Essential Amino Acids Research Articles

L-carnitine protects against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in cerebral cortex of rats submitted to chronic chemically-induced model of hyperphenylalaninemia.

Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder characterized by high phenylalanine levels, the main toxic metabolite of the disease. Hyperphenylalaninemia can cause neurological impairment. In order to avoid this symptomatology, patients typically follow a phenylalanine-free diet supplemented with a synthetic formula that provides essential amino acids, including L-carnitine. This work aims to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of L-carnitine treatment in the cerebral cortex of rats submitted to a chronic chemically-induced model of Hyperphenylalaninemia, evaluating brain oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. We confirm the effectiveness of the animal model, through the increase of phenylalanine and L-carnitine in blood and cerebral cortex. L-carnitine treatment was effective in significantly decreasing the generation of reactive species and attenuating the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Significant negative correlations between L-carnitine and superoxide dismutase as well as L-carnitine and reactive species generation were also found, reinforcing the involvement of oxidative stress and the effect of L-carnitine. Besides, L-carnitine attenuated the decrease in IL-4 levels, demonstrating both anti-inflammatory properties and a neuroprotective effect, through the decrease in the overexpression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) present in the cerebral cortex of rats with Hyperphenylalaninemia. Our results highlight the neuroprotective role of L-carnitine in the treatment of Phenylketonuria, mainly against neuroinflammation and the oxidative process, contributing to better clarify the pathophysiology of the disease.

Cd2+ Mediated AuNCs for Simultaneous Detection of L-cysteine and Homocysteine

Background: L-cysteine (L-Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) are the most representative of biothiol, which exist widely in organisms. L-Cys is one of the essential amino acids, which can be absorbed from protein-rich food and plays a considerable role in various physiological processes. Hcy is a vital intermediate in normal mammalian metabolism of methionine but does not occur in the diet. Therefore, it is significant to exploit a rapid and sensitive strategy to measure L-Cys and Hcy. Methods: Herein, we designed an “on-on” fluorescent platform for detecting L-Cys and Hcy with gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) as probes. During the sensing process, cadmium ions (Cd2+) acted as mediating substances to connected AuNCs and L-Cys (or Hcy), and triggered aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect. Results: The linear ranges achieved with fluorimetry of L-Cys and Hcy were 0.1-10.0 μM and 0.1- 20.0 μM, respectively. Moreover, this fluorescent probe was successfully used to determine the LCys concentration in actual samples, and showed excellent recovery. Conclusion: Furthermore, the mechanism for sensing L-Cys and Hcy has been exhaustively investigated.

Effects of chili straw on rumen fermentation, meat quality, amino acid and fatty acid contents, and rumen bacteria diversity in sheep

Crop residues have shown promise as non-conventional feed sources to enhance animal health and growth. This study evaluated the effects of chili straw (CS) on rumen fermentation, meat quality, amino and fatty acid composition, and rumen microbial diversity in sheep. Fifty F1 Dorper×Hu lambs (29.58 ± 2.06 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups, fed pelleted feed with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% CS over a 63-day period, including a 7-day pre-test. Post-trial, rumen fluid was sampled to assess fermentation and microbial profiles, and slaughter performance and meat quality were evaluated. Key findings include: (1) No significant differences were observed in rumen pH, NH3-N, or acetic acid-to-propionic acid ratio across groups (P > 0.05). (2) Rumen microbial diversity indices did not vary significantly between groups (P > 0.05), though the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria increased, and Bacteroidota decreased in CS-fed groups, with specific genus-level changes. (3) Carcass weight decreased in the CS20% group (P < 0.01). (4) Cooking loss decreased in CS10%, 15%, and 20% groups (P < 0.05), and meat redness increased in CS15% and 20% groups (P < 0.01). (5) Saturated fatty acids decreased, while the PUFA/SFA ratio and amino acid profiles, including sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), dibasic amino acids (DAA), essential amino acids (EAA), and total amino acids (TAA), increased with CS, with a significant rise in Gly content in the CS15% group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CS into lamb diets can enhance meat quality without adversely affecting rumen fermentation, with recommended levels between 10% and 15%.

Recent Advances of Carbon Dots: Synthesis, Plants Applications, Prospects, and Challenges.

