Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 14, Issue 2, 2018

Background: The addition of different bioactive compounds is one of the current methods for producing functional foods. Omega-3 fatty acids can be incorporated into new products in the field of medical and health foods. The human body cannot produce eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) directly; they must be taken in through food or formed by metabolic reactions of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Current food habits have caused a considerable reduction in the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids to less than the recommended amounts, and as a result, the need to enrich food with omega-3 fatty acids is increasing. Several technologies such as microencapsulation can prevent omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation and development of fishy flavors, increase food shelflife and improve the fortification of foods with these fatty acids. Objective: This review discusses fortification of foods with omega-3 fatty acids with emphasis on microencapsulation as an addition method. Conclusion: By encapsulating omega-3 fatty acids, loss of these fatty acids during storage time decreases; however, due to changes in texture and color in products like bread, a suitable solution should be considered. Although the technologies used are adequate, low-cost methods should be developed and there should be more efforts to maximize the stability of omega-3 fatty acids for extensive use in the food industry.

Background: Nutrients and bioactive compounds present in the foods are known to interact with genes to alter their expression, which consequently results in several chronic and diet-associated disease conditions. Methods: In this review article, we did a literature survey to highlight the known effects of bioactive compounds/nutrients on key metabolic pathways or genes, the current “omics” based advancements in human nutrition research, the underlying ethical issues, and future challenges towards diet personalization. The articles with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and system biology approaches for analysis and validation of bioactive compounds for their interactions with genes were included in this review. Various opportunities and challenges based on advancements and outcomes of this science were explored with special emphasis on ethical considerations. Results: Ever-increasing impetus to nutrigenomics has given tremendous scope and opportunities to formulate personalized nutrition and tailor-made diets. Ayurnutrigenomics, an ayurveda-based approach has also received considerable attention in recent times. The tables and figures in the article provide an evidence for specific effects of nutrients on targeted genes and their metabolic pathways. Both positive and negative correlation was observed among dietary constituents and associated diseases. PPAR was found to be centric for effect of bioactive compounds on fatty acid metabolism. Conclusion: With significant progress in recent decade and tremendous scope to make the diet personalized, the nutrigenomics approach can be implemented efficiently after integrated use of omics techniques, developing cost effective related analytical methods and considering various ethical issues.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the OTA concentration in different commercially available corn and wheat products. Methods: Corn and wheat-based collected samples were categorized as corn flakes (n=5), corn flour (n=5), oil popped popcorn (n=5), air-popped popcorn (n=5), commercial wheat flour (n=5), white flour (n=5), biscuits (n=5) and bread (n=5). The extraction solvent (acetonitrile and water 84:16 v/v) and MycoSep-229 column were applied for the clean-up purpose; subsequently, the liquid chromatography technique was used. Results: OTA was detected in 3 (60%), 1 (20%), 1 (20%), 1 (20%), 3 (60%) and 2 (40%) out of forty samples (n=40) including corn flour and corn flakes, wheat flour, white flour, bread and biscuits samples, respectively. The highest detected level was measured as 360 ng g-1 of OTA in a biscuit sample. The OTA level in positive samples (30 out of 40; 75%) was above the maximum established level by European Union regulations. Conclusion: In the present study significant variation in ochratoxin A content was observed in the corn and wheat samples ranging from 0-25.90 ng g-1. Further assessments in other similar products as well as conducting the required improvements in order to reduce the level of OTA were recommended.

