Carbohydrate Analysis Research Articles

Dopamine Regulates Its Own Synthesis via MdORG2 to Improve Low-Nitrogen Tolerance in Apple Plants.

Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and development. Exogenous dopamine has been shown to improve the N-deficiency tolerance of apple. However, the potential regulatory mechanisms by which dopamine mitigates low-N stress remain unclear. Our data indicated that the dopamine levels in apple (Malus domestica) were elevated by the overexpression (OE) of MdTYDC, which encodes tyrosine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. The photosynthetic capacity of the OE lines was enhanced, and the root system was more extensive under low-N stress compared with the wild-type (WT) plants. This enhancement contributed to a greater net nitrate influx at the root surface in the OE lines compared with the WT. Transcriptomic and carbohydrate analyses suggested that the OE of MdTYDC in apple enhanced N-deficiency tolerance by promoting the expression of carbohydrate-related genes, which increased the content of soluble sugars and sorbitol. Both exogenous dopamine and MdTYDC OE activated the expression of MdORG2 (a bHLH transcription factor), which, in turn, directly binds to the promoter of MdTYDC, activating its expression, increasing dopamine levels, and consequently conferring strong low-N tolerance in apple. Thus, this reveals the molecular pathways by which dopamine regulates low-N tolerance in apple through pathways involving MdTYDC and MdORG2.

Physicochemical and sensory quality of high antioxidant fruit leather of red dragon fruit and watermelon rind enriched with seaweed

Fruit, as a source of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, is perishable. It also has an underutilized component. Fruit leather has a long shelf life in the form of thin sheets with a distinctive texture. This study aimed to investigate the effect of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) addition on the physicochemical and sensory quality of fruit leather made from the combination of red dragon fruit and watermelon rind. The physicochemical quality was characterized by measuring the critical quality parameters of fruit leathers, including proximate analysis, water activity, total phenol, antioxidant activity, texture, and organoleptic analysis. The statistical analysis of phenolic compound activity, antioxidant activity, vitamin C, moisture content, carbohydrates, and water activity (aw) was conducted using a one-way ANOVA test, while the analysis of ash content, protein, fat, tensile strength, elongation, and organoleptic properties was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Increasing seaweed concentration significantly increased moisture, ash, protein, vitamin C, total phenol, water activity, and elongation but decreased fat content. Furthermore, the increase in seaweed concentration reduced liking toward taste and color significantly but increased texture liking. The best product was the F2 product with 10% seaweed. F2 has the following attributes: 11.07% of moisture content, 2.34% of ash, 1.53% of protein, 0.19% of fat, 84.86% of carbohydrate, 8.17 mg/100 g of vitamin C, 0.41 of water activity, 0.54 N/m2 of tensile strength, 22.22% of elongation, 107.39 ppm of IC50, 1.66 mg/GAE g of total phenolics.

Ion Chromatography and Related Techniques in Carbohydrate Analysis: A Review.

Ion chromatography and related techniques have been the most popular separation methods used in the determination of organic and inorganic anions and cations, predominantly in water and wastewater samples. Making progress in their development and introducing new stationary phases, methods of detection and preparation of samples for analyses have given rise to the broadening of their analytical range. Nowadays, they are also used for substances that are not ionic by nature but can convert to such forms under certain conditions. These encompass, among others, carbohydrates, whose role and significance in humans' lives and environment is invaluable. Their presence in the air is mostly due to the industrial burning of biomass for energy production purposes. In addition, the content of sugars in plants, fruits and vegetables, constituting the base of human diets, affects our health condition. Given that, there is not only a need for their determination by means of routine methods but also for searching for novel analytical solutions. Based on literature data from the past decade, this paper presents the possibilities and examples of applications regarding ion chromatography and related techniques for the determination of carbohydrates in environmental samples, biomass and plants constituting food or raw materials for food production. Attention has been paid to the virtues and limitations of the discussed separation methods in this respect. Moreover, perspectives on their development have been defined.

