Structural elucidation and anti-diabetic osteoporotic activity of an arabinogalactan from Phellodendron chinense Schneid.

Phellodendron chinense Schneid. was widely used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis in China. In this study, an arabinogalactan, named as PPCP-1, was isolated from the bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid., and purified by DEAE-cellulose DE52 and Sephacryl S-200 HR column chromatography. The structure of PPCP-1 was characterized as a repeating unit consisting of →3)-ß-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-ß-d-Galp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Manp-(1→ with branches of →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ and terminal α-l-Araf. Pharmacologically, the oral administration of PPCP-1 preserved osteoporosis associated with hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, improving glucose tolerance, decreasing the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), as well as down-regulating the expression of receptor for AGEs in tibias of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Collectively, the present study suggested that the arabinogalactan PPCP-1 from Phellodendron chinense Schneid. might potentially be used as functional foods for bone health and/or developed for drug discovery for alleviating diabetic osteoporosis.

The structure elucidation of novel arabinogalactan LRP1-S2 against pancreatic cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo.

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murr is used as traditional medicine and functional food. Previously we reported that one RG-I pectin from this fruit might inhibit pancreatic cancer cells growth. We further hypothesized that there might be other type of polysaccharides in this fruit also have anti-tumor effect. Here, we showed novel structure of a homogeneous polysaccharide named LRP1-S2 from this fruit and its anti-pancreatic cancer effect. Structure analyses suggested that LRP1-S2 was a novel arabinogalactan with the molecular weight (Mw) of 17.0 kDa. Bioactivity test showed that LRP1-S2 might attenuate the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo without significant cytotoxicity to normal pancreatic HPDE6-C7 cells and LO2 liver cells. Mechanism study indicated that it might induce apoptosis of BxPC-3 by inactivating P38 MAPK/NF-κB and GSK-3ß/ß-Catenin signaling pathways. These results suggested that LRP1-S2 could be a potential anti-tumor leading compound for functional food and new drug development. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS: arabinogalactan, pectin, galactan, arabinan, RN-1, HH1-1, LRP1-S2, LRP3-S1.

Fibers in pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders. Practical considerations from clinical cases.

Introduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children and incur high direct and indirect social costs. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a natural and water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from guar gum. It has been proposed as complementary therapy in pediatric FGIDs, especially in chronic functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.Areas covered: By focusing on four clinical cases, this article illustrates the use of PHGG fiber as sole supplement ingredient or as a formula component in orally- and tube-fed children suffering from malnutrition due to FGIDs, with or without special medical conditions such as neurological disability. The formula used was a whey peptide-based nutritionally complete formula containing PHGG as a source of soluble dietary fiber. It was offered under medical supervision and after full consideration of all feeding options.Expert opinion: Implementing appropriate feeding behaviors, adapted to age and potential comorbidities, is an essential requisite for therapeutic management of FGIDs. The use of a PHGG supplement or a nutritionally complete formula containing PHGG as a source of soluble dietary fiber can be helpful to manage pediatric FGIDs.

Tinospora cordifolia and arabinogalactan exert chemopreventive action during benzo(a)pyrene-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis: studies on ultrastructural, molecular, and biochemical alterations.

The aim of the present study was to unveil the chemopreventive potentials of aqueous Tinospora cordifolia stem extract and its active component viz. Arabinogalactan against Benzo(a)pyrene-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis. Animals were divided into six groups: (I) Control, (II) aqueous Tinospora cordifolia (200 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.), (III) arabinogalactan (7.5 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.), (IV) benzo(a)pyrene (50 mg/kg b.wt, i.p.) at second and fourth week of study, (V) benzo(a)pyrene + aqueous Tinospora cordifolia, and (VI) benzo(a)pyrene + arabinogalactan. The benzo(a)pyrene treatment resulted in severe alterations in the cellular arrangement and morphology of the alveolar tissue in benzo(a)pyrene group. However, benzo(a)pyrene + aqueous Tinospora cordifolia and benzo(a)pyrene + arabinogalactan groups revealed classical features of apoptosis including chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed disturbed phospholipid saturation and protein secondary structures in benzo(a)pyrene treated animals. Depletion in relative glycogen and enhancement in total nucleic acid content was observed in benzo(a)pyrene treated animals, and the same was found to be restored upon arabinogalactan and aqueous Tinospora cordifolia supplementation. Benzo(a)pyrene insult also upregulated the phase I carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and differentially modulated the phase II metabolizing enzymes during pulmonary carcinogenesis. Also, depleted (reduced glutathione) and increased lipid peroxidation levels were observed in benzo(a)pyrene treated animals, which was found to be normalized upon aqueous Tinospora cordifolia and arabinogalactan administration. Clastogenic damage inflicted by benzo(a)pyrene was also reversed in benzo(a)pyrene + aqueous Tinospora cordifolia and benzo(a)pyrene + arabinogalactan group. Thus, the present study infers that aqueous Tinospora cordifolia and arabinogalactan showed promising anticancer activity against lung tumorigenesis in terms of ultrastructural, biochemical, and biomolecular aspects.

