Search

Fish by-products can be converted into high-value-added products like fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs), which have high nutritional value and are rich in bioactive peptides with health benefits. This study aims to characterise FPHs derived from salmon heads (HPSs) and Cape hake trimmings (HPHs) using Alcalase for enzymatic hydrolysis and Subcritical Water Hydrolysis (SWH) as an alternative method. All hydrolysates demonstrated high protein content (70.4–88.7%), with the degree of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 10.7 to 36.4%. The peptide profile of FPHs indicated the breakdown of proteins into small peptides. HPSs showed higher levels of glycine and proline, while HPHs had higher concentrations of glutamic acid, leucine, threonine, and phenylalanine. Similar elemental profiles were observed in both HPHs and HPSs, and the levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg were well below the legislated limits. Hydrolysates do not have a negative effect on cell metabolism and contribute to cell growth. HPSs and HPHs exhibited high 2,2′–azino-bis(3 ethylbenzthiazoline-6)-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, Cu2+ and Fe2+ chelating activities, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, with HPHs generally displaying higher activities. The α-amylase inhibition of both FPHs was relatively low. These results indicate that HPHs are a promising natural source of nutritional compounds and bioactive peptides, making them potential candidates for use as an ingredient in new food products or nutraceuticals. SWH at 250 °C is a viable alternative to enzymatic methods for producing FPHs from salmon heads with high antioxidant and chelating properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to evaluate coconut oil's effect on lipid metabolism‐related diseases and immune response using in vitro models. The coconut oil doses were selected according to the results of the safety evaluation performed through genotoxicity and cytotoxicity tests. Then its capacity to modulate obesity‐related metabolism was evaluated by measuring adipolysis in 3T3‐L1 differentiated adipocytes and hepatic lipid accumulation in hepatocytes (Hep G2). The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated using Caco‐2 cells and quantifying pro‐inflammatory cytokines' production (IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α). Coconut oil, mainly comprised of medium‐chain fatty acids (>60% of total fatty acids), showed a high antioxidant capacity (125.76 ± 11.63 µM trolox equivalent/mL). The results showed that coconut oil was capable of reducing 68% of the lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and 42% in adipocytes. It was also capable of modulating the immune response in IL‐1β Caco‐2 stimulated cells, reducing IL‐6 secretion (22% in the presence of 10 mg/mL of coconut oil and by 19% when 15 mg/mL) and TNF‐α secretion (90% and 42% in the presence of 15 or 10 mg/mL of coconut oil, respectively). In short, coconut oil shows great potential for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting lipid metabolism‐related diseases. Practical applications: This study describes the impact of organic virgin coconut oil on obesity‐related metabolism and immune response. Despite the high content of saturated fatty acids, this vegetable oil has several beneficial effects in the obesity context by the reduction of lipid accumulation. Coconut oil can reduce lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and adipocytes. Coconut oil is capable of modulating the immune response in gut cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils are key ingredients of the human diet, as they are widely used for cooking and as ingredients in many processed foods. However, processing may lead to their oxidation and result in an array of negative outputs such as the development of undesirable organoleptic characteristics (e.g. off-flavors and texture alteration), a decrease in nutritional value, shelf-life and even in the formation of toxic compounds. Many strategies for improving oil stability have been developed such as the use of natural and synthetic antioxidants, and more recently the use of encapsulation techniques. It has many beneficial effects due to the barrier effect it establishes between the oil and the environment; this not only protects the oils against chemical reactions and physical changes but maintains their biological and chemical characteristics. This review is divided into three parts. In the first, the mechanisms of oil oxidation and the factors responsible for oxidation are summarized. In the second part, the consequences of oxidation in oil quality and the production of potentially harmful decomposition compounds are reviewed. Finally, the addition of antioxidants and encapsulation techniques are also compiled as strategies to improve oils' oxidative stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biaxial flexural strength of four composite resins of different compositions, light-cured in two stages, and then, post-cure using heat and pressure. There were made 480 composite resin disks, being 120 disks each one. Of these 120 disks, 60 were light-cured for 20 seconds, the other 60 for 60 seconds. Then, half of each photoactivated group (n = 30) was subjected to post-cure using heat and pressure and the other half (n = 30) was not. Next, the disks were stored in distilled water for 24 hours before testing. After the statistical analysis, it was found that the composite Z100 and Filtek Z350 had a higher value of biaxial flexural strength in the groups of 20 and 60 seconds in the conventional method. In the condition of 20 seconds post-cure, the highest values are achieved by Z100 (18.65 MPa) and Filtek Z350 (24.71 MPa). While in the condition of 60 seconds post-cure the best result was achieved with the Z100 (64.88 MPa) and the lowest value was the IPS Empress Direct (7.56 MPa). There was a statistically significant decrease in biaxial flexural strength in the Z100 that received the light curing for 20 seconds and post-cure (18.65 MPa), when compared to conventional polymerization (28.29 MPa). Therefore, there is no need to light-cure the composites exceeding the manufacturers recommended time, in the conventional method. The post-cure protocol promoted increase in biaxial flexural strength only for the Z100 light-cured for 60 seconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]