Prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides Research Articles

Functionality of Agave Bagasse as Supplement for the Development of Prebiotics-Enriched Foods.

Agave bagasse is a fibrous-like material obtained during aguamiel extraction, which is also in contact with indigenous microbiota of agave plant during aguamiel fermentation. This plant is a well-known carrier of the prebiotic fructan-type carbohydrates, which have multiple ascribable health benefits. In the present work, the potential of ashen and green agave bagasse as functional ingredients in supplemented cookies was studied. For its application, the chemical, functional, properties of agave bagasses and formulated cookies were evaluated, as well as the physical properties of cookies. Chemical characterization was carried out by the proximate analysis of both bagasses and cookies, besides, the analysis of oligosaccharides was made by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. In the same way, functional properties such as oil holding capacity, organic molecule absorption capacity, swelling capacity, and water holding capacity were analyzed in both agave bagasses and supplemented cookies. Finally, modifications in color and texture due to bagasse addition was studied through an analysis of total color difference and a penetrometric test, respectively. In this sense, ashen and green agave bagasses demonstrated chemical and functional properties for use in the food industry, since they increased oil holding capacity of cookies and transferred prebiotic fructooligosaccharides to both agave bagasse formulations, which remain active as a prebiotic ingredient in cookies after in vitro digestion and cookie manufacture, including thermal treatment. Hence, agave bagasse could be considered a valuable alternative for the addition of the nutritionally-relevant dietary fiber in healthier foods.

Profiles of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, inulin and sugars as well as physicochemical properties of banana and its snacks as affected by ripening stage and applied drying methods

Contents of fructooligosaccharides and inulin along with those of selected sugars in fresh banana of different ripening stages were first determined. Banana was then processed into snacks either by hot air drying (HD) or low-pressure superheated steam drying (LPSSD). Selected physicochemical properties of both fresh banana (moisture content, water activity, flesh-to-peel ratio, total soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity and firmness) and its snacks (microstructure, texture and color) were investigated. Fresh banana of ripening stage 5 exhibited higher fructooligosaccharides, inulin and sugar contents; its snacks also possessed maximum fructooligosaccharides and inulin contents. Drying methods did not have any significant effect on the contents of these prebiotics. Although snacks from banana of ripening stage 5 possessed higher sugar contents, such contents, when snacks are consumed at the recommended amount, are still lower than the recommend daily intake. Stage-5 LPSSD snack exhibited better texture and color than its HD counterpart, so the former has a potential of being a prebiotic-based snack.

Effect of Carbon Sources, Nitrogen Sources and Prebiotics on Growth of Saccharomyces Boulardii

Abstract Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) has been used as a probiotic for the prevention or treatment of various human gastrointestinal diseases for many years. Thus, S. boulardii has a wide range of application prospects in medicine and food industry. The experiments were investigated with effecting of carbon sources (galactose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glucose, and soluble starch), nitrogen sources (tryptone, casein, yeast extract, peptone, soy peptone, beef extract and malted milk; ammonium sulfate, urea, diammonium hydrogen citrate, triammonium citrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride and potassium nitrate), prebiotics (xylo-oligosaccharide, isomaltooligosaccharide, fructo-oligosaccharide, galacto-oligosaccharide, stachyose, raffinose and inulin) on the number of viable cells and dry cell weight of S. boulardii. The optimum concentration of 5 % glucose or sucrose, 2 % peptone or yeast extract, 0.4 % urea, 0.2 % fructo-oligosaccharide and 0.6 % galacto-oligosaccharide for S. boulardii grew better in medium.

