Effect of cooking on structural changes in the common black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris var. Jamapa).

The cooking process is fundamental for bean consumption and to increase the bioavailability of its nutritional components. The study aimed to determine the effect of cooking on bean seed coat through morphological analyses with different microscopy techniques and image analyses. The chemical composition and physical properties of raw black bean (RBB) and cooked black bean (CBB) seeds were determined. The surface and cross-sectional samples were studied by Optical microscopy (OM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The composition of samples showed significant differences after the cooking process. OM images and gray level co-occurrence matrix algorithm (GLCM) analysis indicated that cuticle-deposited minerals significantly influence texture parameters. Seed coat surface ESEM images showed cluster cracking. Texture fractal dimension and lacunarity parameters were effective in quantitatively assessing cracks on CBB. AFM results showed arithmetic average roughness (Ra) (121.67 nm) and quadratic average roughness (Rq) (149.94 nm). The cross-sectional ESEM images showed a decrease in seed coat thickness. The CLSM results showed an increased availability of lipids along the different multilayer tissues in CBB. The results generated from this research work offer a valuable potential to carry out a strict control of bean seed cooking at industrial level, since the structural changes and biochemical components (cell wall, lipids and protein bodies) that occur in the different tissues of the seed are able to migrate from the inside to the outside through the cracks generated in the multilayer structure that are evidenced by the microscopic techniques used.

Microstructural Changes in Vanilla planifolia Beans after Using High-Hydrostatic-Pressure Treatment in the Curing Process.

During vanilla bean curing, the cell arrangement derived from the killing technique applied to start bean ripening is essential to obtain the characteristic aroma and flavor of vanilla. Hence, killing is an important step to release the enzymes and compounds required for vanillin production. In this work, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 100-400 MPa for 5 min, using water at 7 °C as the pressure-transmitting medium, was applied as the killing method, and its effect on the microstructural changes in vanilla beans during different curing cycles (C0-C20) was evaluated and compared with that observed after scalding by using water at 100 °C for 8 s. Microstructural changes in the cross-sectioned beans were analyzed using a stereomicroscope (SM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The vanilla beans were cross-sectioned and three main sectors were analyzed: the total, annular, and core. The morphometric descriptors, namely, area, Feret's diameter, and circularity, were quantified via digital image analysis (DIA), from which a shrinkage ratio was calculated. The results show that the total area in the beans presented a maximum decrease in the C16 of curing. The core area was most affected by the HHP treatment, mainly at 400 MPa, rather than scalding. CSLM observations revealed the autofluorescence of the compounds inside the beans. In conclusion, the use of microscopy techniques and DIA allowed us to determine the microstructural changes in the HHP-treated pods, which were found to be more numerous than those found in the scalded beans.

Liposomes Loaded with Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Prevented Melanoma Tumor Development Overexpressing Caspase-3 in an In Vivo Model.

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of liposomes loaded with soybean lunasin and amaranth unsaponifiable matter (UM + LunLip) as a source of squalene in the prevention of melanoma skin cancer in an allograft mice model. Tumors were induced by transplanting melanoma B16-F10 cells into the mice. The most effective treatments were those including UM + LunLip, with no difference between the lunasin concentrations (15 or 30 mg/kg body weight); however, these treatments were statistically different from the tumor-bearing untreated control (G3) (p < 0.05). The groups treated with topical application showed significant inhibition (68%, p < 0.05) compared to G3. The groups treated with subcutaneous injections showed significant inhibition (up to 99%, p < 0.05) in G3. During tumor development, UM + LunLip treatments under-expressed Ki-67 (0.2-fold compared to G3), glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (0.1-fold compared to G3), and overexpressed caspase-3 (30-fold compared to G3). In addition, larger tumors showed larger necrotic areas (38% with respect to the total tumor) (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the UM + LunLip treatment was effective when applied either subcutaneously or topically in the melanoma tumor-developing groups, as it slowed down cell proliferation and activated apoptosis.

Liposomes Containing Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Suppress ROS Production in Fibroblasts and Reduced Interleukin Production in Macrophages.

