Insight into Rheological Properties and Structure of Native Waxy Starches: Cluster Analysis Grouping.

Recent interest in the use of waxy starches in food production is due to the possibility of replacing chemically modified starches as texture-forming agents with native starch analogues. However, there is a lack of a coherent research comparing different varieties of commercially available waxy starches with respect to their molecular and functional properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare native waxy starches from potatoes, corn, and rice, with particular attention to rheological characteristics in relation to molecular structure. The investigated potato, corn, and rice starch preparations were characterized by significantly different molecular properties due to both botanical origin of starch and variety. The molecular weights of waxy starches were significantly higher than those of their normal counterparts. This phenomenon was accompanied by a more loose conformation of the waxy starch macromolecule in solution. The presence of amylose confers the ability to coagulate starch sol into gel, resulting in substantial changes in the rheological properties of starch paste, and waxy starch pastes being characterized by more viscous flow and smoother texture. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that differences between functional properties are more notable for normal than for waxy preparations, in which potato starch, regardless of its variety, was characterized by the most unique characteristics.

Bioethanol production from sorghum grain with Zymomonas mobilis: increasing the yield and quality of raw distillates.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to demonstrate the superiority of bioethanol yield and its quality from sorghum using the granular starch degrading enzyme Stargen™ 002 over simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and separate hydrolysis and fermentation using Zymomonas mobilis CCM 3881 and Ethanol Red® yeast. RESULTS: Bacteria were found to produce ethanol at higher yield than the yeast in all fermentations. The highest ethanol yield was obtained with Z. mobilis during 48 h of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (83.85% theoretical yield) and fermentation with Stargen™ 002 (81.27% theoretical yield). Pre-liquefaction in fermentation with Stargen™ 002 did not improve ethanol yields for both Z. mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chromatographic analysis showed twice less total volatile compounds in distillates obtained after bacterial (3.29-5.54 g L-1 ) than after yeast (7.84-9.75 g L-1 ) fermentations. Distillates obtained after bacterial fermentation were characterized by high level of aldehydes (up to 65% of total volatiles) and distillates obtained after yeast fermentation of higher alcohols (up to 95% of total volatiles). The process of fermentation using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme cocktail Stargen™ 002 resulted in low amounts of all volatile compounds in distillates obtained after bacterial fermentation, but the highest amounts in distillates obtained after yeast fermentation. CONCLUSION: The present study emphasizes the great potential of bioethanol production from sorghum with Z. mobilis using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme Stargen™ 002, which leads to reduced water and energy consumption, especially when energy sources are strongly related to global climate change. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Associations of plasma betaine, plasma choline, choline intake, and MTHFR polymorphism (rs1801133) with anthropometric parameters of healthy adults are sex-dependent.

BACKGROUND: Choline and its metabolites apppear to have relationships with body mass index (BMI), body fat, and body weight, but the research results have proved inconsistent. We thus investigated the associations of plasma levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), choline, and betaine with anthropometric measurements, including modulatory effects of genetics and diet. METHODS: The study was performed on a group of 421 adults, aged 20-40 years, who had been recruited in Poland. Plasma concentrations of choline, betaine, and TMAO were determined using reverse-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. The following polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan probes: rs180113 (MTHFR), rs70991108 (DHFR), rs2236225 (MTHFD1), and rs7946 and rs12325817 (PEMT). We employed multivariate linear regression to examine the associations between anthropometric measurements, one-carbon metabolism metabolites, and genotypes. RESULTS: Higher plasma choline was associated with higher BMI (ß = 0.17; p < 0.01), body weight (ß = 0.11; p < 0.05), body fat mass (FM) (ß = 0.10; p < 0.05), and waist circumference (WC) (ß = 0.14; p < 0.01), whereas higher choline intake was associated with lower body FM (ß = -0.14; p < 0.01) and lower WC (ß = -0.12; p < 0.01). After stratification by sex, plasma betaine was found to be associated with lower BMI (ß = -0.20; p < 0.05) and body weight (ß = -0.16; p < 0.05) in men only, whereas choline intake was associated with lower body FM (ß = -0.19; p < 0.05) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (ß = -0.19; p < 0.05) and MTHFR CC genotype was associated with WHR (ß = 0.15; p < 0.05) in women only. CONCLUSIONS: Higher plasma betaine and higher dietary choline are associated with lower FM and body weight, whereas higher plasma choline is positively associated with body weight status and adiposity. Moreover, these associations appear to be sex-specific.

