Enhancing kernel oil and tailoring fatty acid composition by genomics-assisted selection for dgat1-2 and fatb genes in multi-nutrient-rich maize: new avenue for food, feed and bioenergy.

Enhancing maize kernel oil is vital for improving the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins. Here, we combined favourable alleles of dgat1-2 and fatb into parental lines of four multi-nutrient-rich maize hybrids (APTQH1, APTQH4, APTQH5 and APTQH7) using marker-assisted selection (MAS). Parental lines possessed favourable alleles of crtRB1, lcyE, vte4 and opaque2 genes. Gene-specific markers enabled successful foreground selection in BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC2F2, while background selection using genome-wide microsatellite markers (127-132) achieved 93% recurrent parent genome recovery. Resulting inbreds exhibited significantly higher oil (6.93%) and oleic acid (OA, 40.49%) and lower palmitic acid (PA, 14.23%) compared to original inbreds with elevated provitamin A (11.77 ppm), vitamin E (16.01 ppm), lysine (0.331%) and tryptophan (0.085%). Oil content significantly increased from 4.80% in original hybrids to 6.73% in reconstituted hybrids, making them high-oil maize hybrids. These hybrids displayed 35.70% increment in oil content and 51.56% increase in OA with 36.32% reduction in PA compared to original hybrids, while maintaining higher provitamin A (two-fold), vitamin E (nine-fold), lysine (two-fold) and tryptophan (two-fold) compared to normal hybrids. Lipid health indices showed improved atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, cholesterolaemic, oxidability, peroxidizability and nutritive values in MAS-derived genotypes over original versions. Besides, the MAS-derived inbreds and hybrids exhibited comparable grain yield and phenotypic characteristics to the original versions. The maize hybrids developed in the study possessed high-yielding ability with high kernel oil and OA, low PA, better fatty acid health and nutritional properties, higher multi-vitamins and balanced amino acids, which hold immense significance to address malnutrition and rising demand for oil sustainably in a fast-track manner.

Gene purging and the evolution of Neoave metabolism and longevity.

Maintenance of the proteasome requires oxidative phosphorylation (ATP) and mitigation of oxidative damage, in an increasingly dysfunctional relationship with aging. SLC3A2 plays a role on both sides of this dichotomy as an adaptor to SLC7A5, a transporter of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: Leu, Ile, Val), and to SLC7A11, a cystine importer supplying cysteine to the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. Endurance in mammalian muscle depends in part on oxidation of BCAA; however, elevated serum levels are associated with insulin resistance and shortened lifespans. Intriguingly, the evolution of modern birds (Neoaves) has entailed the purging of genes including SLC3A2, SLC7A5, -7, -8, -10, and SLC1A4, -5, largely removing BCAA exchangers and their interacting Na+/Gln symporters in pursuit of improved energetics. Additional gene purging included mitochondrial BCAA aminotransferase (BCAT2), pointing to reduced oxidation of BCAA and increased hepatic conversion to triglycerides and glucose. Fat deposits are anhydrous and highly reduced, maximizing the fuel/weight ratio for prolonged flight, but fat accumulation in muscle cells of aging humans contributes to inflammation and senescence. Duplications of the bidirectional α-ketoacid transporters SLC16A3, SLC16A7, the cystine transporters SLC7A9, SLC7A11, and N-glycan branching enzymes MGAT4B, MGAT4C in Neoaves suggests a shift to the transport of deaminated essential amino acid, and stronger mitigation of oxidative stress supported by the galectin lattice. We suggest that Alfred Lotka's theory of natural selection as a maximum power organizer (PNAS 8:151,1922) made an unusually large contribution to Neoave evolution. Further molecular analysis of Neoaves may reveal novel rewiring with applications for human health and longevity.

Genome-wide SNPs and candidate genes underlying the genetic variations for protein and amino acids in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) germplasm.

