High Concentrations Of Fructose Research Articles

Selection of Yeast Strains for Tequila Fermentation Based on Growth Dynamics in Combined Fructose and Ethanol Media.

A method to select yeast strains for fermentation taking into account the natural differences of yeast isolates. This methodology is based on the cell exposition to combinations of sugar and ethanol, which are the most important stress factors in fermentation. This strategy will help to identify the most tolerant strain that could improve ethanol yield and reduce fermentation time.

Sex and line differences in biochemical indices and fat soluble vitamins sufficiency in rats on in vivo model of metabolic syndrome

Consumption of diets that are inadequate in energy value to the actual energy expenditure can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome (MS), which has consequences such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic steatohepatosis, atherosclerosis, gout, allergic diseases. Experimental models of MS are needed to develop new approaches to its dietary and drug correction. The aim of the work was a comparative analysis of functional, biochemical and vitamin markers characterizing the effect of a diet with a high content of fructose (F) on males and females of various rat lines and the selection on this basis of an optimal in vivo MS model. Male and female rats of the outbred Wistar line (W) and the inbred Dark Agouti line (DA) were used in the work number of 16 individuals of each sex and line. The animals of the 1st (control) groups of each sex and line received a balanced semi-synthetic diet according to AIN93, and the animals of the 2nd (experimental) groups - the same diet and 30% solution of F instead of water in the regime of free access. Within 121 days, energy value of diets consumed, the increase in body weight and blood pressure were determined; relative mass of internal organs, biochemical parameters of blood plasma, content of fat-soluble vitamins A and E in blood plasma and liver were determined at withdrawal of animals from experiment. It was shown that, in spite of the increased energy value of the diet in the experimental groups throughout experiment, DA males and females practically did not respond to this by an increase in body weight gain, in contrast to W rats (in particular, females). Consumption of diets with F led to an increase in glucose level irrespective of gender and line, whereas triglyceride level (TG) significantly increased only in the case of W female. Addition of F caused in DA rats of both sexes an increase in the mass of the kidneys, as well as more pronounced, in comparison with W rats manifestation of markers of toxic effects on the liver (increases alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase activity, elevated urea and bilirubin level in blood plasma). In rats of both lines intake of F suppressed the accumulation of retinol palmitate in the liver in terms of its specific content. The total content of α-tocopherol in liver was significantly higher in W compared with DA. At the same time, α-tocopherol levels in blood plasma correlated with TG, and the α-tocopherol/TG ratio significantly decreased in female W receiving F, which were characterized by hyperlipidemia. Thus, the effect of F on W males and, in particular, females, basically corresponded to the classical picture of MS with body weight increasing, elevated blood pressure, glycemia and TG increase, whereas the toxic effect of F prevailed in DA liver and, possibly, kidneys without development of marked dyslipidemia and obesity.

Cultivar sensitivity of cotton seed yield to potassium availability is associated with differences in carbohydrate metabolism in the developing embryo

Storage lipids and proteins in cottonseed have important industrial values and carbohydrate metabolism is the basis for the biosynthesis of oil and protein in cottonseed. In order to investigate the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer on carbohydrate metabolism of cottonseeds in two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with different K sensitivities, a two-year field experiment was conducted with a low K-tolerant cultivar (Simian 3) and a low K-sensitive cultivar (Siza 3) under three K levels (0, 150 and 300kgK2Oha−1). Results showed that boll number and seed index were higher in the K application treatments (150 and 300kgK2Oha−1) than in the 0kgK2Oha−1, resulting in high cottonseed yield. Embryo weight was increased by K application, but seed coat weight was not influenced. K application did not change protein content, but markedly increased oil and non-structural saccharide contents, and K concentration was positively correlated with oil and non-structural carbohydrate contents. In addition, higher non-structural carbohydrate content in the K application treatments than in the 0kgK2Oha−1 was attributed to higher contents of starch, sucrose and fructose, and sucrose increased to a greater extent than other carbohydrates with K application. Higher fructose content in the K application treatments was closely related to higher sucrose synthase (SuSy) and acid invertase activities. Compared with Simian 3, the sensitivity of Siza 3 to K was evidenced in the following ways: (1) boll number, cottonseed yield, embryo biomass, and the seed coat to embryo ratio were increased more by K application for Siza 3 than Simian 3; (2) oil and carbohydrate accumulations in embryo were more responsive to K concentration in Siza 3 than Simian 3; (3) the increases in the contents of sucrose, starch and fructose and the activities of enzymes (SuSy and acid invertase) caused by K application were larger in Siza 3 than Simian 3; (4) the increases in sucrose phosphate synthase and alkaline invertase activities resulting from K application was only detected in Siza 3.

