value ranges, L*, a*, and b*, were 60.42–78.38, 1.14–4.53, and 8.49–13.81, respectively. High concentrations of the non-essential amino acids aspartic acid and glutamic acid were observed, causing an umami taste that increased with A. unilaterale Lam. content. The highest antioxidant properties were measured in the sample with added A. unilaterale Lam. content. The sensory scores in taste for Sample D (8 w/w of A. unilaterale Lam.) received the highest scores, but the overall acceptability of the samples did not significantly vary. Therefore, this seasoning powder potentially has flavor and nutritional properties that provide health benefits and could be used as an alternative plant-derived seasoning product.

PENGARUH LAMA WAKTU FERMENTASI DAUN KELOR (Moringa oleifera) DENGAN BAKTERI ASAM LAKTAT TERHADAP KONSENTRASI ASAM AMINO

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a nutrient-densed food that can be used as a food source and possess pharmacological properties. Fermented Moringa has a better amino acid profiles and potentially has a greater digestibility. Nevertheless, the effect of lactic acid bacteria as fermentation culture on Moringa’s amino acid profiles is warrant for investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Moringa’s fermentation with lactic acid bacteria on its nutritional value, especially amino acid. In this study, Moringa leaves were fermented with lactic acid bacteria for 0, 24, and 48 hours. Amino acid concentrations with fermentation 0, 24, and 48 hours respectively were 1007.94 mg/kg, 1304.13 mg/kg, and 521.12 mg/kg, where the highest concentration of amino acids was in Moringa leaves which were fermented for 24 hours. The concentrations of various amino acids in Moringa leaves were measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The best treatment was 24 hours of fermentation, where the total amino acid (TAA) was 1304.13 mg/kg.

Carcass Essential Amino Acids Profile of &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus &lt;/i&gt;(Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings Fed Different Levels of Maca (&lt;i&gt;Lepidium meyenii&lt;/i&gt;, Walp.) Root Powder as Feed Additive

This research was carried out to determine the carcass essential amino acids profile of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed different levels of Maca root powder as a feed additive. Five (5) isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) and isocaloric (1,732kcal kg-1 gross energy) diets were formulated, where Maca root powder in the form of feed additive was included at 0.0g/100g (TM0), 0.25g/100g (TM1), 0.5g/100g (TM2), 0.75g/100g (TM3) and 1.0g/100g (TM4) inclusion levels, diet without Maca root powder (TM0), served as the control diet. Formulated diets were fed to Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (n = 300, 10.0±0.00g) in fifteen (15) rectangular plastic tanks (n = 20) at a fixed feeding rate of 3% body weight twice daily between the hours of 8:00 - 9:00 am and 4:00 - 5:00 pm at regular interval and adjusted after every two (2) weeks of sampling for a period of twelve (12) weeks. At the end of the research three (3) Clarias gariepinus from each treatment were sacrificed with the carcass subjected to essential amino acids analysis. Data collected were analysed using one - way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P = 0.05. All the nine (9) essential amino acids were found in the final carcass profile of the Clarias gariepinus. Carcass histidine value (15.81mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (10.02mg/g) in the fish fed the control diet (TM0), carcass isoleucine value (25.42mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (18.20mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0), while the carcass leucine value (14.17mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM4 and least (11.98mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0), carcass lysine value (20.13mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (14.68mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0), carcass methionine value (33.07mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (26.80mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0), carcass phenylalanine value (22.24mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (17.69mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0), carcass threonine value (22.23mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (15.13mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0), carcass tryptophan value (25.74mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (20.92mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0) and the carcass valine value (39.77mg/g) was highest in fish fed diet TM3 and least (32.95mg/g) in the fish fed control diet (TM0).. The incorporation of Maca root powder as a feed additive into the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings increases the concentration of the carcass's essential amino acids and therefore the Clarias gariepinus can be a very important source of the essential amino acids. The incorporation of Maca root powder as a feed additive into the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings is recommended for improving the Clarias gariepinus carcass essential amino acids profile.

