Effects of Dietary Supplementation with a Ferulic Acid-Rich Bioactive Component of Wheat Bran in a Murine Model of Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a common and severe complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Its prevention and treatment is a major challenge. Ferulic acid (FA) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could be attractive in this setting. Our aim was to evaluate a bioactive ingredient derived from wheat bran (WB), selected for its high concentration of FA, in a murine model of GvHD. The ingredient was obtained via a bioprocess involving hydrolysis and spray-drying. GvHD was induced via HSCT between MHC-mismatched mouse strains. FA treatment was administered orally. Survival and disease scores (weight loss, hunching, activity, fur texture, and skin integrity, each scored between 0 and 2 depending on disease severity) were recorded daily, histological evaluation was performed at the end of the experiment, and serum inflammatory cytokines were analyzed on days 9 and 28. Treatment with FA did not protect GvHD mice from death, nor did it diminish GvHD scores. However, histological analysis showed that ulcers with large areas of inflammatory cells, vessels, and keratin were less common in skin samples from FA-treated mice. Areas of intense inflammatory response were also seen in fewer small intestine samples from treated mice. In addition, a slight decrease in INF-γ and TNF-α expression was observed in the serum of treated mice on day 28. The results showed some local effect of the ingredient intervention, but that the dose used may not be sufficient to control or reduce the inflammatory response at the systemic level in mice with GvHD. Higher dosages of FA may have an impact when evaluating the immunomodulatory capabilities of the hydrolyzed WB ingredient. Thus, further experiments and the use of technological strategies that enrich the ingredients in soluble ferulic acid to improve its efficacy in this setting are warranted.

L-methionine supplementation modulates IgM+ B cell responses in rainbow trout.

The interest in dietary amino acids (AAs) as potential immunomodulators has been growing the recent years, since specific AAs are known to regulate key metabolic pathways of the immune response or increase the synthesis of some immune-related proteins. Methionine, tryptophan and lysine are among the ten essential AAs for fish, meaning that they cannot be produced endogenously and must be provided through the diet. To date, although dietary supplementation of fish with some of these AAs has been shown to have positive effects on some innate immune parameters and disease resistance, the effects that these AAs provoke on cells of the adaptive immune system remained unexplored. Hence, in the current study, we have investigated the effects of these three AAs on the functionality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) IgM+ B cells. For this, splenic leukocytes were isolated from untreated adult rainbow trout and incubated in culture media additionally supplemented with different doses of methionine, tryptophan or lysine in the presence or absence of the model antigen TNP-LPS (2,4,6-trinitrophenyl hapten conjugated to lipopolysaccharide). The survival, IgM secreting capacity and proliferation of IgM+ B cells was then studied. In the case of methionine, the phagocytic capacity of IgM+ B cells was also determined. Our results demonstrate that methionine supplementation significantly increases the proliferative effects provoked by TNP-LPS and also up-regulates the number of cells secreting IgM, whereas tryptophan or lysine have either minor or even negative effects on rainbow trout IgM+ B cells. This increase in the number of IgM-secreting cells in response to methionine surplus was further verified in a feeding experiment, in which the beneficial effects of methionine on the specific response to anal immunization were also confirmed. The results presented demonstrate the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with methionine on the adaptive immune responses of fish.

Biological Activities of Miracle Berry Supercritical Extracts as Metabolic Regulators in Chronic Diseases.

