Sesamin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and attenuates LPS-induced osteolysis via suppression of ERK and NF-κB signalling pathways.

Infection by bacterial products in the implant and endotoxin introduced by wear particles activate immune cells, enhance pro-inflammatory cytokines production, and ultimately promote osteoclast recruitment and activity. These factors are known to play an important role in osteolysis as well as potential targets for the treatment of osteolysis. Sesamin has been shown to have a variety of biological functions, such as inhibiting inflammation, anti-tumour and involvement in the regulation of fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. However, the therapeutic effect of sesamin on osteolysis and its mechanism remain unclear. Present studies shown that in the condition of in vitro, sesamin could inhibit osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, as well as suppressing the expression of osteoclast-specific genes. Further studies on the mechanism suggest that the effect of sesamin on human osteoclasts was mediated by blocking the ERK and NF-κB signalling pathways. Besides, sesamin was found to be effective in treating LPS-induced osteolysis by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis in vivo. Sesamin was non-toxic to heart, liver, kidney, lung and spleen. Therefore, sesamin is a promising phytochemical agent for the therapy of osteolysis-related diseases caused by inflammation and excessive osteoclast activation.

The effects of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in primary school students in Zhongshan city.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary behaviours are essential for promoting rational nutrition for children. However, lack of nutritional knowledge and unhealthy dietary behaviours are common among Chinese children. Therefore, we developed a school-based nutrition education (NE) program to assess its impacts on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in pupils. METHODS: In this trial, one school was assigned as an intervention group (n = 199) and the other two schools were designated as a control group (n = 140). Children in the intervention group received the NE program in addition to their regular health curriculum, whereas the control group continued with their usual health curriculum without any NE program materials. RESULTS: Concerning nutritional knowledge, the mean difference (follow-up minus baseline) of average knowledge scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.99 ± 3.22 vs. 0.66 ± 3.60, p = 0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this difference disappeared among boys and students with malnutrition status. Regarding dietary behaviours, the NE program significantly increased the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of meat and nuts consumption in the intervention group, along with diverse food choice at breakfast. Additionally, it markedly reduced the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food consumption. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated a significant direct effect of NE intervention on nutritional knowledge and an indirect effect on dietary behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The NE program effectively enhanced nutritional knowledge scores and further improved dietary behaviours among Chinese primary school students. Future NE programs should pay more attention to boys and children with malnutrition.

Recent advances in Zizania latifolia: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, health benefits and applications that maximize its value.

Zizania latifolia is an aquatic and medicinal plant with a long history of development in China and the East Asian region. The smut fungus "Ustilago esculenta" parasitizes Z. latifolia and induces culm expansion to form a vegetable named Jiaobai, which has a unique taste and nutritional attributes. However, the postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots is still a big challenge for farmers and merchants. This paper traced the origin, development process, and morphological characteristics of Z. latifolia. Subsequently, the compilation of the primary nutrients and bioactive substances are presented in context to their effects on ecology a postharvest storage and preservation methods. Furthermore, the industrial, environmental, and material science applications of Z. latifolia in the fields of industry were discussed. Finally, the primary objective of the review proposes future directions for research to support the development of Z. latifolia industry and aid in maximizing its value. To sum up, Z. latifolia, aside from its potential as material it can be utilized to make different productions and improve the existing applications. This paper provides an emerging strategy for researchers undertaking Z. latifolia.

Two papaya MYB proteins function in fruit ripening by regulating some genes involved in cell-wall degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: MYB transcription factors (TFs) are common in plants and play important functions in growth and development, including fruit development and ripening. However, the role of MYB proteins in papaya ripening (fruit ripening and carotenoid biosynthesis) remains unclear. RESULTS: Two MYB genes were cloned from papaya pulp. They were named CpMYB1 (MYB44-like) and CpMYB2, and belong to the S22 subgroup of the R2R3-MYB family. Their expression levels decreased during fruit ripening. Subcellular localization analysis showed that both CpMYB1 and CpMYB2 were nuclear proteins, indicating that they might function in the nucleus. Moreover, CpMYB1 and CpMYB2 could bind to the promoters of cell-wall degradation genes (CpPME1, CpPME2, and CpPG5) and carotenoid biosynthesis genes (CpPDS2, CpPDS4, and CpCHY-b). Further research found that both CpMYB1 and CpMYB2 were transcriptional repressors, and they could suppress the activities of the promoters of CpPME1, CpPME2, CpPG5, CpPDS2, CpPDS4, and CpCHY-b. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that MYB TFs CpMYB1 and CpMYB2 might have a function in papaya fruit softening and carotenoid accumulation by regulating cell-wall degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis related genes, which provide a new view about the role of MYB TFs in fruit ripening. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Nano-SiOx/Chitosan Complex Coating on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Preservation Performance of Green Tomato.