OP.8B.06] SACCHARIN INCREASES FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE BUT NOT LIVER INSULIN RESISTANCE IN COMPARISON TO HIGH FRUCTOSE FED RAT MODEL

Objective: The prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes is increasing steadily, in part due to the high caloric- high fructose content of the western diet. The use of low caloric artificial sweeteners (AS) is recommended as a strategy fighting this pandemic. However, recent data indicate that AS may have deleterious effect on glucose metabolism. The aim of this study is to assess the metabolic effects of AS on glucose absorption and insulin resistance (IR) in comparison to the effect of a high fructose diet (HFrD) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Design and method: Thirty SD male rats (8 weeks old) were divided into 3 groups (n = 10): 1. Control- fed regular chow. 2. Fed regular chow and saccharin (0.1 mg/ml) in the water. 3. Fed HFrD for 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin and Triglycerides (Tg) levels were measured at the end of the study. HOMA-IR index was used to determine insulin resistance. Liver was stained for detection sign of fatty liver. Hepatic mRNA expression of glucose metabolism regulation genes SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein) and chREB (carbohydrate response element binding protein) was measured as IR markers. Results: Adding saccharin to normal chaw fed rats increased significantly the fasting blood glucose to the same level as in the HFrD fed rats (137 ± 6 and 140 ± 5 vs. 118 ± 2.6 mg/dL in the control group). Saccharin administration didn’t affect Insulin secretion nor Tg levels. Fructose but not saccharin increased HOMA-IR index compare to the control group (3.4 ± 0.4 in the HFrD group vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 and 2.13 ± 0.3 in the regular chow groups). There were no sign for fatty liver in the regular chow groups. SREBP-1c and chREB mRNA expression was significantly high (2.6 and 1.55 time fold higher than in the contol, respectively) in the fructose but not in the saccharin fed rats. Conclusions: Saccharin may increase fasting blood glucose but induces no liver insulin resistance.

Antiglycation activity of melatonin.

For the first time, it was found that the hormone melatonin exhibited antiglycation activity in vitro. It was shown that melatonin significantly slowed down the accumulation of fluorescent Schiff adducts formed as a result of BSA modification in the presence of high concentration of fructose. It was noted that, unlike the fructosylation reaction, melatonin did not affect the process of modification of BSA by methylglyoxal. We assume that melatonin is able to inhibit the development of the Maillard reaction but does not affect the process of BSA modification by reactive carbonyls.

Quantitative comparison of individual sugars in cultivars and hybrids of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott]: implications for breeding programs

Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] is cultivated for its starchy corm consumed baked or boiled and processed in snacks (chips or French fries) to satisfy growing urban markets. Most consumers prefer non sweet taros. High content of sucrose (non-reducing sugar), glucose and fructose (reducing sugars) represent undesirable characteristics because they cause browning of the snacks. Breeding taro for improved corm quality is complex and phenotypic recurrent selection is impaired by the long growth cycle and the low vegetative propagation ratio. New high-throughput phenotyping tools are needed to select suitable hybrids in early clonal generations. The aim of the present study was to develop an HPTLC protocol for the quantitation of sugars in the fresh corm (FW). The individual sugars values in 60 hybrids released by four different breeding programs were compared with 300 cultivars from six different countries. Sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose and ribose were quantitated. Mean total sugars varied from 1.83 to 6.28%FW in hybrids and from 1.32 to 7.69%FW in cultivars. The ratio sucrose/reducing sugars varied from 0.06 to 4.34 in hybrids and from 0.04 to 4.82 in cultivars. The protocol developed in this study is rapid, cost efficient, environment-friendly and more accurate than previous techniques based on dry matter because sample preparation is known to affect chemical composition of individual sugars. This technique can be used in taro breeding programmes for the early detection of undesirable hybrids with high levels of reducing sugars.

