Antihypertensive properties of plant-based prebiotics

Probiotics: functional food ingredients with the potential to reduce hypertension

Hypertension is an increasingly pressing public health concern across the globe. It can be triggered by a variety of factors such as age and diet, as well as the stress of modern life. The traditional treatment of hypertension includes calcium ion blockers, angiotensin II receptor inhibitors and β-receptor blockers, but these drugs have at least some side effects. Recent studies have revealed that intestinal flora plays a vital role in maintaining and promoting human health. This is due to the type and amount of probiotics present in the flora. Probiotics can reduce hypertension symptoms through four mechanisms: regulating vascular oxidative stress, producing short-chain fatty acids, restoring endothelial cell function, and reducing inflammation. It has been reported that certain functional foods, using probiotics as their raw material, can modify the composition of intestinal flora, thus regulating hypertension symptoms. Consequently, utilizing the probiotic function of probiotics in conjunction with the properties of functional foods to treat hypertension is a novel, side-effect-free treatment method. This study seeks to summarize the various factors that contribute to hypertension, the mechanism of probiotics in mitigating hypertension, and the fermented functional foods with probiotic strains, in order to provide a basis for the development of functional foods which utilize probiotics as their raw material and may have the potential to reduce hypertension.

The role of the gut microbiota in health and cardiovascular diseases

The gut microbiota is critical to human health, such as digesting nutrients, forming the intestinal epithelial barrier, regulating immune function, producing vitamins and hormones, and producing metabolites to interact with the host. Meanwhile, increasing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota has a strong correlation with the occurrence, progression and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In patients with CVDs and corresponding risk factors, the composition and ratio of gut microbiota have significant differences compared with their healthy counterparts. Therefore, gut microbiota dysbiosis, gut microbiota-generated metabolites, and the related signaling pathway may serve as explanations for some of the mechanisms about the occurrence and development of CVDs. Several studies have also demonstrated that many traditional and latest therapeutic treatments of CVDs are associated with the gut microbiota and its generated metabolites and related signaling pathways. Given that information, we summarized the latest advances in the current research regarding the effect of gut microbiota on health, the main cardiovascular risk factors, and CVDs, highlighted the roles and mechanisms of several metabolites, and introduced corresponding promising treatments for CVDs regarding the gut microbiota. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on exploring the role of gut microbiota related metabolites and their therapeutic potential in CVDs, which may eventually provide better solutions in the development of therapeutic treatment as well as the prevention of CVDs.

Probiotics: The Next Dietary Strategy against Brain Aging

Owing to their long history of safe use, probiotic microorganisms, typically from the genus Lactobacillus, have long been recognized, especially in traditional and fermented food industries. Although conventionally used for dairy, meat, and vegetable fermentation, the use of probiotics in health foods, supplements, and nutraceuticals has gradually increased. Over the past two decades, the importance of probiotics in improving gut health and immunity as well as alleviating metabolic diseases has been recognized. The new concept of a gut-heart-brain axis has led to the development of various innovations and strategies related to the introduction of probiotics in food and diet. Probiotics influence gut microbiota profiles, inflammation, and disorders and directly impact brain neurotransmitter pathways. As brain health often declines with age, the concept of probiotics being beneficial for the aging brain has also gained much momentum and emphasis in both research and product development. In this review, the concept of the aging brain, different in vivo aging models, and various aging-related benefits of probiotics are discussed.

Efficacy of the Synbiotic Supplementation on the Metabolic Factors in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is overwhelmingly increasing and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disorder, so effective treatment strategies are considered high priority. This study aimed to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on metabolic factors in patients with metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

In this triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, 108 participants were divided into two groups to receive synbiotic supplementation or placebo for 12 weeks. All participants were also educated about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consuming low-calorie nutritious meals, along with dietary intake and physical activity monitoring. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic indices, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, and hs-CRP were evaluated at the baseline and end of the trial.

