Screening of Diverse Lupinus spp. Highlights New Resistances to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a serious, and sometimes devastating, disease of lupin (Lupinus spp.). Two hundred and thirty-six lupin accessions from across 12 Lupinus species were screened against the prevalent S. sclerotiorum isolate MBRS-1 (pathotype 76). L. angustifolius accession 21655 and L. albus var. albus accession 20589 showed immune and 'near-immune' responses, respectively. Thirteen accessions of L. angustifolius, three accessions each of L. albus and L. albus var. albus, and a single accession each of L. albus var. graecus, L. mutabilis, L. palaestinus and L. pilosus (totalling ~4%) showed a highly resistant (HR) response. A further 19 accessions of L. angustifolius, two accessions each of L. albus and L. pilosus, and a single accession of L. mutabilis (totalling ~10%) showed a resistant (R) response. The reactions of 16 (15 L. angustifolius, one L. digitatus) of these 236 accessions were also compared with their reactions to a different isolate, WW-3 (pathotype 10). Against this isolate, five L. angustifolius accessions showed a HR response and four showed a R response, and the L. digitatus accession showed a moderate resistance (MR) response. Overall, isolate WW-3 caused significantly (P<0.05) smaller lesions than MBRS-1 across tested accessions in common. In addition, 328 plants in a 'wild' naturalized field population of L. cosentini were screened in situ in the field against isolate MBRS-1. Five (~1.5%) of the 328 plants of wild lupin showed an immune response, 63 (~19%) showed a HR response, and 146 (~45%) showed a R response. We believe this is the first examination of diverse Lupinus spp. germplasm responses to a prevalent pathotype of S. sclerotiorum. Lupin genotypes exhibiting high level resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot identified in this study can now be used as parental lines for crosses in lupin breeding programs and/or directly as improved cultivars to reduce the adverse impact of this disease on lupin crops.

Influence of Roasting Temperature on the Detectability of Potentially Allergenic Lupin by SDS-PAGE, ELISAs, LC-MS/MS, and Real-Time PCR

Seeds of "sweet lupins" have been playing an increasing role in the food industry. Lupin proteins may be used for producing a variety of foods, including pasta, bread, cookies, dairy products, and coffee substitutes. In a small percentage of the population, lupin consumption may elicit allergic reactions, either due to primary sensitization to lupin or due to cross-allergy with other legumes. Thus, lupin has to be declared on commercial food products according to EU food regulations. In this study, we investigated the influence of roasting seeds of the L. angustifolius cultivar "Boregine" on the detectability of lupin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), ELISAs, LC-MS/MS, and real-time PCR. Seeds were roasted by fluidized bed roasting, and samples were drawn at seed surface temperatures ranging from 98 °C to 242 °C. With increasing roasting temperature, the extractability of proteins and DNA decreased. In addition, roasting resulted in lower detectability of lupin proteins by ELISAs and LC-MS/MS and lower detectability of DNA by real-time PCR. Our results suggest reduced allergenicity of roasted lupin seeds used for the production of "lupin coffee"; however, this has to be confirmed in in vivo studies.

Comparative Study of the Nutritional, Phytochemical, Sensory Characteristics and Glycemic Response of Cookies Enriched with Lupin Sprout Flour and Lupin Green Sprout

This study aimed to compare the nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics of wheat flour (WF) cookies enriched with different proportions of lupin sprout flour (LSF) and those with different proportions of lupin green sprout (LGS). To achieve this, a control cookie (CC); three cookies with 10%, 20%, and 30% of LSF, respectively, CLSF1, CLSF2, and CLSF3; and three other cookies (CLGS1, CLGS2, and CLGS3) with 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, were produced. The proximate composition of each cookie was analyzed using AOAC methods. Also, the measurements of the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, individual polyphenols, glycemic index, and a sensory analysis were carried out using recent and accurate methods. The contribution of the main nutrients from 100 g of product to the required daily dose was also calculated. Data analysis revealed that cookies with LSF were richer than cookies with LGS in protein, fat, and energy values. CLGS3 was 35.12%, 1.45%, and 5.0% lower in protein, fat, and energy content than CLSF3, respectively. On the other hand, CLSF3 was lower than CLGS3, with 48.2% and 12.4% in moisture and mineral substances, respectively. Both cookies were lower in carbohydrates than the CC (65.20 g/100 g). Still on the subject of micro- and macronutrients, cookies with LSF were richer than those with LGS in all the minerals analyzed. The study also revealed improvements in phytochemical properties, such as total and individual polyphenols and antioxidant activity with the percentage of lupin sprout flour addition. The sensory analysis revealed that, for LSF and LGS cookies, the 10% samples were the most appreciated by consumers, irrespective of the sensory attributes studied. The glycemic index of the CLSF2 product was lower compared to the CC. This study shows that the LSF cookies have better nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory values than the LGS cookies. LSF is, therefore, better suited than LGS to the enrichment of bakery products in general and cookies in particular. The paper provides significant information to estimate the contribution of the consumption of functional products based on lupin sprouts to the required daily dose of food nutrients and the impact on the glycemic index of fortified products.

Metabolic Evaluation of Lupin-Enriched Yogurt by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomics

Untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics was used to evaluate compositional changes during yogurt fermentation upon lupin enrichment compared to traditional conditions. Lupin significantly changed the sample metabolic profile and its time course dynamics, seemingly delaying microbial action. The levels of organic and amino acids were significantly altered, along with those of some sugars, nucleotides, and choline compounds. Lupin seemed to favor acetate and formate synthesis, compared to that of citrate and fumarate; a higher formate levels may suggest increased levels of Streptococcus thermophilus action, compared toLactobacillus bulgaricus. Lupin-yogurt was poorer in hippurate, lactose (and hence lactate), galactose, glucose-1-phosphate, and galactose-1-phosphate, containing higher orotate levels (possibly related to increased uridine derivatives), among other differences. Trigonelline was confirmed as a lupin marker, possibly together with glutamate and histidine. Other metabolite trajectories remained unchanged upon lupin addition, unveiling unaffected underlying processes. These results demonstrate the usefulness of untargeted NMR metabolomics to understand/develop new foodstuffs and their production processes, highlighting the identity of a variety of bioactive metabolites with importance for human health.

Effect of Homogenized Callus Tissue on the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Food

The aim of the study was to develop ink enriched with a high content of lupine callus tissue (CT) suitable for 3D printing. Printable ink obtained using mashed potatoes (20 g/100 mL) and a 3% agar solution was used as the parent CT-free ink (CT0). Viscosity increased from 9.6 to 75.4 kPa·s during the cooling of the CT0 ink from 50 to 20 °C, while the viscosity of the ink with 80 g/100 mL of CT (CT80) increased from 0.9 to 5.6 kPa·s under the same conditions. The inclusion of CT was shown to decrease the hardness of 3D-printed food gel from 0.32 ± 0.03 to 0.21 ± 0.03 N. The storage modulus G' value was 7.9 times lower in CT80 samples than in CT0 samples. The values of fracture stress for CT80 and CT0 inks were 1621 ± 711 and 13,241 ± 2329 Pa, respectively. The loss tangent and the limiting strain did not differ in CT0 and CT80, although the value of the fracture strain was 1.6 times higher in the latter. Thus, the present study demonstrates that CT may be added to printing ink in order to enhance food with plant cell material and enable the 3D printing of specially shaped foods.

