Fischer Ratio Research Articles

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Based Biosensor from Thermophilic Bacterial Periplasmic Binding Protein to Measure Branched-chain and Aromatic Amino Acids

Aim: Exploring the ligand binding capacity of leucine-isoleucine-valine binding protein from Thermotoga maritima.
 Background: The Fischer ratio, ratio of concentrations between branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, has been considered as an indicator of hepatic disease involving metabolic dysfunctions since its instigation in the 1970's. These amino acids are usually measured by high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and enzymatic spectrophotometry. Considering the future potential of periplasmic binding proteins in clinical diagnosis, leucine-isoleucine-valine binding protein from a thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima was purified and characterized, and evaluated its binding properties with twenty amino acids. The protein's stereo-specificity was also tested due to its importance in astrobiology research. Amino acids and carbohydrates are both known to exist in extraterrestrial environments, and stereo-chemistry is the key aspect for distinguishing between abiotic and biotic origin.
 Results: Single amino acid substitutions were generated by overlapping polymerase chain reaction mediated mutagenesis using mutagenic primers to construct two mutants of leucine-isoleucine-valine binding protein (LIVBP). The first mutant of LIVBP in which phenylalanine (F) at 118 position was replaced with cysteine (C) was termed as LIVBP-F118C and the resultant plasmid was named as pKM242. Another mutant of LIVBP in which aspartic acid (D) at 221 position was replaced with cysteine was termed as LIVBP-D221C and the resultant plasmid was named as pKM244. Since the LIVBP-F118C showed higher labeling and fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiency compared to that of D221C, the LIVBP-F118C was used for further study.
 Conclusion: Fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology was applied to measure dissociation constant (Kd) where chimeric isoleucine-valine binding protein (LIVBP) was engineered to conjugate a donor fluorophore at amino-terminal and an acceptor fluorophore at the incorporated cysteine residue. Ligand binding studies revealed that LIVBP from Thermotoga maritima was able to bind with fourteen amino acids out of twenty including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) with Kd values ranging from 10-6 to 10-9 M. The Kd values of BCAAs, AAAs, methionine and cysteine were observed at nM level. Highest Kd value was observed for L-leucine (37.2 nM) and L-phenylalanine (44.6 nM). These results indicated that LIVBP from Thermotoga maritima has a broader substrate specificity than previously reported for LIVBP from other organisms, which might be helpful for the development of a miniaturized and noninvasive biosensor to measure BCAAs and AAAs.

Preparation and Antioxidant Activities of High Fischer's Ratio Oligopeptides from Goat Whey.

This study aimed to obtain high Fischer’s ratio oligopeptides from goat whey (HFO) and investigate antioxidant property of it. Hydrolysis of goat whey was done with the approach of sequential digestion of pepsin and flavourzyme. With the adsorption of aromatic amino acids by activated carbon, HFO with a Fischer’s ratio of 27.070 and a molecular weight of 200–1,000 Da were obtained, and the branched-chain amino acids accounted for 22.87%. Then the antioxidant activity of HFO was evaluated. At the concentrations of 2.0 mg/mL and 0.50 mg/mL, HFO scavenged 77.27% and 99.63% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate free radicals respectively. The scavenging rate of HFO against hydroxyl radicals reached 92.31% at the concentration of 0.25 mg/mL. Animal experiments demonstrated that HFO could moderate the changes of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase caused by CCl4-induced oxidative stress in vivo. This study indicated that HFO from goat whey was capable of oxidation resistance both in vivo and in vitro, which provided a scientific basis for the high-value processing and application of goat milk whey.

Serum Amino Acids Imbalance in Canine Chronic Hepatitis: Results in 16 Dogs.

