Methionine Content Research Articles

Comparison of nutritional quality, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of conventional and 3D printed biscuits from wholegrain and multigrain flours

Complementing traditional food processing techniques with emerging ones like three-dimensional (3D) food printing can re-innovate the derived products as more consumer-centric with known human wellness values. This study investigated the nutritional quality, polyphenol composition, and antioxidant activity of conventional and 3D printed biscuits from the same wholegrain and multigrain flours. Fermented cowpea and germinated quinoa were bioprocessed at 28 °C for 48 h and freeze-dried to obtain cowpea sourdough and malted quinoa flours, and the flours subsequently used to prepare kneaded and shaped dough or 3D printed dough baked as biscuits. Some chemical compositions of the biscuits revealed minute differences in ash, fiber, protein, threonine, serine, as well as potassium content and significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in total flavonoid contents and phenolic compounds. The 3D printed biscuits from biomodified flours had improved concentrations of methionine, aspartic, glutamic, higher iron and phosphorus contents, slightly varied antioxidant activities, and better appearances than the corresponding conventional biscuits. The comparable and improved chemical compositions of the 3D printed biscuits indicate the possible use of value-added intermediate products from traditional processing techniques with emerging technology to manufacture in-demand novel foods with wellness-promoting properties beyond basic nutrients.

Role of miRNAs in regulation of SA-mediated upregulation of genes involved in folate and methionine metabolism in foxtail millet.

The effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) on folate metabolism and the related gene regulatory mechanisms is still unclear. In this study, the panicle of foxtail millet treated with different SA concentrations showed that 6 mM SA doubled the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate content compared to that of the control. An untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 275 metabolites were enriched in amino acid metabolic pathways. Significantly, the relative content of methionine (Met) after 6 mM SA treatment was 3.14 times higher than the control. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the folate and amino acid biosynthesis pathways (including Met, Cys, Pro, Ser etal.). The miRNA-mRNA interactions related to the folate and Met metabolic pathways were analyzed and several likely structural gene targets for miRNAs were identified, miRNA-seq analysis revealed that 33 and 51 miRNAs targeted 11 and 15 genes related to the folate and Met pathways, respectively. Eight key genes in the folate metabolism pathway were likely to be up-regulated by 14 new miRNAs and 20 new miRNAs up-regulated the 9 key genes in the Met metabolism pathway. The 6 miRNA-mRNA interactions related to the folate and Met metabolism pathways were verified by qRT-PCR, and consistent with the prediction. The results showed that DHFR1 gene expression level related to folate synthesis was directly up-regulated by Nov-m0139-3p with 3.8 times, but DHFR2 was down-regulated by Nov-m0731-5p with 0.62 times. The expression level of CYSC1 and APIP related to Met synthesis were up-regulated by Nov-m0461-5p and Nov-m0664-3p with 4.27 and 1.32 times, respectively. Our results suggested that exogenous SA could induce the folate and Met accumulated in the panicle of foxtail millet. The higher expression level of DHFR1, FTHFD, CYSC1 and APIP in the folate and Met metabolism pathway and their regulators, including Nov-m0139-3p, Nov-m0717-5p, Nov-m0461-5p and Nov-m0664-3p, could be responsible for these metabolites accumulation. This study lays the theoretical foundation for elucidating the post-transcription regulatory mechanisms of folate and Met metabolism.

Combined Thermomechanical-Biological Treatment for Corn By-Product Valorization into Added-Value Food (Feed) Material.

