Role of Melt Curve Analysis in Interpretation of Nutrigenomics' MicroRNA Expression Data

Microalgae Bioactive Carbohydrates as a Novel Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Source of Prebiotics: Emerging Health Functionality and Recent Technologies for Extraction and Detection

There is a global interest in the novel consumption, nutritional trends, and the market of new prebiotic sources and their potential functional impacts. Commercially available nutritional supplements based on microalgae that are approved to be edible by FDA, like Arthrospira platensis (Cyanobacteria) and Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) become widely attractive. Microalgae are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids that have high bioactivity. Recently, scientists are studying the microalgae polysaccharides (PS) or their derivatives (as dietary fibers) for their potential action as a novel prebiotic source for functional foods. Besides, the microalgae prebiotic polysaccharides are used for medication due to their antioxidant, anticancer, and antihypertensive bioactivities. This review provides an overview of microalgae prebiotics and other macromolecules’ health benefits. The phytochemistry of various species as alternative future sources of novel polysaccharides were mentioned. The application as well as the production constraints and multidisciplinary approaches for evaluating microalgae phytochemistry were discussed. Additionally, the association between this potential of combining techniques like spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical analyses for microalgae sensation and analysis novelty compared to the chemical methods was emphasized.

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase-mediated necroptosis aggravates periodontitis progression

Necroptosis is a form of cell death that is reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The role of Mlkl-involved necroptosis remains unclear. Herein, this project aimed to explore the role of MLKL-mediated necroptosis in periodontitis in vitro and in vivo. Expression of RIPK3, MLKL, and phosphorylated MLKL was observed in gingival tissues obtained from healthy subjects or patients with periodontitis. The cell viability of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS-Pg)-treated cells was detected. In wild type or Mlkl deficiency mice with ligature-induced periodontitis, alveolar bone loss and osteoclast activation were assessed. mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow-derived macrophages were tested by qRT-PCR. Increased expression of RIPK3, MLKL, and phosphorylated MLKL was observed in gingival tissues obtained from patients with periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS-Pg)-treated cells developed necroptosis after caspase inhibition and negatively regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway. In mice with ligature-induced periodontitis, Mlkl deficiency reduced alveolar bone loss and weakened osteoclast activation. Furthermore, genetic ablation of Mlkl in LPS-Pg-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages increased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (Il)-1β, Il-6, cyclooxygenase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. Our data indicated that MLKL-mediated necroptosis aggravates the development of periodontitis in a Mlkl-deficient mouse. This will provide a new sight for the understanding of etiology and therapies of periodontitis. KEY MESSAGES: MLKL expression was up-regulated in inflamed human gingival tissue. Mlkl deficiency affected the progression of periodontitis. Necroptosis played a major role in mice periodontitis model. Knockout of Mlkl had a significant effect on inflammatory responses.

The Antioxidant Phytochemical Schisandrin A Promotes Neural Cell Proliferation and Differentiation after Ischemic Brain Injury

Schisandrin A (SCH) is a natural bioactive phytonutrient that belongs to the lignan derivatives found in Schisandra chinensis fruit. This study aims to investigate the impact of SCH on promoting neural progenitor cell (NPC) regeneration for avoiding stroke ischemic injury. The promoting effect of SCH on NPCs was evaluated by photothrombotic model, immunofluorescence, cell line culture of NPCs, and Western blot assay. The results showed that neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin (Tuj1) was positive with Map2 positive nerve fibers in the ischemic area after using SCH. In addition, Nestin and SOX2 positive NPCs were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the penumbra and core. Further analysis identified that SCH can regulate the expression level of cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42). In conclusion, our findings suggest that SCH enhanced NPCs proliferation and differentiation possible by Cdc42 to regulated cytoskeletal rearrangement and polarization of cells, which provides new hope for the late recovery of stroke.

Possible Role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the Regulation of E2F1, CDK11, and iNOS Gene Expression in Neuronal Cell Cycle: A Preliminary Study

Objective:

This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis exposure in gene expression of E2F1 (family of transcription factors), cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (CDK11), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) of the neuronal cell cycle.

