Bioactive Food Components Research Articles

A UHPLC/MS/MS method for the analysis of active and inactive forms of GLP-1 and GIP incretins in human plasma

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are incretin hormones that regulate the nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Their low plasma concentrations and rapid clearance pose certain methodological challenges for their detection and quantification. The currently available immunomediated techniques to monitor these hormones overestimate, to some extent, their actual concentration. Hence, the present study is aimed at developing a robust and reliable methodology for the identification and quantification of active and inactive forms of the incretins GLP-1 and GIP, in human plasma, by UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. A comparative study of different SPE cartridges was carried out, being identified OASIS HLB as the most efficient one, with recoveries up to 80%. The method provides adequate linearity, from 4.88 to 1250 nM, and low intervals of LOD and LOQ for each analyte (ranges from 0.01 to 3.42 nM and from 0.10 to 34.17 nM, respectively). The methodology described was validated upon a clinical trial with overweight subjects (n = 20) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04016337), showing the capacity of the newly developed methodology to detect the augment of the plasma concentration of both GLP-17-36 and GLP-19-36 between 30 and 60 min after the consumption of a sucrose sweetened fruit-based beverage, while the plasma concentration of GIP remained in levels lower than the LOQ. The proposed methodology provides further insights into the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds and food components in the frame of the glycemic control and would contribute to the assessment of the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs.

Zein–resin composite nanoparticles with coencapsulated carvacrol

This paper evaluated the potential of zein–resins nanoparticles to act as a carrier for water-insoluble oil carvacrol. The rosin and shellac were used as natural resins in different mass ratios to plant protein zein. Rosin is one of the natural gums. Shellac is a resinous secretion of the insect. The influence of nanoparticle composition on colloidal properties, encapsulation efficiency, and release of oil was studied. Zeta potential and size of thus prepared nanoparticles were studied. Carvacrol encapsulation efficiency and release were determined by the HPLC method developed for these compounds. Results showed that the resin type and share affect encapsulation efficiency and release of carvacrol. It was also shown that the addition of resins enhanced release from nanoparticles, compared to plain zein nanoparticles. Findings in the present work will help further understanding the interaction between alcohol–soluble biopolymers and provide new insight into the development of natural carriers for bioactive compounds. Novelty impact statement Natural polymers derived from food are considered desirable materials for constructing delivery systems to encapsulate, protect, and release bioactive components in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and food. Therefore, this paper is approached to fabricate the carvacrol-loaded zein/rosin (Z/R) and zein/shellac (Z/S) composite nanoparticles (NPs). Findings in the present work will help further understanding of the interaction between alcohol–soluble biopolymers (e.g., zein, rosin, and shellac) and provide new insight into the development of natural carriers for bioactive compounds.

Computational strategies for the discovery of biological functions of health foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals: a review.

Scientific and consumer interest in healthy foods (also known as functional foods), nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals has increased in the recent years, leading to an increased presence of these products in the market. However, the regulations across different countries that define the type of claims that may be made, and the degree of evidence required to support these claims, are rather inconsistent. Moreover, there is also controversy on the effectiveness and biological mode of action of many of these products, which should undergo an exhaustive approval process to guarantee the consumer rights. Computational approaches constitute invaluable tools to facilitate the discovery of bioactive molecules and provide biological plausibility on the mode of action of these products. Indeed, methodologies like QSAR, docking or molecular dynamics have been used in drug discovery protocols for decades and can now aid in the discovery of bioactive food components. Thanks to these approaches, it is possible to search for new functions in food constituents, which may be part of our daily diet, and help to prevent disorders like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia or obesity. In the present manuscript, computational studies applied to this field are reviewed to illustrate the potential of these approaches to guide the first screening steps and the mechanistic studies of nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and functional foods.Graphical

Composition, physicochemical properties, preparation methods and application research status on Functional oils and fats of nanoemulsion: A comprehensive review

Functional oils and fats of nanoemulsion as a food nutrient transport system is considered to be effective and safe. The article expounds Composition, physicochemical properties, preparation methods and application research status on Functional oils and fats of nanoemulsion, to give more nutritional and functional of the Functional oils and fats, recommendations focus on the interaction with real food matrix between may study, optimization, explore new mechanism and preparation methods of the Functional oils and fats of nanoemulsion, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the further study of bioactive compounds or food components, and to effectively meet the urgent needs of the food industry for the high quality raw materials of the Functional oils and fats of nanoemulsion system, a wide range of bioactive compounds or food components are particularly considered.

