Role of selenium in IgE mediated soybean allergy development.

Food allergy is a pathological immune reaction triggered by normal innocuous dietary proteins. Soybean is widely used in many food products and has long been recognized as a source of high-quality proteins. However, soybean is listed as one of the 8 most significant food allergens. The prevalence of soybean allergy is increasing worldwide and impacts the quality of life of patients. Currently, the only strategy to manage food allergy relies on strict avoidance of the offending food. Nutritional supplementation is a new prevention strategy which is currently under evaluation. Selenium (Se), as one of the essential micronutrients for humans and animals, carries out biological effects through its incorporation into selenoproteins. The use of interventions with micronutrients, like Se, might be an interesting new approach. In this review we describe the involvement of Se in a variety of processes, including maintaining immune homeostasis, preventing free radical damage, and modulating the gut microbiome, all of which may contribute to in both the prevention and treatment of food allergy. Se interventions could be an interesting new approach for future treatment strategies to manage soybean allergy, and food allergy in general, and could help to improve the quality of life for food allergic patients.

Potential Allergenicity Response to Moringa oleifera Leaf Proteins in BALB/c Mice.

The reported association of Moringa oleifera seeds and allergic disease clinically resembling occupational asthma in cosmetic manufacturing workers has resultedin the need to identify such components in the manufacturing process. However, Moringa oleifera leaves from the same plant, an important food ingredient, have limited immunotoxicity data. This study aimed to determine if Moringa oleifera leafproteins (MLP) can elicit allergic responses in BALB/c mice. The BALB/c mice were sensitized twice and challenged 10 times to evaluate the potential allergenicityof MLP in vivo. The results showed increased levels of mast cells, total and specific IgE and IgG, severe signs of systemic anaphylaxis, and reduced body temperature compared with controls. The sensitized mice serum observed enhanced levels of histamine and Th-related cytokine release. Compared with the control group, increased levels of interleukins IL-4, IL-9, and IL-17A and enhanced expression and secretion of normal T cells were found in the culture supernatant of splenocytes treated with MLP.This study suggeststhat MLPcanelicit allergic responses; this providesmore comprehensive guidance for identifying new allergen candidates and developing hypoallergenic MLP products.

[Prostatic artery embolization for high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A clinical effect observation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in the treatment of high-risk patients with BPH. METHODS: Nine high-risk patients with BPH underwent PAE in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2016 to June 2018. We followed up the patients and obtained their IPSS, quality of life score (QOL), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), prostate volume (PV), hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (SAS) and incidence of postoperative complications before and at 6, 12 and 24 months or longer after surgery, followed by comparative analysis of the parameters. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, IPSS, QOL, PVR, Qmax, PV, HUS and SAS were all significantly improved in the patients at 6, 12 and ≥24 months after PAE (P < 0.05). Only 1 case complained of mild numbness in the buttocks, which was gradually relieved after acupuncture therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic artery embolization is definitely effective for the treatment of high-risk patients with BPH with the bladder volume ≥200 ml, with few postoperative complications, and can be used as an effective therapeutic supplementary for improving the urination symptoms of the patients.

Selenium-Enriched Soy Protein Has Antioxidant Potential via Modulation of the NRF2-HO1 Signaling Pathway.

Selenium (Se)-enriched proteins are an important dietary source of Se for humans; however, only a few Se-enriched proteins have been identified. In the present study, we tested for potential antioxidant activity by Se-enriched soy protein, both in vitro and in vivo. Se-enriched soy protein isolate (S-SPI) was shown to have a higher free radical scavenging ability compared to ordinary soy protein isolate (O-SPI). Furthermore, Caco-2 cell viability was improved by S-SPI at low doses, whereas O-SPI did not. In addition, S-SPI was shown to inhibit oxidative stress via modulation of the NRF2-HO1 signaling pathway, upregulating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD). To further study the antioxidant capacity of S-SPI, BALB/c female mice were given oral gavages with 0.8 mL of S-SPI or O-SPI (5 g/kg/d, 20 g/kg/d and 40 g/kg/d) or saline as control. Hepatic GPx and SOD activity increased with increasing S-SPI dosage, but not with O-SPI. Taken together, our results suggest that Se-enriched soy protein has a high antioxidant ability and may be used as a dietary supplement for people with oxidative dam-age-mediated diseases.

Desalination of duck egg white by biocoagulation to obtain peptide-ferrous chelate as iron delivery system: Preparation, characterization, and Fe2+ release evaluation in vitro.

