Dietary components of malt extract such as maltodextrins, proteins and inorganic salts have distinct effects on glucose uptake and glycogen concentrations in rats

Bio-synthesis and screening of nutrients for lovastatin by Monascus sp. under solid-state fermentation

In this study Monascus strains were screened for lovastatin production. These strains namely Monascus purpureus, Monascus sanguineus and their co-culture were able to produce lovastatin in solid state fermentation. Sensitivity of lovastatin was tested on Saccharomycess cerevaceae and Candida sp. where the former exhibited large zone of inhibition as compared to the latter. Presence of lovastatin was confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantification of lovastatin was done with UV spectrometer at 238 nm. Further, Plackett-Burman methodology was applied for screening of nutrients for lovastatin production. Different substrates were screened and amongst them, wheat bran was found to be the best substrate for lovastatin synthesis. Seven nutrients were screened according to the Plackett-Burman design for lovastatin yield. MgSO4.7H2O showed the positive impact on lovastatin yield whereas lactose showed the maximum negative effect with M. purpureus. For M. sanguineus, CaCl2.2H2O displayed the dominant negative effect and soybean the significant positive. With co-culture, the effect of lactose was positive whereas that of malt extract was negative and dominant. The maximum lovastatin yield for M. sanguineus, M. purpureus and co-culture was estimated to be 0.402, 0.27 and 0.26 mg/g respectively.

Glycemic response to dietary supplements in cystic fibrosis is dependent on the carbohydrate content of the formula

BACKGROUND

Enteral formula feedings are frequently prescribed to cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to boost caloric intake. A substantial number of these patients are glucose intolerant and have severe respiratory compromise.

METHODS

To determine the effect of the carbohydrate content on glucose tolerance and respiratory function in glucose-intolerant CF patients with poor lung function, we examined the response to bolus feedings of five dietary supplements; a high-fat formula developed in our Clinical Research Center (CRC), Pulmocare, a high-carbohydrate formula developed in our CRC, Ensure Plus, and sugar-free Scandishake.

RESULTS

Glucose excursion in response to the formulas with the lowest carbohydrate content was significantly less than that found in response to formulas with higher carbohydrate content. Insulin levels were also markedly lower in response to the low-carbohydrate high-fat formulas. Glucose excursion, expressed as a percent of the response to the CRC high-fat formula, was 111% +/- 12% for Pulmocare (p = NS), 202% +/- 34% for Ensure Plus (p < 01), 227% +/- 37% for CRC high carbohydrate (p = .001), and 357% +/- 33% for sugar-free Scandishake (p < .001). CO2 production, O2 consumption, minute ventilation, and respiratory rate increased modestly but not significantly in response to all formulas. No significant differences were found between the formulas in regards to these parameters. There were no subjective complaints of dyspnea during any of the five studies.

CONCLUSION

The carbohydrate content of liquid dietary supplements appears to be an important determinant of hyperglycemia in glucose-intolerant adult CF patients.