Fish nutrients decrease expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in cultured human macrophages

Uncovering the microbiome landscape in sashimi delicacies

It is widely believed that a significant portion of the gut microbiota, which play crucial roles in overall health and disease, originates from the food we consume. Sashimi is a type of popular raw seafood cuisine. Its microbiome, however, remained to be thoroughly explored. The objective of this study is to explore the microbiome composition in sashimi at the time when it is served and ready to be eaten. Specifically, our tasks include investigating the diversity and characteristics of microbial profiles in sashimi with respect to the fish types. We utilized the Sanger-sequencing based DNA barcoding technology for fish species authentication and next-generation sequencing for sashimi microbiome profiling. We investigated the microbiome profiles of amberjack, cobia, salmon, tuna and tilapia sashimi, which were all identified using the MT-CO1 DNA sequences regardless of their menu offering names. Chao1 and Shannon indexes, as well as Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index were used to evaluate the alpha and beta diversities of sashimi microbiome. We successfully validated our previous observation that tilapia sashimi has a significantly higher proportions of Pseudomonas compared to other fish sashimi, using independent samples (P = 0.0010). Salmon sashimi exhibited a notably higher Chao1 index in its microbiome in contrast to other fish species (P = 0.0031), indicating a richer and more diverse microbial ecosystem. Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index revealed distinct clusters of microbiome profiles with respect to fish types. Microbiome similarity was notably observed between amberjack and tuna, as well as cobia and salmon. The relationship of microbiome similarity can be depicted as a tree which resembles partly the phylogenetic tree of host species, emphasizing the close relationship between host evolution and microbial composition. Moreover, salmon exhibited a pronounced relative abundance of the Photobacterium genus, significantly surpassing tuna (P = 0.0079), observed consistently across various restaurant sources. In conclusion, microbiome composition of Pseudomonas is significantly higher in tilapia sashimi than in other fish sashimi. Salmon sashimi has the highest diversity of microbiome among all fish sashimi that we analyzed. The level of Photobacterium is significantly higher in salmon than in tuna across all the restaurants we surveyed. These findings provide critical insights into the intricate relationship between the host evolution and the microbial composition. These discoveries deepen our understanding of sashimi microbiota, facilitating our decision in selecting raw seafood.

Traders' behavioural practices and hygienic status of vegetable and meat processing surfaces in open markets in Benin city, Nigeria

This study investigates the hygiene status, behavioral practices, and handling of cutting boards for meat and vegetable processing in selected open markets in Benin City. Utilizing a structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis for Escherichia coli and Aeromonas, the research found prevalent Escherichia coli in all samples, with varying concentrations of Aeromonas, more pronounced in vegetable processing areas. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that 30% of traders leave cutting boards uncovered, 88% clean them before use (52% with water and detergent), and 12% dust boards before use. Furthermore, 80% of meat sellers store leftover meat in refrigerators, while 68% of vegetable sellers store leftovers in the open market. The findings underscore the importance of proper hygienic practices in handling cutting boards to mitigate food contamination risks, urging awareness among traders regarding effective cleaning and storage procedures.

The study of the nutritional and biological value of functional semi-finished fish products "fish balls"

In the context of the problem of the organization of high-quality nutrition for consumers, the ways of its solution by expanding the range of products based on raw fish materials are considered. The necessity of creating combined semi-finished products with adequate substitution for plant components is justified, which allows increasing the amount of dietary fiber consumed and reducing the caloric content of the product, enriching minced fish with carbohydrates (polysaccharides and dietary fibers), amino acids, as well as macro- and microelements. Thus, a comparative analysis of the content of essential amino acids in the muscle tissue of fish in the inland waters of the Republic of Kazakhstan with some oceanic and marine fish showed that the content of amino acids such as leucine, lysine, threonine, phenylalanine is slightly higher. They are characterized by a high content of essential amino acids limiting the biological value, g/100 g of protein: lysine – 8.8-11.6; methionine – 2.1-3.1; tryptophan – 1.0-1.1. The data analysis shows that a higher pH value of fish meat corresponds to a higher elasticity value. The pH shift to the alkaline side of more than 7.5, although it promotes the release of myosin, reduces the elasticity of meat. In our study, we used minced fish from Carp, Pikeperch, Bream, and Pike. It was found that with the addition of 30% of the functional supplement of kelp, the moisture-retaining capacity of the fish semi-finished product was 48.6% and pH 6.67. With the addition of 30% of the functional pumpkin additive, the moisture-retaining capacity of the fish semi-finished product was 49.27% and pH 6.04. Developing semi-finished fish products with plant components makes it possible to obtain products of high biological value with a juicy consistency, which meets modern trends in healthy nutrition.