In situ approaches show the limitation of the spoilage potential of Juniperus phoenicea L. essential oil against cold-tolerant Pseudomonas fluorescens KM24.

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of juniper essential oil (EO), α-pinene, and sabinene on the quorum-sensing (QS)-mediated proteolytic and lipolytic properties of Pseudomonas fluorescens KM24. These activities were verified under in situ conditions, in which sub-MICs of the agents altered the morphology of KM24 cells. RNA-Seq studies revealed key coding sequences (CDSs)/genes related to QS and the proteolytic/lipolytic activities of pseudomonads. In this work, all the examined agents decreased autoinducer synthesis and influenced the mRNA expression of the encoding acyltransferase genes lptA, lptD, and plsB. The highest reduction on the 3rd and 5th days of cultivation was observed for the genes lptD (-5.5 and -5.61, respectively) and lptA (-3.5 and -4.0, respectively) following treatment with EO. Inhibition of the lptA, lptD, and plsB genes by singular constituents of EO was on average, from -0.4 to -0.7. At 5 days of cultivation the profile of AHLs of the reference P. fluorescens KM24 strain consisted of 3-oxo-C14-HSL, 3-oxo-C6-HSL, C4-HSL, and N-[(RS)-3-hydroxybutyryl]-HSL, the concentrations of which were 0.570, 0.018, 3.744, and 0.554 µg ml-1, respectively. Independent of the incubation time, EO, α-pinene, and sabinene also suppressed the protease genes prlC (-1.5, -0.5, and -0.5, respectively) and ctpB (-1.5, -0.7, and -0.4, respectively). Lipolysis and transcription of the lipA/lipB genes were downregulated by the agents on average from -0.3 to -0.6. α-Pinene- and sabinene-rich juniper EO acts as an anti-quorum-sensing agent and can repress the spoilage phenotype of pseudomonads. KEY POINTS: Juniper EO, α-pinene, sabinene exhibited anti-QS potential toward KM24. RNA-Seq revealed key CDSs/genes related to QS/proteolytic/lipolytic activities of KM24. Agents at sub-MIC levels influenced the mRNA expression of QS/lipase/protease genes.

Comparison of Associations between One-Carbon Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, and Fatty Liver Markers in Normal-Weight and Overweight People Aged 20-40 Years.

The aim of the present study was to compare biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism (OCM), lipid metabolism, and fatty liver in people with normal and increased body weight. The study was performed on 421 participants, aged 20-40 years, enrolled in Poznan, Poland, in 2016-2018. Choline and betaine intakes were assessed. DNA samples were genotyped for polymorphisms of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT; rs7946 and rs12325817), methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; rs180113), methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1; rs2236225), and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR; rs70991108). To assess the associations between blood metabolites (choline, betaine, folate, L-carnitine, o-acetyl-L-carnitine, and trimethylamine N-oxide]), circulating lipids, and fatty liver indices, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Overweight/obese participants had 5.8% higher choline (p < 0.05) and 10% higher L-carnitine (p < 0.001) levels than normal-weight subjects. Serum folate and betaine levels were associated with lower total cholesterol (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), triacylglycerols (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and triglyceride glucose index (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), though only in overweight/obese people. The PEMT rs12325817 CC genotype was associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p < 0.01) in overweight/obese people. The associations between OCM markers, fatty liver indices, and blood lipids differ in subjects with normal and excessive body weight.

Maillard Reaction Products in Gluten-Free Bread Made from Raw and Roasted Buckwheat Flour.

The formation of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in gluten-free bread made from roasted and raw buckwheat flour was examined. The levels of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids (catechin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, and others) and phenolic acids (like 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, dihydroxybenzoic, ferulic, gallic, syringic, vanillic, and p-coumaric) were measured using reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC-ESI-MS). Early and advanced Maillard reaction products were analyzed using HPLC, whereas spectrofluorimetric analysis was used to determine the levels of fluorescent intermediate compounds (FIC). The total levels of phenolic compounds were higher in the case of buckwheat bread prepared from roasted buckwheat flour (156 and 140 µg/g of crumb and crust, respectively). Rutin, gallic acid, and catechin were the most abundant phenolic compounds detected in roasted buckwheat bread. The roasting process resulted in significantly lower radical scavenging capacities (ABTS) of the total phenolics and flavonoids in the buckwheat bread. Taking into consideration these Maillard reaction products, we observed a significant increase in FIC level in roasted buckwheat crumb and crust (at about 40%, and 38%, respectively). At the same time, the Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) level did not change in roasted or raw buckwheat bread crumb, though in roasted buckwheat crust the concentration of CML increased by about 21%.

