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Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation, steatosis, and liver fibrosis. The liver is particularly affected by alterations in lipid metabolism. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of β-hydroxyphosphocarnitine (β-HPC) on NASH induced in rats., Methods: NASH was produced via the ad libitum daily chronic administration of a fructose solution (400 kcal) for 9 weeks, an oral dose of fat solution (16 kcal) for 7 weeks and a subcutaneous injection of CCl 4 (30%) two times a week for 2 weeks to Wistar rats. To evaluate the effect of β-HPC, a dose of 100 mg/kg was administered perorally for 4 weeks and its biochemical and hepatic effects on rats with NASH were analyzed. Serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver enzymes were quantified. Histological changes were evaluated on slices stained with H&E, trichromic and PAS. Glycogen content was measured in liver samples. α-SMA and SREBP-1 immunopositive cells were identified in liver tissue., Results: NASH was characterized by elevated triglycerides, elevated liver damage enzymes, and the presence of necrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. Significant amounts of glycogen were found, along with α-SMA positive cells in fibrosis areas. The over-expression of SREBP-1 in cytoplasm and nuclei was evident. Animals with NASH treated with β-HPC showed a significant reduction in inflammation, necrosis, and glycogen content in the liver. A reduction in α-SMA and SREBP-1 immunopositive cells correlated with a significant reduction in the degree of fibrosis and steatosis found in liver tissue. β-HPC reduced the levels of ALP and GGT, and significantly reduced triglyceride levels. Animals treated with β-HPC did not show any alterations in liver enzyme function., Conclusions: Our research shows that β-HPC can improve liver function and morphology in the case of NASH induced in rats, suggesting β-HPC could be potentially used in the treatment of NASH., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Beta-casein (BC) in cow's milk occurs in several genetic variants, where BC A1 (BCA1) and BC A2 (BCA2) are the most frequent. This work deals with a method based on modified polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using urea PAGE to discriminate BCA1 and BCA2 variants from Holstein Friesian (HF) and genetically selected Jersey A2/A2 (JA2) cow's milk. Two well defined bands were obtained from BC fraction of HF milk, while that of JA2 showed a single band. Proteins from these bands were sequenced by HPLC-quadrupole linear ion trap/mass spectrometry, resulting in BCA1 and BCA2 separation from the BC fraction of HF milk, whereas BCA2 was the only constituent of JA2 fraction. This method represents a feasible and useful tool to on site phenotyping of BC fraction of cow's milk for pharmaceutical and food industries applications.