Pharmacological interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that can develop in pregnancy. It occurs when there is a build-up of bile acids in the maternal blood. It has been linked to adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. As the pathophysiology is poorly understood, therapies have been largely empiric. As ICP is an uncommon condition (incidence less than 2% a year), many trials have been small. Synthesis, including recent larger trials, will provide more evidence to guide clinical practice. This review is an update of a review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of pharmacological interventions to treat women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (13 December 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, including cluster-randomised trials and trials published in abstract form only, that compared any drug with placebo or no treatment, or two drug intervention strategies, for women with a clinical diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility and risks of bias. We independently extracted data and checked these for accuracy. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included 26 trials involving 2007 women. They were mostly at unclear to high risk of bias. They assessed nine different pharmacological interventions, resulting in 14 different comparisons. We judged two placebo-controlled trials of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 715 women to be at low risk of bias. The ten different pharmacological interventions were: agents believed to detoxify bile acids (UCDA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe); agents used to bind bile acids in the intestine (activated charcoal, guar gum, cholestyramine); Chinese herbal medicines (yinchenghao decoction (YCHD), salvia, Yiganling and Danxioling pill (DXLP)), and agents aimed to reduce bile acid production (dexamethasone) Compared with placebo, UDCA probably results in a small improvement in pruritus score measured on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) (mean difference (MD) -7.64 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -9.69 to -5.60 points; 2 trials, 715 women; GRADE moderate certainty), where a score of zero indicates no itch and a score of 100 indicates severe itching. The evidence for fetal distress and stillbirth were uncertain, due to serious limitations in study design and imprecision (risk ratio (RR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.40; 6 trials, 944 women; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.37; 6 trials, 955 women; GRADE very low certainty). We found very few differences for the other comparisons included in this review. There is insufficient evidence to indicate if SAMe, guar gum, activated charcoal, dexamethasone, cholestyramine, Salvia, Yinchenghao decoction, Danxioling and Yiganling, or Yiganling alone or in combination are effective in treating women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When compared with placebo, UDCA administered to women with ICP probably shows a reduction in pruritus. However the size of the effect is small and for most pregnant women and clinicians, the reduction may fall below the minimum clinically worthwhile effect. The evidence was unclear for other adverse fetal outcomes, due to very low-certainty evidence. There is insufficient evidence to indicate that SAMe, guar gum, activated charcoal, dexamethasone, cholestyramine, YCHD, DXLP, Salvia, Yiganling alone or in combination are effective in treating women with cholestasis of pregnancy. There are no trials of the efficacy of topical emollients. Further high-quality trials of other interventions are needed in order to identify effective treatments for maternal itching and preventing adverse perinatal outcomes. It would also be helpful to identify those women who are mostly likely to respond to UDCA (for example, whether bile acid concentrations affect how women with ICP respond to treatment with UDCA).

