Effects Of Non-starch Polysaccharides Research Articles

Effect of non-starch polysaccharides on the in vitro gastric digestion of soy-based milk alternatives

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) are usually used as a thickener/stabilizer in food systems. Although NSPs are not digestible, they may impact the physicochemical behavior of gastric digestion. Various types of NSPs (anionic and neutral) with different molecular weights (Mw), including alginates, pectin, and guar gum, were incorporated into soy-based milk alternatives (SBMAs) at 0.2 or 0.1 wt% concentrations. The samples were digested by a semi-dynamic gastric model for 85 min, and their gastric behavior, microstructural changes, and emptying pattern of proteins were investigated. The length-scale dependent structural feature of gastric coagula determined the emptying rate. Soy proteins aggregated and formed large curds in the gastric vessel. The addition of NSPs led to fragmented curds, which emptied earlier. Confocal images revealed that embedded oil bodies coalesced within the protein coagula. High-Mw alginate formed gel particles in the gastric vessel. Soy proteins and pectin formed compact aggregates, emptying uniformly during digestion. Guar gum generated micro-phase separated small aggregates emptying at early stages of digestion. The Mw of polysaccharides, irrespective of their surface charge, significantly influenced the protein emptying rate by interfering with the growth of protein aggregates. The nutrient delivery rates of protein-stabilized emulsions can be controlled through the rational addition of NSPs with different physicochemical properties. • Soy proteins formed integrated large clots in semi-dynamic gastric digestion. • Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) led to fragmented clots emptied earlier. • High-molecular weight alginate formed gel particles in the gastric vessel. • Guar gum led to microphase-separated small protein aggregates. • The molecular weight of NSPs affected the protein emptying rate.

Effects of non-starch polysaccharides from pure wheat malt beer on beer quality, in vitro antioxidant, prebiotics, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties

Pure wheat malt beer (PWMB) with potentially functional properties may attract consumer interest. To explore the functional properties of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in PWMB, NSPs were extracted from PWMB and separated into PWMB non-starch polysaccharides-1 (PNSP-1) and PWMB non-starch polysaccharides-2 (PNSP-2) by Q-Sepharose Fast Flow column. PNSP-1 exhibited more effects on increasing the viscosity of beers, which had higher purity of 92.58% containing 88.53% arabinoxylan with arabinose/xylose (A/X) 0.60 and 2.78% β-glucan but no glucomannan and mannan; while PNSP-2 showed greater effects on promoting beer haze and foam retention, which had more diverse NSPs including 46.03% arabinoxylan with A/X 1.13, 41.47% arabinogalactan, 10.26% glucomannan, and 2.70% mannan but no β-glucan. Diversity of sugar composition resulted in a better antioxidant capacity of PNSP-2. NSPs proliferated Lactobacillus casei LC6117 and LC0331, but did not promote L. plantarum LP-28 and L. fermentium LF-2H. PNSP-2 was also utilized by L. rhamnosus SRG. PNSP-2 had better effects on prebiotics activities. PNSP, PNSP-1 and PNSP-2 all exhibited mild inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and lipase but not on α-amylase, and showed a binding capacity to fat and cholesterol. This work is of great reference significance for improving the viscosity, haze, foam retention and health value of wheat beer.

Cereal type and combined xylanase/glucanase supplementation influence the cecal microbiota composition in broilers

