Protein Extracts Research Articles

Pongamia pinnata seed extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticle loaded nanogel for estimation of their antipsoriatic properties.

This research describes the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Pongamia pinnata seed extracts loaded with nanogel formulations (AgNPs CUD NG) to improve the retention, accumulation, and the penetration of AgNPs into the epidermal layer of psoriasis. AgNPs were synthesized using the Box-Behnken design. Optimized AgNPs and AgNPs CUD NG were physico-chemically evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, FT-IR, PXRD, viscosity, spreadability, and retention studies. It was also functionally assessed using an imiquimod-induced rat model. The entrapment efficiency of AgNPs revealed ~ 79.35%. Physico-chemical parameters announced the formation of AgNPs via surface plasmon resonance and interaction between O-H, C = O, and amide I carbonyl group of protein extract and AgNO3. Optimized AgNPs showed spherical NPs ~ 116nm with better physical stability and suitability for transdermal applications. AgNPs CUD NG revealed non-Newtonian, higher spreadability, and better extrudability, indicating its suitability for a transdermal route. AgNPs CUD NG enhanced the retention of AgNPs on the psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. Optimized formulations exhibit no irritation by the end of 72h, indicating formulation safety. AgNPs CUD NG at a dose of 1 FTU showed significant recovery from psoriasis with a PASI score of ~ 0.8 compared to NG base and marketed formulations. Results indicated that seed extract-assisted AgNPs in association with CUD-based NG formulations could be a promising nanocarrier for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Enterococcus faecium postbiotics on growth performance and intestinal health of growing male mink.

Recent studies have demonstrated that postbiotics possess bioactivities comparable to those of probiotics. Therefore, our experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of postbiotics derived from Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance and intestinal health of growing male minks. A total of 120 growing male minks were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each with 15 replicates of 2 minks. The minks in the 4 groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15% postbiotics derived from E. faecium (PEF), respectively. Compared to the control, PEF improved feed/gain (F/G) during the first 4 weeks and the entire 8 weeks of the study (p < 0.05); in addition, 0.1% PEF improved average daily gain (ADG) during the first 4 weeks and the entire 8 weeks of the study (p < 0.05), while 0.15% PEF improved ADG during the first 4 weeks of the study (p < 0.05). Consequently, 0.1% PEF minks displayed greater body weight (BW) at weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.05), and 0.15% PEF minks had greater BW at week 4 (p < 0.05) than minks in the control. Furthermore, compared to the control, both 0.05 and 0.1% PEF enhanced the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) (p < 0.05) in the initial 4 weeks, while both 0.1 and 0.15% PEF enhanced the apparent digestibility of CP and DM in the final 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Additionally, trypsin activity was elevated in the 0.1 and 0.15% PEF groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). In terms of intestinal morphology, PEF increased the villus height and villus/crypt (V/C) in the jejunum (p < 0.05), and both 0.1 and 0.15% PEF decreased the crypt depth and increased the villus height and V/C in the duodenum (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Supplementation with 0.1% PEF increased the SIgA levels but decreased the IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, E. faecium postbiotics decreased the relative abundances of Serratia and Fusobacterium (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that the growth performance, digestibility, immunity, and intestine development of minks are considerably affected by E. faecium postbiotics. In particular, dietary supplementation with 0.1% E. faecium postbiotics provides greater benefits than supplementation with 0.05 and 0.15%.

Enhancing protein extraction from heterotrophic Auxenochlorella protothecoides microalgae through emerging cell disruption technologies combined with incubation

This study evaluated pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ultrasonication (US) combined with incubation to enhance cell disruption and protein extraction from Auxenochlorella protothecoides, comparing them to conventional high-pressure homogenization (HPH). A 5 h incubation enhanced protein yield by 79.4 % for PEF- and 27.2 % for US-treated samples. Extending the incubation to 24 h resulted in a total yield increase of 122 % for PEF (0.25 ± 0.03 kgEP kgTP−1) and 51.9 % for US (0.20 ± 0.02 kgEP−1 kgTP−1). Autofermentation in untreated cells after 24 h resulted in protein release with lower yields than all other treated and incubated samples. While HPH had the highest protein yield (0.58 ± 0.04 kgEP kgTP−1), PEF-incubation after 5 h (56.6 ± 5.3 MJ kgEP−1) and 24 h (49.5 ± 3.7 MJ kgEP−1) were 1.5 and 1.7-times more energy-efficient than HPH (82.9 ± 7.8 MJ kgEP−1). PEF combined incubation is an energy-efficient and targeted protein extraction method in heterotrophic A. protothecoides biorefinery.