MAIN CONCLUSION: A total of 544 significant marker-trait associations and 286 candidate genes associated with total protein and 18 amino acids were identified. Thirty-three candidate genes were found near the strong marker trait associations (- log10P ≥ 5.5). Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is largely grown as a subsistence crop in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as a major source of daily protein intake in these regions. Despite its importance, no systematic effort has been made to study the genetic variations of protein and amino acid content in pearl millet germplasm. The present study was undertaken to dissect the global genetic variations of total protein and 18 essential and non-essential amino acids in pearl millet, using a set of 435 K Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 161 genotypes of the Pearl Millet Inbred Germplasm Association Panel (PMiGAP). A total of 544 significant marker-trait associations (at P < 0.0001; - log10P ≥ 4) were detected and 23 strong marker-trait associations were identified using Bonferroni's correction method. Forty-eight pleiotropic loci were found in the genome for the studied traits. In total, 286 candidate genes associated with total protein and 18 amino acids were identified. Thirty-three candidate genes were found near strongly associated SNPs. The associated markers and the candidate genes provide an insight into the genetic architecture of the traits studied and are going to be useful in breeding improved pearl millet varieties in the future. Availabilities of improved pearl millet varieties possessing higher protein and amino acid compositions will help combat the rising malnutrition problem via diet.

Protein transition: focus on protein quality in sustainable alternative sources.

The current consumption trends, combined with the expected demographic growth in the coming years, call for a protein transition, i.e., the partial substitution of animal protein-rich foods with foods rich in proteins produced in a more sustainable way. Here, we have discussed some of the most common and promising protein sources alternative to animal proteins, namely: legumes, insects, and microorganisms (including microalgae and fungi). The primary objective was to assess their nutritional quality through the collection of digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) values available in the scientific literature. Protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) values have been used where DIAAS values were not available. The ecological impact of each protein source, its nutritional quality and the potential applications in traditional foods or novel food concepts like meat analogues are also discussed. The data collected show that DIAAS values for animal proteins are higher than all the other protein sources. Soybean proteins, mycoproteins and proteins of some insects present relatively high DIAAS (or PDCAAS) values and must be considered proteins of good quality. This review also highlights the lack of DIAAS values for many potentially promising protein sources and the variability induced by the way the proteins are processed.

Effects of essential amino acids supplementation in a low-protein diet on growth performance, intestinal health and microbiota of juvenile blotched snakehead (Channa maculata).

Developing a low-protein feed is important for the sustainable advancement of aquaculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation in a low-protein diet on the growth, intestinal health, and microbiota of the juvenile blotched snakehead, Channa maculata in an 8-week trial conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system. Three isoenergetic diets were formulated to include a control group (48.66 % crude protein (CP), HP), a low protein group (42.54 % CP, LP), and a low protein supplementation EAA group (44.44 % CP, LP-AA). The results showed that significantly lower weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were observed in fish that were fed LP than in the HP and LP-AA groups (P < 0.05). The HP and LP-AA groups exhibited a significant increase in intestinal villus length, villus width, and muscular thickness compared to the LP group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the HP and LP-AA groups demonstrated significantly higher levels of intestinal total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the LP group (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of intestinal cells in the LP group was significantly higher than those in the LP and HP groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase (sod), nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (nfκb-p65), heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), and inhibitor of NF-κBα (iκba) in the intestine were significantly higher in the LP group than those in the HP and LP-AA groups (P < 0.05). The 16s RNA analysis indicated that EAA supplementation significantly increased the growth of Desulfovibrio and altered the intestinal microflora. The relative abundances of Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria were positively correlated with antioxidant parameters (CAT and T-AOC), whereas Desulfobacterota was negatively correlated with sod and T-AOC. The genera Bacillus, Bacteroides, and Rothia were associated with the favorable maintenance of gut health. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with EAAs to achieve a balanced amino acid profile could potentially reduce the dietary protein levels from 48.66 % to 44.44 % without adversely affecting the growth and intestinal health of juvenile blotched snakeheads.

Infesting Seaweeds as a Novel Functional Food: Analysis of Nutrients, Antioxidants and ACE Inhibitory Effects.