Simple SummaryHuman chronic liver disease is reported to be associated with alterations in amino acids metabolism, with a decrease in serum branched-chain amino acids and an increase in aromatic amino acids. A decreased Fischer ratio (branched to aromatic amino acids ratio) has showed prognostic significance and is a therapeutic target in human cirrhosis. In dogs, few studies have been performed, and the Fischer ratio seems to be reduced in animals with congenital portosystemic shunts. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum amino acids in dogs with chronic hepatic inflammation compared with healthy dogs. The serum amino acids in dogs with chronic hepatitis were also evaluated in relation to their histological severity. Eighteen amino acidic metabolites were measured using the leftover serum samples of 16 dogs with histological chronic hepatitis and 25 healthy dogs. Several amino acid concentrations were significantly different between dogs diagnosed with chronic hepatitis and healthy controls. In human medicine, aromatic amino acids seem to increase during chronic hepatitis, whereas isoleucine decreases. The Fischer ratio was significantly reduced if higher grades of fibrosis were present. Even if total serum proteins did not significantly differ between groups, we observed qualitative imbalances in serum amino acids among dogs presenting with chronic hepatitis.In humans, chronic liver disease may cause alterations in amino acids (AAs) metabolism, with serum branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) decreasing and aromatic AAs (AAAs) increasing. A reduced Fischer ratio (BCAAs/AAAs) has been found to be associated with hepatic fibrosis and is useful for assessing prognosis in human patients. In veterinary medicine, few studies have been performed, and in contrast to human patients, dogs with different kinds of hepatopathy tend to show both increased AAAs and BCAAs. In dogs, the association between histological scores and serum AAs has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum AAs in dogs with chronic hepatitis (CH) compared with a healthy control group (C) and, among CH dogs, in relation to their histological fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity scores. Leftover serum samples of 16 dogs with histological CH and 25 healthy dogs were employed. Serum AAs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Proline and the AAAs phenylalaine and tyrosine progressively increased with the histological severity. In contrast, cysteine, tryptophan and BCAA isoleucine progressively reduced. Lysine and the BCAAs leucine and valine showed a non-linear trend with the histological findings. The BCAAs/AAAs ratio was significatively reduced if higher grades of liver fibrosis were present.

Late evening snack and oral amino acid capsules improved respiratory quotient and Fischer ratio in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Introduction and ObjectivesAppropriate nutritional support may improve energy metabolism in alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) patients. We explored the effect of a late evening snack (LES) and oral amino acid (OAA) capsules on energy metabolism and the Fischer ratio in ALC. Patients and MethodsNinety-one ALC patients were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups: 31 patients in the LES and OAA group, 32 in the LES group, and 28 controls. Respiratory quotient (RQ), carbohydrate oxidation rate (CHO%), fat oxidation rate (FAT%), serum isoleucine and the Fischer ratio were measured at baseline and at months 1, 3, and 6 of follow-up. ResultsThe RQ in the LES and OAA group was 0.79 ± 0.06, 0.80 ± 0.04, 0.82 ± 0.04, and 0.82 ± 0.04 at baseline and at months 1, 3, and 6 of follow-up, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those in the LES group (P < 0.05). The RQ in the LES group was significantly higher than that in the control group at month 1 and month 6 (P < 0.05). CHO% in the LES and OAA group was significantly increased and FAT% was significantly decreased at month 3 of follow-up (P < 0.05). In the LES and OAA group, serum isoleucine and the Fischer ratio were markedly increased compared with the LES group and control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsLES can significantly increase the RQ in ALC. LES and OAA were more effective than LES alone in improving serum isoleucine and the Fischer ratio.

Serum Amino Acid Profiles Predict the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection.