“Planeterranean” diet: the new proposal for the Mediterranean-based food pyramid for Asia

Background and objectivesThe Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been recognized for its benefits for human health and sustainability for the planet, but it has considered not easy to reproduce in other populations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development is fostering a research project (Planeterranea), aiming to identify a healthy dietary pattern based on local foods with the same MD features. The aim of our study is to develop a MD-based food pyramid for Asian populations.MethodsAsia was stratified into six areas according to pedo-climatic conditions. For each region a comprehensive scoping review of local crops and typical foods was conducted on several databases such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s database, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) website, and PubMed, focusing on both plant-based and animal-based foods. Narrative review was then conducted on the identified foods to determine their nutritional composition and planetary health impact. Finally, the collected information was used to build up the Asian food pyramid with details for each respective region.ResultsWe proposed a food pyramid for Asian countries, guaranteeing the same nutritional intake and health benefits as MD, by considering dietary habits and typical foods of this population. From the bottom to the top, Asian fruits and vegetables present similar nutritional profile as those in MD. Whole grains (barley) may represent valid alternative to white rice. Sesame oil represents a source of unsaturated fats and an alternative to olive oil. Legumes (soybean), edible insects, mushrooms and algae, guarantee an adequate intake of plant-based proteins with a complete amino-acid profile and a low environmental impact with respect to animal-based ones.ConclusionsThis work is a new insight of healthy and sustainable local food system based on MD principles for the Asian population.

Characterisation, antibacterial activity, and prebiotic potential of dried Hermetia illucens L. larvae and of their fractions

Abstract In this study, black soldier fly (BSF) dried larvae were fractionated into their defatted, lipid, protein, and chitin-rich fractions. The samples were then characterised in terms of proximate composition, analysis of amino acids, analysis of the molecular weight distribution of proteins via gel electrophoresis, and fatty acids analysis of the lipid fraction. The antibacterial activity of all fractions was determined against Escherichia coli F4 and Streptococcus suis, two common swine pathogens. Finally, the prebiotic activity of the whole larvae and of their protein isolate and chitin-rich pellet was determined for Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a naturally occurring species in the gastro-intestinal tract of the pig. The results on amino acid profile showed that the protein extraction method used was not fully effective in cleaving chitin-bound proteins, as expected, as the true protein content of the chitin-rich sample was 48.5%. This was in accordance with the SDS-PAGE analysis, where the molecular weight distribution of proteins in the protein isolate sample did not show band at higher molecular weight, which were instead present in the chitin-rich sample. The analysis of fatty acid (FA) profile showed that lauric acid was the most abundant FA, in accordance with the literature. The results on microbiological analyses highlighted how all nitrogen-containing samples showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, the highest being the defatted fraction at 1% with a decrease of −0.77 log CFU/mL, while only the lipid fraction against S. suis (−0.48 log CFU/mL at 1%). All tested samples showed prebiotic activity for L. reuteri, but it was noticed that the increase in chitin concentration resulted in the decrease of the prebiotic effect. By combining the results of both antibacterial and prebiotic tests, it could be inferred that chitin might be considered as an antibacterial compound.

Physicochemical and sensory properties of cookies with cricket powder as an alternative snack to prevents iron deficiency anemia and chronic energy deficiency

Cricket contains high protein content, making them a valuable resource for enhancing nutritional properties of cookies for prevents Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in female adolescents. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and acceptability of cookies enriched with cricket powder. An experimental study with five treatments was conducted: F0 (0 %), F1 (5 %), F2 (10 %), F3 (15 %), and F4 (20 %). Texture was determined using a texture analyzer and color was assessed using a chromameter. Chemical attributes, including macronutrients, were determined using thermogravimetric, drying ash, Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, by difference, and gravimetric methods. Micronutrients (Fe, Ca, Zn) were measured using ICP-OES, amino acid profiles were analyzed using the HPLC, and in vitro protein digestibility was assessed using the enzymatic method. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney were used for statistical analysis. Adding cricket powder to cookies increased their nutritional content. While it reduced the lightness of the cookies' color, the texture quality remained comparable to commercial products. The F3 formulation was the most liked by panelists, and the best formulation was obtained in F4. In conclusion, adding cricket powder affects the physicochemical properties and consumer acceptance of the cookies, enhancing their nutrient content and protein digestibility.

