Cooking enhances beneficial effects of pea seed coat consumption on glucose tolerance, incretin, and pancreatic hormones in high-fat-diet-fed rats

Multi-omics reveals that green pea (Pisum sativum L.) hull supplementation ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via the SHMT2/glycine/mTOR/PPAR-γ signaling pathway

Diets rich in various active ingredients may be an effective intervention strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The green pea hull (GPH) is a processing by-product of green peas rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols. Here, a mouse model of NAFLD induced by DSS + high-fat diet (HFD) was established to explore the intervention effect of the GPH. The results showed that dietary supplements with the GPH can inhibit obesity and reduce lipid accumulation in the mouse liver to prevent liver fibrosis. GPH intervention can improve liver antioxidant capacity, reduce blood lipid deposition and maintain glucose homeostasis. DSS-induced disruption of the intestinal barrier aggravates NAFLD, which may be caused by the influx of large amounts of LPS. A multi-omics approach combining metabolomics and transcriptomic analysis indicated that glycine was the key target and its content was decreased in the liver after GPH intervention, and that dietary supplements with the GPH can relieve NAFLD via the SHMT2/glycine/mTOR/PPAR-γ signaling pathway, which was further supported by liver-associated protein expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that dietary GPH can significantly ameliorate NAFLD, and the future development of related food products can enhance the economic value of the GPH.

New alternatives from sustainable sources to wheat in bakery foods: Science, technology, and challenges

Ongoing research in the food industry is striving to replace wheat flour with new alternatives from sustainable sources to overcome the disease burden in the existing population. Celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are some common disorders associated with gluten present in wheat. These scientific findings are crucial to finding appropriate alternatives in introducing new ingredients supporting the consumer's requirements. Among the alternatives, amaranth, barley, coconut, chestnut, maize, millet, teff, oat, rye, sorghum, soy, rice flour, and legumes could be considered appropriate due to their chemical composition, bioactive profile, and alternatives utilization in the baking industry. Furthermore, the enrichment of these alternatives with proper ingredients is considered effective. Literature demonstrated that the flours from these alternative sources significantly enhanced the physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of the doughs. These flours boost a significant reduction in gluten proteins associated with food intolerance, in comparison with wheat highlighting a visible market opportunity with nutritional and organoleptic benefits for food producers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: New alternatives from sustainable sources to wheat in bakery foods as an approach that affects human health. Alternatives from sustainable sources are important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Alternatives from sustainable sources are rising due to nutritional and consumer demand in bakery industry. New alternatives from sustainable sources improve physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of dough. Non-wheat-based foods from non-traditional grains have a potential to increase consumer market acceptance.

Dietary supplementation with mung bean coat alleviates the disorders in serum glucose and lipid profile and modulates gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetic mice

As amajor by-product of mung bean processing, mung bean coat (MBC), which is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, is deemed to be mainly responsible for the health benefits of mung bean. However, its beneficial effects on the hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and gut microbiota composition in prediabetic mice is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of MBC in alleviating high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetes. Herein, compared with the model control, dietary supplementation with MBC (3%, w/w) for 12 weeks significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose (24.60%), total cholesterol (15.72%), triglyceride (14.41%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (22.45%). Furthermore, the improvements in glucose tolerance were reflected in the reduction of the area under the curve (AUC) and incremental AUC by approximately 23.08% and 51.18%, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota suggested that MBC promoted the enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Roseburia and Bifidobacterium) and the production of short-chain fatty acids. All of the results from this study provided a scientific reference for avoiding the functional ingredients waste of MBC and expanding its application value.

[Effects of the composite of buckwheat-oat-pea on blood glucose in diabetic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of buckwheat-oat-pea (BOP) composite flour [buckwheat ∶ oats ∶ peas=6 ∶ 1 ∶ 1 (quality ratio)] on blood glucose in diabetic rats.

