Co-encapsulation of Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) essential oil and nisin using caffeic acid grafted chitosan nanogel and the effect of this nanogel as a bio-preservative in Iranian white cheese.

The current study aims to co-encapsulate Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) essential oil (ZEO) and nisin into chitosan nanogel as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent to enhance the shelf-life of cheese. Chitosan-caffeic acid (CS-CA) nanogel was produced to co-encapsulate Zataria multiflora essential oil and nisin. This nanogel was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The effect of free (TFZN) and encapsulated ZEO-nisin in chitosan nanogel (TCZN) on the chemical and microbiological properties of Iranian white cheese was assessed. The particle size, polydispersity index value (PDI), zeta potential, antioxidant activity, and encapsulation efficiency of the optimal chitosan-ZEO-nisin nanogel were 421.6 nm, 0.343, 34.0 mV, 71.06%-82.69%, and 41.3 ± 0.5%, 0.79 ± 0.06 mg/mL. respectively. FTIR and XRD approved ZEO and nisin entrapment within chitosan nanogel. The chitosan nanogel showed a highly porous surface with an irregular shape. The bioactive compounds of ZEO and nisin decreased the pH changes in cheese. On the 60th day of storage, the acidity of treated samples was significantly lower than that of control. Although the lowest anisidine index value was observed in samples treated with sodium nitrate (NaNO3) (TS), there was no significant difference between this sample and TCZN. The lowest microbial population was observed in TCZN and TS. After 60 days of ripening, Coliforms were not detected in the culture medium of TCZN and TS. The results can contribute to the development of a natural preservative with the potential for application in the dairy industry.

Traditional cheese consumption leading to hemodialysis induced by rifampin treatment: A case report.

This case report details the journey of a 51-year-old man residing in a remote Iranian village, involved in livestock rearing, who was hospitalized due to Brucellosis contracted from consuming traditional cheese and dairy products. Initially treated with doxycycline and rifampin, complications arose during antituberculosis therapy, with the patient developing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and edema alongside renal function deterioration necessitating medication cessation. Subsequent manifestations of proteinuria, toxic hepatitis, and nephrotic syndrome prompted renal biopsy, revealing drug-induced glomerular and tubular damage. Swift cessation of rifampicin, combined with prednisolone therapy, led to symptom amelioration, resulting in the cessation of dialysis and the patient's discharge within three weeks. This case underscores the intricate relationship between traditional cheese consumption, medication-induced renal complications, and the importance of timely intervention and appropriate management in achieving a successful patient outcome.

Autochthonous cultures to improve the quality of PGI Castellano cheese: Impact on proteolysis, microstructure and texture during ripening.

The aim of this research was to find out the effect of different combinations of starter and non-starter cultures on the proteolysis of Castellano cheese during ripening. Four cheese batches were prepared, each containing autochthonous lactobacilli and or Leuconostoc, and were compared with each other and with a control batch, that used only a commercial starter. To achieve this, nitrogen fractions (pH 4.4-soluble nitrogen and 12 % trichloroacetic acid soluble nitrogen, polypeptide nitrogen and casein nitrogen), levels of free amino acids and biogenic amines were assessed. Texture and microstructure of cheeses were also evaluated. Significant differences in nitrogen fractions were observed between batches at different stages of ripening. The free amino acid content increased throughout the cheese ripening process, with a more significant increase occurring after the first 30 days. Cheeses containing non-starter lactic acid bacteria exhibited the highest values at the end of the ripening period. Among the main amino acids, GABA was particularly abundant, especially in three of the cheese batches at the end of ripening. The autochthonous lactic acid bacteria were previously selected as non-producers of biogenic amines and this resulted in the absence of these compounds in the cheeses. Analysis of the microstructure of the cheese reflected the impact of proteolysis. Additionally, the texture profile analysis demonstrated that the cheese's hardness intensified as the ripening period progressed. The inclusion of autochthonous non-starter lactic acid bacteria in Castellano cheese production accelerated the proteolysis process, increasing significantly the free amino acids levels and improving the sensory quality of the cheeses.

