Decrease In Acid Content Research Articles

Proteomics integrated with metabolomics: analysis of the internal causes of nutrient changes in alfalfa at different growth stages

BackgroundAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage resources in the world due to its high nutritive value. However, its nutritional quality decreases during the transition from budding to flowering. Previous research revealed a decreased crude protein content and increased fibre content in alfalfa forage harvested at later maturity stages, leading to a reduction in nutritional quality. However, the reasons for this phenomenon have not been explained at the molecular level.ResultsIn this study, leaves from the WL319HQ alfalfa cultivar were harvested at two developmental stages (budding and mid-flowering). The leaves were used to test the variable expression of proteins and metabolites during these stages. TMT-based quantitative proteomics and LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics methods were employed in this study. A total of 415 proteins and 49 metabolites showed at least a 1.2-fold difference in abundance during these stages. Most of the differentially expressed proteins and metabolites were involved in metabolic processes, including carbohydrate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of amino acids. Alfalfa leaves in mid-flowering contain less crude protein due to the decrease in L-glutamic acid content. Carbohydrate metabolism provides the raw material for the synthesis of hemicellulose, resulting in an increase in the hemicellulose content of the alfalfa leaves, leading to an increase in the NDF content. In addition, the increase in L-phenylalanine content could have provided the conditions necessary for lignin synthesis. These are the main factors leading to reductions in alfalfa relative feed value (RFV) and quality.ConclusionsThis study used joint proteomic and metabolomic analyses to elucidate the relationship between the reduction in the nutritional value of alfalfa and complex biological processes. This provides a theoretical basis for producing high-quality alfalfa hay and sets the stage for further research.

Effects of starvation for 4-20 days on the amino acid content of Biomphalaria glabrata as determined by cellulose HPTLC-densitometry with confirmation of identity using silica gel and RP-18 W plates with two mobile phases causing inversion of the separation mechanism

ABSTRACTThe effects of starvation at 4, 7, 10, 14, and 20 days on the amino acid content of Biomphalaria glabrata was determined by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)-densitometry. Cultures of control and starved snails were prepared for each duration of time. Samples were extracted using ethanol-water (70:30), and supernatant was collected after multiple centrifugations. Samples and standards were applied as bands using a CAMAG Linomat 4 onto cellulose HPTLC plates and developed in a 2-butanol-pyridine-acetic acid-water (39:34:10:26) mobile phase before spraying with ninhydrin detection reagent and scanning with a CAMAG 3 scanner to quantify ornithine (Orn), glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), and leucine (Leu). Amino acid identification was confirmed by HPTLC on silica gel plates and RP-18 W plates using two different mobile phases causing inversion of the separation mechanism. Starvation led to an overall decrease in amino acid content in comparison to the control snails, however, the amount of amino acids in the starved snails had no correlation with the duration of starvation.

Influence of the addition and storage time of crude extract of tea leaves (camellia sinensis l.) toward value of free fatty acid in crude palm oil

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the crude extract of tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L.) and storage time on the content of free fatty acid in palm oil. The dried tea leaves were macerated and concentrated by rotary evaporator. The extract obtained was added to crude palm oil with various added mass of the extract and various storage times. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, phenolics and flavonoids. The ANOVA test showed a decrease in free fatty acid content in crude palm oil with the addition of tea leaves extract. The LSD (Least Significant Difference) test showed the best influence on ALB of palm oil is on the total extract mass of 2 grams and the storage time of 20 days.

Effect of drying on tartaric acid and malic acid in Shiraz and Merlot berries

Background and Aims Grape berries are dried to concentrate sugar and aroma compounds to produce specific wine styles. This work aimed to characterise biochemical changes during drying of two different cultivars, considering in particular tartaric acid and malic acid evolution. Methods and Results Shiraz and Merlot grapes were dried at nine, 15, 21 and 27°C and berries were sampled every 2 to 3 days and sorted by density using NaCl solutions to account for berry heterogeneity. Mass loss of up to 45%, increase in sugar concentration of 71% and decrease in malic acid concentration of 64% were observed. The TA declined by up to 49%. Conclusion The decline in tartaric acid could be explained by enhanced potassium hydrogen tartrate precipitation inside the berry or during sampling. Significance of the Study The tartaric acid precipitation causes important analytical biases in physiological experiments. This study illustrates that common analytical methods are often inappropriate and are the reason for inconsistent tartaric acid values in many studies.

Influence of Combination of Weight Training with Sport Massage on 200 Meter Runners

Background and Objective: Explosive power movement in a 200 m race will potentially yield free radicals. The energy source of a 200 m runner, based on his movement, comes from anaerobic predominant metabolism, which also potentially yield high lactic acid. The increase in lactic acid causes the decrease in pH which tends to suffer from acidosis so that the establishment of ATP is hampered and cause pain in muscles. This condition can influence the performance of the 200 m runners. The objective of the research was to find out the influence of combination of weight training with sport massage, on the change in glutathione peroxides (GPX) and lactic acid elimination in the 200 m runners. Materials and Methods: The research used experimental method with pre and post test design. The research subjects were 20 students of Faculty of Sports Science, Medan State University, who had not been trained as 200 m runners and had fulfilled the inclusive and exclusive criteria, taken by using random sampling technique. Students were divided into two groups: WT+SM (Combination of weight training with sport massage) group and WT-SM (weight training without sport massage). The treatment was performed in 8 weeks with the frequency of exercise 3 times a week. Results: The research showed that there was significant influence of the treatment (p 0.05) of the increase in glutathione peroxides in 200 m runners in the post treatment done by WT+SM group and by WT-SM group. There was significant difference (p<0.5) in the mean value of decrease in lactic acid content in the 200 m runners in the post treatment done by WT+SM group and by WT-SM group. Conclusion: Combination weight training with sport massage was better in increasing glutathione peroxides content and decreasing lactic acid content in the 200 m runners than that of only weight training.

Protein diagenesis in archaeological gastropod shells and the suitability of this material for amino acid racemisation dating: Phorcus lineatus (da Costa, 1778)

The inter-and intra-crystalline fractions of the topshell Phorcus lineatus recovered from modern specimens and shells from archaeological sites in Northern Spain covering Neolithic, Mesolithic, and Upper Magdalenian periods were examined for amino acid composition and racemisation over time. The main loss of proteins from the inter-crystalline fraction occurred within the first 6000 years after the death of the organism. In contrast, the intra-crystalline fraction isolated by bleaching—with a different protein composition to that of the inter-crystalline fraction—appeared to behave like a closed system for at least 12.6 ka, as reflected by the lack of a significant decrease in amino acid content. However, changes in the relative composition of the amino acids present in these shells occurred during this period. The concentration of aspartic acid remained almost constant with age within the intra-crystalline fraction and its contribution to the total amino acid content also remained the same. Good correspondence was obtained between Asx D/L values in unbleached and bleached samples and age, thereby allowing the dating of archaeological sites and the determination of chronometric age.

Lipase‐catalysed acidolysis of mango kernel fat with capric acid to obtain medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols

SummaryMango kernel fat (MKF) was blended with capric acid (1:5 mole ratio) and subjected to acidolysis using 1,3 specific lipase Lipozyme IM (Mucor miehei) for different time intervals (30 min to 24 h). The capric acid content increased gradually up to 43.5 mol% with corresponding decrease in stearic acid content (45.7–17.4 mol%). DSC crystallisation thermograms showed a new exothermic peak at lower temperature, and HPLC profile showed new peaks both indicating the formation of new lower melting triglycerides. A decrease in higher melting triglycerides and gradual increase in new triglycerides was observed. Two prominent newly formed triglycerides were characterised by ESI/MS studies and identified as 2‐oleo‐dicaprin (10, 18′, 10) and stearo‐oleo‐caprin (18, 18′, 10). Solid fat content decreased at all temperatures and samples interesterified for 5 h remained liquid at ambient conditions. The modified MKF can increase the food application from MKF in addition to contributing to health benefits of medium‐ and long‐chain triglycerides.

Effect of pH on malolactic fermentation in southern Italian wines

This study investigated the influence of pH on malolactic fermentation (MLF) in white wines (adjusted to pH 3.2, 3.4 and 3.8, respectively) from Falanghina grapes and red wines (adjusted to pH 3.4 and 3.8, respectively) from Tintilia grapes. The wines were inoculated with Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum strains, and a mix of them (50:50), in red Tintilia only. The time required to complete MLF in wines from white Falanghina grapes at pH 3.4 and 3.8 was lower with O. oeni, while MLF did not occur at pH 3.2. In red Tintilia, MLF was always completed within 35 days; at high pH (3.8) a significant increase in histamine was detected, while the decrease in citric acid concentration caused an increase in volatile acidity. Sensorial analysis showed an enhancement of red berry and spicy notes in red Tintilia at pH 3.8. PCA on white Falanghina showed that wines at pH 3.2 were located on the negative side of PC1 with higher scores for dry vegetable, sulphide, violet and toasted attributes. Wines at pH 3.4 and 3.8 were located on the positive side of the PC1 with butter and apple attributes. L. plantarum enhanced floral notes in white Falanghina wines and showed a good organoleptic impact on red Tintilia wines, which sensorial intensity was improved by a commercial mix (50:50) of O. oeni and L. plantarum.

Uric acid contributes greatly to hepatic antioxidant capacity besides protein.

Uric acid is the end-product of purine nucleotide metabolism and an increase in uric acid concentration in the body results in hyperuricemia, ultimately leading to gout. However, uric acid is a potent antioxidant and interacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS) to be non-enzymatically converted to allantoin. Uric acid accounts for approximately 60 % of antioxidant capacity in the plasma; however, its contribution to tissue antioxidant capacity is unknown. In this study, the contribution of uric acid to tissue antioxidant capacity and its conversion to allantoin by scavenging ROS in tissue were examined. The results showed that a decrease in hepatic uric acid content via allopurinol administration significantly reduced hepatic total-radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) content in protein-free cytosol. Additionally, treating protein-free cytosol with uricase led to a further reduction of hepatic TRAP content. Allantoin was also detected in the solution containing protein-free cytosol that reacted with ROS. These findings suggest that in the absence of protein, uric acid contributes greatly to antioxidant capacity in the liver, where uric acid is converted to allantoin by scavenging ROS.

Effect of medium pH on chemical selectivity of oxalic acid biosynthesis by Aspergillus niger W78C in submerged batch cultures with sucrose as a carbon source

The pH of the medium is the key environmental parameter of chemical selectivity of oxalic acid biosynthesis by Aspergillus niger. The activity of the enzyme oxaloacetate hydrolase, which is responsible for decomposition of oxaloacetate to oxalate and acetate inside the cell of the fungus, is highest at pH 6. In the present study, the influence of pH in the range of 3–7 on oxalic acid secretion by A. niger W78C from sucrose was investigated. The highest oxalic acid concentration, 64.3 g dm−3, was reached in the medium with pH 6. The chemical selectivity of the process was 58.6% because of the presence of citric and gluconic acids in the cultivation broth in the amount of 15.3 and 30.2 g dm−3, respectively. Both an increase and a decrease of medium pH caused a decrease of oxalic acid concentration. The obtained results confirm that pH 6 of the carbohydrate medium is appropriate for oxalic acid synthesis by A. niger, but the chemical selectivity of the process described in this paper was high in comparison to values reported previously in the literature.

Effects of a hypoenergetic diet rich in α-linolenic acid on fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids in overweight and obese patients with metabolic syndrome.

Plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) may exert cardioprotective effects. Dietary ALA can undergo desaturation and elongation to form long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the extent to which this occurs in humans is unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of an energy-restricted diet enriched with ALA on fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids in patients with metabolic syndrome. The present analysis compared the effects of a hypoenergetic diet high in ALA (3.4 g/d) with a control diet low in ALA (0.9 g/d) on fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids in 81 overweight or obese patients with features of metabolic syndrome. After a 26-wk intervention, concentration of ALA in serum phospholipids remained constant in both diet groups. The control group had a significant decrease in serum phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid concentration, although no significant intergroup difference was observed. Serum phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid concentration significantly decreased to a similar extent with both interventions. Additionally, both interventions significantly decreased serum phospholipid concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, total saturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, total ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with no effect of diet group on these changes. Compared with the ALA diet, the control diet led to a significant increase in serum phospholipid oleic acid concentration. Daily intake of 3.4 g of ALA during a 26-wk energy-restricted diet did not lead to an enrichment of serum phospholipids with ALA and did not increase eicosapentaenoic acid due to conversion. Additionally, dietary ALA was unable to compensate for a decrease in serum phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid.

Effect of drying temperature on the sugars, organic acids, limonoids, phenolics, and antioxidant capacities of lemon slices.

Changes in contents of sugars, organic acids, limonoids, phenolics contents, and antioxidant capacities of lemon slices dried at different temperatures were evaluated. Air drying (AD) promoted losses of sugars, citric acid, ascorbic acid, extractable phenolics (EPs), and non-extractable phenolics (NEPs), while it introduced an increase in limonoids. Phenolics of lemon were mainly presented in their extractable form. Hesperidin and eriocitrin were the main EPs; protocatechuic acid and poncirin were the predominant NEPs. The decrease in extractable phenolic acid, EP, and NEP content in lemon is lower at low drying temperatures, while the increase in non-extractable phenolic acid content is higher at high drying temperatures. The antioxidant capacity of EP was higher than that of NEP. Phenolics contributed to antioxidant capacities of lemon slices, and flavonoids were the main contributors among phenolics. Considering limonoids contents and the high levels of EP, NEP, and antioxidant capacities, AD at 60°C could be an appreciate treatment for dehydrating lemon slices.