Background: A novel therapeutic management of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee was assessed. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of monthly sodium bicarbonate with a single (SBCG1) or double dose (SBCG2) of calcium gluconate injections on OA of the knee; as well as the efficacy and safety of both SBCG interventions in the long term., Methods: A double-blind parallel-group clinical trial with 74 knee OA patients was performed during 12 months, both SBCG interventions were followed-up for another 6mo after intervention. The outcome variables were the Western Ontario-McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Lequesne's functional index and joint-space width changes from serial radiographs., Results: After 12 months, group SBCG1 decreased -14.8 (95% CI:-14.2, -17.0) and group SBCG2 decreased -14.6 (-16.9, -12.4) in the global WOMAC score, the mean changes represent 80% and 82% lessened pain, respectively. In the Lequesne Functional Index scale, SBCG1 decreased -11.9 (-10.4, -14.2) and SBCG2 decreased -11.9 (-13.8, -10.0), representing 66 and 69% of improvement. Both mean scores were maintained after intervention discontinued. SBCG2 improved the knees' joint space width more than SBCG1 at 3 and 18 months. Both SBCG interventions were well tolerated after 12 months of treatment, Conclusion: A solution of sodium bicarbonate and calcium gluconate is effective on reducing the symptoms associated with OA. Its beneficial effect is maintained for one year of continuous monthly administration and at least for 6 months after the administration is discontinued. When the dose of calcium gluconate is increased, it prevents further narrowing of joint-space., Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00977444 September 11, 2009.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 analogs of L-carnitine on rats made insulin resistant by a high-fructose diet., Methods: Using rats made insulin resistant by a high-fructose diet, we investigated the impact of 2 analogs of L-carnitine (25 mg/kg) and L-carnitine (250 mg/kg) on glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol blood levels, and liver glycogen. We also evaluated the safety of both analogs by the assessment of some biochemical and hematological parameters, a histological analysis and a study of embryotoxicity., Results: Both analogs reduced the levels of triglycerides in the liver and plasma, but only analog 2 reduced the cholesterol levels in insulin-resistant rats. No changes were observed in glycogen content. Safety evaluations revealed alterations in blood lymphocytes and embryotoxicity data., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the 2 analogs maintain the pharmacological properties of L-carnitine but have a different efficacy, potency and toxicity., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: Protamine has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on protein lipase in vitro; the objective of this study was to evaluate the antiobesity activity effect of protamine in obese induced rats, and to evaluate the effect of protamine on postprandial hypertriacylglyceridemia in rats by intragastric administration of a lipid emulsion containing corn oil., Design: Two experiments were carried out: (1) In a parallel study in rats, we administered a lipid emulsion containing corn oil plus 0, 200 or 500 mg kg(-1) of protamine intragastrically. (2) In a randomized parallel prospective rats experiment, rats were fed with a high-fat diet and 0, 200 or 500 mg of protamine per kg of animal weight during 5 weeks., Subjects: Male Sprague-Dawley rats., Measurements: In experiment 1, plasma triacylglycerol levels after oral administration of lipid emulsion were determined. In experiment 2, weight gain, concentrations of plasma triacylglycerol, plasma total cholesterol and albumin were determined, and the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues were weighed., Results: Plasma triacylglycerol concentration in rats administered with 200 or 500 mg kg(-1) of protamine was significantly lower than that in rats in the control group (200 mg kg(-1) of protamine, P<0.05 at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h; 500 mg kg(-1) of protamine P<0.05 at 2, 3 and 4 h). In rats fed with a high-fat diet, and 200 and 500 mg kg(-1) of protamine, there was a decreased body weight gain by 52 and 66 g, respectively, reduced visceral fat by 5 and 8 g, respectively and subcutaneous tissue weights by 12 and 15 g, respectively. Plasma triacylglycerol was 17 and 45 mg per 100 ml lower in rats fed with high-fat diet plus 200 and 500 mg kg(-1) of protamine, respectively. And cholesterol concentrations were 18 and 22 mg per 100 ml lower in both protamine groups, respectively., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that protamine reduce weight gain and body fat accumulation through the inhibition of dietary fat absorption.

A putative peroxidase cDNA was isolated from turnip roots (Brassica napus L. var. purple top white globe) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Total RNA extracted from mature turnip roots was used as a template for RT-PCR, using a degenerated primer designed to amplify the highly conserved distal motif of plant peroxidases. The resulting partial sequence was used to design the rest of the specific primers for 5' and 3' RACE. Two cDNA fragments were purified, sequenced, and aligned with the partial sequence from RT-PCR, and a complete overlapping sequence was obtained and labeled as BbPA (Genbank Accession No. AY423440, named as podC). The full length cDNA is 1167bp long and contains a 1077bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 358 deduced amino acid peroxidase polypeptide. The putative peroxidase (BnPA) showed a calculated Mr of 34kDa, and isoelectric point (pI) of 4.5, with no significant identity with other reported turnip peroxidases. Sequence alignment showed that only three peroxidases have a significant identity with BnPA namely AtP29a (84%), and AtPA2 (81%) from Arabidopsis thaliana, and HRPA2 (82%) from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). Work is in progress to clone this gene into an adequate host to study the specific role and possible biotechnological applications of this alternative peroxidase source.

Purified peroxidase from turnip (Brassica napus L. var. esculenta D.C.) was immobilized by entrapment in spheres of calcium alginate and by covalent binding to Affi-Gel 10. Both immobilized Turnip peroxidase (TP) preparations were assayed for the detoxification of a synthetic phenolic solution and a real wastewater effluent from a local paints factory. The effectiveness of phenolic compounds (PC's) removal by oxidative polymerization was evaluated using batch and recycling processes, and in the presence and in the absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The presence of PEG enhances the operative TP stability. In addition, reaction times were reduced from 3h to 10 min, and more effective phenol removals were achieved when PEG was added. TP was able to perform 15 reaction cycles with a real industrial effluent showing PC's removals >90% PC's during the first 10 reaction cycles. High PC's removal efficiencies (>95%) were obtained using both immobilized preparations at PC's concentrations <1.2mM. Higher PC's concentrations decreased the removal efficiency to 90% with both preparations after the first reaction cycle, probably due to substrate inhibition. On the other hand, immobilized TP showed increased thermal stability when compared with free TP. A large-scale enzymatic process for industrial effluent treatment is expected to be developed with immobilized TP that could be stable enough to make the process economically feasible.

