Inhibition Of Digestive Enzymes Research Articles

Probiotic Yogurt Supplemented with Lactococcus lactis R7 and Red Guava Extract: Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Influence in Antioxidant Activity and Action of Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase Enzymes.

The industry has increasingly explored the development of foods with functional properties, where supplementation with probiotics and bioactive compounds has gained prominence. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of in vitro biological digestion on the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities of probiotic yogurt supplemented with the lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis R7 and red guava extract (Psidium cattleianum). A yogurt containing L. lactis R7 (0.1%) and red guava extract (4%) was characterized for the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and potential for inhibition of digestive enzymes after a simulated in vitro digestion process. After digestion, the caffeic and hydroxybenzoic acids remained, and sinapic acid only in the last digestive phase. Antioxidant activity decreased during digestion by 28.93, 53.60, and 27.97% for DPPH, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals, respectively, and the inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme decreased only 4.01% after the digestion process. α-glucosidase was more efficient in intestinal digestion, demonstrating an increase of almost 50% in probiotic yogurt with red guava extract before digestion. Possibly, the phenolics change their conformation during digestion, generating new compounds, reducing antioxidant activity, and increasing the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase digestive enzymes. It was concluded that the probiotic yogurt formulation supplemented with red guava extract could interfere with the concentration of phenolic compounds and the formation of new compounds, suggesting a positive and effective inhibition of the digestive enzymes, even after the digestive process.

Potential Antidiabetic Activity of Apis mellifera Propolis Extraction Obtained with Ultrasound.

Recent studies have linked phenolic compounds to the inhibition of digestive enzymes. Propolis extract is consumed or applied as a traditional treatment for some diseases. More than 500 chemical compounds have been identified in propolis composition worldwide. This research aimed to determine Mexican propolis extracts' total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity (ɑ-amylase and ɑ-glucosidase). In vitro assays measured the possible effect on bioactive compounds after digestion. Four samples of propolis from different regions of the state of Oaxaca (Mexico) were tested (Eloxochitlán (PE), Teotitlán (PT), San Pedro (PSP), and San Jerónimo (PSJ)). Ethanol extractions were performed using ultrasound. The extract with the highest phenolic content was PE with 15,362.4 ± 225 mg GAE/100 g. Regarding the flavonoid content, the highest amount was found in PT with 8084.6 ± 19 mg QE/100 g. ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals were evaluated. The extract with the best inhibition concentration was PE with 33,307.1 ± 567 mg ET/100 g. After simulated digestion, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity decreased by 96%. In contrast, antidiabetic activity, quantified as inhibition of ɑ-amylase and ɑ-glucosidase, showed a mean decrease in enzyme activity of approximately 50% after the intestinal phase. Therefore, it is concluded that propolis extracts could be a natural alternative for treating diabetes, and it would be necessary to develop a protective mechanism to incorporate them into foods.

Protease inhibitors of fodder plants as a factor of immune response influencing the physiological state of the potato ladybird beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The paper analyzes how protease inhibitors of fodder plants with different genotypes influenced the physiological state of the potato ladybird beetles that fed on them. Feeding on plants with resistant genotypes leads to malnutrition in phytophagous insects because the nutrient absorption is impaired by the inhibitors of digestive enzymes. This results in a slowdown in the developmental timing and fat accumulation and the induction of various developmental disorders during the ontogeny to the extent of the cessation of vital functions.

Research Progress on the Effect and Mechanism of Tea Products with Different Fermentation Degrees in Regulating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

A popular non-alcoholic beverage worldwide, tea can regulate blood glucose levels, lipid levels, and blood pressure, and may even prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Different tea fermentation levels impact these effects. Tea products with different fermentation degrees containing different functional ingredients can lower post-meal blood glucose levels and may prevent T2DM. There are seven critical factors that shed light on how teas with different fermentation levels affect blood glucose regulation in humans. These factors include the inhibition of digestive enzymes, enhancement of cellular glucose uptake, suppression of gluconeogenesis-related enzymes, reduction in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity, modulation of gut flora, and the alleviation of inflammation associated with oxidative stress. Fermented teas can be used to lower post-meal blood glucose levels and can help consumers make more informed tea selections.

