Influence of d-Amino Acids in Beer on Formation of Uric Acid

Physiological Mechanisms by Which the Functional Ingredients in Beer Impact Human Health

Nutritional therapy, for example through beer, is the best solution to human chronic diseases. In this article, we demonstrate the physiological mechanisms of the functional ingredients in beer with health-promoting effects, based on the PubMed, Google, CNKI, and ISI Web of Science databases, published from 1997 to 2024. Beer, a complex of barley malt and hops, is rich in functional ingredients. The health effects of beer against 26 chronic diseases are highly similar to those of barley due to the physiological mechanisms of polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids), melatonin, minerals, bitter acids, vitamins, and peptides. Functional beer with low purine and high active ingredients made from pure barley malt, as well as an additional functional food, represents an important development direction, specifically, ginger beer, ginseng beer, and coix-lily beer, as consumed by our ancestors ca. 9000 years ago. Low-purine beer can be produced via enzymatic and biological degradation and adsorption of purines, as well as dandelion addition. Therefore, this review paper not only reveals the physiological mechanisms of beer in overcoming chronic human diseases, but also provides a scientific basis for the development of functional beer with health-promoting effects.

Understanding Hyperuricemia: Pathogenesis, Potential Therapeutic Role of Bioactive Peptides, and Assessing Bioactive Peptide Advantages and Challenges

Hyperuricemia is a medical condition characterized by an elevated level of serum uric acid, closely associated with other metabolic disorders, and its global incidence rate is increasing. Increased synthesis or decreased excretion of uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia. Protein peptides from various food sources have demonstrated potential in treating hyperuricemia, including marine organisms, ovalbumin, milk, nuts, rice, legumes, mushrooms, and protein-rich processing by-products. Through in vitro experiments and the establishment of cell or animal models, it has been proven that these peptides exhibit anti-hyperuricemia biological activities by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity, downregulating key enzymes in purine metabolism, regulating the expression level of uric acid transporters, and restoring the composition of the intestinal flora. Protein peptides derived from food offer advantages such as a wide range of sources, significant therapeutic benefits, and minimal adverse effects. However, they also face challenges in terms of commercialization. The findings of this review contribute to a better understanding of hyperuricemia and peptides with hyperuricemia-alleviating activity. Furthermore, they provide a theoretical reference for developing new functional foods suitable for individuals with hyperuricemia.

Update on the epidemiology, genetics, and therapeutic options of hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia may occur when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood. Hyperuricemia may result from increased production or decreased excretion of uric acid. Elevated uric acid levels are a risk factor for gout, and various risk factors, including some medications, alcohol consumption, kidney disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and pesticide exposure, as well as obesity, are associated with an elevated risk of hyperuricemia. Although the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia are complex, previously reported studies have revealed that hyperuricemia is involved in a variety of biological processes and signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize common comorbidities related to hyperuricemia and describe an update of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic options of hyperuricemia. This systematic review highlights the epidemiology and risk factors of hyperuricemia. Moreover, we discuss genetic studies on hyperuricemia to uncover current status and advances in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia. Additionally, we conclude with a reflection on the underlying mechanisms of hyperuricemia and present the alternative drug strategies for the treatment of hyperuricemia to offer more effective clinical interventions.