Concentrations Of Individual Amino Acids Research Articles

Climatic effects on soil organic nitrogen fractions and amino acid chirality in paddy soils

Soil organic nitrogen (N) accounts for more than 90% of the total N (TN) in paddy soils. An inadequate understanding of the different organic N fractions in paddy soils and their corresponding bioavailability under different climatic conditions has constrained the development of appropriate nutrient management strategies in rice production. Here we apply a modified Bremner method coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to characterize how Soil Organic Nitrogen (SON) fractions and amino acid chirality vary under different climatic conditions by sampling five typical rice production sites along a latitudinal gradient. According to the results, climate had no obvious influence on TN, N form, and individual amino acid concentrations. However, the proportions of various N forms in TN had linear relationships with annual mean temperature, with high correlation coefficients. Amino acid components also exhibited similar trends (with correlation coefficients as high as 0.85). Most notably, consistent linear relationships were observed between the D/L ratios of several amino acids and annual mean temperature in paddy soils (correlation coefficients = 0.18–0.92). The findings of the present study could provide insights on SON and amino acid dynamics in paddy soil systems under intensive production along climate gradients.

Новый вид азотсодержащего сырья для использования в технологии дистиллятов

Grain bran is used mostly in animal farming and food industry. However, grain bran can also serve as an alternative source of nitrogenous substances in distillate technology. The present research objective was to study the complex of water-soluble nitrogenous compounds in grain bran and to identify the effect of the bran type and its granulometric characteristics on their composition and concentration. 
 The research featured 30 industrial grain samples of wheat, rye, and triticale, as well as the corresponding bran samples. The total protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method, the size modulus – by sieving. In the bran aqueous phase, the protein content was measured using the Lowry method, the amine nitrogen content – by the copper method, and the free amino acid content – by the high-performance liquid chromatography. 
 In bran, the content of total protein increased by 16–28%, the proportion of water-soluble forms of nitrogenous compounds increased by 6–29%, and the free amino acids increased by 1.4–2.3 times, if compared with the grain samples. The proportion of soluble proteins in the rye bran was 15–30% higher than in other types. The types of bran had a different content of individual amino acids. A high correlation was observed between the modulus of the bran size, the mass concentration of soluble proteins, and the free amino acids. The proportion of soluble proteins reached 44.1% as the size modulus decreased. The samples of rye bran demonstrated the maximal growth of this indicator. Bran, regardless of the type of raw material and particle size distribution, had a higher concentration of free amino acids in comparison with the original grain. The experiment revealed the following linear dependence: the proportion of free amino acids in bran increased by 46–54% as the size modulus decreased by 0.72–0.85. The article introduces linear dependence equations for each type of bran, as well as the percentage of free amino acids for the change in the size modulus per unit. 
 Aqueous extracts of small-size rye grain bran proved to have good prospects for distillate technology. According to the evaluation of the nitrogen-containing complex of various grain bran types, small-size rye bran had more advantages in terms of soluble protein forms and free amino acids. Further research will feature the fermentation activity of yeast in distillate production to develop specific sensory properties.

ESTIMATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF BOILED-SMOKED SAUSAGE PRODUCTS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT RATIONAL USE OF RAW MATERIALS AND CALORIE CONTENT

The results of studies on determination of the total chemical composition, amino acid, fatty acid composition and their balance for two prototypes of boiled-smoked sausages manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the new state standard are presented. It was found that the samples of sausages are characterized by high quality protein and its good balance in amino acid composition, which allows us to consider them as a source of complete protein. From the viewpoint of the biological value of fats, a low degree of balance is noted, expressed in the increased content of saturated fatty acids with respect to unsaturated ones. In addition, it was noted that a sample with a lower calorie content was superior in protein content and its contribution to total calorie content, protein: fat ratio in relation to optimal, in the content of individual amino acids, but inferior in overall amino acid balance.

