Recent advances of cereal β-glucan on immunity with gut microbiota regulation functions and its intelligent gelling application

Plant-derived inducers in tumor differentiation therapy:A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Differentiation therapy, a highly regarded treatment method in tumor research, aims to induce tumor cells to differentiate back to normal cells, deviating from the malignant pathway and returning to a benign state. Its development relies on the continuous discovery of efficient and low-toxic differentiation inducers, including plant-derived active components that offer significant biological utilization and therapeutic potential. For this reason, the exploration of plant-derived inducers, particularly in their application in differentiation therapy, holds great promise in advancing cancer treatment strategies toward more effective and safer alternatives.

PURPOSE

This paper aims to provide a valuable reference for researchers seeking to identify natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants and highlights a promising research direction for the application of differentiation therapy in malignant tumor treatment.

METHODS

For the collection of pertinent information, an extensive search was conducted across diverse literature and electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar. This comprehensive approach aimed to retrieve and include all relevant literature from 1985 to 2023. Primary keywords such as "Natural medicinal plant," "Differentiation therapy," and "Differentiation inducer" were utilized, supplemented by secondary search terms including "Cancer," "Tumor," "Herbal medicine," "Induced differentiation," and "Cancer treatment."

RESULTS

This study systematically evaluated the application of plant-derived inducers in tumor-induced differentiation therapy. Through extensive literature review, specific plant components with confirmed differentiation-inducing properties were identified. Furthermore, potential molecular mechanisms underlying this process were outlined, shedding light on the future development of differentiation therapy in cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Plant-derived active components exhibit substantial biological utility and therapeutic potential. Delving deeper into the research on these components as differentiation inducers holds promise for the selection of novel cancer drugs and the unveiling of novel pathways for cancer treatment. These results emphasize the importance of continued exploration and in-depth research into natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants, which could significantly advance cancer treatment strategies. Moreover, the highlighted research direction underscores the relevance of differentiation therapy in the context of malignant tumor treatment, indicating its potential as a safer and more effective alternative in cancer therapy.

Barley polysaccharides inhibit colorectal cancer by two relatively independent pathways

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide that can lead to serious injury and death. Although polysaccharides are widely recognized as having antitumor activity, there has been little research on the role of barley polysaccharides (BP)1 in colorectal cancer. The results of our research suggest that BP (300 mg/kg) had a significant inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer, and this effect was achieved through two pathways. First, BP can directly promote the secretion of protective metabolites like 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione and 2,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionitrile thereby inhibiting the cancer pathways such as ERK, PI3K, WNT, JAK-STAT, Calcium, and Cell cycle cancer pathways to alleviate inflammation. Second, BP also can enrich beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Colidextribacter, Bilophila, and UCG-003 improve the intestinal barrier, promote the production of beneficial metabolites such as 5,8-Epoxy-5,8-dihydro-3-hydroxy-8'-apo-b,y-carotenal and L-Glutamic acid, and thus inhibit cancer pathways such as ERK, PI3K, Nuclear receptor, Cell cycle, Apoptosis and TGF-β. In conclusion, our findings suggest for the first time that BP can alleviate colorectal cancer by two relatively independent pathways: direct action and indirect action via the gut microbiota on both colon tumor cells and microbiota.

Dietary Oat β-Glucan Alleviates High-Fat Induced Insulin Resistance through Regulating Circadian Clock and Gut Microbiome

SCOPE

High-fat diet induced circadian rhythm disorders (CRD) are associated with metabolic diseases. As the main functional bioactive component in oat, β-glucan (GLU) can improve metabolic disorders, however its regulatory effect on CRD remains unclear. In this research, the effects of GLU on high-fat diet induced insulin resistance and its mechanisms are investigated, especially focusing on circadian rhythm-related process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male C57BL/6 mice are fed a low fat diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented 3% GLU for 13 weeks. The results show that GLU treatment alleviates HFD-induced insulin resistance and intestinal barrier dysfunction in obese mice. The rhythmic expressions of circadian clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, and Cry1) in the colon impaired by HFD diet are also restored by GLU. Further analysis shows that GLU treatment restores the oscillatory nature of gut microbiome, which can enhance glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) secretion via short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) mediated activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Meanwhile, GLU consumption significantly relieves colonic inflammation and insulin resistance through modulating HDAC3/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

GLU can ameliorate insulin resistance due to its regulation of colonic circadian clock and gut microbiome.

