Oligosaccharide Content Research Articles

Glycosaminoglycan fragments as a measure of disease burden in the mucopolysaccharidosis type I mouse.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) catabolism involves endo-hydrolysis of polysaccharides followed by the sequential removal of the non-reducing end residue from the resulting oligosaccharides by exo-enzymes. In the inherited metabolic disorder, mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), a deficiency in the exo-enzyme, α-l-iduronidase, prevents removal of α-l-iduronic acid residues from the non-reducing end of the GAGs, heparan sulphate (HS) and dermatan sulphate (DS). The excretion of partially degraded HS and DS in urine of MPS I patients has long been recognized, but the question of whether they do indeed reflect GAG load in a particular tissue has not been addressed - an important issue in the context of biomarkers for assessment of disease burden in MPS I. Therefore, we measured specific low molecular weight HS and DS oligosaccharides with terminal α-l-iduronic acid residues, in the brain, liver, kidney, serum and urine, and correlated these findings with total GAG in the MPS I mouse model. Six oligosaccharides were identified in the urine, ranging from di- to pentasaccharides. Of these, five were observed in the kidney, four in the liver and brain, with the three most abundant in urine also seen in serum. These oligosaccharides accounted for just 0.1-2% of total GAG, with a disaccharide showing the best correlation with total GAG. The oligosaccharides and total GAG were most abundant in the liver, with the least observed in the brain. The concentration of oligosaccharides as a percentage of total GAG in urine was similar to that observed in the kidney, and both revealed a similar ratio of HS:DS, suggesting that the oligosaccharide storage pattern in urine is a reflection of that in the kidney. Serum, liver and brain had a similar ratio of HS:DS, which was lower to that seen in the urine and kidney. The distribution of oligosaccharides when ranked from most to least abundant, was also the same between serum, liver and brain suggesting that serum more closely reflects the oligosaccharides of the brain and liver and may therefore be a more informative measurement of disease burden than urine. The accumulation of HS and DS oligosaccharides was observed in the brain as early as one month of age, with the disaccharide showing a continuous increase with age. This demonstrates the progressive nature of the disease and as such this disaccharide could prove to be a useful biomarker to measure disease burden in MPS I.

Valorization of Vine Shoots Based on the Autohydrolysis Fractionation Optimized by a Kinetic Approach

Nonisothermal autohydrolysis treatments of vine shoots were used as a method for hemicellulose solubilization and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production. The proposed kinetic model allowed the selection of the operational conditions that maximize the oligosaccharides content and minimize the generation of undesired compounds such as monosaccharides and sugar-decomposition products. In this sense, the maximum value of XOS (9.9 g/100 g raw material) was obtained at 200 °C. The liquid fraction containing oligosaccharides was highly stable against heat and pH (degradation below 10%), demonstrating its potential as functional food ingredients. On the other hand, the cellulose-enriched solid fraction was subjected to enzymatic digestibility, obtaining 49.5% of total glucan hydrolysis after 96 h. In this work, the holistic use of wine shoots following a biorefinery concept has been proposed. However, a delignification step of the cellulose-enriched solid fraction should be included in order to increase the enzymatic digestibility, and hence allow the integral use of this byproduct.

Effect of Germination and Fermentation on Carbohydrate Composition of Australian Sweet Lupin and Soybean Seeds and Flours.