The annual output of salted duck egg white (SDEW) is estimated to be over 1.5 million tons in China, most of which is discarded due to high salt content. This has led to serious waste and environmental impact. Therefore, we developed an eco-friendly biocoagulation separation technology by combining chitosan and sodium alginate in order to produce a novel iron-binding peptide (DPs-Fe2+) from SDEW. The structure of DPs-Fe2+ was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, followed by measuring DPs-Fe2+ response in a simulated digestion/Caco-2 cell model. Results showed that chitosan and sodium alginate complex could remove 91.21% of salt from SDEW, and the protein recovery rate reached 95.50%. Characterization results indicated that DPs bonded with Fe2+ to form a soluble chelate. Moreover, Caco-2 cell monolayer model indicated that the transport rate of Fe2+ was as high as 10.02% at 0.1 mg/ml concentration of digested chelates. The results demonstrate the potential application of DPs as a novel carrier for enhancing iron absorption. This research contributes to the development of an effective industrial desalination method and highlights an opportunity for recycling an otherwise discarded processing byproduct. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Salted duck egg whites (SDEW) are the primary byproduct of salted egg yolk production, most of which is discarded due to high salt content. Hence, efficient utilization of the high-value proteins in SDEW is an urgent problem that must be resolved. Herein, we developed an effective industrial desalination method by combining chitosan and sodium alginate, which achieved excellent SDEW desalination and protein recovery. Furthermore, we produced a novel iron-binding peptide (DPs-Fe2+), which enhanced the transportation and absorption of Fe2+ in Caco-2 cell model, suggesting its potential as an iron supplement.

Effect of L-calcium lactate, zinc lactate, and ferric sodium EDTA on the physicochemical and functional properties of liquid whole egg.

The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of liquid whole egg (LWE) with L-calcium lactate (L-Ca), zinc lactate (L-Zn), and sodium ferric EDTA (NaFeEDTA), and to compare with NaCl addition to determine the application potential of these mineral supplements. Results showed that salts addition significantly influenced the foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties of LWE, which was possible through affecting the pH, particle size, surface hydrophobicity, apparent viscosity, and solubility. The addition of all the four salts reduced pH but increased the d4,3 diameter of LWE. Additionally, the addition of 200 mM L-Ca and 6 mM L-Zn significantly improved the emulsifying capacity by 41.73% and 13.6%, the foaming capacity by 26.57% and 10%, and the protein solubility by 13.89% and 12.70%, respectively. In the meantime, mineral supplements tend to produce lower hardness gel, especially with 25 mM L-Ca and 8 mM L-Zn, and the hardness was decreased from 2401.13 to 1138.29 and 1175.59 g, respectively. A relative decrease in hardness was desirable in gelled egg products. Moreover, the addition of NaCl and L-Ca showed a higher redness and yellowness, but the addition of NaFeEDTA showed an undesirable color in dark brown, which may be not accepted by the public. In summary, L-Ca and L-Zn had great potential for application in LWE, which was more appropriate than adding NaCl. This study provides a basis for improving the functional properties of LWE products in the future. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The addition of L-Ca and L-Zn to liquid whole egg (LWE) could improve the foaming and emulsifying capacity of LWE as well as produce a lower hardness gel, which may be more conducive to the production of cake, custards, and meat products. Meantime, it is more in line with people's pursuit of a healthy diet.

Selenium Modulates the Allergic Response to Whey Protein in a Mouse Model for Cow's Milk Allergy.

Cow's milk allergy is a common food allergy in infants, and is associated with an increased risk of developing other allergic diseases. Dietary selenium (Se), one of the essential micronutrients for humans and animals, is an important bioelement which can influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the effects of Se on food allergy are still largely unknown. In the current study it was investigated whether dietary Se supplementation can inhibit whey-induced food allergy in an animal research model. Three-week-old female C3H/HeOuJ mice were intragastrically sensitized with whey protein and cholera toxin and randomly assigned to receive a control, low, medium or high Se diet. Acute allergic symptoms, allergen specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels and mast cell degranulation were determined upon whey challenge. Body temperature was significantly higher in mice that received the medium Se diet 60 min after the oral challenge with whey compared to the positive control group, which is indicative of impaired anaphylaxis. This was accompanied by reductions in antigen-specific immunoglobulins and reduced levels of mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1). This study demonstrates that oral Se supplementation may modulate allergic responses to whey by decreasing specific antibody responses and mMCP-1 release.

Potential allergenicity assessment after bovine apo-α-lactalbumin binding to calcium ion.

