Spent coffee grounds and its antioxidant dietary fiber promote different colonic microbiome signatures: Benefits for subjects with chronodisruption.

Chronodisruption, commonly displayed by people living with obesity (PLO), is linked to colonic microbiota dysbiosis, and may increase the risk of many chronic non-communicable diseases, whereas dietary interventions-called chrononutrition may mitigate it. We evaluated the in vitro effects of spent coffee grounds (SCG), and their antioxidant dietary fiber (SCG-DF) on the colonic microbiota of an obese donor displaying dysbiosis and chronodisruption. Basal microbiota pattern was associated with an increased risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. Both samples decrease species richness and increase microbiota diversity (p < 0.05; Chao and Shannon index, respectively), positively enhancing Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes index (SCG, p < 0.04; SCG-DF, p < 0.02). SCG and SCG-DF modulated the microbiota, but SCG-DF induced greater changes, significantly increasing. p_Actonobacterias (SCG p < 0.04; SCG-DF, p < 0.02), and reducing g_Alistipes; s_putredinis, g_Prevotella;s_copri. The highest increase was displayed by p_Proteobacteria (f_Desulfovibrionaceae and f_Alcanigenaceae, p < 0.05), while g_Haemophilus; s_parainfluenzae decreased (p < 0.05). However, neither SCG nor SCG-DF modulated g_Alistipes (evening-type colonic microbial marker) beneficially. SCG and SCG-DF reduced (p < 0.05) g_Lachnospira, a microbial evening-type marker, among other microbial populations, of an obese donor displaying chronodisruption and dysbiosis. SCG and SCG-DF displayed a prebiotic effect with the potential to mitigate diseases linked to chronodisruption.

A Two-Step Single Plex PCR Method for Evaluating Key Colonic Microbiota Markers in Young Mexicans with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Protocol and Pilot Epidemiological Application.

Many neurological disorders have a distinctive colonic microbiome (CM) signature. Particularly, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit a very dissimilar CM when compared to neurotypical (NT) ones, mostly at the species level. Thus far, knowledge on this matter comes from high-throughput (yet very expensive and time-consuming) analytical platforms, such as massive high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. Here, pure (260/280 nm, ~1.85) stool DNA samples (200 ng.µL-1) from 48 participants [39 ASD, 9 NT; 3-13 y] were used to amplify four candidate differential CM markers [Bacteroides fragilis (BF), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (FP), Desulfovibrio vulgaris (DV), Akkermansia muciniphila (AM)], using micro-organism-specific oligonucleotide primers [265 bp (BF), 198 bp (FP), 196 bp (DV), 327 bp (AM)] and a standardized two-step [low (step 1: °Tm-5 °C) to high (stage 2: °Tm-0 °C) astringent annealing] PCR protocol (2S-PCR). The method was sensitive enough to differentiate all CM biomarkers in the studied stool donors [↑ abundance: NT (BF, FP, AM), ASD (DV)], and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the primers' specificity.

Quercetin and Its Fermented Extract as a Potential Inhibitor of Bisphenol A-Exposed HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells' Viability.

Bisphenol A (BPA) promotes colon cancer by altering the physiological functions of hormones. Quercetin (Q) can regulate signaling pathways through hormone receptors, inhibiting cancer cells. The antiproliferative effects of Q and its fermented extract (FEQ, obtained by Q gastrointestinal digestion and in vitro colonic fermentation) were analyzed in HT-29 cells exposed to BPA. Polyphenols were quantified in FEQ by HPLC and their antioxidant capacity by DPPH and ORAC. Q and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were quantified in FEQ. Q and FEQ exhibited antioxidant capacity. Cell viability with Q+BPA and FEQ+BPA was 60% and 50%, respectively; less than 20% of dead cells were associated with the necrosis process (LDH). Treatments with Q and Q+BPA induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and FEQ and FEQ+BPA in the S phase. Compared with other treatments, Q positively modulated ESR2 and GPR30 genes. Using a gene microarray of the p53 pathway, Q, Q+BPA, FEQ and FEQ+BPA positively modulated genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest; bisphenol inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic and cell cycle repressor genes. In silico analyses demonstrated the binding affinity of Q > BPA > DOPAC molecules for ERα and ERß. Further studies are needed to understand the role of disruptors in colon cancer.

