A review of dietary polyamines: Formation, implications for growth and health and occurrence in foods

Relation of biogenic amines' formation with microbiological and sensory attributes in Lactobacillus-inoculated vacuum-packed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets

The biogenic amine (BA) content of vacuum-packed filleted rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) inoculated or not with two different Lactobacillus strains, individually or in combination, was monitored during refrigerated storage for 20 days and related to respective bacteriological and sensory changes occurring during the same period. Eight amines, namely putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, tryptamine, beta-phenylethylamine, histamine, spermine, and spermidine, were determined, whereas agmatine was not detected in any of the samples. In all cases, BA concentration was higher (P < or = 0.05) in the controls compared to all inoculated treatments, whereas the trend with regard to the bacterial populations (Enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonads, and H2S-producing bacteria) and the off-odor scores was similar. Inoculation with Lactobacillus sakei CECT 4808 showed the best preservative effect among inoculated treatments. Concentrations of putrescine and cadaverine, the main BAs formed, correlated well with both spoilage bacterial counts and off-odor scores and can be useful indicators of shelf life. Spermine and spermidine contents decreased during storage, while levels of the other determined BAs remained below 10 mg/kg even after sensory rejection.

Biologically active polyamines in beef, pork and meat products: A review

Dietary polyamines (PAs) putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) participate in an array of roles in human metabolism. Nevertheless, under some physiological conditions they can be undesirable. Meat and meat products are among important sources of PAs in human nutrition, mainly of SPM. The usual contents of PUT, SPD and SPM in fresh beef and pork are <2, <5 and 20-40mgkg(-1), respectively. Current information on changes of PAs during meat storage corresponds with PUT formation by bacterial activity mainly of pseudomonads and Enterobacteriaceae. However, data on SPD and SPM changes during meat chill-storage have been inconsistent. Culinary processing of meat probably does not change SPD and SPM levels. PUT can be formed in different meat products in relation to the microbial population of the raw materials used and the hygienic level of manufacturing process. SPD and SPM contents seem to remain stable during processing of non-fermented meat products or decrease during dry-cured ham ripening. PUT contents increase commonly to 60-140mgkg(-1) in dry spontaneously fermented sausages, however, contents up to several hundreds mgkg(-1) are not extraordinary. Starter cultures are usually able to decrease PUT formation considerably. SPD and SPM contents in dry fermented sausages are comparable with levels typical for fresh meat. Data on SPD and SPM changes during ripening and storage are inconsistent. A decrease of the both polyamines during a storage period has been usually reported.

Influence of cultivar and germination on bioactive amines in soybeans (Glycine max L. Merril)

The levels of amines in soybeans as affected by cultivar in two consecutive years and by germination were investigated. Spermidine, spermine, putrescine, agmatine, and cadaverine were detected, whereas tyramine, histamine, tryptamine, serotonine, and phenylethylamine were not. Spermidine was the predominant amine followed by spermine. High concentrations of these amines confirmed soybean as a rich source. Cadaverine was confirmed to be inherent to soybean. The percent contribution of spermidine and spermine to total levels was not affected by cultivar in either years. However, amine levels were affected by cultivars in different ways in the consecutive years. Cadaverine was affected more by the cultivar, whereas spermidine, spermine, and agmatine were affected by harvest year. During germination the levels of amines from soybean increased significantly, except for agmatine. Spermidine and spermine accumulated in the cotyledon, whereas cadaverine and putrescine accumulated in the radicle and hypocotyl.