Effects of sorghum rice and black rice on genes associated with cholesterol metabolism in hypercholesterolemic mice liver and intestine

Probiotics Combined with Metformin Improves Sperm Parameters in Obese Male Mice through Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota Equilibrium

The decline in sperm parameters among obese males has attracted significant scholarly interest. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in obesity, and investigating the intestinal-reproductive axis may offer a novel molecular approach to addressing the decline in male sperm parameters caused by obesity. To clarify whether probiotics, either alone or in conjunction with metformin, can enhance sperm parameters in obese male mice and assess the underlying mechanisms involved. 6-week-old male mice were constructed as obese models. Probiotics and metformin were used as intervention conditions. Changes in inflammatory factors and ROS content were detected by ELISA, morphological changes in testicular and colon tissues were observed by H&E staining, changes in intestinal microbiota abundance were detected by 16SrRNA gene sequencing, and changes in metabolites such as blood glucose, blood lipids, and lipopolysaccharide were detected by biochemical testing to investigate the mechanism of probiotics, metformin, and their combination to ameliorate reproductive impairment in obese male mice. Our results revealed that high-fat diet would result in reduced testicular spermatogenic tubule hierarchy, decreased spermatogenic cell counts, decreased sperm concentration and motility, and altered abundance of intestinal microbiota, whereas the combination of probiotics and metformin could restore high-fat-mediated pathophysiological alterations thereby ameliorating spermatogenic disorders in mice. The combination of probiotics and metformin can attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress, while enhancing androgen production to improve testicular spermatogenic function by re-construction intestinal microbiota equilibrium in HFD mice.

Effects of a Sorghum Beverage with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei on Body Composition, Lipid Profiles, and Intestinal Health in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized Single-Blind Pilot Study

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extruded whole-grain sorghum beverage containing L. paracasei on body composition, lipid profiles, and intestinal health in overweight and obese adults. (2) Methods: A chronic, single-blind randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 30 volunteers allocated to three groups (n = 10/group): extruded sorghum beverage (ESB), extruded sorghum beverage with L. paracasei (ESPB), and control beverage (CB) (waxy maize starch). The chemical composition of the beverages was analyzed. Volunteers consumed the beverages for ten weeks at breakfast, along with individual dietary prescriptions. Body composition, biochemical markers, gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acids, fecal pH, and stool L. paracasei DNA concentration were analyzed at the beginning and end of the intervention period. (3) Results: The ESB showed better composition than the CB, particularly in terms of resistant starch content, total phenolic compounds, condensed tannins, and antioxidant capacity. Both the ESB and the ESPB had an effect on body composition (estimated total visceral fat and waist volume), biochemical markers (Castelli index I), and intestinal health (Bristol scale, diarrhea score, valeric acid, and L. paracasei DNA concentration). No changes were observed in the CB group after the intervention. (4) Conclusions: Whole-grain sorghum beverages demonstrated good nutritional value, and consumption of these beverages, with or without L. paracasei, provided health benefits, including improvements in body composition, Castelli index I scores, and intestinal health, in overweight and obese adults.

Genetic variability among lowland sorghum accessions collected from southern Ethiopia for grain quality traits

The study was carried out to assess the nature and magnitude of genetic variability for grain quality traits in lowland sorghum accessions. Understanding genetic diversity and trait association is crucial to designing an effective breeding plan to develop nutrient-rich varieties. Two hundred twenty-five accessions were evaluated using a simple lattice design with two replications at Weioto. Prepared samples per replication were scanned by mixing the grains and repacking the sample cup after each scan. Analysis of grain quality traits revealed significant (P ≥ 0.01) differences among the genotypes indicating a good chance for genetic improvement. Genotypic means of nutritional content showed that amylose (Am) content ranged from 19.11 to 20.80%, ash value ranged from 0.37 to 3.14%, starch content ranged from 42.29 to 72.77%, and protein (pr) in dry basis ranged from 2.62 to 10.45%. Similarly, iron (Fe) ranged from 1.38 to 73.21 ppm, zinc (Zn) ranged from 16.8 to 66.02 ppm, and tannin content ranged between -0.08 and 9105.21%. Broad-sense heritability (h2b) of all grain quality attributes such as amylose; ash; starch; moisture; iron; zinc; protein, and tannin was in the range of 13-92%. Principal component analysis showed the first three principal components with an eigenvalue equal to or greater than unity adequately explain the variation in the data. Significant positive genetic correlations (P < 0.001) with amylase, starch, iron, and zinc, while tannin had a weak association with grain yield. This result declares/signifies/a good prospect of southern Ethiopia lowland sorghum accessions for genetic improvement in grain yield and quality traits.