Ultrasonic treatment assisted extraction of sunflower protein

Sunflower meal is a promising source of protein, which can be used as a food ingredient in the formulations of meat, flour and confectionery products. Alkaline extraction technology is traditionally used to obtain sunflower protein, but its efficiency can be increased using physical methods: ultrasound, microwave radiation, extraction at high pressure and others. Thу article deals with an application of the ultrasonic treatment for increase of the efficiency of protein extraction from defatted plant material: from the protein fraction of sunflower meal and from sunflower meal. The trial samples for protein extraction were prepared by the preliminary treatment of the samples in the ultrasonic bath for 15 minutes at a frequency of 40 hertz at temperature 24-28° C. The control sample was not subjected to such pretreatment. Then protein was isolated from the raw material by alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. The possibility of the protein preparation isolation with a higher crude protein content (93,66% m.f.b) compared to the control sample has been shown. The mass yield of protein was 64% of its content in the raw material. The influence of ultrasonic treatment on the efficiency of protein extraction from raw material with different crude protein content is demonstrated. The results of the study show the feasibility of usage of ultrasound treatment in isolation of sunflower protein. In particular, the crude protein content in the trial protein sample after ultrasonic treatment was increased by 8,23% compared to the control sample. The obtained results demonstrated their consistency when compared to the results of other studies. However, there are only a limited number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower derived products.A comparison of the results obtained showed their consistency with the results of other studies. However, there are only a small number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower processing products.

Hydrothermal extraction and thorough characterization of carrageenans and proteins from Gigartina pistillata

Carrageenan, an interesting biopolymer from red seaweed, possesses a myriad of applications in food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries. Although its conventional extraction used to be performed with alkaline solvents, water extraction under subcritical conditions is an alternative eco-friendly technique that has gained popularity in recent years. This work evaluates the recovery and characterization of carrageenan and proteins from Gigartina pistillata. The highest number of proteins was identified at the lowest processing tempeartures. Extracted carrageenan exhibits molecular weights greater than 500 kDa and good rheological behaviour, with interest for food applications and for the formulation of hydrogels when mixed with KCl. The carrageenans and carrageenan hydrogels presented interesting properties such as good thermal stability until 170 °C (TGA-DTG) and show characteristic bands of kappa/iota carrageenans in FTIR studies. Greater cell viability than 70% were achieved on NIH/3T3 fibroblast at carrageenan concentrations of 0.05 and 0.025%, whereas carrageenan extracted at 160 °C (concentration of 0.025%) displays a lower inflammatory action than other samples. In this sense, in this work the eco-friendlier extracted carrageenan was thoroughly characterized and its potentiality to be used in the biomedical field was evaluated.

Integrated multi-omics reveals the relationship between growth performance, rumen microbes and metabolic status of Hu sheep with different residual feed intakes

