Microbiome interactions with different risk factors in development of myocardial infarction

Among all non-communicable diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) stand as the leading global cause of mortality. Within this spectrum, Myocardial Infarction (MI) strikingly accounts for over 15 % of all deaths. The intricate web of risk factors for MI, comprising family history, tobacco use, oral health, hypertension, nutritional pattern, and microbial infections, is firmly influenced by the human gut and oral microbiota, their diversity, richness, and dysbiosis, along with their respective metabolites. Host genetic factors, especially allelic variations in signaling and inflammatory markers, greatly affect the progression or severity of the disease. Despite the established significance of the human microbiome-nutrient-metabolite interplay in associations with CVDs, the unexplored terrain of the gut-heart-oral axis has risen as a critical knowledge gap. Moreover, the pivotal role of the microbiome and the complex interplay with host genetics, compounded by age-related changes, emerges as an area of vital importance in the development of MI. In addition, a distinctive disease susceptibility and severity influenced by gender-based or ancestral differences, adds a crucial insights to the association with increased mortality. Here, we aimed to provide an overview on interactions of microbiome (oral and gut) with major risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, hypertension host genetics, gender, and aging) in the development of MI and therapeutic regulation.

Effects of lipids from multiple sources on glyceride composition, concentration, and structure of infant formulas benchmarked to human milk

The important parameters affecting the nutritional properties of lipids were analyzed and compared between human milk (HM), infant formulas (IFs), mammalian milk, and substitute fat, including molecular species, fatty acid composition, glyceride content, and important structural triacylglycerols (TAGs). The molecular species of triacylglycerols with functional fatty acids were significantly different between HM and IFs, and their contents in HM were significantly higher than those in IFs. Accordingly, the evaluation scores of fatty acid composition and glyceride content in IFs were less than 50 compared to HM. Although the introduction of vegetable oils effectively improved the unsaturation of IF lipid, the excessive addition of TAGs rich in oleic and linoleic acid resulted in an imbalance of TAG composition and structure. Only 36.84 % of IFs were supplemented with structured lipids, but those still lacked sn-2 palmitate TAGs. The adoption of multiple lipids and novel processing technologies is required for novel IFs to match the composition, content, positional structure and spherical membrane structure of HM as closely as possible.

Infant formulae - Key components, nutritional value, and new perspectives

Breastfeeding is the most effective strategy for meeting the nutritional demands of infants, whilst infant formulae are manufactured foods that mimic human milk and can be safely used to replace breastfeeding. In this paper, the compositional differences between human milk and other mammalian milk are reviewed, and thus nutritional profiles and compositions of standard bovine milk-based formulae as well as special formulae are discussed. Differences between breast milk and other mammalian milk in composition and content affect their digestion and absorption in infants. Characteristics and mimicking of breast milk have been intensively studied with the objective of narrowing the gap between human milk and infant formulae. The functions of the key nutritional components in infant formulae are examined. This review detailed recent developments in the formulation of different types of special infant formulae and efforts for their humanization, and summarized safety and quality control of infant formulae.

Efficient in vitro digestion of lipids and proteins in bovine milk fat globule membrane ingredient (MFGMi) and whey-casein infant formula with added MFGMi

The relative immaturity of the infant digestive system has the potential to affect the bioavailability of dietary lipids, proteins, and their digested products. We performed a lipidomic analysis of a commercial bovine milk fat globule membrane ingredient (MFGMi) and determined the profile of lipids and proteins in the bioaccessible fraction after in vitro digestion of both the ingredient and whey-casein-based infant formula without and with MFGMi. Test materials were digested using a static 2-phase in vitro model, with conditions simulating those in the infant gut. The extent of digestion and the bioaccessibility of various classes of neutral and polar lipids were monitored by measuring a wide targeted lipid profile using direct infusion-mass spectrometry. Digestion of abundant proteins in the ingredient and whey-casein infant formula containing the ingredient was determined by denaturing PAGE with imaging of Coomassie Brilliant Blue stained bands. Cholesterol esters, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines in MFGMi were hydrolyzed readily during in vitro digestion, which resulted in marked increases in the amounts of free fatty acids and lyso-phospholipids in the bioaccessible fraction. In contrast, sphingomyelins, ceramides, and gangliosides were largely resistant to simulated digestion. Proteins in MFGMi and the infant formulas also were hydrolyzed efficiently. The results suggest that neutral lipids, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and proteins in MFGMi are digested efficiently during conditions that simulate the prandial lumen of the stomach and small intestine of infants. Also, supplementation of whey-casein-based infant formula with MFGMi did not appear to alter the profiles of lipids and proteins in the bioaccessible fraction after digestion.