Background: Metabolic Syndrome is becoming more common and it is characterized by an excess intake of energy, readily available carbohydrates and fats that result in postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome, a diet characterized by functional food, high fiber intake and low glycemic index is recommended. Objective: The aim of this research was to study, in vitro, the beneficial and biological properties of black rice cultivated in Sibari plain, a particular area of the region of Calabria, and verify if the climatic conditions of this area influence the composition of this pigmented rice. Method: The antioxidant activity was investigated by performing the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while the free phenolic content of CBR extract was measured by Folin Ciocalteu's assay and the obtained results were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent/mg of extract. In order to establish the anti-inflammatory effect of CBR extract, its reactivity towards nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated, while, its anti-hypertensive activity was studied by determining the ACE activity inhibition. Results: CBR extract also suppresses pancreatic lipase activity with an IC50 value of 34.3 μg/ml and it decreases cellular lipid accumulation by about 60%. Finally, its hypoglycemic effect was evaluated by measuring the inhibiting activity towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate that this kind of black rice owns different beneficial properties, which make it a functional food that could improve metabolic disorders of MS.

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Jasminum sambac (J. sambac) in experimental memory impairment in mice associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tried to develop the mechanism. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extract of J. sambac flowers (EEJS) was administered orally (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) to two groups respectively along with scopolamine, was used to induced memory loss in swiss albino mice (1mg/kg, i.p). Models like Elevated plus maze (EPM), passive avoidance test (PAT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test were used, biochemical estimation includes lipid peroxidation, glutathione level, catalase and acetylcholinesterase activity with histopathology of the brain. In-vitro cholinergic activity was also performed which may be useful to generate the mechanism using chicken ileum as a biological indicator. Results: It was observed that pretreatment of mice with EEJS reversed scopolamine induced amnesia, as evidenced by a decreased in the transfer latency in the EPM task, step-down latency in the PAT whereas decreased in escape latency in MWM test. Glutathione and Lipid peroxidation were lowered in test groups as compared to negative control group. The extract also shows the good cholinergic activity which proved the J. samabc acts as agonist of acetylcholine. Conclusion: EEJS improved cognitive process by enhancing memory in different experimental models in a dose dependent manner so that the flowers of J. samabc may be useful for the treatment of AD in future.

Background: The functional potential of the phenolic extract of apple peel in protecting insulin-producing RINm5F cells under conditions of stress induced by glucose is sparse. Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro protective effect of the phenolic extracts from apple peel (Gala and Fuji). Method: Insulin-producing RINm5F cells were induced by oxidative stress with glucose and hydrogen peroxide, which simulated cellular damage. Results: The Gala peel extract had the highest content of phenolic compounds (1299 mg CAE/kg) and in vitro antioxidant activity (14263 μmol TE/kg). At concentrations above 10 μg/mL the Fuji peel extract was cytotoxic, whereas the Gala peel extract (10 μg/mL) increased cell viability. The Gala peel extract showed the potential to protect cells under conditions of stress induced by glucose, with low intracellular production of superoxide. Under hydrogen peroxide, both extracts did not have a cytoprotective effect. Conclusion: The high antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of the apple peels indicated that they may convey health benefits and should be considered as a valuable source of antioxidants.

Background: Acute and chronic infections and inflammations in the gut are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. Therapeutic measures like Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) often manifest toxic effects. Objective: Some herbal agents (cucurbit fruits) were investigated in-vitro for gut-barrier reinforcement and anti-inflammatory action. Methods: Zonula Occludens (ZO-1), mucin (MUC-2), cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) expressions were estimated through ELISA kits. Nitric oxide (NO) was estimated through Griess reaction and adhesion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lrh) to epithelial cells was evaluated microscopically. Results: TNF-α (10 ng/mL) induced inflammatory reaction in epithelial cells (HT-29 and Caco-2) by decreasing ZO-1 proteins. Cells pretreated with cucurbits, when challenged by TNF-α, countered the reduction of ZO-1 proteins, but pretreatment with indomethacin (NSAID) decreased the expression of ZO-1 further. Addition of Lrh to HT-29 cultures, enhanced mucin (MUC-2) production. Cucurbits alone did not enhance MUC-2 production in HT-29 cells but the addition of cucurbits to the combination of Lrh + HT-29 cells significantly increased MUC-2 production and adhesion of Lrh to epithelial cells. TNF-α and LPS treatment to Caco-2 cells increased COX-2 and NO production, but pretreatment with either cucurbits or indomethacin rendered their decrease. Pretreatment with indomethacin decreased COX-1 production in Caco-2 cells but pretreatment with cucurbits yielded enhanced COX-1 expression. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential of cucurbits as non-toxic anti-inflammatory and barrier strengthening agents against gut ailments.