Globalization and climate change are both contributing to an increase in the number of potentially invasive algae in coastal areas. In terms of biodiversity and financial losses, the invasiveness of algae has become a significant issue in Orbetello Lagoon. Indeed, studies from the Tuscany Regional Agency for Environmental Protection show that the reduction in dissolved oxygen caused by algal diffusion is detrimental to fisheries and biodiversity. Considering that wakame and numerous other potentially invasive seaweeds are consumed as food in Asia, we assess the nutritional and nutraceutical qualities of two potentially invasive seaweeds: Valonia aegagrophila and Chaetomorpha linum. We found that both algae are a valuable source of proteins and essential amino acids. Even if the fat content accounts for less than 2% of the dried weight, its quality is high, due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids. Both algae are rich in antioxidants pigments and polyphenols, which can be exploited as nutraceuticals. Most importantly, human gastrointestinal digestion increased the quantity of polyphenols and originated secondary metabolites with ACE inhibitory activity. Taken together, our data strongly promote the use of Valonia aegagrophila and Chaetomorpha linum as functional foods, with possible application in the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Sea Buckthorn Leaves.

Sea buckthorn leaves (SBT_LVs) form notable by-product during harvesting and post-harvest management of the berries. It is already known that sea buckthorn berries are important for their chemical composition and based on this, they occupy a wide field in nutrition. SBT_LVs also have a rich chemical composition, like the berries. The aim of this study was to describe these by-products in the context of protein and complex carbohydrates-dietary fiber fractions, including qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids. Proximate composition, amino acids, nutritional values of the protein, and dietary fiber fractions of SBT_LVs of four cultivars (cvs.) Ascola, Habego, Hergo, and Leikora were assessed. SBT_LVs from different years of the study had statistically different levels of crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE), confirming that the quality of the raw material (leaves) can be significantly modified by habitat conditions. The largest fraction of dietary fiber was neutral detergent fiber (NDF), including the sum of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, followed by the acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF), consisting of lignin and cellulose. The content of essential amino acids in SBT_LV protein was high. Overall, this study confirms that SBT_LVs hold promise as a valuable resource for use as a food ingredient, functional food, and dietary supplement for both humans and animals.

Safflower protein as a potential plant protein powder: optimization of extraction and spray-drying process parameters and determination of physicochemical and functional properties.

BACKGROUND: The research about sustainable and alternative plant protein sources has accelerated with the increasing need for protein. Safflower meal has a potential to be used in protein production due to its high protein content. This research aimed to produce an alternative plant-based protein powder using safflower meal. Both extraction and spray-drying parameters of safflower protein powder production were optimized using response surface methodology to achieve maximum yield. Moreover, the physicochemical and functional properties of safflower protein were determined and compared with those of commercial protein powders (soy, sunflower, pea, fava bean, and rice). RESULTS: The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 33.06:1 mL-1 g solvent-to-meal ratio, pH 11.00, 23.34 °C extraction temperature, and 30.86 min extraction time, which were achieved with a protein yield response of 75.21%. The highest powder yield (51.28%) was recorded for drying conditions of inlet air temperature of 160.11 °C, aspiration rate of 54.17 m3 h-1, and feed flow rate of 16.01 mL min-1. According to the amino acid profile of safflower protein, the glutamic acid content (14 475 mg (100 g)-1) was highest, while the methionine content (96 mg (100 g)-1) was lowest. Moreover, safflower protein can be regarded as a high-quality protein due to its high essential amino acid ratio (41.55%). The experiments showed that safflower protein had high solubility and good foam and emulsifying properties. CONCLUSION: Safflower protein could be a nutritional and functional protein source for the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth, not digestibility, in chickens receiving reduced-protein diets is independent of non-specific amino-nitrogen sources when the essential-to-total-nitrogen ratio is constant and lower than 50.

