The impact of daily supplementation with rhamnogalacturonan-I on the gut microbiota in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Pectin and its derivatives have been shown to modulate immune signaling as well as gut microbiota in preclinical studies, which may constitute the mechanisms by which supplementation of specific pectic polysaccharides confers protection against viral respiratory infections. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled rhinovirus (RV16) challenge study, healthy volunteers were randomized to consume placebo (0.0 g/day) (N = 46), low-dose (0.3 g/day) (N = 49) or high-dose (1.5 g/day) (N = 51) of carrot derived rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) for eight weeks and they were subsequently challenged with RV-16. Here, the effect of 8-week cRG-I supplementation on the gut microbiota was studied. While the overall gut microbiota composition in the population was generally unaltered by this very low dose of fibre, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. (mainly B. adolescentis and B. longum) was significantly increased by both doses of cRG-1. Moreover, daily supplementation of cRG-I led to a dose-dependent reduction in inter- and intra-individual microbiota heterogeneity, suggesting a stabilizing effect on the gut microbiota. The severity of respiratory symptoms did not directly correlate with the cRG-I-induced microbial changes, but several dominant groups of the Ruminococcaceae family and microbiota richness were positively associated with a reduced and hence desired post-infection response. Thus, the present results on the modulation of the gut microbiota composition support the previously demonstrated immunomodulatory and protective effect of cRG-I during a common cold infection.

Dietary pectin caused great changes in bile acid profiles of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco.

To reveal the impact of dietary fiber (DF) on the bile acid (BA) profiles of fish, yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were fed a diet containing 300 g kg-1 dextrin (CON diet, control) or pectin (a type of soluble DF, PEC diet) for 7 days, and then the BA profiles were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. A total of 26 individuals of BAs were detected in the fish body, with 8, 10, 14, and 22 individuals of BAs detected in the liver, serum, bile, and hindgut digesta, respectively. The conjugated BAs (CBAs) of fish were dominated by taurine CBAs (TCBAs). The concentrations of free BAs (FBAs) and the value of FBAs/CBAs in the bile of fish fed the PEC diet were nearly 5 and 7 times higher, respectively than those in fish fed the CON diet. The value of glycine CBAs/TCBAs in the liver, serum and bile of fish fed the PEC diet was significantly lower, and in the hindgut digesta was higher than that of fish fed the CON diet (P < 0.05). These results suggested that dietary pectin greatly changed the BA profiles of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, attributed to inhibition of reabsorption of BAs. Therefore, attention should be paid to the impact on BA homeostasis when replacing fishmeal with DF-rich plant ingredients in the fish diet.

Challenges of pectic polysaccharides as a prebiotic from the perspective of fermentation characteristics and anti-colitis activity.

Several studies are described that contribute to the systematic exploration of new aspects of digestion, fermentation, and biological activities of pectic polysaccharides (PPS) leading to a better understanding of prebiotics. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be associated with the dysbacteriosis induced by different environmental agents in genetically susceptible persons. PPS are considered as an indispensable gut-microbiota-accessible carbohydrate that play a dominant role in maintaining gut microbiota balance and show a better effect in ameliorating IBD than some traditional prebiotics. The aim of this review is to summarize the fermentation characteristics of PPS, highlight its role in improving IBD, and propose a view that PPS may be a new and effective prebiotic.

Oral absorption characteristics and mechanisms of a pectin-type polysaccharide from Smilax china L. across the intestinal epithelium.

The elucidation of the oral absorption of natural polysaccharides contributes to their further research and utilization. Herein, to explore the absorption of a pectin-type polysaccharide from Smilax china L. (SCLP), SCLP was respectively fluorescently labeled with fluorescein-5-thioicarbazide (FSCLP) and Cyanine7 amine (Cy7-SCLP) for in vitro and in vivo tracking. The near-infrared imaging demonstrated that Cy7-SCLP was absorbable in the small intestine and distributed in the liver and kidney after oral administration. Subsequently, in vitro intestinal epithelial tissue experiments showed that the jejunum was the dominant site of FSCLP transport. Further transport studies in the Caco-2 cell monolayer illustrated that FSCLP was delivered across the monolayer via transcellular transport by caveolae-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis together with paracellular transport by reversibly affecting tight junctions. In summary, this work presents the oral absorption characteristics and mechanisms of SCLP through the intestinal epithelium, which will facilitate the further development of SCLP and pectin polysaccharides.