NUEVO ACERCAMIENTO A LA INTERACCIÓN DEL REACTIVO DE FOLIN-CIOCALTEU CON AZÚCARES DURANTE LA CUANTIFICACIÓN DE POLIFENOLES TOTALES

Phosphomolybdic and phosphotungstic acids mixture, known as Folin-Ciocalteu reactive, is one of the main methods for the quantification of polyphenolic compounds in vegetable extracts (FC reactive). However, as other spectrophotometric methods, it can be unspecific and interact with other molecules, such as sugars, present in vegetable extracts, modifying the obtained results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of glucose, sucrose, fructose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose and arabinose on the quantification of polyphenolic compounds by the FC method. Fructose and xylose showed the highest interaction with FC reactive, while sucrose, mannose, rhamnose and glucose showed the lowest effect. Fructose and mannose reacted differently with both gallic acid solutions and anise, jalapeno hot pepper and traditional Mexican spices (hoja santa and avocado leaves). Fructose increased the response of the method, and consequently overestimated the polyphenolic content, while mannose showed an underestimation. The obtained results showed that sugar content in vegetable extracts may interfere on the estimation of polyphenolic content, especially if high content of fructose is present in the samples.

Inulin-type fructan degradation capacity of Clostridium cluster IV and XIVa butyrate-producing colon bacteria and their associated metabolic outcomes.

Four selected butyrate-producing colon bacterial strains belonging to Clostridium cluster IV (Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum DSM 23266T and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii DSM 17677T) and XIVa (Eubacterium hallii DSM 17630 and Eubacterium rectale CIP 105953T) were studied as to their capacity to degrade inulin-type fructans and concomitant metabolite production. Cultivation of these strains was performed in bottles and fermentors containing a modified medium for colon bacteria, including acetate, supplemented with either fructose, oligofructose, or inulin as the sole energy source. Inulin-type fructan degradation was not a general characteristic among these strains. B. pullicaecorum DSM 23266T and E. hallii DSM 17630 could only ferment fructose and did not degrade oligofructose or inulin. E. rectale CIP 105953T and F. prausnitzii DSM 17677T fermented fructose and could degrade both oligofructose and inulin. All chain length fractions of oligofructose were degraded simultaneously (both strains) and both long and short chain length fractions of inulin were degraded either simultaneously (E. rectale CIP 105953T) or consecutively (F. prausnitzii DSM 17677T), indicating an extracellular polymer degradation mechanism. B. pullicaecorum DSM 23266T and E. hallii DSM 17630 produced high concentrations of butyrate, CO2, and H2 from fructose. E. rectale CIP 105953T produced lactate, butyrate, CO2, and H2, from fructose, oligofructose, and inulin, whereas F. prausnitzii DSM 17677T produced butyrate, formate, CO2, and traces of lactate from fructose, oligofructose, and inulin. Based on carbon recovery and theoretical metabolite production calculations, an adapted stoichiometrically balanced metabolic pathway for butyrate, formate, lactate, CO2, and H2 production by members of both Clostridium cluster IV and XIVa butyrate-producing bacteria was constructed.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis of Capsicum spp. by GC-MS.