Dietary fiber-degrading enzyme supplementation in broilers aims at off-setting the anti-nutritive effect of non-starch polysaccharides and at promoting broiler health. Recently, we demonstrated that xylanase/glucanase addition in wheat-based diet improved nutrient digestibility, arabinoxylan fermentability and broiler growth. Conversely, maize arabinoxylan was found to be recalcitrant to xylanase action. These findings suggested that enzyme-mediated improvement of nutrient digestion and carbohydrate fermentation depended on the cereal type present in the diet, and may have contributed to broiler growth. Hence, we aimed at further investigating the link between dietary enzymes and carbohydrate fermentation in broilers, by studying the impact of enzyme supplementation in cereal-based diets, to the microbial communities in the ileum and ceca of broilers. For that purpose, 96 one-day-old male broilers were randomly reared in two pens and received either wheat-based or maize-based starter and grower diets. At d 20, the broilers were randomly assigned to one out of four dietary treatments. The broilers received for 8 d the wheat-based or maize-based finisher diet as such (Control treatments; WC, MC) or supplemented with a xylanase/glucanase combination (Enzyme treatments; WE, ME). At d 28, samples from the digestive tract were collected, and the ileal and cecal microbiota composition was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. A similar phylogenetic (alpha) diversity was observed among the four treatments, both in the ileal and the cecal samples. Furthermore, a similar microbial composition in the ileum (beta diversity) was observed, with lactobacilli being the predominant community for all treatments. In contrast, both cereal type and enzyme supplementation were found to influence cecal communities. The type of cereal (i.e., wheat or maize) explained 47% of the total variation in microbial composition in the ceca. Further stratifying the analysis per cereal type revealed differences in microbiota composition between WC and WE, but not between MC and ME. Furthermore, the prevalence of beneficial genera, such as Faecalibacterium and Blautia, in the ceca of broilers fed wheat-based diets coincided with arabinoxylan accumulation. These findings indicated that fermentable arabinoxylan and arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides released by dietary xylanase may play an important role in bacterial metabolism.

Effect of Pre-Treating Dietary Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder with Fibrolytic Enzymes on Physiological and Meat Quality Parameters in Jumbo Quail

High fiber levels (165 g neutral detergent fibre (NDF)/kg DM) in Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) could limit its utilization as a nutraceutical source in Jumbo quail diets. Pre-treating MOLP with exogenous fibrolytic multi-enzymes could reduce the nutrient-encapsulating effect of non-starch polysaccharides and subsequently increase nutrient and bioactive compound utilization. Thus, this study investigated the effect of pre-treating dietary MOLP with an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme mixture on some physiological parameters and meat quality characteristics in Jumbo quail. A total of 396 Jumbo quail were randomly distributed to 6 experimental diets, with 6 replicate pens each and 11 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were: CON = a standard grower diet (156.5 g NDF /kg) without MOLP; ENZ0 = CON + 10% MOLP; and CON + MOLP pre-treated with 0.25% (ENZ25), 0.50% (ENZ50), 0.75% (ENZ75) and 1% (ENZ100) fibrolytic enzymes. There were no significant linear or quadratic effects on growth performance parameters and carcass characteristics in response to incremental levels of fibrolytic enzymes. However, neutrophils linearly increased, while breast meat lightness and 24 h hue angle linearly declined with enzyme levels. Quadratic effects were observed on gizzard weights and 1 h hue angle in response to enzyme levels. All the hemato-biochemical values fell within the normal ranges for healthy quail. It was concluded that the maximum fibrolytic multi-enzyme application rate of 1% may not have been adequate to enhance feed utilization and positively affect weight gain in Jumbo quail, thus higher levels may need to be investigated further.

Mesona chinensis polysaccharide accelerates the short-term retrogradation of debranched waxy corn starch

The effect of non-starch polysaccharides on the structural and functional properties of native starch have been extensively studied. However, the effect of non-starch polysaccharides on the structural characteristics of debranched starch, a kind of enzymatic modified starch, remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Mesona chinensis polysaccharide (MP) on starch retrogradation and structural properties of debranched waxy corn starch (DWS). The results showed that only appropriate addition of MP (0.5 or 1%) can effectively promote the short-term retrogradation of DWS, while excessive MP (3 or 5%) had a negative effect. Gel hardness results revealed that the short-term retrogradation (24 h) of DWS could be divided into two phases. The retrogradation of DWS-MP gels mainly occurred at first stage (0–4 h), which was demonstrated by the rapid increase of gel hardness and relative crystallinity in this stage. In the second stage (4–24 h), DWS-MP gels were more likely to undergo the aggregation of starch granules as proved by SEM and particle size results. The degree of short-range ordered decreased during the total retrogradation stage. Overall, this work aims to provide an insight into the effect of non-starch polysaccharides on the short-term retrogradation of DWS.