Background: The study aimed to find out the alterations in serum amino acid (AA) profiles and to detect their relationship with carcinoma formation. Methods: Targeted metabolomics based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to quantitatively analyze serum AA levels in 136 hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 93 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Results: It was shown that decreased serum levels of leucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, serotonin, and taurine were observed in more HCC patients than CHB patients, but the serum phenylalanine level was increased. Serum valine and serotonin were lower in Class C than Class A and Class B in HCC patients. Accompanied with the higher score of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, serum phenylalanine was increased not only in CHB patients but also in HCC patients. The serum level of phenylalanine increased in the decompensated stage more than in the compensated stage, while serum leucine and serotonin significantly decreased. Serum serotonin still had significant differences between CHB and HCC both in the HBV desoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) negative group and in the HBV-DNA positive group. Furthermore, it was shown that the tryptophan ratio, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA)/aromatic amino acids ratio, BCAAs/tyrosine ratio, Fischer’s ratio, and serotonin-to-tryptophan ratio significantly decreased, while the tyrosine ratio and the kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio increased in HCC patients more than those in CHB. Conclusions: A distinct metabolite signature of some specific serum amino acids was found between CHB and HCC patients, which may help predict the development of HCC at an early stage.

Preparation of high fischer ratio oligopeptide of chlorella powder using specific enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract Enzymatic hydrolysis of chlorella powder is a promising process to prepare high Fischer ratio oligopeptides (HFOPs). However, the relationship between Fischer ratios and enzymatic hydrolysis approaches remains poorly understood. In HFOPs production, directed enzymatic hydrolysis to release aromatic amino acids may be an effective way to increase Fischer ratio. The mutant carboxypeptidase from Aspergillus niger M00988 (cpAR), which has good specificity for hydrophobic amino acids in terminal peptidolysis, and commonly used papain and flavourzyme have been used to prepare HFOPs in this study. cpAR enzyme, flavourzyme The results show that the use of cpAR enzyme can increase the Fischer ratio. With chlorella powder as the raw material, alkaline protease and cpAR enzyme were used for two-step hydrolysis, and then activated carbon adsorption and ultrafiltration were used to prepare HFOPs. The Fischer ratio of oligopeptides reached 37.39, the length of the peptide chain was mainly distributed around 7-9 amino acids.

Correlation of Fischer’s Ratio with Liver Fibrosis in Naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients without Comorbidities

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most common health problems in the world. 20% Chronic hepatitis B can can change into liver fibrosis. The liver is the center of the body's Amino Acids metabolism. Amino acid changes can occur due to impaired liver function. Fisher's ratio (BCAA/AAA) has become one of the sign of liver fibrosis. This study wanted to find a relationship between Fischer Ratio values and liver fibrosis in naive chronic hepatitis B patients without comorbidities. Method: The research was conducted from October 2020-May 2021 at DR. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia. Subjects were naive chronic hepatitis B patients without comorbidities with a minimum age of 30 years. The study used a cross-sectional method. Fischer Ratio values were assessed by spectrophotometry and liver fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography (fibroscan). A correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship between variables. Result: 20 patients were included in the study. The average age of the research subjects was 47 ± 10 years. The average Fisher's ratio value was 2.83 ± 1.16 and the average fibroscan value was 17.31 ± 18.50 kPa. Ratio Fischer had a correlation with liver fibrosis with r= - 0.571 (p=0.004). Conclusions: Ratio Fischer has a negative correlation with liver fibrosis in naive chronic hepatitis B patients without comorbidities.

Longitudinal profiling of plasma and urine metabolites during liver regeneration in living liver donors.

Knowledge of metabolic processes affected by major hepatectomy (MHx), and the metabolic pathways involved in liver regeneration and recovery of function, is limited and mainly derived from animal models. Assessment of restoration of hepatic function is essential in human living liver donors (LD). We used a targeted metabolomic approach to longitudinally quantify changes in plasma and urine biomarkers from healthy LD. The biomarkers were analyzed before MHx and at scheduled intervals up to 12months thereafter. Marked changes were found in the concentration of 15 primary and secondary plasma bile acids. Most significant changes occurred 2days after MHx and persisted for up to 3months. In addition, there were significant changes in acylcarnitine, phospholipid, and amino acid metabolism. The sum of aromatic amino acids and the Fischer ratio, both metabolic markers of liver damage, and the symmetrically demethylated arginine to arginine ratio, a marker of kidney function, were affected. This is the first comprehensive longitudinal study investigating metabolic processes during recovery of liver function after MHx in LD. It provides further evidence of full restoration of metabolic processes 3months after MHx and supports future investigation to understand how metabolic changes affect donors' hepatic function.