In order to conserve the biodiversity of Capsicum species and find genotypes with potential to be utilised commercially, Embrapa Clima Temperado maintains an active germplasm collection (AGC) that requires characterisation, enabling genotype selection and support for breeding programmes. The objective of this study was to characterise pepper accessions from the Embrapa Clima Temperado AGC and differentiate species based on their metabolic profile using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Cold (-20°C) methanol extraction residue of freeze-dried fruit samples was partitioned into water/methanol (A) and chloroform (B) fractions. The polar fraction (A) was derivatised and both fractions (A and B) were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data from each fraction was analysed using a multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) with XCMS software. Amino acids, sugars, organic acids, capsaicinoids, and hydrocarbons were identified. Outlying accessions including P116 (C. chinense), P46, and P76 (C. annuum) were observed in a PCA plot mainly due to their high sucrose and fructose contents. PCA also indicated a separation of P221 (C. annuum) and P200 (C. chinense), because of their high dihydrocapsaicin content. Although the metabolic profiling did not allow for grouping by species, it permitted the simultaneous identification and quantification of several compounds complementing and expanding the metabolic database of the studied Capsicum spp. in the AGC. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of the Potential Production of Ethanol by Candida Zemplinina Yeast with Regard to Beer Fermentation

Candida zemplinina Y.01670 strain was evaluated to determine its potential for ethanol production and fermentative behavior with regard to potential use in beer fermentation. Experiments were carried out using malt wort with different adjuncts such as glucose syrup (dextrose equivalent 45), grape juice, and corn syrup with high fructose content. A 23 full factorial design was also used to evaluate the ethanol production when fermented in a medium containing a high sugar concentration, supplemented with soy lecithin, cholesterol, and Tween 80. The results showed that C. zemplinina Y.01670 strain allowed the production of variable ethanol content, which was dependent on the amount of fermentable sugars present in the medium. The use of corn syrup with a high content of fructose and grape juice as adjuncts yielded the highest ethanol production (up to 37.01 and 31.56 g/L, respectively). The results of the 23 full factorial design showed that the tested yeast strain is capable of producing up to 80.67 g/L of ethanol, with a yield of 0.46 ± 0.03 g of ethanol/g of sugar. Tween 80 effectively increased the production of ethanol when added at 0.5% vol/vol into the fermentation medium. These findings are considered promising for the potential use of Candida zemplinina Y.01670 in beer fermentation.

Novel SNP markers in InvGE and SssI genes are associated with natural variation of sugar contents and frying color in Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja

BackgroundPotato frying color is an agronomic trait influenced by the sugar content of tubers. The candidate gene approach was employed to elucidate the molecular basis of this trait in Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja, which is mainly diploid and represents an important genetic resource for potato breeding. The objective of this research was to identify novel genetic variants related with frying quality in loci with key functions in carbohydrate metabolism, with the purpose of discovering genetic variability useful in breeding programs. Therefore, an association analysis was implemented with 109 SNP markers identified in ten candidate genes.ResultsThe analyses revealed four associations in the locus InvGE coding for an apoplastic invertase and one association in the locus SssI coding for a soluble starch synthase. The SNPs SssI-C45711901T and InvGE-C2475454T were associated with sucrose content and frying color, respectively, and were not found previously in tetraploid genotypes. The rare haplotype InvGE-A2475187C2475295A2475344 was associated with higher fructose contents. Our study allowed a more detailed analysis of the sequence variation of exon 3 from InvGE, which was not possible in previous studies because of the high frequency of insertion-deletion polymorphisms in tetraploid potatoes.ConclusionThe association mapping strategy using a candidate gene approach in Group Phureja allowed the identification of novel SNP markers in InvGE and SssI associated with frying color and the tuber sugar content measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). These novel associations might be useful in potato breeding programs for improving quality traits and to increase crop genetic variability. The results suggest that some genes involved in the natural variation of tuber sugar content and frying color are conserved in both Phureja and tetraploid germplasm. Nevertheless, the associated variants in both types of germplasm were present in different regions of these genes. This study contributes to the understanding of the genetic architecture of tuber sugar contents and frying color at harvest in Group Phureja.