Identification and Potential Participation of Lipases in Autophagic Body Degradation in Embryonic Axes of Lupin (Lupinus spp.) Germinating Seeds

Autophagy is a fundamental process for plants that plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and promoting survival in response to various environmental stresses. One of the lesser-known stages of plant autophagy is the degradation of autophagic bodies in vacuoles. To this day, no plant vacuolar enzyme has been confirmed to be involved in this process. On the other hand, several enzymes have been described in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), including Atg15, that possess lipolytic activity. In this preliminary study, which was conducted on isolated embryonic axes of the white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) and Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet), the potential involvement of plant vacuolar lipases in the degradation of autophagic bodies was investigated. We identified in transcriptomes (using next-generation sequencing (NGS)) of white and Andean lupin embryonic axes 38 lipases with predicted vacuolar localization, and for three of them, similarities in amino acid sequences with yeast Atg15 were found. A comparative transcriptome analysis of lupin isolated embryonic axes cultured in vitro under different sucrose and asparagine nutrition, evaluating the relations in the levels of the transcripts of lipase genes, was also carried out. A clear decrease in lipase gene transcript levels caused by asparagine, a key amino acid in lupin seed metabolism which retards the degradation of autophagic bodies during sugar-starvation-induced autophagy in lupin embryonic axes, was detected. Although the question of whether lipases are involved in the degradation of autophagic bodies during plant autophagy is still open, our findings strongly support such a hypothesis.

The Beneficial Effects of Inoculation with Selected Nodule-Associated PGPR on White Lupin Are Comparable to Those of Inoculation with Symbiotic Rhizobia

Nodule endophytes and associated bacteria are non-symbiotic bacteria that colonize legume nodules. They accompany nodulating rhizobia and can form beneficial associations, as some of them are plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that are able to promote germination and plant growth and increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. White lupin (Lupinus albus) is a legume crop that is gaining relevance as a suitable alternative to soybean as a plant protein source. Eleven nodule-associated bacteria were isolated from white lupin nodules grown in a Tunisian soil. They belonged to the genera Rhizobium, Ensifer, Pseudomonas and Bacillus. Their plant growth-promoting (PGP) and enzymatic activities were tested in vitro. Strains Pseudomonas sp., L1 and L12, displayed most PGP activities tested, and were selected for in planta assays. Inoculation with strains L1 or L12 increased seed germination and had the same positive effects on all plant growth parameters as did inoculation with symbiotic Bradyrhizobium canariense, with no significant differences among treatments. Inoculation with efficient nitrogen-fixing rhizobia must compete with rhizobia present in the soil that sometimes nodulate efficiently but fix nitrogen poorly, leading to a low response to inoculation. In such cases, inoculation with highly effective PGPR might represent a feasible alternative to boost crop productivity.

Impacts of Different Processes on the Nutritional and Antinutritional Contents of White and Blue Lupin Seeds and Usage Possibilities for Sustainable Poultry Production

In the current era, it is important to consider economic and ecological sustainability issues while optimally meeting the nutrient needs of poultry. The use and research of alternative feedstuffs have gained importance due to these factors. The aim of this study is to reveal the raw lupin seeds' nutrient ingredients as an alternative feedstuff and the effects of debittering methods. In the present study, two different treatments (germination for 2 days; heat treatment in an autoclave at 130 °C for 20 min) were applied to white and blue lupin seeds, and the differences in nutrient compositions between them and raw seeds were determined. When fatty acid compositions were analyzed, oleic, γ-linolenic, arachidic, behenic, erucic, and lignoceric acid values were found to be the highest in the raw, autoclaved, and germinated forms of white lupin (p < 0.01). The highest values of palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids were observed in blue lupin (p < 0.01). While the value of total quinolizidine alkaloids (QA) in raw white lupin grains was higher than 1.943 mg/g, it was higher than 1.800 mg/g in autoclaved and germination-treated grains. Similarly, the total QA value of raw blue lupin grains was 0.894 mg/g, 0.609 ± 0.244 mg/g in germination-treated seeds, and 0.705 ± 0.282 mg/g in autoclave-treated seeds. As a result of these findings, it can be said that the methods applied for the removal of bitterness gave promising results. Furthermore, it would be rewarding to use these lupin varieties in in vitro and in vivo experiments to reveal the impacts and mechanisms of debittering methods on poultry.

Improvement of nutritional properties of regular and gluten-free cakes with composite flour

This study was carried out to develop regular and gluten-free cakes with the high nutritional and functional value from composite flours. Composite flour was prepared by blending of equal amounts of chestnut, lupine and pumpkin flour. Wheat flour (for regular cake) and corn starch: rice flour blend (for gluten-free cake) used in cake formulation were replaced with composite flour in ratios of 9, 18, 27 and 36%, respectively. Composite flour had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on all color parameters of the crust and crumb of regular and gluten-free cake samples. Cake weight and hardness values increased with the use of composite flour in regular and gluten-free cake samples, and higher weight and hardness values were determined in gluten-free cakes. High composite flour ratios (27-36%) resulted in the lowest cake volume in both cakes. The gluten-free cake had lower ash, protein, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) compared to the regular cake. The composite flour usage increased the ash, protein, antioxidant activity, TPC, and mineral contents of both cake samples. When the nutritional, functional, technological and sensory properties of cakes were evaluated together, it was concluded that the use of 9% composite flour was the most appropriate ratio for both cake types.

A comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomics atlas for the legumes common bean, chickpea, lentil and lupin

Legumes represent an important component of human and livestock diets; they are rich in macro- and micronutrients such as proteins, dietary fibers and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Whilst several health-promoting and anti-nutritional properties have been associated with grain content, in-depth metabolomics characterization of major legume species remains elusive. In this article, we used both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to assess the metabolic diversity in the five legume species commonly grown in Europe, including common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), lentil (Lens culinaris), white lupin (Lupinus albus) and pearl lupin (Lupinus mutabilis), at the tissue level. We were able to detect and quantify over 3400 metabolites covering major nutritional and anti-nutritional compounds. Specifically, the metabolomics atlas includes 224 derivatized metabolites, 2283 specialized metabolites and 923 lipids. The data generated here will serve the community as a basis for future integration to metabolomics-assisted crop breeding and facilitate metabolite-based genome-wide association studies to dissect the genetic and biochemical bases of metabolism in legume species.

Attenuating Colorectal Cancer Using Nine Cultivars of Australian Lupin Seeds: Apoptosis Induction Triggered by Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Caspases-3/7 Activation

As Australian lupin cultivars are rich sources of polyphenols, dietary fibers, high-quality proteins, and abundant bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities, this research work is aimed at investigating the colon cancer alleviation activity of nine cultivars of lupin seeds on HCT116 and HT29 colon carcinoma cell lines through anti-proliferation assay, measurement of apoptosis, and identification of the mechanism of apoptosis. Nine cultivars were pre-screened for anti-proliferation of HCT116 and HT29 cells along with consideration of the impact of heat processing on cancer cell viability. Mandelup and Jurien showed significant inhibition of HCT116 cells, whereas the highest inhibition of HT29 cell proliferation was attained by Jurien and Mandelup. Processing decreased the anti-proliferation activity drastically. Lupin cultivars Mandelup, Barlock, and Jurien (dose: 300 μg/mL) induced early and late apoptosis of colon cancer cells in Annexin V-FITC assay. The mechanism of apoptosis was explored, which involves boosting of caspases-3/7 activation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HCT116 cells (Mandelup and Barlock) and HT29 cells (Jurien and Mandelup). Thus, the findings showed that lupin cultivars arrest cell cycles by inducing apoptosis of colorectal carcinoma cells triggered by elevated ROS generation and caspases-3/7 activation.

Functional Association between Storage Protein Mobilization and Redox Signaling in Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Development

(1) Background: Seed storage mobilization, together with oxidative metabolism, with the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle as a crucial signaling and metabolic functional crossroad, is one of the main regulators of the control of cell morphogenesis and division, a fundamental physiological process driving seed germination and seedling growth. This study aims to characterize the cellular changes, composition, and patterns of the protein mobilization and ROS-dependent gene expression of redox metabolism in Lupinus angustifolius L. (narrow-leafed lupin, NLL) cotyledons during seed germination. (2) Methods: We performed gene expression analyses via RT-qPCR for conglutins α (1, 2, and 3), β (1, 2, and 5), γ (1, 2), and δ (2 and 4), including a ubiquitin gene as a control, and for redox metabolism-related genes; GADPH was used as a control gene. A microscopic study was developed on cotyledon samples from different germination stages, including as IMB (imbibition), and 2-5, 7, 9, and 11 DAI (days after imbibition), which were processed for light microscopy. SDS-PAGE and immunocytochemistry assays were performed using an anti-β-conglutin antibody (Agrisera), and an anti-rabbit IgG Daylight 488-conjugated secondary antibody. The controls were made while omitting primary Ab. (3) Results and Discussion: Our results showed that a large amount of seed storage protein (SSP) accumulates in protein bodies (PBs) and mobilizes during germination. Families of conglutins (β and γ) may play important roles as functional and signaling molecules, beyond the storage function, at intermediate steps of the seed germination process. In this regard, metabolic activities are closely associated with the regulation of oxidative homeostasis through AsA-GSH activities (γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteine synthetase, NOS, Catalase, Cu/Zn-SOD, GPx, GR, GS, GsT) after the imbibition of NLL mature seeds, metabolism activation, and dormancy breakage, which are key molecular and regulatory signaling pathways with particular importance in morphogenesis and developmental processes. (4) Conclusions: The knowledge generated in this study provides evidence for the functional changes and cellular tightly regulated events occurring in the NLL seed cotyledon, orchestrated by the oxidative-related metabolic machinery involved in seed germination advancement.

