Exploring the nutritional and health benefits of pulses from the Indian Himalayan region: A glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural heritage

Pulses have been consumed worldwide for over 10 centuries and are currently among the most widely used foods. They are not economically important, but also nutritionally beneficial as they constitute a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, folate and magnesium. Pulses, but particularly species such as Macrotyloma uniflorum, Phaseolus vulgaris L., Glycine max L. and Vigna umbellate, are essential ingredients of the local diet in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Consuming pulses can have a favourable effect on cardiovascular health as they improve serum lipid profiles, reduce blood pressure, decrease platelet activity, regulate blood glucose and insulin levels, and reduce inflammation. Although pulses also contain anti-nutritional compounds such as phytates, lectins or enzyme inhibitors, their deleterious effects can be lessened by using effective processing and cooking methods. Despite their great potential, however, the use of some pulses is confined to IHR regions. This comprehensive review discusses the state of the art in available knowledge about various types of pulses grown in IHR in terms of chemical and nutritional properties, health effects, accessibility, and agricultural productivity.Universidade de Vigo/CISU

Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease

Colon cancer and colorectal cancer: Prevention and treatment by potential natural products

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGColon cancer affects both men and women and is the world’s second most significant cause of cancer-related mortality. Colon cancer death rates have risen worldwide due to the current food habit and lifestyle, which include a lot of meat, alcohol, and not enough physical exercise. As a result, novel, less harmful pharmacological treatments for colon cancer are needed now more than ever before. Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects a significant portion of the world’s population. Chemotherapy’s limits, as demonstrated by side effects and resistance in CRC patients, are now being sought after despite recent breakthroughs that have improved patient care and survival. Numerous chemical compounds present in medicinal herbs have shown anti-tumor and anti-apoptotic properties against various cancers, including CRC, in animal experiments. These chemicals, which come from several phytochemical families, activate several signaling pathways. This article discusses research on the anti-CRC benefits of many plants conducted in vitro, as well as the phytochemical components of plants that may play a role in the study. Researchers are also looking into the impact of these compounds on various pathways involved in cancer signaling. According to this review, anti-CRC compounds may be generated from medicinal plants. That’s why we’re looking at how natural items can help treat cancer while lowering the risk of developing it

Effects of dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio on fat deposition, fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and mRNA expression of sirtuins genes of subcutaneous fat in sheep (Ovis aries)

ABSTRACTThis study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary concentrate: forage (C: F) ratio on fat deposition, fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and mRNA expression levels of sirtuins genes associated with adipose tissue metabolism of subcutaneous fat in Black Tibetan sheep. Three diets with different C: F (HC: 70:30, IC:50:50 and LC: 30:70) were fed to fifteen weaned male lambs (2-month-old, 10.05 ± 0.96 Kg). The experiment lasted for 120 d. Five lambs from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered at the end of the experiment. The subcutaneous fat thicknesses increased with increasing concentrate level (P < 0.05). The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), C15:1 and C18:2n decreased by feeding the HC diet (P < 0.05). Both glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities significantly increased as dietary concentration levels decreased (P < 0.05). Additionally, SIRT1 and SIRT2 expression level was downregulated (P < 0.05) with increasing concentration supplementation (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the addition of 70% concentration supplementation is not recommended in Black Tibetan sheep, considering that no benefits were observed for nutrient utilization, oxidative stability or economic returns, while the supplementation of C: F at 50:50 proved to be suitable for finishing lambs

New route for preparing palmitic acid imidazole from free fatty acid using imidazole

In this study, imidazole was used for the first time in esterification of free fatty acid (FFA) from acidic oil and for palmitic acid imidazole production. The FFA content in jatropha oil mixed with crude palm oil (CPO) was significantly reduced from 10.57% to 1.73% under the following optimum conditions (25% imidazole dosage, 30 mins of reaction time, reaction temperature at 60 °C and methanol to oil molar ratio of 20:1). This research opens up new possibilities for utilizing imidazole as a catalyst in various esterification processes, offering a promising and eco-friendly pathway for industrial applications

Non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other lipid indices vs elevated glucose risk in Arab adolescents

Background Non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C) has been identified as a significant predictor of various cardiovascular events in adults. Limited studies have been conducted in the pediatric population with diverse results, depending on ethnic origin. None has been conducted in the Arabic adolescent population so far; this study aims to fill this gap. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 1690 Saudi school adolescents (968 boys [mean age 14.8 ± 1.7] and 722 girls [mean age 14.6 ± 1.7]) were recruited. Anthropometrics were obtained. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles were quantified routinely. Non–HDL-C was calculated and screening was done for dyslipidemia using cutoffs obtained from the cohort and elevated fasting glucose. Results Using the 90th percentile cutoff obtained, the overall prevalence of high non–HDL-C (≥4.26 mmol/L) was 10.1%. Prevalence was slightly higher in girls (10.5%) than boys (9.9%). Non–HDL-C was similar to other lipids in terms of significant associations with anthropometric measures and glucose in both boys and girls. Elevated triglycerides was most predictive of elevated glucose in both girls (odds ratio 2.41; confidence interval 1.43–4.08; P = .001) and boys (odds ratio 2.61; confidence interval 1.70–4.0); P < .001). Conclusion Non–HDL-C appears to be gender-specific and is cardiometabolically more associated with Saudi boys, despite higher levels in girls. It is inferior compared with triglycerides in assessing elevated glucose risk. Further investigations may provide a more definite value for non–HDL-C use as a biomarker in assessing cardiometabolic risk in the Arab adolescent populatio