Synsepalum dulcificum (Richardella dulcifica) is a berry fruit from West Africa with the ability to convert the sour taste into a sweet taste, and for this reason, the fruit is also known as the "miracle berry" (MB). The red and bright berry is rich in terpenoids. The fruit's pulp and skin contain mainly phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which correlate with their antioxidant activity. Different polar extracts have been described to inhibit cell proliferation and transformation of cancer cell lines in vitro. In addition, MB has been shown to ameliorate insulin resistance in a preclinical model of diabetes induced by a chow diet enriched in fructose. Herein, we have compared the biological activities of three supercritical extracts obtained from the seed-a subproduct of the fruit-and one supercritical extract obtained from the pulp and the skin of MB. The four extracts have been characterized in terms of total polyphenols content. Moreover, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypo-lipidemic, and inhibition of colorectal cancer cell bioenergetics have been compared. Non-polar supercritical extracts from the seed are the ones with the highest effects on the inhibition of bioenergetic of colorectal (CRC) cancer cells. At the molecular level, the effects on cell bioenergetics seems to be related to the inhibition of main drivers of the de novo lipogenesis, such as the sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor (SREBF1) and downstream molecular targets fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl coenzyme desaturase 1 (SCD1). As metabolic reprograming is considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer, natural extracts from plants may provide complementary approaches in the treatment of cancer. Herein, for the first time, supercritical extracts from MB have been obtained, where the seed, a by-product of the fruit, seems to be rich in antitumor bioactive compounds. Based on these results, supercritical extracts from the seed merit further research to be proposed as co-adjuvants in the treatment of cancer.

Medical resilience and morality: a survey study on the opinions and actions of exemplary family physicians.

BACKGROUND: Studies conducted to understand how family doctors develop resilience and deal with the challenges posed by work-related stress, usually have focused on identifying the elements that generate resilience from psychological perspectives and their impact on coping strategies. Few have explored the role that personal qualities and values that traditionally motivate family physicians can play as drivers of well-being and resilience. OBJECTIVES: To explore attributes that exemplary family physicians (EFP) consider important for their work and the elements that, for them, are source of gratification and resources in the face of the adversities they encounter in their practice. METHODS: This is an exploratory study carried out by online survey. Eighty six doctors regarded as exemplary by their colleagues answered 7 close and 4 open-ended questions that explored their job satisfaction, the elements of their work that reward them, the difficulties and problems they usually encounter, the resources they use to cope with those problems, and the personal qualities they consider central to their work. Four researchers conducted a thematic (deductive and inductive) analysis of the free text responses received. Based on the results obtained, and through an iterative discussion process, the researchers proposed an integrated set of qualities at the core of their professionalism. RESULTS: 88.4% (76) of the doctors said they were satisfied with their work. However, they face problems (202 comments), including demanding patients, insensitive managers with unshared interests/care goals, excessive paperwork, work overload, or time pressures. Sources of gratification point to personal identity; clinical, relational, and collaborative efficiency; a holistic and comprehensive practice (centred on individuals); and a continuous search for excellence (149) and the root of their resources (135). These elements, in turn, corresponded to the attributes considered essential for the practice of family medicine (131). CONCLUSIONS: For EFPs, certain professional values give meaning to their clinical practice and are a source of well-being and resources. This central focus on professional values and qualities can help for better understand the burnout nature and expand the type of action that promotes resilience. Further studies using a less structured qualitative research will be needed to confirm/expand these results.

Metabolomics analysis reveals a modified amino acid metabolism that correlates with altered oxygen homeostasis in COVID-19 patients.

We identified the main changes in serum metabolites associated with severe (n = 46) and mild (n = 19) COVID-19 patients by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The modified metabolic profiles were associated to an altered amino acid catabolism in hypoxic conditions. Noteworthy, three α-hydroxyl acids of amino acid origin increased with disease severity and correlated with altered oxygen saturation levels and clinical markers of lung damage. We hypothesize that the enzymatic conversion of α-keto-acids to α- hydroxyl-acids helps to maintain NAD recycling in patients with altered oxygen levels, highlighting the potential relevance of amino acid supplementation during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The hydrolysis of saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek and quinoa improves their pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity and hypocholesterolemic effect.

