Essential Amino Acids Methionine Research Articles

TMET-28. RECIPROCAL LINKS BETWEEN METHIONINE METABOLISM, DNA REPAIR AND THERAPY RESISTANCE IN GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is uniformly lethal due to profound treatment resistance. Altered cellular metabolism is a key mediator of GBM treatment resistance. Uptake of the essential sulfur-containing amino acid methionine is drastically elevated in GBMs compared to normal cells, however, it is not known how this methionine is utilized or whether it relates to GBM treatment resistance.Here, we find that radiation acutely increases the levels of methionine-related metabolites in a variety of treatment-resistant GBM models. Stable isotope tracing studies further revealed that radiation acutely activates methionine to S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) conversion through an active signaling event mediated by the kinases of the DNA damage response. In vivo tumor SAM synthesis increases after radiation, while normal brain SAM production remains unchanged, indicating a tumor-specific metabolic alteration to radiation. Pharmacological and dietary strategies to block methionine to SAM conversion slowed DNA damage response and increased cell death following radiation in vitro. Mechanistically, these effects are due to depletion of DNA repair proteins and are reversed by SAM supplementation. These effects are selective to GBMs lacking the methionine salvage enzyme methylthioadenosine phosphorylase. Pharmacological inhibition of SAM synthesis hindered tumor growth in flank and orthotopic in vivo GBM models when combined with radiation. By contrast, methionine depletion does not reduce tumor SAM levels and fails to radiosensitize intracranial models, indicating depleting SAM, as opposed to simply lowering methionine, is critical for hindering tumor growth in intracranial models of GBM. These results highlight a new signaling link between DNA damage and SAM synthesis and define the metabolic fates of methionine in GBM in vivo. Inhibiting radiation-induced SAM synthesis slows DNA repair and augments radiation efficacy in GBM. Using MAT2A inhibitors to deplete SAM may selectively overcome treatment resistance in GBMs with defective methionine salvage while sparing normal brain.

Temporal profile of amino acids and protein fractions in the developing kernel of maize germplasm

Maize, the most important source of animal and poultry feed, is deficient in essential amino acid methionine. Therefore, methionine is added to the poultry feed to meet its nutritional requirements. Keeping in view, an urgent requirement exists to develop high-methionine maize. The present study was designed to understand the synthesis and accumulation pattern of methionine, lysine, tryptophan, total protein, and protein fractions in the developing maize kernel. Results revealed that methionine accumulation starts before 15 DAP and increases towards maturity. Total protein, albumin, and globulin accumulation showed a declining trend, whereas, prolamin, prolamin-like, glutelin, and glutelin-like fractions increased with kernel maturity. Methionine showed a significant positive correlation with prolamin and a negative correlation with glutelin, indicating their use as markers to select high methionine lines. Higher level accumulation of lysine, tryptophan, and methionine, the three essential amino acids deficient in maize, was observed highest in lines 174705 and 194010 indicating their use as a potential donor for developing high methionine maize genotypes. The high methionine line identified in the present study can be used in breeding programs through introgressing maize germplasm of diverse genetic backgrounds to develop high-yielding methionine-rich maize genotypes to develop a sustainable nutritive feed supply chain.

Metabolic engineering of the serine/glycine network as a means to improve the nitrogen content of crops.

In plants, L-serine (Ser) biosynthesis occurs through various pathways and is highly dependent on the atmospheric CO2 concentration, especially in C3 species, due to the association of the Glycolate Pathway of Ser Biosynthesis (GPSB) with photorespiration. Characterization of a second plant Ser pathway, the Phosphorylated Pathway of Ser Biosynthesis (PPSB), revealed that it is at the crossroads of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur metabolism. The PPSB comprises three sequential reactions catalysed by 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH), 3-phosphoSer aminotransferase (PSAT) and 3-phosphoSer phosphatase (PSP). PPSB was overexpressed in plants exhibiting two different modes of photosynthesis: Arabidopsis (C3 metabolism), and maize (C4 metabolism), under ambient (aCO2) and elevated (eCO2) CO2 growth conditions. Overexpression in Arabidopsis of the PGDH1 gene alone or PGDH1, PSAT1 and PSP1 in combination increased the Ser levels but also the essential amino acids threonine (aCO2), isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine and methionine (eCO2) compared to the wild-type. These increases translated into higher protein levels. Likewise, starch levels were also increased in the PPSB-overexpressing lines. In maize, PPSB-deficient lines were obtained by targeting PSP1 using Cas9 endonuclease. We concluded that the expression of PPSB in maize male gametophyte is required for viable pollen development. Maize lines overexpressing the AtPGDH1 gene only displayed higher protein levels but not starch at both aCO2 and eCO2 conditions, this translated into a significant rise in the nitrogen/carbon ratio. These results suggest that metabolic engineering of PPSB in crops could enhance nitrogen content, particularly under upcoming eCO2 conditions where the activity of GPSB is limited.