Immunity boosting roles of biofunctional compounds available in aquafoods: A review

Aquafoods are diverse and rich in containing various health functional compounds which boost natural immunity. In this manuscript, the contents of biofunctional compounds such as vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments, etc. in various aquafoods like fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, seaweeds etc. are reported. The functional roles of those compounds are also depicted which enhance the immunecompetence and immunomodulation of the consumers. This paper provides an account of the recommended daily dietary intake level of those compounds for human. Those compounds available in aquafoods are recommended as they fight against various infectious diseases by enhancing immunity. Available reports on the bioactive compounds in aquafoods reveal the immunity boosting performances which may offer a new insight into controlling infectious diseases.

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Various bioactive compounds are available in diverse aquafoods.

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Aquafoods are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, ω-3 PUFAs, and pigments.

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These compounds enhance immunecompetence and immunomodulation.

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Boosting immune system is an effective way to combat infectious diseases.

Analysis of the possibility of fish and meat raw materials combination in products

Aspects for the use of regional raw materials in ground food technology require further study of functional and technological properties to be able to predict them depending on the chemical composition of raw materials and processing methods. The aim of our research was to comparatively study the chemical composition, functional-technological, rheological properties of fish raw materials, and duck meat in terms of their possible compatibility in meat-containing products. The subject of our research was representatives of the regional aquaculture Carassius gibelio and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, as well as the meat of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). It has been established that the nutritional value of freshwater aquaculture objects Carassius gibelio and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix  is virtually identical in protein and fat content, making them interchangeable in terms of nutritional balance when developing the combined product. The ratio of protein and fat to water for duck meat is higher 3.54 – 4.88 times that of aquaculture, which can be used in the selection of components of the formulation of emulsified products, taking into account the nutrient balance. It has been confirmed that the addition of salt enhances water holding capacity, water binding capacity, and fat holding capacity. Water holding and water-binding capacities of minced fish are higher due to higher water levels, which, combined with the low-watering duck meat, can be predicted to create a forcemeat system with high functional-technological properties. The ability to emulsification and retain fat in the state of emulsion in minced duck meat has proved to be better, which when combined with fish minced meat can compensate for the ability to retain fat in the system of combined products. A combination of regional aquaculture with waterfowl meat will not only improve the functional and technological parameters of combined minced systems but also balance them by correcting the composition of proteins and fats.

The Potential Role of Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysates on Metabolic Health, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Ageing

Fish protein represents one of the most widely consumed dietary protein sources by humans. The processing of material from the fishing industry generates substantial unexploited waste products, many of which possess high biological value. Protein hydrolysates, such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), containing predominantly di- and tripeptides, are more readily absorbed than free amino acids and intact protein. Furthermore, in animal models, FPH have been shown to possess numerous beneficial properties for cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal, renal, and immune health. Ageing is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as increased oxidative stress, compromised vascularisation, neurological derangements, and immunosenescence. Thus, there appears to be a potential application for FPH in older persons as a high-quality protein source that may also confer additional health benefits. Despite this, there remains a dearth of information concerning the impact of FPH on health outcomes in humans. The limited evidence from human interventional trials suggests that FPH may hold promise for supporting optimal body composition and maintaining gut integrity. FPH also provide a high-quality source of dietary protein without negatively impacting on subjective appetite perceptions or regulatory hormones. Further studies are needed to assess the impact and utility of FPH on skeletal muscle health in older persons, ideally comparing FPH to ‘established’ protein sources or a non-bioactive, nitrogen-matched control. In particular, the effects of acute and chronic FPH consumption on post-exercise aminoacidaemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and intramyocellular anabolic signalling in older adults are worthy of investigation. FPH may represent beneficial and sustainable alternative sources of high-quality protein to support skeletal muscle health and anabolism in ageing, without compromising appetite and subsequent energy intake.