Materials and Methods:

The culture of neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y was exposed to P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, and the gene expression of E2F1, CDK11, and iNOS was analyzed by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

It was shown that E2F1, a G1 phase biomarker and transcription factor, was upregulated in neuronal cells exposed to P. gingivalis compared with that in control cells. However, CDK11, a biomarker of G2/M checkpoint and iNOS, was downregulated in neuronal cells exposed to P. gingivalis compared with that in control cells.

Conclusions:

P. gingivalis can regulate the neuronal cell cycle, as indicated in the E2F1, CDK11, and iNOS gene expression.

Dietary networks identified by Gaussian graphical model and general and abdominal obesity in adults

BACKGROUND

Gaussian graphical model (GGM) has been introduced as a new approach to identify patterns of dietary intake. We aimed to investigate the link between dietary networks derived through GGM and obesity in Iranian adults.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 men and women (age range: 20-59 years) who attended the local health centers in Tehran. Dietary intake was evaluated by using a validated food frequency questionnaire. GGM was applied to identify dietary networks. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of general and abdominal adiposity across tertiles of dietary network scores were estimated using logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, physical activity, smoking status, marital status, education, energy intake and menopausal status.

RESULTS

GGM identified three dietary networks, where 30 foods were grouped into six communities. The identified networks were healthy, unhealthy and saturated fats networks, wherein cooked vegetables, processed meat and butter were, respectively, central to the networks. Being in the top tertile of saturated fats network score was associated with a higher likelihood of central obesity by waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.25; P for trend: 0.01). There was also a marginally significant positive association between higher unhealthy network score and odds of central obesity by waist circumference (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 0.94, 2.37; P for trend: 0.09). Healthy network was not associated with central adiposity. There was no association between dietary network scores and general obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Unhealthy and saturated fat dietary networks were associated with abdominal adiposity in adults. GGM-derived dietary networks represent dietary patterns and can be used to investigate diet-disease associations.

Transcriptomic in silico analysis of bovine Escherichia coli mastitis highlights its immune-related expressed genes as an effective biomarker

Background

Mastitis is one of the major diseases causing economic loss to the dairy industry by reducing the quantity and quality of milk. Thus, the objective of this scientific study was to find new biomarkers based on genes for the early prediction before its severity.

Methods

In the present study, advanced bioinformatics including hierarchical clustering, enrichment analysis, active site prediction, epigenetic analysis, functional domain identification, and protein docking were used to analyze the important genes that could be utilized as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for mastitis.

Results

Four differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in different regions of the mammary gland (teat cistern, gland cistern, lobuloalveolar, and Furstenberg’s rosette) that resulted in 453, 597, 577, and 636 DEG, respectively. Also, 101 overlapped genes were found by comparing 27 different expressed genes. These genes were associated with eight immune response pathways including NOD-like receptor signaling pathway (IL8, IL18, IL1B, PYDC1) and chemokine signaling pathway (PTK2, IL8, NCF1, CCR1, HCK). Meanwhile, 241 protein-protein interaction networks were developed among overlapped genes. Fifty-seven regulatory events were found between miRNAs, expressed genes, and the transcription factors (TFs) through micro-RNA and transcription factors (miRNA-DEG-TF) regulatory network. The 3D structure docking model of the expressed genes proteins identified their active sites and the binding ligands that could help in choosing the appropriate feed or treatment for affected animals.

Conclusions

The novelty of the distinguished DEG and their pathways in this study is that they can precisely improve the detection biomarkers and treatments techniques of cows’ Escherichia coli mastitis disease due to their high affinity with the target site of the mammary gland before appearing the symptoms.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43141-021-00235-x.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Optimization of Proanthocyanidins from Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) Leaves and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Activity

Using ultrasound (US) in proanthocyanidin (PA) extraction has become one of the important emerging technologies. It could be the next generation for studying the US mechnophore impact on the bioactive compound’s functionality. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of US treatment on PAs extracted from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) leaves, and to provide a comprehensive chemical composition and bioactivity relationship of the purified kiwifruit leaves PAs (PKLPs). Several methods like single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) for the four affected factors on US extraction efficiency were constructed. HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, cytotoxicity analysis, and antioxidant activity were also demonstrated. In the results, the modeling of PA affected factors showed that 40% US-amplitude, 30 mL/g dry weight (DW) solvent to solid ration (S/S), and 70 °C for 15 min were the optimum conditions for the extraction of PAs. Furthermore, PKLPs exhibited significant radical scavenging and cellular antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study’s novelty comes from the broad prospects of using US in PKLP green extraction that could play an important role in maximizing this phytochemical functionality in drug discovery and food science fields.