Metabolites and Metabolism in Vascular Calcification: Links Between Adenosine Signaling and the Methionine Cycle.

The global population of individuals with cardiovascular disease is expanding, and a key risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events is vascular calcification. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular calcification is complex and multifaceted, with external cues driving epigenetic, transcriptional, and metabolic changes that promote vascular calcification. This review provides an overview of some of the lesser understood molecular processes involved in vascular calcification and discusses the links between calcification pathogenesis and aspects of adenosine signaling and the methionine pathway; the latter of which salvages the essential amino acid methionine, but also provides the substrate critical for methylation, a modification that regulates the function and activity of DNA and proteins. We explore the complex and dynamic nature of osteogenic reprogramming underlying intimal atherosclerotic calcification and medial arterial calcification (MAC). Atherosclerotic calcification is more widely studied however emerging studies now show MAC is a significant pathology independent from atherosclerosis. Further, we emphasize metabolite and metabolic-modulating factors that influence vascular calcification pathogenesis. While the contribution of these mechanisms are more well-define in relation to atherosclerotic intimal calcification, understanding these pathways may provide crucial mechanistic insights into MAC and inform future therapeutic approaches. Herein we highlight the significance of adenosine and methyltransferase pathways as key regulators of vascular calcification pathogenesis.

The methionine cycle and its cancer implications.

The essential amino acid methionine is a crucial regulator of sulfur metabolism in a variety of interconnected biochemical pathways. The methionine cycle is intricately linked to the folate cycle, forming the one-carbon metabolism, a crucial regulator of S-adenosylmethionine, SAM. Recent work highlights methionine's critical role in tumor growth and progression, maintaining polyamine synthesis, and playing a crucial role in the regulation of SAM both in altered chromatin states, depending on p53 status, as well as facilitating m6A methylation of NR4A2 mRNA, hence regulating proliferation in esophageal carcinoma. Accordingly, Celecoxib, a specific NR4A2 inhibitor, is a potentially powerful inhibitor of tumor growth at least in this specific model. Additionally, formaldehyde, from endogenous or exogenous sources, can directly regulate both SAM steady-state-levels and the one-carbon metabolism, with relevant implication in cancer progression. These recent scientific advancements have provided a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development, and its potential therapeutic regulation.

Methionine supply during mid-gestation modulates the bovine placental mTOR pathway, nutrient transporters, and offspring birth weight in a sex-specific manner.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) predominantly regulates the expression and activity of placental nutrient transporters. The mTOR pathway can be activated by several nutrients, including the essential amino acid methionine. Additionally, previous research in nonruminant animals suggests that mTOR is influenced in a sexually dimorphic manner. In bovine, there is limited understanding of how maternal nutrition and offspring sexual dimorphism affect the placental transfer of nutrients. Thus, we investigated the effects of increasing the supply of dietary methionine to beef cattle heifers during mid-gestation on mTOR signaling, placental nutrient transporters, and fetal growth in male and female offspring. Forty purebred Angus heifers were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. From day 90 to 180 of gestation, heifers received a basal diet with no added methionine (CON, n = 20), or the basal diet plus 8.3g of rumen-protected methionine (MET, n = 20) per animal daily. All animals received a basal diet in the first and third trimesters of gestation. Cotyledonary tissue samples were collected at parturition and utilized to examine the mTOR pathway and nutrient transporters through protein and gene expression analysis. The offspring's body weight was measured at birth. Data were analyzed using a mixed model that included the fixed effect of treatment, offspring sex, their interactions, and the random effect of block. At day 170 of gestation, MET-supplemented heifers showed higher plasma concentrations of methionine and glutamate (P < 0.01) and lower glycine and proline levels (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the CON group. A treatment × sex interaction was observed for calf birth weight (P = 0.03). In heifers that delivered male calves, MET supplementation increased the birth weight of the calves (P < 0.01). However, the dietary treatments had no effect on the birth weight of female calves (P = 0.32). The increase in birth weight of male calves from MET-fed heifers resembles with the upregulation of placental mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR (P ≤ 0.03), as well as the amino acid transporters SLC1A5, SLC7A5, SLC38A6, and SLC38A11, and the glucose transporters SLC2A1 and SLC2A8 (P ≤ 0.05). Our findings suggest that increasing the supply of methionine to beef heifers during mid-gestation can modulate placental nutrient transport and fetal growth in a sex-dependent manner and that these effects are mediated, at least in part, by the mTOR pathway.

