Chemopreventive Effect of Cooked Chickpea on Colon Carcinogenesis Evolution in AOM/DSS-Induced Balb/c Mice

Chickpeas are one of the most widely consumed legumes worldwide and they might prevent diseases such as cancer. Therefore, this study evaluates the chemopreventive effect of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) on the evolution of colon carcinogenesis induced with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in a mice model at 1, 7, and 14 weeks after induction. Accordingly, the expression of biomarkers—such as argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR), cell proliferation nuclear antigen (PCNA), β-catenin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)—was assessed in the colon of BALB/c mice fed diets supplemented with 10 and 20% cooked chickpea (CC). The results showed that a 20% CC diet significantly reduced tumors and biomarkers of proliferation and inflammation in AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer mice. Moreover, body weight loss decreased and the disease activity index (DAI) was lower than the positive control. Lastly, tumor reduction was more evident at week 7 in the groups fed a 20% CC diet. In conclusion, both diets (10% and 20% CC) exert a chemopreventive effect

Cereal and legume protein edible films: a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging

ABSTRACTThe food industry faces significant challenges in generating biodegradable materials for packaging food. Studies on the production of edible films and coatings based on macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (and their combination) from cereal grains or legumes have provided helpful information about component concentrations, interactions, and the optimal conditions to elaborate films or coatings. However, the final application of edible films and coatings can depend on the compatibility between polymer matrix materials and their mechanical and barrier properties. This paper reviews the utilization of proteins from cereal and legumes in the development of edible films and the processing conditions that potentially modify the functional properties of the films, including the combination with additives to improve their properties enhancing food handling, transportation, storage, and preservation, without affecting the environment. In addition, the present research addresses the main methods to elaborate edible films and the use of novel technologies in film formulation