Prebiotics Fructo-, Galacto-, and Mannan-Oligosaccharide Do Not Protect against 5-Fluorouracil–Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Rats

Prebiotics selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract, and have been investigated in human and animal studies for their capacity to improve intestinal health. We investigated the prebiotics fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) for their potential to alleviate intestinal damage in rats. Female Dark Agouti rats (6-8 wk old, 110-150 g) were allocated to 1 of the following treatment groups (n=8/group): saline/water, saline/FOS, saline/GOS, saline/MOS, 5-fluorouracil (5FU)/water, 5FU/FOS, 5FU/GOS, and 5FU/MOS. Rats were pretreated with either 5% GOS, MOS, or FOS or vehicle (water) from day -12 to day 0. On day 0, rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of saline or 5FU. Metabolic data were recorded daily and all rats were killed on day 3. Histopathology was quantified in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Intestinal sucrase and myeloperoxidase activity were quantified by biochemical assay. Fecal SCFAs-acetic, propionic, and butyric acid-were also measured. Statistical analysis was by repeated-measures, 2-factor ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test; P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Body weight was significantly decreased in all treatment groups after 5FU injection, with no change in body weight observed in any prebiotic treatment group. Total food intake was lower by ≥7% in the GOS treatment group pre-5FU than in all other groups (P<0.05). Ileal villus height was 18% higher in GOS-treated rats pre-5FU than in respective water controls (P<0.05). Jejunal and ileal villus height and crypt depth were significantly decreased in all treatment groups after 5FU injection, with no prebiotic effect observed. SCFAs were differentially increased in prebiotic treatment groups compared with water-only controls (P<0.05). FOS, GOS, and MOS have differential effects in modifying small intestinal pathology and SCFA profiles in rats with healthy and damaged small intestinal mucosa.

Infantile colic from the perspective of evidence-based medicine: prevalence, principles of differential diagnosis and diet therapy algorithm

The article presents data on the prevalence of infant colic, etiological factors, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis and therapy with justification of approaches to the choice of formula in children on artificial feeding. When choosing a formula, it is necessary to take into account the compositional features aimed at overcoming the functional immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, enteric nervous system, and the ongoing formation of the intestinal microbiome – the presence of a partially hydrolyzed protein, a reduced lactose content, the presence of prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides) and probiotics. The formula Similac Comfort is fully compliant. This formula additionally contains oligosaccharide of the breast milk 2 fucosillactose (2’-FL), 0.2 g / l – identical to that found in breast milk, which has proven positive effects in the form of an immunomodulating effect, anti-infectious effect, is involved in the regulation of growth and maturation of intestinal epithelial cells, in the development of the nervous system.

Modification of the equine gastrointestinal microbiota by Jerusalem artichoke meal supplementation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of natural prebiotic active compounds on the microbial composition in different regions of the equine gastrointestinal tract. Twelve adult horses (body weight [bwt] 534 ± 64.5 kg; age 14 ± 7.5 years) were randomly divided into two feeding groups. Six horses received a basal diet consisting of 1.5 kg hay/100 kg bwt x d-1 and oat grains equal to 1.19 g starch/kg bwt x d-1, supplemented with Jerusalem artichoke meal providing prebiotic fructooligosaccharides + inulin in a quantity of 0.15 g/kg bwt x d-1. The remaining horses received a placebo added to the basal diet. The horses were fed for 21 d and euthanized at the end of the feeding period. Digesta samples from different parts of the gastrointestinal tract were taken, DNA extracted and the V1-V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene amplified. Supplementation with the prebiotic increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P < 0.05), with a concurrent reduction of the relative abundance of Streptococcus mainly in the stomach (P < 0.05). In the hindgut, the supplemental prebiotic also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus but further reduced the relative abundance of fibrolytic bacteria, specifically the unclassified members of the families Lachnospiraceae (P < 0.05) and Ruminococcaceae. The relative abundance of the genus Ruminococcus increased solely in the caecum and colon transversum. Overall, the addition of the prebiotic significantly increased the diversity in nearly all parts of the gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.05). The feeding of this natural prebiotic compound to horses had an impact on the microbial community in the entire gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the effect on the bacterial community in the foregut (especially the stomach) was more pronounced in comparison to the effect in the hindgut. Therefore, the impact on stomach health should be carefully considered.