1. A 21 d experiment was conducted to investigate whether growth performance and coefficients of amino acids digestibility (cAID) in broilers receiving reduced-protein diets supplemented with different non-essential amino acids (NEAA) were dependent on supplemented NEAA in diets with the same essential-to-total N (eN-to-tN) ratio kept at <50%.2. The experiment used 240 male broiler chicks, allocated to eight treatments with six replicate pens per treatment, and five chicks per replicate. The diets were either adequate in protein diet (PC), reduced protein (NC) diet or the NC diet supplemented with Gly, Gln, Ser, Ala, Gly + Ser or Ala + Ser. Digesta from the distal half of the ileum were collected on d 21. Tissue samples were collected for analysis for gene expression of protein synthesis and degradation (pectoralis major and liver) and peptide and AA transporters (jejunum).3. The treatments had no effects on growth performance. Generally, cAID was greater (P < 0.05) in NC compared to the PC diet. Individual supplementation of the NC diet with Gly, Gln, Ser, Ala or Ala+Ser increased (P < 0.01) cAID of Cys compared to the PC diet. There were no treatment effects on mRNA levels for the AA or peptide transporters in the jejunum. Supplementation of the NC diet with Gln, Ser, Ala, or Gly + Ser produced an upward expression (P < 0.05) of S6 kinase in the liver compared to PC and NC. In addition, there was greater (P < 0.05) expression of TRIM36 in the pectoralis major of broiler chickens receiving the NC diet supplemented with Gly.4. When reduced-protein diets have an eN-to-tN ratio of <50% and the ratio is kept constant in all the diets, growth performance response was independent of the source of non-specific amino-N, but the treatments may influence ileal digestibility of individual AA.

The effects of resistance exercise and leucine-enriched essential amino acid supplementation on muscle mass and physical function in post-gastrectomy patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] In gastric cancer patients, low muscle mass decreases overall survival and quality of life (QOL). Resistance exercise with leucine-enriched essential amino acid (LEAA) supplementation may prevent muscle mass loss. This study was aimed at determining whether resistance exercise with LEAA supplementation prevents muscle mass loss in post-gastrectomy patients. [Participant and Methods] We conducted a single-center, open-label, randomized controlled pilot trial. Ten participants who underwent gastrectomy were divided into two groups. The intervention group underwent resistance exercise at 70% of one repetition maximum and received a supplement of 3 g of LEAA twice daily for 15 days, while the control group received standard care. We compared changes in muscle mass, physical function (muscle strength and continuous walking distance), and QOL between the groups. [Results] We found good adherence and participation rates in both groups. We failed to detect a significant difference in muscle mass between the groups. The intervention group showed significant improvements in muscle strength and QOL, while the control group showed no significant changes. [Conclusion] We failed to detect a significant difference in muscle mass due to resistance exercise with LEAA supplementation in post-gastrectomy patients. However, resistance exercise with LEAA supplementation might be beneficial for muscle strength recovery and QOL improvements.

Extending the Range of SLIM-Labeling Applications: From Human Cell Lines in Culture to Caenorhabditis elegans Whole-Organism Labeling.

The simple light isotope metabolic-labeling technique relies on the in vivo biosynthesis of amino acids from U-[12C]-labeled molecules provided as the sole carbon source. The incorporation of the resulting U-[12C]-amino acids into proteins presents several key advantages for mass-spectrometry-based proteomics analysis, as it results in more intense monoisotopic ions, with a better signal-to-noise ratio in bottom-up analysis. In our initial studies, we developed the simple light isotope metabolic (SLIM)-labeling strategy using prototrophic eukaryotic microorganisms, the yeasts Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as strains with genetic markers that lead to amino-acid auxotrophy. To extend the range of SLIM-labeling applications, we evaluated (i) the incorporation of U-[12C]-glucose into proteins of human cells grown in a complex RPMI-based medium containing the labeled molecule, considering that human cell lines require a large number of essential amino-acids to support their growth, and (ii) an indirect labeling strategy in which the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans grown on plates was fed U-[12C]-labeled bacteria (Escherichia coli) and the worm proteome analyzed for 12C incorporation into proteins. In both cases, we were able to demonstrate efficient incorporation of 12C into the newly synthesized proteins, opening the way for original approaches in quantitative proteomics.

The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Dietary Methionine Restriction.