This study investigated the effect of germination and fermentation on the composition of carbohydrates in Australian sweet lupin. Specifically, the amount of sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose), starch, oligosaccharides (verbascose, stachyose, and raffinose), and dietary fiber were measured in germinated lupin seeds and fermented lupin flour, and compared with those in soy. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with refractive index was employed for quantitation of sugars, starch, and oligosaccharides, and gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector was used for quantitation of simple sugars in total, and soluble, and insoluble dietary fiber. The enzyme activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were compared before and after germination or fermentation. The α-amylase activity in germinated lupin increased to ∼17 nmol/mL/min/0.1 g and in germinated soy∼32; in fermented lupin, the activity increased to ∼52, while in fermented soy it decreased to ∼20. In general, germination or fermentation decreased the oligosaccharide content, and increased the total sugar in samples (p < 0.05). Total oligosaccharides in lupin after uncontrolled germination were reduced by 98% to 6 mg/g, and after controlled germination reduced by 44% to 86 mg/g. Fermentation with yogurt culture lowered the content of total oligosaccharides due to 94% decrease in stachyose. Total oligosaccharides in soy flour prior to fermentation were 180 mg/g and significantly decreased to ∼124 mg/g in fermented soy. Germination did not affect the starch content. There was no significant change in the amounts of total, soluble, and insoluble dietary fiber after germination or fermentation of lupin except for galactose, which was significantly reduced in germinated lupin seeds. Soluble dietary fiber in germinated soy significantly increased. Germination and fermentation are simple and effective techniques to reduce the oligosaccharides while maintaining the composition of dietary fibers.

Short communication: The effect of heat treatment of bovine colostrum on the concentration of oligosaccharides in colostrum and in the intestine of neonatal male Holstein calves

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the heat treatment (HT, 60°C for 60 min) on the concentration of bovine colostrum oligosaccharides (bCO) in pooled bovine colostrum and the intestine of neonatal male Holstein calves after feeding. First-milking colostrum was pooled from both primiparous and multiparous cows, and half of the pooled colostrum was heat-treated at 60°C for 60 min (HC), whereas the other half was not heat-treated and remained fresh (FC). At birth, 32 male Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) control calves that did not receive colostrum for the duration of the experiment and were euthanized at 6 h (NC, n = 4) or 12 h (NC, n = 4), (2) calves fed fresh colostrum (FC) and were euthanized at 6 h (FC, n = 6) or 12 h (FC, n = 6), or (3) calves fed heat-treated colostrum (HC) and euthanized at 6 h (HC, n = 6) or 12 h (HC, n = 6). All calves were fed 2 L of colostrum within 1 h after birth. At dissection, digesta of the distal jejunum, ileum, and colon was collected and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the concentration of bCO within each intestinal region. The heat-treated colostrum displayed numerically higher concentrations of total bCO (3,511.6 μg/g) when compared with fresh colostrum (1,329.9 μg/g), with 3'-sialyllactose being the most abundant bCO in both fresh and HT colostrum. In contrast, calves fed HT colostrum displayed a lower amount of total bCO in the distal jejunum (221.91 ± 105.3 vs. 611.26 ± 265.1 μg/g), ileum (64.97 ± 48.39 vs. 344.04 ± 216.87 μg/g), and colon (25.60 ± 13.1 vs. 267.04 ± 125.81 μg/g) at 6 h of life when compared with calves fed fresh colostrum. No differences were observed in regard to the concentrations of total bCO in the intestine of FC and HC calves at 12 h of life. It is speculated that lower concentrations of bCO in the gastrointestinal tract of HC calves at 6 h of life could be due to the early establishment of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, in HC calves and their subsequent metabolism of bCO as a carbon source. These findings suggest that the heat treatment of colostrum increases the amount of free bCO, which may serve as prebiotics available to microbiota within the intestine of the neonatal calf.

Systematic review of the concentrations of oligosaccharides in human milk.

