Plant Protein Research Articles

Genome-Wide Profiling of the ACTIN Gene Family and Its Implications for Agronomic Traits in Brassica napus: A Bioinformatics Study

ACTINs are key structural proteins in plants, which form the actin cytoskeleton and are engaged in numerous routine cellular processes. Meanwhile, ACTIN, recognized as a housekeeping gene, has not yet been thoroughly investigated in Brassica napus. The current research has led to the detection of 69 actin genes in B. napus, which were organized into six distinct subfamilies on the basis of phylogenetic relationships. Functional enrichment analysis, along with the construction of protein interaction networks, suggested that BnACTINs play roles in Preserving cell morphology and facilitating cytoplasmic movement, plant development, and adaptive responses to environmental stress. Moreover, the BnACTIN genes presented a wide range of expression levels among different tissues, whereas the majority experienced a substantial increase in expression when subjected to various abiotic stresses, demonstrating a pronounced sensitivity to abiotic factors. Furthermore, association mapping analysis indicated that some BnACTINs potentially affected certain key agronomic traits. Overall, our research deepens the knowledge of BnACTIN genes, promotes the cultivation of improved B. napus strains, and lays the groundwork for subsequent functional research.

Crystal structure and function of a phosphate starvation responsive protein phosphatase, GmHAD1-2 regulating soybean root development and flavonoid metabolism.

Phosphate (Pi) availability is well known to regulate plant root growth. However, it remains largely unknown how flavonoid synthesis participates in affecting plant root growth in response to Pi starvation. In the study, the crystal structure of a plant protein phosphatase, GmHAD1-2, was dissected using X-ray crystallography for the first time. It was revealed that GmHAD1-2 contained a modified Rossmannoid class of α/β folds with three layered α/β sandwich. Transcripts of GmHAD1-2 were increased by Pi starvation in soybean roots, especially in lateral root tips. GmHAD1-2 suppression or overexpression significantly influenced soybean lateral root length and number, as well as phosphorus (P) content. Furthermore, GmHAD1-2 was found to interact with a chalcone reductase, GmCHR1. Suppression of GmHAD1-2 significantly changed the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in soybean roots. Taken together, the results highlight that GmHAD1-2 can regulate soybean root growth by influencing flavonoid metabolism.

8353 Impact of a plant-based protein diet on bone health and body composition in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract Disclosure: M.M. Gomes: None. I.M. de Araújo: None. S.V. Rodriguez: None. F.R. Jorge: None. F.J. de Paula: None. Introduction:Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with some health benefits; this has contributed to their growing popularity. Although studies remain limited, there is evidence that these patients may be at greater risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. The general objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a high-protein, plant-based diet on bone tissue and body composition in male Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology: The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee. This study was done with 10 rats in the control group (CG), which received a standard AIN-93M diet; 11 in the normoprotein vegetarian group (NVG), with a normoprotein AIN-93 diet modified with pea protein and methionine; and 11 in the high-protein vegetarian group (HVG), with a modified AIN-93 diet with 40% pea protein and methionine. The dietary intervention lasted 8 weeks. The weight of the animals was measured weekly. Basal blood glucose levels were measured at baseline. At the end of the study, 6 rats from the CG, 6 rats from the NVG, and 5 rats from the HVG were subjected to a glucose tolerance test (GTT). The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique was applied in the baseline and final periods of the experiment to evaluate body composition, bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD. After sacrifice, bone strength was measured via a three-point flexion mechanical test on the tibia; brown adipose, epididymal, and retroperitoneal tissues, as well as the liver, were weighed on an analytical balance. Blood was used to measure circulatory levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP (n=6/group). Results: Basal weight was similar between the groups, but the final weight was lower in the HVG as compared to the CG. In the DXA evaluation, the final lean mass was not different between the groups. On the other hand, total fat mass was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG and the fat percentage was lower in the HVG than in the CG. The weight of epididymal adipose tissue was lower in the HVG than in the NVG, but retroperitoneal and brown adipose tissues were lower in HVG than CG. Liver weight was similar between groups. BMD was similar between groups; however, BMC was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG. Bone strength was similar between groups. There was no difference in glycemia at baseline or during GTT at the eighth week. Serum levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP were similar between groups. Discussion and Conclusion: A normoprotein vegetarian diet that includes all essential amino acids appears to have no negative impact on body composition or BMD in rats. On the other hand, a high-protein diet with plant protein appears to have a negative impact on bone mineral content, in addition to reducing the amount of body fat and weight. This finding expands on previous results by showing that high-protein diets have a negative impact on bone even when the protein is of plant origin. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Production of active human iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) enzyme in Nicotiana benthamiana