SAT-206 EFFECT OF FRUTOOLIGOSACCHARIDE ON ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN CKD PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Microbiota-derived uremic toxins, p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS), have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This has encouraged the investigation of alternative approaches to modulate gut environment with consequent attenuation of toxin production, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of the prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on endothelial dysfunction markers in CKD non-dialysis patients. The 3-month double-blind randomized controlled trial included 46 non-diabetic CKD patients [52% men; 57.6±14.4 years; eGFR: 21.3±7.3 mL/min/1.73m²]. Intervention and placebo consisted in 12g/day of FOS or maltodextrin, respectively. PCS, and IS were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Interleukin 6 (IL6) was evaluated by ELISA essay. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed through stroma derived factor 1 alfa (SDF1 alfa), serum nitric oxide (NO) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Aside for the intervention group being older (53.4±16.0 vs 61.9±11.4, p=0.04) the groups were homogeneous. [ME1] During the study, renal function, electrolytes, remained stable in both groups. A downward trend in PCS serum levels (52.86±30.68 vs 43.06±32.43 mg/L, p=0.07) was observed in the treated group. Regarding inflammation, C-reative protein did not change and IL6 decreased in this group (3.14±2.22 vs 2.65±1.37 pg/mL, p = 0.04). There was no difference in NO, SDF1 alfa levels and FMD. In an exploratory analysis, including only patients with less damaged endothelium (FMD ≥ 2.2 % median) we observed that the treated group had significant higher values of FMD after 3 months (group effect p=0.09, time effect p=0.095, interaction p=0.04). There was no effect of FOS on endothelial function in the studied population. Nonetheless, in patients with less damaged endothelium we could observe an improvement of endothelial dilatation in the treated group, which could suggest a potential impact of FOS in the recovery of endothelial function.

Polylactose, a Novel Prebiotic Dietary Fiber, Reduces Adiposity and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation (P20-027-19)

Abstract Objectives Polylactose is a novel dietary fiber, synthesized by extrusion of lactose. To evaluate its potential as a prebiotic, we determined its fermentability, effect on the microbiome, and its effects on adiposity, fatty liver, and liver cholesterol in a diet-induced obesity animal model. Methods 72 male Wistar rats were fed normal fat (NF) or high fat (HF, 51% fat by kcal) diets containing various fibers (6% fiber of interest and 3% cellulose, by weight); including cellulose (NFC and HFC), polylactose (HFPL), matched lactose (HFML), matched to the residual lactose in the HFPL diet, and two established prebiotic fibers, polydextrose (HFPD) and fructooligosaccharides (HFFOS). After 10 weeks on experimental diets, organs were harvested and cecal contents collected for analysis. Results There were no significant differences in final body weights among the groups, nor did average daily food intake differ significantly among the HF-fed groups. HFPL animals had greater cecal weight (empty) and lower cecal contents pH when compared to all other groups, suggesting that polylactose is much more vigorously fermented than the other prebiotic fibers. This was also indicated by an increase in taxonomical abundance of probiotic species in the cecum. Epididymal fat pad weight was significantly decreased in the HFPL animals compared to all other HF groups (P &lt; 0.05) and did not differ from the normal fat control (NFC). Liver lipids and cholesterol were significantly reduced in HFPL fed animals when compared to HFC fed animals and were numerically lower than all other HF groups. Transcriptome analysis of the liver revealed increased lipid oxidation and decrease lipid synthesis pathway expression, providing insights into mechanisms of reduction of lipid accumulation in the liver. Conclusions Polylactose is a vigorously fermentable fiber and elicits a beneficial change in the gut microbiome. We also demonstrate that consuming polylactose, in the context of a high fat diet, prevents the accumulation of body fat normally seen with this diet, as well as reduced lipid and cholesterol accumulation in the liver. As these effects of polylactose were greater than those of two established prebiotics, fructooligosaccharides and polydextrose, this suggests that polylactose is a potent prebiotic. Funding Sources Midwest Dairy Association.