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology have garnered significant attention in the realm of agricultural production. Carbon dots (CDs), as a class of nanomaterials, play a crucial role in the field of plant growth due to their excellent properties. This review aims to summarize recent achievements on CDs, focusing on their methods of preparation and applications in plants systems. The effects of CDs on seed germination, growth, photosynthesis, nutritional quality, and stress resistance were studied. It has been demonstrated that CDs can promote seed germination and growth, as well as improve photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately leading to increase plants yield. The nutritional quality of the plants treated with CDs was significantly improved. Specifically, the levels of essential mineral elements, vitamins, amino acids, and other constituents that are beneficial to human health increased notably. Additionally, CDs show positive effects on augmenting plant resistance against environmental stresses, such as drought conditions, heavy metal toxicity, and high salinity. Finally, the prospects and challenges of the application of CDs in plant systems are also discussed, which provide a scientific basis for the future application of CDs in agricultural production.

Optimization and characterization studies of poultry waste valorization for peptone production using a newly Egyptian Bacillus subtilis strain

Valorization of poultry waste is a significant challenge addressed in this study, which aimed to produce cost-effective and sustainable peptones from poultry waste. The isolation process yielded the highly potent proteolytic B.subtilis isolate P6, identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing to share 94% similarity with the B.subtilis strain KEMET024 (GenBank accession number PP694485.1) and deposited in MIRCEN culture collection, Cairo, Egypt as EMCC 998871. It reached optimal production levels during 24 h of incubation, with biomass at 2.5 g/L, protease activity at 455 U/mL, and total amino acid (TAA) concentration at 208 mg/mL. For screening the most significant factors for peptone production, the Plackett–Burman design identified meat and bone meal concentration as the main significant factor influencing total amino acid reaching 420 mg/mL. BOX-Behnken design optimized peptone production increasing its production level by twofold to reach 2850 U/mL of protease activity and 580 mg/mL of total amino acids. The produced peptone demonstrated a superior amino acid profile compared to commercial peptones, with a remarkably higher total amino acid content of 621.556 mg/g and elevated levels of essential amino acids like aspartic acid (37.745%), glutamic acid (90.876%), glycine (117.272%), and alanine (50.373%). Characterization revealed optimal pH and temperature conditions of around pH 8 and 50–60°C, respectively, for the proteolytic activity. The Michaelis–Menten and Lineweaver–Burk plots determined a Km of 0.5 mg/mL and Vmax of 174.08 U/mL suggesting cooperative substrate binding and providing insights into the enzyme’s maximum rate and affinity. The produced peptone exhibited minimal cytotoxicity at lower concentrations (≤ 1 mg/mL), with cell viability exceeding 94% against normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells. However, higher concentrations (≥ 3 mg/mL) displayed increased cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the results strongly indicate that the produced peptone, particularly at 0.5% concentration, is an effective nitrogen source for B. subtilis cultivation, demonstrating its potential for biotechnological applications. This study successfully valorized poultry waste by developing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial peptones, contributing to waste valorization and sustainable biotechnological processes.Graphical abstract

Compositions of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) from different culture systems

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of seasons (summer and winter) on the proximate, amino acid and fatty acid compositions of gilthead sea bream fish fed with commercial diets in sea cages and earthen ponds in the Aegean Sea in Türkiye. In general, the nutrient composition of the diets met the nutritional needs of the fish. Proximate analysis of fish fillets revealed that fish reared in earthen ponds had the lowest moisture and highest lipid content in the winter season (p < 0.05). Although fillet protein contents were comparatively higher in the winter (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference between systems in the same season (p > 0.05). Growing gilthead sea bream in marine cages produced fillets with high contents of the essential fatty acids (EFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). On the other hand, the 18:1n-9 and 18:3n-3 contents of fish reared in earthen ponds increased by 25.64 and 18.80% respectively, compared to those in marine cages. Fillet content of total n-3 fatty acid were comparatively higher (p < 0.05) in gilthead sea bream from marine cages, and this increase was even more evident in the winter months. The n-3/n-6 ratios of fillets were significantly high in gilthead sea bream from marine cages in the summer. The levels of the essential amino acids (EAAs) arginine and leucine were higher in fillets from both systems in the winter. On the other hand, fillet contents of lysine were higher in the summer. In general, the total EAA content of fillets was higher in fish from the sea cages in summer. EAA/NEAA ratios in both systems in summer and winter were found to be at good levels in terms of fish fillet quality. Fillet contents of EFA and EAA from both systems and seasons were found to be good for human consumption and will have positive effects on human nutrition. In conclusion, commercial diets used in feeding gilthead sea bream improved the proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions of fillets to a good extent. Different seasons and culture systems may affect the nutritional composition of fish fillets, especially on fillet EFA contents. Results of fillet samples in marine cages and earthen ponds in summer and winter showed that the fish were of good quality for human health. Evaluation of the results in the present study shows that that gilthead sea bream can also be successfully cultured in earthen ponds in areas unsuitable for agriculture.