Inflammation is a normal response in defense to agents that may cause damage to the human body. When inflammation becomes chronic, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced; which could lead to diseases such as cancer. The aim was to assess liposomes' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity loaded with amaranth unsaponifiable matter and soybean lunasin (UM + LunLip) in an in vitro model using fibroblasts and macrophages. To evaluate ROS production, fibroblasts CHON-002 ABAP were added to promote ROS production; and the cells were treated with UM + LunLip. For inflammation markers production, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages were treated with empty liposomes (EmLip), liposomes loaded with unsaponifiable matter (UMLip), liposomes loaded with lunasin (LunLip), and UM + LunLip. ROS production was significantly decreased by 77% (p < 0.05) when fibroblasts were treated with UM + LunLip at 2 mg lunasin/mL compared with the control treated with ABAP. Treatment with UMLip was the most effective in reducing tumor necrosis factor-α (71-90%) and interleukin-6 (43-55%, p < 0.001). Both liposomes containing unsaponifiable matter (UMLip and UM + LunLip) were more effective than EmLip or LunLip. In conclusion, amaranth unsaponifiable matter-loaded liposomes are effective in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Phenolic compounds profile by UPLC-ESI-MS in black beans and its distribution in the seed coat during storage.

Hard to cook phenomenon results from inadequate post-harvest storage of the bean associated with the microstructure and changes in seed color and texture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties, identify the phenolic compounds and their relationship with the black bean seed coat microstructure during 270 days at 30 °C and 70% r. h. The water absorption capacity decrease to 12.19% that induced changes in seed texture observed by increasing the hardness from 5.42 to 19.96 N. A total of 37 compounds were identified by UPLC-ESI-MS and the changes in phenolic profile during storage period contribute to the seed coat color saturation. The identification of flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, as well as distribution of condensed tannins in the seed coat, the changes in physical properties evidenced by seed darkening and hardening contribute to the seed coat impermeability.

Antioxidant and antihypertensive activity of Gouda cheese at different stages of ripening.

In Mexico, local ripened cheeses such as Chihuahua, Ranchero, and Cotija are produced, being consumed in great quantities together with imported cheeses. Proteolysis that takes place during ripening generates bioactive peptides; in this way the cheese acquires potential as a functional food. The ripening process of Gouda cheese was studied based on its bromatological and sensorial properties, bioactivity, and peptide profile. Ripened cheese met bromatological standard parameters and showed higher overall acceptability. After 90 days, bioactivity reached maximum values for radical scavenging (6.6%), ferric reducing power (11.2%), metal chelating effect (49%), and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (66.2%). Eight peptides were identified, four from αS1-casein, f(1-9, 1-13, 1-14, and 25-36), and four from ß-casein, f(11-28, 60-63, 193-209, and 197-205). Ripening of Gouda cheese results in a product with functional potential due to the presence of peptides with biological activity. Additionally, the methodology proposed in this work could be used by the dairy industry to monitor the manufacturing process and ripening of other types of cheeses.

Liposomes Loaded with Unsaponifiable Matter from Amaranthus hypochondriacus as a Source of Squalene and Carrying Soybean Lunasin Inhibited Melanoma Cells.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a source of molecules with reported health benefits such as antioxidant activity and cancer prevention. The objective of this research was to optimize the conditions for preparing a liposome formulation using amaranth unsaponifiable matter as a source of squalene in order to minimize the particle size and to maximize the encapsulation efficiency of liposomes for carrying and delivering soybean lunasin into melanoma cell lines. Amaranth oil was extracted using supercritical dioxide carbon extraction (55.2 MPa pressure, 80 °C temperature, solvent (CO2)-to-feed (oil) ratio of 20). The extracted oil from amaranth was used to obtain the unsaponifiable enriched content of squalene, which was incorporated into liposomes. A Box-Behnken response surface methodology design was used to optimize the liposome formulation containing the unsaponifiable matter, once liposomes were optimized. Soybean lunasin was loaded into the liposomes and tested on A-375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells. The squalene concentration in the extracted oil was 36.64 ± 0.64 g/ 100 g of oil. The particle size in liposomes was between 115.8 and 163.1 nm; the squalene encapsulation efficiency ranged from 33.14% to 76.08%. The optimized liposome formulation contained 15.27 mg of phospholipids and 1.1 mg of unsaponifiable matter. Cell viability was affected by the liposome formulation with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) equivalent to 225 µM in B16-F10 and 215 µM in A-375. The liposomes formulated with lunasin achieved 82.14 ± 3.34% lunasin encapsulation efficiency and improved efficacy by decreasing lunasin IC50 by 31.81% in B16-F10 and by 41.89% in A-375 compared with unencapsulated lunasin.