ContextOligosaccharides are the third largest solid component in human milk. These diverse compounds are thought to have numerous beneficial functions in infants, including protection against infectious diseases. The structures of more than 100 oligosaccharides in human milk have been elucidated so far.ObjectiveThe aim of this review was to identify the main factors that affect the concentrations of oligosaccharides in human milk and to determine whether it is possible to calculate representative and reliable mean concentrations.Data SourcesA comprehensive literature search on oligosaccharide concentrations in human milk was performed in 6 electronic databases: BIOSIS, Current Contents Search, Embase, Lancet Titles, MEDLINE and PubMed.Study SelectionThe initial search resulted in 1363 hits. After the elimination of duplicates, the literature was screened. The application of strict inclusion criteria resulted in 21 articles selected.Data ExtractionOligosaccharide concentrations, both mean values and single values, reported in the literature were sorted by gestational age, secretor status of mothers, and defined lactation periods.ResultsMean concentrations, including confidence limits, of 33 neutral and acidic oligosaccharides reported could be calculated. Concentrations of oligosaccharides in human milk show variations that are dependent on both the secretor type of the mother and the lactation period as examined by analyses of variance. In addition, large interlaboratory variations in the data were observed.ConclusionsWorldwide interlaboratory quantitative analyses of identical milk samples would be required to identify the most reliable methods of determining concentrations of oligosaccharides in human milk. The data presented here contribute to the current knowledge about the composition and quantities of oligosaccharides in human milk and may foster greater understanding of the biological functions of these compounds.

Development and characterization of an innovative synbiotic fermented beverage based on vegetable soybean.

Soymilk was produced from vegetable soybean and fermented by probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12) in co-culture with Streptococcus thermophilus. The composition of the fermented beverage and oligosaccharides content were determined. The effect of fructooligosaccharides and inulin on the fermentation time and viability of probiotic microorganisms throughout 28 days of storage at 5 °C were evaluated. The soymilk from vegetable soybeans was fermented in just 3.2 h, when pH reached 4.8. Fermentation reduced the contents of stachyose and raffinose in soymilk. Prebiotics had no effect on acidification rate and on viability of B. animalis and S. thermophilus in the fermented beverage. The viable counts of B. animalis Bb-12 remained above 108 CFU mL−1 in the fermented soymilk during 28 days of storage at 5 °C while L. acidophilus La-5 was decreased by 1 log CFU mL−1. The fermented soymilk from vegetable soybeans showed to be a good food matrix to deliver probiotic bacteria, as well as a soy product with a lower content of non-digestible oligosaccharides.

Structure elucidation of a novel oligosaccharide (Medalose) from camel milk

Free oligosaccharides are the third most abundant solid component in milk after lactose and lipids. The study of milk oligosaccharides indicate that nutrients are not only benefits the infant's gut but also perform a number of other functions which include stimulation of growth, receptor analogues to inhibit binding of pathogens and substances that promote postnatal brain development. Surveys reveal that camel milk oligosaccharides possess varied biological activities that help in the treatment of diabetes, asthma, anaemia, piles and also a food supplement to milking mothers. In this research, camel milk was selected for its oligosaccharide contents, which was then processed by Kobata and Ginsburg method followed by the HPLC and CC techniques. Structure elucidation of isolated compound was done by the chemical degradation, chemical transformation and comparison of chemical shift of NMR data of natural and acetylated oligosaccharide structure reporter group theory, the 1H, 13C NMR, 2D-NMR (COSY, TOCSY and HSQC) techniques, and mass spectrometry. The structure was elucidated as under:MEDALOSE [Display omitted]

Effect of early lactation stage on goat colostrum: Assessment of lipid and oligosaccharide compounds

Colostrum provides the initial intake of several nutrients required for the development and survival of newborn; however, its composition is highly variable during lactation. Literature on changes of lipid and sugar compounds during goat lactation is scarce; the present study was therefore conducted to assess changes in the main lipid and sugar compounds of goat colostrum during the first four days of lactation. Different analytical techniques were used, including liquid and gas-chromatography coupled to different detectors. While fat and protein content decreased, increasing amounts of lactose were detected during lactation. Long chain fatty acids and triacylglycerol, tocopherols and cholesterol were most abundant in the first days after parturition; however, phospholipids increased during lactation. Finally, oligosaccharide were significantly affected by lactation time; their content drastically decreased after 48 h of lactation. However, the high content of oligosaccharide promotes goat colostrum as a good functional ingredient.