A specific synbiotic-containing amino acid-based formula restores gut microbiota in non-IgE mediated cow\u2019s milk allergic infants: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAltered gut microbiota is implicated in cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and differs markedly from healthy, breastfed infants. Infants who suffer from severe CMA often rely on cow’s milk protein avoidance and, when breastfeeding is not possible, on specialised infant formulas such as amino-acid based formulas (AAF). Herein, we report the effects of an AAF including specific synbiotics on oral and gastrointestinal microbiota of infants with non-IgE mediated CMA with reference to healthy, breastfed infants.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study, infants with suspected non-IgE mediated CMA received test or control formula. Test formula was AAF with synbiotics (prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides and probiotic Bifidobacterium breve M-16V). Control formula was AAF without synbiotics. Healthy, breastfed infants were used as a separate reference group (HBR). Bacterial compositions of faecal and salivary samples were analysed by 16S rRNA-gene sequencing. Faecal analysis was complemented with the analysis of pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactic acids.ResultsThe trial included 35 test subjects, 36 controls, and 51 HBR. The 16S rRNA-gene sequencing revealed moderate effects of test formula on oral microbiota. In contrast, the gut microbiota was substantially affected across time comparing test with control. In both groups bacterial diversity increased over time but was characterised by a more gradual increment in test compared to control. Compositionally this reflected an enhancement of Bifidobacterium spp. and Veillonella sp. in the test group. In contrast, the control-fed infants showed increased abundance of adult-like species, mainly within the Lachnospiraceae family, as well as within the Ruminococcus and Alistipes genus. The effects on Bifidobacterium spp. and Lachnospiraceae spp. were previously confirmed through enumeration by fluorescent in situ hybridization and were shown for test to approximate the proportions observed in the HBR. Additionally, microbial activity was affected as evidenced by an increase of l-lactate, a decrease of valerate, and reduced concentrations of branched-chain SCFAs in test versus control.ConclusionsThe AAF including specific synbiotics effectively modulates the gut microbiota and its metabolic activity in non-IgE mediated CMA infants bringing it close to a healthy breastfed profile.Trial registration Registered on 1 May 2013 with Netherlands Trial Register Number NTR3979.

Elaboração e caracterização físico-química e sensorial de iogurte prebiótico de tamarindo

Os consumidores vêm se tornando cada vez mais exigentes na busca por alimentos que, além de nutritivos, promovam saúde e bem-estar. Assim, a indústria de laticínios tem buscado desenvolver produtos com essas características, os alimentos funcionais. Diante disso, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho a elaboração e caracterização, físico-química e sensorial, de iogurtes de tamarindo enriquecidos com prebióticos (inulina e fruto-oligossacarídeo). Foram elaboradas três formulações: A (sem adição dos prebióticos), B (acrescido de 3% de inulina) e C (com 3% de frutooligossacarídeo) que, por sua vez, foram submetidas às análises físico-químicas de umidade, cinzas, pH, acidez titulável e lipídeos; e à análise sensorial de aceitação e intenção de compra. A partir dos resultados, pode-se perceber que não houve diferença estatística nos parâmetros avaliados, exceto a umidade, que apresentou uma diferença entre as amostras. Quanto aos resultados da avaliação sensorial, observou-se que, estatisticamente, a adição dos prebióticos não promoveu interferência significativa (p &lt; 0,05) em nenhum dos quesitos sensoriais avaliados, mostrando que todas as amostras foram bem aceitas, com índice de aceitabilidade &gt; 70%. As formulações com adição dos prebióticos obtiveram aceitações semelhantes ao produto padrão, além de apresentar boas expectativas de comercialização. Dessa forma, foi possível perceber a viabilidade da adição de prebióticos em formulações de iogurte saborizado com tamarindo, contribuindo para a diversificação do setor lácteo e de alimentos funcionais.

A new engineered endo-inulinase with improved activity and thermostability: Application in the production of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides from inulin

To construct a high-performance engineered endo-inulinase for fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) production from inulin, an inulin binding module (IBM) was fused into either N- or C-terminal of an endo-inulinase. After heterologous expression, purification and characterization, the C-terminal fusion one (Eninu-IBM) with better activity, thermostability and inulin binding ability was employed for high-temperature in situ inulin hydrolysis in a 10-L fermentor. During this process, Eninu-IBM was first efficiently produced by the yeast cells at 28 °C for 96 h, and subsequently 1600 g unsterilized inulin per liter fermentation liquor was directly supplemented into the bioreactor for FOS production at 60 °C for 2 h. Finally, high purity of FOS (91.4%) were obtained with FOS titer, yield and productivity of 717.3 g/L, 0.912 gFOS/gInulin and 358.6 g/L/h, respectively. The in vitro prebiotic assay indicated that the final FOS products with main polymerization degrees of 3–5 were preferably fermented by beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Does prebiotic feeding affect equine gastric health? A study on the effects of prebiotic-induced gastric butyric acid production on mucosal integrity of the equine stomach