An Estimation of the Requirements of the Standardized Ileal Digestible Tryptophan, Valine, Isoleucine and Methionine on Young Pigs’ (Up to 50 kg) Feed Efficiency: A Meta-Regression Analysis

Currently, the NRC amino acid (AA) requirements for pigs published in 2012 are used as a reference in variable swine industries. However, recent results in several articles suggest that the standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA–lysine (Lys) ratio significantly evolved over the last two decades, while some publications report inconsistent outcomes. Therefore, the present study used a meta-regression analysis to assess the relative ratio to lysine to maximize the feed efficiency of four essential amino acids (tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, and methionine) in pig diets. According to the PRISMA guidelines, articles examining the target AA requirement using a basal diet supplemented with varying levels of crystalline AA (tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, or methionine) were identified across Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct. As a result, 23, 22, 16, and 9 articles using tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, and methionine were selected and categorized into experiments for inclusion in our meta-analysis. The results suggested that the requirements of tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, and methionine in our meta-regression analysis were superior to NRC recommendations, regardless of the regression models and the growth phases with significant RSQ values (RSQ ≈ 1). Also, the QUAD and CLP regression models emphasized higher requirements than the LP model for the great majority of amino acids and growth phases. The results of the QUAD and CLP models were selected as estimations of the amino acid requirements for pigs under challenged conditions, whereas the LP model was chosen to estimate the amino acid requirements of genetically improved pigs under a modern housing system. The results of this meta-regression analysis could be used to refresh the information on the NRC amino acids (AA) requirements for swine.

Analysis of genetic variability for nutritional quality traits among maize inbreds adapted to Punjab: A North‐Western province of India

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe deficiency of essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, and tryptophan in maize protein presents a significant challenge in meeting nutritional demand. Comprehensive evaluation of maize germplasm for variability of essential amino acids, protein content, starch content, and β‐carotene contents in grains, along with their relationships with yield and its associated traits, is a prerequisite for strengthening genetic enhancement for nutritional traits. Thus, the current study presents the profiling of 60 maize inbred lines across 11 nutritional quality and yield, aiming to identify variability in these traits and potential donor candidates for commercial breeding.FindingsThe test inbreds exhibited significant variations in the content of grain methionine (0.04%–0.28%), tryptophan (0.019%–0.069%), lysine (0.063%–0.318%), protein (9.31%–11.80%), starch (58.32%–70.88%), and β‐carotene (2.38 ppm–6.79 ppm). Additionally, variations were noted in grain yield (0.87–2.52 t ha−1). Inter‐relationship analyses suggested the feasibility of simultaneous selection of essential amino acids (methionine, tryptophan, lysine) and β‐carotene. The germplasm stock was clustered, and potential diverse donors identified were recommended for utilization in breeding programs. Furthermore, the use of Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy for screening high methionine and high lysine lines in large germplasm based on differences in peak intensity at 2922 cm−1 and 1110 cm−1 was reported, respectively.ConclusionsThe multilocation experiment revealed genetic diversity in both nutritional quality and yield across the 60 inbreds. The absence of a negative correlation between the amino acids and β‐carotene indicates the possibility of the development of hybrids with elevated essential amino‐acid levels combined with high β‐carotene content.Significance and NoveltyThis is the first holistic report on the variability of nutritional quality traits coupled with yield in maize germplasm. Identified nutrient‐rich inbreds will serve as valuable germplasm in maize biofortification programs. AT‐FTIR is proposed as an easy screening technique and the first report, which can be employed for the initial screening of a large set of germplasm for methionine and lysine content.