The aim of this study was to apply the combined thermomechanical-biological treatment for corn processing by-product (CPBP) valorization to added-value food and feed material. The mechanical-thermal pre-treatment was performed by applying the extrusion technique. Extruded CPBPs (14, 16, and 18% moisture) were further biodegraded with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-LUHS122 (Lpl), Liquorilactobacillus uvarum-LUHS245 (Lu), Lacticaseibacillus casei-LUHS210 (Lc), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei-LUHS244 (Lpa). Acidity parameters, microbial characteristics, sugars concentration, amino and fatty acids profile, biogenic amines (BA), and antibacterial and antifungal properties of CPBP were analyzed. Fermented CPBP had a reduced count of mould/yeast. A significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) count of total enterobacteria was found in most of the extruded-fermented CPBP. Fermentation of extruded CPBP (moisture of 16 and 18%) increased valine and methionine content. Cadaverine and spermidine were not found after treatment of CPBP, and the lowest content of BA was found in the extruded-fermented (Lpa, moisture 18%) CPBP. Applied treatment had a significant effect on most of the fatty acids. CPBP fermented with Lpl, Lu, and Lpa displayed inhibition properties against 3 of the 10 tested pathogenic/opportunistic bacterial strains. Extruded-fermented (Lu, Lc, and Lpa moisture of 14 and 18%) CPBP showed antifungal activity against Rhizopus. Extruded-fermented (14% moisture, Lpl) CPBP inhibited Rhizopus and Aspergillus fumigatus. In conclusion, combined treatment can improve certain parameters and properties of CPBP in order to produce safer and more nutritious ingredients for food and feed industries.

Nutritional and Health-Promoting Value of Poultry Meatballs with the Addition of Plant Components.

The aim of the study was to use plant additives in the form of a mixture of seeds (linseed, amaranth and hemp) to increase the nutritional value and health-promoting values of poultry meatballs. Meatballs with 24% addition of wheat roll and three variants of meatballs: M1, M2, M3, with 24% addition seeds were tested. In the meatballs from group M1, the percentage of linseeds was 6%, amaranth 10%, and hemp 8%, respectively; in group M2 it was 8%, 8%, and 8%; and in group M3 it was 10%, 6%, and 8%. When assessing the meatballs quality, the traits taken into account included nutritional value, physical and microbiological traits, and sensory quality. It was found that meatballs enriched with a mixture of seeds were characterized by increased nutritional value (higher content of protein and methionine, polyunsaturated fatty acids, more favorable ratio of n-6 to n-3 acids (3:1), higher content of vitamin E and fiber), brighter color, inferior tenderness compared to meatballs with the addition of wheat roll, and at the same time, desirable sensory traits and acceptable taste. The introduction of a mixture of linseed, amaranth and hemp seeds made it possible to obtain a product targeted at a wide group of consumers, including those on a gluten-free diet.

Dynamic Change of Carbon and Nitrogen Sources in Colonized Apples by Penicillium expansum.

Penicillium expansum is a necrotrophic pathogen, which actively kills host cells and obtains nutrients from dead cells to achieve infection. However, few reports have elucidated the differential levels of carbon and nitrogen sources over increasing distances of the leading edge in fungal colonized fruit tissues during colonization. Our results showed that the highest consumption of sucrose and fructose, as well as the accumulation of glucose, were found in the decayed region of P. expansum-colonized 'Delicious' apple fruit compared with the healthy region at the leading edge and the healthy region 6 mm away from the leading edge. As nitrogen sources, the contents of methionine, glutamate, leucine, valine, isoleucine and serine were the lowest in the decayed region compared with the healthy regions during colonization. In addition, the titratable acidity, oxalic acid, citric acid, succinic acid and malic acid showed the highest accumulation in the decayed region compared with the healthy regions. P. expansum colonization induced the accumulation of saturated fatty acids in the decayed region, while the level of unsaturated fatty acids was the lowest. These changes were not observed in the healthy regions. These results indicated that P. expansum kills cells in advance of its colonization in order to obtain the nutrients of the apple tissue from the distal leading tissue of the colonized apple. It is understood that more carbon and nitrogen sources are required for fungal colonization, and a stronger defense response against colonization occurred in the fruit, causing the transit of nutrients from the distal tissue to the infected sites.

Comparative analysis of amino acid content and protein synthesis-related genes expression levels in breast muscle among different duck breeds/strains