Nutrition, Health, and Disease: Role of Selected Marine and Vegetal Nutraceuticals

The investigation of new alternatives for disease prevention through the application of findings from dietary and food biotechnology is an ongoing challenge for the scientific community. New nutritional trends and the need to meet social and health demands have inspired the concept of functional foods and nutraceuticals which, in addition to their overall nutritional value, present certain properties for the maintenance of health. However, these effects are not universal. Nutrigenetics describes how the genetic profile has an impact on the response of the body to bioactive food components by influencing their absorption, metabolism, and site of action. The EbioSea Program, for biomarine prospection, and the Blue Butterfly Program, for the screening of vegetable-derived bioproducts, have identified a new series of nutraceuticals, devoid of side effects at conventional doses, with genotype-dependent preventive and therapeutic activity. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics provide the opportunity to explore the inter-individual differences in the metabolism of and response to nutrients, achieving optimal results. This fact leads to the concept of personalized nutrition as opposed to public health nutrition. Consequently, the development and prescription of nutraceuticals according to the individual genetic profile is essential to improve their effectiveness in the prevention and natural treatment of prevalent diseases.

Shrimp Protein Hydrolysate Modulates the Timing of Proinflammatory Macrophages in Bupivacaine-Injured Skeletal Muscles in Rats

This study was designed to determine whether marine-derived proteins other than cod could have beneficial effects on inflammation following muscle injury. Macrophage and neutrophil densities were measured from bupivacaine-injured tibialis anterior muscle of rats fed isoenergetic diets containing either shrimp hydrolysate (Shr), casein hydrolysate (CaH), or whole casein (Ca). In this study, Shr reduced ED¹⁺-macrophages at day 2 (p = 0.013), day 5 (p = 0.006), and day 14 after injury (p = 0.038) compared with Ca, indicating faster resolution of inflammation in Shr. Except for day 2 after injury where Shr led to lower ED¹⁺-macrophages compared with CaH (p = 0.006), both Shr and CaH responded similarly at days 5, 14, and 28 after injury. This findings suggest that beneficial effects of Shr on ED¹⁺-cells might be related to generation of anti-inflammatory peptides through the hydrolysis process, in addition to its high content of anti-inflammatory amino acids. However, while increasing myofiber cross-sectional area in noninjured muscles compared with both Ca and CaH, Shr failed to have a positive effect in corresponding injured muscles. These data indicate that shrimp hydrolysate can facilitate resolution of inflammation after muscle injury mainly through modulating proinflammatory macrophage accumulation but have less effect on optimal recovery in terms of muscle mass and fiber size.

Combined incubation of cadmium, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid results in increased uptake of cadmium and elevated docosapentaenoic acid content in hepatocytes in vitro

Background

Human hepatocellular cells Hep G2 were used to mimic and investigate the effect of the intake of cadmium (Cd²⁺) contaminated fish on cytotoxicity, fatty acid (FA) and phospholipid class composition.

Methods

Cells were incubated with a combination of Cd²⁺ and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fish specific FA.

Results

We measured a significant increased proportion of EPA and DHA in the treated cells compared to the control line confirming the uptake. While doses of 25 μM DHA showed to be toxic to the cells, repeated short term incubations (2 h) at lower doses resulted in an increased uptake of DHA. The resarzurin assay, evaluating cell viability, showed a significant decrease in cell viability between Cd²⁺ incubation time and, further, the pre-incubation with BSA-FA complex resulted in significantly increased cell viability. On the metabolic level, increased concentrations of EPA and DHA resulted in an increased proportion of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) which indicated an increased metabolism. Also 24-h combined incubations of 5 μM Cd²⁺ and EPA and DHA showed a significant increase DPA in the total lipid fraction of the cells. In addition, incubation with 5 μM Cd²⁺ for 24 h also decreased the total cardiolipin (CL) fraction from the identified phospholipids.