Saponins are promising compounds for ameliorating hyperlipidemia but scarce information exists about sapogenins, the hydrolyzed forms of saponins. Saponin-rich extracts and their hydrolysates from fenugreek (FE, HFE) and quinoa (QE, HQE), and saponin and sapogenin standards, were assessed on the inhibition of pancreatic lipase and interference on the bioaccessibility of cholesterol by in vitro digestion models. All extracts inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50 between 1.15 and 0.59 mg/mL), although the hydrolysis enhanced the bioactivity of HQE (p = 0.014). The IC50 value significantly correlated to the saponin content (r = -0.82; p = 0.001). Only the hydrolyzed extracts showed a reduction of bioaccessible cholesterol (p < 0.001) higher than that of phytosterols (35% reduction). Sapogenin standards exhibited no bioactivities, protodioscin and hederacoside C slightly inhibited the lipase (around 10%) and protodioscin reduced the bioaccessible cholesterol (23% reduction, p = 0.035). The hydrolysis process of saponin-rich extracts enhances the bioactivity and allows developing multibioactive products against pancreatic lipase and cholesterol absorption simultaneously.

Exploring the potential of common iceplant, seaside arrowgrass and sea fennel as edible halophytic plants.

The recent interest in diversification in food consumption and the current salinization and desertification processes of farmland have placed the focus on halophytic plants as new food, making necessary the characterization of their biochemical composition and the identification of possible bioactive compounds. In this work, three edible halophytic plants were characterized: common iceplant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum), and seaside arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima). The plants studied were a good source of minerals. Sea fennel showed high contents of dietary fibre and calcium (8.5 ppm, wet weight), common iceplant had a high potassium content (6500 ppm, wet weight), while seaside arrowgrass presented high levels of iron (62 ppm, wet weight). The glucose content of the three species was below 30 mg/g per dried weight. The Sb, Pb, Cr, As, Cd, and Hg content was negligible. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly α-linolenic and linoleic acid, prevailed in the three species analyzed. Hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids predominated in common iceplant and sea fennel. Glycosylated flavones, especially isoorientin, prevailed in seaside arrowgrass. These plants present a relevant nutritional profile for which their use as foods or ingredients should be promoted.

Effects of a snack enriched with carob and Undaria pinnatifida (wakame) on metabolic parameters in a double blind, randomized clinical trial in obese patients.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the composition of snack foods likely influences the overall effect that snacking has on metabolism and obesity. The objective of the current study was to assess the responses to two different snacks, one of them supplemented with wakame and carobs, on cardiovascular risk factors, satiety, and subsequent food intake in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome. Material and Methods: forty patients were randomized in a clinical trial (NCT03420989, clinicaltrial.gov) to group I (enriched snack, n = 16) or group II (control snack, n = 16). At baseline and after 8 weeks biochemical parameters, dietary intakes, and nutritional status were assessed. The subjects also rated their feelings of satiety/hunger with a test meal. Results: no differences were detected in anthropometric parameters between both snacks. Changes in other parameters were detected in patients with enriched snacks, with a significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol by 7.4 % (intervention snack, -8.9 ± 2.3 mg/dL vs control snack, -0.9 ± 3.3 mg/dL; p = 0.03), in total cholesterol by 5.8 % (intervention snack, -10.4 ± 2.9 mg/dL vs control snack, -1.4 ± 3.2 mg/dL; p = 0.02), and in resistin level by 15.9 % (intervention snack, -1.0 ± 0.2 mg/dL vs control snack, -0.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL: p = 0.03). After the test meal, satiety scores (after 20 min and 40 min) were higher than fasting levels in both groups. The same results were obtained with the 100-mm, 5-point visual satiety scale. Conclusion: our study indicates that a wakame- and carob-enriched snack induces a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and resistin levels when compared to a control snack, without effects on food consumption, other cardiovascular parameters, or anthropometric parameters.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la composición de los "snacks" probablemente influya en el efecto que produce su consumo sobre los marcadores metabólicos y la obesidad. El objetivo fue evaluar respuestas a dos snacks, uno de ellos suplementado con wakame y algarroba, sobre factores de riesgo cardiovascular, saciedad y posterior ingesta de alimentos, en sujetos obesos con síndrome metabólico. Material y métodos: se aleatorizaron 40 pacientes en el ensayo clínico NCT03420989 (clinicaltrial.gov) para participar en el grupo I (snack enriquecido, n = 16) o el grupo II (snack de control, n = 16). Antes y después de 8 semanas se determinaron parámetros bioquímicos, ingestas dietéticas y estado nutricional. A los sujetos también se les evaluó saciedad y apetito con comida de prueba. Resultados: no se detectaron diferencias en parámetros antropométricos con ambos snacks. Se detectaron cambios en parámetros bioquímicos de pacientes que recibieron snacks enriquecidos, con disminución significativa del colesterol-LDL del 7,4 % (snack de intervención, -8,9 ± 2,3 mg/dl vs. snack de control, -0,9 ± 3,3 mg/dl; p = 0,03), del colesterol total del 5,8 % (snack de intervención, -10,4 ± 2,9 mg/dl vs. snack de control, -1,4 ± 3,2 mg/dl; p = 0,02) y de niveles de resistina del 15,9 % (snack de intervención, -1,0 ± 0,2 mg/dl vs. snack de control, -0,1 ± 0,3 mg/dl; p = 0,03). Después de la comida de prueba, las puntuaciones de saciedad (a los 20 min y 40 min) fueron más altas que nivel de ayuno en ambos grupos. Los resultados fueron similares con escala de saciedad visual de 5 puntos y 100 mm. Conclusión: nuestro estudio muestra que un snack enriquecido con wakame y algarroba produce disminución significativa de los niveles de colesterol total, colesterol-LDL y resistina frente a un snack de control, sin efectos sobre el consumo de alimentos, otros parámetros cardiovasculares y los parámetros antropométricos.