The effect of fermentation of high alkaloid seeds of Lupinus angustifolius var. Karo by Saccharomyces cerevisieae , Kluyveromyces lactis , and Candida utilis on the chemical and microbial composition of products

The usefulness of Candida utilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Kluyveromyces lactis to the fermentation of high alkaloid lupin seeds was examined. Seeds were mixed with water and sterilized at 121 °C for 20 min. After cooling, the mixture was inoculated with yeast and fermented for 48 or 72 hr at 30 °C. After enzymes deactivation samples were dried. Fermentation increased the content of crude protein (p < .05) and affected the amino acid profile of the protein (p < .05). There was no yeast strain effect on the crude protein content, but the true protein content was higher (p > .05) after K. lactis and S. cerevisieae fermentation. After 72 hr fermentation the content of crude protein was significantly higher but several necessary amino acids content was lower in comparison with 48 hr fermentation time. Fermentation reduced (p < .05) phytate, raffinose family oligosaccharide content and also alkaloid content in the final products. Fermentation process increased total and lactic acid bacteria count, the number of yeasts and molds as well as the number of coliform bacteria. The three yeast strains used were not fully suitable for the fermentation of high alkaloid lupin seeds. Candida utilis strain was found as the most favorable because of better chemical and microbial characteristic of fermented products. Practical applications The present study reports, that the fermentation process increased protein content and partially improved quality microbial and antinutritional character of seeds by reducing raffinose family oligosaccharides, phytate content, and alkaloids Taking this into account, fermented lupin seeds could be recommended as an alternative, protein-rich component of diets for animals and people. However, it should be remembered that lupin is a potential allergen and its status after fermentation has not yet been investigated.

Effect of Soaking and Boiling on Anti-nutritional Factors, Oligosaccharide Contents and Protein Digestibility of Newly Developed Bambara Groundnut Cultivars

Newly developed Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) seeds (Accessions No: TVSU 5 – Bambara Groundnut White (BGW) and TVSU 146 – Bambara Groundnut Brown (BGB)) were collected from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria, planted and harvested. The effects of processing methods (soaking and boiling) on anti-nutritional factors and oligosaccharides content and protein digestibility of BGW and BGB compared with Bambara groundnut commercial (BGC) seeds were investigated. Soaking and boiling significantly reduced the anti-nutritional factors of the samples and the effect increased as processing time was elongated. Sample BGC had lower anti-nutritional factors than BGW and BGB after soaking for 48 h. Tannin contents of the samples were reduced drastically by 99 % throughout the soaking periods. Greatest loss in raffinose level was observed in BGB (59%) and BGW (50%) after boiling for 60 min compared with BGC (43%). The loss in stachyose content of the samples varies with processing and BGC (59%) had greatest loss after boiling for 60 min while soaking for 48 h reduced that of BGB and BGW by 57 and 35%, respectively. Boiling for 60 min increased the in vitro protein digestibility of BGB (89.34 %) compared with BGW (87.48%) and BGC (82.89%). Overall, the results demonstrated that soaking and boiling of newly developed Bambara groundnut seeds could improve the nutritive quality of the seeds.