Effect of non-starch polysaccharides after ultrasonic treatment on the consumption and digestion of nutrients in diets of broiler chickens

Creating a profitable production in the field of livestock requires a large financial investment in the technology of preparing and production of highly nutritious feed mixes including those on the basis of new physical and chemical techniques. At the present stage of the development of livestock, there is the need to develop the technology and equipment that allow processing waste of an agro-industrial complex, containing a large number of hard-to-digest carbohydrates. The application of such natural polymers leads to low efficiency in the use of nutritious feed components, especially in the part of non-starch polysaccharides. In this regard, it is quite relevant to study the cavitation impact on vegetable materials, which will eventually reduce energy costs from the economical point of view and thus will improve productivity. To obtain a quality product on the output, it is necessary to examine into the effect of ultrasonic exposure on the composition of materials. The lead-tin-base bronze of the BrO10S10 grade (Russian grade abbreviation) was used as a material. As part of our experiments, we took model samples that contain the maximum amount of non-starch polysaccharides – sunflower shucks and wheat straw. Based on the obtained data, it can be noted that the increase of the digestibility in the I and II experimental groups was insignificant compared to the control: organic matter by 3.4%; crude protein – by 4.8 and 1.9%; crude fat – by 0.3 and 9.2%. Carbohydrate digestion was highest in the second group, exceeding the control group by 14.9% and the I experimental group – by 10.3%. No significant differences were found.

Effects of non-starch polysaccharides in semi-purified diets on performance, serum metabolites, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial population of male broiler chickens

We investigated the effects of soluble or insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on growth performance, serum metabolites, and intestinal morphology of male broiler chickens. One hundred and forty 1-d-old male chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to 4 diets with 7 cages per treatment and 5 chickens per cage in a completely randomized design during a 15-d study. Experimental diets included: 1) semi-purified control diet (Ctrl), 2) Ctrl plus 3% pectin, 3) Ctrl plus 3% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and 4) Ctrl plus 3% cellulose. On d 10, 1 chicken from each cage was slaughtered to obtain the intestinal tissues for morphological indices, blood samples for serum metabolites, and ileal content for microbiological count at the end of the experiment. Adding pectin and CMC to broiler chicken diet decreased (P < 0.05) weight gain and increased (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. There were no differences in growth performance traits between chickens fed cellulose compared with the Ctrl diet. The length of the duodenum and jejunum increased (P < 0.05) in chickens supplemented with pectin or CMC. Adding CMC or pectin to the diet reduced serum high density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.05). Pectin and CMC impaired the villi morphology, while cellulose had no effect compared to the Ctrl diet, except for villus height in the lower jejunum. In conclusion, the inclusion of soluble NSP in chicken diets had negative effects on growth performance and ileal microbiota of broiler chickens, while cellulose inclusion did not affect the productive performance and microbiological counts here studied.

Study of Non Starch Polysaccharide Enzymes in Relation to Performance and Commercial Utilization of Low Energy Cereal Based Diet in Broiler Chickens

This experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of Non starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzymes product (a mixture of xylanase, cellulase, hemicellulase, β-glucanase, α-amylase, protease, pectinase and β-mannanase), supplemented in cereal based diet on broiler performance. Total 120 day old broiler birds were randomly divided in two experimental groups. Control group received normal cereal based diet and treatment group received NSP enzyme mixed diet (1g/kg of diet). The results showed that NSP supplemented diet improved body weight gain by 5.1% (p