Peroxidase from turnip roots (TP) was isolated followed by modification with methoxypolyethylene glycol (MPEG). The catalytic activity of the modified TP (MTP) on ABTS increased 2.5 times after 80 min of reaction. MTP showed a KM similar value to that of TP, but a significantly greater kcat for ABTS oxidation, in aqueous buffer. Chemical modification produced an enhanced stability in organic solvents and increased thermal stability of about 4 times that of TP, in aqueous buffer at 70 degrees C. Circular dichroism showed that MPEG modification decreased TP alpha-helical structure from 26 to 16% and increased beta-turns from 26 to 34%, resulting in an enhanced conformational stability. The temperature at the midpoint of thermal denaturation (melting temperature) increased from 57 to 63 degrees C after modification. MTP was immobilized in alginate beads (IMTP) and tested for oxidative polymerization of concentrated phenolic synthetic solutions, achieving 17 effective contact cycles removing >65% phenols. IMTP may be useful for the development of an enzymatic process for wastewater effluent treatment.

A peroxidase isozyme (BP) was purified to homogeneity from broccoli stems ( Brassica oleraceae var. maraton) discarded from industrial processing wastes. BP specific activity was 1216 ABTS [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] units/mg, representing 466-fold that of crude extract. BP is a monomeric glycoprotein containing 16% carbohydrates, with a molecular mass of 49 kDa and an isoelectric point close to 4.2. From kinetic data it showed a two-substrate ping-pong mechanism, and the catalytic efficiency measured as the rate-limiting step of free BP regeneration was 3.4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The ABTS K m value was 0.2 mM, which was about 20 times lower than that reported for acidic commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Assessment of BP secondary structure showed 30% helical character, similar to HRP and cytochrome c peroxidase. BP lost only 25% activity after 10 min of heating at 55 degrees C and pH 6; it was stable in the pH range from 4 to 9 and showed an optimum pH of 4.6 using ABTS as substrate. BP was active on substrates normally involved in lignin biosynthesis, such as caffeic and ferulic acids, and also displayed good catechol oxidation activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Reverse micellar extraction was successfully used as potential large-scale prepurification of broccoli peroxidase, achieving a purification factor of 7, with 60% activity yield. Stems from the broccoli processing industry have a high potential as an alternative for peroxidase purification.

Background: Iron, zinc, and vitamin B complex are among the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in Mexico, with iron deficiency being the leading cause of anemia. Mexico has the highest per capita consumption of corn in the world, consumed mainly as tortilla. Thus, corn flour for making tortillas has been suggested as an effective strategy to overcome malnutrition in developing countries such as Mexico where corn is a staple food. The stability of micronutrients added to food is an important factor for the success of fortification programs., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of corn flour fortified with micronutrients, and to measure the effect of micronutrient fortification on the sensory quality and stability of the fortificants in fresh and stored tortilla., Methods: A commercially homogenized nonfortified corn flour (NCFC) produced from degermed white corn was fortified with a premix containing iron, zinc, thiamin, and riboflavin. Changes in thiamin, riboflavin, iron, and zinc content in fortified corn flour (FCF) and nonfortified corn flour (NFCF) during storage were investigated. Vitamin B1 and B2 content was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy while iron and zinc content was analyzed by atomic absorption., Results: Thiamin content in FCF and NFCF showed a significant (p < .05) decrease (24% and 37%, respectively) after 90 days of storage. Riboflavin losses of 18% and 22% were observed for FCF and NFCF, respectively. FCF retained over 90% of iron, while zinc content remained constant. Losses of thiamin (27 to 39%) and riboflavin (37%) were produced during the process to convert corn masa flour into tortillas., Conclusions: Storage time slightly affected the stability of riboflavin and thiamin in FCF while the cooking process produced considerable losses of both vitamins. Tortillas made from FCF were well accepted by Mexican adults. We conclude that the addition of vitamins and minerals in the forms and quantities used in this study do not modify the shelf-life of corn flour, and neither do they cause sensorial changes in tortillas made from FCF.