Interactions of productivity, content of separate amino acids, general protein in blood serum of chickens and tone of the autonomic nervous system

The regulation of metabolic processes and maintenance of a stable internal environment of the body is the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It influences all systems and organs, thus along with the neuro-humoral system providing control over the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Amino acids, as structural units of any protein molecule, are essential for the metabolism of proteins, enzymes and hormones. Certain amino acids are involved in neutralizing free radicals and are a donor of metal groups, can act as an energy source in case of a deficiency of carbohydrates and fats, and be structural units of connective tissue. Exchange of these compounds and their regulation by ANS have not been studied sufficiently, therefore, it is necessary to carry out research in this direction. The studies were aimed at finding the presence of the regulatory effect of ANS on the content of individual amino acids in the blood serum of 60-day-old Cobb-500 chickens. Determination of the ANS tone in Cobb-500 chickens at the age of 30–35 days was determined by the method of variation pulsometry. Electrocardiographic examination was performed in a quiet room without the use of sedatives. At the age of 60 days, blood was obtained from the saphenous vein of the chickens’ shoulder. Blood was sampled from 10 am to 1 pm, after a short fasting (2:00). It was found that sympathicotonic chickens had a higher content of individual amino acids compared to normotonics and vagotonics. In vagotonic chickens, the content of glycine and serine in the blood serum significantly exceeded the rate of chickens with a balanced tone of ANS. Correlative relationships between amino acid content were highly significant in poultry with balanced ANS tone. Vagotonic chickens had the highest correlations between ANS tone, heart rate and amino acid content (trend). Correlative relationships were present between ANS and body weight of chickens of different groups, serum protein. The correlation between total serum protein and body weight of chickens was different depending on the tone of the ANS. Fisher’s test revealed a significant effect of balanced ANS tone on the content of valine, serine and glycine and the weight of chickens. The effect of ANS tone on weight in vagotonic birds was high.

INFLUENCE OF NODULE BACTERIA STRAINS OF SINORHIZOBIUM MELILOTI ON THE AMINO ACID CONTENT IN THE TOPS OF ALFALFA UNDER DIFFERENT WATER SUPPLY

Objective. To study the amino acid composition in the tops of alfalfa under different water supply (60 % MVC (maximum water capacity) and 30 % MVC) depending on the inoculum strain (Sinorhizobium meliloti 425a, T17, AC08). Methods. Microbiological (bacterial cultivation), physiological (vegetation experiment), biochemical (determination of amino acid content in the tops of plants). Results. It was established that the qualitative amino acid composition in the tops of ALFALFA was identical in all variants. However, quantitative content of the studied samples differed depending on the inoculum strain and water supply. It was found that aspartic and glutamic acids, leucine and lysine are dominant in the tops of alfalfa under different water supply. In the absence of moisture, an increase in the content of individual amino acids was reported at the background of Sinorhizobium meliloti AC08 and T17, while inoculation with Sinorhizobium meliloti 425a resulted in a decrease in the content of all amino acids except tyrosine. In plants exposed to water stress, a tendency towards decrease in the content of glutamic acid at the background of bacterization with Sinorhizobium meliloti 425a and increase — under inoculation with Sinorhizobium meliloti T17 and AC08 was reported, which may support the use of the latter to increase the ability of symbiotic systems to recover during a post-stress period. Conclusion. Pre-sowing inoculation of alfalfa of the variety Laska with new active strains of Sinorhizobium meliloti AC08 and T17 helps to increase the content of amino acids, in particular essential, in the tops of plants, both under optimal conditions of moisture and insufficient water supply. The prospects of using new strains of rhizobia in the cultivation of alfalfa for green mass under the conditions of optimal water supply and drought has been verified.

A genome-scale metabolic network model and machine learning predict amino acid concentrations in Chinese Hamster Ovary cell cultures.

The control of nutrient availability is critical to large-scale manufacturing of biotherapeutics. However, the quantification of proteinogenic amino acids is time-consuming and thus is difficult to implement for real-time in situ bioprocess control. Genome-scale metabolic models describe the metabolic conversion from media nutrients to proliferation and recombinant protein production, and therefore are a promising platform for in silico monitoring and prediction of amino acid concentrations. This potential has not been realized due to unresolved challenges: (1) the models assume an optimal and highly efficient metabolism, and therefore tend to underestimate amino acid consumption, and (2) the models assume a steady state, and therefore have a short forecast range. We address these challenges by integrating machine learning with the metabolic models. Through this we demonstrate accurate and time-course dependent prediction of individual amino acid concentration in culture medium throughout the production process. Thus, these models can be deployed to control nutrient feeding to avoid premature nutrient depletion or provide early predictions of failed bioreactor runs.