Regulatory effects of ketogenic diet on the inflammatory response in obese Saudi women

المخلص: أهداف البحث: في السنوات الأخيرة، اكتسب استخدام النظام الغذائي الكيتوني ضد السمنة شعبية في المملكة العربية السعودية. صممت هذه الدراسة لتحديد تأثير النظام الغذائي الكيتوني على مؤشرات قياس الجسم وعلى التنظيم غير الطبيعي للأنشطة الالتهابية لدى النساء السعوديات البدينات. علاوة على ذلك، بحثت الدراسة أيضا في إمكانات مكملات بيتا هيدروكسي بوتيرات في تثبيط الأنشطة المسببة للالتهابات. طرق البحث: تم تسجيل 31 سيدة سعودية (بعمر 35.3 ± 8.4 سنة) بمتوسط مؤشر كتلة الجسم 33.96 ± 4.44 كجم / م 2 لمدة 8 أسابيع في النظام الغذائي الكيتوني من يناير إلى مارس 2021. تم جمع التعديلات في القياسات البشرية في الأساس وبعد 4-8 أسابيع من التدخل. تمت مراقبة الامتثال للنظام الغذائي أسبوعيا عن طريق مستوى بيتا هيدروكسي بوتيرات في البلازما. النتائج: بدأت تسع وعشرون أنثى النظام الغذائي وأكملت 23 الدراسة (معدل إتمام 79٪). بالمقارنة مع ما قبل التدخل، أدى النظام الغذائي الكيتوني إلى زيادة كبيرة في مستويات البلازما بيتا هيدروكسي بوتيرات المكتشفة طوال مدة التجربة. من ناحية أخرى، أدى النظام الغذائي الكيتوني إلى انخفاض كبير في فقدان الوزن (7.7 كجم ± 11.3)، مؤشر كتلة الجسم ، محيط الخصر، مستويات السيتوكينات الالتهابية. الاستنتاجات: وجد أن النظام الغذائي الكيتوني لمدة ثمانية أسابيع مفيد في إحداث تأثير إيجابي على مؤشرات القياسات البشرية والعمليات الكيميائية الحيوية والالتهابات. أشارت الدراسة إلى أن تناول النساء البدينات المصابات بمرض السكري يؤدي إلى إفراز بيتا هيدروكسي بوتيرات في الدم دون تحفيز استجابة الجوع الشاملة، مما قد يكون مفيدا في التخفيف من حدة الاضطرابات الالتهابية المزمنة المرتبطة بالسمنة. Abstract: Objective: In recent years, the use of a ketogenic diet (KD) against obesity has gained popularity in KSA. This study was designed to determine the impact of KD on anthropometric indices and on the abnormal regulation of inflammatory activities in obese Saudi women. Moreover, we investigated the potential of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) supplementation on the inhibition of pro-inflammatory activities. Methods: We enrolled 31 Saudi women (aged, 35.3 ± 8.4 years) with an average BMI of 33.96 ± 4.44 kg/m2 underwent an 8-week KD (8KD) from January to March 2021. Changes in anthropometric measurements were collected at baseline and after 4–8 weeks of intervention. Compliance with the dietary regimen was monitored weekly by plasma BHB level. Results: Twenty-nine females commenced the diets and 23 completed the study (a 79% completion rate). In comparison to pre-intervention, the 8KD resulted in a significant increase in the levels of plasma BHB (P < 0.001) throughout the duration of the trial. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in weight loss (7.7 kg ± 11.3; P < 0.001), BMI, waist circumference (P < 0.001), and levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (P < 0.001). Conclusions: An 8-week KD was found to be useful in producing a positive impact on anthropometric indices, biochemical and inflammatory processes. This study indicated that the intake of a KD by obese Saudi women induced the release of BHB in the blood without stimulation of an overall starvation response. This may be useful to alleviate the severity of chronic inflammatory disorders associated with obesity

Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Altres ajuts: Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC); Illumina; LifeArc; Medical Research Council (MRC); UKRI; Sepsis Research (the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust); the Intensive Care Society, Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (223164/Z/21/Z); BBSRC Institute Program Support Grant to the Roslin Institute (BBS/E/D/20002172, BBS/E/D/10002070, BBS/E/D/30002275); UKRI grants (MC_PC_20004, MC_PC_19025, MC_PC_1905, MRNO2995X/1); UK Research and Innovation (MC_PC_20029); the Wellcome PhD training fellowship for clinicians (204979/Z/16/Z); the Edinburgh Clinical Academic Track (ECAT) programme; the National Institute for Health Research, the Wellcome Trust; the MRC; Cancer Research UK; the DHSC; NHS England; the Smilow family; the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (CTSA award number UL1TR001878); the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; National Institute on Aging (NIA U01AG009740); the National Institute on Aging (RC2 AG036495, RC4 AG039029); the Common Fund of the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health; NCI; NHGRI; NHLBI; NIDA; NIMH; NINDS.Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care or hospitalization after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes-including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)-in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease