Low-protein Foods Research Articles

UK Patient Access to Low-Protein Prescription Foods in Phenylketonuria (PKU): An Uneasy Path

Background: Special low-protein foods are essential in the dietary treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). In the UK, these are available on prescription through the General Practitioners (GPs) and distributed via nutritional home delivery companies or pharmacies. Methods: A 58-item online non-validated semi-structured questionnaire was emailed to British Inherited Metabolic Disease Group (BIMDG) dietitians and dietetic support workers (DSW)/administrators working in PKU to ascertain the main system issues and errors with the supply of low-protein prescription foods (LPPF). Results: 73% (n = 53/73) of dietitians and 72% (n = 18/25) of DSW/administrators responded. A total of 80 questionnaires (representing 44 paediatric and 36 adult PKU centres) were completed. A total of 50% (n = 40/80) of respondents reported patient/caregiver problems accessing LPPF at least weekly. The most common problems were unavailable products (82%), missing LPPF in deliveries (79%), and delayed deliveries (66%). For 64% of respondents, >25% of their patients had recurring problems accessing LPPF, and 69% of respondents spent ≥1 h/week and 11% >5 h/week correcting LPPF patient supply issues. The most common foods patients experienced supply issues with were bread (96%), pasta/rice (41%) and milk replacements (35%). This was associated with GP prescription errors (65%), LPPF prescriptions sent to incorrect dispensers/suppliers (60%), and manufacturer supply issues (54%). Problems with patients/caregivers included not ordering LPPF in a timely way (81%), not responding to messages from home delivery companies (73%) and poor understanding of the ordering process (70%). The majority (93%) of respondents reported that prescription issues impacted their patients’ blood Phe control. Suggestions for improving access to LPPF included centralisation of the system to one supplier (76%) and apps for ordering LPPF (69%). Conclusions: The supply of LPPF for PKU in the UK is problematic; it may adversely affect the ability of patients to adhere to dietary management, and a review investigating patient access to LPPF is urgently required.

Correlation between portal hypertension and somatic constitution: rationale behind the concept

This review summarizes recent data on the correlation of somatic constitution and portal hypertension.Somatotype reflects the constitutional composition of the human body. Excess endomorphic component (i.e. obesity) increases the risk of portal hypertension (PH - elevated pressure in the portal system above 12 mmHg) development. Among the prehepatic and posthepatic PH causes only congestive hepatopathy, a consequence of heart failure, is connected with obesity. A number of pathways connect the hepatic PH causes with obesity. Firstly, the action of proinflammatory cytokines produced by adipose tissue in greater amount in obesity promotes fatty acid uptake and storage by hepatocytes, leading to elevated oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunctions, activation of stellate cells, that differentiate into myofibroblasts and produce components of the intercellular matrix such as collagen into the perisinusoidal space resulting in fibrosis. Secondly, insulin resistance associated with obesity promotes dysfunction of the hepatic microcirculatory blood vessels, hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis. Thirdly, AMISS (Absence of Meal-induced Insulin Sensitization Syndrome), caused by regular high-carbohydrate and low-protein food consumption, manifested in decreased postprandial secretion of hepatic hormone hepatalin, which increases glucose uptake by skeletal and cardiac muscle, results in prolonged postprandial hyperglycemia, compensatory hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia, leading to increased insulin resistance and a prediabetic state, associated with steatohepatosis. Thus, excess endomorphic component is to be regarded as a prognostic factor for portal hypertension.

Current Advances and Material Innovations in the Search for Novel Treatments of Phenylketonuria.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetically inherited disease caused by a mutation of the gene encoding phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism. A deficiency of PAH leads to increased blood and brain levels of phenylalanine (Phe), which may cause permanent neurocognitive symptoms and developmental delays if untreated. Current management strategies for PKU consist of early detection through neonatal screening and implementation of a restrictive diet with minimal amounts of natural protein in combination with Phe-free supplements and low-protein foods to meet nutritional requirements. For milder forms of PKU, oral treatment with synthetic sapropterin (BH4), the cofactor of PAH, may improve metabolic control of Phe and allow for more natural protein to be included in the patient's diet. For more severe forms, daily injections of pegvaliase, a PEGylated variant of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), may allow for normalization of blood Phe levels. However, the latter treatment has considerable drawbacks, notably a strong immunogenicity of the exogenous enzyme and the attached polymeric chains. Research for novel therapies of PKU makes use of innovative materials for drug delivery and state-of-the-art protein engineering techniques to develop treatments which are safer, more effective, and potentially permanent.