A novel nano-silicon oxides (SiOx)/chitosan complex film was prepared using ultrasonic assistant in the process of dissolving chitosan and silicon oxides (SiOx), and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Its effect on quality preservation of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Zheza 205) was investigated under ambient temperature. The results revealed that the nano-SiOx/chitosan complex (NSCC) film retarded weight loss and softness, delayed the titratable acids and total soluble solids loss, and thus markedly extended shelf life of green tomatoes. The antimicrobial activity of tomatoes coated with NSCC film was also recorded higher compared to chitosan (Ch) films and control. In addition, the NSCC film-coated tomatoes prevent the increase of malondialdehyde content and total polyphenol content. Moreover, the peroxidase activity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, and polyphenoloxidase activity of tomatoes coated with NSCC film were found lower than that in other treatments. These data indicated that the beneficial effects of nano-SiOx/chitosan complex coating on postharvest quality were possibly associated with the lower rate of O2/CO2 transmission coefficient, limiting food-borne pathogenic bacterial growth, higher antioxidant activities, and also higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and anti-browning activities of related enzymes in the tomatoes. Further, the results of the study could be used to successfully develop a novel nano-SiOx/chitosan complex film for improving the postharvested quality of tomatoes and thus effectively utilized by the food packaging industry.

A novel controlled release ethanol emitter: preparation and effect on some postharvest quality parameters of Chinese bayberry during storage.

BACKGROUND: Reducing spoilage and prolonging the shelf-life of food materials are both critically important in the food industry. Among the many available preservatives, ethanol has been widely used for the storage of fruits and vegetables. Although a few ethanol emitters are available in the form of antimicrobial packaging, these ethanol emitters demonstrate high volatility, uncontrolled release and other disadvantages, and so the practical applications are limited. RESULTS: A novel ethanol gel with a controlled release rate was prepared by a gelatification reaction between ethanol and sodium stearate to overcome the disadvantage of conventional ethanol emitters. The hardness, adhesiveness and cohesiveness of developed ethanol gels increased, whereas the springiness decreased along with an increase in the sodium stearate concentration. The release rate of ethanol in the gels was controlled by the concentration of sodium stearate, in which a first-order release kinetic was observed. The release rate constant (k) of the gels with 12.5, 37.5, 62.5 g kg-1 of sodium stearate was 0.58 ± 0.029, 0.49 ± 0.035 and 0.41 ± 0.021 h-1 , respectively, at 25 °C. The application of the controlled release ethanol emitter with respect to the storage of Chinese bayberry fruit demonstrated its ability to reduce the decay rate, maintain firmness and inhibit increased malondialdehyde content at 4 °C. CONCLUSION: In terms of practical applications, an appropriate sodium stearate content can be selected in accordance with the storage period, aiming to achieve precise storage goals. Therefore, the ethanol emitter has potential application prospects as an active packaging for Chinese bayberry fruit, as well as for other perishable products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of alternatives to chlorine washing for sanitizing fresh coriander.

Fresh coriander leaves are highly perishable in nature and their sensory quality and nutritional value decreases without proper processing or preservation. In the present study, three aqueous solutions of sodium hypochlorite (SH, 100 mg/L), chlorine dioxide (CD, 10 mg/L), and sodium butyl p-hydroxybenzoate (SBPH, 12 mg/L), and tap water, were used to treat fresh coriander for 15 min. The treated samples were packed in PVC boxes with ambient air under packaged under passive modified atmosphere packaging conditions and stored at 4 °C for 10 days. Effects of washing treatments on color, total chlorophyll contents, ascorbic acid contents, total contents of phenolic compounds, and total aerobic bacterial counts (APC) were investigated. CD treatment has the least detrimental effects on color, total chlorophyll contents and ascorbic acid contents of fresh coriander, followed by SH treatment. In addition, CD treatment showed a greater reduction in APC and maintained the microbial load at lower levels than other treatments during the 10-day storage period.

Accumulation of lipofuscin-like pigments of walnuts (Carya cathayensis) during storage: potential roles of lipid oxidation and non-enzymatic glycosylation.