Study of an inhibitory effect of plant polyphenolic compounds against digestive enzymes using bench-working experimental evidence predicted by molecular docking and dynamics

The substantial nutritional content and diversified biological activity of plant-based nutraceuticals are due to polyphenolic chemicals. These chemicals are important and well-studied plant secondary metabolites. Their protein interactions are extensively studied. This relationship is crucial for the logical development of functional food and for enhancing the availability and usefulness of polyphenols. This study highlights the influence of protein types and polyphenols on the interaction, where the chemical bindings predominantly consist of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The interaction between polyphenolic compounds (PCs) and digestive enzymes concerning their inhibitory activity has not been fully studied. Therefore, we have examined the interaction of four digestive enzymes (α-amylase, pepsin, trypsin, and α-chymotrypsin) with four PCs (curcumin, diosmin, morin, and 2′,3′,4′-trihydroxychalcone) through in silico and in vitro approaches. In vitro plate assays, enzyme kinetics, spectroscopic assays, molecular docking, and simulations were performed. We observed all these PCs have significant docking scores and preferable interaction with the active site of the digestive enzymes, resulting in the reduction of enzyme activity. The enzyme-substrate binding mechanism was determined using the Lineweaver Burk plot, indicating that the inhibition occurred competitively. Among four PCs diosmin and morin has the highest interaction energy over digestive enzymes with IC50 value of 1.13 ± 0.0047 and 1.086 ± 0.0131 μM. Kinetic studies show that selected PCs inhibited pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin competitively and inhibited amylase in a non-competitive manner, especially by 2′,3′,4′-trihydroxychalcone. This study offers insights into the mechanisms by which the selected PCs inhibit the enzymes and has the potential to enhance the application of curcumin, diosmin, morin, and 2′,3′,4′-trihydroxychalcone as natural inhibitors of digestive enzymes.

Assessment of antioxidant and digestive enzyme inhibition by phyco-molecules isolated from marine brown alga Sargassum wightii

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a global endocrine disorder, posing a significant healthcare challenge. The purpose of current research work was to isolate bioactive compounds from the marine brown alga Sargassum wightii using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Column Chromatography (CC), further characterized by different spectrophotometric analyses. The S. wightii ethyl acetate extract (SWEA), yielded a potential enzyme inhibitory fatty acid molecule, identified as 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. The compound exhibited promising inhibitory activity against diabetic enzymes, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 39.08 µg/mL (α-amylase) and 60.1 µg/mL (α-glucosidase). Additionally, 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid demonstrated notable radical scavenging properties, with IC50 values of 31.14 µg/mL (DPPH) and 33.09 µg/mL (FRAP). The isolated seaweed compound displayed antioxidant and diabetes enzyme inhibition activities comparable to standard compounds such as ascorbic acid and acarbose. These findings suggest the potential of 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid as a novel candidate for anti-diabetic drug development. This research contributes valuable insights for formulating innovative approaches in the design and development of anti-diabetic medications.

Daphnias spp. as bioindicator organisms of toxicity and environmental characterization of eutrophized aquatic systems

The ecotoxicological study is a tool for determining the harmful effects of chemical agents on the environment, enabling the verification of the ecotoxicological characteristics of chemical substances, mechanisms of action on living organisms, definition of guidelines for controlling the quality of effluents and evaluation of efficiency of water treatment processes. Therefore, this article presents a review on the assessment of ecotoxicity as an environmental characterization tool in eutrophicated aquatic systems using Daphnias spp. as bioindicator organisms. The studies evaluated showed that cyanotoxins cause inhibition of feeding activity, decreased growth, low reproduction rate, poor offspring formation, decreased lifespan and increased tolerance to toxins throughout generations of this microcrustacean. Acute toxicity analyzes showed different toxic effects, as the results depended on the strain tested. Some factors are attributed to the toxicity of cyanobacteria extracts in zooplanktonic organisms, mainly nutritional inadequacy, decreased filtration activity, inhibition of digestive enzymes, bioaccumulation and oxidative stress.