Cladodes: Chemical and structural properties, biological activity, and polyphenols profile.

The nopal cactus is an essential part of the Mexican diet and culture. The per capita consumption of young cladodes averages annually to 6.4 kg across the nation. In addition to contributing to the country's food culture, the nopal is considered a food with functional characteristics since, in addition to providing fiber, an important group of polyphenolic compounds is present, which has given cladodes to be considered a healthy food, for what they have been incorporated into the diet of Mexican people and many other countries worldwide. Research suggests that polyphenols from cladodes act as antioxidants and antidiabetics. This review studies the main phenolic components in cladodes and summarizes both conventional and novel methods to identify them.

Bean phenolic compound changes during processing: Chemical interactions and identification.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents one of the main crops for human consumption, due to its nutritional and functional qualities. Phenolic compounds have beneficial health effects, and beans are an essential source of these molecules, being found mainly in the seed coat and its color depends on the concentration and type of phenolic compounds present. The bean during storage and processing, such as cooking, germination, extrusion, and fermentation, undergoes physical, chemical, and structural changes that affect the bioavailability of its nutrients; these changes are related to the interactions between phenolic compounds and other components of the food matrix. This review provides information about the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds present in beans and the changes they undergo during processing. It also includes information on the interactions between the phenolic compounds and the components of the bean's cell wall and the analytical methods used to identify the interactions of phenolic compounds with macromolecules.

Development, Characterization and Use of Liposomes as Amphipathic Transporters of Bioactive Compounds for Melanoma Treatment and Reduction of Skin Inflammation: A Review.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, providing a barrier to the external environment. It is composed of three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The most external epidermis is exposed to stress factors that may lead to skin conditions such as photo-aging and skin cancer. Some treatments for skin disease utilize the incorporation of drugs or bioactive compounds into nanocarriers known as liposomes. Liposomes are membranes whose sizes range from nano to micrometers and are composed mostly of phospholipids and cholesterol, forming similar structures to cell membranes. Thus, skin treatments with liposomes have lower toxicity in comparison to traditional treatment routes such as parenteral and oral. Furthermore, addition of edge activators to the liposomes decreases the rigidity of the bilayer structure making it deformable, thereby improving skin permeability. Liposomes are composed of an aqueous core and a lipidic bilayer, which confers their amphiphilic property. Thus, they can carry hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, even simultaneously. Current applications of these nanocarriers are mainly in the cosmetic and pharmaceutic industries. Nevertheless, new research has revealed promising results regarding the effectiveness of liposomes for transporting bioactive compounds through the skin. Liposomes have been well studied; however, additional research is needed on the efficacy of liposomes loaded with bioactive peptides for skin delivery. The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date description of existing techniques for the development of liposomes and their use as transporters of bioactive compounds in skin conditions such as melanoma and skin inflammation. Furthermore, to gain an understanding of the behavior of liposomes during the process of skin delivery of bioactive compounds into skin cells.

Microencapsulation of Vanilla Oleoresin (V. planifolia Andrews) by Complex Coacervation and Spray Drying: Physicochemical and Microstructural Characterization.

Vanilla is one of the most popular species in the world. Its main compound, vanillin, is responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavor and its antioxidant and biological properties. Vanillin is very unstable in the presence of oxygen, light, and humidity, which complicates its use and preservation. Therefore, to solve this problem, this study aimed to develop vanilla oleoresin microcapsules. Vanilla oleoresin was obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide and microencapsulated by complex coacervation and subsequent spray drying (100 °C/60 °C inlet/outlet temperature). The optimal conditions for the complex coacervation process were 0.34% chitosan, 1.7% gum Arabic, 5.29 pH, and an oleoresin:wall material ratio of 1:2.5. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of the coacervates before and after spray drying revealed the presence of the functional group C=N (associated with carbonyl groups of vanillin and amino groups of chitosan), indicating that microencapsulation by complex coacervation-spray drying was successful. The retention and encapsulation efficiencies were 84.89 ± 1.94% and 69.20 ± 1.79%. The microcapsules obtained from vanilla oleoresin had high vanillin concentration and the presence of other volatile compounds and essential fatty acids. All this improves the aroma and flavor of the product, increasing its consumption and application in various food matrices.

Modification of In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity by Consumption of Cooked Chickpea in a Colon Cancer Model.

Chickpea has been classified as a nutraceutical food due to its phytochemical compounds, showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. To investigate this, we evaluated the effect of cooking on the nutritional and non-nutritional composition and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of chickpea seed. The latter was determined by the variation in the concentration of nitric oxide (NO), oxidized carbonyl groups (CO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the expression of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) in the colon of male BALB/c mice fed with a standard diet with 10 and 20% cooked chickpea (CC). We induced colon cancer in mice by administering azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS); for the evaluation, these were sacrificed 1, 7, and 14 weeks after the induction. Results show that cooking does not significantly modify (p < 0.05) nutritional compounds; however, it decreases the concentration of non-nutritional ones and, consequently, in vitro antioxidant activity. The in vivo evaluation showed that animals administered with AOM/DSS presented higher concentrations of NO, CO, MDA, and 4-HNE than those in animals without AOM/DSS administration. However, in the three evaluated times, these markers were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with CC consumption. The best effect on the oxidation markers was with the 20% CC diet, demonstrating the antioxidant potential of CC.

Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus paracasei CT12 Isolated from Water Kefir Grains (Tibicos).

The water kefir grains are a multi-species starter culture used to produce fermented beverages of sucrose solution with or without fruit extracts. The water kefir grains are known in Mexico as Tibicos, which are mainly used to produce Tepache, a traditional Mexican drink made by fermenting pineapple peel. The microbiota of Tibicos mainly include lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and since most probiotics belong to this group, Tibicos may represent a potential source of probiotic bacteria. Moreover, several bacteria isolated from kefir samples have been recognized as probiotics. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the probiotic properties of a Lactobacillus strain isolated from Tibicos. The isolated, designed as CT12, was identified as Lactobacillus paracasei by sequencing 16S RNA gene. L. paracasei CT12 showed a survival rate of ca. 57% and 40% following simulated gastric and intestinal digestion, respectively. Besides, the strain was sensitive to ampicillin and erythromycin, and exhibited hydrophobicity (97-99%), autoaggregation (ca. 70%) and mucin adhesion properties (up to 90%), while no possessed haemolytic capacity. Furthermore, its cell-free supernatant displayed relevant antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant capacity. Hence, L. paracasei CT12 appears to possess a potential probiotic value.

Prediction of coumarin and ethyl vanillin in pure vanilla extracts using MID-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Fourier transform mid-infrared (MID-FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis was used to identify and quantify coumarin (CMR) and ethyl vanillin (EVA) adulterations in pure vanilla extracts. Forty samples adulterated with CMR (0.25-10 ppm) and forty with EVA (0.25-10%) were prepared from pure vanilla extracts and characterized by MID-FTIR spectroscopy to develop chemometric models. Additionally, six commercial vanilla samples were analyzed. A soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) model was developed to identify and classify the purity from EVA-adulterated or CMR-adulterated samples. Prediction models for CMR or EVA content were developed using the principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares with single y-variables (PLS1), and with multiple y-variables (PLS2) algorithms. Moreover, the predictions of the best quantification chemometric model were compared with the results of a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method to evaluate the accuracy of the prediction. The PLS1 algorithm had better performance using 3 and 8 factors for EVA and CMR, respectively. The SIMCA model showed 100% recognition and rejections rates. The results demonstrate that adulteration of pure vanilla with EVA and CMR could be successfully predicted by the developed technique.

Protective Effect of Chickpea Protein Hydrolysates on Colon Carcinogenesis Associated With a Hypercaloric Diet.

OBJECTIVE: Colon cancer occupies the third place in incidence worldwide; eating habits, in particular, consumption of hypercaloric diets, are relevant in its etiopathogenesis. On the other hand, foods can also modulate carcinogenesis: for example, proteins, which when hydrolyzed release peptides with biological activities, and legumes, especially, chickpea, represent a good source of hydrolysates. The objective of this work was to verify the inhibitory effect of chickpea hydrolyzed protein on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced carcinogenesis in mice fed a hypercaloric diet. METHODS: We hydrolyzed chickpea protein by pepsin, pancreatin, and a combined pepsin-pancreatin system, to test its anticarcinogenic and hypercaloric activity in mice that had consumed a hypercaloric diet or a normal diet but were injected with azoxymethane (AOM). RESULTS: A concentrate (70% proteins) was obtained from chickpea seeds (18.5% proteins), and extensive hydrolysates were obtained at 15 minutes, in all tested enzyme systems. The greatest activity was evidenced in the hydrolysates obtained with pepsin-pancreatin at 90 minutes. Animals that consumed the hypercaloric diet had a higher concentration of cholesterol and a higher atherogenic index, which were significantly reduced with the administration of chickpea protein hydrolysates with a dose-response effect (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg), whereas no effect was observed in animals that consumed the normal diet. In animals given AOM, aberrant crypts were observed, at a higher rate in animals that consumed the hypercaloric diet; with the consumption of hydrolysates by the animals that consumed either diet, the number of aberrant crypts was reduced with the 3 doses tested, and the effect was better in those animals fed the hypercaloric diet. The best effect in all tests was with 30 mg/kg body weight. CONCLUSION: The consumption of chickpea protein hydrolysates might confer a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis.