Many strategies have been developed to produce high levels of biologically active recombinant proteins in plants for biopharmaceutical purposes. However, the production of an active form of human iduronate-2-sulfatase (hIDS) for the treatment of Hunter syndrome by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is challenging due to the requirement for cotranslational modification by a formylglycine-producing enzyme encoded by sulfatase modifying factor 1 (hSUMF1) at the Cys84 residue, which converts it to C(alpha)-formylglycine. In this study, we have shown that hIDS can be highly expressed in N. benthamiana by using different constructs. Among them, BiP-GB1-L-dCBD1-2L-8xHis-L-6xHis-3L-EK-hIDS-HDEL (GB1-CBD1-hIDS) showed a high expression level when transiently co-expressed with the turnip crinkle virus gene silencing suppressor P38 and GB1-fused human calreticulin (GB1-CRT1) as a folding enhancer. The hSUMF1 was co-expressed with hIDS for cotranslational modification. The full-length recombinant proteins were purified using Ni2+-NTA affinity resin followed by enterokinase treatment to obtain tag-free hIDS. The N-terminal fragment was removed using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) beads. The purified active form of hIDS can successfully cleave the sulfate group from an artificial substrate, 4-nitrocatechol sulfate, at a similar level to commercial hIDS expressed in animal cells. These results suggest that plants could be a promising platform for the production of recombinant hIDS.

Probiotic Milk Enriched with Protein Isolates: Physicochemical, Organoleptic, and Microbiological Properties.

Incorporating plant protein isolates into milk can enhance probiotic culture growth by providing essential nutrients and altering the physicochemical properties of fermented milk. This study investigated the effects of adding 1.5% or 3.0% soy, pea, and whey protein isolates on the growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactobacillus johnsonii monocultures, as well as the physicochemical (acidity, syneresis, color) and organoleptic properties of fermented milk during 21 days of refrigerated storage. The results showed that 1.5% SPI and WPI did not significantly alter milk acidity compared to controls. Still, pH increased with 1.5% and 3.0% PPI. Storage time significantly affected pH in L. casei fermented milk. The initial addition of WPI at 1.5% and 3.0% reduced syneresis in L. casei fermented milk compared to other samples. Color components were significantly influenced by isolates. Initial L. casei cell counts were lower with SPI (LCS1.5 and LCS3) and 1.5% PPI (LCP1.5) compared to controls. Increasing isolate concentration from 1.5% to 3% enhanced L. johnsonii growth in WPI-milk but reduced L. casei in LCW3 compared to LCW1.5. Only increased pea protein concentration significantly increased L. casei growth. Probiotic populations generally were reduced during extended storage. Moreover, isolates impacted milk organoleptic evaluation. This research demonstrates the potential of protein isolates in creating health-promoting and diverse fermented products and offers insights into their interaction with probiotic cultures to advance functional food technologies.

