Extra-digestive manifestations of celiac disease.

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, presenting with a diverse range of symptoms that extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract. The condition's systemic nature is evidenced by its extra-digestive manifestations, which can affect various organs including the skin, joints, liver, and nervous system. Methods: This descriptive, retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center, focusing on adult patients diagnosed with CD who exhibited extra-digestive symptoms. Data were extracted from medical records of patients admitted between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2024. Variables included demographic information, primary diagnosis, and associated extra-digestive manifestations. Descriptive statistical methods were employed for data analysis. Results: The sample included 108 patients with CD, the mean age was 43.21 years, with a predominance of females (76.85%). Iron deficiency anemia was the most common extra-digestive manifestation, affecting 20.37% of patients, followed by hypoproteinemia (18.52%) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (14.81%). Co-occurrence analysis revealed frequent combinations of conditions, such as anemia with cardiovascular diseases and depressive disorders. Notable associations with neurological conditions like gluten ataxia and peripheral neuropathy were also observed. Conclusion: This study highlights the extensive extra-digestive manifestations of celiac disease, underscoring its systemic impact. The high prevalence of autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid polyarthritis among CD patients reflects the need for holistic management strategies. Discrepancies between our findings and existing literature, particularly regarding skin and neurological conditions, emphasize the need for further research to better understand these associations and the long-term effects of a gluten-free diet.

PRRT in high-grade digestive neuroendocrine neoplasms (NET G3 and NEC).

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been primarily studied in low and intermediate-grade digestive neuroendocrine tumors (NET G1-G2). The documentation of a similar benefit for high-grade digestive neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) has been limited. This review evaluates the use of PRRT for high-grade digestive NEN (well-differentiated NET G3 and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas [NEC]). We identified one phase III trial and seven retrospective studies reporting specifically on PRRT outcome of >10 digestive high-grade NEN patients. The retrospective single-arm studies indicate a benefit for PRRT in NET G3. The randomized phase III NETTER-2 trial demonstrates major PFS superiority of PRRT versus somatostatin analog therapy as the first-line treatment for the NET G3 subgroup. PRRT can now be considered a potential first-line treatment for somatostatin receptor-positive NET G3 patients, but whether it should be the first-line standard of care for all NET G3 patients is still not clarified. For NEC, scarce data are available, and pathologic distinction between NEC and NET G3 can be difficult when Ki-67 is below 55%. PRRT could be considered as a treatment for refractory NEC in very selected cases when there is a high uptake on somatostatin receptor imaging, Ki-67 is below 55%, and there is no rapid tumor progression.

Esophageal involvement in Bullous pemphigoid: Case report.

Bullous pemphigoid is a rare chronic autoimmune dermatologic blistering disease that usually affects elderly patients. Mucosal lesions are present in about 10%-35% of cases and affects most frequently the mucous membranes of the eye or the mouth. Esophageal involvement is possible but is rare (4% of cases). It could be asymptomatic, or presents with dysphagia, odynophagia, chest pain, or upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. We report the case of a recently diagnosed bullous pemphigoid in a 73-years-old female with normochromic normocytic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency who was referred to our unity for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Our endoscopic examination revealed two bullae filled with blood at upper esophagus with linear ulcerations and membrane detachment upon withdrawal of the endoscope. Although bullous pemphigoid is mainly a skin disease, invasion of esophagus needs to be considered especially when symptoms are present or when no cause was found for blood loss or anemia.

[Appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma: Has the controversy come to an end?] / Adénocarcinome à cellules caliciformes appendiculaire : la fin de la controverse ?

In 2019, the 5th edition of the WHO classification of digestive tumours has retained the terminology "goblet cell adenocarcinoma" (GCA) to designate a tumour whose amphicrine nature owed it more than ten denominations since its initial description among which the most tenacious "goblet cell carcinoid" is no longer recommended today. This rare tumour represents 15-19% of appendicular tumours. Its incidence is rising. The positive diagnosis is based on morphological examination and mandatory identification of a low-grade component of glands comprising goblet cells stained by PAS and Alcian blue. The appendix must be entirely examined. Global tumour grade (low, intermediate, high) is based on the proportions of low-grade and high-grade components. This tumour's immunohistochemical profile is particular because of expression of CK20 and often CK7 as well as neuroendocrine markers. It is often an incidental finding on a surgical specimen, among individuals aged 50 or more years, presenting with a locally advanced stage with vascular and perineural invasion. Lymph node metastases are present in a third of cases. Non-specific mutations of ARID1A and genes of the Wnt pathway may be identified. GCA is not associated with microsatellite instability or Lynch syndrome. Its prognosis is intermediate. Surgery is the reference therapy based on the stage. The main differential diagnoses are colorectal adenocarcinoma NOS, mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Patients are referred to the RENAPE expert network.

