Current perspectives on fenugreek bioactive compounds and their potential impact on human health: A review of recent insights into functional foods and other high value applications.

Despite long-standing uses in several food and medicine traditions, the full potential of the leguminous crop fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) remains to be realized in the modern diet. Not only its seeds, which are highly prized for their culinary and medicinal properties, but also its leaves and stems abound in phytochemicals with high nutritional and health promoting attributes. Fenugreek dual food-medicine applications and reported metabolic activities include hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, antihypertensive, anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory, and antinociceptive effects, with potential organ-protective effects at the cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, endocrine, and central nervous system levels. Effectiveness in alleviating certain inflammatory skin conditions and dysfunctions of the reproductive system was also suggested. As a food ingredient, fenugreek can enhance the sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical qualities of a wide variety of foods. Its high nutritive density can assist with the design of dietary items that meet the demand for novelty, variety, and healthier foods. Its seeds provide essential protective nutrients and other bioactive compounds, notably galactomannans, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils, whose health benefits, alone or in conjunction with other bioactives, are only beginning to be tapped into in the food industries. This review summarizes the current state of evidence on fenugreek potential for functional food development, focusing on the nutrients and non-nutrient bioactive components of interest from a dietary perspective, and their applications for enhancing the functional and nutraceutical value of foods and beverages. New developments, safety, clinical evidence, presumed mechanisms of action, and future perspectives are discussed. HIGHLIGHTS: Fenugreek seeds and leaves have long-standing uses in the food-medicine continuum. Fenugreek phytochemicals exert broad-spectrum biological and pharmacological activities. They show high preventive and nutraceutical potential against common chronic diseases. Current evidence supports multiple mechanisms of action mediated by distinct bioactives. Opportunities for fenugreek-based functional foods and nutraceuticals are expanding.

Impact of ultrasonication on the contents, profiles and biofunctional properties of free and bound phenolics from white desert truffle (Tirmania nivea) and its protein fractions.

The molecular and biofunctional properties of protein and phenolic fractions in edible truffles remain largely unknown. This study examined the effect of ultrasonication on the contents, profiles, and bioactive properties of free and bound phenolics (FP and BP) from desert truffle (Tirmania nivea) and its protein fractions. Protein fractions from the Osborne extraction scheme were biochemically and structurally characterized. The albumin fraction showed the highest abundance (16.8%) and yield (35.8%). Total phenolic contents were the highest in non-sonicated samples (3.5-34.1 mg/g), particularly in the albumin fraction and in whole truffle. FP extracted at 30 °C (FP-30 °C) accounted for the largest proportion of total phenolics in all protein fractions, whereas BP-30 °C and FP-60 °C were predominant in non-sonicated and sonicated truffle, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained with FP-30 °C extracts from non-sonicated albumins, globulins and truffle (91.9, 72.7 and 30.0%), followed by BP-30 °C from non-sonicated albumins (25.4%) and FP-60 °C from sonicated glutelins-1 (24.2%). High inhibition of α-amylase was evidenced in several extracts, including FP-30 °C from non-sonicated glutelins-1 (99.2%) and FP-30 °C from sonicated globulins (72.4%). Several extracts also displayed high inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), including FP-60 °C from non-sonicated glutelins-1 (65.1%) and sonicated glutelins-1 (71.1%) and globulins (64.7%). Most extracts were rich in epicatechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and catechin. Correlations between phenolic content, antioxidant activity, anti-α-amylase and anti-ACE activities were influenced by sonication. Sonication reduced the particle size of the proteins and modified their structural characteristics. These findings demonstrate that white desert truffle proteins co-occur with bioactive phenolics whose functionalities can be tailored by protein fractionation and sonication.

Functional and Bioactive Properties of Wheat Protein Fractions: Impact of Digestive Enzymes on Antioxidant, α-Amylase, and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Potential.