Methylphenidate Exposing During Neurodevelopment Alters Amino Acid Profile, Astrocyte Marker and Glutamatergic Excitotoxicity in the Rat Striatum.

There is a public health concern about the use of methylphenidate (MPH) since the higher prescription for young individuals and non-clinical purposes is addressed to the limited understanding of its neurochemical and psychiatric consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of early and chronic MPH treatment on the striatum focusing on amino acid profile, glutamatergic excitotoxicity, redox status, neuroinflammation and glial cell responses. Male Wistar rats were treated with MPH (2.0mg/kg) or saline solution from the 15th to the 44th postnatal day. Biochemical and histological analyses were conducted after the last administration. MPH altered the amino acid profile in the striatum, increasing glutamate and ornithine levels, while decreasing the levels of serine, phenylalanine, and branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine). Glutamate uptake and Na+,K+-ATPase activity were decreased in the striatum of MPH-treated rats as well as increased ATP levels, as indicator of glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Moreover, MPH caused lipid peroxidation and nitrative stress, increased TNF alpha expression, and induced high levels of astrocytes, and led to a decrease in BDNF levels. In summary, our results suggest that chronic early-age treatment with MPH induces parallel activation of damage-associated pathways in the striatum and increases its vulnerability during the juvenile period. In addition, data presented here contribute to shedding light on the mechanisms underlying MPH-induced striatal damage and its potential implications for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Assessment of the quality of bread made from ancient wheat flour with the addition of amaranth, flax and hemp seeds

Consumers are increasingly seeking bakery products with better nutritional value and health benefits. The aim of the research was to assess the quality of bread made from ancient wheat flours (spelt, einkorn, emmer) with the addition of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds. The study evaluated bread made using only equal proportions of ancient wheat flours (Group I), and three variants of bread with the addition of amaranth, flax, and hemp seeds with the following proportions: Group II (10%, 5%, 5%, respectively), Group III (10%, 10%, 0%, respectively), Group IV (10%, 0%, 10%, respectively). The assessment of bread quality included: nutritional value (total protein, fat, fatty, amino acids, acid profile, ash, fiber, minerals), caloric value, physical characteristics (baking loss, color, shear force) and evaluation of organoleptic characteristics. It was demonstrated that bread enriched with amaranth, flax, and hemp seeds exhibited increased nutritional value (higher protein content with a favorable amino acid profile, higher fat content, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber), acceptable sensory attributes, but darker crust color and poorer crumb texture compared to bread without these additives. Among the examined groups, the highest protein and fat content with a favorable composition of fatty acids were observed in bread from Group IV. Group III bread had the highest hardness and fiber content and fiber content. On the other hand, bread from Group II received the best evaluation in terms of taste, aroma, as well as crust thickness.

Supplementation with mulberry leaves improves growth performance and meat quality of Xiangdong black goats.