BACKGROUND: Lipofuscin-like pigments (LFLP) are considered a hallmark of aging. The intracellular LFLP formation rate is negatively correlated with the life expectancy of cell. In food quality, increase of LFLP not only affects the appearance but also causes loss of nutritional value. RESULTS: The accumulation of LFLP increased during storage of all walnuts. LFLP fluorescent intensities of walnuts with 4%, 6%, 12% and 16% moisture at the end of storage were 8.1, 4.8, 4.3 and 2.8 times those at the beginning, respectively. The LFLP accumulation of walnuts with high moisture was found to be negatively correlated with soluble sugars and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical quenching rate, but positively correlated with the content of hydroxymethylfuraldehyde (HMF). While the LFLP accumulation of walnuts with low moisture had a strong positive correlation with anisidine value, it exhibited high negative correlations with acid phosphatase activity, DPPH(•) quenching rate and tocopherol content. CONCLUSION: In walnuts with low initial moisture, lipoxidation products increased markedly during storage and these products might provide the source for LFLP accumulation. On the other hand, in walnuts with high initial moisture, reducing sugars derived from the hydrolysis of soluble sugars might play an important role in initiating the Maillard-like reaction, leading to LFLP accumulation.

Preparation and characterization of water vapor-responsive methylcellulose-polyethylene glycol-400 composite membranes and an indication of freshness of shiitake mushrooms.

Intelligent packaging with freshness indication capability can help consumers purchase fresh food. However, current research primarily focuses on carbon dioxide-sensitive intelligent packaging, with limited research on water vapor-sensitive indication packaging. In this study, the water vapor-sensitive indicator membrane was prepared and used to determine the freshness of mushrooms. The results of this study showed that the water permeability of the indicator membrane decreased from 33.17 % to 21.59 % with the increase of Polyethylene glycol-400(PEG-400) content in methylcellulose(MC) membrane, and the contact angle of the indicator membrane increased from 87 % to 98 % with the addition of PEG-400. The addition of plasticizer PEG-400 increased the hydrophobicity of the indicator film, which could be attributed to the improvement of the molecular arrangement and crystallinity of the indicator film by the addition of PEG-400. After encountering water, the transparency of the indicator membrane changes from completely opaque (white) to transparent. Addition of PEG-400 reduces the rate of change in the transparency of the indicator membrane. The indicator membrane was successfully used to indicate the freshness of mushrooms and effectively reflected the freshness of mushrooms during storage. This technology could be applied to measure the freshness of other foods.

The regulation of Cytochrome f by mannose treatment in broccoli and its relationship with programmed cell death in tobacco BY-2 cells.

It is well established that programmed cell death (PCD) occurred in broccoli during postharvest senescence, but no studies have been conducted on the regulation of broccoli cytochrome f by mannose treatment and its relationship with PCD. In this study, we treated broccoli buds with mannose to investigate the changes in color, total chlorophyll content, gene expression related to chlorophyll metabolism, chloroplast structure, and cytochrome f determination during postharvest storage. In addition, to investigate the effect of cytochrome f on PCD, we extracted cytochrome f from broccoli and treated Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Bright Yellow 2 (BY-2) cells with extracted cytochrome f from broccoli at various concentrations. The results showed that cytochrome f can induce PCD in tobacco BY-2 cells, as evidenced by altered cell morphology, nuclear chromatin disintegration, DNA degradation, decreased cell viability, and increased caspase-3-like protease production. Taken together, our study indicated that mannose could effectively delay senescence of postharvest broccoli by inhibiting the expression of gene encoding cytochrome f which could induce PCD.

Examining starch metabolism in lotus roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) during post-harvest storage at different temperatures.

This study explores the impact of postharvest storage temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C) on starch metabolism and textural attributes of glutinous lotus root. While starch metabolism is a well-known factor influencing texture, changes in powdery and sticky qualities have remained unexplored. Our research reveals that storing lotus roots at 4 °C delays water dissipation, amylopectin reduction, and the decline in textural elements such as hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and resilience. Lower temperatures postpone amylopectin reduction and sugar interconversion, thereby preserving the sticky texture. Additionally, they suppress starch formation, delay starch metabolism, and elevate the expression of genes involved in starch metabolism. The correlation between gene expression and root texture indicates the critical role of gene regulation in enzyme activity during storage. Overall, low-temperature storage extends lotus root preservation by regulating metabolite content, enzyme activities, and the corresponding genes involved in starch metabolism, preserving both intrinsic and external root quality.