The effect of cranberry juice and a cranberry functional beverage on the growth and metabolic activity of selected oral bacteria.

BACKGROUND: The oral microbiota is a significant risk indicator for oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal inflammation. Much attention is presently paid to the development of functional foods (e.g. beverages containing cranberry constituents, or foods containing probiotics) that may serve as adjuncts for oral disease treatments (e.g. periodontitis and caries). Cranberry fruit, due to its unique chemical composition and antimicrobial potential, is a possible ingredient of such foods. The study aimed to investigate the effects of cranberry juice (CJ) and a cranberry functional beverage (mixture of 80% v/v apple juice, 20% v/v cranberry juice, and 0.25 g/100 mL ground cinnamon; CFB) on the growth and metabolic activity of selected oral bacteria. METHODS: Serial dilution pour plate method (SDPP) was used to examine the effect of CJ and CFB on the growth of Actinomyces naeslundii, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei. 48-h electrical impedance measurements (EIM) during the cultivation of A. naeslundii were applied to evaluate the utility of the method as a rapid alternative for the assessment of the antimicrobial potential of cranberry beverages. RESULTS: The tested bacteria differed in their susceptibility to the antimicrobial action of CJ and CFB, with L. paracasei subsp. paracasei being least vulnerable to CFB (according to SDPP). Although CJ at a concentration of 0.5 mL/mL, showed a bactericidal effect on the growth of S. mutans, A. naeslundii was more sensitive to CJ (SDPP). Its inhibitory effect on A. naeslundii was seen even at concentrations as small as 0.03125-0.125 mL/mL (SDPP and EIM). On the other hand, S. mutans seemed to be more vulnerable to CFB than A. naeslundii (SDPP). CONCLUSIONS: CFB may be considered an adjunct in the treatment of oral diseases due to its action against selected oral pathogens, and not against the presumably beneficial L. paracasei subsp. paracasei. Bioelectrical impedance measurements appear to be a quick alternative to evaluating the antimicrobial activity of fruit beverages, but their utility should be confirmed with tests on other bacteria.

Influence of Abiotic Stress Factors on the Antioxidant Properties and Polyphenols Profile Composition of Green Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

The influence of stress factors on the plant can, on the one hand, lead to worse functioning of the plant and loss of its crop, but on the other, it can have a positive effect on the metabolism of compounds with documented biological activity. In this study, the effect of light and drought intensity on photosynthetic activity and physiological status of two barley varieties, as well as the antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and profile of polyphenolic compounds of green barley were analysed. It was shown that under the conditions of water shortage, the KWS Olof variety showed a smaller decrease in CO2 assimilation and transpiration and higher values of these parameters at both light intensities. Only in the KWS Olof variety increased stress as a result of increased light intensity. It has also been shown that both the intensity of radiation and drought-related stress have a significant impact on the profile of polyphenolic compounds from green barley, without a simple relationship between the impact of stress factors on the content of polyphenols. Changes in the profile of polyphenolic compounds augmented the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the material. This, in turn, proposes the possibility of reducing the applied doses of herbal material thanks to a greater content of active substances in extracts obtained from the plants used to produce medicinal preparations.

Effect of different starter cultures on chemical and microbial parameters of buckwheat honey fermentation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiology of buckwheat honey fermentation inoculated with different starter cultures by culturing and PCR-DGGE, taking as a model for comparison a spontaneously fermented batch. The inoculants tested were (i) cider lees (from a cider factory), (ii) sourdough (from a bakery), and (iii) a commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. The results of the culturing and culture-independent techniques agreed well and detected the same dominant species along the fermentations. Our results suggest that S. cerevisiae strains, which constituted a majority population in all batches including the uninoculated one, carried out the fermentations. The highest microbial diversity was found at the beginning of the fermentation in the uninoculated batch; this contained in addition to S. cerevisiae bacteria (Paracoccus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Bacillus sp.) and yeast (Candida sp.) species. Candida sp. was also common in batches inoculated with sourdough and cider lees cultures. Lactobacillus species were found throughout the fermentation of the sourdough-inoculated batch. Basic chemical analysis and testing trials demonstrated that the overall sensory acceptance of the four meads were highly similar. Yeast and bacteria isolated in this study could serve as a source of technologically relevant microorganisms for mead production.

The Content of Dietary Fibre and Polyphenols in Morphological Parts of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum).