How the ovalbumin modulates the conformation of zein through protein-protein interactions

Under the prevailing trend of transitioning from animal proteins to plant protein-based substitutes, the interaction between these two protein sources is of paramount importance. In this work, zein as a representative plant protein, the influence of animal protein ovalbumin on the conformation and physicochemical properties of zein was explored through experiments and theoretical calculations. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy showed that the formation of Zein-Ovalbumin complexes, and significant fluorescence quenching occurred between zein and ovalbumin. The results of UV indicated that the microenvironment surrounding the protein residues was influenced by the changes of protein conformation. The secondary structure of zein was regulated by ovalbumin according to the results of circular dichroism spectroscopy. The determination of surface hydrophobicity and zeta-potential indicated that protein-protein interactions affected the exposure of hydrophobic groups and the strength of surface charges. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dissociation experiments identified that the main driving forces to yield Zein-Ovalbumin complexes were hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. The results of molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the increased interaction strength between zein and ovalbumin led to a tighter complex structure with a binding free energy of −32.4 kcal/mol. This study proposed a method to regulate the structural and functional properties of plant proteins through protein-protein interactions.

Plant protein dominant enteral nutrition, containing soy and pea, is non-coagulating after gastric digestion in contrast to casein dominant enteral nutrition

Enteral Nutrition (EN) is used for the dietary management of patients requiring tube feed and who are at risk of disease related malnutrition. Previously, EN with a dairy-dominant p4 protein blend (DD-P4: 20% soy, 20% pea, 25% casein and 35% whey) was shown to not coagulate in the stomach, increase gastric emptying rate and reduce gastric residual volume compared to EN with casein-dominant protein blends (CD; 80% casein and 20% whey), which is relevant for upper gastrointestinal tolerance. In line with the EAT-Lancet report, a new plant-dominant protein blend (PD-P4: 46% soy, 32% pea, 16% casein and 6% whey) was developed.Coagulating properties of PD-P4 are compared to DD-P4 and dairy proteins in protein solutions as well as in EN matrices, using a semi-dynamic in vitro gastric model simulating adult conditions, followed by solid particle (> 0.25 mm) separation using analytical sieving. Sieve retentates and filtrates were assayed for weight, dry matter, and protein content where possible.Whey protein, PD-P4 and DD-P4 protein solutions as well as PD-P4 and DD-P4 EN variants had minimal total particle weights. In contrast, casein protein solution coagulation amounted to ∼ 21 % of its initial wet weight, containing ∼ 51 % of its initial protein content, and CD EN coagulation amounted to 21 %- 45 % of the initial wet weight, containing 59–65 % of the initial protein content.EN with the new PD-P4 blend can be considered non-coagulating after in-vitro gastric digestion, similar to the DD-P4 blend. This was independent of energy density, protein content, and the presence of dietary fiber. EN with a non-coagulating plant-dominant protein blend might support upper gastrointestinal tolerance and promote the worldwide protein transition.

Plant Protein Resources, Novel Extraction and Precipitation Methods: A Review

ABSTRACTThis comprehensive review explores the diverse landscape of plant protein resources, focusing on novel extraction and precipitation methods that contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient protein production. The increasing global demand for plant‐based proteins as a key component of balanced diets has spurred research into optimizing extraction processes from various plant sources. The review encompasses a wide range of plant protein resources, including legumes, cereals, oilseeds, and other plant‐based alternatives. Special emphasis is given to innovative techniques in protein extraction, such as enzyme‐assisted extraction, aqueous extraction, and emerging technologies like ultrasound and microwave‐assisted methods. Additionally, the review investigates novel precipitation methods employed to isolate and purify plant proteins, shedding light on techniques like isoelectric precipitation, salting‐out, and membrane filtration. The integration of sustainable practices in protein extraction, coupled with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, is a central theme throughout the review. By synthesizing current research findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐the‐art in plant protein extraction and precipitation methods, offering valuable insights for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers involved in the rapidly evolving field of plant‐based protein production.