Attenuation of Doxorubicin-Induced Small Intestinal Mucositis by Pectins is Dependent on Pectin's Methyl-Ester Number and Distribution.

SCOPE: Intestinal mucositis is a common side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, which is characterized by severe Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-mediated inflammation. The dietary fiber pectin is shown to prevent this intestinal inflammation through direct inhibition of TLR2 in a microbiota-independent manner. Recent in vitro studies show that inhibition of TLR2 is determined by the number and distribution of methyl-esters of pectins. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the degree of methyl-esterification (DM) and the degree of blockiness (DB) of pectins determine attenuating efficacy on doxorubicin-induced intestinal mucositis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four structurally different pectins that differed in DM and DB are tested on inhibitory effects on murine TLR2 in vitro, and on doxorubicin-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. These data demonstrate that low DM pectins or intermediate DM pectins with high DB have the strongest inhibitory impact on murine TLR2-1 and the strongest attenuating effect on TLR2-induced apoptosis and peritonitis. Intermediate DM pectin with a low DB is, however, also effective in preventing the induction of doxorubicin-induced intestinal damage. CONCLUSION: These pectin structures with stronger TLR2-inhibiting properties may prevent the development of doxorubicin-induced intestinal damage in patients undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment with doxorubicin.

Gastrointestinal Distension by Pectin-Containing Carbonated Solution Suppresses Food Intake and Enhances Glucose Tolerance via GLP-1 Secretion and Vagal Afferent Activation.

Diet-induced gastrointestinal distension is known to evoke satiation and suppress postprandial hyperglycemia; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study explored how gastrointestinal distension regulates energy homeostasis by using inflating stomach formulation (ISF), the carbonated solution containing pectin that forms stable gel bubbles under acidic condition in the stomach. Here we show that, in mice, oral administration of ISF induced distension of stomach and proximal intestine temporarily, stimulated intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, and activated vagal afferents and brainstem. ISF suppressed food intake and improved glucose tolerance via enhancing insulin sensitivity. The anorexigenic effect was partially inhibited, and the beneficial glycemic effect was blunted by pharmacological GLP-1 receptor blockade and chemical denervation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves. In HFD-fed obese mice showing arrhythmic feeding and obesity, subchronic ISF treatment at the light period (LP) onset for 10 days attenuated LP hyperphagia and visceral fat accumulation. These results demonstrate that gastrointestinal distension by ISF stimulates GLP-1 secretion and the vagal afferent signaling to the brain, thereby regulating feeding behavior and glucose tolerance. Furthermore, subchronic ISF treatment ameliorates HFD-induced visceral obesity. We propose the diet that induces gastrointestinal distension as a novel treatment of hyperphagic obesity and diabetes.

Pectin supplement significantly enhanced the anti-PD-1 efficacy in tumor-bearing mice humanized with gut microbiota from patients with colorectal cancer.