A New Fluorescence Detection Method for Tryptophan- and Tyrosine-Derived Allelopathic Compounds in Barley and Lupin

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the most widely cultivated crops for feedstock and beer production, whereas lupins (Lupinus spp.) are grown as fodder and their seeds are a source of protein. Both species produce the allelopathic alkaloids gramine and hordenine. These plant-specialized metabolites may be of economic interest for crop protection, depending on their tissue distribution. However, in high concentrations they pose a health risk to humans and animals that feed on them. This study was carried out to develop and validate a new method for monitoring these alkaloids and their related metabolites using fluorescence detection. Separation was performed on an HSS T3 column using slightly acidified water-acetonitrile eluents. Calibration plots expressed linearity over the range 0.09-100 pmol/µL for gramine. The accuracy and precision ranged from 97.8 to 123.4%, <7% RSD. The method was successfully applied in a study of the natural range of abundance of gramine, hordenine and their related metabolites, AMI, tryptophan and tyramine, in 22 barley accessions and 10 lupin species. This method provides accurate and highly sensitive chromatographic separation and detection of tryptophan- and tyrosine-derived allelochemicals and is an accessible alternative to LC-MS techniques for routine screening.

Attack of the clones: Population genetics reveals clonality of Colletotrichum lupini, the causal agent of lupin anthracnose

Colletotrichum lupini, the causative agent of lupin anthracnose, affects lupin cultivation worldwide. Understanding its population structure and evolutionary potential is crucial to design successful disease management strategies. The objective of this study was to employ population genetics to investigate the diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and molecular basis of the interaction of this notorious lupin pathogen with its host. A collection of globally representative C. lupini isolates was genotyped through triple digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, resulting in a data set of unparalleled resolution. Phylogenetic and structural analysis could distinguish four independent lineages (I-IV). The strong population structure and high overall standardized index of association (r̅_d ) indicates that C. lupini reproduces clonally. Different morphologies and virulence patterns on white lupin (Lupinus albus) and Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) were observed between and within clonal lineages. Isolates belonging to lineage II were shown to have a minichromosome that was also partly present in lineage III and IV, but not in lineage I isolates. Variation in the presence of this minichromosome could imply a role in host-pathogen interaction. All four lineages were present in the South American Andes region, which is suggested to be the centre of origin of this species. Only members of lineage II have been found outside South America since the 1990s, indicating it as the current pandemic population. As a seedborne pathogen, C. lupini has mainly spread through infected but symptomless seeds, stressing the importance of phytosanitary measures to prevent future outbreaks of strains that are yet confined to South America.

Bioactive Nutrient Retention during Thermal-Assisted Hydration of Lupins

Lupin, an arid pulse, is gaining popularity as a super food due to its superior nutritional properties. However, it has not been considered for large scale thermal processing, e.g., canning. The present work evaluated the best time/temperature combination to hydrate lupins for canning with minimum losses of bioactive nutrients, pre-biotic fibre, and total solids during hydration. The two lupin species showed a sigmoidal hydration behaviour, which was adequately modelled by the Weibull distribution. The effective diffusivity, D_eff, increased from 7.41 × 10^-11 to 2.08 × 10^-10 m²/s for L. albus and 1.75 × 10^-10 to 1.02 × 10^-9 m²/s for L. angustifolius with increasing temperature, namely, from 25 °C to 85 °C. The lag phase decreased from 145 min to 56 min in L. albus and 61 min to 28 min in L. angustifolius. However, based on the effective hydration rate, reaching the equilibrium moisture, minimum loss of the solids, and prebiotic fibre and phytochemicals, 200 min hydration at 65 °C can be regarded as the optimum temperature of hydration. The findings are thus relevant for designing the hydration protocol to achieve the maximum equilibrium moisture content and yield with the minimum loss of solids (phytochemicals and prebiotic fibres) for L. albus and L. angustifolius.

Enrichment of 3D-Printed k-Carrageenan Food Gel with Callus Tissue of Narrow-Leaved Lupin Lupinus angustifolius

The aim of the study is to develop and evaluate the printability of k-carrageenan inks enriched with callus tissue of lupin (L. angustifolius) and to determine the effect of two lupin calluses (LA14 and LA16) on the texture and digestibility of 3D-printed gel. The results demonstrated that the enriched ink was successfully 3D printed at concentrations of 33 and 50 g/100 mL of LA14 callus and 33 g/100 mL of LA16 callus. The feasibility of 3D printing is extremely reduced at higher concentrations of callus material in the ink. The hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess of the 3D-printed gel with LA16 callus were weakened compared to the gel with LA14 callus. The results of rheological measurements showed that an increase in the content of LA16 callus interfered with the formation of a k-carrageenan gel network, while LA14 callus strengthened the k-carrageenan gel with increasing concentration. Gel samples at different concentrations of LA14 and LA16 calluses formed a spongy network structure, but the number of pores decreased, and their size increased, when the volume fraction occupied by LA14 and LA16 calluses increased. Simple polysaccharides, galacturonic acid residues, and phenolic compounds (PCs) were released from A-FP gels after sequential in vivo oral and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. PCs were released predominantly in the simulated intestinal and colonic fluids. Thus, incorporating lupin callus into the hydrocolloid ink for food 3D printing can be a promising approach to developing a gelling material with new mechanical, rheological, and functional properties.

Effect of Debittering with Different Solvents and Ultrasound on Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Phenolics of Lupinus albus Seeds

Lupin seeds represent a rich nutritional source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidant molecules such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and phenolics. However, before consumption, the lupin seeds must be debittered in order to remove their bitter and toxic alkaloids. This study analyzed the impact on the bioactive compounds of Lupinus albus seeds of a recent time- and water-saving debittering method, which employs alternative washing solutions (0.5% or 1% of either NaCl or citric acid), with or without the assistance of ultrasound. The results were compared with those of two control methods using water or a NaCl solution. The sonication, when it was significant, led to a large loss of bioactive compounds, which was most likely due to its extraction capability. The seeds that were debittered without ultrasound presented high concentrations of tocopherols (172.8-241.3 mg/kg DM), carotenoids (10.9-25.1 mg/kg DM), and soluble-free (106.9-361.1 mg/kg DM), soluble-conjugated (93.9-118.9 mg/kg DM), and insoluble-bound (59.2-156.7 mg/kg DM) phenolics. The soluble-free fraction showed the greatest loss after a prolonged treatment. Overall, debittering with citric acid or NaCl preserved the highest concentration of antioxidant compounds by shortening the treatment time, thus preventing extensive leaching.

Combining high-protein ingredients from pseudocereals and legumes for the development of fresh high-protein hybrid pasta: enhanced nutritional profile

BACKGROUND

The fortification of wheat-based staple foods, such as pasta, with pseudocereal and legume flours has received growing research interest in recent years. While it is associated with many challenges regarding technological and sensory quality of the products, it promises a substantial improvement of the nutritional value of pasta. However, investigations of the nutritional quality of fortified pasta often focus on the carbohydrate/starch fraction, and information on changes in protein quality is relatively scarce. This study evaluates the nutritional profile of a high-protein hybrid pasta (HPHP) formulation in which a combination of three high-protein ingredients (HPIs) from buckwheat, faba bean and lupin is used to partially replace wheat semolina. The formulation's macronutrient composition, protein quality and the content of antinutritional compounds are assessed in comparison to regular wheat pasta.