This research aimed to determine the biofunctional properties of wheat flour (WF) protein fractions and modifications to the antioxidant, anti-α-amylase and anti-angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activities induced by the action of digestive endopeptidases in vitro. A molecular characterization of the most abundant protein fractions, i.e., albumins, glutelins-1, glutelins-2 and prolamins, showed that low- and high-MW polypeptides rich in cysteine, glutamic acid and leucine were present in albumins and glutelins, whereas low-MW subunits with a high proportion of polar amino acids prevailed in prolamins. Prolamins exhibited the second-highest water holding capacity (54%) after WF (84%), while albumins provided superior foam stability (76%). Prolamins, glutenins-1 and globulins demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (up to 95%, 68% and 59%, respectively) both before and after hydrolysis with pepsin (P-H) or trypsin-chymotrypsin (TC-H). Prolamins, globulins and WF strongly inhibited α-amylase (>90%) before and after TC-H, and before P-H (55-71%). Moreover, P-H significantly increased α-amylase inhibition by albumins from 53 to 74%. The fractions with strong ACE inhibitory activity (70-89%) included prolamins and globulins after TC-H or P-H, as well as globulins before TC-H and WF before P-H. This novel evidence indicates that WF protein fractions and their peptide-enriched P and TC hydrolysates are excellent sources of multifunctional bioactives with antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive potential.

Royal jelly mediates fibrotic signaling, collagen cross-linking and cell proliferation in cardiac fibroblasts.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a multifunctional bee product with a unique composition and wide-ranging biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities. Still, little is known about the possible myocardial protective properties of RJ. Considering that sonication could enhance RJ bioactivity, this study aimed to assess the effects of non-sonicated (NS) and sonicated (S) RJ on fibrotic signaling, cell proliferation, and collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts. S-RJ was produced by ultrasonication at 20 kHz. Ventricular fibroblasts isolated from neonatal rats were cultured and treated with different concentrations of NS-RJ or S-RJ (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µg/well). S-RJ significantly depressed the expression levels of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) mRNA across all the concentrations tested and was inversely associated with the expression of this profibrotic marker. S-RJ and NS-RJ displayed distinct dose-dependent effects on mRNA expression of several other profibrotic, proliferation, and apoptotic markers. Unlike NS-RJ, S-RJ elicited strong negative dose-dependent relationships with the expression of profibrotic markers (TG2, COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, CTGF, MMP-2, α-SMA, TGF-ß1, CX43, periostin), as well as proliferation (CCND1) and apoptotic (BAX, BAX/BCL-2) markers, indicating that RJ dose-response effects were significantly modified by sonification. NS-RJ and S-RJ increased the content of soluble collagen, while decreasing collagen cross-linking. Collectively, these findings show that S-RJ has a greater range of action than NS-RJ for downregulating the expression of biomarkers associated with cardiac fibrosis. Reduced biomarker expression and collagen cross-linkages upon cardiac fibroblast treatment with specific concentrations of S-RJ or NS-RJ suggests putative roles and mechanisms by which RJ may confer some protection against cardiac fibrosis.

Inhibition of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) ameliorates ventricular fibrosis in isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats.

AIMS: Transglutaminase (TG) inhibitors represent promising therapeutic interventions in cardiac fibrosis and related dysfunctions. However, it remains unknown how TG inhibition, TG2 in particular, affects the signaling systems that drive pathological fibrosis. This study aimed to examine the effect TG inhibition by cystamine on the progression of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of ISO to rats (ISO group), followed by 6 weeks of cystamine injection (ISO + Cys group). The control groups were administered normal saline alone or with cystamine. Hemodynamics, lipid profile, liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine were assessed in conjunction with heart failure markers (serum NT-proANP and cTnI). Left ventricular (LV) and atrial (LA) fibrosis, total collagen content, and mRNA expression of profibrotic markers including TG2 were quantified by Masson's trichrome staining, LC-MS/MS and quantitative PCR, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: Cystamine administration to ISO rats significantly decreased diastolic and mean arterial pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine levels, while increasing HDL. NT-proANP and cTnI serum levels remained unchanged. In LV tissues, significant reductions in ISO-induced fibrosis and elevated total collagen content were achieved after cystamine treatment, together with a reduction in TG2 concentration. Reduced mRNA expression of several profibrotic genes (COL1A1, FN1, MMP-2, CTGF, periostin, CX43) was also evidenced in LV tissues of ISO rats upon cystamine administration, whereas TGF-ß1 expression was depressed in LA tissues. Cystamine decreased TG2 mRNA expression in the LV of control rats, while LV expression of TG2 was relatively low in ISO rats irrespective of cystamine treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: TG2 inhibition by cystamine in vivo exerted cardioprotective effects against ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis in rats decreasing the LV abundance of several profibrotic markers and the content of TG2 and collagen, suggesting that TG2 pharmacological inhibition could be beneficial to alleviate cardiac fibrosis.

Involvement and possible role of transglutaminases 1 and 2 in mediating fibrotic signalling, collagen cross-linking and cell proliferation in neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts.

Transglutaminase (TG) isoforms control diverse normal and pathophysiologic processes through their capacity to cross-link extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Their functional and signalling roles in cardiac fibrosis remain poorly understood, despite some evidence of TG2 involvement in abnormal ECM remodelling in heart diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of TG1 and TG2 in mediating fibrotic signalling, collagen cross-linking, and cell proliferation in healthy fibroblasts by siRNA-mediated knockdown. siRNA for TG1, TG2 or negative control was transfected into cultured neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. mRNA expression of TGs and profibrotic, proliferation and apoptotic markers was assessed by qPCR. Cell proliferation and soluble and insoluble collagen were determined by ELISA and LC-MS/MS, respectively. TG1 and TG2 were both expressed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts before transfection. Other TGs were not detected before and after transfection. TG2 was predominantly expressed and more effectively silenced than TG1. Knocking down TG1 or TG2 significantly modified profibrotic markers mRNA expression in fibroblasts, decreasing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and increasing transforming growth factor-ß1 compared to the negative siRNA control. Reduced expression of collagen 3A1 was found upon TG1 knockdown, while TG2 knockdown raised α-smooth muscle actin expression. TG2 knockdown further increased fibroblast proliferation and the expression of proliferation marker cyclin D1. Lower insoluble collagen content and collagen cross-linking were evidenced upon silencing TG1 or TG2. Transcript levels of collagen 1A1, fibronectin 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, cyclin E2, and BCL-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio were strongly correlated with TG1 mRNA expression, whereas TG2 expression correlated strongly with CTGF mRNA abundance. These findings support a functional and signalling role for TG1 and TG2 from fibroblasts in regulating key processes underlying myocardial ECM homeostasis and dysregulation, suggesting that these isoforms could be potential and promising targets for the development of cardiac fibrosis therapies.

Implications of enigmatic transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in cardiac diseases and therapeutic developments.

Cardiac diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Mounting evidence suggests that transglutaminases (TGs), tissue TG (TG2) in particular, are involved in numerous molecular responses underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases. The TG family has several intra- and extracellular functions in the human body, including collagen cross-linking, angiogenesis, cell growth, differentiation, migration, adhesion as well as survival. TGs are thiol- and calcium-dependent acyl transferases that catalyze the formation of a covalent bond between the γ-carboxamide group of a glutamine residue and an amine group, thus increasing the stability, rigidity, and stiffness of the myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive accumulation of cross-linked collagen leads to increase myocardial stiffness and fibrosis. Beyond TG2 extracellular protein cross-linking action, increasing evidence suggests that this pleiotropic TG isozyme may also promote fibrotic diseases through cell survival and profibrotic pathway activation at the signaling, transcriptional and translational levels. Due to its multiple functions and localizations, TG2 fulfils critical yet incompletely understood roles in myocardial fibrosis and associated heart diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and age-related myocardial stiffness under several conditions. This review summarizes current knowledge and existing gaps regarding the ECM-dependent and ECM-independent roles of TG2 and highlights the therapeutic prospects of targeting TG2 to treat cardiac diseases.