Effect of Non-Starch Polysaccharide (NSP) of Wheat and Barley Supplemented with Exogenous Enzyme Blend on Growth Performance, Gut Microbial, Pancreatic Enzyme Activities, Expression of Glucose Transporter (SGLT1) and Mucin Producer (MUC2) Genes of Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 625 broiler chicks (Ross 308) for 5 repetitions (25 birds per each replicated) on the 5 treatments diet. Treatments included two different types of cereal grains (wheat, and barley) with or without an enzyme supplementation along with a corn-based diet as control group. The experimental diets were formulated to have similar contents of crude protein, metabolizable energy, total non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and were fed in two periods of starter and grower. Experimental traits were consisted growth performance, ileal flora numeration, villus morphology in 3 parts of the intestine, digesta viscosity and pancreatic enzyme activity, and determining the gene expression level of glucose transporter (SGLT1) and mucin producer (MUC2) in the jejunum. Results indicated that inclusion of wheat and barley to corn-soy based diet with or without exo-enzymes blend on growth performance traits were significant (p<0.01). Feed intake and average daily gain in wheat diet was lower, conversely FCR was higher than other groups (p<0.01). Maximum microbial count were observed in wheat and barley diets and minimum were observed in enzyme supplemented diets respectively (p<0.01). Control group and enzyme supplemented diets had minimum counting of gram negative, coliform and clostridium, but maximum counting of lactobacilli and bifidobacter were observed in enzyme supplemented diets (p<0.01). Viscosity and activities of pancreatic a-amylase and lipase were significantly increased in chicks fed wheat and barley when compared to the control group fed on corn (p<0.01). Feeding wheat and barley diets reduced villus height in different parts of the small intestine when compared to those fed on a corn diet (p<0.01). Gene expression level of glucose transporter (SGLT1) and mucin producer (MUC2) in jejunum was significantly affected by the inclusion of wheat and barley to corn-soy based diet with or without exo-enzymes blend (p<0.01). In conclusion, the inclusion of wheat and barley to corn-soy based diet without enzyme supplementation has an adverse effect on growth, ileal microflora villi morphology, digesta viscosity, pancreatic enzyme activity, and gene expression level of nutrient transporters. However, enzyme supplemented to wheat and barley diets significantly improved those traits, and restored the negative effects.

Effects of Non-Starch Polysaccharides on Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased considerably over the past few decades. In the present review, we discuss several disadvantages existing in the treatment of IBD and current understandings of the structures, sources, and natures of various kinds of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Available evidences for the use of different sources of NSPs in IBD treatment both in vitro and in vivo are analyzed, including glucan from oat bran, mushroom, seaweed, pectin, gum, prebiotics, etc. Their potential mechanisms, especially their related molecular mechanism of protective action in the treatment and prevention of IBD, are also summarized, covering the anti-inflammation, immune-stimulating, and gut microbiota-modulating activities, as well as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, anti-oxidative stress accompanied with inflammation, the promotion of gastric epithelial cell proliferation and tissue healing, and the reduction of the absorption of toxins of NSPs, thus ameliorating the symptoms and reducing the reoccurrence rate of IBD. In summary, NSPs exhibit the potential to be promising agents for an adjuvant therapy and for the prevention of IBD. Further investigating of the crosstalk between immune cells, epithelial cells, and gut microorganisms in addition to evaluating the effects of different kinds and different molecular weights of NSPs will lead to well-designed clinical intervention trials and eventually improve the treatment and prevention of IBD.

Effect of Non Starch Polysaccharide Hydrolyzing Enzymes on Nutrient Utilization and Economics of Broilers Reared on Corn-Soybean Meal Based Standard and Sub-Optimal Diets

Two hundred one-day old Ven-Cobb commercial broiler chicks were supplemented with the NSP hydrolyzing enzymes i.e (xylanase, s-D-glucanase, cellulase, mannanase and pectinase @ 2400, 4800, 1800, 4800, and 2400 IU/kg (1X concentration) and 4800, 9600, 3600, 9600 and 4800 IU/kg (2X concentration) respectively to the corn + soybean meal based standard as well as basal diets respectively. The birds were weighed, wing banded and randomly distributed in to four experimental groups, with ten replicates and five birds in each replicate to assess the effect of the NSP hydrolyzing enzyme combinations on nutrient utilization and economics of broiler production. The results revealed that the supplementation of NSPHE at 1X and 2X concentrations respectively in the standard and basal broiler diets did shown significant differences (P

Effects of non-starch polysaccharides on physicochemical properties and in vitro starch digestibility of rice starches

Abstract The effects of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) on physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of waxy and non-waxy rice starches (WS and NWS) were investigated. The NSPs studied included guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), tapioca fibre (Tap) and tamarind seed fibre (Tam). They were added to WS and NWS at the levels of 5, 10 and 15 g/100 g dry sample. The mixtures were examined for their in vitro starch digestibility, thermal properties by a DSC and textural properties by a texture analyser. Generally, it was found that all NSPs at the concentrations used in this study had little or no effect on starch digestibility. Glycaemic response parameters slightly decreased in the samples with added NSPs. No obvious effects on thermal properties were obtained. However, the NSPs affected the texture of rice starch gels as evidenced by changes in hardness and adhesiveness values. The textural changes were dependent on the type and concentration of the NSPs.