RESULTS

Synbiotic supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in the intervention group versus placebo group [-14.69 ± 15.11 mg/dl vs. -8.23 ± 7.90 mg/dl; p=0.007], but there was no difference between groups in other metabolic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that synbiotic supplementation while following a healthy lifestyle and nutrition improved FBG in patients with metabolic syndrome.

A Retrospective, Observational Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Dietary Fiber Supplemental Combination in Overweight or Obese Patients

Study Objective

To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dietary fiber supplementation combination (DFSC) in decreasing the bodyweight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) of obese or overweight patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational, multicentric, prescription event monitoring study. Forty-two overweight to obese individuals consumed DFSC, a combination of inulin, partially hydrolyzed guar gum, and resistant maltodextrin along with dietary and physical activity interventions. The cases had the following diet intake: 45%-55% carbohydrate, 15%-20% protein, and 20%-25% fat, with 15 g visible fat/day and 18-24 g DFSC daily for 12 consecutive weeks with vigorous diet monitoring fortnightly.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 40.74 years (standard deviation (SD): 12.16). The mean bodyweight and BMI of the patients were 80.63 kg (SD: 14.34) and 32.24 kg/m² (SD: 13.98), respectively, at the baseline. At the end of weeks 4, 8, and 12, diet therapy and DFSC showed statistically significant reductions in the mean bodyweight and BMI as follows: 3.03 kg (SD: 01.24) and 1.18 kg/m² (SD: 00.52) (p = 0.001), 5.70 kg (SD: 02.21) and 2.31 kg/m² (SD: 01.08) (p = 0.001), and 7.82 kg (SD: 03.06) and 3.27 kg/m² (SD: 01.86) (p = 0.001), respectively. Healthcare professionals rated diet therapy and DFSC as good to excellent for their efficacy and safety in 97.6% of the cases, and adverse event was not reported in any case with DFSC.

Conclusion

Dietary fiber supplemental combination with proper diet therapy/modification was found to be safe and effective in causing significant weight reduction in obese or overweight patients. However, a large multicentric study needs to be conducted.

Impact of dietary supplementation with resistant dextrin (NUTRIOSE®) on satiety, glycaemia, and related endpoints, in healthy adults

PURPOSE

Resistant dextrin (RD) supplementation has been shown to alter satiety, glycaemia, and body weight, in overweight Chinese men; however, there are limited data on its effects in other demographic groups. Here, we investigated the effects of RD on satiety in healthy adults living in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

20 normal weight and 16 overweight adults completed this randomised controlled cross-over study. Either RD (14 g/day NUTRIOSE^® FB06) or maltodextrin control was consumed in mid-morning and mid-afternoon preload beverages over a 28-day treatment period with crossover after a 28-day washout. During 10-h study visits (on days 1, 14, and 28 of each treatment period), satietogenic, glycaemic and anorectic hormonal responses to provided meals were assessed.

RESULTS

Chronic supplementation with RD was associated with higher fasted satiety scores at day 14 (P = 0.006) and day 28 (P = 0.040), compared to control. RD also increased satiety after the mid-morning intervention drink, but it was associated with a reduction in post-meal satiety following both the lunch and evening meals (P < 0.01). The glycaemic response to the mid-morning intervention drink (0-30 min) was attenuated following RD supplementation (P < 0.01). Whilst not a primary endpoint we also observed lower systolic blood pressure at day 14 (P = 0.035) and 28 (P = 0.030), compared to day 1, following RD supplementation in the normal weight group. Energy intake and anthropometrics were unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

RD supplementation modified satiety and glycaemic responses in this cohort, further studies are required to determine longer-term effects on body weight control and metabolic markers. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV REGISTRATION

NCT02041975 (22/01/2014).

Effects of artichoke on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Clinical trials considering the effects of artichoke supplementation on blood pressure have yielded different and contradictory outcomes. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess effects of artichoke administration on blood pressure.