Protocol for SYNchronising Exercises, Remedies in GaIt and Cognition at Home (SYNERGIC@Home): feasibility of a home-based double-blind randomised controlled trial to improve gait and cognition in individuals at risk for dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Physical exercise and cognitive training have the potential to enhance cognitive function and mobility in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD), but little is known about the feasibility of delivering multidomain interventions in home settings of older adults at risk of ADRD. This study aims to assess the feasibility of home-based delivery of exercise and cognitive interventions, and to evaluate the relationship between participants' intervention preferences and their subsequent adherence. Secondary objectives include the effect of the interventions on ADRD risk factors, including frailty, mobility, sleep, diet and psychological health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The SYNchronising Exercises, Remedies in GaIt and Cognition at Home (SYNERGIC@Home) feasibility trial is a randomised control trial that follows a 2×2 factorial design, with a 16-week home-based intervention programme (3 sessions per week) of physical exercises and cognitive training. Participants will be randomised in blocks of four to one of the following four arms: (1) combined exercise (aerobic and resistance)+cognitive training (NEUROPEAK); (2) combined exercise+control cognitive training (web searching); (3) control exercise (balance and toning)+cognitive training; and (4) control exercise+control cognitive training. SYNERGIC@Home will be implemented through video conferencing. Baseline and post-intervention assessments at 4-month and 10-month follow-up will include measures of cognition, frailty, mobility, sleep, diet and psychological health. Primary feasibility outcome is adherence to the interventions. Primary analytic outcome is the relationship between pre-allocation preference for a given intervention and subsequent adherence to the allocated intervention. A series of secondary analytic outcomes examining the potential effect of the individual and combined interventions on cognitive, mobility and general well-being will be measured at baseline and follow-up. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was granted by the relevant research ethics boards. Findings of the study will be presented to stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals and at provincial, national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04997681, Pre-results.

Development of a nutrition management software based on selected Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes to support personalized diet and weight management.

The nutrient composition of 50 commonly consumed Jordanian food dishes was determined to support the development of a novel nutrition management system designed to assist with dietary intake assessment and diet management. Composite dishes were selected by interviewing households located in the northern region of Jordan. For each dish, five different recipes were collected from experienced chefs and the typical recipe was formulated based on the average weights of ingredients and net weight of the dish. Proximate composition as well as vitamin and mineral contents were determined and related to ingredient composition and cooking conditions. The newly created food composition database was used to develop a user-centric nutrition management software tailored to reflect the characteristics of the Jordanian diet with representative items from this diet. This novel nutrition management system is customizable, enabling users to build daily meal plans in accordance with personalized dietary needs and goals.

Characterization and biological properties of peptides isolated from dried fermented cow milk products by RP-HPLC: Amino acid composition, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties.

This study aimed to assess the biological properties of peptide fractions isolated from dried fermented dairy products (jameed) as influenced by processing. Peptide fractions were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) from salted (Sa) and unsalted (Us) cow milk jameed after drying the fermented curd by sun drying (Sd) or freeze-drying (Fd) and were characterized for their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory activity toward angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and α-amylase. Sd samples showed more numerous peptide peaks in RP-HPLC chromatograms than Fd samples, regardless of the salt content. High antioxidant activity was evidenced in several peptide fractions from FdUs jameed (including fractions 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10), SdUs jameed (1, 2, 5, 7, and 9), and FdSa jameed (2, 5, 6, and 9). By contrast, peptide fractions from SdSa (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 9), SdUs (4, 5, and 10), and FdUs (5, 6, and 8) jameed displayed the highest ACE inhibitory activity. Similarly, the highest inhibition of α-amylase was obtained with fractions from SdSa (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9), SdUs (2 and 6), and FdUs (1, 7 and 9) jameed. A significant negative correlation was evidenced between antioxidant activity and anti-α-amylase activity of peptide fractions from SdSa jameed. These findings demonstrate that cow milk jameed is a source of bioactive peptides with antioxidant, anti-ACE, and anti-α-amylase properties in vitro, which can be tailored by adjusting the salt content and the drying conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study shows that cow milk jameed, a staple fermented food in several Mediterranean countries, can serve as a useful source of multifunctional bioactive peptides with potential antioxidant, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic effects, which may help prevent and manage chronic health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. The bioactivities of certain peptide fractions were enhanced by lowering the salt content of jameed or by the drying method. The relatively simple RP-HPLC method described in this study can be used to isolate the peptide fractions of interest for further characterization and use as functional ingredients.

