Health Functional Food Research Articles

Industrial Production of Functional Foods for Human Health and Sustainability

Functional foods significantly affect social stability, human health, and food security. Plants and microorganisms are high-quality chassis for the bioactive ingredients in functional foods. Characterised by precise nutrition and the provision of both nutritive and medicinal value, functional foods serve a as key extension of functional agriculture and offer assurance of food availability for future space exploration efforts. This review summarises the main bioactive ingredients in functional foods and their functions, describes the strategies used for the nutritional fortification and industrial production of functional foods, and provides insights into the challenges and future developments in the applications of plants and microorganisms in functional foods. Our review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods, ensure the successful production of new products, and support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being.

The Efficacy and Safety of NOVAponin (Dolichos lablab Linne Extract Powder) in Mild Functional Dyspepsia: A Single-center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study.

NOVAponin, a functional health food derived from Dolichos lablab Linne extract improves gastric mucosal injury and increases regeneration and proliferation. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of NOVAponin in individuals with mild functional dyspepsia (FD). In this single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 131 patients with FD meeting the Rome IV criteria were enrolled. Changes in the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), FD-related quality of life (FD-QoL), gastrointestinal symptom (GIS) scores, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers, and adverse effects before and after administration were compared. After 12 weeks of administration, GSRS upper abdominal symptom scores were significantly improved in the test group compared to the control group (-5.30 ± 0.60 vs -2.35 ± 0.56, P < 0.001). GSRS upper abdominal symptom scores (-5.13 ± 0.55 vs -1.92 ± 0.44, P < 0.001), GSRS total scores (-7.02 ± 0.91 vs -3.33 ± 0.73, P < 0.001), GIS total scores (-11.21 ± 0.53 vs -6.65 ± 0.70, P < 0.001) after 6 weeks of administration, GSRS total scores (-7.54 ± 0.94 v. -3.31 ± 0.85, P < 0.001), GIS total scores (-11.90 ± 0.52 vs -7.61 ± 0.73, P < 0.001), and FD-QoL total scores (-11.41 ± 1.75 vs -5.55 ± 1.20, P = 0.007) after 12 weeks of administration also showed significant differences between groups. The differences were slightly more pronounced in epigastric pain syndrome subtypes and in females than the others, although more females were assigned to the test group. There were no significant changes in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers or adverse reactions. NOVAponin significantly improved mild FD symptoms especially in epigastric pain syndrome subtype and in females, and was found to be safe.

Research Progress on the Mechanism for Improving Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders Using Phenolic Acid Components from Medicinal and Edible Homologous Plants.

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders are the core pathological mechanism of a variety of metabolic diseases, and the incidence of related diseases is increasing year by year, which seriously threatens human life and health. Traditional Chinese medicine with medicinal and edible properties refers to Chinese medicinal resources that have both medicinal and edible characteristics. Due to its safety and its health-promoting and medicinal functions, traditional Chinese medicine has received increasing attention in the development of functional health foods. Phenolic acids are important secondary metabolites that are ubiquitous in medicinal and edible homologous plants, and the regulation of glycolipid metabolism is an important activity and plays a key role in many diseases. In this paper, we focus on the alleviation of glycolipid disorders using MEHH phenolic acids, which regulate glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, improve insulin resistance, inhibit inflammatory responses, alleviate oxidative stress, and regulate intestinal flora; additionally, we summarize the mechanism in order to provide a reference for MEHH phenolic acids in the treatment of glycolipid metabolism diseases.

Exploring the active components and potential mechanisms of Rhodiola heterodonta for alleviating T2DM based on network pharmacology

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disease that poses a serious threat to human health, is characterized by sustained hyperglycemia due to dysregulated insulin secretion. Rhodiola heterodonta (R. heterodonta) is an edible plant, and its root is a popular herbal tea for lowering blood sugar in Tajikistan's folk remedy. However, R. heterodonta has not received much attention outside of the former Soviet Union. Furthermore, the hypoglycemic components of R. heterodonta and their underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we extracted R. heterodonta roots and obtained R. heterodonta root extract (RHRE) through preliminary purification. RHRE significantly inhibited the activities of α-glucosidase (α-GAA) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), thus highlighting its powerful hypoglycemic effect. Twenty-six compounds were identified in RHRE by LC-MS/MS analysis, with flavonoids and phenolic acids existing as the predominant components. Network pharmacology further predicted that the PI3K/AKT pathway is crucial for the anti-T2DM effects of RHRE, and molecular docking suggested the significant binding affinities between the key components of RHRE and PTP1B. Importantly, RHRE exerted its hypoglycemic effect by modulating the PTP1B/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway in insulin-resistance L6 and L02 cells. Additionally, RHRE exhibited antioxidant activity and potent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities. Ferroptosis, an emerging modality of cell death driven by ROS-induced lipid peroxidation, is considerably linked to the progression of T2DM. RHRE alleviated oxidative stress and inhibited ferroptosis through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis and the downregulation of ACSL4 expression. In conclusion, our study indicates that RHRE is a potential source of antioxidant and hypoglycemic bioactive compounds and can be used for the development of health products and functional foods for the prevention of T2DM.