METHODS

Related studies were detected by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases up to 15 March 2020. Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were evaluated using standard methods.

RESULTS

Pooled analysis of eight randomized controlled trials revealed that artichoke supplementation did not have an effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP), (WMD: -0.77 mmHg, 95 % CI: -2.76 to 1.22) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -0.11 mmHg, 95 % CI: -1.72 to 1.50) when compared to the placebo group. However, subgroup analyses based on health status suggested that artichoke administration among hypertensive patients may significantly reduce SBP (WMD: -3.19 mmHg, 95 % CI: -3.32 to -3.06) and DBP (WMD: -2.33 mmHg, 95 % CI: -2.23 to -2.43), but no such reduction was found in NAFLD patients. Furthermore, our results indicated that artichoke supplementation for 12 weeks led to a significantly decreased DBP (WMD: -2.33 mmHg, 95 % CI: -2.43 to -2.23), but 8 weeks of intervention did not (WMD: 0.80 mmHg, 95 % CI: -1.06 to 2.66).

CONCLUSION

Artichoke supplementation may potentially lead to SBP and DBP reduction in hypertensive patients. In addition, artichoke supplementation for 12 weeks may significantly improve DBP.

The effect of almond intake on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed determine the efficacy of almond intake on blood pressure (BP).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched to infinity until December 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting effects of almond intake on aortic and brachial BP were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Standard methods were used for assessment of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 16 RCTs (1128 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis suggested that almond intake can reduced diastolic BP (DBP) (WMD = -1.30 mmHg; 95 % CI: -2.31,-0.30, p = 0.01, I² = 0.0 %). However, there was not any impact of almond intake on systolic BP (SBP) (WMD = -0.83 mmHg; 95 % CI: -2.55, 0.89, p = 0.34, I² = 58.9 %). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in SBP levels in subjects with lower SBP and lower dose of almonds.

CONCLUSION

We found that almonds might have a considerable favorite effect in BP and especially in DBP, and it could be encouraged as part of a healthy diet; however due to the high calorie content, the intake should be part of healthy diet.

Can functional oligosaccharides reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes significantly affects the life quality and length of patients with diabetes, and almost half of the 4 million people who die from diabetes are under the age of 60. Because of the increasing number of patients with diabetes and the side effects of antidiabetic drugs, the search for new dietary supplementation from natural resources, especially functional oligosaccharides, has attracted much attention among scientific researchers. Functional oligosaccharides are potential antidiabetic treatments because of their nondigestible, low-calorie, and probiotic features. The antidiabetic activity of multiple functional oligosaccharides such as fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, and xylo-oligosaccharides has been reviewed in this paper. Molecular mechanisms involved in the antidiabetic activity of oligosaccharides have been systematically discussed from multiple perspectives, including the improvement of pancreas function, α-glucosidase inhibition, the relief of insulin and leptin resistance, anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of gut microbiota and hormones, and the intervention of diabetic risk factors. In addition, the antidiabetic effects of functional oligosaccharides through the complex gut-brain-liver axis are summarized. The concepts addressed in this review have important clinical implications, although more works are needed to confirm the antidiabetic mechanisms of functional oligosaccharides, standardize safe dose levels, and clarify their metabolism in the human body.-Zhu, D., Yan, Q., Liu, J., Wu, X., Jiang, Z. Can functional oligosaccharides reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus?