In Vitro Permeability of Saponins and Sapogenins from Seed Extracts by the Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay: Effect of in Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The permeability of saponins and sapogenins from fenugreek and quinoa extracts, as well as dioscin and diosgenin, was evaluated by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). The effect of the digestion process on permeability was determined, with previous development of a gastrointestinal process coupled to PAMPA. Saponins from both seeds displayed a moderate-to-poor permeability (>1 × 10-6 cm/s), although the digestion enhanced their permeability values in the order of 10-5 cm/s (p < 0.001). Sapogenins exhibited a similar permeability to that of saponins, although the digestion enhanced the permeability of sapogenins from quinoa (1.14 ± 0.47 × 10-5 cm/s) but not from fenugreek (2.33 ± 0.99 × 10-6 cm/s). An overall positive impact of coexisting lipids on the permeability was evidenced. PAMPA is shown as a useful, rapid, and easy tool for assessing the permeability of bioactive compounds from complex matrices, with the previous gastrointestinal process being a relevant step.

In Vitro Colonic Fermentation of Saponin-Rich Extracts from Quinoa, Lentil, and Fenugreek. Effect on Sapogenins Yield and Human Gut Microbiota.

In vitro colonic fermentation of saponin-rich extracts from quinoa, lentil, and fenugreek was performed. Production of sapogenins by human fecal microbiota and the impact of extracts on representative intestinal bacterial groups were evaluated. The main sapogenins were found after fermentation (soyasapogenol B for lentil; oleanolic acid, hederagenin, phytolaccagenic acid, and serjanic acid for quinoa; and sarsasapogenin, diosgenin, and neotigogenin acetate for fenugreek). Interindividual differences were observed, but the highest production of sapogenins corresponded to quinoa (90 µg/mL) and fenugreek (70 µg/mL) extracts, being minor for lentil (4 µg/mL). Lentil and quinoa extracts showed a general antimicrobial effect, mainly on lactic acid bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. Significant increases of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. were observed for fenugreek in one volunteer. Thus, the transformation of saponin-rich extracts of quinoa, lentil, and fenugreek to sapogenins by human gut microbiota is demonstrated, exhibiting a modulatory effect on the growth of selected intestinal bacteria.