A study of the low-protein diet in delaying the course of chronic kidney disease.

A low-protein diet (LPD) has become an important way to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to delay the need for dialysis. A review of the literature reveals the low-protein diet's influence on the course of chronic kidney disease. An artificial low-protein food, wheat starch, for example, can not only increase the high-quality protein intake ratio, but can ensure adequate energy intake on a low-protein diet while meeting the nutritional needs of the body, effectively reducing the burden on the damaged kidneys. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for the clinical implementation of diet and nutrition therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Characteristics and outcomes of pregnancies among women with phenylketonuria from the NBS Connect registry

Women with phenylketonuria (PKU) should maintain blood phenylalanine (phe) concentration within the recommended range before and during pregnancy to prevent maternal PKU syndrome (MPKUS) in their offspring. Women who gave birth to children with MPKUS symptoms were more likely to report elevated phe concentration before pregnancy, and barriers to accessing components of their dietary management during pregnancy, including blood phe testing, medical food, modified low-protein foods, and healthcare visits with PKU specialists.

Potential Applications of Blautia wexlerae in the Regulation of Host Metabolism.

Blautia wexlerae (B. wexlerae) is a strong candidate with the potential to become a next-generation probiotics (NGPs) and has recently been shown for the first time to exhibit potential in modulating host metabolic levels and alleviating metabolic diseases. However, the factors affecting the change in abundance of B. wexlerae and the pattern of its abundance change in the associated indications remain to be further investigated. Here, we summarize information from published studies related to B. wexlerae; analyze the effects of food source factors such as prebiotics, probiotics, low protein foods, polyphenols, vitamins, and other factors on the abundance of B. wexlerae; and explore the patterns of changes in the abundance of B. wexlerae in metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and other diseases. At the same time, the development potential of B. wexlerae was evaluated in the direction of functional foods and special medical foods.

Management of phenylketonuria in European PKU centres remains heterogeneous

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Dietary treatment is the cornerstone of therapy and is based on natural protein restriction, Phe-free L-amino acid supplements (protein substitutes) and low protein foods. The aim of this project was to collect information about the clinical management of patients with PKU, focusing on understudied or unresolved issues such as blood phenylalanine (Phe) fluctuations and clinical symptoms, particularly gastro intestinal (GI) discomfort and sleep problems.The survey consisted of 10 open-ended and 12 multiple-choice questions that collected information about size of the PKU population in each center, the center's clinical practices and the outcomes observed by the center concerning adherence, clinical and biochemical abnormalities and clinical symptoms (GI and sleep). The questionnaire was sent to 72 experts from metabolic centers in 11 European countries. Thirty-three centers answered.The results of this survey provide information about the clinical practice in different age groups, concentrating on dietary tolerance, treatment adherence, and metabolic control. All the centers prescribed a Phe-restricted diet, with Phe-free/low Phe protein substitutes and low protein foods. Daily doses given of protein substitutes varied from 1 to 5, with adherence to the prescribed amounts decreasing with increasing age. Respondents identified that improvement in the flavor, taste, volume and smell of protein substitutes may improve adherence. Finally, the survey showed that clinical symptoms, such as GI discomfort and sleep problems occur in patients with PKU but are not systematically evaluated. Twenty-four-hour Phe fluctuations were not routinely assessed.The results highlight a strong heterogeneity of approach to management despite international PKU guidelines. More clinical attention should be given to gastrointestinal and sleep problems in PKU.

Effect of Excessive Environmental Heat Load on Digestibility, Energy Balance, and Urea Recycling in the Mediterranean (Member) Goat

