A review on processing methods and functions of wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides.

Wheat germ protein is a potential resource to produce bioactive peptides. As a cheap, safe, and healthy nutritional factor, wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides (WGBPs) provide benefits and great potential for biomedical applications. The objective of this review is to reveal the current research status of WGBPs, including their preparation methods and biological functions, such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, immune regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, etc. We also reviewed the information in terms of the preventive ability of WGBPs to treat serious infectious diseases, to offer their reference to further research and application. Opinions on future research directions are also discussed. Through the review of previous research, we find that there are still some scientific issues in the basic research and industrialization process of WGBPs that deserve further exploration. Firstly, based on current complex enzymolysis, the preparation and production of WGBPs need to be combined with other advanced technology to achieve efficient and large-scale production. Secondly, studies on the bioavailability, biosafety, and mechanism against different diseases of WGBPs need to be carried out in different in vitro and in vivo models. More human experimental evidence is also required to support its industrial application as a functional food and nutritional supplement.HighlightsThe purification and identification of wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides.The main biological activities and potential mechanisms of wheat germ hydrolysates/peptides.Possible absorption and transport pathways of wheat germ hydrolysate/peptide.Wheat germ peptide shows a variety of health benefits according to its amino acid sequence.Current food applications and future perspectives of wheat germ protein hydrolysates/peptide.

Bioactive components and anti-diabetic properties of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a perennial tropical deciduous tree with high economic and pharmaceutical value. As an edible plant, M. oleifera Lam. is rich in nutrients, such as proteins, amino acids, mineral elements and vitamins. Besides, it also contains an important number of bioactive phytochemicals, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. M. oleifera for long has been used as a natural anti-diabetic herb in India and other Asian countries. Thus, the anti-diabetic properties of Moringa plant have evolved highly attention to the researchers. In the last twenty years, a huge number of new chemical structures and their pharmacological activities have been reported in particularly the anti-diabetic properties. The current review highlighted the bioactive phytochemicals from M. Oleifera. Moreover, evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of M. oleifera for diabetes including experimental and clinical data was presented and the underlying mechanisms were revealed in order to provide insights for the development of novel drugs.

Exploration of Antimicrobial Ingredients in Psoralea corylifolia L. Seed and Related Mechanism against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

With the abuse of antibiotics, bacterial antibiotic resistance is becoming a major public healthcare issue. Natural plants, especially traditional Chinese herbal medicines, which have antibacterial activity, are important sources for discovering potential bacteriostatic agents. This study aimed to develop a fast and reliable method for screening out antimicrobial compounds targeting the MRSA membrane from Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed. A UPLC-MS/MS method was applied to identify the prenylated flavonoids in major fractions from the extracts of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different fractions and compounds. The morphological and ultrastructural changes of MRSA were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membrane-targeting mechanism of the active ingredients was explored by membrane integrity assays, membrane fluidity assays, membrane potential assays, ATP, and ROS determination. We identified eight prenylated flavonoids in Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seed. The antibacterial activity and mechanism studies showed that this type of compound has a unique destructive effect on MRSA cell membranes and does not result in drug resistance. The results revealed that prenylated flavonoids in Psoralea corylifolia Linn. seeds are promising candidates for the development of novel antibiotic agents to combat MRSA-associated infections.

Gut microbiota and metabonomics used to explore the mechanism of Qing'e Pills in alleviating osteoporosis.