In vitro digestion and fecal fermentation behaviors of exopolysaccharide from Morchella esculenta and its impacts on hypoglycemic activity via PI3K/Akt signaling and gut microbiota modulation

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gastrointestinal digestion on the physicochemical properties and hypoglycemic activity of extracellular polysaccharides from Morchella esculenta (MEPS). The results showed that the MEPS digestibility was 22.57 % after saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and only partial degradation had occurred. Contrarily, after 48 h of fecal fermentation, its molecular weight and molar ratios of the monosaccharide composition varied significantly due to being utilized by human gut microbiota, and the final fermentation rate was 76.89 %. Furthermore, the MEPS-I, the final product of saliva-gastrointestinal digestion still retained significant hypoglycemic activity, it alleviated insulin resistance and increased the IR cells glucose consumption by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. MEPS-I treatment reduced the proportion of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, and the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria that enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake was promoted. This research can provide a theoretical basis for the further development of Morchella esculenta as a health functional food.

Ethanolic Extract from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Inhibits Influenza A/B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in vitro: Preventive Agent for Viral Respiratory Infections.

Among the most frequent causes of respiratory infections in humans are influenza A virus H1N1 (H1N1), influenza B virus (IVB), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Echinacea is a perennial wildflower belonging to the Asteraceae family. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a species belonging to the Echinacea genus. Its characteristic compound, chicoric acid (CA), is known for its physiological activities, including antiviral effects and immune enhancement. Activities of E. purpurea 60% ethanol extract (EPE) and CA in inhibiting infections caused by H1N1, IVB, and RSV subtype A (RSV-A) were evaluated through plaque inhibition tests, quantification of viral gene expression, and analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Additionally, inhibitory activities of EPE and CA for hemagglutination and neuraminidase (NA) of H1N1 and IVB were determined. In the plaque reduction assays, both EPE and CA reduced infectivity against H1N1, IVB, and RSV-A. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that EPE and CA reduced gene expression levels for H1N1, IVB, and RSV-A, whereas TEM image analysis confirmed their inhibitory effects on host cell infection by these viruses. Hemagglutination assays exhibited the ability of EPE and CA to hinder H1N1 and IVB attachment to host cell receptors. Furthermore, EPE and CA displayed inhibition activity against the NA of H1N1 and IVB. These findings suggest that EPE and CA can suppress the infection and propagation of H1N1, IVB, and RSV-A, demonstrating their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents for viral respiratory infections or as ingredients for health functional foods.

Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief.

Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF-GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Treatment with the SJF-GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48-72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8-12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. The SJF-GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause.

The Effect of Organic Vegetable Mixed Juice on Blood Circulation and Intestine Flora: Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that fruit and vegetable intake significantly positively affects cardiovascular health. Since vegetable juice is more accessible than raw vegetables, it attracts attention as a health functional food for circulatory diseases. Therefore, this study measured blood lipids, antioxidants, blood circulation indicators, and changes in the microbiome to confirm the effect of organic vegetable mixed juice (OVJ) on improving blood circulation. This 4-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involved adult men and women with borderline total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. As a result, blood lipid profile indicators, such as TC, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, decreased (p < 0.05) in the OVJ group compared with those in the placebo group. Additionally, the antioxidant biomarker superoxide dismutase increased (p < 0.05). In contrast, systolic and diastolic blood viscosities, as blood circulation-related biomarkers, decreased (p < 0.05) in the OVJ group compared with those in the placebo group. After the intervention, a fecal microbiome analysis confirmed differences due to changes in the intestinal microbiome composition between the OVJ and placebo groups. In conclusion, our research results confirmed that consuming OVJ improves blood circulation by affecting the blood lipid profile, antioxidant enzymes, and microbiome changes.

