(1)H NMR-Based Metabolomics Reveals a Pedoclimatic Metabolic Imprinting in Ready-to-Drink Carrot Juices

Landfill fire impact on bee health: beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with medicinal plants and probiotics in reducing oxidative stress and metal accumulation

The honey bee is an important pollinator insect susceptible to environmental contaminants. We investigated the effects of a waste fire event on elemental content, oxidative stress, and metabolic response in bees fed different nutrients (probiotics, Quassia amara, and placebo). The level of the elements was also investigated in honey and beeswax. Our data show a general increase in elemental concentrations in all bee groups after the event; however, the administration of probiotics and Quassia amara help fight oxidative stress in bees. Significantly lower concentrations of Ni, S, and U for honey in the probiotic group and a general and significant decrease in elemental concentrations for beeswax in the probiotic group and Li in the Quassia amara group were observed after the fire waste event. The comparison of the metabolic profiles through pre- and post-event PCA analyses showed that bees treated with different feeds react differently to the environmental event. The greatest differences in metabolic profiles are observed between the placebo-fed bees compared to the others. This study can help to understand how some stress factors can affect the health of bees and to take measures to protect these precious insects.

Nutritionally enriched tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown with wood distillate: chemical and biological characterization for quality assessment

Bio-based products are nowadays useful tools able to affect the productivity and quality of conventionally cultivated crops. Several bio-based products are currently on the market; one of the newest and most promising is the wood distillate (WD) derived from the pyrolysis process of waste biomass after timber. Its foliar application has been widely investigated and shown to promote the antioxidant profile of cultivated crops. WD was used here as additive for the cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. The application improved quality (chemical) parameters, minerals, polyphenols, and lycopene contents of tomato fruits. The extracts of WD-treated and untreated tomatoes have been chemically and biologically characterized. The 1 H-NMR and ESI-mass spectrometry analyses of the extracts revealed the presence of different fatty acids, amino acids and sugars. In particular, the WD-treated tomatoes showed the presence of pyroglutamic acid and phloridzin derivatives, but also dihydrokaempferol, naringenin glucoside, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. When tested in cells, the extracts showed a promising anti-inflammatory profile in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the extracts displayed a slight vasorelaxant activity on rat aorta rings (either endothelium-denuded or endothelium-intact) pre-contracted with phenylephrine or potassium chloride. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Wood distillate has been used for tomato plant growth. Tomatoes showed improved nutritional parameters, and their extracts displayed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Multi-omic characterisation as a tool to improve knowledge, valorisation and conservation of wild fruit genetic resources: the case of Arbutus unedo L

The valorisation and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGRs) and wild fruit PGRs are critical to ensure the maintenance of genetic and cultural heritage and to promote new perspectives on resource use. New strategies to characterize PGRs are needed, and the omics approach can provide information that is still largely unknown. The Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is an underutilized, drought and fire-resistant species distributed in the Mediterranean area and its berries have large ethnobotanical use. Although their phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity are known, they are not well characterised, particularly from a proteomic perspective. The aim of this work is the characterisation of two ecotypes of A. unedo (Campania and Sicily) from a molecular viewpoint to valorise and encourage the preservation of this wild fruit. Samples were collected from two different geographical areas to assess whether different geographical conditions could influence the characteristics of leaves and fruits at the three stages of ripening (green, veraison, red). Proteomic analysis identified 904 proteins, of which 122 showed significance along the ripening. Some of these differentially abundant proteins, such as chalcone synthase, show a marked increase during ripening. The protein functional classes with the highest representation are involved in protein and amino acid metabolism, glycolysis and in secondary metabolism. From a proteomic perspective, there are no differences between the fruits from the two regions compared by the ripening stage. However, the pedoclimatic metabolic imprinting allowed the observation of good diversity in the metabolomic profiles between the two ecotypes, especially for anthocyanins, 4 times more abundant in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit than in the Campania one, and catechins, with double the abundance in the Campania ecotype compared to the Sicilian ecotype in the green phase, but more abundant (3x) in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit. Phenolic compounds show a 20% greater abundance in the Campania green arbutus fruit than in the Sicilian one, values that then equalise as ripening progresses. Multi-omic characterisation enhanced the knowledge on a wild fruit plant species which shows specific adaptations and responses to the environment to be considered when addressing the issue of local agrobiodiversity.

