Biotransformation characteristics of urate-lowering probiotic fermented apple juice and potential regulatory mechanisms for ameliorating hyperuricemia via mediating gut microbiota and metabolic pathways.

Hyperuricemia has evolved into a global public health concern, and applying probiotics fermented apple juice holds promise for alleviating this condition. This study aimed to investigate the biotransformation and metabolic features of urate-lowering probiotics sequentially fermented dealcoholized apple juice (PSFA), and assess its ameliorative effects and potential mechanisms on hyperuricemia mice. Results showed that CICC 6074 and 20,292 possessed excellent purine, nucleotide and nucleoside degradation and acid and bile salt resistance; sequential fermentation decreased the fructose in apple juice, and viable counts reached 3.76 × 108 CFU/mL. Histopathological analysis showed that PSFA ameliorated kidney damage in hyperuricemia mice. Furthermore, PSFA significantly reduced Urea, Creatinine and Uric acid levels in hyperuricemia mice; and inhibited xanthine oxidase activity and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Importantly, PSFA reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis and raised the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillush, Faecalibaculum and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group). KEGG and COG functional prediction results revealed that the potential mechanism of PSFA to ameliorate hyperuricemia may be lipid metabolism and glycolysis pathways.

Polysaccharide-polyphenol interactions: a comprehensive review from food processing to digestion and metabolism.

Most studies on the beneficial effects of polyphenols on human health have focused on polyphenols extracted using aqueous organic solvents, ignoring the fact that a portion of polyphenols form complexes with polysaccharides. Polysaccharides and polyphenols are interrelated, and their interactions affect the physicochemical property, quality, and nutritional value of foods. In this review, the distribution of bound polyphenols in major food sources is summarized. The effect of food processing on the interaction between polyphenols and cell wall polysaccharides (CWP) is discussed in detail. We also focus on the digestion, absorption, and metabolic behavior of polysaccharide-polyphenol complexes. Different food processing techniques affect the interaction between CWP and polyphenols by altering their structure, solubility, and strength of interactions. The interaction influences the free concentration and extractability of polyphenols in food and modulates their bioaccessibility in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to their major release in the colon. Metabolism of polyphenols by gut microbes significantly enhances the bioavailability of polyphenols. The metabolic pathway and product formation rate of polyphenols and the fermentation characteristics of polysaccharides are affected by the interaction. Furthermore, the interaction exhibits synergistic or antagonistic effects on the stability, solubility, antioxidant and functional activities of polyphenols. In summary, understanding the interactions between polysaccharides and polyphenols and their changes in food processing is of great significance for a comprehensive understanding of the health benefits of polyphenols and the optimization of food processing technology.

Bifidobacterium bifidum Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Regulating Microbial Metabolome and Targeting Gut Microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and its clinical treatment remains suboptimal. Probiotics have shown effectiveness in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis, exhibiting strain-specific anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of five strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum isolated from healthy adult feces on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Additionally, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by examining gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolome. Our findings highlighted the superior efficacy of B. bifidum M1-3 compared to other strains. It significantly improved colitis symptoms, mitigated gut barrier disruption, and reduced colonic inflammation in DSS-treated mice. Moreover, gut microbiota composition analysis revealed that B. bifidum M1-3 treatment increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. Specifically, it significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Enterorhabdus, while decreasing the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Furthermore, our nontargeted metabolomics analysis illustrated that B. bifidum M1-3 treatment had a regulatory effect on various metabolic pathways, including tyrosine metabolism, lysine degradation, and tryptophan metabolism. Importantly, we confirmed that the therapeutic efficiency of B. bifidum M1-3 was dependent on the gut microbiota. These results are conducive to the development of probiotic products for alleviating colitis.

Enzymatically green-produced bacterial cellulose nanoparticle-stabilized Pickering emulsion for enhancing anthocyanin colorimetric performance of versatile films.