Pre-treatment of soybean plants with calcium stimulates ROS responses and mitigates infection by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Considering the high incidence of white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in a variety of field crops and vegetables, different control strategies are needed to keep the disease under economical threshold. This study assessed the effect of foliar application of a calcium formulation on disease symptoms, oxalic acid production, and on the oxidative stress metabolism in soybean plants inoculated with each of two isolates of the pathogen that have contrasting aggressiveness (HA, highly-aggressive versus WA, weakly-aggressive). Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in soybean plants inoculated with S. sclerotiorum isolates were assessed at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h post inoculation (hpi). Generation of ROS including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), anion superoxide (O2−) and hydroxyl radical (OH) was evaluated. Inoculation with the WA isolate resulted in more ROS accumulation compared to the HA isolate. Pre-treatment with the calcium formulation restored ROS production in plants inoculated with the HA isolate. We also noted a marked decrease in oxalic acid content in the leaves inoculated with the HA isolate in presence of calcium, which coincided with an increase in plant ROS production. The expression patterns of genes involved in ROS detoxification in response to the calcium treatments and/or inoculation with S. Sclerotiorum isolates were monitored by RT-qPCR. All of the tested genes showed a higher expression in response to inoculation with the WA isolate. The expression of most genes tested peaked at 6 hpi, which preceded ROS accumulation in the soybean leaves. Overall, these data suggest that foliar application of calcium contributes to a decrease in oxalic acid production and disease, arguably via modulation of the ROS metabolism.

Transient Changes in Hepatic Physiology That Alter Bilirubin and Bile Acid Transport May Explain Elevations in Liver Chemistries Observed in Clinical Trials of GGF2 (Cimaglermin Alfa).

GGF2 is a recombinant human neuregulin-1β in development for chronic heart failure. Phase 1 clinical trials of GGF2 were put on hold when transient elevations in serum aminotransferases and total bilirubin were observed in 2 of 43 subjects who received single doses of GGF2 at 1.5 or 0.378 mg/kg. However, aminotransferase elevations were modest and not typical of liver injury sufficient to result in elevated serum bilirubin. Cynomolgus monkeys administered a single 15 mg/kg dose of GGF2 had similar transient elevations in serum aminotransferases and bilirubin as well as transient elevations in serum bile acids. However, no hepatocellular necrosis was observed in liver biopsies obtained during peak elevations. When sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes were treated with GGF2 for up to 72 h at concentrations approximately 0.8-fold average plasma Cmax for the 0.378 mg/kg dose, no cytotoxicity was observed. Gene expression profiling identified approximately 50% reductions in mRNAs coding for bilirubin transporters and bile acid conjugating enzymes, as well as changes in expression of additional genes mimicking the interleukin-6-mediated acute phase response. Similar gene expression changes were observed in GGF2-treated HepG2 cells and primary monkey hepatocytes. Additional studies conducted in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes revealed a transient and GGF2 concentration-dependent decrease in hepatocyte bile acid content and biliary clearance of taurocholate without affecting biliary taurocholate efflux. Taken together, these data suggest that GGF2 does not cause significant hepatocellular death, but transiently modifies hepatic handling of bilirubin and bile acids, effects that may account for the elevations in serum bilirubin observed in the clinical trial subjects.

Optimal drying and storage conditions for purple rice based on expected high quality

The purpose of this research was to study the drying of purple rice (PR) at temperatures of 100 °C, 130 °C, and 150 °C using a fluidization technique in conjunction with storage in packaging consisting of a polypropylene woven bag (PPWB), laminated bag (LB) or laminated bag with an oxygen absorber (LBOA) to protect against a change in the quality of PR during storage for a period of 90 days. Drying at a temperature of 130 °C, other than showing a high drying rate, did not affect the quality in the aspects of the color, the anthocyanin content, the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the PR. The application of such a temperature also made the free fatty acid (FFA) content decrease during the storage period. To maintain the PR at the highest expected quality after drying, it should be stored under LBOA conditions. Practical applications Drying conditions using a fluidization technique and the storage conditions used in the research were selected from the actual functional conditions used at present even though drying at high temperature might adversely result in the degradation of anthocyanins. Contrarily, the conditions selected positively resulted in inactivated lipase enzyme and prevented the hydrolysis lipids in the rice bran from becoming FFAs, which would subsequently give rise to rancidity. In addition, in this research, data comparisons were clearly made on the change in PR quality at various levels of storage conditions. After the tests, the conditions of drying and suitable storage that would attain the expected quality after harvest until the purple rice (PR) reached consumers would be maintained at the maximum quality. The data acquired will be useful and could be applied in the PR production process, which has been increasingly and continuously expanding.