Evaluation of the Probiotic Potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain (C41) Isolated from Tibicos by In Vitro Studies.

Artisanal fermented beverages have been associated with beneficial effects for a long time. In Mexico, there are a wide variety of artisanal fermented beverages such as Tepache, where the fermentation is initiated by the addition of grains of a polysaccharide-containing biofilm matrix formed by a symbiotic association of bacteria and yeasts known as "Tibicos." These microorganisms can be responsible for the beneficial effect associated with fermented beverages inoculated with Tibicos. The probiotic potential of microorganisms has been widely studied, mainly in lactic acid bacteria, while despite the wide distribution of yeasts, these have not been so studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the probiotic potential properties of a yeast isolated from Tibicos. For this, the yeast was identified by molecular techniques as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which showed a good resistance to pH 2.0, bile salts and in vitro digestion. The results also showed a good ability to form cellular aggregates as a result of having a hydrophobic surface. In addition, it can be considered as safe since it does not show hemolytic activity and is sensitive to nystatin. Additionally, the yeast presented an excellent antioxidant capacity to reduce the DPPH radical. The S. cerevisiae strain C41 isolated from Tibicos was successfully compared by means of in vitro tests with the only recognized probiotic yeast, S. boulardii. These findings point Saccharomyces cerevisiae C41 as a potentially probiotic yeast; nevertheless, it is necessary to consider further in vitro and in vivo studies that establish the benefits that this yeast could provide.

Chemopreventive and Antioxidant Effect of Polyphenol Free Spirulina maxima and Its Hydrolyzed Protein Content: Investigation on Azoxymethane Treated Mice.

BACKGROUND: Spirulina maxima (Sm) is known to have nutritive value as well as a number of potentially useful biomedical properties. OBJECTIVES: The initial purpose of this report was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the alga (without its polyphenol content), on the induction of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon aberrant crypts (AC) in mouse. Besides, we hydrolyzed the protein content of such mixture. Our second aim was to determine the inhibitory potential of this last plant mixture on the AOM-induced colon AC in mouse. Moreover, we also determined the effect of the two indicated Sm samples on the oxidative damage caused by AOM in the colon and liver of treated mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment lasted 5 weeks. At the end, we registered the level of AC, nitric oxide, and the lipid and protein oxidation. RESULTS: Our results showed the following: (1) the carcinogen increased more than 18 times the amount of the AC found in the control group. (2) On the contrary, the two tested mixtures of Sm produced a significant reduction over this damage (about 45%). (3) The two tested Sm mixtures were generally able to reduce the oxidative stress markers although with variable effects which go from 59% to 100% with respect to the control mice. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the present report established that the tested Sm fractions have mouse colon anticarcinogenic potential, partially related with their antioxidant capacity. Our report also suggested the need to further evaluate specific Sm chemicals as chemopreventive agents.

Caracterización física, nutricional y no nutricional de las semillas de Inga paterno / Physical, nutritional and non nutritional characterization of Inga paterno seeds

Inga paterno is a tree legume present in various states of Mexico whose sheath is consumed in someplaces as a fruit due seed coat is sweet (Aryl). Seeds are not commonly consumed and there are few studies about its composition. The physical characteristics, nutritional and non-nutritional composition of Inga paterno seeds from México State and Puebla were analyzed. The seeds showed a significant proportion of protein and lipid. The oil from the seeds showed higher proportion of palmitic acid. Non-nutritional compounds such as phenolics, tannins, phytates, saponins and trypsin inhibitors were quantified. The seeds of the two sources of origin showed no statistically significant difference in their physical, chemical and non-nutritional characteristics; however, unlike other legumes, they exhibit high saponins content and high inhibitory trypsin activity.