To enhance the colorimetric performance of anthocyanin (Ant), a konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based multifunctional pH-responsive indicator film was fabricated by introducing enzymatically prepared bacterial nanocellulose (EBNC) stabilized camellia oil/camellia essential oil Pickering emulsion (BCCE). Specifically, optimized enzymatic hydrolysis time (36 h) was determined based on the particle size and microstructure. Then BCCE (containing 0.4% EBNC) was incorporated into Ant-containing KGM, and the novel active indicator film (KGM-Ant-BCCE) was constructed. Films with varying BCCE concentrations (3%-11%) exhibited enhanced UV shielding, thermal stability, mechanical strength, water vapor and oxygen permeability, hydrophobicity, and antioxidant performance. The pronounced color change of KGM-Ant-BCCE indicated its potential for visually detecting shrimp freshness. Moreover, the biodegradability (25 days) confirmed the environmentally benign property of the film. In summary, incorporating green-produced EBNC nanoparticle-stabilized BCCE offers an innovative pathway to improve the color indication capability of polysaccharide-based smart packaging.

Multi-strategy dynamic cross-linking to prepare EGCG-loaded multifunctional Pickering emulsion/α-cyclodextrin/konjac glucomannan composite films for ultra-durable preservation of perishable fruits.

Developing multifunctional films with antibacterial, antioxidant, and sustained-release properties is a robust strategy for preventing contamination of perishable fruits by foodborne microorganisms. This study engineered a sustained-release biodegradable antibacterial film loaded with EGCG (Pickering emulsion (PE)/α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD)/Konjac glucomannan (KGM)) through multi-strategy cross-linking for fruit preservation. EGCG is stabilized using PE and incorporated into the α-CD/KGM inclusion compound; the unique structure of α-CD enhances EGCG encapsulation, while KGM provides the film toughness and surface adhesion. The composite film's physicochemical properties, antioxidant, bacteriostatic and biodegradability were studied. Results showed that Pickering emulsions with 3 % oil phase exhibited excellent stability. Moreover, α-CD introduction increased the loading and sustained release of EGCG from the film, and its concentration significantly affected the light transmission, thermal stability, mechanical strength, mechanical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of the composite membrane. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the composite film increased significantly with increasing α-CD concentration. Application of the film to tomatoes and strawberries effectively inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth, prolonging the shelf-life of the fruits. Notably, the composite film exhibits superior biodegradability in soil. This EGCG-loaded PE/α-CD/KGM composite film is anticipated to be a multifunctional antimicrobial preservation material with sustained-release properties and biodegradable for perishable food applications.

Layer-by-layer coated probiotics with chitosan and liposomes exhibit enhanced therapeutic effects for DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Probiotic therapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, offering advantages in terms of safety and convenience. However, oral probiotics encounter significant challenges, including exposure to a hostile gastric environment with low pH, bile salts, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and damage to the protective mucus layer. These factors reduce probiotic survival rates and limit their physiological activity. To address these challenges, we developed a layer-by-layer coated probiotics with curcumin-loaded liposome and polymer. Through DSS-induced colitis mice experiments, we demonstrated that the coated probiotics exhibited an improved survival rate in the gastrointestinal tract and enhanced adhesion to the intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, multi-layered coated probiotics exhibited remarkable efficacy in alleviating colitis by efficiently repairing the gut barrier, modulating gut microbial homeostasis, and reducing bacterial motility at sites of colonic inflammation. Our innovative approach holds promise for effectively treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Immobilization of pancreatin based on ultrasound-assisted polydopamine functionalized magnetic porous chitosan for the detoxification of ochratoxin A in wine.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that globally contaminates fruits and their products. Since OTA have a huge negative impact on health hazards and economic losses, it is imperative to establish an effective and safe strategy for detoxification. Here, pancreatin was immobilized on the surface of polydopamine functionalized magnetic porous chitosan (MPCTS@ PDA) for the degradation of OTA. Compared with free pancreatin, MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin displayed excellent thermal stability, acid resistance, storage stability and OTA detoxification in wine (>58%). Moreover, the MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin retained 43% initial activity after 8 reuse cycles. There was no significant change in the quality of wine after MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin treatment. Moreover, it did not exhibit cytotoxicity which facilitated its application in wine. These results demonstrated that MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin can be used as a highly effective biocatalysate for OTA detoxification in wine.

