Mung Bean Protein Suppresses Undernutrition-Induced Growth Deficits and Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats via Gut Microbiota-TLR4/NF-kB Pathway

Yam protein ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal immunosuppression by regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites

Yam is a dual-purpose crop used in both medicine and food that is commonly used as a dietary supplement in food processing. Since yam proteins are often lost during the production of yam starch, elucidating the functionally active value of yam proteins is an important guideline for fully utilizing yam in industrial production processes. This study aimed to explore the potential protective effect of yam protein (YP) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results showed that YP can reduce immune damage caused by CTX by reversing immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, etc.) in the intestines of mice. Moreover, YPs were found to prevent CTX-induced microbiota dysbiosis by enhancing the levels of beneficial bacteria within the microbiome, such as Lactobacillus, and lowering those of Desulfovibrio_R and Helicobacter_A. Metabolomics analyses showed that YP significantly altered differential metabolites (tryptophan, etc.) and metabolic pathways (ABC transporter protein, etc.) associated with immune responses in the gut. Furthermore, important connections were noted between particular microbiomes and metabolites, shedding light on the immunoprotective effects of YPs by regulating gut flora and metabolism. These findings deepen our understanding of the functional properties of YPs and lay a solid foundation for the utilization of yam.

Recent advances in mung bean protein: From structure, function to application

With the surge in protein demand, the application of plant proteins has ushered in a new wave of research. Mung bean is a potential source of protein due to its high protein content (20-30 %). The nutrition, structure, function, and application of mung bean protein have always been a focus of attention. In this paper, these highlighted points have been reviewed to explore the potential application value of mung bean protein. Mung bean protein contains a higher content of essential amino acids than soybean protein, which can meet the amino acid values recommended by FAO/WHO for adults. Mung bean protein also can promote human health due to its bioactivity, such as the antioxidant, and anti-cancer activity. Meanwhile, mung bean protein also has well solubility, foaming, emulsification and gelation properties. Therefore, mung bean protein can be used as an antioxidant edible film additive, emulsion-based food, active substance carrier, and meat analogue in the food industry. It is understood there are still relatively few commercial applications of mung bean protein. This paper highlights the potential application of mung bean proteins, and aims to provide a reference for future commercial applications of mung bean proteins.

Dietary mung bean as promising food for human health: gut microbiota modulation and insight into factors, regulation, mechanisms and therapeutics-an update

Plant-based functional foods have gained wider attention in current scenario with mung bean harboring several bioactive compounds with promising gut health benefits and pharmacological importance. Consumption of mung bean has a positive impact on beneficial gut microbes and microbial metabolite production. The effects of dietary mung bean on gut microbial homeostasis and the management of gut-related diseases along with the possible mechanism of action, have been highlighted through this review paving a way for a promising role of dietary mung bean as a functional food in the management of gut-related diseases for example mung bean peptides can help not only in treating prediabetes but also delaying the aging process by targeting the intestinal microflora. In addition, expanding our knowledge of how diets affect host health and disease, including the effects of mung bean dietary components on gut microbiota-derived metabolites, will eventually allow for the development of tailored diets and nutrients.

A Comparison of Phenolic, Flavonoid, and Amino Acid Compositions and In Vitro Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activities in Thai Plant Protein Extracts