METHODS

In this study, 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 8 groups by fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight: normal control group, model control group, metformin group, buckwheat group, oats group, BOP low-dose group (BOP-L), medium-dose group (BOP-M), and high-dose group (BOP-H). The rats in the normal control group were fed with normal diet, the rats in the model control group and metformin group were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), and the rats in the buckwheat group, oats group, and BOP-L, BOP-M, BOP-H groups were fed with HFD containing 10% buckwheat flour, 10% oat flour, 3.3% BOP, 10% BOP, 30% BOP, respectively. The HFD in all the groups had the same percentage of energy from fat (45%). After 30 days, the rats fed with HFD received intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, once a week for two weeks) to establish diabetes mellitus. After the model was successful established, the rats were fed for another 28 days. During the study, the body weight, food intake/body weight (FI/BW) and water intake/body weight (WI/BW), food utilization rate, 24 h urine volume, FBG, glucose area under curve (GAUC) of oral glucose tolerance test were measured regularly. At the end of the study, the fasting serum glucose and insulin were measured, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.

RESULTS

With the inducing of HFD and streptozotocin, compared with the normal control group, the rats in the model control group had higher FI/BW, WI/BW, 24 h urine volume, FBG, GAUC, HOMA-IR (P < 0.05), and lower body weight, food utilization rate (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, the rats in the three BOP groups all had higher body weight, food utilization rate (P < 0.05), and lower WI/BW, HOMA-IR (P < 0.05); the rats in the BOP-L and BOP-M groups had lower FI/BW, 24 h urine volume, FBG (P < 0.05), and the rats in the BOP-M group also had lower GAUC (P < 0.05). After the establishment of diabetes, there was no significant difference in blood glucose and the other indicators between the rats in the three BOP groups and the buckwheat group or the oats group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The BOP had the effects of reducing blood glucose, insulin resistance and diabetic symptoms on diabetic rats, and had the value for further development and utilization.

A comparison between whole mung bean and decorticated mung bean: beneficial effects on the regulation of serum glucose and lipid disorders and the gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetic mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of whole mung bean (WMB) and decorticated mung bean (DMB) on the regulation of serum glucose and lipid disorders in high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced prediabetic mice, and to further explore their gut microbiota modulatory effects. In the present study, the ability of mung bean-based diets to combat prediabetes-related metabolic disorders was determined by assessing the changes in the physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters, and the gut microbiota composition of prediabetic mice. The supplementation of both WMB and DMB can effectively alleviate HFD and STZ-induced impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by improvements in pancreatic β-cell damage and hepatic steatosis. However, only WMB supplementation significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels by sensitizing insulin action (P < 0.05), and reduced the serum lipid profiles and glycosylated serum protein levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high-throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that WMB and DMB supplementation could prevent HFD and STZ-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially for the enrichment of some benign bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia, and the reduction of some harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus and Enterococcus). Overall, although decortication processing had an impact on the beneficial effects of mung bean, it did not cause the loss of all health benefits.

Beneficial effects of mung bean seed coat on the prevention of high-fat diet-induced obesity and the modulation of gut microbiota in mice

PURPOSE

Our recent study has reported that whole mung bean showed better beneficial effects on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and gut microbiota disorders when compared with the decorticated mung bean at the same intervention dose level, suggesting that the mung bean seed coat (MBC) may play a crucial role in its health benefits. This study aims to investigate whether MBC has beneficial benefits on the prevention of HFD-induced obesity and the modulation of gut microbiota in mice when it was supplemented in HFD.

METHODS

Herein, male C57BL/6 J mice were fed with normal control diet, HFD, and HFD supplemented with MBC (3-6%, w/w) for 12 weeks. The changes in physiological, histological, biochemical parameters, serum endotoxin, proinflammatory cytokines, and gut microbiota composition of mice were determined to assess the ability of MBC to alleviate HFD-induced obesity and modulate gut microbiota disorders in mice.

