Processing method modulates the effectiveness of black beans for lowering blood cholesterol in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effect of extruded multigrain powder on metabolism and intestinal flora of high-fat-diet induced C57BL/6J mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extruded multigrain (Tartary buckwheat, oat and black bean) powder product (MG) fed with a high-fat-diet (HFD) on metabolism and gut microbiota modulation of mice. Thirty C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (n = 10), HFD (n = 10) or HFD replacing 40% MG (HFMG, n = 10) for six weeks. The results showed that MG reduced the weight gain of HFD-induced mice, alleviated the accumulation of epididymal- and perirenal fat, improved the glucose tolerance, and reduced the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Histopathological observation showed that the number and size of fat vacuoles in liver cytoplasm were significantly reduced, the thickness of colon muscle was increased, and the cells were closely arranged after the intervention of HFMG. Moreover, the intervention of HFMG could promote the release of butyric acid in short chain fatty acids, improve the disorder of intestinal flora in HFD-induced mice, increase the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, while reduce the relative abundance of Firmicutes, which may have a positive effect on inhibiting obesity induced by HFD. This study could provide a theoretical basis for improving the economic added value of extruded MG powder-based products and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity.

Low density lipoprotein receptor endocytosis in cardiovascular disease and the factors affecting LDL levels

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the one of major global health issues with approximately 30% of the mortality reported in the mid-income population. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a crucial role in development of CVD. High LDL along with others forms a plaque and blocks arteries, resulting in CVD. The present chapter deals with the mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis of LDL and its management by drugs such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors along with dietary supplementation for health improvements.

Black Soybean and Adzuki Bean Extracts Lower Blood Pressure by Modulating the Renin-Angiotensin System in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension, causing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart failure, has been a rising health issue worldwide. Black soybeans and adzuki beans have been widely consumed throughout history due to various bioactive components. We evaluated the antihypertensive effects of black soybean and adzuki bean ethanol extracts on blood pressure, renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and aortic lesion in spontaneously hypertensive rats. A group of WKY (normal) and six groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats were administered with saline (SHR), 50 mg/kg of captopril (CAP), 250 and 500 mg/kg of black soybean extracts (BE250 and BE500), 250 and 500 mg/kg of adzuki bean extracts (AE250 and AE500) for eight weeks. BE250, BE500, AE250, and AE500 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced relative liver weight, AST, ALT, triglyceride, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme level compared to SHR. The angiotensin II level in AE500 and renin mRNA expression in BE500 and AE500 were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared to SHR. The lumen diameter was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in only CAP. Furthermore, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and angiotensin II level in AE500 were lower than those of BE500. These results suggest that AE exhibit more antihypertensive potential than BE in spontaneously hypertensive rats.