A multi-glycomic platform for the analysis of food carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates comprise the largest fraction of most diets and exert a profound impact on health. Components such as simple sugars and starch supply energy, while indigestible components, deemed dietary fiber, reach the colon to provide food for the tens of trillions of microbes that make up the gut microbiota. The interactions between dietary carbohydrates, our gastrointestinal tracts, the gut microbiome and host health are dictated by their structures. However, current methods for analysis of food glycans lack the sensitivity, specificity and throughput needed to quantify and elucidate these myriad structures. This protocol describes a multi-glycomic approach to food carbohydrate analysis in which the analyte might be any food item or biological material such as fecal and cecal samples. The carbohydrates are extracted by ethanol precipitation, and the resulting samples are subjected to rapid-throughput liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods. Quantitative analyses of monosaccharides, glycosidic linkages, polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble carbohydrates are performed in 96-well plates at the milligram scale to reduce the biomass of sample required and enhance throughput. Detailed stepwise processes for sample preparation, LC-MS/MS and data analysis are provided. We illustrate the application of the protocol to a diverse set of foods as well as different apple cultivars and various fermented foods. Furthermore, we show the utility of these methods in elucidating glycan-microbe interactions in germ-free and colonized mice. These methods provide a framework for elucidating relationships between dietary fiber, the gut microbiome and human physiology. These structures will further guide nutritional and clinical feeding studies that enhance our understanding of the role of diet in nutrition and health.

Role of cell wall polysaccharides in water distribution during seed imbibition of Hymenaea courbaril L.

Seed water imbibition is critical to seedling establishment in tropical forests. The seeds of the neotropical tree Hymenaea courbaril have no oil reserves and have been used as a model to study storage cell wall polysaccharide (xyloglucan - XyG) mobilization. We studied pathways of water imbibition in Hymenaea seeds. To understand seed features, we performed carbohydrate analysis and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the seed coat comprises a palisade of lignified cells, below which are several cell layers with cell walls rich in pectin. The cotyledons are composed mainly of storage XyG. From a single point of scarification on the seed surface, we followed water imbibition pathways in the entire seed using fluorescent dye and NMRi spectroscopy. We constructed composites of cellulose with Hymenaea pectin or XyG. In vitro experiments demonstrated cell wall polymer capacity to imbibe water, with XyG imbibition much slower than the pectin-rich layer of the seed coat. We found that water rapidly crosses the lignified layer and reaches the pectin-rich palisade layer so that water rapidly surrounds the whole seed. Water travels very slowly in cotyledons (most of the seed mass) because it is imbibed in the XyG-rich storage walls. However, there are channels among the cotyledon cells through which water travels rapidly, so the primary cell walls containing pectins will retain water around each storage cell. The different seed tissue dynamic interactions between water and wall polysaccharides (pectins and XyG) are essential to determining water distribution and preparing the seed for germination.

Halal aspect and nutritional potential of telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) flower kombucha

Abstract Public awareness of halal aspects is increasing, especially for foods. Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) states that fermented drinks are halal if they contain alcohol below 0.5%. Several compounds are produced during the fermentation process in kombucha, including the compound ethanol (alcohol). This research aims to analyze the alcohol content and nutritional content of telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) flower kombucha drinks to fulfil halal aspects and nutritional potential. This research is an experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor, namely storage time at five observation points (0 weeks, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks). The alcohol content was analyzed using a method using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection- Head Space (GC-FID). Nutrient content analysis consists of analysis of water, ash, energy, energy from fat and protein content, and carbohydrate analysis carried out by difference. Total sugar content was analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The alcohol content increases during the storage period. Alcohol content is in the range of 0.15-0.17%. This content meets halal aspects with a content of <0.5% following MUI regulations. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed that storage had no significant effect on alcohol content (p>0.05). Telang flower kombucha contains 117.46 calories of energy, 29.37 grams of carbohydrates, 0.02 grams of fat, 0.04 grams of protein, and 16 grams of sugar per 100 ml.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality and Shelf Life of Fermented Processed Sheep Salami Inoculated with Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei

The aim of this study was to produce two fermented processed foods made from sheep meat, one of them inoculated with the probiotic Lactobacillus casei and the other with Lactobacillus paracasei, evaluating their microbial growth, viability, and the efficiency of these microorganisms as bioconservants. To that effect, physicochemical, physical, and microbiological analyses were carried out, as well as a count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The results regarding the physicochemical and physical characteristics were in accordance with Brazilian legislation, except for the humidity and carbohydrate analysis and water activity, the values of which were not in accordance with the legislation. However, the microbiological results regarding the pathogenic microorganisms’ growth were within the standard established in the legislation until the end of the time of analysis. Regarding the presence of probiotics, both fermented processed foods had values higher than 107 CFU/g relative to LAB count until the limit of 84 days. From these results, it can be concluded that the probiotics are viable, showing bioconservative activity and proper consumption conditions, since they are in conformity with the legislation.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2021-2022.