Background: Anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapy for several cancers. However, it only benefits a small subset of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Mounting data supports the pivotal role of gut microbiota in shaping immune system. Pectin, a widely consumed soluble fiber, has been reported to ameliorate the imbalance of gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect and the underlying mechanisms of pectin in improving anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy. Methods: The C57BL/6 mice were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic (ATB) cocktail to depleted endogenous gut microbiota and subsequently humanized with feces from healthy controls or newly diagnosed CRC patients. The antitumor efficacies of anti-PD-1 mAb combined with or without pectin were assessed using these mice. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment after treatment. The gut microbiota profiles and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The effect of gut microbiota on anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy after pectin supplement was further tested by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Results: The anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy was largely impaired in the mice humanized with feces from newly diagnosed CRC patients compared to those from healthy controls. However, pectin significantly enhanced the anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy in the tumor-bearing mice humanized with CRC patient gut microbiota. Flow cytometry and IHC analysis revealed increased T cell infiltration and activation in the tumor microenvironment of mice treated with anti-PD-1 mAb plus pectin. In vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells diminished the anti-tumor effect of anti-PD-1 mAb combined with pectin. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that pectin significantly increased gut microbial diversity and beneficially regulated microbial composition. In addition, we identified unique bacterial modules that were significantly enriched in the anti-PD-1 mAb + pectin group, which composed of butyrate-producing bacteria indicative of good response to immunotherapy. Meanwhile, GC-MS showed that pectin altered the level of SCFA butyrate. Furthermore, butyrate, a main product of dietary fiber in gut microbial fermentation, was found to be sufficient to promote T cells infiltration and thus enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 mAb. In addition, FMT demonstrated the effects of pectin were dependent on gut microbiota. Importantly, the beneficial effects of pectin were confirmed in the mice humanized with gut microbiota from patient with resistance to anti-PD-1 mAb. Conclusion: Pectin facilitated the anti-PD-1 mAb efficacy in CRC via regulating the T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, which was potentially mediated by the metabolite butyrate.

Review of galectin-3 inhibitors in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a ß-galactoside binding protein associated with many disease pathologies, including chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis. It has been implicated in the disease severity of NASH, although its precise role is unknown. Inhibition of Gal-3 has shown to improve and prevent fibrosis progression and has now reached phase III clinical trial in NASH patients. AREAS COVERED: This discusses the role of Gal-3 in NASH. It brings together the current findings of Gal-3 in NASH and hepatic fibrosis by analyzing recent data from animal model studies and clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Gal-3 inhibitors, in particular, Belapectin (GR-MD-02), have shown promising results for NASH with advanced fibrosis. In a phase 2 trial, Belapectin did not meet the primary endpoint. However, a sub-analysis of Belapectin among a separate group of patients without esophageal varices showed 2 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 reduced HVPG and the development of new varices. A subsequent study is under way, aiming to replicate the positive findings in phase 2 and demonstrate greater efficacy. If Belapectin is shown to be effective, it will be coupled with other drugs that target steatohepatitis to maximize efficacy and disease reversal.

Cashew apple pectin as a carrier matrix for mangiferin: Physicochemical characterization, in vitro release and biological evaluation in human neutrophils.

In this work, cashew apple pectin (CP) of the species Anacardium occidentale L. was used as an encapsulation matrix for hydrophobic drugs. The model drug chosen was mangiferin (Mf), a glycosylated C-xanthone which has antioxidant properties but low solubility in aqueous medium. CP (1-100 µg mL-1) was not toxic to human neutrophils and also did not significantly interfere with the pro-inflammatory mechanism of these cells in the concentration range of 12.5 and 100 µg mL-1. The results are promising because they show that pectin encapsulated mangiferin after spray drying presented an efficiency of 82.02%. The results obtained in the dissolution test, simulating the release of mangiferin in the gastrointestinal tract (pH 1.2, 4.6 and 6.8) and using Franz diffusion cells (pH 7.4), showed that cashew pectin may be a promising vehicle in prolonged drug delivery systems for both oral and dermal applications.

In-vivo evaluation of Alginate-Pectin hydrogel film loaded with Simvastatin for diabetic wound healing in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Previously we developed and characterized a novel hydrogel film wound dressing containing Sodium Alginate and Pectin loaded with Simvastatin with multi-functional properties. This study investigated the in-vivo efficacy of the developed wound dressing on type I diabetic wound model. Experiments were performed on male Wistar rats for the period of 21-days. Animals developed diabetes after intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/kg) of Streptozotocin then randomly divided into different groups. On days 7, 14, and 21 of post-wounding, animals were euthanized and the wounds tissue were harvested for analysis. The wound healing rate, hematology and histological analysis, hydroxyproline assay, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A measurements were noted. The results revealed that the wound dressing healed the wounded area significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control after 21-day treatment and wound closure was ~99% without any adverse systemic reactions. Histological analysis qualitatively revealed an enhanced re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. Moreover, results also showed an improved rate of collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in the group treated with the hydrogel film loaded with Simvastatin. Thus, the present study demonstrated that developed film holds great potential for the acceleration of diabetic wound healing by its pro-angiogenic effect, faster re-epithelialization and increased collagen deposition.