New insights into the role of dietary triglyceride absorption in obesity and metabolic diseases

The incidence of obesity and associated metabolic diseases is increasing globally, adversely affecting human health. Dietary fats, especially triglycerides, are an important source of energy for the body, and the intestine absorbs lipids through a series of orderly and complex steps. A long-term high-fat diet leads to intestinal dysfunction, inducing obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, regulating dietary triglycerides absorption is a promising therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will discuss diverse aspects of the dietary triglycerides hydrolysis, fatty acid uptake, triglycerides resynthesis, chylomicron assembly, trafficking, and secretion processes in intestinal epithelial cells, as well as potential targets in this process that may influence dietary fat-induced obesity and metabolic diseases. We also mention the possible shortcomings and deficiencies in modulating dietary lipid absorption targets to provide a better understanding of their administrability as drugs in obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Phenylalanine free infant formula in the dietary management of phenylketonuria

BACKGROUND

Phenylalanine-free infant formula is an essential source of safe protein in a phenylalanine restricted diet, but its efficacy is rarely studied. We report a multicentre, open, longitudinal, prospective intervention study on a phenylalanine-free infant formula (PKU Start: Vitaflo International Ltd.).

RESULTS

This was a 2-part study: part I (28 days short term evaluation) and part II (12 months extension). Data was collected on infant blood phenylalanine concentrations, dietary intake, growth, and gastrointestinal tolerance. Ten infants (n = 8 males, 80%), with a median age of 14 weeks (range 4-36 weeks) were recruited from 3 treatment centres in the UK. Nine of ten infants completed the 28-day follow-up (one caregiver preferred the usual phenylalanine-free formula and discontinued the study formula after day 14) and 7/9 participated in study part II. The phenylalanine-free infant formula contributed a median of 57% (IQR 50-62%) energy and 53% (IQR 33-66%) of total protein intake from baseline to the end of the part II extension study. During the 12-month follow-up, infants maintained normal growth and satisfactory blood phenylalanine control. Any early gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, colic, vomiting and poor feeding) improved with time.

CONCLUSION

The study formula was well tolerated, helped maintain good metabolic control, and normal growth in infants with PKU. The long-term efficacy of phenylalanine-free infant formula should continue to be observed and monitored.

Short-chain fatty acid metabolism and multiple effects on cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and fatty acid metabolism has been well studied. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been less discussed than long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in CVDs. However, increasing evidence indicates the importance of SCFAs in regulating cardiac function. Here, we summarize the current understanding of SCFAs in hypertension, ischaemic reperfusion, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis and heart failure. Most SCFAs exert positive effects in regulating related diseases. Butyrate and propionate can reduce blood pressure, improve I/R injury and decrease the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis. Acetate can also play a positive role in regulating hypertension and preventing atherosclerosis, and malonate can improve cardiac function after MI. They affect these diseases by regulating inflammation, the immune system and related G protein-coupled receptors, with multiple neurohumoural regulation participation. In contrast, succinate can accelerate IR injury, increasing mitochondrial ROS production. SCFAs ultimately affect the regulation of different pathophysiological processes in heart failure. Here, we clarified the importance of short-chain fatty acids in the cardiovascular system and their multiple effects in various pathophysiological processes, providing new insights into their promising clinical application. More research should be conducted to further elucidate the underlying mechanism and different effects of single or multiple SCFA supplementation on the cardiovascular system.

