Journal of Food Biochemistry

Nonconventional protein isolates were prepared from defatted oilseeds (sesame, flaxseed, and canola). Bioevaluation was performed via growth study parameters i.e., protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR), and relative net protein ratio (RNPR). The highest values for these parameters were recorded in sesame protein isolates (SPIs) followed by canola protein isolates (CPIs) and flaxseed protein isolates (FPIs). Nitrogen balance study parameters represented maximum true digestibility (TD) in SPI trailed by FPI and CPI. However, biological value (BV) was found higher in FPI. Similarly, the highest value for net protein utilization (NPU) was noticed in FPI tracked by SPI and CPI. Moreover, safety assessment of protein isolates was also performed including serum protein and kidney and liver function tests. All these parameters showed nonsignificant variations among the tested protein isolates. The outcomes of research explicated that these protein isolates can play a pivotal role to increase the protein level of individuals.

Almonds (Prunus dulcis) are an ancient and commercially valuable crop from Asia. In this experiment, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), and simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) were used to pretreat the almonds from China. The almond extract was then analyzed by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) with gas chromatography-olfactory-mass spectrometer (GC-O-MS). SPME and SAFE were identified as the better extraction methods, and 52 aroma-active compounds of almonds, such as 1-nonanal, eugenol, and linalool, were identified based on odor activity values (OAVs). Aroma recombination and omission experiments showed that “sweet,” “fruity,” and “fatty” are the main aroma attributes of Chinese almonds, with a strong relationship with hexanal, heptaldehyde, 1-nonanal, etc. This experiment provides new insights into the sensory contribution of Chinese almond volatiles and helps Chinese almond producers characterize and market the aroma profile of Chinese almond varieties.

Background. The recommendation of the low-carbohydrate diet by the American Diabetes Association (2013) has popularized its use as a nutritional treatment. Previously, we evaluated the effects of a novel strategy to reduce dietary intake based on low-sugar, high-dietary fiber noodles (LS-HDFNs) composed of okara and konjac on blood glucose levels in healthy animals, animal models of type 2 diabetes, and healthy humans (the single meal test). In this study, a single group pre-post trial for 28 days administration was carried out to investigate the body weight management in healthy humans using LS-HDFNs. Methods. Nine healthy subjects were requested to eat LS-HDFNs once (180 g) daily for 28 days. Physical characteristics and blood biochemical parameters were measured before (0 day) and after (28 days) the consumption of the noodles. Qualitative analysis of compounds in the noodles was investigated by the HPLC system and the UPLC/qTOF-MS system. Results. The LS-HDFNs group did not exhibit any complications or adverse effects. Furthermore, the body weights, body fat percentage, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced after 28 days of LS-HDFNs consumption. Some isoflavones, amino acids, peptides, and phospholipids were contained in the LS-HDFNs. Conclusion. As per our knowledge, this is the first study of the usefulness of consumption of LS-HDFNs for 28 days for body weight management in healthy humans. LS-HDFNs may be useful for body weight management. This trial is registered with number 2020002, registered on 2nd March 2020.

The phenolic and flavonoid content of the Stevia rebaudiana hydromethanolic extract (SRHME) was examined, and phytochemical identification using GC-mass spectrometry was achieved. Also, the antioxidant, antihemolytic, and antilipid peroxidation capabilities of the extract were assessed. The extract’s potential to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and reduce metastasis in SKVO3 cells was also checked. The findings of the GC-MS chromatogram demonstrated the existence of bioactive antioxidants and anticancer components in SRHME. Moreover, the extract demonstrated protection against cellular oxidative damage in human erythrocytes by preventing lipid peroxidation and hemolysis. Besides, SRHME demonstrated a selective cytotoxic effect with a strong IC₅₀ value (17.5 µg/ml) on SKVO3 cells without any harmful effects on normal WI-38 cells using the MTT and LDH tests. Additionally, according to assays for wound healing and transwell chamber, the studied extract suppressed the ability of SKOV3 cells from migrating and invading, respectively. Also, the extract-treated SKVO3 cells showed rise in the percentage of apoptotic cells with a prominent comet nucleus, according to apoptotic assays in comparison to untreated cells. Furthermore, a flow cytometry analysis of SRHME-treated SKVO3 cells showed a halt in the S phase and an increase in sub-G1 apoptotic cells (25.44%). Also, the tested extract significantly decreased the levels of ROS in the treated cells, indicating that ROS was involved in the production of SKVO3 apoptosis. Lastly, SRHME strongly impacted the expression levels of proteins related to apoptosis, S-phase cell cycle arrest, and antimetastatic capacity in the treated SKVO3 cells.

The present study investigated the growth performance, immune status, gut morphology, and gut microflora modulation in growing-to-finishing pigs (n = 72; 24 pigs/group) after dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis; two groups (experiment 1 (E1) and experiment 2 (E2): 63 and 98 days, respectively) and control (Ct, basal diet). The results revealed that both 1–98 d and 1–63 d groups significantly improved growth performance, including an increase in midtest body weight (MBW) , final body weight (FBW) , and average daily gain (ADG) and a decrease in the ratio of feed to gain (F/G) . There was an increase in serum IgG and SOD levels after supplementation with B. subtilis. Furthermore, B. subtilis potentiated the integrity of intestinal morphology (villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) ) in growing-to-finishing pigs. The LEfSe analysis identified 11 and 13 biomarkers in the fecal samples of the 1–63 d group and 1–98 d, respectively. The gut microflora alterations of growth-finishing pigs suggested that dietary B. subtilis could promote gut health by altering the relative abundances of different bacterial communities. A correlation analysis showed that B. subtilis could regulate the functional network of the intestine microflora and their interactions with its host. Taken together, dietary B. subtilis supplementation had a positive influence on the growth performance, gut health, and the composition of gut microorganisms, suggesting that B. subtilis can be used as a functional probiotic candidate for application in the production of growing-to-finishing pigs. Practical Applications. The addition of probiotics in the diet can modulate intestinal health, improve the digestibility of nutrients, and thus, help improve the nutrient utilization and production performance of pigs. It is one of the ideal substitutes for antibiotics. This study will help us understand the function of B. subtilis in the regulation of pig intestinal health, so as to provide scientific basis for the rational use of probiotics in the future pig industry.

Peanuts, which are rich in nutrients, are used in many products and are often a primary ingredient of protein bars. However, when the necessary production and storage conditions are not met, mycotoxins, and particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is the most toxic and most common mycotoxin, may pose a great risk. This study was undertaken to indirectly examine the appropriateness of storage conditions for peanut protein bars sold at different supply points and to identify the presence of AFB1 in compliance with the relevant legal limitations. In February and March 2022, different varieties of peanut protein bars without added sugars were obtained from local markets and nonmarket store chains (places where sports products, cosmetic products, and protein bars are sold) in Ankara, Turkey. AFB1 contents were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The limit imposed by the Turkish Food Codex regulation on contaminants is 5 ppb. While 38.3% of the samples were under that limit, 61.7% were above. No significant difference was found for the place of sale ( and χ² = 2.150), selling conditions (), product ingredients, or remaining shelf-life () regarding the level of AFB1 in the samples. However, it was determined that samples with peanut percentages lower than 17.0% had higher amounts of AFB1 (), and other available ingredients might affect the AFB1 content of peanut bars. It was concluded that most samples (n = 37.0, , t = −8.607) posed a risk in terms of AFB1. Considering the shelf-life of such products and that peanuts can produce AFB1 during their shelf-life, it would be beneficial to monitor the frequency of supervision and prevent the sale of peanut bars with AFB1 contents higher than the limits.