Effect of photoperiod prior to cold acclimation on freezing tolerance and carbohydrate metabolism in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Cold acclimation proceeds sequentially in response to decreases in photoperiod and temperature. This study aimed at assessing the impact of photoperiod prior to cold acclimation on freezing tolerance and related biochemical and molecular responses in two alfalfa cultivars. The fall dormant cultivar Evolution and semi-dormant cultivar 6010 were grown in growth chambers under different photoperiods (8, 10, 12, 14 or 16h) prior to cold acclimation. Freezing tolerance was evaluated as well as carbohydrate concentrations, levels of transcripts encoding enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism as well as a K-3dehydrin, before and after cold acclimation. The fall dormant cultivar Evolution had a better freezing tolerance than the semi-dormant cultivar 6010. The effect of photoperiod prior to cold acclimation on the level of freezing tolerance differed between the two cultivars: an 8h-photoperiod induced the highest level of freezing tolerance in Evolution and the lowest in 6010. In Evolution, the 8h-induced superior freezing tolerance was associated with higher concentration of raffinose-family oligosaccharides (RFO). The transcript levels of sucrose synthase (SuSy) decreased whereas those of sucrose phosphatase synthase (SPS) and galactinol synthase (GaS) increased in response to cold acclimation in both cultivars. Our results indicate that RFO metabolism could be involved in short photoperiod-induced freezing tolerance in dormant alfalfa cultivars.

Heterogeneous hCG and hMG commercial preparations result in different intracellular signalling but induce a similar long-term progesterone response in vitro

Are four urinary hCG/menotropin (hMG) and one recombinant preparation characterized by different molecular features and do they mediate specific intracellular signaling and steroidogenesis? hCG and hMG preparations have heterogeneous compositions and mediate preparation-specific cell signaling and early steroidogenesis, although similar progesterone plateau levels are achieved in 24 h-treated human primary granulosa cells in vitro. hCG is the pregnancy hormone marketed as a drug for ARTs to induce final oocyte maturation and ovulation, and to support FSH action. Several hCG formulations are commercially available, differing in source, purification methods and biochemical composition. Commercial hCG preparations for ART or research purposes were compared in vitro. The different preparations were quantified by immunoassay with calibration against the hCG standard (Fifth IS; NIBSC 07/364). Immunoreactivity patterns, isoelectric points and oligosaccharide contents of hCGs were evaluated using reducing and non-reducing Western blotting, capillary isoelectric-focusing immunoassay and lectin-ELISA, respectively. Functional studies were performed in order to evaluate intracellular and total cAMP, progesterone production and β-arrestin 2 recruitment by ELISA and BRET, in both human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC) and luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR)-transfected HEK293 cells, stimulated by increasing hormone concentrations. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test or Mann-Whitney's U-test as appropriate. Heterogeneous profiles were found among preparations, revealing specific molecular weight patterns (20-75 KDa range), isoelectric points (4.0-9.0 pI range) and lectin binding (P < 0.05; n = 7-10). These drug-specific compositions were linked to different potencies on cAMP production (EC50 1.0-400.0 ng/ml range) and β-arrestin 2 recruitment (EC50 0.03-2.0 μg/ml) in hGLC and transfected HEK293 cells (P < 0.05; n = 3-5). In hGLC, these differences were reflected by preparation-specific 8-h progesterone production although similar plateau levels of progesterone were acheived by 24-h treatment (P ≥ 0.05; n = 3). N/A. The biological activity of commercial hCG/hMG preparations is provided in International Units (IU) by in-vivo bioassay and calibration against an International Standard, although it is an unsuitable unit of measure for in-vitro studies. The re-calibration against recombinant hCG,quantified in grams, is based on the assumption that all of the isoforms and glycosylation variants have similar immunoreactivity. hCG/hMG preparation-specific cell responses in vitro may be proposed to ART patients affected by peculiar ovarian response, such as that caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Otherwise, all the preparations available for ART may provide a similar clinical outcome in healthy women. This study was supported by a grant of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (PRIN 2015XCR88M). The authors have no conflict of interest.

Cookies elaborated with oat and common bean flours improved serum markers in diabetic rats.

