Bioaccessibility assessment of toxic and essential elements in produced pulses, Bahia, Brazil

Evaluation of the effects of canning variables on the mineral composition of canned cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata l. Walp) using multi-response analysis

This study aims to investigate the effects of canning variables (cooking time, storage time, volume of vinegar, salt and sugar) on the mineral composition of canned cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) and which conditions provide optimised preservation of the mineral content of the grains. Different formulations of canned cowpeas were produced following two levels factorial experimental design using five variables. A set of 11 different formulations were evaluated using the desirability function with essential minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, P and Zn) as the response. The optimal multi-response conditions for higher mineral retention were: 360 days of storage at 30 ± 5 °C (ST2), 30 ml of vinegar, 9.0 g of NaCl, 18 min of cooking time, and 9.0 g, 19.5 g or 30 g of sugar (the effect of the sugar content at the evaluated range was not significant at 95% confidence level).

Chroogomphus rutilus Regulates Bone Metabolism to Prevent Periodontal Bone Loss during Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Osteoporotic Rats

Osteoporosis (OP) leads to the acceleration of tooth movement and aggravation of periodontal bone loss during orthodontic treatment. Chroogomphus rutilus (CR) is abundant in nutrients and demonstrates remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the components of CR, including 35.00% total sugar, 0.69% reducing sugar, 14.40% crude protein, 7.30% total ash, 6.10% crude fat, 0.51% total flavonoids, 1.94% total triterpenoids, 0.32% total sterol, 1.30% total saponins, 1.69% total alkaloids, and 1.02% total phenol, were first systematically examined, followed by an investigation into its regulatory effects on bone metabolism in order to mitigate bone loss during orthodontic tooth movement in osteoporotic rats. The results of the imaging tests revealed that CR treatment reduced periodontal bone loss and normalized tooth movement in the OP. In conjunction with analyses of intestinal flora and metabolomics, CR enhances the prevalence of anti-inflammatory genera while reducing the production of inflammatory metabolites. Meanwhile, CR reduced the levels of periodontal inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and promoted periodontal bone formation. These findings imply that CR is a potent supplementary therapy for controlling periodontal bone remodeling in patients with OP undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Bioaccessibility of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in Fruit and Vegetables by the In Vitro UBM and Statistical Evaluation of the Results

The total, gastric, and gastro-intestinal Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn concentrations in eight fruit and vegetable samples were investigated. The unified bioaccessibility method (UBM) developed by BARGE (Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe) was performed for in vitro bioaccessibility experiments. Total and bioaccessible concentrations of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn were determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS, respectively. The accuracy of the methods was verified using BGS 102 for the BARGE UBM and SRM 1573a for total analysis. The mean BF (%) order for Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn was Mn (101) > Zn (88) > Fe (60) > Cu (30) in gastric phase and Mn (78) > Zn (69) > Fe (46) > Cu (29) in gastro-intestinal phase. The results show that Mn and Zn in all the samples have the greatest bioaccessible values, while the values for Cu are much lower. The relationships among total, gastric, and gastro-intestinal element concentrations were investigated using statistical analysis such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA). Total and bioaccessible Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations were significantly correlated with each other.

Effect of losartan potassium, metformin hydrochloride, and simvastatin on in vitro bioaccessibility of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in oat flour from Brazil

BACKGROUND

The simultaneous administration of drugs with food can compromise the bioaccessibility and absorption of nutrients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the use of losartan potassium (LP), metformin hydrochloride (MH), and simvastatin (S) on the in vitro bioaccessibility of micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in oat flour from Bahia, Brazil.

METHODS

The experimental procedure consisted of the in vitro extraction of the bioaccessible fraction of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in oat flour-with and without LP (50 mg), MH (500 mg), and S (20 mg)-using the unified bioaccessibility method (UBM), simulating the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. For decomposition of the samples (oat flour and residue), a digester block with a closed system was used. To determine the total content (flour and residual fraction) and bioaccessible micronutrients, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was used.