Replacement of Saturated Fatty Acids from Meat by Dairy Sources in Relation to Incident Cardiovascular Disease: The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk Study.

BACKGROUND: Prospective observational data revealed lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence with modeled replacement of saturated fatty acids (SFA) from total meat by total dairy, but it is unknown what the associations are of replacing SFA from types of meat by types of dairy with CVD incidence. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the associations of replacing SFA from total, red, processed, and poultry meat by SFA from total dairy, milk, cheese, and yogurt with the incidence of CVD. METHODS: We analyzed longitudinal data from 21,841 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk study (56.4% female; age, 40-79 years). Dietary data were collected by food frequency questionnaires at baseline (1993-1997). Incident fatal or nonfatal CVD (n = 5902), coronary artery disease (CAD; n = 4215), stroke (total: n = 2544; ischemic: n = 1113; hemorrhagic: n = 449) were identified up to 2018. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression for the risk associated with replacement of 2.5% of energy from SFA from meat by dairy, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, energy, dietary, and cardiometabolic factors. RESULTS: Replacing SFA from total meat by total dairy was associated with a lower CVD incidence (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.96) and CAD (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.96). Replacing SFA from processed meat by cheese was associated with lower CVD (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.88); CAD (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.90), and stroke (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.99). Similarly, replacing SFA from red meat by cheese was associated with lower CVD (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.97). Higher incidence of stroke was found with replacement of SFA from poultry by milk (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.89), yogurt (HR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.27, 5.13), or cheese (HR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.70), but the CI were relatively large, owing to low, narrow range of poultry SFA intake. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that different SFA-rich foods at baseline have differential associations with CVD risk. If confirmed by further studies, these findings could be used to inform specific food-based dietary guidance.

Causal Associations of Modifiable Risk Factors With Migraine: Evidence From Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

Background and objectives The exact etiology of migraine is unknown; however, it is likely a mixture of genetic and non-genetic factors including lifestyle variables like smoking and diet. This study aims to assess the causal effect of modifiable risk factors on the risk of migraine using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Materials and methods The study used publicly available genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The study evaluated a diverse smoking exposure, encompassing age at smoking initiation, smoking intensity, and maternal smoking, alongside other pertinent risk factors, namely key dietary aspects, coffee consumption, BMI, and physical activity. Self-reported migraine was the outcome of the study. The genetic data for migraine were obtained from the FinnGen (Finland) and the UK Biobank (United Kingdom) cohorts. Results With sample sizes ranging from 64,949 to 632,802 for each risk factor collected from several consorts, the study included a total of 282 SNPs for all risk factors. The findings demonstrated that in the FinnGen consortium, genetically estimated dietary factors as well as BMI, were significantly associated with the risk of migraine (OR 0.765 per single unit of BMI, p = 0.011; OR 0.468 per one SD higher cheese intake, p = 0.012; OR 0.286 per one SD higher salad intake, p = 0.004, and 0.625 per one SD higher coffee consumption, p = 0.003, respectively). The results also showed that in the UK Biobank specifically, a genetically estimated history of maternal smoking was significantly associated with an elevated risk of migraine (OR=1.02, p=0.004). Conclusions The latest study implies a connection between maternal smoking and a heightened risk of migraines, whereas cheese intake, salad intake, coffee consumption, BMI, and physical activity are associated with a lower risk of migraine development.

Physicochemical and Sensory Characterization of Whey Protein-Enriched Semihard Cheese.

In view of potential future changes of German food legislation with regard to cheese product quality parameters, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of whey protein-enriched semihard cheese (WPEC). Model WPEC was produced in a pilot plant and on an industrial scale by adding defined amounts of high-heat (HH) milk to the cheese milk and comprehensively analyzed during cheese processing. The dry matter, total protein, pure protein, fat, and sodium chloride content of six-week ripened cheese samples were not significantly different (p < 0.05) when the technologically necessary heating of the curd was adapted to the amount of HH milk. However, the ripening, firmness, and melting behavior of WPEC was different compared to cheese without HH milk. During ripening, no formation of whey protein peptides was observed, but differences in the amount of some bitter peptides deriving from the casein fraction were found. Sensory data suggested a slightly more bitter taste perception by the panelists for the WPEC. Further technological adjustments are recommended to obtain marketable WPEC.