RESULTS

The HPHP formulation represents a more favourable macronutrient profile compared to regular wheat pasta, particularly in relation to the isocaloric replacement of wheat starch by non-wheat protein. Furthermore, a more balanced amino acid profile, improved N utilisation and increased protein efficiency ratio (in vivo) were determined for HPHP, which conclusively suggests a substantially enhanced protein quality. The cooking process was shown to significantly reduce levels of vicine/convicine and trypsin inhibitor activity originating from HPIs. The small remaining levels seem not to adversely affect HPHP's nutritional quality.

CONCLUSION

This significant upgrade of pasta's nutritional value identifies HPHP, and similar hybrid formulations, as a healthy food choice and valuable alternative to regular wheat pasta, specifically for a protein supply of adequate quality in mostly plant-based diets. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combining high-protein ingredients from pseudocereals and legumes for the development of fresh high-protein hybrid pasta: maintained technological quality and adequate sensory attributes

BACKGROUND

The fortification of cereal foods, like pasta, with pseudocereal and legume ingredients promises a substantial improvement of their nutritional quality. However, partial replacement of wheat by pseudocereals and legumes in pasta formulations bears challenges regarding the products' technological and sensory quality. This study investigates the partial replacement of wheat semolina by a combination of high-protein ingredients (HPIs) from buckwheat, faba bean and lupin to reach a protein level of 20% of calories provided by protein. This high-protein hybrid pasta (HPHP) formulation was subjected to a thorough evaluation of technological quality characteristics and compared to regular wheat pasta and pasta formulations containing the single HPIs. Additionally, descriptive sensory profiling was performed to compare organoleptic properties of HPHP with regular wheat pasta.

RESULTS

The quality of pasta formulations containing single HPIs was significantly reduced with regard to at least one of the determined quality characteristics. For the HPHP formulation containing all three HPIs, the technological quality was found to be equal to regular wheat pasta. No significant differences were detected for the most indicative quality characteristics cooking loss, firmness and stickiness. This was attributed primarily to compensating effects of the HPIs with respect to different quality characteristics. Sensory analysis revealed only slightly inferior overall quality of HPHP in comparison to regular wheat pasta, especially promoted by similar textural properties.

CONCLUSION

The combination of selected HPIs offers the opportunity to produce high-protein hybrid pasta with technological and sensory quality similar to regular wheat pasta at a level of wheat semolina replacement of 25%. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive Peptides from Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) Prevent the Early Stages of Atherosclerosis in Western Diet-Fed ApoE-/- Mice

We have previously reported the in vitro hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of Alcalase-generated lupin protein hydrolysate (LPH). Given that lipoprotein deposition, oxidative stress, and inflammation are the main components of atherogenesis, we characterized the LPH composition, in silico identified LPH-peptides with activities related to atherosclerosis, and evaluated the in vivo LPH effects on atherosclerosis risk factors in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. After 15 min of Alcalase hydrolysis, peptides smaller than 8 kDa were obtained, and 259 peptides out of 278 peptides found showed biological activities related to atherosclerosis risk factors. Furthermore, LPH administration for 12 weeks reduced the plasma lipids, as well as the cardiovascular and atherogenic risk indexes. LPH also increased the total antioxidant capacity, decreased endothelial permeability, inflammatory response, and atherogenic markers. Therefore, this study describes for the first time that LPH prevents the early stages of atherosclerosis.

Lupin Protein Concentrate as a Novel Functional Food Additive That Can Reduce Colitis-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Food fortification with bioactive compounds may constitute a way to ameliorate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Lupin seeds contain an oligomer named deflamin that can reduce IBD’s symptoms via MMP-9 inhibition. Here, our goal was to develop a lupin protein concentrate (LPC) enriched in deflamin and to test its application as a food additive to be used as a functional food against colitis. The nutritional profile of the LPC was evaluated, and its efficacy in vivo was tested, either alone or as added to wheat cookies. The LPC presented high protein and carbohydrate contents (20.09 g/100 g and 62.05/100 g, respectively), as well as antioxidant activity (FRAP: 351.19 mg AAE/10 mg and DPPH: 273.9 mg AAE/10 mg). It was also effective against TNBS-induced colitis in a dose dependent-manner, reducing DAI scores by more than 50% and concomitantly inhibiting MMP-9 activity. When added to cookies, the LPC activities were maintained after baking, and a 4-day diet with LPC cookies induced a significant protective effect against acetic acid-induced colitis, overall bringing lesions, oxidative stress and DNA damage levels to values significantly similar to controls (p < 0.001). The results show that the LPC is an efficient way to deliver deflamin in IBD-targeted diets.

Lupins and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review

Lupins have a unique nutrient profile among legumes and may have beneficial health effects when included in the diet. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of lupin on a range of health outcome measures. Databases included MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL, and focused on controlled intervention studies on healthy adults and those with chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and overweight. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol was followed. Investigated intervention diets utilised whole lupin, lupin protein or lupin fibre, and outcomes were measured by markers of chronic disease, body weight and satiety. Quality assessment of results was performed using the Cochrane revised risk of bias tool. Overall, 21 studies with 998 participants were included: 12 using whole lupin, four used lupin protein and five lupin fibre. Beneficial changes were observed in 71% of studies that measured blood pressure, 83% measuring satiety and 64% measuring serum lipids. Unintended weight loss occurred in 25% of studies. Whole lupin demonstrated more consistent beneficial effects for satiety, glycaemic control and blood pressure than lupin protein or lupin fibre. Heterogeneity, low study numbers and a small participant base indicated further studies are required to strengthen current evidence particularly regarding the protein and dietary fibre components of lupin.

Adaptive Mechanisms Make Lupin a Choice Crop for Acidic Soils Affected by Aluminum Toxicity

Almost half of the world's agricultural soils are acidic, and most of them present significant levels of aluminum (Al) contamination, with Al³⁺ as the prevailing phytotoxic species. Lupin is a protein crop that is considered as an optimal alternative to soybean cultivation in cold climates. Lupins establish symbiosis with certain soil bacteria, collectively known as rhizobia, which are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Moreover, some lupin species, especially white lupin, form cluster roots, bottlebrush-like structures specialized in the mobilization and uptake of nutrients in poor soils. Cluster roots are also induced by Al toxicity. They exude phenolic compounds and organic acids that chelate Al to form non-phytotoxic complexes in the rhizosphere and inside the root cells, where Al complexes are accumulated in the vacuole. Lupins flourish in highly acidic soils where most crops, including other legumes, are unable to grow. Some lupin response mechanisms to Al toxicity are common to other plants, but lupin presents specific tolerance mechanisms, partly as a result of the formation of cluster roots. Al-induced lupin organic acid secretion differs from P-induced secretion, and organic acid transporters functions differ from those in other legumes. Additionally, symbiotic rhizobia can contribute to Al detoxification. After revising the existing knowledge on lupin distinct Al tolerance mechanisms, we conclude that further research is required to elucidate the specific organic acid secretion and Al accumulation mechanisms in this unique legume, but definitely, white lupin arises as a choice crop for cultivation in Al-rich acidic soils in temperate climate regions.