Bovine α-lactalbumin (α-LA) is recognized as a major milk allergen. Generally, α-LA in the natural state combines with a calcium ion, however, some studies have shown that calcium ions can binding the other metal binding sites in α-LA as well. In our study, the optimal condition of calcium ion binding to α-LA and the change of structure and allergenicity were explored. By optimizing the conditions, the maximum calcium binding amounts of apo-α-LA were obtained in a ratio of 1:4. The structure of α-LA after removal of calcium obviously changed by the spectroscopic detection. For the digestive stability, there was no obvious change in three forms of α-LA. While the allergenic properties were characterized by IgG/IgE inhibition ELISA and the human basophil KU812 degranulation assay. The results showed that IgG and IgE binding decreased, and the degranulation capacity of basophils weakened. Based on these results, calcium binding to apo-α-LA can reduce the potential allergenic properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: By optimizing the conditions, bovine apo-α-LA can obtain the most calcium binding amount. And calcium binding to apo-α-LA can reduce the potential allergenic properties. Compared with α-LA in the natural state, calcium binding to α-LA not only can reduce the allergenic properties, but also play a role in calcium supplementation. It might be used to guide the development of hypoallergenic α-LA and provide a method to reduce the potential allergenic properties of α-LA.

Distribution and effects of natural selenium in soybean proteins and its protective role in soybean ß-conglycinin (7S globulins) under AAPH-induced oxidative stress.

The effects of selenium (Se) on the protein content, amino acid profile, secondary structure and subunit composition of soy proteins and its distribution were evaluated, as was the effect of peroxyl radicals produced by thermal decomposition of AAPH on the conformational changes of Se-enriched ß-conglycinin (S-7S). The Se biofortification ability of soy was very strong, 7S had strongest ability to incorporate Se, and lower amounts of inorganic Se existed in Se-enriched beans. Se could promote protein synthesis and thus improve the protein content, increase the total amino acid content with a decrease in cysteine, combine into low-molecular-weight proteins, and influence the secondary structure of soybean proteins. Se was involved in the relevant protein changes in surface hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence, infrared absorption and solubility and played an antioxidant role as an effectual "protector" to reduce the influence of peroxyl radical oxidation on S-7S, thereby maintaining the structural rearrangement between aggregation and protein unfolding.

Iron-induced chelation alleviates the potential allergenicity of ovotransferrin in a BALB/c mouse model.

Ovotransferrin (OVT) is one of the main egg allergens with 2 iron-binding sites. Several studies have demonstrated that iron-chelation decreased the allergenicity of milk allergen and birch pollen allergens. Therefore, we hypothesized that iron-chelation could also reduce the allergenicity of OVT. Apo-OVT (iron-free OVT, the natural state in egg white) and Holo-OVT (iron-chelated OVT) were prepared, and the allergenicity of them were assessed and compared using a BALB/c mouse model as well as dendritic cells (DCs) based on antigen uptake. Mice were orally sensitized with Apo-OVT or Holo-OVT using cholera toxin as adjuvant. Clinical signs of allergy, morphological structure of jejunum, specific antibody levels, mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) concentrations, cytokines and antigen uptake by DCs were determined after the mice were challenged with Apo-OVT or Holo-OVT. Results showed that both Apo-OVT and Holo-OVT induced intestinal allergy, but no systematic allergic symbols were observed. Serum levels of mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) and specific IgE in Apo-OVT group were lower than in control group, and no significant difference between Apo-OVT group and Holo-OVT group (P>.05). The levels of OVT-specific IgG and IgG1, as well as the Th-1 cytokine interferon gamma and Th2-type cytokine interleukin-13 in Holo-OVT sensitized mice were significantly decreased compared to Apo-OVT group (P<.05), while no significant difference with control group (P>.05). However, DCs took in less Apo-OVT than Holo-OVT. Overall, iron-induced chelation could alleviate the potential allergenicity of OVT in vivo.

Unfolded protein response is activated in the ipsilateral thalamus following focal cerebral infarction in hypertensive rats.

Focal cerebral cortical infarction causes secondary neurodegeneration in the remote regions, such as the ventroposterior nucleus of the thalamus. Retrograde degeneration of thalamocortical fibers is considered as the principle mechanism, but the exact molecular events remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in thalamic neurons following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in stroke-prone renovascular hypertensive rats. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate the expression of Grp78 and its downstream effectors in the thalamus at 3, 7 and 14 days after MCAO. Secondary thalamic degeneration was assessed with Nissl staining and NeuN immunostaining. Neuronal death was not apparent at 3 days post-ischaemia but was evident in the thalamus at 7 and 14 days after MCAO. Grp78 level was reduced in the ipsilateral thalamus at 3 and 7 days after MCAO. In parallel, phosphorylated eIF2α and ATF4 levels were elevated, indicating the activation of UPR. In contrast, ATF6α and CHOP levels were not changed. These results suggest that UPR is activated before neuronal death in the ipsilateral thalamus after MCAO and may represent a key early event in the secondary thalamic degeneration.

[Spatial Variability Characteristics of Water Quality and Its Driving Forces in Honghu Lake During High Water-level Period].