Fresh Dual Presaturation Method for Analyzing H2O-Rich Samples Using Quantitative 1H NMR

A fresh dual presaturation (pre-SAT) method was developed to quantify analytes accurately near the suppressed water signal in ¹H NMR spectra obtained from H₂O-rich samples. The method includes an extra dummy pre-SAT with a suitable offset for each analyte signal in addition to the water pre-SAT. The residual HOD signal at 4.66 ppm was observed using D₂O solutions containing l-phenylalanine (Phe) or l-valine (Val) and an internal standard of 3-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propanesulfonic acid-d₆ sodium salt (DSS-d₆). When the HOD signal was suppressed using the conventional single pre-SAT method, the measured concentration of Phe from the NCH signal at 3.89 ppm decreased by a maximum of 48%, whereas the dual pre-SAT method gave a reduction in the Phe concentration measured from the NCH signal of less than 3%. The proposed dual pre-SAT method achieved accurate quantification of glycine (Gly) and maleic acid (MA) in a 10 vol % D₂O/H₂O solution. The measured concentrations of Gly of 513.5 ± 8.9 mg kg^-1 and MA of 512.2 ± 10.3 mg kg^-1 corresponded to sample preparation values of Gly of 502.9 ± 1.7 mg kg^-1 and MA of 506.7 ± 2.9 mg kg^-1 (the number after "±" indicates the expanded uncertainty (k = 2)).

Untargeted metabolomics-based approach using UHPLC-HRMS to authenticate carrots (Daucus carota L.) based on geographical origin and production mode

Carrots produced in different agricultural regions with organic or conventional mode were analyzed by untargeted UHPLC-HRMS using reversed-phase and HILIC modes. Data were first treated separately, and further combined to possibly improve results. An in-house data processing workflow was applied to identify relevant features after peak detection. Based on these features, discrimination models were built using chemometrics. A tentative annotation of chemical markers was performed using online databases and UHPLC-HRMS/MS analyses. An independent set of samples was analyzed to assess the discrimination potential of these markers. Carrots produced in the New Aquitaine region could be successfully discriminated from carrots originating from the Normandy region by an OLPS-DA model. Arginine and 6-methoxymellein could be identified as potential markers with the C18-silica column. Additional markers (N-acetylputrescine, l-carnitine) could be identified thanks to the polar column. Discrimination based on production mode was more challenging: some trend was observed but model metrics remained unsatisfactory.

Metabolic Biomarkers of Red Beetroot Juice Intake at Rest and after Physical Exercise

BACKGROUND

Red beetroot is known to be a health-promoting food. However, little attention is placed on intestinal bioactive compound absorption. The aim of the study was to assess the urinary red beetroot juice (RBJ) intake biomarkers and possible differences in RBJ's micronutrient absorption at rest or after physical exercise.

METHODS

This is a three-armed, single-blind study, involving seven healthy volunteers which were randomly divided into three groups and alternatively assigned to three experimental sessions: RBJ intake at rest, RBJ intake with physical activity, and placebo intake with physical activity. For each session, urine samples were collected before and 120, 180, and 240 min after the intake of RBJ or placebo. The same sampling times were employed for the experimental session at rest. The RBJ metabolic composition was also characterized to identify the urinary biomarkers derived from the intake.

RESULTS

4-methylpyridine-2-carboxylic acid, dopamine-3-O-sulfate, glutamine, and 3-hydroxyisobutyrate were identified as RBJ intake biomarkers. Physical activity significantly increased only the dopamine-3-O-sulfate excretion 120 min after RBJ intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary dopamine-3-O-sulfate is related to RBJ dopamine content, while 4-methylpyridine-2-carboxylic acid is a betanin or betalamic acid catabolite. The different excretions of these metabolites following physical activity suggest a possible effect on the RBJ uptake depending on different transport processes through the mucosa, namely diffusion-mediated transport for dopamine and saturable transcellular transport for betalamic acid derivatives. These results open new perspectives in improving the absorption of natural bioactive molecules through physical activity.