The effects of oral supplements with Sambucus nigra, Zinc, Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), Arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C in otitis media with effusion in children: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of oral supplements with immune-stimulating molecules (Sambucus nigra, Zinc, Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), Arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C) to reduce the inflammation of the upper airway tract and improve the outcome of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. One-hundred ninety-eight children (CI 95%: 12-96 months) were divided into four groups. Group 1 (48 subjects) received 10 ml of oral supplements (OS) with immune-stimulating molecules for three months (20 days consecutively, then 10 days of suspension - the therapeutic scheme was repeated three times); Group 2 (54 children) underwent treatment with 10 ml of OS for 90 consecutive days; Group 3 (48 subjects) received 15 ml of OS for 45 consecutive days; a control group (48 children) underwent the standard treatment for rhinitis and OME. Outcome measures included otoscopy, tympanometry, fibroendoscopy, and the pure tone audiometry (PTA) at T0 (before treatment), T1 (45 days after treatment), and T2 (90 days after treatment). RESULTS: All children treated with OS showed a reduction of Upper Airway Infection (UAI) episodes and OME compared to the control group independent of the administration method and posology. The three groups treated with OS showed statistically significant differences between T0 and T2 for otoscopy, tympanometry, fibroendoscopy, and PTA. In Group 2, the otoscopy and the tympanometry scores improved at T1. Group 2 and 3 had better PTA results than Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: OS with immune-stimulating molecules should be considered as a supporting therapy in children affected by recurrent episodes of UAI associated with OME due to their capacity to improve the immune response and reduce the inflammatory phenomena. OS can improve the fibroendoscopic findings by restoring middle ear ventilation, in addition to their ability to reduce inflammation in the middle ear.

Potential of two delivery systems for nisin topical application to dental plaque biofilms in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease (PD) is caused by the development of a microbial biofilm (dental plaque) in the periodontium, affecting approximately 80% of dogs. Several bacterial species present in the canine oral cavity can be implicated in the development of this disease, including Enterococcus spp. To decrease antibiotic administration, a possible control strategy for dog's enterococcal PD may involve the use of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) nisin. Nisin's inhibitory activity was evaluated against a collection of previously characterized enterococci obtained from the oral cavity of dogs with PD (n = 20), as well as the potential of a guar-gum gel and a veterinary toothpaste as topical delivery systems for this AMP. The Minimum Inhibitory (MIC) and Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) and the Minimum Biofilm Eradication (MBEC) and Inhibitory Concentrations (MBIC) were determined for nisin and for the supplemented guar-gum gel. For the supplemented veterinary toothpaste an agar-well diffusion assay was used to evaluate its inhibitory potential. RESULTS: Nisin was effective against all isolates. Independently of being or not incorporated in the guar-gum gel, its inhibitory activity on biofilms was higher, with MBIC (12.46 ± 5.16 and 13.60 ± 4.31 µg/mL, respectively) and MBEC values (21.87 ± 11.33 and 42.34 ± 16.61 µg/mL) being lower than MIC (24.61 ± 4.64 and 14.90 ± 4.10 µg/mL) and MBC (63.09 ± 13.22 and 66.63 ± 19.55 µg/mL) values. The supplemented toothpaste was also effective, showing inhibitory activity against 95% of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibitory ability of nisin when incorporated in the two delivery systems was maintained or increased, demonstrating the potential of these supplemented vehicles to be applied to PD control in dogs.

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.