Mediterranean White Lupin Landraces as a Valuable Genetic Reserve for Breeding

Legumes crops are important for sustainable agriculture and global food security. Among them white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), is characterized by exceptional protein content of high nutritional value, competitive to that of soybean (Glycine max) and is well adapted to rainfed agriculture. However, its high seed-quinolizidine alkaloid (QA) content impedes its direct integration to human diet and animal feed. Additionally, its cultivation is not yet intensive, remains confined to local communities and marginal lands in Mediterranean agriculture, while adaptation to local microclimates restrains its cultivation from expanding globally. Hence, modern white lupin breeding aims to exploit genetic resources for the development of "sweet" elite cultivars, resilient to biotic adversities and well adapted for cultivation on a global level. Towards this aim, we evaluated white lupin local landrace germplasm from Greece, since the country is considered a center of white lupin diversity, along with cultivars and breeding lines for comparison. Seed morphological diversity and molecular genetic relationships were investigated. Most of the landraces were distinct from cultivars, indicating the uniqueness of their genetic make-up. The presence of pauper "sweet" marker allele linked to low seed QA content in some varieties was detected in one landrace, two breeding lines, and the cultivars. However, QA content in the examined genotypes did not relate with the marker profile, indicating that the marker's predictive power is limited in this material. Marker alleles for vernalization unresponsiveness were detected in eight landraces and alleles for anthracnose resistance were found in two landraces, pointing to the presence of promising germplasm for utilization in white lupin breeding. The rich lupin local germplasm genetic diversity and the distinct genotypic composition compared to elite cultivars, highlights its potential use as a source of important agronomic traits to support current breeding efforts and assist its integration to modern sustainable agriculture.

Genetic Diversity in Invasive Populations of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden

Simple Summary

Aggressive-invasive species often interact with native ones, thus considerably changing the biological communities, with ecological, economic, and even social effects. It is a challenge to evaluate the direction and the rate of microevolution in native and introduced populations. One of the ways to do this is to estimate the genetic diversity. An introduction often imposes a reduction in population size (genetic drift, bottleneck, founder effect), which has the potential to reduce genetic diversity. However, after a lag, the genetic diversity can be restored due to repeated invasions (multiply introductions), hybridization between individuals from two different subspecies or species in the invaded ranges, as well as during rapid genetic changes under selection pressures in the novel environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of genetic diversity in successful invasive species Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. from Russia and Ukraine, and whether it may be associated with the strategy of their further expansion.

Abstract

In our study, two aggressive-invasive species, Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. from Russia and Ukraine, were investigated. The success in naturalization of both species is associated with human activities, since they have been used in agriculture and floriculture and both have qualities such as environmental tolerance, high fertility and phenotypic plasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of genetic diversity of both species. For Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., genetic diversity was compared in invasive and native populations. For Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., the genetic diversity was compared in variety, feral and invasive populations. A genetic diversity was formulated using RAPD, ISSR and REMAP. For Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., the average genetic diversity within the invasive population was similar (0.432), but slightly less (0.502) than within the native Caucasian population. This may suggest the successful naturalization of invaders and almost complete reconstruction of their genetic diversity. For Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., the genetic diversity for the invasive population was the highest, with an average of 0.294, while for variety, it was the lowest, with an average of 0.194. The feral population had an intermediate place with an average of 0.248, which could suggest an increase of diversity in the process of naturalization.

Lupin-Derived Bioactive Peptides: Intestinal Transport, Bioavailability and Health Benefits

There is a renewed interest on the reliance of food-based bioactive compounds as sources of nutritive factors and health-beneficial chemical compounds. Among these food components, several proteins from foods have been shown to promote health and wellness as seen in proteins such as α/γ-conglutins from the seeds of Lupinus species (Lupin), a genus of leguminous plant that are widely used in traditional medicine for treating chronic diseases. Lupin-derived peptides (LDPs) are increasingly being explored and they have been shown to possess multifunctional health improving properties. This paper discusses the intestinal transport, bioavailability and biological activities of LDPs, focusing on molecular mechanisms of action as reported in in vitro, cell culture, animal and human studies. The potentials of several LDPs to demonstrate multitarget mechanism of regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, chemo- and osteoprotective properties, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities position LDPs as good candidates for nutraceutical development for the prevention and management of medical conditions whose etiology are multifactorial.

Exploitation of Some Natural Products for the Prevention and/or Nutritional Treatment of SARS-CoV2 Infection

Dietary habits strongly influence our health status, mostly in terms of maintenance of the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory homeostasis. High fat and high sugar diets account for the development of a low-grade inflammation, which is the pathogenic common denominator of various chronic diseases. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS)-CoV2 (COVID-19) infection affects all ages and especially frail elderly people and a nutritional intervention seems to be crucial in the course of this pandemic. The present review describes the properties of some vegetal products and their derivatives, such as Lupin sp., garlic, salvia and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that can be exploited for their beneficial effects, as preventive and/or nutritional treatment of coronavirus disease SARS-CoV2. Lupin, salvia, garlic and EVOO share overlapping properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities. Quite importantly, these products and their derivatives are able to recover the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme expression 2 on cell membrane, otherwise suppressed by COVID-19 binding and entry into cytoplasm. Dietary administration of the above nutraceuticals or their extracts may play a preventive or nutritional role in the course of SARS-CoV2 infection, even including the effects of the lockdown and the condition of inflamm-ageing.

Identification of Gray Leaf Spot Disease Candidate Gene in Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Selection for resistance against gray leaf spot (GLS) is a major objective in the lupin breeding programs. A segregation ratio of 1:1 (resistant:susceptible) in F8 recombinant inbred lines (RIL8) derived from a cross between a breeding line 83A:476 (resistant to GLS) and a wild accession P27255 (susceptible to GLS) indicated that GLS was controlled by a single major gene. To develop molecular markers linked to GLS, in the beginning, only 11 resistant lines and six susceptible lines from the 83A:476 and P27255 population were genotyped with MFLP markers, and three MFLP markers were identified to be co-segregated with GLS. This method was very efficient, but the markers were located outside of the gene, and could not be used in other germplasms. Then QTL analysis and fine mapping were conducted to identify the gene. Finally, the gene was narrowed down to a 241-kb region containing two disease resistance genes. To further identify the candidate gene, DNA variants between accessions Tanjil (resistant to GLS) and Unicrop (susceptible to GLS) were analyzed. The results indicated that only one SNP was detected in the 241 kb region. This SNP was located in the TMV resistance protein N-like gene region and also identified between 83A:476 and P27255. Genotyping the Tanjil/Unicrop RIL8 population showed that this SNP co-segregated with GLS resistance. The phylogenetic tree analysis of this gene among 18 lupin accessions indicates that Australian resistant breeding line/varieties were clustered into one group and carry two resistant alleles, while susceptible accessions were clustered into different groups.

Lupinus angustifolius Protein Hydrolysates Reduce Abdominal Adiposity and Ameliorate Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Western Diet Fed-ApoE-/- Mice

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most important cause of liver disease worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver and is closely associated with abdominal obesity. In addition, oxidative stress and inflammation are significant features involved in MAFLD. Recently, our group demonstrated that lupin protein hydrolysates (LPHs) had lipid lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Sixty male mice fed with a Western diet were intragastrically treated with LPHs (or vehicle) for 12 weeks. Liver and adipose tissue lipid accumulation and hepatic inflammatory and oxidant status were evaluated. A significant decrease in steatosis was observed in LPHs-treated mice, which presented a decreased gene expression of CD36 and LDL-R, crucial markers in MAFLD. In addition, LPHs increased the hepatic total antioxidant capacity and reduced the hepatic inflammatory status. Moreover, LPHs-treated mice showed a significant reduction in abdominal adiposity. This is the first study to show that the supplementation with LPHs markedly ameliorates the generation of the steatotic liver caused by the intake of a Western diet and reduces abdominal obesity in ApoE^−/− mice. Future clinical trials should shed light on the effects of LPHs on MAFLD.

Towards Development, Maintenance, and Standardized Phenotypic Characterization of Single-Seed-Descent Genetic Resources for Lupins

Well-characterized genetic resources are fundamental to maintain and provide the various genotypes for pre-breeding programs for the production of new cultivars (e.g., wild relatives, unimproved material, landraces). The aim of the current article is to provide protocols for the characterization of the genetic resources of two lupin crop species: the European Lupinus albus and the American Lupinus mutabilis. Intelligent nested collections of lupins derived from homozygous lines (single-seed descent) are being developed, established, and exploited using cutting-edge approaches for genotyping, phenotyping, data management, and data analysis within the INCREASE project (EU Horizon 2020). This will allow us to predict the phenotypic performance of genotyped lines, and will further boost research and development in lupins. Lupins stand out due to their high-quality seed protein (∼40% of seed dry weight) and other primary components in the seeds, which include fatty acids, dietary fiber, and minerals. The potential of lupins as a crop is highlighted by the multiple benefits of plant-based food in terms of food security, nutrition, human health, and sustainable production. The use of lupins in foods, along with other well-studied and widely used food legumes, will also provide a greatly diversified plant-based food palette to meet the Global Goals for Sustainable Development to improve people's lives by 2030. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Lupin seed phenotypic descriptors Basic Protocol 2: Lupin seed imaging Basic Protocol 3: Standardized phenotypic characterization of lupin genetic resources grown towards primary seed increase (development of single-seed descent genetic resources).

