Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Properties of Ipomoea batatas Flour and Extracts Obtained by Green Extraction.

Sweet potato (SP), Ipomoea batatas Lam, belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It produces edible storage roots. Currently, orange varieties contribute to improving food systems and managing vitamin A deficiency. Processing of this food crop into flour allows better conservation. However, nutrition health data regarding SP flour obtained by green extraction remains scarce. In this study, we therefore explored its phytochemistry and its associated bioactivity potential for human health. We analyzed the nutritional composition of orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) flour and assessed the antioxidant (free radical scavenging) and immunomodulatory (on inflammatory murine macrophages) properties of the extract. More specifically, we measured the impact of OFSP flour extract on mediators such as Nitric Oxide (NO) and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), and Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2). Our results indicated significant fiber, mineral, beta-carotene, and polyphenols content in the extracts, and antioxidant and immunomodulatory bioactivities were also demonstrated with a concentration-dependent inhibition of cytokine production. Taken together, our results suggest that Ipomoea batatas flour could, in addition to being a good source of energy and beta-carotene provitamin A, constitute a food of interest for the prophylaxis of metabolic diseases associated with an underlying low-grade inflammatory state.

The Impact of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Exposure on Magic Tomatoes' Nutrition-Health Properties.

The release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere has accelerated during the last two decades. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (eCO2) is known as an agent that improves plant photosynthesis. However, eCO2 was also correlated with alterations in the macronutrient and micronutrient compositions of various dietary crops. In order to explore the effect of eCO2 on the nutritional and health properties of tomatoes, three parental lines of the Magic population, which includes a large part of the genetic diversity present in large fruit varieties, were used as models. The plants were grown in growth chambers under ambient (400 ppm) or eCO2 (900 ppm) conditions. The macronutrient and micronutrient contents were measured. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities were assessed in vitro on activated macrophages. These analyses highlighted that the carbohydrate content was not affected by the eCO2, whereas the protein, carotenoid, lycopene, and mineral contents decreased. Regarding the anti-oxidant properties, no influence of eCO2 exposure was observed. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory properties were not affected by the eCO2. These data are in contrast with previous studies conducted on different plant species or accessions, indicating that the effect of eCO2 on crops' nutrition and health properties is based on complex mechanisms in which growth conditions and genetic backgrounds play a central role.

Nutritional Status of Patients with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.

In patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, reduced physical performance is associated with lower blood levels of vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and increased oxidative stress markers. Supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium improves the quadriceps' physical performance. Here, we compared the nutritional status of 74 women and 85 men with FSHD. Calorie intake was lower in women with FSHD than in men. Moreover, we assessed vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and selenium intakes in diet and their concentrations in the plasma. Vitamin E, copper, and zinc intake were lower in women with FSHD than in men, whereas plasma vitamin C, copper levels, and copper/zinc ratio were higher in women with FSHD than in men. The dietary intake and plasma concentrations of the studied vitamins and minerals were not correlated in both sexes. A well-balanced and varied diet might not be enough in patients with FSHD to correct the observed vitamin/mineral deficiencies. A low energy intake is a risk factor for suboptimal intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are important for protein synthesis and other metabolic pathways and that might contribute to progressive muscle mass loss. Antioxidant supplementation and higher protein intake seem necessary to confer protection against oxidative stress and skeletal muscle mass loss.

An Original Asteraceae Based Infused Drink Prevents Metabolic Syndrome in Fructose-Rat Model.

Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a complex disorder that predisposes an affected person to an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Bitter Asteraceae plants contain several compounds active against METS that can be used as an alternative preventive therapy. Our previous work showed that a natural chicory extract (NCRAE) containing chicoric acid (CRA) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a molar ratio of 70/30 exhibited an antioxidant, insulin sensitization and anti-hyperglycemic effect. The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of an NCRAE-like extract against METS in a complementary natural pharmacotherapeutic approach. An original Asteraceae infused drink containing the NCRAE CRA/CGA molecular ratio equivalent was prepared from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) and burdock (Arctium lappa L.). The anti-METS effect of this drink was evaluated on the fructose-rat model for 8 weeks. Body weight, blood biochemistry, hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase, arterial blood pressure glucose and insulin tolerance were evaluated after 8 weeks. Our results show that daily oral intake of the Asteraceae infused drink led to a reduction of body weight gain, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance and hypertension. Moreover, rat-by-rat analysis of the insulinemia measures revealed two types of responders. One sub-group of subjects demonstrated normal insulinemia and the other subgroup demonstrated hyperinsulinemia. This hyperinsulinemia, associated with the inhibition of the glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver tissue, may suggest an insulin release caused by CGA. The present study suggests that this original infusion of dandelion leaves and burdock roots may be used as an adjuvant therapy to prevent metabolic syndrome.