RESULTS

The bioaccessible contents (µg g^-1) without the addition of drugs were: Cu 5.86 ± 0.21, Fe 32.80 ± 1.32, Mn 87.90 ± 1.90, and Zn 30.33 ± 2.05, with bioaccessibility ranging from 31.5 % for Fe to 99 % for Mn. The in vitro extraction method was validated by mass balance with recovery values from 89.78 % for Cu to 101.94 % for Mn. The range of bioaccessible contents (µg g^-1) were: Cu (<4.14), Fe (32.10 ± 0.20-54.10 ± 2.03), Mn (81.40 ± 0.93-93.22 ± 0.80), and Zn (<10.80-29.11 ± 2.20). The estimation of the bioaccessibility of Cu, Mn, and Zn in oat flour were compromised in the presence of LP, MH, and S (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chemical interactions can occur between drugs and micronutrients. Taken together, our results highlight that LP, MH, and S can interfere with the bioaccessibility of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in oat flour in patients who use these drugs, suggesting its rational use in further investigations.

Anti-Colorectal Cancer Effects of Inonotus hispidus (Bull.: Fr.) P. Karst. Spore Powder through Regulation of Gut Microbiota-Mediated JAK/STAT Signaling

Inonotus hispidus (Bull.: Fr.) P. Karst. spore powder (IHS) contains polyphenols and triterpenoids with pharmacological effects. Here, we analyzed its composition, and we investigated the effects of IHS on colorectal cancer (CRC) in B6/JGpt-Apc^em1Cin(min)/Gpt (Apc^Min/+) mice and its potential mechanisms by analyzing gut microbiota and serum metabolomics. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Western blotting were used to confirm the changes in the cytokine and protein levels associated with IHS administration. The IHS affected the abundance of gut microbiota and the level of L-arginine (L-Arg). Furthermore, the IHS influenced T cells in Apc^Min/+ mice by increasing the interleukin (IL)-2 and decreasing the IL-5, -6, and -10 levels, thus suppressing tumor development. Overall, IHS showed anti-CRC properties in Apc^Min/+ mice by affecting the gut microbiota and serum metabolites, which in turn affected the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling, and regulated the abundance of CD8⁺ T cells. These results provide experimental support for the potential future treatment of CRC with IHS.

Evaluation of the Mineral Content in Forage Palm (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill and Nopalea cochenillifera) Using Chemometric Tools

An acid digestion procedure of the forage palm (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill and Nopalea cochenilifera) employing a closed digestor block applied full 2⁴ factorial design was optimized. The optimal conditions were HNO₃ 5.0 mol L^-1, 2.0 mL of H₂O₂ 30% m m^-1, 120 min of digestion, and heating temperature of 180 °C. The certified reference materials of apple leaves (NIST 1515) and tomato leaves (Agro C1003a) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical method. The concentrations of the macroelements were (in % m m^-1) Ca (1.32-3.71), K (0.88-5.29), Mg (0.70-1.78), and P (0.03-0.32). For the microelements, the concentrations (in μg g^-1) obtained were As (< 1.39), Cd (< 0.10), Cu (< 0.17-5.6), Fe (8.0-50.2), Na (< 1.85), Sr (41-348), and Zn (17.3-159). Essential elements such as Ca, Mg, and Zn made good contributions to daily intake, being an alternative to meet the nutritional needs of these macroelements and microelements in humans. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to evaluate the results, obtaining trends between the samples in relation to their mineral composition.