Can We Maintain Muscle Mass on a Plant-Based Diet?

This review aims to determine whether muscle mass and function can be effectively maintained without relying on animal-based protein sources. We evaluate the quality, digestibility, and essential amino acid profiles of plant-based proteins to understand their potential in preventing and managing sarcopenia. Recent studies indicate that while animal-based proteins have traditionally been considered the gold standard for supporting muscle protein synthesis, certain plant-based protein blends, fortified with leucine or other essential amino acids, can produce comparable anabolic responses. Advances in processing techniques have improved the bioavailability and overall quality of plant proteins, and emerging research suggests that strategic meal planning and supplementation can overcome prior limitations. Although animal-based proteins remain highly effective in preserving muscle mass, plant-based proteins can serve as a viable alternative in many scenarios. Future research should focus on well-designed, large-scale studies across diverse populations to refine guidelines for optimizing plant-based protein intake in sarcopenia prevention and management.

Advancing Food Security with Farmed Edible Insects: Economic, Social, and Environmental Aspects

Farmed edible insects are considered a potential resource to help address food security concerns toward the year 2050. The sustainability (e.g., lower environmental impact), nutritional (e.g., high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, fiber, unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals) and health (e.g., antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory) benefits are the main reasons for the rise in interest for insects as alternative protein sources for food and feed production. Thus, edible insects can address the future global protein demand of an ever-increasing world population. In this context, several aspects related to their sustainability have been explored and addressed from an environmental perspective. This review describes the rationale for using insects as alternative protein sources and provides a comprehensive viewpoint, integrating economic, environmental, and social aspects into their sustainability framework toward addressing food insecurity concerns. For example, edible insects offer a more sustainable protein source comparable to, or even better than, that of conventional livestock. Considering their sustainability advantages, insects are noted for their lower impact on natural resources (e.g., water and agrarian land) and lower greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane). From a socioeconomic point of view, edible insects have lower production costs compared to conventional animal protein sources because of their high feed efficiency conversion, rapid growth rate, and short life cycles. Currently, the market for edible, farmed insects is becoming a significant economic activity that not only meets the needs of industry and consumers but also supports the ability of future generations to maintain a secure and sustainable community.

Controlled Nutrient Delivery to Pancreatic Islets Using Polydopamine-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

In this study, we designed a nanoscale platform for sustained amino acid delivery to support transplanted pancreatic islets. The platform features mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) loaded with glutamine (G), an essential amino acid required for islet survival and function, and coated with polydopamine (PD). We investigated various PD concentrations (0.5-2 mg/mL) and incubation times (0.5-2 h) to optimize G release, identifying that a PD concentration of 0.5 mg/mL incubated for 0.5 h yielded the best results to support islet viability and functionality ex vivo, particularly under inflammatory conditions. In syngeneic islet transplantation in STZ-diabetic mice, G alone provided only temporary benefits; however, PD-G-MSNPs significantly improved islet engraftment and function, with animals maintaining glycemic control for 30 days due to controlled G release. Our findings support the use of this nanoscale platform to provide essential nutrients like G to transplanted islets until they can establish their own blood and nutrient supply.

Circulating metabolomic biomarkers of 5-year body weight and composition change in a biracial cohort of community-dwelling older adults.