Harvesting of Microalgae Biomass Using Ceramic Microfiltration at High Cross-Flow Velocity.

This study aimed to investigate the harvesting of microalgae by microfiltration (MF) on a ceramic membrane at relatively high cross-flow velocity (CFV) of interest for commercial processes. Pilot-scale harvesting was conducted with algal suspensions (Chlorella vulgaris and Tisochrysis lutea (T-Iso)) and algal supernatants (Porphyridium cruentum) to assess the effect of feedstock characteristics and understand flux decline mechanisms. In total recycle mode (C. vulgaris, 1 g/L), high steady-state permeation flux around 200 L/m2/h was achieved. Total filtration resistance was mainly due to cake resistance (Rc, 57%) and pore adsorption and blocking (Ra, 40%). The process hydrodynamic conditions seemed to have relatively little effect on Chlorella cell integrity. In concentration mode, average permeate flux decreased from 441 to 73 L/m2/h with increasing feed concentration (C. vulgaris, 0.25-1 g/L); the contribution of Rc decreased (82 to 57%), while that of Ra rose (7 to 40%). With T-Iso suspensions and P. cruentum supernatants at 1 g/L, average permeate flux was 59 and 49 L/m2/h, respectively, with predominance of Rc and Ra, respectively. Distinct fouling mechanisms were inferred to explain the superior filterability of C. vulgaris. The results show that ceramic membrane MF at relatively high CFV could be a suitable option for harvesting certain microalgae including C. vulgaris.

Transforming child and youth mental health care: ACCESS Open Minds New Brunswick in the rural Francophone region of the Acadian Peninsula.

AIM: This paper describes how the transformation of youth mental health services in the rural Francophone region of the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada, is meeting the five objectives of ACCESS Open Minds. METHODS: Implementation of the ACCESS Open Minds framework of care in the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick began in 2016 at a well-established volunteer centre and community-based mental health organization. Through focus groups with youth aged 14 to 22 (n = 13), community mapping was used to describe the youth-related mental health service transformation, followed by thematic analysis, validation by member checking and triangulation. RESULTS: Preliminary results show a generally successful implementation of the ACCESS Open Minds model, as evidenced by the transformation of mental health service provision, the enhancement of capacity in human resources and the participation of youth. Transformation was evidenced across the five objectives of mental healthcare of ACCESS Open Minds, albeit to variable extents. Several facilitating factors and challenges are identified based on youths' accounts. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to successfully implement the ACCESS Open Minds model among francophones living in a minority setting and despite the constraints of a rural area. Most key components of the framework were implemented with high program fidelity. The rural context presents unique challenges that require creative and effective use of resources, while offering opportunities that arise from a culture of resourcefulness and collaboration.

Analysis of Triphenylmethane Dye Residues and their Leuco-Forms in Frozen Fish by LC-MS/MS, Fish Microbial Quality, and Effect of Immersion in Whole Milk on Dye Removal.