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a metric that provides a more accurate measure of feed efficiency. The lower the RFI, the higher the feed efficiency. The changes in the host microbiome and metabolome contribute to the greater feed efficiency of low RFI (LRFI) animals. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in rumen microorganisms, rumen metabolites and plasma metabolites of Hu sheep with differing RFI through the microbiome and metabolome. A total of 80 Hu sheep were used. The experiment consisted of a 15-d pretrial period and a 128-d experimental period. The RFI in the experimental period was calculated for all sheep, and the sheep were screened into high RFI (HRFI, n = 8) and LRFI (n = 8) groups. The HRFI and LRFI sheep did not differ in their initial and final body weights, average daily gain and body measurements, but the dry matter intake of LRFI sheep was significantly decreased (28.4%, P < 0.001). The sheep with LRFI had higher digestibility of crude protein (P = 0.010) and ether extract (P = 0.010) compared to HRFI group. The concentrations of acetate (P = 0.036), propionate (P = 0.010), valerate (P = 0.027) and total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.048) in rumen of LRFI group were higher compared to HRFI group. The results of 16S rDNA sequencing indicated that the sheep with LRFI had higher proportions of Prevotella genus in rumen liquid (P = 0.031). The rumen metabolome and plasma metabolome results showed that the citrate cycle, pyruvate metabolism and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism processes were more active for sheep in LRFI group, which provided more energy substrate such as malic acid, oxoglutaric acid and citric acid. In conclusion, sheep with LRFI can utilize feed more efficiently, and the more active energy metabolism pathway and the production of energy substances may account for the higher feed efficiency.

The application of deep eutectic solvents for protein extraction from bee bread (Perga)

Bee bread is one of the basic nutrients that bees use as a protein source and is formed as a result of the fermentation of bee pollen. In the last few years, this product has become increasingly recognized and consumed among bee products due to its functional properties. However, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have attracted great interest in recent years as promising green alternatives to replace traditional solvents due to their variable viscosity, low vapor pressure, application-specific adjustability, non-flammability and chemical stability. In this study, bee bread was extracted in 12 different DES with different hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA):hydrogen bond donor (HBD) combinations. The DES combination with the highest total protein content was determined to be choline chloride (ChCl)-urea. Then, ultrasonic extraction conditions were optimized for maximum bioactive extraction in extracts prepared with ChCl-urea. The optimum conditions were found as 31.3 %, 25 min, 35 °C for ultrasonic power, extraction time and temperature, respectively. The desirability value (d) of the model was 0.83. The extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content, total protein content, individual polyphenolics, individual amino acids and individual vitamins as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activity tests. According to the results, total protein, total individual amino acids and total individual phenolics were higher in the extracts obtained with ChCl-urea compared to the extract prepared with conventional solvent (ethanol). In conclusion, all these findings showed that ChCl-urea combination can be an alternative to ethanol depending on the structural characteristics of the target compounds to be extracted from bee bread.

Propolis extract and Hermetia illucens larval proteins synergistically inhibit the growth of Aspergillus niger

The individual and combined inhibitory activities of propolis extract (PE) and Hermetia illucens larval proteins (Black soldier fly larvae proteins) (BSFLP) against Aspergillus niger were investigated. The antifungal effects of PE, BSFLP and Synergy of PE and BSFLP (SPB) against Aspergillus niger were determined by mycelial growth, spore germination rate and hyphal elongation. Membrane integrity was measured by assessing changes in extracellular proteins, reducing sugars, and electrical conductivity. Intracellular MDA, H2O2, ergosterol, and mannan contents were also evaluated. SEM was used to observe the morphology of the Aspergillus niger mycelium. Additionally, AutoDock Tools software and multi-ligand docking methods were used to study the synergistic interactions of ligand combinations on the receptor. The results showed that the combination of PE and BSFLP had excellent effects. During the treatment of antifungal agents, the membrane permeability changed and a large amount of content leaked, while control check (CK) remained almost unchanged. Ergosterol content was found to increase, while mannan content decreased significantly, leading to cell death. In addition, SPB can cause abnormal accumulation of MDA and H2O2, leading to oxidative stress in cells. SEM results showed that morphology of Aspergillus niger treated with SPB was severe wrinkling, distortion and even breakage. Multi-ligand docking results showed that the binding affinity of receptor 1KS5 to 14 complex ligands increased, as indicated by the decrease in docking energy values. These results provide scientific basis for further study on the application of SPB and development of effective antifungal products.

Proteomic Analysis of Differences in the Freezability of Porcine Sperm Identifies α-Amylase As a Key Protein.