Bridging Chronic Inflammation and Digestive Cancer: The Critical Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Tumor Microenvironments.

The incidence and mortality of digestive system-related cancers have always been high and attributed to the heterogeneity and complexity of the immune microenvironment of the digestive system. Furthermore, several studies have shown that chronic inflammation in the digestive system is responsible for cancer incidence; therefore, controlling inflammation is a potential strategy to stop the development of cancer. Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC) represent a heterogeneous group of lymphocytes that exist in contrast to T cells. They function by interacting with cytokines and immune cells in an antigen-independent manner. In the digestive system cancer, from the inflammatory phase to the development, migration, and metastasis of tumors, ILC have been found to interact with the immune microenvironment and either control or promote these processes. The conventional treatments for digestive tumors have limited efficacy, therefore, ILC-associated immunotherapies are promising strategies. This study reviews the characterization of different ILC subpopulations, how they interact with and influence the immune microenvironment as well as chronic inflammation, and their promotional or inhibitory role in four common digestive system tumors, including pancreatic, colorectal, gastric, and hepatocellular cancers. In particular, the review emphasizes the role of ILC in associating chronic inflammation with cancer and the potential for enhanced immunotherapy with cytokine therapy and adoptive immune cell therapy.

Stratified analysis of the association between anti-obesity medications and digestive adverse events: a real-world study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system database.

BACKGROUND: Numerous digestive system adverse events (dsAEs) have been observed during the use of anti-obesity medications (AOMs), leading to concerns about the safety of these medications. However, most current studies are limited to the association of one class of drugs with specific digestive disorders, and there is no cascading analysis of AOMs in the digestive system. This study aims to use data from the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for a stratified analysis of the reported associations between AOMs and dsAEs. METHODS: We analyzed adverse event reports submitted to FAERS between January 2015 and December 2023 related to obesity treatment. It is important to note that FAERS data cannot establish causality or incidence rates. Pharmacovigilance (PV) signals were detected by disproportionate analyses through proportionate reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratios (ROR), and information components (IC) to detect dsAEs associated with AOMs. Reporting rates, severity, and response outcomes of digestive adverse events were compared across AOMs by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 34,396 adverse events (AEs) related to obesity treatment, 8844 dsAEs were analyzed. Comparing with semaglutide and liraglutide, tirzepatide exhibited fewer reported dsAEs while semaglutide and liraglutide showed a high correlation with non-lethal pancreatitis reports. Bupropion-naltrexone (31.65%) reported the highest number of dsAEs, and a PV signal was detected in mouth and lips AEs (ROR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.42-3.6). Orlistat (ROR = 3.30, 95% CI: 3.08-3.55) exhibited the highest association with gastrointestinal AEs compared to other AOMs. PV signal for hepatobiliary AEs (ROR = 6.13, 95% CI: 3.45-10.88) with phentermine-topiramate still needs further clarification. CONCLUSIONS: Tirzepatide may be considered for patients with a history of digestive system disease or an elevated risk of pancreatitis based on the pattern of reported dsAEs. Caution is needed for the orofacial AEs when using bupropion-naltrexone. Orlistat has a higher reporting rate of gastrointestinal AEs, but these events are typically less severe. Phentermine-topiramate's association with liver impairment requires further clinical investigation. This article provides insights into the reported associations between AOMs and dsAEs, which may aid clinicians in making more informed decisions about individualizing medication and managing potential adverse events.

Effects of Microwave Treatment on Physicochemical Attributes, Structural Analysis, and Digestive Characteristics of Pea Starch-Tea Polyphenol Complexes.