Fermentation Extract of Naringenin Increases the Expression of Estrogenic Receptor ß and Modulates Genes Related to the p53 Signalling Pathway, miR-200c and miR-141 in Human Colon Cancer Cells Exposed to BPA.

The estrogenic receptor beta (ERß) protects against carcinogenesis by stimulating apoptosis. Bisphenol A (BPA) is related to promoting cancer, and naringenin has chemoprotective activities both can bind to ERß. Naringenin in the colon is metabolized by the microbiota. Cancer involves genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, including miRNAs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the co-exposure effect of colonic in vitro fermented extract of naringenin (FEN) and BPA, to elucidate molecular effects in HT-29 colon cancer cell line. For this, we quantified genes related to the p53 signaling pathway as well as ERß, miR-200c, and miR-141. As an important result, naringenin (IC50 250 µM) and FEN (IC50 37%) promoted intrinsic pathways of apoptosis through phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) (+2.70, +1.72-fold, respectively) and CASP9 (+3.99, +2.03-fold, respectively) expression. BPA decreased the expression of PTEN (-3.46-fold) gene regulated by miR-200. We suggest that once co-exposed, cells undergo a greater stress forcing them to mediate other extrinsic apoptosis mechanisms associated with death domain FASL. In turn, these findings are related to the increase of ERß (5.3-fold with naringenin and 13.67-fold with FEN) gene expression, important in the inhibition of carcinogenic development.

Effect of drying method on the production of in vitro short-chain fatty acids and histone deacetylase mediation of cocoa pod husk.

We evaluated the effect of cocoa pod husk (CPH) processing (microwave [MW], forced-air drying [FAD], and FAD plus extrusion [FAD-E]), and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the in vitro human colonic fermentation metabolism, in vitro bioactivity on human HT-29 colon cancer cell, and the in silico mechanism of selected compounds. CPH as a substrate for human colonic microbiota significantly decrease local pH (MW -0.7, FAD -0.2, and FAD-E -0.3, 24 h) and modifies their metabolic activity (short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs] production). FAD-E generated the highest butyric (7.6 mM/L, 4 h) and FAD the highest acetic and propionic acid levels (71.4 and 36.7 mM/L, 24 h). The in vitro colonic fermented FAD-E sample (FE/FAD-E) caused HT-29 colorectal cancer cells death by inducing damage on membrane integrity and inhibiting (up to 92%) histone-deacetylase (HDAC) activity. In silico results showed that chlorogenic acid, (-)-epicatechin, and (+)-catechin, followed by butyric and propionic acids, are highly involved in the HDAC6 inhibitory activity. The results highlight the potential human health postbiotic benefits of CPH consumption, mediated by colonic microbiota-derived metabolites. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The enormous amount of CPH (10 tons/1 ton of dry beans) generated by the cocoa industry can be used as a removable source of bioactive compounds with physicochemical functionality and health bioactivity. However, their potential applications and health benefits are insufficiently explored. CPH represents a serious disposal problem; practical and innovative ideas to use this highly available and affordable material are urgent. Research exploring their potential applications can increase the sustainability of the cocoa agro-industry. This paper highlights the value addition that can be achieved with this valuable industrial co-product, generating new functional products and ingredients.

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans): effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals.

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), endemic fruit from Mexico, contains several bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, betalains, antioxidant fiber), highlighting it as a good functional food. In this research, the impact of the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on phytochemical bioaccessibility from garambullo and its antioxidant capacity are studied. The fruit contained previously unidentified phytochemicals in the polar and non-polar extracts (acetone and hexane). The bioaccessibility decreased in the mouth and stomach for flavanones (up to 11.9 and 8.9%, respectively), isoflavones (up to 20.0 and 9.2%, respectively), flavonols (up to 15.2 and 15.7%, respectively), hydroxycinnamic acids (up to 21.7 and 13.1%, respectively), and betalains (up to 10.5 and 4.2%, respectively); hydroxybenzoic acids were increased (up to 752.8 and 552.6%, respectively), while tocopherols increased in the mouth (127.7%) and decreased in the stomach (up to 90.3%). In the intestinal phase, the digestible fraction showed low phytochemicals bioaccessibility, and some compounds were recovered in the non-digestible fraction. The antioxidant capacity decreased in different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract, being higher in the mouth (872.9, 883.6, 385.2, and 631.2 µmol TE per g dw by ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP, respectively) and stomach (836.2, 942.1, 289.0, and 494.9 µmol TE per g dw ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP, respectively). The results indicate that digestion positively or negatively affects compounds' bioaccessibility depending on their structural family, and the antioxidant capacity decreases but remains higher than other functional foods.