The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates is a well-established technique and this review is the 12th update of the original article published in 1999 and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2022. As with previous review, this review also includes a few papers that describe methods appropriate to analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. The review follows the same format as previous reviews. It is divided into three sections: (1) general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation, quantification and the use of computer software for structural identification. (2) Applications to various structural types such as oligo- and polysaccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides and biopharmaceuticals, and (3) other general areas such as medicine, industrial processes, natural products and glycan synthesis where MALDI is extensively used. Much of the material relating to applications is presented in tabular form. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis, particularly in its ability to produce single ions from each analyte and advancements in the technique and range of applications show little sign of diminishing.

Characterization and in vitro digestion of alkali-extracted polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa and its impacts on human gut microbiota

Grifola frondosa is a highly valued, edible and biologically active fungus in which the polysaccharide component plays a major role. To investigate the fundamental structure, in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFP), GFP from the waste residue of Grifola frondosa after water extraction was re-extracted by alkaline solution. The carbohydrate and β-glucan contents of GFP were 91.61% and 60.57%, respectively, and were mainly composed of glucose. GFP can form triple supercoils and combine with Congo red, and the surface of GFP was smooth and dense, and the particles were in the shape of long column, sheet and ellipse. Analysis of carbohydrate, reducing sugars, and further chromatogram data also showed that GFP was not degraded by the simulated digestion process of the mouth, stomach and small intestine. Fecal fermentation of GFP significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidota, and decreased Proteobacterias in both normal weight and obese subjects in vitro. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, Faecalibacterium, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG_003, Lactococcus were increased, and Dorea and Escherichia-Shigella were reduced after GFP treatment. Thus, the molecular of GFP was utilized and degraded by the gut microbiota and metabolized into SCFAs. This decreased pH, H2S, and NH3, as well as increased CO2 in the fermentation broth. In conclusion, GFP can modulate the composition of the gut microbiota and is a potentially functional product.

Environmental Sustainability and Physicochemical Property Screening of Chitin and Chitin-Glucan from 22 Fungal Species.

Thanks to its biobased character with embedded biogenic carbon, chitin can aid in the transition to a sustainable circular economy by replacing fossil carbon from the geosphere. However, meeting current demands for material availability and environmental sustainability requires alternative methods limiting conventional chemical and energy-consuming chitin extraction from crustaceans. To assist future chitinous bioproduct development, this work analyzes the physicochemical properties and potential environmental sustainability of fungal chitin-glucan complexes. A conventional isolation procedure using sodium hydroxide, a weak acid, and short reaction times are applied to the fruiting body of 22 fungal species. Besides, the valorization of underutilized waste streams including Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus brunnescens stipes is investigated. The carbohydrate analysis renders chitin fractions in the range of 9.5-63.5 wt %, while yields vary from 4.2 to 29.9%, and the N-acetylation degree in found in between 53.0 and 98.7%. The sustainability of the process is analyzed using life cycle assessment (LCA), providing impact quantification for global warming potential, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, and water use. With 87.5-589.3 kg·CO2-equiv per kilo, potentially lower global warming potential values in comparison to crustacean chitin are achieved. The crystallinity degree ranged from 28 to 78%, while the apparent chitin crystalline size (L020) is between 2.3 and 5.4 nm. Ten of the species yield α-chitin coexisting with semicrystalline glucans. Zwitterionic properties are observed in aqueous solutions, shifting from cationic to anionic at pH 4.5. With its renewable carbon content, fungal chitin is an environmentally sustainable alternative for high-value applications due to its balance of minimal treatment, low carbon footprint, material renewability, ease of isolation, thermal stability, zwitterionic behavior, biodegradability, and noncytotoxicity.