Involvement of intestinal flora and miRNA into the mechanism of coarse grains improving type 2 diabetes: an overview

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been growing at an increasing rate worldwide. Dietary therapy is probably the easiest and least expensive method to prevent and treat diabetes. Previous studies have reported that coarse grains have anti-diabetic effects. Although considerable efforts have been made on the anti-diabetic function of different grains, the mechanisms of coarse grains on type 2 diabetes have not been systematically compared and summarized so far. Intestinal flora, reported as the main 'organ' of action underlying coarse grains, is an important factor in the alleviation of type 2 diabetes by coarse grains. Furthermore, microRNA (miRNA), as a new disease marker and 'dark nutrient', plays a likely influential role in cross-border communication among coarse grains, intestinal flora, and hosts. Given this context, this article reviews several possible mechanisms for the role of coarse grains on diabetes, incorporating resistance to inflammation and oxidative stress, repair of insulin signaling and β-cell dysfunction, and highlights the regulation of intestinal flora disorders and miRNAs expression, along with some novel insights. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization and the cholesterol-lowering effect of dietary fiber from fermented black rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Black rice was fermented with Neurospora crassa, after which the dietary fiber (DF) extracted from it was characterized and evaluated for its cholesterol-lowering effect in mice. The findings demonstrated that fermentation increased the level of soluble DF from 17.27% ± 0.12 to 29.69% ± 0.26 and increased the adsorption capacity of DF for water, oil, cholesterol, glucose and sodium cholate. The fermented DF had a more loose and porous structure than that extracted from unfermented rice. Additionally, feeding with DF from the fermented black rice significantly reduced body weight, lowered total cholesterol levels and improved the lipid profile in mice gavaged with a high dose (5 g per kg bw) or a low dose (2.5 g per kg·bw). ELISA showed that the hepatic expression of typical proteins and enzymes that are involved in cholesterol metabolism was regulated by the fermented rice DF, leading to reduced cholesterol production and increased cholesterol clearance. The fermented DF also modified the gut microbiota composition (e.g. Firmicutes reduced and Akkermansia increased), which promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, fermentation can modify the structure and function of DF in black rice and the fermented dietary fiber has excellent cholesterol lowering effects possibly by cholesterol adsorption, cholesterol metabolism modulation, and intestinal microflora regulation.

Miao sour soup influences serum lipid via regulation of high-fat diet-induced intestinal flora in obese rats

Obesity is associated with the gut microbiota and has been shown to cause gut microbiota disturbances. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Miao sour soup (SS) contains abundant short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which can be used as energy substrates of intestinal flora to selectively stimulate their growth and reproduction. Therefore, we explored whether the intestinal microbiota of rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity could be restored to normal by SS intervention. Male obese rats were divided into five groups randomly after successful modeling of obese rats: normal diet, high-fat diet (HDF), HFD + SS, HFD with antibiotic, and HFD with antibiotic + SS. After 12 weeks of intervention, the weight and serum lipid of obese rats decreased. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis showed an imbalance and a decrease in the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in obese rats, which improved after SS intervention. At the phylum level, Firmicutes increased while Proteobacteria decreased. The composition of the intestinal flora recovered at the genus level, inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, while the levels of SCFA-producing bacteria such as Blautia and Lactococcus and the levels of SCFAs in cecal contents increased. In addition, SS reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the intestinal mucosa of obese rats, increased the contents of PYY and GLP-1 in colon tissue, and increased the expression of tight junction protein Occludin and ZO-1 in the intestinal epithelium. Taken together, SS can regulate the intestinal flora of obese rats and improve the intestinal flora to facilitate weight loss and lipid reduction.

Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of Vitisin A Is Mediated by Inhibiting Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Enhancing LDL Uptake in HepG2 Cells

Pyranoanthocyanins have been reported to possess better chemical stability and bioactivities than monomeric anthocyanins in some aspects. The hypocholesterolemic activity of pyranoanthocyanins is unclear. In view of this, this study was conducted to compare the cholesterol-lowering activities of Vitisin A with the anthocyanin counterpart Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside(C3G) in HepG2 cells and to investigate the interaction of Vitisin A with the expression of genes and proteins associated with cholesterol metabolism. HepG2 cells were incubated with 40 μM cholesterol and 4 μM 25-hydroxycholeterol with various concentrations of Vitisin A or C3G for 24 h. It was found that Vitisin A decreased the cholesterol levels at the concentrations of 100 μM and 200 μM with a dose-response relationship, while C3G exhibited no significant effect on cellular cholesterol. Furthermore, Vitisin A could down-regulate 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis through a sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2)-dependent mechanism, and up-regulate low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and blunt the secretion of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein to promote intracellular LDL uptake without LDLR degradation. In conclusion, Vitisin A demonstrated hypocholesterolemic activity, by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and enhancing LDL uptake in HepG2 cells.

Inositol hexaphosphate promotes intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome via an HDAC3-mediated epigenetic pathway

Background

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) has high morbidity and mortality rates, and promoting intestinal adaptation of the residual intestine is a critical treatment. Dietary inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, but its effect on SBS remains unclear. This study aimed at investigating the effect of IP6 on SBS and clarified its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (3-week-old) were randomly assigned into four groups (Sham, Sham + IP6, SBS, and SBS + IP6 groups). Rats were fed standard pelleted rat chow and underwent resection of 75% of the small intestine after 1 week of acclimation. They received 1 mL IP6 treatment (2 mg/g) or sterile water daily for 13 days by gavage. Intestinal length, levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) activity, and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cell-6 (IEC-6) were detected.

Results

IP6 treatment increased the length of the residual intestine in rats with SBS. Furthermore, IP6 treatment caused an increase in body weight, intestinal mucosal weight, and IEC proliferation, and a decrease in intestinal permeability. IP6 treatment led to higher levels of IP3 in feces and serum, and higher HDAC3 activity of the intestine. Interestingly, HDAC3 activity was positively correlated with the levels of IP3 in feces (r = 0.49, P = 0.01) and serum (r = 0.44, P = 0.03). Consistently, IP3 treatment promoted the proliferation of IEC-6 cells by increasing HDAC3 activity in vitro. IP3 regulated the Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3)/Cyclin D1 (CCND1) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

IP6 treatment promotes intestinal adaptation in rats with SBS. IP6 is metabolized to IP3 to increase HDAC3 activity to regulate the FOXO3/CCND1 signaling pathway and may represent a potential therapeutic approach for patients with SBS.

A comparison between partially peeled hulless barley and whole grain hulless barley: beneficial effects on the regulation of serum glucose and the gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Though the hypoglycemic effect of whole grain hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been documented, whether glucose metabolism would be improved by hulless barley with moderate peeling is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in glucose metabolism and gut microbiota between partially (10%) peeled hulless barley (PHB) and whole grain hulless barley (WHB) intervention in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet. The results showed that both PHB and WHB interventions significantly improved the impaired glucose tolerance, fat accumulation in fat and liver tissues, and the impaired intestinal barrier in mice. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota was improved and the relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria such as genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Ileibacterium, and norank_f__Mutibaculaceae was increased by both, PHB and WHB, interventions. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with the area under the blood glucose curve. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that hulless barley improved the gut microbiota and impaired glucose tolerance in mice, and also showed that there was little loss of hypoglycemic effect even when hulless barley was moderately peeled.

