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Fucoidan is widely applied in food and pharmaceutical industry for the promising bioactivities. Low-molecular weight hydrolyzed fucoidan has gained attention for its beneficial health effects. Here, the modulation on microbiome and metabolome features of fucoidan and its acidolyzed derivatives (HMAF, 1.5–20 kDa; LMAF, <1.5 kDa) were investigated through human fecal cultures. Fucose is the main monosaccharide component in fucoidan and LMAF, while HMAF contains abundant glucuronic acid. LMAF fermentation resulted in the highest production of short-chain fatty acids, with acetate and propionate reaching maximum levels of 13.46 mmol/L and 11.57 mmol/L, respectively. Conversely, HMAF exhibited a maximum butyrate production of 9.28 mmol/L. Both fucoidan and acidolyzed derivatives decreased the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Klebsiella in human fecal cultures. Fucoidan and HMAF prefer to improve the abundance of Bacteroides. However, LMAF showed positive influence on Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , and Megamonas. Untargeted metabolome indicated that fucoidan and its derivatives mainly altered the metabolic level of lipids, indole, and their derivatives, with fucoidan and HMAF promoting higher level of indole-3-propionic acid and indole-3-carboxaldehyde compared to LMAF. Considering the chemical structural differences, this study suggested that hydrolyzed fucoidan can provide potential therapeutic applications for targeted regulation of microbial communities. [Display omitted] • Fucoidan and its acidolyzed derivatives was fermented using human fecal cultures. • LMAF (<1.5 kDa), rich in fucose, exhibited a competitive bifidogenic effect. • HMAF (1.5–20 kDa), rich in glucuronic acid, showed a considerable butyrogenic effect. • Fucoidan, LMAF, and HMAF inhibited Escherichia-Shigella and Klebsiella. • Fucoidan, LMAF, and HMAF altered lipids, indole, and related metabolic derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human gut microbiota respond to particular food components, interact with intestinal mucosa and thereby contribute to health and disease. Key microbiome features are under comprehensive investigation and are likely to be developed as reliable evidence for clinical diagnosis. The underlying mechanisms provide the foundation for assembling bespoke nutritional ingredients, including functional food additives, that may lead to favorable outcomes in facilitating the amelioration of host dysfunction. Functional hydrocolloids serve as multiple food additives with promising application prospects and outstanding adjunctive beneficial characteristics. Therefore, in this review, we introduce the latest advances in the food additives–gut microbiota–host axis by summarizing the physiochemical and physiological properties of a collection of functional hydrocolloids from various sources, describing the functional hydrocolloids-related intestinal commensal markers and deciphering the underlying mechanisms of their beneficial effects, and propose the feasibilities and guidelines for further development of gut microbiota-oriented personalized nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventricular free wall rupture (FWR) is a catastrophic complication after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, patients with FWR die of cardiac tamponade secondary to intrapericardial hemorrhage that can be treated if properly diagnosed. Unfortunately, FWR was still not diagnosed and classified quickly and accurately. The aim of this study was to present a new clinical classification for FWR. Seventy-eight patients with FWR after STEMI were enrolled in the study. We classified FWR, according to clinical situations after onset, into the cardiac arrest type, unstable type, and stable type. The cardiac arrest type was the most common type, accounting for about 83.3%. 90.8% of patients of this type were complicated with electromechanical dissociation at the time of FWR onset, and 100% of patients of this type died in the hospital. The unstable type was characterized by sudden clinical condition changes with moderate/massive pericardial effusion. In this study, 9.0% of patients were diagnosed as the unstable type. The average time from onset to death was 4.5 hours. This period was the "golden time" to rescue such patients. The stable types usually have stable hemodynamics, but may worsen, requiring rigorous detection of pericardial effusion and vital signs. In this study, 7.7% of patients were diagnosed as the stable type, and 83.5% of them survived in the hospital. The new clinical classification provides a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of FWR. The clinical application of the new classification is expected to improve the prognosis of FWR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin exists in a broad range of plants, and acts as functional food additives with modulatory effects on colonic inflammation and metabolism dysfunctions, which underscores its promising prospects in commercialization. Moreover, food ingredients like pectin can impact the gut microbiota, and the degradation capabilities of these commensals may in turn determine the efficacy of dietary intervention. In this review, the pectin-host axis was figured by summarizing the physiological functions of pectin and the associated mechanisms; The pectin-gut microbiota axis was described via discussing the impact of pectin on intestinal microbiota composition; And the gut microbiota-host axis was discussed through describing the beneficial functions of pectinolytic commensals and their metabolites. The structure properties of pectin including degree of esterification and branched chains played critical roles in their physiological functions of metabolism regulation, inflammation modulation, and carcinogen prevention. Meanwhile, distinct diversity, enterotypes or composition of gut microbiota can be developed under interventions of pectin with various structure characteristics, and pectin-induced dominant bacteria like Ruminococcaceae, Succinivibrionaceae , Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae and their metabolites exhibited relevant health-promoting functions. All these data are fundamental to establish the precise networks and further discover underlying mechanisms of pectin-gut microbiota-host interactions and can optimize the development of pectin in food and health care products. • Pectin-host axis: The structure properties of pectin impact the physiological functions. • Pectin-gut microbiota axis: distinct microbial features can be produced by pectin with various structure characteristics. • Gut microbiota-host axis: Pectin-induced dominant bacteria and their metabolites exhibit health-promoting functions. • The pectin-gut microbiota-host network will be further investigated for applying pectin in food and healthcare products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides are one of the major group of bioactive macromolecular derived from plants, bacteria, fungi and seaweeds. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) , a type of scanning probe microscopy, is a powerful technology to visualize biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, up to a single molecular level in "near-native" conditions. This review gives a brief description of AFM technology involved in polysaccharide research in addition to discussion of factors that might influence polysaccharide imaging. More importantly, its contribution to research progress of a variety of well characterized polysaccharides, including pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, curdlan, scleroglucan, xyloglucan, arabinoxylan, starch, etc., and the detailed nanostructure information was summarized. AFM provides a unique insight into polysaccharide studies in terms of morphological features and molecular characteristics, such as heights (diameters), width, contour length, end-to-end distance, polydispersity, etc. Besides, other promising aspects included probing molecular motion and assemblies, as well as visualizing conformation behavior under different conditions. • Atomic force microscopy technology are employed for various polysaccharides research. • Atomic force microscopy is able to probe polysaccharide at nanometer level. • Deposition methods and polysaccharide preparation are two major aspects that affect polysaccharide imaging. • Morphology and nanostructures of polysaccharides are overviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bioactive polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1-F 0.2 ) was previously characterized as a hyper-branched acidic β-(1 → 3)-glucan with long β-(1 → 6)-glucose side chains. The conformational properties of PSG-1-F 0.2 were systematically investigated by high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), light scattering, atomic force microscope (AFM) and molecular modeling techniques. Large aggregates were found when PSG-1-F 0.2 dissolved in pure water, while 0.9% NaCl solution exhibited the ability to reduce/eliminate the aggregates. The weight average molecular weight (Mw), radius of gyration (Rg), hydrodynamic radius (R h ) and intrinsic viscosity [ η ] were determined as 12.73 kDa, 17.1 nm, 8.1 nm and 0.09 dL/g, respectively. The conformation analysis and AFM results together indicated that PSG-1-F 0.2 exhibited as hyper-branched compact spherical conformation in 0.9% NaCl solution. The results of molecular modeling identified that long β-(1 → 6)-glucose side chain played an important role in the aggregation and spherical conformation of PSG-1-F 0.2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine legumes were assessed for their nutritional and phytochemical compositions. Soybean and black soybean had the highest protein contents (34.05–42.65 g/100 g DW, dry weight of legumes), particularly being a rich source of lysine (1.78–2.23 g/100 g DW. Soybean and black soybean had the highest fat contents (14.13–22.19 g/100 g DW). Broad beans had the highest unsaturated fatty acids (83.57–89.01 g/100 g fatty acid), particularly rich in α-linolenic and linoleic acid. The highest and the lowest dietary fiber were found in red kidney beans (35.36 g/100 g DW) and mung beans (22.77 g/100 g DW), respectively. Except for soybean and white kidney bean, 6 major anthocyanins in the legumes samples were identified. The soybean contained the highest total tocopherols content (90.40–120.96 μg/g dry weight of beans), followed by black soybean (66.13–100.76 μg/g DW). The highest carotenoids were found in lentils (4.53–21.34 μg/g DW) and red kidney beans (8.29–20.95 μg/g DW). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An α-1, 6-linked galactomannan was isolated and purified from natural Cordyceps sinensis . The fine structure analysis of this polysaccharide was elucidated based on partial acid hydrolysis, monosaccharide composition, methylation and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that this polysaccharide was mainly composed of galactose (68.65%), glucose (6.65%) and mannose (24.02%). However, after partial acid hydrolysis the percentages of galactose, glucose and mannose were changed to 3.96%, 13.82% and 82.22%, respectively. The molecular weight of this polysaccharide was 7207. Methylation and NMR analysis revealed that this galactomannan had a highly branched structure, mainly consisted of a mannan skeleton and galactofuranosyl chains. The structure of galactofuranosyl part was formed by alternating (1 → 5)-lined β-Gal f and (1 → 6)-liked β-Gal f or a single (1 → 6)-liked β-Gal f , attaching to the O -2 and O -4 of the mannose chain, and terminated at β-T-Gal f . The mannan core was revealed by analyzing the partial acid hydrolysate of the galactomannan and the structure was composed of (1 → 6)-linked α-Man p backbone, with substituted at C-2 by short chains of 2-substituted Man p or Gal f branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed characterization in nutrients and phytochemicals with antioxidant activities of 26 kidney beans was performed. The kidney beans contained high levels of dietary fiber (29.32–46.77%), resistant starch (9.16–18.09%) and protein (22.06–32.63%) but low levels of lipid (1.05–2.83%) and sugars (1.55–9.07%). The monosaccharide composition of soluble fiber was dominated by arabinose, galactose, mannose and galacturonic acid. The ratio of essential amino acid to the total amino acid was ranged from 0.29 to 0.36. The predominant fatty acid was polyunsaturated fatty acids, accounting for 47.54–67.26% of total fatty acids. The total tocopherol content was in the range of 12.83–68.35 μg/g, predominantly γ-tocopherol, followed by δ-tocopherol. In addition, certain levels of total phenolics and flavonoids with respective values of 0.25–3.79 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 0.19–7.05 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight resulted in significant antioxidant activities. And a good correlation was observed between TPC and FRAP values (R2 = 0.8030). The results indicated that kidney beans are excellent sources of health-promoting compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human gut is colonized with a vast and diverse microbial ecosystem, and these bacteria play fundamental roles in the well being of our bodies. Gut-associated lymphoid tissues, the largest mucosal immune system, should never be overlooked for their profound effect in maintaining the host immunity. Therefore, we discussed the relationship between gut immunity and host health, primarily from two aspects: the homeostasis of gut microbiota, and the function of gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Polysaccharides, widely concerned as bioactive macromolecules in recent centuries, have been proved to benefit the intestinal health. Dietary polysaccharides can improve the ratio of probiotics, regulate the intestinal microenvironment like decreasing the gut pH, and stimulate the macrophages or lymphocytes in gut tissues to fight against diseases like cancer. Based on various experimental and clinical evidence, the impacts of dietary polysaccharides on intestinal health are summarized, in order to reveal the possible immunomodulatory mechanisms of polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-soluble polysaccharide, named NCSP-50, was obtained from natural Cordyceps sinensis by hot water extraction and ethanol fractionation precipitation. It was eluted as a single symmetrical peak and had an average molecular weight of 9.76 × 10 5 Da. The structure was determined by monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, and enzymatic hydrolysis and characterization of the oligosaccharides by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The repeating unit of this polysaccharide was proposed as follows: Image 2 This glucan showed potent immunostimulatory activity on the basis of its significant abilities to promote macrophage proliferation, enhance NO production, as well as and cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine structure in terms of backbone and branch chain features of a bioactive polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1) was re-elucidated systematically using high performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC), methylation and GLC–MS analysis, and 1D & 2D NMR spectroscopy. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that PSG-1-F 0.2 fraction mainly consisted of glucose (73.8%) and glucuronic acid (15.3%), with small amount of mannose (5.7%) and galactose (5.2%). Based on methylation, multistep partial acid hydrolysis and NMR study, were proposed to substitute at the O -6 position of β-(1 → 3)-glucan. The small amount of mannose and galactose residues were considered to be from the other fraction in PSG which was very difficult to be separated from PSG-1-F 0.2 . This revised structure as an acidic β-(1 → 3, 1 → 6)-glucan is considered to be more accurate than the previous proposal of PSG-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to investigate the digestion and fermentation behaviors of the bioactive polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG) in vitro and in vivo. The molecular weight (Mw) of PSG steadily decreased from 198.0 ± 0.3 to 147.1 ± 0.3 kDa and no free monosaccharides generated throughout simulated gastric and intestinal (GSI) digestion in vitro . The fermentation of PSG by human fecal microbiota was determined by change of pH and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The pH in fecal inoculums declined, and the concentrations of total SCFAs, acetic, propionic and butyric acids all significantly improved during fermentation in vitro . In addition, mice were taken PSG orally at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively. After PSG administration, the concentrations of SCFAs increased. Meanwhile, fecal pH continually declined as oral time increased. Combining these findings both in vitro and in vivo , our results showed that the Mw of PSG decreased and no free monosaccharide was produced in GSI digestion and PSG promoted the production of SCFAs and the decline of pH in the large intestinal fermentation, which may provide information that PSG was not entirely digested in GSI digestion and was mainly degraded in the large intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potatoes are becoming a research focus in recent years due to their unique nutritional and functional properties. Bioactive carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, conjugated phenolic acids, and minerals represent versatile nutrients in different parts (tubers, leaves, stems, and stalks) of sweet potato. The unique composition of sweet potato contributes to their various health benefits, such as antioxidative, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, antiaging effects. Factors affecting the nutritional composition and bio-functions of sweet potato include the varieties, plant parts, extraction time and solvents, postharvest storage, and processing. The assays for bio-function evaluation also contribute to the variations among different studies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the chemical composition of sweet potato, and their bio-functions studied in vitro and in vivo . Leaves, stems, and stalks of sweet potato remain much underutilized on commercial levels. Sweet potato can be further developed as a sustainable crop for diverse nutritionally enhanced and value-added food products to promote human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolomics, as a new platform of systems biology, enables us to obtain valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus. A metabolomics method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was developed to investigate the effect of polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1) on serum metabolites from high fat diet- and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Eight potential biomarkers (methionine, dTMP, d -tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-indoleacetaldehyde, glycocholic acid, biliverdin IX, malate and taurocholic acid) were identified by t test unpaired statistical analysis, and the pathway analysis features were analyzed using Mass Profiler Professional software. Meanwhile, biological pathways and processes including metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins were affected by PSG-1 treatment. These results suggest that metabolomics strategy is potentially very useful for studying the mechanisms of action of natural polysaccharides on type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the antioxidant activities of Dendrobium officinale and its two polysaccharide fractions (crude and purified, respectively) in cyclophosphamide induced mice were investigated. All samples examined showed protection for the body from oxidative stress, including increase in activities of catalase (CAT), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum, thymus and liver. The degree of protection was nearly equally found with the administration of both crude material and purified fractions, indicated that polysaccharide was the main bioactive component, as evidenced by the thymus index and liver index. Together with our previous work in structure study, we suppose that β-(1 → 4)-Man linkage and O-acetyl might be the main causes for the purified polysaccharide (Dendronan®) to exhibit the highest values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1) inhibitory peptides from food protein is under extensive research as alternative for the prevention of hypertension. However, it is difficult to identify peptides released from food sources. To accelerate the progress of peptide identification, a three layer back propagation neural network model was established to predict the ACE-inhibitory activity of pentapeptides derived from bovine hemoglobin by simulated enzyme digestion. The pentapeptide WTQRF has the best predicted value with experimental IC50 23.93 μM. The potential molecular mechanism of the WTQRF / ACE interaction was investigated by flexible docking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonylphenol (NP) is considered an important environmental toxicant, which may disrupt male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate 4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP) induced apoptosis and its related mechanism in mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4 cells. Our results showed that NP treatment (0.1, 1, 10, 20 and 30 μM) decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in the cells, accompanied by alteration of Bcl-2 family mRNA expression, activation of caspases-3, release of Ca 2+ , and increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Subsequently, it was found that the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in the cells were markedly decreased, and maleic dialdehyde (MDA) content was increased by NP treatment. Then activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways and inhibition of Akt pathway were simultaneously detected in NP challenged TM4 cells. Taken together, it was concluded that NP induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in TM4 cells, and the apoptosis may be mediated via MAPKs and Akt pathways in