Hake fish bone as a calcium source for efficient bone mineralization

High Solubility and Bioavailability of Lobster Shell-Derived Calcium for Significantly Proliferating Bone and Skin Cells In Vitro

Shell wastes pose environmental and financial burdens to the shellfish industry. Utilizing these undervalued shells for commercial chitin production could minimize their adverse impacts while maximizing economic value. Shell chitin conventionally produced through harsh chemical processes is environmentally unfriendly and infeasible for recovering compatible proteins and minerals for value-added products. However, we recently developed a microwave-intensified biorefinery that efficiently produced chitin, proteins/peptides, and minerals from lobster shells. Lobster minerals have a calcium-rich composition and biologically originated calcium is more biofunctional for use as a functional, dietary, or nutraceutical ingredient in many commercial products. This has suggested a further investigation of lobster minerals for commercial applications. In this study, the nutritional attributes, functional properties, nutraceutical effects, and cytotoxicity of lobster minerals were analyzed using in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion combined with growing bone (MG-63), skin (HaCaT), and macrophage (THP-1) cells. The calcium from the lobster minerals was found to be comparable to that of a commercial calcium supplement (CCS, 139 vs. 148 mg/g). In addition, beef incorporated with lobster minerals (2%, w/w) retained water better than that of casein and commercial calcium lactate (CCL, 21.1 vs. 15.1 and 13.3%), and the lobster mineral had a considerably higher oil binding capacity than its rivals (casein and CCL, 2.5 vs. 1.5 and 1.0 mL/g). Notably, the lobster mineral and its calcium were far more soluble than the CCS (98.4 vs. 18.6% for the products and 64.0 vs. 8.5% for their calcium) while the in vitro bioavailability of lobster calcium was 5.9-fold higher compared to that of the commercial product (11.95 vs. 1.99%). Furthermore, supplementing lobster minerals in media at ratios of 15%, 25%, and 35% (v/v) when growing cells did not induce any detectable changes in cell morphology and apoptosis. However, it had significant effects on cell growth and proliferation. The responses of cells after three days of culture supplemented with the lobster minerals, compared to the CCS supplementation, were significantly better with the bone cells (MG-63) and competitively quick with the skin cells (HaCaT). The cell growth reached 49.9-61.6% for the MG-63 and 42.9-53.4% for the HaCaT. Furthermore, the MG-63 and HaCaT cells proliferated considerably after seven days of incubation, reaching 100.3% for MG-63 and 115.9% for HaCaT with a lobster mineral supplementation of 15%. Macrophages (THP-1 cells) treated for 24 h with lobster minerals at concentrations of 1.24-2.89 mg/mL had no detectable changes in cell morphology while their viability was over 82.2%, far above the cytotoxicity threshold (<70%). All these results indicate that lobster minerals could be used as a source of functional or nutraceutical calcium for commercial products.

Anti-inflammatory effects of fish bone fermented using Monascus purpureus in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by regulating NF-κB pathway

Fish bones are the by-products of aquatic and fishery processing, which are often discarded. However, it has been considered having health-promoting by containing many essential nutrients. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effect of fish bone fermented by Monascus purpureus (FBF) and the NF-κB pathway regulation mechanism in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. FBF has inhibited the production of PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The FBF has significantly inhibited mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, FBF has suppressed activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-B) by increasing IκB mRNA expression and reduced of p65, p50 mRNA expression, as well as nuclear NF-κB DNA binding activity in LPS-induced RAW 246.7 cells. These findings demonstrate that FBF has inhibited LPS-induced inflammation by subsiding the activation of NF-κB in RAW 246.7 cells, implying that FBF could be employed as a promising natural product.

Effects of Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Bone Powder on Consumers’ Liking, Emotions, and Purchase Intent of Fried Catfish Strips

Catfish are the predominant U.S. aquacultural product. However, byproducts from filleting, including bones that are high in calcium, typically go to waste or are sold as a low-valued feed. This research evaluated the potential use of catfish bone powder (CBP; 21.07% calcium) as a food ingredient. Catfish fillet strips were dredged with a breading mix (CBPM) containing 0% (0CBPM), 10% (10CBPM), and 20% (20CBPM) CBP before frying. Consumers (N = 211) evaluated sensory liking (nine-point hedonic scale) and attribute intensity (JAR scale), emotions (check-all-that-apply), and purchase intent (PI, yes/no) of samples. Color and texture were measured instrumentally. CBP did not show any negative effects on liking scores, although crispiness was scored higher for 20CBPM (mean = 6.88) than 10CBPM (mean = 6.43). Positive emotions were most relevant to CBP-containing samples, with significantly higher rates of adventurous and understanding. Information about calcium fortification using CBP increased PI to 81.04% for the 10CBPM and 83.89% for the 20CBPM samples and showed a greater effect on Latin Americans/Hispanics than U.S. Americans. Consumers were not averse to the consumption of CBP which can contribute to sustainable nutrition through waste reduction. Successful calcium fortification of fried catfish dredged with 20% CBP did not compromise sensory liking and may be feasible in other products.

Recent Advances in Marine-Based Nutraceuticals and Their Health Benefits

The oceans have been the Earth's most valuable source of food. They have now also become a valuable and versatile source of bioactive compounds. The significance of marine organisms as a natural source of new substances that may contribute to the food sector and the overall health of humans are expanding. This review is an update on the recent studies of functional seafood compounds (chitin and chitosan, pigments from algae, fish lipids and omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids and bioactive proteins/peptides, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and minerals) focusing on their potential use as nutraceuticals and health benefits.