PH shift extraction technique for plant proteins: A promising technique for sustainable development

With the recognition of animal-derived foods as unhealthy and their association with climate change, researchers are increasingly focusing on plant-based protein as a sustainable alternative. Plant proteins offer versatile functional and dietary benefits, making them suitable for various food applications. This study investigates the influence of alkaline and acidic pH conditions on the extraction yield and the functional and nutritional properties of plant-based proteins. The primary sources of plant protein include cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, which can be used to address essential amino acid deficiencies through blending. Several methods have been employed for protein extraction from plant sources, such as salt extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and micellar precipitation. Among these techniques, the pH shift method stands out due to its non-thermal nature, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In this method, proteins are solubilized at alkaline pH and then precipitated at their isoelectric point, resulting in a collection of protein precipitate. It is crucial to optimize extraction techniques based on qualitative and quantitative analysis to enhance protein yield, characteristics, and nutritional value. Most conventional protein extraction methods require a large quantity of chemicals, which imposes the issue of safe disposal, compromising environmental sustainability. Traditional methods also produce protein with non-proteinaceous constituents, adding another purification step and resulting in increased overall cost. However, the pH shift method utilizes comparatively less harsh chemicals and has a high protein extraction yield, which makes it comparatively more environmentally and economically sustainable. The sustainable extraction of plant-based proteins addresses the health and environmental concerns associated with animal-derived foods and offers a promising solution to promote sustainability in the food industry.

Study on the Recombinant Human Interferon α1b, α2b, and Gamma Transient Expression and in Vitro Activities in Tobacco.

Interferons (IFNs) are universally acknowledged for their pivotal role in antiviral and anticancer responses. Thus, the primary aim of our study was to explore the expressions of IFN-α1b, α2b, and gamma in tobacco leaves via agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation and investigate their possible activities. Briefly, fusion with green fluorescent protein tags aided in detecting the expressed IFN proteins in the foliar tissues. The genetic constructs encoding these fusion proteins were inserted into the MagnICON plant transient expression vector, followed by transformation into the Agrobacterium strain GV3101. The transformed bacteria were then used to infiltrate tobacco leaves. After post-infiltration, protein expression was confirmed within 72 h via sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the fusion proteins were subsequently purified using high-performance liquid chromatography for identification. Both the antiviral and anticancer potencies of these IFN fusion proteins were evaluated using the WISH/VSV (WISH cells/Vesicular stomatitis virus) microneutralization and MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays, respectively. Results indicated robust expression of the targeted IFN genes in plant tissues and significant biological activities against pathogens and cancer cells. Consequently, this study substantiated the viability of producing these therapeutic proteins in plants, potentially revolutionizing the manufacture of interferons biologically.

Toward Diverse Plant Proteins for Food Innovation.

This review highlights the development of plant proteins from a wide variety of sources, as most of the research and development efforts to date have been limited to a few sources including soy, chickpea, wheat, and pea. The native structure of plant proteins during production and their impact on food colloids including emulsions, foams, and gels are considered in relation to their fundamental properties, while highlighting the recent developments in the production and processing technologies with regard to their impacts on the molecular properties and aggregation of the proteins. The ability to quantify structural, morphological, and rheological properties can provide a better understanding of the roles of plant proteins in food systems. The applications of plant proteins as dairy and meat alternatives are discussed from the perspective of food structure formation. Future directions on the processing of plant proteins and potential applications are outlined to encourage the generation of more diverse plant-based products.

Increasing plant protein in the diet induces changes in the plasma metabolome that may be beneficial for metabolic health. A randomized crossover study in males