Modulation of cecal microbiota and fecal metabolism in mice by walnut protein

Walnut meal is a by-product of walnut oil pressing, in which the protein content is more than 40%, which is an excellent food raw material, but at present, it is basically used as animal feed or discarded, which results in a great waste of resources, and its modulating effect on the intestinal microbiota is not clear. In this study, we used supercritically extracted walnut meal as a raw material, prepared walnut meal isolate protein (WP) by alkaline extraction and acid precipitation, and systematically analyzed its structure by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); meanwhile, we explored the effects of WP on the cecal bacterial flora and fecal metabolites of mice by microbiological and metabolomic techniques. The results showed that the protein content of WP prepared using alkaline extraction and acid precipitation was as high as 83.7%, in which arginine and glutamic acid were abundant, and it has the potential to be used as a raw material for weight-loss meal replacement food; FTIR and Raman analyses showed that the absorption peaks of WP's characteristic functional groups were obvious, and that the content of the α-helix and β-fold in the secondary structure was greater than 30%, which indicated that it was structurally stable; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and SEM analyses showed that WP is a typical spherical particle, its denaturation temperature is 73.6 °C, and it has good thermal stability. Supplementation of WP significantly altered the composition of the intestinal flora in mice, with an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in harmful bacteria; the strongest modulation of the intestinal flora was achieved by altering the composition of the intestinal flora and by increasing the number of Akkermansia (p < 0.01), which consequently affects the function of the microbiota. Based on LC-MS metabolomic results, we identified a total of 87 WP-regulated metabolites, mainly enriched in the bile secretion pathway, which had the highest relevance, followed by benzoxazine biosynthesis. In summary, walnut protein is an important plant protein and has a positive impact on intestinal health, which may provide new ideas for the development of functional foods.

Exploring β-glucan as a micro-nano system for oral delivery targeted the colon

The critical role of oral colon-specific delivery systems (OCDDS) is important for delivering active agents to the colon and rectum specifically via the oral route. The use of micro/nanostructured OCDDS further improves drug stability, bioavailability, and retention time, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects. However, designing micro/nanoscale OCDDSs is challenging due to pH changes, enzymatic degradation, and systemic absorption and metabolism. Biodegradable natural polysaccharides are a promising solution to these problems, and β-glucan is one of the most promising natural polysaccharides due to its unique structural features, conformational flexibility, and specific processing properties. This review covers the diverse chemical structures of β-glucan, its benefits (biocompatibility, easy modification, and colon-specific degradation), and various β-glucan-based micro/nanosized OCDDSs, as well as their drawbacks. The potential of β-glucan offers exciting new opportunities for colon-specific drug delivery.

Sophy β-Glucan from the Black Yeast Aureobasidium pullulans Attenuates Salmonella-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Injury in Caco-2 Cell Monolayers via Exerting Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The zoonotic pathogens Salmonella spp. infection disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier function and induced local gastroenteritis and systemic inflammation in humans and animals. Sophy β-glucan, a water-soluble β-1,3/1,6-glucan synthesized from the black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans, was reported with immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective properties. Here, we investigated the protective role of sophy β-glucan on Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE)-challenged Caco-2 cells monolayer and explored underlying action mechanisms. The results showed that pretreatment with sophy β-glucan blocked the adhesion and invasion of SE onto Caco-2 cells along with alleviating SE-induced epithelial barrier injury, as evidenced by increased trans-epithelial electrical resistance, decreased fluorescently-labeled dextran 4 flux permeability, and an enhanced Claudin-4 protein level in the SE-stimulated Caco-2 cell monolayer. Moreover, treatment with β-glucan down-regulated pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α) while up-regulating anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 at mRNA and protein levels in SE-infected Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, sophy β-glucan strengthened the anti-oxidative capacity of Caco-2 monolayers cells by elevating T-AOC and SOD activity and inhibiting MDA production defending SE. Together, our data showed that sophy β-glucan could prevent intestinal epithelial injury induced by SE, possibly by exerting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it might be helpful for controlling SE infection.

Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus (Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents

Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus", is a non-poisonous mushroom that parasitizes insects for growth and development by manipulating the host system in a way that makes the victim behave like a "zombie". These species produce promising bioactive metabolites, like adenosine, β-glucans, cordycepin, and ergosterol. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits, as it boosts stamina, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido, memory, and sleep. Neuronal loss is the typical feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) and neurotrauma. Both these conditions share common pathophysiological features, like oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Cordyceps bioactives (adenosine, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, ergosta-7, 9 (11), 22-trien-3β-ol, active peptides, and polysaccharides) exert potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and display beneficial effects in the management and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. Although a considerable list of compounds is available from Cordyceps, only a few have been evaluated for their neuroprotective potential and still lack information for clinical trials. In this review, the neuroprotective mechanisms and safety profile of Cordyceps extracts/bioactives have been discussed, which might be helpful in the identification of novel potential therapeutic entities in the future.

A Synthetic Formula Amino Acid Diet Leads to Microbiome Dysbiosis, Reduced Colon Length, Inflammation, and Altered Locomotor Activity in C57BL/6J Mice

The effects of synthetic, free-amino acid diets, similar to those prescribed as supplements for (phenylketonuria) PKU patients, on gut microbiota and overall health are not well understood. In the current, multidisciplinary study, we examined the effects of a synthetically-derived, low-fiber, amino acid diet on behavior, cognition, gut microbiome composition, and inflammatory markers. A cohort of 20 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either a standard or synthetic diet (n = 10) at post-natal day 21 and maintained for 13 weeks. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene from fecal samples revealed decreased bacterial diversity, increased abundance of bacteria associated with disease, such as Prevotella, and a downward shift in gut microbiota associated with fermentation pathways in the synthetic diet group. Furthermore, there were decreased levels of short chain fatty acids and shortening of the colon in mice consuming the synthetic diet. Finally, we measured TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in serum, the hippocampus, and colon, and found that the synthetic diet significantly increased IL-6 production in the hippocampus. These results demonstrate the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to future diet and microbiome studies, as diet not only impacts the gut microbiome composition but potentially systemic health as well.

Structural, rheological, and gelling characteristics of starch-based materials in context to 3D food printing applications in precision nutrition

Starch-based materials have viscoelasticity, viscous film-forming, dough pseudoplasticity, and rheological properties, which possess the structural characteristics (crystal structure, double helix structure, and layered structure) suitable for three-dimensional (3D) food printing inks. 3D food printing technology has significant advantages in customizing personalized and precise nutrition, expanding the range of ingredients, designing unique food appearances, and simplifying the food supply chain. Precision nutrition aims to consider individual nutritional needs and individual differences, which include special food product design and personalized precise nutrition, thus expanding future food resources, then simplifying the food supply chain, and attracting extensive attention in food industry. Different types of starch-based materials with different structures and rheological properties meet different 3D food printing technology requirements. Starch-based materials suitable for 3D food printing technology can accurately deliver and release active substances or drugs. These active substances or drugs have certain regulatory effects on the gut microbiome and diabetes, so as to maintain personalized and accurate nutrition.

Impact of Oat (Avena sativa L.) on Metabolic Syndrome and Potential Physiological Mechanisms of Action: A Current Review

Oat (Avena sativa L.), an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Gramineae family, is widely grown in various regions including EU, Canada, America, Australia, etc. Due to the nutritional and pharmacological values, oats have been developed into various functional food including fermented beverage, noodle, cookie, etc. Meanwhile, numerous studies have demonstrated that oats may effectively improve metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and obesity. However, the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of oats on metabolic syndrome have not been fully revealed. Therefore, in order to fully explore the benefits of oat in food industry and clinic, this review aims to provide up-to-date information on oat and its constituents, focusing on the effects on metabolic syndrome.

Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide are linear molecules that alter the abundance and composition of intestinal microbiota in Sprague Dawley rats

Introduction

The macromolecular polysaccharide Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) is composed of various monosaccharides, and it could modulate the composition and diversity of intestinal flora. However, its impact on the intestinal flora in rats of different genders remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the structural changes of IOP and its effects on the intestinal flora after administration in male and female rats.

Methods

In this study, the molecular weight and purity of IOP were analyzed by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and phenol sulfuric acid method, and NMR was used to confirm the chemical structure of IOP. Sex hormone [testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2)] levels and intestinal microbial changes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and 16S rRNA, respectively, after gavage of IOP (100 mg/kg) in male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

Results

HPGPC analysis showed that the average molecular weight (Mw) of IOP was 4,828  Da, and the total sugar content of the purified IOP was 96.2%, indicating that the polysaccharide is of high purity. NMR revealed that IOP is a linear macromolecule with an α-D-type glucose backbone. The results of ELISA and 16S rRNA showed that the IOP increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Clostridia_UCG-014 and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31, and reduced that of harmful bacteria, such as Colidextribacter and Desulfobacterota in the intestine of both male and female rats, and IOP changed the levels of sex hormones in male and female rats. Further analyses revealed that the increase in alpha diversity was higher in male than female rats. α diversity and β diversity revealed a significant difference in the composition of cecal microbiota between male and female rats in the control group, but IOP intake reduced this difference. Meanwhile, α analysis revealed a change in the composition of bacterial flora was more stable in male than female rats.