[Functional feeding to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders associated with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review]. / Alimentación funcional para aliviar desórdenes gastrointestinales asociados a trastornos del espectro autista: Una revisión sistemática.

Introduction: Background: gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) are common comorbidities in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); treatments with gluten- and casein-free (LGLC) diets or prebiotic/probiotic supplements may reduce the severity of GIDs. Objective: to integrate and discuss the evidence on the effectiveness of LGLC diet therapies and prebiotic/probiotic supplements on GIDs in patients with ASD. Methodology: the guidelines for the publication of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) were used. Participant characteristics, dietary interventions, prebiotic/prebiotic supplementation, effects of interventions on GIDs, risk of bias, and safety of treatments were analyzed. Results: fifteen investigations were analyzed; the prevalence of GIDs among patients with ASD was high (58 %; range, 27-83 %). In more than 20 % of the patients managed with LGLC diets or supplements GID severity decreased (mainly constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain). Increases in the counts of beneficial bacteria and a decrease in the proportion of pathogenic bacteria were reported after supplement use. However, all these investigations had significant methodological biases. Conclusions: although reductions in the frequency and severity of some GIDs have been found, the effectiveness of these treatments has not been proven yet. Given the methodological differences in the investigations, the design of rigorous studies to evaluate the therapeutic effects of these treatments on gastrointestinal health in patients with ASD is warranted.

Introducción: Antecedentes: los trastornos gastrointestinales (TGI) son comorbilidades comunes en los pacientes con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA); los tratamientos con dietas libres de gluten y caseína (LGLC) o suplementos de prebióticos/probióticos podrían reducir la severidad de los TGI. Objetivo: integrar y discutir la evidencia sobre la efectividad de las terapias con dietas LGLC y suplementos de prebióticos/probióticos sobre los TGI en pacientes con TEA. Metodología: se utilizaron las guías para la publicación de revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis (PRISMA). Se analizaron las características de los participantes, las intervenciones dietéticas, la administración de suplementos de prebióticos/prebióticos, los efectos de las intervenciones sobre los TGI, el riesgo de sesgo de los estudios y la seguridad de los tratamientos. Resultados: se analizaron quince investigaciones; la prevalencia de los TGI entre los pacientes con TEA fue alta (58 %; rango, 27-83 %). En más del 20 % de los pacientes intervenidos con dietas LGLC o suplementos disminuyó la severidad de los TGI (principalmente estreñimiento, diarrea y dolor abdominal). Se reportaron aumentos en los conteos de bacterias benéficas y una disminución de la proporción de bacterias patógenas tras el uso de los suplementos. Sin embargo, todas estas investigaciones presentaron sesgos metodológicos importantes. Conclusiones: aunque se han encontrado reducciones en la frecuencia y severidad de algunos TGI, la efectividad de estos tratamientos aún no se ha comprobado. Dadas las diferencias metodológicas de las investigaciones, se justifica el diseño de estudios rigurosos para evaluar los efectos terapéuticos de estos tratamientos sobre la salud gastrointestinal en pacientes con TEA.

Influence of extrusion process on the release of phenolic compounds from mango (Mangifera indica L.) bagasse-added confections and evaluation of their bioaccessibility, intestinal permeability, and antioxidant capacity.