Fructo-oligosaccharides are commonly administered as prebiotics to horses in order to reduce the risk of disruption of microbial populations in the hindgut. Their microbial degradation to SCFA already begins in the stomach potentially resulting in increased gastric concentrations of SCFA such as butyric acid. The impact of butyric acid on the squamous mucosa is postulated to be detrimental, its effects on the glandular mucosa are yet unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of butyric acid exposure on the functional integrity and morphology of the equine nonglandular and glandular gastric mucosa using butyric acid concentrations equivalent to the ones found in horses subjected to prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides feeding. Gastric mucosal samples of healthy horses were exposed to butyric acid using the in vitro Ussing chamber technique. Electrophysiological parameters were continuously monitored, mucosal samples were blinded and histomorphological analysis was performed using a scoring system for assessment of histopathologic changes. Exposure to butyric acid resulted in pathohistomorphological changes in the glandular mucosa and in impairment of functional mucosal integrity in the squamous and the glandular mucosa as documented by significant changes in tissue conductances (Gt). Administration of fructo-oligosaccharides as a preventive prebiotic measure to horses should therefore be carefully considered, particularly in horses known to be at risk of developing EGUS.

Prebiotic oligosaccharides from dragon fruits alter gut motility in mice

Dragon fruit oligosaccharide (DFO) has a prebiotic property which improves gut health by selectively stimulating the colonic microbiota. Altering microbiota composition may affect intestinal motility. However, no study has been done to understand the DFO effects on gut motor functions. This research thus aimed to investigate the DFO effects on mice colons compared to the prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and probiotic bifidobacteria. The mice in this study received distilled water; 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg DFO; 1000 mg/kg FOS; or 109 CFU Bifidobacterium animalis daily for 1 week and some treatments for 2 weeks. Gastrointestinal transits were analysed and motility patterns, smooth muscle (SM) contractions and morphological structures of the colons were assessed. Administration of FOS, 500 and 1000 mg/kg DFO significantly increased fecal output when compared to the control group. In mice treated with FOS and bifidobacteria, gut transit time was reduced, while upper gut transit was increased in comparison to DFO groups. Spatiotemporal maps of colonic wall motions showed that DFO increased the number of colonic non-propagation contractions and fecal pellet velocity, consistent with the results from groups treated with FOS and bifidobacteria. DFO also increased the amplitude and duration of colonic SM contractions. Histological stains showed normal epithelia, crypts, goblet cells, and SM thickness in all groups. In conclusion, DFO increased colonic SM contractions without morphological change and acted as a bulk-forming and stimulant laxative to increase fecal output and intestinal motility. Thus, DFO as a dietary supplement may promote gut health and correct gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Insight Into Dynamics of Gut Microbial Community of Broilers Fed With Fructooligosaccharides Supplemented Low Calcium and Phosphorus Diets.