Production of a Cheese-Like Aroma via Fermentation of Plant Proteins and Coconut Oil with the Basidiomycetes Cyclocybe aegerita and Trametes versicolor.

Cheese is one of the most common dairy products and is characterized by its complex aroma. However, in times of climate change and resource scarcity, the possibility to mimic the characteristic cheese-like aroma from plant-based sources is in demand to offer alternatives to cheese. Accordingly, the production of a natural cheese-like aroma via fermentation of four plant-based proteins and coconut oil with basidiomycetes has been addressed. Mixtures of soy and sunflower protein with coconut oil (15 g/L) have shown the formation of a cheese-like aroma after 72 and 56 h after fermentation with Cyclocybe aegerita and Trametes versicolor, respectively. Isovaleric acid, butanoic acid, ethyl butanoate, 1-octen-3-ol, and various ketones were identified as the key odorants. Similarities to typical cheeses were observed by the principal component analysis. Overall, the finding offered an approach to a sustainable production of a natural cheese-like aroma from a plant source, thus contributing to the development of cheese alternatives.

Clostridium strain FAM25158, a unique endospore-forming bacterium related to Clostridium tyrobutyricum and isolated from Emmental cheese shows low tolerance to salt.

The genus Clostridium is a large and diverse group of species that can cause food spoilage, including late blowing defect (LBD) in cheese. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic status of strain FAM25158 isolated from Emmental cheese with LBD using a polyphasic taxonomic and comparative genomic approach. A 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny suggested affiliation to the Clostridium sensu stricto cluster, with Clostridium tyrobutyricum DSM 2637T being the closest related type strain (99.16% sequence similarity). Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis revealed that strain FAM25158 is at the species threshold with C. tyrobutyricum, with ANI values ranging from 94.70 to 95.26%, while the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were below the recommended threshold, suggesting that FAM25158 is significantly different from C. tyrobutyricum at the genomic level. Moreover, comparative genomic analysis between FAM25158 and its four closest C. tyrobutyricum relatives revealed a diversity of metabolic pathways, with FAM25158 differing from other C. tyrobutyricum strains by the presence of genes such as scrA, srcB, and scrK, responsible for sucrose utilization, and the absence of many important functional genes associated with cold and osmolality adaptation, which was further supported by phenotypic analyses. Surprisingly, strain FAM25158 exhibited unique physiologic traits, such as an optimal growth temperature of 30°C, in contrast to its closest relatives, C. tyrobutyricum species with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C. Additionally, the growth of FAM25158 was inhibited at NaCl concentrations higher than 0.5%, a remarkable observation considering its origin from cheese. While the results of this study provide novel information on the genetic content of strain FAM25158, the relationship between its genetic content and the observed phenotype remains a topic requiring further investigation.

Determination of the effects of proteolysis-based changes by adjunct lactobacilli on the bioactivity (ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant activities) of cheese: a model cheese study.

Bioactive properties, proteolysis and microbiology of model cheeses with and without adjunct lactobacilli (Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. casei) were studied during 120 days of storage at 8 or 16 °C. Bioactive properties were observed in peptide fractions (< 3 kDa, 3-10 kDa, < 10 kDa) separated using ultrafiltration membranes. Antioxidant activity of these fractions was determined by radical scavenging assays as ABTS [2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)]. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory (ACE-i) activity (% and IC50) and peptide profiles of 70% ethanol-soluble and -insoluble fractions were determined by RP-HPLC. Use of lactobacilli as an adjunct culture significantly changed the RP-HPLC peptide profiles of the cheeses; however, slight changes were observed in the patterns of urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Fractions smaller than 3 kDa had higher ACE-i and antioxidant activities for all cheese samples. In conclusion, this study indicates that the addition of lactobacilli as an adjunct culture contributed to the formation of bioactive compounds in the model cheeses and also changed the proteolysis levels.