Effects of Soybean Oil Body as a Milk Fat Substitute on Ice Cream: Physicochemical, Sensory and Digestive Properties

Soybean oil body (SOB) has potential as a milk fat substitute due to its ideal emulsification, stability and potential biological activity. In this study, SOB was used as a milk fat substitute to prepare ice cream, expecting to reduce the content of saturated fatty acid and improve the quality defects of ice cream products caused by the poor stability of milk fat at low temperatures. This study investigated the effect of SOB as a milk fat substitute (the substitution amount was 10–50%) on ice cream through apparent viscosity, particle size, overrun, melting, texture, sensory and digestive properties. The results show SOB substitution for milk fat significantly increased the apparent viscosity and droplet uniformity and decreased the particle size of the ice cream mixes, indicating that there were lots of intermolecular interactions to improve ice cream stability. In addition, ice cream with 30% to 50% SOB substitution had better melting properties and texture characteristics. The ice cream with 40% SOB substitution had the highest overall acceptability. Furthermore, SOB substitution for milk fat increased unsaturated fatty acid content in ice cream and fatty acid release during digestion, which had potential health benefits for consumers. Therefore, SOB as a milk fat substitute may be an effective way to improve the nutritional value and quality characteristics of dairy products.

Roles of Milk Fat Globule Membrane on Fat Digestion and Infant Nutrition

Milk fats are present as globules emulsified in the aqueous phase of milk and stabilized by a delicate membrane architecture called milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). The unique structure and composition of the MFGM play an important role in fat digestion and the metabolic programming of neonates. The objective of this review is to compare the structure, composition, and physicochemical characteristics of fat globules in human milk, bovine milk, and infant formula. It provides an overview of the fat digestion process and enzymes in healthy infants, and describes the possible roles of the MFGM in association with factors affecting fat digestion. Lastly, the health benefits of the MFGM on infant nutrition and future perspectives are discussed with a focus on brain development, metabolic response, and gut health.

Digestion of Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerol and sn-2 Palmitate in Infant Formula: A Study Based on Dynamic In Vitro Simulation of Infant Gastrointestinal Lipolysis

In this study, lipolysis of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in infant formula (IF) composed of different oils and supplied with different structured TAGs, including medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) and sn-2 palmitate, was studied using a dynamic digestion model simulating the infant gastrointestinal tract. The molecular species of digestion products released during digestion, including diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols (MAGs), and free fatty acids, as well as undigested TAGs, were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We observed clearly different lipolysis degrees (LDs), with diversity in digestion products of different IFs. IFs supplied with MLCT showed moderate medium-chain fatty acid release during gastric digestion and higher LD after intestinal digestion. The presence of sn-2 palmitate in IF was associated with higher content of MAG-16:0 in digestion products. The species and contents of digestion products in IF were highly influenced by structured TAGs.

A Comparative Analysis of Lipid Digestion in Human Milk and Infant Formulas Based on Simulated In Vitro Infant Gastrointestinal Digestion

To investigate the lipid digestive behaviors of human and infant formulas and analyze the differences between them, we investigated the fat globule particle size distribution, lipolysis rate, and fatty acid release of infant formulas with different fat sources and human milk using an in vitro infant digestion model. The results suggested that the particle size in infant formula increased rapidly during gastric digestion and decreased significantly after intestinal digestion, whereas the particle size in human milk increased slowly during gastric digestion but increased rapidly during intestinal digestion (p < 0.05). Despite having a larger droplet size, human milk demonstrated a very high lipolysis rate due to the presence of MFGM. In terms of the distribution of fatty acids in digestion products, the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in vegetable oil-based infant formulas was close to that of human milk. The amount of SFAs in milk fat-based infant formulas was significantly higher than that in human milk, and the content of MUFAs in all infant formulas was significantly lower than that in human milk (p < 0.05). After digestion, the most abundant fatty acid released by human milk was C18:2n6c, while the fatty acids released by infant formulas were SFAs, such as C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0.