Protective effect of hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract in a comparative study of the oxidative stability of Echium oil.

The oxidative stability of Echium oil has been studied by two accelerated oxidation methodologies namely Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry at selected temperatures in the range 50-110 °C. Kinetic analyses have provided Arrhenius parameters, oxidative stability indexes (OSI), temperature coefficients (tcoef), Q10 and OSI at 20 °C (OSI20) for both methodologies focussing on secondary and tertiary oxidation products. Peroxide, p-anisidine and polar compounds values have been measured to characterize from primary to tertiary oxidation products. In general, susceptibility of this oil to oxidation has been found to be larger than for other vegetable oils, according to the OSI20 values estimated by Rancimat and differential scanning calorimetry. However, the values of tcoeff and Q10 are found to be similar to those described for vegetable oils. In addition, a study of the influence of two antioxidants, namely hydroxytyrosol and rosemary extract on the oxidative stability of Echium oil has been carried out using both methodologies. Protective effects over oxidation by up to a threefold increase of OSI20 values have been found for both antioxidants at the highest dose utilized.

Effect of Wakame and Carob Pod Snacks on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Snacks combining different functional ingredients could represent a useful therapeutic strategy against NAFLD. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of two snack formulations based on carob and wakame flour in the treatment for NAFLD in rats. For this purpose, metabolic syndrome was induced in 50 adult rats by a high-fat high-fructose diet over eight weeks. After this period, rats were fed either normal calorie diets supplemented or not with snack A (1/50 wakame/carob pod) and snack B (1/5 wakame/carob pod) for four additional weeks. After sacrifice, liver composition and serum parameters were analyzed. Different pathways of triacylglycerol metabolism in liver were studied including fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid synthesis, triglyceride assembly and release, fatty acid uptake and glucose uptake. Oxidative stress was also measured. Snack treatment, and mainly B snack, reduced liver triacylglycerol levels by increasing fat oxidation. Moreover, this snack reduced oxidative stress. Therefore, this snack formulation could represent an interesting tool useful for fatty liver treatment.

Acid hydrolysis of saponin-rich extracts of quinoa, lentil, fenugreek and soybean to yield sapogenin-rich extracts and other bioactive compounds.

BACKGROUND: Typical hydrolysis times of saponins generally do not take into consideration the effect of time on the degradation of the target compounds, namely sapogenins. When producing natural extracts, it should be borne in mind that conducting hydrolysis to yield a target compound might also affect the final composition of the extracts in terms of other bioactive compounds. In our study, saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek, quinoa, lentil, and soybean were produced and their acid hydrolysis to give sapogenin-rich extracts was conducted over different periods (0-6 h). The disappearance of saponins and appearance of sapogenins was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The impact of hydrolysis on the phytosterols and tocopherol in the extracts was also evaluated. RESULTS: Fenugreek showed the highest saponin content (169 g kg-1 ), followed by lentil (20 g kg-1 ), quinoa (15 g kg-1 ), and soybean (13 g kg-1 ). Hydrolysis for 1 h caused the complete disappearance of saponins and the greatest release of sapogenins. Hydrolyzed fenugreek and quinoa extracts contained the highest amounts of sapogenins and minor fractions of phytosterols and tocopherol. Hydrolyzed extracts of lentil and soybean contained a major fraction of phytosterols and a low fraction of sapogenins. In all cases, sapogenins decreased after 1 h of hydrolysis, phytosterols slightly decreased, and tocopherol was unaffected. Standards of diosgenin and oleanolic acid also showed this decreasing pattern under acid hydrolysis conditions. CONCLUSION: Hydrolysis times of 1 h for saponin-rich extracts from the assayed seeds guarantee the maximum transformation to sapogenin-rich extracts, along with phytosterols and tocopherol. Fenugreek and quinoa seeds are preferred for this. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inhibitory effect of quinoa and fenugreek extracts on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase under in vitro traditional conditions or intestinal simulated conditions.