Colletotrichum spp. from Soybean Cause Disease on Lupin and Can Induce Plant Growth-Promoting Effects

Protein crop plants such as soybean and lupin are attracting increasing attention because of their potential use as forage, green manure, or for the production of oil and protein for human consumption. Whereas soybean production only recently gained more importance in Germany and within the whole EU in frame of protein strategies, lupin production is already well-established in Germany. The cultivation of lupins is impeded by the hemibiotrophic ascomycete Colletotrichum lupini, the causal agent of anthracnose disease. Worldwide, soybean is also a host for a variety of Colletotrichum species, but so far, this seems to not be the case in Germany. Cross-virulence between lupin- and soybean-infecting isolates is a potential threat, especially considering the overlap of possible soybean and lupin growing areas in Germany. To address this question, we systematically investigated the interaction of different Colletotrichum species isolated from soybean in Brazil on German soybean and lupin plant cultivars. Conversely, we tested the interaction of a German field isolate of C. lupini with soybean. Under controlled conditions, Colletotrichum species from soybean and lupin were able to cross-infect the other host plant with varying degrees of virulence, thus underpinning the potential risk of increased anthracnose diseases in the future. Interestingly, we observed a pronounced plant growth-promoting effect for some host–pathogen combinations, which might open the route to the use of beneficial biological agents in lupin and soybean production.

Study on the Correlation between the Protein Profile of Lupin Milk and Its Cheese Production Compared with Cow's Milk

Australian sweet lupin, the largest legume crop grown in Western Australia, is receiving global attention from the producers of new foods. To understand the effect of protein on cheese yield, lupin milk proteins were separated from the first, second, and third filtrations by cheesecloths. However, proteins from the first and second were analyzed using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; then, the isolated proteins associated with cheese production were identified. The research also focused on identifying the optimal method of cheese production based on the coagulation process, temperature, yield, and sensory evaluation. Lupin curds from the two cultivars, Mandelup and PBA Jurien, were produced using vinegar, lemon juice, starter culture, vegetable rennet enzyme as coagulant, as well as curd generated using starter culture and vegetable rennet enzyme. Cow's milk was used as a control. The results indicated that first-time filtration produced better extraction and higher yield of lupin proteins and cheese than the second filtration. A sensory analysis indicated that lupin cheese produced from PBA Jurien lupin milk using vinegar, 7.80% expressed as acetic acid, and ground in 45 °C water, was the most acceptable. The cheeses were examined for their protein, carbohydrates, fat, ash, and moisture contents. The concentration of protein was approximately 27.3% and 20.6%, respectively, in the cheese from PBA Jurien and Mandelup. These results suggest that lupin milk can adequately supply the proteins needed in human diets and, thus, could be used in the production of many existing products that require animal milk as an input.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Interplay in Lupin Root Nodules and Cluster Roots

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are two major plant nutrients, and their deficiencies often limit plant growth and crop yield. The uptakes of N or P affect each other, and consequently, understanding N-P interactions is fundamental. Their signaling mechanisms have been studied mostly separately, and integrating N-P interactive regulation is becoming the aim of some recent works. Lupins are singular plants, as, under N and P deficiencies, they are capable to develop new organs, the N2-fixing symbiotic nodules, and some species can also transform their root architecture to form cluster roots, hundreds of short rootlets that alter their metabolism to induce a high-affinity P transport system and enhance synthesis and secretion of organic acids, flavonoids, proteases, acid phosphatases, and proton efflux. These modifications lead to mobilization in the soil of, otherwise unavailable, P. White lupin (Lupinus albus) represents a model plant to study cluster roots and for understanding plant acclimation to nutrient deficiency. It tolerates simultaneous P and N deficiencies and also enhances uptake of additional nutrients. Here, we present the structural and functional modifications that occur in conditions of P and N deficiencies and lead to the organogenesis and altered metabolism of nodules and cluster roots. Some known N and P signaling mechanisms include different factors, including phytohormones and miRNAs. The combination of the individual N and P mechanisms uncovers interactive regulation pathways that concur in nodules and cluster roots. L. albus interlinks N and P recycling processes both in the plant itself and in nature.

The Puzzling Fate of a Lupin Chromosome Revealed by Reciprocal Oligo-FISH and BAC-FISH Mapping

Old World lupins constitute an interesting model for evolutionary research due to diversity in genome size and chromosome number, indicating evolutionary genome reorganization. It has been hypothesized that the polyploidization event which occurred in the common ancestor of the Fabaceae family was followed by a lineage-specific whole genome triplication (WGT) in the lupin clade, driving chromosome rearrangements. In this study, chromosome-specific markers were used as probes for heterologous fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to identify and characterize structural chromosome changes among the smooth-seeded (Lupinus angustifolius L., Lupinus cryptanthus Shuttlew., Lupinus micranthus Guss.) and rough-seeded (Lupinus cosentinii Guss. and Lupinus pilosus Murr.) lupin species. Comparative cytogenetic mapping was done using FISH with oligonucleotide probes and previously published chromosome-specific bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. Oligonucleotide probes were designed to cover both arms of chromosome Lang06 of the L. angustifolius reference genome separately. The chromosome was chosen for the in-depth study due to observed structural variability among wild lupin species revealed by BAC-FISH and supplemented by in silico mapping of recently released lupin genome assemblies. The results highlighted changes in synteny within the Lang06 region between the lupin species, including putative translocations, inversions, and/or non-allelic homologous recombination, which would have accompanied the evolution and speciation.

The Effect of Fermentation with Kefir Grains on the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Beverages from Blue Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Seeds

Plant derived fermented beverages have recently gained consumers' interest, particularly due to their intrinsic functional properties and presence of beneficial microorganisms. Three variants containing 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) of sweet blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L. cv. "Boregine") seeds were inoculated with kefir grains and incubated at 25 °C for 24 h. After processing, beverages were stored in refrigerated conditions (6 °C) for 21 days. Changes in microbial population, pH, bioactive compounds (polyphenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid), reducing sugars, and free amino acids were estimated. Additionally, viscosity, firmness, color, and free radicals scavenging properties were determined. Results showed that lactic acid bacteria as well as yeast were capable of growing well in the lupin matrix without any supplementation. During the process of refrigeration, the viability of the microorganisms was over the recommended minimum level for kefir products. Hydrolysis of polysaccharides as well as increase of free amino acids was observed. As a result of fermentation, the beverages showed excellent DPPH, ABTS+·, ·OH, and O2- radicals scavenging activities with a potential when considering diseases associated with oxidative stress. This beverages could be used as a new, non-dairy vehicle for beneficial microflora consumption, especially by vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers.

Peptides from Extruded Lupin (Lupinus albus L.) Regulate Inflammatory Activity via the p38 MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway in RAW 264.7 Cells

In this study, protein was extracted from extruded lupin and submitted to gastroduodenal digests to obtain lupin peptides, which were characterized using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). After this, IQDKEGIPPDQQR (IQD), the lupine peptide monomer characterized after UPLC-MS/MS, was screened out by macrophage inflammatory cytokine production assay. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to explore the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity associated with this peptide. The results indicated that lupin peptides effectively inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced overproduction of proinflammatory mediators. IQD inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by 51.20, 38.52, 44.70, and 40.43%, respectively. RNA-sequencing results showed that IQD inhibited the inflammatory response by regulating the gene expression of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and inhibiting downstream inflammatory cytokines. These bioactive peptides may be used to develop new ingredients for anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements.