CONTEXT: The traditional Chinese medicine Qing'e Pills (QEP) has been used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the regulatory effects of QEP on gut microbiota in osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen female SD rats were divided into three groups: sham surgery (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX) and ovariectomized treated with QEP (OVX + QEP). Six weeks after ovariectomy, QEP was administered to OVX + QEP rats for eight weeks (4.5 g/kg/day, i.g.). After 14 weeks, the bone microstructure was evaluated. Differences in gut microbiota were analysed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Changes in endogenous metabolites were studied using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology. GC-MS was used to detect short-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, we measured serum inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ, which may be related to gut microbiota. RESULTS: OVX + QEP exhibited increased bone mineral density (0.11 ± 0.03 vs. 0.21 ± 0.02, p< 0.001) compared to that of OVX. QEP altered the composition of gut microbiota. We identified 19 potential biomarkers related to osteoporosis. QEP inhibited the elevation of TNF-α (38.86 ± 3.19 vs. 29.43 ± 3.65, p< 0.05) and IL-6 (83.38 ± 16.92 vs. 45.26 ± 3.94, p< 0.05) levels, while it increased the concentrations of acetic acid (271.95 ± 52.41 vs. 447.73 ± 46.54, p< 0.001), propionic acid (28.96 ± 5.73 vs. 53.41 ± 14.26, p< 0.01) and butyric acid (24.92 ± 18.97 vs. 67.78 ± 35.68, p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that QEP has potential of regulating intestinal flora and improving osteoporosis. The combination of anti-osteoporosis drugs and intestinal flora could become a new treatment for osteoporosis.

Neuroprotective Effects of ZiBuPiYin Recipe on db/db Mice via PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway by Activating Grb2.

Background: Diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD) is one of the nervous system dysfunctions induced by diabetes mellitus with cognitive impairment as the major symptom. In a previous preliminary proteomic study, we found that endoplasmic reticulum processing and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might be impaired in DACD pathogenesis. In addition, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 might be a crucial protein as a molecular target of the neuroprotective effects of ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR). Methods: In this study, 6-8 weeks aged db/db mice were treated with excipients or ZBPYR for 6 weeks. Body weight and RBG were recorded weekly. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to assess memory function. The expression of Grb2, Gab2, Akt, and GSK3ß in mouse hippocampus and cerebral cortex were analyzed by Western blotting. Results: ZBPYR not only significantly reduced RGB and improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, but also improved spatial cognition in DACD mice. The expression of Grb2 and Gab2 in hippocampus and cerebral cortex of db/db mice was upregulated after treated with ZBPYR, and then affected the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and inhibited GSK3ß overactivity. Conclusions: This study showed that ZBPYR could enhance the memory and learning ability of db/db mice. Such neuroprotective effect might be related to the activation of Grb2-PI3K/Akt signaling which might provide a novel therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of DACD.

Soybean-derived miRNAs specifically inhibit proliferation and stimulate apoptosis of human colonic Caco-2 cancer cells but not normal mucosal cells in culture.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. Studies have shown that plant-derived miRNAs can be absorbed through diets and regulate gene expression in mammals. Although soybean-derived miRNAs have been reported, their biological functions are still unclear. In this study, we found that soybean-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) significantly inhibited the proliferation and stimulated the apoptosis of Caco-2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the target gene set of soybean miRNAs was extensively enriched in cancer pathways. Besides, we obtained 8 target genes, including Transcription factor 7 (TCF7), associated with colon cancer through prediction. Further studies showed that gma-miR159a inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells and played an important role in the inhibitory effect of sRNAs by inhibiting TCF7 protein, which are upregulated in colon cancer cells but not normal mucosal cells in culture. These findings provide a novel molecular mechanism of soybean-derived miRNAs for potential application in tumor prevention.

[Effects of pungent essential oil from three Chinese herbs on percutaneous absorption of alkaloids from Sophorae Flavescentis Radix].

To investigate the effects of essential oil from three kinds of pungent herbs,namely Menthae Haplocalycis Herba,Atractylodis Rhizoma and Cnidii Fructus,on the transdermal absorption in vitro of alkaloids from Sophorae Flavescentis Radix. The modified vertical Franz diffusion cell was used to conduct a transdermal experiment in vitro with the isolated abdominal skin of the SD rats as the transdermal absorption barrier. The effects of such three kinds of pungent essential oil on percutaneous absorption of alkaloids from Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were investigated by determining the content of 6 alkaloids( oxymatrine,oxysophocarpine,N-methylcytisine,sophoridine,matrine,and sophocarpidine) in the transdermal acceptor with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectrometry( UPLC-TQ-MS) technique simultaneously. With enhancement ratio( ER) as the index,their effects on promoting penetration was as follows: 1% Atractylodis Rhizoma oil > 1% Cnidii Fructus oil > 3% Azone ≈ 3% Atractylodis Rhizoma oil > 5%Atractylodis Rhizoma oil > 3% Cnidii Fructus oil ≈ 5% Cnidii Fructus oil > 3% Menthae Haplocalycis Herba oil > 5% Menthae Haplocalycis Herba oil > 1% Menthae Haplocalycis Herba oil > Blank. The results showed that these three kinds of pungent essential oil could be used as enhancers for alkaloids of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix,providing scientific guidance for improving percutaneous absorption of alkaloids from Sophorae Flavescentis Radix.