Aeromonas species from non-chlorinated distribution systems and their competitive planktonic growth in drinking water.

Aeromonas is included in the Dutch Drinking Water Decree as an indicator for elevated microbial regrowth in non-chlorinated drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). The temporal and spatial diversity of Aeromonas species in ten DWDS and their planktonic growth characteristics for different carbon sources was investigated. Genotyping of the gyrB gene of isolates showed a non-systematic temporal and spatial variable prevalence of seven different Aeromonas species in these DWDS and no correlation with AOC-P17/NOX and Aeromonas concentrations. Pure cultures of these seven species showed a high affinity to low concentrations (μg/L) of individual amino acids and fatty acids, compounds associated with biomass. Growth occurred at 0.5 μg-C/L of an amino acid mixture. Growth of a mixed community of A. rivuli, A. salmonicida, A. sobria and A. veronii in drinking water occurred in pasteurized samples, however, no growth and decay occurred in competition with the autochthonous bacteria (non-pasteurized samples). This community also failed to grow in non-pasteurized distribution samples from a location with clear increase in planktonic Aeromonas concentrations in the transported drinking water. For competitive planktonic growth of Aeromonas an amino acid concentration of ≥5 μg-C/L is required. AOC-P17/NOX concentrations showed that such concentrations are not expected in Dutch drinking water. Therefore, we suspect that competitive planktonic growth is not the major cause of the observed non-compliance with the Aeromonas standard in non-chlorinated DWSD.Importance The occurrence of the bacterial genus Aeromonas in non-chlorinated drinking water in the Netherlands is regarded as an indication for elevated microbial regrowth in the distribution system. Identification of the prevalent species in ten distribution systems by genotyping yielded seven different species, with A. rivuli, A. veronii and A. sobria as the most dominant ones. Planktonic growth experiments of pure cultures confirmed former published affinity of Aeromonas for certain biomass compounds (amino and fatty acids). In competition with the autochthonous microflora, however, planktonic growth was not observed, only after addition of a threshold amino acid concentration of 5 μg-C/L. Based on our results and further observations we deduced that planktonic growth of Aeromonas in the DWDS is not very likely. Benthic growth in loose deposits and planktonic release is a more plausible explanation for the observed planktonic increase of Aeromonas.

Disclosing the Nutritional Quality Diversity of Portuguese Common Beans—The Missing Link for Their Effective Use in Protein Quality Breeding Programs

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents a sustainable and affordable source of protein, namely, to populations with vegetarian dietary habits. Despite the national germplasm genetic diversity, little is known about the Portuguese accessions’ nutritional and protein quality, leading to their underuse in breeding programs. To fill this gap, a representative collection (106 accessions) was cropped under two contrasting environments (traditional versus heat stress) and evaluated in terms of nutritional quality by near-infrared spectroscopy. Protein quality was assessed, under the stressful environment, considering the individual amino acid contents and the activity of trypsin inhibitors through mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and spectrophotometry, respectively. On top of strong genotypic control, the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, moisture and ash) was also highly influenced by the environment and by genotype × environment interaction, with a clear nutritional quality ranking change for the accessions in heat stress conditions. Classified into three clusters, the accessions from the cluster with the highest individual amino acid and protein contents also showed higher trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). Since different levels of TIA had no translation into contrasting protein digestibility, breeders focusing on common beans’ protein quality improvement, especially under challenging warming climate conditions, may take advantage of this group of accessions.