Interprofessional Collaborative Clinical Practice in Medicine and Pharmacy: Measure of Student Perceptions Using the SPICE-R2F Instrument to Bridge Health-Care Policy and Education in France.

BACKGROUND: Public health policies in France and the USA promote health professionals' collaborative practices in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations emphasizing the need to promote interprofessional education and training. To optimize alignment of health-care policy and education, a scientific evidence-based approach is required. METHODS: A French translation (SPICE-R2F) of the Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education-Revised instrument, version 2 (SPICE-R2) was generated. SPICE-R2F was then completed by a multicentric cohort of French health students, and confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to evaluate the validity and reliability of this instrument based on response patterns. RESULTS: Translation of SPICE-R2 was validated evaluating psychometric properties and conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Adequate model fit was demonstrated using RMSEA (root mean square error of approximation) and CFI (comparative fit index) model fit criteria. Within each factor, however, low to moderate levels of reliability were observed between items. These observations diverge from other countries and highlight a potential French singularity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the need to improve interprofessional clinical practice education in France at early stages in the health-care curricula. The SPICE-R2F instrument may represent a valuable evidence-based tool to characterize perceptions of interprofessional education and training of health-care students and professionals in France.

Nutrition, Healthcare Benefits and Phytochemical Properties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Leaves Sourced from Three Countries (Reunion, Guinea, and Costa Rica).

(1) Background: Manihot esculenta, cassava, is an essential food crop for human consumption in many parts of the world. Besides the wide use of its roots, cassava leaves have been used locally as green vegetables and for medicinal purposes. However, nutritional health data regarding cassava leaves is limited, therefore we investigated its composition and associated potential bioactivity interest for human health. (2) Methods: Cassava leaf bioactivity investigations focused on antioxidant properties (free radical scavenging) in association with immunomodulatory activities on inflammatory murine macrophages to measure the impact of cassava extract on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, Prostaglandin-E2 and mediators such as nitric oxide. (3) Results: Antioxidant and immunomodulatory bioactivities were significant, with a concentration-dependent inhibition of cytokines production by inflammatory macrophages; (4) Conclusions: Taken together, our results tend to suggest that Manihot esculenta leaves might be underrated regarding the potential nutrition-health interest of this vegetal matrix for both human nutrition and prophylaxis of metabolic disease with underlying low grade inflammation status.

Antifungal and antimycotoxic activities of 3 essential oils against 3 mycotoxinogenic fungi.

Fungal toxins can have various adverse health effects, including carcinogenic, teratogenic or hepatotoxic impacts. In addition, fungal alteration has also a negative impact on agricultural plant production. The use of chemical fungicides to control mycotoxin contamination is increasingly controversial and regulated. More environmentally friendly methods are therefore being explored. Essential oils, as compounds extracted from plants, are liquids whose specific aromatic compounds give each essential oil its own unique characteristics. Due to their rich chemical composition, essential oils (EOs) have many interesting properties, including antifungal activities. The objective of the present study was to analyze volatile chemical composition of EOs (Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Cymbopogon nardus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) by GC/MS and to investigate their effects on the growth, sporulation and mycotoxin production of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus carbonarius and Fusarium verticillioides (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1, respectively). In addition, EOs influence on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) biosynthesis pathways was explored using real-time qRT-PCR. The results obtained in vitro, by direct contact with the EOs and by diffusion of their volatile compounds, showed that the essential oils had inhibitory effects on the growth and the production of mycotoxins of the 3 fungal strains and modified the expression of some toxin synthesis genes. We conclude that the recorded effects were dependent on the combined effects of the EOs type, the fungal strains and the doses studied.

Differential Nutrition-Health Properties of Ocimum basilicum Leaf and Stem Extracts.