Gestational supplementation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus thermophilus attenuates hepatic steatosis in offspring mice through promoting fatty acid ß-oxidation.

Currently, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus thermophilus (BLS) are widely recognized as the crucially beneficial bacteria in the gut. Many preclinical and clinical studies have shown their protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, whether gestational BLS supplementation could alleviate NAFLD in the offspring is still unknown. Kunming mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks before mating. They received BLS supplementation by gavage during pregnancy. After weaning, offspring mice were fed with a regular diet up to 5 weeks old. Gestational BLS supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibaculum in the gut of dams exposed to HFD. In offspring mice exposed to maternal HFD, maternal BLS intake significantly decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes as well as the relative abundance of Prevotella and Streptococcus, but increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides. In offspring mice, maternal BLS supplementation significantly decreased the hepatic triglyceride content and mitigated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, maternal BLS supplementation increased the glutathione content and reduced malondialdehyde content in the liver. In addition, mRNA and protein expression levels of key rate-limiting enzymes in mitochondrial ß-oxidation (CPT1α, PPARα, and PGC1α) in the livers of offspring mice were significantly increased after gestational BLS supplementation. Thus, gestational BLS supplementation may ameliorate maternal HFD-induced steatosis and oxidative stress in the livers of offspring mice by modulating fatty acid ß-oxidation.

Lipid accumulation product is a valid predictor of hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Aims: To evaluate and compare lipid accumulation product (LAP) with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), visceral adiposity index (VAI) and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) as biomarkers for hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: LAP, ALT, AST, VAI and TyG were measured in 52 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 21 control subjects. Additionally, LAP was also measured in 448 ultrasound-proven NAFLD patients and 1009 control subjects. Results: LAP was positively associated with hepatic steatosis and inflammation in biopsy-proven NAFLD. The risk of NAFLD was positively related to LAP and TyG, but LAP showed a better area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for hepatic steatosis and NAFLD. LAP also performed well in recognizing ultrasound-proven NAFLD. Conclusion: LAP is an ideal biomarker of hepatic steatosis and NAFLD.

Ursolic acid, the main component of blueberry cuticular wax, inhibits Botrytis cinerea growth by damaging cell membrane integrity.

Cuticular wax has been reported to play an essential role in resisting pathogens in various fruits. This study investigated the antifungal ability of the components in blueberry cuticular wax. We showed that the cuticular wax of blueberry inhibited the growth of Botrytis cinerea and ursolic acid (UA) was the key antifungal compound. UA inhibited B. cinerea growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, UA increased extracellular conductivity and cellular leakage in B. cinerea, deformed the mycelial morphology, and destroyed cell ultrastructure. We also demonstrated that UA stimulated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inactivated ROS scavenging enzymes. These results indicate that UA may exert antifungal effects against B. cinerea by disrupting cell membrane integrity. Thus, UA has significant potential as an agent for the control of gray mold in blueberry.

Cuticular Wax Triterpenes Maintain Storage Quality of Blueberries by Reducing Water Loss.

Cuticular wax contributes to maintaining postharvest storage quality against fruit water loss and softening. Triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA), are the main components in blueberry cuticular wax, but their role in water migration during the storage of blueberries remains to be determined. Here, we examined the relationship between the content of OA and UA and the storage quality of blueberry fruit (25 °C). The results revealed that the UA content during eight-day postharvest storage ranged from 58 to 77 µg cm-2, which was negatively related to weight loss. Additionally, we investigated the effect of exogenous OA and UA on water migration in the blueberry fruit during storage at room temperature; the weight loss was significantly lower (by 22%) with UA treatment than in the control fruit. Our findings indicate that OA and UA effectively affect water migration in blueberry fruit during postharvest storage, which could contribute to improving postharvest preservation techniques.

In vitro fermentation characteristics of the dietary fiber in bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoots and its regulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota and metabolites.