The glucose - fructose ratio of California grapes

Because of the high sweetness of fructose table grape varieties of high fructose content would be of interest for cold climates. For producing stable sweet table wines with ordinary yeasts high fructose varieties would be desirable. With the Sauternes strain of yeast high glucose varieties would be favored. The LOTHROP-HOLMES method gave good recovery of added glucose, duplicable results, and minor interference of fructose. The glucose/fructose ratio of California grapes at maturity varies over a wide range, from at least 0.80 to 1.12. There is, however, considerable variability in the ratio between different vines. Further data should be obtained for a large number of varieties in order to discover as wide a range of ratios as possible. Plant breeders could then use this information in their experiments.

Diversity of reserve carbohydrates in herbaceous species from Brazilian campo rupestre reveals similar functional traits to endure environmental stresses

Plants from Brazilian campo rupestre grow mostly on rocky outcrops, with acidic and nutrient-poor soils, seasonal water scarcity and occasional fires. The herbaceous species growing in campo rupestre allocate a great proportion of their biomass to thickened underground organs bearing buds and accumulating carbohydrates. These traits are essential to sustain resprouting after adverse environmental conditions. In this study we examined carbohydrate levels and composition in different organs of 26 herbaceous species, with emphasis on reserve underground organs, and showed fructans as the main storage carbohydrates in all studied species of Asteraceae and Amaranthaceae. High average concentrations of total fructose were found in Gomphrena marginata (Amaranthaceae), Richterago polymorpha and Lessingianthus psilophyllus (Asteraceae), constituting respectively 30, 27 and 26% of the underground organ dry mass. All studied Asteraceae presented the inulin homologous series whereas Gomphrena agrestis and G. marginata (Amaranthaceae) presented the levan series. Vellozia minima, Vellozia epidendroides and Barbacenia plantaginea (Velloziaceae) presented the raffinose family oligosaccharides that, similar to fructans, are known to protect plants against several strains, including drought. Starch was found in species from six different families with values ranging from 0.8% to 38% on a dry mass basis. The diversity of carbohydrates in underground organs suggests they play similar roles in conferring tolerance to environmental disturbances in addition to supporting phenological events.

Effect of Restriction of Foods with High Fructose Corn Syrup Content on Metabolic Indices and Fatty Liver in Obese Children

Objective: We examined the effect of restriction of foods with high fructose content in obese school children. Methods: In a clinical study, we selected 54 obese children 6 to 11 years old with high fructose consumption (>70 g/day) in order indicate dietary fructose restriction (<20 g/day) for 6 weeks. Anthropometry, liver ultrasound as well as glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin, IGFBP1, and RBP4 serum levels were collected. Results: The group of children had 80% adherence and reported decreased fructose consumption (110 ± 38.6 to 11.4 ± 12.0 g/day) and also a significant decrease in caloric (2,384 ± 568 to 1,757 ± 387 kcal/day) and carbohydrate consumption (302 ± 80.4 to 203 ± 56.0 g/day). The severity of steatosis improved significantly after fructose restriction (p < 0.000001). However, no changes in BMI, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure were found. Only triglyceride levels decreased (1.44 ± 0.43 to 1.31 ± 0.38 mmol/l), High-densitiy lipoprotein cholesterol showed a marginal increase (1.45 ± 0.19 to 1.56 ± 0.44 mmol/l). Insulin resistance and RBP4 did not change. Conclusions: In school children, the restriction of high fructose foods with a decrease of caloric and carbohydrate intake at 6 weeks did not induce weight loss; however, triglyceride levels and hepatic steatosis decreased. Differences with other studies in regard to weight loss may be explained by adaptive changes on metabolic expenditure.