In Vitro Probiotic Properties and In Vivo Anti-Ageing Effects of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum PFA2018AU Strain Isolated from Carrots on Caenorhabditis elegans

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share and provide several beneficial effects on human health, such as the release of bioactive metabolites, pathogen competition, and immune stimulation. The two major reservoirs of probiotic microorganisms are the human gastro-intestinal tract and fermented dairy products. However, other sources, such as plant-based foods, represent important alternatives thanks to their large distribution and nutritive value. Here, the probiotic potential of autochthonous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PFA2018AU, isolated from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy), was investigated through in vitro and in vivo approaches. The strain was sent to the biobank of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna in Italy for the purpose of patent procedures under the Budapest Treaty. The isolate showed high survival capability under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibility, hydrophobicity, aggregation, and the ability to inhibit the in vitro growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. Caenorhabditis elegans was used as the in vivo model in order to analyse prolongevity and anti-ageing effects. L. plantarum PFA2018AU significantly colonised the gut of the worms, extended their lifespan, and stimulated their innate immunity. Overall, these results showed that autochthonous LAB from vegetables, such as carrots, have functional features that can be considered novel probiotic candidates.

Effects of Organic Biostimulants Added with Zeolite on Zucchini Squash Plants Infected by Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus

The use of organic substances in integrated pest management can contribute to human- and environment-safe crop production. In the present work, a combination of organic biostimulants (Fullcrhum Alert and BioVeg 500) and an inorganic corroborant (Clinogold, zeolite) was tested for the effects on the plant response to the quarantine pest tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Biostimulants were applied to healthy and infected greenhouse-grown zucchini plants, and the vegetative parameters and viral titer were evaluated. Although no antiviral effects were observed in terms of both virus replication and symptom expression, these biostimulants were shown to influence plant fitness. A significant increase in biomass and in leaf, flower, and fruit production was induced in both healthy and infected plants. Biostimulants also enhanced the production of metabolites commonly involved in plant response to virus infection, such as carbohydrates, phenylpropanoids and free amino acids. These results encourage new field trials to evaluate the actual productivity of infected plants after treatments and the possible application of organic biostimulants in agriculture.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides Strains Isolated from Carrots Show Probiotic Features

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share several beneficial effects on human organisms, such as bioactive metabolites’ release, pathogens’ competition and immune stimulation. This study aimed at determining the probiotic potential of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from carrots. In particular, the work reported the characterization at the species level of four LAB strains deriving from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy). Ribosomal 16S DNA analysis allowed identification of three strains belonging to Leuconostoc mesenteroides and a Weissella soli strain. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the probiotic potential of the different isolates. Among them, L. mesenteroides C2 and L. mesenteroides C7 showed high survival percentages under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibly and the ability to inhibit in vitro growth against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. In parallel, the simple model Caenorhabditis elegans was used for in vivo screenings. L. mesenteroides C2 and L. mesenteroides C7 strains significantly induced pro-longevity effects, protection from pathogens’ infection and innate immunity stimulation. Overall, these results showed that some autochthonous LAB from vegetables such as carrots have functional features to be considered as novel probiotic candidates.

Red Beetroot's NMR-Based Metabolomics: Phytochemical Profile Related to Development Time and Production Year

Red beetroot (RB) is a well-known health-promoting food consumed worldwide. RB is commonly used in food processing and manufacturing thanks to the high content of components that can also be employed as natural coloring agents. These bioactive molecules vary their concentration depending on beetroot seasonality, harvest time and climate conditions. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the variation of the RB phytochemical profile related to the root development during three different harvest times, using an ¹H-NMR-based metabolomic approach. Changes of carbohydrates and secondary metabolite concentrations were observed from July to September. Secondly, we compared the metabolic profiles of the final processed beet juices in three different production years to observe the effect of climate conditions on the RB's final product metabotype. A PCA analysis performed on juice extracts showed that production years 2016 and 2017 were characterized by a high content of choline and betaine, while 2018 by a high content of amino acids and dopamine and a low content of inorganic nitrates. This study suggests that the harvest time and roots growth conditions could be used to modulate the RB phytochemical profile, according to the final requirements of use, food or coloring agent source.

