Comparative Effect of Repeated Ingestion of Difructose Anhydride III and Palatinose on the Induction of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Humans

Measurement of serum short-chain fatty acid concentrations in cattle after oral administration of difructose anhydride III

Background and Aim

We previously reported the mitigation effects of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) on mycotoxins, such as zearalenon and sterigmatocystin, based on the urinary concentrations of these molecules in calves. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of dietary supplementation of DFA III and the fermented status of DFA III in the intestine by comparing serum levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) in DFA III-supplemented cattle with those in non-supplemented control cattle.

Materials and Methods

Serum SCFA concentrations were measured in 30 Japanese Black heifers, aged 9-10 months, from two herds, using gas chromatography on days 0 (before DFA III supplementation), 9, and 14 after DFA III supplementation.

Results

A notably different trend was observed for isobutyric acid and enanthic acid, which may reflect the different fermentation status of supplementary DFA III in the intestine. Our results indicate the possibility that this trend observed in the intestinal tract following DFA III administration is associated with changes in the environment of intestinal bacterial flora, which may partially reflect the effects of DFA III supplementation on cattle.

Conclusion

Difructose anhydride III supplementation for at least 2 weeks affects the trend of blood SCFA concentrations in cattle. Our results provide evidence supporting the effects of DFA III on the intestinal environment and intestinal barrier function.

Difructose anhydride III: a 50-year perspective on its production and physiological functions

Production and applications of difructose anhydride III (DFA-III) have attracted considerable attention because of its versatile physiological functions. Recently, large-scale production of DFA-III has been continuously explored, which opens a horizon for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review updates recent advances involving DFA-III, including: biosynthetic strategies, purification, and large-scale production of DFA-III; physiological functions of DFA-III and related mechanisms; DFA-III safety evaluations; present applications in food systems, existing problems, and further research prospects. Currently, enzymatic synthesis of DFA-III has been conducted both industrially and in academic research. Two biosynthetic strategies for DFA-III production are summarized: single- and double enzyme-mediated. DFA-III purification is achieved via yeast fermentation. Enzyme membrane bioreactors have been applied to meet the large-scale production demands for DFA-III. In addition, the primary physiological functions of DFA-III and their underlying mechanisms have been proposed. However, current applications of DFA-III are limited. Further research regarding DFA-III should focus on commercial production and purification, comprehensive study of physiological properties, extensive investigation of large-scale human experiments, and expansion of industrial applications. It is worthy to dig deep into potential application and commercial value of DFA-III.

Fructo-Oligosaccharide (DFA III) Feed Supplementation for Mitigation of Mycotoxin Exposure in Cattle-Clinical Evaluation by a Urinary Zearalenone Monitoring System

The potential effect of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) supplementation in cattle feed was evaluated using a previously developed urinary-zearalenone (ZEN) monitoring system. Japanese Black cattle from two beef herds aged 9⁻10 months were used. DFA III was supplemented for two weeks. ZEN concentrations in feed were similar in both herds (0.27 and 0.22 mg/kg in roughage and concentrates, respectively), and below the maximum allowance in Japan. ZEN, α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), and β-ZOL concentrations in urine were measured using LC/MS/MS the day before DFA III administration, 9 and 14 days thereafter, and 9 days after supplementation ceased. Significant differences in ZEN, α-ZOL, β-ZOL, and total ZEN were recorded on different sampling dates. The concentration of inorganic phosphate in DFA III-supplemented animals was significantly higher than in controls on day 23 (8.4 vs. 7.7 mg/dL), suggesting a possible role of DFA III in tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells. This is the first evidence that DFA III reduces mycotoxin levels reaching the systemic circulation and excreted in urine. This preventive effect may involve an improved tight-junction-dependent intestinal barrier function. Additionally, our practical approach confirmed that monitoring of urinary mycotoxin is useful for evaluating the effects of dietary supplements to prevent mycotoxin adsorption.

Impact of difructose anhydride III, raffinose, and fructooligosaccharides on energy intake, gut hormones, and cecal fermentation in rats fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of difructose anhydride III (DFA III), raffinose (Raf), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on diet-induced obesity development. Male rats were fed normal or high-fat and high-sucrose (HFS) diet, with or without supplementing (3%) DFA III, Raf, or FOS, for 8 or 5 weeks. Supplementing DFA III to the HFS diet decreased energy intake compared to the non-supplemented HFS diet. Accordingly, body weight gain and fat accumulation reduced in DFA III-fed rats. Cecal acetate production and plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide-YY (PYY) were elevated in DFA III-fed rats, while Raf and FOS partially affected these parameters. These results demonstrate that DFA III has suppressive effect on excessive energy intake driven by the palatable obesogenic diet, possibly due to combined effects of increased anorexigenic factors such as cecal acetate production and GLP-1/PYY secretion.

Comparison of the effects of slowly and rapidly absorbed carbohydrates on postprandial glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Isomaltulose attenuates postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations compared with sucrose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the mechanism by which isomaltulose limits postprandial hyperglycemia has not been clarified.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was therefore to assess the effects of bolus administration of isomaltulose on glucose metabolism compared with sucrose in T2DM.