The Association of the Essential Amino Acids Lysine, Methionine, and Threonine with Clinical Outcomes in Patients at Nutritional Risk: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Lysine, methionine, and threonine are essential amino acids with vital functions for muscle and connective tissue health, metabolic balance, and the immune system. During illness, the demand for these amino acids typically increases, which puts patients at risk for deficiencies with harmful clinical consequences. In a secondary analysis of the Effect of Early Nutritional Support on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of Malnourished Medical Inpatients Trial (EFFORT), which compared individualized nutritional support to usual care nutrition in patients at nutritional risk, we investigated the prognostic impact of the lysine, methionine, and threonine metabolism. We had complete clinical and amino acid data in 237 patients, 58 of whom reached the primary endpoint of death at 30 days. In a model adjusted for comorbidities, sex, nutritional risk, and trial intervention, low plasma methionine levels were associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted HR 1.98 [95% CI 1.16 to 3.36], p = 0.01) and with a decline in functional status (adjusted OR 2.06 [95% CI 1.06 to 4.01], p = 0.03). The results for lysine and threonine did not show statistically significant differences regarding clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that low levels of methionine may be critical during hospitalization among patients at nutritional risk. Further studies should investigate the effect of supplementation of methionine in this patient group to improve outcomes.

Efficacy &amp; Significance of LYSO HERB Herbal Lysine in the nutrition, metabolism and health in Poultry &amp; Efficacy and significance of the phytogenic METHO ADD Herbal Methionine as replacer of Synthetic DL- Methionine in nutrition and health of Poultry

In poultry industry, amino acids are supplied along with vitamins and minerals since these play a pivotal role as protein building units which are the essentialities of growth and metabolism. Of the 9 essential amino acids Methionine is the first limiting one followed by Lysine, these cannot be synthesized by animals hence to be obtained from external sources majorly the feed. Amino acids act as intermediates in all the metabolic and physiological functions of the bird like calcium absorption, production of collagen, antibodies, hormones, enzymes. Their deficiency causes de-pigmentation, reduced hemoglobin, poor FCR, reduced production, retarded growth, poor feathering and egg production, immune suppression and increased disease incidence. Cells in the body are constantly being broken down and restored, so the body needs these amino acids to produce new hormones and restore the body. Of late the use of synthetic Lysine and Methionine as supplement has increased due to high demand of meat. The safety of these is questionable due to higher pricing, emergence of drug resistance, residual toxicity and other side effects. Therefore, a renewed interest in developing natural alternatives to maintain production, performance and health in poultry, hence Phytogenic herbals are considered the best option.. The results obtained here provide clear evidence of the potential of Phytogenic Herbal Lysine as Lyso Herb and Herbal Methionine as Metho Add as substitute of synthetic Lysine &amp; Methionine with unaltered activity throughout, without reducing growth performance, increasing fat accretion and changing serum biochemical characteristics, with better performance and economics.

Unravelling the nutritional and health benefits of marketable winged termites (Macrotermes spp.) as sustainable food sources in Africa.

Termites are widely distributed globally and serve as a valuable food source in many countries. However, information on the myriad nutritional benefits of processed termite products in African markets remain largely unexploited. This study evaluated the phytochemicals, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and proximate composition of the edible winged termites (Macrotermes spp.) from three major Counties of Kenya. A total of 9 flavonoids, 5 alkaloids, and 1 cytokinin were identified. The oil content varied from 33 to 46%, exhibiting significant levels of beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, such as methyl (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienoate and methyl (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosapentaenoate, ranging from 82.7-95.1 to 6.3-8.1µg/g, respectively, across the different regions. Four essential and cereal-limiting amino acids lysine (1.0-1.3mg/g), methionine (0.08-0.1mg/g), leucine (0.6-0.9mg/g) and threonine (0.1-0.2mg/g), were predominant. Moreover, termites had a rich profile of essential minerals, including iron (70.7-111.8mg/100g), zinc (4.4-16.2mg/100g) and calcium (33.1-53.0mg/100g), as well as vitamins A (2.4-6.4mg/kg), C (0.6-1.9mg/kg) and B12 (10.7-17.1mg/kg). The crude protein (32.2-44.8%) and fat (41.2-49.1%) contents of termites from the various Counties was notably high. These findings demonstrated the promising nutrients potential of winged termites and advocate for their sustainable utilization in contemporary efficacious functional food applications to combat malnutrition.