Background & aimDietary shifts replacing animal protein (AP) with plant protein (PP) sources have been associated with lowering cardiometabolic risk (CMR), but underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. This nutritional intervention aims to characterize the metabolic changes induced by diets containing different proportions of AP and PP sources in males at CMR. DesignThis study is a 4-week, crossover, randomized, controlled-feeding trial in which 19 males with CMR followed two diets providing either 36% for the control diet (CON-D) or 64% for the flexitarian diet (FLEX-D) of total protein intake from PP sources. Plasma nontargeted metabolomes (LC-MS method) were measured in the fasted state and after a high-fat challenge meal at the end of each intervention arm. Lipogenesis and protein synthesis fluxes, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and gluco-lipidic responses were assessed after the challenge meal. Data were analyzed with mixed models, and univariate and multivariate models for metabolomics data. ResultsIn both arms CMR improved with time, with decreased body weight (-0.9%), insulin resistant (-34%, HOMA-IR, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-cholesterol (-11%). Diet had no effect on FMD or metabolic fluxes, but a trend was observed for a stronger decrease in HOMA-IR and lower postprandial glucose after FLEX-D vs CON-D. The abundance of 21 and 37 metabolites differed between diets at fasted and fed states, respectively, including food intake biomarkers of AP (methylhistidine, eicosapentaenoic acid, hydroxyprolines) and PP sources (trigonelline, N-acetyl-ornithine). In fasted or fed states, indole acrylic acid and indole propionic acid, both products of tryptophan catabolism, were higher after FLEX-D vs CON-D, while the indispensable amino acids-related metabolites alpha-aminoadipic acid, hydroxymethylbutyric acids and propionylcarnitine were lower. In the postprandial state only, the ω-oxidation products dodecanedioic, tetradecanedioic and hexadecanedioic acids were higher after FLEX-D vs CON-D. ConclusionsDespite little changes in risk factors after 4 wk, this study evidenced subtle metabolic adaptations in amino acids and lipid metabolism and gut microbiota activity occurring after higher PP source intake that may be beneficial to CMR. ClinicalTrials.gov study identifierNCT04236518 Clinical Trial RegistryNCT04236518 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Quercetin supplementation improved the growth and health of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) fed low-fishmeal diets

The substitution of fishmeal with plant proteins can induce oxidative stress in aquatic animals and impair their growth and health. Quercetin is a potent natural antioxidant, but its specific effects on the growth and health of Chinese mitten crabs, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of quercetin on the growth, physiological and biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and transcriptome of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis). Crabs (0.53 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into seven groups. One group was fed a diet containing normal fishmeal (35 % fishmeal), whereas the other six groups were fed diets containing low levels of fishmeal (15 % fishmeal) supplemented with different levels of quercetin (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 mg/kg). Each group had four replicate tanks with 40 crabs per 300 L tank, and the experiment lasted for 56 days. The growth performance of the 35 % fishmeal group was significantly greater than that of the 15 % fishmeal group without quercetin. However, quercetin significantly increased the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of juvenile crabs, especially in the 1000 mg/kg quercetin group, where these rates exceeded those of the normal fishmeal group. The antioxidant capacity and immunity of the 35 % fishmeal group were significantly greater than those of the 15 % fishmeal group. However, quercetin supplementation promoted the antioxidant capacity and immunity of the crabs. Quercetin supplementation at 4000 mg/kg changed the gut microbiota structure by decreasing beneficial bacteria and increasing pathogenic bacteria. Quercetin supplementation enhanced the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of Chinese mitten crabs by increasing glutamate metabolism, pantothenic acid and Coenzyme A biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. This study revealedthat dietary supplementation with quercetin can promote Chinese mitten crab growth, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity; improve gut morphology; and promote gut microbiota homeostasis. The optimal dietary concentration of 688–695 mg/kg is recommended on the basis of weight gain and specific growth rate analyses.

Microcapsules with condensates and liposomes composite membranes fabricated via soy protein simple coacervation

Coacervation is a common phenomenon in plant proteins which however has yet been well recognized. This study systematically investigated the properties of soy glycinin coacervates, explored the wetting behavior between the condensates and oil droplets in order to obtain microcapsules with core-shell structure, and furthermore figured out the strategy to stabilize the condensate membranes. Fluidity of glycinin coacervates was characterized by viscosity and fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching which was highly dependent on solution parameters and intriguingly increased with prolonged time due to protein structure reorganization. Complete engulfment of oil droplets by coacervates leading to core-shell structure formation was achieved at salinity≥0.1M NaCl and pH≥7 above room temperature. Core-shell structure could be preserved by membranization using liposome coating as it prevented the coalescence between coacervates. Condensate membranes were further hardened by a combination of physical and enzymatic crosslinking using calcium ions and transglutaminase respectively which enabled the microcapsules to survive in the gastric environment. This study is important as it paves way for fabricating well designed microcapsules based on the simple coacervation of plant proteins which are biocompatible and widely abundant.