Okra pectin relieves inflammatory response and protects damaged intestinal barrier in caerulein-induced acute pancreatic model.

BACKGROUND: Protecting the intestinal mucosa from being destroyed helps reduce the inflammation caused by acute pancreatitis (AP). In this study, whether okra pectin (OP) could attenuate the inflammation of AP through protecting the intestinal barrier was investigated. RESULTS: OP was obtained from crude okra pectin (COP) through the purification by DEAE cellulose 52 column. Supplementation with OP or COP in advance reduced the severity of AP, as revealed by lower serum amylase and lipase levels, abated pancreatic edema, attenuated myeloperoxidase activity and pancreas histology. OP or COP inhibited the production of pancreatic proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. In addition, the upregulation of AP-related proteins including ZO-1, occludin, the antibacterial peptide-defensin-1 (DEFB1) and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), as well as the histological examination of colon injuries, demonstrated that OP or COP provision could effectively maintain intestinal barrier function. Ultimately, dietary OP or COP supplementation could inhibit AP-induced intestinal inflammation. For the above, the effect of OP was better than COP. CONCLUSION: Dietary OP supplementation could be considered as a preventive method that effectively interferes with intestinal damage and attenuates inflammatory responses trigged by AP. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pectin of cacao pod husk, an efficient immunostimulant for white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

The disposal of cacao pod husk, a byproduct of cacao bean processing, can cause serious adverse environmental impacts, motivating scientist to explore and develop potential beneficial applications of this resource. Dried cacao pod husk was extracted with ethanol to obtain a 10.6% pectin of cacao pod husks (pCPH), and its effects on the immunocompetence of Litopenaeus vannamei were estimated. Measured variables included total haemocyte count, differential haemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, respiratory bursts, as well as phagocytic activity and clearance efficiency against Vibrio alginolyticus after receiving pCPH at 0, 1.5, 3, and 6 µg shrimp-1 for 0, 1, 3 and 7 days via injection, and their resistance to thermal stress and V. alginolyticus infection were further evaluated. No significant differences were observed in total haemocyte count, differential haemocyte count, and respiratory bursts in shrimp receiving pCPH at 1.5 µg shrimp-1 for 1 day; however, these variables were significantly elevated after 3 days of injection, compared to the control group. The significantly increased phenoloxidase activity was assessed in shrimp receiving pCPH at 1.5, 3 and 6 µg shrimp-1 within 3 days, and activity returned to the baseline after 7 days. Furthermore, the reduced phenoloxidase activity per granulocytes or respiratory bursts per haemocytes maintained homeostasis following the variation of haemogram. For gene expression assessments in haemocytes, the immune-related genes of the lipopolysaccharide and ß-1,3-glucan binding protein, prophenoloxidase II and anti-lipopolysaccharide factor as well as innate immune signaling pathway-related genes of toll-like receptors 1 and 3 significantly increased after shrimp received pCPH for 1 day. The increases in phagocytic activity and clearance efficiency were only detected in shrimp receiving pCPH at 6 µg shrimp-1 within 7 days, compared to the control. There was no significant difference in the mortality ratio of shrimp against hyperthermal stress when they received pCPH for 1 day, and the significant higher resistance to hypothermal stress and V. alginolyticus infection were found in shrimp received pCPH at 6 µg shrimp-1 for 1 days than those in the other treatments. It is therefore found that pCPH triggers immune responses serving as an immunostimulant capable of enhancing resistance against V. alginolyticus and hypothermal stress.