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was validated and used to quantify crystal violet (CV), leucocrystal violet (LCV), malachite green (MG), leucomalachite green (LMG), and brilliant green (BG) residues in frozen fish (121 samples) from various countries, in order to detect the use of prohibited antibiotic dyes in fish for human consumption. The microbial quality of the fish was also assessed along with the effectiveness of a simple treatment with whole fat milk to reduce the levels of CV and LCV contamination. CV and LCV were the only two residues detected. They were found in farmed Pangasius (0.362 to 41.34 µg/kg and 0.178 to 10.58 µg/kg, respectively) and Tilapia (1.24 to 9.48 µg/kg and 1.29 to 2.81 µg/kg). Based on aerobic plate count (APC), 74%, 59%, and 55% of the samples of Tilapia fillets (from China) and Pangasius fillets (United Arab Emirates and Vietnam), and 100% and 50% of the skin samples of Hake (Argentina and U.S.A.) were of unacceptable microbial quality (APC > 107 cfu/g). Human pathogens, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio spp., were detected in most fish. A significant reduction in CV and LCV concentrations by more than a third was achieved after immersing Pangasius and Tilapia fillets in whole fat milk for 120 minutes. These findings support the necessity of regular inspections and monitoring of CV and other antibiotic dye residues in fish, along with routine assessments of fish microbial quality, in order to protect public health. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The described LC-MS/MS method can be used to rapidly and simultaneously quantify antibiotic dye residues in frozen fish. CV and LCV were detected in farmed Pangasius and Tilapia fillets and their concentrations was reduced by more than one third after immersing the fillets in whole milk for 120 min, a treatment which is not intended to replace safe fish farming practices upstream to artificially lower the level of banned dyes in fish. The findings support the necessity of regular inspections and monitoring of CV and other antibiotic dye residues in fish, along with assessments of fish microbial quality, to protect public health.

Coencapsulation of Polyphenols and Anthocyanins from Blueberry Pomace by Double Emulsion Stabilized by Whey Proteins: Effect of Homogenization Parameters.

Blueberry pomace is a rich source of high-value bioactive polyphenols with presumed health benefits. Their incorporation into functional foods and health-related products benefits from coencapsulation and protection of polyphenol-rich extracts in suitable carriers. This study aimed to create a water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsion system suitable for the coencapsulation of total phenolics (TP) and anthocyanins (TA) from a polyphenol-rich extract of blueberry pomace (W1). The effect of critical physical parameters for preparing stable double emulsions, namely homogenization pressure, stirring speed and time, was investigated by measuring the hydrodynamic diameter, size dispersity and zeta potential of the oil droplets, and the encapsulation efficiency of TP and TA. The oil droplets were negatively charged (negative zeta potential values), which was related to the pH and composition of W2 (whey protein isolate solution) and suggests stabilization by the charged whey proteins. Increasing W1/O/W2 microfluidization pressure from 50 to 200 MPa or homogenization speed from 6000 to 12,000 rpm significantly increased droplet diameter and zeta potential and decreased TA and TP encapsulation efficiency. Increasing W1/O/W2 homogenization time from 15 to 20 min also increased droplet diameter and zeta potential and lowered TA encapsulation efficiency, while TP encapsulation did not vary significantly. In contrast, increasing W1/O homogenization time from 5 to 10 min at 10,000 rpm markedly increased TA encapsulation efficiency and reduced droplet diameter and zeta potential. High coencapsulation rates of blueberry polyphenols and anthocyanins around 80% or greater were achieved when the oil droplets were relatively small (mean diameter < 400 nm), with low dispersity (<0.25) and a high negative surface charge (-40 mV or less). These characteristics were obtained by homogenizing for 10 min at 10,000 rpm (W1/O), then 6000 rpm for 15 min, followed by microfluidization at 50 MPa.

Influence of Extraction Conditions on Ultrasound-Assisted Recovery of Bioactive Phenolics from Blueberry Pomace and Their Antioxidant Activity.

The increase in diet-related chronic diseases has prompted the search for health-promoting compounds and methods to ensure their quality. Blueberry pomace is a rich yet underutilized source of bioactive polyphenols. For these high-value bioactive molecules, ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) is an attractive and green alternative to conventional extraction techniques for improving purity and yields. This study aimed to assess the impact of USAE parameters (sonication time, solvent composition, solid/liquid ratio, pH and temperature) on the recovery of phenolic compounds from blueberry pomace and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents (TPC, TFC and TAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity were analysed. USAE in 50% ethanol/water was the most efficient, yielding the highest TPC (22.33 mg/g dry matter (DM)), TFC (19.41 mg/g DM), TAC (31.32 mg/g DM) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (41.79 mg Trolox/g DM). USAE in water showed the lowest values even at low (1/40) solid/liquid ratio (7.85 mg/g DM, 3.49 mg/g DM, and 18.96 mg/g DM for TPC, TFC and TAC, respectively). Decreasing the solid/liquid ratio in water or 50% ethanol significantly increased TPC, TFC, TAC and DPPH radical scavenging. With ethanol, increasing the temperature in the range 20⁻40 °C decreased TPC but increased TFC and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Anthocyanin profiles of water and ethanolic extracts were qualitatively similar, consisting of malvidin, delphinidin, petunidin and cyanidin. These findings indicate that USAE is a method of choice for extracting high-value bioactive phenolics from blueberry pomace. Selective enrichment of different phenolic fractions is possible under select extraction conditions.