Variability Russian Rice Varieties in Essential Amino Acids Composition

Rice contains antioxidants, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins that make it a functional food. A dozen times higher content of antioxidants was noted in black-grain and red-grain rice varieties as compared to white-grain ones. In terms of protein content, color and white-grain varieties do not differ significantly. The protein composition largely determines the nutritional value and functional properties, as well as the texture and taste of rice. Although rice contains less protein than many cereals, its biological value is highest due to balanced composition of amino acids. Nutritional value of different rice varieties varies greatly due to different amino acid composition. Determination of amino acid composition was carried out on devices Kapel 105 - M. In the work used 50 collection samples of rice. The variability was studied and the sources were identified among domestic rice varieties. To create a new generation varieties with more balanced amino acid composition, it is necessary both to isolate sources with a high content of individual amino acids, and varieties with high characteristics in terms of content complex of amino acids, especially essential ones.

The Profiles of Low Molecular Nitrogen Compounds and Fatty Acids in Wort and Beer Obtained with the Addition of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) or Maltose Syrup.

Replacement of a part of malt with unmalted materials is a common practice in beer production. These materials may differ in chemical composition than barley malt, which in turn can contribute to changes in the final composition of the wort. Consequently, it may affect yeast metabolism and final parameters of the obtained products. In this research, two unmalted pseudocereals were used: quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.). Maltose syrup was tested as a reference material due to its commercial usage as a substitute of malt in production of worts. Replacement of a part of the malt with quinoa or amaranth favorably influenced the profiles of amino and fatty acids. Due to the fact that the type and concentration of individual amino acids and fatty acids in the fermented wort significantly affect the flavor compounds synthesized by yeast, differences in the profiles of esters and higher alcohol have been noted in beers produced with pseudocereals.

Ambient ozone exposure and amino acids metabolome in adolescents with overweight and obesity

Ambient ozone exposure and amino acids metabolome in adolescents with overweight and obesity Background Air pollution is a public health problem already associated with increased cardiometabolic diseases, however metabolomic pathways involved in air pollution remain not clear, especially in vulnerable population like adolescents who are at a critical period for development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between short term ozone exposure and amino acid and acyl carnitines in blood metabolome.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal study on 9 to 21 years old adolescent with overweight and obesity from Mexico City. Ambient ozone exposure and other meteorological variables were estimated based on participants' residential addresses, lag and cumulative average effects were assessed. Three serum measurements were evaluated in 197 participants at different times over six years of follow-up, 40 metabolites related to beta oxidation of fatty acids and gluconeogenesis were measured. Factor analysis of the 40 metabolites was performed to identify 3 indexes: acylcarnitine index, amino acid index and a mixed index. Finally, we used mixed effects models to evaluate the associations between ozone exposure, metabolomic indexes and the individual metabolite concentrations of the first five metabolites in the index.ResultsLag-1 day maximum ozone concentration was associated with lower concentrations of amino acid index. Alanine, leucine, valine and tyrosine had the higher scores in the amino acid index and each of this amino acid concentration were significant lower with lag-1 and 2 to 5-day average ozone concentration.ConclusionsThis study suggests that higher concentrations of ozone are associated with lower amino acid index scores and individual amino acid concentrations in adolescents with overweight and obesity.

CONDITIONALITY OF AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF EXPERIMENTAL SAMPLES OF FEED FOR YOUNG CATTLE

The amino acid composition of protein in mixed feed samples of experimental formulations for young cattle is Analyzed. The variation of the content of individual amino acids depending on the component composition of the feed was revealed. The possibilities of combining the high content of individual essential amino acids in one version of feed are considered.

Assessment of the genetic diversity of sweetpotato germplasm collections for protein content