In vitro assessment of biofunctional properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain Jb21-11 and the characterization of its exopolysaccharide.

ABSTACT: The microbiota of traditional food provides a rich reservoir of biodiversity to find new strains with interesting features for novel functional food formulation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the biofunctional potential of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain Jb21-11 isolated from Jben, a traditional Algerian fresh cheese. This isolate was selected out of a collection of 154 LAB based on its exopolysaccharide (EPS) phenotype and was preliminarily identified by polyphasic characterization as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously known as Lactobacillus plantarum) and its biofunctional properties were then assessed in vitro. The tested strain demonstrated good resistance to gastric juice, acidity around pH 2, and 2% (v/v) bile salts, which are important characteristics for potential biofunctional LAB candidates. It also showed a good production of ropy EPS with 674 mg/L on MRS medium. However, this ability appears to compromise the adhesion of the strain to Caco-2 cells (less than 1%), which according to our results, seems not to be related to autoaggregation and hydrophobicity (44.88 ± 0.028% and 16.59 ± 0.012%). Furthermore, promising antimicrobial activity against three pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella) was detected probably due to antimicrobial metabolites excreted during fermentation process into the medium. Moreover, the strain L. plantarum Jb21-11 displayed a therapeutic functionality with both anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action using RAW 264.7 cells. The chemical features of the novel ropy Jb21-11-EPS were also investigated revealing the presence of three monosaccharides, namely, mannose, galactose, and glucose, with a molar ratio of 5.42:1.00:4.52 linked together by α- and ß-glycosidic bonds, presenting a relatively high molecular weight of 1.08 × 105 Da of interest for a texturing potential. Therefore, the new producing EPS strain Jb21-11 is a promising candidate for use as an adjunct culture for improving the texture of functional food.

Lifetime dairy product consumption and breast cancer risk: a prospective cohort study by tumor subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature on dairy products and risk of breast cancer is inconsistent, and the relationship may depend on the life-period of dietary assessment. OBJECTIVE: We examined dairy consumption from adolescence through later adulthood and incidence of breast cancer by menopausal status and tumor molecular subtypes in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), a prospective cohort study. METHODS: We analyzed data from 63,847 females in the NHS collected from 1980 to 2018. Average intake of dairy products during adulthood was assessed by validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires throughout follow-up. Participants recalled adolescent dietary intake in 1986. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) relating dairy product consumption to breast cancer risk overall, by menopausal status, and by subtypes. RESULTS: We documented 5733 incident cases of invasive breast cancer during 32 y of follow-up (n = 5298 postmenopausal). Lifetime, adolescent, adulthood, and postmenopausal total dairy and milk intakes were not associated with overall breast cancer risk (nonsignificant HRs comparing highest with lowest quintile range = 0.97-1.08), although there was a suggestive positive association between adolescent milk intake and breast cancer risk (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.18). Higher lifetime and premenopausal cheese intakes were associated with modestly lower risks of breast cancer (comparing highest with lowest quintile, HR for lifetime cheese intake: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.98; HR for premenopausal cheese intake: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.00). Results varied by tumor subtype and some evidence for heterogeneity was observed for an association between premenopausal milk intake and breast cancer (HR for estrogen receptor [ER]-positive: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.99; ER-negative: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.84; P heterogeneity = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that overall dairy consumption was not associated with risk of breast cancer. However, heterogeneity was observed for type of dairy food, period of life, and tumor subtypes.

Enzymatic debittering of cheese flavoring and bitterness characterization of peptide mixture using sensory and peptidomics approach.