Inga paterno es una leguminosa arbórea, que crece varios estados de México. La vaina se consume como fruto, debido a la cubierta dulce (Arilo) de la semilla. Ésta última, no es comúnmente consumida. Las características físicas, composición nutricional y el contenido de compuestos no nutricionales presentes en las semillas de Inga paterno provenientes de los Estados de México y Puebla fueron analizados, mostrando que las semillas son de 1.6 y 1.9 cm largo y 0.9 y 1.08 cm de ancho. Los componentes químicos principales son: proteína (20.42 y 21.59 g/100 g), carbohidratos (28.99 y 36.15 g/100 g), lípidos (9.62 y 8.55 g/100 g) para las procedentes de Ozumba y Tochimilco, respectivamente. Los aceites de las semillas de Inga paterno presentaron una proporción importante de ácido palmítico, así como ácidos 7-octadecanoico, oleico, linoleico y alfa linolénico. Se cuantificaron los compuestos no nutricionales como fenólicos (0.55 y 0.54 mg eq. de ácido gálico/g), taninos (1.46 y 1.51 mg eq. de (+)-catequina/g), fitatos (2.66 y 2.04 mg de ácido fítico/g), saponinas (32.35 y 33.38 mg de diosgenina/g) e inhibidores de tripsina (311.97 y 351.21 mg de tripsina pura inhibida/g de muestra). Ambas semillas analizadas no presentaron diferencia estadísticamente significativa en sus características físicas, químicas y no nutricionales; sin embargo, éstas presentan una elevada actividad inhibitoria de tripsina comparada con otras leguminosas.

Hypocholesterolemic and Anticarcinogenic Effect of Vicia faba Protein Hydrolyzates.

In recent years, the consumption of vegetal-source proteins has been studied to determine their preventing effect on the development of several chronic diseases. The initial purpose of this report was to determine the effect of a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) given to mice, alone or with azoxymethane (AOM), on various obesity biochemical biomarkers, as well as on the induction of colon aberrant crypts (aberrant crypt foci; ACF). At the end of the 5-week assay, animals fed the HCD showed alterations in the level of total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins, and in the Atherogenic Index; besides, a significant elevation was observed in the number of ACF. Our second aim was to examine the effect of a Faba Protein Hydrolyzate (FPH) on mice fed the HCD. We first obtained protein hydrolyzates from the seeds of Vicia faba, determined the in vitro antioxidant potential with two tests, and, subsequently, evaluated the effect on obesity biomarkers and on the number of ACF. In the first case, we found that, generally, the best protective effect was obtained with the low dose of FPH (10 mg/kg) administered to animals fed the HCD, and injected AOM. With respect to the number of ACF, we observed that this dose was more effective, inhibiting such lesions to almost the level determined for the normocholesterolemic diet (NCD). Therefore, our results demonstrated the relevance of a HCD to develop anomalies in obesity biomarkers in mouse, as well as to increase the number of precarcinogenic lesions. Our results also showed a protective response with the administration of FPH, particularly with a specific dose, suggesting the need for extending research on the matter by widening the spectra of doses, in order to clearly define its potential to counteract the damage induced by the HCD, as well as to confirm if antioxidation in mice was involved in such an effect.

Jatropha curcas Protein Concentrate Stimulates Insulin Signaling, Lipogenesis, Protein Synthesis and the PKCα Pathway in Rat Liver.

Jatropha curcas is an oil seed plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Nontoxic genotypes have been reported in Mexico. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the effect of a Mexican variety of J. curcas protein concentrate (JCP) on weight gain, biochemical parameters, and the expression of genes and proteins involved in insulin signaling, lipogenesis, cholesterol and protein synthesis in rats. The results demonstrated that short-term consumption of JCP increased serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels as well as the expression of transcription factors involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis (SREBP-1 and LXRα). Moreover, there was an increase in insulin signaling mediated by Akt phosphorylation and mTOR. JCP also increased PKCα protein abundance and the activation of downstream signaling pathway targets such as the AP1 and NF-κB transcription factors typically activated by phorbol esters. These results suggested that phorbol esters are present in JCP, and that they could be involved in the activation of PKC which may be responsible for the high insulin secretion and consequently the activation of insulin-dependent pathways. Our data suggest that this Mexican Jatropha variety contains toxic compounds that produce negative metabolic effects which require caution when using in the applications of Jatropha-based products in medicine and nutrition.