(1) Background: Ocimum basilicum L. is an aromatic medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family known as sweet basil. It is used in traditional medicine for its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, immune system, pyrexia or cancer among others. Ocimum basilicum (OB) leaf extracts contain many phytochemicals bearing the plant health effects but no reports is available on the potential bioactivity of stem extracts. Our investigation aimed at assessing the differential biological activity between basil leaf and stem to promote this co-product valorization. (2) Method: For this purpose we explored phytochemical composition of both parts of the plant. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through total polyphenol content measure, DPPH and ORAC tests. Anti-inflammatory markers on stimulated macrophages, including NO (nitric oxide), TNFa (tumor necrosis factor alpha), IL-6 (interleukin 6), MCP1 (monocyte attractant protein 1) and PGE-2 (prostaglandin E2), were evaluated. In addition, we investigated OB effects on jejunum smooth muscle contractility. (3) Results: OB extracts from leaves and stems demonstrated a different biological activity profile at the level of both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxation effects. (4) Conclusion: Taken together our results suggest that Ocimum basilicum extracts from co-product stems, in addition to leaves, may be of interest at the nutrition-health level with specific therapeutic potential.

Effect of Elevated Carbon Dioxide Exposure on Nutrition-Health Properties of Micro-Tom Tomatoes.

(1) Background: The anthropogenically induced rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and associated climate change are considered a potential threat to human nutrition. Indeed, an elevated CO2 concentration was associated with significant alterations in macronutrient and micronutrient content in various dietary crops. (2) Method: In order to explore the impact of elevated CO2 on the nutritional-health properties of tomato, we used the dwarf tomato variety Micro-Tom plant model. Micro-Toms were grown in culture chambers under 400 ppm (ambient) or 900 ppm (elevated) carbon dioxide. Macronutrients, carotenoids, and mineral contents were analyzed. Biological anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities were assessed in vitro on activated macrophages. (3) Results: Micro-Tom exposure to 900 ppm carbon dioxide was associated with an increased carbohydrate content whereas protein, minerals, and total carotenoids content were decreased. These modifications of composition were associated with an altered bioactivity profile. Indeed, antioxidant anti-inflammatory potential were altered by 900 ppm CO2 exposure. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that (i) the Micro-Tom is a laboratory model of interest to study elevated CO2 effects on crops and (ii) exposure to 900 ppm CO2 led to the decrease of nutritional potential and an increase of health beneficial properties of tomatoes for human health.

Impact of crossflow microfiltration on aroma and sensory profiles of a potential functional citrus-based food.

BACKGROUND: Citrus juices can be cold-concentrated by crossflow microfiltration (CMF) in order to obtain functional foods enriched in carotenoids, flavonoids and pectins. The work aimed to characterize the organoleptic quality of this type of micronutrient-dense foods through their aroma profile and sensory analysis. Two citrus concentrates with and without a diafiltration step were compared. RESULTS: Both citrus products were very different, linked to aroma compound, sugar and organic acid contents. Due to its sugar/acidity balance and its better aromatic profile responsible for the citrus-floral flavour, the concentrate without diafiltration was preferred by the sensory panel. Thanks to a simple transfer model, we showed that retention of volatiles clearly varied from one aroma compound to another. The terpene hydrocarbons were the most retained by the membrane during CMF, probably because they were strongly associated with insoluble solids by adsorption. CONCLUSION: Even though the process modified their organoleptic profiles, both citrus-based products were well rated and can be consumed directly as pleasant functional drinks. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Novel Sesquiterpene Lactone Xanthatin-13-(pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid) Isolated from Burdock Leaf Up-Regulates Cells' Oxidative Stress Defense Pathway.

The aim of our study was to identify novel molecules able to induce an adaptative response against oxidative stress during the first stages of metabolic syndrome. A cellular survival in vitro test against H2O2-based test was applied after pretreatment with various natural bitter Asteraceae extracts. This screening revealed potent protection from burdock leaf extract. Using chromatography and LC-MS-RMN, we then isolated and identified an original sesquiterpene lactone bioactive molecule: the Xanthatin-13-(pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid) (XPc). A real-time RT-qPCR experiment was carried out on three essential genes involved in oxidative stress protection: GPx, SOD, and G6PD. In presence of XPc, an over-expression of the G6PD gene was recorded, whereas no modification of the two others genes could be observed. A biochemical docking approach demonstrated that XPc had a high probability to directly interact with G6PD at different positions. One of the most probable docking sites corresponds precisely to the binding site of AG1, known to stabilize the G6PD dimeric form and enhance its activity. In conclusion, this novel sesquiterpene lactone XPc might be a promising prophylactic bioactive agent against oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.