The original description of dietary methionine restriction (MR) used semipurified diets to limit methionine intake to 20% of normal levels, and this reduction in dietary methionine increased longevity by ∼30% in rats. The MR diet also produces paradoxical increases in energy intake and expenditure and limits fat deposition while reducing tissue and circulating lipids and enhancing overall insulin sensitivity. In the years following the original 1993 report, a comprehensive effort has been made to understand the nutrient sensing and signaling systems linking reduced dietary methionine to the behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional components of the response. Recent work has shown that transcriptional activation of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key event linking the MR diet to many but not all components of its metabolic phenotype. These findings raise the interesting possibility of developing therapeutic, MR-based diets that produce the beneficial effects of FGF21 by nutritionally modulating its transcription and release.

Combination effects of amino acid transporter LAT1 inhibitor nanvuranlat and cytotoxic anticancer drug gemcitabine on pancreatic and biliary tract cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic anticancer drugs widely used in cancer chemotherapy have some limitations, such as the development of side effects and drug resistance. Furthermore, monotherapy is often less effective against heterogeneous cancer tissues. Combination therapies of cytotoxic anticancer drugs with molecularly targeted drugs have been pursued to solve such fundamental problems. Nanvuranlat (JPH203 or KYT-0353), an inhibitor for L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1; SLC7A5), has novel mechanisms of action to suppress the cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth by inhibiting the transport of large neutral amino acids into cancer cells. This study investigated the potential of the combined use of nanvuranlat and cytotoxic anticancer drugs. METHODS: The combination effects of cytotoxic anticancer drugs and nanvuranlat on cell growth were examined by a water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay in two-dimensional cultures of pancreatic and biliary tract cancer cell lines. To elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the combination of gemcitabine and nanvuranlat, we investigated apoptotic cell death and cell cycle by flow cytometry. The phosphorylation levels of amino acid-related signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Furthermore, growth inhibition was examined in cancer cell spheroids. RESULTS: All the tested seven types of cytotoxic anticancer drugs combined with nanvuranlat significantly inhibited the cell growth of pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells compared to their single treatment. Among them, the combined effects of gemcitabine and nanvuranlat were relatively high and confirmed in multiple pancreatic and biliary tract cell lines in two-dimensional cultures. The growth inhibitory effects were suggested to be additive but not synergistic under the tested conditions. Gemcitabine generally induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptotic cell death, while nanvuranlat induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and affected amino acid-related mTORC1 and GAAC signaling pathways. In combination, each anticancer drug basically exerted its own pharmacological activities, although gemcitabine more strongly influenced the cell cycle than nanvuranlat. The combination effects of growth inhibition were also verified in cancer cell spheroids. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the potential of first-in-class LAT1 inhibitor nanvuranlat as a concomitant drug with cytotoxic anticancer drugs, especially gemcitabine, on pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.

Amino Acid Intake and Conformance With the Dietary Reference Intakes in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2018.

BACKGROUND: The lack of complete amino acid composition data in food composition databases has made determining population-wide amino acid intake difficult. OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study characterizes habitual intakes of each amino acid and adherence to dietary requirements for each essential amino acid (EAA) in the US population. METHODS: Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies ingredient codes with missing amino acid composition data were matched to similar ingredients with available data so that amino acid composition could be determined for 100% of foods reported in the dietary intake assessment component of NHANES. Amino acid intakes during NHANES 2001-2018 (n = 72,831; ≥2 y) were calculated as relative (mg·kg of ideal body weight-1·d-1) intakes. Data from NHANES 2011-2018 were used to determine the percentage of population consuming less than that recommended by the DRIs for each EAA by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Relative intakes of EAAs and NEAAs were greatest in those 2-3 y and lowest in older individuals (≥71 y or ≥80 y). In females aged 2-18 y, relative intakes of EAAs were lowest in non-Hispanic White (NHW; histidine, lysine, threonine, methionine, and cysteine) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB; valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine) populations and highest in the Asian population. In females aged ≥19 y, relative intakes were lowest in NHW (lysine and methionine only) and NHB populations and highest in the Asian population. In males aged 2-18 y, relative intakes of EAAs were lowest in the NHB population and highest in the Asian population. In males ≥19 y, relative intakes were lowest in NHB and NHW (lysine only) populations and highest in the Hispanic population. Less than 1% of individuals aged ≥19 y did not meet the Estimated Average Requirements for each EAA. CONCLUSIONS: EAA intakes in the US population exceed recommended minimum population requirements. Future studies can use the method described here to quantify amino acid intake and examine relationships with health and disease.