Unintentional weight loss in older populations is linked to greater mortality and morbidity risks. This study aims to understand the metabolic mechanisms of unintentional weight loss and their relationship with body composition changes in older adults. We investigated plasma metabolite associations with weight and body composition changes over 5years in 1335 participants (mean age 73.4years at Year 1, 51% women, and 33% Black) from the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations of the 442 metabolites with weight loss > 5% over 5years with/without an intention, weight gain > 5%, and fluctuating weight relative to weight stability. Metabolite associations with unintentional weight loss differed from other weight change patterns. Lower levels of essential amino acids, phospholipids, long-chain polyunsaturated triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and uridine were associated with higher odds of unintentional weight loss versus weight stability after adjusting for age, sex, race, and Year 1 BMI categories. Losses in fat mass and muscle mass each attenuated > 20% of the associations between many metabolites, such as phospholipids and essential amino acids, and unintentional weight loss. DXA whole-body fat mass loss (mean 3% annually) further attenuated 9 metabolite associations by > 50% after CT muscle loss (mean 2% annually) adjustment. Lipids and amino acids related to energy and protein balance were associated with unintentional weight loss in older adults. Fat and muscle mass losses partially attenuated these associations, suggesting connections of these metabolic pathways with muscle, and particularly adiposity dynamics.

Amino Acid Supplementation May Help Prevent Muscle Wasting After Orthopedic Surgery, but Additional Studies Are Warranted: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation, including conditionally essential amino acid (CEAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation, has been suggested as a mechanism to optimize patient outcomes by counteracting the atrophy associated with orthopedic procedures. Purpose: We sought to investigate the effect of EAA supplementation in the perioperative period on patients undergoing orthopedic and spine surgery, specifically whether it is associated with (1) reductions in postoperative muscle atrophy and (2) improved postoperative function including range of motion, strength, and mobility. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used, and the protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023447774). Studies of interest were prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between 2002 and 2023 evaluating the impact of EAA supplementation on patients undergoing orthopedic and spine surgery. Results: Ten RCTs evaluating EAA supplementation in trauma, adult reconstruction, and spine surgery were identified; half of these focused on adult reconstruction. The EAA supplementation dose (3.4-20 g), frequency (daily to 3 times per day), and duration (14-49 days) varied widely across studies. Seven studies reported parameters relating to muscle size and/or composition, with 3 studies reporting superior muscle size/composition in patients receiving perioperative EAA supplementation, when compared with controls. Three studies reported favorable mobility outcomes for patients receiving EAA. Meta-analysis was prohibited by variation in measurement and outcome variables across the studies. Conclusions: Pooled data from level I studies supports the use of EAA, BCAA, and CEAA supplementations across several orthopedic subspecialties. However, significant heterogeneity exists in the quantity, duration, and content of EAA administered. Further prospective studies are needed to determine optimal/standardized parameters for supplementation.

A Review on Branched-Chain Amino Acid Aminotransferase (BCAT) Inhibitors: Current Status, Challenges and Perspectives.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids for humans and play an indispensable role in many physiological and pathological processes. Branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of BCAAs. BCAT is upregulated in many cancers and implicated in the development and progress of some other diseases, such as metabolic and neurological diseases; and therefore, targeting BCAT might be a potential therapeutic approach for these diseases. There are two isoforms of BCAT, i.e., cytoplasmic BCAT1 (or BCATc) and mitochondrial BCAT2 (or BCATm). The discovery of BCAT inhibitors was initiated by Warner-Lambert, a subsidiary of Pfizer, in 2000, followed by many other pharmaceutical companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Ergon, Icagen, Agios, and Bayer. Strategies of high-throughput screening (HTS), DNA-Encoded library technology (ELT), and fragment-based screening (FBS) have been employed for hit identification, followed by structural optimization. Despite low selectivity, both BCAT1 and BCAT2 selective inhibitors were individually developed, each with a few chemical structural classes. The most advanced BCAT1 inhibitor is BAY-069, discovered by Bayer, which has a potent enzymatic inhibitory activity against BCAT1 and a decent in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile but displayed weaker cellular inhibitory activity and almost no anti-proliferative activity. There are no BCAT inhibitors currently under investigation in clinical trials. Further studies are still needed to discover BCAT inhibitors with a more druggable profile for proof of concept. This review focuses on the latest progress of studies on the understanding of the physiology and pathology of BCAT and the discovery and development of BCAT inhibitors. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) and the druggability, and the challenges of BCAT inhibitors are discussed, with the aim of inspiring the discovery and development of BCAT inhibitors in the future.

Aguamiel, a Traditional Mexican Beverage: A Review of Its Nutritional Composition, Health Effects and Conservation.