A Reliable Method for the Evaluation of the Anaphylactoid Reaction Caused by Injectable Drugs.

Adverse reactions of injectable drugs usually occur at first administration and are closely associated with the dosage and speed of injection. This phenomenon is correlated with the anaphylactoid reaction. However, up to now, study methods based on antigen detection have still not gained wide acceptance and single physiological indicators cannot be utilized to differentiate anaphylactoid reactions from allergic reactions and inflammatory reactions. In this study, a reliable method for the evaluation of anaphylactoid reactions caused by injectable drugs was established by using multiple physiological indicators. We used compound 48/80, ovalbumin and endotoxin as the sensitization agents to induce anaphylactoid, allergic and inflammatory reactions. Different experimental animals (guinea pig and nude rat) and different modes of administration (intramuscular, intravenous and intraperitoneal injection) and different times (15 min, 30 min and 60 min) were evaluated to optimize the study protocol. The results showed that the optimal way to achieve sensitization involved treating guinea pigs with the different agents by intravenous injection for 30 min. Further, seven related humoral factors including 5-HT, SC5b-9, Bb, C4d, IL-6, C3a and histamine were detected by HPLC analysis and ELISA assay to determine their expression level. The results showed that five of them, including 5-HT, SC5b-9, Bb, C4d and IL-6, displayed significant differences between anaphylactoid, allergic and inflammatory reactions, which indicated that their combination could be used to distinguish these three reactions. Then different injectable drugs were used to verify this method and the results showed that the chosen indicators exhibited good correlation with the anaphylactoid reaction which indicated that the established method was both practical and reliable. Our research provides a feasible method for the diagnosis of the serious adverse reactions caused by injectable drugs which could be used in the clinical practice.

[Analysis on pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics correlation of effective ingredients of Qing'e wan].

To study the pharmacokinetics of three active ingredients in Qing'e wan, namely geniposidic acid, psoralen and isopsoralen, in rats, in order to investigate their correlation in the anti-osteoporotic effect. The rats were taken blood from their eye sockets at different time points after being orally administered with raw and salt-processed Qing'e wan. Geniposidic acid, psoralen and isopsoralen in rats plasma were determined by means of UHPLC-MS/MS to draw the concentration-time curve. The proliferation rate of osteoblasts was taken as the pharmacodynamic index, and determined by MTT method to draw effect-time curve. In comparison between the effect-time curve and the concentration-time curve, the blood concentrations of geniposidic acid and psoralen were close to the peak when the cell proliferation rate reached its peak, indicating a good correlation between them. The peak blood concentration of isopsoralen was slightly lagging behind the peak of efficacy. According to the correlation analysis after fitting the effect-time curve and the concentration-time curve, salt-processed Qing'e wan had a better correlation than the raw one. The above experimental results showed that the effect-time curve and the concentration-time curve of geniposidic acid and psoralen had a good correlation, and the correlation of salt-processed Qing'e wan was better than the raw one.

[Evaluation analysis of alkaloids in seed of Sophora flavescens from Shanxi province and exploration of its utilization value].