Evidences have found important effects of breeds/strains on the content of amino acids (AAs) which is an important substrate for protein synthesis and contributes greatly to meat quality. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare the AAs content and protein synthesis-related genes expression levels in breast muscle of native breed (Jianchang duck (J)), hybrid strains (BH1, BH2, and MC♂×(BGF2♂×GF2♀)♀ (MC)), and commercial breed (Cherry Verry duck). Results showed that a total of 17 AAs (TAAs) was detected from breast muscle among 5 duck breeds/strains including 11 essential AAs (EAAs). Among these AAs, the contents of Proline, Threonine, Glutamine, Serine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, and Cysteine were significant difference among 5 duck breeds/strains. The contents of EAAs, TAAs, and flavor AAs were higher in breast muscle of J and BH2 than those in other duck breeds/strains, and the ratio of EAAs/TAAs was higher in breast muscle of BH2. Furthermore, the expression levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, mammalian target of rapamycin, and proton-coupled amino acid transporter 1 were the highest in breast muscle of BH2, and that of solute carrier family 38 member 2 was the highest in breast muscle of J. Meanwhile, principal component analysis results showed that principal component 1 of BH1, principal component 3 of BH2, and principal component 2 of MC were positively corelated with EAAs/TAAs, and principal component 1 was positively correlated with flavor AAs and EAAs. In conclusion, compared to BH1, MC, and Cherry Verry duck, AA content was higher in breast muscle of BH2 and J, which might be associated with the higher expression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, and proton-coupled amino acid transporter 1 in breast muscle of BH2 and solute carrier family 38 member 2 in breast muscle of J. The comparative analysis of AA content in breast muscle among different duck breeds/strains could provide an important basis for improving the nutritional value of duck meat in the breeding process.

The effects of extrusion on nutrient content of Canadian pulses with a focus on protein and amino acids

Alternative sources of protein will be required in both human and animal nutrition to support ingredient sustainability and nutrient demands of a growing world population. Extrusion is one technique utilized to process pulses and is reported to increase starch and protein digestibility but also has the potential to transform nutrients into non-nutritious compounds. This study sought to compare the effects of extrusion on nutrient composition in Amarillo peas, Dun peas, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans, with soybean meal (control). Each pulse was extruded at 18% or 22% moisture and 110, 130, or 150 °C. Compared to whole samples, extrusion increased crude protein content of Amarillo and Dun peas, and lentils, and it decreased in soybean meal ( P < 0.05). Compared with whole samples, extrusion increased methionine content in chickpeas and lentils ( P < 0.05), with no effect in Amarillo or Dun peas, faba beans, and soybean meal. Cysteine content increased in extruded Amarillo peas compared with whole pulses, and decreased in soybean meal ( P < 0.05). Results suggest that extrusion can positively affect protein and amino acid content of pulses, however, specific changes differ by pulse/legume type.

Kinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Unu ile Zenginleştirilen Muffin Keklerin Bazı Fizikokimyasal ve Duyusal Özellikleri

Kinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) yapısındaki yüksek orandaki protein ve dengeli amino asit içeriği nedeniyle tahıl ürünlerinin zenginleştirilmesi açısından önemli bir kaynaktır. Özellikle birçok tahılda sınırlı düzeyde bulunan lisin, metionin ve treonin amino asidini fazla miktarda içermesi kinoanın önemini arttırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada %100 buğday unundan üretilen kontrol grubu örnek ve buğday ununa farklı oranlarda (%25 ve 50) kinoa unu ikame edilmesi ile üretilen muffin keklerde meydana gelen fizikokimyasal ve duyusal değişimler araştırılmıştır. Muffin kek formülasyonunda kinoa unu ikame oranı arttıkça örneklerin protein, yağ, kül ve amino asit içerikleri ile tekstür profil analizi sonucunda elde edilen sertlik değerlerinde artış meydana gelirken, karbonhidrat içeriğinde ve spesifik hacimde azalma meydana gelmiştir. Muffin kekler renk değerleri bakımından incelendiğinde, kinoa unu ikame oranı arttıkça dış renk L* değerinde ve iç renk a* değerinde artış gözlenirken, iç renk L* değerinde azalış olduğu belirlenmiştir. Duyusal özellikler bakımından %50 oranında kinoa unu ikame edilmiş örnekte gözeneklilik, tekstür, tat ve genel beğeni puanlarında anlamlı düzeyde azalma (p

Effect of Different Cooking Methods on Nutrients, Antioxidant Activities and Flavors of Three Varieties of Lentinus edodes.