Ameliorative effect of enhanced Fischer ratio flaxseed protein hydrolysate in combination with antioxidant micronutrients on ethanol-induced hepatic damage in a rat model

Alcohol abuse causes severe metabolic abnormalities inducing hepatic damage and malnutrition. Since higher Fischer ratio proteins have therapeutic value in liver diseases, an investigation was undertaken to study the ameliorative effect of the enhanced Fischer ratio flaxseed protein hydrolysate (EFR-FPH) alone and in combination with antioxidant micronutrients on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. The EFR-FPH was prepared by dual enzymatic hydrolysis and charcoal treatment of flaxseed protein. The ratio of the branched-chain:aromatic amino acids (Fischer ratio) was found to be 7·08. The EFR-FPH, characterised using LC-MS/MS, showed the abundance of free leucine and isoleucine compared with phenylalanine and tyrosine. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight MS analysis revealed the larger peptides present in EFR-FPH with mass 2·3 kDa. The EFR-FPH improved the nutritional status, liver function and antioxidant defense in the ethanol hepatotoxicity-induced rat model. The hepatoprotective effect of EFR-FPH was significantly enhanced when combined with selenium or vitamin E. Ethanol-induced changes in the liver tissue were effectively suppressed in the groups receiving EFR-FPH. Flaxseed-based hepatoprotective dietary supplement was formulated incorporating an optimum level of EFR-FPH (10 %) based on sensory acceptability and was fortified with selenium and vitamin E. The hepatoprotective formulation significantly lowered aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin by 47, 61, 55 and 78 %, respectively, and improved the antioxidant defense in the ethanol hepatotoxicity-induced rat model. The current investigation suggests that EFR-FPH in synergy with antioxidant micronutrients is potent in ameliorating ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and has a potential to form a hepatoprotective dietary supplement.

Engineering a carboxypeptidase from Aspergillus niger M00988 by mutation to increase its ability in high Fischer ratio oligopeptide preparation

High Fischer ratio oligopeptides have better conditioning effects on chronic diseases caused by long-term sub-health. At present, the enzymatic method for producing high Fischer ratio oligopeptides has a low yield, complicated purification, and a high cost. The use of exopeptidases with specific catalytic activity for aromatic amino acids in the preparation of high Fischer ratio oligopeptides is an important means to solve this problem. The carboxypeptidase from Aspergillus niger M00988 was cloned, which has good specificity for hydrophobic amino acids. Mutations at important substrate binding sites 135, 160, and 206 were performed to study important factors affecting the enzyme-specific recognition of aromatic groups. The results showed that the steric hindrance of amino acid residues at position 135 and the effects of positions 160 and 206 on the binding force of the enzyme to the substrate have important effects on the specific recognition of aromatic groups by the enzyme. Therefore, the S135 G, Y160S, and Y206S mutant enzymes have good application prospects in the preparation of high Fischer ratio oligopeptides with Chlorella powder. The obtained oligopeptides’ Fischer ratio reached 31.45, 38.42, and 36.54, respectively. Compared with the original enzyme, the Fischer ratio increased by 2.58 %, 25.31 %, and 19.18 %, respectively.

Optimization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Activated Carbon Adsorption for Producing High Fischer Ratio Peptides from Soy Protein