In Vitro Inhibitory Activities against α-Glucosidase, α-Amylase, and Pancreatic Lipase of Medicinal Plants Commonly Used in Chocó (Colombia) for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Treatment

Plant-based therapies are widely utilized for treating diseases in approximately 80% of the global population, including Colombia’s Chocó Department. This study aimed to identify and evaluate plants with significant therapeutic value for obesity and diabetes in Chocó. The inhibitory effects of these plants on pancreatic lipase (PL), α-glucosidase (AG), and α-amylase (AA) were assessed, and the most promising species were selected to isolate and identify bioactive components. Artocarpus altilis, Momordica balsamina, Bauhinia picta, Neurolaena lobata, and Vismia macrophylla emerged as key species based on their traditional usage among the Chocó population. Notably, the extract derived from Vismia macrophylla demonstrated the most encouraging outcomes as a digestive enzyme inhibitor, exhibiting IC50 values of 0.99 ± 0.21 μg/mL, 5.61 ± 0.82 mg/mL, and 28.91 ± 2.10 μg/mL for AG, AA, and PL, respectively. Further chemical analysis led to the isolation of three bioactive compounds: 5′-demethoxycadensin G 1, para-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester 2, and para-hydroxybenzoic acid butyl ester 3. Compound 1 displayed the highest activity against AG (IC50 = 164.30 ± 0.11 μM), while compounds 2 (IC50 = 28.50 ± 4.07 μM) and 3 (IC50 = 10.15 ± 3.42 μM) exhibited potent inhibitory effects on PL. Molecular docking and enzymatic kinetics studies indicate that these bioactive compounds primarily act as mixed inhibitors of AG and non-competitive inhibitors of PL. These findings underscore the potential of V. macrophylla and its compounds as effective inhibitors of digestive enzymes associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Manufacture and characterization of a novel dairy-free quinoa yogurt fermented by modified commercial starter with Weissella confusa.

Non-dairy yogurt is increasingly thought to be healthy food. However, no suitable starters limit its development. This study aimed to develop a novel and functional quinoa yogurt with a modified commercial starter. Compared with the other lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Weissella confusa showed a better fermentation performance of quinoa utilization. The synergistic effect of W. confusa and the commercial starter promoted the growth of LAB. It increased the fermentation rate of quinoa yogurt, further improving its texture, rheological properties, and storage stability. The modified starter significantly increased the nutritional qualities of the quinoa yogurt, including polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, digestive enzyme inhibition, and reduced postprandial blood glucose ability. Additionally, the modified starter enhanced the digestibility and bioaccessibility of polyphenols, protein, and fat in fermented quinoa yogurt. Overall, the commercial starter with W. confusa showed great potential for possible application in quinoa yogurt development.

Digestion-Related Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants (Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and Crotalaria longirostrata).

Medicinal plants offer a valuable source of natural compounds with specific and selective bioactivity. These compounds have been isolated since the mid-nineteenth century and are now commonly used in modern medications. L. octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven, C. aconitifolius, and C. longirostrata are Mexican medicinal plants consumed regularly, and research has shown that they contain bioactive compounds capable of promoting the inhibition of digestive enzymes. This is noteworthy since enzyme inhibitors are bioactive substances that interact with enzymes, diminishing their activity and thereby contributing to the management of diseases and metabolic disturbances. To investigate the activity of these plants, individual analyses were conducted, assessing their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and inhibition of α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, lipase, and pepsin. The results revealed that all three plants exhibited enzymatic inhibition. When comparing the plants, it was determined that C. aconitifolius had the lowest concentration required for a 50% inhibition in α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and lipase, as indicated by the IC50 values. For pepsin, C. longirostrata demonstrated the lowest IC50 value. By understanding the bioactive compounds present in these plants, we can establish the relationship they have with enzymatic inhibition, which can be utilized for future investigations.