Polyphenols synergistic drugs to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via signal pathway and gut microbiota: A review.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Single drug therapy may have toxic side effects and disrupt gut microbiota balance. Polyphenols are widely used in disease intervention due to their distinctive nutritional properties and medicinal value, which a potential gut microbiota modulator. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review to explore the efficacy and mechanism of combined therapy with drugs and polyphenols for NAFLD. AIM OF REVIEW: Based on this, this review firstly discusses the link between NAFLD and gut microbiota, and outlines the effects of polyphenols and drugs on gut microbiota. Secondly, it examined recent advances in the treatment and intervention of NAFLD with drugs and polyphenols and the therapeutic effect of the combination of the two. Finally, we highlight the underlying mechanisms of polyphenol combined drug therapy in NAFLD. This is mainly in terms of signaling pathways (NF-κB, AMPK, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, PPAR, SREBP-1c, PI3K/Akt and TLR) and gut microbiota. Furthermore, some emerging mechanisms such as microRNA potential biomarker therapies may provide therapeutic avenues for NAFLD. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Drawing inspiration from combination drug strategies, the use of active substances in combination with drugs for NAFLD intervention holds transformative and prospective potential, both improve NAFLD and restore gut microbiota balance while reducing the required drug dosage. This review systematically discusses the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and NAFLD, and summarizes the potential mechanisms of polyphenol synergistic drugs in the treatment of NAFLD by modulating signaling pathways and gut microbiota. Future researches should develop multi-omics technology to identify patients who benefit from polyphenols combination drugs and devising individualized treatment plans to enhance its therapeutic effect.

Impact of polyphenol-loaded edible starch nanomaterials on antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota.

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have the capability to adsorb polyphenol components from apple pomace efficiently, forming bound polyphenols (P-SNPs). These bound polyphenols may have potential bioactivities to affect human health positively. Therefore, in-depth in vivo observation of the antioxidant activity and evaluation of its gut microbiota regulatory function are essential. The results revealed that P-SNPs indicated significant scavenging abilities against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the nanomaterials exhibited non-toxic properties, devoid of hepatorenal and intestinal damage, while concurrently stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) within the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, P-SNPs significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity in serum, liver, and kidney tissues, fostering the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bacillus, norank_f__Muribaculaceae) while suppressing pathogenic bacterial growth (Helicobacter, Odoribacter). This study proposes a novel research concept for the scientific use of polyphenols in promoting gut health.

Preparation and characterization of pectin-alginate-based microbeads reinforced by nano montmorillonite filler for probiotics encapsulation: Improving viability and colonic colonization.

Hydrogel microbeads can be used to enhance the stability of probiotics during gastrointestinal delivery and storage. In this study, the pectin-alginate hydrogel was enhanced by adding montmorillonite filler to produce microbeads for encapsulating Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens (LK). Results showed that the viscosity of biopolymer solutions with 1 % (PAMT1) and 3 % (PAMT3) montmorillonite addition was suitable for producing regular-shaped microbeads. A layered cross-linked network was formed on the surface of PAMT3 microbeads through electrostatic interaction between pectin-alginate and montmorillonite filler, and the surrounding LK with adsorbed montmorillonite was encapsulated inside the microbeads. PAMT3 microbeads reduced the loss of viability of LK when passing through the gastric acid environment, and facilitated the slow release of LK in the intestine and colonic colonization. The maximum decrease in viability among all filler groups was 1.21 log CFU/g after two weeks of storage, while PAMT3 freeze-drying microbeads only decreased by 0.46 log CFU/g, indicating that the gel layer synergized with the adsorbed layer to provide dual protection for probiotics. Therefore, filler-reinforced microbeads are a promising bulk encapsulation carrier with great potential for the protection and delivery of probiotics and can be developed as food additives for dairy products.

