Can methionine and zinc prevent the embryopathic effects of alcohol?

Review: Amino acid concentration of high protein food products and an overview of the current methods used to determine protein quality

Quality of the dietary protein in foods rather than amount of dietary protein may be of greater importance from a human health and wellness standpoint. Various systems are in place to determine the value of dietary protein. Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) are the two major protein standards used to determine the completeness of proteins by their unique concentration and digestibility of indispensable amino acids. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive comparison of the amino acid concentration of high protein foods and provide the current status of the use and practicality of the PDCAAS and DIAAS system. This review builds upon previous research analyzing the total nutrient density of protein-rich foods and expands scientific research investigating the quality of proteins. In summary, the average sum of indispensable amino acids for meat and fish products is much more consistent than that of non-meat and plant-based food products. However, some non-meat products have relatively similar amounts of indispensable amino acids on a similar serving size basis. The overwhelming aspect of determining protein quality is that greater research is needed to determine protein digestibility of food products.

A review of physiological and metabolic effects of essential amino acids

The authors review ten essential amino acids with regard to their metabolic, physiologic and therapeutic effects throughout the human body. Physical properties of these biologically active compounds are discussed as a foundation for their diverse roles in special nitrogen containing products, neurotransmitters, and as alternative energy sources. Both normal and abnormal amino acid metabolism are considered in the areas of digestion, elimination of metabolic products, metabolic intermediates, and defects in these systems. Recent developments in therapeutic applications are further examined for clinical utility and as an economical alternative to traditional clinical treatment modalities.

Ethanol effects on postimplantation rat embryos: influence of zinc and methionine

Organic zinc salts and thiols, administered simultaneously, protect mice synergistically against ethanol toxicity. Moreover, chronic ethanol consumption could affect the bioavailability of zinc and amino acids such as methionine. This could result in impaired embryonic growth and development. The influence of zinc and methionine on ethanol-induced embryopathy was investigated by simultaneous administration of ethanol, zinc and methionine to pregnant rats from gestational day 6 through 12. Ethanol was given in the form of a liquid diet; zinc administered i.p., and methionine was given by gavage. The ethanol group received the liquid ethanol diet; the ethanol + zinc and methionine group received the ethanol diet, zinc and methionine; and the pair-fed control group was given an isocaloric control diet. On day 12 of gestation, embryos of ethanol alone treated rats revealed a significantly reduced embryonic protein content, number of somites, crown-rump length, and lower morphological score (embryological differentiation) compared to the pair-fed control embryos. However, embryonic growth and developmental parameters in the ethanol, zinc and methionine treated group were not significantly different from those exposed to ethanol alone.

Toxicological effects of ethanol on human health

Moderate ethanol consumption reduces stress and increases feelings of happiness and well-being, and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Heavy consumption of alcohol, however, may cause addiction and increases all types of injury and trauma. Environmental and genetic factors are involved in susceptibility to alcoholism. Ethanol can lead to malnutrition, and can exert a direct toxicological effect due to its interference with hepatic metabolism and immunological functions. A causal effect has been observed between alcohol and various cancers. Cessation of alcohol consumption and balanced nutrition are recommended primary nonspecific therapeutic measures for alcoholics. Drug therapies for alcoholics suffering from liver injury has resulted in mixed results. In end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation may be considered.

Combined effect of vanadium and zinc on certain selected haematological indices in rats

1. Two-month-old Wistar rats of both sexes received, as sole drinking liquid, an aqueous solution of ammonium metavanadate (AMV) and zinc chloride (ZC) at concentrations of 0.30 mg V/cm3 and 0.12 mg Zn/cm3 respectively, for a period of 4 weeks. 2. The reference groups received for drinking at this time: water, AMV or ZC solutions at the same concentration. 3. In all groups of animals there was a statistically significant decrease in the uptake of food, AMV or ZC, as well AMV-ZC solutions, as compared with the food and water taken up by the control group. 4. In the group of animals receiving AMV or AMV-ZC solution for drinking the body weight increment diminished significantly. 5. In the animals drinking the AMV-ZC solution a statistically significant decrease in the erythrocyte count and haemoglobin level in the peripheral blood were recorded, similar to the groups drinking AMV or ZC solution. 6. In rats drinking aqueous AMV or ZC solutions and in females receiving AMV-ZC solution the percentage of reticulocytes and polychromatophilic erythrocytes increased, moreover, in the peripheral blood. It was not, however, associated with marked percentage changes in the composition of the bone marrow cells.