Intra-Amniotic Administration of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Soluble Extract Improved Gut Functionality and Morphology In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

Cashew nuts are rich in dietary fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, catechins, amino acids, and minerals that offer benefits for health. However, the knowledge of its effect on gut health is lacking. In this way, cashew nut soluble extract (CNSE) was assessed in vivo via intra-amniotic administration in intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) morphology, functionality, and gut microbiota. Four groups were evaluated: (1) no injection (control); (2) H2O injection (control); (3) 10 mg/mL CNSE (1%); and (4) 50 mg/mL CNSE (5%). Results related to CNSE on duodenal morphological parameters showed higher Paneth cell numbers, goblet cell (GC) diameter in crypt and villi, depth crypt, mixed GC per villi, and villi surface area. Further, it decreased GC number and acid and neutral GC. In the gut microbiota, treatment with CNSE showed a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and E. coli. Further, in intestinal functionality, CNSE upregulated aminopeptidase (AP) gene expression at 5% compared to 1% CNSE. In conclusion, CNSE had beneficial effects on gut health by improving duodenal BBM functionality, as it upregulated AP gene expression, and by modifying morphological parameters ameliorating digestive and absorptive capacity. For intestinal microbiota, higher concentrations of CNSE or long-term intervention may be necessary.

Effect of Black Corn Anthocyanin-Rich Extract (Zea mays L.) on Cecal Microbial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

Black corn has been attracting attention to investigate its biological properties due to its anthocyanin composition, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside. Our study evaluated the effects of black corn extract (BCE) on intestinal morphology, gene expression, and the cecal microbiome. The BCE intra-amniotic administration was evaluated by an animal model in Gallus gallus. The eggs (n = 8 per group) were divided into: (1) no injection; (2) 18 MΩ H2O; (3) 5% black corn extract (BCE); and (4) 0.38% cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). A total of 1 mL of each component was injected intra-amniotic on day 17 of incubation. On day 21, the animals were euthanized after hatching, and the duodenum and cecum content were collected. The cecal microbiome changes were attributed to BCE administration, increasing the population of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium, and decreasing E. coli. The BCE did not change the gene expression of intestinal inflammation and functionality. The BCE administration maintained the villi height, Paneth cell number, and goblet cell diameter (in the villi and crypt), similar to the H2O injection but smaller than the C3G. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, E. coli, and villi GC diameter. The BCE promoted positive changes in the cecum microbiome and maintained intestinal morphology and functionality.

Black corn (Zea mays L.) soluble extract showed anti-inflammatory effects and improved the intestinal barrier integrity in vivo (Gallus gallus).

Black corn (Zea mays L.) is a pigmented type of this cereal whose color of the kernels is attributed to the presence of the anthocyanins. In this study, we assessed the black corn soluble extract (BCSE) effects on the intestinal functionality, morphology, and microbiota composition using an in vivo model (Gallus gallus) by an intra-amniotic administration. The eggs were divided into four groups (n = 6-10): (1) No Injection; (2) 18 MΩ H2O/cm; (3) 5% (5 mg/mL) BCSE; (4) 15% (15 mg/mL) BCSE. The BCSE showed anti-inflammatory effects by down regulating the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL6), and the transcriptional nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB). Further, the BCSE increased the relative abundance of E. coli and Clostridium. 5% and 15% BCSE increased the hepatic glycogen and upregulated the gene expression of sodium-glucose transport protein (SGLT1). In the morphology, 5% and 15% BCSE increased the goblet cell (GC) number on the crypt, the GC size on the villi, Paneth cell number on the crypt, and the acid GC. Further, the BCSE strengthened the epithelial physical barrier through upregulating the intestinal biomarkers AMP- activated protein kinase (AMPK) and caudal-related homeobox transcriptional factor 2 (CDX2). The overall result suggests that the BCSE promotes intestinal anti-inflammatory effects as well as enhances the intestinal barrier function.

Effects of Anthocyanin on Intestinal Health: A Systematic Review.

Intestinal health relies on the association between the mucosal immune system, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Bioactive components that affect the gut microbiota composition, epithelial physical barrier and intestinal morphology were previously studied. The current systematic review evaluated evidence of anthocyanin effects and the ability to improve gut microbiota composition, their metabolites and parameters of the physical barrier; this was conducted in order to answer the question: "Does food source or extract of anthocyanin promote changes on intestinal parameters?". The data analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines with the search performed at PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases for experimental studies, and the risk of bias was assessed by the SYRCLE tool. Twenty-seven studies performed in animal models were included, and evaluated for limitations in heterogeneity, methodologies, absence of information regarding allocation process and investigators' blinding. The data were analyzed, and the anthocyanin supplementation demonstrated positive effects on intestinal health. The main results identified were an increase of Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Firmicutes, an increase of short chain fatty acids production, a decrease of intestinal pH and intestinal permeability, an increase of the number of goblet cells and tight junction proteins and villi improvement in length or height. Thus, the anthocyanin supplementation has a potential effect to improve the intestinal health. PROSPERO (CRD42020204835).

Effects of Iron and Zinc Biofortified Foods on Gut Microbiota In Vivo (Gallus gallus): A Systematic Review.