Ethanol extracts (EE) from fenugreek and quinoa seeds with different total content of inhibitory compounds (TIC, total saponin plus phenolic) were prepared with and without concentration of TIC (CEE -concentrated EE-, and EE, respectively). Their inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase was assessed by traditional in vitro methods (with or without orbital shaking), and by simulating intestinal digestion. CEE contained higher contents of TIC than EE, being fenugreek superior to quinoa (p < 0.001). The extracts inhibited enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, CEE extracts being stronger (fenugreek for lipase -p = 0.009-, and quinoa for α-amylase -p < 0.001-). Shaking did not impact the activity. Intestinal conditions worsened the inhibition of lipase, but slightly catalyzed the α-amylase. Longer times of reaction worsened activities. The importance of assessing the inhibitory activity of extracts under simulated intestinal conditions is concluded, being fenugreek more interesting than quinoa, especially against pancreatic lipase.

Potential Usefulness of a Wakame/Carob Functional Snack for the Treatment of Several Aspects of Metabolic Syndrome: From In Vitro to In Vivo Studies.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of functional snacks containing a combination of wakame (W) and carob pod (CP) flours in reducing markers associated with MetS. The mechanisms of action underlying these effects were also evaluated. In vitro approaches were carried out in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with different doses of extracts from W, CP, or a combination of both. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment was conducted in rats with MetS treated with normal-caloric diets containing different snack formulations with combinations of 1/50 (snack A) or 1/5 of wakame/carob (snack B). In vitro experiments results indicated that both W and CP had delipidating effects, but only the latter induced anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effects. As far as the in vivo study is concerned, snack B was ineffective and snack A showed an anti-hypertensive effect in rats with MetS. The present study shows for the first time the in vitro efficacy of a W and CP combination as an anti-inflammatory, delipidating, and anti-hypertensive tool, and its potential usefulness in treating MetS.

Effects of dietary inclusions of red beet and betaine on the acute stress response and muscle lipid peroxidation in rainbow trout.

This study evaluates the effects of red beet (RB) and betaine on rainbow trout submitted to an acute stress challenge. A control diet was compared with four experimental diets in which red beet (14 and 28%) and betaine (0.9 and 1.63%) were incorporated in different concentrations according to a factorial design. Cortisol in plasma and fin, glucose and lactate plasma levels, and malondialdehide (MDA) in muscle were all measured before the stress challenge and 30 min and 6 and 12 h after the stress challenge as parameters to determine the diet effects. RB and betaine had no effect on cortisol, glucose, and MDA basal levels. However, lactate basal levels were significantly lower on fish fed with RB and betaine. Thirty minutes after the stress challenge, there was a significant increase in plasma and fin cortisol, glucose and lactate concentrations, although fish fed with diets containing RB and betaine showed significantly higher plasma cortisol values. MDA values of fish fed with 14% RB and 0.9% betaine were significantly higher than MDA values from fish fed with 28% RB and 1.63% betaine. After 6 and 12 h, plasma and fin cortisol and lactate levels recovered in a similar trend. Glucose plasma levels recovered in almost all groups 12 h after the stress. Also, MDA values recovered basal levels after 6 and 12 h. RB and betaine did not enhance the tolerance to the stress challenge compared to the control group, although the presence of these ingredients had no negative effect on any of the stress indicators.

Vaccinium meridionale Swartz extracts and their addition in beef burgers as antioxidant ingredient.