Dietary Fermentable Fibers Attenuate Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice by Protecting the Intestinal Barrier.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem. Although the pathogenesis of CKD is still unclear, recent studies suggest that systemic inflammation caused by a dysregulated microflora and an impaired intestinal barrier is involved in CKD development. Objective: We investigated the effects of the fermentable dietary fibers (DFs), unmodified guar gum (GG), and partially hydrolyzed GG (PHGG) (i.e., substances with distinct viscosity characteristics) on CKD development, with a particular focus on colonic tight junction (TJ) barriers in mice. Methods: Male 7-wk-old ICR mice were fed an AIN-93G diet that contained 0.25% adenine for 2 wk to induce CKD. Mice fed adenine were then divided into 3 groups and fed the unsupplemented diet (CKD) or a diet containing 10% PHGG (CKD+PHGG) or GG (CKD+GG) for 3 wk. Control (CON) mice were fed an AIN-93G diet without adenine throughout the 5-wk experiment. Plasma urea concentration; the colonic TJ proteins zonula occludens (ZO) 1, ZO2, occludin, junctional adhesion molecule A (JAMA), and claudin isoforms; renal inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfa), interleukin (Il ) 1ß (Il1b), and Il6; and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microflora were analyzed. Results: Compared with the CON, CKD+PHGG, and CKD+GG groups, the CKD group had a 2.2- to 4.4-fold higher plasma urea concentration and greater expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in the kidney, including Tnfa (4.4- to 48-fold), Il1b (4.6- to 56-fold), and Il6 (8.8- to 115-fold). The CON, CKD+PHGG, and CKD+GG groups had greater expression of colonic TJ proteins including ZO1 (2.9- to 3.7-fold), ZO2 (3.4- to 4.3-fold), occludin (3.0- to 3.3-fold), JAMA (4.4- to 5.4-fold), and claudin 7 (2.1- to 2.6-fold) and higher cecal SCFA (1.8- to 3.5-fold) and Lactobacillus (2.7- to 4.0-fold) concentrations than the CKD group. Conclusion: Supplemental feeding with fermentable DFs, such as GG and PHGG, might be effective for the prevention or management of CKD by restoring colonic barrier integrity and microflora composition, as shown in mice.

Effects of two different glutamine-containing enteral supplements on stool frequency and density in elderly patients recovering from acute critical illness.

AIM: Glutamine has various beneficial functions in the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of two different glutamine supplements on bowel movement at the start of enteral feeding in elderly inpatients. METHODS: This was a double-blind, prospective, randomized comparison study. A total of 25 patients aged >75 years recovering from a critical illness in a non-intensive care unit and scheduled for tube feeding were recruited. Of them, 22 consenting patients were randomly assigned to two groups: glutamine-fiber-oligosaccharide treatment group (n = 11) and glutamine F treatment group (n = 11). They were given glutamine three times daily at a dosage of 9 g/day. Enteral nutrition was given at the same dosage to both groups for the duration of the study. The end-points were stool frequency, Bristol Scale Form Score, bowel function index (Bristol Scale Form Score × stool frequency), the percentage of patients with stool frequency over three per day and those with a BSFS of 6 or 7 in each group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics before the study. All the end-points in the glutamine F group were significantly lower than those in the glutamine-fiber-oligosaccharide group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with glutamine-fiber-oligosaccharide, glutamine F administration resulted in stool hardening and reduced stool frequency in elderly inpatients recovering from acute critical illness in non-intensive care units. The effects might be caused by the different additive components of glutamine supplements. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2514-2519.

Sulfated Galactans from Red Seaweed Gracilaria fisheri Target EGFR and Inhibit Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is increasing in incidence worldwide and is resistant to chemotherapeutic agents, making treatment of CCA a major challenge. Previous studies reported that natural sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) disrupted growth factor receptor activation in cancer cells. The present study, therefore, aimed at investigating the antiproliferation effect of sulfated galactans (SG) isolated from the red seaweed Gracilaria fisheri (G. fisheri) on CCA cell lines. Direct binding activity of SG to CCA cells, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were determined. The effect of SG on proliferation of CCA cells was investigated. Cell cycle analyses and expression of signaling molecules associated with proliferation were also determined. The results demonstrated that SG bound directly to EGFR. SG inhibited proliferation of various CCA cell lines by inhibiting EGFR and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) phosphorylation, and inhibited EGF-induced increased cell proliferation. Cell cycle analyses showed that SG induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, down-regulated cell cycle genes and proteins (cyclin-D, cyclin-E, cdk-4, cdk-2), and up-regulated the tumor suppressor protein P53 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21. Taken together, these data demonstrate that SG from G. fisheri inhibited proliferation of CCA cells, and its mechanism of inhibition is mediated, to some extent, by inhibitory effects on EGFR activation and EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. SG presents a potential EGFR targeted molecule, which may be further clinically developed in a combination therapy for CCA treatment.

Protection against the Metabolic Syndrome by Guar Gum-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids Depends on Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1.