In Vitro Tests for a Rapid Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Plant Species Containing Caffeic Acid Derivatives: A Validation by Two Well-Known Antidiabetic Plants, Ocimum gratissimum L. Leaf and Musanga cecropioides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Mu) Stem Bark.

Plant bioactive extracts represent a major resource for identifying drugs and adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes. To promote early screening of plants' antidiabetic potential, we designed a four in vitro tests strategy to anticipate in vivo bioactivity. Two antidiabetic plants were studied: Ocimum gratissimum L. (Oc) leaf extract and Musanga cecropoides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Mu) stem bark extract. Chemical compositions were analyzed by LCMS and HPLC. Antidiabetic properties were measured based on (1) INS-1 cells for insulin secretion, (2) L6 myoblast cells for insulin sensitization (Glut-4 translocation), (3) L6 myoblast cells for protection against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidative stress (cell mortality), and (4) liver microsomial fraction for glucose-6-phosphastase activity (G6P). Oc extract increased insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, whereas it decreased oxidative stress-induced cell mortality and G6P activity. Mu extract decreased insulin secretion and had no effect on insulin sensitivity or G6P activity, but it increased oxidative stress-induced cell mortality. Results were compared with NCRAE, an antidiabetic plant extract used as reference, previously characterized and reported with increased insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, protection against oxidative stress, and decreased G6P activity. The proposed set of four in vitro tests combined with chemical analysis provided insight into the interest in rapid early screening of plant extract antidiabetic potential to anticipate pharmaco-toxicological in vivo effects.

Plasma Metabolome Profiling by High-Performance Chemical Isotope-Labelling LC-MS after Acute and Medium-Term Intervention with Golden Berry Fruit (Physalis peruviana L.), Confirming Its Impact on Insulin-Associated Signaling Pathways.

PURPOSE: Golden berry (Physalis peruviana L.) is an exotic fruit exported from Colombia to different countries around the world. A review of the literature tends to demonstrate a hypoglycaemic effect with an improvement in insulin sensitivity after oral ingestion of fruit extracts in animal models. However, little is known about their potential effects in humans, and very little is known about the mechanisms involved. This study aimed at identifying discriminant metabolites after acute and chronic intake of golden berry. METHOD: An untargeted metabolomics strategy using high-performance chemical isotope-labelling LC-MS was applied. The blood samples of eighteen healthy adults were analysed at baseline, at 6 h after the intake of 250 g of golden berry (acute intervention), and after 19 days of daily consumption of 150 g (medium-term intervention). RESULTS: Forty-nine and 36 discriminant metabolites were identified with high confidence, respectively, after the acute and medium-term interventions. Taking into account up- and downregulated metabolites, three biological networks mainly involving insulin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The biological intracellular networks identified are highly interconnected with the insulin signalling pathway, showing that berry intake may be associated with insulin signalling, which could reduce some risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Primary registry of WHO.

Antioxidative and Immunomodulatory Potential of the Endemic French Guiana Wild Cocoa "Guiana".

Guiana is a little-known and endemic variety of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), native to French Guiana. No data were available regarding its chemical composition and biological properties; therefore, a study was necessary, using Forastero as a reference. To exemplify biological activities of the cacao species, cocoa extracts were evaluated by antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ORAC) and anti-inflammatory assays. Our results showed that raw Guiana presented equivalent DPPH and FRAP activities, but a 1.3-fold higher antioxidant activity (1097 ± 111.8 µM ET/g DM) than Forastero (838.5 ± 67.8 µM ET/g DM) in ORAC assay. Furthermore, the impact of fermentation (under four conditions: unfermented, two days, four days and six days of fermentation) on Guiana cocoa beans composition and health properties was also studied. Indeed, fermentation, a key step necessary to obtain the taste and color of chocolate, is generally known to alter bean composition and modulate its health benefits. At six days, the fermentation process led to a nearly 25% lower antioxidative capacity in various assays. Moreover, in inflammation-induced macrophage assays, Guiana and Forastero unfermented extracts induced a 112% stimulation in TNF-α production, and a 56.8% inhibition of IL-6 production. Fermentation altered the cocoa composition by diminishing bioactive compounds, which could be responsible for these biological activities. Indeed, after six days of fermentation, compounds decreased from 614.1 ± 39.3 to 332.3 ± 29 mg/100 g DM for epicatechin, from 254.1 ± 14.8 to 129.5 ± 20.7 mg/100 g DM for procyanidin B2 and from 178.4 ± 23.5 to 81.7 ± 2.9 mg/100 g DM for procyanidin C1. The similar composition and the equivalent or higher antioxidant activity of Guiana leads us to propose it as an alternative to Forastero.