High Fischer ratio peptides have been used in many kinds of foods due to their special amino acid composition and health-promotion functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal enzymes for hydrolysis and activated carbon for adsorption during the preparation of high Fischer ratio peptides from soybean protein. Three and two enzymes were tried with different combinations for the first and second hydrolysis steps respectively. Eight types of activated carbon were tested for their adsorption capacity. Our results show that, after evaluating the branched-chain amino acids retention and Fischer ratio computation, double enzyme hydrolysis steps with alcalase and flavorzyme followed with powdered activated carbon adsorption could raise Fischer ratio from 2.96 to 18.9 though branched-chain amino acids dropped around 80%. By further comparing six different candidate carbons, AK-220 activated carbon was comparatively premium in terms of branched-chain amino acids retention, aromatic amino acids removal and total protein loss rate and its adsorption conditions were optimized as pH 5.5, carbon-hydrolysate ratio 0.1 and adsorption time of 3 h. Overall, our findings demonstrate that, after the sequential treatments of two enzymatic hydrolysis (alcalase and flavorzyme) and activated carbon (AK220) adsorption respectively, branched-chain amino acids could be maintained at around 60% while Fischer ratio was elevated about 4 times comparing with the untreated soybean protein. This study could pave the way for widening the value and application of soybean peptides with high Fischer ratio which would very likely be further used as food or medicine supplement.

Prognostic value of leucine/phenylalanine ratio as an amino acid profile of heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) causes a hypercatabolic state that enhances the catabolic activity of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; leucine, isoleucine, and valine) in the heart and skeletal muscles and reduces protein synthesis in the liver. Consequently, free plasma aromatic amino acids (AAA, tyrosine and phenylalanine) are increased. To date, we have reported the prognostic value of the BCAA/AAA ratio (Fischer's ratio) in patients with HF. However, the leucine/phenylalanine ratio, which is a simpler index than the Fischer's ratio, has not been examined. Therefore, the prognostic value of the leucine/phenylalanine ratio in patients with HF was investigated. Overall 157 consecutive patients hospitalized for worsening HF (81 men, median age 78years) were enrolled in the study. Plasma amino acid levels were measured when the patients were stabilized at discharge. Cardiac events were defined as a composite of cardiac death and hospitalization for worsening HF. A total of 46 cardiac events occurred during the median follow-up period of 238 (interquartile range93-365) days. The median leucine/phenylalanine ratio was significantly lower in patients with cardiac events than in those without cardiac events (1.4 vs. 1.8, P < 0.001). The best cutoff value of the leucine/phenylalanine ratio was determined as 1.7 in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for cardiac events. Following a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the low group (leucine/phenylalanine ratio < 1.7, n = 72) had more cardiac events than the high group (leucine/phenylalanine ratio ≥ 1.7, n = 85) (log-rank, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the leucine/phenylalanine ratio was an independent predictor of cardiac events. Furthermore, on comparing the prognostic values for cardiac events based on ROC curves of leucine levels, BCAA levels, Fischer's ratio, and leucine/phenylalanine ratio, the leucine/phenylalanine ratio was the most accurate in predicting future cardiac events (area under the curve 0.763,; sensitivity 0.783,; specificity 0.676,; P < 0.001). The leucine/phenylalanine ratio could be a useful predictor of future cardiac events in patients with HF, reflecting an imbalance in amino acid metabolism.

Producing high Fischer ratio peptides from milk protein and its application in infant formula milk powder

Milk protein is beneficial for the health of infants and is mainly derived from bovine, sheep, goat or camel milk. High Fischer ratio peptides usually comprise two to nine amino acid residues. The ratio is computed as a molar ratio between branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) over aromatic amino acids (AAAs) with various claimed health-promoting functions. In this Lilliput review, the classification and nutritional functions of milk proteins are discussed, the physiological functions and preparation methods of high Fischer ratio peptides are introduced, and the application of oligopeptide with unique amino acid composition and physiological functions in infant formula milk powder are reviewed. The development status of relevant industry is also summarized with future prospects. It is concluded that application of high Fischer ratio peptides prepared from milk protein in infant formula food is of great significance and requires further studies.

Preparation and Antioxidant Activities of High Fischer's Ratio Oligopeptides from Goat Whey

Preparation and Antioxidant Activities of High Fischer's Ratio Oligopeptides from Goat Whey

Clinical investigation in non-liver cirrhosis portosystemic shunt encephalopathy-four case series.