Antihyperglycemic potential of the Lavandula stoechas aqueous extract via inhibition of digestive enzymes and reduction of intestinal glucose absorption

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a widespread metabolic disorder affecting global populations. Lavandula stoechas from Moroccan traditional medicine is used for its potential anti-diabetic effects. ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the antihyperglycemic impact of the aqueous extract of L. stoechas (AqLs) and explore its mechanisms. MethodsThe study employed a glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on normal and diabetic Wistar rats, administering AqLs at 150 mg/kg. In vitro, AqLs was tested against α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, confirmed in vivo using normal and Allx-diabetic rats. The extract’s impact on intestinal d-glucose absorption was assessed using the jejunum segment perfusion technique at 250 mg/kg in situ. Albino mice were used to assess toxicity. ResultsAqLs significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycemia (P < 0.001) due to glucose overload. It inhibited pancreatic α-amylase (IC50: 0.485 mg/mL) and intestinal α-glucosidase (IC50: 168 µg/mL) in vitro. Oral AqLs at 150 mg/kg reduced hyperglycemia induced by sucrose and starch in normal and diabetic rats. It also lowered (P < 0.001) intestinal glucose absorption in situ at 250 mg/kg. Oral acute toxicity tests on Albino mice indicated no adverse effects at different doses. Conclusionto summarize, L. stoechas has evident antihyperglycemic effects attributed to inhibiting intestinal glucose absorption and key monosaccharide digestion enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Kombucha analogs from maqui juice: Consortium age and sugar concentration effects on anthocyanin stability and its relationship with antioxidant activity and digestive enzyme inhibition.

The fermentation of maqui juice (MJ), by incorporating kombucha as a starter culture, produces beverages with variable and stable anthocyanin contents. The metabolic effect of kombucha starter cultures obtained at different fermentation times was explored on the anthocyanin stability of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) juice supplemented at different concentrations of sucrose and fermented at different times. The stability of anthocyanins was associated with the levels of catechin detected in the fermentation system. This study concludes that the fermentation of MJ with sucrose (10%) and kombucha consortium of 7-days old, promotes the release and accumulation of phenolic compounds that act as co-pigments, with the best response in quality parameters of beverages such as color intensity, tone, hyperchromic effect, and a significant bathochromic shift. Finally, the additive effect of phenolic constituents with stable anthocyanins, confers to kombucha analogs an outstanding antioxidant quality and inhibitory effects on key enzymes in digestive processes.

Solar drying modes of saladette tomatoes slices on phytochemicals and functional properties

The paper analyses three solar drying modes for tomatoes slices, correlating drying kinetics with their concentration of phytochemicals and functional properties, such as inhibition of free radicals and digestive enzymes. The solar drying included direct drying by a greenhouse (DD), indirect solar dryer operating in continuous (IC) and discontinuous (ID) modes, and all were compared to those obtained by lyophilization (control). For DD, IC and ID, the drying time and drying constant were 30 h:0.0028, 25 h:0.0054, and 8.5 h:0.0061. The IC had the lowest drying time, ID represented only 36.2% and 62.0% of solar heating by DD and IC. Both indirect methods were important for phytochemical content. Proanthocyanidins, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber were highly correlated to the drying method and functionality of dried tomato. The effect of the solar drying method on critical functional components may allow obtaining functional food additives based on dehydrated tomatoes, with an air heating expenditure of 2.1–5.8 kWh/kg.