A combination of stomata deregulation and a distinctive modulation of amino acid metabolism are associated with enhanced tolerance of wheat varieties to transient drought

Mediterranean winter crops are commonly and increasingly exposed to irregular rainfall and high temperatures, which lead to transient drought events of different degrees, adversely affecting growth and yield. Hence, exploring the diverse degrees of tolerance to drought existing in the crop and the molecular strategies behind it is pivotal for the development of ad hoc breeding programs. We investigated the physiological and metabolic response of six commercial wheat cultivars to transient water stress at the tillering and grain-filling stages. Drought experiments in lysimeters were set up at two developmental stages including six wheat cultivars. Newly expanded youngest leaves and flag leaves were sampled during the drought and following recovery. Metabolite profiles were generated using a GC–MS based protocol. Data on transpiration were continually acquired by measuring the weight variation of pots using electronic temperature compensated load cells. The tillering stage in wheat is more sensitive to droughts than the grain filling stage. The former stage was characterized by pronounced metabolic alterations also during recovery from the drought, and plants exhibited reduced transpiration. Notably, cultivars varied considerably in their susceptibility to drought. Exceptionally only in cv Zahir was transpiration not reduced at tillering. During recovery, the transpiration rate of Yuval and Zahir was not significantly affected, while except Ruta the other varieties maintained lower values. At grain-filling, a moderate decrease in transpiration in response to drought was evident in Bar-Nir, Yuval and Zahir varieties as compared with the stronger response of Gedera, Galil and Ruta. The transpiration trend during recovery remained lower than the control plants, particularly in Gedera and Zahir, while it reached higher values than control plants in Yuval and Ruta varieties. Metabolite profiling of leaves across cultivars showed varietal specific trends of response. Particularly during tillering, amino acid metabolism was differentially regulated across cultivars. For instance, Ruta and Zahir exhibited major changes in central carbon nitrogen metabolism during stress response, accumulating large amounts of proline and threonine during tillering, while in Bar-Nir a general decrease in relative amino acid content was noted. Changes in stress related GABA were common to Galil, Ruta, Yuval and Zahir. Desiccation related raffinose family oligosaccharides were mostly associated with a later stage of grain-filling and recovery stages of response. The results indicate the occurrence of stage-dependent metabolic diversification along with a physiological response during transient droughts among wheat cultivars. It can be concluded that the most tolerant cultivar was Zahir, where a combination of stomatal closure deregulation and a significant accumulation rate of stress-related metabolites were evident.

ADDITION OF MULBERRY LEAF (MORUS ALBA L.) TO A DIET FORMULA IMPEDED ITS HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT AND EXACERBATED DYSLIPIDEMIA IN HIGH-FRUCTOSE- AND HIGH-FAT-INDUCED CD-1 MICE

Backgrounds: Morus alba L. (mulberry leaf) is frequently used for therapeutic purposes in China. This study investigated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of a reported antidiabetic herbal formula (PLCP) supplemented with mulberry leaves (MPLCP) in high-fructose- and high-fat- (HFF) fed mice. Methods: Six-week-old CD-1 male mice were fed on normal standard diet for 10 weeks. Fat emulsion with or without aqueous/ethanol extracts of PLCP/MPLCP was administrated by gavage daily for HFF groups. The normal group only received vehicle. 15% Fructose drinking water was supplied for HFF groups. Results: MPLCP was less effective than PLCP in hypoglycemic effect. The addition of mulberry leaves impeded not only the decrease in insulin resistance and serum free fatty acid content but also the increase in spleen index. The ethanol extract of MPLCP caused remarkable increase in low-density lipoprotein levels (p &lt; 0.01) and significant increase in total cholesterol level (p &lt; 0.05) compared with model group. Thus the effect of MPLCP was detrimental to abnormal serum lipid levels. Conclusion: The addition of mulberry leaves to PLCP weakened the hypoglycemic effects of the original formula and exacerbated dyslipidemia.