Replacement of animal proteins in food: How to take advantage of nutritional and gelling properties of alternative protein sources.

Given the growing world population, there is a need to balance animal and vegetable sources of dietary protein and to limit overall protein resources, and food formulation has to consider alternative protein sources as a way to meet human requirements. The protein concentration, essential amino acids (EAA) of all protein sources were analyzed with respect to human needs along with additional macronutrients of nutritional and energy interest (i.e. carbohydrates and lipids). New indexes are proposed to classify the alternative protein sources considering their EAA balance and how it may change during food processing. A global overview of all protein sources is provided including the quantity of food and associated caloric intakes required to fulfill our daily protein needs. As texture is a key parameter in food formulation, and is often influenced by protein gelation, we conducted an exhaustive review of the literature in a large scientific database on the ability of proteins from all sources to go through the sol-gel transition with the corresponding physical-chemical conditions. Traditional and innovative recipes are discussed and some improvement are proposed in terms of their ability to fulfill human needs for EAA and food and caloric intakes.

Evaluation of pea/rice and amylopectin/chromium as an alternative protein source to improve muscle protein synthesis in rats.

BACKGROUND: A preclinical study reported that the combination of an amylopectin/chromium complex (ACr) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) significantly enhanced muscle protein synthesis (MPS). This study was conducted to determine the effects of the addition of ACr complex to a pea/rice (PR) protein on MPS, insulin, muslin levels, and the mTOR pathway in exercised rats. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: (i) exercise (Ex); (ii) Ex + PR 1:1 blend (0.465 g/kg BW); (iii) Ex + PR + ACr (0.155 g/kg BW). On the day of single-dose administration, after the animals were exercised at 26/m/min for 2 h, the supplement was given by oral gavage. The rats were injected with a bolus dose (250 mg/kg BW, 25 g/L) of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine to determine the protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) one h after consuming the study product. RESULTS: The combination of PR and ACr enhanced MPS by 42.55% compared to the Ex group, while Ex + PR alone increased MPS by 30.2% over the Ex group (p < 0.0001) in exercised rats. Ex + PR plus ACr significantly enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K1 (p < 0.0001), and 4E-BP1 (p < 0.001) compared to the Ex (p < 0.0001). PR to ACr also significantly increased insulin and musclin levels (p < 0.0001) in exercised rats. Additionally, compared to Ex + PR alone, Ex + PR + ACr enhanced mTOR (p < 0.0001) and S6K1 (p < 0.0001) levels. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that PR + ACr may provide an alternative to animal proteins for remodeling and repairing muscle by stimulating MPS and mTOR signaling pathways in post-exercised rats. More preclinical and clinical human studies on combining pea/rice and amylopectin/chromium complex are required.

Loss of Muscle Mass and Strength After Hip Fracture: an Intervention Target for Nutrition Supplementation.

PURPOSEOF REVIEW: To summarize what is known about the deleterious effect of hip fracture on muscle mass and strength as well as the scientific evidence for post-surgical nutrition supplementation to maintain muscle and improve function. RECENT FINDINGS: This review provides a discussion of the relationship between muscle mass, strength, and physical function following hip fracture, briefly describes the approaches to measuring lean mass, discusses prevalence of sarcopenia and malnutrition among older men and women with hip fracture, and reviews the effects of essential amino acids on muscle. Loss of muscle mass and strength following hip fracture is substantial with consequences for recovery of functional independence. EAA-based nutrition supplementation, which directly effects muscle, has potential to improve outcomes.

Dietary intakes of methionine, threonine, lysine, arginine and histidine increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese population: does the mediation effect of obesity exist?

