Functional Foods

Gossypol but not cottonseed extracts or lipopolysaccharides stimulates HuR gene expression in mouse cells Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Heping Cao, Kandan Sethumadhavan Abstract Human antigen R (HuR) stabilizes cytokine mRNAs and plays an important role in tumorigenesis and inflammation. Plant extracts and compounds that can regulate HuR gene expression may have nutritional and therapeutic value, but little research has been done in this area. This study evaluated the effect of cottonseed extracts, anti-nutritional gossypol and endotoxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on HuR gene expression in mouse macrophages. Mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with multiple concentrations of glanded and glandless cottonseed extracts, gossypol and LPS for 2–24 h. qPCR assay showed that cottonseed extracts and LPS had minor effect on HuR gene expression. However, gossypol increased HuR mRNA levels 16 fold in cells treated for 24 h. Immunoblotting confirmed that gossypol increased HuR protein in macrophages. These results showed that gossypol is a strong stimulator of HuR gene expression. Graphical abstract

Recombinant ostreolysin (rOly) inhibits the anti-adipogenic Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Erez Israeli, Nastacia Adler Berken, Ofer Gover, Eike Waechtershaeuser, Lutz Graeve, Betty Schwartz Abstract Obesity is a nutrition-associated disorder result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Changing adipocytes differentiation patterns is considered as a strategy to treat obesity-related disorders. Recently, much interest is focused on the role of posttranslational modifications of tubulin on adipocyte differentiation. We recently demonstrated that a recombinant version of the fungal protein Ostreolysin (rOly) drastically affects metabolism of adipose tissue. The aim of the present study is to extend our understanding of the in vitro effects of rOly on different adipocytes. We demonstrate that rOly inhibits the anti-adipogenic Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells. Additionally, rOly affected the gene expression levels of SQSTM1 and Collagen type 1, which are mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in 3T3-L1 cells. We provide a potential molecular mechanistic approach describing that the effect of rOly on adipocytes is mediated by tubulin acetylation and AMPK phosphorylation. Graphical abstract We recently generated a recombinant version of the 15 kDa fungal protein Ostreolysin (rOly) which has been previously shown to induced brown-like phenotype in brown pre-adipocyte HIB-1B In-vitro and protect against high-fat diet induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice In-vivo. Herein, we demonstrate that rOly induced distinct morphological changes in white pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 and human adipose-derived stem cells. At the molecular level, our results demonstrate that rOly affect tubulin post-translation modification in a cell dependent manner and inhibit the anti-adipogenic pathway Hedgehog signaling independent to AMPK activation. Point mutations on tryptophan residues showed the importance of rOly membrane interaction to address the effect on morphological and Hedgehog signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results shed light on rOly molecular mechanism in a different types of adipocyte cells.

Human milk oligosaccharides and its acid hydrolysate LNT2 show immunomodulatory effects via TLRs in a dose and structure-dependent way Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Lianghui Cheng, Mensiena B.G. Kiewiet, Andre Groeneveld, Arjen Nauta, Paul de Vos Abstract Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have beneficial immune effects but the mechanisms of action are not well-understood. Here we study Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling of the HMOs 2′-FL, 3-FL, 6′-SL, LNT2, and LNnT and their effect on cytokine production in human macrophages. 3-FL activated TLR2 and LNT2 activated all TLRs in a dose-dependent way. In an inhibition assay, 2′-FL, 6′-SL, and LNnT inhibited TLR5 and 7, while 3-FL inhibited TLR5, 7, and 8. 6′-SL showed a synergistic effect on ssRNA40-induced TLR8 activation. In addition, we measured HMO-induced cytokine production in THP1 macrophages. IL-10 and TNFα were induced by LNT2, and the effects were NF-κB dependent, while the other HMOs had minor effects. The potent effects of LNT2 might be explained by the unique N-acetylglucosamine end that binds to leucine-rich repeats on TLRs. Our data suggest that the effects of HMOs on TLR signaling and immunomodulation of macrophages are HMO-structure dependent. Graphical abstract