Extruded polyphenol-rich by-products like mango bagasse (MB) could be used to manufacture functional confections. However, few reports have assessed the extrusion impact on MB polyphenols within a food matrix. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of extrusion on the bioaccessibility, intestinal permeability, and antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds (PC) from non-extruded and extruded MB-added confections (EMBC and MBC, respectively). The inhibition of 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and in silico approaches were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. MBC displayed the highest gastric bioaccessibility (%) of xanthones and flavonoids, whereas selective release of gallic acid, mangiferin, and quercetin glucoside was shown for EMBC. Lower PC' apparent permeability coefficients were found in EMBC compared to MB (0.11 to 0.44-fold change, p < 0.05). EMBC displayed the highest antioxidant capacity by the DPPH method for the non-digestible fraction, being mangiferin the highest in silico contributor (-4 kcal/mol). Our results showed that the extrusion process helps release selective phenolics from MBC, which increases their bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability.

Prediction of the Physicochemical and Nutraceutical Characteristics of 'Hass' Avocado Seeds by Correlating the Physicochemical Avocado Fruit Properties According to Their Ripening State.

Vegetal wastes are currently a source of pollution due to the excess of organic compounds in the environment. Seeds are the main by-product of the avocado industry and represent 16-22% of the total weight and it is considered a waste without applications. Despite the seed stands out for its high content of phenolic compounds, lack of knowledge regarding of the best processing state using non-invasive and short-time methods are required to take advantage of these nutraceutical compounds. This research aimed to find correlations from physicochemical analysis, color, hardness, and firmness of the whole avocado seeds with its nutraceutical properties as long as the ripeness increased, providing information for further industrial use of this waste. The results indicated that 'Hass' avocado fruit ripening positively correlates with the improvement of the physicochemical parameters involved in the fruit processing and the increase of nutraceutical compounds in the seed. The ripeness process decreased moisture (%) and hardness (N) parameters in the seeds (27.69 and 16.4%, respectively), facilitating its processing. Moreover, the ripening increased the antioxidant capacity by DPPH* around 7%, due to the concentration of phenolic compounds in the seed. Seed's phenolic compounds were positively correlated with the Hue angle at increasing ripeness, becoming a potential physicochemical indicator for the industry. The prediction of changes in nutraceutical compounds and physicochemical properties, as ripening occurred, may reduce analysis times, processes, and guidance to use avocado seeds as a by-product. These results facilitate the seed processing and open up opportunities for its use in the industry.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and simulated colonic fermentation of pistachio nuts determine the bioaccessibility and biosynthesis of chronobiotics.

Chronodisruption leads to obesity and other metabolic disorders that can be alleviated by food-derived potential chronobiotics, such as phytomelatonin (PMT), phenolic compounds (PCs) and dietary fiber rich pistachios. Pistachios with (PN + SC) or without (PN) the seed coat were investigated for their in vitro chronobiotic potential since they are one of the main reported PMT sources. Consequently we evaluated the bioaccessibility, permeability, and biosynthesis of pistachio chronobiotics, particularly PMT, during gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation. The maximum in vitro bioaccessibility and apparent permeability (efflux-prone) of PCs, flavonoids and PMT were sample-specific [∼1.3% (both), 27 and 3.4% (PN + SC)], but additional amounts (flavonoids > PCs > PMT) were released under simulated colonic conditions. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; 38 mM; >50% butyrate, PN + SC > PN) and some metabolites (e.g., indole, benzaldehyde, phenolic acids, and aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons) were detected depending on the sample. The predominant pistachio butyrate production during in vitro colonic fermentation can improve chronodisruption and benefit obese individuals. Pistachio's digestion increases the bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability of potential chronobiotics (PMT and PCs) and the biosynthesis of colonic metabolites (SCFAs, among others) also with chronobiotic potential.

Bioactive compounds from Octopus vulgaris ink extracts exerted anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro.