Addressing the challenge of blood glucose fluctuations triggered by the ingestion of pea starch, we have adopted an eco-friendly strategy utilizing microwave irradiation to synthesize the novel pea starch-tea polyphenol complexes. These complexes exhibit high swelling capacity and low solubility, and their thermal profile with low gelatinization temperature and enthalpy indicates adaptability to various processing conditions. In vitro digestion studies showed that these complexes have a small amount of rapidly digestible starch and a large amount of resistant starch, leading to a slower digestion rate. These features are particularly advantageous for diabetics, mitigating glycemic excursions. Structurally, the pea starch-tea polyphenol complexes exhibited a B + V-shaped dense network with low crystallinity, high orderliness, and a prominent double helix content, enhancing its stability and functionality in food applications. In summary, these innovative complexes served as a robust platform for developing low glycemic index foods, catering to the nutritional needs of diabetics. It offers an environmentally sustainable approach to food processing, fostering human well-being and propelling innovation in the food industry.

Genetic estimation of causalities between educational attainment with common digestive tract diseases and the mediating pathways.

BACKGROUND: The association between education, intelligence, and cognition with digestive tract diseases has been established. However, the specific contribution of each factor in the pathogenesis of these diseases are still uncertain. METHOD: This study employed multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the independent effects of education, intelligence, and cognition on gastrointestinal conditions in the FinnGen and UK Biobank European-ancestry populations. A two-step MR approach was employed to assess the mediating effects of the association. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of MR estimates from FinnGen and UK Biobank showed that 1- SD (4.2 years) higher education was causally associated with lower risks of gastroesophageal reflux (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.66), peptic ulcer (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.69), irritable bowel syndrome (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.87), diverticular disease (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.78), cholelithiasis (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.79) and acute pancreatitis (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.72), independently of intelligence and cognition. These causal associations were mediating by body mass index (3.7-22.3%), waist-to-hip ratio (8.3-11.9%), body fat percentage (4.1-39.8%), fasting insulin (1.4-5.5%) and major depression (6.0-12.4%). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate a causal and independent association between education and six common digestive tract diseases. Additionally, our study highlights five mediators as crucial targets for preventing digestive tract diseases associated with lower education levels.

Pickering emulsion of camellia oil stabilized by Octenyl succinic acid starch: Interaction, lipid oxidation and digestibility.

The application of camellia oil is limited by its susceptibility to oxidation and insolubility in water, particularly under high humidity and temperature conditions. In order to effectively reduce the oxidation rate of camellia oil, prolong the shelf life in order to improve the stability in storage under different conditions, this study encapsulates camellia oil in Pickering emulsions stabilized by Octenyl succinic acid (OSA) starch, achieving a 100-fold reduction in release rate and enhanced lipid oxidation stability. The smooth surface and complete particles of the emulsion were observed and no new chemical bonds were formed. The minimum particle sizes were 1.72 µm and 2.73 µm, when the Pickering emulsion was set at pH 6 and 0.1 M NaCl. In the digestion process, the microstructures observed that Pickering emulsion possessed super stability against oral and gastric digestions, prolonged the release time and improved the bioavailability compared with camellia oil, and the digestibility of the emulsion was 56.16 % within 120 min. All these results indicate that OSA-starch stabilized camellia oil can effectively increase solubility, improve stability and expand the application range.

Recent advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches for digestive system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of large amounts of autoantibodies and immune complex formation. Because of their atypical clinical symptoms, SLE patients with digestive system involvement may not be recognized or treated precisely and extensively. Clinicians should pay close attention to SLE with digestive system involvement, as these conditions can easily worsen the condition and possibly endanger the patient's life. In this review we summarized the pathogenesis, pathological characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapies for digestive system involvement in SLE.

Dietary supplementation of microencapsulated botanicals and organic acids enhances the expression and function of intestine epithelial digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in broiler chickens.