The dietary fiber guar gum has beneficial effects on obesity, hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in both humans and rodents. The major products of colonic fermentation of dietary fiber, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), have been suggested to play an important role. Recently, we showed that SCFAs protect against the metabolic syndrome via a signaling cascade that involves peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ repression and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanism via which the dietary fiber guar gum protects against the metabolic syndrome. C57Bl/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 0% or 10% of the fiber guar gum for 12 weeks and effects on lipid and glucose metabolism were studied. We demonstrate that, like SCFAs, also guar gum protects against high-fat diet-induced metabolic abnormalities by PPARγ repression, subsequently increasing mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 expression and AMP/ATP ratio, leading to the activation of AMPK and culminating in enhanced oxidative metabolism in both liver and adipose tissue. Moreover, guar gum markedly increased peripheral glucose clearance, possibly mediated by the SCFA-induced colonic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. Overall, this study provides novel molecular insights into the beneficial effects of guar gum on the metabolic syndrome and strengthens the potential role of guar gum as a dietary-fiber intervention.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: effects of gender, age, and body mass index.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) relieves symptoms in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and may have prebiotic properties. However, the correlation between the effectiveness of PHGG and patient characteristics has not been examined. We aimed to investigate the effect of PHGG in symptom relief on constipation-predominant IBS according to gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with IBS entered a 2-week run-in period, followed by a 4-week study period with PHGG. Patients completed a daily questionnaire to assess the presence of abdominal pain/discomfort, swelling, and the sensation of incomplete evacuation. The number of evacuations/day, the daily need for laxatives/enemas and stool consistency-form were also evaluated. All patients also underwent a colonic transit time (CTT) evaluation. RESULTS: PHGG administration was associated with a significant improvement in symptom scores, use of laxatives/enemas, stool form/consistency and CTT. At the end of the study period and compared with baseline, the number of evacuations improved in women, patients aged ≥ 45 years and those with BMI ≥ 25 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons); abdominal bloating improved in males (P < 0.05), patients < 45 years (P < 0.01) and those with BMI < 25 (P < 0.05). A decrease in the number of perceived incomplete evacuations/day was reported in patients with a BMI ≥ 25 (P < 0.05). Reductions in laxative/enema use were recorded in females (P < 0.05), patients < 45 years (P < 0.01), and patients with BMI < 25 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gender, age, and BMI seem to influence the effect of PHGG supplementation in constipated IBS patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the interaction of such parameters with a fiber-enriched diet.

An arabinogalactan from flowers of Panax notoginseng inhibits angiogenesis by BMP2/Smad/Id1 signaling.

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in tumor development. Blocking angiogenesis in tumor has become a promising tactic in limiting cancer progression. Here, an arabinogalactan polysaccharide, RN1 was isolated from flowers of Panax notoginseng. Its structure was determined to possess a backbone of 1,6-linked Galp branched at C3 by side 1,3-linked Galp, with branches attached at position O-3 of it. The branches mainly contained 1,5-linked, 1,3,5-linked, terminal Arabinose and terminal Galactose. RN1 could inhibit microvessel formation in the BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cell xenograft tumor in nude mice. The antiangiogenesis assay showed that RN1 could reduce the migratory activity of endothelial cells and their ability of tube formation on matrigel, but no effect on endothelial cells growth. Further studies revealed that RN1 could inhibit BMP2/Smad1/5/8/Id1 signaling. All those data indicated the RN1 had an antiangiogenic effect via BMP2 signaling and could be a potential novel inhibitor of angiogenesis.

Acute effects of a dietary non-starch polysaccharide supplement on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged adults.

OBJECTIVE: Certain plant polysaccharides may provide psychological health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether they can acutely improve mood and cognitive function. METHOD: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, between subjects design trial, 73 middle-aged adults consumed 4 g of a proprietary mixture of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) (Ambrotose® complex), a rice flour placebo, or a sucrose control. Participants completed testing at baseline and 30 minutes post-consumption. Acute effects of consumption on mood, cognition, and blood glucose were evaluated during mental tests designed to induce mental fatigue. RESULTS: Significant improvement in recognition and working memory performance was observed in the group that consumed NSP compared with placebo or sucrose. Improvements in memory performance following NSP intake were independent of changes in blood glucose. DISCUSSION: This is the first report of acute behavioural improvement following plant polysaccharide intake in healthy middle-aged adults under conditions of mental fatigue. The findings suggest that certain NSP may enhance memory performance through mechanisms other than elevated blood glucose.