Amelioration of cold-induced gastric injury by a yeast probiotic isolated from traditional fermented foods Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Abhijit Banik, Joy Mondal, Subham Rakshit, Kuntal Ghosh, Shankar Prasad Sha, Suman Kumar Halder, Chandradipa Ghosh, Keshab Chandra Mondal Abstract In this study, an isolated yeast strain AKP1 was selected (out of 10 isolates) on the basis of the cumulative probiotic score. Genotypic characterization confirmed that it was a Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Gastroprotective effect of AKP1 was evaluated by cold-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Prior supplementation of AKP1 along with the food led to significant reduction of the cold-induced gastric lesion in stomach. The histological study clearly showed that the mucosal columnar epithelial cells of the stomach were protected from cold injury. The relative expressions of some inflammatory marker genes such as up-regulation of IL-10 and down-regulation of IL-12, IFN-γ, IFN-λ of gastric mucosa also supported the anti-inflammatory activity of AKP1. Therefore, the newly isolated yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae AKP1 might be a novel candidate of probiotic with an anti-ulcerogenic potential and can be used as a therapeutic component to prevent this widespread disease. Graphical abstract

In vitro evaluation of gastro-intestinal digestion and colonic biotransformation of curcuminoids considering different formulations and food matrices Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Valentina Azzurra Papillo, Marco Arlorio, Monica Locatelli, Laura Fuso, Nicoletta Pellegrini, Vincenzo Fogliano Abstract Pharmaceutical formulations for improving stability and bioavailability of curcuminoids are often produced using excipients unsuitable for food applications. In this work, turmeric oleoresin was microencapsulated by spray drying using gum arabic and maltodextrins to prepare a new ingredient (GA/MD) for food industry. In vitro bioaccessibility and degradation of curcuminoids along the gastro-intestinal tract was investigated, and compared with two commercial ingredients, turmeric powder and Meriva®. Curcuminoids were significantly degraded under the gastro-intestinal conditions in all the formulations; however, their bioaccessibility in GA/MD ingredient was 25-fold higher than that of turmeric powder, but slightly lower (1.2-fold) to that of Meriva®. After addition to rice and yoghurt, the curcuminoid bioaccessibility of GA/MD was about 2- fold higher than for the ingredient alone and 1.5- fold higher than for Meriva®; furthermore, addition to rice improved bioaccessibility more than in yogurt. Studies using different coating agents and other food matrices are needed. Graphical abstract

Fuzhuan Tea protects Caenorhabditis elegans from glucose and advanced glycation end products via distinct pathways Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Li-Gui Xiong, Lian-Yun Pan, Yu-Shun Gong, Jian-An Huang, Zhong-Hua Liu Abstract Fuzhuan Tea (FZT) protects against obesity and obesity-related disorders. However, little is known about its effects on high-sugar toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we find that FZT limits the life-shortening effects of a high-sugar (glucose, sucrose, galactose, and fructose) diet, but does not extend lifespan on a normal diet or protect against oxidative stress. FZT also can prolong healthspan and alleviate the detrimental effects of a glucose-rich diet. Furthermore, we report that effects of FZT on glucose toxicity and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) damage can be dissociated. Notably, FZT is dependent on DAF-16/FOXO and the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway to promote lifespan and decrease fat content on a glucose-rich diet; concomitantly, FZT reduces AGEs levels by regulating SKN-1/Nrf and p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, independent of DAF-16/FOXO and IIS pathway. Our findings indicate that FZT protects against high glucose toxicity by a mechanism other than protection against AGEs damage. Graphical abstract

Effects of oxidation and browning of macerated white wine on its antioxidant and direct vasodilatory activity Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Ana Marija Milat, Mladen Boban, Pierre-Louis Teissedre, Ana Šešelja-Perišin, Diana Jurić, Danijela Skroza, Ivana Generalić-Mekinić, Ivica Ljubenkov, Josip Volarević, Zuriñe Rasines-Perea, Michael Jourdes, Ivana Mudnić Abstract Although naturally produced macerated white wines are increasingly popular, their biological effects are rarely studied. As wines containing no preservatives, they are highly susceptible to oxidation after bottle opening. Our aims were therefore: (1) to compare the antioxidant and direct vasodilatory activity of standard (W) and polyphenols-rich macerated white wine (PW); (2) to examine effects of oxidation and browning of PW, associated with its exposure to air for 24 (24 h-OxPW) and 48 h (48 h-OxPW), on measured biological activities. Total phenolics content, direct vasodilatory and antioxidant activity of PW were much higher than those of W. Overall effects of up to 48 h-exposure to air on levels and composition of examined phenolics were minor. Similarly, exposure to air and associated browning did not affect maximal vasodilatory and antioxidant activity of PW. Vasodilatory potency, however, increasingly weakened with exposure to air as oxidized samples had higher half maximal effective concentrations than intact PW. Graphical abstract