MILK LIPIDS AND SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS

This article deals with the process of obtaining quality raw milk by analyzing its lipid composition. The lipid composition of raw milk depends on many factors, among which, first of all, is the species, the composition of the diet and the physiological state of the breast. In recent years, a large amount of data has accumulated on the fluctuations of certain lipid parameters of milk depending on the type, age, lactation, diet, time of year, exercise, animal husbandry technology, physiological state of the lactating organism in general and breast status in particular. Factors of regulation of fatty acid composition of raw milk: genetically determined parameters of quality and safety; fatty acid composition of the diet; synthesis of fatty acids by microorganisms of the digestive tract; synthesis of fatty acids in the breast; physiological state of the breast. The milk of each species of productive animals has its own specific lipid profile and is used in the formulation of certain dairy products to obtain the planned technological and nutritional parameters. Diagnosis of productive animals for subclinical mastitis involves the use of auxiliary (thermometry, thermography, electrical conductivity) and laboratory research methods: counting the number of somatic cells; use of specialized tests; microbiological studies of milk; biochemical studies of milk. The biochemical component in the diagnosis of subclinical forms of mastitis is underestimated. An increase in body temperature implies an increase in the intensity of heat release during the oxidation of substrates, sometimes due to a decrease in the intensity of synthesis of energy-intensive compounds. There are simply no other sources of energy in the body. The situation is the same with certain parts of the metabolism, which are aimed at the development of protective reactions to the etiological factor aimed at the defeat of the breast. That is why the biochemical composition of breast secretions in the absence of clinical signs of mastitis undergoes biochemical changes and the task of scientists is to develop mechanisms for clear tracking of such changes, identification of animals with subclinical forms of mastitis and effective treatment.

Dairy Processing Affects the Gut Digestion and Microecology by Changing the Structure and Composition of Milk Fat Globules

Milk fat globules (MFGs) are the major source of energy for infants' dietary intake. In this study, the effects of changes in the structure and composition of MFG after dairy processing on lipolysis and immune regulation were investigated. Pasteurized MFG tends to form protein aggregates to prevent lipolysis. However, the aggregate is rich in neutrophil degranulation products, which are effective in killing pathogens. Homogenized MFG has the lowest hydrolysis rate due to the reconstituted anti-lipase barrier and exposed apolipoprotein. Simultaneously, the reconstituted barrier can compensate for the lack of the complement cascade. Spray-dried MFG had the highest hydrolysis rate attributable to the disrupted MFG barrier and the release of lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase. The immunomodulatory properties of spray-dried MFG proteins are mainly mediated by the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. This research provides the improvement basis of dairy processing and functional infant formulas.

Advances in static in vitro digestion models after the COST action Infogest consensus protocol

In vitro digestion models are essential to predictively evaluate the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of food molecules or natural products. Dynamic models better simulate the gastrointestinal conditions as they reproduce similar physiological environments. Despite this, static methods, also known as biochemical methods, represent a simple and useful approach for the study of different types of molecules, with a broad applicability in the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and toxicological fields. In addition, static models can be validated, avoiding the disadvantage of a difficult reproducibility of dynamic in vitro systems and inter-individual variations of in vivo experiments. A crucial point in the standardization of static models was the COST Action Infogest in 2014, which elaborated an international consensus static digestion method to harmonize experimental conditions and has general guidelines, thus allowing the comparison of studies and data. The aim of our review is to underline the impact of the Infogest consensus method and the development and evolution of in vitro static methods in the following years, with a focus on food applications.

Simulated In Vitro Infant Gastrointestinal Digestion of Infant Formulas Containing Different Fat Sources and Human Milk: Differences in Lipid Profiling and Free Fatty Acid Release

Simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion of human milk and four infant formulas containing different fat sources was analyzed and compared in this study. Although there are disadvantages brought about by its larger droplet size than infant formulas, human milk exhibited a higher lipolysis level due to the presence of MFGM interfacial layers. Higher hydrolysis efficiency of infant formulas (IFB, IFC, and IFM) was due to the presence of MFGM/phospholipid-enriched materials. Human milk released higher free fatty acid levels, especially long-chain fatty acid, and less undigested TAG molecules at the end of digestion than infant formulas. Human milk had a higher proportion of MAG and DAG linked to long-chain fatty acid. Furthermore, several lipids were identified as potential biomarkers that could be used to further analyze differences in the biological properties of human, bovine, and caprine milk. This comprehensive analysis might be fruitful to formulate an infant formula closest to human milk.

Effect of Particle Size and Interface Composition on the Lipid Digestion of Droplets Covered with Membrane Phospholipids

The particle size and fatty acid release of droplets covered with milk fat globule membrane phospholipids with different particle sizes (large/MPL-L; medium/MPL-M; and small/MPL-S) and emulsions with different sources (droplets covered with MPL/MPLs; human milk/HM; and infant formula/IF) were investigated using an infant digestion model. During digestion, droplets exhibited different degrees of aggregation, and the order of the particle size was MPL-L > MPL-M > MPL-S. MPL-M and MPL-S were significantly higher than MPL-L in the release of free fatty acids. No significant difference was observed in the FFA release rate between MPLs and HM. However, the rate was significantly higher than that of IF in the intestinal stage. Compared to IF, a higher content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and a lower content of saturated fatty acid were observed in MPLs and HM.