Mulberry (Morus alba) leaf (ML) is a high-quality feed source for ruminants, while it is unclear whether it can enhance the growth performance and meat quality of Xiangdong black goats. In this study, we investigated the effects of ML supplementation (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) on the growth performance, serum variables, and the profiles of amino acids and fatty acids in the muscle of Xiangdong black goats. Results showed that the final body weight, initial and final dry matter intake, and average daily gain increased linearly and quadratically with the increasing ML content (P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased linearly, while immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased quadratically with the increasing ML content (P < 0.05). Conversely, the saturated fatty acids (SFA) content in meat decreased linearly with the increasing ML content (P < 0.05). Compared to goats without ML supplementation, goats fed with 15% ML showed significant increases in serum concentrations of T-AOC, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and IgG (P < 0.05). Furthermore, goats fed with 20% ML displayed significant decreases in SFA (C18:0) content, compared to goats without ML supplementation (P < 0.05). These results suggest that ML supplementation promotes the growth performance of goats. A diet containing 15% ML showed better effects in promoting antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, while a diet with 20% ML was more effective in enhancing meat flavor in Xiangdong black goats.

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.

Manipulation impacts of jack mackerel meal in low fish meal diets on growth, feed availability, and biochemical composition of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and economic analysis

AbstractManipulation effects of jack mackerel meal (JMM) in the low fish meal (FM) diets substituting 50% FM with meat meal (MM) on growth performance of olive flounder and economic analysis were determined. Seven experimental diets were created. The control (Con) diet contained 60% FM. In the other diets, 50% of the FM level used for the Con diet was substituted with MM, and then graded levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%) of JMM were included at the expense of FM, named the MJ0, MJ10, MJ20, MJ30, MJ40, and MJ50 diets, respectively. The experimental diets were distributed to triplicate groups of fish. A total of 525 fish was divided into 21 flow‐through tanks. Fish were hand‐fed to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed consumption of fish fed the Con diet were comparable with fish fed the MJ20, MJ30, MJ40, and MJ50 diets. Weight gain, SGR, and feed consumption of fish linearly improved with JMM inclusion levels in the low FM diets replacing 50% FM with MM. The strong correlation between isoleucine and lysine content among essential amino acids in the experimental diets versus weight gain, SGR, and feed consumption of olive flounder were observed. Dietary treatments did not influence feed utilization, chemical composition, and amino acid profiles of fish. Incorporated 20%–50% JMM as an effective feed attractant and enhancer in the low FM diets replacing 50% FM with MM achieved comparable weight gain, SGR, and feed consumption to fish fed a 60% FM‐based diet. Finally, the MJ50 diet led to the highest economic profit index (EPI) for farmers.

Comparison of appearance quality, cooking quality, and nutritional quality of geographical indication rice and their application in geographical indication discrimination

Authentication of geographical indication (GI) is important for the protection of GI rice due to its unique quality characteristics and high economic value in the market. This paper compared the appearance quality, cooking quality and nutritional quality of four types of GI rice products (Luoding rice, Zhefang Tribute rice, Xijiang rice and Wanbaozhen rice) in China. Luoding rice was found to have the highest nutritional value with respect to protein and amino acid profile. The vitamin content of Xijiang rice was significantly higher than that of other types of GI rice. Principal component analysis showed that Luoding rice had a quite different protein, aspect ratio and amino acid profile from other GI rice samples. Zhefang Tribute rice had quite different cooking quality, fatty acid and sugar profile from Xijiang rice and Wanbaozhen rice. Geographical origin was predicted by using a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network model with quality characteristics as the input variables. It was found that all the samples were accurately predicted in both training and test sets, indicating the potential of using quality characteristics to discriminate GI rice samples from different geographical origins.

From texture to structure: The key role of caspase-3 on grass carp myofibrillar protein during postmortem storage

The integrity of myofibrillar proteins during the initial post-mortem storage phase critically determines the shelf-life of fish, profoundly affecting consumer acceptance and market value. This research investigates the degradation of grass carp muscle texture and structure triggered by caspase-3-induced apoptosis, a key factor influencing early storage quality deterioration. By inhibiting endogenous caspase-3, the study tracks changes in apoptosis levels, muscle texture, microstructural integrity, protein organizational structure, and amino acid profiles. Apoptosis was found to peak between 48 and 72h post-mortem, during which caspase-3 activity led to significant muscle softening. This softening is attributed to disruptions in crucial structural components such as the Z-line and M-line, culminating in extensive degradation of myofibrillar proteins. Furthermore, protein structure modeling demonstrated that caspase-3 cleavage at ASP187 critically destabilizes the α-helix structure, underlining the enzyme's pivotal role in the early post-mortem softening of fish muscle. These insights provide a foundational understanding of the biochemical processes that underpin early quality loss in stored fish, offering potential targets for interventions aimed at enhancing fish storage outcomes and extending shelf life in the aquaculture industry.