Preparation, identification and screening of anti-osteoporosis milk-derived peptides: Intervention effects in osteoporosis rats

To identify milk-derived peptides with both antioxidant and calcium absorption activities in combating osteoporosis, we employed a comprehensive screening approach that included virtual enzymatic hydrolysis, molecular docking, and cellular experiments using osteoblasts. Under the optimal conditions for dual-enzyme hydrolysis, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) radical scavenging rate and soluble calcium binding capacity of the milk-derived peptides were 19.69% and 0.6965 μg/mL, respectively. Six peptide segments, namely KEDVPSER, HKEMPFPK, YPSYG, EDVPSE, VPQLE, and IPAVF, were identified through UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS and molecular docking for further validation. Among the peptides, YPSYG significantly promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells both with and without CaCl2 (P < 0.05), increasing proliferation by 38.27% and 20.67%, respectively, compared to the control group. Additionally, YPSYG significantly improved proliferation after H2O2-induced oxidative damage (P < 0.05), with a 38.23% higher rate than the model group. Compared with rats in the osteoporosis model group, YPSYG significantly enhanced serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen in rats (s-PINP) levels and decreased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, milk-derived peptides and YPSYG significantly increased the bone weight index, maximum load, and bending energy of the femur and tibia in osteoporotic rats (P < 0.05). Additionally, these peptides significantly reduced the number of osteoclasts in the metaphysis of the femur and tibia in osteoporotic rats and alleviated microstructural damage. This study confirmed that milk-derived peptides, including YPSYG, effectively promoted bone formation and improved bone microstructure in osteoporotic rats. These findings provided a foundation for developing functional foods for elderly bone health.

Biomarkers for Health Functional Foods in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disorder (MASLD) Prevention: An Integrative Analysis of Network Pharmacology, Gut Microbiota, and Multi-Omics.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disorder (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent globally, highlighting the need for preventive strategies and early interventions. This comprehensive review explores the potential of health functional foods (HFFs) to maintain healthy liver function and prevent MASLD through an integrative analysis of network pharmacology, gut microbiota, and multi-omics approaches. We first examined the biomarkers associated with MASLD, emphasizing the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. We then applied network pharmacology to identify food components with potential beneficial effects on liver health and metabolic function, elucidating their action mechanisms. This review identifies and evaluates strategies for halting or reversing the development of steatotic liver disease in the early stages, as well as biomarkers that can evaluate the success or failure of such strategies. The crucial role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites for MASLD prevention and metabolic homeostasis is discussed. We also cover state-of-the-art omics approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and integrated multi-omics analyses, in research on preventing MASLD. These advanced technologies provide deeper insights into physiological mechanisms and potential biomarkers for HFF development. The review concludes by proposing an integrated approach for developing HFFs targeting MASLD prevention, considering the Korean regulatory framework. We outline future research directions that bridge the gap between basic science and practical applications in health functional food development. This narrative review provides a foundation for researchers and food industry professionals interested in developing HFFs to support liver health. Emphasis is placed on maintaining metabolic balance and focusing on prevention and early-stage intervention strategies.

Development of an Analytical Method for Vitamin K2 (all-trans MK-7) in Health Functional Foods Using HPLC-PDA

Development of an Analytical Method for Vitamin K₂ (<i>all-trans</i> MK-7) in Health Functional Foods Using HPLC-PDA

Effects of Ulmus macrocarpa Extract and Catechin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside on Muscle Loss and Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Murine Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Muscle atrophy is known to be one of the symptoms leading to sarcopenia, which significantly impacts the quality of life, mortality, and morbidity. Therefore, the development of therapeutics for muscle atrophy is essential. This study focuses on addressing muscle loss and atrophy using Ulmus macrocarpa extract and its marker compound, catechin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside, by investigating their effects on biomarkers associated with muscle cell apoptosis. Additionally, protein and gene expression in a muscle atrophy model were examined using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Ulmus macrocarpa has been used as food or medicine due to its safety, including its roots, barks, and fruit. Catechin 7-O-β-D apiofuranoside is an indicator substance of plants of the Ulmus genus and has been reported to have various effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The experimental results demonstrated that catechin glycoside and Ulmus macrocarpa extract decreased the expression of the muscle-degradation-related proteins Atrogin-1 and Muscle RING-Finger protein-1 (MuRF1) while increasing the expression of the muscle-synthesis-related proteins Myoblast determination (MyoD) and Myogenin. Gene expression confirmation experiments validated a decrease in the expression of Atrogin and MuRF1 mRNA and an increase in the expression of MyoD and Myogenin mRNA. Furthermore, an examination of muscle protein expression associated with the protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway confirmed a decrease in the expression of FoxO, a regulator of muscle protein degradation. These results confirm the potential of Ulmus macrocarpa extract to inhibit muscle apoptosis, prevent muscle decomposition, and promote the development of functional materials for muscle synthesis, health-functional foods, and natural-product-derived medicines.

Toxicological Evaluation Verifies the Safety of Oral Administration of Steamed Mature Silkworm Powder in Rats.