Diversity of fungi species that decompose Ceriops tagal leaf litter on Pulau Sembilan, Langkat Regency

One of the processes in mangrove ecosystems that contributes greatly to water fertility is the decomposition or breakdown of mangrove litter. Fungi, as decomposers in the process of decomposing litter, have an important role in the ecosystem and also play a role in regulating nutrient availability and carbon cycling.This research was conducted to determine the number of species and diversity of fungi found in decomposed C. tagal leaf litter, to measure the rate of decomposition of C. tagal leaf litter and to determine the levels of carbohydrates and proteins during the decomposition process.The research was carried out at the Forest Cultivation Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara. The sampling location of C. tagal leaf litter was in the mangrove ecosystem on Pulau Sembilan, PangkalanSusu District, Langkat Regency.The determination of carbohydrate and protein content was carried out at the Medan Industrial Research and Standardization Center.The research was conducted from June 2022 to December 2022.The average rate of litter decomposition was obtained using the formula: ln (Xt/X0) = -kt, and analysis of carbohydrate and protein content using the SNI 01-2891-1992 method.The results of this research showed that there were 5 types of fungi found in the decomposition process of C. tagal leaf litter, which were Aspergillus sp. 1, Aspergillus sp. 2, Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp. and Culvularia sp. The average value of fungal diversity is 1.19, which is included in the medium category. The decomposition rate of C. tagal leaf litter was 7.55 per year. On day 90, the lowest carbohydrate content was 3.62% and the highest protein content was 5.4%.

Effects of Dietary Microalgae Inclusion on Feed Utilization, Morphological and Chemical Characteristics and Body Health in Fish: Advantages and Disadvantages

Background: Dietary microalgae inclusion in small or large amounts to fish species is considered one of the sources for improving nutritional values and productive performances throughout the world. Methods: The microalgae are classified through light and electron microscopes into four groups: blue-green, green, golden and diatoms algae. The microalgae can be cultured in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Hence, the grown microalgae biochemical analysis of pigments, proteins and carbohydrates were differed over controlled conditions. Moreover, molecular biology concerning genes and genomes enabled to study ecology, evolution and physiology of microalgae. The fascinating field of microalgae genetic engineering was applied to produce invaluable microalgae compounds as omega-3 fatty acids. The microalgae and their purified compounds were used as direct nutritional sources or as indirect contributors through improvement of water quality and reduction of stress. Result: The chemical composition of microalgae differed depending on nutrient availability for production and microalgae species. The microalgae invaluable compounds include “proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, vitamins and other bioactive constituents”. The dietary microalgae and their purified compounds have been shown to provide beneficial effects in growth performance and body health. The roles of microalgae and their constituents as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-tumour materials have been well-established versus challenging problems. In this context, this review is designed to compile and discuss the advantages and disadvantages effects of microalgae on feed utilization, reproductive and therapeutic performances in fish.

Abiotic Ribose Synthesis Under Aqueous Environments with Various Chemical Conditions.

Ribose is the defining sugar in ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is often proposed to have carried the genetic information and catalyzed the biological reactions of the first life on Earth. Thus, abiological processes that yield ribose under prebiotic conditions have been studied for decades. However, aqueous environments required for the formation of ribose from materials available in quantity under geologically reasonable models, where the ribose formed is not immediately destroyed, remain unclear. This is due in large part to the challenge of analysis of carbohydrates formed under a wide range of aqueous conditions. Thus, the formation of ribose on prebiotic Earth has sometimes been questioned. We investigated the quantitative effects of pH, temperature, cation, and the concentrations of formaldehyde and glycolaldehyde on the synthesis of diverse sugars, including ribose. The results suggest a range of conditions that produce ribose and that ribose could have formed in constrained aquifers on prebiotic Earth.

Global Chemical Characterization of Sargassum spp. Seaweeds from Different Locations on Caribbean Islands: A Screening of Organic Compounds and Heavy Metals Contents

Large-scale strandings of Sargassum spp. seaweeds occur annually on the beaches of the Caribbean islands and cause major environmental, health, and economic problems. In order to support an approach of valorisation of algae, an exhaustive characterisation of the composition of these seaweeds has been performed by analysing the contents in alginates, structural carbohydrates (fucans and glucans), minerals, proteins, lipids, mannitol, polyphenols, and heavy metals. Nine batches were collected at different harvesting sites over the years 2021 and 2022, to estimate the spatial and temporal variation in Sargassum composition. A batch of floats was harvested and analysed to estimate the differences in composition between floats and whole algae. Samples collected during the same year (floats or entire plant, freshly collected or stored) showed no significant differences in composition. However, slight differences were observed between batches collected in the two years. Some samples showed significant amounts of heavy metals, especially arsenic. A detailed structural carbohydrates analysis was carried out and discussed with literature data. As the nitrogen content of algae is an interesting parameter for food or agronomic uses, protein analysis enabled us to calculate a new nitrogen–protein conversion factor, specific to these algae species.