Underutilized marine food products such as cephalopods' ink could be sources of bioactive compounds providing health benefits. This study aimed to assess the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects from Octopus vulgaris ink extracts (hexane-, ethyl acetate-, dichloromethane- (DM), and water extracts) using human colorectal (HT-29/HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells, and LPS-challenged murine RAW 264.7 cells. Except by ethyl-acetate, all of the extracts exhibited anti-proliferative effects without being cytotoxic to ARPE-19 and RAW 264.7 cells. Among DM fractions (F1/F2/F3), DM-F2 showed the highest anti-proliferative effect (LC50 = 52.64 µg/mL), inducing pro-apoptotic morphological disruptions in HCT116 cells. On RAW 264.7 cells, DM-F2 displayed the lowest nitrites reduction and up-regulation of key-cytokines from the JAK-STAT, PI3K-Akt, and IL-17 pathways. Compared to control, DM-F2 increased IL-4 and decreased NF-κB fluorometric expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Metabolomic analysis of DM-F2 highlighted hexadecanoic acid and 1-(15-methyl-1-oxohexadecyl)-pyrrolidine as the most important metabolites. These compounds also exhibited high in silico binding affinity (-4.6 to -5.8 kcal/mol) to IL-1α, IL-1ß, and IL-2. Results suggested the joint immuno-modulatory and anti-proliferative effect derived from selected compounds of underutilized marine food products such as ink. This is the first report of such biological activities in extracts from O. vulgaris ink.

Octopus vulgaris ink extracts exhibit antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytoprotective, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects in selected human cancer cell lines.

Cancer is a noncommunicable disease of rising worldwide concern. Marine food products such as Octopus vulgaris ink (OI) could be sources of compounds addressing these concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the antimutagenic, cytoprotective, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidant capacity of OI extracts on human cancer cell lines (22Rv1, HeLa, A549). The ARPE-19 cell line was used as a reference human cell line to evaluate the ink's cytotoxicity. The water extract exhibited the highest antimutagenic and cytoprotective effect, but the dichloromethane extract (DM) showed the lowest half lethal concentration against 22Rv1 cells. Structural elucidation of purified DM fractions (F1, F2, F3) identified an unreported compound, N-(2-ozoazepan-3-yl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (OPC). DM-F2 showed high antiproliferative effect (LC50 = 27.6 µg/mL), reactive species modulation, early-apoptosis induction (42.9%), and nuclei disruption in 22Rv1 cells. In silico analysis predicted high OPC affinity with Cyclin D1 (-6.70 kcal/mol), suggesting its potential impact on cell cycle arrest. These results highlight the antimutagenic, cytoprotective, and antiproliferative potential health benefits derived from underutilized marine food products such as OI. Further investigations at in vitro or in vivo levels are required to elucidate mechanisms and health benefits from OI. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: O. vulgaris ink is an underutilized marine natural product that could be a source of biological compounds with potential health benefits such as antioxidant activity and cancer prevention.

Colonic metabolites from digested Moringa oleifera leaves induced HT-29 cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy.

Colorectal cancer is an important concern in modern society. Risk factors such as the diet indicate the need to find healthy food products displaying additional health benefits. This study aimed to characterise and evaluate the impact of the colonic metabolites from the fermented non-digestible fraction of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves (FNFM) on cell death mechanisms from HT-29 cells. MO leaves were digested in vitro, and the 12 h-colonic extract was obtained. FNFM mainly contained morin and chlorogenic acids (41.97 and 25.33 µg/g sample). Butyric acid was ranked as the most important metabolite of FNFM. The FNFM exerted antiproliferative effect against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (half lethal concentration, LC50: 5.9 mL/100 mL). Compared to untreated control, LC50 increased H2O2 production (149.43%); induced apoptosis (119.02%), autophagy (75.60%), and necrosis (87.72%). These results suggested that digested MO colonic metabolites exert antiproliferative effect against HT-29 cells, providing additional health benefits associated with MO consumption.

Andean berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) juice in combination with Aspirin modulated anti-inflammatory markers on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

V. meridionale Swartz is an underutilized Andean Berry that has been linked to several health benefits potentially derived from its anti-inflammatory effects. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of Andean Berry Juice (ABJ) combined with Aspirin in the modulation of anti-inflammatory markers from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The chemical characterization of ABJ showed a high content of polyphenols, mainly gallic acid (659-75 µg/g) and cyanidin chloride (418.61 µg/mL). Compared to LPS-stimulated macrophages, ABJ, Aspirin, and its combination reduced NO and ROS production (3.26-42.55 and 17.59-65.68%, respectively). In comparison, the half inhibitory concentration of NO reduction (IC50) was found at 7.69% v/v (ABJ) and 24.48 mM (Aspirin). Compared to the pro-inflammatory control (LPS), ABJ reduced IL-1ß, MCP-1, and GCSF; Aspirin decreased IL1R1, MCP-1, GMCSF, GCSF, and TNF-α; and the ABJ + Aspirin treatment reduced IL1R, GMCSF, and CXCL10. The in silico interaction of cytokines and the prediction of potential binding interactions suggested CCR1, CCR5, and NF-kB modulation. These results showed the anti-inflammatory potential of underutilized South American berries and their co-adjuvant effect with known drugs such as Aspirin in the resolution of inflammatory-derived conditions. This is the first report of the anti-inflammatory effects of V. meridionale Swartz juice in combination with Aspirin on LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Effect of drying methods on the gastrointestinal fate and bioactivity of phytochemicals from cocoa pod husk: In vitro and in silico approaches.