Risk Assessment for Oral Bioaccessibility of Lead and Cadmium in the Potato Growing in Smelter-Impacted Soil

Smelting activities are an important source of heavy metals in soil. More seriously, oral ingestion of crops growing in contaminated soil potentially cause harmful effects on human health. The main purpose of this study is to apply the in vitro model (PBET) and Monte Carlo Simulation (MSC) to the health risk assessment process in order to more accurately and realistically evaluate health risks of residents eating contaminated potato. Results indicated in the raw and cooked potato, the bioaccessibility of Pb was 65.9% and 74.5%, and that of Cd was 79.6% and 61.7%, respectively. Additionally, the bioaccessible hazard quotient (BHQ) was less than the permitted level except for the BHQ of Pb for children. This indicated there wasn't potential non-carcinogenic risk for most potato-consumers but the dietary exposure risk for local children cannot be neglected. Sensitivity analysis showed that the bioaccessibility and ingestion rate appeared decisive with respect to potentially deleterious health effects.

Evaluation of the nutritional quality of cereal bars made with pulse flours using desirability functions

The development of nutritious, low-cost snacks has become increasingly important due to consumer demand for healthier diets. In this study, sensory and physical-chemical parameters and mineral compositions (P, Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Al, Cu, Mn, Ni and Ba) of cereal bars were evaluated. The bars were made with flours of Lablab purpureus L. Sweet (mangalo), Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (cowpea) or Cajanus cajan L. Huth (pigeon pea) and the desirability function was used to attain the best formulation for maximising the content of protein, fibre, ashes and essential elements. Sensory analysis revealed satisfactory acceptability. Acidity did not change significantly (p > 0.05), and water activity values ​​did not exceed 0.557 over 90 days, indicating stability. Principal component analysis revealed no significant differences when comparing the mineral content between the bars. The desirability function indicated that the cowpea-based bar had a higher nutritional quality, with a protein content of 4.91 ± 0.25 g 100 g^-1, P content of 187.7 ± 3.6 mg 100 g^-1, Mg content of 87.37 ± 1.19 mg 100 g^-1 and Mn content of 2020 ± 130 µg 100 g^-1, than the other bars. The overall sensory evaluation also yielded a high score for the cowpea-based bar (overall quality equal to 6.23 ± 1.10). Therefore, pulse flours could be potential nutritional ingredients for making snacks, and in particular, cereal bars containing them could be a viable product alternative for small rural cooperatives.

Anti-obesity effects of Grifola frondosa through the modulation of lipid metabolism via ceramide in mice fed a high-fat diet

Obesity is characterized by massive fat deposition and is related to a series of metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance (IR) and steatohepatitis. Grifola frondosa (GF) is a basidiomycete fungus and a source of various nutritional ingredients related to human health. In this study, after a systematic analysis of its nutritional ingredients, GF was administered to mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to investigate its effects on lipid metabolism. In HFD-fed mice, GF significantly controlled the body weight, blood glucose and related organ indices, and effectively counteracted hyperlipidemia and IR triggered by the HFD. GF administration efficiently alleviated hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy, and regulated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the liver. An analysis of the intestinal microflora showed that GF reversed obesity-induced dysbiosis by affecting the relative abundance of certain bacteria, reducing lipopolysaccharide production and regulating the superpathway of heme biosynthesis associated with inflammation. According to the results of lipidomics, ceramide, a metabolite related to inflammation and IR, was found to be dysregulated in HFD-fed mice. However, GF regulated the ceramide levels and restored lipid metabolism via the suppression of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling, which is involved in inflammation and IR. This study provides the experimental basis for the application of GF as an agent for obesity.

Flow-Based Dynamic Approach to Assess Bioaccessible Zinc in Dry Dog Food Samples

This work proposes a simple and easy-to-use flow-through system for the implementation of dynamic extractions, aiming at the evaluation of bioaccessible zinc and the characterization of leaching kinetics in dry dog food samples. The kinetic profile of Zn extraction was determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and the results were fitted in an exponential function (R² > 0.960) compatible with a two first-order reactions model. Values of fast leachable Zn ranged from 83 ± 1 to 313 ± 5 mg of Zn per kg of sample, with associated rate constants ranging from 0.162 ± 0.004 to 0.290 ± 0.014 min⁻¹. Similar results were observed compared to the static batch extraction. The percentage of bioaccessible Zn ranged from 49.0 to 70.0%, with an average value of 58.2% in relation to total Zn content. Principal component analysis regarding the variables fast leachable Zn, associated rate constant, total Zn, and market segment, has shown that 84.6% of variance is explained by two components, where the second component (24.0%) presented loadings only for the fast leachable Zn and associated rate constant. The proposed method is suitable for the fast evaluation (<1 h) of leaching kinetics and bioaccessibility in dry dog food.