We reported here four cases presenting with disturbance of consciousness over long periods of time and hyperammonemia. Two patients were on maintenance hemodialysis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and balloon-occluded retrograde contrast venography revealed existence of a non-cirrhotic portosystemic shunt. Conservative treatment such as intravenous branched-chain amino acid administration and oral lactulose administration had only a modest effect in all patients. Improvements in symptoms were observed following the occlusion of the shunt path in three patients. Measurements of ammonia values would be the most important test for screening, but changes in Fischer’s ratio or indocyanine green (ICG) test values were also correlated with clinical symptoms. Neurologists should keep in mind the possibility of non-cirrhotic portosystemic shunts when they encounter patients with disturbance of consciousness. They should also remember that occlusion of the shunt pathway is an effective treatment.

Time Course of Metabolomic Alterations in Cerebrospinal Fluid After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Object: The aim of this study was to investigate metabolite levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in their time-dependent course after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) comparing them to patients harboring unruptured intracranial aneurysms.Methods: Eighty CSF samples of 16 patients were analyzed. The study population included patients undergoing endovascular/microsurgical treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (n = 8), which were assessed for 9 days after aSAH. Control samples were collected from the basal cisterns in elective aneurysm surgery (n = 8). The CSF samples were consecutively collected with extraventricular drain (EVD) placement/intraoperatively, 6 h later, and daily thereafter (day 1–9). The endogenous metabolites were analyzed with a targeted quantitative and quality controlled metabolomics approach using the AbsoluteIDQ®p180Kit. Differences inbetween timepoints and compared to the control group were evaluated.Results: Numerous alterations of amino acid (AA) levels were detected within the first hours after bleeding. The highest mean concentrations occurred 1 week after aSAH. AA levels were continuously increasing over time starting 6 h after aSAH. Taurine concentration was highest briefly after aSAH starting to decrease already after 6 h (vs. day 1–9, p = 0.02). The levels of sphingomyelins/ phosphatidylcholines/ lysophosphatidylcholines/mono-unsaturated fatty acid chain were highly elevated on day 0 (compared to other timepoints or controls, p < 0.01) and decreased over the next several days to concentrations comparable to the control group. Carnitine concentrations were decreased after SAH (vs. day 7, p < 0.01), while they recovered within the next day. The Fischer ratio of branched-chain AA to aromatic AA was lowest immediately after SAH and increased in 7 days (p < 0.001).Conclusion: AA levels in CSF increased overtime and often differ from patients without SAH. There was a peak concentration of structural AA within the first 6 h after aneurysm treatment. Time-dependent alterations of CSF metabolites and compounds may elucidate pathophysiological processes after aSAH, providing potential predictors assessed non-invasively by routine lab testing.

P104 Prognostic value of Circulating Amino Acids (AAs) in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Abstract Backgrounds Circulating levels of some amino acids are significantly decreased in heart failure patients. However, relationship between their levels and cardiac function remains unclear. We therefore examined association between amino acid levels and cardiac function as prognostic predictor in DCM patients. Methods Consecutive 59 patients with DCM (M/F: 46/13, mean age: 59 years) were enrolled. We measured 25 kinds of plasma AA concentration, derivative of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) as marker of oxidative stress, and washout rate of Tc-99m Sestamibi (WOR) as function of mitochondria and LVEF as LV function parameters. The occurrence of rehospitalization for cardiac events or cardiac death were followed during mean 1101 days (13-2626). Results Histidine, arginine and Fischer ratio (FR) showed a significant positive association with LVEF (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Threonine and asparagine showed a significant negative association with WOR (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Histidine and arginine showed a significant negative association with levels of d-ROMs (p &amp;lt; 0.05).Rehospitalization for cardiac events and cardiac death were recorded in 16 patients (27%) and 6 patients (10%), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves analysis showed similar trend of rehospitalization in subjects with lower FR and those with higher values. However, cardiac death in subjects with lower FR was observed more frequently as compared to those with higher values (22.2% vs 5.3% p &amp;lt; 0.05). ConclusionsThe plasma FR could be a novel prognostic biomarker in DCM patients.