Conclusions

We confirmed that the applied FA were taken up by the cells. A combination of EPA, DHA and Cd²⁺ influenced lysosomal integrity, cell viability and lipid metabolism in the cells. The most important finding is that DHA and EPA reduced the detrimental effect of Cd²⁺ on cell viability. The exact effects and kinetics behind our observations still need further evaluation.

Potential treatment of human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder in the Western world. Its prevalence has increased with the growing obesity epidemic, yet no definitive treatment has been developed, and optimal management remains a clinical challenge. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have recently been proposed as a potential treatment for liver inflammation associated with fat accumulation. PubMed literature and the ClinicalTrials.gov database were reviewed for the effects of omega-3 PUFA treatment on NAFLD, from mechanisms to the results of preclinical studies, human studies, and unreported ongoing clinical trials, using terms such as NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, omega-3 fatty acids, and fish oil. Articles published over the last 3-4 years were emphasized, and relevancy was ensured by scanning their abstracts. Preliminary studies have confirmed an ameliorative effect, yet the translation of promising early data into therapeutic interventions will have to await the results of larger, properly conducted, ongoing clinical trials.

Beneficial effects of cod protein on inflammatory cell accumulation in rat skeletal muscle after injury are driven by its high levels of arginine, glycine, taurine and lysine

We have shown that feeding cod protein, which is rich in anti-inflammatory arginine, glycine, and taurine, may beneficially modulate the inflammatory response during recovery following skeletal muscle injury; however it is unknown if these amino acids are responsible for this effect. This study was designed to assess whether supplementing casein with an amino acid mixture composed of arginine, glycine, taurine and lysine, matching their respective levels in cod protein, may account for the anti-inflammatory effect of cod protein. Male Wistar rats were fed isoenergetic diets containing either casein, cod protein, or casein supplemented with L-arginine (0.45%), glycine (0.43%), L-taurine (0.17%) and L-lysine (0.44%) (casein+). After 21 days of ad libitum feeding, one tibialis anterior muscle was injured with 200 µl bupivacaine while the saline-injected contra-lateral tibialis anterior was served as sham. Cod protein and casein+ similarly modulated the inflammation as they decreased COX-2 level at day 2 post-injury (cod protein, p=0.014; casein+, p=0.029) and ED1⁺ macrophage density at days 2 (cod protein, p=0.012; casein+, p<0.0001), 5 (cod protein, p=0.001; casein+, p<0.0001) and 14 (cod protein, p<0.0001; casein+, p<0.0001) post-injury, and increased ED2⁺ macrophage density at days 5 (cod protein, p<0.0001; casein+, p=0.006), 14 (cod protein, p=0.001; casein+, p<0.002) and 28 (cod protein, p<0.009; casein+, p<0.005) post-injury compared with casein. Furthermore, cod protein up-regulated (p=0.037) whereas casein+ tended to up-regulate (p=0.062) myogenin expression at day 5 post-injury compared with casein. In the cod protein-fed group, these changes resulted in greater muscle mass at days 14 (p=0.002), and 28 (p=0.001) post-injury and larger myofiber cross-sectional area at day 28 post-injury compared with casein (p=0.012). No such effects were observed with casein+. These data indicate that anti-inflammatory actions of cod protein, contrary to its effect on muscle mass recovery, are driven by its high levels of arginine, glycine, taurine and lysine.