An acidic peroxidase (pI approximately 2.5) was purified from turnip roots (TAP), and its thermal properties were evaluated. TAP is a monomeric protein having a molecular weight (MW) of 49 kDa and a carbohydrate content accounting for 18% of the MW. The yield of pure TAP was relatively high ( approximately 2 mg/kg of fresh roots), with a specific activity of 1810 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) units/mg at pH 6. The activity increased 4-fold at the optimum pH (4.0) to 7250 ABTS units/mg, higher than that of most peroxidases. TAP was heat stable; heat treatment of 25 min at 60 degrees C resulted in 90% initial activity retention, whereas an activity of 20% was retained after 25 min of heating at 80 degrees C. TAP regained 85% of its original activity within 90 min of incubation at 25 degrees C, following heat treatment at 70 degrees C for 25 min. Thermal inactivation caused noticeable changes in the heme environment as evaluated by circular dichroism and visible spectrophotometry. TAP was rapidly denatured by heating in the presence of 1.0 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, but the Soret band and activity were fully recovered by adding an excess of Ca(2+). This is further evidence that Ca(2+) plays an important role in the stability of TAP. The high specific activity of TAP, together with its relatively high thermal stability, has high potential for applications in which a thermally stable enzyme is required.

A neutral peroxidase isozyme (TP) purified from turnip (Brassica napus L. var. purple top white globe) was partially deglycosylated, using chemical and enzymatic treatment. A 32% carbohydrate removal was achieved by exposing TP to a mixture of PNGase F, O-glycosidase, NANase, GALase III and HEXase I, while m-periodate treatment removed about 88% of TP carbohydrate moiety. The glycoprotein fraction of the TP contained a relatively high mannose and fucose content (37 and 31%, w/w, respectively), 16% (w/w) galactose, and 15% (w/w) GlcNAc. Thus, the carbohydrate moiety was classified as a hybrid type. Partially deglycosylated TP had reduced activity (by 50-85%), was more susceptible to proteolysis, and showed a slight decrease in thermostability compared to the native enzyme. Circular dichroism studies strongly suggested that although the carbohydrate moiety of TP did not influence the conformation of the polypeptide backbone, its presence considerably enhanced protein conformational stability toward heat. Removal of oligosaccharide chains from TP caused a decrease in K(m) and V(max) for hydrogen peroxide. Native and chemically deglycosylated TP were similarly immunodetected by rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against TP. The results suggest that the carbohydrate moiety of TP is important for peroxidase activity and stability.

A neutral peroxidase isozyme (pI 7.2) from turnip roots (TNP) was purified to homogeneity and partially characterized. TNP is a monomeric glycoprotein with 9.1% carbohydrate content and a molecular weight of 36 kDa. Optimum pH values for activity using 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and guaiacol as H donors were 4.5 and 5.5, whereas the K(m) values were 0.7 and 3.7 mM, respectively. The ABTS K(m) was approximately 7 times higher than that reported for basic commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP-C). TNP retained approximately 70% activity after 11 min of heating at 65 degrees C, whereas the activation energy for inactivation (132 kJ/mol) was higher than or comparable to that of other peroxidases. The low ABTS K(m) and high specific activity (1930 units/mg) gave a high catalytic efficiency (500 M(-1) s(-1)). These properties make TNP an enzyme with a high potential as an alternative to HRP in various applications.

Three turnip peroxidases (fractions C1, C2, and C3) were partially purified and characterized, to permit study of their feasibility for use in clinical and enzyme immunoassays. These fractions represented 20% of the initial activity, and fractions C1 and C2 were purified to homogeneity. The optimum pH was between 5.0 and 5.5, while optimum temperature ranged from 40 to 55 degrees C. The ABTS K(m) values for the two acidic fractions (C2 and C3) were 0.70 and 0.42 mM, respectively; about 5 times lower than that reported for the acidic commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Fraction C3 had 4 times higher K(m) value than commercial cationic HRP. The molecular weights determined by SDS-PAGE ranged from 39.2 to 42.5 kDa. Activation energies for inactivation were 113 (C1), 130 (C2), and 172 kJ/mol (C3) which are higher or comparable to other peroxidase isoenzymes reported. Fractions C1 and C3 represent an alternative source of peroxidase because of their higher purification yield and specific activity, when compared to fraction C2.