DESIGN

In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 11 participants with T2DM initially underwent a 3-h euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic (0.8 mU · kg(-1) · min(-1)) clamp that was subsequently combined with 1 g/kg body wt of an oral (13)C-enriched isomaltulose or sucrose load. Hormonal responses and glucose kinetics were analyzed during a 4-h postprandial period.

RESULTS

Compared with sucrose, absorption of isomaltulose was prolonged by ∼50 min (P = 0.004). Mean plasma concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide were ∼10-23% lower (P < 0.05). In contrast, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) was ∼64% higher (P < 0.001) after isomaltulose ingestion, which results in an increased insulin-to-glucagon ratio (P < 0.001) compared with sucrose. The cumulative amount of systemic glucose appearance was ∼35% lower after isomaltulose than after sucrose (P = 0.003) because of the reduction in orally derived and endogenously produced glucose and a higher first-pass splanchnic glucose uptake (SGU). Insulin action was enhanced after isomaltulose compared with sucrose (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Ingestion of slowly absorbed isomaltulose attenuates postprandial hyperglycemia by reducing oral glucose appearance, inhibiting endogenous glucose production (EGP), and increasing SGU compared with ingestion of rapidly absorbed sucrose in patients with T2DM. In addition, GLP-1 secretion contributes to a beneficial shift in the insulin-to-glucagon ratio, suppression of EGP, and enhancement of SGU after isomaltulose consumption. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01070238.

Difructose Anhydride III Does Not Contribute to Body Energy Accumulation in Rats

We evaluated the body energy accumulation as fat and protein from ingestion of difructose anhydride III (DFAIII). Male Wistar rats were fed 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 g per d of sucrose or DFAIII added to a 7 g of basal diet for 20 d. Supplements of DFAIII did not increase whole body or peripheral fat or total body energy, whereas sucrose increased them in a dose-dependent manner. Dose-dependent increases in body water were observed in both groups. The body protein was influenced by the dose of sugars. The estimated available energy value of DFAIII was 0.263 kcal per gram; this value is one-fifteenth that of sucrose. Ingestion of DFAIII dose-dependently increased the cecal SCFA pool. DFAIII was not detected in feces, showing complete degradation of DFAIII in the intestine. These results indicate that DFAIII is a fermentable saccharide with quite low available energy for fat accumulation.

Different effects of difructose anhydride III and inulin-type fructans on caecal microbiota in rats

The effects of different kinds of inulin-type fructans on caecal microbiota were evaluated in rats. Four groups of male Wistar rats were fed either a control diet, or diets containing 5% inulin, 5% fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or 5% difructose anhydride III (DFAIII) for two weeks. In the DFAIII group, caecal propionate, butyrate, counts of bifidobacteria, and total anaerobes were lower than in the inulin group, while caecal propionate, succinate, counts of bifidobacteria, and total anaerobes were lower than in the FOS group. Compared to controls, in the DFAIII group the counts of clostridia in caecum were increased by 3 log units. However, this change was statistically not significant. There were no differences between inulin and FOS groups for the pool of short chain fatty acids in caecum and bacterial counts. Results indicate that DFAIII has different effects on caecal microbiota compared to inulin and FOS and that these differences are most likely due to the alpha(3-->2) bonds in DFAIII.

Ingestion of difructose anhydride III, a non-digestible disaccharide, prevents gastrectomy-induced iron malabsorption and anemia in rats

OBJECTIVE

Total gastrectomy produces iron malabsorption and anemia, and several non-digestible carbohydrates promote mineral absorption. In this study, we examined the effects of feeding difructose anhydride III (DFAIII), a non-digestible disaccharide, on gastrectomy-induced iron malabsorption and anemia in rats in comparison with those of feeding fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

METHODS

Sham-operated and totally gastrectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the control, DFAIII (30 g/kg), or FOS (30 g/kg) diet for 4 wk. Feces and tail blood were collected at 2 and 4 wk to evaluate body iron status and iron absorption.

RESULTS

Gastrectomy severely decreased net iron absorption, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit in the control dietary group. The decreased absorption in gastrectomized rats was restored to the sham control level by feeding the DFAIII or FOS diet. Iron absorption in sham rats was higher in the FOS and DFAIII groups than in the control group. Hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit in gastrectomized rats fed the DFAIII diet, but not the FOS diet, returned to levels comparable to the effects in sham rats fed the control diet. Feeding DFAIII increased short-chain fatty acid pools and decreased pH of cecal contents. These parameters for cecal fermentation correlated with iron absorption.

CONCLUSIONS

DFAIII feeding restores gastrectomy-induced iron malabsorption, resulting in complete prevention of iron-deficiency anemia in rats. Cecal fermentation of DFAIII may contribute to the improvement in these gastrectomy-induced defects. Feeding with low level of FOS did not fully improve postgastrectomy anemia.

The o-xylylene protecting group as an element of conformational control of remote stereochemistry in the synthesis of spiroketals

Protection of trans-1,2-diol segments as cyclic o-xylylene ethers strongly favours diequatorial over diaxial dispositions; the possibility of using this grouping for remote control of the stereochemistry in the synthesis of spiroketals is here demonstrated by the stereoselective synthesis of tricyclic spirodisaccharides (di-D-fructose dianhydrides).