Conclusions

This study enhances our comprehension of the IOP structure and elucidates the alterations in intestinal flora following IOP administration in rats of varying genders. Nonetheless, further investigation is warranted to explore the specific underlying reasons for these discrepancies.

The Rheology and Textural Properties of Bakery Products Upcycling Brewers' Spent Grain

This study aimed to evaluate the rheological properties of doughs with 50% brewers' spent grain (BSG) derived from a rye-based (RBSG) and barley-based (BBSG) beer added, and the textural profile of the related baked products. Simple model systems using BSG flour mixed with water were studied. Two bakery products, focaccia and cookies, were made as food systems using BSG in a 1:1 ratio with wheat flour (WF). Their rheological properties and texture after baking were characterized. BSG-added dough exhibited viscoelastic properties with a solid gel-like behavior. The addition of BSG increased G' > G″ and decreased the dough flexibility. BSG addition in baked RBSG focaccia increased the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness by 10%, 9%, and 12%, respectively. BBSG cookies had a 20% increase in fracturability. A positive correlation was found between the rheological metrics of the dough and the textural parameters of BBSG-added cookies. PCA analysis revealed that complex viscosity, G', G″, and cohesiveness separated BBSG focaccia from RBSG focaccia and the control. Therefore, the rheological properties of BSG dough will have industrial relevance for 3D-printed customized food products with fiber. Adding RBSG and BBSG to selected foods will increase the up-cycling potential by combining techno-functional properties.

Nutritional Description of Processed Foods with Fibre-Related Nutrition Claims in Spain: The BADALI Project

Fibre is one of the most beneficial nutrients for health and is very frequently used in nutrition claims (NCs) to promote foods. These claims may lead consumers to believe that products bearing them are healthy and/or healthier than those without them. The main objective of this work is to address this belief. This is the first exhaustive analysis of seven processed food types with fibre-related NCs (six cereal-based and one plant-based meat analogues) comparing them with those without these claims. The Spanish Food Database, BADALI, was used for this study. Results show that as many as 88.7% of processed foods with fibre-related NCs are classified as 'less healthy' according to the Nutrient Profile Model developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO-NPM). When compared to foods without these NCs, similar results were obtained in the whole sample. Most of the observed divergences when analysing individual critical nutrients by food type indicate a deterioration of the nutritional quality. Foods with fibre-related NCs contained more fibre. The more frequent use of whole grain cereals or other fibre-specific ingredients may contribute to this. Some other nutritionally relevant differences were observed and half of them reflected a deterioration of the nutritional quality. In addition, these foods presented a lower prevalence of the organic version, as well as similar rates of mineral and vitamin fortification. Therefore, processed foods with fibre-related NCs are not healthy, nor present a better nutritional profile than those without.

Modified Prebiotic-Based "Shield" Armed Probiotics with Enhanced Resistance of Gastrointestinal Stresses and Prolonged Intestinal Retention for Synergistic Alleviation of Colitis

Oral administration of probiotics is a promising method to alleviate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, gastrointestinal environmental sensitivity and inferior intestinal colonization of probiotics hinder the alleviation effect. Here, we developed a simple yet effective modified prebiotic-based "shield" (Fe-TA@mGN) composed of an Fe3+-tannic acid cross-linking network and carboxymethylated β-glucan for arming Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN@Fe-TA@mGN). The Fe-TA@mGN "shield" not only acted as a dynamic barrier to enhance the gastrointestinal stress resistance ability of EcN but also aided the intestinal colonization of EcN as well as synergized with EcN for the alleviation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis. More specifically, with the protection of the Fe-TA@mGN "shield", the survival rate of armed EcN could be up to ∼1720 times higher than that of bare EcN after exposure to simulated gastric fluid. Excitingly, the intestinal retention rate of EcN@Fe-TA@mGN was as high as 47.54 ± 6.06% at 16 h post-administration, while almost all bare EcNs were excreted out at 8 h post-administration. With all of the aforementioned attributes, EcN@Fe-TA@mGN efficiently alleviated colitis, verified by the repair of the intestinal barrier and the attenuation of inflammation. Moreover, for EcN@Fe-TA@mGN, mGN synergized with EcN to positively modulate gut microbiota and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs, especially for butyric acid, a primary source for maintaining intestinal health), both of which would further advance the alleviation of colitis. We envision that the strategy developed here will inspire the exploitation of various prebiotics to arm probiotics for the effective alleviation of IBD.