In vitro Digestibility Profiles of Different Types of Resistant Starch With Bioactive Guest Inhibitors

Abstract Objectives Retardation of starch digestion is an effective way of optimizing glycemic response. As the non-digestible portion of starch, resistant starch (RS) is associated with several beneficial effects such as regulating blood glucose level and improving gut health. Although all types of RS demonstrate such health benefits, different subtypes and structures may lead to variations in the digestibility profile. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the in vitro digestibility of type 2 RS (RS2), type 3 RS (RS3), and novel type 5 RS (RS5) produced by starch inclusion complexes with ascorbyl palmitate (AP) and palmitic acid (PA) as potential inhibitors or guest compounds. Methods Two RS2 samples (high amylose maize starch, HAMS; potato starch, PS) in both raw and cooked forms, and RS3 samples produced by retrogradation of the two starches were tested for in vitro enzymatic digestion. AP and PA were either added during the digestion of RS2 and RS3 samples as potential inhibitors or processed to form inclusion complexes with starch prior to digestion as guest compounds of RS5. Starch digestibility profiles, represented by rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), total digestible starch (TDS), and RS contents, were determined. Results Cooking significantly increased the digestibility of RS2, while retrogradation (formation of RS3) inhibited the digestion by increasing the SDS and RS contents. The addition of AP significantly inhibited the in vitro digestion of RS2 (both raw and cooked HAMS and PS) and RS3 (retrograded HAMS and PS). The digestibility profile of RS5 produced by forming starch inclusion complexes with AP and PA was comparable to that of RS3, which exhibited higher SDS and RS contents as compared to cooked RS2. Conclusions AP as a bioactive guest compound could inhibit the in vitro digestion of raw and cooked RS2 and RS3. RS5 produced by forming starch inclusion complexes with AP and PA presented comparable digestibility with RS3, and higher SDS and RS contents as compared to cooked RS2. Since raw RS2 is not normally consumed in daily life, RS3 and RS5 could serve as better choices for daily consumption. In addition, adding certain bioactive food components could compensate for RS loss, suggesting a practical way of modulating glycemic response. Funding Sources University of Alabama Emerging Scholar Program and Faculty Start-up Fund.

Potential of Nutraceutical in Preventing the Risk of Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome: From the Perspective of Nutritional Genomics

Cancer and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with genetic mutation and often seen as the results of altered metabolic signals. Several nutraceuticals have been found to be effective in treating these diseases in clinical practice through the modulation of biochemical and clinical endpoints associated with the pathogenesis of cancer and MetS. In line with the availability of multiple interventions that could counteract the metabolic changes, there is mounting evidence for nutraceuticals as potential complementary medicine for these diseases on the foundation of their multi-factorial nature. Although cancer and MetS are the major contributors to deaths globally, the therapeutic effects of nutraceuticals and the role of nutritional genetics and nutritional genomics in the treatment of these diseases have not yet been explored in-depth. In recent years, many studies revealed that certain compounds are able to halt the progression of cancer and MetS and subsequently improve individual health through the regulation of metabolic gene expression. In this review, we examine the relationship of nutraceutical, nutritional genetics, and nutritional genomics in the context of personalized medicine. The discrepancies in response to bioactive food components due to inter-individual variabilities in genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are also discussed.

Quinoa’s Potential to Enhance Dietary Management of Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes: A Review of the Current Evidence

The prevalence of diet-induced obesity and type-2 diabetes remains a growing concern in the United States. As best management practices still include improved diet and physical activity, bioactive food components, contained within functional foods, show promise in curbing the cardiometabolic complications associated with excess weight and diabetes. Quinoa is an emerging candidate crop for its versatility in wide-ranging growing conditions as one approach to address food security, but it also contains several components that may serve as a dietary tool for post-industrial countries struggling with the health complications of caloric excess. Preliminary rodent feeding studies demonstrate that components within quinoa, namely, phytosteroids, phenolics, polysaccharides, and peptides, can prevent adiposity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Mechanistic activity may involve reduced lipid absorption and adipogenesis, increased energy expenditure and glucose oxidation and corrected gut microbiota. Other intestinal actions may include blocked carbohydrate digestion with enhanced incretin signaling. Evidence in clinical trials is lacking and future research spanning cells to the clinic is needed to further elucidate the interesting preliminary reports reviewed here. Quinoa offers several unique attributes that could be harnessed to improve the dietary management of obesity and diabetes.

