Diabetes and seeds: New horizon to promote human nutrition and anti-diabetics compounds in grains by germination

Enhancement of Bone Repair in Diabetic Rats with Metformin-Modified Silicified Collagen Scaffolds

Regenerating bone defects in diabetic rats presents a significant challenge due to the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species and impaired autophagy on bone healing. To address these issues, a metformin-modified biomimetic silicified collagen scaffold is developed utilizing the principles of biomimetic silicification. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the scaffold enhanced bone tissue regeneration within the diabetic microenvironment through the release of dual bio-factors. Further analysis reveals a potential therapeutic mechanism whereby these dual bio-factors synergistically promoted osteogenesis in areas of diabetic bone defects by improving mitochondrial autophagy and maintaining redox balance. The present study provides critical insights into the advancement of tissue engineering strategies aimed at bone regeneration in diabetic patients. The study also sheds light on the underlying biological mechanisms.

New horizon to the world of gut microbiome: seeds germination

The second brain of humans has been known as the microbiome. The microbiome is a dynamic network composed of commensal bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi colonized in the human gastrointestinal tract. They play a vital role in human health by metabolizing components, maturation of the immune system, and taking part in the treatment of various diseases. Two important factors that can affect the gut microbiome's composition and/or function are the food matrix and methods of food processing. Based on scientific research, the consumption of whole grains can make positive changes in the gut microbiota. Seeds contain different microbiota-accessible substrates that can resist digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Seed germination is one of the simplest and newest food processing approaches to improve seeds' bioavailability and overall nutritional value. During germination, the dormant hydrolytic seed's enzymes have been activated and then metabolize the macromolecules. The quality and quantity of bioactive compounds like prebiotics, fiber, phenolic compounds (PC), total free amino acids, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can increase even up to 4-10 folds in some cases. These components stimulate the survival and growth of healthful bacteria like probiotics and boost their activity. This effect depends on several parameters, e.g., germination environmental conditions. This review aims to provide up-to-date and latest research about promoting bioactive components during seed germination and investigating their impacts on gut microbiota to understand the possible direct and indirect effects of seed germination on the microbiome and human health.