Rescue of Methionine Dependence by Cobalamin in a Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line.

Methionine dependence is a characteristic of most cancer cells where they are unable to proliferate when the essential amino acid methionine is replaced with its precursor homocysteine in the growing media. Normal cells, on the other hand, thrive under these conditions and are referred to as methionine-independent. The reaction that adds a methyl group from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to regenerate methionine is catalyzed by the enzyme methionine synthase with the cofactor cobalamin (vitamin B12). However, decades of research have shown that methionine dependence in cancer is not due to a defect in the activity of methionine synthase. Cobalamin metabolism has been tied to the dependent phenotype in rare cell lines. We have identified a human colorectal cancer cell line in which the cells regain the ability to proliferation in methionine-free, L-homocystine-supplemented media when cyanocobalamin is supplemented at a level of 1 µg/mL. In human SW48 cells, methionine replacement with L-homocystine does not induce any measurable increase in apoptosis or reactive oxygen species production in this cell line. Rather, proliferation is halted, then restored in the presence of cyanocobalamin. Our data show that supplementation with cyanocobalamin prevents the activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) in methionine-deprived media in this cell line. The ISR-associated cell cycle arrest, characteristic of methionine-dependence in cancer, is also prevented, leading to the continuation of proliferation in methionine-deprived SW48 cells with cobalamin. Our results highlight differences between cancer cell lines in the response to cobalamin supplementation in the context of methionine dependence.

Mining exotic germplasm for genetic improvement of protein quantity and quality in soybean (Glycine max)

AbstractSoybean meal is the main protein source for animal feed, but it has low content of the essential amino acids cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met). In this research, an exotic germplasm (PI 399000) was crossed with ‘Woodruff’ to develop an F5‐derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) population for mapping quantitative trait loci for seed composition. The population was grown in six environments, and protein, oil, Cys, and Met were determined with near‐infrared spectroscopy. RILs were genotyped with the SoySNP6K BeadChip, and 1865 SNPs were used for analysis. QTL analysis identified three loci on chromosomes (Chrs) 6, 15 and 17 in at least five environments for protein; two QTLs on Chrs 14 and 17 in all environments for oil; three QTLs on Chrs 3, 6 and 10 for Cys and Met in at least three environments; and two QTLs for seed size on Chrs 17 and 20 in all environments. Stacking of protein and Cys + Met QTLs can increase both traits simultaneously, and 13 breeding lines were identified with improved seed composition. The markers linked to the QTLs can be used to assist the development of cultivars with improved meal quality.

Enhancing the quality and technological properties of goose meat during low-temperature storage through the action of biologically active substances from oats and alfalfa

Poultry meat plays a key role as a source of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. However, unsaturated fatty acids, especially essential ones, are prone to oxidative reactions during meat storage, which can negatively affect its quality. The object of the study is the technology of obtaining and storing poultry meat. Legart Danish geese were used as the experimental material. Oats (Avena Sativa) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contain a large number of biologically active substances (minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants). Adding vegetative parts of oats and alfalfa to the diet of geese contributes to improving the quality of the obtained meat, especially after prolonged low-temperature storage. The geese were slaughtered on the 63rd day. The meat was stored at a temperature of –18 °C for 90 days. It was found that there was an 11.5 % increase in the live weight of the geese at an early slaughter age, an increase in protein content (by 5 %), better moisture-binding capacity (by 6–7.3 %), and a decrease in the content of lipid peroxidation products, especially on the 67th day of storage (28.3 %). There was a significant increase in the content of ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (by 24.2 % and 10.8 %, respectively). There was an increase in the content of vitamin E and β-carotene, both before freezing (38.5 % and 19.6 %) and at the end of the storage period (50.9 % and 20 %). A tendency to increase the content of essential amino acids (threonine and methionine) was found. The results can be used in the production of goose meat to improve its nutritional characteristics, which is important for the health of consumers, meat producers, and also in scientific research on the development of technologies in the field of meat production and storage