The Role Of Browning Enzymes In Cherries

Cherries contain significant amounts of important nutrients and bioactive food components including fibre, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium. They are also good source of tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin. Beside the fact that cherries are considered as an excellent source of numerous nutrients and they also present a low caloric content. These facts lead to their increasing popularity in the human diet. Numerous studies suggest that their regular consumption has a positive effect on health and the well-being of individuals. Another bioactive food components found in cherries are enzymes. The interest in research about enzymes in cherries is not so significant as for other compounds like polyphenols or vitamins. However, number of studies were carried out to characterise enzymes and their function in cherries especially with relation to extending their shelf life. The aim of this work is to give a brief overview of latest research on browning enzymes, softening enzymes and glutathione S-transferase.

Enrichment of Food With Tannin Extracts Promotes Healthy Changes in the Human Gut Microbiota.

Food and food bioactive components are major drivers of modulation of the human gut microbiota. Tannin extracts consist of a mix of bioactive compounds, which are already exploited in the food industry for their chemical and sensorial properties. The aim of our study was to explore the viability of associations between tannin wood extracts of different origin and food as gut microbiota modulators. 16S rRNA amplicon next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to test the effects on the gut microbiota of tannin extracts from quebracho, chestnut, and tara associated with commercial food products with different composition in macronutrients. The different tannin-enriched and non-enriched foods were submitted to in vitro digestion and fermentation by the gut microbiota of healthy subjects. The profile of the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the microbiota was also investigated. The presence of tannin extracts in food promoted an increase of the relative abundance of the genus Akkermansia, recognized as a marker of a healthy gut, and of various members of the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families, involved in SCFA production. The enrichment of foods with tannin extracts had a booster effect on the production of SCFAs, without altering the profile given by the foods alone. These preliminary results suggest a positive modulation of the gut microbiota with potential benefits for human health through the enrichment of foods with tannin extracts.

Utility of animal models of Alzheimer's disease in food bioactive research

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by globally impaired cognition. AD research in animals has shown a substantial deficit in translational relevance. The most extensively used transgenic mouse models overexpress human genes associated with rare familial early-onset AD, which results in the formation of amyloid plaques. However, the most common form of AD (late-onset sporadic AD) is a multifactorial disorder involving different cytotoxic factors, including neurofibrillary pathology. Transgenic mice studies have been valuable in elucidating pathogenetic mechanisms that may be relevant to human AD. However, their utility in the development of novel treatment strategies and as preclinical testbeds of new drugs has been unsatisfactory. Animal models have so far failed to demonstrate predictive value in regard to novel therapies of AD, including the use of bioactive food components. While many therapeutic approaches assessed in animals have shown promising results, attempts to translate these findings to people with AD have been disappointing. Food scientists should be aware that the available animal models appear to be unable to predict clinical success in humans. Therefore, food bioactive research should focus on human-centric preventive approaches to AD in clinically meaningful settings rather than on highly questionable preclinical research in animals.

Bringing to fore the role of peptides, polyphenols, and polysaccharides in health: The research profile of Jiaoyan Ren

AbstractIt is widely accepted that we are what we eat. However, the much talked about nutritional properties and benefits of food depend on the structural characteristics of its constituent molecules. Therefore, Dr. Ren believes in going beyond the traditional food nutrients to focusing on the bioactive food components. Over the past 15 years, she has focused on the structure‐activity relationship and interaction mechanism of bioactive food substances in promoting health. So far, she has mainly focused on peptides, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. In this regard, she has successfully extracted, purified and characterized several bioactive peptides, polyphenols and polysaccharides from plant, marine and animal food sources and explored their effect and roles in different conditions such as hyperuricemia and gout, aging, Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment, fatigue among others.

Microencapsulation of food bioactive components by spray drying: A review

Spray drying is one of the oldest, most common, and economical techniques typically employed for producing dry powders from flowable feeds which can be a solution, dispersion, or even paste. In the food industry, spray drying technology has also been employed as a means for microencapsulation of food active ingredients such as oils, fragrances, and flavors. Spray drying as a microencapsulation technique provides several beneficial functionalities such as easing handling of liquid labile active compounds, enhancing solubility, improving stability, providing protection against degradation, controlling or delaying release, and masking unpalatable tastes or smells. This article reviews the latest findings and research works on microencapsulation of food core materials by spray drying. It is aimed to give an overview of the vast variety of food active compounds studied in this particular area of interest. This article is organized by the type of food core material, i.e., oil, flavors, antioxidants and polyphenols, nutrients, pigments, vitamins, and enzymes, to facilitate comprehensive discussion on physicochemically similar compounds.