The effects of bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot dietary fiber (BSDF-1) on ulcerative colitis (UC) are unclear. Therefore, we performed an in vitro glycolysis study of intestinal microbiota samples, based on 16S rDNA sequencing and determining the metabolites in non-targeted colonic fecal fermentation broth. After a 48 h fermentation, the pH of the fermentation broth decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the dextran sulfate sodium group (referred to here as the Mod group). The carbohydrate utilization rate was 26.59 %, and the total short-chain fatty acid content was 16.46 ± 0.71 mmol/L. The abundances of Alistipes and Lactobacillus increased after BDSF-1 fermentation, whereas those of Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, and Proteus significantly decreased. BSDF-1 altered the levels of 17 metabolites in the Mod group after fermentation for 48 h, which reduced the cadaverine increasing induced by DSS. These results indicate that BSDF-1 can regulate the metabolism of the intestinal microbiota and the host, suggesting its use as a promising therapeutic strategy.

Pullulan-stabilized Soybean Phospholipids/Cinnamaldehyde emulsion for Flammulina velutipes preservation.

Fresh mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) are very perishable and easily brown; also they undergo postharvest loss of nutritive constituents. In this study, cinnamaldehyde (CA) emulsion was prepared by using soybean phospholipids (SP) as emulsifier and pullulan (Pul) as stabilizer. The effect of emulsion on the quality of mushroom during storage was also studied. The experimental results indicated that the emulsion obtained by adding 6 % pullulan was found to the most uniform and stable, which is beneficial to its application. Emulsion coating maintained the storage quality of Flammulina velutipes. The incorporation of CA emulsion into the coating system showed a positive effect on inhibiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting from improving the effectiveness of delaying active free radical scavenging enzymes. The shelf life of mushrooms coated with emulsion was significantly prolonged, which indicates its potential application in food preservation.

Melatonin treatment delays the softening of blueberry fruit by modulating cuticular wax metabolism and reducing cell wall degradation.

The effects of postharvest melatonin (MT) treatment on cuticular wax and cell wall metabolism in blueberry fruit (Vaccinium spp.) were evaluated. The results revealed that MT treatment maintained the cuticular wax rod-like structure and delayed wax degradation. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis results revealed that MT application changed the cuticular wax composition in blueberries, and 25 metabolic components were screened. The metabolic regulation of wax quality in blueberry fruit may therefore be influenced by MT. Additionally, MT slowed down pectin and cellulose degradation by reducing the activities of cell wall degrading enzymes like pectin methyl esterase polygalacturonase, ß-galactosidase, and cellulose in the later stages of storage. It also downregulated the transcriptional expression of related genes like VcPE, VcPG, VcBG6, and VcGAL1. Thus, MT prevented softening and senescence by postponing the degradation of the cell wall in postharvest blueberry fruit.

Effect of oxyresveratrol on the quality and membrane lipid metabolism of shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) during storage.

The effect of oxyresveratrol on postharvest quality and membrane lipid metabolism of shiitake mushroom was investigated. The result exhibited that oxyresveratrol retarded browning, maintained firmness and alleviated occurrence of decay of shiitake mushroom. The oxidation and hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids were suppressed by oxyresveratrol treatment, which was associated with reduced LOX and PLD activities and increased SOD and CAT activities. The membrane lipidomics of shiitake mushroom was determined by LC-MS. 385 lipid species and 13 fatty acids in membrane lipids were identified by multiple reaction monitoring method. Compared with control group, the phospholipic acid and lysophospholipid reduced by 29.24% and 21.29% in oxyresveratrol-treated group, respectively, which alleviated hydrolysis of phospholipid. Meanwhile, oxyresveratrol maintained the unsaturation of fatty acids and alleviated oxidation of phospholipid. These results demonstrated that oxyresveratrol could play a dual role of inhibiting the oxidation and hydrolysis of phospholipids to mitigate cellular damage of shiitake mushroom.

Sulfur dioxide maintains storage quality of table grape (Vitis vinifera cv 'Kyoho') by altering cuticular wax composition after simulated transportation.

The cuticular wax layer as a natural defensive barrier plays a key role in postharvest fruit quality maintenance. This study investigated the effects of simulated transport vibration (STV) on the berry quality and cuticular wax, and the ability of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to ameliorate STV damage in table grapes during cold storage. Results showed that STV damage accelerated the deterioration in grapes quality, and resulted in degradation and melting of cuticular wax, accompanied by a decrease in load of total wax, triterpenoids, fatty acids, alcohols, and olefins while an increase in alkanes and esters content during subsequent storage. However, SO2 effectively reversed the adverse impact of STV damage by increasing most wax fraction levels and corresponding genes expression, especially triterpenoids, although it had no apparent effect on wax structure. Overall, SO2 delayed the quality deterioration caused by vibration damage that occurs during transportation and storage by altering cuticular wax composition.