This study investigates the energy and nitrogen economy of the Mediterranean goat across diverse environmental conditions, emphasizing the influence of heat stress and shelter on animal productivity. Environmental factors such as water availability, food quality, and heat stress affect the animal's capacity to convert indigestible plant components into digestible food and sustain energy balance. In particular, heat stress causes a significant decrease in the goat's food by 27.49% and by 34.85% in alfalfa hay and wheat straw respectively, leading to a loss of body mass, even when offered high-quality food such as alfalfa hay. However, when sheltered from direct sunlight, the goat can maintain an energy balance on any diet, a significant decrease in body mass was recorded, with a reduction of 10.59% for alfalfa hay and 17.79 ± 3.0% for wheat straw. Heat stress also impairs the goat's ability to maintain a balanced nitrogen economy, reducing nitrogen loss through excretion during heat load conditions and high-protein food digestion. The study found that the average urea recycling rate in goats kept in a shelter was 36%, which was significantly higher than the rate observed in goats exposed to heat stress, which was only 19.6%. Moreover, the amount of recycled urea was also higher in the shelter at 91% compared to 69.9% in the reflected heat stress recorded when the goats were maintained on a diet of wheat straw. As the goat cannot reduce its metabolic rate, a negative energy balance occurs, resulting in body mass loss. The quality of food and heat stress are critical determinants of the goat's food consumption, with high heat load reducing appetite. This study concludes that sheltered conditions, providing protection from direct sunlight, are necessary to sustain productivity and maintain a stable body mass on any diet. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced nitrogen balance can be challenging for animals consuming low-protein food, particularly under suboptimal feeding conditions. The study's findings have implications for the broader issue of global warming, as rising temperatures could increase heat stress and reduce food consumption and productivity in animals, with potentially negative consequences for agriculture and food security. Therefore, protecting animals from heat stress through adequate shelter and management practices is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming on animal productivity, Animal husbandry, and human livelihoods.

Assessment of medical technologies in the formation of government programs to assist patients with rare metabolic diseases

The aim: carrying out an assessment of the technologies of nutritional and pharmacological therapy of phenylketonuria (PKU) to justify a set of measures for the implementation of the government program to support patients with rare diseases (RD). Materials and methods: scientific publications, regulatory acts, treatment protocols, statistical data, epidemiological indicators, results of patient questionnaires, marketing information, data from the electronic procurement system "ProZorro" were used in the research process. The research was conducted using the methodology of health technology assessment (HTA), methods of marketing analysis, questionnaire survey, document analysis, comparison, systematization and generalization of data. Research results. An analysis of the evaluation of modern approaches to the treatment of hereditary rare metabolic disease (PKU) was carried out. According to clinical protocols, the main technology for the treatment of PKU is nutritional therapy - a diet (diet-for-life) with restriction of the use of phenylalanine (Phe) and the use of food products for special medical purposes (Special low protein foods for phenylketonuria - SLPF-PKU). Innovative drugs "Kuvan" and "Palynziq" are recommended in the case of atypical PKU. For RD, specific and innovative cost-effective medical technologies (MT) are usually used, which have insufficient evidence due to limited experience, low availability, and small patient populations. Centralized procurement and managed entry agreements (MEA) make it possible to expand the availability of MT to patients and obtain real data on their safety and effectiveness. Integration into the global information space, participation in international projects, joint clinical assessment (JCA) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2282 on HTA, cooperation with Orphanet, EURORDIS, other professional and patient organizations are extremely important. The key components of HTA for RD are socio-economic and organizational and legal aspects, in particular the special status of MT, which provides certain preferences. The foreign experience of providing orphan patients (in particular, reimbursement) is summarized. The legal framework for RD is systematized. Based on the results of the analysis of PKU prevalence indicators, modelling and budget impact calculations were carried out, considering that SLPF-PKU products are purchased from local budgets. An analysis of prescriptions, assortment, and prices of SLPF-PKU was carried out using data from the ProZorro procurement system. A survey of 156 patients with PKU made it possible to identify unmet needs and formulate recommendations for expanding the SLPF-PKU food basket. Conclusions: Conducting the HTA made it possible to identify key problems, as well as to justify a set of measures for the development and implementation of the government program to support patients with rare diseases, based on the obtained results

Impact on Diet Quality and Burden of Care in Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Use in Children with Phenylketonuria: A 6 Month Follow-Up Report.