Globally, the edible insect industry is emerging due to its potential contributions to food security and environmental sustainability. Edible insects are rapidly being integrated into the development of alternative foods and new pharmaceuticals. Silkworms, known for their high protein content, are not only a potential new source of human food and animal feed but have also been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. However, conventional silkworms are difficult to ingest. To address this, we have developed a steamed and freeze-dried mature silkworm larva powder (SMSP), and it is essential to investigate its potential toxicity and food safety for further studies and applications. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of SMSP. A toxicity assessment of SMSP was conducted according to OECD guidelines. An oral repeat-administration study was performed on male and female SD rats at doses of 625, 1250, and 2500 mg/kg/day for 4 and 13 weeks. No toxicological changes were observed in clinical signs, body weight, water and food intake, urine tests, hematology, clinical biochemistry, gross findings, or histopathological examination. In conclusion, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of SMSP was 2500 mg/kg/day, with no target organs identified in either sex of the rats. These results suggest that SMSP is safe, is without side effects and has potential for use as an edible ingredient and in health functional food applications.

The cholesterol-lowering effects and mechanisms of novel milk casein-derived peptides in hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterol mice

Food-derived cholesterol-lowering peptides have the practical benefit of inhibiting lipid absorption and regulating systemic cholesterol homeostasis. This work aimed to explore the antihyperlipidemia function of milk casein-derived peptides Leu-Gln-Pro-Glu (LQPE), Val-Leu-Pro-Val-Pro-Gln (VLPVPQ), and Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Pro-Glu (VAPFPE) and investigated whether the function of these peptides affected the gut microbiome. According to the experimental findings, lipid metabolism disorder in hyperlipidemia mice was improved to various degrees by all three peptides, which dramatically lowered the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) in the serum and inhibited the buildup of lipids in the liver and the development of steatosis. VAPFPE was found to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption and the formation of cholesterol esters by inhibiting hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), niemann-pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1), and acetyl coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) expression and increase intestinal cholesterol efflux through up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter G8 (ABCG8). VAPFPE also maintained cholesterol homeostasis by up-regulating liver low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) expression. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that all three peptides improve the gut microbial composition, and VAPFPE specifically encouraged a rise in the proportional abundance of Bifidobacterium. The results shed light on the potential applications of bioactive peptides as functional health foods for lowering cholesterol.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS characterization of phenolic compounds from Victorian shorebound red seaweeds and their antioxidant capacity

Seaweeds are considered a promising source of phytochemical compounds, including polyphenols. The Australian shoreline hosts a diverse array of seaweeds; however, the phenolic profile and the antioxidant potential of most species remain unclear, necessitating further exploration. To this end, ten red seaweeds were collected, identified using molecular testing, and their phenolic compounds were extracted using acidified ethanol and subjected to ten in vitro assays. The Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) was calculated for each sample to compare the overall results. The results indicated that Phacelocarpus peperocarpos exhibited the highest overall phenolic and antioxidant potential, followed by Callophyllis sp. and Rhodophyllis sp.. A total of 365 phenolic compounds were screened, comprising 85 phenolic acids, 164 flavonoids, and 118 other polyphenols. Correlation analysis displayed a positive correlation between phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and the identified phenolic compounds. Overall, this study sheds light on the polyphenol content and antioxidant potential of ten red seaweed species from Queenscliff, Victoria, through various in vitro assays and LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS characterization. The findings indicate that Australian red seaweeds are a promising source of polyphenols and exhibit considerable antioxidant properties, underscoring their potential in providing substantial health benefits and functional food products.

Impact of Anti-Aging Awareness of Vietnamese MZ Generation Women on Health Functional Food Purchasing Behavior

Vietnam’s MZ generation, a key group in the consumer market, is choosing anti-aging health foods in addition to skin care. Accordingly, in this study, Vietnamese women in their 20s to 40s living in the southern region of Vietnam were anonymously administered through Google questionnaires from January 22, 2024 to March 22, 2024, and 475 questionnaires, excluding inappropriate questionnaires, were used as final analysis data. Using, multiple regression analysis was performed including frequency analysis, factor analysis, Cronbach coefficient, and descriptive statistical analysis. The results of this study are summarized as follows. First, regarding the purchase characteristics of health functional foods, ingredients and efficacy are considered important when purchasing Anti-aging health functional foods, the method of obtaining information is the Internet, the purchase channel is an Internet shopping mall, and the average monthly purchase cost is 200,000~500,000 VND. It was found that domestic health functional food brands were not used for less than. Second, anti-aging awareness was increasing in health functional food purchasing behavior, such as seeking efficacy, disease prevention, and brand seeking. Third, the impact of Anti-aging awareness on health functional food purchasing behavior showed that the higher the Anti-aging awareness, the higher the health functional food purchasing behavior. Summarizing the above results, Anti-aging awareness of Vietnamese MZ generation female consumers was found to have a positive effect on health functional food purchasing behavior. The results of this study can be used as basic data for developing and establishing sales strategies for anti-aging foods or services.