Improved outcomes utilizing a novel pectin-based pleural sealant following acute lung injury.

BACKGROUND: Persistent air leaks after thoracic trauma are associated with significant morbidity. To evaluate a novel pectin sealant in a swine model of traumatic air leaks, we compared a pectin biopolymer with standard surgical and fibrin-based interventions. METHODS: A standardized lung injury was created in male Yorkshire swine. Interventions were randomized to stapled wedge resection (n = 5), topical fibrin glue (n = 5), fibrin patch (n = 5), and a pectin sealant (n = 6). Baseline, preintervention and postintervention tidal volumes (TV) were recorded. Early success was defined as the return to near-normal TV (>95% of baseline). Late success was defined as no detectable air leak in the chest tube after chest closure. RESULTS: There were no differences in injury severity between groups (mean TV loss, 62 ± 17 mL, p = 0.2). Early success was appreciated in 100% (n = 6) of the pectin interventions which was significantly better than the fibrin sealant (20%, n = 1), fibrin patch (20%, n = 1), and stapled groups (80%, n = 4, p = 0.01). The percent of return to baseline TV after sealant intervention was significantly increased in the pectin (98%) and staple arms (97%) compared with the fibrin sealant (91%) and fibrin patch arms (90%) (p = 0.02; p = 0.03). Late success was also improved with the pectin sealant: no air leak was detected in 83% of the pectin group compared with 40% in the stapled group (p = 0.008)-90% of the fibrin-based interventions resulted in continuous air leaks (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pectin-based bioadhesives effectively seal traumatic air leaks upon application in a porcine model. Further testing is warranted as they may provide a superior parenchymal-sparing treatment option for traumatic air leaks.

Spirulina maxima derived marine pectin promotes the in vitro and in vivo regeneration and wound healing in zebrafish.

Purified bioactive components of marine algae have shown great pharmaceutical and biomedical potential, including wound healing activity. However, the activity of Spirulina maxima is the least documented with regard to wound healing potential. In the present study, we investigated the regenerative and wound healing activities of a Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima based pectin (SmP) using in vitro human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and in vivo zebrafish model. SmP treated (12.5-50 µg/mL) HDFs showed increased cell proliferation by 20-40% compared to the untreated HDFs. Moreover, in vitro wound healing results in HDFs demonstrated that SmP decreased the open wound area % in concentration-dependent manner at 12.5 (32%) and 25 µg/mL (12%) compared to the control (44%). Further, zebrafish larvae displayed a greater fin regenerated area in the SmP exposed group at 25 (0.48 mm2) and 50 µg/mL (0.51 mm2), whereas the untreated group had the lowest regenerated area (0.40 mm2) at 3 days post amputation. However, fin regeneration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher only in the SmP treated group at 50 µg/mL. Furthermore, the open skin wound healing % in adult zebrafish was significantly higher (P < 0.05) after topical application (600 µg/fish) of SmP (46%) compared to the control (38%). Upregulation of genes such as tgfß1, timp2b, mmp9, tnf-α, and il-1ß, and chemokines such as cxcl18b, ccl34a.4, and ccl34b.4, in the muscle and kidney tissues of SmP treated fish compared to the respective control group was demonstrated using qRT-PCR. Histological analysis results further supported the rapid epidermal growth and tissue remodeling in SmP treated fish, suggesting that SmP exerts positive effects associated with wound healing. Therefore, SmP can be considered a potential regenerative and wound healing agent.

Hairy Region Concentrate of Pectin Strongly Stimulates Mucin Secretion in HT29-MTX Cells, but to a Lessor Degree in Rat Small Intestine.