Carotenoid absorption in rats fed with vacuum-fried papaya chips depends on processed food microstructure associated with saturated and unsaturated oils.

Many studies indicate that food matrix microstructure and type of dietary oil or fat play a key role in carotenoid absorption. Therefore, this work was designed to highlight the relationship between processed food microstructure and carotenoid absorption. This study aimed to evaluate the consumption of a carotenoid-rich fruit snack on lipid profile, glycemia and especially on carotenoid absorption/bioconversion in Wistar rats. Animals were fed with mixtures based on vacuum-fried papaya chips with either soy oil (PC-S) or palm oil (PC-P) during 7 days, receiving 0.29 mg lycopene/kg/day and 0.35 mg total carotenoids/kg/day. Lycopene and retinoids were analyzed in plasma and liver of rats by HPLC-DAD. Results showed that the consumption of mixtures based on papaya chips did not affect the lipid profile or glycemia in rat plasma, regardless the type of oil. Wide-field and confocal microscopy analyses of food matrix helped to understand why lycopene accumulation in the liver was higher (p < 0.05) in rats fed with PC-P (0.442 µg/g liver) than in those fed with PC-S (0.291 µg/g liver). A better dissolution of crystalloid lycopene was found in PC-P. Conversely, a higher bioconversion of provitamin A carotenoids was observed for soy products. The effect of type of oil was underlined by epifluorescence microscopy of papaya mixtures showing homogeneous and small lipid droplets for soy products. These results showed that PC-S could be recommanded as a healthy snack, being a source of provitamin A carotenoids and bioavailable lycopene in a diversified diet.

Preventive action of retinoids in metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetic rats fed with citrus functional food enriched in ß-cryptoxanthin.

Citrus fruits are known for their beneficial health effects associated with the prevention of metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes that is mainly attributed to flavonoids. Few investigations have reported the potential anti-diabetic effects of retinoids from the bioconversion of ß-cryptoxanthin (bcx), a citrus carotenoid. Therefore, the present study explored the anti-diabetic effect of a citrus functional food, obtained by membrane eco-technology of a citrus clementina juice, especially enriched in bcx but also in flavonoids and pectin. We assessed the in vivo effect of citrus bcx absorption and its bioconversion into retinoids in metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetic fructose rats. Fructose-fed rats were used as a prediabetic control, and a prediabetic group was treated with the citrus concentrate for 8 weeks. The citrus-based food treatment improved glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia and blood pressure, in prediabetic rats. Although these effects were in part due to the synergy between enriched phytonutrients (bcx, hesperidin, pectin) of the citrus matrix, the role of bcx and its bioconversion into retinoids were highlighted. We showed that prediabetic rats absorbed less bcx and the bioconversion was less efficient. Bcx from citrus-based food was able to restore vitamin A status in prediabetic rats suggesting that the absorption/bioconversion of bcx may have a key role in improvement of metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), Sporophores from Various Culture Conditions.

Lentinus edodes (= Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom grown and marketed for centuries due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. L. edodes has multiple pharmacological activities as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Few studies were performed taking into account the influence of culture conditions to optimize the biological properties of L. edodes on human health. Our work focused on the comparison of antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of L. edodes fruit bodies cultivated by three mushroom producers in the French Occitanie region using the same strain in various growing conditions (organic and nonorganic). Sequential extraction was performed on freeze-dried fungal materials. All extracts have a quantifiable but moderate antioxidant activity measured via DPPH and ORAC tests. The anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol and aqueous extracts was evaluated on a model of inflammatory macrophages. The ethanol extracts inhibit NO production in a dose-dependent manner when the cells are pretreated for 4 h with a 24 h stimulation time.

Fine-scale haplotype mapping of MUT, AACS, SLC6A15 and PRKCA genes indicates association with insulin resistance of metabolic syndrome and relationship with branched chain amino acid metabolism or regulation.