According to the research strategy of resource chemistry of Chinese medicinal materials and Chinese medicinal resources recycling utilization, this study intends to explore the potential resource-oriented utilization value of the seed of Sophora flavescens by contrasting with its kindred plant S. alopecuroides. This study established a rapid UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-TQ-MS/MS method to determine the alkaloids in the seed of S. flavescens. Results of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that the alkaloids in the seed of S. flavescens were highly similar with S. alopecuroides.In the determination of 7 kinds of alkaloids, the total content was 11.203 and 15.506 mg•g⁻¹ in the seed of S. flavescens and S. alopecuroides, respectively. The content of oxymatrine, oxysophocarpine and sophoridine is high in the seed of S. flavescens. The results indicated that the seeds of S. flavescens. could be an important material resource to obtain alkaloids.

[Analysis and evaluation of alkaloids and flavonoids in flower of Sophora flavescens from Shanxi province].

This study intends to explore the potential resource-orientedutilization value of the flower of Sophora flavescents by analyzing alkaloids and flavonoids in the flower of S. flavescens from Shanxi province. This study established a rapid UPLC-TQ-MS/MS method that is used for determination of seven alkaloids and seven flavonoids in the flower of S.flavescens. The different florescences all have the seven detected alkaloids such as cytisine, oxy-matrine, oxy-sophocarpine, sophoridine, N-methylcytisine, matrine, sophocarpine.The total contents of detected alkaloids are as follows: flower buds 1.47%, primal flowers 1.34%, full bloomed flowers 1.17%, faded flowers 1.01%. The top three contents of alkaloids are N-methylcytisine , oxy-sophocarpine and oxymatrine, accounting for about 83% of the total amount of detected alkaloids. All the samples in different florescences have the seven detected flavonoids such as rutin, luteolin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, trifolirhizin, kurarinone, and kushenol I. The total contents of detected alkaloids are as follows: flower buds 495.2 µg•g⁻¹, primal flowers 313.7 µg•g⁻¹, faded flowers 224.2 µg•g⁻¹, full bloomed flowers 193.0 µg•g⁻¹. The content of luteolinis relatively higher than other detected flavonoids, accounting for about 89%-94% of the total amount of detected flavonoids. The results indicated that the flower of S.flavescens could be an important material resource to obtain the resourceful alkaloids. This result can provide scientific basis for resource-oriented utilization and industrial development of the flower of S. flavescens.

Antimicrobial activities of lavandulylated flavonoids in Sophora flavences against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus via membrane disruption.

INTRODUCTION: The continuous emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria have accelerated the demand for the discovery of alternative antibiotics. Natural plants contain a variety of antibacterial components, which is an important source for the discovery of antimicrobial agents. OBJECTIVE: To explore the antimicrobial activities and related mechanisms of two lavandulylated flavonoids, sophoraflavanone G and kurarinone in Sophora flavescens against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: The effects of sophoraflavanone G and kurarinone on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were comprehensively investigated by a combination of proteomics and metabolomics studies. Bacterial morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Membrane fluidity, membrane potential, and membrane integrity were determined using the fluorescent probes Laurdan, DiSC3(5), and propidium iodide, respectively. Adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species levels were determined using the adenosine triphosphate kit and reactive oxygen species kit, respectively. The affinity activity of sophoraflavanone G to the cell membrane was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry assays. RESULTS: Sophoraflavanone G and kurarinone showed significant antibacterial activity and anti-multidrug resistance properties. Mechanistic studies mainly showed that they could target the bacterial membrane and cause the destruction of the membrane integrity and biosynthesis. They could inhibit cell wall synthesis, induce hydrolysis and prevent bacteria from synthesizing biofilms. In addition, they can interfere with the energy metabolism of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and disrupt the normal physiological activities of the bacteria. In vivo studies have shown that they can significantly improve wound infection and promote wound healing. CONCLUSION: Kurarinone and sophoraflavanone G showed promising antimicrobial properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that they may be potential candidates for the development of new antibiotic agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Antioxidant properties of cis-Z,Z'-3a.7a',7a.3a'-dihydroxyligustilide on human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro.