Peptides in cheese flavoring produced through proteolysis plus fermentation generated bitterness. Bitterness of individual peptide can be quantified using quantitative structure-activity relationship, where molecular mass (M), hydrophobicity, residues, C-terminal hydrophobic amino acids (C-HAAs), and N-terminal basic ones (N-BAAs) are crucial. However, their accumulative influence on the overall bitterness of peptide mixture remains unknown. This study delved into extensive proteolysis to debitter and to correlate the multi-influencing factors of peptides and the collective bitterness. As hydrolysis increased from 7.5 % to 28.0 %, bitterness reduced from 5.0 to 0.3-2.7 scores, contingent on proteases used, in which FU was optimal. The overall bitterness cannot be predicted through the summation of individual peptide bitterness, which depended on M (0.5-3 kDa) and 5-23 residues, followed by N-BAAs and C-HAAs. Analysis of enzymatic cleavage sites and substrate characteristics revealed, to more effectively debitter bovine milk protein hydrolysates, proteases specifically cleaving Pro, Leu, Phe, and Val were desired.

Coagulation temperature and smoking time determine product quality and shelf life of the acid-heat coagulated Circassian cheese.

This study examined the effects of process parameters on acid-heat coagulated Circassian cheese. For this purpose, cheeses were produced at coagulation temperatures of 70°C and 90°C, and smoked for 0, 2.5, and 6 h in both summer and winter. Microbiological, textural, proteolytic, and sensorial changes were observed for 90 days at 30-day intervals. According to the results, coagulation at 90°C instead of 70°C formed a firmer structure. Six-hour smoking time instead of 2.5-h provided higher dry matter, reduced proteolysis rates, and extended the microbial shelf life. In addition, higher (6 h) smoking decelerated sourness while resulting in intense smoke flavor and higher lipolytic activity. In conclusion, seasonal changes in milk and applied the process conditions revealed significant differences in the quality parameters and shelf life of acid-heat coagulated Circassian cheese.

A national systematic literature review for aflatoxin M1 in commonly consumed cheese brands in Iran: Human health risk assessment by Monte Carlo simulation.

Cheese is popular in Iran because of its high nutritional value; therefore, it is necessary to control this product regarding health risk factors, particularly aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). This research reviewed AFM1 in various varieties of cheese in Iran to assess the potential health risks associated with consuming these products for different age groups. In this regard, all accessible papers from different databases were screened between June 27, 2000 and October 10, 2022 b y systematic research and then considering the selection criteria of the studies; finally, 22 articles were selected for the current review. The amount and prevalence of AFM1 were calculated and separated based on the cheese variety, and the sampling location; health risk assessment (HRA), statistical, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis for AFM1 of cheese for different age groups were performed. The study results for 2143 samples showed that the overall average AFM1 for cheese is 160 ± 175 ng/kg, below the European Commission (EC) regulation (250 ng/kg). AFM1 contaminated 72.42% of all cheese samples, and 13% of these contaminated samples had a higher AFM1 than the EC regulation. Cheese varieties were ranked based on average levels of AFM1 as white pasteurized > traditional > creamy > probiotic > Lighvan, and this ranking was obtained based on sampling locations as market > dairy factories > livestock farms. Based on the HRAs, from the perspective of the liver cancer risk (LCR), the margin of exposure (MOE), and the hazard index (HI) approach, it can be concluded that cheese produced in Iran, in terms of AFM1, particularly for children, poses serious health risks. Accordingly, it is imperative to carefully consider implementing suitable management methods to inhibit the growth of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in livestock fodder, and training in sanitary production and processing of dairy products according to world standards is suggested for industrial and traditional cheese producers across Iran.

Effect of Commercial and Autochthonous Bioprotective Cultures for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes Contamination of Pecorino Sardo Dolce PDO Cheese.