1H-NMR metabolomics reveals a multitarget action of Crithmum maritimum ethyl acetate extract in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is nowadays the sixth cause of tumour-related deceases worldwide, estimated to become the third in Western countries by 2030. New drugs for HCC treatment still have many adverse effects. Several lines of evidence indicate that plant metabolites offer concrete opportunities for developing new therapeutic strategies for many diseases, including cancer. We previously reported that ethyl acetate extract of a spontaneous edible plant harvested in Apulia, Crithmum maritimum, significantly inhibited cell growth in HCC cells. By ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, here we show that Crithmum maritimum ethyl acetate extract counteracts the Warburg effect, by reducing intracellular lactate, inhibits protein anabolism, by decreasing amino acid level, and affects membrane biosynthesis by lowering choline and phosphocholine. Also, we observed an effect on lipid homeostasis, with a reduction in triglycerides, cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and diunsaturated fatty acids (DUFA), and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Taken together, these data demonstrate that Crithmum maritimum-induced cytostasis is exerted through a multi-effect action, targeting key metabolic processes in HCC cells. Overall, our findings highlight the role of Crithmum maritimum as a promising tool for the prevention and the improvement of the therapeutic options for HCC and other types of tumours.

NMR-Based Metabolomic Comparison of Brassica oleracea (Var. italica): Organic and Conventional Farming

Brassicaceae family provides several crops which are worldwide known for their interesting phytochemical profiles, especially in terms of content of glucosinolates. These secondary metabolites show several beneficial effects toward consumers’ health, and several studies have been conducted to identify cultivation factors affecting their content in crops. One of the agronomic practices which is attracting growing interest is the organic one, which consists in avoiding the use of mineral fertilizers as well as pesticides. The aim of this study is to define the metabolic profile of Brassicaoleracea (var. italica) and to compare the samples grown using organic and conventional fertilization methods. The hydroalcoholic and organic extracts of the samples have been analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Forty-seven metabolites belonging to the categories of organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, sterols, and other molecules have been identified. Thirty-seven metabolites have been quantified. Univariate and multivariate PCA analyses allowed to observe that the organic practice influenced the nitrogen transport, the carbohydrate metabolism, the glucosinolate content and the phenylpropanoid pathway in B. oleracea (var. italica).

NMR based profiling of sesquiterpene lactones in Saussurea lappa roots collected from different location of Western Himalaya

Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Sch.Bip is a well known herbal medicine has been extensively used for many therapeutic purposes. In this article, we have accomplished targeted profiling of S. lappa roots samples collected from different locations (Pangi, Lahaul, Barot and Kullu) of the western Himalayan region using NMR. This study allowed us to assigned four major sesquiterpenes of this plant, including costunolide (CL), dehydrocostus lactone (DCL), alantolactone (AL), isoalantolactone (IAL). Quantification of sesquiterpene lactones have also been accomplished using ¹HNMR, and a wide diversity in the concentration of these active metabolites was observed. It has been observed that AL and IAL were major in the samples collected from Lahaul and Barot regions, and CL and DCL were major in the samples collected from Kullu and Pangi regions. This study concludes that S. lappa roots possess wide chemical diversity, which may be due to various biotic and abiotic environmental related factors.

NMR-based metabolic study of leaves of three species of Actinidia with different degrees of susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae

Bacterial canker of Actinidia, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), is the most serious disease of these plants worldwide. Leaves of three species of Actinidia, namely A. chinensis var. chinensis, A. chinensis var. deliciosa and A. arguta, having different degrees of tolerance to Psa, were analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Aqueous extracts of leaves were studied and several metabolites, classified as organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, phenols and other metabolites, were identified by 1D and 2D NMR experiments and quantified. The metabolic profiles of these species were compared through univariate statistical analysis ANOVA and multivariate PCA. Levels of metabolites with known antibacterial activity, such as caffeic and chlorogenic acids, were observed to be higher in the A. arguta samples. Moreover, these metabolites have different Pearson correlation patterns among the three Actinidia species, suggesting a difference at the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway.

Nutrimetabolomics: An Update on Analytical Approaches to Investigate the Role of Plant-Based Foods and Their Bioactive Compounds in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases

Metabolomics is the study of low-weight molecules present in biological samples such as biofluids, tissue/cellular extracts, and culture media. Metabolomics research is increasing, and at the moment, it has several applications in the food science and nutrition fields. In the present review, we provide an update about the most frequently used methodologies and metabolomic platforms in these areas. Also, we discuss different metabolomic strategies regarding the discovery of new bioactive compounds (BACs) in plant-based foods. Furthermore, we review the existing literature related to the use of metabolomics to investigate the potential protective role of BACs in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases, namely cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.