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is a relatively cheap source of nutrients for humans in most developing countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding for essential quality traits is an important goal of sweetpotato breeding programs. This may include root protein content (RPC), since protein-energy malnutrition is a common problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity in RPC present among sweetpotato accessions maintained in the genebank of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa in order to characterize and select the most promising clones for breeding. Both, Dumas combustion and Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) were used to determine RPC for a diverse set of accessions. In addition, total root yield and dry matter content were determined and root flesh colour recorded. Data was subjected to standard analysis of variance. A total of 227 sweetpotato accessions (53 introduced accessions, 18 local cultivars, 24 local landraces and 132 ARC breeding lines) were screened for total RPC, and a large variation was observed. As measured by the Dumas combustion, RPC values varied from 2.65 to 6.45% on a dry weight basis (dwb). RPC estimated by NIRS ranged from 0.68 to 11.51%. The NIRS proved to be an efficient and quick tool that can be useful in sweetpotato breeding programs towards selecting for quality traits such as RPC. A total of 31 medium to high yielding accessions with high, intermediate and low RPC were selected for genetic analysis and breeding for enhanced nutrition. Some promising germplasm included the local informal market cultivar ‘Impilo’ (orange-fleshed) at 6.18%, and the breeding line ‘2012-29-4’, seed imported from Mozambique, at 6.45%. NIRS values for ‘Tanzania’ and ‘Maria Angola’ were promising. The study is one of only a few that provides protein data for a large set of sweetpotato accessions from various parts of the world and is useful for sweetpotato breeding programs. Future work can focus on the determination of the concentrations of individual amino acids.

Fermentability and nutritional characteristics of sorghum Mahewu supplemented with Bambara groundnut.

Processing functionality in terms of fermentability and nutritional characteristics of Mahewu (a sorghum-based nonalcoholic beverage product) supplemented with different proportions of Bambara groundnut (BGN) (80:20 and 70:30, respectively) was investigated to develop a sorghum-based beverage product with improved nutritional quality. Sorghum-BGN Mahewu blends showed a rapid reduction in pH and significantly (P< 0.05) lower final pH (4.3) after 24 hr compared to the control (pH 5.1) (100% Sorghum Mahewu). With total titratable acidity (TTA), sorghum-BGN Mahewu blends had significantly higher final TTA (0.7%) than control (0.4%). Sorghum-BGN Mahewu blends had higher protein and crude fiber contents (up to 7.7% and 7.9%, respectively) than control (6.1% and 5.7%, respectively). In general, sorghum Mahewu supplemented with BGN did not show substantial increase in mineral and individual amino acid contents after fermentation compared to the control, possibly due to increase in tannin content with BGN supplementation. Fermentation significantly (P< 0.05) reduced phytate content by more than 90% in sorghum Mahewu supplemented with BGN when compared to the control (28% reduction). Importantly, BGN supplementation improved the level of some essential amino acids such as threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, histidine, and lysine. Therefore, supplementation with BGN can potentially improve the nutritional quality of sorghum Mahewu but modification in processing procedure is required to effectively improve the nutritional quality of sorghum-BGN blends. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research work has direct application in addressing problem of malnutrition, as well as improving utilization of indigenous food crops in commercial food processing. This is one of the practical approach to address food insecurity that is prevalent in most African countries.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDIVIDUAL AMINO ACIDS IN OVERGROUND PART OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA L. AND GLYCYRRHIZA ECHINATA L

This article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the content of individual amino acids in the overground part of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Glycyrrhiza echinata L., growing in the Volgograd region. By the HPLC study, 16 amino acids (Ala, Gly, Tyr, Ser, Asp, Glu, Arg, His, Pro) were identified in the plant raw materials, among which 9 are replaceable amino acids and 7 are irreplaceable amino acids (Thr, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Phen, Lys). At the same time, of the total content, the share of replaceable amino acids in Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is 10,09 %, and irreplaceable ones - 5,84 %. In the overground part of Glycyrrhiza echinata L., these indicators are slightly higher - 11,47 % of replaceable amino acids and 6,80 % of irreplaceable amino acids.