Occurrence, types, properties and interactions of phenolic compounds with other food constituents in oil-bearing plants.

Phenolic phytochemicals have become of interest due to their therapeutic potential, particularly with regards to their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. An evolving area of research involving phenolics in foods and their products pertains to the functional, biological, and nutritional consequences resulting from the binding between certain phenolic compounds and the macronutrient and micronutrient constituents of foods. The goal of this review is to provide a summary of studies investigating endogenous phenolic interactions with major components in food systems, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins, with a focus on the phenolic compounds and nutrients in oil-bearing plants. Another major objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical nature of phenolic interactions with food constituents that could affect the quality, nutritional and functional properties of foods. Such information can assist in the discovery and optimization of specific phenolic complexes in plant-based foods that could be utilized towards various applications in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Profiles of free and bound phenolics extracted from Citrus fruits and their roles in biological systems: content, and antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties.

This study of selected plants of the Rutaceae family was carried out to investigate their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and the in vitro inhibitory potential of extracted phenolics towards enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia and hypertension. The phenolic content, antioxidant activity and phenolic extract-mediated inhibitory activities for α-glucosidase and α-amylase were evaluated by spectrophotometry. The content of individual phenolics and the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of the phenolic extracts were evaluated by LC/MS-MS and RP-HPLC methods, respectively. A higher percentage of free phenolic content was seen for all the selected plants of the Rutaceae family (85.43-92.82% of the total phenolic content) than of the bound form (7.18-14.57% of total phenolic content). The major predominant bound phenolic in lemon and red blood orange was hesperidin. The major predominant bound phenolic in pummelo, shamouti and clementine was ferulic acid. The highest ACE and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the extracted phenolics from lemon was associated with free phenolic extracts obtained at 30 °C with values of 100% inhibition. Red blood orange free phenolic extract (30 °C) elicited the highest α-amylase inhibition activity (32.3%). In contrast, extracted bound phenolics after acid and base hydrolysis from all selected plants from the Citrus species were shown to induce activation of the ACE and α-amylase enzymes.

Type 1 diabetes impairs vitamin B(6) metabolism at an early stage of women's adulthood.

Vitamin B(6) (pyridoxine) metabolism in diabetes has never been investigated except for a few reports on plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). These studies indicated that this most active (coenzyme) vitamer can be reduced. The present clinical investigation aimed to measure all vitamers in blood and urine by high performance liquid chromatography as well as important related factors, in women during active reproductive years. Thirty-two insulin-treated type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients, without renal complication, and 27 well-matched healthy controls, aged 30 to 40 years old, were recruited using rigorous criteria. Both groups had normal hemoglobin and serum albumin levels. Plasma PLP and pyridoxal (PL) did not differ significantly in the T1D group but alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was greater (p < 0.01). This produced a shift in plasma PLP-PL profile, as evidenced by a lower plasma PLP/PL ratio (p < 0.05). Enhanced ALP activity meant more PLP being dephosphorylated to PL (the membrane transfer form), with more ending up in erythrocytes to be rephosphorylated in its active form, as suggested by the significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) between plasma PL and erythrocyte PLP. More PL into blood circulation also means more oxidation of this vitamer to 4'-pyridoxic acid in kidneys, as confirmed by the positive correlation between plasma PL and urinary 4'-pyridoxic acid (p < 0.001). The positive correlation (p < 0.001) between ALP activity and glycosylated hemoglobin indicated a direct effect of the disease. The T1D-induced alteration in vitamin B(6) metabolism, consecutive to enhanced ALP activity, may put patients at greater risk of vitamin B(6) deficiency and diabetic complications.