Probiotics as Beneficial Dietary Supplements to Prevent and Treat Cardiovascular Diseases: Uncovering Their Impact on Oxidative Stress

The gut microbiota, the ecosystem formed by a wide symbiotic community of nonpathogenic microorganisms that are present in the distal part of the human gut, plays a prominent role in the normal physiology of the organism. The gut microbiota's imbalance, gut dysbiosis, is directly related to the origin of various processes of acute or chronic dysfunction in the host. Therefore, the ability to intervene in the gut microbiota is now emerging as a possible tactic for therapeutic intervention in various diseases. From this perspective, evidence is growing that a functional dietary intervention with probiotics, which maintain or restore beneficial bacteria of the digestive tract, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for interventions in cardiovascular diseases and also reduces the risk of their occurrence. In the present work, we review the importance of maintaining the balance of the intestinal microbiota to prevent or combat such processes as arterial hypertension or endothelial dysfunction, which underlie many cardiovascular disorders. We also review how the consumption of probiotics can improve autonomic control of cardiovascular function and provide beneficial effects in patients with heart failure. Among the known effects of probiotics is their ability to decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species and, therefore, reduce oxidative stress. Therefore, in this review, we specifically focus on this antioxidant capacity and its relationship with the beneficial cardiovascular effects described for probiotics.

Gut microbiota, hypertension and chronic kidney disease: Recent advances

A large number of different microbial species populates intestine. Extensive research has studied the entire microbial population and their genes (microbiome) by using metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomic analysis. Studies suggest that the imbalances of the microbial community causes alterations in the intestinal homeostasis, leading to repercussions on other systems: metabolic, nervous, cardiovascular, immune. These studies have also shown that alterations in the structure and function of the gut microbiota play a key role in the pathogenesis and complications of Hypertension (HTN) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Increased blood pressure (BP) and CKD are two leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease and their treatment represents a challenge for the clinicians. In this Review, we discuss mechanisms whereby gut microbiota (GM) and its metabolites act on downstream cellular targets to contribute to the pathogenesis of HTN and CKD, and potential therapeutic implications.

Prebiotics in the management of components of the metabolic syndrome

Components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), including abdominal obesity, low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, altered glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure, are major threats to healthy aging in modern societies. The connection between MetS components and gut microflora is now acknowledged and multiple therapeutic strategies have been proposed to change the composition of the gut microbiota in order to promote optimal metabolic health. Prebiotics have the ability to favour growth of beneficial bacteria, especially short-chain fatty-acids (SCFA) producers. Increased SCFA in the gut is associated with improved satiety and weight loss, reduced systemic inflammation by increasing the gut barrier function, and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. The objective of this review is to examine the recent literature in order to determine the types and doses of prebiotics that could be recommended for the management of MetS. A review of the literature was executed using the MEDLINE database and clinical trials from 2013 to 2017 were selected for analysis. In conclusion, a daily supplementation of 10g of inulin, resistant starches or fructo-oligosaccharide-enriched inulin could have beneficial effects on MetS components in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In healthy subjects or in individuals with the MetS, the results are too heterogeneous and scarce to be able to set any specific recommendations. More clinical studies are needed to better understand the role of prebiotics in the management of MetS components.

Diuretic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of leaves of Vepris heterophylla (Engl.) R. Let (Rutaceae) in rats

Background

Vepris heterophylla (Rutaceae) is a medicinal plant used empirically in African traditional medicine for many clinical conditions including edematous disorders and hypertension. V. heterophylla aqueous extract has been used in northern part of Cameroon by traditional healers for the treatment of arterial hypertension. The study aim was to assess the putative diuretic and antioxidant properties of V. heterophylla leaves aqueous extract.

Methods

Adult rats were administered with V. heterophylla leaves aqueous extract acutely (24 h) at doses 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg (per os). The two positive control groups received the diuretic drugs furosemide (5 mg/kg) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg), while negative control group received only an equivalent volume of distilled water. Urinary elimination of electrolytes in response to treatments was evaluated, together with changes in concentrations of creatinine, urea, aldosterone, glucose and albumin in urine and plasma. Various urinary indicators of kidney function and plasmatic markers of oxidative stress were also assessed.