Differences and Effects of Metabolic Fate of Individual Amino Acid Loss in High-Efficiency Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration

The objective of the study was to quantify the loss and arterial blood concentration of the three main classes of amino acids (AAs)-nonessential amino acids (NEAAs), essential amino acids (EAAs), and branched-chain amino acids-as resulting from high-efficiency hemodialysis (HED) and hemodiafiltration (HDF). We moreover aimed to identify the different fates and metabolic effects manifested in patients undergoing hemodialysis and the consequences on body composition and influence of nutritional decline into protein energy wasting. Identical dialysis monitors, membranes, and dialysate/infusate were used to ensure consistency. Ten patients were recruited and randomized to receive treatment with on-line modern HED and HDF. Arterial plasma concentrations of individual AAs were compared in healthy volunteers and patients undergoing hemodialysis, and AA levels outflowing from the dialyzer were evaluated. Baseline AA plasma levels of patients undergoing hemodialysis were compared with findings obtained 1year later. A severe loss of AA with HED/HDF was confirmed: a marked loss of total AAs (5g/session) was detected, corresponding to more than 65% of all AAs. With regard to individual AAs, glutamine displayed a consistent increase (+150%), whereas all other AAs decreased after 12months of HD/HDF. Only a few AAs, such as proline, cysteine, and histidine maintained normal levels. The most severe metabolic consequences may result from losses of EAAs such as valine, leucine, and histidine and from NEAAs including proline, cysteine, and glutamic acid eliciting the onset of hypercatabolism threatening muscle mass loss. Dialysis losses, together with the effect of chronic uremia, resulted in a reduction of fundamental EAAs and NEAAs, which progressively led our patients after 12months to a deterioration of lean mass toward sarcopenia. Therefore, the reintroduction of a correctly balanced AA supplementation in patients undergoing HD to prevent or halt decline of hypercatabolism into cachexia is recommended.

Provenance effect on bioactive phytochemicals and nutritional and health benefits of the desert date Balanites aegyptiaca.

Balanites aegyptiaca L. is a multipurpose tree distributed in Africa and Middle East. Several parts of B. aegyptiaca have been suggested to have medicinal uses. So far the effect of ecological origin on the nutritional values and biological activities of B. aegyptiaca genotypes is rarely investigated. Further, metabolic profiling and assessment of the functional food value of B. aegyptiaca leaves are far from complete. In this study, biological activities and profiling of primary and secondary metabolites were investigated in the leaves of five B. aegyptiaca provenances collected from Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Interestingly, all provenances showed notable antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed significant variability in the concentrations of individual sugars, organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, phenolics, and minerals among the provenances and these variations were provenance dependent. Medina provenance showed the heights diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and antifungal activities and was the most powerful against embryonic kidney adenocarcinoma and urinary bladder carcinoma cells. The highest inhibition against Escherichia coli and colon carcinoma cells was observed by Sudan and Cairo provenances. El-Kharga and Yemen provenances showed the greatest activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and hepatocellular and urinary bladder carcinoma. Therefore, leaves of B. aegyptiaca possess good nutritive and biological capacities and might have potential applications in the food and medical industries. However, the strength of such activities is significantly affected by the provenance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to the national Research Council (NRC) of United States, Balanites aegyptiaca L. is recognized among the 24 priority lost crops of Africa. B. aegyptiaca leaves contain considerable amounts of primary metabolites (e.g., sugars, EAAs, USFAs) and secondary (e.g., phenolic acids and flavonoids) metabolites, vitamins, and macro and microelements. The obvious existence of these nutritionally and medicinally related compounds supports the functional food value of B. aegyptiaca leaves. Moreover, the present results revealed that B. aegyptiaca is not only a foliage dietary plant, but also could be considered as a valuable source for neutraceuticals, which support its pharmacological value. So far, this is the first report to explore, in detail, the functional food value of B. aegyptiaca leaves by presenting a clear image about its metabolic profiling and biological activities, and how the provenance factor could affect these values.