Cocoa pod husk (CPH) contains many nutraceutical phytochemicals whose gastrointestinal fate and bioactivity can be affected by drying methods. Microwave (MW), forced-air drying (AF), and AF plus extrusion (AF-E) dried CPH samples were chemically characterized, and their phenolic and theobromine (THB) contents were evaluated under oral-gastric-intestinal (in vitro) and colonic fermentation (ex vivo). Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADEMT) properties of CPH's small molecules were evaluated in silico. The chemical composition of CPH [mostly carbohydrates/insoluble dietary fiber], polyphenol [total polyphenols > condensed tannin (CT) > monomeric flavonoids] differed minimally among samples, except for THB content (AF/AF-E > MW) and antioxidant capacity (MW > AF/AF-E). Time- trend gastrointestinal (X3 behavior) and colonic bioaccessibility were AF/AF-E > MW, but phenolic acids, procyanidins, and THB fluctuated in a sample-specific fashion. In silico modeling showed that bioactives of CPH easily crossed the intestinal epithelium illustrating their bioaccessibility and, permeability. These bioactives can act as receptor ligands in a structure-dependent manner, suggesting their use as a functional ingredient.

Fermented Non-Digestible Fraction of Andean Berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) Juice Induces Apoptosis in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Vaccinium meridionale Swartz, known as Andean berry, has a high content of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and other flavonoids due to their putative anticancer activity. However, after consumption, the structures and function of these molecules may be altered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pro-apoptotic effect of fermented non-digestible fraction (FNDF) of Andean berry juice (ABJ) on colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells. HT29 cells were treated by FNDF-ABJ obtained by in vitro gastrointestinal fermentation. We determined the proapoptotic capacity by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, oxidative stress by analyzing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, lipid peroxidation by measuring 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, and measured lactate dehydrogenase. Our results show that FNDF-ABJ inhibited cell growth [lethal dose 50(%)=26% v/v]. In addition, FNDF-ABJ increased the number of TUNEL positive cells 2-fold compared with untreated cells without altering the release of lactate dehydrogenase. However, superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in HT29 cells treated with FNDF-ABJ, catalase activity was not affected and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α levels were increased. These results support that the anti-proliferative effects of FNDF-ABJ on HT29 cells can be explained by apoptotic mechanisms.

Consumption of a baked corn and bean snack reduced chronic colitis inflammation in CD-1 mice via downregulation of IL-1 receptor, TLR, and TNF-α associated pathways.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition that has been rising in the number of cases around the world. Food products made from natural ingredients such as corn and common bean might serve as alternatives for the treatment of UC. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the consumption of a baked corn and bean snack (CBS) in an in vivo model of UC using 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) as inductor of colitis. CD-1 mice (45, n = 9/group) were randomly separated into 5 groups, treated for 6-weeks as follows: G1 (basal diet, BD), G2 (2% DSS), G3 (20 g CBS/body weight BW/day + BD), G4 (40 g CBS/BW/day + BD) and G5 (60 g CBS/BW/day + BD). BW, Disease Activity Index (DAI), and feces were collected throughout the treatment. After euthanasia, organs (spleen, liver, and colon) were excised and weighed. Feces were analyzed for ß-glucuronidase (ß-GLUC) activity and gas-chromatography. The colons were analyzed for histopathology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and gene analysis. At the end of treatments, among the DSS-induced groups, G3 exhibited the lowest BW losses (11.5%), MPO activity (10.4%) and ß-GLUC (8.6%). G4 presented the lowest DAI (0.88), relative spleen weight, and histological inflammation score (p < 0.05). Compared to G2, CBS consumption significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum TNF-α, IL-10, and MCP-1 levels. The fecal metabolome analysis ranked 9-decenoic acid, decane, and butyric acid as the main contributors of pathways associated with the ß-oxidation of fatty acids. G4 showed the highest fecal/cecal contents of short-chain fatty acids among all the DSS-induced groups. For the gene expression, G4 was clustered with G1, showing a differential inhibition of the pro-inflammatory genes Il1r1, Il1a, Tlr4, Tlr2, and Tnfrsf1b. In conclusion, CBS consumption decreased the inflammatory state and reduced the expression of the IL-1 receptor, TLR, and TNF-α-associated pathways in DSS-induced UC in CD-1 mice.