In this report, we presented the profile of polyphenolic substances in flowers, leaves, stalk and roots of Fagopyrum tataricum estimated by using RP-UHPLC-ESI-MS equipment (reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry). The neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were also determined. Flowers, leaves, stalk and roots showed varying levels of dietary fibre and polyphenols. The highest content of neutral and acid detergent fibre were found in the roots (63.92 and 45.45% d.m., respectively) while the most rich in phenolic compounds were flowers (4.8 mg/1 g d.m.). Root and stalk contained the highest level of cellulose, 38.70 and 25.57% d.m., respectively. Among the investigated polyphenolic substances such as: 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydrobenzoic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, fagopyrin, ferulic acid, myricetin, gallic acid, isovanilic acid, isovitexin, kaempferol, luteolin, p-coumaric acid, procyanidin B2, quercetin, quercetin 3-D galactoside, rutin, syringic acid and vitexin, we observed that the contents of rutin and chlorogenic acid were the highest. We found some correlation between dietary fibre fractions and individual phenolic substances. The levels of acid detergent fibre (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose were negatively correlated with isovitexin, kaempferol, vitexin, fagopyrin, caffeic acid and procyanidin B2 content. In this investigation, two solvents (water and methanol) were estimated regarding their extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds. Taking these results into consideration, we recommend using methanol as the extractor to isolate chlorogenic acid, fagopyrin, kaempferol, procyanidin B2, quercetin, quercetin 3-D-galactoside, rutin, vitexin, and water for other investigated polyphenolic substances obtained from Fagopyrum tataricum.

Dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical factors influencing plasma choline, carnitine, trimethylamine, and trimethylamine-N-oxide concentrations.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional, anthropometric, and biochemical factors that influence choline, l-carnitine, trimethylamine (TMA), and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) metabolism in elderly women. The volunteers' diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were estimated using a self-established score method. Body mass index (BMI), serum glucose, total, HDL, LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol, homocysteine (tHcy), free choline (fchol), L-carnitine, TMA, and TMAO were assessed. Higher concentrations of l-carnitine, fchol, and TMAO were found in those women who had more western-style dietary patterns. Nor choline or betaine intake affected plasma fchol, TMA, or TMAO. BMI was positively correlated with fchol and TMA. tHcy was positively correlated with fchol, TMA, and TMAO, while fchol was also positively correlated with TMA and TMAO. Dietary patterns and plasma tHcy concentration influence fchol, TMA, and TMAO plasma concentration. Plasma TMA and fchol may be associated with BMI.

Multidimensional comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in organic juices with high antioxidant capacity.

BACKGROUND: A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and juices is associated with health benefit and reduced risk of certain civilization diseases. Antioxidant properties depend mainly on the total content of polyphenols and their composition. The aim of this study was to perform a multidimensional comparative analysis of phenolic compounds of organic juices with high antioxidant capacity (chokeberry, elderberry, cranberry, pomegranate). RESULTS: All the analyzed juices were a rich source of phenolic compounds. Chokeberry juices had the highest total polyphenol content (up to 7900 mg GAE L-1 ). These juices as well as pomegranate juice were characterized by the highest antioxidant capacity (∼5000 mg Trolox equivalents L-1 ). Other samples had lower total polyphenols content and total antioxidant capacity. Multidimensional analysis of the profiles of phenolic compounds showed that chokeberry juices differ from the other juices. Cranberry and pomegranate juices were similar to each other, and elderberry juice was closer to these samples than to chokeberry. The predominant polyphenols of chokeberry juices were anthocyanins (especially cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-arabinoside) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid). Elderberry juice was an exception by having flavonols (quercetin derivatives) as the principal compounds. CONCLUSION: Chokeberry juices were characterized by the highest antioxidant properties, which predispose them to further clinical research concerning the supporting cardiovascular disease prophylaxis. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Wheat Dietary Fiber Particle Size during Digestion In Vitro on Bile Acid, Faecal Bacteria and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Content.

The influence of bile acid concentration on the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. bacteria was demonstrated. Exposing these bacteria to the environment containing bile acid salts, and very poor in nutrients, leads to the disappearance of these microorganisms due to the toxic effect of bile acids. A multidimensional analysis of data in the form of principal component analysis indicated that lactic acid bacteria bind bile acids and show antagonistic effect on E. coli spp. bacteria. The growth in E. coli spp. population was accompanied by a decline in the population of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. with a simultaneous reduction in the concentration of bile acids. This is direct proof of acid binding ability of the tested lactic acid bacteria with respect to cholic acid, lithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid. This research demonstrated that the degree of fineness of wheat dietary fibre does not affect the sorption of bile acids and growth of some bacteria species; however, it has an impact on the profile of synthesized short-chained fatty acids. During the digestion of a very fine wheat fibre fraction (WF 90), an increase in the concentration of propionic and butyric acids, as compared with the wheat fiber fraction of larger particles - WF 500, was observed. Our study suggested that wheat fibre did not affect faecal bacteria growth, however, we observed binding of bile acids by Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.