This work evaluated the effect of different cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, frying and pressure cooking) on the nutrients, antioxidant activities, volatile and nonvolatile taste-active components of three varieties of Lentinus edodes (808, 0912 and LM) from Guizhou Province. The results showed that LM had the most polysaccharides, 0912 had the most minerals, but LM, 808 and 0912 had low amounts of polyphenols, dietary fiber and proteins, respectively. The dietary fiber and protein were decreased by 4.1~38.7% and 4.1~44.0% during cooking, while microwaving improved the nutritional value of the Lentinus edodes by increasing the polysaccharide (88~103 mg/g to 93~105 mg/g) and polyphenol content (6.4~8.1 mg/g to 7.5~11.2 mg/g), thereby strengthening the antioxidant activity. The nucleotides were all destroyed after cooking, especially frying or boiling. The glutamate content was the highest in LM and 808, and the methionine content appeared to be the highest in 0912. Pressure cooking and frying increased the proportions of sweet and umami amino acids and decreased the proportion of bitter amino acids, creating more aroma-active compounds. In summary, microwaving increased the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities, and it preserved nonvolatile taste-active components, while pressure cooking and frying were the best methods for increasing the flavor compounds.

Increased sulfur-containing amino acid content and altered conformational characteristics of soybean proteins by rebalancing 11S and 7S compositions.

Soybean proteins are limited by their low contents of methionine and cysteine. Herein, 7S globulin accumulation was reduced using RNA interference to silence CG-β-1 expression, and the content of the A2B1a subunit was largely increased under the soybean seed-specific oleosin8 promoter. The results showed that the sulfur-containing amino acid content in soybean seeds drastically improved, reaching 79.194 nmol/mg, and the 11S/7S ratio had a 1.89-fold increase compared to the wild-type acceptor. The secondary structures of 11S globulin were also altered, and the β-sheet content increased with decreasing β-turn content, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and circular dichroism analysis. Our findings suggested that raising the accumulation of 11S glycinin at the expense of reducing the content of 7S globulin is an attractive and precise engineering strategy to increase the amount of sulfur-containing amino acids, and soybean proteins with A2B1a subunits of 11S isolates improved, and β-subunits of 7S fractions reduced simultaneously might be an effective new material for food production.

Foliar selenium fertilization alters the content of dietary phytochemicals in two rocket species.

Biofortification is the process that aims to enrich crops in micronutrients and valuable compounds. Selenium (Se) biofortification has particularly attracted increasing interest in recent times due to the growing number of individuals suffering from Se deficiency. Selenate and selenite are the Se forms most frequently administered to crops. In this study, Se was applied foliarly as selenate at 2.5, 5, or 10 mg per plant to two rocket species, Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca sativa, grown in soil and the effects in terms of Se enrichment and content of primary and secondary metabolites were comparatively analyzed. We also compared our results with those obtained previously when selenate was supplied to the same species in hydroponics by addition to the nutrient solution. In most cases, the results were the opposite. In E. sativa, foliar Se treatment was more effective in promoting Se accumulation, sulfur (S), cysteine, and glucosinolates. No significant effect of Se was evident on total phenolic content, but there were individual phenols. Among amino acids, the content of proline was increased by Se, perhaps to counteract osmotic stress due to high Se accumulation. In D. tenuifolia, the content of S and cysteine decreased under Se treatment, but the amount of glutathione was steady, suggesting a preferred assimilation of cysteine toward the synthesis of this antioxidant. Consistent, the content of methionine and glucosinolates was reduced. The content of total phenolics was enhanced only by the low Se dosage. In both species, selenocysteine (SeCys) was identified, the content of which was higher compared to plants grown hydroponically. Concluding, most metabolic differences between rocket species were observed at high Se supplementation. Low Se foliar fertilization was effective in an enriching rocket in Se without affecting other phytochemicals. However, the Se dosages sufficient for biofortification could be even lower, as the Se concentration in rocket treated with 2.5 mg Se per plant was still very high and the edible part should not be eaten undiluted. Also, a single method of Se supplementation does not appear to be optimal for all plant species or the same species, as the metabolic responses could be very different.