Sea Buckthorn Flavonoid Extracted by High Hydrostatic Pressure Inhibited IgE-Stimulated Mast Cell Activation through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.), as one of the Elaeagnaceae family, has the significant function of anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and other physiological activities. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) extraction has the advantages of being easy and efficient, while maintaining biological activity. In this study, sea buckthorn flavonoid (SBF) was extracted with HHP and purified sea buckthorn flavonoid (PSBF) was isolated by AB-8 macroporous resin column. HPLC analysis was used to quantified them. In addition, the effect of anti-allergy in RBL-2H3 cells by SBF, PSBF, and their flavonoid compounds was evaluated. The results demonstrate the conditions for obtaining the maximum flavonoid amount of SBF: 415 MPa for 10 min, 72% ethanol concentration, and a liquid to solid ratio of 40 mL/g, which increased the purity from 1.46% to 13.26%. Both SBF and PSBF included rutin, quercitrin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. In addition, quercitrin, kaempferol, and SBF could regulate Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Moreover, extracellular Ca2+ influx was reduced by quercitrin and PSBF. Furthermore, rutin, quercetin, iso-rhamnetin, and SBF could also inhibit P-p38 and P-JNK expression, thereby suppressing the phosphorylation of the MAPK signaling pathways. Overall, SBF is effective for relieving food allergy and might be a promising anti-allergic therapeutic agent.

Characterization and stability assessment of polyphenols bound to Lycium barbarum polysaccharide: Insights from gastrointestinal digestion and colon fermentation.

Polysaccharides and polyphenols are biologically active components that coexist in Lycium barbarum fruit, and there may be interactions between them that affect the release of each other. In this study, polyphenols bound to L. barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) were characterized, and the stability of bound phenolics (BP) was assessed by gastrointestinal digestion and colon fermentation. The results showed that a total of 65 phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins were identified by UPLC-MS/MS. Quantitative analysis revealed that the major phenolic constituents were rutin, p-coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid, and their contents were 58.72, 24.03, 14.24, 13.28, 10.39, and 6.7 mg GAE/100 g DW, respectively. The release of BP by gastric digestion and gastrointestinal digestion was 9.67 % and 19.39 %, respectively. Most polyphenols were greatly affected by gastric digestion, while rutin was released in small intestine. The BP were fully released (49.77 %) and metabolized by gut microorganisms, and a considerable number of intermediates and end-products were detected, such as phloroglucinol, phenylacetic acid, and phenyllactic acid. Microbiomics data emphasized the positive impact of LBP on gut bacteria of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Clostridioides. These findings could deepen our understanding of the bioavailability and biological fate of BP and also provide reference data for nutrient release and utilization of L. barbarum as a whole.