Dietary iron and zinc deficiencies are a global health concern. Bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract depend on minerals to maintain their activities; thus, recent evidence suggests that biofortified foods can modulate the host's beneficial bacterial taxa. The current review analyzed the research data that linked between iron and zinc biofortified foods and gut microbiota modulation. The data analysis was based on the PRISMA guidelines and the data search was performed at PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases for experimental studies published from January 2010 until December 2020. The five selected studies were conducted in an experimental in vivo model (Gallus gallus). The identified and discussed research showed positive effects of biofortified foods on the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Further, an increase in short chain fatty acids producing bacterial populations as Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus, and a decrease in potentially pathogenic bacteria as Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Enterobacter was identified due to the consumption of biofortified foods. In conclusion, biofortified foods may contribute to improved gut health without increasing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. The dietary inclusion of approximately 50% of iron/zinc biofortified foods has a significant beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. Additional studies in humans and animal models are warranted to further establish the suggested effects on the intestinal microbiome. PROSPERO (CRD42020184221).

Soluble Extracts from Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Affect Brush Border Membrane Functionality, Morphology and Intestinal Bacterial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

This study assessed and compared the effects of the intra-amniotic administration of various concentrations of soluble extracts from chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) on the Fe and Zn status, brush border membrane functionality, intestinal morphology, and intestinal bacterial populations, in vivo. The hypothesis was that chia seed soluble extracts will affect the intestinal morphology, functionality and intestinal bacterial populations. By using the Gallus gallus model and the intra-amniotic administration approach, seven treatment groups (non-injected, 18 Ω H2O, 40 mg/mL inulin, non-injected, 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL of chia seed soluble extracts) were utilized. At hatch, the cecum, duodenum, liver, pectoral muscle and blood samples were collected for assessment of the relative abundance of the gut microflora, relative expression of Fe- and Zn-related genes and brush border membrane functionality and morphology, relative expression of lipids-related genes, glycogen, and hemoglobin levels, respectively. This study demonstrated that the intra-amniotic administration of chia seed soluble extracts increased (p < 0.05) the villus surface area, villus length, villus width and the number of goblet cells. Further, we observed an increase (p < 0.05) in zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1) and duodenal cytochrome b (Dcytb) proteins gene expression. Our results suggest that the dietary consumption of chia seeds may improve intestinal health and functionality and may indirectly improve iron and zinc intestinal absorption.

Ubá mango juices intake decreases adiposity and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Ubá mango juice with and without peel extract on the adiposity and inflammation modulation in high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats. METHODS: The present study analyzed the total phenolic and antioxidant activity of the juices in different storage conditions. The biometry and biochemical parameters were evaluated in four experimental groups: normal control (AIN-93M), obese control (HFD), a group with obese rats plus control Ubá mango juice (MHFD), and another with enriched Ubá mango juice (HMHFD). Also, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), as well as histomorphology of the epididymal adipose tissue were determined. RESULTS: Ubá mango juices were found to have a high content of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity with no change due to storage time. HFD promoted the highest weight gain per gram of diet intake due to caloric density, and mango juices reversed the HFD effect; the weight gain, visceral fat, body mass index, and adiposity were similar to AIN-93M. MHFD and HMHFD showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by increasing HDL-cholesterol fraction and PPAR-γ, LPL, and decreasing blood glucose, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ATF), and FAS and TNF-α. Additionally, the epididymal adipose tissue histology confirmed the effect of the juice to reduce adipocyte hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the Ubá mango has potential as a functional food that is capable of reducing metabolic risk for obesity associated with adiposity and inflammation.

Physical and sensorial properties of potato breads fortified with whole soybean flour / Propridades físicas e sensoriais de pâes de batata fortificados com farinha integral de soja

The aim of this work was to study the effects offortification ofpo-tato bread with whole soybean flour on theirphysicochemical and sensory properties. Control formulations containing 30%, 50% and 70% soybean flour were developed. Firmness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness of bread increased with the addition ofwhole soybean flour. The contents ofprotein, dietary fiber and minerals calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper and phosphorus increased with elevated concentration of soybean flour, while the lipid profile was unchanged. Preference mapping indicated greater acceptance of the control and 30% whole soybean flour formulations. These results were correlated to texture and showed that the greater firmness negatively affected its acceptance. It was concluded that the formulation with 30% was the best option offering good acceptance and high content of nutrients, which makes the flour substitution a viable alternative for the preparation of fortified baking products with equal sensory and physicochemical quality.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da fortificaçao de paes de batata com farinha integral de soja sobre as propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais. Foram desenvolvidas as formulaçôes controle e contendo 30%, 50% e 70% de farinha de soja. A dureza, coesividade, gomosidade e mastigabilidade dos paes aumentaram com a farinha integral de soja. Os teores de proteína, fibra alimentar e dos minerais cálcio, zinco, magnésio, cobre e fósforo foram maiores em funçao do aumento da concentraçao de farinha integral de soja, enquanto o perfil de lipídios nao foi alterado. O Mapa de Preferência Interno indicou maior aceitaçao das formulaçôes controle e com 30% de farinha integral de soja. Esses resultados foram correlacionados à textura das formulaçôes e revelaram que a maior dureza afetou negativamente sua aceitaçao. Concluise que a formulaçao com 30% foi a melhor opçao em relaçao aos parâmetros físico-químicos e sensoriais, o que torna a substituiçao das farinhas alternativa viável para elaboraçao de produtos de panificaçao fortificados e com qualidade físico-química e sensorial.