Short-term effects of dietary bovine milk on fatty acid composition of human milk: A preliminary multi-analytical study

The fatty acid (FA) composition of human milk (HM) from N = 9 Italian healthy donors following a free diet exhibited FA-dependent ranges of variability, as assessed by GC-FID. The possible short-term changes in the FA profile were monitored in the milk of lactating mothers (three) collected at five time points over a 6 h period, following an oral load (200 mL) of bovine milk. An array of techniques was exploited, including UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS of intact lipids and MALDI-TOF MS before and after chemical hydrogenation or bromination, in addition to MALDI-TOF MS analysis of FA after saponification, to monitor short-chain and odd-chain FA in HM as markers of bovine milk fat. A single administration of bovine milk did not appreciably modify the lipid pattern, suggesting that the maternal diet could induce not detectable short-term changes on the lipid composition of HM. Diet-induced increase of butyric acid was also excluded by ¹³C NMR. The functions that HM FA exert in infant physiology appear finely regulated through maternal metabolism.

Carbon source modify lipids composition of Rhodococcus opacus intended for infant formula

Human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) are the structured lipids intended for infant formula. It provides energy and essential fatty acid for infant. HMFSs are mainly prepared by enzymatic method. In this study, we aim to explore the potential for producing HMFSs by fermentation using R. opacus. The results indicated that different compounds with chain length from 12 to 18, used as carbon source, could be incorporated into triacylglycerols directly. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in term of ARA, EPA, DHA could enter the kennedy pathway directly and involved in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols. GC, UPLC-MS and ¹³C-NMR analysis demonstrated that typical structured lipids β-OPL (40.09%) was synthesized in R. opacus. Transcriptome analysis revealed that β-oxidation, fatty acid elongation and kennedy pathways existed in R. opacus. It was concluded that fatty acid supplied as carbon source could enter the kennedy pathways directly or via the de novo fatty acid biosynthesis pathway depending on the chain length, thus, affect the triacylglycerol species formed in the Rhodococcus opacus.

Simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion of yak milk fat globules: A comparison with cow milk fat globules

Lipolysis products released during digestion exert positive metabolic impacts on the nutrition of newborns. However, the lipolysis behavior of yak milk lipids during digestion remains unknown. In this study, the simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion of cow, yak and standardized yak milk fat globules the same size as those from cow milk (Cow MF, Yak MF and Yak SMF) were compared. Although Cow MF showed a higher lipolysis rate at the beginning of gastric digestion, Yak MF and Yak SMF exhibited a higher lipolysis level during later gastrointestinal digestion. Higher hydrolysis efficiency of yak milk lipids was due to their lipid properties, including their composition and structure. Furthermore, yak milk lipids released more unsaturated fatty acids than Cow MF throughout digestion. This study highlights the crucial role of lipid characteristics in the efficient digestion of milk lipids and provides new insight for the design of yak milk infant diets.

Triacylglycerol Containing Medium-Chain Fatty Acids: Comparison of Human Milk and Infant Formulas on Lipolysis during In Vitro Digestion

Medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) is widely used in infant formulas (IFs) to provide medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) for infants with special fat absorption requirements. However, MCFAs naturally present in human milk are medium-and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs). This study investigated the effect of triacylglycerol containing MCFAs (MLCT vs MCT) on lipolysis by comparison of human milk and IFs containing 0, 20, 30, and 55% of MCT (IF 1 to IF 4) using an in vitro digestion model. Rabbit gastric lipase showed an extent of digestion within the expected range, and was selected as the alternative to human gastric lipase. All IFs showed a lower lipolysis degree compared with human milk. There was no significant difference (p = 0.175) among IFs supplemented with MCT at the end of intestinal digestion. In addition, the digestion of IFs with different MCT contents led to different free fatty acid profiles, which may have health effects on infants.