Unraveling the role of δ‐zeins in methionine bio‐fortification of maize

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMaize is a major ingredient of animal feed. However, its nutritional quality is poor due to the deficiency of essential amino acid methionine. The animal feed, prepared as a corn–legume mixture to balance the nutritional quality, remains deficient in methionine. Therefore, the bio‐fortification of maize for methionine is the best option to make nutritionally balanced animal and poultry feed. The present study was designed to evaluate the profile of zeins and the expression profile of methionine‐associated target genes in high‐ and low‐methionine maize.FindingsResults of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the 10‐kDa zein was accumulated during kernel development, and its accumulation was higher in high methionine lines. Gene expression analysis through real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed that higher expression of 10‐ and 18‐kDa zeins is associated with higher methionine accumulation.ConclusionsThe above results indicate that 10‐ and 18‐kDa genes are the potential targets for the methionine bio‐fortification in maize, which is required for animal and poultry feed.Significance and NoveltyThe present study suggests that 10‐ and 18‐kDa genes are the major source of methionine, and the regulation of these genes is crucial to enhancing the methionine content in maize. The results indicate that these genes are potential targets for genetic engineering in maize to enhance methionine accumulation.

A Novel Bifidobacterium longum ssp. longum Strain with Pleiotropic Effects.

Postbiotics are gaining increasing interest among the scientific community as well as at the level of food processing enterprises. The aim of this preliminary study was to characterise the metabolic diversity of a novel Bifidobacterium longum strain, BIOCC 1719, of human origin. The change after 24 h cultivation in three media was assessed using a metabolomic approach. Milk-based substrates favoured the activity of the strain, promoting the production of B vitamins, essential amino acids, bile acids, and fatty acids. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B7, and B12 (with an average increase of 20-30%) were produced in both whole milk and whey; the increased production in the latter was as high as 100% for B7 and 744% for B12. The essential amino acids methionine and threonine were produced (>38%) in both milk and whey, and there was an increased production of leucine (>50%) in milk and lysine (126%) in whey. Increases in the content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 20%, deoxycholic acid in milk and whey (141% and 122%, respectively), and cholic acid (52%) in milk were recorded. During the preliminary characterisation of the metabolic diversity of the novel B. longum strain, BIOCC 1719, we identified the bioactive compounds produced by the strain during fermentation. This suggests its potential use as a postbiotic ingredient to enrich the human diet.

The effect of varying levels of corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal on growth performance, apparent retention of feed components, and physiological and meat quality parameters in Jumbo quail

This study evaluated the effect of varying levels of corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal (CMBM) on growth performance, apparent retention (AR) of feed components, and physiological and meat quality responses in Jumbo quail. Five isocaloric and isoproteic diets were formulated to contain 0 (T1), 51.25 (T2), 67.49 (T3), 83.74 (T4), and 99.98 g/kg (T5) of CMBM. A total of 385, one-week-old quail chicks (26.7 ± 2.16 g live-weight) were placed in cages (11 birds/cage) based on body weight. The diets were allocated to cages in a completely randomised design to give 7 replicate cages per diet. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), as well as AR of feed components were measured. The birds were slaughtered at day 35 for measurements of blood indices, organs weight, carcass and meat quality attributes. Feeding increasing levels of CMBM reduced FI (P = 0.005) linearly in week 2 but had no effect on FI in weeks 3–5. Similarly, linear reductions (P < 0.0001) were observed for average weekly BWG and G:F in weeks 2 and 3. A positive linear effect (P = 0.033) and a negative cubic effect (P = 0.048) for AR of neutral detergent fibre and organic matter were recorded as CMBM levels increased, respectively. However, varying responses (P < 0.05) were observed for AR of essential amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine, etc.). Serum lipase, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils linearly increased (P < 0.05) with dietary CMBM levels. Significant cubic or quartic effects (P < 0.05) were recorded for serum glucose, albumin, white blood cells, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and platelets. There were negative linear effects (P < 0.05) for final body weight, carcass yield, and breast meat drip loss. However, linear increases were recorded for gizzard, proventriculus, small intestine, and large intestine weights as dietary CMBM levels increased. In conclusion, the inclusion of CMBM up to 99.98 g/kg in Jumbo quail diets compromised growth performance, physiological responses, slaughter weights and carcass yield of Jumbo quail.