Starch and protein analysis in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) sprouts enriched with probiotic yeast

The study aimed to investigate the effect of modification of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench sprouts by probiotic yeast strain on their nutritional value related to protein and starch. For this purpose, an attempt was also made to 1) evaluate the digestibility of protein and starch and 2) examine anti-nutritional factors that may affect the digestibility of the indicated macronutrients. Probiotic-rich sprouts were characterized by the highest content of total protein, free amino acids and peptides, resistant starch, and total free sugars. In addition, the amino acid profile of buckwheat sprouts changed compared to seeds. Modified buckwheat sprouts were characterized by a higher content of sulfur amino acids compared to seeds and control sprouts. The highest methionine content was found in sprouts rich in probiotics, 4.65 ± 0.29 mg/g 16gN. The results show also that the modification reduced protein and starch digestibility by 7.4% and 4.2%, respectively, compared to the seed. The digestibility may have been influenced by anti-nutritional compounds contained in the raw material, i.e. condensed tannins, phenols and α-amylase inhibitor. The presented research gives a new direction for the use of the raw material of buckwheat sprouts.

Effects of grape residue supplementation in diet on Liangfeng chicken growth performance, nutrient metabolism and blood biochemistry

ABSTRACT Grape residue prepared from red wine has been reported as an effective antioxidant against chemical-induced toxicity and to attenuate oxidative stress. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of grape residue supplement in diet on growth performance, nutrient digestion, blood biochemical and antioxidant parameters of chicken. A total of 180, 30-day-old healthy Liangfeng chicken with paired body weight were randomly allocated into 6 groups with 5 replicates per group and 6 chickens per replicate. Control group (group I) was fed with a basal diet, while other groups were further supplemented with grape residue at 0.5% (group II), 1% (group III), 2% (group IV), 4% (group V) and 8% (group VI) respectively. All the diets were regulated in equal formula protein, metabolic energy, methionine and lysine content basic. After 49 days of the experiment, data showed that dietary supplementation with grape residue improved the growth performance of Liangfeng chicken and significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and the supplementation at the level of 4% was recommended.

Effect of Amalgamation of Quinoa on Contents of Essential Amino Acids, Proximates, Dialyzable Minerals and Storage Stability of Gluten and Egg Free Maize Muffins

Background: Recently there has been increasing interest in the production of gluten-free (GF) foods from pseudo-cereals, without celiac activity, in order to fulfil the specific needs of people affected by celiac disease. Bakery products, particularly gluten-free muffins, represent one of the most consumed foods around the world and may be an interesting objective. Methods: The present study assessed the nutritional composition, dialyzable mineral contents, lysine, methionine and storage stability of maize and quinoa muffins. Result: The substitution of maize flour with quinoa flour augmented the crude protein (8.96 to 11.14%), fat (24.70 to 27.77%), fibre (1.54 to 6.28%), ash (1.86 to 2.62%) and carbohydrate (42.76 to 29.07%) in muffins. The lysine and methionine contents of quinoa muffins were 122.4 and 85.4 per cent higher than control muffins. The muffins could be stored at room temperature up to 3 days without any food additive. The distinctive protein, essential amino acid and mineral characteristics of quinoa muffins open a new promising prospect for utilization of quinoa flour not only on industrial scale but also at household scale, for prevention of hidden hunger and malnutrition. Quinoa muffins can also cater to the needs of wellness market segment with taste.

Effect of Phosphorus in Conjoint with Organics and Bioinoculant on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Blackgram in Typic Chromustert

Aims: Use of phosphorus fertilizer along with farmyard manure, vermicompost and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) in black calcareous soil was conducted to assess the impact on the growth, yield and quality parameters of blackgram variety VBN 8 during the year 2022.
 Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Kalligudi block of Madurai district, representing the Southern part of Tamil Nadu during the summer season of 2022.
 Methodology: Twelve treatments were followed with various combinations of organics viz, vermicompost and farmyard manure, bioinoculant, and inorganic chemical fertilizer at different ratios. The combinations are 100 per cent and 75 per cent of P2O5 on STCR (Soil Test Crop Response) basis mixed with farmyard manure (1:10 ratio) and vermicompost (1:5 ratio). The impact of different treatments were recorded on shoot length, root volume, SPAD value, Leaf Area Index, grain yield, protein, cystine, and methionine content.
 Results: Among the treatments, application of 100% of P2O5 on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) basis incubated for 30 days with vermicompost at 1:5 ratio + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria @ 2 kg ha-1 T11 has improved the black gram shoot length (27.6 cm), root volume (2.43 cm3), SPAD value (45.91), Leaf Area Index at 20 DAS (1.09) and 40 DAS (3.7), grain yield (936.1 kg ha-1) protein content (23.21%), cystine content (1.97%) and methionine content (2.29%).
 Conclusion: The integration of vermicompost and bioinoculant along with phosphorus fertilizer in black calcareous soil has improved the blackgram yield by 35.8% over the use of recommended dose of fertilizer alone. This result highlights the need of integrated application of phosphorus fertilizer along with organics and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria in black calcareous soil for sustainable production of blackgram.