miR-96 Inhibits SV2C to Promote Depression-Like Behavior and Memory Disorders in Mice

Accumulating evidence continues to emphasize the role of microRNAs as significant contributors to depression-like behavior and memory disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which miR-96 influences depression-like behavior and memory deficit in mice. A depression-like behavior and memory disorder mouse model was initially established by means of intraperitoneal injection with lipopolysaccharide. Memory deficits in the mice were evaluated using the Novel Object Recognition Test and Morris water maze experiments, whereas the Sucrose Preference Experiment and forced swimming experiments were performed to identify depression-like behavior in mice. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and the monoamine transmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine were subsequently detected in the serum. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis evaluated the expression of miR-96 and SV2C expression in the CA1 hippocampal region of the mice. Finally, the relationship of miR-96 and SV2C was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Our data indicated that the expression of miR-96 was increased, whereas that of SV2C was decreased in the CA1 region of mice exhibiting depression-like behavior and memory impairment. When miR-96 was downregulated or SV2C was overexpressed via intra-cerebroventricular injection with a miR-96 antagonist (miR-96 antagomir) or overexpression of SV2C vector, the Novel Object Recognition Test and sucrose preference index were increased, whereas the escape latency, the number of water maze platform crossings, and the immobility time of the mice were decreased. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and malondialdehyde in the mouse CA1 region of mice were reduced, whereas the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione were elevated after the downregulation of miR-96 or overexpression of SV2C. Collectively, our study demonstrates that miR-96 negatively regulates the expression of SV2C, which consequently leads to depression-like behavior and memory impairment in mice. Our findings highlight the potential of miR-96-targeted therapeutics.

Factors that influence dietary behavior toward iron and vitamin D consumption based on the theory of planned behavior in Iranian adolescent girls

Background

The impact of iron and vitamin D supplements among adolescent is not well understood. The prevalence of supplement use, and the behavioral intentions of adolescents was studied to better understand the data on supplement intake. We used the theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the determinants that influence supplement intake, and its potential constructs to examine determinants that influence dietary supplement behavior towards the use of iron and vitamin D supplements amongst a sample of Iranian schoolgirl.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 485 adolescent girls aged 12–17 years. Multiple analytical models including hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the association between TPB constructs and adolescent’s behavioral intentions to consume dietary supplements.

Results

Based on the results of SEM, constructs of TPB and knowledge were found to predict 74% of the variation in the behavioral intentions of the schoolgirls. SEM indicated that perceived behavioral control (PBC) and knowledge had significant associations with intention behaviors to take nutritional supplements.

Conclusion

TPB and its constructs were used to establish the determinants of iron and vitamin D intake among schoolgirls in Iran. This outcome indicates that efforts to promote behavioral intentions through targeting subjective norms, attitude, and PBC may promote supplement use.

Association between eating behaviour and diet quality: eating alone vs. eating with others

Background

To discover the association between eating alone and diet quality among Korean adults who eat alone measured by the mean adequacy ratio (MAR),

Methods

The cross-sectional study in diet quality which was measured by nutrient intakes, indicated as MAR and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) with the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VI 2013–2015 data. Study population was 8523 Korean adults. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the association between eating behaviour and MAR and further study analysed how socioeconomic factors influence the diet quality of those who eat alone.

Results

We found that the diet quality of people who eat alone was lower than that of people who eat together in both male (β: − 0.110, p = 0.002) and female participants (β: − 0.069, p = 0.005). Among who eats alone, the socioeconomic factors that negatively influenced MAR with the living arrangement, education level, income levels, and various occupation classifications.

Conclusions

People who eat alone have nutrition intake below the recommended amount. This could lead to serious health problems not only to those who are socially disadvantaged but also those who are in a higher social stratum. Policy-makers should develop strategies to enhance diet quality to prevent potential risk factors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12937-018-0424-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.