Structure of an arabinogalactan from the edible tropical fruit tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) and its antinociceptive activity.

A structural characterization of polysaccharides obtained by aqueous extraction of ripe pulp of the edible exotic tropical fruit named tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) was carried out. After fractionation by freeze-thaw and α-amylase treatments, a fraction containing a mixture of highly-methoxylated homogalacturonan and of arabinogalactan was obtained. A degree of methylesterification (DE) of 71% and a degree of acetylation (DA) of 1.3% was determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and spectrophotometric quantification, respectively. A type I arabinogalactan was purified via Fehling precipitation and ultrafiltration through 50 kDa (cut-off) membrane. Its chemical structure was performed by sugar composition, HPSEC, methylation, carboxy-reduction and (13)C NMR spectroscopy analysis. Intraperitoneal administration of the arabinogalactan did not reduce the nociception induced by intraplantar injection of 2.5% formalin in mice, but significantly reduced the number of abdominal constrictions induced by 0.6% acetic acid, indicating that fraction has an antinociceptive effect on the visceral inflammatory pain model.

Anthelmintic effect of carob pods and sainfoin hay when fed to lambs after experimental trickle infections with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

The aim of the study was to compare the in vivo anthelmintic activity of sainfoin hay (Onobrychis viciifolia) and carob pod meal (Ceratonia siliqua) against gastrointestinal nematodes. Seven days before infection, 64 naive lambs were assigned to four different groups: Group S received sainfoin hay and group CAR was fed with carob pods. The remaining lambs received lucerne hay (Medicago sativa) and were assigned to positive (non-treated, NT) and negative (treated, T) control groups (treatment with albendazole). On day 0, lambs were artificially trickle infected for 6 weeks, with a mixture of infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Parasitological and pathophysiological parameters were measured repeatedly during the 2-month study. Compared to the NT group, decreases in egg excretion were observed in the CAR and S groups with significant differences only found for sainfoin (p < 0.05). At necropsy, group S showed decreases in the total worm numbers of both nematode species with significant differences for H. contortus. In contrast, no differences were noticed for the CAR group. Compared to the NT group, lower values for fecundity of female H. contortus were found in the S and CAR groups, however differences were non-significant. No differences in body weight gains were found between groups. Consistent results were found showing significantly higher packed cell volume (PCV) values in the T and S groups compared to NT and CAR groups. Overall, these results confirm a positive effect associated with the feeding of lambs with tanniniferous resources on host resilience (PCV values) and against gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes by affecting some biological traits of worm populations (e.g. eggs per gram of faeces and worm numbers). However, the anthelmintic effects differed between the two tannin-containing resources, which might be associated with the quantity and/or quality of secondary metabolites (condensed tannins and/or other polyphenols).