Lactobionic acid production by glucose-fructose oxidoreductase from Zymomonas mobilis expressed in Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: To use the glucose-fructose oxidoreductase (GFOR) from Zymomonas mobilis and expressed in Escherichia coli for lactobionic acid production by conversion of lactose from whey. RESULTS: The highest concentrations of lactobionic acid (3.2 mg ml(-1)) during oxidation of whey-derived lactose by E. coli was at 24 h. Introduction of GFOR gene from Z. mobilis, into E. coli improved enzyme yields compared to what is obtainable by fermentation of the donor strain. The production of lactobionic acid by E. coli was 2.6-times higher than by Z. mobilis. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinants of E. coli overexpressing the GFOR gene from Z. mobilis produced higher amount of lactobionoic acid from whey-derived lactose.

Betaine supplementation modulates betaine concentration by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype, but has no effect on amino acid profile in healthy active males: A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.

Betaine supplementation is used by athletes, but its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. We hypothesized that betaine supplementation would increase betaine concentration and alter amino acid profiles in relation to MTHFR genotype and dose in physically active males. The study followed a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over design. Blood samples were collected before and after each supplementation period. Serum was analyzed for amino acid profile, homocysteine, betaine, choline, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) concentrations. For the washout analysis, only participants starting with betaine were included (n = 20). Statistical analysis revealed no differences in the amino acid profile after betaine supplementation. However, betaine concentration significantly increased after betaine supplementation (from 4.89 ± 1.59 µg/mL to 17.31 ± 9.21 µg/mL, P < .001), with a greater increase observed in MTHFR (C677T, rs180113) T-allele carriers compared to CC (P = .027). Betaine supplementation caused a decrease in homocysteine concentration (from 17.04 ± 4.13 µmol/L to 15.44 ± 3.48 µmol/L, P = .00005) and a non-significant increase in TMAO concentrations (from 0.27 ± 0.20 µg/ml to 0.44 ± 0.70 µg/ml, P = .053), but had no effect on choline concentrations. Serum betaine concentrations were not significantly different after the 21-day washout from the baseline values (baseline: 4.93 ± 1.87 µg/mL and after washout: 4.70 ± 1.70 µg/mL, P = 1.000). In conclusion, betaine supplementation increased betaine and decreased homocysteine concentrations, but did not affect the amino acid profile or choline concentrations in healthy active males. Betaine concentrations may be dependent on MTHFR genotype.

Formation of Maillard reaction products in a model bread system of different gluten-free flours.

In this study, we determined the levels of Maillard-type products (furosine, free fluorescent advanced glycation end products, 3-deoxyglucosone, methylglyoxal, and N-ε-carboxymethyllysine) in a model gluten-free bread made of wholegrain white, brown, wild, red, and black rice flour, as well as of yellow and purple corn flour. The total protein, lysine, arginine, and cysteine contents were found to relate directly to the formation of Maillard-type products. The malvidin, ferulic, syringic, sinapic, and p-coumaric acids present in gluten-free breads were effective against the formation of furosine, fluorescent compounds, and dicarbonyls, but were ineffective in mitigating CML. Although the bread formulated with purple corn flour had the lowest levels of furosine and fluorescent compounds, this formulation led to an increase in N-ε-carboxymethyllysine and adversely affected the bread's aroma, on account of the presence of polyphenols responsible for a bitter aroma, which were at their highest concentration (1942.34 µg/g) in this bread.