Synergistic effect of non starch polysaccharide enzymes, synbiotics and phytase on performance, nutrient utilization and gut health in broilers fed with sub-optimal energy diets

Aim: In view of the ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), an attempt was made to explore the possibility of harnessing synergistic effect of non starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzymes, synbiotics and phytase on performance, nutrient retention, gut health and histology of broilers fed with corn-soybean meal based low calorie diets. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 a day-old broiler chicks were weighed, wing banded and randomly distributed into five experimental groups, six replicates per group and five birds per replicate and raised in electrically heated battery brooders. Evaluated the synergistic effect of the NSP enzymes, synbiotics and phytase alone or in combination, supplemented to cornsoybean meal based broiler diet, low in energy concentration (Basal diet (BD)) (-225 kcal lower metabolizable energy than standard diet (SD), on performance, nutrient retention, carcass traits, gut conditions and cost per kg live weight gain. Results: The body weight gain in broiler chicks fed with BD supplemented with NSP enzymes, synbiotics and phytase was significantly (P<0.01) higher. Supplementation of NSP enzymes, synbiotics and phytase alone or in combination had significant effect on feed intake. Synergistic effect of NSP enzyme, synbiotics and phytase was observed on overall feed conversion ratio (1.86), which improved (P<0.05) in comparison to BD (2.06) and SD (2.02), respectively. The supplementation of NSP enzymes, synbiotics and phytase to BD improved (P<0.05) utilization of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), nitrogen free extract (NFE), gross energy (GE), phosphorus and the tibia ash compared to BD, whereas no effect on retention of DM and CF was observed. Intestinal viscosity and E. coli count significantly (P<0.01) reduced with addition of NSP enzymes, synbiotics plus phytase or combination of all. The supplementation of NSP enzymes, synbiotics plus phytase had no effect on intestinal histology. The cost of feeding was lower (P<0.01) in BD. Addition of these feed additives to BD did not increase the feeding cost and was comparable to unsupplemented ones and lower (P<0.01) than SD. Similarly, the feed cost per kg live weight gain during various phases of broiler production was reduced (P<0.01) due to supplementation of all the feed additives compared to SD and BD. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the above experiment that supplementing sub-optimal energy diets with NSP enzymes along with synbiotics and phytase improved body weight gain, FCR, nutrient retention, tibia ash and reduced the cost of production considerably.

Effects of Nonstarch Polysaccharides with Different Molecular Weights on the Development of Lewis Lung Carcinoma in Mice and Efficiency of Cytostatic Therapy

The effects of nonstarch polysaccharides with different molecular weights on the development of Lewis' lung carcinoma and efficiency of cyclophosphamide therapy in mice were studied. Treatment with these substances with low molecular weights (<30 kDa) caused no changes in the primary tumor growth, but inhibited its metastasizing, while nonstarch polysaccharides with high molecular weights (>400 kDa) inhibited the growth of Lewis' lung carcinoma node. Antimetastatic effects of cyclophosphamide were stimulated by low and high molecular weight polysaccharides.