Eicosapentaenoic acid protects cardiomyoblasts from lipotoxicity in an autophagy-dependent manner.

The cardiovascular health benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been demonstrated previously; however, the exact mechanism underlying them remains unclear. Our previous study found that lipotoxicity induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the inhibition of autophagy. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated whether EPA attenuated lipotoxicity-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through autophagy regulation. The role of EPA in mitochondrial dynamics was analyzed as well. To explore how EPA protected against lipotoxicity-induced myocardial injury, cardiomyoblast (H9C2) cells were left untreated or were treated with 400μM palmitic acid (PAM) and/or 80μM EPA for 24h. Excessive PAM treatment induced apoptosis. EPA reduced this PAM-induced apoptosis; however, EPA was unable to ameliorate the effects of PAM when autophagy was blocked by 3-methyladenine and bafilomycin A1. PAM blocked the autophagic flux, thus causing the accumulation of autophagosomes and acid vacuoles, whereas EPA restored the autophagic flux. PAM caused a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and an increase in saturated fatty acid content in the mitochondrial membrane, while EPA was incorporated in the mitochondrial membrane and caused a significant increase in the PUFA content. PAM also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas EPA enhanced it. Finally, PAM elevated the expressions of autophagy-related proteins (LC3I, LC3II, p62) and mitochondrial fission protein (Drp1), whereas EPA inhibited their elevation under PAM treatment. EPA reduces lipotoxicity-induced cardiomyoblast apoptosis through its effects on autophagy.

Metabolic risks of neonates at birth following in utero exposure to HIV-ART: the amino acid profile of cord blood

Untargeted metabolomics of cord blood indicated that antiretroviral therapy to HIV-infected mothers (HIV-ART) did not compromise the exposed neonates with regard to the stress of neonatal hypoglycaemia at birth. However, identified biomarkers reflected stress in their energy metabolism, raising concern over developmental risks in some newborns exposed to ART. This study addresses the concern over HIV-ART-induced metabolic perturbations by expanding the metabolomics study to the amino acid profiles in cord blood collected at birth from newborns either exposed or unexposed to HIV-ART in utero. Amino acid profiles derived from liquid chromatographic triple quadruple spectra of cord blood from neonates exposed and unexposed to HIV-ART (cohort 1) were investigated using a metabolomics approach. Amino acid data, generated by ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry from similar cases (cohort 2), were included for comparison. Multivariate and supporting statistics indicated differentiation between the exposed and unexposed neonates in both cohorts, caused by a general decrease or downregulation of amino acid concentrations in the cord blood samples from the exposed cases. Specifically, significant upregulation of aspartic acid in both cohorts and downregulation of arginine, and of threonine, tryptophan and lysine in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, were observed. The benefits of ART for HIV-infected pregnant women are well established. However, the amino acid profile of cord blood, obtained from the two independent cohorts, adds to observed metabolic risks of in utero HIV-ART-exposed newborns. These risks could potentially have adverse consequences for the future health of some exposed infants.

Lactic acid bacteria involved in cocoa beans fermentation from Ivory Coast: Species diversity and citrate lyase production

Microbial fermentation is an indispensable process for high quality chocolate from cocoa bean raw material. lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are among the major microorganisms responsible for cocoa fermentation but their exact role remains to be elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the diversity of LAB in six cocoa producing regions of Ivory Coast. Ribosomal 16S gene sequence analysis showed that Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides are the dominant LAB species in these six regions. In addition, other species were identified as the minor microbial population, namely Lactobacillus curieae, Enterococcus faecium, Fructobacillus pseudoficulneus, Lactobacillus casei, Weissella paramesenteroides and Weissella cibaria. However, in each region, the LAB microbial population was composed of a restricted number of species (maximum 5 species), which varied between the different regions. LAB implication in the breakdown of citric acid was investigated as a fundamental property for a successful cocoa fermentation process. High citrate lyase producer strains were characterized by rapid citric acid consumption, as revealed by a 4-fold decrease in citric acid concentration in the growth medium within 12h, concomitant with an increase in acetic acid and lactic acid concentration. The production of citrate lyase was strongly dependent on environmental conditions, with optimum production at acidic pH (pH<5), and moderate temperature (30–40°C), which corresponds to conditions prevailing in the early stage of natural cocoa fermentation. This study reveals that one of the major roles of LAB in the cocoa fermentation process involves the breakdown of citric acid during the early stage of cocoa fermentation through the activity of citrate lyase.