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential elements of the human diet, which display increased plasma levels in obesity and regained particular interest as potential biomarkers for development of diabetes. To define determinants of insulin resistance (IR) we investigated 73 genes involved in BCAA metabolism or regulation by fine-scale haplotype mapping in two European populations with metabolic syndrome. French and Romanians (n = 465) were genotyped for SNPs (Affymetrix) and enriched by imputation (BEAGLE 4.1) at 1000 genome project density. Initial association hits detected by sliding window were refined (HAPLOVIEW 3.1 and PHASE 2.1) and correlated to homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR) index, in vivo insulin sensitivity (SI) and BCAA plasma levels (ANOVA). Four genomic regions were associated with IR located downstream of MUT, AACS, SLC6A15 and PRKCA genes (P between 9.3 and 3.7 x 10-5). Inferred haplotypes up to 13 SNPs length were associated with IR (e.g. MUT gene with P < 4.9 x 10-5; Bonferroni 1.3 x 10-3) and synergistic to HOMAIR. SNPs in the same regions were also associated with one order of magnitude lower P values (e.g. rs20167284 in the MUT gene with P < 1.27 x 10-4) and replicated in Mediterranean samples (n = 832). In French, influential haplotypes (OR > 2.0) were correlated with in vivo insulin sensitivity (1/SI) except for SLC6A15 gene. Association of these genes with BCAA levels was variable, but influential haplotypes confirmed implication of MUT from BCAA metabolism as well as a role of regulatory genes (AACS and PRKCA) and suggested potential changes in transcriptional activity. These data drive attention towards new regulatory regions involved in IR in relation with BCAA and show the ability of haplotypes in phased DNA to detect signals complimentary to SNPs, which may be useful in designing genetic markers for clinical applications in ethnic populations.

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Database Integrated in MEDIPAD Software as a Tool for Nutritional Investigation of Mediterranean Populations.

Branched-chained amino acids (BCAA) are essential dietary components for humans and can act as potential biomarkers for diabetes development. To efficiently estimate dietary intake, we developed a BCAA database for 1331 food items found in the French Centre d'Information sur la Qualité des Aliments (CIQUAL) food table by compiling BCAA content from international tables, published measurements, or by food similarity as well as by calculating 267 items from Greek, Turkish, Romanian, and Moroccan mixed dishes. The database embedded in MEDIPAD software capable of registering 24 h of dietary recalls (24HDR) with clinical and genetic data was evaluated based on archived 24HDR of the Saint Pierre Institute (France) from 2957 subjects, which indicated a BCAA content up to 4.2 g/100 g of food and differences among normal weight and obese subjects across BCAA quartiles. We also evaluated the database of 119 interviews of Romanians, Turkish and Albanians in Greece (27⁻65 years) during the MEDIGENE program, which indicated mean BCAA intake of 13.84 and 12.91 g/day in males and females, respectively, comparable to other studies. The MEDIPAD is user-friendly, multilingual, and secure software and with the BCAA database is suitable for conducting nutritional assessment in the Mediterranean area with particular facilities for food administration.

Pectin structure and particle size modify carotenoid bioaccessibility and uptake by Caco-2 cells in citrus juices vs. concentrates.

Citrus pectin is known to influence carotenoid bioaccessibility and absorption in humans, but limited attention has been given to the influence of pectin structure related to the particle size from differentially processed citrus food matrices. In this context, this study aims to investigate the nutritional health benefits of an innovative Citrus clementina concentrate, which is a new citrus-based food made by cross-flow microfiltration. This concentrated citrus-based food was selectively enriched 8-fold in ß-cryptoxanthin (43-55 µg g-1) and ß-carotene (6-9 µg g-1) as well as 6-fold in pectin (376-462 mg per 100 g). The bioaccessibility of pro-vitamin A carotenoids from commercial and fresh clementina juices versus their concentrates was assessed, including the intestinal carotenoid uptake by Caco-2 cells. Differences in particles size and pectin status resulted in a 7-fold increase in the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in industrial products versus fresh products while limiting their cellular uptake in correlation with larger micelle sizes (10.6 nm and 6.82 nm for industrial and fresh concentrates, respectively). Overall, the highest carotenoid bioaccessibility from industrial concentrate was sufficient to offset the lower carotenoid intestinal uptake related to micelle size. This study highlights that the structure of pectins, more specifically their degree of methoxylation, favors carotenoid bioaccessibility but impairs the intestinal absorption of carotenoids from citrus concentrates.