Development of a polyphenol-enriched whole kiwifruit dietary supplement and its potential in ameliorating hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Kiwifruit pomace, which contains abundant phenolic compounds, is typically discarded during the juicing process, leading to wastage of valuable resources. To address this issue, various indicators (including total acidity, sugar/acid ratio, vitamin C, total polyphenols, polyphenol monomers, and soluble solids content) of 15 kiwifruit cultivars were evaluated and juiced. Then, a polyphenol-concentrated solution from kiwifruit pomace was backfilled into kiwi juice to prepare whole nutritious compound kiwi juice, and its anti-hyperlipidemic activity on obese model mice was then investigated. RESULTS: Through grey relational analysis and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), Kuimi and Huayou were identified as the predominant varieties for juicing, with weighted relevance scores of 0.695 and 0.871 respectively and TOPSIS scores of 0.6509 and 0.8220 respectively. The polyphenol content of Cuixiang pomace was 43.97 mg g-1 , making it the most suitable choice for polyphenol extraction. By backfilling a polyphenol-concentrated solution derived from Cuixiang pomace into compound kiwi juice of Huayou and Kuimi, the whole nutritious compound kiwi juice with polyphenols was produced and exhibited superior bioactivities, including enhanced hepatic oxidative stress defense, and alleviated serum lipid abnormalities. Furthermore, whole nutritious compound kiwi juice with polyphenols ameliorated host intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota. CONCLUSION: A hypolipidemic dietary supplement based on kiwifruit pomace polyphenols has been successfully developed, providing an effective solution for hyperlipidemia intervention. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation the nutritional properties of Auricularia auricula pulp fermented with Lactobacillus strains and their effects on gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Auricularia auricula is rich in bioactive components, and microbial fermentation can further dramatically increase its content and bioavailability. However, there are few studies on the relationship between fermented A. auricula pulp (FAAP) and gut microbiota. In this study, standard strains Lactobacillus plantarum 21801 and 21805 purchased from the China Center of Industrial Culture Collection were used to ferment A. auricula pulp at a ratio of 2:1, with an inoculum of 5%, a fermentation temperature of 31 °C, and a fermentation time of 22 h. The nutritional properties, aroma, and color of FAAP and their effects on the body characteristics of mice and the structure and abundance of gut microbiota are discussed. RESULTS: The results showed that, compared with A. auricula pulp, FAAP significantly increased the nutritional properties while maintaining favorable sensory quality and flavor profiles. Among them, the content of total polyphenols and total flavonoids reached 22.04 µg mL-1 and 20.56 µg mL-1 respectively, and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free-radical scavenging rate increased to 73.21%. The consumption of FAAP had no negative effects on weight or liver and kidney function in mice and dramatically enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the liver and serum. The production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut was promoted, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, norank_f__Muribaculaceae and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae) increased, and the growth of some pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Alloprevotella) was inhibited. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that FAAP is rich in nutrients and has unique functional properties that promote host health and regulate the gut microbiota. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Layer-by-layer coated probiotics with chitosan and liposomes demonstrate improved stability and antioxidant properties in vitro.

Probiotics are of increasing interest for their potential health benefits, but their survival and adhesion in the harsh gastrointestinal environment remain a concern. This study explored a single-cell encapsulation technique to enhance probiotic survival and adhesion in the gastrointestinal tract. We encapsulated probiotics in curcumin-loaded liposomes, further coated them with polymers using layer-by-layer techniques. The coated probiotics were evaluated for survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to colonic mucus, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed that multi-layer encapsulation increased probiotic size at the nanoscale, enhancing their survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Upon reaching the colon, the shedding of the coating coincided with probiotic proliferation. Additionally, the coated probiotics exhibited increased adhesion to colonic mucus. Moreover, the coating acted as a protective barrier for effectively scavenging reactive oxygen radicals, ensuring probiotic survival in inflammatory environments. This study combines the synergistic effects of probiotics and curcumin, underscoring the promise of single-cell encapsulation techniques in improving the efficacy of probiotics for addressing colitis-related diseases.

[Factors Affecting Nitrate Concentrations and Nitrogen and Oxygen Isotope Values of Effluents from Waste Water Treatment Plant].

