Chronic acrylamide exposure resulted in dopaminergic neuron loss, neuroinflammation and motor impairment in rats

Dietary lipoic acid alleviates autism-like behavior induced by acrylamide in adolescent mice: the potential involvement of the gut-brain axis

Consuming fried foods has been associated with an increased susceptibility to mental health disorders. Nevertheless, the impact of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA, LA) on fried food-induced autism-like behavior remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how LA affects autism-related behavior and cognitive deficits caused by acrylamide in mice, a representative food hazard found in fried foods. This improvement was accomplished by enhanced synaptic plasticity, increased neurotrophin expression, elevated calcium-binding protein D28k, and restored serotonin. Additionally, LA substantially influenced the abundance of bacteria linked to autism and depression, simultaneously boosted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in fecal samples, and induced changes in serum amino acid concentrations. In summary, these findings suggested that exposure to acrylamide in adolescent mice could induce the development of social disorders in adulthood. LA showed promise as a nutritional intervention strategy to tackle emotional disorders during adolescence.

Biochemical characterization of glutaminase-free L-asparaginases from Himalayan Pseudomonas and Rahnella spp. for acrylamide mitigation

L-asparaginase having low glutaminase activity is important in clinical and food applications. Herein, glutaminase-free L-asparaginase (type I) coding genes from Pseudomonas sp. PCH182 (Ps-ASNase I) and Rahnella sp. PCH162 (Rs-ASNase I) was amplified using gene-specific primers, cloned into a pET-47b(+) vector, and plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli (E. coli). Further, affinity chromatography purified recombinant proteins to homogeneity with monomer sizes of ~37.0 kDa. Purified Ps-ASNase I and Rs-ASNase I were active at wide pHs and temperatures with optimum activity at 50 °C (492 ± 5 U/mg) and 37 °C (308 ± 4 U/mg), respectively. Kinetic constant Km and Vmax for L-asparagine (Asn) were 2.7 ± 0.06 mM and 526.31 ± 4.0 U/mg for Ps-ASNase I, and 4.43 ± 1.06 mM and 434.78 ± 4.0 U/mg for Rs-ASNase I. Circular dichroism study revealed 29.3 % and 24.12 % α-helix structures in Ps-ASNase I and Rs-ASNase I, respectively. Upon their evaluation to mitigate acrylamide formation, 43 % and 34 % acrylamide (AA) reduction were achieved after pre-treatment of raw potato slices, consistent with 65 % and 59 % Asn reduction for Ps-ASNase I and Rs-ASNase I, respectively. Current findings suggested the potential of less explored intracellular L-asparaginase in AA mitigation for food safety.

Human coculture model of astrocytes and SH-SY5Y cells to test the neurotoxicity of chemicals

In this study, we established a coculture model comprising human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes, faithfully replicating the human brain environment for in vitro neurotoxicity assessment. We optimized the cell differentiation duration and cell ratios to obtain images conducive to neurite outgrowth evaluation. Subsequently, the neurotoxic effects in the coculture and monoculture of SH-SY5Y cells were confirmed using neurotoxic agents such as acrylamide (ACR) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Disparities in the neurotoxic impacts of ACR and H2O2 within the coculture were mirrored in the expression of genes associated with early neuronal injury. Notably, the reduction in neurite outgrowth induced by neurotoxic agents revealed the coculture's lower sensitivity compared to monocultures. Furthermore, the coculture system exhibited distinct effects of test agents on nerve damage and manifested protective influences on nerve cells. The proposed methodology holds promise for large-scale chemical neurotoxicity screening through neurite change measurements. This in vitro coculture model, accounting for cell interactions, emerges as a valuable tool in toxicity testing, offering insights into the potential effects of chemicals within the human body.