We investigated how the microbiota in the ileum and cecum of broiler chickens fed a diet of low calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP) and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supplements changed over a 3 weeks period. Three dietary treatments were randomly assigned to four replicate cages of five birds each, including: positive control (PC), a wheat-corn-soybean meal-based diet; negative control (NC), as PC with 0.2% reduced Ca and aP; and NC + FOS, as NC supplemented with 0.5% of FOS. Ileal and cecal digesta were sampled from each replicate (n = 4) on d21 and processed for 16S rRNA gene amplicon (V4 region) sequencing using Illumina platform. Statistical differences were observed in the microbiome by GI location as determined by 2-way ANOVA and Permutational MANOVA. On average, 24,216 sequence reads per sample were generated resulting in 800 and 1,280 operational taxonomic units in the ileal and cecal digesta, respectively. Difference (P < 0.0001) on alpha diversity and abundances of several phyla was observed between ileal and cecal digesta. ß-diversity was different (P < 0.05) between each treatment groups in the ileum but not in the cecum. In the cecum, species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and the number of observed species were higher in PC compared to NC + FOS (P < 0.05). Several phyla, including Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, had significantly different abundance in the ileal and cecal digesta (P < 0.05). In the ileal digesta, positive correlation were observed between Salinibacterium and Lysobacter and PC diet. Blautia, Faecalibacterium and Pseudomonas and the NC diet and Lactobacillus and Escherichia and the NC + FOS diet. In the cecal digesta, Butyrivibrio, and Allobaculum were positively correlated to PC. Although, Clostridium and Anaerotruncus were positively correlated to NC + FOS, they showed negative correlation to PC and NC. The study concludes that dietary Ca and aP level and FOS supplementation alters ileal microbiota of the broiler chickens.

Process development for the production of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides by penicillium citreonigrum

A new isolated P. citreonigrum URM 4459 was selected to produce fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in an efficient, economical and fast one-step fermentation. Optimal culture conditions were stablished by experimental design. Experiments run in bioreactor resulted in a high yield, content, productivity and purity of FOS (0.65 ± 0.06 gFOS/ginitial Sucrose, 126.3 ± 0.1 g/L, 2.28 ± 0.08 g/L.h and 61 ± 0%). The FOS mixture was purified up to 92% (w/w) with an activated charcoal column. FOS produced were able to promote lactobacilli and bifidobacteria growth. Higher bacteria cell density was obtained for microbial-FOS mixtures than commercial Raftilose® P95. Some strains grew even faster in the FOS mixture produced than in all other carbon sources. FOS were resistant to the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. A high amount of a reducing trisaccharide was identified in the FOS produced mixture, possibly neokestose, which may explain the great prebiotic potential of the FOS.

Effects of a dietary synbiotic inclusion on bone health in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress episodes

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a dietary synbiotic inclusion on broiler bone health under daily cyclic heat stress. A total of 360 Ross 708 broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (8 replicates per treatment): a regular diet (control) and the regular diet mixed with a commercial synbiotic product at 0.5 (0.5X) or 1.0 (1.0X) g/kg. The synbiotic contains a prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides) and a probiotic mixture of 4 microbial strains (Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Lactobacillus reuteri). Room temperature was gradually decreased from 34°C on d 1 by 0.5°C/d for the first 14 d; then a cyclic heat stress episode (32°C/9h/d) was applied from d 15 to 42. Gait score assessment and the latency-to-lie test were conducted when broilers were 40 and 41 d of age, respectively. The tibia, femur, and humerus were collected for measuring bone parameters at 42 d of age. The data indicated that bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and bone area were higher and the level of gait score was lower in the 1.0X group (P = 0.05) but not in the 0.5X group (P > 0.05) compared to controls. The proportions of broilers showing signs of lameness were ranked 1.0X group (25%) < 0.5X group (45%) < control (54%). Compared to controls, broilers of 0.5X group stood longer (P = 0.03) during the latency-to-lie test. In conclusion, under the present conditions the synbiotic profoundly improves multiple indices of leg health of broilers subjected to the cyclic heat episodes, resulting in an improvement in walking ability.

Fructooligosaccharides Ameliorating Cognitive Deficits and Neurodegeneration in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice through Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to gut microbial alteration. Prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) play major roles by regulating gut microbiota. The present study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of FOS protection against AD via regulating gut microbiota. Male Apse/PSEN 1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic (Tg) mice were administrated with FOS for 6 weeks. Cognitive deficits and amyloid deposition were evaluated. The levels of synaptic plasticity markers including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and synapsin I, as well as phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), were determined. The intestinal microbial constituent was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing. Moreover, the levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the gut and GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the brain were measured. The results indicated that FOS treatment ameliorated cognitive deficits and pathological changes in the Tg mice. FOS significantly upregulated the expression levels of synapsin I and PSD-95, as well as decreased phosphorylated level of JNK. The sequencing results showed that FOS reversed the altered microbial composition. Furthermore, FOS increased the level of GLP-1 and decreased the level of GLP-1R in the Tg mice. These findings indicated that FOS exerted beneficial effects against AD via regulating the gut microbiota-GLP-1/GLP-1R pathway.