In phenylketonuria (PKU) changes in dietary patterns and behaviors in sapropterin-responsive populations have not been widely reported. We aimed to assess changes in food quality, mental health and burden of care in a paediatric PKU sapropterin-responsive cohort. In an observational, longitudinal study, patient questionnaires on food frequency, neophobia, anxiety and depression, impact on family and burden of care were applied at baseline, 3 and 6-months post successful sapropterin-responsiveness testing (defined as a 30% reduction in blood phenylalanine levels). 17 children (10.8 ± 4.2 years) completed 6-months follow-up. Patients body mass index (BMI) z-scores remained unchanged after sapropterin initiation. Blood phenylalanine was stable. Natural protein increased (p < 0.001) and protein substitute intake decreased (p = 0.002). There were increases in regular cow's milk (p = 0.001), meat/fish, eggs (p = 0.005), bread (p = 0.01) and pasta (p = 0.011) intakes but special low-protein foods intake decreased. Anxiety (p = 0.016) and depression (p = 0.022) decreased in caregivers. The impact-on-family, familial-social impact (p = 0.002) and personal strain (p = 0.001) lessened. After sapropterin, caregivers spent less time on PKU tasks, the majority ate meals outside the home more regularly and fewer caregivers had to deny food choices to their children. There were significant positive changes in food patterns, behaviors and burden of care in children with PKU and their families after 6-months on sapropterin treatment.

Low bone mineralization in phenylketonuria may be due to undiagnosed metabolic acidosis

BackgroundDietary intervention is to date the mainstay treatment to prevent toxic phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation in PKU patients. Despite success preventing central nervous system damage, there is increasing evidence of possible other unfavorable outcomes affecting other systems, e.g. kidney and bone; underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. MethodsThis observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study investigated 20 adult with PKU evaluating biochemical parameters, BMD measurements and extrapolating data from 3-days food records and protein substitutes (PS) and special low protein foods (SLPF) composition. ResultsBlood gas venous analysis (VBG) indices were indicative of metabolic acidosis in 60% of PKU patients and VBG pH significantly correlated with BMD's Z-score (p-value = 0.022) even if its overall mean was in range (−1.29). Low bone mineral density for chronological age (Z-score < − 2.0) was found in 4 patients (20%). Indices of kidney function were not impaired. All used PS had a moderate excess of acidity, while SLPF were alkalizing and type/variety of consumed vegetables did not determine significant changes in acid-base equilibrium. Total intakes of potassium and magnesium were lower than expected. DiscussionPKU patients seem to be at risk of metabolic acidosis, directly linked to possible low bone mineralization. This may be related to the acidic composition of PS, potentially capable of acidifying the entire diet. Reported low intakes of potassium and magnesium may be relevant to these observations. Further studies are needed to better address these topics.

Analysis of Free Pantothenic Acid in Foods by HPLC and LC-MS/MS

A simple and reliable analytical method has been developed for the determination of pantothenic acid in food. For the high-protein food, 20 mL of water was added to 2 g of sample, and after homogenization extraction, 1 mL of 15% zinc sulfate solution was added, mixed well, centrifuged, and the supernatant was filtered to make the test solution. For the low-protein food, 20 mL of 1% formic acid solution was added to 2 g of sample, homogenized, extracted, centrifuged, and the supernatant was filtered to make the test solution. The HPLC separation was carried out on a L-column2 ODS column with 0.02 mol/L phosphate solution (pH 3.0)- acetonitrile (95 : 5) as the mobile phase, and detected at 200 nm. The LC-MS/MS conditions were L-column2 ODS as the separation column, 5 mmol/L ammonium formate (containing 0.01% formic acid)-methanol (85 : 15) as the mobile phase, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used for detection. The recoveries of pantothenic acid in milk powder and nutritional food products were more than 88% with high precision. As a result of analyzing commetrcially available foods labeled as containing pantothenic acid, analytical values almost identical to the labeled values were obtained, and a high correlation was observed between the values obtained by HPLC and LC-MS/MS.

Special low protein foods for phenylketonuria in Turkey: An examination of their nutritional composition compared to regular food.

Background: Special low protein foods (SLPF) that are phenylalanine (Phe)-free or have a low Phe content are an integral part of PKU diet therapy. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional profiles of SLPFs used in Turkey and to compare their contents with equivalent products in the "regular" category, in order to evaluate nutritional and metabolic risks. Methods: Between February and March 2022, the information concerning the nutritional contents of "special low protein products" recommended for PKU and available in Turkey were obtained from the websites of producers/suppliers. Results: A total of 148 SLPFs were identified in Turkey. Compared to regular products, SLPFs were determined to contain less sugar and high carbohydrate content in the Turkish market (p < 0.001). Overall, SLPF products had higher dietary fiber compared to products with regular protein content (p < 0.001). In SLPF subgroups, meat substitutes, rice and pasta, and soup products had significantly less total fat than regular products; low protein bread, sweet snacks, and salted crackers were found to contain less saturated fat (p < 0.05). Moreover, all SLPFs contained significantly more salt than regular products, especially the salt content of subgroups of low protein bread, flour, pasta, and rice was significantly higher than regular products (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Including detailed nutritional information on the Turkish SLPFs' food labels will be effective for patients with PKU to follow themselves on their own.