Edible herbal source-derived polysaccharides as potential prebiotics: Composition, structure, gut microbiota regulation, and its related health effects

Recently, with changes in dietary patterns, there has been increased interest in the concept of food and medicine homology, which can help prevent disease development. This has led to a growing focus on the development of functional health foods derived from edible herbal sources. Polysaccharides, found in many edible herbal sources, are gaining popularity as natural ingredients in the production of functional food products. The gut microbiota can effectively utilize most edible herbal polysaccharides (EHPs) and produce beneficial metabolites; therefore, the prebiotic potential of EHPs is gradually being recognized. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the structural features and characterization of EHPs to promote gut microbiota regulation as well as the structure–activity relationship between EHPs and gut microbiota. As prebiotics, intestinal microbiota can use EHPs to indirectly produce metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids to promote overall health; on the other hand, different EHP structures possess some degree of selectivity on gut microbiota regulation. Moreover, we evaluate the functionality and mechanism underlying EHPs in terms of anticancer activity, antimetabolic diseases, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-neuropsychiatric diseases.

Corn protein hydrolysate with glutamine-rich peptides protects intestinal barrier in Caco-2 cells: Insights into structural characteristics of identified glutamine peptides

Intestinal barrier is an important basis for intestinal function, which can strictly control the exchange of substances between the host and the external environment. An intact intestianl barrier is also the guardian of human health. In this study, the protective effect of corn protein hydrolysate with glutamine-rich peptides (APH) on intestinal epithelial cell barrier was evaluated in Caco-2 cell inflammatory damage model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then, the sequences of glutamine peptides in APH were identified by Nano LC-MS/MS, and the structural characteristics of the identified glutamine peptides were analyzed. The results showed that the hydrolysate effectively alleviated LPS-induced cell damage and decreased the inflammatory response by down-regulating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β) and up-regulating the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Moreover, the hydrolysate also up-regulated the gene expression of three tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) to maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. More importantly, the hydrolysate protected the intestinal barrier function via down-regulating the key genes expression (TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB) in the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting the overexpression of MLCK gene in the MLCK signaling pathway. Finally, 374 corn glutamine peptides were identified from APH, and their structural characteristics showed that corn glutamine peptides had high affinity with membrane proteins. Taken together, these results indicated that APH has excellent potential to protect intestinal barrier function and can be developed into a functional health food.

Anti-adipogenic effect of heat-treated probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WB2719 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus WB2804

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WB2719 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus WB2804 were isolated from fermented foods. These strains were demonstrated probiotic traits and anti-adipogenic effects. These strains exhibited tolerance to artificial gastric conditions and adhesion activities to intestine cells. Furthermore, heat-treated L. plantarum WB2719 and L. rhamnosus WB2804 inhibited preadipocyte differentiation by modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins α (C/EBP-α), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression. In particular, heat-treated L. plantarum WB2719 decreased mitosis and exerted anti-obesity effects by inducing apoptosis. Therefore, this study proposes the potential commercialization of heat-treated L. plantarum WB2719 and L. rhamnosus WB2804 as novel food-derived anti-obesity materials in the expanding health-functional food sector.

Nutritional Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the land-grant university for the State of Illinois, was founded in 1865, and education in nutrition was recorded as early as 1874. Herein, the contributions of the UIUC to research and graduate training in the field of nutrition are highlighted. Over the past 150 years, faculty members from many academic units have provided foundational nutrition research, including identifying the last essential amino acid, threonine, and establishing chemically defined amino acid diets for chicks, rats, dogs, and cats that led to establishing amino acid requirements for these species. Research on the adverse health effects of trans fatty acids supported their removal from the food system. UIUC has led in the area of functional foods for health, including plant bioactives, soy, and fiber. More recently, UIUC faculty have evaluated the interactions between dietary components and neurocognitive, microbiome, and health outcomes, including cancer. In 2020, the cross-campus Personalized Nutrition Initiative was launched to coordinate interdisciplinary research. The Division of Nutritional Sciences was established in 1968 as one of the country’s first interdisciplinary graduate training programs. The Division of Nutritional Sciences program has conferred over 580 degrees and has implemented innovations in graduate education, many supported by federal training grants and endowed awards and programs.