Beneficial effects of cod protein on skeletal muscle repair following injury

This study examined the effect of peanut and cod proteins on post-damage skeletal muscle repair, compared with casein. We hypothesized that because of their high arginine content, these proteins would improve the resolution of inflammation and muscle mass recovery following injury. One hundred and twenty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned to isoenergetic diets composed of casein and peanut (experiment 1) or cod protein (experiment 2). After 21 days of feeding, one tibialis anterior muscle (TA) was injured with bupivacaine, while the contralateral TA was injected with saline (sham muscle). Measurements were taken at days 0, 3, 14, and 24 post-injury. Compared with casein, peanut protein reduced muscle mass at days 0 (–12%, p = 0.005) and 14 post-injury in the injured muscle (–13%, p = 0.04), and lowered myofiber cross-sectional area in both the sham (–21%, p = 0.008) and injured muscles (–26%, p = 0.05) at day 24 post-injury, showing that peanut protein has a weak potential to support muscle growth. At day 14 post-injury, muscle mass in the sham (13%, p = 0.02) and injured muscles (12%, p = 0.01) was higher in cod-protein-fed rats, indicating better muscle mass recovery, than in casein-fed rats. Cod protein tended (p = 0.06) to decrease the density of neutrophils (–24%) at day 14 post-injury in the injured muscle, and to decrease the density of ED1+ macrophages at day 24 post-injury in both sham (–29%, p = 0.03) and injured (–40%, p = 0.01) muscles. No effects were observed for peanut protein. These data indicate that cod protein is better for promoting growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle after trauma, partly because of the improved resolution of inflammation.

The effects of an oral supplement enriched with fish oil, prebiotics, and antioxidants on nutrition status in Crohn's disease patients

BACKGROUND

Research in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) supports anti-inflammatory benefits of n-3 fatty acids from fish oil, prebiotics, and antioxidants. A nutritionally balanced inflammatory bowel disease nutrition formula (IBDNF) enriched with these compounds has the potential to improve nutrition status and disease activity in CD.

METHODS

This is an open-label pilot study investigating the effects of IBDNF on nutrition status in CD patients. Twenty-eight patients with active CD on stable medication were asked to consume 16 oz of IBDNF/d for 4 months. Nutrition status was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and serum micronutrient levels. Disease activity and quality of life were measured using the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ).

RESULTS

Twenty patients completed the final visit. After 4 months, there was a significant decrease in plasma phospholipid levels of arachidonic acid with increases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid. Ten patients had a final EPA concentration of >2%. There was improvement in fat-free and fat mass in patients with final EPA >2% (P = .014 and P = .05). Vitamin D (25-OH) levels improved in all patients (18.5-25.9 ng/mL, P < .001). Those with EPA >2% had significantly lower CDAI (116 ± 94.5 vs 261.8 ± 86.5; P = .005) and higher IBDQ (179.1 ± 26.6 vs 114.6 ± 35.9, P < .001) compared to those with EPA <2%.

CONCLUSIONS

IBDNF has the potential to deposit fat-free and fat mass, improve vitamin D status, and improve quality of life in CD patients.

Effects of a supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with or without fish gelatin on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in obese, insulin-resistant subjects

AIM

To investigate gene expression changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA plus fish gelatin (+FG) supplementation.

METHODS

A transcriptome comparison of 8-week supplementation with n-3 PUFA and n-3 PUFA+FG was carried out in PBMCs of 16 obese insulin-resistant subjects.

RESULTS

Erythrocyte n-3 PUFA concentration increased and plasma triglycerides decreased significantly without altering inflammatory parameters after both supplementations. n-3 PUFA supplementation changed the expression of 805 genes, whereas n-3 PUFA+FG supplementation altered the expression of 184 genes. Three genes were commonly changed: fatty acid desaturase 1, free fatty acid receptor 3, and ectodysplasin. Pathway analyses indicate changes in gene expression via the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α pathway after both supplementations. Further, the extent of modifications in the expression of genes implicated in the inflammatory pathways - the oxidative stress response mediated by nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, nuclear transcription factor κB, oxidative stress, and hypoxia-inducible factor signaling - was different after each supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Although n-3 PUFA and n-3 PUFA+FG supplementations have a distinct impact on gene expression levels, the consequences on biochemical parameters and metabolic pathways were comparable after both supplementations.