Background: Growth in agricultural science and technology is deemed essential for increasing agricultural output; reduce the vulnerability of rural poverty and in turn, food security. Food security and growth in agricultural output depends on technological usages, which enhances the productive capacity of the agricultural sector. The indicators of food security utilised in this study include: dietary energy supply, average value of food production, prevalence of food inadequacy, among others. Objective: In this paper, we examined the level of technology and how investment in the agriculture and technology can improve technical know-how in Nigeria with a view to achieving food security. Method: We carried out the analysis on how investment in technology and institutional framework can improve the level of food availability (a key component of food security) in Nigeria using econometric technique based on Autoregressive Distribution Lag (ARDL) framework. Results: The results showed, inter alia, that in Nigeria, there is a high level of food insecurity as a result of low attention on food production occasioned by the pervasive influence of oil that become the major export product. Conclusion: It was noted that the availability of arable land was one of the major factors to increase food production to solve the challenge of food insecurity. Thus, the efforts of reducing the rate of food insecurity are essential in this regards. This can also be achieved, among others, by active interactions between government and farmers, to make contribution to important planning issues that relate to food production in the country and above all, social protection policies should be geared or channelled to agricultural sector to protect farmers who are vulnerable to shocks and avert risks associated with agriculture.

Background: Obesity is a global health problem, increasing susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Varieties of products have been proposed for treatment with varying degrees of success. Recent studies, suggested Oligonol; an optimized phenolic product mixture from Lychee Fruit Polyphenols (LFP); as such treatment in Japanese population. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of oligonol on weight, insulin resistance by (HOMAIR), lipids profile, leptin, Adiponectin, and resistin in healthy overweight and obese Saudi females. Subjects and Methods: 60 Saudi healthy overweight and obese females were enrolled in a double blind case/control study to take either Oligonol or placebo for 12 weeks without dietary or lifestyle restrictions. Weight, height, Waist Circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and blood pressure were measured, and fasting blood samples of participants were taken before, and at the end of study. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were measured. LDL- cholesterol, HOMA-IR were calculated by equation. Results: 47 subjects completed the study, 25 in placebo group, and 22 in Oligonol group. No ill effects were noted in any participant. Oligonol reduced means of serum triglycerides (P=0.008), and resistin (P=0.045) significantly. In addition, no weight gain was noted in oligonol group, unlike placebo group which exhibited significant increase in mean weight (P= 0.036), WC (P=0.027), HC (P= 0.047), and leptin (P <0.001). Conclusion: Oligonol could be suggested as future hypolipidemic and weight controlling agent for overweight and obese Saudi females.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by numerous comorbidities including eating problems, the most common of which is food selectivity (FS), and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, which often occurs concurrently with eating problems. Aim: To investigate the relationships between food selectivity, GI symptoms and various metabolic pathways in children with ASD using parental report and quantitative urine organic acid testing. Methods: An anonymous review of the clinical charts of 68 children aged 1.6 to 11 with a diagnosis of ASD was performed. Demographic and health information from intake forms and urine organic acid test reports were analyzed; descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were conducted. Results: Parents of 60% of children reported food selectivity in their child and parents of 69% of children reported GI symptoms. 47% of parents reported both food selectivity and GI symptoms in their child. 90% of the participants were found to have at least one elevated GI fungal metabolite, and 30% or more had elevated levels of 5 different GI bacterial metabolites. No significant correlation between food selectivity and GI symptoms was identified. Conclusion: This study highlights important trends among FS, GI symptoms and select organic acid metabolites; further studies of the clinical significance of these metabolites and their effect on the behavior, sensory experiences and physical symptoms among children with ASD are suggested.