The composition and physicochemical characteristics of short-aged Pecorino Sardo PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese makes it permissive to Listeria monocytogenes growth. The PDO product specification stipulates that this cheese is produced with whole sheep's milk inoculated with cultures from the area of origin. Therefore, the use of bioprotective cultures for the inhibition of pathogens in PDO cheeses is allowed only if autochthonous microorganisms are used. Furthermore, bioprotective cultures are generally used on the cheese surface to prevent the outgrowth of L. monocytogenes, the application of which can be time-consuming and require specialist technical knowledge. In this study, we examine the direct addition of bioprotective cultures to the cheese vat and compare the activity of a commercial bioprotective culture (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) and an autochthonous lactic acid bacterium with bioprotective properties (Lactobacillus delbruekii sups. sunkii), for the inhibition of L. monocytogenes in Pecorino Sardo PDO cheese. Three types of Pecorino Sardo PDO cheese were made with bioprotective cultures added directly to the cheese milk along with the starter inoculum: PSA, with the commercial bioprotective culture; PSB, with the autochthonous bioprotective culture; and a CTRL cheese with no bioprotective culture. A challenge test was performed on each of these cheeses by artificially contaminating the cheese surface with L. monocytogenes (2 Log10 CFU/g). Three batches of each cheese type were analyzed to enumerate mesophilic and thermophilic lactic acid bacteria and to investigate the growth potential of L. monocytogenes during manufacturing, at the end of ripening, at the end of shelf-life, and after 180 days from cheese production. Both bioprotective cultures tested in this study showed inhibitory action against the pathogen with 0.3-1.8 Log10 CFU/g (colony-forming unit per gram) reduction levels. The autochthonous organism, L. sunkii, was as effective as the commercially supplied culture, and the addition of the bioprotective cultures to the cheese-making procedure offered protection against L. monocytogenes. The direct addition of bioprotective cultures to the making procedure of Pecorino Sardo PDO cheese is a potentially innovative strategy to improve the safety of this product.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the Conversion of Linoleic Acid of Vegetable Oil to Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Lipolysis, and Sensory Properties of Cheddar Cheese.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is perceived to protect the body from metabolic diseases. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp. plantarum) on CLA production and sensory characteristics of cheddar cheese. Lp. plantarum can convert linoleic acid (LA) to CLA. To increase CLA in cheddar cheese and monitor the conversion of LA to CLA by Lp. plantarum, the LA content of cheese milk (3.4% fat) was increased by partially replacing fat with safflower oil (85% LA of oil) at 0, 3, 6, and 9% concentrations (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Furthermore, Lp. plantarum 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL (8 log CFU mL-1) was added in all treatments along with traditional cheddar cheese culture (Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and L. lactis ssp. cremoris). After 30 days of ripening, Lp. plantarum in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6.75, 6.72, 6.65, and 6.55 log CFU g-1. After 60 days of ripening, Lp. plantarum in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6.35, 6.27, 6.19, and 6.32 log CFU g-1. After 60 days of ripening, Lp. plantarum in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6.41, 6.25, 6.69, and 6.65 log CFU g-1. GC-MS analysis showed that concentrations of CLA in the 90 days' control, T1, T2, T3, and T4 were 1.18, 2.73, 4.44, 6.24, and 9.57 mg/100 g, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed that treatments containing Lp. plantarum and LA presented higher concentrations of organic acids than the control sample. The addition of safflower oil at all concentrations did not affect cheese composition, free fatty acids (FFA), and the peroxide value (POV) of cheddar cheese. Color flavor and texture scores of experimental cheeses were not different from the control cheese. It was concluded that Lp. plantarum and safflower oil can be used to increase CLA production in cheddar cheese.

Occurrence of Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol and Their Metabolites in Italian Cheese.