Effect of replacement of fish meal with cricket meal on growth performance, proximate composition, digestive enzyme activities, serum biochemical indices, and antioxidant capacity in largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides )

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary replacement of fish meal with cricket meal on growth performance, proximate composition, digestive enzyme activities, serum biochemical indices and antioxidant capacity in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with dietary 0%, 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% fishmeal (FM) replaced by cricket meal (namely, T0, T15, T30, T45 and T60, respectively). Largemouth bass (LMB) was reared in an indoor for 8 weeks. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and viscerosomatic index in fish fed T15, T30 and T45 had no significant differences compared to fish fed T0 (p > 0.05). The FBW, WGR and SGR in fish fed T60 were significantly lower than that in fish fed T0 (p < 0.05). There are no significantly different in the hepatosomatic index, condition factor and survival rate among all the groups. The content of crude protein in whole fish was significantly lower in fish fed T60 compared to fish fed T0 (p < 0.05). The content of crude lipid was observed to be significantly higher in fish fed T60 compared to fish fed T0 (p < 0.05). The trypsin activity was significantly lower in fish fed T60 (p < 0.05). Muscle content of methionine significantly declined as dietary cricket meal concentrations increased. The activity of triglyceride and total cholesterol in fish fed T60 was significantly higher than that in fish fed T0 (p < 0.05). The activity of catalase was significantly higher in fish fed T30, T45 and T60 (p < 0.05). It was concluded that up to 45% of cricket meal can replace FM in diets for the growth of LMB and further studies on methionine adequacy should be conducted.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide modulates gut microbiota to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis in a rat model

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seriously impairs the quality of life of sufferers. It has been shown that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a natural active indigestible ingredient with medicinal and edible functions, can effectively relieve RA, however, whether this effect is related to gut microbiota is not known. This study aimed to explore the RA alleviating mechanism of LBP mediated by gut microbiota using a collagen-induced arthritis rat model. The results showed that LBP significantly changed the gut microflora structure accompanied with the RA alleviation. Specifically, a LBP intervention reduced the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and uncultured_bacterium_f_Ruminococcaceae and significantly increased the abundance of Romboutsia, Lactobacillus, Dubosiella and Faecalibaculum. The mRNA contents of several colonic epithelial genes including Dpep3, Gstm6, Slc27a2, Col11a2, Sycp2, SNORA22, Tnni1, Gpnmb, Mypn and Acsl6, which are potentially associated to RA, were down-regulated due to the DNA hypermethylation, possibly caused by the elevating content of a bacterial metabolite S-adenosyl methionine (SAM). In conclusion, our current study suggests that LBP alleviated RA by reshaping the composition of intestinal microflora which may generate SAM, inducing DNA hypermethylation of RA-related genes in the host intestinal epithelium and subsequently reducing their expression.

Genomic Regions Associated With Seed Meal Quality Traits in Brassica napus Germplasm.