Selenium and cadmium in bioaccessible fraction of organic weaning food: Risk assessment and influence of dietary components

BACKGROUND

The tendency of some sectors of the population to consume organic food has also come to include baby food. Nevertheless, it is necessary to develop studies to support the true nutritional and toxicological value of these products, making special emphasis in several trace elements. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted on this type of organic food.

METHODS

Weaning foods with different formulations categorized as organic were analyzed to determine Se and Cd contents as well as its bioaccesibility. The analyses were conducted by electro thermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET - AAS) after the treatment of the samples with acid mineralization. Besides, macronutrient analyses (protein, fat and dietary fiber) were also developed. Finally, a novelty statistic approach such as @Risk was used to evaluate contributions to DRI or PTWI of Se and Cd derived for consumption of these weaning foods.

RESULTS

Se content ranged between 2.44-15.4 μg Kg ¹. Samples with meat ingredients showed the highest Se contents, while weaning foods consisting of fruits or vegetables presented the lowest concentrations. Se bioccessible concentration ranged between 1.90-4.35 μg Kg^-1 with a greater uniformity amongst analyzed samples. Regarding Cd, concentrations of this heavy metal ranged between 1.23 and 3.64 μg Kg^-1. Furthermore, Cd bioaccessibility of organic weaning foods ranged between 0.17 and 1.38 μg Kg^-1. The solubility of all samples studied was around 20% from the initial Cd concentration. A negative statistical correlation between fat content - Cd bioaccesible (p < 0.05; r = - 0.756) and Cd content - Se bioaccesible (p < 0.05; r = - 0.777) were also found.

CONCLUSIONS

Cd concentrations are considerably lower than those reported in weaning formulas which were not categorized as organic. On the other hand, the analysed organic jars did not represent a significant source of Se. The probabilistic assessment developed, showed that contributions to DRI of Se for infants 1-3 years old by consumption of these weaning foods, are excessively low (15% at best).

Lead contamination in food consumed and produced in Brazil: Systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review (SR) evaluated evidence of lead (Pb) levels in foods consumed or produced in Brazil. Seventy-seven publications were included in this review, corresponding to a total of 8466 food samples that were grouped into 12 food categories with similar characteristics (infant food; sugar; beverages; meat and meat products; nuts, cocoa and products; fruits and fruit products; grains, cereals and products; milk and milk products; eggs; oil and fat spreads; vegetables and vegetable products and other foods). The random model was used to establish levels of Pb in food categories. We used the software R® to perform the meta-analysis. The overall occurrence of Pb was estimated at 0.0541 mg/kg, and ranged from 0.0004 mg/kg to 0.4842 mg/kg. The SR and meta-analysis presented relevant results about Pb contamination on foods, despite the high heterogeneity. They were understood as a viable strategy to answer questions regarding prevalence of Pb which is necessary for the risk assessment of Pb intake in foods.

Effect of different cooking methods on the content and bioaccessibility of iodine components in abalone (Haliotis discus hannai)

The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in total iodine and iodine species (iodide, iodate, 3-iodo-l-tyrosine, and 3,5-diiodo-l-tyrosine) content in abalone after different treatments (raw, semi-drying, steaming, grilling, and boiling) and in-vitro digestion using high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-ICP-MS). The highest reduction in iodine content was found in boiled abalone (64.95%), followed by steamed (32.40%) and grilled (32.11%) abalones. There is no significant difference between iodine content of raw and semi-dried abalone. Absorption efficiency was determined by an in vitro digestion procedure using simulated gastro/intestinal solutions. Unlike total iodine content after cooking, absorption efficiency increased after cooking. Absorption efficiency of semi-dried abalone is the highest (28.53%), followed by boiled (23.85%), grilled (22.62%), steamed (21.51%), and raw (12.20%) abalones. Iodide was the major form of iodine present in the abalone after cooking and in vitro digestion. No iodate was observed, and the organic iodine content was very low.