Tyrosol (T) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) are phenyl alcohol polyphenols with well-recognized health-promoting properties. They are widely diffused in several vegetables, especially in olive products (leaves, fruits and oil). Therefore, they could be present in food produced from herbivorous animals such as in milk and cheese. In this study, an analytical method to determine T, HT and some of their phase II metabolites (sulphates and glucuronides) in cheese was developed and validated. Samples were extracted with an acidic mixture of MeOH/water 80/20 (v/v) and, after a low temperature clean-up, the extracts were evaporated and injected in a liquid-chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-Q-Orbitrap). A validation study demonstrated satisfactory method performance characteristics (selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery factors, detection and quantification limits). The developed protocol was then applied to analyze 36 Italian cheeses made from ewe, goat and cow milk. The sum of detected compounds (T, tyrosol sulfate, hydroxytyrosol-3-O-sulfate and hydroxytyrosol-4-O-sulfate) reached as high as 2300 µg kg-1 on a dry weight basis, although in about 45% of cow cheeses it did not exceed 50 µg kg-1. Ewe cheeses were significantly richer of polyphenols (sum) as well as HT sulfate metabolites than cow cheeses. In conclusion, results shows that cheese cannot be considered an important dietary source of these valuable compounds.

Proteolysis and therapeutic potential of bioactive peptides derived from Cheddar cheese.

Cheddar cheese-derived bioactive peptides are considered a potential component of functional foods. A positive impact of bioactive peptides on diet-related chronic, non-communicable diseases, like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, has been observed. Bioactive peptides possess multifunctional therapeutic potentials, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory effects, anti-thrombotic, and phyto-pathological activities against various toxic compounds. Peptides can regulate human immune, gastrointestinal, hormonal, and neurological responses, which play an integral role in the deterrence and treatment of certain diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, and other health disorders, as described in the present review. This review summarizes the categories of the Cheddar cheese-derived bioactive peptides, their general characteristics, physiological functions, and possible applications in healthcare.

Antioxidant Activity of Sweet Whey Derived from Bovine, Ovine and Caprine Milk Obtained from Various Small-Scale Cheese Plants in Greece before and after In Vitro Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion.

Whey-derived peptides have been associated with different biological properties, but most peptides are usually further hydrolyzed during the digestive process. In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of 48 samples of sweet whey (SW) derived from cheeses obtained from small-scale cheese plants made with bovine, ovine, caprine or a mixture of ovine/caprine milk was assessed using both cell-free and cell-based assays. SW digestates (SW-Ds) and a fraction (<3 kDa; SW-D-P3) thereof were obtained after in vitro digestion and subsequent ultrafiltration. Antioxidant properties using four different assays were evaluated before and after digestion. Our data showed higher values (p < 0.05) for ORAC, ABTS, FRAP and P-FRAP after in vitro digestion (SW-Ds and SW-D-P3) when compared with the corresponding values before digestion. In the non-digested SW, ORAC values were higher (p < 0.05) for the bovine SW compared with all the other samples. In contrast, the ABTS assay indicated a higher antioxidant activity for the ovine SW both before digestion and for SW-D-P3 compared with the bovine SW. The fraction SW-D-P3 of the ovine SW, using HT29 cells and H2O2 as an oxidizing agent, increased (p < 0.05) the cellular antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the same fraction of the ovine/caprine mixed SW increased, through the NF-κB pathway, the expression of SOD1 and CAT, genes implicated in the oxidative response in macrophage-like THP-1 cells. These findings indicate that SW, and particularly bovine and ovine SW, could be a candidate source for physical antioxidants in human and animal nutrition.

Influence of dairy products consumption on oral cancer risk: A meta-analysis.

Background: The role of dairy product consumption on oral cancer risk is not yet fully clarified. Some studies have observed an inverse association between dairy consumption and oral cancer risk. This study aimed to determine the influence of dairy product consumption (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter) on oral cancer risk. Methods: A search for studies on dairy products and oral cancer was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library), Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus. The estimation of the odds ratio (OR) effect was performed with the generic inverse variance method using the logarithm of the effect with the standard error (SE) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Twenty-one studies with 59271 participants (8,300 oral cancer patients and 50971 controls) were included in this meta-analysis. All dairy products significantly reduced oral cancer risk except butter (P=0.16). Milk intake reduced oral cancer risk by 27% (OR: 0.73; P<0.001); yogurt consumption by 25% (OR: 0.75; P<0.001), and cheese consumption by 21% (OR:0.79; P<0.01). Conclusion: Regular consumption of dairy products reduces oral cancer risk between 21% and 27%.