Results

The findings indicated that the aqueous extract of V. heterophylla at doses ranging from 150 to 250 mg/kg caused a significant and dose-dependent increase of urinary water and electrolytes excretion in normal rats. The aqueous extract of the leaves of V. heterophylla accelerated the elimination of overloaded fluid. At the maximum of diuretic response, urinary osmolarity decreased significantly when compared with controls. Oral administration of aqueous extract at different doses produced a significant diuresis and slight increase in electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻) excretion. The results obtained were compared with standard drug-furosemide (5 mg/kg) and hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg). These effects were observed predominantly at 250 mg/kg dose.

Conclusions

Our findings strongly suggest that V. heterophylla aqueous extract has diuretic and antioxidant activities, and deserves further studies considering the potential for the treatment of hypertension.

Regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract on the intestinal microflora and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals

In recent years, the use of fermented plant products to protect against various metabolic syndromes has been increasing enormously. The objective of this study was to check the regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract (FPE) on intestinal microflora, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Forty-four mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals (cholesterol 180–220 mg/dL) were recruited and assigned to two groups: experimental or placebo. Volunteers were requested to drink either 60 mL of FPE or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done in the initial, 4^th, 8^th, and 10^th weeks. The anthropometric parameters such as body weight, body fat, and body mass index were markedly lowered (p < 0.05) on FPE intervention participants. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity and total phenolics in plasma were considerably increased along with a reduction (p < 0.05) in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) after FPE supplementation. Participants who drank FPE showed a pronounced increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., whereas the number of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens (p < 0.05) were concomitantly reduced. Furthermore, the lag time of LDL oxidation was substantially ameliorated in FPE-administered group, thus indicating its antioxidative and cardioprotective properties. Treatment with FPE substantially improved the intestinal microflora and thereby positively regulated various physiological functions by lowering the anthropometric parameters, TC, and LDL-c, and remarkably elevated the antioxidant capacity and lag time of LDL oxidation. Therefore, we recommended FPE beverage for combating hypercholesterolemia.

Bioactive Carbohydrates and Peptides in Foods: An Overview of Sources, Downstream Processing Steps and Associated Bioactivities

Bioactive peptides and carbohydrates are sourced from a myriad of plant, animal and insects and have huge potential for use as food ingredients and pharmaceuticals. However, downstream processing bottlenecks hinder the potential use of these natural bioactive compounds and add cost to production processes. This review discusses the health benefits and bioactivities associated with peptides and carbohydrates of natural origin and downstream processing methodologies and novel processes which may be used to overcome these.

Childhood obesity: a role for gut microbiota?

Obesity is a serious public health issue affecting both children and adults. Prevention and management of obesity is proposed to begin in childhood when environmental factors exert a long-term effect on the risk for obesity in adulthood. Thus, identifying modifiable factors may help to reduce this risk. Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota is involved in the control of body weight, energy homeostasis and inflammation and thus, plays a role in the pathophysiology of obesity. Prebiotics and probiotics are of interest because they have been shown to alter the composition of gut microbiota and to affect food intake and appetite, body weight and composition and metabolic functions through gastrointestinal pathways and modulation of the gut bacterial community. As shown in this review, prebiotics and probiotics have physiologic functions that contribute to changes in the composition of gut microbiota, maintenance of a healthy body weight and control of factors associated with childhood obesity through their effects on mechanisms controlling food intake, fat storage and alterations in gut microbiota.