Fructosylation induced structural changes in mammalian DNA examined by biophysical techniques

Glycosylation of DNA, proteins, lipids, etc. by reducing sugars, can lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These products may accumulate and involve in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, contributing to tissue injury via several mechanisms. In this study, fructosylation of calf thymus dsDNA was carried out with varying concentrations of fructose. The neo-structure of fructosylated-DNA was studied by various biophysical techniques and morphological characterization. Fructosylated-DNA showed hyperchromicity, increase in fluorescence intensity and decrease in melting temperature. The CD signal of modified-DNA shifted in the direction of higher wavelength indicative of structural changes in DNA. FTIR results indicated shift in specific band positions in fructosylated-DNA. Morphological characterization of fructosylated-DNA exhibited strand breakage and aggregation. The results suggest that the structure and conformation of DNA may be altered under high concentrations of fructose.

Abstract P286: Modulation Way Classical and Alternatives of Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) in Mesangial Cells After Exposure to Fructose

Background: Our group demonstrated previously that rats subjected to a high fructose diet showed increased activity of kidney ACE.In order to understand the effect of fructose in the forming process of angiotensin II (AngII) and angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7) affecting the levels of these effectors, the aim of this study was to evaluate the activities of the RAS enzymes responsible for the formation of Ang1-7 and AngIIof immortalized human mesangial cells (IMCH)exposed to low and high concentration of fructose. Methods: IMCH were divided into control (low glucose medium), Fructose 5 mM(medium + 5 mM Fructose) and Fructose 30mM(medium + 30 mM Fructose) groups. The enzymatic activity of ACE, chymase, cathepsin D, Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP) and ACE2 were evaluated using Z-Phe-His-Leu,Abz-AIKFFSAQ-EDDnp, Abz-AIAFFSRQ-EDDnp,Abz(d)-Arg-Gly-Leu,Mca-APK (DNP) as substrates respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA one way. Results: Among the AngIIforming enzymes, fructose decreased ACE activity in cell lysate.Both fructose concentrations increased chymase in the culture medium. No effect was observed on the activity of cathepsin D. When evaluating the activities of peptidases forming Ang-1-7,NEP activity was increasedin culture medium.We did not detected differences in ACE2 activity. Conclusion: The results suggest fructose modulates renal and systemic RAS in IMCH acting in the classical andalternative pathways of AngII formation. Additionally this sugar was able to increase NEP activity, forming Ang-1-7. Quantitation of angiotensin remains necessary to better understand how the end effector is available in IMCH and evaluate possible effects on glomerular physiology.

PP.07.11] SUBCLINICAL FRUCTOSE-INDUCED METABOLIC SYNDROME ASSOCIATED TO HOST-MICROBIOTA CO-METABOLISM IN RATS

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a rapidly growing worldwide pandemic, which is associated with a greater risk of multiple chronic pathologies including cardiovascular disease hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. Host-microbiota co-metabolism and Western diets, with high-fructose content, have been strongly implicated in the development of MS. The development of specific biomarkers for early detection of cardiometabolic disease seems essential in patient management. The aim of this study was to identify potential MS biomarkers to detect subclinical MS using a multi-approach combining 1H NMR-based metabolomics, microbiome analyses with MiSeq and liver histology. Urine, blood serum and fecal extracts from high- fructose fed rats were analyzed. Design and method: Male Wistar rats 4 weeks old were fed with a high-fructose (HF) diet (60%) for 15 weeks to induce MS. We applied high resolution NMR spectroscopy to profile serum, urine and fecal extracts. Principal component analysis (PCA) and projection to latent structures for discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to NMR spectral datasets. Results were cross-validated using the Venetian Blinds approach. Statistical analysis was performed using in-house MATLAB scripts and the PLS Toolbox statistical multivariate analysis library. Results: These HF rats exhibited insulin resistance and higher levels of systolic blood pressure and triglycerides and lower HDL levels than controls. Liver histology revealed higher intra-hepatocytic lipid content, suggesting an early hepatic damage. The metabolomic profile of blood serum, urine and fecal extracts demonstrated differences associated to HF diet. Metabolites affected are involved in glycolysis, glycogenesis, TCA cycle, amino acid degradation pathways, urea cycle and glycerophospholipids metabolism among others. Interestingly, host-microbiota co-metabolites were also altered. Microbiota composition revealed lower microbiota diversity in the HF group. Conclusions: 1H NMR-based metabolomics can provide a non-invasive mean for detection of sub-clinical organ damage and early MS. Microbiota co-metabolism by both diversity and functional composition seems to play a role in modulating the early development of MS on host organism.