Legume Beverages from Chickpea and Lupin, as New Milk Alternatives

Recently, milk consumption has been declining and there is a high demand for non-dairy beverages. However, market offers are mainly cereal and nut-based beverages, which are essentially poor in protein (typically, less than 1.5% against the 3.5% in milk) and are not true milk replacers in that sense. In this work, new beverages from different pulses (i.e., pea, chickpea and lupin) were developed using technologies that enable the incorporation of a high level of seed components, with low or no discharge of by-products. Different processing steps were sequentially tested and discussed for the optimization of the sensorial features and stability of the beverage, considering the current commercial non-dairy beverages trends. The lupin beverage protein contents ranged from 1.8% to 2.4% (w/v) and the chickpea beverage varied between 1.0% and 1.5% (w/v). The “milk” yield obtained for the optimized procedure B was 1221 g/100 g of dry seed and 1247 g/100 g of dry seed, for chickpea beverage and lupin beverage, respectively. Sensory results show that chickpea beverage with cooking water has the best taste. All pulses-based beverages are typical non-Newtonian fluids, similarly to current non-dairy alternative beverages. In this respect, the sprouted chickpea beverage, without the cooking water, presents the most pronounced shear-thinning behavior of all formulations.

Method for the Identification of Plant DNA in Food Using Alignment-Free Analysis of Sequencing Reads: A Case Study on Lupin

Fast and reliable analytical methods for the identification of plants from metagenomic samples play an important role in identifying the components of complex mixtures of processed biological materials, including food, herbal products, gut contents or environmental samples. Different PCR-based methods that are commonly used for plant identification from metagenomic samples are often inapplicable due to DNA degradation, a low level of successful amplification or a lack of detection power. We introduce a method that combines metagenomic sequencing and an alignment-free k-mer based approach for the identification of plant DNA in processed metagenomic samples. Our method identifies plant DNA directly from metagenomic sequencing reads and does not require mapping or assembly of the reads. We identified more than 31,000 Lupinus-specific 32-mers from assembled chloroplast genome sequences. We demonstrate that lupin DNA can be detected from controlled mixtures of sequences from target species (different Lupinus species) and closely related non-target species (Arachis hypogaea, Glycine max, Pisum sativum, Vicia faba, Phaseolus vulgaris, Lens culinaris, and Cicer arietinum). Moreover, these 32-mers are detectable in the following processed samples: lupin flour, conserved seeds and baked cookies containing different amounts of lupin flour. Under controlled conditions, lupin-specific components are detectable in baked cookies containing a minimum of 0.05% of lupin flour in wheat flour.

The Effect of Biochars and Endophytic Bacteria on Growth and Root Rot Disease Incidence of Fusarium Infested Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

The effects of biochar on plant growth vary depending on the applied biochar type, study site environmental conditions, microbial species, and plant-microbial interactions. The objectives of the present study were therefore to assess 1) the response of growth parameters of lupin and root disease incidence to the application of three biochar types in a loamy sandy soil, and 2) the role of endophytic bacteria in biological control of root rot disease incidence in lupin after the amendment of soil with different biochar types. As biochar types we tested (i) hydrochar (HTC) from maize silage, (ii) pyrolysis char from maize (MBC), and (iii) pyrolysis char from wood (WBC) at three different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3% of char as soil amendments). There were no significant effects in lupin shoot and root growth in soils amended with WBC at any of the concentrations. MBC did not affect plant growth except for root dry weight at 2% MBC. HTC char at 2% concentration, significantly increased the root dry weight of lupin by 54-75%, and shoot dry weight by 21-25%. Lupin plants grown in soil amended with 2% and 3% WBC and MBC chars showed 40-50% and 10-20% disease symptoms, respectively. Plants grown in soil without biochar and with HTC char were healthy, and no disease incidence occurred. Pseudomonas putida L2 and Stenotrophomonas pavanii L8 isolates demonstrated a disease reduction compared to un-inoculated plants under MBC and WBC amended soil that was infested with Fusarium solani.

Effects of two debittering processes on the alkaloid content and quality characteristics of lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet)

BACKGROUND

The presence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) in the species Lupinus mutabilis Sweet limits the expansion of its consumption and use, despite its high protein content. The objective of this research was therefore to determine the effect of two thermal treatments, aqueous (ATT) and saline (STT), on the QAs and total protein content, as well as on the texture (fracturability and hardness), visual perception attributes - hue (H*), luminosity (L*) and chromatism (C*) - and grain size in three lupin varieties (INIAP-450, INIAP-451, and Criollo). The water consumption required by each treatment was also measured.

RESULTS

The debittering process with ATT helped to concentrate the total nitrogen by 560 g kg^-1 and decreased the grain hardness to 2037 gf (grams of force) in the Criollo variety, while the chromatic parameters H* and C* increased in the three varieties. The STT treatment was more efficient than the ATT treatment in terms of the time required and the volume of water used to reduce the QAs to safe levels for consumption (2.5-3.5 g kg^-1 ). The size of the grain increased to four times its original size; the luminosity L* decreased during cooking to a value of 41.49 in the Criollo variety and then increased to 57.42 during grain washing.

CONCLUSIONS

The STT treatment is advisable for lupin debittering, although the extent of the effect was dependent on the variety. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive Variability and In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity of Unprocessed and Processed Flour of Nine Cultivars of Australian lupin Species: A Comprehensive Substantiation

The aim of this present investigation was to analyze bioactive compounds, as well as demonstrate the antioxidant activities of nine cultivars of Australian lupin species accompanied by observing the effect of domestic heat processing on their antioxidant activities adopting in vivo and in vitro approaches. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was performed for profiling bioactive compounds present in lupin cultivars. Multiple assay techniques involving quantification of polyphenolics, flavonoids and flavonol, electron transfer (ET) based assay, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-based assay and in vivo assays were performed. The major compounds found were hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate, lupanine,13-docosenamide and 11-octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester. Mandelup was found to show excellent antioxidant activity. Moreover, Jurien, Gunyidi and Barlock had strong antioxidant activity. Both positive and negative impacts of heat processing were observed on antioxidant activity. Heating and usage of excess water during processing were the key determinants of loss of antioxidants. Negligible loss of antioxidant activity was observed in most of the assays whereas inhibition of both lipid peroxidation (33.53%) and hemolysis of erythrocytes (37.75%) were increased after processing. In addition, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant assays are found to show statistically significant (* p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01) results, which are supported by the presence of a number of antioxidant compounds in GC-MS analysis.

Techno-Functional, Nutritional and Environmental Performance of Protein Isolates from Blue Lupin and White Lupin

Similarly prepared protein isolates from blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) and white lupin (L. albus) were assessed in relation to their composition, functional properties, nutritional attributes and environmental impacts. Blue lupin protein isolate (BLPI) and white lupin protein isolate (WLPI) were found to be quite similar in composition, although differences in the electrophoretic protein profiles were apparent. Both lupin protein isolates (LPIs) had good protein solubility (76.9% for BLPI and 69.8% for WLPI at pH 7) and foaming properties. However, a remarkable difference in heat gelation performance was observed between BLPI and WLPI. WLPI had a minimum gelling concentration of 7% protein, whereas BLPI required 23% protein in order to form a gel. WLPI also resulted in stronger gels over a range of concentrations compared to BLPI. Nutritional properties of both LPIs were similar, with no significant differences in in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), and both had very low trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) and fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) content. The amino acid profiles of both LPIs were also similar, with sulfur-containing amino acids (SAAs) being the limiting amino acid in each case. Environmental impacts revealed by the life cycle assessment (LCA) were almost identical for BLPI and WLPI, and in most categories the LPIs demonstrated considerably better performance per kg protein when compared to cow's whole milk powder.