Integrative medicine in allergy and immunology

Integrative medicine is a relatively new discipline which attempts to combine allopathic medicine with alternative or complementary medicine, to reap the benefits of both forms of medicine in optimizing the care of patients. Integrative medicine concentrates on treating the patient as a whole, both in body and mind. While the scientific method and "evidence-based" clinical research drives the management and treatment of diseases in conventional Western medicine, alternative or complementary medicine is based on unproven yet potentially beneficial techniques that have been developed throughout history, dating back to the ancient cultures in the Middle East, Africa, and China. In spite of the lack of evidence of most alternative medicine techniques, these methodologies have been practiced for centuries with great acceptance in many countries. It is in the Western world, where "modern" medicine is dictated by the scientific method, that the most controversy in the use of these alternative modes of therapy exists. Since the science behind alternative medicine is incomplete or non-existent, it is difficult for those trained in Western medicine to accept or adopt this approach. But perhaps it is the failure of Western medicine to adequately guarantee our well being and good health that have led to the ongoing debate between the medical profession and the general public as to the benefits of these alternative treatments. In one sense, integrative medicine may be a futile attempt to coin a new term in the hope of legitimizing alternative medicine. On the other hand, there is a wealth of historical experience in the use of the techniques. Studies to evaluate the scientific basis behind ancient medical techniques are ongoing, and it is to be expected that the results will neither be uniformly positive nor negative. Of particular interest is the effect of traditional medicine, herbal formulations, and manipulative techniques on the immune system, and its application in the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Studies are being designed or conducted to investigate immune effects of herbal formulations or their components. Herbal plants or medicines may lead to skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance in either direction, thus may offer potential application in the treatment of allergic or autoimmune diseases.

Effects of extracts and fractions of Gynura procumbens on rat atrial contraction

There is currently a great deal of research interest in utilizing plant compounds against human diseases, including hypertension. The present study investigated the effects of different extracts and fractions from leaves of Gynura procumbens Merr. on rat atrial contraction in vitro. Isolated left and right atria, mounted in a 20-ml organ bath, were allowed to equilibrate for 15 min before the application of the extracts or fractions. The extracts (petroleum-ether extract (PE) and methanol extract (ME)) and the fractions (chloroform fraction (CHL), ethyl-acetate fraction (EA), n-butanol fraction (NB) and water fraction (WA) of the methanol extract) were tested at three concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml), with a β-adrenergic agonist (isoprenaline) as a control. All data on contraction responses were log-transformed and analyzed. When exposed to the different extracts, both atria tended to exhibit greater contractive responses with the NB whereas cardiac contractions had a tendency to be reduced with most other extracts. For a given extract, the contraction responses were particularly greater at 0.5 mg/ml for the right atrium and at 1 mg/ml for the left atrium. Further analysis focusing on the NB fraction revealed that positive inotropism was greater in left atria exposed to highly-concentrated F2 and F3 sub-fractions. Taken together, our results suggest that NB extracts and fractions from the G. procumbens-leaf methanol extract have positive inotropic activities and, hence, can be considered as an alternative/traditional medicine against increased blood pressure in humans or can be used in strategies aimed at finding antihypertensive biomolecules from an accessible source.

Hairy root culture: bioreactor design and process intensification

The cultivation of hairy roots for the production of secondary metabolites offers numerous advantages; hairy roots have a fast growth rate, are genetically stable, and are relatively simple to maintain in phytohormone free media. Hairy roots provide a continuous source of secondary metabolites, and are useful for the production of chemicals for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives. In order for hairy roots to be utilized on a commercial scale, it is necessary to scale-up their production. Over the last several decades, significant research has been conducted on the cultivation of hairy roots in various types of bioreactor systems. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various bioreactor systems, the major factors related to large-scale bioreactor cultures, process intensification technologies and overview the mathematical models and computer-aided methods that have been utilized for bioreactor design and development.

Prebiotics to fight diseases: reality or fiction?

Bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract are crucial for human health and disease occurrence. Increasing the beneficial intestinal microflora by consumption of prebiotics, which are 'functional foods', could be an elegant way to limit the number and incidence of disorders and to recover from dysbiosis or antibiotic treatments. This review focuses on the short-chain low-digestible carbohydrates (LDCs) which are metabolized by gut microbiota serving as energy source, immune system enhancers or facilitators of mineral uptake. Intake of foods containing LDCs can improve the state of health and may prevent diseases as for example certain forms of cancer. Given the large number of different molecules belonging to LDCs, we focused our attention on fructans (inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides), galacto-oligosaccharides and resistant starches and their therapeutic and protective applications. Evidence is accumulating that LDCs can inhibit bacterial and viral infections by modulating host defense responses and by changing the interactions between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Animal studies and studies on small groups of human subjects suggest that LDCs might help to counteract colorectal cancer, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The action mechanisms of LDCs in the human body might be broader than originally thought, perhaps also including reactive oxygen species scavenging and signaling events.