RESULTS

MBC supplementation exhibited significant reductions in the HFD-induced adiposity, fat accumulation, serum lipid levels, lipopolysaccharide, and proinflammatory cytokines concentrations (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by improvements in hepatic steatosis and adipocyte size. Especially, the elevated fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance were also significantly improved by MBC supplementation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that MBC could normalize HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. MBC not only could promote the bloom of Akkermansia, but also restore several HFD-dependent taxa (Blautia, Ruminiclostridium_9, Bilophila, and unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae) back to normal status, co-occurring with the decreases in obesity-related indices.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that MBC may be mainly responsible for the beneficial effects of whole mung bean on preventing the HFD-induced changes, thus enlarging the application value of MBC.

Egg white hydrolysate enhances insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant rats via Akt activation

Agents that block the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) improve glucoregulation in the metabolic syndrome disorder. We evaluated the effects of egg white hydrolysate (EWH), previously shown to modulate the protein abundance of RAS component in vivo, on glucose homeostasis in diet-induced insulin-resistant rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce insulin resistance. They were then randomly divided into four groups receiving HFD or HFD supplemented with different concentrations of EWH (1, 2 and 4 %) for another 6 weeks in the first trial. In the second trial, insulin-resistant rats were divided into two groups receiving only HFD or HFD+4 % EWH for 6 weeks. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests. Insulin signalling and protein abundance of RAS components, gluconeogenesis enzymes and PPARγ were evaluated in muscle, fat and liver. Adipocyte morphology and inflammatory markers were evaluated. In vivo administration of EWH increased insulin sensitivity, improved oral glucose tolerance (P < 0·0001) and reduced systemic inflammation (P < 0·05). EWH potentiated insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation in muscle (P = 0·0341) and adipose tissue (P = 0·0276), but minimal differences in the protein abundance of tissue RAS components between the EWH and control groups were observed. EWH treatment also reduced adipocyte size (P = 0·0383) and increased PPARγ2 protein abundance (P = 0·0237). EWH treatment yielded positive effects on the inflammatory profile, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation in HFD-induced insulin resistance rats. The involvement of local RAS activity requires further investigation.

Dietary Pea Fiber Supplementation Improves Glycemia and Induces Changes in the Composition of Gut Microbiota, Serum Short Chain Fatty Acid Profile and Expression of Mucins in Glucose Intolerant Rats

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial impact of dried peas and their components on glucose tolerance; however, the role of gut microbiota as a potential mediator is not fully examined. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with raw and cooked pea seed coats (PSC) on glucose tolerance, microbial composition of the gut, select markers of intestinal barrier function, and short chain fatty acid profile in glucose intolerant rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed high fat diet (HFD) for six weeks to induce glucose intolerance, followed by four weeks of feeding PSC-supplemented diets. Cooked PSC improved glucose tolerance by approximately 30% (p < 0.05), and raw and cooked PSC diets reduced insulin response by 53% and 56% respectively (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), compared to HFD (containing cellulose as the source of dietary fiber). 16S rRNA gene sequencing on fecal samples showed a significant shift in the overall microbial composition of PSC groups when compared to HFD and low fat diet (LFD) controls. At the family level, PSC increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae (p < 0.001), and decreased Porphyromonadaceae (p < 0.01) compared with HFD. This was accompanied by increased mRNA expression of mucin genes Muc1, Muc2, and Muc4 in ileal epithelium (p < 0.05). Serum levels of acetate and propionate increased with raw PSC diet (p < 0.01). These results indicate that supplementation of HFD with PSC fractions can improve glycemia and may have a protective role against HFD-induced alterations in gut microbiota and mucus layer.

Neglecting legumes has compromised human health and sustainable food production

The United Nations declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (grain legumes) under the banner 'nutritious seeds for a sustainable future'. A second green revolution is required to ensure food and nutritional security in the face of global climate change. Grain legumes provide an unparalleled solution to this problem because of their inherent capacity for symbiotic atmospheric nitrogen fixation, which provides economically sustainable advantages for farming. In addition, a legume-rich diet has health benefits for humans and livestock alike. However, grain legumes form only a minor part of most current human diets, and legume crops are greatly under-used. Food security and soil fertility could be significantly improved by greater grain legume usage and increased improvement of a range of grain legumes. The current lack of coordinated focus on grain legumes has compromised human health, nutritional security and sustainable food production.