Common beans have been associated with anti-diabetic effects, due to its high content of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, its consumption has decreased worldwide. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the development of novel functional foods elaborated with common beans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of oat-bean flour cookies, and to analyze its bioactive composition, using commercial oat-wheat cookies for comparative purposes. Oat-bean cookies (1.2 g kg-1 ) slightly decreased serum glucose levels (∼1.1-fold) and increased insulin levels (∼1.2-fold) in diabetic rats, reducing the hyperglycemic peak in healthy rats (∼1.1-fold). Oat-bean cookies (0.8 and 1.2 g kg-1 ) exerted a greater hypolipidemic effect than commercial oat-wheat cookies (1.2 g kg-1 ), as observed in decreased serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, the supplementation with 1.2 g kg-1 oat-bean cookies decreased atherogenic index and serum C-reactive protein levels, suggesting their cardioprotective potential. The beneficial effect of oat-bean cookies was associated with their high content of dietary fiber and galacto oligosaccharides, as well as chlorogenic acid, rutin, protocatechuic acid, β-sitosterol and soyasaponins. These results suggest that common beans can be used as functional ingredients for the elaboration of cookies with anti-diabetic effects. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Human milk oligosaccharide consumption by probiotic and human-associated bifidobacteria and lactobacilli

Human milk contains high concentrations of nondigestible complex oligosaccharides (human milk oligosaccharides; HMO) that reach the colon and are subsequently fermented by the infant gut microbiota. Using a high-throughput, low-volume growth determination, we evaluated the ability of 12 lactobacilli and 12 bifidobacteria strains, including several commercial probiotics, to ferment HMO and their constituent monomers. Of the 24 strains tested, only Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis ATCC 15697 and Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 were able to ferment 3'-sialyllactose, 6'-sialyllactose, 2'-fucosyllactose, and 3'-fucosyllactose. Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 degraded almost 90% of the 2'-fucosyllactose but left most of the fucose in the supernatant, as detected by HPLC. Among bifidobacteria, only the B. infantis strains and Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700 were able to ferment lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). Among lactobacilli, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM was found to be the most efficient at utilizing LNnT. The extracellular β-galactosidase (lacL, LBA1467) of L. acidophilus NCFM cleaves the terminal galactose of LNnT for growth, leaving lacto-N-triose II in the media as detected by HPLC. Inactivation of lacL abolishes growth of L. acidophilus NCFM on LNnT. These results contribute to our knowledge of HMO-microbe interactions and demonstrate the potential for synbiotic combinations of pre- and probiotics.

Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Oligosaccharides in Soybean and Bean Leaf with Ionic Liquid as Matrix

Abstract The ionic liquid butylamine 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (DHB-BuN) was chosen as the matrix for improving reproducibility of oligosaccharides quantification, and imaging oligosaccharides in soybean and leaf by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). In the experiment, ionic liquid matrix of methanol solution (20%, V/V) was simply covered onto the sample slice, and MS imaging experiment was thus performed to analyze oligosaccharides and their distribution in soybean and soybean leaf in positive ion mode with laser power of 70%. As a result, the MALDI-MS analysis of three oligosaccharides including sucrose, raffinose and stachyose was performed using the ionic liquid matrix, and the reproducibility RSD was less than 3% for in-spot and less than 4% for spot-to-spot. The linear correlation coefficients (R2) of standard curves between MS peak intensity and oligosaccharides concentrations raging from 0.062 mg mL−1 to 1.00 mg mL−1 were all no less than 0.996, which showed a great potential in quantitative analysis of oligosaccharides by MALDI-MS. The matrix was then used for the imaging analysis of disaccharide, trisaccharide and tetrasaccharide on the surfaces of soybean chip and soybean leaf by MALDI-MS, and the mass spectrometric imaging of the three kinds of oligosaccharides was obtained with a spatial resolution of 150 μm. The result indicated that the distribution of three kinds of oligosaccharides in the soybean was roughly homogeneous, and mostly at its tip part in the leaf. The contents of the three oligosaccharides could be estimated by their MS peak intensity and above standard curve. This study suggested that the ionic liquid DHB-BuN matrix could be well applied in MALDI-MS imaging analysis of oligosaccharides in different samples.

Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Lupin Seed Subjected to 29 Years of Storage

Physiological and biochemical changes resulting from long‐term storage of lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) seed were studied in a precisely controlled experiment to gain a better knowledge of the seed deterioration process. The seed was stored at different temperatures (0, −14, and +20°C) during a 29‐yr period. It was found that after long‐term storage at −14 and 0°C, the seed germinated well, whereas seed stored at +20°C did not germinate at all. The contents of albumin, biogenic amines, and soluble carbohydrates were determined. The content of albumin decreased in seed stored at +20°C. In two‐dimensional electrophoresis of seed proteins, 343 spots were obtained with seed stored at −14°C, whereas the extract of seed stored at +20°C gave 290 spots. Out of all detected spots, 27 displayed significant differences in intensity related to seed storage temperature (−14, 0, +20°C). The identified 27 proteins could be assigned to four major functional categories: storage proteins, proteins connected with defense mechanisms, proteins responsible for energy reactions, and proteins involved in growth and development. Spermine, spermidine, and putrescine were also analyzed in stored seed. The content of biogenic amines was higher in seed stored at +20°C. Significant changes occurred in the content of soluble carbohydrates during seed storage. In seed stored at +20°C, verbascose did not occur and the total content of raffinose family oligosaccharides decreased. The content of reducing monosaccharides and sucrose increased. The results show that lupin seed storage at −14 and 0°C resulted in very similar levels of physiological and biochemical changes, affecting the germination rate, proteome, biogenic amines, and soluble carbohydrates, whereas storage at +20°C is incomparably more detrimental.

Effects of a Low FODMAP Diet and Specific Carbohydrate Diet on Symptoms and Nutritional Adequacy of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Preliminary Results of a Single-blinded Randomized Trial.

IBS is the most common functional disease of the low gastrointestinal tract. Recently, the interest towards a diet approach has increased, for example, a diet with low content of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of a low FODMAP diet and a specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) conducted for 3 months on symptoms and to evaluate the deficiencies of vitamin D and folic acid in patients affected by IBS, matching the Rome IV criteria. We evaluated 73 patients divided into 2 groups: one submitted to low FODMAP diet and one to SCD, for 3 months. Patients were assigned to one of the 2 groups randomly and blinded. All the patients filled a visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate the severity of symptoms and a diary to evaluate the number of days with symptoms, and this was repeated after 3 months. Final evaluation was made by a blinded investigator. In the end, the patients with low FODMAP diet had a significant improvement in bloating and distension (P = 0.000); the group with SCD instead had a low but not a significant improvement. One way ANOVA showed comparable severity of symptoms in the 2 groups pre-diet (P = 0.215), but a difference in the same symptoms after 12 days (P = 0.000). Tukey test showed a significant improvement in the low FODMAP diet group and only a trend of improvement in the second group of SCD. The vitamin D mean value in both groups at the time of enrollment was 38 ng/mL; in the end, the mean value in the low FODMAP diet group was 32 ng/mL and in the SCD group was 22 ng/mL, with a statistically significant difference. The folic acid mean value at the time of enrollment was 18 mg/dL; in the end, the mean value in the low FODMAP diet group was 15 mg/dL and in the SCD group was 8 mg/dL, with a statistically significant difference. Patients affected by IBS seem to have benefitted from a low FODMAP diet but not from an SCD, and a low FODMAP diet doesn't seem to cause vitamin D and folic acid deficiencies.

Cowpea fresh pods - a new legume for the market: assessment of their quality and dietary characteristics of 37 cowpea accessions grown in southern Europe.