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the differences in the freezability of boar semen, Yorkshire boars with freezing-tolerant semen (YT, n = 3), Yorkshire boars with freezing-sensitive semen (YS, n = 3), Landrace boars with freezing-tolerant semen (LT, n = 3), and Landrace boars with freezing-sensitive semen (LS, n = 3) were selected for this study. Their sperm was subjected to protein extraction, followed by data-independent acquisition proteomics and functional bioinformatics analysis. A total of 3042 proteins were identified, of which 2810 were quantified. Some key KEGG pathways were enriched, such as starch and sucrose metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, mineral absorption, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the necroptosis pathways. Through PRM verification, we found that several proteins, such as α-amylase and epididymal sperm-binding protein 1, can be used as molecular markers of the freezing resistance of boar semen. Furthermore, we found that the addition of α-amylase to cryoprotective extender could significantly improve the post-thaw motility and quality of boar semen. In summary, this study revealed some molecular markers and potential molecular pathways contributing to the high or low freezability of boar sperm, identifying α-amylase as a key protein. This study is valuable for optimizing boar semen cryopreservation technology.

Profiling Tel1 Signaling Reveals a Non-Canonical Motif Targeting DNA Repair and Telomere Control Machineries.

The stability of the genome relies on Phosphatidyl Inositol 3-Kinase-related Kinases (PIKKs) that sense DNA damage and trigger elaborate downstream signaling responses. In S. cerevisiae, the Tel1 kinase (ortholog of human ATM) is activated at DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and short telomeres. Despite the well-established roles of Tel1 in the control of telomere maintenance, suppression of chromosomal rearrangements, activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and repair of DSBs, the substrates through which Tel1 controls these processes remain incompletely understood. Here we performed an in depth phosphoproteomic screen for Tel1-dependent phosphorylation events. To achieve maximal coverage of the phosphoproteome, we developed a scaled-up approach that accommodates large amounts of protein extracts and chromatographic fractions. Compared to previous reports, we expanded the number of detected Tel1-dependent phosphorylation events by over 10-fold. Surprisingly, in addition to the identification of phosphorylation sites featuring the canonical motif for Tel1 phosphorylation (S/T-Q), the results revealed a novel motif (D/E-S/T) highly prevalent and enriched in the set of Tel1-dependent events. This motif is unique to Tel1 signaling and not shared with the Mec1 kinase, providing clues to how Tel1 plays specialized roles in DNA repair and telomere length control. Overall, these findings define a Tel1-signaling network targeting numerous proteins involved in DNA repair, chromatin regulation, and telomere maintenance that represents a framework for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of Tel1 action.

Soil health indicators for predicting corn nitrogen requirement in long‐term cover cropping

AbstractEfforts to address economic and environmental concerns surrounding nitrogen (N) have motivated attempts to improve estimates of plant‐available N in soil. Several soil health indicators, including CO2 burst, permanganate oxidizable carbon (C) (POXC), and autoclaved‐citrate extractable (ACE) soil protein, assess labile C and N, and therefore may help to estimate soil N mineralization in long‐term cover cropping systems (&gt;3 years). This study evaluated the relationship of CO2 burst, POXC, ACE‐soil protein, and pre‐sidedress nitrate test (PSNT) with agronomic optimum N rate (AONR) in corn (Zea mays L.). The study also looked at relationship between other soil test and corn yield parameters, relative yield (RY) and yield without N sidedress at 25 long‐term cover crop sites across Virginia. Results showed relatively weak correlations between AONR and CO2 burst, POXC, ACE‐soil protein, and NO3‐N (r = 0.00 to −0.48), which indicates that these soil health tests may not reliably predict soil N availability and corn yield. Corn yield with zero‐sidedress N rate had a negative relationship with cover crop C:N ratio (r = −0.66) and a positive relationship with cover crop N content (r = 0.59), and NO3‐N at pre‐planting (r = 0.54) and sidedress (PSNT) (r = 0.63). The PSNT showed a better relationship (r = 0.65) compared to 72‐h CO2 burst (r = 0.48) with RY. Soil health indicators (CO2 burst, POXC and ACE‐soil protein) resulted in a poor or no relationship with AONR. Our results indicate that the PSNT was a more reliable indicator of the sidedress N rate in corn.