Spent coffee (Coffea arabica L.) grounds promote satiety and attenuate energy intake: A pilot study.

We evaluated the effects of acute intake of biscuits (B) containing either spent coffee grounds (SCG), (added with fructooligosaccharides; SC-FOS) or SCG antioxidant dietary fiber (SCF), on satiety, energy intake as well as gastrointestinal tolerance of healthy overweight volunteers. The addition of SCG and SCF to the biscuits (SC-FOS-B and SCF-B) increased their protein (11.4% and 12.2%), and total dietary fiber (8.4% and 11.8%) contents. The SCF-B significantly increased satiety perception, impacting ad libitum energy intake compared to the traditional biscuits recipe (TB; no added fiber). Moreover, SC-FOS-B and SCF-B decreased (no-observed-adverse effect) the most frequently reported symptoms by the participants, demonstrating that doses up to 5 g of SCF (per biscuit portion; 45 g) are well tolerated. The use of SCF and SCG as functional ingredients represents a sustainable strategy for the coffee industry and also potentiates the reduction of overweight, one of the leading health problems among the population. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The addition of SCF or SCG as food ingredients increases protein and the dietary fiber content of traditional biscuits. SCF can slow gastric emptying, modulate appetite and thus body weight. SCF attenuates carbohydrate digestion blunting post-prandial blood glucose spikes reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. SCF can be used as a functional ingredient to formulate foods with health benefits.

Impact of cooking and nixtamalization on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds from two sorghum varieties.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has been sparsely used as human food due to certain anti-nutritional factors such as tannins that reduce its digestibility, although the grain is an important source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds (PCs). This study aimed to assess the impact of cooking and alkaline cooking (nixtamalization) on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of PCs of two sorghum varieties (white/red). Nixtamalization was the most effective procedure for the reduction of tannins (74.3%). Gallic acid proved to be the most bioaccessible PC (6359 µg/g). The total phenolics and condensed tannins correlated with the antioxidant capacity (ABTS/DPPH; R2: 0.30-0.43, p < 0.05). These results confirm the potential of thermal procedures to significantly modify the bioaccessibility of sorghum compounds, enhancing their concentrations and reducing anti-nutritional factors (tannins) while improving their antioxidant capacity.

Antioxidant dietary fiber isolated from spent coffee (Coffea arabica L.) grounds improves chronotype and circadian locomotor activity in young adults.

Chrononutrition, or the circadian timing of food intake, proposes that nutrients, bioactive compounds, and foods modulate the peripheral clocks with implications on health. We evaluated the effects of biscuits supplemented with the antioxidant dietary fiber isolated from spent coffee grounds as a food ingredient (SCF-B) or a combination of spent coffee grounds and fructooligosaccharides (SC-FOS-B), and a traditional recipe (TB, without added fiber) on the modulation of circadian rhythm in young adults. The repeated intake (21 days/45 g portion) of SCF-B or SC-FOS-B decreased (p < 0.05) the evening chronotypes. SCF-B and SC-FOS-B consumption enhanced the chronodisruption associated with colonic short chain fatty acid production, thus improving the quality and length of sleep. This is the first study on the positive impact of antioxidant dietary fiber obtained from spent coffee grounds on circadian activity improvement in young adults. Further clinical trials and the role of other bioactive compounds as therapeutic candidates for health disturbances related to circadian dysfunction are necessary to confirm the results.