Pectin enhances mucin secretion in the rat small intestine. However, what structural features of pectin to stimulate mucin secretion remain unclear. The study aimed to clarify active constituents of pectin using a human goblet cell line, HT29-MTX. Various pectins at 100 mg/L commonly stimulated MUC5AC secretion, irrespective of their differences in molecular size, plant origin and degree of methoxylation, whereas other dietary fiber materials at 100 mg/L did not show any effects, except fucoidan. Hairy region concentrate (HRC) and its further fractions (F1-F3) were prepared by polygalacturonase treatment of citrus pectin and successive anion exchange chromatography. Neutral sugars, such as galactose and arabinose were enriched in these fractions. HRC and F1-F3 at 30 mg/L significantly increased MUC5AC secretion, which were 3 times more potent compared with a starting material (citrus pectin). Further, a dose-dependent study showed that F1 significantly increased MUC5AC secretion from at 0.3 mg/L, much stronger than that of mucin-secretagogue lipopolysaccharides. Rats consumed 5% apple pectin diet showed significant increases of luminal mucin contents and Muc2 expression in the small intestine, while the luminal mucin contents in rats consumed 1.5% HRC diet were increased by 24% compared to those in rats consumed control diet, but the difference did not reach significant. Thus, HRC is supposed to be active constituents of mucin-secretory effect of pectin in vitro. At present, however, the effect of HRC has not been verified in vivo.

An injectable, self-healing hydrogel system from oxidized pectin/chitosan/γ-Fe2O3.

Injectable hydrogels with self-healing ability present great potential for drug delivery. They could be facilely implanted in vivo and maintained structural and functional integrity till the hydrogel arriving at target sites. Herein, a series of injectable and self-healing composite hydrogel were developed as delivery vehicles for anti-cancer drug. The hydrogels were obtained with varying ratios of oxidized pectin/chitosan to nano γ-Fe2O3, which present excellent injectable, self-healing, magnetic, high biocompatible, and anti-cancer properties. The nano γ-Fe2O3 with particle size of about 0.25 µm loaded on the surface of hydrogel. Magnetic hysteresis loops of the hydrogel presented S-shape over the applied magnetics and the MS value was 4.86 emu/g. When pH dropped from 7.4 to 6.5 or temperature increased form 36 °C to 37 °C, the percentage increase in the swelling rate of OP4-400 reached to 35.89% and 25.13%, respectively. The composite hydrogels could continuously release water-soluble 5-FU for more than 12 h. In addition, the drug delivery systems indicated acceptable anti-cancer property though trace amounts of 5-FU were added in the hydrogel systems. The addition of γ-Fe2O3 could not only be beneficial to the targeting but also collectively enhance the anti-cancer property.

Roles of gut microbiota and metabolites in a homogalacturonan-type pectic polysaccharide from Ficus pumila Linn. fruits mediated amelioration of obesity.

In this study, the beneficial effects of a homogalacturonan(HG)-type pectic polysaccharide from Ficus pumila L. fruits (FPLP) in obese mice were investigated. The 17-week FPLP treatment effectively attenuated obesity, as mainly demonstrated by the reductions of body weight, serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. The decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes abundance ratio, enriched Akkermansia, and reduced Blautia abundance suggested that FPLP ameliorated the HFD-induced gut dysbiosis. FPLP also influenced the levels of metabolites altered upon HFD feeding, including increases in myristoleic acid and pentadecanoic acid levels. The correlation studies indicated that FPLP ameliorated HFD-induced rise in TC and LDL-C levels through regulating gut microbial community and their associated metabolites. In conclusion, this study extends our understanding of the relationships among gut microbiota (Akkermansia and Blautia), metabolites (myristoleic acid and pentadecanoic acid), HG-type pectin and its TC- and LDL-C- lowering functions.