Elucidating regulation of polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism in Ralstonia eutropha: Identification of transcriptional regulators from phasin and depolymerase genes

Despite the ever-growing research interest in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as green plastic alternatives, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing PHA synthesis, storage, and degradation in the model organism Ralstonia eutropha remains limited. Given its importance for central carbon metabolism, PHA homeostasis is probably controlled by a complex network of transcriptional regulators. Understanding this fine-tuning is key for developing improved PHA production strains thereby boosting the application of PHAs. We conducted promoter pull-down assays with crude protein extracts from R. eutropha Re2058/pCB113, followed by LC-MS/MS, to identify putative transcriptional regulators involved in the expression control of PHA metabolism, specifically targeting phasin phaP1 and depolymerase phaZ3 and phaZ5 genes. The impact on promoter activity was studied in vivo using β-galactosidase assays and the most promising candidates were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and their interaction with the promoters investigated in vitro by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays. We could show that R. eutropha DNA-binding XRE-family-like protein H16_B1672, specifically binds the phaP1 promoter in vitro with a KD of 175 nM and represses gene expression from this promoter in vivo. Protein H16_B1672 also showed interaction with both depolymerase promoters in vivo and in vitro suggesting a broader role in the regulation of PHA metabolism. Furthermore, in vivo assays revealed that the H-NS-like DNA-binding protein H16_B0227 and the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase PpiB, strongly repress gene expression from PphaP1 and PphaZ3, respectively. In summary, this study provides new insights into the regulation of PHA metabolism in R. eutropha, uncovering specific interactions of novel transcriptional regulators.

P-085 Transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of unexplained male infertility: alterations in energy metabolism

Abstract Study question Which are the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of spermatozoa belonging to patients with Unexplained Male Infertility (UMI)? Summary answer Transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of UMI patients differ from the fertile men, having the energy metabolism altered. What is known already About 30% of infertile couples suffer from “Unexplained Infertility” (UI). Considering that the male factor contributes to 50% of infertility cases, it is estimated that half of all couple UI cases are due to unexplained male infertility (UMI). Men are diagnosed with UMI when despite having “normal” seminal parameters they are unable to conceive. Due to the lack of UMI classification criteria and the seminogram-only-based infertility diagnosis, little is known about the mechanisms underlying UMI. Study design, size, duration 80 normozoospermic human semen samples with proven fertility and 80 samples from patients with UMI were used for this study. Ejaculates were obtained from Clínica Quirón Bilbao between 2012 and 2018, and after capacitation they were pooled to perform protein and RNA extractions. Participants/materials, setting, methods For transcriptomic analysis, libraries were prepared using the SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-Seq Kit v3. Sequencing was performed on NextSeq 2000 system (1x 50 bp, 50 cycles, P3 kit) at Centre de Regulació Genómica (CRG). For the proteomic analysis, Tandem MassTag (TMT) 6-plex isotopic labeling strategy was adopted, and generated peptides were run in a Q Exactive mass spectrometer. To find differentially expressed genes and proteins between both groups EdgeR and Perseus softwares were employed. Main results and the role of chance In the present study, a total of 156.124 transcripts and 1722 proteins were identified in human sperm. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed the existence of distinguishable differences in the transcriptomic and proteomic profile of control and UMI samples. Specifically, 3112 differentially expressed transcripts and 385 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Among the differentially expressed proteins, 49 were correlated with RNA expression. Coherent RNA-protein signatures were mainly related to axonemal dynein complex assembly and flagellated sperm motility. Proteins involved in energy metabolism were enriched in UMI protein signatures but were not well correlated with the RNA. Furthermore, genes involved in protein transport and chromosome condensation were highly enriched in UMI group but were not detected by proteomics profiling. According to our results, there is a lack of RNA-protein correlation at human sperm. However, differential transcriptomic and proteomic profiles were found when comparing fertile normozoospermic samples to UMI samples. Concretely, our results suggest that altered energy metabolism may be one of the key factors in patients leading with UMI. Thus, the study of human sperm metabolism may be essential to find new targets of male infertility. Limitations, reasons for caution The lack of a consensus on the classification criteria of UMI makes this group of patients very heterogeneous. Further studies are needed to identify and validate specific transcripts and/or proteins that may alter specific metabolic processes and cause infertility. Wider implications of the findings The study of human sperm metabolism may be essential to understand the causes of many UMI cases. In this context, the identification of key protein or transcripts could be very helpful to predict the success of the assisted reproductive treatments. Trial registration number Not applicable