Fructose Synthesis and Transport at the Uterine-Placental Interface of Pigs: Cell-Specific Localization of SLC2A5, SLC2A8, and Components of the Polyol Pathway.

The fetal fluids and uterine flushings of pigs contain higher concentrations of fructose than glucose, but fructose is not detected in maternal blood. Fructose can be synthesized from glucose via enzymes of the polyol pathway, aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD), transported across cell membranes by solute carriers SLC2A5 and SLC2A8, and converted to fructose-1-phosphate by ketohexokinase (KHK). SLC2A8, SLC2A5, AKR1B1, SORD, and KHK mRNAs and proteins were analyzed using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization in endometria and placentae of cyclic and pregnant gilts, cyclic gilts injected with estrogen, and ovariectomized gilts injected with progesterone. Progesterone up-regulated SLC2A8 protein in uterine luminal (LE) and glandular epithelia during the peri-implantation period, and expression became exclusively placental, chorion and blood vessels, after Day 30. P4 up-regulated SLC2A5 mRNA in uterine LE and glandular epithelia after implantation, and the chorion expressed SLC2A5 between Days 30 and 85. AKR1B1 and SORD proteins localized to uterine LE during the peri-implantation period, but expression switched to chorion by Day 20 and was maintained through Day 85. Uterine expression of AKR1B1 mRNA was down-regulated by estrogen. KHK protein localized to trophectoderm/chorion throughout gestation. These results provide evidence that components for the conversion of glucose to fructose and for fructose transport are present at the uterine-placental interface of pigs. The shift in expression from LE to chorion during pregnancy suggests free-floating conceptuses are supported by fructose synthesized by the uterus, but after implantation, the chorion becomes self-sufficient for fructose synthesis and transport.

Phytochemical profiles of wild blackberries, black and white mulberries from southern Bulgaria

ABSTRACTSugars (glucose and fructose), organic acids (citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, succinic acid and fumaric acid), vitamin C, phenolic compounds (catechin, rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, o-coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid and gallic acid) and antioxidant capacity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC assay) were determined in fruits of wild blackberry, black and white mulberries from southern Bulgaria. Malic acid was the predominant organic acid for the black and white mulberries. Citric and malic acids were represented with the highest content in blackberries. The highest fructose concentration was observed in blackberries (16.187 g·100 g−1). Black mulberries showed the highest antioxidant activity (12.230 µmol TE g−1), followed by white mulberries (8.6133 µmol TE g−1) and blackberries (4.490 µmol TE g−1). Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the main phenolics in the analysed fruits. The results illustrated significant phytochemical profiles of the studied berries, which could contribute to the medicinal industry and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding programmes.

Determination of Sugar Profiles of Sweetened Foods and Beverages

The determination of sugar profile in commonly consumed sweetened foods and beverages (cake, chocolate, jelly tots, cookie, wafer, pudding, fruit yogurt, limon-flavored soda, cola, lemonade, mineral water, fruit juice, milk drink and ice tea) was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The amount of fructose was found higher than the amount of glucose in most of the foods and beverages (juice, limon-flavored soda, mineral water, cola, chocolate, cookie, wafer). The highest fructose contents were found in cola (71.10 % of sugars), chocolate (52.40 % of sugars) and limon-flavored soda (48.21 % of sugars) samples. The galactose, mannitol, arabinose and xylitol were not detected in any of the examined food and beverage samples. The predominant sugar in milk drinks, jelly tots, pudding, cookie and cake samples was determined as sucrose. Maltitol was only determined in cake and jellytots samples.