A new chemical component, cis-Z,Z'-3a.7a',7a.3a'-dihydroxyligustilide, was isolated from Angelica sinensis and its structure elucidated from its NMR and MS spectra and confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. We also explored the antioxidative properties of cis-Z,Z'-3a.7a',7a.3a'-dihydroxyligustilide on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against injuries induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) using an MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. We found that cis-Z,Z'-3a.7a',7a.3a'-dihydroxyligustilide increased the viability of HUVECs injured by H(2)O(2) in a dose-dependent manner, reduced the apoptosis of HUVEC, and enhanced HUVEC proliferation. Our results demonstrated the remarkable in vitro antioxidative activities of this compound, indicating that it could be a potential antioxidant with protective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced HUVEC injuries.

Emulsifying properties of wheat germ protein: Effect of different ultrasonic treatment.

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on emulsifying properties of wheat germ protein (WGP) was studied in this paper. WGP was subjected to low frequency (20 kHz), high intensity ultrasonic treatment at different power (200, 400, 600, 800 W) for 10 min, or different time (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 min) at 400 W. The emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index of WGP were significantly improved, and the emulsion droplet was smaller and more uniform after ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound increased the adsorbed WGP concentration at the oil-water interface and reduced the interfacial tension, which explained the improved emulsifying properties of WGP. The investigation on molecular properties and protein conformation showed that ultrasound processing increased solubility, but decreased particle size and surface charge of WGP. Ultrasound processing resulted in the unfolding of the protein molecular structure indicated by the increase of surface hydrophobicity and surface free sulfhydryl group levels, and the decrease of intrinsic fluorescence intensity. Correlation analysis showed that the changes in WGP solubility, particle size, and surface hydrophobicity were the main driven factors for the improved emulsifying properties of WGP.

Wheat Germ-Derived Peptide Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice.

This study explores the protective properties and potential mechanisms of wheat-germ-derived peptide APEPEPAF (APE) against ulcerative colitis. Colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used as the animal model. The results showed that the APE peptide could alleviate colitis symptoms including weight loss, colon shortening, and histopathological changes. This peptide attenuated the generation of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of protein kinase PKCζ (Thr410) and NF-κB transcriptional activity in DSS-induced mice, suggesting that APE ameliorates colitis inflammation by regulating the PKCζ/NF-κB signaling pathway. APE also preserved the barrier function of the colon by dose-dependently promoting the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, zonula occluded-1, and occludin). In addition, APE significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroides and increased the abundance of Dubosiella and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 to improve the intestinal flora imbalance in DSS-induced colitis mice. Therefore, wheat germ peptide APE can be used as a novel agent and dietary supplement to treat ulcerative colitis..

A peptide from wheat germ abolishes the senile osteoporosis by regulating OPG/RANKL/RANK/TRAF6 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress played a key role in the development of bone brittleness and is an important pathogenic factor of senile osteoporosis. A variety of animal and plant-derived peptides have been shown to have significant anti-osteoporosis effects in vivo and in vitro. PURPOSE: In this study, we aim to explore the possible mechanism of wheat germ peptide ADWGGPLPH on senile osteoporosis. STUDY DESIGN: Naturally, aged rats were used as animal models of senile osteoporosis. METHODS: Wheat germ peptide ADWGGPLPH was administered from 9-months-old to 21-months-old, and the effect of ADWGGPLPH on preventing senile osteoporosis was evaluated by measuring serum biochemical indexes, bone histomorphometry, bone biomechanics, and other indexes to elucidate the mechanism of ADWGGPLPH in delaying senile osteoporosis by detecting the expression of osteoporosis-related proteins. RESULTS: The results showed that ADWGGPLPH could effectively reduce the level of oxidative stress and improve the microstructure and bone mineral density in senile osteoporosis rats. In addition, ADWGGPLPH could improve the proliferation and differentiation activity of osteoblasts and effectively inhibit osteoclasts' differentiation by regulating the OPG/RANKL/RANK/TRAF6 pathway. CONCLUSION: ADWGGPLPH from wheat germ exhibited a notably effect on senile osteoporosis and has a high potential in the development of the nutrient regimen to against senile osteoporosis.