Effect of steaming and dehydration on the nutritional quality and functional properties of protein isolates produced from Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (hyacinth bean)

The study conducted was focused on investigating the effect of steaming and dehydration on the nutritional quality and functional properties of protein isolates produced from hyacinth bean. This was for obtaining value-added legume-derived protein ingredients for potential food applications. Protein isolates prepared by isoelectric precipitation from legume grains subjected to steaming and dehydration prior to soaking, respectively, displayed traits of high-quality proteins. The major protein polypeptides present among samples were vicilin (7S) and legumin (11S). Steaming was identified useful for producing protein ingredients for nutritional intervention with potential health benefits. Samples recorded improved Fischer's ratio (1.57–1.78), BCAA to tyrosine ratio (3.51–4.28), predicted biological values (44.84–54.70), foaming, and emulsion properties. Dehydration extensively preserved the nutritional qualities and functionality of steamed samples. Findings have the potential to diversify the use of hyacinth bean and help improve the competitiveness of the legume grain sector. Practical applications This study presents how processing strategies (soaking, steaming, and dehydration) may be employed for obtaining legume-derived protein ingredients with improved nutritional quality and functional properties for potential food applications. The underutilization of many indigenous crops is mainly attributed to both limited research and marketing. Thus, research findings could potentially improve the value of hyacinth bean by diversifying its use and help improve the competitiveness of the legume grain sector. This could be achieved through demand for possible food applications that require protein enrichment. Furthermore, results may assist in broadening dehydration technology preferences in existing markets for obtaining legume grain-based ingredients or products with maximum quality.

Structural Analysis and Activity Evaluation of High Fischer Ratio Oligopeptides from Minced Meat of Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis)

ABSTRACT High Fischer ratio oligo-peptides hydrolysate (DAHFP) from minced meat of Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) were prepared by hydrolysis of pepsin and flavourzyme, then adsorpte on activated carbon. DAHFP was separated by Sephadex G-25 to obtain two fractions with molecular weight of 600 and 1300 kDa, which had the Fischer ratios of 37.52 and 32.08, respectively. The activity of the active component of DAHFP (AC- DAHFP) from combining two fractions was evaluated. Results showed that the maximum extension rate of the loss time of righting reflex was 33.68% and the maximum shortening rate of sober-up time was 29.98%. The difference in content of hepatic glycogen (HG) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significant (P < .05) among the high, moderate dose groups and the blank group. All results indicated that AC- DAHFP could be used in anti-drunken, sobering-up and anti-fatigue. Additionally, peptides were isolated from two fractions using C18 reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Five of the peptide sequences were detected as Leu-Leu-Tyr-Ala-Ala-Gly-Ala; Leu-Leu-Asp-Val-Tyr; Leu-Leu-Phe-Thr-Thr-Gln; Leu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Tyr-Gln; Tyr-Val-Ser-Trp-Lys-Leu.

Deciphering the metabolic perturbation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a 1H NMR-based metabolomics study

BackgroundHepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is caused by the growth of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae in the liver. It is a chronic and potentially lethal parasitic disease. Early stage diagnosis for this disease is currently not available due to its long asymptomatic incubation period. In this study, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics approach was applied in conjunction with multivariate statistical analysis to investigate the altered metabolic profiles in blood serum and urine samples obtained from HAE patients. The aim of the study was to identify the metabolic signatures associated with HAE.ResultsA total of 21 distinct metabolic differences between HAE patients and healthy individuals were identified, and they are associated with perturbations in amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Furthermore, the present results showed that the Fischer ratio, which is the molar ratio of branched-chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids, was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the blood serum obtained from the HAE patients than it was in the healthy patient group.ConclusionsThe altered Fischer ratio, together with perturbations in metabolic pathways identified in the present study, may provide new insights into the mechanistic understanding of HAE pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.