THE STUDY OF AMINO ACID CONTENT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA OVERGROUND AND UNDERGROUND PARTS

The purpose of the research was a comparative study of the amino acid composition and the quantitative content of individual amino acids in the over-ground and underground parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) growing in the Volgograd region. Previously, using the reaction with ninhydrin, as well as carrying out TLC on the plates «Silufol», the presence of amino acids in watery extracts from the samples of vegetable raw materials was established. On an AAA 400 amino acid analyzer in the underground and over-ground parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. 16 amino acids were identified, 9 of which are interchangeable and 7 are irreplaceable, their quantitative content and accumulation characteristics were established. The total amount of amino acids found in the over-ground parts of the medicinal plant is higher (15.88%) than in the underground organs – 8.42%. Of the individual amino acids, glutamic acid (1.84±0.02%), aspartic acid (1.74±0.02%), arginine (1.03±0.01%), leucine (1.41±0.01%), lysine (1.02±0.01), valine (0.92±0.01%), phenylalanine (0.86±0.01%), isoleucine (0.76±0.01%), threonine (0.77±0.01%) was detected. In the underground organs of the studied plant, aspartic (1.17±0.02%) and glutamic (0.62±0.01%) acids predominantly accumulate, but in percentage they are 1.5–3 times less than the over-ground parts. Separately, it should be noted a feature of the accumulation of proline, which is one of the dominant amino acids in the over-ground and underground parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (1.49±0.02% and 1.87±0.02%, respectively). Obtained in the course of the research data indicate the prospects for further study of the over-ground parts of the medicinal as a source of this group of biologically active substances.

Comparison on chemical compositions and antioxidant capacities of the green, oolong, and red tea from blueberry leaves.

Blueberry leaves, by‐products of the blueberry industry, could be explored as source of functional foods, such as teas. Three different types of tea, including nonfermented green tea, semifermented oolong tea, and fully fermented red tea from blueberry leaves, were investigated on their chemical compositions and antioxidant capacities here. The contents of individual amino acids in three types varied, while the total amounts retained constant. A total of 167 volatiles were detected with alcohols, alkenes, and aldehydes as the dominant. More volatiles produced in the fermented teas. The total phenolic/flavonoid contents were highest in the green tea and decreased significantly in the oolong and red teas, correlating inversely with the fermentation degree. The highest levels of representative phenolics, that is, phenolic acids and flavonol glycosides, contributed to the strongest antioxidant capacity in the green tea. These indicated that blueberry leaves provided promising and prospective potential to develop new teas beneficial for health.

СВОБОДНЫЕ АМИНОКИСЛОТЫ В ПЛАЗМЕ БЕРЕМЕННЫХ ЖЕНЩИН С ВРОЖДЕННЫМИ ПОРОКАМИ РАЗВИТИЯ И ХРОМОСОМНЫМИ НАРУШЕНИЯМИ У ПЛОДА

Objective. To examine and compare the levels of free amino acids in the plasma of pregnant women with congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus and women with a physiological course of pregnancy at 13-22 weeks of gestation in order to analyze the features of the metabolic processes in the woman's body and changes in the concentrations of individual free amino acids. Material and methods. A total of 104 women with prenatally diagnosed congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus, which are the indications for artificial termination of pregnancy in the late stages (group I), and 25 women with physiological course of pregnancy (group II) were examined. The levels of free amino acids and their nitrogen-containing derivatives in plasma were determined by high performance liquid chromatography method. Results. Among the pregnant women in group I there was an increase in the total amount of amino acids in blood plasma by 15% (p&lt;0.001), in the total content of essential amino acids by 12.3% (p=0.003) as well as in the level of non-essential amino acids by 13.6% (p&lt;0.001) as compared to the control group. It was demonstrated that among the pregnant women with medical reasons for artificial termination of pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities there were significantly higher levels of 14 out of 26 determined indicators: proteinogenic amino acids of tyrosine, tryptophan, glutamic acid, asparagine, serine, glycine, alanine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, as well as nitrogen-containing derivatives of these amino acids – citrulline, ornithine and α-aminobutyric acid – as compared to the control group. The median value of the glutamic acid, glycine, citruliline, aminobutyric acid, ornithine and lysine levels was 1.5 (p&lt;0.001), 1.67 (p&lt;0.001), 1.63 (p&lt;0.001), 1.9 (p&lt;0.001), 1.62 (p=0.001) and 1.5 (p&lt;0.001) times higher than in the control group (p&lt;0.05) correspondingly. Conclusions. Features of changes in amino acids levels can probably be used as integral indicators of the development and prognostic criteria of the presence of pathological conditions of the fetus during pregnancy, as well as indicate the catabolic orientation of metabolic processes in the body of this category of pregnant women.