Akkermansia muciniphila attenuates LPS-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a global public health hazard with high morbidity and mortality. Sepsis accounts for nearly half of all causes of AKI. Scientists have made a great effort to explore effective therapeutic agents with limited side effects in the treatment of AKI, but have had little success. With the development of gut flora study, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) has been proven to prevent different organs by regulating the inflammatory response. However, the reno-protective function is still unknown. Here, the AKI model was induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice with or without pretreatment of A. muciniphila. Renal function and histological change were measured. Inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and rt-PCR. TLR4/NF-κB signaling factors and NLRP3 inflammasome were tested by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment of A. muciniphila markedly inhibited inflammatory response and ameliorated kidney histopathological changes. Furthermore, the TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, and downstream IκBα were notably activated in the model group and inhibited by A. muciniphila. A similar effect was found in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, pretreatment with A. muciniphila could protect against LPS-induced AKI by inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. It may be a new therapeutic strategy for AKI prevention and treatment in the future.

A Review of Bile Acid Metabolism and Signaling in Cognitive Dysfunction-Related Diseases.

Bile acids are commonly known as one of the vital metabolites derived from cholesterol. The role of bile acids in glycolipid metabolism and their mechanisms in liver and cholestatic diseases have been well studied. In addition, bile acids also serve as ligands of signal molecules such as FXR, TGR5, and S1PR2 to regulate some physiological processes in vivo. Recent studies have found that bile acids signaling may also play a critical role in the central nervous system. Evidence showed that some bile acids have exhibited neuroprotective effects in experimental animal models and clinical trials of many cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. Besides, alterations in bile acid metabolisms well as the expression of different bile acid receptors have been discovered as possible biomarkers for prognosis tools in multiple cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. This review summarizes biosynthesis and regulation of bile acids, receptor classification and characteristics, receptor agonists and signaling transduction, and recent findings in cognitive dysfunction-related diseases.

Assessment the flavor of soybean meal hydrolyzed with Alcalase enzyme under different hydrolysis conditions by E-nose, E-tongue and HS-SPME-GC-MS.

In the present study, E-nose, E-tongue, and headspace-solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) technology combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to evaluate the flavor characteristics of the volatile and the non-volatile substances generated during the enzymatic hydrolysis of the soybean meal by Alcalase. The results showed that the enzymatic hydrolysis effectively reduced the content of soybean odorous substance 1-octene-3-ol and led to better flavor. However, the excessive enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in the deterioration of the enzymatic hydrolysates flavor. In addition, both radar graph and PCA of E-tongue were able to provide the distribution of flavor substances during the enzymatic hydrolysis of the soybean meal. These results provided a theoretical basis for the improvement of the flavors of the soybean meal and its derived products.

Niazirin from Moringa oleifera Lam. attenuates high glucose-induced oxidative stress through PKCζ/Nox4 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic complications-coronary atherosclerosis is closely related to the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hyperglycemia. ROS are reported to induce the abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under high glucose conditions. Leaf and seed extracts from Moringa oleifera are found to exhibit antioxidant activity. However, few studies are evaluating the antioxidant activities of chemical compounds isolated from the M. oleifera especially in cardiovascular field. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore the antioxidative effect during hyperglycemia of niazirin from M. oleifera. STUDY DESIGN: A cell model was applied. METHODS: After the taking the in vitro antioxidant experiment including ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Cell viability was carried out using high glucose-induced VSMCs model. ROS production was tested by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay. The protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox 4) expression in vitro and in vivo were measured by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Niazirin showed good free radical scavenging activity. Niazirin significantly attenuated the proliferation of high glucose-induced VSMCs. Furthermore, it could decrease the ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) productions, while increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in high glucose-induced VSMCs and streptozotocin-induced mice. In addition, niazirin could eliminate the high glucose-induced PKCζ activation, indicated by Thr410 phosphorylation and inhibition of the Nox4 protein expression in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: Niazirin from M. oleifera exhibited notably antioxidant activities and could be utilized as a potential natural antioxidant in preventing diabetic atherosclerosis.