Pure yeast beta-glucan and two types of yeast cell wall extracts enhance cell migration in porcine intestine model Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Jenna Penney, Yang Lu, Bo Pan, Yulong Feng, Carrie Walk, Julang Li Abstract Beta-Glucans are commonly used health supplements for humans and animals. They represent a promising avenue to help combat many widespread health concerns including intestinal upset and inflammation. These beneficial effects may be different from species to species and between different cell types and therefore it is important to examine the mechanisms in any species or cell type for which this supplement may be used in. In this study we have shown that pure Beta-Glucans and the less processed yeast cell wall extracts significantly enhance cell migration in a porcine intestinal cell model, potentially through activation of the ELK1 pathway. The expression of migration-related genes was also seen to be significantly increased in response to Beta-Glucan treatment. Our data suggests that Beta-Glucans activate the CD22 receptor in the pig intestine, which has the potential to reduce inflammation. Overall, we found a novel mechanism through which Beta-Glucans exert their effects in the pig intestinal cell model. Graphical abstract

Enhancement of therapeutic efficacy of betanin for diabetes treatment by liposomal nanocarriers Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Sajed Amjadi, Mehran Mesgari Abbasi, Behrooz Shokouhi, Marjan Ghorbani, Hamed Hamishehkar Abstract Betanin is a bioactive compound with a high antioxidant activity and therapeutic potential. However, incomplete oral absorption and low stability of betanin limit its application. To surmount these limitations, betanin was encapsulated with nanoliposomes, nanoparticles exhibiting suitable physicochemical properties. Additionally, betanin-loaded nanoliposomes revealed a relatively good sustained release profile in the simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. In vitro digestion stability of betanin and its antioxidant activity were significantly improved by liposomal encapsulation. These nanocarriers were assessed in vivo for their therapeutic potency in streptozotocin induced rats. The results showed that the administration of betanin-loaded nanoliposomes was significantly more effective than free betanin in positively regulate hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Moreover, the histopathological analysis showed that the tissue damage in kidney, liver and pancreas was reduced in the betanin-loaded nanoliposomes treated diabetic rats. In conclusion nanoliposomes are suitable nanocarriers for improving the stability and therapeutic potential of betanin. Graphical abstract

Does cell wall integrity in legumes flours modulate physiochemical quality and in vitro starch hydrolysis of gluten-free bread? Publication date: August 2019 Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 59 Author(s): Fatma Boukid, Elena Vittadini, Federica Lusuardi, Tommaso Ganino, Eleonora Carini, Federico Morreale, Nicoletta Pellegrini Abstract Cell integrity has recently been recognized being a key factor in modulating nutrients accessibility, but it has not been assessed in the application of legumes flours in complex matrices. In this study, cell wall intactness [fractured cells (FC) or intact cells (IC)] and particle size significantly influenced the functional properties of legumes flours. Cannellini bean (CB) flour rich in IC was characterized by high water holding capacity and low starch gelatinization enthalpy, which are features appreciated in gluten-free (GF) bread. Regardless of cell structure, adding 20% of CB to a GF bread decreased breadcrumb hardness and increased crust yellowness. Bread made with IC was softer than that with unfractionated flour, FC and 100% rice. Noteworthy, the extent of starch hydrolysis was reduced when IC (≈33%) was used followed by unfractionated flour (≈40%), FC (≈46%) and 100% rice (≈64%). Predominance of IC enabled a natural barrier against amylolytic enzymes. Graphical abstract