Dietary sphinganine is selectively assimilated by members of the mammalian gut microbiome

Functions of the gut microbiome have a growing number of implications for host metabolic health, with diet being one of the most significant influences on microbiome composition. Compelling links between diet and the gut microbiome suggest key roles for various macronutrients, including lipids, yet how individual classes of dietary lipids interact with the microbiome remains largely unknown. Sphingolipids are bioactive components of most foods and are also produced by prominent gut microbes. This makes sphingolipids intriguing candidates for shaping diet-microbiome interactions. Here, we used a click chemistry-based approach to track the incorporation of bioorthogonal dietary omega-alkynyl sphinganine [sphinganine alkyne (SAA)] into the murine gut microbial community (bioorthogonal labeling). We identified microbial and SAA-specific metabolic products through fluorescence-based sorting of SAA-containing microbes (Sort), 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify the sphingolipid-interacting microbes (Seq), and comparative metabolomics to identify products of SAA assimilation by the microbiome (Spec). Together, this approach, termed Bioorthogonal labeling-Sort-Seq-Spec (BOSSS), revealed that SAA assimilation is nearly exclusively performed by gut Bacteroides, indicating that sphingolipid-producing bacteria play a major role in processing dietary sphinganine. Comparative metabolomics of cecal microbiota from SAA-treated mice revealed conversion of SAA to a suite of dihydroceramides, consistent with metabolic activities of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, other sphingolipid-interacting microbes were identified with a focus on an uncharacterized ability of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium to metabolize dietary sphingolipids. We conclude that BOSSS provides a platform to study the flux of virtually any alkyne-labeled metabolite in diet-microbiome interactions.

Importance of functional nutrition components on new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other viral communicable diseases

There are no foods to prevent or treat the coronavirus alone; however, it has been proven that a healthy and balanced nutrition is crucial for health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. The present study provides insights about the properties of bioactive components of foods and herbs as a possible adjuvant support the human immune system against infections. Also, has focused on the interactions of the intestinal microbiota with human health in the treatment of Covid-19 and other viral infections. More research with strong recommendations is needed to better understand causality.

On improving bioaccessibility and targeted release of curcumin-whey protein complex microparticles in food

Curcumin is a bioactive food component, with poor bioaccessibility due to low water solubility and stability. Spray drying retained and in fact enhanced curcumin-whey protein isolate (WPI) complexation via desolvation, lowering the amount of unbound curcumin to <5% wt after drying, forming microparticles with better water solubility, stability, and bioaccessibility than raw curcumin. The desolvated microparticles encapsulated 3.47 ± 0.05 mg/g curcumin, almost one order of magnitude higher than the un-desolvated sample 0.37 ± 0.03 mg/g. After incorporation into yogurt, the rapid-release formula liberated 87% curcumin, whereas the targeted-release one discharged 44% before entering the simulated intestinal condition. Most of the yogurt sensory properties were not adversely affected, except for colour and curcumin flavour. This study proposed a strategy in which food ingredients containing hydrophobic bioactive small molecules can be incorporated into a food matrix to improve bioaccessibility and targeted release, without affecting their sensory properties.

The Impact of Whole Grain Intake on Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Focus on Colorectal, Gastric, and Esophageal Cancers.

Cereals are one of staple foods in human diet, mainly consumed as refined grains. Nonetheless, epidemiological data indicate that whole grain (WG) intake is inversely related to risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several cancer types, as well as to all-cause mortality. Particularly responsive to WG positive action is the gastrointestinal tract, daily exposed to bioactive food components. Herein, we shall provide an up-to-date overview on relationship between WG intake and prevention of gastrointestinal tumors, with a particular focus on colorectal, stomach, and esophagus cancers. Unlike refined counterparts, WG consumption is inversely associated with risk of these gastrointestinal cancers, most consistently with the risk of colorectal tumor. Some WG effects may be mediated by beneficial constituents (such as fiber and polyphenols) that are reduced/lost during milling process. Beside health-promoting action, WGs are still under-consumed in most countries; therefore, World Health Organization and other public/private stakeholders should cooperate to implement WG consumption in the whole population, in order to reach nutritionally effective intakes.

Nutritional and Behavioral Approaches to Body Composition and Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation Management for Older Adults in the Ordinary and COVID-19 Times.