BACKGROUND: Published studies have shown positive associations of branched chain and aromatic amino acids with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the findings remain consistent. However, the associations of other essential and semi-essential amino acids, i.e., methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), lysine (Lys), arginine (Arg) and histidine (His), with T2DM remain unknown. Obesity is an important independent risk factor for T2DM, and excessive amino acids can convert into glucose and lipids, which might underlie the associations of amino acids with obesity. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the associations between dietary intakes of these 5 amino acids and T2DM risk, as well as the mediation effects of obesity on these associations, in a Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 10,920 participants (57,293 person-years) were included, and dietary intakes of 5 amino acids were investigated using 24-h dietary recalls. Anthropometric obesity indices were measured at both baseline and the follow-up endpoints. Associations of amino acids with T2DM were estimated using COX regression models, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were shown. The mediation effects of obesity indices were analyzed, and the proportion of the mediation effect was estimated. RESULTS: Higher intakes of the 5 amino acids were associated with increasing T2DM risk, while significant HRs were only shown in men after adjustments. No interaction by gender was found. Regression analyses using quintiles of amino acids intakes showed that T2DM risk was positively associated with amino acids intakes only when comparing participants with the highest intake levels of amino acids to those with the lowest intake levels. Adjusted correlation coefficients between amino acid intakes and obesity indices measured at follow-up endpoints were significantly positive. Mediation analyses showed that mediation effects of obesity indices existed on associations between amino acids intakes and T2DM risk, and the mediation effect of waist circumference remained strongest for each amino acid. CONCLUSIONS: We found positive associations of dietary intakes of Met, Thr, Lys, Arg and His with increasing T2DM risk in general Chinese residents, on which the mediation effect of obesity existed. These findings could be helpful for developing more constructive guidance in the primary prevention of T2DM based on dietary interventions.

Preparation and Characterization of a Multicomponent Arthrospira platensis Biomass Hydrolysate with Superior Anti-Hypertensive, Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Activities via Selective Proteolysis.

Arthrospira platensis biomass is a sustainable source of bioactive products for the food, cosmetic, and medicine industries. As well as primary metabolites, different secondary metabolites can be obtained via distinct enzymatic degradation of biomass. In this work, different hydrophilic extracts were obtained after treating the biomass with: (i) a serine endo-peptidase (Alcalase®), (ii) a mixture of amino-, dipeptidyl-, and endo-peptidases (Flavourzyme®), (iii) a mixture of endo-1,3(4)-ß-glucanase and an endo-1,4-xylanase, and ß-glucanase (Ultraflo®), and (iv) an exo-1,3-glucanase (Vinoflow®) (all the enzymes from Novozymes A/S (bagsvaerd, Denmark)); with subsequent extraction of the biocomponents with an isopropanol/hexane mixture. The composition of each aqueous phase extract (in terms of amino acids, peptides, oligo-elements, carbohydrates, and phenols) and their in vitro functional properties were compared. The conditions described in this work using the enzyme Alcalase® permits the extraction of eight distinctive peptides. This extract is 7.3 times more anti-hypertensive, 106 times more anti-hypertriglyceridemic, 26 times more hypocholesterolemic, has 4.4 times more antioxidant activities, and has 2.3 times more phenols, than the extract obtained without any prior enzyme biomass digestion. Alcalase® extract is an advantageous product with potential application in functional food, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics.

Complimentary effect of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids supplemented de-oiled rice bran (DORB) based diets on hematology, liver and intestinal histoarchitecture in Labeo rohita.

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to study the hematology, liver, and intestinal histoarchitecture of Labeo rohita fed with a combination of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids to DORB (De-oiled rice bran) based diets. Three treatments viz., T1 [DORB + phytase and xylanase (0.01% each)], T2 [DORB + phytase (0.01%) + xylanase (0.01%) + L-lysine(1.4%) + L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)] and T3 [DORB + phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%) + L-lysine (1.4%) +L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)] were used in the present study. Serum total protein, albumin content and A/G ratio varied significantly (p < 0.05) among groups. Globulin content did not vary significantly among groups (p ≥ 0.05). The Hb content, RBC and MCV count varied significantly (p < 0.05) whereas MCH, MCHC content, WBC and lymphocyte count did not vary significantly among groups (p > 0.05). The liver and intestine examination revealed no visible alteration and showed normal histo-architecture. Based on the finding it is concluded that DORB supplemented with exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids with phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%), L-lysine (1.4%), DL-methionine (0.4%) and EPA and DHA (0.5%) improves the health of L. rohita.