Based on the high-density analysis of 139 monitoring points and samples in water of honghu lake with different degrees of eutrophication during the high water-level period, we could get the figures of spatial variability characteristics of pollution factors, the biomass of aquatic plants and water quality in Honghu Lake using the GIS interpolation methods. The result showed that the concentrations of TN, TP, NH4(+) -N, permanganate index gradually increased from south to north during this period, the trend of water pollution degree in Honghu Lake was the region of inflowing rivers > enclosure culture area > open water area > the lake protection area > region of the Yangtze river into the lake; and the contribution rate of water quality parameters was in the order of TN > TP > permanganate index > NH4(+), -N > DO; under the influence of industrial sewage, agricultural sewage, domestic sewage, bait, aquatic plants and water exchange, 59% of TN, 35.2% of TP, 13.7% of permanganate index, 4.3% of NH4(+)-N exceeded the water quality targets, respectively, accordingly, 66.2% of the water quality also exceeded the water quality target. Nonetheless, DO reached the water quality target due to the influences of monsoon climate and other environment factors. The spatial variation analysis could directly reflect the mutual interaction among human activity, land-use types and environment factors which had an enormous impact on Honghu Lake water environment. In order to ensure that the lake water environment is beneficial for human productions and livings, it is necessary for us to control the discharge of industrial sewage, agricultural sewage and domestic sewage, as well as the expanding area of aquaculture, all the above measures would be significant for gradually resuming the self-purification capacity of water body and finally achieving the ecological sustainable development of Honghu Lake water environment.

Biodegradable pectin/clay aerogels.

Biodegradable, foamlike materials based on renewable pectin and sodium montmorillonite clay were fabricated through a simple, environmentally friendly freeze-drying process. The addition of multivalent cations (Ca(2+) and Al(3+)) resulted in apparent cross-linking of the polymer and enhancement of aerogel properties. The compressive properties increased as the solid contents (both pectin and clay) increased; moduli in the range of 0.04-114 MPa were obtained for materials with bulk densities ranging from 0.03 g/cm(3) to 0.19 g/cm(3), accompanied by microstructural changes from a lamellar structure to a cellular structure. Biodegradability of the aerogels was investigated by detecting CO2 release for 4 weeks in compost media. The results revealed that pectin aerogels possess higher biodegradation rates than wheat starch, which is often used as a standard for effective biodegradation. The addition of clay and multivalent cations surprisingly increased the biodegradation rates.

Influence of royal jelly on the reproductive function of puberty male rats.

The adverse effects of royal jelly on the reproductive system of puberty male rats were investigated. Royal jelly was daily administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats at doses 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The body weight and organ coefficients were determined. Sperm count, spermatozoa abnormality, and testicular histopathology were examined through light microscopy. Radioimmunoassay was used to detect serum hormones. The dietary exposure to royal jelly did not affect body weight, but the organ coefficients for the pituitary and testis in the high-dose group were decreased significantly compared with the control group, and significant changes in the microstructure of the testis were observed. No significant differences in sperm count were observed among all groups, however, the sperm deformity rate in the high-dose group increased significantly. Serum hormones in the high-dose group were significantly different from the control group. After royal jelly was stopped for 14 days, the adverse changes were partially reversed and returned to levels close to those in the control group. In conclusion, high-dose royal jelly oral administration for 4 weeks adversely affected the reproductive system of pubescent male rats, but the unfavorable effects are alleviated to some extent by cessation of administration.

[Clinical application and evaluation of the detection of five drugs resistance genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical application of the detection of the drug resistant genes rPOB, katG, rPSL, PncA and embB in M. tuberculosis by using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. METHODS: Gene mutations and anti-tuberculous drug susceptibility test were analyzed in 109 M. tuberculosis isolates by PCR-SSCP and the proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, respectively. The therapeutic effect was evaluated in patients with tuberculosis. RESULTS: Isolates from more than 50% of the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were resistant to at least two drugs. The total rates of drug resistance to rifampin (RFP), isoniazid (INH), streptomycin (SM), pyrizinamide (PZA) and ethambutol (EB) were 80.7%, 71.5%, 78.8%, 57.7%, and 48.6%, respectively. The gene mutation rates of rpoB, katG, rpsL, pncA and embB were 76%, 68%, 71%, 51% and 30%, respectively. The gene mutations were correlated with the degree of drug-resistance to M. tuberculosis. Most of the gene mutations were found in drug-resistant isolates in high concentrations. The six month cure rates of MDR-TB, confirmed by drug susceptibility test and by PCR-SSCP, were 54.8% and 62.8%, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PCR-SSCP is a sensitive and specific method for rapid detection of rpoB, katG, rpsL, pncA and embB gene mutations in M. tuberculosis. Drug resistant gene detection may be clinically useful in the therapy of tuberculosis.