Soil Metaproteomics for Microbial Community Profiling: Methodologies and Challenges.

Soil represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem, hosting a myriad of microorganisms that coexist and play vital roles in nutrient cycling and organic matter transformation. Among these microorganisms, bacteria and fungi are key members of the microbial community, profoundly influencing the fate of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in terrestrial environments. Understanding the intricacies of soil ecosystems and the biological processes orchestrated by microbial communities necessitates a deep dive into their composition and metabolic activities. The advent of next-generation sequencing and 'omics' techniques, such as metagenomics and metaproteomics, has revolutionized our understanding of microbial ecology and the functional dynamics of soil microbial communities. Metagenomics enables the identification of microbial community composition in soil, while metaproteomics sheds light on the current biological functions performed by these communities. However, metaproteomics presents several challenges, both technical and computational. Factors such as the presence of humic acids and variations in extraction methods can influence protein yield, while the absence of high-resolution mass spectrometry and comprehensive protein databases limits the depth of protein identification. Notwithstanding these limitations, metaproteomics remains a potent tool for unraveling the intricate biological processes and functions of soil microbial communities. In this review, we delve into the methodologies and challenges of metaproteomics in soil research, covering aspects such as protein extraction, identification, and bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, we explore the applications of metaproteomics in soil bioremediation, highlighting its potential in addressing environmental challenges.

Enhancing protein extraction from soybean expeller: Exploring the impact of precipitating agents and flour-to-water ratios on functional properties

AbstractThis study investigates sustainable methods for producing protein from soybean expeller via pH-shifting processes, aiming to reduce water usage in alkaline extraction by adjusting solid-to-liquid ratios per cycle and employing isoelectric precipitants like lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactococcus Lactis) to enhance functional and antioxidant properties over a wide pH range. Results indicate that the most efficient approach involves three 1:10 (w/v) extraction cycles with lactic acid bacteria as precipitants, demonstrating high productivity and low specific water consumption. Protein content and recovery yield showed no significant differences compared to alternatives with higher water consumption or less eco-friendly precipitants. Despite lower solubility, protein products precipitated with lactic acid bacteria formed stable emulsions, exhibiting superior free radical scavenging activity.

Physicochemical characteristics and microbial diversity of sous vide scallops (Chlamys farreri) during chilled storage

This study investigated the impact of sous vide (SV) cooking methods on the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the microbial composition of scallops (Chlamys farreri) over a 30 days period of refrigerated storage. Scallop treatments were divided into two groups: CS (scallops vacuum-packed and then steamed for 30 min at 75 °C) and CK (scallops steamed for 15 min at 100 °C). With the increase in refrigeration time, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), pH, cooking loss, microbial content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually increased, while the water-soluble protein extraction rate and the myofibrillar protein (MP) extraction rate of the CS and CK samples significantly decreased. Notably, the SV steaming treatment effectively reduced microbial degradation of proteins, improved water retention of scallop samples, and maintained high MP extraction as compared to CK samples (MP content ranged from 1.09% to 2.50% in the CK group and 1.75%–3.33% in the CS group). During the late stages of refrigeration, conventionally cooked scallops (CK) were dominated by Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter, with the ability to produce biogenic amines, while SV steamed scallops were dominated by Psychrobacillus. Furthermore, a link was discovered between the microbial community and the physicochemical parameters.

Fish Oil Supplementation Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity: Exploring Epigenetic Modulation and Genes Associated with Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Mice.