Research advances in citrus polyphenols: green extraction technologies, gut homeostasis regulation, and nano-targeted delivery system application

Citrus polyphenols can modulate gut microbiota and such bi-directional interaction that can yield metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to aid in gut homeostasis. Such interaction provides citrus polyphenols with powerful prebiotic potential, contributing to guts' health status and metabolic regulation. Citrus polyphenols encompass unique polymethoxy flavonoids imparting non-polar nature that improve their bioactivities and ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Green extraction technology targeting recovery of these polyphenols has received increasing attention due to its advantages of high extraction yield, short extraction time, low solvent consumption, and environmental friendliness. However, the low bioavailability of citrus polyphenols limits their applications in extraction from citrus by-products. Meanwhile, nano-encapsulation technology may serve as a promising approach to improve citrus polyphenols' bioavailability. As citrus polyphenols encompass multiple hydroxyl groups, they are potential to interact with bio-macromolecules such as proteins and polysaccharides in nano-encapsulated systems that can improve their bioavailability. This multifaceted review provides a research basis for the green and efficient extraction techniques of citrus polyphenols, as well as integrated mechanisms for its anti-inflammation, alleviating metabolic syndrome, and regulating gut homeostasis, which is more capitalized upon using nano-delivery systems as discussed in that review to maximize their health and food applications.

The Interplay between Medical Plants and Gut Microbiota in Cancer

The gut microbiota is a dynamic community of bacteria distributed in the gastroenteric tract and changes in response to diseases, diet, use of antibiotics and probiotics, hygiene status, and other environmental factors. Dysbiosis, a disruption of the normal crosstalk between the host and the microbes, is associated with obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, is linked to a reduction of anti-inflammatory bacteria like Lactobacillus and Roseburia, and to an increase in the growth of proinflammatory species like Ruminococcus gnavus and Bacteroidetes. Some plants possess anticancer properties and various studies have reported that some of these are also able to modulate the gut microbiota. The aim of this work is to evaluate the crucial relationship between medical plants and gut microbiota and the consequences on the onset and progression of cancer. In vivo studies about hematological malignancies showed that beta-glucans tie to endogenous antibeta glucan antibodies and to iC3b, an opsonic fragment of the central complement protein C3, leading to phagocytosis of antibody-targeted neoplastic cells and potentiation of the cytotoxic activity of the innate immune system if administered together with monoclonal antibodies. In conclusion, this review suggests the potential use of medical plants to improve gut dysbiosis and assist in the treatment of cancer.

β-glucans: a potential source for maintaining gut microbiota and the immune system

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract holds a complex and dynamic population of microbial communities, which exerts a marked influence on the host physiology during homeostasis and disease conditions. Diet is considered one of the main factors in structuring the gut microbiota across a lifespan. Intestinal microbial communities play a vital role in sustaining immune and metabolic homeostasis as well as protecting against pathogens. The negatively altered gut bacterial composition has related to many inflammatory diseases and infections. β-glucans are a heterogeneous assemblage of glucose polymers with a typical structure comprising a leading chain of β-(1,4) and/or β-(1,3)-glucopyranosyl units with various branches and lengths as a side chain. β-glucans bind to specific receptors on immune cells and initiate immune responses. However, β-glucans from different sources differ in their structures, conformation, physical properties, and binding affinity to receptors. How these properties modulate biological functions in terms of molecular mechanisms is not known in many examples. This review provides a critical understanding of the structures of β-glucans and their functions for modulating the gut microbiota and immune system.

The Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on Health and Gut Microbiota

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is plant-based and consists of multiple daily portions of vegetables, fruit, cereals, and olive oil. Although there are challenges with isolating the MD from the typical Mediterranean lifestyle and culture (including prolonged 'social' meals and siestas), much evidence supports the health benefits of the MD that include improved longevity, reduced metabolic risk of Diabetes Mellitus, obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome, reduced risk of malignancy and cardiovascular disease, and improved cognitive function. The MD is also associated with characteristic modifications to gut microbiota, mediated through its constituent parts (primarily dietary fibres, extra virgin olive oil, and polyunsaturated fatty acids [including ω-3]). These include enhanced growth of species that produce short-chain fatty acids (butyrate), such as Clostridium leptum and Eubacterium rectale, enhanced growth of Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii species, and reduced growth of Firmicutes and Blautia species. Such changes in gut microbiota are known to be associated favourably with inflammatory and oxidative status, propensity for malignancy and overall metabolic health. A key challenge for the future is to explore the extent to which the health benefits of the MD are mediated by such changes to gut microbiota. The MD confers both health and environmental benefits. Adoption of the MD should perhaps be encouraged and facilitated more generally and not just restricted to populations from Mediterranean regions. However, there are key challenges to this approach that include limited perennial availability of the constituent parts of the MD in some non-Mediterranean regions, intolerability of a high-fibre diet for some people, and potential cultural disconnects that juxtapose some traditional (including Western) diets with the MD.

Optimizing the synthesis of yeast Beta-glucan via response surface methodology for nanotechnology application

BACKGROUND

The production of biopolymers from waste resources is a growing trend, especially in high-population countries like Egypt. Beta-glucan (β-glucan) belongs to natural polysaccharides that are derived from plant and microbial origins. In this study, following increasing demands for β-glucan owing to its bioactive properties, a statistical model to enhance microbial β-glucan production was evaluated for its usefulness to the food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, a trial to convert β-glucan polymer to nanostructure form was done to increase its bioactivity.

RESULTS

Ingredients of low-cost media based on agro-industrial wastes were described using Plackett-Burman and central composite design of response surface methodology for optimizing yeast β-glucan. Minerals and vitamin concentrations significantly influenced β-glucan yield for Kluyveromyces lactis and nitrogen and phosphate sources for Meyerozyma guilliermondii. The maximum predicted yields of β-glucan recovered from K. lactis and M. guilliermondii after optimizing the medium ingredients were 407 and 1188 mg/100 ml; respectively. For the first time, yeast β-glucan nanoparticles (βGN) were synthesized from the β-glucan polymer using N-dimethylformamide as a stabilizer and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The average size of βGN was about 300 nm as determined by DLS. The quantitative variation of functional groups between β-glucan polymer and βGN was evaluated by FT-IR for explaining the difference in their biological activity against Normal Homo sapiens-Hela contaminant and Hepatic cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Enriching the low-cost media based on agro-industrial wastes with nutritional ingredients improves the yield of yeast β-glucan. The present study succeeds to form β-glucan nanoparticles by a simple method.

Study of Water Freezing in Low-Fat Milky Ice Cream with Oat β-Glucan and Its Influence on Quality Indicators

The work is devoted to the study of the functional and technological properties of oat β-glucan in low-fat milky ice cream (2% fat) in comparison with the stabilization system Cremodan^® SI 320. β-glucan (0.5%) has a greater effect on the cryoscopic temperature of ice cream mixes than Cremodan^® SI 320 in the same amount (decrease by 0.166 °C vs. 0.078 °C), which inhibits the freezing process of free water in ice cream during technological processing in the temperature range from -5 to -10 °C. Microscopy of ice cream samples after freezing and hardening shows the ability of β-glucan to form a greater number of energy bonds due to specific interaction with milk proteins. Analysis of the microstructure of ice cream samples during 28 d of storage confirms the ability of oat β-glucan to suppress the growth of ice crystals more effectively than Cremodan^® SI 320. Oat β-glucan gives ice cream a rich creamy taste, increases overrun and resistance to melting, which brings this type of frozen dessert closer to a full-fat analogue (10% fat).

Association of sweetened beverages consumption with all-cause mortality risk among Dutch adults: the Lifelines Cohort Study (the SWEET project)

PURPOSE

Examined associations between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), low/no-calorie beverages (LNCB), and fruit juice (FJ) consumption and all-cause mortality in Dutch adults.

METHODS

Data of 118,707 adults participating (mean age = 45 years; 60% was women) the Lifelines Cohort Study were prospectively analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Participants' vital status was followed-up until February 2022 via the National Personal Records Database. Associations between beverages of interest and all-cause mortality risk were investigated using restricted cubic spline and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, including substitution analyses. Models were adjusted for demographics, lifestyle, and other dietary factors.