The leaves of mulberry, Azolla spp., sunflower sprouts, cashew nut, and mung bean are considered rich sources of plant protein with high levels of branched-chain amino acids. Furthermore, they contain beneficial phytochemicals such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that an adequate consumption of amino acids can reduce nerve cell damage, delay the onset of memory impairment, and improve sleep quality. In this study, protein isolates were prepared from the leaves of mulberry, Azolla spp., sunflower sprouts, cashew nut, and mung bean. The amino acid profile, dietary fiber content, phenolic content, and flavonoid content were evaluated. Pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anticholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, and γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) activities, were also assessed. This study found that concentrated protein from mung beans has a higher quantity of essential amino acids (52,161 mg/100 g protein) compared to concentrated protein from sunflower sprouts (47,386 mg/100 g protein), Azolla spp. (42,097 mg/100 g protein), cashew nut (26,710 mg/100 g protein), and mulberry leaves (8931 mg/100 g protein). The dietary fiber content ranged from 0.90% to 3.24%, while the phenolic content and flavonoid content ranged from 0.25 to 2.29 mg/g and 0.01 to 2.01 mg/g of sample, respectively. Sunflower sprout protein isolates exhibited the highest levels of dietary fiber (3.24%), phenolic content (2.292 ± 0.082 mg of GAE/g), and flavonoids (2.014 mg quercetin/g of sample). The biological efficacy evaluation found that concentrated protein extract from sunflower sprouts has the highest antioxidant activity; the percentages of inhibition of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical were 20.503 ± 0.288% and 18.496 ± 0.105%, respectively. Five plant-based proteins exhibited a potent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition, and GABA-T ranging from 3.42% to 24.62%, 6.14% to 20.16%, and 2.03% to 21.99%, respectively. These findings suggest that these plant protein extracts can be used as natural resources for developing food supplements with neuroprotective activity.

Kidney Bean Protein Prevents High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet-Induced Obesity, Cognitive Impairment, and Disruption of Gut Microbiota Composition

A long-term intake of a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD), even a high-fat, high-fructose but low-protein diet (HFFD + LP), could cause obesity associated with cognitive impairments. In the present study, rats were subjected to a normal diet (ND), an HFFD diet, an HFFD + LP diet, and an HFFD with kidney bean protein (KP) diet for 8 weeks to evaluate the effect of KP on HFFD- or HFFD + LP-induced obesity and cognitive impairment. The results demonstrated that compared with the HFFD diet, KP administration significantly decreased the body weight by 7.7% and the serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels by 14.4% and 46.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, KP suppressed HFFD-induced cognitive impairment, which was evidenced by 8.7% less time required to pass the water maze test. The 16s RNA analysis of the colonic contents showed that the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Alloprevotella was increased by KP by 5.9, 44.2, and 79.2 times. Additionally, KP supplementation primarily affected the choline metabolic pathway in the liver, and the synthesis and functional pathway of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby improving obesity and cognitive function in rats.

The infant gut microbiome and cognitive development in malnutrition

Malnutrition affects 195 million children under the age of five worldwide with long term effects that include impaired cognitive development. Brain development occurs rapidly over the first 36 months of life. Whilst seemingly independent, changes to the brain and gut microbiome are linked by metabolites, hormones, and neurotransmitters as part of the gut-brain axis. In the context of severe malnutrition, the composition of the gut microbiome and the repertoire of biochemicals exchanged via the gut-brain axis vary when compared to healthy individuals. These effects are primarily due to the recognized interacting determinants, macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, infection, infestations and toxins related to poor sanitation, and a dearth of psycho-social stimulation. The standard of care for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition is focused on nutritional repletion and weight restoration through the provision of macro- and micronutrients, the latter usually in excess of recommended dietary allowances (RDA). However, existing formulations and supplements have not been designed to specifically address key recovery requirements for brain and gut microbiome development. Animal model studies indicate that treatments targeting the gut microbiome could improve brain development. Despite this, research on humans targeting the gut microbiome with the aim of restoring brain functionality are scarce. We conclude that there is a need for assessment of cognition and the use of various tools that permit visualization of the brain anatomy and function (e.g., Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalogram (EEG)) to understand how interventions targeting the gut microbiome impact brain development.