Effects of different sources of fructans on body weight, blood metabolites and fecal bacteria in normal and obese non-diabetic and diabetic rats

Fructans contribute significantly to dietary fiber with beneficial effects on gastrointestinal physiology in healthy individuals and offer a promising approach to treating some diseases. Two experiments (Experiment 1 = rats with normal weight; Experiment 2 = obese rats) were developed to compare the effects of three fructan sources (Cichorium intybus L. Asteraceae, Helianthus tuberosus L. Asteraceae and Agave angustifolia ssp. tequilana Haw, Agavaceae) on body weight change, blood metabolites and fecal bacteria in non-diabetic (ND) and diabetic (D) rats. In Experiment 1 total body weight gain and daily feed intake in D and ND rats decreased (P < 0.05) with supplements of fructan. Only in D rats, blood glucose concentrations, fecal Clostrodium spp. counts, and liver steatosis decreased, while blood HDL concentrations and fecal Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts increased due to fructans. In Experiment 2, total body weight gain and feed intake in ND and D rats were also decreased by fructans. In ND rats, fructan decreased blood glucose concentrations. In D rats, fructans from A. angustifolia ssp. tequilana decreased blood cholesterol and LDL and liver steatosis. For both ND and D rats, fecal Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts were higher (P < 0.05) with fructan supplements.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and bioconversion of isoflavones by probiotics in soymilk supplemented with prebiotics

Lactobacillus sp. FTDC 2113, L. acidophilus FTDC 8033, L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, L. casei ATCC 393, Bifidobacterium FTDC 8943 and B. longum FTDC 8643 were incorporated into soymilk supplemented with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, mannitol, maltodextrin and pectin. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on the bioactivity of probiotic-fermented soymilk. Proteolytic activity was increased in the presence of FOS, while the supplementation of inulin and pectin increased the angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity accompanied by lower IC(50) values. The beta-glucosidase activity was also enhanced in the presence of pectin. This led to higher bioconversion of glucosides to aglycones by probiotics, especially genistin and malonyl genistin to genistein. Results from this study indicated that the supplementation of prebiotics enhanced the in-vitro antihypertensive effect and production of bioactive aglycones in probiotic-fermented soymilk. Therefore, this soymilk could potentially be used as a dietary therapy to reduce the risks of hypertension and hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and osteoporosis.

Green processes for the extraction of bioactives from Rosemary: Chemical and functional characterization via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and in-vitro assays

In this contribution, the performance of three different extraction procedures towards the extraction of antioxidants from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is presented. Namely, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), using water and ethanol as solvents, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), using neat CO(2) and supercritical CO(2) modified with ethanol, as well as a novel extraction process called Water Extraction and Particle formation On-line (WEPO) are directly compared. Different extraction conditions including temperatures, times and pressures have been studied. The produced extracts have been characterized in terms of extraction yield, antioxidant activity (using the DPPH radical scavenging method) and total phenols (using the Folin method). Besides, all the extracts have been chemically characterized using a new quantitative UPLC-MS/MS method. This method allowed the determination of the main antioxidants present in rosemary, including, among others, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol, attaining detection limits as low as 2ng/mL. The results obtained in this study show that PLE using ethanol at high temperatures (200 degrees C) was able to produce extracts with high antioxidant activity (EC(50) 8.8microg/mL) and high yield (ca. 40%) while efficiently extracting antioxidants of diverse polarity, among them, carnosic and rosmarinic acids, regarded as the most important antioxidants present in rosemary. Nevertheless, in this work, the ability of the three studied environmentally friendly extraction techniques to obtain bioactives from natural sources is demonstrated.