A novel polyphenol-rich combination of 5 plant extracts prevents high-fat diet-induced body weight gain by regulating intestinal macronutrient absorption in mice

Global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing to pandemic proportions. A novel supplement composed of 5 plant extracts from olive leaf, bilberry, artichoke, chrysanthellum, and black pepper was designed to prevent type 2 diabetes development in people at risk. It was previously shown to improve body weight and glucose control in preclinical rodent models, with these effects being accompanied by increased fecal energy excretion and in vitro inhibition of several digestive enzymes. Thus, we hypothesized that, in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), a single dose of this botanical supplementation would decrease the responses to oral fat and carbohydrate tolerance tests, and that chronic supplementation would result in increased fecal triglyceride content. We showed that acute administration in HFD-fed mice (1.452 g/kg body weight) markedly reduced circulating triglycerides following an oral lipid gavage, whereas glycemic responses to various carbohydrate tests were only mildly affected. When incorporated into the food (2.5%) of HFD-fed mice, chronic supplementation prevented body weight gain and improved glucose homeostasis and lipid tolerance. Fecal free fatty acid content, but not triglyceride, was significantly increased in supplemented animals, suggesting reduced lipid absorption in the digestive tract. Congruently, this botanical supplementation downregulated several genes associated with fatty acid transport whose expression was increased by HFD, principally in the jejunum. This study provides novel insights as for the mode of action behind the antiobesity effect of this plant-based supplementation, in HFD-fed mice.

Antioxidant, Antiglycation, Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes and Enhanced Glucose Uptake Activities of Opuntia ficus indica L, In Vitro and In Vivo

Antioxidant, Antiglycation, Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes and Enhanced Glucose Uptake Activities of Opuntia ficus indica L, In Vitro and In Vivo

Inhibition of Key Digestive Enzymes Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Piper betle L. Leaf Extracts to Manage Diabetes in an Alternative Way

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder. The therapeutic approaches for treating diabetes are to decrease the absorption of glucose through the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase or to use medications for lowering the blood glucose level. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potentials of the key digestive enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, by betel leaf extracts and blood glucose lowering activities using diabetic mice. Methods: In vitro inhibitory potentials of the key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase) by the betel leaf (Piper betle) extracts, including the study on the mode of enzyme inhibition, were evaluated spectrophotometrically and in vivo blood glucose lowering activities were assessed using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Results: Betel leaf extracts showed potential α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities and blood glucose lowering activities. Among the extracts, young deshi betel leaf extract demonstrated the highest α-amylase inhibition activity, while young khasia betel leaf extract exhibited the lowest α-amylase inhibition activity. Young khasia betel leaf extract showed the maximum α-glucosidase inhibition activity. However, the lowest α-glucosidase inhibition activity was found with deshi betel leaf extracts. Betel leaf extract inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities through competitive inhibition. In vivo study revealed that among the extracts, young deshi and khasia leaf extract reduced blood glucose levels in all doses. Young deshi leaf extract exhibited significant (p&lt;0.05) antidiabetic activity to reduce blood glucose level ˂ 6.9 mmol/L at a lower concentration. Conclusion: This study would open a new window for the researcher to find new antidiabetic bioactive compounds that would be cost-effective and without any adverse effects.

콩비지추출물과 저칼로리 감미제 첨가가 아침간편식의 품질특성 및 당지수에 미치는 영향

This study developed a nutrition bar and granola, which are low in calories and inhibit the absorption of sugars, and measured changes in product characteristics such as glycemic index and consumer acceptability. This study conducted an inhibition test of carbohydrate digestive enzymes activity and a postprandial glycemic measurement test to verify the glycemic improvement effect of the soy-pulp extract. According to the results of the carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibition test, the inhibitory activity was higher in the order of soy-pulp &gt; momordica charantia, red bean &gt; ecklonia cava, and black bean. DPPH and ABTS tests also confirmed the antioxidant effect of the soy-pulp extract. In the postprandial glycemic control test conducted on 18 adults aged 20-60 years, nutrition bars containing low-calorie sweeteners and soy-pulp extract showed significantly lower glycemic values at 30, 45, and 120 minutes after consumption compared to sugar-containing products. In case of granola, products containing low-calorie sweeteners and soy-pulp extract (experimental group) showed a significant decrease in glycemic values at 15 minutes after consumption compared to sugar-containing products (control group). In the sensory evaluation to measure the change in consumer preference, the experimental group showed a better preference for sweetness and savory taste than the control group (p &lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference in color and overall taste. Consequently, if low-glycemic sweeteners and soy-pulp extracts are used instead of sugar in the production of breakfast snacks such as nutrition bars and granola, it is possible to expect not only the effect of suppressing postprandial blood sugar rise but also the improvement of taste, such as sweetness and savory taste.