Development and Application of a High-Throughput Method for the Purification and Analysis of Surface Carbohydrates from Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a Gram-negative bacterium, and a leading cause of neonatal sepsis in low- and middle-income countries, often associated with anti-microbial resistance. Two types of polysaccharides are expressed on the Kp cell surface and have been proposed as key antigens for vaccine design: capsular polysaccharides (known as K-antigens, K-Ags) and O-antigens (O-Ags). Historically, Kp has been classified using capsule serotyping and although 186 distinct genotypes have been predicted so far based on sequence analysis, many structures are still unknown. In contrast, only 11 distinct OAg serotypes have been described. The characterization of emerging strains requires the development of a high-throughput purification method to obtain sufficient K- and O-Ag material to characterize the large collection of serotypes and gain insight on structural features and potential cross-reactivity that could allow vaccine simplification. Here, this was achieved by adapting our established method for the simple purification of O-Ags, using mild acetic acid hydrolysis performed directly on bacterial cells, followed by filtration and precipitation steps. The method was successfully applied to purify the surface carbohydrates from different Kp strains, thereby demonstrating the robustness and general applicability of the purification method developed. Further, antigen characterization showed that the purification method had no impact on the structural integrity of the polysaccharides and preserved labile substituents such as O-acetyl and pyruvyl groups. This method can be further optimized for scaling up and manufacturing to support the development of high-valency saccharide-based vaccines against Kp.

Microstructure and viscosity of in vitro-digested rye and wheat food products

Understanding rye and wheat digestion is vital for evaluating impacts on nutrient availability and glycaemic responses. This study investigated the disintegration of processed high-fibre rye foods and refined wheat products during simulated intestinal digestion, aiming to link product characteristics with nutrient liberation. The overarching aim was to elucidate how these rye products contribute to the observed benefits in human intervention studies, particularly regarding satiety, weight loss, and metabolism.Analysis included four wholegrain rye products and three refined wheat products, spanning yeast-fermented breads and un-leavened cereal products. Microstructure examination revealed larger, partially intact digesta particles in wholegrain rye products after 120 min of digestion, alongside more aggregated and less degraded starch granules compared to refined wheat bread. Fermented rye bread exhibited greater degradation of subaleurone cell wall fragments than un-fermented rye bread. Viscosity assessments indicated lower viscosity for wheat products than for rye products, with yeast-fermented soft rye bread and rye crispbread showing notably lower viscosity than unfermented rye products. Post-digestion carbohydrate analysis uncovered higher glucose and maltose release during digestion for wheat products. PCA analysis confirmed negative correlations between glucose and maltose release and rye products, characterized by larger post-digestion bolus particles and higher dietary fibre. The elevated cell wall content in rye products acted as a protective barrier for starch granules, mitigating swelling and amylose release, explaining the observed viscosity differences between wheat and rye products and potentially influencing starch digestibility. Consequently, rye products undergo slower and less complete digestion than wheat, aligning with findings from human intervention studies.

A comparison of nutritional contents and price differential between dairy and plant-based milk in Fijian supermarkets

Plant-based milk import has been increasing in the Fijis supermarkets. While this milk may cater for vegans(1) and people with allergies from dairy milk, the question always remains that if the plant-based milk are equally nutritious and available at reasonable price in comparison to the dairy milk. Dairy milk is commonly consumed by the Fijian population while the plant-based milk is positioning itself into the market as alternatives. Therefore, this paper is aimed at comparing the nutrient content and price of milk from dairy cows and plant milk sources available in the supermarkets in Fiji. This study examines different brands of dairy and plant-based milk in 6 major supermarket chains in the central part of Fiji. There was 22 dairy milk, 6 soya milk, 5 almond milk and 4 oat milk sampled from these supermarkets. The median value of milk nutrient composition and price for dairy milks and different plant-based milks were calculated as the data was not normally distributed. The Kruskal- Wallis test was conducted to further analyse the difference between the nutrient composition and price of dairy milks and plant-based milk. The energy composition in the dairy milk was significantly higher (p < 0.01) when compared with plant-based milks soya almond milk and oat. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in dairy milk protein, fat and saturated fat when compared to plant-based milks. The result indicated that the protein, fat, and saturated fat are both significantly higher in cow’s milk. Milk carbohydrate analysis indicate higher composition in dairy milk therefore a significant difference (p < 0.01) was noted when compared to almond milk(except soya and oat milk). There is a significant difference (p < 0.01) in sugar indicating cow’s milk having higher sugar when compared to plant-based milk (except soya milk The sodium composition in the dairy milk and all the plant- based milk showed no significance difference (p > 0.05) in the composition. There was also significant difference (p < 0.05) in comparison of calcium composition of dairy milk and plant-based milk indicating almond milk with lower calcium. The phosphorus composition in dairy milk and plant-based milk indicates that there is a strong significant difference (p < 0.01) (except soya and oat milk). The riboflavin composition was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in dairy milk compared to soya and oat milk. Lastly, there was significant difference (p < 0.01) between price of dairy milk when compared to plant-based milk. The study concludes that there is more nutrient in dairy milk and the price is significantly lower than plant-based milk at which these nutrients are available in dairy milk.