BACKGROUND: Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (mortiño) constitutes a source of bioactive phytochemicals, but reports related to its efficient and green production are scarce. In this study, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction of mortiño were compared. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+ ) were determined. Beef burgers with 20 g kg-1 of mortiño (MM) or its PLE extract (ME) were manufactured. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) and instrumental color changes were measured after refrigerated storage. RESULTS: High TPC (up to 72 g gallic acid equivalent kg-1 extract) was determined in mortiño extracts, which was positively correlated with antioxidant activity. TBARS values of beef burgers containing either MM or ME did not change after refrigerated storage, whereas lipid oxidation of control burgers increased significantly. The color of burgers with added MM or ME was different (lower b* and a* values) from that of control burgers. However, the evolution of color after storage was similar between control and ME samples. CONCLUSION: Mortiño extracts with high TPC can be obtained by PLE. Both mortiño and its PLE extract are able to control lipid oxidation of beef burgers, but the extract is preferred from the color quality point of view. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Red beet and betaine as ingredients in diets of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): effects on growth performance, nutrient retention and flesh quality.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of dietary red beet and betaine on the growth performance and fish flesh quality of rainbow trout. Therefore, a control diet was compared with four diets in which two levels of red beet (14% and 28%) and betaine (0.9% and 1.63%) were incorporated in combination. The study was set up with an average body weight of 69 ± 2.2 g and finished when fish reached commercial weight (175-250 g) after 105 d. The impact of the diets was studied based on the growth performance, biometric indexes, proximal composition, protein and fat retention efficiencies and apparent nutrient digestibility by fish reared on a recirculation system. Further estimates were the effect of red beet and betaine on the flesh proximate composition and quality of the final product (water activity, colour, texture, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and sensory characteristics). Results showed that inclusion of 14% red beet and 0.9% betaine did not affect growth, nutritive or biometric parameters and nutrient retention when compared with the control diet. However, higher levels of red beet and betaine had negative effects on growth and nutritive parameters. The tested ingredients enhanced quality parameters regardless of the concentration used. After feeding the red beet and betaine, fish flesh showed lower water activity and better textural and colour properties than the control and also a dose-dependent effect on lipid oxidation was observed.

Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Calendula officinalis Supercritical Extract as Affected by in Vitro Codigestion with Olive Oil.

Supercritical extracts of marigold (ME) were produced and characterized. The bioaccessibility of terpenes, especially that of pentacyclic triterpenes (PT), the particle-size distribution, and antioxidant activity after the in vitro codigestion of ME with olive oil (OO) were determined. ME produced without cosolvent was richer in taraxasterol, lupeol, α-amyrin, and ß-amyrin than extracts with cosolvent. All terpenes showed high bioaccessibility without OO (>75%). Significant correlations were found between the molecular properties of compounds (logP and number of rotatable bonds) and their bioaccessibility. Codigestion with OO enhanced the bioaccessibility (around 100% for PT), which could be related to a higher abundance of low-size particles of the digestion medium. The antioxidant activity of the digested ME increased around 50%, regardless of OO. PT-rich extracts from marigold display high bioaccessibility and improved antioxidant activity after in vitro digestion, although complete bioaccessibility of PT can be reached by codigestion with oil, without affecting antioxidant activity.

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of antioxidants from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves for use in edible vegetable oils.

Supercritical extraction was employed to produce rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extracts with different composition and antioxidant activity. CO2 was utilized as supercritical solvent and diverse extraction conditions (temperature, pressure, amount of cosolvent and fractionation scheme) were applied. The extracts with higher antioxidant content were selected to study their capability as natural antioxidant of several commercial edible vegetable oils. Linseed oil (LO), grape seed oil (GO) and sesame oil (SO) were oxidized under Rancimat conditions in presence of 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of selected extracts. Antioxidant activity index (AAI) was estimated as the ratio of induction time in presence of extracts to induction time in absence of extract. Induction time in absence of extracts was 3.3, 7.9 and 23.4 h for LO, GO and SO, respectively. Regardless of these different susceptibilities, the highest AAI for the three oils was obtained for the extract with the highest antioxidant-enrichment (33.25% carnosic acid plus carnosol) and added at the highest level (300 mg/kg). However, at such conditions, the AAI was significantly higher (p<0.001) for LO (3.5), followed by SO (2.2) and the poorest value was for GO (1.1). Therefore, the magnitude of the AAI depended on the antioxidant-enrichment of the extracts, the level of addition within the oils, but also on the own individual oils.