Addition of pectin-alginate to a carbohydrate beverage does not maintain gastrointestinal barrier function during exercise in hot-humid conditions better than carbohydrate ingestion alone.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of consuming a 16% maltodextrin+fructose+pectin-alginate (MAL+FRU+PEC+ALG) drink against a nutrient-matched maltodextrin+fructose (MAL+FRU) drink on enterocyte damage and gastrointestinal permeability after cycling in hot and humid conditions. Fourteen recreational cyclists (7 men) completed 3 experimental trials in a randomized placebo-controlled design. Participants cycled for 90 min (45% maximal aerobic capacity) and completed a 15-min time-trial in hot (32 °C) humid (70% relative humidity) conditions. Every 15 min, cyclists consumed 143 mL of either (i) water; (ii) MAL+FRU+PEC+ALG (90 g·h-1 CHO/16% w/v); or (iii) a ratio-matched MAL+FRU drink (90 g·h-1 CHO/16% w/v). Blood was sampled before and after exercise and gastrointestinal (GI) permeability, which was determined by serum measurements of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and the percent ratio of lactulose (5 g) to rhamnose (2 g) recovered in postexercise urine. Compared with water, I-FABP decreased by 349 ± 67pg·mL-1 with MAL+FRU+PEC+ALG (p = 0.007) and by 427 ± 56 pg·mL-1 with MAL+FRU (p = 0.02). GI permeability was reduced in both the MAL+FRU+PEC+ALG (by 0.019 ± 0.01, p = 0.0003) and MAL+FRU (by 0.014 ± 0.01, p = 0.002) conditions relative to water. In conclusion, both CHO beverages attenuated GI barrier damage to a similar extent relative to water. No metabolic, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, or performance differences were observed between the CHO beverages. Novelty Consumption of multiple-transportable CHO, with or without hydrogel properties, preserves GI barrier integrity and reduces enterocyte damage during prolonged cycling in hot-humid conditions.

Dietary pectin at 0.2% in milk replacer did not inhibit growth, feed intake, or nutrient digestibility in a 3-week neonatal pig study.

Pectin is a fermentable soluble fiber that can be used as a thickener in formulas for infants and young children. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives concluded that pectin is not of concern for inclusion in infant formula at up to 0.2%. As part of the safety assessment of the suitability of pectin for young infants (≤12 weeks of age), we conducted a 3-week dietary study in a neonatal pig model to 1) investigate the impact of pectin at different doses on neonatal pigs' growth and 2) explore the potential explanation for the dose response. Male and female neonatal pigs were fed milk replacer containing 0, 0.2%, or 1% pectin beginning on postnatal day 2 for 21 days. Body weight, feed intake, and apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and energy were reduced in pigs fed diets containing 1% pectin (P < 0.01) but not in pigs fed with 0.2% pectin. These data indicate that inclusion of pectin in the diet at 0.2%, equivalent to 704 mg/kg BW/day is safe, well tolerated, and did not result in any adverse health effects in this neonatal pig study.

The potential benefits of orange peels derived pectin on serum and skin mucus immune parameters, antioxidant defence and growth performance in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

This study was performed to determine the effects of pectin derived from orange peel (PDOP) on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity and serum and skin mucus immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Common Carp (16.94 ± 0.03 g) were distributed into 12 tanks representing four treatments repeated in triplicates. Four diets were prepared to contain four levels of PDOP as follows: 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 2% PDOP. Growth and immunological parameters as skin mucus lysozyme activity (SMLA) and total immunoglobulin (SMTIg), serum total immunoglobulin (STIg), serum peroxidase activities (SPA), Catalyse activity (CAT), DPPH radical scavenging activity, specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), final weight (FW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed. Fish fed diets supplemented with PDOP showed an improvement of SGR, WG, FW, and FCR (P < 0.05). In terms of skin mucus immunological parameters, dietary inclusion of pectin significantly (P < 0.05) increased SMTIg. Likewise, carps fed either 1 or 2% PDOP showed notable enhancement of SMLA. In the case of serum immune parameters and antioxidant defence, carps in 1% PDOP treatment showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher SPA and CAT compared to fish fed either control diet or 0.5% OPDP. Additionally, no significant change (P > 0.05) was found in SPA and CAT of fish fed either 1% PDOP or 2% PDOP. Also, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed between treated groups and control in the case of STIg. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in DPPH radical activity among treatments (P > 0.05). Overall, these results suggested that inclusion of PDOP in common carp diet can beneficially affect growth and immune response.