Urban domestic sewage is one of the important nitrate (NO-3) sources for surface water; however, their NO-3 concentrations and nitrogen and oxygen isotope values (δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3) remain unclear, and the factors affecting NO-3 concentrations and δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values of effluents in the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) are still unknown. Water samples in the Jiaozuo WWTP were collected to illustrate this question. Influents, clarified water in the secondary sedimentation tank (SST), and effluents of the WWTP were sampled every 8 h. The ammonia (NH+4) concentrations, NO-3 concentrations, and δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values were analyzed to elucidate the nitrogen transfers through different treatment sections and illustrate the factors affecting the effluent NO-3 concentrations and isotope ratios. The results indicated that ① the mean NH+4 concentration was (22.86±2.16) mg·L-1 in the influent and decreased to (3.78±1.98) mg·L-1 in the SST and continuously reduced to (2.70±1.98) mg·L-1 in the effluent of the WWTP. The median NO-3 concentration was 0.62 mg·L-1 in the influent, and the average NO-3 concentration increased to (33.48±3.10) mg·L-1 in the SST and gradually increased to (37.20±4.34) mg·L-1 in the effluent of the WWTP. ② The mean values of δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 were (17.1±10.7)‰ and (19.2±2.2)‰ in the influent of the WWTP, the median values of δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 were 11.9‰ and 6.4‰ in the SST, and the average values were (12.6±1.9)‰ and (5.7±0.8)‰ in the effluent of the WWTP. ③ The NH+4 concentrations of influent had significant differences compared to those in the SST and the effluent (P<0.05). The reduction of NH+4 concentrations in the SST was due to the above nitrification during the aerobic treatment process, which transferred NH+4 to NO-3. The NH+4 concentrations in the SST had no significant differences with that in the effluent of the WWTP (P>0.05). ④ The NO-3 concentrations in the influent had significant differences with those in the SST and the effluent (P<0.05), and minor NO-3 concentrations but relatively high δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values in the influent were probably due to denitrification during the pipe sewage transportation. The obviously increased NO-3 concentrations (P<0.05) but decreased δ18O-NO-3 values (P<0.05) in the SST and the effluent resulted from water oxygen incorporation during the nitrification. The above results confirmed the impacts of aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes on NO-3 concentrations and isotope ratios of effluent from the WWTP and provided scientific basis for the identification of sewage contributions to surface water nitrate via average δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values.

The optimization of sequential fermentation in the dealcoholized apple juice for reducing lipids.

Yeast and lactic acid bacteria are widely used in fermented foods and the nutrients and metabolites produced by fermentation have cholesterol degrading effects. This study utilized Xinjiang Aksu apples as the material to optimize the sequential fermentation process of different strains and construct a fermentation kinetic model to develop a functional fermentation product with low-sugar, probiotics-rich and lipid-lowering properties. The sequential fermentation of dealcoholized apple juice with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum was optimized by response surface design, based on which a sequential fermentation kinetic model was constructed. The changes of short-chain fatty acids, cholesterol elimination rate and hydrophobic properties during the fermentation process were studied. The results showed that the kinetic model established under the optimal conditions could effectively predict the dynamic changes of the basic indexes during the fermentation process. After fermentation, the viable number of L. plantarum was 4.96 × 108 CFU/mL, short-chain fatty acids increased, the cholesterol elimination rate reached 45.06%, and the hydrophobicity was 51.37%, which had favorable lipid-lowering properties and hydrophobic effect. This research will provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the monitoring of microbial dynamics and functionalization development of sequentially fermented apple juice with different strains. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05741-z.

Serum metabolomics combined with 16S rRNA sequencing to reveal the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on host metabolism and gut microbiota.

Gut microbes and microbial metabolites derived from polysaccharides mediate beneficial effects related to polysaccharides consumption. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive components in L. barbarum fruits and possesses considerable health-promoting effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether LBP supplementation influenced host metabolic responses and gut microbiota in healthy mice, and to identify bacterial taxa associated with the observed beneficial effects. Our results indicated that mice supplied with LBP at 200 mg/kg BW showed lower serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and liver TG levels. LBP supplementation strengthened the antioxidant capacity of liver, supported the growth of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, and stimulated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. Serum metabolomic analysis revealed that fatty acid degradation pathways were enriched, and RT-PCR further confirmed that LBP up-regulated the expression of liver genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. The Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that some serum and liver lipid profiles and hepatic SOD activity were associated with Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Ruminococcus, Allobaculum and AF12. Collectively, these findings provide new evidence for the potential preventive effect of LBP consumption on hyperlipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

[Dissolved Ion Concentrations and Isotope Values in Agricultural Fertilizer Locally Applied in Henan Province].