Photochemistry, Functional Properties, Food Applications, and Health Prospective of Black Rice

This review investigates black rice’s photochemistry, functional properties, food applications, and health prospects. There are different varieties of black rice available in the world. The origins of this product can be traced back to Asian countries. This rice is also known as prohibited rice, emperor’s rice, and royal’s rice. Black rice is composed of different nutrients including fiber, protein, carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B complex. It contains an antioxidant called anthocyanin and tocopherols. Antioxidants are found mostly in foods that are black or dark purple. Due to its nutritious density, high fiber level, and high antioxidant content, black rice is a good alternative to white and brown rice. Utilizing black rice in various foods can enhance the nutritional value of food and be transformed into functional food items. Many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be prevented by eating black rice daily, including cancer cells, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, digestive health, and stroke risk. This review aim was to discuss the role of nutritional and functional properties of black rice in the formation of functional food against different noncommunicable diseases.

Influence of Resistant Starch in Whole Rice on Human Gut Microbiota─From Correlation Implications to Possible Causal Mechanisms

Rice is the main staple food for a large population around the world, while it generally has a high glycemic index and low resistant starch (RS) content. Although many strategies have been applied to develop healthier rice products with increased RS contents, their actual effects on gut microbiota and human health remain elusive. In this review, currently available production methods of rice RS are briefly summarized, followed by a critical discussion on their interactions with gut microbiota and subsequent effects on human health, from correlation implications to causal mechanisms. Different contents, types, and structures of RS have been produced by strategies such as genetic manipulation and controlling cooking conditions. The difference can largely determine effects of rice RS on gut microbiota composition and metabolites by specific RS-gut microbiota interactions. This review can thus help the rice industry develop rice products with desirable RS contents and structures to generally improve human health.

Recent advances in the screening methods of NPC1L1 inhibitors

NPC1L1 is a crucial protein involved in sterol lipid absorption and has been shown to play an important role in intestinal cholesterol absorption. Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease. Screening of NPC1L1 inhibitors is critical for gaining a full understanding of lipid metabolism, developing new cholesterol-lowering medicines, and treating cardiovascular diseases. This work summarized existing methodologies for screening NPC1L1 inhibitors and evaluated their challenges, and will assist the development of novel cholesterol-lowering medications and therapeutic strategies for hypercholesterolemia and other cholesterol-related metabolic disorders.

Kappaphycus Alvarezii Compound Powder Prevents Chemotherapy-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in BALB/c Mice

This study aimed to formulate Kappaphycus alvarezii compound powder containing Kappaphycus alvarezii powder (KP), cooked sorghum powder (SP), and longan powder (LP); which was evaluated for its therapeutic effects against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucosal injury (CIMI). Based on rheological properties, sensory evaluation, and antioxidant activity and using single factor and response surface methodology, the optimal formula to develop the compound powder was determined to be 35% KP, 30% SP, 5% LP, and 30% xylitol. Thereafter, the efficacy of the compound powder was tested by feeding BALB/c mice with diets supplemented with the Kappaphycus alvarezii compound powder (3% and 5%) for 14 consecutive days. The chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil was intraperitoneally injected (50 mg/kg) in the mice to induce CIMI for the last three consecutive days. Compared to the CIMI mice, those fed 5% Kappaphycus alvarezii compound powder (HC) showed significantly improved the intestinal injury, increased mucin-2 secretion, and reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, LT, and COX-2 levels. Furthermore, HC intake significantly reduced the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Alloprevotella, and inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium. In conclusion, HC has a protective effect against CIMI and provides a novel dietary strategy for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Interaction of Microbiome, Diet, and Hospitalizations Between Brazilian and American Patients With Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gut microbiota are affected by diet, country, and affect outcomes in cirrhosis. Western diets are associated with dysbiosis. Comparisons with other diets is needed. We aimed to compare cirrhosis patients from the United States with cirrhosis patients from Brazil with respect to diet, microbiota, and impact on hospitalizations.

METHODS

Healthy controls and compensated/decompensated outpatients with cirrhosis from the United States and Brazil underwent dietary recall and stool for 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Demographics and medications/cirrhosis details were compared within and between countries. Patients with cirrhosis were followed up for 90-day hospitalizations. Regression for Shannon diversity was performed within cirrhosis. Regression for hospitalizations adjusting for clinical and microbial variables was performed.