Unraveling the mechanisms of multiple resistance across glyphosate and glufosinate in Eleusine indica

The herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate are commonly used in citrus and sugarcane orchards in Guangxi Province, China, wherein the C4 plant Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. is known to be a dominant weed species. However, high selection pressure has resulted in failure of control. In the present study, experiments were conducted to clarify resistance levels for the suspected populations and elucidate the mechanisms for multiple resistance. The resistance index to glyphosate was calculated for eight populations and ranged from 5.4 to 21.3, with a low-level shikimate content of 0.24–0.50 μg g−1. In addition, three populations showed low-level resistance to glufosinate, with a resistance index ranging from 2.6 to 3.9. The amplification of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene with a double-mutation T102I + P106S (TIPS) or a single-mutation (P106S and P106A) was observed in most populations. The target genes of glufosinate (GS1–1, GS1–2, and GS1–3) showed high-level expression, namely 145.5-fold that of susceptible plants. The content of EPSPS and glutamine synthetase (GS) protein in resistant plants can reach to 3.6 and 2.1 times higher than those in susceptible plants, respectively. The overexpression of the EPSPS gene with double (T102I + P106S) or single (P106S and P106A) mutations, plus the overexpression of GS1–1, GS1–2, and GS1–3, responded to multiple resistance mechanisms. Altogether, these results demonstrate that overexpression of GS1 is a novel form of resistant mechanism to glufosinate in weeds.

Differential patterns of antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid epitopes detected in sera from patients in acute phase of COVID-19, convalescents and pre-pandemic individuals.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have already infected more than 0.7 billion people and caused over 7 million deaths worldwide. At the same time, our knowledge about this virus is still incipient. In some cases, there is a pre-pandemic immunity, however its source is unknown. The analysis of patients' humoral responses might shed a light on this puzzle. In this paper, we evaluated the antibody recognition of nucleocapsid protein, one of the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, we used pre-pandemic, acute COVID-19 and convalescent patients' sera to identify and map nucleocapsid protein epitopes. We identified a common epitope KKSAAEASKKPRQKRTATKA recognized by sera antibodies from all three groups. Some motifs of this sequence are widespread among various coronaviruses, plant or human proteins indicating that there might be more sources of nucleocapsid-reactive antibodies than previous infection with seasonal coronavirus. The two sequences MSDNGPQNQRNAPRITFGGP and KADETQALPQRQKKQQTVTL were detected as specific for sera from patients in acute phase of infection and convalescents making them suitable for future development of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Knowledge of the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential for the design of appropriate diagnostic tools and vaccine antigens.

Modulating the techno-functional properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild) protein concentrate using high-pressure technologies and their impact on in vitro digestibility: A comparative study