Carob pod insoluble fiber exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects in rabbits through sirtuin-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of an insoluble dietary fiber from carob pod (IFC) (1 g ⋅ kg(-1) ⋅ d(-1) in the diet) on alterations associated with atherosclerosis in rabbits with dyslipidemia. Male New Zealand rabbits (n = 30) were fed the following diets for 8 wk: 1) a control diet (SF412; Panlab) as a control group representing normal conditions; 2) a control supplemented with 0.5% cholesterol + 14% coconut oil (DL) (SF302; Panlab) for 8 wk as a dyslipidemic group; and 3) a control containing 0.5% cholesterol + 14% coconut oil plus IFC (1 g ⋅ kg(-1) ⋅ d(-1)) (DL+IFC) for 8 wk. IFC was administered in a pellet mixed with the DL diet. The DL-fed group developed mixed dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic lesions, which were associated with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein expression in the aorta were reduced to 77% and 63% of the control group, respectively (P < 0.05), in these rabbits. Administration of IFC to DL-fed rabbits reduced the size of the aortic lesion significantly (DL, 15.2% and DL+IFC, 2.6%) and normalized acetylcholine-induced relaxation (maximal response: control, 89.3%; DL, 61.6%; DL+IFC, 87.1%; P < 0.05) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (DL, 52% and DL+IFC, 104% of the control group). IFC administration to DL-fed rabbits also reduced cluster of differentiation 36 (DL, 148% and DL+IFC, 104% of the control group; P < 0.05), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (DL, 141% and DL+IFC, 107% of the control group), tumor necrosis factor-α (DL, 166% and DL+IFC, 120% of the control group), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (DL, 153% and DL+IFC, 110% of the control group), transforming growth factor-ß (DL, 173% and DL+IFC, 99% of the control group), and collagen I (DL, 157% and DL+IFC, 112% of the control group) in the aorta. These effects were accompanied by an enhancement of SIRT1 and PGC-1α (160% and 121% of the control group, respectively; P < 0.05) vascular expression. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, that administration of IFC reduces the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits. This effect seems to be related to an improvement in endothelial function and a reduction of inflammation and fibrosis, most probably as a consequence of the reduction of serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. Increased expression of aortic SIRT1 and PGC-1α could play an important role in the observed effects of IFC in rabbits with dyslipidemia.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum accelerates colonic transit time and improves symptoms in adults with chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble, non-gelling dietary fiber with a wide range of uses in clinical nutrition. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of guar gum on colonic transit time (CTT) and symptoms of chronic constipation. METHODS: We enrolled patients fulfilling Rome III criteria for chronic constipation. CTT was measured before and at the end of treatment. After a 2-week run-in period, patients received 5 mg PHGG daily for 4 weeks. During study period, patients kept daily symptoms, stool and laxative usage diaries. They also recorded their symptom-related satisfaction weekly and treatment adverse events. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients received treatment; 39 (80 %) completed the study. Treatment significantly reduced colon transit time, from 57.28 ± 39.25 to 45.63 ± 37.27 h (p = 0.026), a reduction more prominent in slow transit patients (from 85.50 ± 27.75 to 63.65 ± 38.11 h, p = 0.016). Overall, the weekly number of complete spontaneous and spontaneous bowel movements increased significantly (p < 0.001); the latter correlated significantly with the acceleration of CTT in the overall population and in slow transit patients (B = 0.382; p = 0.016 and B = 0.483; p = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the number of bowel movements with straining decreased (p < 0.001) and stool form improved (p < 0.001), while days with laxative intake and days with abdominal pain decreased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSION: Four-week PHGG use accelerates colon transit time in patients with chronic constipation, especially in those with slow transit, and improves many of their symptoms including frequency of bowel movements.

Structurally characterized arabinogalactan from Anoectochilus formosanus as an immuno-modulator against CT26 colon cancer in BALB/c mice.

In this study, the innate immuno-modulatory effects and anti-cancer action of arabinogalactan (AG), a derivative of a well-known orchid, Anoectochilus formosanus, were investigated. The innate immuno-modulatory effects of AG were determined in vitro using RAW 264.7 cells for microarray analysis, and in vivo using BALB/c mice administrated with AG at 5 and 15 mg/kg intra-peritoneally for 3 weeks. The anti-cancer activity of AG was evaluated by CT26 colon cancer-bearing BALB/c mice. The microarray analysis was performed to evaluate the innate immunity and demonstrated that AG significantly induced the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and co-stimulatory receptors, such as IL-1α, CXCL2, and CD69. An intraperitoneal injection of AG in mice increased the spleen weight, but not the body weight. The treatment of mitogen, LPS significantly stimulated splenocyte proliferation in AG treated groups. The AG treatment also promoted splenocyte cytotoxicity against YAC-1 cells and increased the percentage of CD3(+)CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells in innate immunity test. Our experiments revealed that AG significantly decreased both tumour size and tumour weight. Besides, AG increased the percentage of DC, CD3(+)CD8(+) T cells, CD49b(+)CD3(-) NK cells among splenocytes, and cytotoxicity activity in tumour-bearing mice. In addition, the immunohistochemistry of the tumour demonstrated that the AG treatments increased the tumour-filtrating NK and cytotoxic T-cell. These results demonstrated that AG, a polysaccharide derived from a plant source, has potent innate immuno-modulatory and anti-cancer activity. AG may therefore be used for cancer immunotherapy.