Lupin Peptide T9 (GQEQSHQDEGVIVR) Modulates the Mutant PCSK9D374Y Pathway: in vitro Characterization of its Dual Hypocholesterolemic Behavior

GQEQSHQDEGVIVR (T9) is a peptide originated by the tryptic digestion of lupin β-conglutin that is absorbed in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. A previous study has shown that T9 impairs the protein–protein interaction between mutant D374Y Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9^D374Y) and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), thus exerting a hypocholesterolemic effect. Moreover, a bioinformatic study predicting that T9 may potentially act as an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCoAR), has suggested a complementary cholesterol-lowering activity. The present study demonstrates that T9 inhibits in vitro the HMGCoAR functionality with an IC₅₀ value of 99.5 ± 0.56 µM. Through the inhibition of either HMGCoAR or PCSK9^D374Y activities, T9 enhances the LDLR protein levels leading to an improved ability of HepG2 cells transfected with the mutant PCSK9^D374Y-FLAG plasmid to uptake extracellular LDL with a final cholesterol-lowering effect. In addition, T9 modulates the PCSK9^D374Y signaling pathway in transfected HepG2 cells leading to a decrease of PCSK9^D374Y and HNF-1α protein levels. All these results indicate that the hypocholesterolemic effects of T9 are due to a dual mechanism of action involving either the modulation of the PCSK9^D374Y or LDLR pathways. This may represent an added value from a therapeutic point of view.

Influence of graded levels of meals from three lupin species on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

1. This study investigated the effect of different levels of seeds of lupin species (Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus luteus and Lupinus albus) on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolisable energy of poultry diets. 2. A control diet containing corn-soybean meal and test diets containing 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg of three lupin species were fed to broiler chickens during a 35-day study period. There were 10 replicate cages of 8 broiler chickens per treatment. 3. Growth performance of the birds fed with yellow and white lupin diets was found to be similar to that of the birds in the control group. The use of narrow-leaved lupin seeds in the diet quadratically decreased the body weight gain of birds and increased feed conversion ratio during all the experimental periods (0-14, 15-35 and overall 0-35 days of age). 4. A significant interaction between lupin species and their inclusion levels for apparent metabolisable energy and apparent ileal digestibility of starch was observed, showing a negative effect of increasing levels of narrow-leaved lupin. Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated that the presence of raffinose and non-starch polysaccharides is a key factor affecting the nutritive value of lupin, 5. Yellow and white lupins could be utilised as an alternative ingredient for soybean meal in the diet of broiler chickens without any adverse effects on growth performance. The narrow-leaved counterpart diet reduced broiler performance, and hence did not provide a satisfactory outcome.

Impact of Chromosomal Rearrangements on the Interpretation of Lupin Karyotype Evolution

Plant genome evolution can be very complex and challenging to describe, even within a genus. Mechanisms that underlie genome variation are complex and can include whole-genome duplications, gene duplication and/or loss, and, importantly, multiple chromosomal rearrangements. Lupins (Lupinus) diverged from other legumes approximately 60 mya. In contrast to New World lupins, Old World lupins show high variability not only for chromosome numbers (2n = 32–52), but also for the basic chromosome number (x = 5–9, 13) and genome size. The evolutionary basis that underlies the karyotype evolution in lupins remains unknown, as it has so far been impossible to identify individual chromosomes. To shed light on chromosome changes and evolution, we used comparative chromosome mapping among 11 Old World lupins, with Lupinus angustifolius as the reference species. We applied set of L. angustifolius-derived bacterial artificial chromosome clones for fluorescence in situ hybridization. We demonstrate that chromosome variations in the species analyzed might have arisen from multiple changes in chromosome structure and number. We hypothesize about lupin karyotype evolution through polyploidy and subsequent aneuploidy. Additionally, we have established a cytogenomic map of L. angustifolius along with chromosome markers that can be used for related species to further improve comparative studies of crops and wild lupins.

The Use of Lupin as a Source of Protein in Animal Feeding: Genomic Tools and Breeding Approaches

Livestock production in the European Union EU is highly dependent on imported soybean, exposing the livestock farming system to risks related to the global trade of soybean. Lupin species could be a realistic sustainable alternative source of protein for animal feeding. Lupinus is a very diverse genus with many species. However, only four of them—namely, L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. luteus and L. mutabilis—are cultivated. Their use in livestock farming systems has many advantages in relation to economic and environmental impact. Generally, lupin grains are characterized by high protein content, while their oil content is relatively low but of high quality. On the other hand, the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids and their specific carbohydrate composition are the main antinutritional factors that prevent their use in animal feeding. This research is mainly related to L. albus and to L. angustifolius, and to a lesser extent, to L. lauteus and L. mutabilis. The breeding efforts are mostly focused on yield stabilization, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, biochemical structure associated with seed quality and late maturing. Progress is made in improving lupin with respect to the seed quality, as well as the tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. It has to be noted that modern cultivars, mostly of L. albus and L. angustifolius, contain low levels of alkaloids. However, for future breeding efforts, the implementation of marker-assisted selection and the available genomic tools is of great importance.

Genetics and Breeding of Lupinus mutabilis: An Emerging Protein Crop

Protein crops have gained increasing interest in recent years, as a transition towards plant-protein based diets appears pivotal to ensure global food security and preserve the environment. The Andean species Lupinus mutabilis emerges as an ideal protein crop with great potential for Europe and other regions with temperate climates. This species is characterized by oil and protein content similar to soybean and is highly valued for its adaptability to colder climates and low input agriculture on marginal land. However, its introduction outside the Andes has yet to take off. To date, L. mutabilis remains an under-studied crop, lacking high yield, early maturity and a consistent breeding history. This review paper identifies L. mutabilis limitations and potential uses, and suggests the main breeding targets for further improvement of this crop. It also highlights the potential of new molecular tools and available germplasm resources that can now be used to establish L. mutabilis as a viable protein crop.

Bread Enriched With Legume Microgreens and Leaves-Ontogenetic and Baking-Driven Changes in the Profile of Secondary Plant Metabolites

Flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophylls were characterized in microgreens and leaves of pea (Pisum sativum) and lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) as these metabolites change during ontogeny. All metabolites were higher in the leaves for both species. Acylated quercetin and kaempferol sophorotrioses were predominant in pea. Genistein and malonylated chrysoeriol were predominant in lupin. Further, the impact of breadmaking on these metabolites using pea and lupin material of two ontogenetic stages as an added ingredient in wheat-based bread was assessed. In "pea microgreen bread" no decrease of quercetin was found with regard to the non-processed plant material. However kaempferol glycosides showed slight decreases induced by the breadmaking process in "pea microgreen bread" and "pea leaf bread." In "lupin microgreen bread" no decrease of genistein compared to the non-processed plant material was found. Chrysoeriol glycosides showed slight decreases induced by the breadmaking process in "lupin microgreen bread" and "lupin leaf bread." In all breads, carotenoids and chlorophylls were depleted however pheophytin formation was caused. Thus, pea and lupin microgreens and leaves are suitable, natural ingredients for enhancing health-promoting secondary plant metabolites in bread and may even be used to tailor bread for specific consumer health needs.

The Symbiosome: Legume and Rhizobia Co-evolution toward a Nitrogen-Fixing Organelle?

In legume nodules, symbiosomes containing endosymbiotic rhizobial bacteria act as temporary plant organelles that are responsible for nitrogen fixation, these bacteria develop mutual metabolic dependence with the host legume. In most legumes, the rhizobia infect post-mitotic cells that have lost their ability to divide, although in some nodules cells do maintain their mitotic capacity after infection. Here, we review what is currently known about legume symbiosomes from an evolutionary and developmental perspective, and in the context of the different interactions between diazotroph bacteria and eukaryotes. As a result, it can be concluded that the symbiosome possesses organelle-like characteristics due to its metabolic behavior, the composite origin and differentiation of its membrane, the retargeting of host cell proteins, the control of microsymbiont proliferation and differentiation by the host legume, and the cytoskeletal dynamics and symbiosome segregation during the division of rhizobia-infected cells. Different degrees of symbiosome evolution can be defined, specifically in relation to rhizobial infection and to the different types of nodule. Thus, our current understanding of the symbiosome suggests that it might be considered a nitrogen-fixing link in organelle evolution and that the distinct types of legume symbiosomes could represent different evolutionary stages toward the generation of a nitrogen-fixing organelle.