Effect of dietary non-starch polysaccharide solubility and inclusion level on gut health and the risk of post weaning enteric disorders in newly weaned piglets

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) solubility and inclusion rate on gut health and development, performance and risk of post weaning enteric disorders (PWED) using NSP sources known not to affect digesta viscosity. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 3 factorial combination of NSP type (sNSP vs insoluble NSP (iNSP); inulin vs purified cellulose) and inclusion level (50 vs 100 vs 150 g/kg). Piglets were weaned at 28 days (day 0) and fed ad libitum until slaughter on day 14. There were no incidences of PWED. NSP solubility had little effect on performance, but sNSP diets resulted in lower caecal and colonic pH and higher colonic Lactobacilli to coliform ratio compared to iNSP diets. Increasing NSP levels significantly reduced caecal and colonic pH but decreased empty body weight percentage ( P = 0.067). These results suggest that gut health may benefit most from diets containing appropriate sources of predominantly sNSP rather than iNSP. The optimal level of such sNSP will likely depend upon the level of risk of PWED in order to balance the trade off between maximising performance and improving gut health. Effects of NSP feeding under a higher infectious pressure remains to be assessed.

Effect of Non-starch Polysaccharides and Resistant Starch on Mucin Secretion and Endogenous Amino Acid Losses in Pigs

Generally, dietary fibre (DF) includes lignin, non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and resistant starch (RS). In monogastric species, low levels of dietary fibre in the diet are associated with various diseases and high levels reduce nutrient digestibilities. In this study, the effects of different types and levels of NSP (soluble: β-glucan, insoluble cellulose) and resistant starch on mucin secretion and endogenous nitrogen and amino acid losses in pigs were investigated. A total of 25 five-week-old weaner pigs (9.5 kg±1.5 kg), were randomly allocated to each of five experimental diets. Different levels of purified barley β-glucan (BG) extract (5 or 10% of Glucagel ® β-glucan, providing 4 or 8% of BG in the diet), and resistant starch (RS) (8.3 or 16.6% of Hi-Maize TM , providing 5 or 10% RS in the diet) were substituted for wheat starch in a purified diet in which enzymatically-hydrolysed casein was the sole source of protein. The diets were fed for 21 days. No statistically significant difference between treatments (p>0.05) was observed for growth performance and organs weights. No difference in ileal starch digestibility was observed between pigs on the cellulose or β-glucan diets. However, as the level of resistant starch in the diet increased the ileal starch digestibility decreased (p<0.05). The inclusion of resistant starch in the diet (5 or 10%) did not increase mucin production when compared with the cellulose-only diet. However, as the level of beta-glucan in the diet increased, both crude mucin in the digesta dry matter and per kg dry matter intake increased (p<0.05). Pigs fed the diet containing 8% of beta-glucan had higher endogenous loss flow than those fed the diets including 5 or 10% of resistant starch or 4% of β-glucan. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of resistant starch increased the level of starch reaching the large intestine without any effect on mucin secretion, or endogenous nitrogen or amino acid losses content in the small intestine. The addition of β-glucan to a diet containing cellulose increases both mucin secretion and endogenous amino acid and nitrogen losses in the small intestine. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 11 : 1634-1641)

Effect of Non-starch Polysaccharides on Mucin Secretion and Endogenous Amino Acid Losses in Pigs

This study was undertaken to examine the influence of soluble non-starch polysaccharides on growth performance, mucin secretion, and endogenous amino acid flows in weaner pigs. Different levels (0, 4 and 7.5%) of purified corn arabinoxylan (AX) or barley β-glucan extract (BG) were substituted for cellulose in a purified diet based on starch, sucrose and enzymatically hydrolyzed casein. All diets contained titanium oxide as an indigestible marker. Each experimental diet was fed to five, 6-wk old weaner pigs for 21 days. Average daily gain (p<0.05) and feed conversion ratio (p<0.01) were improved with dietary inclusion of 7.5% AX and BG, indicating high degradation rates of AX and BG in pigs. Crude mucin contents and endogenous nitrogen flow were increased (p<0.05) with increased levels of AX, but not with BG. Numerical increases in endogenous amino acid flow (EAAF) were observed with increased levels of AX but no definite trend with BG. Endogenous amino acid flow in pigs fed mixed NSP diets (4% BG and 3.5% cellulose) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those fed 7.5% BG diets. Among diets containing pure sources of soluble non-starch polysaccharides, endogenous amino acid flows were highest in 7.5% AX (p<0.05), intermediate in BG, and lowest in control diet. Increased flows (p<0.01) of threonine, proline and serine in pigs fed 7.5% AX diets are consistent with the increased flow of crude mucin determined in this treatment. In conclusion, mucin and endogenous amino acid flows were increased with dietary inclusion of AX, which could be related to its physicochemical property, particularly its high water-holding capacity. In contrast, β-glucan, due to its high degradation rate in pig, may be considered as unimportant factor in inducing mucin and endogenous amino acid secretions, at least at levels such as those used in this study. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 9 : 1332-1338)