The Antidiabetic and Antinephritic Activities of Auricularia cornea (An Albino Mutant Strain) via Modulation of Oxidative Stress in the db/db Mice

This study first systematically analyzed the constituents of an albino mutant strain of Auricularia cornea (AU). After 8 weeks of continuous treatment with metformin (Met) (0.1 g/kg) and AU (0.1 and 0.4 g/kg), db/db mice showed hypoglycemic functioning, indicated by reduced bodyweight, food intake, plasma glucose, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c and glucagon, hepatic levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and lucose-6-phosphatasem, and increased serum levels of insulin. The effect of hypolipidemic functions were indicated by suppressed levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced levels of hepatic glycogen and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The renal protective effect of AU was confirmed by the protection in renal structures and the regulation of potential indicators of nephropathy. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of AU were verified by a cytokine array combined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. AU decreased the expression of protein kinase C α and β2 and phosphor-nuclear factor-κB, and enhanced the expression of catalase, nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2), manganese superoxide dismutase 2, heme oxygenase-1 and−2, heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), HSP60, and HSP70 in the kidneys of db/db mice. The results confirmed that AU's anti-diabetic and anti-nephritic effects are related to its modulation on oxidative stress.

Bioaccessibility and variation of arsenic species in polished rice grains by an in vitro physiologically based extraction test method

The bioaccessibility and speciation of arsenic (As) in rice grains have been investigated by the physiologically based extraction test (PBET) method. A total of 42 rice samples were collected from Hunan Province, a typical mine-impacted province in China. The bioaccessibility in the gastrointestinal tract was 71.7 ± 13.5% for the collected rice grains. Arsenite [As(III)] was the predominant As species in the simulated gastric and gastrointestinal solutions, followed by dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenate [As(V)] and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA). The bioaccessible As(V) was irrelevant to As(V) in the rice grains, suggesting that interconversion between As(V) and other species was occurred in the simulated gastrointestinal tract. Monte-Carlo simulation was introduced to assess the health risk from exposure to inorganic As. The average values for target hazard quotient (THQ) and bioaccessible THQ were 2.704 and 1.637, respectively. The inclusion of bioaccessibility reduced the probability of non-carcinogenic health risk from 97.32% to 76.86%.

The Antidiabetic and Antinephritic Activities of Tuber melanosporum via Modulation of Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress in the db/db Mouse

Tuber melanosporum (TM), a valuable edible fungus, contains 19 types of fatty acid, 17 types of amino acid, 6 vitamins, and 7 minerals. The antidiabetic and antinephritic effects of TM and the underlying mechanisms related to oxidative stress were investigated in db/db mice. Eight-week oral administration of metformin (Met) at 0.1 g/kg and TM at doses of 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg decreased body weight, plasma glucose, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol and increased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the mice, suggesting hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. TM promoted glucose metabolism by increasing the levels of pyruvate kinase and hepatic glycogen. It also regulated the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative enzymes in serum and/or the kidneys of the mice. Additionally, TM increased the expression of nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase, heme oxygenase 1, heme oxygenase 2, and manganese superoxide dismutase 2 and decreased the expression of protein kinase C alpha, phosphor-janus kinase 2, phosphor-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and phosphor-nuclear factor-κB in the kidneys. The results of this study reveal the antidiabetic and antidiabetic nephritic properties of TM via modulating oxidative stress and inflammation-related cytokines through improving the Nrf2 signaling pathway.