Organic acids and botanicals have shown protective effects on gut barrier and against inflammation in broilers. However, their effects on intestinal digestive enzymes and nutrients transporters expression and functions have not been fully studied. The objective of this study was to understand how a microencapsulated blend of botanicals and organic acids affected intestinal enzyme activities and nutrient transporters expression and functions in broilers. A total of 288 birds were assigned to a commercial control diet or diet supplemented with 500 g/MT (metric ton) of the microencapsulated additive. Growth performance was recorded weekly. At d 21 and d 42, jejunum and ileum were isolated for enzyme (maltase, sucrase, and aminopeptidase) and transporter (SGLT1, GLUT2, GLUT1, EAAT3, B0AT1, and PepT1) analyses. Jejunum specific nutrients (glucose, alanine, and glutamate) transport activities were evaluated by Ussing chamber. Protein expression of nutrient transporters in small intestine were measured in mucosa and brush-border membrane (BBM) samples by western blot. Intestinal gene expression of the transporters was determined by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test comparing the supplemented diet to the control. The feed efficiency was significantly improved through the study period in the supplemented group (P ≤ 0.05). Significant changes of intestinal histology were shown in both jejunum (P ≤ 0.10) and ileum (P ≤ 0.05) after 21 d of treatment. At d21, jejunal maltase activity was upregulated (P ≤ 0.10). The Ussing chamber transport of glucose and alanine was increased, which was in line with increased gene expression (GLUT2, GLUT1, EAAT3, and B0AT1) (P ≤ 0.10 and P ≤ 0.05, respectively) and BBMV protein levels (B0AT1, P < 0.10). At d21, ileal sucrase and maltase activities were upregulated (P ≤ 0.05). Increased expressions of GLUT1, EAAT3, and B0AT1 were observed in both mRNA and protein levels (P ≤ 0.05). Similar pattern of changes was also shown at d42 of age. Our results suggest that feeding microencapsulated additives improves intestinal nutrient digestion and transporter expression and function in broilers, thereby enhancing feed efficiency.

The hindgut microbiota of coconut rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros) in relation to their geographical populations.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros) is a palm tree pest capable of rapidly expanding its population in new territories. Previous studies identified a digestive symbiosis between CRB and its gut microbes. However, no research compared the genetic variation of CRBs with their hindgut microbiota on a global scale. This study aims to investigate the genetic divergence of CRB and the compositional variation of CRB's microbiota across different geographical locations, and explore the association between them and their predicted functional profiles and environmental data. The research reveals a distinct and consistent microbial community within local populations, but it varies across different geographical populations. The microbial functional profiles linked to the production of digestive enzymes, including cellulases and ligninases, are nonetheless globally conserved. This suggests that CRBs employ specific mechanisms to select and maintain microbes with functional benefits, contributing to host adaptability, stress tolerance, and fitness. The CRB microbial communities did not appear to recapitulate the genetic variation of their hosts. Rather than depend on obligate symbionts, CRBs seem to establish similar digestive associations with whatever environmentally acquired microbes are available wherever they are, aiding them in successfully establishing after invading a new location.IMPORTANCECoconut rhinoceros beetles (CRBs) are notorious pests on Arecaceae plants, posing destructive threats to countries highly reliant on coconut, oil palm, and date palm as economic crops. In the last century, CRBs have rapidly expanded their presence to territories that were once free of these beetles. The United States, for instance, has officially designated CRBs as invasive and alien pests. Given their remarkable ability to swiftly adapt to new environments, their gut microbes may play a crucial role in this process. While the microbiota of CRBs vary depending on geographical location, these beetles consistently exhibit a functionally identical digestive association with locally acquired microbes. This underscores the significance of CRB-microbe association in shaping the adaptive strategies of this agricultural pest.

Improvements in Digestive Symptoms After Participation in an App-Based Chronic Digestive Disease Management Program: A Prospective Cohort Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Fewer than 20% of adults with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have accessed care to evaluate or manage their symptoms. We sought to characterize whether adults with chronic GI symptoms would use an app for symptom monitoring and the effects of participation in a digitally delivered GI chronic care program. METHODS: We provided a digital digestive care management app to adults via their employer-sponsored benefits. We evaluated participants' self-reported GI symptoms at baseline and between 30 and 90 days post-registration. GI symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain and constipation) were rated on a scale of 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (very severe symptoms). RESULTS: A total of 1936 participants were enrolled (75% female; 67% White, 11% Asian/Pacific Islander, 6% Hispanic, 7% Black; mean age: 43 years). Their most common GI conditions were irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and acid reflux. Participants of all genders and races reported statistically significant improvements in all symptoms between baseline and the end of the intervention (P < 0.05). At baseline, 79.5% of participants reported at least moderate GI symptom severity for at least one symptom. In contrast, at the end of the intervention, only 47.8% of participants reported moderate or severe symptoms, and 310 (16.0%) participants reported no symptoms. Participants who were scheduled with their care team reported greater symptom improvement than those who were not scheduled (P = 0.004). Participants reported feeling greater control of their health (83%), better management of their digestive symptoms (83%), increased happiness (76%), and greater productivity at work (54%). CONCLUSION: Demographically diverse participants engaged with a digital digestive chronic care program and reported significant improvements in digestive symptom severity.

Comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in different thinned unripe kiwifruits and their biological functions.

Thinned unripe kiwifruits (TUK) are considered the major agro by-products in kiwifruit production. To promote their potential applications, polyphenols and biological effects of unripe fruits from nine commercial kiwifruit cultivars were compared. Our findings showed that TUK were rich in bioactive polyphenols, which varied greatly by different cultivars. Indeed, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin PB1, procyanidin B2, protocatechuic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and gallic acid were measured as the major phenolic components in most TUK, with the highest levels observed in 'Hongao' and 'Cuiyu' cultivars. Furthermore, TUK exerted strong in vitro antioxidant capacities, inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes, and anti-inflammatory activities. Particularly, their stronger antioxidant effects and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes were probably attributed to their higher contents of phenolic compounds, especially procyanidin B2. Collectively, our findings reveal that TUK are potential resources of valuable polyphenols, which can be exploited as natural antioxidants and natural inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

Ultrastructure of the larval rectum of the scorpionfly Panorpa liui (Mecoptera: Panorpidae).

The rectum is an important part of the alimentary canal responsible for ion and water reabsorption of insects. However, it has rarely been studied in the larvae of Panorpidae, the largest family in Mecoptera. Here, we investigated the ultrastructure of larval rectum of the scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua, 1997 using light and transmission electron microscopy. The rectum comprises tracheal muscular layers, connective tissue, non-cellular basal lamina, junctional cells, rectal epithelium, cuticle with irregular outlines, and a central lumen. The rectal epithelium is infolded to form six longitudinal rectal folds, which are distinct from rectal pads or papillae. In each rectal fold, the apical and basal plasma membranes of epithelial cells are infolded and the lateral plasma membranes form septate and scalariform junctions. The well-developed rectal folds are postulated to be closely associated with reabsorption of ions and water in the larvae. The associations of rectal folds with larval behaviors are briefly discussed in Mecoptera.

A rare case of solitary plasmacytoma mimicking submucosal lesion of ascending colon: a case report and literature review.

Solitary primary extraosseous plasmacytoma is a rare disease in the gastrointestinal tract, recently classified as an "exceptional" tumor of the colon site. The real incidence (one case/population/year) is unknown but reasonably less than 1/10,000,000 cases/year with very few descriptions in the literature. The rare cases described in the literature are often diagnosed after surgery for perforation and with predominant localization of the left colon. The main endoscopic presentation mimics colon carcinoma with ulcerated mass and obstructing lumen. In this paper, we report a rare case of isolated mass mimicking a submucosal lesion of the ascending colon diagnosed in an older female patient by colonoscopy. The patient was almost asymptomatic; she reported only a history of hematochezia without anemia. This mass was successfully treated by surgery and followed by hematological investigations, including bone marrow biopsy, specific laboratory tests, and CT/PET scan, which confirmed primary isolated plasmacytoma of the colon.

Immunomodulatory and chemopreventive effects of resveratrol on the digestive system cancers.