Agricultural fertilizers (AFs) have provided vegetation with necessary nutrients, but unabsorbed constituents have been retarded in soil, potentially affecting the quality of adjacent surface water and groundwater. AFs element contents and stable isotope compositions have often been utilized to assess and calculate AFs pollution to nitrate and sulfate in surface water and groundwater; however, due to various AFs applied, the dissolved ion concentrations and isotope ratios are still unknown. This study collected commercial AF widely utilized in Henan province, China, to constrain their ion concentrations and isotope values. The dissolved ions (1 g AFs dissolved in 1 L ultrapure water), sulfate sulfur, and oxygen isotope values(δ34S and δ18O) were analyzed, and total nitrogen (TN) contents coupled with nitrogen isotope values(δ15N) in solid AFs were determined to elucidate their elemental and isotopic compositions. These characteristics provided a scientific basis for further assessing their contributions to surface water and groundwater contaminations. The results indicated that pH values in the AFs solutions varied from 3.6 to 10.2, with a mean value of 6.7±1.5 (n=30, 1σ). Sulfate (SO42-) and nitrate (NO3-) concentrations ranged from 4.38 mg·L-1 to 827.29 mg·L-1 and from 1.34 mg·L-1 to 208.90 mg·L-1, with median values of 192.80 mg·L-1 and 13.51 mg·L-1 and average values of (256.19±239.83) mg·L-1 (n=30) and (37.07±53.21) mg·L-1 (n=29), respectively. Dissolved sulfate δ34S and δ18O values in AFs varied from -3.5‰ to 19.0‰ and from 6.7‰ to 18.5‰, with median values of 4.1‰ and 10.1‰ and mean values of (5.8±5.5)‰ (n=22, 1σ) and (10.7±2.7)‰ (n=22, 1σ), respectively. TN and δ15N values in AFs ranged from 0.5% to 38.9% and from -2.7‰ to 3.4‰, with median values of 13.3% and 0.0‰ and average values of (14.8±9.3)% (n=25) and 0.0±1.5‰ (n=24, 1σ), respectively. The lower averaged δ34S values and positive averaged δ18O values potentially resulted from sulfuric acids added as raw materials, giving rise to a negative relationship between pH values and SO42- concentrations (P<0.05). The δ15N values of AFs were close to that of air N2, corresponding to the fact that NO3--N and NH4+-N were synthesized via air N2. Our results revealed the dissolved ion concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ and their δ34S, δ18O, and δ15N values of typically applied AFs in Henan province, which provided the scientific basis for studying the AFs contributions to SO42- and NO3- pollutions in surface water and groundwater surroundings.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatments Improved Properties of Fermentation of Apple Juice Accompanied by Higher Reserved Lactobacillus plantarum.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment to obtain high quality juice, and prepared functional apple juice using fermentation technology. The physicochemical properties of HHP (10 min) pasteurized and pasteurized (85 °C, 15 min) apple juices were compared during fermentation. Moreover, the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum after fermentation under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was evaluated. Results showed that HHP-treated apple juice had better properties than that of pasteurized in terms of color difference, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity. After fermentation, about 2.00 log CFU/mL increase in viability of cells was observed and there was around 0.8 reduction in pH value, and the antioxidant capacities were also significantly improved. Additionally, the content of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid significantly increased after 24 h of fermentation. The survival of Lactobacillus plantarum in simulated gastric fluid reached 97.37% after fermentation. Overall, HHP treatment is expected to be a substitute technology to pasteurization in order to obtain higher quality fermented fruit juice. This study could also be helpful for exploitation of fermented juice.