Effect of temperature regulation on microbial community, volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit fermentation

Noni fruit has an unpleasant flavour but is highly bioactive. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the effect of temperature regulation on quality of fermented noni fruit. In the present study, the formation of flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni fruit fermentation at different temperatures were investigated. We initially found that different temperatures affected core microbial communities. The general evolutionary trends of Acetobacter and Gluconobacter were influenced by different temperatures. Furthermore, high temperature helped maintain low octanoic and hexanoic acids. Subsequently, we found that high temperature improved total amino acids and iridoid glycosides. The correlation network analysis revealed that bacterial communities impacted the quality (volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides) of fermented noni fruit. Overall, altering the temperature induced variations in microbial communities and quality during the noni fruit fermentation process. These results are instrumental in the pursuit of quality control in natural fermentation processes.

Alterations in one‑carbon metabolism and protein synthesis signals due to methionine supplementation and lipopolysaccharide challenge in Holstein fetal liver explants

One‑carbon metabolism (OCM) fueled by methionine (Met), choline, and folic acid is key for embryo development and fetal growth. We investigated effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation in fetal liver tissue with or without Met on components of OCM and protein synthesis activity. Fetal liver harvested at slaughter from six multiparous pregnant Holstein dairy cows (37 ± 6 kg milk/d, 100 ± 3 d gestation) were incubated (0.2 ± 0.02 g) for 4 h at 37 °C with each of the following: ideal profile of amino acids (control; Lysine:Met 2.9:1), control plus LPS (1 μg/mL), increased Met supply (Met, Lys:Met 2.5:1), and Met+LPS. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial (PROC MIXED, SAS 9.4). Ratios of mechanistic target of rapamycin (p-mTOR:mTOR) and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (p-eEF2:eEF2) protein were lowest (P < 0.0 5) with LPS and highest with Met. Tissue amino acid concentrations were lowest (P < 0.0 5) with Met regardless of LPS suggesting enhanced use via mTOR. The marked increase (P = 0.02) in phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein (p-RPS6) with LPS suggested a pro-inflammatory response that was partly alleviated with Met+LPS. No effect (P = 0.4 5) on methionine adenosyl transferase 1 A (MAT1A) protein abundance was detected. Activity of betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) was greatest with Met, but Met+LPS dampened this effect (P = 0.0 5). Overall, fetal liver responds to inflammatory challenges and Met supply. The latter can stimulate protein synthesis via mTOR and alter some OCM reactions while having a modest anti-inflammatory effect.

Rational design of environmentally responsive antibodies with pH-sensing synthetic amino acids

Antibodies are widely used as therapeutic agents to tackle various diseases. In the present study, to enhance their clinical values, we rationally designed pH-responsivity by exploiting the idiosyncratic protonation/deprotonation profiles of non-natural amino acids. 3-Nitro-l-tyrosine, 3-cyano-l-tyrosine, and 3, 5-halogenated-l-tyrosine, each with near neutral pKa, were thus incorporated into Fab fragments in place of tyrosines and other residues in the variable regions. Cell-based assays showed that these modifications achieved up to 140-fold tighter binding to antigens and several-fold tighter cytotoxicity to antigen-expressing cell at pH 6.0 than pH 7.4. The pH-dependent binding effect was retained in full-length antibodies. In silico structural analyses revealed electrostatic repulsion at neutral pH between antigens and antibodies or inside the antibody as the underlying mechanisms of the acid preference, and this finding increases the designability of pH-dependent antigen binding. The development of antibodies responsive to the microenvironments of diseased tissues will allow more disease-related antigens to be targeted in treatments, because of the reduced cross-reactivity toward healthy tissues.