addition to Ca 2+ release and ROS generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PSG-1 inhibited tumor growth and resulted in tumor apoptosis. [•] PSG-1 caused a marked increase in cAMP and PKA activities and the PKA protein level. [•] PSG-1 decreased cGMP, PKC activities, PKC protein expression and intracellular [Ca2+]i. [•] PSG-1 improved the immune system function in tumor-bearing mice. [•] PSG-1 has potential as a novel therapeutic agent for carcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] NP influences levels of BTB-associated elements in TM4 cells. [•] RT-PCR and western blot are used to examine cell receptor changes in TM4 cells. [•] Effects of NP on specific secretion molecules in TM4 cells are investigated. [•] NP affects cell receptors and specific secretory function in TM4 cells. [•] NP may exert reproductive toxicity in TM4 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the effect of a polysaccharide purified from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (PLP-2) on the phenotypic and functional maturation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and relevant mechanisms. The results showed that PLP-2 increased the expression of maturation markers major histocompatibility complex II, CD86, CD80, and CD40 on DCs. Consistent with the changes in the phenotypic markers, functional assay for DCs maturation showed that PLP-2 decreased DCs endocytosis and increased intracellular interleukin (IL)-12 levels and allostimulatory activity. Furthermore, using a syngeneic T cell activation model, we found that PLP-2 treated DCs presented ovalbumin antigen to T cells more efficiently as demonstrated by increased T cell proliferation. In addition, the effects of PLP-2 on DCs were significantly impaired by treating the cells with anti-TLR4 antibody prior to PLP-2 treatment, implying direct interaction between PLP-2 and TLR4 on cell surface. These results suggested that PLP-2 may induce DCs maturation through TLR4. Our results may have important implications for our understanding on the molecular mechanisms of immunopotentiating action of the polysaccharides from plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A novel polysaccharide (PSG-1) has been purified from Ganoderma atrum. [•] PSG-1 evoked hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia effects in type 2 diabetic rats. [•] PSG-1 ameliorated the HOMA-IR index and QUICKI value by attenuating lipid metabolism. [•] PSG-1 inhibited Bax expression and increased Bcl-2 expression in pancreatic tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ganoderma atrum has attracted great attention for its antitumor activity. However, the mechanism remains unclear. A G. atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) showed pronounced antitumor activity in this study. PSG-1 did not kill CT26 cells directly, but inhibited the proliferation of CT26 cells via the activation of peritoneal macrophages (MΦ). In vivo, PSG-1 significantly suppressed the tumor growth in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. The treatment caused a significant increase in the immune organ index and the phagocytosis of macrophages. The production of TNF-α, IL-1β and nitric oxide also increased. Furthermore, we found that PSG-1 acted on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, signaled through p38 MAPK pathway, then activated NF-κB and stimulated TNF-α production. We further found that PSG-1 increased the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, the degradation of IκBα and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. In summary, we have demonstrated that PSG-1 could activate macrophages via TLR4-dependent signaling pathways, improve immunity and inhibit tumor growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tea glycoprotein (TGP) is a glycoconjugate purified from the leaves of green tea ( Camellia sinensis). The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of TGP on dendritic cells. Murine bone marrow cells were cultured with recombinant mouse (rm)GM-CSF and rmIL-4 for 6 days followed by another 2 days in the presence of TGP or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that TGP did not have significant inhibition on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Compared with untreated cells, dendritic cells treated with TGP (50 μg/ml) expressed higher levels of MHC class II molecules and major co-stimulatory molecules such as CD 86, CD 80 and CD 40. However, the endocytic activity was impaired markedly. TGP could enhance the secretion of IL-12p70, but inhibit IL-10 and NO secretion. The activation of antigen-presenting ability and the lymphocyte proliferation of mixed lymphocyte reaction by dendritic cells was also enhanced after treatment with TGP. In addition, an enhanced expression of CCR7 mRNA of dendritic cells treated with TGP was similar to dendritic cells treated with LPS. Taken together, TGP was capable of promoting both phenotypic and functional maturation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in vitro, which promises the potential clinical application of TGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, improvement in the method for purifying glycoprotein from green tea (Camellia sinensis) was described; some properties and chemical compositions of tea glycoprotein (TGP) were determined by HPGPC, FT-IR, GC–MS technologies. Compared to existing methods, a more compatible method for purifying TGP was proposed. This method was faster, simpler, more effective and easier to be extended to the industrial production than the method that used in our previous work. The molecular weight of TGP was 126,513Da using HPGPC. GC–MS analysis of TGP showed that TGP was composed of seven kinds of monosaccharides, namely ribose, rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, galactose in molar ratios of 1.71:5.88:13.70:1.99:1.00:1.84:33.75. Eighteen amino acids were identified in TGP by amino acid analysis. The FT-IR spectrum of the TGP revealed also typical characteristics of polysaccharides, protein and uronic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Postprocedural anticoagulation (PPA) is frequently administered after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, although no conclusive data support this practice. METHODS: The RIGHT trial (Comparison of Anticoagulation Prolongation vs no Anticoagulation in STEMI Patients After Primary PCI) was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority trial conducted at 53 centers in China. Patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly assigned by center to receive low-dose PPA or matching placebo for at least 48 hours. Before trial initiation, each center selected 1 of 3 PPA regimens (40 mg of enoxaparin once daily subcutaneously; 10 U·kg·h of unfractionated heparin intravenously, adjusted to maintain activated clotting time between 150 and 220 seconds; or 0.2 mg·kg·h of bivalirudin intravenously). The primary efficacy objective was to demonstrate superiority of PPA to reduce the primary efficacy end point of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, stent thrombosis (definite), or urgent revascularization (any vessel) within 30 days. The key secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of each specific anticoagulation regimen (enoxaparin, unfractionated heparin, or bivalirudin) on the primary efficacy end point. The primary safety end point was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 to 5 bleeding at 30 days. RESULTS: Between January 10, 2019, and September 18, 2021, a total of 2989 patients were randomized. The primary efficacy end point occurred in 37 patients (2.5%) in both the PPA and placebo groups (hazard ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.63 to 1.57]). The incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 to 5 bleeding did not differ between the PPA and placebo groups (8 [0.5%] vs 11 [0.7%] patients; hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.30 to 1.83]). CONCLUSIONS: Routine PPA after primary percutaneous coronary intervention was safe but did not reduce 30-day ischemic events. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03664180. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive dietary fiber has been proven to confer numerous health benefits against metabolic diseases based on the modification of gut microbiota. The metabolic protective effects of glucomannan have been previously reported in animal experiments and clinical trials. However, critical microbial signaling metabolites and the host targets associated with the metabolic benefits of glucomannan remain elusive. The results of this study revealed that glucomannan supplementation alleviated high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced insulin resistance in mice and that its beneficial effects were dependent on the gut microbiota. Administration of glucomannan to mice promoted the growth of Bacteroides ovatus. Moreover, colonization with B. ovatus in HFD‐fed mice resulted in a decrease in insulin resistance, accompanied by improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation. Furthermore, B. ovatus‐derived indoleacetic acid (IAA) was established as a key bioactive metabolite that fortifies intestinal barrier function via activation of intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), leading to an amelioration in insulin resistance. Thus, we conclude that glucomannan acts through the B. ovatus‐IAA‐intestinal AhR axis to relieve insulin resistance. Highlights: Supplementation with glucomannan alleviates insulin resistance.Glucomannan promotes the growth of Bacteroides ovatus, accompanied by improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation.B. ovatus‐derived indoleacetic acid is a key bioactive metabolite that fortifies intestinal barrier function via the activation of intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our growing appreciation of the functional significance of the human microbiota in health and disease has triggered a marked interest in bacterial-derived extracellular vesicles (bEVs). In recent years, bEVs have been found to offer physiological benefits to the host by providing diverse bioactivity. Following the recent definition of postbiotics as a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host, bEVs could serve as potential novel postbiotics. This review provides an overview of the biology of bEVs, evidence for their health benefits, and possible molecular pathways involved in their health-promoting effects, as well as perspectives for applications in foods and pharmaceuticals. Preclinical evidence has shown that bEVs confer diverse health-promoting functions to the intestinal local and extraintestinal organs, including immunomodulatory, anti-obesogenic, angiogenesis and osteogenesis, barrier tightening and cancer cell apoptosis. Although the exact mechanisms have not been entirely elucidated, this evidence demonstrates that bEVs may contribute to host health by regulating specific physiological functions and appear to be promising candidates as novel postbiotics. • Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) are nano-sized particles that contain various biomolecules from parental bacteria. • Bacteria use bEVs to deliver biomolecules into host cells that can modulate host signaling pathways and cell processes. • bEVs are recognized to be one of the key underlying mechanisms behind beneficial effects of many bacteria. • bEVs may be the postbiotics of the future with potential health benefits. • The safety, stability and scalability of bEVs need to be addressed before it can be used in products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant bacterial phyla colonizing the healthy human gut. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in host health, yet most studies have focused on how the dietary fiber affects health through gut Bacteroides. More recently, gut Firmicutes have been found to possess many genes responsible for fermenting dietary fiber, and could also interact with the intestinal mucosa and thereby contribute to homeostasis. Consequently, the relationship between dietary fiber and Firmicutes is of interest, as well as the role of Firmicutes in host health. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of dietary fiber degradation by gut Firmicutes and explain the communication pathway of the dietary fiber-Firmicutes-host axis, and the beneficial effects of dietary fiber-induced Firmicutes and their metabolites on health. A better understanding of the dialogue sustained by the dietary fiber-Firmicutes axis and the host could provide new insights into probiotic therapy and novel dietary interventions aimed at increasing the abundance of Firmicutes (such as Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia) to promote health. Dietary fiber-induced gut Firmicutes and their metabolites exhibit relevant health-promoting functions. Most of dietary fiber have a great effect on gut Firmicutes. Mechanisms of dietary fiber uptake by gut Firmicutes are outlined. Mechanisms of dietary fiber- gut Firmicutes-host interactions require more investigation for the development of dietary fiber in food production and host health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sporadic studies have examined the impact of OSA on ACS patients by homocysteine (Hcy) level. This study attempted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of the interaction between Hcy and OSA on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in ACS patients. Methods: In this prospective, large-scale cohort study, 2160 patients admitted for ACS were recruited to undergo overnight sleep monitoring. OSA was diagnosed when apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h. Patients with normohomocysteinemia (NHcy) were defined as having serum Hcy ≤ 15 μmol/L, and the others had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The primary endpoint was major adverse cerebrocardiovascular event (MACCE), a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization and hospitalization for unstable angina and heart failure. Results: A total of 1553 eligible ACS patients (average age: 56.3 ± 10.5 years) were enrolled, among which 819 (52.7%) had OSA, and 988 (63.6%) were with NHcy. OSA did not significantly affect the level of Hcy. During a median follow-up of 2.9 (1.6, 3.5) years, after adjustment for clinical confounders, OSA was associated with increased risk for MACCE occurrence versus non-OSA ones in ACS patients with NHcy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.83, P = 0.039), but not in those with HHcy (adjusted HR = 0.92, 95%CI 0.62–1.36, P = 0.668). There was an absence of interaction between homocysteine level and OSA in relation to MACCE (interaction P = 0.106). Conclusions: OSA was independently associated with worse prognosis in ACS patients with NHcy. Our study emphasized the necessity to identify potential presence of OSA in such a population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; Number: NCT03362385; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic significance of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) according to prior myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between OSA and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in ACS patients with or without prior MI. We prospectively recruited eligible 2160 ACS patients with portable sleep monitoring in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2015 and January 2020. OSA was defined as an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 events/hour. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure. Among 1927 patients enrolled, 1014 (52.6%) had OSA and 316 (16.4%) had prior MI. During 2.9 (1.5, 3.6) years of follow-up, multivariate analysis showed that OSA was associated with 1.7 times the risk of MACCE in patients with prior MI (50 events [28.2%] vs 24 events [17.3%]; adjusted HR = 1.74, 95%CI 1.04–2.90, P = 0.034), but not in patients without prior MI group (177 events [21.1%] vs 138 events [17.8%]; adjusted HR = 1.19, 95%CI 0.94–1.51, P = 0.15). There was no significant interaction between prior MI and OSA for MACCE (interaction P = 0.14). OSA was independently associated with an increased risk of MACCE among ACS patients, particularly among ACS patients with prior MI. Further trials exploring the efficacy of OSA treatment in high-risk patients with ACS characterized by prior MI are warranted. [Display omitted] • This was a large prospective cohort study designed to determine the relationship between OSA and prognosis in ACS. • This study enrolled 1927 hospitalized patients, and with a mean follow-up up to 2.9 years (1.5, 3.6). • OSA was independently associated with an increased risk of MACCE among ACS patients, particularly among those with prior MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant bacterial phyla colonizing the healthy human gut. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in host health, yet most studies have focused on how the dietary fiber affects health through gut Bacteroides. More recently, gut Firmicutes have been found to possess many genes responsible for fermenting dietary fiber, and could also interact with the intestinal mucosa and thereby contribute to homeostasis. Consequently, the relationship between dietary fiber and Firmicutes is of interest, as well as the role of Firmicutes in host health. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of dietary fiber degradation by gut Firmicutes and explain the communication pathway of the dietary fiber-Firmicutes-host axis, and the beneficial effects of dietary fiber-induced Firmicutes and their metabolites on health. A better understanding of the dialogue sustained by the dietary fiber-Firmicutes axis and the host could provide new insights into probiotic therapy and novel dietary interventions aimed at increasing the abundance of Firmicutes (such as Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia) to promote health. Dietary fiber-induced gut Firmicutes and their metabolites exhibit relevant health-promoting functions. Most of dietary fiber have a great effect on gut Firmicutes. Mechanisms of dietary fiber uptake by gut Firmicutes are outlined. Mechanisms of dietary fiber- gut Firmicutes-host interactions require more investigation for the development of dietary fiber in food production and host health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonylphenol (NP) is considered an environmental toxicant and endocrine-disrupting compound. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of NP on NCTC Clone 1469, nonparenchymal hepatocytes, and to study the molecular basis of NP-induced liver injury. The results showed that NP decreased cell viability and induced nucleus crenulation and intracellular enzyme leakage in NCTC Clone 1469 cells. Additionally, NP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of NCTC Clone 1469 are accompanied by upregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increase of Bax, decrease of Bcl-2, activation of caspase-3 and caspase-12, and release of cytosolic free Ca2+ in the cells. ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), prevented the intracellular enzyme leakage induced by NP. NP induced alteration of estrogen receptor- (ER-) α and ER-β expression, while ER antagonists, ICI 182,780, showed no effect on NP-induced intracellular enzyme leakage. We proposed that NP triggered cell damage via inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in cells, but not estrogenic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have proven that polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (PLCP) could induce maturation of murine dendritic cells, promote defecation, and possess antioxidant activity in vitro. However, the effect of PLCP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice has been rarely reported. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of PLCP on LPS-induced liver injury. Mice were pretreated orally with different dose of PLCP for 3 weeks. On day 22, they were injected intraperitoneally with LPS and sacrificed 12 h later. The results showed that PLCP inhibited the excessive production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-2, and IL-1β in mouse serum and liver. PLCP also improved glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity activities in mouse liver. In addition, PLCP inhibited nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and increased metallothionein production in mouse liver. Consequently, PLCP may possess protective effects on inflammatory associated liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Kale and red chicory significantly relieved DSS-induced colitis of mice. • A slight remission of colitis by celery was associated with the antagonistic effects of CSDF and CF. • CSDF and CF significantly relieved DSS-induced colitis of mice. • CSDF can inhibit CF-induced Akkermansia to weaken the colitis relieving effect of CF. • Non-group feeding cages for mice were designed in this study. Dietary fiber and flavonoids are promising drugs reported in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is unclear the interaction between dietary fiber and flavonoids in gut health. The therapeutic effect of celery, kale, and red chicory powders on colitis mice using non-group feeding cages was investigated. Further, the efficacy of whole celery, celery soluble dietary fiber (CSDF), celery insoluble dietary fiber (CIDF), celery flavonoids (CF), CSDF + CF and CIDF + CF in IBD mice model was assessed to dissect protective effect to attribute to which component(s) in such complex matrix. 3% Dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) was used to induce mice colitis model. Multiple molecular biological methods were employed to evaluate the severity of mice colitis and the gut microbial composition of mice. Administration of kale and red chicory significantly restored body weight, DAI score, and colon length in colonic mice, and celery showed the weakest effects. Administration of either CSDF or CF markedly improved the histological damage, increased colonic mucus expression, and reduced colonic MPO/iNOS activities, and IL-6/IL-1β levels. However, CSDF + CF showed weaker improvement than CF or SDF in most physical and biochemical signs. Furthermore, CSDF and CF decreased intestinal g_Escherichia-Shihella and g_Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 induced by DSS administration. Interestingly, celery flavonoid promoted g_Akkermansia proliferation both in vivo and in vitro , and which can be inhibited by CSDF. This study revealed for the first time that CSDF can suppress the protective effect of CF on intestinal health by inhibiting g_Akkermansia , and clarified that the decreased efficacy of celery whole food on colitis was mediated by an antagonism between CSDF and CF. Moreover, this study presents for the first time that interaction between soluble dietary fiber and flavonoids in vivo can ameliorate the efficacy of dietary fiber or flavonoids when administered alone suggestive for an antagonistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The clinical outcome of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute coronary syndrome in relation to hyperuricemia is still unclear. We aimed to explore the clinical prognosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute coronary syndrome in relation to hyperuricemia status. This was a prospective cohort study. We included consecutively eligible patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent cardiorespiratory polygraphy between June 2015 and January 2020. According to apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15 events per hr and serum uric acid level, the population was divided into four groups: hyperuricemia with obstructive sleep apnea; hyperuricemia with non‐obstructive sleep apnea; no hyperuricemia with obstructive sleep apnea; and no hyperuricemia with non‐obstructive sleep apnea. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischaemia‐driven revascularization, and readmission for unstable angina or heart failure. Spearman correlation analysis and Cox regression model were mainly used to estimate the data. The median follow‐up was 2.9 years. Among 1925 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 29.6% had hyperuricemia and 52.6% had obstructive sleep apnea. Uric acid was negatively correlated with minimum arterial oxygen saturation and mean arterial oxygen saturation, and positively correlated with apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index and the duration of time with arterial oxygen saturation < 90% (p < 0.001). During 2.9 (1.5, 3.6) years of follow‐up, obstructive sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with hyperuricemia (23.5% versus 13.4%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.834; 95% confidence interval: 1.192–2.821, p = 0.006), but not in patients without hyperuricemia (21.9% versus 19.2%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.131; 95% confidence interval: 0.880–1.453, p = 0.336). There was a correlation between uric acid levels and sleep respiratory indicators. Obstructive sleep apnea was associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome with hyperuricemia, but not in patients without hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researches show that polysaccharides derived from fungi and plants have strong pharmacological activities such as enhancing the organism immune and anti-tumor function, and have few toxic and side effects. So the polysaccharides show a wide application prospect in the prevention and therapy of tumor. The tumor microenvironment consists of tumor cells and tumor cells' surrounding environment. The tumor microenvironment not only plays a key role in the development of tumor, but also is a potential treasure for searching new ways to treat tumor. In this review, we summarized polysaccharides' regulation effects on tumor microenvironment progression and tried to give a new theoretical basis for the exploitation of polysaccharides with anti-tumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Stress hyperglycemia (SHG) is related to an increased risk of mortality in diabetic patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). However, data are limited in non-diabetic patients especially in patients with multivessel disease (MVD). Methods and Results: In this retrospective study, 742 non-diabetic patients with STEMI and MVD were divided into SHG group and non-SHG group. The overall incidence of SHG was 24.9%. The incidence of no-reflow (NR) phenomenon (18.4% vs 11.8%; P =.024) and in-hospital mortality (1.6% vs.2%; P =.020) in SHG group were significantly higher than those in non-SHG group. SHG was associated with 30-day MACE (hazard ratio, 4.265; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.354–13.439; P =.013), but not 1-year. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that SHG (odds ratio: 1.691, 95% CI: 1.072–2.667, P =.024) was an independent predictor of NR. If complete revascularization (CR) was performed during PPCI, the incidence of NR would be significantly higher. Conclusion: In non-diabetic patients with STEMI and MVD, SHG is associated with increased SF-NR and short-term adverse events, and CR during PPCI further increases the risk of NR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Young patients account for about half of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and display a unique risk profile compared with old patients. Whether these differences are related to disparities in ventricular remodeling remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate age-related differences in ventricular remodeling after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for STEMI. Methods: In this observational study, consecutive STEMI patients between October 2019 and March 2021 who underwent serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance at index admission (3 to 7 days) and 3 months after PPCI were enrolled. Adverse remodeling was defined as ≥ 10% enlargement in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), while reverse remodeling was defined as a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) of more than 10%. Results: A total of 123 patients were included and grouped into young (< 60 years, n = 71) and old (≥ 60 years, n = 52) patients. Despite generally similar baseline structural and infarct characteristics, LVESVi significantly decreased only in old patients during follow-up (p = 0.034). The incidence of adverse remodeling was higher (49.3% vs 30.8%, p = 0.039), while the incidence of reverse remodeling was lower (31.0% vs 53.8%, p = 0.011) in young compared with old patients. Younger age (< 60 years) was associated with a significantly higher risk of adverse remodeling (adjusted OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.41–8.74, p = 0.007) and lower incidence of reverse remodeling (adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18–0.97, p = 0.046). Conclusions: In STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, young patients are at a higher risk of adverse remodeling and less probably develop reverse remodeling than old patients. Equal or more attention should be paid to young patients with STEMI compared with their older counterparts. Key Points: • In STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, young patients displayed unfavorable remodeling compared with old patients. • Young patients are at a higher risk of adverse remodeling and less probably develop reverse remodeling than old patients. • Equal or more attention should be paid to young patients compared with their older counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A close relationship exists between OSA and obesity. The impact of obesity on the prognostic significance of OSA in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear. Do the effects of OSA on subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with ACS vary with obesity status? This is a prospective cohort study. Patients 18 to 85 years of age who were hospitalized for ACS were consecutively enrolled and underwent portable sleep monitoring after clinical stabilization. OSA was defined as an apnea hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, hospitalization for ACS, stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization, or hospitalization for heart failure. Among 1,920 patients enrolled (84.5% male; mean age ± SD, 56.4 ± 10.5 years), 1,013 (52.8%) had OSA, and 718 (37.4%) were obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). During 2.9 years (1.5, 3.6 years) follow-up, the incidence of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with obesity than in patients without obesity (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.58; P =.013). Although the prevalence of OSA was lower in patients without obesity than in those with obesity (43.9% vs 67.5%; P <.001), OSA independently predicted the incidence of MACCE only in patients without obesity (adjusted HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03-1.75; P =.03), but not in patients with obesity (adjusted HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.78-1.55; P =.58). No significant interaction between obesity and OSA was noted (P for interaction =.35). The incremental risk associated with OSA in patients without obesity might be explained by more hospitalization for ACS and ischemia-driven revascularization. For patients with ACS, OSA was independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent events, particularly among patients without obesity. These findings highlight the importance of identifying OSA in nonobese patients with ACS. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03362385; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, consumers are increasingly aware of the relationship between diet and health, showing a greater preference of products from natural origin. In the last decade, seaweeds have outlined as one of the natural sources with more potential to obtain bioactive carbohydrates. Numerous seaweed polysaccharides have aroused the interest of the scientific community, due to their biological activities and their high potential on biomedical, functional food and technological applications. To obtain polysaccharides from seaweeds, it is necessary to find methodologies that improve both yield and quality and that they are profitable. Nowadays, environmentally friendly extraction technologies are a viable alternative to conventional methods for obtaining these products, providing several advantages like reduced number of solvents, energy and time. On the other hand, chemical modification of their structure is a useful approach to improve their solubility and biological properties, and thus enhance the extent of their potential applications since some uses of polysaccharides are still limited. The present review aimed to compile current information about the most relevant seaweed polysaccharides, available extraction and modification methods, as well as a summary of their biological activities, to evaluate knowledge gaps and future trends for the industrial applications of these compounds. Structure and biological functions of main seaweed polysaccharides. Emerging extraction methods for sulfate polysaccharides. Chemical modification of seaweeds polysaccharides. Potential industrial applications of seaweed polysaccharides. Biological activities, knowledge gaps and future trends of seaweed polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury and gastric epithelial cells injury. Rats were divided into the control group, vehicle group and GABA-treated groups (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day). After GABA ingestion for 14 days, rats except the control group were given 1 mL pure ethanol by oral gavage in order to induce acute gastric mucosal lesion. The human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 was incubated with GABA (100, 200 and 400 μM) for 24 h, followed by treatment with 8% ethanol for 3 h to induce cell injury. The results showed that GABA pretreatment significantly reduced gastric ulcer index in a dose-dependent manner. GABA pretreatment could not only remarkably restrain oxidative stress by increasing activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as decreasing content of malondialdehyde both in gastric tissue and cells, but also significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α) levels in gastric tissue. In addition, significant augments of prostaglandin E 2 and nitric oxide levels were observed in the gastric tissues of 40 mg/kg/d GABA treated group. In conclusion, the results in this study suggested that GABA could alleviate ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury and gastric epithelial cells injury through the improvement of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant status, as well as the increase of PGE 2 and NO levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-soluble polysaccharide from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp (JFP-Ps) was purified and its physicochemical properties were investigated. The in vitro antioxidant activities of JFP-Ps was evaluated by measuring DPPH and OH radicals scavenging activities, as well as reducing power. The results showed that JFP-Ps contained 79.12% of total sugar, 5.83% of protein, 15.65% of uronic acid, and 15 kinds of amino acids with high levels of Asp, Glu, Val, Leu and Lys. JFP-Ps was mainly composed of Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, Xyl and GalA, with an average molecular weight of 1668 kDa. FT-IR results showed the bands at the range of 1200–850 cm −1 suggested the presence of carbohydrates in JFP-Ps. The results of antioxidant activities showed that JFP-Ps exhibited strong DPPH and OH radical scavenging activities, with a relatively lower reducing power, suggesting that JFP-Ps can be exploited as effective natural antioxidant applications in medical and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The advance of MALDI MS in food carbohydrates analysis was reviewed. • Strategies to improve food carbohydrates ionization efficiency in MS were summarized. • MS applications in structure analysis of food polysaccharides were also introduced. Carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, are widely distributed in food resources. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), a soft ionization technique, is extensively applied in carbohydrates analysis. MALDI mass spectrometers are capable to generate spectra rapidly and record mass profiles or fingerprints from foods, usually with simple sample preparation or pretreatment. Therefore, this review described recent research progress on MALDI mass spectrometry (MS) detection in food carbohydrates, especially for the improvement of ionization efficiency and their application in structure characterization of polysaccharides from food and edible herbs. Furthermore, the quantitative study and mass spectrometry imaging were also briefly summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]