Aguamiel is the sap extracted from various species of maguey (Agave spp.). This liquid is highly prized in central Mexico for its pleasing sensory qualities and nutritional value. Understanding the composition of aguamiel is crucial as it may offer beneficial effects for human health. Reports have indicated its significance as a source of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fructooligosaccharides with prebiotic potential. Additionally, aguamiel can harbor diverse microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus and Leuconostoc spp.) and yeasts, contributing antioxidant, nutritional, prebiotic, and probiotic properties. However, aguamiel is prone to rapid fermentation due to its nature, which can alter its sensory and nutritional characteristics. This review provides insight into the broad nutritional composition, microbial diversity, and metabolites beneficial to the human health of fresh aguamiel. At the same time, it reviews the technologies applied to aguamiel to preserve its nutritional properties and functional metabolites and extend its shelf life. Thus, the data included in this document may lead to greater beverage consumption and further research to find new conservation alternatives that change its organoleptic and functional properties as little as possible.

Serum metabolomic profiling for predicting therapeutic response and toxicity in breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective longitudinal study

Serum metabolomic profiling for predicting therapeutic response and toxicity in breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective longitudinal study

Nutritional, pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of sorghum–okara composite flours and porridges

Abstract This study examined the impact of okara addition on the nutritional, pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of sorghum flour and porridge. Porridges (fermented and unfermented) were made with 100% sorghum flour and sorghum–okara blends at 70:30 and 50:50 ratios. The inclusion of okara significantly enhanced the porridge's crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash content. It also increased essential amino acids, particularly lysine, and improved in vitro protein digestibility and available lysine by 23%–73% and 50%–104%, respectively, compared to 100% sorghum porridge. Okara addition and fermentation altered pasting properties, reducing peak viscosity (PV), holding strength, breakdown viscosity, and final viscosity while also decreasing the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). Differential scanning calorimetry showed that sorghum flour had higher thermal stability than okara, but this stability decreased with the addition of okara. In terms of colour, the blending of sorghum and okara, along with fermentation, led to noticeable shifts in colour, making the porridges brighter and more colourful. Overall, okara was found to improve the nutritional quality and colour attributes of sorghum-based porridge while also affecting the pasting and thermal properties by reducing its PV and gelatinization temperature.

Edible Berries- An Update on Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits- Part III.

The diverse polyphenolic components present in these berries are responsible for their functional properties in human health. Hence, there is an increasing demand for research in berry bioactive components to understand the mechanism of action in alleviating and preventing diseases. Therefore, in this last part-III of the review series, mulberry, raspberry, salmonberry, Saskatoonberry, and strawberry are discussed in terms of their bioactive components and corresponding substantial health benefits. The aforementioned berries provide essential and nonessential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and various phenolic compounds. Similar to the other reported berries, these berries possess good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. The bioactive components present in the berries are crucial for the overall well-being of humans and hence consumption of berries mentioned in part-III as well as part-I and part-II possesses substantial health benefits, particularly cognitive and cardio health.

Amino Acid Profile and Mineral Content of Cultivated Snails Acusta despecta and Achatina fulica: Assessing Their Potential as Nutritional Source.

This study evaluates the nutritional potential of two cultivated snail species, Acusta despecta and Achatina fulica, sourced from commercial farms in Korea, marking the first comprehensive analysis of A. despecta. The protein content of A. despecta (70.9 g/100 g dry matter) was significantly higher than that of A. fulica (44.2 g/100 g dry matter). Similar trends were observed for ash content (6.3 vs. 4.9 g/100 g dry matter) and crude fiber (2.9 vs. 0.4 g/100 g dry matter). Reflecting the higher protein content, A. despecta contained elevated levels of most amino acids compared to A. fulica. Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid, with leucine and lysine being the predominant essential amino acids in both species. The total amino acid content was 57.6 g/100 g dry matter for A. despecta and 40.4 g/100 g for A. fulica. Mineral analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations of minerals in A. despecta, except calcium and magnesium. Notably, A. despecta provided over 100% of the RDA/AI for calcium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese and met 94.5% of the iron RDA for women. These results emphasize the potential of A. despecta as a valuable dietary source for addressing protein and mineral deficiencies, particularly in nutrient-poor diets.

Exploring the Impact of Extended Amino Acid Supplementation on Body Composition and Psychopathology in Patients with Eating Disorders Undergoing Psycho-Nutritional Rehabilitation.