Cowpea is traditionally cultivated in some regions of southern Europe for its dried seeds; however, there is a scarcity of information on the quality and dietary characteristics of fresh pods, which are occasionally used in folk diets. This paper aims at covering this gap in knowledge, thereby contributing to the dissemination of fresh cowpea pods as a novel product for the market. The quality and dietary characteristics of pods from 37 accessions (Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata and ssp. sesquipedalis) grown in southern Europe were assessed in an attempt to provide information on pod quality and nutritional properties and to identify relationships between quality traits and accession origin. Pods from the sesquipedalis accessions were heavier and larger, and reached commercial maturity 2 days later, than those from the unguiculata accessions. There were also large differences in the quality and dietary characteristics of the accessions. The pods of most accessions were rich in proteins, chlorophylls, carotenoids and phenolics, and showed high antioxidant activity and low concentrations of nitrates and raffinose-family oligosaccharides. Cluster analysis based on quality, dietary or antinutritional traits did not reveal any apparent grouping among the accessions. All the quality characteristics were independent of accession origin and subspecies. Most of the accessions produced fresh pods of good quality and high dietary value, suitable for introduction in the market and/or for use as valuable genetic material for the development of new improved varieties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Composition and Variation of Macronutrients, Immune Proteins, and Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Human Milk From Nonprofit and Commercial Milk Banks

When human milk is unavailable, banked milk is recommended for feeding premature infants. Milk banks use processes to eliminate pathogens; however, variability among methods exists. Research aim: The aim of this study was to compare the macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, fat, energy), immune-protective protein, and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) content of human milk from three independent milk banks that use pasteurization (Holder vs. vat techniques) or retort sterilization. Randomly acquired human milk samples from three different milk banks ( n = 3 from each bank) were analyzed for macronutrient concentrations using a Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy human milk analyzer. The concentrations of IgA, IgM, IgG, lactoferrin, lysozyme, α-lactalbumin, α antitrypsin, casein, and HMO were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The concentrations of protein and fat were significantly ( p < .05) less in the retort sterilized compared with the Holder and vat pasteurized samples, respectively. The concentrations of all immune-modulating proteins were significantly ( p < .05) less in the retort sterilized samples compared with vat and/or Holder pasteurized samples. The total HMO concentration and HMOs containing fucose, sialic acid, and nonfucosylated neutral sugars were significantly ( p < .05) less in retort sterilized compared with Holder pasteurized samples. Random milk samples that had undergone retort sterilization had significantly less immune-protective proteins and total and specific HMOs compared with samples that had undergone Holder and vat pasteurization. These data suggest that further analysis of the effect of retort sterilization on human milk components is needed prior to widespread adoption of this process.

Relationships Among Microbial Communities, Maternal Cells, Oligosaccharides, and Macronutrients in Human Milk

Human milk provides all essential nutrients necessary for early life and is rich in nonnutrients, maternally derived (host) cells, and bacteria, but almost nothing is known about the interplay among these components. Research aim: The primary objective of this research was to characterize relationships among macronutrients, maternal cells, and bacteria in milk. Milk samples were collected from 16 women and analyzed for protein, lipid, fatty acid, lactose, and human milk oligosaccharide concentrations. Concentrations of maternal cells were determined using microscopy, and somatic cell counts were enumerated. Microbial ecologies were characterized using culture-independent methods. Absolute and relative concentrations of maternal cells were mostly consistent within each woman as were relative abundances of bacterial genera, and there were many apparent relationships between these factors. For instance, relative abundance of Serratia was negatively associated with somatic cell counts ( r = -.47, p < .0001) and neutrophil concentration ( r = -.38, p < .0006). Concentrations of several oligosaccharides were correlated with maternally derived cell types as well as somatic cell counts; for example, lacto-N-tetraose and lacto-N-neotetraose were inversely correlated with somatic cell counts ( r = -.64, p = .0082; r = -.52, p = .0387, respectively), and relative abundance of Staphylococcus was positively associated with total oligosaccharide concentration ( r = .69, p = .0034). Complex relationships between milk nutrients and bacterial community profile, maternal cells, and milk oligosaccharides were also apparent. These data support the possibility that profiles of maternally derived cells, nutrient concentrations, and the microbiome of human milk might be interrelated.