Lower plasma glutathione, choline, and betaine concentrations are associated with fatty liver in postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal women are at high risk of hepatic steatosis, which may be associated one-carbon metabolism (OCM) abnormalities. We hypothesized that lower folate, choline, betaine, and glutathione (GSH) concentrations but higher total homocysteine and trimethylamine N-oxide concentrations are associated with fatty liver (FL) in postmenopausal women. We aimed to identify relationships between OCM and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease biomarkers in postmenopausal women. A total of 131 postmenopausal women participated in this study and were stratified by the incidence of FL based on the hepatic steatosis index (HSI). Food intake was evaluated using dietary records. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations in serum were measured using the colorimetric method. Total homocysteine and GSH concentrations in plasma were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Folate and phosphatidylcholine (PC) concentrations were determined in red blood cells using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Other OCM biomarkers concentrations were measured using the isotope dilution analysis. Women with FL (HSI > 36) had lower GSH, choline, and betaine concentrations than women without FL (HSI < 36). Higher HSI level was negatively correlated with betaine and PC and positively correlated with plasma choline/betaine ratio. Lower GSH and higher carnitine concentrations in the blood are associated with an increased risk of FL. MTHFR (rs180130) T-allele carriers had lower levels of GSH than the CC homozygotes. Postmenopausal women with FL have lower GSH, choline, and betaine concentrations, which may play a role in fat accumulation in the liver. It seems important to consider the dietary intakes of these nutrients in postmenopausal women.

Diet, Trimethylamine Metabolism, and Mitochondrial DNA: An Observational Study.

SCOPE: Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and its methylation level in the D-loop area have been correlated with metabolic health and are suggested to vary in response to environmental stimuli, including diet. Circulating levels of trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO), which is an oxidative derivative of the trimethylamine (TMA) produced by the gut microbiome from dietary precursors, have been associated with chronic diseases and are suggested to have an impact on mitochondrial dynamics. This study is aimed to investigate the relationship between diet, TMA, TMAO, and mtDNAcn, as well as DNA methylation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred subjects with extreme (healthy and unhealthy) dietary patterns are recruited. Dietary records are collected to assess their nutrient intake and diets' quality (Healthy Eating Index). Blood levels of TMA and TMAO, circulating levels of TMA precursors and their dietary intakes are measured. MtDNAcn, nuclear DNA methylation long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1), and strand-specific D-loop methylation levels are assessed. There is no association between dietary patterns and mtDNAcn. The TMAO/TMA ratio is negatively correlated with d-loop methylation levels but positively with mtDNAcn. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a potential association between TMA metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics (and mtDNA), indicating a new avenue for further research.

The effect of UV-B irradiation on structural and functional properties of corn and potato starches and their components.

In this work, UV-B irradiation, an environmentally friendly modification method, was applied to corn and potato carbohydrates. The influence of irradiation on starch properties was compared with that observed for starch oxidation with NaClO. The changes in the structures of starch carbohydrates were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and chromatographic methods. Functional properties such as viscosity, water binding capacity and solubility as well as pasting characteristics and thermodynamic parameters of gelatinization, resulting from structural changes were determined. UV-B irradiation was found to be a milder modification method than chemical oxidation. The potato carbohydrates, especially amylose, appeared to be more susceptible to changes upon irradiation, whereas corn ones, particularly amylopectin, were more stable and their properties changed to a smaller extent. Similarly, functional properties were not significantly influenced by UV-B treatment. EPR studies revealed the mechanism of depolymerization of starch carbohydrates via formation of stable carbon-centered radicals.

Mitochondrial DNA and Epigenetics: Investigating Interactions with the One-Carbon Metabolism in Obesity.

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) has been proposed for use as a surrogate biomarker of mitochondrial health, and evidence suggests that mtDNA might be methylated. Intermediates of the one-carbon cycle (1CC), which is duplicated in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, have a major role in modulating the impact of diet on the epigenome. Moreover, epigenetic pathways and the redox system are linked by the metabolism of glutathione (GSH). In a cohort of 101 normal-weight and 97 overweight/obese subjects, we evaluated mtDNAcn and methylation levels in both mitochondrial and nuclear areas to test the association of these marks with body weight, metabolic profile, and availability of 1CC intermediates associated with diet. Body composition was associated with 1CC intermediate availability. Reduced levels of GSH were measured in the overweight/obese group (p = 1.3∗10-5). A high BMI was associated with lower LINE-1 (p = 0.004) and nominally lower methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene methylation (p = 0.047). mtDNAcn was lower in overweight/obese subjects (p = 0.004) and independently correlated with MTHFR methylation levels (p = 0.005) but not to LINE-1 methylation levels (p = 0.086). DNA methylation has been detected in the light strand but not in the heavy strand of the mtDNA. Although mtDNA methylation in the light strand did not differ between overweight/obese and normal-weight subjects, it was nominally correlated with homocysteine levels (p = 0.035) and MTHFR methylation (p = 0.033). This evidence suggests that increased body weight might perturb mitochondrial-nuclear homeostasis affecting the availability of nutrients acting as intermediates of the one-carbon cycle.