Supply of essential and nonessential amino acids, proteins, antioxidants, iron and zinc from the main varieties of beans consumed in Mexico and their potential for biofortification

The objective of the present study was to characterize the contribution of essential and non-essential amino acids, protein, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentration, and antioxidant activity of the main bean varieties produced and consumed in Mexico. 23 varieties of beans were selected, and their amino acid profile, Fe and Zn concentration, protein and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance, test of separation of means and a correlation analysis. The results obtained indicate that the beans analyzed are an excellent source of essential amino acids (Histidine, threonine, valine, methionine, lysine, isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine) and non-essential amino acids (Aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, proline, cysteine, tyrosine and arginine). The most prominent amino acids in Mexican bean varieties were: Glutamic acid, proline, aspartic acid, serine, lysine, and leucine. Regarding antioxidant activity, the most outstanding concentrations ranged from 91.18 to 96.76% inhibition. The bean varieties with the highest accumulation of amino acids, proteins, Fe, Zn and antioxidant activity were: 1) Black-eyed (23); 2) Peruvian (154); 3) Flor de Junio (150); 4) Pinto Saltillo (155). Finally, it was found that the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an excellent vehicle for the biofortification of Fe and Zn, which can contribute significantly to combat malnutrition problems and health of vulnerable communities in the urban and rural sectors of Mexico, as well as in the developing countries of the world.

Evaluation of Chemical Composition Protein Quality and Amino Acid Scoring WHO/FAO Standards of Functional Cereals Oat Pearl Millet Sorghum and Finger Millet

The study was done on the characterization of Millets for their chemical and amino acid composition, total amino acid profile and amino acid scoring. The analyzed millet grains depicted moisture content less than 10 % that ensured higher storage stability. Pearl millet and sorghum had the most desirable amino acid composition. Non-essential amino acid content dominated the overall amino acid profile in analyzed pearl millet, finger millet and sorghum. Pearl millet and sorghum proteins was found to have an Essential amino acid index (EAAI) value of greater than 90 and thus are considered as good quality proteins. Sorghum was found to contain isoleucine as its limiting amino acid. The analyzed millets were found to contain higher amounts of tyrosine than phenylalanine, thus the consumptions of these cereals could be beneficial for those suffering from phenylketonuria. Oats and Finger millet were found to contain lowest concentration of sulphur containing essential amino acids cysteine and methionine.

Sexually dimorphic effects of methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) on murine longevity and health span during methionine restriction.

Methionine restriction (MR) extends lifespan in various model organisms, and understanding the molecular effectors of MR could expand the repertoire of tools targeting the aging process. Here, we address to what extent the biochemical pathway responsible for redox metabolism of methionine plays in regulating the effects of MR on lifespan and health span. Aerobic organisms have evolved methionine sulfoxide reductases to counter the oxidation of the thioether group contained in the essential amino acid methionine. Of these enzymes, methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and has subcellular localization in both the cytosol and mitochondria. Loss of MsrA increases sensitivity to oxidative stress and has been associated with increased susceptibility to age-associated pathologies including metabolic dysfunction. We rationalized that limiting the available methionine with MR may place increased importance on methionine redox pathways, and that MsrA may be required to maintain available methionine for its critical uses in cellular homeostasis including protein synthesis, metabolism, and methylation. Using a genetic mutant mouse lacking MsrA, we tested the requirement for this enzyme in the effects of MR on longevity and markers of healthy aging late in life. When initiated in adulthood, we found that MR had minimal effects in males and females regardless of MsrA status. MR had minimal effect on lifespan with the exception of wild-type males where loss of MsrA slightly increased lifespan on MR. We also observed that MR drove an increase in body weight in wild-type mice only, but mice lacking MsrA tended to maintain more stable body weight throughout their lives. We also found that MR had greater benefit to males than females in terms of glucose metabolism and some functional health span assessments, but MsrA generally had minimal impact on these metrics. Frailty was also found to be unaffected by MR or MsrA in aged animals. We found that in general, MsrA was not required for the beneficial effects of MR on longevity and health span.