A Comprehensive Review on the Antidiabetic Activity of Oxadiazole Derivatives

Oxadiazoles, a class of five membered heterocyclic azoles, are considered to be a versatile scaffold and is found to be a core moiety of various pharmaceutically active agents.Oxadiazoles are known to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme which is rational approach for selecting oxadiazole as antidiabetic agents in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia in type II diabetes mellitus. They are found to exist in 4 different regioisomeric forms namely 1,2,3-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole. Oxadiazoles are known to exhibit a wide range of biological activities and many mono and di-substituted oxadiazoles have been studied for their antihyperglycemic potential. Oxadiazoles have been found to act on various potential targets of the antidiabetic therapy. They are found to elicit hypoglycemic action by different mechanisms like inhibition of digestive enzymes, insulin sensitization, reduction of renal glucose reabsorption, etc. The results of various substituted oxadiazoles studied for their anti-diabetic activity has been reviewed in this article.

Blood glucose lowering and anti-oxidant potential of erythritol: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Diabetes is a major cause of death worldwide and Nigeria is not an exception. The quest to lower sugar levels has become a major factor in the management of diabetes; this has occasioned the use of substitutes for refined sugar in beverages. Erythritol is a natural sweetener gaining immense interest in recent times. Like metformin, erythritol has shown hydroxyl radical scavenging ability and has metabolic profile suitable for diabetics. Therefore, the blood glucose-lowering and anti-oxidant properties of erythritol under in vitro and in vivo systems were accessed. Radical scavenging assay (ABTS and DPPH) and inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase) were employed to determine in vitro anti-oxidant and glucose regulatory function of erythritol respectively. Molecular docking studies were performed between 3D structures of human pancreatic alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, isomaltase from saccharomyces cerevisiae with erythritol. The drug-like activity of erythritol was also assessed.Thereafter, we investigated the effect of erythritol on blood glucose and antioxidant status of normal and streptozocin- nicotinamide-induced diabetes rats which were grouped into five (n = 5); Normal, Ery (normal and administered erythritol), Db (diabetic control), Db + Ery (diabetic and administered erythritol), and Db + Met (diabetic and administered metformin). Erythritol showed a considerable radical scavenging activity and an ability to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase in vitro. Also, a significant reduction in glucose intolerance, blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels and improved antioxidant level was seen in erythritol-treated diabetic rats. Erythritol showed anti-oxidant activity, alpha amylase and glucosidase enzyme inhibition property, improved antioxidant status and ameliorated blood glucose, HbA1c, and glucose intolerance following diabetes.

Digestive Characteristics of Hyphantria cunea Larvae on Different Host Plants

Digestive physiology mediates the adaptation of phytophagous insects to host plants. In this study, the digestive characteristics of Hyphantria cunea larvae feeding preferences on different host plants were investigated. The results showed that the body weight, food utilization, and nutrient contents of H. cunea larvae feeding on the high-preference host plants were significantly higher than those feeding on the low-preference host plants. However, the activity of larval digestive enzymes in different host plants presented an opposite trend, as higher α-amylase or trypsin activity was observed in the group feeding on the low-preference host plants than that feeding on the high-preference host plants. Upon treatment of leaves with α-amylase and trypsin inhibitors, the body weight, food intake, food utilization rate, and food conversion rate of H. cunea larvae significantly decreased in all host plant groups. Furthermore, the H. cunea comprised highly adaptable compensatory mechanisms of digestion involving digestive enzymes and nutrient metabolism in response to digestive enzyme inhibitors. Taken together, digestive physiology mediates the adaptation of H. cunea to multiple host plants, and the compensatory effect of digestive physiology is an important counter-defense strategy implemented by H. cunea to resist plant defense factors, especially the insect digestive enzyme inhibitors.