The defatted Brassica napus (rapeseed) meal can be high-protein feed for livestock as the protein value of rapeseed meal is higher than that of the majority of other vegetable proteins. Extensive work has already been carried out on developing canola rapeseed where the focus was on reducing erucic acid and glucosinolate content, with less consideration to other antinutritional factors such as tannin, phytate, sinapine, crude fiber, etc. The presence of these antinutrients limits the use and marketing of rapeseed meals and a significant amount of it goes unused and ends up as waste. We investigated the genetic architecture of crude protein, methionine, tryptophan, total phenols, β-carotene, glucosinolates (GLSs), phytate, tannins, sinapine, and crude fiber content of defatted seed meal samples by conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS), using a diversity panel comprising 96 B. napus genotypes. Genotyping by sequencing was used to identify 77,889 SNPs, spread over 19 chromosomes. Genetic diversity and phenotypic variations were generally high for the studied traits. A total of eleven genotypes were identified which showed high-quality protein, high antioxidants, and lower amount of antinutrients. A significant negative correlation between protein and limiting amino acids and a significant positive correlation between GLS and phytic acid were observed. General and mixed linear models were used to estimate the association between the SNP markers and the seed quality traits and quantile-quantile (QQ) plots were generated to allow the best-fit algorithm. Annotation of genomic regions around associated SNPs helped to predict various trait-related candidates such as ASP2 and EMB1027 (amino acid biosynthesis); HEMA2, GLU1, and PGM (tryptophan biosynthesis); MS3, CYSD1, and MTO1 (methionine biosynthesis); LYC (β-carotene biosynthesis); HDR and ISPF (MEP pathway); COS1 (riboflavin synthesis); UGT (phenolics biosynthesis); NAC073 (cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis); CYT1 (cellulose biosynthesis); BGLU45 and BGLU46 (lignin biosynthesis); SOT12 and UGT88A1 (flavonoid pathway); and CYP79A2, DIN2, and GSTT2 (GLS metabolism), etc. The functional validation of these candidate genes could confirm key seed meal quality genes for germplasm enhancement programs directed at improving protein quality and reducing the antinutritional components in B. napus.

The immuneoreaction and antioxidant status of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) involve protein metabolism and the response of mTOR signaling pathway to dietary methionine levels

To study the effects of dietary methionine on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, protein metabolism, inflammatory response and apoptosis factors in Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis). Five diets with different methionine levels (0.63%, 0.85%, 1.06%, 1.25% and 1.47%) were fed to E. sinensis for 8 weeks. Results showed that in the 1.25% Met group, both growth performance and feed utilization were significantly increased. The crude protein content of crab muscle in the 1.06% and 1.25% Met groups was significantly higher than that in the control group. The immune and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as gene expression levels of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 1 (ALF1), Crustin-1, prophenoloxidase (proPO), cap ‘n’ collar isoform C (CncC) in 1.25% Met group were significantly higher than other groups. The activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and glutamate transaminase (GPT) in serum decreased first and then increased with the increase of methionine content, while the changes of ADA and GPT in hepatopancreas increased first and then decreased. 1.25% Met group exhibited significantly increased levels of GOT, GPT, and ADA compared to the control group. 1.25% Met diet group significantly up-regulated protein synthesis and anti-apoptotic factors, and significantly down-regulated inflammatory and pro-apoptotic factors in hepatopancreas. At 1.25% in the diet, methionine was found to boost E. sinensis growth, muscle protein deposition and immunity, as well as its antioxidant capacity. Combined with the above results, based on the expression of factors involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, it is proved that methionine can not only promote protein metabolism, improve feed utilization, but also alleviate the inflammatory response and apoptosis caused by oxidative stress in the body.

Effects of Substitution of Soybean Meal With Sesame Meal on the Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) and its Impact on Economics of these Quails Raising

Sesame meal (SSM) is locally available and relatively cheaper source of protein having an amino acid composition similar to that of soybean meal (SBM) with the exception of lower lysine and higher methionine contents. Despite its merits it has been under-utilized in quail’s diets. This study was conducted to examine the effects of substitution of SBM with different levels of SSM on production and economic performance of Japanese quails. One hundred eighty day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into six experimental groups of three replicates of ten birds each replicate group was placed in a battery. Six of the Groups were given rations with different levels of SSM included; SSM–0 g (control), SSM–50 g, SSM–100 g, SSM–150 g, SSM–200 g and SSM–250 g including SSM per kg of rations. All Rations were fed ad libitum, records of initial body weight; weekly body weight gain and weights of feed offered, consumed and refused were kept. Dressing percentage was determined at the end of experiment. Results indicated that feed efficiency were not affected (P&lt;0.05) in quails fed ration containing 50g of SSM, 100, 150 and 200 with higher (P&lt;0.01) daily weight gain was observed in ration with SSM of 150g per kg of ration. Total feed consumption and dressing percentage were not affected. No significant difference was observed in all groups in terms of cost benefit ratio. It is concluded that SSM can be used as an alternative protein source in Japanese quail diets at inclusion levels up to 150 g/kg without negative effects on performance and carcass traits.