The Nutritional Content of Traditional Corn Bread and its Carotenoid Values

Commonly found in nature are the pigments in many food groups. It has a significant function in the human body, such as strengthening immune system and specifically due to its provitamin A and antioxidant effects. With carotenoids’ chemical functions, they help to prevent a number of health problems before they occur in the body and to improve diseases existing. The aim of the study is to determine the carotenoid and nutritional elements of corn bread that was produced with flour obtained from local corn in Turkey. Experimental research method was used in the research and these samples were subjected to chemical analysis. Within the scope of the study, lutein, beta carotene, lycopene, energy, moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fibre, and fat analyses were made for three samples: corn flour, bread dough mix and baked corn bread. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the prepared corn bread is rich in lutein, protein, dietary fibre and natural oil and it is valuable in terms of the energy that it provides, but after the heat treatment, some of the nutrients are decreased.

Abstract 6961: The cell adhesion molecule ninjurin 2 modulates tumorigenesis, inflammatory response and metabolism via modulating and pyroptosis

Abstract The nerve injury induced protein 2 (NINJ2) belongs to a family of homophilic adhesion molecules and was initially found to be involved in nerve regeneration. However, the role of NINJ2 in other cellular process are not well studied. Here, by generating a Ninj2-deficient mouse model, we showed that mice deficient in Ninj2 have a short lifespan and are prone to spontaneous tumors, systemic inflammation and metabolic defects. To better understand the metabolic traits that contributes to these phenotypes, we performed comprehensive carbohydrate and lipid metabolic analyses. Indeed, carbohydrate metabolic analyses indicated that NINJ2-deficiency led to defects in monosaccharide metabolism along with accumulation of multiple disaccharides and sugar alcohols. Similarly, lipidomic analyses indicated that Ninj2 deficiency altered patterns of several lipids including triglycerides, phospholipids and ceramides. To identify a cellular process that associate with these metabolic defects, we examined the role of Ninj2 in pyroptosis, a programmed cell death that links cancer, inflammation and metabolic disorders. Indeed, we found that loss of NINJ2 promotes pyroptosis by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Taken together, these data reveal a critical role of NINJ2 in tumorigenesis, inflammatory response, and metabolism via modulating pyroptosis. Citation Format: Jin Zhang, Weici Zhang, Xinbin Chen. The cell adhesion molecule ninjurin 2 modulates tumorigenesis, inflammatory response and metabolism via modulating and pyroptosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6961.

Production of resistant starch type 3 from cassava starch with high shear mixing and centrifugation treatment to increase its total dietary fibre content

SummaryCassava starch has a big potential to be a source material for producing low‐calorie starch by converting it to resistant starch. However, its original structure can prevent retrogradation of the amylose fraction to produce resistant starch so that reduce the total dietary fibre value. In this research, high shear mixing (HSM) is used to assist the gelatinisation process to provide disintegration of the cassava starch structure. Centrifugation was carried out to separate the top layers which have a high content of free amylose resulting in better retrogradation. The starch–water suspension was processed using HSM at a rotational speed of 9000–12 000 at 95 °C for 15 min. Then, the starch suspension was separated by centrifugation for 30 min. The product was then analysed using total dietary fibre (TDF), component carbohydrate analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD). From the analysis results, this method can increase the TDF content of the product up to 14.66% at 12 000 rpm.