Eating disorders are frequently linked to protein-energy malnutrition, resulting from chronic energy intake reduction, and leading to reduced body weight and altered body composition. A nutritional approach based on the supplementation with a mixture of essential amino acids has proven effective in conditions characterized by reduced dietary intake and increased degradation of endogenous proteins and might also contribute to correct the amino acid deficiency possibly involved in the pathogenesis of eating disorders. This study aimed to explore the effects of amino acid supplementation in conjunction with a standard psycho-nutritional rehabilitation program on body composition, symptoms and psychopathology status in 30 female patients with eating disorders hospitalized at the Residenza Palazzo Francisci in Todi, Italy. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups receiving amino acid supplementation for 45 and 90 days, respectively. Each patient underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline, after 45 days and after 90 days. Validated psychometric tests were administered at study entry and study end to all enrolled patients. Results from bioelectrical impedance analysis suggest that amino acid supplementation contributes to restoring nutritional and metabolic balance, with effects proportional to the duration of administration. Conversely, interpreting the effects on psychopathologic state and symptoms was challenging, probably due to the small sample size and short observation period. Prolonged amino acid supplementation may play a role in the management of patients with eating disorders, favoring the correction of the catabolic state and possibly contributing to improvement of the psychopathologic state.

Physico-chemical properties and micronutrient profile of functional chocolate with mare's milk powder and resveratrol

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent one of the most severe healthcare challenges for many countries, accounting for one-third of all deaths worldwide. One significant risk factor contributing to the increase in CVD prevalence is the disruption of dietary patterns, characterised by a deficiency of essential macro- and micronutrients in the population's diet. In this context, a particularly relevant direction in food biotechnology and preventive medicine is the nutritional prevention of CVD by developing new functional food products with pronounced health-promoting and cardioprotective properties. Mare's milk and resveratrol have a balanced chemical composition and can be utilised to prevent many chronic non-communicable diseases, including CVD. This study aims to develop functional milk chocolate enriched with dried mare's milk and resveratrol and determine its physicochemical properties and micronutrient profile. The replacement of cow's milk in chocolate with dried mare's milk and fortification using resveratrol powder resulted in significant changes in the product's properties, which varied depending on the quantity of added functional ingredients. These include the mass content of B vitamins, vitamins A and E, calcium, magnesium, essential amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sensory analysis revealed changes in the product's organoleptic properties following incorporating these functional components. Thus, adding 20% dried mare's milk and 0.10% resveratrol can enhance the biological value and improve the sensory qualities of the chocolate products.

Ultrasound-assisted modification of oat protein isolates: Structural and functional enhancements.

Escalating global protein demand necessitates the commercialization of protein rich products. Oat is a promising high-quality protein source but it requires structural and functional modifications to diversify its application. The current investigation was focused on the impact of different powers of ultrasonic waves (200, 400, and 600W) on structural and functional characteristics of oat protein isolates to improve its techno-functional properties. Higher strength ultrasound waves generated flat sheet structures which were observed while analyzing microstructure of oat protein isolate (OPI). However, non-significant variation in molecular weight distribution were observed in different treatments. At 600W power of ultrasonic waves the protein fragments show local accumulation, increased α-helix content. Due to uncoiling of protein structure decrease in β-sheets and β-turns was also observed at 600W. Protein turbidity decreased significantly under low power ultrasonic treatment (200W) which significantly increased at higher power. Moderate ultrasonic treatment (400W) promoted protein dissolution, and maintained a good balance between β-sheets (71.04±0.08), α-helix (16.27±0.02) and β-turns (12.68±0.03), exhibiting optimized flexibility and structural integrity. Whereas, higher strength (600W) significantly destroyed protein structure. The amino acid content decreased significantly with increasing ultrasonic power. The thermal characteristics of OPI remained unaffected after ultrasound treatment. In conclusion, modifications of secondary and tertiary structure induced by moderate ultrasonic treatment (400W) improved functional properties of OPI. The 400W treatment resulted in highest essential amino acid content (EAA) i.e., 22.75±0.82mg/100mg and total amino acid content (TAA) i.e., 64.94±2.7mg/100mg, which are significantly higher than WHO and FAO standards, suggesting best total and essential amino acid production in comparison to other treatments.