As more insight is gained into personalized health care, the importance of personalized nutritional and behavioral approaches is even more relevant in the COVID-19 era, in addition to the need for further elucidation regarding several diseases/conditions. One of these concerning body composition (in this context; bone, lean and adipose tissue) is osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) syndrome. OSA occurs most often with aging, but also in cases of some chronic diseases and is exacerbated with the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI). OSA has been associated with poor nutrition, metabolic disorders and diminished functional abilities. This paper addresses various influences on OSA and LGCI, as well as their mutual action on each other, and provides nutritional and behavioral approaches which could be personalized to help with either preventing or managing OSA and LGCI in general, and specifically in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressed in more detail are nutritional recommendations for and roles of macro- and micronutrients and bioactive food components; the microbiome; and optimal physical activity regimens. Other issues, such as food insecurity and nutritional inadequacy, circadian misalignment and shift workers are addressed as well. Since there is still a lack of longer-term primary studies in COVID-19 patients (either acute or recovered) and interventions for OSA improvement, this discussion is based on the existing knowledge, scientific hypotheses and observations derived from similar conditions or studies just being published at the time of this writing.

Microbial transglutaminase-induced cross-linking of sodium caseinate as the coating stabilizer of zein nanoparticles

In this study, a microbial transglutaminase (MTGase)-catalyzed reaction was first optimized to prepare the cross-linked sodium caseinate (MSC). At the optimal condition of MTGase to sodium caseinate mass ratio of 250 U/g and 2 h of reaction time, different concentrations of sodium caseinate (5, 25 and 50 mg/mL) were used to synthesize MTGase-catalyzed cross-linked sodium caseinate (named as MSC-5, MSC-25 and MSC-50, respectively), which were further characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to those of sodium caseinate, MSC exhibited a higher molecular weight and surface hydrophobicity index, different secondary structure and microstructure characteristics. Then, MSC-50 was used as the coating stabilizer for zein nanoparticles and their composite nanoparticles (zein-MSC-50 NPs) exhibited a spherical shape with an average diameter of 240.70 nm, a narrow size distribution and negative surface charge of −23.83 mV at the optimized zein to MSC-50 mass ratio of 1:2. The stability studies indicated that zein-MSC-50 NPs had desirable re-dispersibility, thermal, salt and storage stabilities. These results suggested a possible utilization of MSC as the novel stabilizer of zein-based delivery carriers for encapsulating lipophilic bioactive components in functional foods and pharmaceutical products.

Bisphenols and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review of the Impact of Diet and Bioactive Food Components

Data from preclinical studies suggest a link between increased risk of breast cancer and exposure to bisphenols at doses below what the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers as safe for consumption. Bisphenols exert estrogenic effects and are found in canned and plastic wrapped foods, food packaging, and plasticware. Mechanistically, bisphenols bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and activate the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation and breast cancer. In this paper, we present a narrative literature review addressing bisphenol A and chemical analogs including bisphenol AF, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S selected as prototype xenoestrogens; then, we discuss biological mechanisms of action of these bisphenols in breast cells and potential impact of exposure at different stages of development (i.e., perinatal, peripubertal, and adult). Finally, we summarize studies detailing interactions, both preventative and promoting, of bisphenols with food components on breast cancer risk. We conclude the review with a discussion of current controversies in interpretation of the above research and future areas for investigation, including the impact of bisphenols and food components on breast tumor risk.

Volatiles as markers of bioactive components found in Croatian extra virgin olive oils

Six extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) available on Croatian market and twelve home-made Croatian extra virgin olive oils were characterized in this paper. Eleven home-made extra virgin olive oils were obtained from the cultivar Oblica and only one was from the domestic cultivar Buharica. All home-made samples were produced on the island Brač in Dalmatia and were collected directly from the producers. The main goal of the study was to recognize the aroma markers of bioactive food components present in Croatian extra virgin olive oils. After statistical analysis, which was performed with the Kendall test of independence, only eighteen volatile compounds were chosen to describe the statistical relationship of selected components and their volatile markers. For instance, 3-hexenyl acetate, 2,4-hexadienal, trans-2-hexenal, α-copaene were identified as volatile markers of fatty acids. Nonanol, 1-octanol, 2-octenal, heptanoic acid, and hexanoic acid were identified as volatile markers of some phenolic acids. (E)-β-ocimene, nonanal, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one were recognized as phytosterol volatile markers.