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 200–600 MPa at 24 °C for 20 min) and dynamic high pressure (DHP; 50–180 MPa) were applied to modulate the techno-functional properties of quinoa protein concentrate (QPC) produced from non-defatted flour using a lab-scale extraction. QPC's unique composition, with 74.6 % protein and significant levels of unsaturated fatty acids, influenced the effects of HHP and DHP. HHP significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced hydration properties, peaking at 400 and 500 MPa (on average 4.34 g/g), while DHP reduced the oil absorption capacity from 2.5 to 1.8 g/g. Both processing techniques decreased QPC protein solubility. This reduction corresponded to decreased foaming capacity and emulsifying properties in HHP-processed QPC. DHP increased emulsifying activity and stability indices, with optimized improvements at 100 MPa of 39.4 and 414.4 %, respectively. These modifications in QPC's properties occurred without noticeable loss in in vitro protein digestibility (IVPDaverage = 86.1 %). The findings support the potential of high-pressure technologies to uniquely modulate different techno-functional properties of QPC, produced from non-defatted flour, while maintaining high digestibility, thereby offering greater versatility in its use. Industrial relevanceQuinoa is a strategic choice for diversifying plant protein sources, with the use of non-defatted flour in QPC production offering new insights into its composition and properties, reducing both costs and environmental impact. In this study, HHP and DHP, recognized as “green” physical processing technologies, demonstrated advantageous potential to develop innovative quinoa protein ingredients with added value and clean-label appeal, while maintaining their high nutritional value. The distinctive effects of high-pressure technologies and varying pressure levels on modulating QPC's techno-functional properties underscore the creation of multifunctional QPC and the optimization of key properties, addressing the urgent demands of the plant-based food segment.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundDespite recommendations to increase plant food consumption for public and planetary health and the role that soy foods can play in plant-predominant diets, controversies around the effects of soy foods and especially soy isoflavones, are a barrier to their intake. Given their cardioprotective effects and ability to alleviate menopausal symptoms, addressing these concerns is particularly relevant to women. ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to determine the effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity in postmenopausal women. MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched through August 2024 for randomized trials 3-months investigating soy isoflavones versus non-isoflavone controls in postmenopausal women. Outcomes included endometrial thickness (ET), vaginal maturation index (VMI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. Independent authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias. GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) was used to assess certainty of evidence. ResultsWe included 40 trials (52 trial comparisons, n=3285) assessing the effect of a median reported dose of 75mg/day of soy isoflavones in substitution for non-isoflavone controls over a median of 24 weeks. Soy isoflavones had no statistically significant effect on any measure of estrogenicity; ET (mean difference, -0.22mm [95% confidence interval, -0.45, 0.01mm], PMD=0.059), VMI (2.31 [-2.14, 6.75], PMD=0.310), FSH (-0.02IU/L [-2.39, 2.35IU/L], PMD=0.987), and estradiol (1.61pmol/L [-1.17, 4.38pmol/L], PMD=0.256). The certainty of evidence was high-to-moderate for all outcomes. ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that soy isoflavones do not exhibit estrogenic effects compared to non-isoflavone controls on 4 measures of estrogenicity in postmenopausal women. This synthesis supports that soy isoflavones likely act as selective estrogen receptor modulators, differing clinically from the hormone estrogen. Addressing public health concerns may promote soy foods as high-quality plant protein sources with low environmental impact and cost, particularly benefiting postmenopausal women, and aligning with sustainable dietary patterns and guidelines. RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42023439239)

The power of plant proteins in human diet: what do we know about their digestibility?

The power of plant proteins in human diet: what do we know about their digestibility?

Dietary protein in a challenge meal does not alleviate postprandial impairments in vascular endothelial function in healthy older adults with cardiometabolic risk: a randomized crossover-controlled trial

BackgroundPostprandial vascular endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis. Meal protein has been reported to reduce endothelial dysfunction in adults and the effect could be mediated by the amino acid content. ObjectiveThis trial aims to assess the effect of a specifically designed plant protein blend that contains high leucine, arginine and cysteine on postprandial endothelial function in the elderly. MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind, 3-period crossover (2-wk washout), controlled trial, we compared the vascular effects of 3 high-saturated-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) meals based on either our specific plant-protein blend, milk protein, or without added protein. The trial was conducted on 29 healthy adults >65y presenting at least 2 cardiometabolic risk factors. Postprandial vascular function was evaluated at fasting, 3 hours, and 5 hours postprandially, using brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), hand microvascular reactivity (by Flowmetry Laser Doppler, FLD), and finger reactive hyperemia index (using Peripheral Arterial Tonometry, RHI). Immune cells count and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was also assessed postprandially. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models with repeated measurements on participants for meal composition and time of sampling. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04923555. ResultsFMD iAUC decreased after meals (time effect P<0.01), with no significant differences between meals. RHI also decreased with time (P<0.01). PBMC count and MCP1, IL-1b, IL-6 expression increased after meals showing postprandial endothelial activation (P<0.05). Overall, meal composition had no effect on any of the postprandial changes (Ps>0.10). ConclusionsIn healthy adults over 65 years presenting cardiometabolic risk, adding protein to an HFHS challenge meal does not mitigate postprandial impairments in vascular endothelial function and inflammatory activation. Further studies are needed to explore the potential differences with younger adults.