Resveratrol (RSV), the primary polyphenol found in grapes, has been revealed to have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the capacity of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-1ra and TNFα. Considering the close association between chronic inflammation and cancer development, RSV's immunomodulatory properties are one way by which the polyphenol may inhibit cancer initiation, proliferation, neovascularization, and migration. Resveratrol influences the generation of microtumor environment which is one of the key factors in cancer progress. In addition to immunomodulation, RSV inhibits cancer development by expressing anti-oxidant effects, causing cell cycle arrest, stimulating the function of certain enzymes, and activating cell signaling pathways. The end outcome is one of the various forms of cell death, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and more, as it has been observed in vitro. RSV has been shown to act against cancer in practically every organ, while its effects on colon cancer have been documented more frequently. It is remarkable that longer-term clinical studies that may have established the potential for this natural substance to serve as a therapeutic adjuvant to traditional anti-cancer medications were not prompted by the encouraging outcomes seen with cancer cells treated with non-toxic doses of resveratrol. The current review aims to assess the recent findings about the immunological and anti-cancer characteristics of RSV, with a particular emphasis on cancers of the digestive tract, as a challenge for future clinical research that may contribute to the better prognosis of cancer.

[SIBO, from myth to reality]. / SIBO, quand un mythe devient réalité.

Digestive functional disorders are among the most frequent reasons for medical consultation and a significant source of medical wandering. Therapeutic management of these patients is difficult, particularly due to the absence of specific treatment linked to an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms. In a certain number of these patients, the symptoms are accompanied by a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This entity, historically identified in specific post-surgical situations, seems finally very common and associated with very diverse pathologies. The diagnosis of SIBO is currently being made more accessible through the development of breathing tests. Therapeutic management, based mainly on antibiotic therapy and diet, remains to date largely empirical because it is based on few studies but the growing interest in SIBO should make it possible to identify effective treatments during robust clinical trials.

Probiotaceuticals: back to the future?

Probiotic research has undergone some exciting and unanticipated changes in direction since the 2010 commentary by Howarth which speculated on probiotics being ultimately utilized as 'factories' capable of releasing pharmaceutical-grade metabolites with therapeutic potential for a wide range of primarily gastrointestinal disorders (1). Indeed, the unrelenting search for new alternatives to antibiotics has further stimulated the development of 'next-generation' probiotics. Postbiotics, defined as inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host, remain at the forefront of current probiotic research, with increasing numbers of probiotic species, strains and sub-strains now being identified and further exploited as pharmabiotics; probiotics with a proven pharmacological role in health and disease that have been subjected to clinical trial prior to approval by regulatory bodies. However, perhaps the most unanticipated probiotic development over the past 15 years has been the emergence of psychobiotics with the potential to improve aspects of mental health such as depression and anxiety through the release of bioactive metabolites. Moreover, the recent identification of pharmacobiotics, probiotics capable of facilitating the effectiveness of conventional pharmaceutical drugs, is opening new avenues for probiotic applications to combat a range of diseases including cancers of the digestive system. Although in its infancy, recent reports of oncobiotics with anti-neoplastic properties are further expanding the potential for certain next-generation probiotics to impact current cancer treatment regimens and possibly even contribute to cancer prevention. Looking to the next 15 years of probiotic development, one could perhaps predict the ultimate development of regulatory-approved xenopostbiotic formulations comprising metabolites with the capacity to improve digestive health, decrease severity of intestinal disease and increase the effectiveness of conventional pharmaceuticals, whilst simultaneously improving cognitive functioning and mental welfare. Although speculative, these xenopostbiotic formulations could prove especially effective for the adjunctive treatment of serious chronic diseases such as cancer.

Effects of color protection and enzymatic hydrolysis on the microstructure, digestibility, solubility and swelling degree of chestnut flour.

Chestnuts, despite their nutritional value, pose challenges in starch processing, digestion, and absorption. This study employed various color-fixing formulations and processing methods to simulate the in vitro digestion of both untreated and enzymatically hydrolyzed chestnut flour. Changes in starch properties, digestion characteristics, and estimated glycemic index (eGI) were analyzed to understand how enzymatic hydrolysis affects chestnut flour properties. The results showed that the browning of chestnut flour was the least when the mass ratio of vitamin C, citric acid, and EDTA-Na2 was 9:1:0.3. Following treatment with pullulanase and glucoamylase, the content of rapidly digestible starch decreased to 10 %, while the content of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch increased to 62 % and 27 %, respectively. The eGI value of chestnut flour after enzymatic hydrolysis increased to 61.85-65.14, the hydrolysis rate was 78.37 %-89.20 %, the water holding capacity was 5.3-8.6, the solubility was 51.33 %-58.33 %, and the swelling degree decreased to 2.21-3.33 mL/g.