Ultrastructural Characteristics of Axodendritic and Axosomatic Synapses in the Orbitofrontal Cortex of White Laboratory Rats Associated with Low-Protein Food after Acute Sound Exposure

This paper investigates the state of axodendritic (ADS) and axosomatic (ASS) synapses in orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) layers I-IV of adult white laboratory rats associated with balanced and low-protein food after acute sound exposure. Experiments were performed on 64 white non-linear sexually mature laboratory male rats weighing 180–230 g (eight intact, 56 experimental). After a continuous call with an intensity of 120 db for 120 seconds, 56 rats were divided into two groups: those receiving balanced (control – 28) and low-protein food (basic – 28). Each of these two groups was divided into two subgroups: stress-resistant (12 animals in each) and stress-unstable animals (16 animals in each). Water intake was unlimited. The animals were removed from the experiment on the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th day after sound exposure. Along with histological and immunohistochemical analysis, the samples of OFC layers I–IV were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Electron microscopic changes in the structure of ADS and ASS were found in all OFC layers. Violations of the fine structure of both the presynaptic and postsynaptic poles were noted. The maximum severity of ultrastructural changes was observed in the ADS of the surface (I, molecular), outer granular (II), pyramidal (III), and inner granular (IV) OFC layers. ASS disorganization was noted mainly in contacts, the postsynaptic pole of which was formed by the bodies of small pyramidal neurons of layer III, as well as pyramidal and stellate neurons of layer IV of the OFC. During all periods of observation, violations of fine organization were most pronounced in stress-unstable animals of the main experimental group, especially on the 10th and 20th day after exposure. Acute sound exposure initiates disturbances in the fine organization of axodendritic and axosomatic synapses in OFC layers I–IV of white laboratory rats. Focal destruction of a part of the noted synapses in rats with a low-protein diet after acute auditory stress is irreversible.

PTP10D-mediated cell competition is not obligately required for elimination of polarity-deficient clones.

Animal organs maintain tissue integrity and ensure removal of aberrant cells through several types of surveillance mechanisms. One prominent example is the elimination of polarity-deficient mutant cells within developing Drosophila imaginal discs. This has been proposed to require heterotypic cell competition dependent on the receptor tyrosine phosphatase PTP10D within the mutant cells. We report here experiments to test this requirement in various contexts and find that PTP10D is not obligately required for the removal of scribble (scrib) mutant and similar polarity-deficient cells. Our experiments used identical stocks with which another group can detect the PTP10D requirement, and our results do not vary under several husbandry conditions including high and low protein food diets. Although we are unable to identify the source of the discrepant results, we suggest that the role of PTP10D in polarity-deficient cell elimination may not be absolute.

Association between dietary diversity and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine whether dietary diversity is associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Japanese adults. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional large cohort data set from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Data from 9080 older adults (mean age 74 ± 5.6 y; 44.4% were men) were included in this cross-sectional study. Sarcopenia was assessed using muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance represented by gait speed. We assessed 1-wk consumption frequency of food types, including meat, fish/shellfish, eggs, milk, soybean products, green and yellow vegetables, potatoes, fruits, seaweeds, fats, and oil. Consumption frequency was allotted to each category for the following responses: eat almost every day, eat 3 or 4 /wkd, eat 1 or 2 d/wk, and hardly ever eat. Poor dietary diversity was defined as those who responded hardly ever eat for any of the 10 foods. ResultsThis study revealed that 2647 participants (29.2%) had poor dietary diversity. Poor dietary diversity was associated with confirmed sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.96) and severe sarcopenia (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.08–2.39). Furthermore, poor dietary diversity of low-protein foods was significantly associated with sarcopenia (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13–2.20) as well as poor dietary diversity of high-protein foods (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.12–1.92). ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study revealed that poor dietary diversity was associated with sarcopenia among older adults. Ingestion of low-protein foods and high-protein foods is infrequently associated with sarcopenia and ingestion of high-protein foods.