Impact of prebiotics on the rheological characteristics and volatile compounds of Greek yogurt

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of prebiotics (xylooligosaccharide, galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, fructooligosaccharide, or inulin) on the quality parameters of Greek yogurt. Composition, rheological parameters, and the volatile compounds profile were evaluated. The effect of prebiotic addition was dependent on the type of the component used. The addition of galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, and inulin resulted in more consistent (increase in k and decrease in n), elastic (increase in G′), viscous (decrease in tan δ) and firm products (increase in G * and z). In addition, the volatile compounds profile was diverse, with the appearance of isobutyric acid, 5-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-4-octanone, 2 (5H) -furanone and/or 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone, which contributes to the sweet aroma, sweet taste, and buttery flavor of the products. The addition of fructooligosaccharides had a negative impact on the rheological parameters, resulting in less consistent, elastic, viscous, and firm products. The addition of xylooligosaccharide resulted in products with intermediate characteristics. Therefore, galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, and inulin proved to be technological and interesting alternatives for the manufacture of prebiotic Greek yogurts.

Frucooligosaccharides purification: Complexing simple sugars with phenylboronic acid

Prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are currently obtained by enzymatic reaction with fructosyltransferases (FTFs) using sucrose as both donor and acceptor. In these reactions glucose results as the most abundant by-product, arising from each fructosyl transfer event and, together with fructose, because of the inherent hydrolytic activity of the FTFs. As FOS are mainly used as prebiotic in nutraceutical foods, the reduction or total elimination of monosaccharides is required. In this work the selective elimination of monosaccharides from a synthetic FOS mixture was achieved through the selective complexation of glucose and fructose with phenyl boronic acid (PBAc) followed by ethyl-acetate extraction. The process was applied to a complex mixture of FOS obtained in an enzymatic synthesis reaction containing 40% glucose, 15.8% fructose and 35% of FOS, elimination of the sugars was achieved through 3:1 molar reactions, resulting in a levan-type FOS product with 97% purity.

Flour from mature Prosopis nigra pods as suitable substrate for the synthesis of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides and stabilization of dehydrated Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus

Prosopis nigra, a sucrose-rich crop, was used to enzymatically synthesize fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). The obtained products were used as stabilizing matrices during freeze-drying and storage of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CIDCA 333.The centesimal composition of P. nigra flour was firstly determined. FOS were synthesized using Viscozyme L as biocatalyst. The progress of the enzymatic reaction was monitored by HPLC and compared with a reaction carried out using equivalent concentrations of pure sucrose as substrate (control). Then, P. nigra containing or not the obtained FOS (P. nigra + FOS or P. nigra) were used as matrices for freeze-drying and storage of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CIDCA 333.P. nigra flour was rich in simple sugars (sucrose and fructose), total dietary fiber, and polyphenols. The main products of synthesis were FOS with degrees of polymerization (DP) within 3 and 5, and these results were comparable with those of the controls. DP3 was the first product obtained, attaining the maximal production after 1.29 hours of synthesis. The maximal production of total FOS (DP3 + DP4 + DP5) was achieved after 2.57 hours, indicating that larger FOS (DP4, DP5) were produced from DP3. Glucose was obtained as secondary product, but with significantly lower Vmax and Kf (maximal velocity for the production and constant for the formation) than DP3. Both P. nigra + FOS or P. nigra matrices stabilized the highly sensitive L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CIDCA 333 strain during freeze-drying and storage for up to 140 days at 4 °C, and were significantly better protectants than the controls of sucrose (p <0.05).The concomitant presence of prebiotics (FOS), antioxidants (polypyhenols) and lactic acid bacteria in the matrices provides a smart strategy to increase the value of this underutilized regional crop, turning it in an interesting ingredient potentially useful in the food industry.