RESULTS

During follow-up (median = 9.8 years), a total of 2852 (2.4%) deaths were documented. Median (IQR) of SSB, LNCB, and FJ consumption were 0.1 (0.0-0.6), 0.1 (0.0-0.6), and 0.2 (0.0-0.6) serving/day, respectively. Dose-response analyses showed linear associations between SSB, LNCB, and FJ consumption and mortality risk. For each additional serving of SSB and LNCB, HRs of all-cause mortality risk were 1.09 (95% CI 1.03-1.16) and 1.06 (95% CI 1.00-1.11). Replacing SSB with LNCB showed a nonsignificant association with a lower mortality risk, particularly in women (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81-1.01). Finally, an inverse association between FJ and all-cause mortality was observed at moderate consumption with HR of 0.87 (95% CI 0.79-0.95) for > 0-2 servings/week and HR of 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.98) for > 2-< 7 servings/week when compared to no consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed adverse associations between SSB consumption and all-cause mortality. Replacing SSB with LNCB might be associated with lower mortality risk, particularly in women. Moderate intake of FJ was associated with lower all-cause mortality risk.

Whole grain benefit: synergistic effect of oat phenolic compounds and β-glucan on hyperlipidemia via gut microbiota in high-fat-diet mice

Increasing evidence has confirmed that whole grain oats are effective in regulating hyperlipidemia. However, which specific ingredient is crucial remains unclear. This study focused on which whole grain components, oat phenolic compounds (OPC) or oat β-glucan (OBG), can regulate lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. The experiment unveiled that OPC and/or OBG not only reduced the body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) but also regulated serum and hepatic lipid levels in high-fat-diet (HFD) fed mice. There was no significant difference in the regulatory effects of OPC and OBG (p > 0.05). The combination of OPC and OBG (OPC + OBG) significantly decreased the body weight (p < 0.01) and reduced the blood glucose (p < 0.01) and lipid profile levels (p < 0.01). The real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) study revealed that OPC + OBG significantly altered mRNA expression related to lipid metabolism. Histopathological analysis showed that OPC + OBG improved liver lipid deposition as well as liver oxidative stress (p < 0.05). In addition, OPC + OBG combination regulated the gut microbiota community phenotype and increased probiotics. OPC + OBG significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and reduced the abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05) compared with the OPC and OBG fed mice. In conclusion, OPC + OBG has a synergistic effect in alleviating hyperlipidemia via lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. This finding also provided a potential justification for the advantages of whole grains in preventing hyperlipidemia.

The Potential Functions and Mechanisms of Oat on Cancer Prevention: A Review

Oat is classified as a whole grain and contains high contents of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins). In recent years, studies have focused on the effects of oat consumption on reducing the risk of a variety of diseases. Reports have indicated that an oat diet exerts certain biological functions, such as preventing cardiovascular diseases, reducing blood glucose, and promoting intestinal health, along with antiallergy, antioxidation, and cancer preventive effects. At present, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The natural products of oat are an important breakthrough for developing new strategies of cancer prevention, and their ability to interact with multiple cellular targets helps to combat the complexity of cancer pathogenesis. In addition, the comprehensive study of the cancer prevention activity and potential mechanism of oat nutrients and phytochemicals has become a research hotspot. In this Review, we focused on the potential functions of peptides, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals in oats on cancer prevention and further revealed novel mechanisms and prospects for clinical application. These findings might provide a novel approach to deeply understand the functions and mechanisms for cancer prevention of oat consumption.

Exploring the Rheological and Structural Characteristics of Novel Pectin-Salecan Gels

The hydrogels based on natural polysaccharide offers high hydrophilicity and excellent biocompatibility while exhibiting soft physical properties related to texture and tissues, making them ideal candidates for food and biomedical applications. Herein, a new gel system composed of pectin and salecan (PS) was designed and prepared, and its structural and functional characteristics were further explored by scanning electron microscopy and rheological testing. Data fitting based on Herschel–Bulkley (HB) and Power-Law models enable in-depth comparisons and elucidations of the PS gels’ flow behavior. The cyclic strain time scanning test gave an interesting maximum strain recovery rate of about 70%; meanwhile, the creep data reported an adjustable creep compliance of 0.0146 to 0.1802. The comprehensive analysis of the structure and rheological exploration of the novel pectin-salecan hydrogels demonstrated their potential advantages over pectin and broader applicability in different food or biomedical fields.