This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) treatment, particularly enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. The investigation focused on elucidating the impact of FO on epigenetic modifications in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the involvement of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). C57BL/6j mice were divided into two groups: control diet and HFD for 16 weeks. In the last 8 weeks, the HFD group was subdivided into HFD and HFD + FO (treated with FO). WAT was removed for RNA and protein extraction, while ASCs were isolated, cultured, and treated with leptin. All samples were analyzed using functional genomics tools, including PCR-array, RT-PCR, and Western Blot assays. Mice receiving an HFD displayed increased body mass, fat accumulation, and altered gene expression associated with WAT inflammation and dysfunction. FO supplementation attenuated these effects, a potential protective role against HFD-induced obesity. Analysis of H3K27 revealed HFD-induced changes in histone, which were partially reversed by FO treatment. This study further explored leptin signaling in ASCs, suggesting a potential mechanism for ASC dysfunction in the obesity-rich leptin environment of WAT. Overall, FO supplementation demonstrated efficacy in mitigating HFD-induced obesity, influencing epigenetic and molecular pathways, and shedding light on the role of ASCs and leptin signaling in WAT dysfunction associated with obesity.

Gut microbiota remodeling drived by dietary millet protein prevents the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic disease associated with the disturbance of gut microbiota homeostasis. Metabolites derived from gut microbes play essential roles in MetS prevention and therapy. Here, we focused on the inhibitory effect of the extract of millet bran protein (EMBP) on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS, aiming to identify gut microbiota and their metabolites that involve in the anti-MetS activity of EMBP. The obesity, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance in MetS mouse models were abolished after EMBP treatment. The protective mechanism of EMBP against HFD-induced MetS may depend on improved gut barrier function. Using microbiome analysis, we found that EMBP supplementation improved gut microbiome dysbiosis in MetS mice, specifically upregulating Bacteroides acidifaciens. The fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) also demonstrated this phenomenon. In addition, metabolomic analysis showed that EMBP mediates metabolic profiling reprogramming in MetS mice. Notably, a microbiota-derived metabolite, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is enriched by EMBP. In addition, exogenous GABA treatment produced a similar protective effect to EMBP by improving NRF2-dependent gut barrier function to protect HFD-induced MetS. The results suggest that EMBP suppress host MetS by remodeling of gut microbiota as an effective candidate for next-generation medicine food dual purpose dietary supplement to intervene in MetS.

Study on electrostatic separation technology and characterization of shrimp shell protein

Shrimp shell protein is a high-quality protein with wide-ranging applications in feed, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. However, current methods for its production often involve the use of harsh chemicals, resulting in the generation of polluting effluents, making green alternatives highly desirable. This study combined demineralization of shrimp shell (Fenneropenaeus chinensis, Osbeck, 1765) with ultrafine grinding and electrostatic separation techniques to extract and separate the protein. The research findings revealed that shrimp shell contain 40.64 ± 0.52 % protein, which increased to 52.61 ± 1.12 % after demineralization treatment. Impact grinding, compared with cutting grinding, facilitated the production of demineralized shrimp shell ultrafine powder with more uniform distribution and smaller particle size. However, only demineralized shrimp shell powder obtained through cutting grinding achieved an increase in protein purity from 61.82 ± 0.75 % to 72.72 ± 0.83 % after electrostatic separation. The electrical properties of shrimp shell protein and chitin suggest that shrimp shell protein is more conductive than chitin, while shrimp shell chitin is more insulating and less prone to charge exchange with the counter material in a direct current electric field. The total amino acid content of shrimp shell protein obtained through electrostatic separation (715.831 mg/g protein) was higher than that obtained through traditional wet extraction (533.455 mg/g protein). Additionally, the amino acid score (AAS) of shrimp shell protein obtained via electrostatic separation was higher compared to that obtained via wet extraction. The wet extraction process significantly influenced the nutritional and structural properties of shrimp shell protein. This study confirms the potential application of electrostatic separation technology in the extraction of animal-derived shrimp shell protein.

50. Anticoccidial activity of protein and lipid extracts from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

50. Anticoccidial activity of protein and lipid extracts from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)