Bone metabolic abnormalities associated with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (IDDM) in young adult women: a disease complication often ignored or neglected.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation on a homogenous cohort of young adult Caucasian type 1 diabetic (IDDM) patients (1) aimed at studying the occurrence of low bone mineral density (BMD) at an early stage prior to menopause (i.e., during the first decade after peak bone mass) and (2) elucidating the possible mechanisms underlying IDDM-induced bone complication. METHODS: Twenty-seven female patients with insulin-treated and well-controlled diabetes, without renal complications, and 32 well-matched healthy controls, aged between 30 and 40 years and fulfilling rigorous inclusion criteria to minimize bone-confounding factors, were enrolled. Areal BMD was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at axial (lumbar spine) and appendicular (femur) sites, using diagnostic WHO reference (T-scores). Osteoblast functions, bone metabolism, related key minerals, and 2 osteoclast-stimulating calciotropic hormones regulating their serum levels were assessed biochemically. RESULTS: The number of cases with low BMD (T-score below -1.1 SD) was almost 2-fold greater (p < 0.01) in the IDDM group. BMD was significantly lower in this group for 3 lumbar sites (p < 0.01) and femur Ward's triangle (p < 0.05). Bone formation was reduced, as evidenced by the suppressions of osteocalcin (OC; p < 0.01) and IGF-I (p < 0.001). However, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP) was induced (p < 0.01), in contrast to what is usually observed in cases of reduced bone formation. Correlated total ALP activity was also significantly increased. There was no change in the specific marker of bone resorption (urinary deoxypyridinoline). Serum calcium was significantly elevated, particularly after adjustment for albumin (p < 0.001), despite lower 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (p < 0.001) and no elevation of PTH. All significant bone-related biochemical changes were significantly correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin, a clinical indicator of long-term glycemic control, indicating a direct effect of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Bone loss in the IDDM group results from a decrease in bone formation rather than an increase of bone resorption. The induction of bALP is indicative of impaired osteoblast differentiation and maturation, which delayed (down-regulated) later stages of matrix mineralization, as evidenced by lower OC and BMD.

Coexistence of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease risk factors in apparently healthy, untreated postmenopausal women.

This study aimed to determine whether apparently healthy, untreated postmenopausal women at risk of osteoporosis relative to nonmenopausal women are concomitantly at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in terms of various aspects of lifestyle, personality, body shape and composition, and blood chemistry. Two homogeneous groups of 30 women having reached menopause for 3-5 years and 30 nonmenopausal controls, all non-estrogen users without apparent CVD risk factors, were compared in a cross-sectional design. Data related to physical activity, dietary intakes, personality type, anthropometry, and skinfold-thickness were collected. Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and serum lipids were measured and used as biochemical predictors of osteoporosis and CVD, respectively. Compared to nonmenopausal controls, postmenopausal women were at greater risk of bone loss given their lower plasma IGF-1, lower physical activity level, and even given their higher serum lipids, as recent literature suggests. Moreover, their dietary calcium intake fulfilled only 70% of the current recommendation, which may reduce protection against osteoporosis and CVD (particularly hypertension) as well. The two groups did not differ regarding energy intake, body weight and frame size, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio (WHR). However, postmenopausal subjects had more adipose tissue and differed in terms of lifestyle factors (lower dietary lipids and greater alcohol consumption). While neither group was at particular risk of CVD according to waist circumference, WHR, and serum triglycerides, postmenopausal women were at risk according to percent body adiposity and serum cholesterol. This study shows that several risk factors for osteoporosis and CVD can coexist in apparently healthy postmenopausal women after a few years of natural menopause. It emphasizes the need for a timely screening that would stress both heart and bone risk factors.