Production and Inhibition of Acrylamide during Coffee Processing: A Literature Review

Coffee is the third-largest beverage with wide-scale production. It is consumed by a large number of people worldwide. However, acrylamide (AA) is produced during coffee processing, which seriously affects its quality and safety. Coffee beans are rich in asparagine and carbohydrates, which are precursors of the Maillard reaction and AA. AA produced during coffee processing increases the risk of damage to the nervous system, immune system, and genetic makeup of humans. Here, we briefly introduce the formation and harmful effects of AA during coffee processing, with a focus on the research progress of technologies to control or reduce AA generation at different processing stages. Our study aims to provide different strategies for inhibiting AA formation during coffee processing and investigate related inhibition mechanisms.

Therapeutic role of melatonin on acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity in pinealectomized rats: Effects on oxidative stress, NF-κB signaling pathway, and hepatocellular proliferation

Acrylamide (AA) is formed in some foods by the cooking process at high temperatures, and it could be a carcinogen in humans and rodents. The purpose of the current study was to reveal the possible protective effects of melatonin against AA-induced hepatic oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation, and hepatocellular proliferation in pinealectomized rats. Hence, the sham and pinealectomized rats were consecutively given AA alone (25 mg/kg) or with melatonin (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. Melatonin acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent and introduces as a therapeutic strategy for AA-induced hepatotoxicity. Melatonin supplementation reduced AA-caused liver damage by decreasing the serum AST, ALT, and ALP levels. Melatonin raised the activities of SOD and CAT and levels of GSH and suppressed hepatic inflammation (TNF-α) and hepatic oxidative stress in liver tissues. Moreover, histopathological alterations and the disturbances in immunohistochemical expression of NF-κB and Ki67 were improved after melatonin treatment in AA-induced hepatotoxicity. Overall, our results demonstrate that melatonin supplementation exhibits adequate hepatoprotective effects against hepatotoxicity of AA on pinealectomized rat liver architecture and the tissue function through the equilibration of oxidant/antioxidant status, the regulation of cell proliferation and the suppression of the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Food protein glycation: A review focusing on stability and in vitro digestive characteristics of oil/water emulsions

Recently, increasing studies have shown that the functional properties of proteins, including emulsifying properties, antioxidant properties, solubility, and thermal stability, can be improved through glycation reaction under controlled reaction conditions. The use of glycated proteins to stabilize hydrophobic active substances and to explore the gastrointestinal fate of the stabilized hydrophobic substances has also become the hot spot. Therefore, in this review, the effects of glycation on the structure and function of food proteins and the physical stability and oxidative stability of protein-stabilized oil/water emulsions were comprehensively summarized and discussed. Also, this review sheds lights on the in vitro digestion characteristics and edible safety of emulsion stabilized by glycated protein. It can further serve as a research basis for understanding the role of structural features in the emulsification and stabilization of glycated proteins, as well as their utilization as emulsifiers in the food industry.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neuroinflammation Elicited by Occupational Injuries and Toxicants

Occupational injuries and toxicant exposures lead to the development of neuroinflammation by activating distinct mechanistic signaling cascades that ultimately culminate in the disruption of neuronal function leading to neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The entry of toxicants into the brain causes the subsequent activation of glial cells, a response known as 'reactive gliosis'. Reactive glial cells secrete a wide variety of signaling molecules in response to neuronal perturbations and thus play a crucial role in the progression and regulation of central nervous system (CNS) injury. In parallel, the roles of protein phosphorylation and cell signaling in eliciting neuroinflammation are evolving. However, there is limited understanding of the molecular underpinnings associated with toxicant- or occupational injury-mediated neuroinflammation, gliosis, and neurological outcomes. The activation of signaling molecules has biological significance, including the promotion or inhibition of disease mechanisms. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanisms of synergism or antagonism among intracellular signaling pathways remain elusive. This review highlights the research focusing on the direct interaction between the immune system and the toxicant- or occupational injury-induced gliosis. Specifically, the role of occupational injuries, e.g., trips, slips, and falls resulting in traumatic brain injury, and occupational toxicants, e.g., volatile organic compounds, metals, and nanoparticles/nanomaterials in the development of neuroinflammation and neurological or neurodegenerative diseases are highlighted. Further, this review recapitulates the recent advancement related to the characterization of the molecular mechanisms comprising protein phosphorylation and cell signaling, culminating in neuroinflammation.