Causes of the Primary Urinary Bladder Stones in Children and their Prevension in Population of Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan

Introduction: History of the stone disease dates back to ancient Egyptian era. Stones involving the urinary bladder are usually 5% of the disease burden. In the Europe and America prevalence of primary bladder stones is decreased significantly in the recent ere but it is still common in developing nations including Pakistan. Materials and methods: We retrospectively collected the data from the parents of the affected children during the follow up. We took the detailed interview regarding the amount of water used by the child, amount and type of milk given and type of food given to the child. Results: We were operated 148 children with the bladder stones in the department of urology DHQ-TH D.I. Khan. There were 117 (79.05%) boys and 31 (20.94%) girls. The children below the 5 years of age were 101 (68.24%).139 (94%) of the patients belonged to the rural areas of the D.I. Khan. There were 132 (89.19%) children those were malnourished. The duration of breast feeding was approximately 12 to 15 months. They started the weaning at 7–8 months with the wheat bread and tea and also added the potatoes in the diet. With increasing age they added the pulses and the vegetables. Only 10.81% of the parents given the child meat, eggs and milk in the diet. 104 (70.27%) of the children were dehydrated. Conclusion: The risk factors for primary bladder stones in the children are multifactorial. Important factors are dehydration, low protein diet and foods deficient in phosphate contents. Keyword: Primary Bladder Stones; Children; Pakistan; Risk Factors.

Weight gain during the menopause transition: Evidence for a mechanism dependent on protein leverage.

Weight gain during the menopause transition: Evidence for a mechanism dependent on protein leverage.

Edible insects prevent changes to brain monoamine profiles from malnourishment in weaned rats

ABSTRACT Background: Childhood malnutrition can have devastating consequences on health, behavior, and cognition. Edible insects are sustainable low cost high protein and iron nutritious foods that can prevent malnutrition. However, it is unclear whether insect-based diets may help prevent changes to brain neurochemistry associated with malnutrition. Materials and Methods: Weanling male Sprague–Dawley rats were malnourished by feeding a low protein-iron diet (LPI, 5% protein and ∼2 ppm Fe) for 3 weeks or nourished by feeding a sufficient protein-iron diet (SPI, 15% protein 20 ppm FeSO4) for the duration of the study. Following 3 weeks of LPI diet, three subsets of the malnourished rats were placed on repletion diets supplemented with cricket, palm weevil larvae, or the SPI diet for 2 weeks, while the remaining rats continued the LPI diet for an additional 2 weeks. Monoamine-related neurochemicals (e.g. serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine) and select monoamine metabolites were measured in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: Five weeks of LPI diets disrupted brain monoamines, most notable in the hypothalamus. Two weeks supplementation with cricket and palm weevil larvae diets prevented changes to measures of 5-HT and DA turnover in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Moreover, these insect diets prevented the malnutrition-induced imbalance of 5-HT and DA metabolites in the hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus. Conclusion: Edible insects such as cricket and palm weevil larvae could be sustainable nutrition intervention to prevent behavioral and cognitive impairment associated abnormal brain monoamine activities that results from early life malnutrition.

Advances in separation and analysis of aromatic amino acids in food

苯丙酮尿症等代谢病患者因基因缺陷无法正常代谢食物中的芳香族氨基酸(aromatic amino acids, AAA),常规饮食可能会造成永久性生理损伤,低AAA肽是其重要的蛋白质等同物来源。AAA分离分析技术对低AAA肽的制备和检测至关重要。该领域研究者探索了多种高效的吸附、分离材料,从复杂的蛋白质水解液中选择性吸附脱除AAA以制备符合特定氨基酸限量的低AAA肽类食品,或者建立对AAA特异性提取富集的分离分析策略。该文分析了AAA的结构特点与理化性质,总结了近年来基于活性炭、树脂等吸附材料脱除AAA的技术进展,并从样品前处理、手性分离和吸附-传感3个维度综述了二维纳米材料、分子印迹、环糊精、金属有机骨架等材料在AAA分离分析中的应用。通过探讨各类技术的优缺点,为AAA吸附脱除和分离分析技术的进步提供支撑。