A comprehensive review of mung bean proteins: Extraction, characterization, biological potential, techno-functional properties, modifications, and applications

The popularity of plant-based proteins has increased, and mung bean protein (MBP) has gained immense attention due to its high yield, nutritional value, and health benefits. MBP is rich in lysine and has a highly digestible indispensable amino acid score. Dry and wet extractions are used to extract MBP flours and concentrates/isolates, respectively. To enhance the quality of commercial MBP flours, further research is needed to refine the purity of MBPs using dry extraction methods. Furthermore, MBP possesses various biological potential and techno-functional properties, but its use in food systems is limited by some poor functionalities, such as solubility. Physical, biological, and chemical technologies have been used to improve the techno-functional properties of MBP, which has expanded its applications in traditional foods and novel fields, such as microencapsulation, three-dimensional printing, meat analogs, and protein-based films. However, study on each modification technique remains inadequate. Future research should prioritize exploring the impact of these modifications on the biological potential of MBP and its internal mechanisms of action. This review aims to provide ideas and references for future research and the development of MBP processing technology.

Modification of the functional properties of chickpea proteins by ultrasonication treatment and alleviation of malnutrition in rat

High-intensity ultrasonication (HIU) is an emerging technology for improving the functional properties of the leguminous proteins in the food industry. In this study, chickpea protein (CP) was treated at 150 W for 30 min to obtain ultrasonic chickpea protein (UCP). The physicochemical (particle size, ζ-potential, hydrophobicity, and free sulfhydryl) and structural properties (FTIR) were changed after the HIU treatment, which led to an improvement of functional properties, including the solubility, emulsifying, and foamability in UCP. The chickpea protein diet (CPD) and ultrasound chickpea protein diet (UCPD) were supplemented to undernourished weaning rats to assess their potential in improving malnutrition. After 6 weeks of administration, the body weight of malnourished rats in UCPD increased by 11.97% compared with that in CPD. The results in OMICS showed that beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids were positively related to growth. This work demonstrated the physicochemical and functional properties of CP and UCP and guided the application of the UCP to malnutrition improvement.

Involvement of Intestinal Microbiota in Adult Neurogenesis and the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Growing evidence suggests a possible involvement of the intestinal microbiota in generating new neurons, but a detailed breakdown of the microbiota composition is lacking. In this report, we systematically reviewed preclinical rodent reports addressing the connection between the composition of the intestinal microbiota and neurogenesis and neurogenesis-affecting neurotrophins in the hippocampus. Various changes in bacterial composition from low taxonomic resolution at the phylum level to high taxonomic resolution at the species level were identified. As for neurogenesis, studies predominantly used doublecortin (DCX) as a marker of newly formed neurons or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) as a marker of proliferation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was the only neurotrophin found researched in relation to the intestinal microbiota. Phylum Actinobacteria, genus Bifidobacterium and genus Lactobacillus found the strongest positive. In contrast, phylum Firmicutes, phylum Bacteroidetes, and family Enterobacteriaceae, as well as germ-free status, showed the strongest negative correlation towards neurogenesis or BDNF mRNA expression. Age, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), obesity, and chronic stress were recurring topics in all studies identified. Overall, these findings add to the existing evidence of a connection between microbiota and processes in the brain. To better understand this interaction, further investigation based on analyses of higher taxonomic resolution and clinical studies would be a gain to the matter.

Tryptophan Metabolism in Depression: A Narrative Review with a Focus on Serotonin and Kynurenine Pathways

Depression is a common and serious disorder, characterized by symptoms like anhedonia, lack of energy, sad mood, low appetite, and sleep disturbances. This disease is very complex and not totally elucidated, in which diverse molecular and biological mechanisms are involved, such as neuroinflammation. There is a high need for the development of new therapies and gaining new insights into this disease is urgent. One important player in depression is the amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid can be metabolized in two important pathways in the context of depression: the serotonin and kynurenine pathways. These metabolic pathways of tryptophan are crucial in several processes that are linked with depression. Indeed, the maintenance of the balance of serotonin and kynurenine pathways is critical for the human physiological homeostasis. Thus, this narrative review aims to explore tryptophan metabolism (particularly in the serotonin and kynurenine pathways) in depression, starting with a global overview about these topics and ending with the focus on these pathways in neuroinflammation, stress, microbiota, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor regulation in this disease. Taken together, this information aims to clarify the metabolism of tryptophan in depression, particularly the serotonin and kynurenine pathways.