Quantification of amino acids in small volumes of palm sweat samples

This study investigates the significance of quantifying amino acids in minute sweat volumes using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Sweat, a valuable biofluid for non-invasive health monitoring, provides real-time insights into physiological changes. Amino acids, which are critical for various physiological processes, are key to protein synthesis and cellular regulation. Therefore, analyzing sweat's amino acid profiles can offer insights into metabolic states, exercise-induced stress, and potential biomarkers for health conditions. For sensitive analysis, amino acids were derivatized with 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F), followed by liquid chromatographic separation on an octadecylsilyl column and fluorescence detection. The developed method was validated and applied to human sweat samples, enabling the quantification of 14 amino acids. The most abundant amino acids in the samples were serine, glycine, and alanine, which aligns with prior studies. This method offers a non-invasive and efficient way to screen for diseases by detecting amino acids in sweat, even with minimal sweat volumes. The approach could also be used to analyze other biomolecules in sweat, expanding its potential applications.

Unlocking the nutritional potential: amino acid profile of eight Indian food fishes and their role in meeting recommended dietary allowances

IntroductionProteins and amino acids, as vital biomolecules, are not only part of key metabolic pathways in the body but are also essential for tissue repair, enzyme function, and hormone regulation. They also serve as building blocks for the formation of signaling molecules, such as neurotransmitters and catecholamines. Additionally, amino acids are the primary building components of proteins. Fish serves as a vital source of high-quality animal protein and amino acids, playing a crucial role in supporting human nutrition.MethodsHigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detector was employed to investigated the amino acid content of eight food fishes from diverse aquatic habitats.ResultsThe study revealed that the small indigenous fish (SIF) Systomus sarana and the marine fish Sardinella melanura were rich sources of all essential amino acids. Furthermore, estuarine fish like Pisodonophis boro can be recommended for specific amino acids like arginine, histidine, leucine, and valine, while Setipinna phasa is suggested for cysteine.DiscussionThese recommendations rely on the possible contribution of these fishes to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) regarding each nutrient. The insights gained from this study could be utilized as recommendations to meet amino acid requirement using fish as a natural supplement.

Urinary D-asparagine level is decreased by the presence of glioblastoma

Gliomas, particularly glioblastomas (GBMs), pose significant challenges due to their aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Early detection through biomarkers is critical for improving outcomes. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers for gliomas, particularly GBMs, using chiral amino acid profiling. We used chiral amino acid analysis to measure amino acid L- and D-isomer levels in resected tissues (tumor and non-tumor), blood, and urine from 33 patients with primary gliomas and 24 healthy volunteers. The levels of D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), a D-amino acid-degrading enzyme, were evaluated to investigate the D-amino acid metabolism in brain tissue. The GBM mouse model was created by transplanting GBM cells into the brain to confirm whether gliomas affect blood and urine chiral amino acid profiles. We also assessed whether D-amino acids produced by GBM cells are involved in cell proliferation. D-asparagine (D-Asn) levels were higher and DAO expression was lower in glioma than in non-glioma tissues. Blood and urinary D-Asn levels were lower in patients with GBM than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001), increasing after GBM removal (p < 0.05). Urinary D-Asn levels differentiated between healthy volunteers and patients with GBM (area under the curve: 0.93, sensitivity: 0.88, specificity: 0.92). GBM mouse model validated the decrease of urinary D-Asn in GBM. GBM cells used D-Asn for cell proliferation. Gliomas induce alterations in chiral amino acid profiles, affecting blood and urine levels. Urinary D-Asn emerges as a promising diagnostic biomarker for gliomas, reflecting tumor presence and severity.