RESULTS

Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), diabetes, ascites, and albumin were similar, but more Americans were men, had higher hepatic encephalopathy and alcohol/hepatitis C etiology, with lower nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than Brazilians. Brazilians had higher cereal, rice, and yogurt intake vs the United States. As disease progressed, cereals, rice/beans, coffee, and chocolate consumption was reduced. Microbial diversity was higher in Brazilians. Within cirrhosis, high diversity was related to Brazilian origin (P < .0001), age, and cereal intake (P = .05), while high MELD scores (P = .009) and ascites (P = .05) did the reverse. Regardless of stage, beneficial taxa and taxa associated with grant and yogurt intake were higher (Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellacae, and Prevotellaceae), while pathobionts (Porphyromonadaceae, Sutterellaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae) were lower in Brazilians. More Americans were hospitalized vs Brazilians (P = .002). On regression, MELD (P = .001) and ascites (P = .001) were associated with higher hospitalizations, while chocolate (P = .03) and Brazilian origin (P = .001) were associated with lower hospitalizations with/without microbiota inclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Brazilian cirrhotic patients follow a diet richer in cereals and yogurt, which is associated with higher microbial diversity and beneficial microbiota and could contribute toward lower hospitalizations compared with a Western-diet-consuming American cohort.

Potential food applications of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and rapid screening methods of nutritional traits by spectroscopic platforms

Sorghum is a drought-resistant crop widely spread in tropical regions of the American, African, and Asian continents. Sorghum flour is considered the main alternative for wheat flour, and it exhibits gluten-free nature. Generally, conventional wet chemical methods are used to analyze the nutritional profile of sorghum. Since many sorghum plants are available in breeding grounds, the application of conventional methods has limitations due to high cost and time consumption. Therefore, rapid screening protocols have been introduced as nondestructive alternatives. The current review highlights novel and portable devices that can be used to analyze the nutritional composition, color parameters, and pest resistance. Sorghum is often a traditional food item with minimal processing, and the review elaborates on emerging food applications and feasible food product developments from sorghum. The demand for gluten-free products has been rapidly increasing in developed countries. In order to develop food products according to market requirements, it is necessary to screen high-quality sorghum plants. Rapid analysis techniques effectively select the best sorghum types, and the novel tools have outperformed existing conventional methods.

The effect of Sorghum Tempeh (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in atherogenic diet-induced rats

An atherogenic diet induces oxidative stress leading to hypercholesterolemia. This condition causes atherosclerosis followed by increased LDL and MDA. Sorghum tempeh contains fiber and antioxidants that can protectively improve LDL and MDA levels. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effect of sorghum tempeh on LDL and MDA levels in atherogenic diet-induced rats compared to sorghum flour. It used a randomized pre-post test with a control group design. The test subjects were 30 male Sprague Dawley rats, consisting of 6 normal conditioned rats (C1), and 24 that were induced by an atherogenic diet (C2, T1, T2, T3) for 2 weeks. Sorghum flour was administered at a dose of 4.095 g (T1) and the sorghum tempeh at 3.041 g (T2) and 6.081 g (T3) for 4 weeks. Furthermore, C2 was constantly induced through an atherogenic diet. Total cholesterol and LDL levels were then analyzed using the CHOD-PAP method, and MDA levels, using the ELISA method. Meanwhile, statistical analysis for these variables was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software. The results showed that the administration of sorghum flour and tempeh significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, MDA levels in each group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, it showed that there was a significantly strong correlation between LDL and MDA levels before and after treatment (r = 0.610, r = 0.805, and p = 0.001). The administration of sorghum tempeh at a dose of 6.081 g caused the greatest reduction (∆) in LDL levels at -44.19 ±2.58 mg.dL-1, although, it was not the same as normal control. Meanwhile, sorghum flour at a dose of 4.095 g was the most influential in reducing MDA levels to the same as normal control with delta (∆) at -7.67 ±0.37 ng.mL-1. In conclusion, sorghum tempeh and flour were the most effective at reducing LDL and MDA levels, respectively.