Effect of non-starch polysaccharides on production and absorption of indolic compounds in entire male pigs

AbstractIn order to study the effect of feeding non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on the production and absorption of the malodorous compounds skatole and indole, eighteen male pigs, representing nine littermate groups, were used. One pig from each litter was assigned to either a low-NSP diet (87 g/kg of NSP) or a high-NSP diet (160 g/kg of NSP). Faecal samples and blood samples from vena jugularis were collected during a three-day period. The production of indolic compounds in different sections of the gastro-intestinal tract of six littermate groups was measured at slaughter (after 1 month on the diets). To investigate the absorption of indole and skatole, three catheterized pigs, acting as their own control (2 weeks on each diet) were used. Parallel determinations in portal blood, peripheral blood and in faeces of skatole and indole were conducted. Faecal, intestinal and blood samples were analysed for indolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The production of indole and skatole in the proximal and distal part of the hind gut, respectively, was significantly reduced in pigs given the high-NSP diet. Similarly, both blood and faecal samples revealed that dietary NSP-inclusion reduced skatole concentration, whereas a dietary effect of NSP on the indole concentration was reflected in blood samples only. The absorption of skatole and indole was significantly lower in pigs given the high-NSP diet compared with those offered the low-NSP diet. The skatole concentrations in blood and faeces were highly correlated when measured within the individual animal, suggesting that a proportional amount of the skatole produced was absorbed. In contrast, only weak correlations were demonstrated when determined between animals. This emphasizes the great impact that individual hepatic clearance rate would have on the level of skatole in backfat, and consequently the importance of applying cross-over designs, when studying the absorption of indolic compounds.

The effects of non-starch polysaccharides on the extent of gelatinisation, swelling and α-amylase hydrolysis of maize and wheat starches

Starch hydrolysis (α-amylase) and gelatinisation characteristics were evaluated in the presence of five different polysaccharides (arabic, carrageenan, guar, pectin and xanthan) with different starch to solution ratios and polysaccharide concentrations therein. Using relatively high starch/solution ratios (1:10) at concentrations (<5%) of the polysaccharides that permitted some starch mobility (in the solutions) it was possible to restrict swelling of starch granules and consequently restrict the amount of starch gelatinisation. With lower solution ratios (1:0.8, 1:1.7, 1:3.3 and 1:5.0, especially 1:0.8 and 1:1.7) it was possible to model the effects of the polysaccharides in terms of displacing water and restricting gelatinisation with respect to the (modified) Flory–Huggins equation. With and without taking into account specific hydration of the polysaccharides, it was possible to show a linear relationship between the end point of gelatinisation (Tc) and the volume fraction of water in the system (v1). The implications in terms of product processing have been discussed.

Antioxidants and anticarcinogens.

The wealth of new information about the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis that has been obtained over the last decade has generated a variety of new hypotheses about the relationship between diet and cancer. The classical model for the anticarcinogenic effect of cereal fibre is based largely on assumptions about the physical effects of nonstarch polysaccharides within the colonic lumen, and on the putative benefits of faecal bulk. However, the difficulty of studying the disease process directly in human subjects continues to limit our ability to test these hypotheses directly. The role of mutagenesis due to oxygen free radicals in the pathogenesis of human cancers remains largely hypothetical, and attempts to prevent cancer by intervention with high doses of antioxidant vitamins have been largely unsuccessful. Various promising lines of evidence reviewed briefly here do suggest that the presence of substances other than nonstarch polysaccharides in cereal cell walls may at least contribute to the epidemiological relationship between cereal fibre consumption and cancer. Among the various topics reviewed, the intraluminal production of biologically active phenolic compounds and the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of phytic acid seem particularly worthy of further study in the context of high-fibre cereals.