Research progress on applications of calcium derived from marine organisms

Calcium is an important mineral that plays an integral role in human health, especially bone health. Marine biological calcium is an abundant resource that is generally accepted and has a complex active structure. This review evaluates research progress on marine biological calcium with regards to its sources, use of calcium supplements, calcium bioavailability, and novel applications of marine calcium. The potential for future development and the use of products incorporating marine biological calcium in biomedical research and the pharmaceutical, health care, and food industries are also reviewed. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive documentation on resource utilization and product development from marine organisms.

Comprehensive Analysis of Key Genes and Regulatory Elements in Osteosarcoma Affected by Bone Matrix Mineral With Prognostic Values

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of bone sarcoma with a poor prognosis. However, genes involved in the mineral metabolism in the microenvironment of the bone affected by osteosarcoma are, to date, largely unknown. A public data series (GSE114237) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between osteosarcoma cells adhering to demineralized osseous surfaces and mineralized osseous surfaces. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs and hub genes, protein-protein interaction network of DEGs and regulatory network (miRNA-mRNA network and transcription factor (TF)-mRNA network), survival analysis of hub genes was visualized. The prognostic hub genes were considered as candidate genes and their functional predictions were analyzed. A total of 207 DEGs were mainly enriched in extracellular space and thirteen hub genes were mainly enriched in the function of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. However, out of these, only one candidate gene was found to be suitable as a candidate gene. Besides that, 297 miRNAs and 349 TFs interacting with the hub genes were screened. In conclusion, the DEGs, hub genes, miRNAs and TFs screened out in this research could contribute to comprehend the latent mechanisms in osteosarcoma affected by matrix mineral and provide potential research molecular for further study.

Feasibility single-arm study of a medical device containing Desmodium adscendens and Lithothamnium calcareum combined with chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients

Background

Neoplasms of the head and neck represent approximately 5% of cancers and they require complex multidisciplinary clinical management. Desmodium adscendens (Desmodium) is a plant that possesses anti-allergic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Lithothamnium calcareum (Lithothamnium) is a calcified seaweed that possesses remineralization properties and the ability to maintain homeostasis.

Aim

In this single-arm study, we investigated the efficacy of a combination therapy based on Desmovit^® which contains Desmodium and Lithothamnium, and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Twelve patients with histological or cytological diagnosis of stage IV head and neck cancer were enrolled in this study that was approved by the ethics committee of the Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) di Oncologia Medica Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord and followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. The patients were monitored by investigation of the performance status according to the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which evaluates the plasma level of C-reactive protein and albumin levels, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) examination. Pain and fatigue were also monitored using the visual analog scale and visual analog fatigue scale, respectively. All the above parameters were assessed biweekly to week 10.

Results

GPS, ECOG, and albumin remained stable throughout the study with a trend towards a decrease in GPS and albumin at week 10 post-treatment. Pain significantly improved at week 8 (P<0.05) while fatigue improved at weeks 8 and 10 (all P<0.01).

Conclusion

We found that chemotherapy, combined with Desmodium and Lithothamnium, improved pain and fatigue in head and neck cancer patients, although we cannot confirm if this was due to Desmodium and Lithothamnium or chemotherapy. The improvement in pain and fatigue was supported by the ECOG performance status remaining stable with the highest score being equal to 2 throughout the study and a trend towards an improvement in GPS performance status and albumin levels.

Novel technologies in utilization of byproducts of animal food processing: a review

China is one of the countries with most abundant livestock and poultry resources in the world. The average annual growth rate of output value of livestock and poultry industry reaches 13%, and the output value of livestock and poultry industry accounts for more than 35% of total agricultural output. A large number of byproducts are produced in animal slaughtering and processing operations. If livestock and poultry byproducts are effectively utilized, this will make a huge contribution to GDP. At the same time, aquaculture is China's pillar industry. During fish processing, a large number of byproducts (including fish heads, fish skins, fish bones, fish scales, and viscera) are produced, which weighs approximately 40-55% of the raw fish. The byproducts of freshwater fish are more than 2.5 million tons per annum, most of which are not used. The effective use of byproducts has a direct influence on China's economic and environmental pollution. The nonuse or underutilization of byproducts not only leads to loss of potential revenue, but also results in to an increase in these products and their disposal costs. This paper makes a comprehensive review of the research progress of animal byproduct utilization to date, and aims to provide reference for the utilization and research of animal byproducts.

Fortified tuna bone powder supplementation increases bone mineral density of lactating rats and their offspring

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding leads to bone calcium loss for milk production, resulting in progressive maternal osteopenia. Calcium supplement from natural sources has been postulated to be more beneficial to bone health than purified CaCO₃ because natural sources also contain other nutrients such as certain amino acids that might enhance calcium metabolism. Herein, we examined the effect of calcium supplementation from tuna bone powder and CaCO₃ on bones of dams and the offspring.

RESULTS

Both forms of calcium supplement, i.e. tuna bone powder and CaCO₃ , increased maternal bone mineral density (BMD). However, bone histomorphometry revealed that only tuna bone had beneficial effect on maternal bone microstructure, i.e. increased bone formation, decreased bone resorption and increased in bone volume. Regarding the mechanical properties, the decreased ultimate load in non-supplement lactating mothers was restored to the load seen in nulliparous animals by calcium supplementation. Moreover, both tuna bone and CaCO₃ supplementation in mothers led to increased milk calcium concentration and consequently increased BMD in the growing offspring.

CONCLUSION

Calcium supplement from tuna bone powder was effective in preventing maternal osteopenia. Tuna bone, which is a readily available fishing industrial waste, is a good alternative source of calcium supplement that increases BMD in both lactating mothers and the neonates. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.